I wrote recently about the parts of the Gospel story so familiar to us that we gloss over them without feeling their full impact. One of the stories which I do my best to pass over without reflection is the slaughter of the children by Herod.
The wise men come to Herod, when they see the star. They assume the child king would have been born in one of Herod's palaces. Herod is troubled by this and asks them to make sure to tell him where the child is found. Being warned by God not to go back to Herod, they depart by another way. Joseph is also warned, and he takes the Baby Jesus to Egypt. When Herod realizes the wise men have not returned, he slaughters all the male children in Bethlehem who are two years and younger.
It is a horrible story. One that is difficult to associate with the feel-good stories of Christmas.
We sometimes forget that the presence of Jesus causes problems. The entrance of God into our world means that everything else must shift a bit, to the sides. There can be only one God and anything that would prefer to be god must rejected.
This is not a repudiation of the promises of scripture that Jesus has come to bring us life, and life abundantly. Rather it is the acknowledgement that this life we receive has core commitments which cannot be relegated to second-class status.
Having Jesus in our lives means that somethings will be disrupted.
The disruptions are (most likely) to occur in the areas where disruptions are called for. The call from God leaves little room for those addictions which diminish life (either our own or the lives of others.) But disruptions are coming.
It is good that the Bible does not gloss over these reminders. We need to be attracted to Christ, but realize that when Christ comes things are likely to change. The change means wonderful things for us; so long as we are prepared to say good-bye to those things which seem dear and precious to us, but in reality are distractions from whom God calls us to be.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Devotion - Wednesday, October 12
Our Tuesday evening bible study group is making use of an introduction to the Bible called "The Greatest Story." It is a quick survey of all the books of the bible, making note of the stories which have inspired God's people throughout the ages.
This morning, I was reading one of those stories. It is about Elijah. Occurring in I Kings 17, it involves Elijah warning King Ahab (King over Israel, but not faithful to the ways of God) that there would be no rain, except when foretold by Elijah. Warned, Elijah flees and ends up in Zarephath. There he meets a widow and asks her to bring him something to eat. She replies she only has enough for one final meal for her and her son, that she is even now collecting wood to make that meal. Elijah instructs her to do as she has planned but to bring him a morsel of bread first, the prepare for her family. She does. And "for many days," the supply of flour and oil does not run out. God provides for Elijah and for his hostess.
There is more to the story - as you might realize. Read it for yourself. As is true for all stories, there are many messages - more content than could be shared in a collection of declarative sentences.
There is the simple message that Elijah is truly God's messenger. There are wonderful images of what it means to extend hospitality. And through it all are reminders of God's intention to provide for his servants.
Stories make up most of the Bible's content. Even the chapters of lists and laws are set within the story of their being inscribed on parchment or stone. Stories allow us to pass on so much more information than would be possible in listing points in an argument.
The same can be said for your story; for the story of your interaction with God. Too often we suffer from the notion that telling others about Christ involves quoting verses or making definitive statements In reality, the most effective way of sharing the Good News is to share how that news has altered your own life. It is telling the story of your appreciation for what it is that God has done for you.
Elijah's story has survived thousands of years of retelling. As it is retold, it invites others to compare their own story and see that no less than Elijah, we have experiences of being called by God, cared for by God, and reasons to give thanks for the servants of God who have extended hospitality to us.
This morning, I was reading one of those stories. It is about Elijah. Occurring in I Kings 17, it involves Elijah warning King Ahab (King over Israel, but not faithful to the ways of God) that there would be no rain, except when foretold by Elijah. Warned, Elijah flees and ends up in Zarephath. There he meets a widow and asks her to bring him something to eat. She replies she only has enough for one final meal for her and her son, that she is even now collecting wood to make that meal. Elijah instructs her to do as she has planned but to bring him a morsel of bread first, the prepare for her family. She does. And "for many days," the supply of flour and oil does not run out. God provides for Elijah and for his hostess.
There is more to the story - as you might realize. Read it for yourself. As is true for all stories, there are many messages - more content than could be shared in a collection of declarative sentences.
There is the simple message that Elijah is truly God's messenger. There are wonderful images of what it means to extend hospitality. And through it all are reminders of God's intention to provide for his servants.
Stories make up most of the Bible's content. Even the chapters of lists and laws are set within the story of their being inscribed on parchment or stone. Stories allow us to pass on so much more information than would be possible in listing points in an argument.
The same can be said for your story; for the story of your interaction with God. Too often we suffer from the notion that telling others about Christ involves quoting verses or making definitive statements In reality, the most effective way of sharing the Good News is to share how that news has altered your own life. It is telling the story of your appreciation for what it is that God has done for you.
Elijah's story has survived thousands of years of retelling. As it is retold, it invites others to compare their own story and see that no less than Elijah, we have experiences of being called by God, cared for by God, and reasons to give thanks for the servants of God who have extended hospitality to us.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Devotion - Tuesday, October 11
I continue to believe that rising early in the morning to read my Bible is the best option. No other time of the day is as protected as the early morning hours. However, at this hour of the day, there remain a few wisps of sleepiness and ever present desire to drift back into my dreams. I depend upon the stories I read to startle my mind and energize my emotions.
Today I read of the assent of Ahab to the throne of Israel (I Kings 16); of the imprisonment of Paul (Philippians 1); and the resurrection of Jesus (Mark 16). As I closed my book and began to reflect on what I had read, I found it easier to remember details of the first two, than the particulars of Mark's presentation of that first Easter.
My devotional guide includes a writing from a prominent person. Today, there was a reading from Paul Tillich's Shaking of the Foundation. In it he warned of the very thing I had experienced - we become so accustomed to the familiar stories that we fail to be startled by their content.
We know that Jesus is only in the grave for three days. As a result, we miss the horror associated with placing him there.
We know that Paul's writings and his work will change the Roman world. So we are not worried when we hear of his ordeal at the hands of the prison guards.
It is startling, to consider the chain of events, as they occur, and allow the shock of each to reach our hearts and emotions.
Tillich writes, "It has been forgotten that the tomb of Jesus was the end of His life and of His work before it became the place of his final triumph."
Replay in your mind today the events of Jesus' life and consider which have become muted for you. The wonder of hearing the story for the first time is recaptured whenever we follow the individual steps along the way, knowing that they are leading us but fully engaging each step along the way.
Today I read of the assent of Ahab to the throne of Israel (I Kings 16); of the imprisonment of Paul (Philippians 1); and the resurrection of Jesus (Mark 16). As I closed my book and began to reflect on what I had read, I found it easier to remember details of the first two, than the particulars of Mark's presentation of that first Easter.
My devotional guide includes a writing from a prominent person. Today, there was a reading from Paul Tillich's Shaking of the Foundation. In it he warned of the very thing I had experienced - we become so accustomed to the familiar stories that we fail to be startled by their content.
We know that Jesus is only in the grave for three days. As a result, we miss the horror associated with placing him there.
We know that Paul's writings and his work will change the Roman world. So we are not worried when we hear of his ordeal at the hands of the prison guards.
It is startling, to consider the chain of events, as they occur, and allow the shock of each to reach our hearts and emotions.
Tillich writes, "It has been forgotten that the tomb of Jesus was the end of His life and of His work before it became the place of his final triumph."
Replay in your mind today the events of Jesus' life and consider which have become muted for you. The wonder of hearing the story for the first time is recaptured whenever we follow the individual steps along the way, knowing that they are leading us but fully engaging each step along the way.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Devotion - Monday, October 10
The comments I shared last week, regarding how one's associates affect one's behaviors, was met with a few very encouraging replies. This morning's reading, from Origen of Alexandria (185-254) struck a similar cord. Rather than that which external to us, Origen speaks of that which is internal.
He is speaking of prayer. When it comes to our sinfulness, he includes this, "ask God, first for healing to be delivered of the habit that causes one to sin." We do, over time, develop habits that lead to sinfulness.
The pop-religious will identify the "big three" areas of sinfulness, but we must also look at those sins which are seldom identified and thus never confessed or seldom avoided. We develop glutinous and self-indulgent habits. We ignore the poor and those in prison. Comparing ourselves to those whose social class is bit higher than our own we think we have no money to give to the relief of others. We fall into habits which erode our devotion and impede our spiritual journey.
Habits are formed over time. It will take us time to change those habits. Before we can change them, we must heed Origen's advise by recognizing them, then asking God to deliver us from them. Habits develop slowly; they are slowly altered. But it is possible. And it is a step in the right direction to living as God would have us live.
He is speaking of prayer. When it comes to our sinfulness, he includes this, "ask God, first for healing to be delivered of the habit that causes one to sin." We do, over time, develop habits that lead to sinfulness.
The pop-religious will identify the "big three" areas of sinfulness, but we must also look at those sins which are seldom identified and thus never confessed or seldom avoided. We develop glutinous and self-indulgent habits. We ignore the poor and those in prison. Comparing ourselves to those whose social class is bit higher than our own we think we have no money to give to the relief of others. We fall into habits which erode our devotion and impede our spiritual journey.
Habits are formed over time. It will take us time to change those habits. Before we can change them, we must heed Origen's advise by recognizing them, then asking God to deliver us from them. Habits develop slowly; they are slowly altered. But it is possible. And it is a step in the right direction to living as God would have us live.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Devotion - Thursday, October 6
My daily readings from the Old Testament are about to conclude their coverage of King Solomon. I don't remember writing about him, his accomplishments, his wisdom, and his work at building the Temple which his father (David) was not allowed to build.
Part of the baggage which comes with wealth and power is temptations. As Solomon became more well known and as his might expanded, neighboring kingdoms wanted to gain his favor. One way this happened was for the King from that neighboring nation to arrange a marriage between a daughter and the King he wished to befriend. It is written in I Kings 11 that Solomon had seven hundred wives.
As Solomon grew old, he began to give in to the ways of these wives. Having come from other cultures and other religions, they desired a place where they could worship in the traditions of their youth. Solomon built temples to other gods and he paid for the sacrifices which occurred there. As you could imagine, this displeased God.
How did Solomon change so dramatically?
Those with whom we live our lives affect the way we see life and the kind of life we live. Solomon was wise enough to rule over a great people, but seems not to have bee wise enough to have guarded against something as common as the influence of ones acquaintances.
Obviously, the main point to this morning's sharing is to encourage you to look at the persons with whom you spend your time. Are they strengthening you in your resolve to follow the ways of God? Are they a good influence in your faith journey? Is there any reason to worry that they might be leading you away from your devotion to God?
Secondly, the temptations which often do us in are the ones which it is easiest for others to see but to which we remain blind. I cannot imagine the wisdom and dedication it takes to rule over a great nation; but I am able to see that those who surround a person will eventually affect that person. I have the knowledge to avoid Solomon's downfall, while I would never even approach his wisdom.
Solomon did great things for the nation of Israel. He built the Temple which Jesus would visit. He gave Israel "glory days" to which they could forever look back. But he overlooked the most basic of instructions, given by every parent to ever child - "Select your friends well."
Part of the baggage which comes with wealth and power is temptations. As Solomon became more well known and as his might expanded, neighboring kingdoms wanted to gain his favor. One way this happened was for the King from that neighboring nation to arrange a marriage between a daughter and the King he wished to befriend. It is written in I Kings 11 that Solomon had seven hundred wives.
As Solomon grew old, he began to give in to the ways of these wives. Having come from other cultures and other religions, they desired a place where they could worship in the traditions of their youth. Solomon built temples to other gods and he paid for the sacrifices which occurred there. As you could imagine, this displeased God.
How did Solomon change so dramatically?
Those with whom we live our lives affect the way we see life and the kind of life we live. Solomon was wise enough to rule over a great people, but seems not to have bee wise enough to have guarded against something as common as the influence of ones acquaintances.
Obviously, the main point to this morning's sharing is to encourage you to look at the persons with whom you spend your time. Are they strengthening you in your resolve to follow the ways of God? Are they a good influence in your faith journey? Is there any reason to worry that they might be leading you away from your devotion to God?
Secondly, the temptations which often do us in are the ones which it is easiest for others to see but to which we remain blind. I cannot imagine the wisdom and dedication it takes to rule over a great nation; but I am able to see that those who surround a person will eventually affect that person. I have the knowledge to avoid Solomon's downfall, while I would never even approach his wisdom.
Solomon did great things for the nation of Israel. He built the Temple which Jesus would visit. He gave Israel "glory days" to which they could forever look back. But he overlooked the most basic of instructions, given by every parent to ever child - "Select your friends well."
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Devotion - Wednesday, October 5
On our retreat this weekend, the writer who proved to be the least accessible to the students was Thomas Merton. Perhaps it was the introduction I had given for him. He became a Trappist Monk. Trappist take a vow of silence. This was a bit beyond the reach of the students who were asked to read a sample of his writings and share with the rest of us how Merton embodied the spiritual traditions associated with contemplation.
I thought of this today as my lectionary brought me to the third chapter of James. Here, James speaks of how all the wild beast of the earth have been tamed, but no one has tamed the human tongue. James uses the anology of a huge ship which is controlled by a small rudder. So also the whole body is judged and directed by the tongue.
How often do we wish we had been able to hold our tongue? How often do we hear words coming out of our mouth only to realize before the sound has reached the ear of another that it would have been better not to utter those words? We live our lives reflecting God's goodness, we offer our hands in service to others doing the good works which bear evidence to our faith, only to let that small member of our body redirect it all.
James both marvels at this and asks how it is that the same tongue can be used to bless God and to curse God's children.
I doubt few of us will take a vow of silence. We depend upon our tongues for our livelihood, to make known all that we have been learning. But we would be served well by considering the frequency of our speech and to practice holding our tongue a bit more often.
Let me use an image from my activities these days. Working at the Habitat job site, we often tell folks, "Measure twice; cut once." It our our way of ensuring that the board won't be too short when it is put into use. Perhaps we could establish such a rule for our tongue - "Think twice, speak once." Just because a thought comes to our head, does not mean that we must utter it.
I thought of this today as my lectionary brought me to the third chapter of James. Here, James speaks of how all the wild beast of the earth have been tamed, but no one has tamed the human tongue. James uses the anology of a huge ship which is controlled by a small rudder. So also the whole body is judged and directed by the tongue.
How often do we wish we had been able to hold our tongue? How often do we hear words coming out of our mouth only to realize before the sound has reached the ear of another that it would have been better not to utter those words? We live our lives reflecting God's goodness, we offer our hands in service to others doing the good works which bear evidence to our faith, only to let that small member of our body redirect it all.
James both marvels at this and asks how it is that the same tongue can be used to bless God and to curse God's children.
I doubt few of us will take a vow of silence. We depend upon our tongues for our livelihood, to make known all that we have been learning. But we would be served well by considering the frequency of our speech and to practice holding our tongue a bit more often.
Let me use an image from my activities these days. Working at the Habitat job site, we often tell folks, "Measure twice; cut once." It our our way of ensuring that the board won't be too short when it is put into use. Perhaps we could establish such a rule for our tongue - "Think twice, speak once." Just because a thought comes to our head, does not mean that we must utter it.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Devotion - Tuesday, October 4
I continue to read from the book of James. This morning's lesson is from James 2:14-26. This is the section of the book which is most often quoted, referred to, or sometimes critiqued.
James speaks of the relationship between faith and works. Those of us in expressions of the church where faith is both our response to God and a gift from God have concern when the issue of works surfaces. We are cautious (appropriately so) when works enters into the equation of salvation. We guard against any suggestion that we must earn our way into heaven. As a result, we look at James with a critical eye.
There are some verses which lack the clarity of the conclusion he reaches. He says, "So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead." With this, all of us should be able to agree.
It is not my works which bring faith; it is not my works which trump faith; but the works I do show the faith that resides within me. Here I would agree with James. It is unimaginable that I would be a person of faith and not also be a person whose good words reflects the central conviction of my life.
We will always need to make sure that it is faith upon which we are building our lives. We can never depend on anything else. But we can and must show that faith; we are to be about the good works which bear evidence of a life of trust in Christ.
James speaks of the relationship between faith and works. Those of us in expressions of the church where faith is both our response to God and a gift from God have concern when the issue of works surfaces. We are cautious (appropriately so) when works enters into the equation of salvation. We guard against any suggestion that we must earn our way into heaven. As a result, we look at James with a critical eye.
There are some verses which lack the clarity of the conclusion he reaches. He says, "So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead." With this, all of us should be able to agree.
It is not my works which bring faith; it is not my works which trump faith; but the works I do show the faith that resides within me. Here I would agree with James. It is unimaginable that I would be a person of faith and not also be a person whose good words reflects the central conviction of my life.
We will always need to make sure that it is faith upon which we are building our lives. We can never depend on anything else. But we can and must show that faith; we are to be about the good works which bear evidence of a life of trust in Christ.
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