Matthew 20:29 And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. 30 And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, [11] have mercy on us, Son of David!” 31 The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 32 And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33 They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” 34 And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him.
***
Kyrie Eleison, which means, "Lord, have mercy" is a cry that God will not deny. His heart of love for those who hurt is ready and willing to respond. Why did he heal these two but not others? How did he have the power to heal and yet allow people to get sick in the first place? The question is very difficult, perhaps impossible, to answer. The problem of pain is not simple, especially within the context of an innocent person's life. But I imagine that things must get much harder before they get better [notice I didn't say before they get easier]. I imagine that God allows suffering to work on us in two ways. If it is not part of our punishment, and not specifically a test, then it could be the simple fall-out from sin in out communities. But if we bear up under the suffering, trusting in the God who bore crucifixion for us, we can grow through it. And if the suffering is unjust, he will set things right eventually. Why not now? Why not right away? I believe he has a good reason even though it often feels as though he could not possibly. We will see, won't we?
Friday, July 18, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Childlikeness and Childishness
Matthew 19:13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went away.
***
Luke 7:31 “To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another,
“‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’
***
1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
***
I had a college English Professor once who make a point I will never forget. He taught us that there is a big difference between child-likeness and childishness. The different senses are captured in the above mentioned verses. Jesus says that we must become like children, having faith like them and drawing close to Jesus in the same way, intuitively, humbly, trusting in His love. But we all know that children can be rascals. Jesus described his generation as a bunch of big babies, trying to manipulate him to do things that they wanted. He said, in effect, that they were being childish. Paul addresses the child-adult paradigm by explaining that he has given up "childish ways" but he still admits that life is pretty mysterious, as if looking into a dim mirror. In effect, he is humbling himself so that he rests on child-like faith.
***
Luke 7:31 “To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another,
“‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’
***
1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
***
I had a college English Professor once who make a point I will never forget. He taught us that there is a big difference between child-likeness and childishness. The different senses are captured in the above mentioned verses. Jesus says that we must become like children, having faith like them and drawing close to Jesus in the same way, intuitively, humbly, trusting in His love. But we all know that children can be rascals. Jesus described his generation as a bunch of big babies, trying to manipulate him to do things that they wanted. He said, in effect, that they were being childish. Paul addresses the child-adult paradigm by explaining that he has given up "childish ways" but he still admits that life is pretty mysterious, as if looking into a dim mirror. In effect, he is humbling himself so that he rests on child-like faith.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Faith Like Jesus
Matthew 17:14 And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, 15 said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. 16 And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.” 17 And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, [15] and it [16] came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly. [17] 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” [18]
***
I wonder if Jesus' faith was related to his righteousness. Faith seems to me to be related to what one knows. Righteousness is related to what one does. The two are of course inseperable, faith and works, orthodoxy and orthopraxy, right thinking and right action. The temptation with this passage is of course to convince ourselves that a mere mustering of the thought of the mountain in motion might be enough. Jesus lived a sinless life. I think there is power in that. I am not saying that his grace isn't great enough to make our faith powerful, but it seems reasonable to me that God would be more willing to work with people who were doing the stuff of Christ on a regular basis. So goal #1 is to walk in his footsteps and not become legalistic. Then, believing and obeying, we should ask for the great big things that would bless God.
***
I wonder if Jesus' faith was related to his righteousness. Faith seems to me to be related to what one knows. Righteousness is related to what one does. The two are of course inseperable, faith and works, orthodoxy and orthopraxy, right thinking and right action. The temptation with this passage is of course to convince ourselves that a mere mustering of the thought of the mountain in motion might be enough. Jesus lived a sinless life. I think there is power in that. I am not saying that his grace isn't great enough to make our faith powerful, but it seems reasonable to me that God would be more willing to work with people who were doing the stuff of Christ on a regular basis. So goal #1 is to walk in his footsteps and not become legalistic. Then, believing and obeying, we should ask for the great big things that would bless God.
Monday, July 14, 2008
I am a Dog
Matthew 15:21 And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” 23 But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26 And he answered, “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” 28 Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. [11]
***
I have really had a hard time with this account of Jesus. It seems as though his love for the chosen people, Israel, is greater than his love for us "dogs". In this account it would seem that they are his children and we, the gentiles, are an afterthought. Surely this can't be the same Jesus that died for the whole world? Why would the man who welcomed little children, touched social pariahs and ate with sinners treat this woman this way? Was it because the Canaanites had been treating the Jews like dogs? Was it because this woman had treated someone in her life like a dog? In other words, was Jesus disciplining her for something, or testing her, kind of like with the rich young ruler or others who had baggage? I hope so because I cannot conceive of Jesus actually viewing this woman as less than human. And yet, when I read the passage it opens up all kinds of insecurity in me, fears that God might not love me or want me. Where does this come from? Is this fear justified? The Psalms tell us that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. But that is only the beginning. As we get to know God, we learn his love, because perfect love casts out fear. So is my insecurity about this passage related to an insufficient knowledge of God's love? I think yes. And I bear witness to this, that as I have wrestled with this passage and with God, like Jacob, seeking his blessing, He has taught me these two things. He loves me too much to let me go through this life without growing, and in order for anything to grow, it must be intentionally and skillfully broken down. I am a dog and God's love will make me a man.
***
I have really had a hard time with this account of Jesus. It seems as though his love for the chosen people, Israel, is greater than his love for us "dogs". In this account it would seem that they are his children and we, the gentiles, are an afterthought. Surely this can't be the same Jesus that died for the whole world? Why would the man who welcomed little children, touched social pariahs and ate with sinners treat this woman this way? Was it because the Canaanites had been treating the Jews like dogs? Was it because this woman had treated someone in her life like a dog? In other words, was Jesus disciplining her for something, or testing her, kind of like with the rich young ruler or others who had baggage? I hope so because I cannot conceive of Jesus actually viewing this woman as less than human. And yet, when I read the passage it opens up all kinds of insecurity in me, fears that God might not love me or want me. Where does this come from? Is this fear justified? The Psalms tell us that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. But that is only the beginning. As we get to know God, we learn his love, because perfect love casts out fear. So is my insecurity about this passage related to an insufficient knowledge of God's love? I think yes. And I bear witness to this, that as I have wrestled with this passage and with God, like Jacob, seeking his blessing, He has taught me these two things. He loves me too much to let me go through this life without growing, and in order for anything to grow, it must be intentionally and skillfully broken down. I am a dog and God's love will make me a man.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Ears to Hear
Matthew 13:3 And he told them many things in parables, saying . . . 9 He who has ears, [7] let him hear.” 10 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given." . . . 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. . . .15 For this people's heart has grown dull,and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’
***
I think Jesus' explanation of his use of parables is extremely troublesome. If the people are not supposed to understand him, why does he persist in telling the parables? The question treads heavily in the territory of sovereignty, but without getting too wordy, this is what I think is happening - I see Jesus telling stories. Stories are like Trojan horses. Common people, without much education or experience, still love a good story. It's why we flock to the movies. It's only human, to want to hear a story about other humans, dealing with human problems and beauties. Jesus knew this about us because he helped to create us. He told stories rather than straight up teaching because he knew that the stories would penetrate to the heart, like seeds. What was he planting? The Kingdom of God! Stories bypass the mind and go straight to the heart, unless of course you are engaged in the act of "criticism". The Pharisees were into that. But for us normal people, who enjoy a good story just for the humanity of it, Jesus was right on target. He would tell these little stories and then at the end he would say this funny sentence, "for those that have ears, hear". I think this is more than just a verily, verily, or 'pay attention guys' kind of moment. I think he is doing something in the spirit. It has the ring of a prayer actually. Consider his handling of a demonized man in the book of Luke. Jesus instruction to the demon was, “Be silent and come out of him!” I detect the same tone when he says, "For those who have ears, hear!" It's as if he has planted the parable seed in their hearts, and then, like creation, he commands them to grow. I still find it incredibly mysterious.
***
I think Jesus' explanation of his use of parables is extremely troublesome. If the people are not supposed to understand him, why does he persist in telling the parables? The question treads heavily in the territory of sovereignty, but without getting too wordy, this is what I think is happening - I see Jesus telling stories. Stories are like Trojan horses. Common people, without much education or experience, still love a good story. It's why we flock to the movies. It's only human, to want to hear a story about other humans, dealing with human problems and beauties. Jesus knew this about us because he helped to create us. He told stories rather than straight up teaching because he knew that the stories would penetrate to the heart, like seeds. What was he planting? The Kingdom of God! Stories bypass the mind and go straight to the heart, unless of course you are engaged in the act of "criticism". The Pharisees were into that. But for us normal people, who enjoy a good story just for the humanity of it, Jesus was right on target. He would tell these little stories and then at the end he would say this funny sentence, "for those that have ears, hear". I think this is more than just a verily, verily, or 'pay attention guys' kind of moment. I think he is doing something in the spirit. It has the ring of a prayer actually. Consider his handling of a demonized man in the book of Luke. Jesus instruction to the demon was, “Be silent and come out of him!” I detect the same tone when he says, "For those who have ears, hear!" It's as if he has planted the parable seed in their hearts, and then, like creation, he commands them to grow. I still find it incredibly mysterious.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Heman Worship
1 Chronicles 15:16 David also commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their brothers as the singers who should play loudly on musical instruments, on harps and lyres and cymbals, to raise sounds of joy. 17 So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel;. . .[who was] to sound bronze cymbals; 20 [Some] were to play harps according to Alamoth; 21 [some] were to lead with lyres according to the Sheminith. . . . 24 [and others] should blow the trumpets before the ark of God. . . . 28 So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouting, to the sound of the horn, trumpets, and cymbals, and made loud music on harps and lyres. 29 And as the ark of the covenant of the Lord came to the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David dancing and rejoicing. . .
***
Nehemiah 12:27 And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites . . . to celebrate the . . . with cymbals, harps, and lyres. 28 And the sons of the singers gathered together . . . 31 Then I brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall and appointed two great choirs that gave thanks. One went to the south . . . 38 The other choir of those who gave thanks went to the north . . . and they came to a halt at the Gate of the Guard. 40 So both choirs of those who gave thanks stood in the house of God . . . 41 And the singers sang with Jezrahiah as their leader. 43 And they . . . rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.
***
I think its funny and wonderful that one of the worship leaders in David's kingdom was named Heman. The over the top masculinity of the 80's action figure is a comical, but not entirely innapropriate representative of the Old Testament singers who were warriors in their own right. For, worship is sometimes warfare. He-Man, apparently "the most powerful man in the universe" is of course a kind of archetypal hero. In the book of Nehemiah, one of my favorite stories is how they sent choirs up onto the wall to worship after they had completed contruction. The "joy of Jerusalem was heard far away". This is amazing, especially when you consider our own paradigm for worship, which is often timid and introverted. God forbid [ironically] if we should sing too loud and wake somebody up on a Sunday morning! My kids like to sing a song as prayer before meals: "Lord we thank thee, Lord we thank thee, Lord in heaven we thank thee." And then sometimes they will feel inspired to shout at the top of their lungs, "Praise Jesus!" as the grand finale. They did that in a restaurant once. It was awesome. Ransom, my son, was like He-Man on Nehemiah's wall. How's that for a strange quote!
***
Nehemiah 12:27 And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites . . . to celebrate the . . . with cymbals, harps, and lyres. 28 And the sons of the singers gathered together . . . 31 Then I brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall and appointed two great choirs that gave thanks. One went to the south . . . 38 The other choir of those who gave thanks went to the north . . . and they came to a halt at the Gate of the Guard. 40 So both choirs of those who gave thanks stood in the house of God . . . 41 And the singers sang with Jezrahiah as their leader. 43 And they . . . rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.
***
I think its funny and wonderful that one of the worship leaders in David's kingdom was named Heman. The over the top masculinity of the 80's action figure is a comical, but not entirely innapropriate representative of the Old Testament singers who were warriors in their own right. For, worship is sometimes warfare. He-Man, apparently "the most powerful man in the universe" is of course a kind of archetypal hero. In the book of Nehemiah, one of my favorite stories is how they sent choirs up onto the wall to worship after they had completed contruction. The "joy of Jerusalem was heard far away". This is amazing, especially when you consider our own paradigm for worship, which is often timid and introverted. God forbid [ironically] if we should sing too loud and wake somebody up on a Sunday morning! My kids like to sing a song as prayer before meals: "Lord we thank thee, Lord we thank thee, Lord in heaven we thank thee." And then sometimes they will feel inspired to shout at the top of their lungs, "Praise Jesus!" as the grand finale. They did that in a restaurant once. It was awesome. Ransom, my son, was like He-Man on Nehemiah's wall. How's that for a strange quote!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
God in a Box
I Chronicles 13:9 And when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled. 10 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God. 11 And David was angry because the Lord had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzza [7] to this day. 12 And David was afraid of God that day, and he said, “How can I bring the ark of God home to me?” 13 So David did not take the ark home into the city of David, but took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 14 And the ark of God remained with the household of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the Lord blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that he had.
***
So this God that I believe in seems completely weird to me sometimes, and I think David feels the same way here. Uzzah is walking along beside the ark. The oxen stumble. Uzzah reaches out to keep it from falling [we assume that's why he touched it]. God strikes him dead. David is angry [with God or with Ussah, I'm not sure]. And then, this dangerous God-box is brought to Obed-edom's house and he is totally blessed. - I don't get it. The irony is that you cannot put God in a box!
***
So this God that I believe in seems completely weird to me sometimes, and I think David feels the same way here. Uzzah is walking along beside the ark. The oxen stumble. Uzzah reaches out to keep it from falling [we assume that's why he touched it]. God strikes him dead. David is angry [with God or with Ussah, I'm not sure]. And then, this dangerous God-box is brought to Obed-edom's house and he is totally blessed. - I don't get it. The irony is that you cannot put God in a box!
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