At Christmas 2007 our organist presented me with a leather journal. It has each day of the year at the top and five boxes of five lines each to write about the day. What this means is each year you can see what happened in the year(s) prior. I am beginning the last year of this book and most days I have a hard time entering anything and I am not reviewing the previous years at all.
Today, however, I did look at the past and I saw an entry from 2009. I was at YouthQuake, a national weekend retreat for youth hosted by Acts 29 in North Carolina. That group is no longer functioning and our parish youth did not go for this year's youth event.
My notes from that Saturday were centered on a prayer experience which we had there. The adult leaders had one separate session and during part of it we broke into groups of four. I did not know any of the people I was with. One woman was a mom who came to be with her daughter. The other two were youth ministers from Anglican parishes in West Tennessee. That was the first interesting sign....
The four of us took turns praying for each other. Basically each person took a turn being prayed for while the other three asked God for insight. Each of the women received some information from the rest of us, usually a word or an image, which was profoundly meaningful or helpful. I was the last one and what happened to me was nothing short of miraculous.
The 'mom' (who had never done anything like this in her life and was obviously way out of her spiritual comfort zone) prayed the blessing of St. Patrick. One of the youth directors told me she heard 'braveheart.' Then she and the other youth pastor each said that they saw me in armor. Lastly, one woman saw God deflecting arrows and spears. When they were done, it was my turn to share with them what the words and images meant.
At that time I had made a commitment to pray the prayer of St. Patrick as part of my morning offering. The 'mom' had no idea what the prayer she prayed was, she said it just came to her. The timeliness was obviously striking. When we talked about braveheart the next woman admitted that she was not sure what it meant. I shared with her about the movie, a Mel Gibson work. She had never seen it. I went on to tell her that I watched that movie (for several years) the night before our Diocesan Conventions. At that time things were very combative (and I was on the losing side) and it provided me with inspiration to stand for the traditional faith, even if it seemed hopeless. At the end of braveheart, the Gibson character is betrayed and killed. There could have been, at that time, no other image which was as powerful to me. The most amazing thing was that she had no idea about the movie and she did not know me. The armor, which comes from St. Paul, was also something that I had personally prayed about in the days leading up to YouthQuake. That two women "saw" that was indeed remarkable. Once again, the timing was amazing.
I am not someone who easily claims to "hear God" but this case certainly seemed to be a clear case of that. I share it because it seems to be a clear case of divine intervention. The specificity of the timing and /or content of what they said were statistically off the wall. Taken in toto, it is downright amazing. I also share it because in an age of such anti-church sentiments it is a sterling reminder that God is at work in His church (and the Bible tells me so!). It is my hope that this is a source of inspiration to others to take prayer in groups more seriously!
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Standing Alone
"McRib is Back!"
The commercials have been running the last week or so, and this morning as I was leaving with the kids for school I saw another announcement that, yes, indeed, McRib is back. Suddenly, I found myself swept through time to my first church where I served as a young priest. St. Michael's was on Summer Avenue and the McDonalds was about half a mile away. I rarely had (or took) time for a proper meal, in part because eating alone was still new to me (and somewhat depressing). I was also trying to serve the Lord and it seemed that having to eat in my car because I had no time was a sign of that commitment. I was young and enthusiastic!
I ran into the McDonalds that day and ordered up "a McRib, hold the onion" when to my surprise the young lady said, "We don't serve those any more." When I asked why she said that they had not sold enough in the last six months to justify keeping them on the menu. "Well, how many did you sell?" I asked. She said, "Six." I looked at her and said, "I wonder who ate the other one..."
Realizing that I had been the sole (with one exception) purchaser of McRibs during that six month period was a surprise. It made me feel out of step with the thousands of people who lived and worked in my neighborhood. As a Catholic priest, I usually felt 'different', so it wasn't the first time. Yet there was a bit of a sting to it. Like most people, I wonder if there is something wrong with me.
Being different can be a positive. There was a time when everyone wanted to be "unique" which meant that they were "special." I do not hear that so much any more. Moods and styles change with different generations. The desire to be different is often balanced by the need for community. We want to belong, to be 'part of.'
This morning as we drove to school (it was 6:40 am) it was dark. My daughter, more an owl than an early bird, muttered, "I am not into this.... this darkness." She then asked when the time change would be so she would not be going to school in the dark. I told her I liked the phrase and would blog on it this morning. It ties in with being alone. The darkness, as Jesus refers to it, is our world. Jesus came into the world to be the light of the world. The darkness did not apprehend Him. The Greek word, like the English word apprehend, is double meaning. It can mean to understand and it can mean to overcome. The world we live in is increasingly secular and hostile to the traditional faith. As such, believers find themselves more and more often standing alone. Even churches are less secure. Fewer people go to church. Many churches teach all manner of things inconsistent with the traditional faith.
The danger is that one can fall in love with standing alone. One can become combative for the sake of being combative. One can be so defensive that one no longer listens to others. On the other hand, the more likely temptation is to 'join the crowd and fit in.' I think that 'not being into the darkness' is the key. It is about being His.
I try not to think too much about the isolation of life as a traditional Christian in a culture and church where tradtional beliefs are held in low regard. Yet, even so, I think about it a lot. Will my faith stay strong as fewer and fewer others believe? Will my faith stay strong when I see people persecuted inside the church and outside for believing? I no longer naively assume that I will stand strong. I pray that God will keep me strong. I remember that the darkness does not understand Jesus, but it also does not conquer Him. I pray, each day, that He would be in me and I in Him. I pray the same for you!
The commercials have been running the last week or so, and this morning as I was leaving with the kids for school I saw another announcement that, yes, indeed, McRib is back. Suddenly, I found myself swept through time to my first church where I served as a young priest. St. Michael's was on Summer Avenue and the McDonalds was about half a mile away. I rarely had (or took) time for a proper meal, in part because eating alone was still new to me (and somewhat depressing). I was also trying to serve the Lord and it seemed that having to eat in my car because I had no time was a sign of that commitment. I was young and enthusiastic!
I ran into the McDonalds that day and ordered up "a McRib, hold the onion" when to my surprise the young lady said, "We don't serve those any more." When I asked why she said that they had not sold enough in the last six months to justify keeping them on the menu. "Well, how many did you sell?" I asked. She said, "Six." I looked at her and said, "I wonder who ate the other one..."
Realizing that I had been the sole (with one exception) purchaser of McRibs during that six month period was a surprise. It made me feel out of step with the thousands of people who lived and worked in my neighborhood. As a Catholic priest, I usually felt 'different', so it wasn't the first time. Yet there was a bit of a sting to it. Like most people, I wonder if there is something wrong with me.
Being different can be a positive. There was a time when everyone wanted to be "unique" which meant that they were "special." I do not hear that so much any more. Moods and styles change with different generations. The desire to be different is often balanced by the need for community. We want to belong, to be 'part of.'
This morning as we drove to school (it was 6:40 am) it was dark. My daughter, more an owl than an early bird, muttered, "I am not into this.... this darkness." She then asked when the time change would be so she would not be going to school in the dark. I told her I liked the phrase and would blog on it this morning. It ties in with being alone. The darkness, as Jesus refers to it, is our world. Jesus came into the world to be the light of the world. The darkness did not apprehend Him. The Greek word, like the English word apprehend, is double meaning. It can mean to understand and it can mean to overcome. The world we live in is increasingly secular and hostile to the traditional faith. As such, believers find themselves more and more often standing alone. Even churches are less secure. Fewer people go to church. Many churches teach all manner of things inconsistent with the traditional faith.
The danger is that one can fall in love with standing alone. One can become combative for the sake of being combative. One can be so defensive that one no longer listens to others. On the other hand, the more likely temptation is to 'join the crowd and fit in.' I think that 'not being into the darkness' is the key. It is about being His.
I try not to think too much about the isolation of life as a traditional Christian in a culture and church where tradtional beliefs are held in low regard. Yet, even so, I think about it a lot. Will my faith stay strong as fewer and fewer others believe? Will my faith stay strong when I see people persecuted inside the church and outside for believing? I no longer naively assume that I will stand strong. I pray that God will keep me strong. I remember that the darkness does not understand Jesus, but it also does not conquer Him. I pray, each day, that He would be in me and I in Him. I pray the same for you!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Answered (un)prayers
Reflecting on prayer leads me to share a true story from last week. While it is a fact that countless people have spent countless hours "knocking at heaven's door" with some heartfelt need or other, it is equally true that there are times when interventions seem to occur when no prayer has been uttered.
We were in Bible study last Thursday and the sweet lady who sits next to me was gone. She has had a bad diagnosis and is suffering greatly. All the more difficult in light of how well she had been feeling prior. She went out last weekend, suddenly began to feel ill, and is now in great need.
After Bible study we celebrate eucharist. About four minutes before the end of class a woman walked in. She is new to the church and did not remember about the class until she walked in. She had been headed to the kitchen to pick up a bowl she left at a recent dinner. "May I join you?" she cheerfully asked as she walked into the hall and sat at table. We literally had four minutes to go! So afterwards we celebrated eucharist for which she stayed. At one point the parish administrator slipped me a note, which I held off until the blessing at the end.
The little lady who is ill needed information about nursing facilities. When I asked everyone present if anyone had a suggestion, our visitor said, "Oh, that is what I do for a living!" Everyone, of course, recognized a divine hand at work. A kindness of God in our midst.
This is what I mean by those who have eyes to see. It is a choice. One can acknowledge God or not. One can say it was a freak coincidence that someone wandered in and stayed with the exact skill set we needed. Or one can say that little pushes and pulls occured to make it happen. One can question why prayers go unanswered while unsolicited acts of grace occur. In the end, there are dozens of options to ponder and question. But the fundamental response, to believe or not, includes an act of will. It is a decision to see and believe, to thank and worship. I am not saying that it is easy for everyone. I am saying it is possible. In the end, it is the willingness to enter relationship with God which determines our life.
We were in Bible study last Thursday and the sweet lady who sits next to me was gone. She has had a bad diagnosis and is suffering greatly. All the more difficult in light of how well she had been feeling prior. She went out last weekend, suddenly began to feel ill, and is now in great need.
After Bible study we celebrate eucharist. About four minutes before the end of class a woman walked in. She is new to the church and did not remember about the class until she walked in. She had been headed to the kitchen to pick up a bowl she left at a recent dinner. "May I join you?" she cheerfully asked as she walked into the hall and sat at table. We literally had four minutes to go! So afterwards we celebrated eucharist for which she stayed. At one point the parish administrator slipped me a note, which I held off until the blessing at the end.
The little lady who is ill needed information about nursing facilities. When I asked everyone present if anyone had a suggestion, our visitor said, "Oh, that is what I do for a living!" Everyone, of course, recognized a divine hand at work. A kindness of God in our midst.
This is what I mean by those who have eyes to see. It is a choice. One can acknowledge God or not. One can say it was a freak coincidence that someone wandered in and stayed with the exact skill set we needed. Or one can say that little pushes and pulls occured to make it happen. One can question why prayers go unanswered while unsolicited acts of grace occur. In the end, there are dozens of options to ponder and question. But the fundamental response, to believe or not, includes an act of will. It is a decision to see and believe, to thank and worship. I am not saying that it is easy for everyone. I am saying it is possible. In the end, it is the willingness to enter relationship with God which determines our life.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
(un)Answered Prayers
Two nights ago I was watching a tv show. At one point, the protaganists find themselves in an isolated Baptist church. A young girl is missing and in grave danger. Her mother sits praying and later the sheriff does the same. The focus of their prayer is a large crucifix, one which would be more appropriately situated in an old Catholic church. The scene was poignant. The characters prayed out loud, for benefit of the audience, but their prayers rang true.
The mother, confessing her wrongs and begging for mercy, asked Jesus to punish her and spare her child. This sort of prayer is not found in prayer books. It is not the prefered way to instruct people in prayer. However, in my experience, it is a natural way to pray. When confronting horrible loss and needing mercy, I think most people instinctively realize their own unworthiness. Who can come to God and feel anything less? The offer of self ("punish me, not my child") has a reality about it. It is also, in some sense, reflective of Christianity's main tenant. Jesus Himself made a similar prayer gift. He stood in our place, so one can understand a mother's willingness to do the same.
The sheriff also prays. He is a typical male figure in the media. He is good and heroic. He is a self described "not real religious guy." Faced with more than he can handle, he turns to prayer. He admits to Jesus that "I believe more in my family than you" and acknowledges his limits. He needs help to find the little girl. In one insightful turn of dialogue he says to Jesus, "You don't know how hard it is to believe... well I guess you do." As he leaves the church he makes it clear, "I need some kind of sign." It was a powerful moment, made all the more amazing because it was written for a regular TV audience. It is a reminder that echoes of legitimate faith still remain, even in our secular culture.
In the next scene, the sheriff, his young son, and the deputy continue their search for the missing girl. Suddenly, a larg buck comes into view. The tension seems to diminish as the beauty of the animal enchants the young boy. The two men are mesmerized as well, partly by the majestic animal, perhaps more so by the boy's response. Slowly the child walks forward, turning back, mouth agape, to share the moment several times with the father and deputy. As he stands a few feet away from the large animal, suddenly, a bullet tears through the buck and passes through the little boy. As he drops to the ground one is overwhelmed with shock and horror.
The episode ends there, leaving a swirl of questions. Is the boy dead? Who took the shot? What of the little girl? Where will this twist take our small group of survivors? Why?
My initial reaction to the scene, as it unfolded, was joy that this show was demonstrating a sign from God with the boy and buck. The sudden turn of events were jarring. Is this the sign from God? Is this an act of mockery by the show's writers, indicating how silly it is to pray? But as I pondered I must admit, that quite often, prayers are not answered as we want.
Hundreds of parents pray for lost children. We drove through Little Rock Monday and got home to hear a young co-ed, a Christian girl active in the church, was found there in a local lake. How could such a girl come to such an end? And every day there are stories just like that. Parents pray, they beg God, they offer themselves in exhange. Every day people cry out to God for a sign. People struggle to believe and await the 'proof.' In reality, it does not always work out.
Prayer is not mainly about manipulating God. For eyes that believe, there are already signs everywhere. We have a task. To live and love, to obey and serve. Whether our prayers are "answered" or not we must pray. Our minds cannot comprehend enough to ever understand it all. We must continue the journey, not putting too much stock into 'signs.' In the end, there is no proof which is sufficient. One needs constant renewal. What was enough one day fades the next.
Fortunately, our Lord is on a cross. There is an insight into the world we live. Jesus provides us a glimpse into life well lived. Sometimes it looks like a cross. Sometimes it looks like a tragedy impacting us or those we love best. But death and cross are not the last word. The prayers will be answered, some day. After resurrection. So do not lose hope.
The mother, confessing her wrongs and begging for mercy, asked Jesus to punish her and spare her child. This sort of prayer is not found in prayer books. It is not the prefered way to instruct people in prayer. However, in my experience, it is a natural way to pray. When confronting horrible loss and needing mercy, I think most people instinctively realize their own unworthiness. Who can come to God and feel anything less? The offer of self ("punish me, not my child") has a reality about it. It is also, in some sense, reflective of Christianity's main tenant. Jesus Himself made a similar prayer gift. He stood in our place, so one can understand a mother's willingness to do the same.
The sheriff also prays. He is a typical male figure in the media. He is good and heroic. He is a self described "not real religious guy." Faced with more than he can handle, he turns to prayer. He admits to Jesus that "I believe more in my family than you" and acknowledges his limits. He needs help to find the little girl. In one insightful turn of dialogue he says to Jesus, "You don't know how hard it is to believe... well I guess you do." As he leaves the church he makes it clear, "I need some kind of sign." It was a powerful moment, made all the more amazing because it was written for a regular TV audience. It is a reminder that echoes of legitimate faith still remain, even in our secular culture.
In the next scene, the sheriff, his young son, and the deputy continue their search for the missing girl. Suddenly, a larg buck comes into view. The tension seems to diminish as the beauty of the animal enchants the young boy. The two men are mesmerized as well, partly by the majestic animal, perhaps more so by the boy's response. Slowly the child walks forward, turning back, mouth agape, to share the moment several times with the father and deputy. As he stands a few feet away from the large animal, suddenly, a bullet tears through the buck and passes through the little boy. As he drops to the ground one is overwhelmed with shock and horror.
The episode ends there, leaving a swirl of questions. Is the boy dead? Who took the shot? What of the little girl? Where will this twist take our small group of survivors? Why?
My initial reaction to the scene, as it unfolded, was joy that this show was demonstrating a sign from God with the boy and buck. The sudden turn of events were jarring. Is this the sign from God? Is this an act of mockery by the show's writers, indicating how silly it is to pray? But as I pondered I must admit, that quite often, prayers are not answered as we want.
Hundreds of parents pray for lost children. We drove through Little Rock Monday and got home to hear a young co-ed, a Christian girl active in the church, was found there in a local lake. How could such a girl come to such an end? And every day there are stories just like that. Parents pray, they beg God, they offer themselves in exhange. Every day people cry out to God for a sign. People struggle to believe and await the 'proof.' In reality, it does not always work out.
Prayer is not mainly about manipulating God. For eyes that believe, there are already signs everywhere. We have a task. To live and love, to obey and serve. Whether our prayers are "answered" or not we must pray. Our minds cannot comprehend enough to ever understand it all. We must continue the journey, not putting too much stock into 'signs.' In the end, there is no proof which is sufficient. One needs constant renewal. What was enough one day fades the next.
Fortunately, our Lord is on a cross. There is an insight into the world we live. Jesus provides us a glimpse into life well lived. Sometimes it looks like a cross. Sometimes it looks like a tragedy impacting us or those we love best. But death and cross are not the last word. The prayers will be answered, some day. After resurrection. So do not lose hope.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Praying in Odd Places
I had a root canal last week. The young dental assistant had a baby the month before we did. When I arrived at 8am she shared that her three year old had been up until 4:00 and once he fell asleep, the baby woke up. She had been awake twenty eight hours straight at that point and was not feeling well. Between my baby and my tooth ache, I had recently endured a similar stretch of sleeplessness, so empathy was easy at that point.
The dental process took about two hours and about half way through the dentist left to see another patient. I asked the assistant how she was feeling. She was feeling worse, so I said, "Let me pray for you." reaching out my hand I expected her to take it, instead she bent her head over, so I put my hands on her head and prayed the Father's presence and healing power through Jesus. It was one of those moments...
I tried not to think about the fact that I was hooked up to laughing gas, sitting in a dentist chair, as I did this. It was a bit 'unusual,' even for me. It was also a blessing. I have often said that the easiest way to introduce God into any situation is to ask someone "how can I pray for you?" There is a gift to prayer that impacts people more positively than being preached at.
I have shared before that sometimes when I drive or am in the grocery, I just look around and pray for the people I see. I pray for all manner of things, usually for healing, strength and faith. I think if we are living in a world at war (spiritually) then that sort of thing is vital to the effort. Too often Christians are settled in and accepting of the status quo. What if prayer is one of our weapons and the means through which God has chosen to enter the world most effectively? Well, then we need to pray more. If not, why did Jesus tell us to pray so much?
The dental process took about two hours and about half way through the dentist left to see another patient. I asked the assistant how she was feeling. She was feeling worse, so I said, "Let me pray for you." reaching out my hand I expected her to take it, instead she bent her head over, so I put my hands on her head and prayed the Father's presence and healing power through Jesus. It was one of those moments...
I tried not to think about the fact that I was hooked up to laughing gas, sitting in a dentist chair, as I did this. It was a bit 'unusual,' even for me. It was also a blessing. I have often said that the easiest way to introduce God into any situation is to ask someone "how can I pray for you?" There is a gift to prayer that impacts people more positively than being preached at.
I have shared before that sometimes when I drive or am in the grocery, I just look around and pray for the people I see. I pray for all manner of things, usually for healing, strength and faith. I think if we are living in a world at war (spiritually) then that sort of thing is vital to the effort. Too often Christians are settled in and accepting of the status quo. What if prayer is one of our weapons and the means through which God has chosen to enter the world most effectively? Well, then we need to pray more. If not, why did Jesus tell us to pray so much?
Friday, August 19, 2011
Parking Lot Islamic Prayer
During "vacation" I was suffering from cabin fever. It was around 100 degrees every day and there were few outside options with a six week old baby. We decided to go out to eat at a Chicago Pizza place about a half hour from home. I anticipated the delicious pizza waiting for me on the drive. We arrived to an empty store and a sign "A/C Out: Closed."
So we went with another option nearby, a Memphis Italian restaurant which I love. I walked into the dining room and it felt warm. "It is 93 in here," the greeter stated. Relatively pleasant compared to outside, but I sensed that would not be cool enough for dinner...
We ended up at the Mall. A large facility where I could push baby boy around and enjoy the experience of moving. The kids did some before school shopping. We had a good time. In fact, it was so good that we closed down the place. The door we came in was locked so we had to exit from the side of the Mall. The walk back to the car was the long way around through the parking lot.
As we walked we saw a couple moving around next to a car. I assumed, based on the bending over, that he was fixing a flat tire. As we drew closer I saw her head scarf. I saw that he was kneeling. I realized it was Muslims at prayer.
It was a minor shock. I know we have Muslims in Shelby County. (We have Pentecostals, too, but I did not expect a tent revival either.) Watching them pray made me think. They are committed in ways few Christians are. The typical church sees 35% to 40% of its members on an average Sunday. Even on Easter large numbers of professing Christians cannot seem to climb out of bed in the morning to worship. Yet, Muslims are praying in parking lots at 9PM. I am inspired by this.
I also wonder. In some Muslim countries I hear it is illegal to have a Bible or wear a cross. In our culture the Muslim can pray in a public place, a parking lot. What if a Christian were to do this in Saudi Arabia? There is a part of me which is offended by that. Seems like one should give the same respect that one demands.
Our eyes met briefly, as we passed the car and the praying couple. I smiled and nodded. She looked uncomfortable. I wondered if they were ill at ease. Did they fear what we would say or do? I also wondered if the statistics were reversed, if Memphis were 90% Muslim instead of Christian, would this couple allow me the same freedom and offer the same respect for my faith?
These are not hypothetical questions. They are real. And if Christians do not begin to be more serious about prayer, discipleship and evangelism, some day Muslims will be a majority. Then we will find out. I would never want anyone to prevent a Muslim from praying. But I also know that the world is not pleasant. I blogged on violence earlier this week. The practices in majority Islamic nations is frequently hostile to Christians. Christians are fleeing many Middle Eastern countries right now. The "Arab" street is not totally tolerant. There is a threat of violence when cultures clash. Was our parking lot experience a passing cloud of shade (tolerance and faith) or the first signs of an approaching storm?
So we went with another option nearby, a Memphis Italian restaurant which I love. I walked into the dining room and it felt warm. "It is 93 in here," the greeter stated. Relatively pleasant compared to outside, but I sensed that would not be cool enough for dinner...
We ended up at the Mall. A large facility where I could push baby boy around and enjoy the experience of moving. The kids did some before school shopping. We had a good time. In fact, it was so good that we closed down the place. The door we came in was locked so we had to exit from the side of the Mall. The walk back to the car was the long way around through the parking lot.
As we walked we saw a couple moving around next to a car. I assumed, based on the bending over, that he was fixing a flat tire. As we drew closer I saw her head scarf. I saw that he was kneeling. I realized it was Muslims at prayer.
It was a minor shock. I know we have Muslims in Shelby County. (We have Pentecostals, too, but I did not expect a tent revival either.) Watching them pray made me think. They are committed in ways few Christians are. The typical church sees 35% to 40% of its members on an average Sunday. Even on Easter large numbers of professing Christians cannot seem to climb out of bed in the morning to worship. Yet, Muslims are praying in parking lots at 9PM. I am inspired by this.
I also wonder. In some Muslim countries I hear it is illegal to have a Bible or wear a cross. In our culture the Muslim can pray in a public place, a parking lot. What if a Christian were to do this in Saudi Arabia? There is a part of me which is offended by that. Seems like one should give the same respect that one demands.
Our eyes met briefly, as we passed the car and the praying couple. I smiled and nodded. She looked uncomfortable. I wondered if they were ill at ease. Did they fear what we would say or do? I also wondered if the statistics were reversed, if Memphis were 90% Muslim instead of Christian, would this couple allow me the same freedom and offer the same respect for my faith?
These are not hypothetical questions. They are real. And if Christians do not begin to be more serious about prayer, discipleship and evangelism, some day Muslims will be a majority. Then we will find out. I would never want anyone to prevent a Muslim from praying. But I also know that the world is not pleasant. I blogged on violence earlier this week. The practices in majority Islamic nations is frequently hostile to Christians. Christians are fleeing many Middle Eastern countries right now. The "Arab" street is not totally tolerant. There is a threat of violence when cultures clash. Was our parking lot experience a passing cloud of shade (tolerance and faith) or the first signs of an approaching storm?
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
More on Babies and Fiscal Issues
I want to make clear, following up on my "Breeders vs. Baby Haters" post a couple of days ago, that I do not advocate children being in every place. I understand the desire to have a "scream free zone." I think it is a parent's responsibility to exercise some critcal thinking. I also know there is a wide range of opinion as regards what is acceptable. My concern is more with the term "Breeders" and the wide-spread distaste for children in some quarters. It is hard to know exactly what is going on in a nation of hundreds of millions of people. I do think that there is an anti-life bent that is coming through from certain quarters.
I am also troubled by the idea that fiscal conservatives are terrorists. Now quotes have a funny way of being edited, and I myself have seen my own words snatched out of context and used to put me in a bad light. But the idea that someone who is dedicated to not increasing an already ridiculous amount of indebtedness is engaging in terrorist behavior is beyond silly. It is, to me, evil. I long ago grew weary with the use of the term "hater" which was pinned on anyone who believes in tradtional marriage. Really? Such language is a result of laziness. It is also a desire to demonize. The misuse of 'terrorist' as applied to debate opponents is equally unwelcome.
My vacation is drawing to a close. We have done little more than household chores. Largely, this is due to childcare responsibilities. Caring for a two month old (we crossed that mark Monday) is pretty much an around the clock thing. It is very time consuming and rules out most other options. It is hard work and there is little positive feedback at the time. The greatest value is it affords one the chance to actually engage in true love. It is an act of self gift and sacrifice. It is not, mind you, heroic. It is not, mind you, unique. It is not, mind you, a reason to think more highly of myself. It is, however, the way things are.
There is much uncertainty hanging over our heads regarding this little guy. We feed, change diapers and care for him. We pray, alot. We recognize how much we have to do and, paradoxically, how little we can do for him. As my other son said some time ago, "Why do they call babies a bundle of joy, they seem to be a bundle of worries."
I want him to grow up in a society which is not bankrupt, morally or financially. I want him to live in a place where he feels valued and where he has reason to believe that if he works hard he can make a good life for himself. I am less secure in trusting the future will be like that for him. However, I have a deeper, further ranging hope as well: God's Kingdom. Perhaps, paradoxically, growing up in a 'worse' world he will help his values and beliefs sharpen. Perhaps he will be more Christian than those of us whose faith has been filtered through the opulence characteristic of middle class life the last couple of decades. It is a mystery to ponder on this hot, hot Wednesday in August.
I am also troubled by the idea that fiscal conservatives are terrorists. Now quotes have a funny way of being edited, and I myself have seen my own words snatched out of context and used to put me in a bad light. But the idea that someone who is dedicated to not increasing an already ridiculous amount of indebtedness is engaging in terrorist behavior is beyond silly. It is, to me, evil. I long ago grew weary with the use of the term "hater" which was pinned on anyone who believes in tradtional marriage. Really? Such language is a result of laziness. It is also a desire to demonize. The misuse of 'terrorist' as applied to debate opponents is equally unwelcome.
My vacation is drawing to a close. We have done little more than household chores. Largely, this is due to childcare responsibilities. Caring for a two month old (we crossed that mark Monday) is pretty much an around the clock thing. It is very time consuming and rules out most other options. It is hard work and there is little positive feedback at the time. The greatest value is it affords one the chance to actually engage in true love. It is an act of self gift and sacrifice. It is not, mind you, heroic. It is not, mind you, unique. It is not, mind you, a reason to think more highly of myself. It is, however, the way things are.
There is much uncertainty hanging over our heads regarding this little guy. We feed, change diapers and care for him. We pray, alot. We recognize how much we have to do and, paradoxically, how little we can do for him. As my other son said some time ago, "Why do they call babies a bundle of joy, they seem to be a bundle of worries."
I want him to grow up in a society which is not bankrupt, morally or financially. I want him to live in a place where he feels valued and where he has reason to believe that if he works hard he can make a good life for himself. I am less secure in trusting the future will be like that for him. However, I have a deeper, further ranging hope as well: God's Kingdom. Perhaps, paradoxically, growing up in a 'worse' world he will help his values and beliefs sharpen. Perhaps he will be more Christian than those of us whose faith has been filtered through the opulence characteristic of middle class life the last couple of decades. It is a mystery to ponder on this hot, hot Wednesday in August.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Security and Jesuss
On vacation so plan to do brief reflections.
Yesterday we preached on Romans 8. One of the lines, "nothing can separate us from the love of Christ" became a central theme of my message. I think most of us do not live in a way that manifests the belief that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Perhaps part of the problem is we are not sure we "feel" that love. Most of us, living in the world, are divided by the "veil" which separates us from the Lord. There are some who seem more attuned. At times all of us may have a moment of clarity. Yet, too often, love is just a word, especially as applied to Jesus.
I wonder if disappointment in life is one of the issues. Maybe we have equated the love of Christ with a wonderful life. Maybe we think the love of Christ means we will walk around in a blissful state, too joyfilled to be bothered by life's inconveniences and troubles. Maybe we think the love of Christ means we will have super powers to conquer every challenge.
Looking at the apostles, I never sense that they doubt His love. It seems that they were secure in it, yet they still floundered and struggled. Petty ego issues did not disappear ("Who is the greatest? they argued among themselves). Doubts and fears did not disappear. They still failed to heal and cast out demons, which drove Jesus to ask, "how much longer must I be with you?"
I believe life will not be totally easy, even for Christians. But I do think we can work on the faith aspect of our lives. We can pray, often, to be filled with a deep sense of that love. We can repeat the words, "nothing, nothing, nothing can ever separate me from Jesus." We can ponder what union with Him means and what it will be like in eternity in His Kingdom. We can meditate moments of deep connection which we have had and try to multiply it when applying it to Jesus. (If loving/being loved by this person is so wonderful, imagine the fulfillment of Jesus' love!)
So that is an exericse I did this morning. Praying for hours as I held and fed a little baby boy in the darkness of early morning. Repeating verses, thinking and meditating, trying to open me up to Him. Trying to be more aware of His love and His promise. It was time well spent!
Yesterday we preached on Romans 8. One of the lines, "nothing can separate us from the love of Christ" became a central theme of my message. I think most of us do not live in a way that manifests the belief that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Perhaps part of the problem is we are not sure we "feel" that love. Most of us, living in the world, are divided by the "veil" which separates us from the Lord. There are some who seem more attuned. At times all of us may have a moment of clarity. Yet, too often, love is just a word, especially as applied to Jesus.
I wonder if disappointment in life is one of the issues. Maybe we have equated the love of Christ with a wonderful life. Maybe we think the love of Christ means we will walk around in a blissful state, too joyfilled to be bothered by life's inconveniences and troubles. Maybe we think the love of Christ means we will have super powers to conquer every challenge.
Looking at the apostles, I never sense that they doubt His love. It seems that they were secure in it, yet they still floundered and struggled. Petty ego issues did not disappear ("Who is the greatest? they argued among themselves). Doubts and fears did not disappear. They still failed to heal and cast out demons, which drove Jesus to ask, "how much longer must I be with you?"
I believe life will not be totally easy, even for Christians. But I do think we can work on the faith aspect of our lives. We can pray, often, to be filled with a deep sense of that love. We can repeat the words, "nothing, nothing, nothing can ever separate me from Jesus." We can ponder what union with Him means and what it will be like in eternity in His Kingdom. We can meditate moments of deep connection which we have had and try to multiply it when applying it to Jesus. (If loving/being loved by this person is so wonderful, imagine the fulfillment of Jesus' love!)
So that is an exericse I did this morning. Praying for hours as I held and fed a little baby boy in the darkness of early morning. Repeating verses, thinking and meditating, trying to open me up to Him. Trying to be more aware of His love and His promise. It was time well spent!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Praying in Public
Last night I was the designated Pray-er at the Southern Legislative Conference. It is a gathering of State Congressemen from thirteen states in the south east section of our nation. They had a formal mela and paraded the flag of each state present. It was pretty exciting. I was tempted to begin with a joke about religion and politics, but decided it might send the wrong message. Instead, I said what I usually say in such circumstances.
I do not mind praying in public. I do refuse to make generic prayers. Some years ago an Episcopal Bishop was invited to serve as one of the people who prayed at the Obama inauguration. The bishop, someone with whom I have had e-mail contact in times past, made it clear that it was his intent to pray generically. He did not want to 'force' his Christian faith on others. I told him that if he planned to do that, if he had any integrity, he would also not wear his clergy shirt and collar. The bishop never did respond, as much as he and his buddies talk about "dialogue" they generally prefer to be listened to. I did see him pray on TV that day in his "full epsicopal garb", but my recollection is people were not paying much attention. The crowd seemed to all be chattering away. Maybe just as well, when churchmen dress up like churchmen but 'pray' like they aren't, maybe its best that no one listens.
I made the decision years ago that I would not do that. I would not deny Jesus and pray to "God" as if I had no idea what the content of the word "God" is. I also would not fail to pray in public the way I pray in private. However, I do think people deserve respect, even people of different faiths. So, I begin by acknowledging that there are people in the room of different faiths and perhaps no faith. I say that I want to respect that. Some Christians believe that all other faiths are little better than demonic. I am not inclined to that. (I have wrestled with that one in several previous posts. Enough to say, I think God is in charge of dealing with the errors of other religions and the errors of sincere 'other'believing people.) I think showing respect is the best way to garner respect.
Then, I tell people that I will pray out of a context of the Jewish Bible through the lense of the New Testament and faith in Jesus. That is my Bible and He is my Lord. I cannot and will not pray as though I were a minister of civil religion. Last night I prayed for wisdom and courage for these leaders. I asked God to help them know what is right and do what is right. I also prayed forgiveness for the failure to do right. I think important people in politics have many challenges. I think they are accountable for what they say and do, not only to citizens, but to Almighty God, the Creator and Judge. I think they need prayer, maybe even more prayer other folks.
I prayed in thanks for the blessings we take for granted in America, not just food but lots of good food. I prayed for those who prepared it and those who serve it. The 'invisible' people whom we also take for granted. I prayed that we would see them as models (think Jesus at the Last Supper). I hoped my prayer was sincere and I hoped God heard it. I hoped some how it was a means whereby a life was touched.
As we left last night, a yonug man came up to me and energetically explained that he had learned something that night. He told me that he was in Rotary and other civil groups and he now had a way to be respectful of others while maintaining his own integrity when he was asked to pray. He was pleased. So was I. God touched someone.
I do not mind praying in public. I do refuse to make generic prayers. Some years ago an Episcopal Bishop was invited to serve as one of the people who prayed at the Obama inauguration. The bishop, someone with whom I have had e-mail contact in times past, made it clear that it was his intent to pray generically. He did not want to 'force' his Christian faith on others. I told him that if he planned to do that, if he had any integrity, he would also not wear his clergy shirt and collar. The bishop never did respond, as much as he and his buddies talk about "dialogue" they generally prefer to be listened to. I did see him pray on TV that day in his "full epsicopal garb", but my recollection is people were not paying much attention. The crowd seemed to all be chattering away. Maybe just as well, when churchmen dress up like churchmen but 'pray' like they aren't, maybe its best that no one listens.
I made the decision years ago that I would not do that. I would not deny Jesus and pray to "God" as if I had no idea what the content of the word "God" is. I also would not fail to pray in public the way I pray in private. However, I do think people deserve respect, even people of different faiths. So, I begin by acknowledging that there are people in the room of different faiths and perhaps no faith. I say that I want to respect that. Some Christians believe that all other faiths are little better than demonic. I am not inclined to that. (I have wrestled with that one in several previous posts. Enough to say, I think God is in charge of dealing with the errors of other religions and the errors of sincere 'other'believing people.) I think showing respect is the best way to garner respect.
Then, I tell people that I will pray out of a context of the Jewish Bible through the lense of the New Testament and faith in Jesus. That is my Bible and He is my Lord. I cannot and will not pray as though I were a minister of civil religion. Last night I prayed for wisdom and courage for these leaders. I asked God to help them know what is right and do what is right. I also prayed forgiveness for the failure to do right. I think important people in politics have many challenges. I think they are accountable for what they say and do, not only to citizens, but to Almighty God, the Creator and Judge. I think they need prayer, maybe even more prayer other folks.
I prayed in thanks for the blessings we take for granted in America, not just food but lots of good food. I prayed for those who prepared it and those who serve it. The 'invisible' people whom we also take for granted. I prayed that we would see them as models (think Jesus at the Last Supper). I hoped my prayer was sincere and I hoped God heard it. I hoped some how it was a means whereby a life was touched.
As we left last night, a yonug man came up to me and energetically explained that he had learned something that night. He told me that he was in Rotary and other civil groups and he now had a way to be respectful of others while maintaining his own integrity when he was asked to pray. He was pleased. So was I. God touched someone.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Dr. Tom, the Fourth Dimension
[computer issues coupled with baby issues have made blogging a challenge lately, sorry]
Dad married Katie. Dad died. Katie married Dr. Tom. So by virtue of those marriages he is now in a convaluted grandfatherly relationship with my kids. He is having surgery Thursday. He calls it 'serious routine' surgery. Routine for the surgeons, not terribly routine for those under the scalpel. Prayers for his full recovery are requested.
Dr. Tom is one of the great mathematicians in our country (in the world). He is an energetic examplar of what is best in teaching, a wealth of knowledge coupled with a burning desire to share that knowledge. Whenever he visits us he attends school with my kids where he bedazzles them with a variety of geometric wonders. He can also do cross word puzzles at blinding speed.
These personal features are shared to make him more real for you and give added inspiration to pray, to intercede for his health and well being. But something he taught me, or led me to, is what I want to share.
Dr. Tom works in the geometric field of multi-dimensionality, in particular the fourth dimension. He shared some of his work as well as a love of a nineteenth century cleric who wrote a book about the subject. The book, Flatlands, imagines a sphere enterring a world of squares, triangles and circles. How would a three dimensional object explain life to individuals constrained to length and width?
What is depth in a world which is limited to flatlands? Of course, the idea is a launching point for asking about the fourth dimension. The world we live in, having height, width, depth, is three dimensional. But what happens when we try to go beyond that? Our language is no more adept than the flatlanders' to capture reality beyond our experience.
As Dr. Tom and I discussed, I gained a glimpse which helped me. [I hasten to add it was a tiny glimpse which his vision far exceeds!] Everyone recalls making graphs in school. We learned to make X and Y axis. On the vertical we put, for example, height. On the horizontal, perhaps, weight. Then we plotted various people's height and weight to see what trends appear. But what if we wanted to add sex? or age? or race? The multiplicity of aspects cannot fit on a simple two-dimensional graph. [Stick with me, this is going some place important.]
Sex, male or female, is independent of weight. It does not show up on a scale, but it is real. Age is also real. But saying 'six foot three inches' is age neutral. Real humans are a combination of countless dimensions. They interact and impact one another at times (like height and weight). Knowing about some (like age) does not give much information about others (like sex). So we humans are multidimensional.
The world we live in can be measured in many ways. The measures are, however, limited. Time is helpful to measure age, but it is terribly unreliable as a scale. "I weigh two weeks" is nonsensical.
God is in another dimension. He permeates our own world, even if He is not captured by the measures we use. That is why, like a sphere in a two dimensional world, He can enter into our world and appear like one of us (a sphere looks like a circle in a two dimensional world, except it gets bigger and smaller as it passes through the two dimensional plane). We see, in Jesus, God in a human life. There is more there, but it cannot be discerned by our eyes unaided. He is totally human, just like us, but there is an additonal dimension (divinity) which is not observable in our world.
Theology tries to talk about things which are beyond our understanding. They are mysteries. The best way to understand a mystery is by analogy, metaphor and imagery. If we look and listen, sometimes we get a glimpse.
There is so much more to reality than we can grasp. It is important to maintain a sense of wonder and joy. To be a child, even a seventy year old child, full of appreciation for the beauty of the world, is a special gift. The insight into the multidimensionality of the world was a watershed moment for me. It was a brief second when I sort of "got it." Thanks for that Dr. Tom. God bless and heal you!
Dad married Katie. Dad died. Katie married Dr. Tom. So by virtue of those marriages he is now in a convaluted grandfatherly relationship with my kids. He is having surgery Thursday. He calls it 'serious routine' surgery. Routine for the surgeons, not terribly routine for those under the scalpel. Prayers for his full recovery are requested.
Dr. Tom is one of the great mathematicians in our country (in the world). He is an energetic examplar of what is best in teaching, a wealth of knowledge coupled with a burning desire to share that knowledge. Whenever he visits us he attends school with my kids where he bedazzles them with a variety of geometric wonders. He can also do cross word puzzles at blinding speed.
These personal features are shared to make him more real for you and give added inspiration to pray, to intercede for his health and well being. But something he taught me, or led me to, is what I want to share.
Dr. Tom works in the geometric field of multi-dimensionality, in particular the fourth dimension. He shared some of his work as well as a love of a nineteenth century cleric who wrote a book about the subject. The book, Flatlands, imagines a sphere enterring a world of squares, triangles and circles. How would a three dimensional object explain life to individuals constrained to length and width?
What is depth in a world which is limited to flatlands? Of course, the idea is a launching point for asking about the fourth dimension. The world we live in, having height, width, depth, is three dimensional. But what happens when we try to go beyond that? Our language is no more adept than the flatlanders' to capture reality beyond our experience.
As Dr. Tom and I discussed, I gained a glimpse which helped me. [I hasten to add it was a tiny glimpse which his vision far exceeds!] Everyone recalls making graphs in school. We learned to make X and Y axis. On the vertical we put, for example, height. On the horizontal, perhaps, weight. Then we plotted various people's height and weight to see what trends appear. But what if we wanted to add sex? or age? or race? The multiplicity of aspects cannot fit on a simple two-dimensional graph. [Stick with me, this is going some place important.]
Sex, male or female, is independent of weight. It does not show up on a scale, but it is real. Age is also real. But saying 'six foot three inches' is age neutral. Real humans are a combination of countless dimensions. They interact and impact one another at times (like height and weight). Knowing about some (like age) does not give much information about others (like sex). So we humans are multidimensional.
The world we live in can be measured in many ways. The measures are, however, limited. Time is helpful to measure age, but it is terribly unreliable as a scale. "I weigh two weeks" is nonsensical.
God is in another dimension. He permeates our own world, even if He is not captured by the measures we use. That is why, like a sphere in a two dimensional world, He can enter into our world and appear like one of us (a sphere looks like a circle in a two dimensional world, except it gets bigger and smaller as it passes through the two dimensional plane). We see, in Jesus, God in a human life. There is more there, but it cannot be discerned by our eyes unaided. He is totally human, just like us, but there is an additonal dimension (divinity) which is not observable in our world.
Theology tries to talk about things which are beyond our understanding. They are mysteries. The best way to understand a mystery is by analogy, metaphor and imagery. If we look and listen, sometimes we get a glimpse.
There is so much more to reality than we can grasp. It is important to maintain a sense of wonder and joy. To be a child, even a seventy year old child, full of appreciation for the beauty of the world, is a special gift. The insight into the multidimensionality of the world was a watershed moment for me. It was a brief second when I sort of "got it." Thanks for that Dr. Tom. God bless and heal you!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Everything Happens for a Reason
In a few hours we will arrive at the hospital and begin the process of inducing the birth of my son. Every moment of every life is, literally, hanging by a string. Babies, however, seem to more intensely symbolize all of that. They seem more at risk, the unknown seems more palpable with them. One ponders the possibilities more often, the potential problems loom larger.
When things go badly, it is common to hear "everything happens for a reason." I wrote last week about God's actions among us. Does God directly cause everything? Does God micromanage every event, dictating everthing thought, word and deed of everyone at everytime? If He does, then what I am about to say, "I don't think so," is not true, but I have no choice. God made me say it. His eternal plan is to make me think incorrectly. Your own responses would also be dictated, fashioned and determined by God before time and for all time.
That is why I say anyone who believes God controls "everything" would never make an argument for their position. Logic would not be able to sway anyone about anything. Logic requires freedom, to listen, to analyze, to weigh arguments and counter arguments. There is choice involved. Choice rerquires the presence of some degree of freedom.
I believe God intervenes. I believe in miracles. I also believe there are times where it is quite subtle. My understanding of systems helps me see that minor adjustments can produce huge outcomes. God could impact major events in and through minor players. I believe He does. I do not believe, however, that He conrtols every, single thing.
I believe God has a plan. I do not think His plan controls every detail. His creation has been given space to develop. The basic elements are in place for things to happen. Humans are "co-creators" in the sense that He has pulled back and given us space to make choices.
No sin is God's direct will. I do not think that God lays down commandments (e.g. "Thou shalt not kill") and then creates any number of humans whom He then makes into killers. The barbarism of the Nazi death camp is not "the mysterious work of a loving God whose ways are too difficult for us to understand." It is the product of human evil, directly opposed to God's plan for all people to live together in loving community. I was taught that evil occurs through the "permissive will of God." In other words, God allows things to happen. We are not puppets.
If God controls everything then He does not save. If, on the other hand, the world has some independent function (all dervived from God and sustained by God) then there is a sense in which He saves. Prayer makes sense in a world where things are haywire. Prayer makes sense in a world where God's absence (a Biblical theme) is the problem. Prayer makes sense in a world where God intervenes. If God is already controling everything and everything happens because He wants it that way, then prayer is really meaningless (although we have to pray because that is how He constructed the universe)
I think that Genesis teaches us that, from the beginning, the world is a wild place in need of dominion. From the beginning, God set us humans into a context where we can make choices, for good or ill. From the beginning, He "leaves the scene" providing us the ''room'' to think, feel, desire and choose.
Everything happens for a reason. The ultimate, underlying cause of everything is God. But events are also generated by an endless number of other factors, including us. The world operates under laws. Past choices and events impact the future context of other choices and events. The sins of the fathers are visited upon the children.
There is still plenty of mystery and God's activity is infinitely subtle, beautiful and. at times, difficult to discern. I do not think He directly causes rape and murder, or makes people suffer torture at the hands of evil people. The world to come will be better because in the world to come there will be an absence of the things which make us so sad. It is called "the reign of God" by Jesus. I think it means that God is, in some sense, not reigning right now. That is why Jesus refers to "the Prince of this world." Here and now, some other entitiy (human and demonic) has power. We await deliverance into the hands of the Lord and His Messiah.
Well, the phone just rang. It is 3 a.m. and our appointment has been postponed. We were instructed to call back later to find out our new time. The work of God? Who knows what all is going on? So many moving parts. So many players involved. So many factors. There is an irony to it all.
I do think it consistent to believe God is watching over us. That God is present, whether things go "well" or not. I do believe that we can choose to invite God into the process. The frustrations of being delayed, the stress of not sleeping or the worries about the unknown are an environment within which we can encounter God. God really gives us freedom and room to live and choose. I believe that God does not control every single detail because I believe in love. You see, God cannot make us love Him (or each other). Love, trust, relationship all require that we be free. Otherwise it is a sham. I think the world is real. I think God gives us options. I think God wants us to choose to love and serve Him.
When things go badly, it is common to hear "everything happens for a reason." I wrote last week about God's actions among us. Does God directly cause everything? Does God micromanage every event, dictating everthing thought, word and deed of everyone at everytime? If He does, then what I am about to say, "I don't think so," is not true, but I have no choice. God made me say it. His eternal plan is to make me think incorrectly. Your own responses would also be dictated, fashioned and determined by God before time and for all time.
That is why I say anyone who believes God controls "everything" would never make an argument for their position. Logic would not be able to sway anyone about anything. Logic requires freedom, to listen, to analyze, to weigh arguments and counter arguments. There is choice involved. Choice rerquires the presence of some degree of freedom.
I believe God intervenes. I believe in miracles. I also believe there are times where it is quite subtle. My understanding of systems helps me see that minor adjustments can produce huge outcomes. God could impact major events in and through minor players. I believe He does. I do not believe, however, that He conrtols every, single thing.
I believe God has a plan. I do not think His plan controls every detail. His creation has been given space to develop. The basic elements are in place for things to happen. Humans are "co-creators" in the sense that He has pulled back and given us space to make choices.
No sin is God's direct will. I do not think that God lays down commandments (e.g. "Thou shalt not kill") and then creates any number of humans whom He then makes into killers. The barbarism of the Nazi death camp is not "the mysterious work of a loving God whose ways are too difficult for us to understand." It is the product of human evil, directly opposed to God's plan for all people to live together in loving community. I was taught that evil occurs through the "permissive will of God." In other words, God allows things to happen. We are not puppets.
If God controls everything then He does not save. If, on the other hand, the world has some independent function (all dervived from God and sustained by God) then there is a sense in which He saves. Prayer makes sense in a world where things are haywire. Prayer makes sense in a world where God's absence (a Biblical theme) is the problem. Prayer makes sense in a world where God intervenes. If God is already controling everything and everything happens because He wants it that way, then prayer is really meaningless (although we have to pray because that is how He constructed the universe)
I think that Genesis teaches us that, from the beginning, the world is a wild place in need of dominion. From the beginning, God set us humans into a context where we can make choices, for good or ill. From the beginning, He "leaves the scene" providing us the ''room'' to think, feel, desire and choose.
Everything happens for a reason. The ultimate, underlying cause of everything is God. But events are also generated by an endless number of other factors, including us. The world operates under laws. Past choices and events impact the future context of other choices and events. The sins of the fathers are visited upon the children.
There is still plenty of mystery and God's activity is infinitely subtle, beautiful and. at times, difficult to discern. I do not think He directly causes rape and murder, or makes people suffer torture at the hands of evil people. The world to come will be better because in the world to come there will be an absence of the things which make us so sad. It is called "the reign of God" by Jesus. I think it means that God is, in some sense, not reigning right now. That is why Jesus refers to "the Prince of this world." Here and now, some other entitiy (human and demonic) has power. We await deliverance into the hands of the Lord and His Messiah.
Well, the phone just rang. It is 3 a.m. and our appointment has been postponed. We were instructed to call back later to find out our new time. The work of God? Who knows what all is going on? So many moving parts. So many players involved. So many factors. There is an irony to it all.
I do think it consistent to believe God is watching over us. That God is present, whether things go "well" or not. I do believe that we can choose to invite God into the process. The frustrations of being delayed, the stress of not sleeping or the worries about the unknown are an environment within which we can encounter God. God really gives us freedom and room to live and choose. I believe that God does not control every single detail because I believe in love. You see, God cannot make us love Him (or each other). Love, trust, relationship all require that we be free. Otherwise it is a sham. I think the world is real. I think God gives us options. I think God wants us to choose to love and serve Him.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
More Divine Intervention
It happened again, Thursday. We were studying the Book of Tobit, reading the chapter containing the Marriage Prayer. It is a wonderful model of Jewish prayer in the Bible, and therefore, a handy outline for our own prayer: Praise of God, thanks, reminder of God's promises, request. Lots of praise and thanks. Many couples use it at their weddings (including the wedding I had last Saturday.)
One of the lines, "I do not take her for lust but for noble purpose" led us into a long discussion about the purpose of marriage and the definition of marriage. The question of reproduction came up. I gave a brief outline of the change in understanding of what marriage is. Most were shocked at how we arrived at today's bitter battles over marriage. Once babies are out of the equation, quite simply, anything goes.
One comment that was made: "we live in bad times."
Another conversation was about the end of the world. Some guy has announced that the world will end this weekend, I think it's today. (That is why I wanted to get this last blog out before the Rapture!) I have not really followed the story, I do not believe this man knows anything about God's time table. As I told the class, "I just gave you our summer Bible study schedule, so what do you think I expect to happen?" But it has generated a great deal of interest and apparently many people have made plans for Jesus to return by selling stuff off and buying insurance to take care of their pets.
After Bible study, we celebrate eucharist. The readings are assigned in the lectionary. I never read them ahead. I am always able to come up with a brief reflection after I read/hear them. So when I read "make the most of the present time, we live in an evil age" I immediately thought of the comment above. Then the Gospel talked about, "you do not know the day nor the hour." O my!!! Two readings which were clearly reflective of our conversation. It was like God said, "Here is what I think."
We were reminded that we do live in evil times, but that is the state of the world in all times. We were reminded that the world will end, but no one knows when. Just prepare each day but avoid silly predictions.
We were reminded that so often, our Bible study discussions are connected to the lectionary readings for Mass or Morning/Evening Prayer.
We were reminded that God is at work among us. Intervening in our lives. Touching our conversations. Revealing Himself. Talking to us.
We were reminded, keep your eyes open, your ears open, your heart open: God is among us.
One of the lines, "I do not take her for lust but for noble purpose" led us into a long discussion about the purpose of marriage and the definition of marriage. The question of reproduction came up. I gave a brief outline of the change in understanding of what marriage is. Most were shocked at how we arrived at today's bitter battles over marriage. Once babies are out of the equation, quite simply, anything goes.
One comment that was made: "we live in bad times."
Another conversation was about the end of the world. Some guy has announced that the world will end this weekend, I think it's today. (That is why I wanted to get this last blog out before the Rapture!) I have not really followed the story, I do not believe this man knows anything about God's time table. As I told the class, "I just gave you our summer Bible study schedule, so what do you think I expect to happen?" But it has generated a great deal of interest and apparently many people have made plans for Jesus to return by selling stuff off and buying insurance to take care of their pets.
After Bible study, we celebrate eucharist. The readings are assigned in the lectionary. I never read them ahead. I am always able to come up with a brief reflection after I read/hear them. So when I read "make the most of the present time, we live in an evil age" I immediately thought of the comment above. Then the Gospel talked about, "you do not know the day nor the hour." O my!!! Two readings which were clearly reflective of our conversation. It was like God said, "Here is what I think."
We were reminded that we do live in evil times, but that is the state of the world in all times. We were reminded that the world will end, but no one knows when. Just prepare each day but avoid silly predictions.
We were reminded that so often, our Bible study discussions are connected to the lectionary readings for Mass or Morning/Evening Prayer.
We were reminded that God is at work among us. Intervening in our lives. Touching our conversations. Revealing Himself. Talking to us.
We were reminded, keep your eyes open, your ears open, your heart open: God is among us.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Hanging by a Thread
Last night we were bombarded with a series of storms. We were warned that a tornado was very likely. Again and again. As I sit writing this morning the last of the storms is arriving. West of us, in Arkansas, there have beend deadly storms and tornadoes. Further south, in Texas, they suffer a severe drought. My yard is like a soaking wet sponge and we have multiple flash flood warnings. In Texas they worry about wild fires and dry grass.
Fr. Rene has lost power again. He has been on and off like a third world country the last couple of weeks. He lives in an older part of town where the trees are very big and the power lines are in the air. He has a generator which has saved his freezer full of food, but it has been tough on him.
As we sat eating dinner yesterday evening with my in-laws, celebrating a pending birthday, it was surreal. Great food and fun conversation, all the while the TV at the end of the room showed the approaching storm. Sort of like life, you know something is coming, but in the meantime enjoy what you have. When we arrived home we emptied out the closet and filled it will pillows and blankets and in went momma and the two kids. I recalled the news stories about flattened homes and wondered if we would end the night in tragedy. I said my prayers and waited. In the end, it was like all the other storms. Wind. Rain. Threats. Nothing more.
Power outages, sudden death from the skies, floods and drought: they are all a reminder of how fragile life is. A friend of mine frequently says, "We live in stick houses with a brick veneer." It is a reminder that things often look more solid then they are. Eventually, one of these storms is going to be the real thing. Even so, odds are good that I will not ever be harmed by one. Yet every storm, ever power outage, every flood is a reminder that our pleasant lives hang by a thread. It would not take much to turn our lives into a struggle for existence. We are so dependent on so many things 'going right.' We are dependent on others. We are dependent on God. It is a good reason to pray and a better reason to thank God.
Fr. Rene has lost power again. He has been on and off like a third world country the last couple of weeks. He lives in an older part of town where the trees are very big and the power lines are in the air. He has a generator which has saved his freezer full of food, but it has been tough on him.
As we sat eating dinner yesterday evening with my in-laws, celebrating a pending birthday, it was surreal. Great food and fun conversation, all the while the TV at the end of the room showed the approaching storm. Sort of like life, you know something is coming, but in the meantime enjoy what you have. When we arrived home we emptied out the closet and filled it will pillows and blankets and in went momma and the two kids. I recalled the news stories about flattened homes and wondered if we would end the night in tragedy. I said my prayers and waited. In the end, it was like all the other storms. Wind. Rain. Threats. Nothing more.
Power outages, sudden death from the skies, floods and drought: they are all a reminder of how fragile life is. A friend of mine frequently says, "We live in stick houses with a brick veneer." It is a reminder that things often look more solid then they are. Eventually, one of these storms is going to be the real thing. Even so, odds are good that I will not ever be harmed by one. Yet every storm, ever power outage, every flood is a reminder that our pleasant lives hang by a thread. It would not take much to turn our lives into a struggle for existence. We are so dependent on so many things 'going right.' We are dependent on others. We are dependent on God. It is a good reason to pray and a better reason to thank God.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Lord's Prayer
A couple of days ago, I shared that at our convention, a version of the Lord's Prayer was used with which I had some concerns. However, I also shared that the familiar version we use in our church has its own issues. Raymond Brown wrote an article on the prayer, which I am unable to find. I will share what I do know, you can research more if it interests you.
There are three versions of the Lord's prayer found in ancient literature: Mathew 6:9ff and a shorter version in Luke 11:2ff are the ones we know best. Although I think most Christians are unaware of Luke's version being different. A third one, found in the Didache, is unknown to most everyone. The Didache (or Teaching of the Twelves Apostles) is an ancient text which outlines "the way" of Christian life, including ethics and worship. Arguments about dates go from around the time of Paul all the way to 150. It is an interesting read.
One thing I noted years ago was all three versions had some slight modifications. Apparently, there was not an effort to create 'in stone" one authentic version. This may be because of Jesus, or it could be inadvertant, or maybe the church intentionally made edits. I do not know why, but I do know that the differences exist. Having said that, the differences are not such that the prayer is not recognizable as the same prayer. What this means, to me, is that the Lord's Prayer is both a prayer to be said and a model for prayers which we create. However, Brown has led me to understand it in a different way than I grew up believing.
Obviously, calling God "Father" is to share in Jesus' understanding of God. It is a privileged place. Many of the blogs I read from young, struggling Christians seem to be generated by the disconnect between life as we live it and the idea that God is a loving Father. I think that, if we take Jesus seriously, we see a man who struggles in a hostile world, yet believes in His Father. Jesus seems to see His mission as combat, a battle with people, institutions and demonic entities which produce great suffering. Jesus also seemed willing to submit to torture and death as the means of victory. MYSTERY!
Brown points out that the verbs in the Lord's prayer are in a Greek tense which indicates a "once and for all" action (aortist tense). In other words, it is not the tense of ongoing actions. It is definitve. He says that this prayer of Jesus is asking God to end the world as we know it and establish His Kingdom as He promised. I like that.
"Hallowed be thy name" is passive voice. I always thought it meant we should treat God's name as holy. In the Bible, passive voice implies Divine action. Remember, the Jewish awe of God's Holy Name led them to avoid using it. So, for example, in Matthew, the Kingdom of God is called the Kingdom of Heaven. Brown says that this is actually a request for God to make His own name holy, i.e., glorify your name. This is a short hand way of saying "establish your kingdom." The next two verses are quite overt: "Thy kingdom come" and "Thy will be done" mean just that. However, it means "NOW." This insight has changed my prayer. The tension I feel in my life, those experiences of sin, evil and 'the absence of God' are real. We do live in a 'not yet' time. Praying this prayer means asking God to estblish His kingdom.
"Give (once and for all) the bread ??" There is much discussion about what exactly the Greek word means which we transalte "daily." Brown makes a good case that it literally means the bread of tomorrow, i.e., the bread of the great Messianic feast. In other words, establish the kingdom and feed us at the great table! The number of parables which Jesus preached about tables seems to reinforce this idea.
We pray "forgive us our trespasses" in my church. Matthew and Didache have "debts" while Luke has "sins" and then "debts." I like debts better than trespasses, for the simple reason that my debts to God are not simply sins. I also have the debt of all I have received from God. Every blessing is a gift. To forgive a debt is to not demand it be paid back. Once more, this is a common theme of Jesus' parables. At the final judgment, it is our prayer that God will write off all our debts, everything we owe. This is forgiveness of sins, but it is so much more!
The Greek word for 'temptation' is the same word for 'test.' It can mean either. In the last days, Jesus says, it will be so severe that no one would survive without God's grace. I think Jesus is reminding us that as we pray for the Kingdom to come, we are also in need of protection in the time of great testing. Deliver us from "evil" can also be translated from "the evil one." I think there is a great battle and Jesus told Peter to pray because Satan intended to sift him. So it is true of us. Satan is real and he is dangerous.
So when I pray, by myself, I often times make a conscious decision to ask God to establish His kingdom and protect us. I beg Him to bring us to the table of the wedding feast. I use different terms and images, but all are focused on God, the King, coming to the world, once and for all, and setting things right. Because of the struggles I see around me, it is easy to make such a prayer. God is not (fully) reigning right now. This is why it is hard for us to believe. Yet, He is coming. Perhaps when enough of us pray for the kingdom to come He will come? I do not know. I do know Jesus told us to pray for it. So I do.
There are three versions of the Lord's prayer found in ancient literature: Mathew 6:9ff and a shorter version in Luke 11:2ff are the ones we know best. Although I think most Christians are unaware of Luke's version being different. A third one, found in the Didache, is unknown to most everyone. The Didache (or Teaching of the Twelves Apostles) is an ancient text which outlines "the way" of Christian life, including ethics and worship. Arguments about dates go from around the time of Paul all the way to 150. It is an interesting read.
One thing I noted years ago was all three versions had some slight modifications. Apparently, there was not an effort to create 'in stone" one authentic version. This may be because of Jesus, or it could be inadvertant, or maybe the church intentionally made edits. I do not know why, but I do know that the differences exist. Having said that, the differences are not such that the prayer is not recognizable as the same prayer. What this means, to me, is that the Lord's Prayer is both a prayer to be said and a model for prayers which we create. However, Brown has led me to understand it in a different way than I grew up believing.
Obviously, calling God "Father" is to share in Jesus' understanding of God. It is a privileged place. Many of the blogs I read from young, struggling Christians seem to be generated by the disconnect between life as we live it and the idea that God is a loving Father. I think that, if we take Jesus seriously, we see a man who struggles in a hostile world, yet believes in His Father. Jesus seems to see His mission as combat, a battle with people, institutions and demonic entities which produce great suffering. Jesus also seemed willing to submit to torture and death as the means of victory. MYSTERY!
Brown points out that the verbs in the Lord's prayer are in a Greek tense which indicates a "once and for all" action (aortist tense). In other words, it is not the tense of ongoing actions. It is definitve. He says that this prayer of Jesus is asking God to end the world as we know it and establish His Kingdom as He promised. I like that.
"Hallowed be thy name" is passive voice. I always thought it meant we should treat God's name as holy. In the Bible, passive voice implies Divine action. Remember, the Jewish awe of God's Holy Name led them to avoid using it. So, for example, in Matthew, the Kingdom of God is called the Kingdom of Heaven. Brown says that this is actually a request for God to make His own name holy, i.e., glorify your name. This is a short hand way of saying "establish your kingdom." The next two verses are quite overt: "Thy kingdom come" and "Thy will be done" mean just that. However, it means "NOW." This insight has changed my prayer. The tension I feel in my life, those experiences of sin, evil and 'the absence of God' are real. We do live in a 'not yet' time. Praying this prayer means asking God to estblish His kingdom.
"Give (once and for all) the bread ??" There is much discussion about what exactly the Greek word means which we transalte "daily." Brown makes a good case that it literally means the bread of tomorrow, i.e., the bread of the great Messianic feast. In other words, establish the kingdom and feed us at the great table! The number of parables which Jesus preached about tables seems to reinforce this idea.
We pray "forgive us our trespasses" in my church. Matthew and Didache have "debts" while Luke has "sins" and then "debts." I like debts better than trespasses, for the simple reason that my debts to God are not simply sins. I also have the debt of all I have received from God. Every blessing is a gift. To forgive a debt is to not demand it be paid back. Once more, this is a common theme of Jesus' parables. At the final judgment, it is our prayer that God will write off all our debts, everything we owe. This is forgiveness of sins, but it is so much more!
The Greek word for 'temptation' is the same word for 'test.' It can mean either. In the last days, Jesus says, it will be so severe that no one would survive without God's grace. I think Jesus is reminding us that as we pray for the Kingdom to come, we are also in need of protection in the time of great testing. Deliver us from "evil" can also be translated from "the evil one." I think there is a great battle and Jesus told Peter to pray because Satan intended to sift him. So it is true of us. Satan is real and he is dangerous.
So when I pray, by myself, I often times make a conscious decision to ask God to establish His kingdom and protect us. I beg Him to bring us to the table of the wedding feast. I use different terms and images, but all are focused on God, the King, coming to the world, once and for all, and setting things right. Because of the struggles I see around me, it is easy to make such a prayer. God is not (fully) reigning right now. This is why it is hard for us to believe. Yet, He is coming. Perhaps when enough of us pray for the kingdom to come He will come? I do not know. I do know Jesus told us to pray for it. So I do.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Final thoughts on Prayer: rule of life
I got an e-mail yesterday about my recent posts. Trying to figure out how to post comments is too difficult for most people. If you need to contact me or would like to offer suggestions or ask questions I can be reached at jeff@standrewscollierville.org
The centerpiece of the e-mail was the issue of time. She said that many people have told her it is not necessary to spend a long time in prayer. She said the idea of warm up and cool down was helpful. She has also recommitted to her goal, an hour a day, with the assumption that she will not always make it. Her logic is 'better to come up short on an hour then it is come up short on ten minutes.' I agree. I would lilke to share some thoughts generated by my e-mail conversation with her.
My model for the Spiritual Life parallels my model for physical exercises.
Well, I have spent time doing this, now I need to go pray. I hope you see and hear God today!
The centerpiece of the e-mail was the issue of time. She said that many people have told her it is not necessary to spend a long time in prayer. She said the idea of warm up and cool down was helpful. She has also recommitted to her goal, an hour a day, with the assumption that she will not always make it. Her logic is 'better to come up short on an hour then it is come up short on ten minutes.' I agree. I would lilke to share some thoughts generated by my e-mail conversation with her.
My model for the Spiritual Life parallels my model for physical exercises.
- Do not feel compelled to do the same thing every day. You can change it up. Some days pray longer. Some days may be shorter but more intense. Some days focus on thanksgiving and praise. The key is being INTENTIONAL. Set up a schedule so that you are clear which days are which. Most people who work out will tell you that if my workout is based on how I feel, many days I would quit before I warmed up.
- The model. Physical fitness is strength, endurance, flexibility and speed. It is based on strength training, aerobics, stretching, nutrition, and rest. It is enhanced by variation in intensity and duration. People work harder with a partner and benefit from a guide/instructor/coach. I apply this to spiritual exercises. Sometimes literally, other times by analogy. (e.g. Bible = nutrition)
- Quiet time is important. My guess is God speaks in a whisper much of the time (see Elijah on Mt. Carmel). It is hard to hear Him if you are talking! Deep breathing and repeating a phrase might help. Things like "Holy, holy, holy Lord." A verse of scripture may be useful. On occassion do the 'Barney prayer,' look to God and say twenty times, consciously and out loud, "I love You, You love me." Enter into the reality of that!
- Posture matters. Face it, we are incarnate, body and soul. Kneel sometimes. Stand sometimes. Extend your arms outstretched and reaching and look up. Bow your head. Lay on the floor face down. Each physical position has a part in our prayer. Your body communicates to your soul. You can pray (as a sinner, a needy child, an exultant disciple, etc.) more readily when your posture reflects the prayer. [Experiment: Fold your arms across your chesst, frown, and in a low, angry tone say, "Glory to God in the Highest." NEXT, open your palms and extend your hands over your head. Smile. Eyes wide open. Sing, "Glory to God in the Highest." Now reflect on the difference between the two.]
- Pray outloud sometimes. Especially when we are alone, it is helpful to verbalize our prayer. I have spent many hours talking to God in our empty church. In all honesty, it seems more real. It is more like communication and less like thinking. I have had some people tell me, "people would think I was crazy talking out loud when no one is there." [re-read that last line and think about it a moment......] If you pray, thinking no one is there that is a problem. Pray like God is really there and really cares. He is. If He isn't then nothing really matters anyway.
- Use your imgination in praying with Scripture. Pretend you are there. Look at Jesus and the crowds. Ask him about what He is thinking and feeling. Make analogies to your world. Ask him to reveal His heart to you. I did an 8th grade retreat once and we did a guided meditation. One of the girls shared later that she was shocked to see Jesus wearing blue jeans. She had an encounter which blew her away. How cool is that?
Well, I have spent time doing this, now I need to go pray. I hope you see and hear God today!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Perseverance
I was reading Luke 18 this morning. What I read today resonated with a conversation I had with a woman last night at a parish dinner. She spoke of the struggle of faith and the prevalence of doubt among believers.
Jesus tells a story (18:1) which Luke says is meant to show us that we must pray constantly. There is a widow who comes to a judge for justice. In ancient cultures (ours too) widows, orphans and foreigners are especially vulnerable to the rich and powerful. They are easily abused and have limited access to the support they need to get what is due them. The Jewish Law (Torah) is explicit that God demands justice for the "poor." The Judge, however, does not care about his duties. The woman has no where else to turn. She is alone. All she has is her willingness to pester the Judge. She does not give up.
In the Greek the Judge literally says, "I do not care about God or men, but this woman may give me a black eye." The image of the woman attacking the Judge is no doubt meant to be comical (although in light of the masacre in Arizona yesterday we also know that public official are at risk). In the end, out of self centeredness and for his own benefit, the Judge decided to give her justice.
Jesus then says that we can learn from this. The Greek is a little tricky but it seems to be saying that while God bears our suffering for a while, He will act quickly (in the sense of decisively and powerfully) for those who remain faithful. But then Jesus asks a question. "When the Son of Man returns will He find any faith?"
Will He? Jesus seems to wonder if any of us will be willing, like the widow, to cry out to God with perseverance. It is interesting that Jesus asks such a question. Apparently, the doubt and uncertainty of our own age is not a new thing. It seems in ancient Israel Jesus confronted the same issue.
Sadly, all of us are in need of justice. We have all suffered and been victims. Sadder still, all of us are also perpetrators. There are others who cry out to God because of what we have done. God delays in bringing justice but Jesus says we have to wait and hope and trust. The day is coming. When it does come, it will be Quick! But Jesus asks the question, "Who will be waiting for it? Trusting God for it? Who?"
If you have doubts, join the club. But doubts are not a result of our being more modern and advanced. Doubt is older than civilization! Jesus calls you to trust. To pray regularly and earnestly and (yes!) HONESTLY. God will hear and God will act.
Jesus tells a story (18:1) which Luke says is meant to show us that we must pray constantly. There is a widow who comes to a judge for justice. In ancient cultures (ours too) widows, orphans and foreigners are especially vulnerable to the rich and powerful. They are easily abused and have limited access to the support they need to get what is due them. The Jewish Law (Torah) is explicit that God demands justice for the "poor." The Judge, however, does not care about his duties. The woman has no where else to turn. She is alone. All she has is her willingness to pester the Judge. She does not give up.
In the Greek the Judge literally says, "I do not care about God or men, but this woman may give me a black eye." The image of the woman attacking the Judge is no doubt meant to be comical (although in light of the masacre in Arizona yesterday we also know that public official are at risk). In the end, out of self centeredness and for his own benefit, the Judge decided to give her justice.
Jesus then says that we can learn from this. The Greek is a little tricky but it seems to be saying that while God bears our suffering for a while, He will act quickly (in the sense of decisively and powerfully) for those who remain faithful. But then Jesus asks a question. "When the Son of Man returns will He find any faith?"
Will He? Jesus seems to wonder if any of us will be willing, like the widow, to cry out to God with perseverance. It is interesting that Jesus asks such a question. Apparently, the doubt and uncertainty of our own age is not a new thing. It seems in ancient Israel Jesus confronted the same issue.
Sadly, all of us are in need of justice. We have all suffered and been victims. Sadder still, all of us are also perpetrators. There are others who cry out to God because of what we have done. God delays in bringing justice but Jesus says we have to wait and hope and trust. The day is coming. When it does come, it will be Quick! But Jesus asks the question, "Who will be waiting for it? Trusting God for it? Who?"
If you have doubts, join the club. But doubts are not a result of our being more modern and advanced. Doubt is older than civilization! Jesus calls you to trust. To pray regularly and earnestly and (yes!) HONESTLY. God will hear and God will act.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Hosea 10:1-15
The Epsicopal church provides a format for daily prayer. In Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer there are psalms assigned to be read (prayerfully) and three additional readings from the bible. Today one of the readings is from Hosea. He is a prophet of Israel who lived around 750BC. He is best known for marrying a woman who turned to harlotry and then calling her back to be his wife. His own life served as an image of God's relationship with Israel. It is a tragic story of pain and love.
One of the most stunning features of the Bible is the amount of negative material it contains about Christians and Jews-the very source of the material. In the New Testament the apostles (the eye witnesses who tell the stories about Jesus) are frequently portrayed as dense and unfaithful. However, the Old Testament is even more radically honest. The prohets, for example, are relentless in pointing out the sins and foibles of the Jewish people. And, to their credit, the Jewish people recorded these words and saved them. In chapter 10 of Hosea, which I read this morning in my prayer time, Hosea says of Israel "Israel is a luxuriant vine that yields its fruit. The more his fruit increased the more altars he built..." The altars, unfortunately, were for other gods. Israel did not stay focused on worshipping the One God who had blessed her. Israel, says Hosea (speaking for GOD!) is producing fruit, but the fruits have led her astray. In a simple declaration, Hosea continues in verse 2 "Their heart is false; now they must bear their guilt." Judgment. A time of reckoning.
As different as America 2010 is from ancient Israel, it is easy to see the parallels. Abundance has not produced justice and peace or true worship in our land either. The warning of the prophet is relevant today. We are on a journey together and our choices today will impact what happens tomorrow. If we are false then we will bear the guilt. As I look at the fruits of my life I am distressed by how often the abundance produces greed. I want more. It also produces worry. I don't want to lose what I have. Thankfully, by God's mercy at other times I am greatful. I try to focus in prayer on praise and thanks. I seek to be God focused. The God revealed in the Old Testament. Today's reading, full of threat and judgment, ends with verse 12 and a word of hope. Hosea tells us that God says, "for it is time to seek the Lord, that He may come and rain righteousness upon you." This is also judgment. A declaration that those who seek God will be caught up in the refreshing rain of His "Justice-doing." He will raise up the lowly and cast down the mighty. Better days are coming for those who seek Him. This is our hope. Some critics would mock such hope and label it wishful thinking and a fantasy. Perhaps. But how then to make sense of those other verses, the message of challenge and threat with a demand for conversion? How is it that the word of God is as likely to produce guilt or fear as hope and joy?
To me there is something that rings true in this word. There is something authentic in the Jewish faith and by extension through Jesus in the Christian faith. The words produce as many questions as answers. That is why reading and praying on them every day is so vital. So today, it is time to seek the Lord!
One of the most stunning features of the Bible is the amount of negative material it contains about Christians and Jews-the very source of the material. In the New Testament the apostles (the eye witnesses who tell the stories about Jesus) are frequently portrayed as dense and unfaithful. However, the Old Testament is even more radically honest. The prohets, for example, are relentless in pointing out the sins and foibles of the Jewish people. And, to their credit, the Jewish people recorded these words and saved them. In chapter 10 of Hosea, which I read this morning in my prayer time, Hosea says of Israel "Israel is a luxuriant vine that yields its fruit. The more his fruit increased the more altars he built..." The altars, unfortunately, were for other gods. Israel did not stay focused on worshipping the One God who had blessed her. Israel, says Hosea (speaking for GOD!) is producing fruit, but the fruits have led her astray. In a simple declaration, Hosea continues in verse 2 "Their heart is false; now they must bear their guilt." Judgment. A time of reckoning.
As different as America 2010 is from ancient Israel, it is easy to see the parallels. Abundance has not produced justice and peace or true worship in our land either. The warning of the prophet is relevant today. We are on a journey together and our choices today will impact what happens tomorrow. If we are false then we will bear the guilt. As I look at the fruits of my life I am distressed by how often the abundance produces greed. I want more. It also produces worry. I don't want to lose what I have. Thankfully, by God's mercy at other times I am greatful. I try to focus in prayer on praise and thanks. I seek to be God focused. The God revealed in the Old Testament. Today's reading, full of threat and judgment, ends with verse 12 and a word of hope. Hosea tells us that God says, "for it is time to seek the Lord, that He may come and rain righteousness upon you." This is also judgment. A declaration that those who seek God will be caught up in the refreshing rain of His "Justice-doing." He will raise up the lowly and cast down the mighty. Better days are coming for those who seek Him. This is our hope. Some critics would mock such hope and label it wishful thinking and a fantasy. Perhaps. But how then to make sense of those other verses, the message of challenge and threat with a demand for conversion? How is it that the word of God is as likely to produce guilt or fear as hope and joy?
To me there is something that rings true in this word. There is something authentic in the Jewish faith and by extension through Jesus in the Christian faith. The words produce as many questions as answers. That is why reading and praying on them every day is so vital. So today, it is time to seek the Lord!
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