Readings: Ps 87, 90; Jud 9:22-25, 50-57; Acts 4:32-5:11; John 2:13-25
Psalm 90 – the only psalm attributed to Moses – is written from the perspective of someone who has lived a long life and is trying to make sense of it all. The psalmist doesn’t sugar coat life’s difficulties. He prays that the good days might at least outnumber the bad, and acknowledges that the lucky get 80 years of toil and trouble. Yet he prays for God’s work and its meaning to be manifest in the community.
We would be wise not to wait until the end of our lives to contemplate the meaning of our work and suffering, nor should we wait until suffering is upon us. Praying and meditating over hard truths prepares us for hard times. I have known more than one person who has been able to see the suffering of others as part of God’s plan, then lost faith when God did not exempt them from disease, infidelity, the loss of a loved one, or other tragedy. I can only pray that when suffering comes to me, I will have spent enough time contemplating “why them?” and “how would you have me respond?” that “why me?” becomes a moot question.
The psalmist doesn’t offer concrete answers to the questions he raises, but the context in which he raises them might give us some clues. The questions he asks are universal, and he asks them not about anyone in particular, but about the community. The work is not the work of any one person, but that of the community. The meaning of the work transcends any single life or generation. Remember that God did not permit Moses, despite all he did to lead the Israelites, to enter the promised land. Any satisfaction Moses gained from his efforts he gained from the knowledge he had played his role in the greater plan.
When it’s our turn to suffer – and we’ll all have our turn – the question “Why me?” overwhelms us if we can’t see ourselves as one part of the whole of creation. Like words chosen by a skillful poet, each of is complete, important and beloved by God, but part of a greater work.
Comfort: God is with us, even in suffering.
Challenge: Read The Red Wheelbarrow by William Carlos Williams. Imagine how different it would be if any one of the words was missing.
Prayer: God of hope, thank you for my place in creation.
Evening readings: Ps 136
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
A Quiet Kind of Loud
Readings: Ps 88; Jud 9:1-16, 19-21; Acts 4:13-31; John 2:2-12
What might Peter and the disciples have meant when they prayed for God to help them ”speak his word with all boldness?” The most predictable meaning of “bold” might be “courageous and daring,” a stance the disciples had struggled with in the past. It also means “impudent.” Following Jesus required the disciples to buck convention, especially when religious authorities tried to maintain the oppressive status quo. No matter how truly a servant speaks, if the master doesn’t like the truth it sounds like insubordination. Another definition is “beyond the limits of convention.” The disciples were asking Israel and eventually the Gentiles to turn their thinking upside down and embrace a paradoxical theology. If the first are last and the last become first… who exactly is on first?
While we are still called to speak God’s word boldly, we must also be humble. For many people, boldness means loudness, intimidation and arrogance. Sheer volume can become the conversational equivalent of might making right. This is not the way to effectively spread God’s word. When someone yells or is overly forceful, the natural instinct of their target is usually either to retreat or to respond in kind. We can’t alienate someone and hope to communicate with them at the same time.
Companies with good customer service train their representatives to respond to angry customers by listening first, reflecting the customer’s feelings back to them, and then responding positively, firmly and calmly without ever raising their voices. This is bold in the sense that it goes against the natural impulses of the representative and redirects the customer. A good customer service agent defuses a tense situation and leaves the customer feeling satisfied – even when the customer is wrong.
We are not called simply to placate, but if we are to serve to the world, our attitude must be one of service. We do not need anger and hostility to validate a just cause. A quiet truth, spoken boldly and persistently, overcomes the loudest empty noise.
Comfort: Truth speaks louder than anything.
Challenge: The next time you are in an argument, don’t raise your voice.
Prayer: God of hope, teach me to be bold and humble.
Evening readings: Ps 91, 92
What might Peter and the disciples have meant when they prayed for God to help them ”speak his word with all boldness?” The most predictable meaning of “bold” might be “courageous and daring,” a stance the disciples had struggled with in the past. It also means “impudent.” Following Jesus required the disciples to buck convention, especially when religious authorities tried to maintain the oppressive status quo. No matter how truly a servant speaks, if the master doesn’t like the truth it sounds like insubordination. Another definition is “beyond the limits of convention.” The disciples were asking Israel and eventually the Gentiles to turn their thinking upside down and embrace a paradoxical theology. If the first are last and the last become first… who exactly is on first?
While we are still called to speak God’s word boldly, we must also be humble. For many people, boldness means loudness, intimidation and arrogance. Sheer volume can become the conversational equivalent of might making right. This is not the way to effectively spread God’s word. When someone yells or is overly forceful, the natural instinct of their target is usually either to retreat or to respond in kind. We can’t alienate someone and hope to communicate with them at the same time.
Companies with good customer service train their representatives to respond to angry customers by listening first, reflecting the customer’s feelings back to them, and then responding positively, firmly and calmly without ever raising their voices. This is bold in the sense that it goes against the natural impulses of the representative and redirects the customer. A good customer service agent defuses a tense situation and leaves the customer feeling satisfied – even when the customer is wrong.
We are not called simply to placate, but if we are to serve to the world, our attitude must be one of service. We do not need anger and hostility to validate a just cause. A quiet truth, spoken boldly and persistently, overcomes the loudest empty noise.
Comfort: Truth speaks louder than anything.
Challenge: The next time you are in an argument, don’t raise your voice.
Prayer: God of hope, teach me to be bold and humble.
Evening readings: Ps 91, 92
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Wait a second...
Today's readings: Ps 83; Jud 8:22-35; Acts 4:1-12; John 1:43-51
If you’re paying attention, you may notice the Lectionary readings skipped from Judges 8:12 to 8:22. You may also have noticed when we skipped from Joshua 8:22 to 8:30. Sometimes the Lectionary skips passages because they are redundant or do not add to our understanding. In these two cases, however, it skips them because the content is too violent and portrays God in a sadistic light. Our modern sensibilities tell us these passages, portraying revenge killings, are not in our true nature nor in God’s.
Personally, I feel this omission is a mistake. What happens if we are unwilling to wrestle with the dark side of our own natures? We like to distance ourselves from behaviors that offend or frighten us because we want to believe we are better or have more control. When we are unable to admit we may be capable of terrible things, we may also be
unprepared to effectively resist the temptation to do those things. How often we have heard someone defend themselves by saying “I didn’t mean for it to happen; it just did!” The excuse that our choices are somehow beyond our control is the flip side of the illusion that we are different from “bad people.” We may not like it, but a good deal of our character is circumstance. To exercise control and be responsible for our own actions, we must confess to ourselves—and others if need be—our weaknesses and temptations. We do this not to punish or humiliate ourselves, but to deal with them effectively as they arise. There’s a reason the famous first step of Alcoholics Anonymous is admitting you have a problem.
The good news is we are forgiven and we are called to a higher path. “Judging not” isn’t just about the person we forgive—it’s also about examining our own hearts and recognizing the kindred struggle within us. We are all capable of great evil and great love. Christ understands and accepts this about us. A decision to follow Christ is a decision to embrace our complete selves so we can love completely.
Comfort: God knows our hearts, and loves us as we are.
Challenge: Go back and read Joshua 8:23-29 and Judges 8:13-21, then re-read Psalm 83:11-12 for a better understanding.
Prayer: God of hope, help me be honest with myself.
Evening reading: Ps 85, 86
If you’re paying attention, you may notice the Lectionary readings skipped from Judges 8:12 to 8:22. You may also have noticed when we skipped from Joshua 8:22 to 8:30. Sometimes the Lectionary skips passages because they are redundant or do not add to our understanding. In these two cases, however, it skips them because the content is too violent and portrays God in a sadistic light. Our modern sensibilities tell us these passages, portraying revenge killings, are not in our true nature nor in God’s.
Personally, I feel this omission is a mistake. What happens if we are unwilling to wrestle with the dark side of our own natures? We like to distance ourselves from behaviors that offend or frighten us because we want to believe we are better or have more control. When we are unable to admit we may be capable of terrible things, we may also be
unprepared to effectively resist the temptation to do those things. How often we have heard someone defend themselves by saying “I didn’t mean for it to happen; it just did!” The excuse that our choices are somehow beyond our control is the flip side of the illusion that we are different from “bad people.” We may not like it, but a good deal of our character is circumstance. To exercise control and be responsible for our own actions, we must confess to ourselves—and others if need be—our weaknesses and temptations. We do this not to punish or humiliate ourselves, but to deal with them effectively as they arise. There’s a reason the famous first step of Alcoholics Anonymous is admitting you have a problem.
The good news is we are forgiven and we are called to a higher path. “Judging not” isn’t just about the person we forgive—it’s also about examining our own hearts and recognizing the kindred struggle within us. We are all capable of great evil and great love. Christ understands and accepts this about us. A decision to follow Christ is a decision to embrace our complete selves so we can love completely.
Comfort: God knows our hearts, and loves us as we are.
Challenge: Go back and read Joshua 8:23-29 and Judges 8:13-21, then re-read Psalm 83:11-12 for a better understanding.
Prayer: God of hope, help me be honest with myself.
Evening reading: Ps 85, 86
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
A New Name
Today's readings: Ps 119:97-120; Jud 7:19-8:12; Acts 3:12-26; John 1:29-42
Many rites of passage include a name change. In western culture, marriage traditionally involved a new last name for the bride. As gender roles develop, some people modify this custom by making no name change, creating a new hyphenated name, or changing the name of the groom. Such choices make statements about how people view their identities. Roman Catholics going through the sacrament of Confirmation take on an additional name. Traditionally, this is the name of a saint whom the candidate admires. When taken seriously, this choice also makes a statement about the person’s values and identity.
Gideon, our current protagonist in Judges, becomes Jerub-Baal after he destroys the altar to Baal. “Jerub-Baal” functions as a nickname, given by others recognizing a personal accomplishment or quality. Nicknames can be welcome or unwelcome, and are generally beyond the recipient’s control. When Jesus meets Simon, he gives him a new name: Cephas, translated as Peter or “rock.” This change signifies Peter’s new role – the rock upon which Christ intends to found his church (Matt 16:18). Peter doesn’t always act like a rock, but given time he grows into his role. If we compare Jerub-Baal and Peter, we see one name describes the person’s past, and the other describes the person’s potential.
The names of many Biblical figures (Abram/Abraham, Sarai/Sarah, Jacob/Israel, Saul/Paul, etc.) changed to reflect their new relationship with God, reflecting both past and future. While these name changes have a mythic quality, they also teach us that a relationship with God can transform us so completely that even our names no longer describe us.
Has your relationship with God defined or redefined your identity? If Jesus gave you a name to describe your journey so far, what might it be? What name might he give you to unlock your potential? God, knowing who we’ve been and who we can be, has a new name ready for all of us. Through prayer and reflection we can claim it and grow into it.
Comfort: No matter your name, God knows how to call you.
Challenge: Try to determine what name God might give (or has given) you.
Prayer: God of hope, help me live up to the name you would give me.
Evening reading: Ps 81, 82
Many rites of passage include a name change. In western culture, marriage traditionally involved a new last name for the bride. As gender roles develop, some people modify this custom by making no name change, creating a new hyphenated name, or changing the name of the groom. Such choices make statements about how people view their identities. Roman Catholics going through the sacrament of Confirmation take on an additional name. Traditionally, this is the name of a saint whom the candidate admires. When taken seriously, this choice also makes a statement about the person’s values and identity.
Gideon, our current protagonist in Judges, becomes Jerub-Baal after he destroys the altar to Baal. “Jerub-Baal” functions as a nickname, given by others recognizing a personal accomplishment or quality. Nicknames can be welcome or unwelcome, and are generally beyond the recipient’s control. When Jesus meets Simon, he gives him a new name: Cephas, translated as Peter or “rock.” This change signifies Peter’s new role – the rock upon which Christ intends to found his church (Matt 16:18). Peter doesn’t always act like a rock, but given time he grows into his role. If we compare Jerub-Baal and Peter, we see one name describes the person’s past, and the other describes the person’s potential.
The names of many Biblical figures (Abram/Abraham, Sarai/Sarah, Jacob/Israel, Saul/Paul, etc.) changed to reflect their new relationship with God, reflecting both past and future. While these name changes have a mythic quality, they also teach us that a relationship with God can transform us so completely that even our names no longer describe us.
Has your relationship with God defined or redefined your identity? If Jesus gave you a name to describe your journey so far, what might it be? What name might he give you to unlock your potential? God, knowing who we’ve been and who we can be, has a new name ready for all of us. Through prayer and reflection we can claim it and grow into it.
Comfort: No matter your name, God knows how to call you.
Challenge: Try to determine what name God might give (or has given) you.
Prayer: God of hope, help me live up to the name you would give me.
Evening reading: Ps 81, 82
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Don't Get Too Comfortable
Today’s readings: Ps 78:1-39; Jud 7:1-18; Acts 3:1-11; John 1:19-28
As we follow Christ, we always need to remember we are not blazing a new trail, but traveling a well-worn path. Christianity has a rich history that did not begin with our own denomination, congregation or conversion. Many ways were once little more than ruts in the ground, and we can thank the people who first braved the frontiers for the smooth travel we enjoy today. The same can be said of our spiritual predecessors.
When things get too easy, we can take them for granted. During the period of Judges, each new generation of Israelites became complacent and forgot the foundation of its faith. Young people tend to think they are the first to experience anything, when in truth “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecc 1:9). Awareness of our faith heritage is a step toward mature thought and growth. To this end, Psalm 78 reminded the Israelites of the triumphs and failures of their relationship with God.
What might we in the modern Western world take for granted about Christianity? We safely zip down the Christian highway, but our role models Peter and John the Baptist entered uncharted and dangerous territory. We don’t have to seek martyrdom to live authentic Christian lives, but we do have to be willing to take risks to carry on Christ’s ministry of healing, forgiveness and love. Where Peter laid hands on the crippled beggar, we support faith-based hospitals and the charity care they provide. Where John the Baptist made straight the way of the Lord in the face of religious authority, we raise our voices for Christ’s justice in the secular world and in the church itself. Where Jesus multiplied loaves and fish, we open food banks and work for a just economy. If necessary, we do these things and more despite risk to personal comfort and safety.
Merely identifying ourselves as Christians carries little risk these days. Is a life spent in Christian bookstores and like-minded company worthy of our heritage? Following a set of rules is easy and safe. Sticking our necks out for the ministry we have inherited is another matter entirely. God calls us not to safety, but to faithfulness. We are up to the challenge.
Comfort: Our Christian heritage is a source of wisdom and courage.
Challenge: Choose to act on a spiritual challenge you have avoided.
Prayer: God of hope, thank you for the foundations you have laid.
Evening reading: Ps 78:40-72
As we follow Christ, we always need to remember we are not blazing a new trail, but traveling a well-worn path. Christianity has a rich history that did not begin with our own denomination, congregation or conversion. Many ways were once little more than ruts in the ground, and we can thank the people who first braved the frontiers for the smooth travel we enjoy today. The same can be said of our spiritual predecessors.
When things get too easy, we can take them for granted. During the period of Judges, each new generation of Israelites became complacent and forgot the foundation of its faith. Young people tend to think they are the first to experience anything, when in truth “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecc 1:9). Awareness of our faith heritage is a step toward mature thought and growth. To this end, Psalm 78 reminded the Israelites of the triumphs and failures of their relationship with God.
What might we in the modern Western world take for granted about Christianity? We safely zip down the Christian highway, but our role models Peter and John the Baptist entered uncharted and dangerous territory. We don’t have to seek martyrdom to live authentic Christian lives, but we do have to be willing to take risks to carry on Christ’s ministry of healing, forgiveness and love. Where Peter laid hands on the crippled beggar, we support faith-based hospitals and the charity care they provide. Where John the Baptist made straight the way of the Lord in the face of religious authority, we raise our voices for Christ’s justice in the secular world and in the church itself. Where Jesus multiplied loaves and fish, we open food banks and work for a just economy. If necessary, we do these things and more despite risk to personal comfort and safety.
Merely identifying ourselves as Christians carries little risk these days. Is a life spent in Christian bookstores and like-minded company worthy of our heritage? Following a set of rules is easy and safe. Sticking our necks out for the ministry we have inherited is another matter entirely. God calls us not to safety, but to faithfulness. We are up to the challenge.
Comfort: Our Christian heritage is a source of wisdom and courage.
Challenge: Choose to act on a spiritual challenge you have avoided.
Prayer: God of hope, thank you for the foundations you have laid.
Evening reading: Ps 78:40-72
Monday, August 2, 2010
Christian Community
Today's readings: Ps 80; Jud 6:25-40; Acts 2:37-47; John 1:1-18
How would we react if our pastor suggested we take all our money to church, throw it into a big pile with everyone else’s money, and let people take what they needed when they needed it? In most churches, we’d start the search for a new pastor. However, today’s reading from Acts tells us that’s exactly how the earliest Christians chose to shape their community.
When our church plans a mission trip, our preparation includes reflection on Acts 2:43-47. We do indeed pool our resources, eat and pray together, and gain the good will of the people by serving them. So far we haven’t sold all our possessions, but members of some Christian communities – often called the New Monastics – have done just that to better serve each other and their neighbors. Some commit to this way of life permanently, and others do it for a season. Mission trips usually last for a short season, but living this way only for a little while can have a profound impact.
The Christian community of Acts functions very differently than today’s mainstream Christian communities. When we hear from people who want to define American as a “Christian nation,” how often do they suggest we divest ourselves of possessions and pool our resources? When someone expresses a desire to do so, do we take them seriously or counsel them to reconsider? American culture is based on capitalism and democracy. As Christians, we recognize these are not ends in themselves, but means for building a just society. When they are used as tools for injustice and exploitation, as any government or economy will be, we must be the voice of justice – the voice of Christ. When we value ideologies above the values taught by Christ, we must examine and adjust our priorities.
Should we all sell everything and live in communes? Probably not. But we should embrace the underlying values of the early Christians: community is more important than personal wealth; trust is more important than certainty; and time spent in service transforms us in positive ways. What changes can we make to reflect those values in our own lives?
Comfort: Each small step toward community make the next one easier.
Challenge: For each ten dollars you spend on food this week, spend one on donations to a food bank.
Prayer: God of hope, thank you for the gift of community.
Evening readings: Ps 77, 19
How would we react if our pastor suggested we take all our money to church, throw it into a big pile with everyone else’s money, and let people take what they needed when they needed it? In most churches, we’d start the search for a new pastor. However, today’s reading from Acts tells us that’s exactly how the earliest Christians chose to shape their community.
When our church plans a mission trip, our preparation includes reflection on Acts 2:43-47. We do indeed pool our resources, eat and pray together, and gain the good will of the people by serving them. So far we haven’t sold all our possessions, but members of some Christian communities – often called the New Monastics – have done just that to better serve each other and their neighbors. Some commit to this way of life permanently, and others do it for a season. Mission trips usually last for a short season, but living this way only for a little while can have a profound impact.
The Christian community of Acts functions very differently than today’s mainstream Christian communities. When we hear from people who want to define American as a “Christian nation,” how often do they suggest we divest ourselves of possessions and pool our resources? When someone expresses a desire to do so, do we take them seriously or counsel them to reconsider? American culture is based on capitalism and democracy. As Christians, we recognize these are not ends in themselves, but means for building a just society. When they are used as tools for injustice and exploitation, as any government or economy will be, we must be the voice of justice – the voice of Christ. When we value ideologies above the values taught by Christ, we must examine and adjust our priorities.
Should we all sell everything and live in communes? Probably not. But we should embrace the underlying values of the early Christians: community is more important than personal wealth; trust is more important than certainty; and time spent in service transforms us in positive ways. What changes can we make to reflect those values in our own lives?
Comfort: Each small step toward community make the next one easier.
Challenge: For each ten dollars you spend on food this week, spend one on donations to a food bank.
Prayer: God of hope, thank you for the gift of community.
Evening readings: Ps 77, 19
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