Today's readings: Ps 87, 90; Hos 1:1-2:1; Acts 20:1-16; Luke 4:38-44
When someone claims to be on a mission from God, we probably think they are making a Blues Brothers reference. If we realize they are serious, we may question their grip on reality. When someone’s calling makes us uncomfortable, we tend throw around words like obsession. We say things like, “I know she’s really into recycling… but used staples?” We know Christ told the rich young man to sell everything and give the proceeds to the poor (Luke 18:22), but how would we react if someone we knew actually went and did it? People immersed in mission can look unbalanced to us… and raise uncomfortable questions within us.
What would we make of Hosea? On God’s order, he married a cult prostitute and named two of their children the Hebrew equivalents of “not my people” and “no mercy” so he could proclaim his family a living symbol of God’s dissatisfaction with Israel. In the field of missions, he makes staple-recyclers look like unranked amateurs. But what can he teach us?
Though Hosea is undoubtedly a more extreme example of dedication to mission than any of us will need to be, he is a model of structuring one’s life around a relationship with God, rather than cramming that relationship into a life already full of other things. Ideally, we would judge all our activities by how well they foster our relationship with God, and change or discard those that don’t. Easier said than done, right? We can’t perfect ourselves, but we can prioritize according to how God calls us, and stop worrying about how people might negatively perceive our dedication.
If Hosea is a bit too extreme for us to relate to, we can also look to Jesus. When he was ready to leave Capernaum, the people wanted to prevent him, but he was clear about the need to spread the Gospel elsewhere (Luke 4:42-43). Not everyone will receive our mission-based decisions gladly, but we do not need to feel guilty about sticking to the mission. At the same time, God’s love must always be our guiding principle, or the mission will become merely a new law to enslave us. Let us prayerfully consider what God calls us to do, and how we are called to do it.
Comfort: What other people think is never more important than God.
Challenge: Make a list of your weekly activities. Which are serving God, and which are wasting time? Remember that rest serves God also.
Prayer: God of strength, make me fit for the mission you would give me.
Evening readings: Ps 136
Tomorrow's readings: Ps 66, 67; Hos 2:2-14; Acts 20:1-16; Luke 4:38-44
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
People Are People
Today's readings: Ps 83; Est 7:1-10; Acts 19:11-20; Luke 4:14-30
Sometimes all it takes to be a prophet is an understanding of human nature and a keen sense of irony. When Jesus begins preaching in his home town of Nazareth, he knows the people in the synagogue will want the same signs he performed earlier in Capernaum. (You may remember from our reflection on Mark 6:1-6 that the people of Nazareth had so little faith, Jesus was unable to do more than lay hands on a few sick people.) Jesus tells them “no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown” (Luke 4:24) Five verses later, they are trying to throw him off a cliff.
They could have tried to be more accepting, if only to prove him wrong, right? But that’s not human nature. Who as an adolescent does not at least consider responding to a parent by saying something like “If you’re going to give me the third degree about drinking every time I leave the house, I might as well just do it!” One irony is a protective parent pushing a teenager toward exactly the behavior s/he wishes to avert, and a second is the immature person’s assertion of innocence via threat of guilt. In a more adult example, consider the spouse who blames infidelity on a partner’s insecurity about the spouse’s faithfulness. Or the faithful who want to throw their savior off a cliff.
Jesus saw it coming, and so should we. Across time, geography and culture certain truths about human nature persist. We tend to think we are more self-aware than other people, but in reality – not so much. When we’re not busy convincing ourselves we are better than we are, we may be looking at other cultures and communities as “noble savages” who are somehow exempt from the less desirable traits of humanity. Or worse, we may look at whole groups of people as more capable of corruption than we could ever be. As clichéd as it might sound, people are people.
The good new is, we can be better. First, we must abandon the mindset that we are exempt from basic human nature. Second, we must honestly examine ourselves as an outsider (Jesus, maybe?) might see us. Finally, we must consciously decide to act in ways consistent with our faith, even if that action goes against our nature. Let’s step back from the cliff.
Comfort: God knows our nature – and our potential.
Challenge: Ask yourself what you do, even though you know better.
Prayer: God of strength, I seek your nature before my own.
Evening readings: Ps 85, 86
Tomorrow's readings: Ps 88; Est 8:1-8, 15-17; Acts 19:21-41; Luke 4:31-37
Sometimes all it takes to be a prophet is an understanding of human nature and a keen sense of irony. When Jesus begins preaching in his home town of Nazareth, he knows the people in the synagogue will want the same signs he performed earlier in Capernaum. (You may remember from our reflection on Mark 6:1-6 that the people of Nazareth had so little faith, Jesus was unable to do more than lay hands on a few sick people.) Jesus tells them “no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown” (Luke 4:24) Five verses later, they are trying to throw him off a cliff.
They could have tried to be more accepting, if only to prove him wrong, right? But that’s not human nature. Who as an adolescent does not at least consider responding to a parent by saying something like “If you’re going to give me the third degree about drinking every time I leave the house, I might as well just do it!” One irony is a protective parent pushing a teenager toward exactly the behavior s/he wishes to avert, and a second is the immature person’s assertion of innocence via threat of guilt. In a more adult example, consider the spouse who blames infidelity on a partner’s insecurity about the spouse’s faithfulness. Or the faithful who want to throw their savior off a cliff.
Jesus saw it coming, and so should we. Across time, geography and culture certain truths about human nature persist. We tend to think we are more self-aware than other people, but in reality – not so much. When we’re not busy convincing ourselves we are better than we are, we may be looking at other cultures and communities as “noble savages” who are somehow exempt from the less desirable traits of humanity. Or worse, we may look at whole groups of people as more capable of corruption than we could ever be. As clichéd as it might sound, people are people.
The good new is, we can be better. First, we must abandon the mindset that we are exempt from basic human nature. Second, we must honestly examine ourselves as an outsider (Jesus, maybe?) might see us. Finally, we must consciously decide to act in ways consistent with our faith, even if that action goes against our nature. Let’s step back from the cliff.
Comfort: God knows our nature – and our potential.
Challenge: Ask yourself what you do, even though you know better.
Prayer: God of strength, I seek your nature before my own.
Evening readings: Ps 85, 86
Tomorrow's readings: Ps 88; Est 8:1-8, 15-17; Acts 19:21-41; Luke 4:31-37
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Just one little bite...
Today's readings: Ps 119:97-120; Est 6:1-14; Acts 19:1-10; Luke 4:1-13
Some of us long for the day when our faith is so strong, temptation will never taunt us again. It will be a long wait. Luke 4 tells the story of Jesus’ temptations in the desert. Note that while he was able to resist temptation, not even Jesus could avoid it entirely.
Many of us feel shame about our temptations. We think we are the only people tempted to think or act a certain way. We are especially reluctant to confess to those who could counsel us best, because we want to keep their respect. Instead we attempt to resist certain urges in silence and solitude, and the very thing we try to avoid – food, sex, gossip, drugs, alcohol – becomes the center of our attention because we have nowhere to banish it. Maybe we remember scripture like Matthew 5:28 ("anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart”) and believe our temptation has already condemned us.
When we speak openly about our temptations – to trusted counselors, support groups, etc. – we find first that we are not alone. We also find speaking the truth relieves the self-imposed pressure that only increases temptation. We learn scriptural words like “lust” and “covet” don’t refer to casual thoughts, but to ungoverned desire. We also learn casual thoughts left unchecked can become ungoverned desire. Most importantly, we learn sunlight is the best disinfectant even for spiritual ailments.
When we pray that God “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil” what are we really asking? To avoid all instances of temptation? Unrealistic. We are acknowledging temptation is part of life, and that we must rely on God to help us respond appropriately. We know Jesus was tempted until the end of his ministry, when he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane that his burden might pass (Luke 22:42). The import lesson is that even in the face of temptation, he submitted himself to God.
We must not assume we’ve already lost the battle when we are tempted. The spiritual discipline of resisting temptation in small things helps us build strength in case serious temptations arise. Let’s follow the example of Jesus, and openly admit our temptation, but choose to submit to God.
Comfort: God is greater than temptation; we just have to invite him in.
Challenge: If you struggle with temptation, find a place to talk about it.
Prayer: God of strength, deliver us from evil.
Evening readings: Ps 81, 82
Tomorrow's readings: Ps 83; Est 7:1-10; Acts 19:11-20; Luke 4:14-30
Some of us long for the day when our faith is so strong, temptation will never taunt us again. It will be a long wait. Luke 4 tells the story of Jesus’ temptations in the desert. Note that while he was able to resist temptation, not even Jesus could avoid it entirely.
Many of us feel shame about our temptations. We think we are the only people tempted to think or act a certain way. We are especially reluctant to confess to those who could counsel us best, because we want to keep their respect. Instead we attempt to resist certain urges in silence and solitude, and the very thing we try to avoid – food, sex, gossip, drugs, alcohol – becomes the center of our attention because we have nowhere to banish it. Maybe we remember scripture like Matthew 5:28 ("anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart”) and believe our temptation has already condemned us.
When we speak openly about our temptations – to trusted counselors, support groups, etc. – we find first that we are not alone. We also find speaking the truth relieves the self-imposed pressure that only increases temptation. We learn scriptural words like “lust” and “covet” don’t refer to casual thoughts, but to ungoverned desire. We also learn casual thoughts left unchecked can become ungoverned desire. Most importantly, we learn sunlight is the best disinfectant even for spiritual ailments.
When we pray that God “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil” what are we really asking? To avoid all instances of temptation? Unrealistic. We are acknowledging temptation is part of life, and that we must rely on God to help us respond appropriately. We know Jesus was tempted until the end of his ministry, when he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane that his burden might pass (Luke 22:42). The import lesson is that even in the face of temptation, he submitted himself to God.
We must not assume we’ve already lost the battle when we are tempted. The spiritual discipline of resisting temptation in small things helps us build strength in case serious temptations arise. Let’s follow the example of Jesus, and openly admit our temptation, but choose to submit to God.
Comfort: God is greater than temptation; we just have to invite him in.
Challenge: If you struggle with temptation, find a place to talk about it.
Prayer: God of strength, deliver us from evil.
Evening readings: Ps 81, 82
Tomorrow's readings: Ps 83; Est 7:1-10; Acts 19:11-20; Luke 4:14-30
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Prepare Ye...
Today's readings: Ps 78:1-39; Est 5:1-14; Acts 18:12-28; Luke 3:15-22
When our lives are going well, we are quick to thank God for our blessings. When they are going poorly, we can be equally quick to ask “why me?” and pray for deliverance. But what if things seem to be going poorly precisely because God is blessing us?
Though she doesn’t phrase it in spiritual language, Queen Esther feels the pull of a larger force which calls her to help her people. She responds by risking her life and approaching the king, who will either favor or kill her. She had no guarantee which would happen. How often do we say “God sure blessed me by putting me in harm’s way!” It takes a strong and mature faith to accept that serving God faithfully does not always mean a happy ending for us, at least not in this life.
Consider John the Baptist. He has been busy preparing the way of the Lord. Through baptism and preaching, he has been proclaiming the arrival of Jesus, whose sandals he humbly declares he is not worthy to untie (Luke 3:16). By preaching an alternative that will turn Roman imperialism upside down, John risks his life every day. He speaks truth to power, especially to Herod Antipas, who is in an adulterous and incestuous relationship with his niece. At the end of today’s passage, John is jailed for speaking too much truth. Jesus tells us “blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake” (Matt 5:11), but do we really embrace that idea? Anemic “feel-good” Christianity teaches us to expect only rewards for strong faith, but Jesus is more honest with us. Persecution is not a sign God is not with us – and it may be the sign we are right where we are supposed to be.
Esther first risks her life, then invites the king to a banquet as part of a slowly unfolding plan. John risks his life and freedom to usher in the incarnation of God’s kingdom. They both teach us success depends on properly laid groundwork. The struggle for peace, justice and truth is slow and sometimes dangerous. When we are unjustly persecuted for righteousness’ sake, we must not give up because God has abandoned us, but persevere because God is depending on us.
Comfort: The groundwork we lay leads to someone else’s deliverance.
Challenge: Think about times you have given up too soon.
Prayer: God of strength, I trust you even when I am persecuted.
Evening readings: Ps 78:40-72
Tomorrow's readings: Ps 119:97-120; Est 6:1-14; Acts 19:1-10; Luke 4:1-13
When our lives are going well, we are quick to thank God for our blessings. When they are going poorly, we can be equally quick to ask “why me?” and pray for deliverance. But what if things seem to be going poorly precisely because God is blessing us?
Though she doesn’t phrase it in spiritual language, Queen Esther feels the pull of a larger force which calls her to help her people. She responds by risking her life and approaching the king, who will either favor or kill her. She had no guarantee which would happen. How often do we say “God sure blessed me by putting me in harm’s way!” It takes a strong and mature faith to accept that serving God faithfully does not always mean a happy ending for us, at least not in this life.
Consider John the Baptist. He has been busy preparing the way of the Lord. Through baptism and preaching, he has been proclaiming the arrival of Jesus, whose sandals he humbly declares he is not worthy to untie (Luke 3:16). By preaching an alternative that will turn Roman imperialism upside down, John risks his life every day. He speaks truth to power, especially to Herod Antipas, who is in an adulterous and incestuous relationship with his niece. At the end of today’s passage, John is jailed for speaking too much truth. Jesus tells us “blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake” (Matt 5:11), but do we really embrace that idea? Anemic “feel-good” Christianity teaches us to expect only rewards for strong faith, but Jesus is more honest with us. Persecution is not a sign God is not with us – and it may be the sign we are right where we are supposed to be.
Esther first risks her life, then invites the king to a banquet as part of a slowly unfolding plan. John risks his life and freedom to usher in the incarnation of God’s kingdom. They both teach us success depends on properly laid groundwork. The struggle for peace, justice and truth is slow and sometimes dangerous. When we are unjustly persecuted for righteousness’ sake, we must not give up because God has abandoned us, but persevere because God is depending on us.
Comfort: The groundwork we lay leads to someone else’s deliverance.
Challenge: Think about times you have given up too soon.
Prayer: God of strength, I trust you even when I am persecuted.
Evening readings: Ps 78:40-72
Tomorrow's readings: Ps 119:97-120; Est 6:1-14; Acts 19:1-10; Luke 4:1-13
Monday, September 20, 2010
"If I perish, I perish."
Today's readings: Ps 80; Est 4:4-17; Acts 18:1-11; Luke 1:1-4, 3:1-14
Are heroes born or made? Chapter 4 of Ester tries to get to the heart of the question. Ester’s story does not begin heroically: she is a harem girl who – on the advice of her uncle Mordecai – hides her Jewish heritage and becomes the favored concubine of the king of Persia. He makes her his new queen, but a queen who is little more than a slave herself.
Like many people, Ester’s concerns for the world don’t extend beyond her family. When she learns her uncle Mordecai is outside the castle gate and wearing only a sackcloth (a symbol of grief) she sends him clothes. He refuses them and has messengers explain the king’s chief official is going to kill all the Jews in the empire, and asks Ester to plead with the king on behalf of her people. Ester declines, saying she is as powerless as anyone who approaches the king unbidden.
Ester is saying something we hear and say all the time: “I don’t want to get involved.” Sometimes we know we shouldn’t stick our nose in where it doesn’t belong. Other times we don’t want to deal with the complications and risks that may result. In matters of justice, however, aren’t we called by God to do what we can? Many heroes of the bible were reluctant. Like Ester – and us! – they initially claimed to be powerless or a poor choice.
After Mordecai explains that she is in a (providentially?) unique position to help her people, and that if she refuses her family will perish when someone else steps up, Ester reevaluates her decision. In the end, she agrees to risk her life by approaching the king.
When we are called to become involved in affairs beyond our home or family, do we answer the call, or do we need to be coerced like Ester? When we feel powerless in the face of oppression, we can remember others are equally as powerless – which means we are equally as powerful as anyone else. Prayerful consideration may lead us to the age-old question, “If not me, then who?” Sometimes, even when we don’t feel heroic, God call us to be heroes. If God believes in us, why wouldn’t we?
Comfort: I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13)
Challenge: When you feel powerless about a problem of injustice, consider the possibility that – despite risk – you may be the solution.
Prayer: God of strength, call me to whatever tasks you will.
Evening readings: Ps 77, 19
Are heroes born or made? Chapter 4 of Ester tries to get to the heart of the question. Ester’s story does not begin heroically: she is a harem girl who – on the advice of her uncle Mordecai – hides her Jewish heritage and becomes the favored concubine of the king of Persia. He makes her his new queen, but a queen who is little more than a slave herself.
Like many people, Ester’s concerns for the world don’t extend beyond her family. When she learns her uncle Mordecai is outside the castle gate and wearing only a sackcloth (a symbol of grief) she sends him clothes. He refuses them and has messengers explain the king’s chief official is going to kill all the Jews in the empire, and asks Ester to plead with the king on behalf of her people. Ester declines, saying she is as powerless as anyone who approaches the king unbidden.
Ester is saying something we hear and say all the time: “I don’t want to get involved.” Sometimes we know we shouldn’t stick our nose in where it doesn’t belong. Other times we don’t want to deal with the complications and risks that may result. In matters of justice, however, aren’t we called by God to do what we can? Many heroes of the bible were reluctant. Like Ester – and us! – they initially claimed to be powerless or a poor choice.
After Mordecai explains that she is in a (providentially?) unique position to help her people, and that if she refuses her family will perish when someone else steps up, Ester reevaluates her decision. In the end, she agrees to risk her life by approaching the king.
When we are called to become involved in affairs beyond our home or family, do we answer the call, or do we need to be coerced like Ester? When we feel powerless in the face of oppression, we can remember others are equally as powerless – which means we are equally as powerful as anyone else. Prayerful consideration may lead us to the age-old question, “If not me, then who?” Sometimes, even when we don’t feel heroic, God call us to be heroes. If God believes in us, why wouldn’t we?
Comfort: I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13)
Challenge: When you feel powerless about a problem of injustice, consider the possibility that – despite risk – you may be the solution.
Prayer: God of strength, call me to whatever tasks you will.
Evening readings: Ps 77, 19
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