Today's readings: Psalms 63, 149; Genesis 24:28-38, 49-51; Hebrews 12:12-29; John 7:14-36
Psalm 63 speaks passionately of the psalmist's longing for God's presence: "my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you" (v 1). It celebrates the fulfillment he finds in the Lord: "My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast" (v 5). It expresses his glad and utter dependence on God: "in the shadows of your wings I sing for you [...] ; your right hand upholds me (vv 7,8). Roughly two thirds of the way through, starting at verse 11, it turns in a completely different direction. The psalmist begins cursing his enemies, calling them "prey for jackals" who "shall go down into the depths of the earth" (vv 10, 9). This pattern of longing, praise, and gratitude followed by curses cast upon one's enemies is common to many psalms. Why might this be?
Sometimes we have trouble understanding the difference between rejoicing in our own triumphs and reveling in the misfortune of our enemies. "Enemies" is a concept we can apply in many ways. Sometimes it's as seemingly innocent as a rival team. Many a pre-game prayer has been for victory - and by extension for loss by the opposing team. There are no heroes or villains in this situation, yet such a prayer presumes God will favor one side over the other. On a larger scale, we hear much rhetoric about America being a nation enjoying special favor from God. This belief in our own righteousness can cloud our perception of the morality of our actions as a nation. At its ugliest, it encourages us to think of our enemies as God's enemies.
When Jesus tells us to pray for our enemies, it isn't only to change them - it's also to change our hearts toward them. Competition can be good, and global conflicts can be unavoidable, but our attitudes about them can change. Jesus famously interacted with Samaritans and other "enemies" of his people because his vision was not limited by the tribalism which afflicts so many of us. When we follow his example and understand God's love includes our enemies, we can break free from the false win/lose thinking that creates nothing but division. Praying for the welfare of our enemies makes them our neighbors.
Evening readings: Psalms 125, 90
Showing posts with label community. Show all posts
Showing posts with label community. Show all posts
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Gifted Children
Today's readings: Psalms 48; 147:12-20; 1 Kings 19:1-8; Ephesians 4:1-16; John 6:1-14
We have an odd relationship with gifts. Some of them, the ones that are just the ones we want or didn’t know we wanted – can be treasured for a lifetime. Others, like a ceramic lamp given to you by a beloved relative but not quite to your taste, can be a burden – especially if you feel obliged to put it out when she visits. Giving gifts can be an equally mixed experience. It’s a joy when we know just what to give or stumble across the perfect item, and it’s a painful obligation to select a gift when we are uninspired.
Gifts from God can be the same way. We may value them, as Paul valued the spiritual gifts of the
church at Ephesus (Eph 4:1-8). We may feel they are burdens, as did Elijah who ran and hid when the consequences of his prophetic gift became dangerous (1 Kings 19:1-8). Or like the apostle Andrew, who never imagined five loaves and two fishes would feed thousands, we may not even recognize how mighty they are (John 6:8-9). In the end, no matter how we feel about them, gifts are meant to be used: to do any less is to fail be to be true to ourselves and to God.
While we shouldn’t underestimate our gifts, we shouldn’t overestimate them either. They don’t exist in a vacuum, and are most effective when combined with the gifts of others. The gifts of a community support and amplify each other. Some provide vision, some provide funds, and some provide skill. As Paul told the Ephesians, “we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love” (Eph 4:15b-16).
Let us embrace both our gifts and their limits. Let us neither neglect nor boast of them. Let us embrace the gifts of the community so each may multiply the fruits of the others. Each child of God is a gifted child. Living into those gifts and encouraging others to do so makes us participants in the realm of God that yearns to break though into the world.
We have an odd relationship with gifts. Some of them, the ones that are just the ones we want or didn’t know we wanted – can be treasured for a lifetime. Others, like a ceramic lamp given to you by a beloved relative but not quite to your taste, can be a burden – especially if you feel obliged to put it out when she visits. Giving gifts can be an equally mixed experience. It’s a joy when we know just what to give or stumble across the perfect item, and it’s a painful obligation to select a gift when we are uninspired.
church at Ephesus (Eph 4:1-8). We may feel they are burdens, as did Elijah who ran and hid when the consequences of his prophetic gift became dangerous (1 Kings 19:1-8). Or like the apostle Andrew, who never imagined five loaves and two fishes would feed thousands, we may not even recognize how mighty they are (John 6:8-9). In the end, no matter how we feel about them, gifts are meant to be used: to do any less is to fail be to be true to ourselves and to God.
While we shouldn’t underestimate our gifts, we shouldn’t overestimate them either. They don’t exist in a vacuum, and are most effective when combined with the gifts of others. The gifts of a community support and amplify each other. Some provide vision, some provide funds, and some provide skill. As Paul told the Ephesians, “we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love” (Eph 4:15b-16).
Let us embrace both our gifts and their limits. Let us neither neglect nor boast of them. Let us embrace the gifts of the community so each may multiply the fruits of the others. Each child of God is a gifted child. Living into those gifts and encouraging others to do so makes us participants in the realm of God that yearns to break though into the world.
Evening readings: Psalms 9; 29
Friday, October 11, 2013
One Body to Heal
Today's readings: Psalms 51, 148; 2 Kings 23:36-24:17; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26; Matthew 9:27-34
Today’s reading from 1 Corinthians can be read on many levels. It is often used to describe the importance of each person’s role in the body of Christ and to celebrate the many gifts they contribute. It also describes the importance of diversity within the church. Read in context with today’s healing story in Matthew, there is yet another meaning.
When one part of the body is sick, it depends on the others for healing. An ailing tooth does not walk itself into a dentist’s office, but relies on the feet. A foot with a splinter cannot remedy itself, but depends on the hands to remove it. Hands that tremble from hunger cannot feed themselves, but rely on the mouth and teeth to chew and swallow. Each part is not only equally important, it is equally interdependent.
As members of the body of Christ, we must rely on each other and be present for each other in times of illness and distress. None of us is completely self-sufficient. We receive care when we need it, and we offer care when it is needed. And as the feet don’t feel burdened by the tooth, and the hands don’t feel burdened by the feet, we do so not out of obligation nor to secure help for ourselves in the future, but because we are one. The well-being of one is inseparable from the well-being of others.
Christ was extravagant in his love was for all people. Christ was extravagant in his healing. As we are now his body, we are called to the same extravagance. Let us heal not out of duty, but out of extravagant love.
Evening readings: Psalms 142, 65
If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.
- 1 Corinthians 12:26
Today’s reading from 1 Corinthians can be read on many levels. It is often used to describe the importance of each person’s role in the body of Christ and to celebrate the many gifts they contribute. It also describes the importance of diversity within the church. Read in context with today’s healing story in Matthew, there is yet another meaning.
When one part of the body is sick, it depends on the others for healing. An ailing tooth does not walk itself into a dentist’s office, but relies on the feet. A foot with a splinter cannot remedy itself, but depends on the hands to remove it. Hands that tremble from hunger cannot feed themselves, but rely on the mouth and teeth to chew and swallow. Each part is not only equally important, it is equally interdependent.
As members of the body of Christ, we must rely on each other and be present for each other in times of illness and distress. None of us is completely self-sufficient. We receive care when we need it, and we offer care when it is needed. And as the feet don’t feel burdened by the tooth, and the hands don’t feel burdened by the feet, we do so not out of obligation nor to secure help for ourselves in the future, but because we are one. The well-being of one is inseparable from the well-being of others.
Christ was extravagant in his love was for all people. Christ was extravagant in his healing. As we are now his body, we are called to the same extravagance. Let us heal not out of duty, but out of extravagant love.
Evening readings: Psalms 142, 65
Thursday, October 10, 2013
The Communion Equation
Today's readings: Psalms 89:1-18, 147:1-11; 2 Kings 22:14-23:3; 1 Corinthians 11:23-34; Matthew 9:9-17
The Lord’s Supper – communion – is the oldest of Christian traditions. It is breathtaking in its meaning and simplicity. Every time we partake of the bread and cup, we remember the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice for us, and strengthen the bonds of our faith community. It unites us not only with those at our particular table sharing our particular cup, but with Christians across time and distance.
Did you know the potluck is an equally longstanding tradition? When the early Christians of Corinth gathered for communion, they first shared an Agape Meal (or Love Feast). Everyone brought food to share and they ate in common. After a time, the original intent of the meal was diminished: some who contributed more food felt they should
have a larger portion; some began to get drunk; some were almost as hungry when they left as when they arrived. Divisions and resentments became part of the meal and – worse yet – these attitudes were carried to the communion table. The meal no longer strengthened bonds, but division. Have we seen this happen?
Disagreement is inevitable. An uncharitable attitude is not. At Christ’s table all are equal. Christ himself ate with tax collectors, sinners and all manner of “outcasts” from his community (Matt 9:10-13). When we gather as Christians, we should share our gifts freely and equally. Bringing more food (or money, or time, or a particular talent, or…) to the table does not entitle us to a larger share or more influence. Having less to bring does not mean we go away less satisfied or unheard. Giving and receiving are two sides of the same equation, and we can find ourselves on either side at any time. In this holy algebra, Christ is the sign of equality who unites and balances us.
Evening readings: Psalms 1, 33
The Lord’s Supper – communion – is the oldest of Christian traditions. It is breathtaking in its meaning and simplicity. Every time we partake of the bread and cup, we remember the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice for us, and strengthen the bonds of our faith community. It unites us not only with those at our particular table sharing our particular cup, but with Christians across time and distance.
Did you know the potluck is an equally longstanding tradition? When the early Christians of Corinth gathered for communion, they first shared an Agape Meal (or Love Feast). Everyone brought food to share and they ate in common. After a time, the original intent of the meal was diminished: some who contributed more food felt they shouldhave a larger portion; some began to get drunk; some were almost as hungry when they left as when they arrived. Divisions and resentments became part of the meal and – worse yet – these attitudes were carried to the communion table. The meal no longer strengthened bonds, but division. Have we seen this happen?
Disagreement is inevitable. An uncharitable attitude is not. At Christ’s table all are equal. Christ himself ate with tax collectors, sinners and all manner of “outcasts” from his community (Matt 9:10-13). When we gather as Christians, we should share our gifts freely and equally. Bringing more food (or money, or time, or a particular talent, or…) to the table does not entitle us to a larger share or more influence. Having less to bring does not mean we go away less satisfied or unheard. Giving and receiving are two sides of the same equation, and we can find ourselves on either side at any time. In this holy algebra, Christ is the sign of equality who unites and balances us.
Evening readings: Psalms 1, 33
Monday, October 7, 2013
Faith and Friction
Today's
readings: Psalms 5, 145; 2 Kings 21:1-18; 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1; Matthew8:28-34
Early
followers of Christ lived in a culture where almost every corner had a temple
or idol to one deity or another. This created complicated social situations
where they had to balance being a loving neighbor (or business partner or
customer) against upholding their
principles. In today's reading from Corinthians, Paul writes
about eating meat sacrificed to idols or demons – which would have been forbidden
under Jewish law. Instead of declaring such actions sinful or not, he wrote: "'All
things are lawful,' but not all things are beneficial. 'All things are lawful,'
but not all things build up" (1 Cor 10:23). He advised them their actions
should be chosen to strengthen their convictions, and to provide strong witness
to people around them.
We face
similar challenges. Every day we are called to follow our principles even when
they run contrary to social pressures, politics, employers, friends, family, foreign
cultures, and fellow people of faith. In some situations, particularly matters
of personal ethics, we may simultaneously be judged by some people as too
pious, while others see us as terrible sinners. If we remain loving, it don't matter. Christ didn't worry about being
called a glutton or a drunkard, and John the Baptist was just fine being a holy
freak (Matt 11:18-19). Isn't it liberating to know our allegiance is never to
public opinion, but to God, "for why is [our] freedom being
judged by another’s conscience?" (v 29).
We are not a
people bound by laws and technicalities of action and thought (no matter how
much some people might cling to that model). We are a people freed by love and
meant to love freely. Our faith is in constant friction with the world. It is
up to us to decide whether that friction is a source of irritation, or a source
of warmth like two hands rubbing together as if in prayer.
Evening
readings: Psalms 82, 29
Monday, January 14, 2013
Angels in the Wilderness
Today's readings: Psalms 5, 145; Isaiah 40:12-24; Ephesians 1:1-1; Mark 1:1-13
 |
| "Jesus in the Wilderness" Charles de la Fosse, 1690 |
That's the way life goes though. Just as we finally screw up the courage to make that change, or earn that promotion, or have that baby, we discover it comes with a new set of problems we weren't anticipating. We may start asking if we weren't better off before we got what we wanted. It doesn't seem fair that doing everything right leads to more work. But if Jesus - in whom God was "well pleased" (Mark 1:11) - was sent to suffer temptation in the wilderness, maybe we need to realign our expectations and definition of success.
Doing good work - especially doing God's work - does not guarantee ease. To the contrary, the Jews as God's chosen people suffered tremendously, and Christian history is full of martyrs. Our own trials vary in difficulty, but all are real. Some say trials are tests from God, but God does not act to push us away. Accepting accountability - to our boss, our children, ourselves or God - enlightens us to the brokenness in the world, and how much of it we are called to heal, prevent or bear witness to. The Spirit didn't send Jesus into the wilderness alone: angels waited on him (Mark 1:13). We also have support available - our fellow Christians who share the same accountability. When times are tough, we remind each other why what we do is important. We help carry each other's burdens. We listen. We cry. We are angels to each other.
Faith doesn't bring on suffering. It does put us in touch with the suffering that already exists. We can count on our God - and our angels - to see us through it.
Evening readings: Psalms 82, 29
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
To Serve and Respect
Today's readings: Psalms 116, 147:1-11; 2 Chronicles 24:17-22; Acts 6:1-7; Acts 7:59-8:8
Since the first Disiples tok to the road, Christians have maintained a long tradition of carrying the Gospel to cultures and peoples different from themselves. The earliest Jewish Christians were challenged when building community with people who did not observe the same spiritual practices. They wrestled with the question of whether non-Jews could even be Christians. In the end, inspired by Christ and the Spirit, they became more open and inclusive and did not require the Hellenists (those of Greek tradition) to declare allegiance to anything but Christ alone. Over the next two thousand plus years, Christians have continued to deliver the Good News to diverse people around the globe, with varying degrees of success and failure on the inclusion front.
For just as long, Christian communities have struggled with more mundane matters as well. When the Hellenists complained their widows were not receiving food like the Jewish widows, it was a practical, not religious need. Rather than "wait tables" the Apostles continued to focus on evangelism but appointed six people to see to the matter. These new servants were not second stringers - they were the next equally important piece of the puzzle. To this day churches work to balance the spiritual and practical concerns of Christian community. Many of us also struggle to keep them in perspective. If we are called to serve in mission work, we can be discouraged when others prioritize lawn maintenance or potlucks. And if we are called to serve by keeping the church in order, we may feel unappreciated when the worship team can't seem to put the hymnals away properly. Let's try to remember each calling is equally valuable and takes priority at different times.
When it's hard to do so, let's remember Stephen. In Acts 6 he is one of the newly appointed "waiters." Just one chapter later he becomes a martyr - the first Christian martyr, before any of the Apostles. In Stephen we see the mundane is inseparable from the spiritual. No matter our call, or the calls of others, let's be content the faithful are serving where needed.
Evening Psalms: 119:1-24; 27
Since the first Disiples tok to the road, Christians have maintained a long tradition of carrying the Gospel to cultures and peoples different from themselves. The earliest Jewish Christians were challenged when building community with people who did not observe the same spiritual practices. They wrestled with the question of whether non-Jews could even be Christians. In the end, inspired by Christ and the Spirit, they became more open and inclusive and did not require the Hellenists (those of Greek tradition) to declare allegiance to anything but Christ alone. Over the next two thousand plus years, Christians have continued to deliver the Good News to diverse people around the globe, with varying degrees of success and failure on the inclusion front.
For just as long, Christian communities have struggled with more mundane matters as well. When the Hellenists complained their widows were not receiving food like the Jewish widows, it was a practical, not religious need. Rather than "wait tables" the Apostles continued to focus on evangelism but appointed six people to see to the matter. These new servants were not second stringers - they were the next equally important piece of the puzzle. To this day churches work to balance the spiritual and practical concerns of Christian community. Many of us also struggle to keep them in perspective. If we are called to serve in mission work, we can be discouraged when others prioritize lawn maintenance or potlucks. And if we are called to serve by keeping the church in order, we may feel unappreciated when the worship team can't seem to put the hymnals away properly. Let's try to remember each calling is equally valuable and takes priority at different times.
When it's hard to do so, let's remember Stephen. In Acts 6 he is one of the newly appointed "waiters." Just one chapter later he becomes a martyr - the first Christian martyr, before any of the Apostles. In Stephen we see the mundane is inseparable from the spiritual. No matter our call, or the calls of others, let's be content the faithful are serving where needed.
Evening Psalms: 119:1-24; 27
Saturday, February 25, 2012
The Lenten Journey: V Formation
Today's readings: Ps 43, 149; Ez 39:21-29; Phil 4:10-20; John 17:20-26
When geese and other migratory birds travel long distances together, they do it in what is called a “V Formation.” Each bird relies on the updraft created by the bird in front of it to travel more easily and for further distances. As the lead bird – the tip of the “V” – tires, others rotate into the lead position. No one is in the front or the back for too long. Pilots flying in groups imitate this behavior not just for the increased efficiency, but also because it allows them to keep other members of the group in sight.
During our own Lenten journey - and our entire life journey – we can’t be Christians while flying solo. Any single goose can fly, but staying safe and ahead of the encroaching winter requires a group effort. Any single Christian can believe all the “right” things, but justice, love and mercy require meaningful interaction with others. Can one person address the needs of the hungry or the poor? A little maybe. But the synergy of a group food pantry can accomplish far more than the self-contained efforts of individual kitchens. And a group speaking in unison to change the injustices that create hunger in the first place has a louder impact than a cacophony of disjointed if well-intended messages. And a community of people preparing meals for a person or family in crisis provides not just food, but the invaluable assurance of a community in solidarity with the suffering.
Many such efforts may begin with the idea or drive of a single person. If we are that leader, we need to recognize when it is time to rest and let someone else lead the “V” for a while, or risk tumbling from the sky in exhaustion. If we are on the tips or in the middle of the effort, we must be prepared to step up when our time comes, knowing we will not be called to lead forever. Giving and receiving are both part of the faith experience.
When Jesus prayed to prepare his disciples for his death, he asked God that they would be made as one (John 17:22), knowing how much of their strength and grace resided in their ability to act together to bring about God’s realm. Let’s find the formation that helps us lift and be lifted.
Comfort: Dependence on community is a strength, not a weakness.
Challenge: Before Lent is over, ask someone for help.
Prayer: God of the journey, connect me to the people on my path.
Evening readings: Ps 31, 143
Discussion Question:
Do you find it more to difficult to offer help, or to ask for it? Why?
When geese and other migratory birds travel long distances together, they do it in what is called a “V Formation.” Each bird relies on the updraft created by the bird in front of it to travel more easily and for further distances. As the lead bird – the tip of the “V” – tires, others rotate into the lead position. No one is in the front or the back for too long. Pilots flying in groups imitate this behavior not just for the increased efficiency, but also because it allows them to keep other members of the group in sight.
During our own Lenten journey - and our entire life journey – we can’t be Christians while flying solo. Any single goose can fly, but staying safe and ahead of the encroaching winter requires a group effort. Any single Christian can believe all the “right” things, but justice, love and mercy require meaningful interaction with others. Can one person address the needs of the hungry or the poor? A little maybe. But the synergy of a group food pantry can accomplish far more than the self-contained efforts of individual kitchens. And a group speaking in unison to change the injustices that create hunger in the first place has a louder impact than a cacophony of disjointed if well-intended messages. And a community of people preparing meals for a person or family in crisis provides not just food, but the invaluable assurance of a community in solidarity with the suffering.
Many such efforts may begin with the idea or drive of a single person. If we are that leader, we need to recognize when it is time to rest and let someone else lead the “V” for a while, or risk tumbling from the sky in exhaustion. If we are on the tips or in the middle of the effort, we must be prepared to step up when our time comes, knowing we will not be called to lead forever. Giving and receiving are both part of the faith experience.
When Jesus prayed to prepare his disciples for his death, he asked God that they would be made as one (John 17:22), knowing how much of their strength and grace resided in their ability to act together to bring about God’s realm. Let’s find the formation that helps us lift and be lifted.
Comfort: Dependence on community is a strength, not a weakness.
Challenge: Before Lent is over, ask someone for help.
Prayer: God of the journey, connect me to the people on my path.
Evening readings: Ps 31, 143
Discussion Question:
Do you find it more to difficult to offer help, or to ask for it? Why?
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
From "Either/Or" to "Both/And"
Today's readings: Ps 97, 99, 100; Hos 4:1-10; Acts 21:1-14; Luke 5:12-26
When we argue, typically we are less interested in understanding another person’s point of view, than convincing someone we are right. How often have we felt that if only we could find the perfect combination of words, we could sway an opposing viewpoint? We almost can’t believe someone could disagree with us yet still hold a legitimate opinion. When we move out of the realm of numbers, statistics and case studies and into the realm of faith, opinions may be all we have. The faithful community can survive - and even thrive on - differing perspectives by remembering God is present in all persons and situations.
In today’s reading from Luke, Jesus cleansed a man of leprosy and “ordered him to tell no one” (v. 5:14). Luke doesn’t directly tell us the man disobeyed, but he does say “more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad” (v. 15). Christ had to go into the wilderness just to find solitude for prayer. However, the man’s disobedience increased Christ’s reputation and following. They had different ideas on how to respond to the miracle, and in the middle of this difference the Spirit worked.
When Paul was ready to leave Caesarea and return to Jerusalem, the prophet Agabus warned him the Jews in Jerusalem would capture Paul and turn him over to the Gentile authorities. Naturally the people did not want him to go. But Paul was “ready to be bound and even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13). God’s love was present both in Paul’s friends, who wanted him to remain safely with them, and in Paul, who valued his mission over his personal safety. We can imagine the discussion was a lot more heated and heartfelt than Acts describes. In the end, Paul and his friends can agree on one thing: “The Lord’s will be done” (v. 14).
In our homes, our churches, and our world, people of good faith will have very different opinions. Faith sometimes means dwelling in the mystery of God working toward seemingly contradictory purposes. In most cases, we can accommodate each other without compromising our integrity or faith. Sometimes, we may juggle internal contradictions. God is in all of it.
Comfort: We know that all things work together for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28).
Challenge: Ask someone’s opinion without offering your own.
Prayer: Glorious Creator, thank you for the complexities of life.
Evening readings: Ps 94, 95
Tomorrow's readings: Ps 101, 109; Hos 4:11-19; Acts 21:15-26; Luke 5:27-39
When we argue, typically we are less interested in understanding another person’s point of view, than convincing someone we are right. How often have we felt that if only we could find the perfect combination of words, we could sway an opposing viewpoint? We almost can’t believe someone could disagree with us yet still hold a legitimate opinion. When we move out of the realm of numbers, statistics and case studies and into the realm of faith, opinions may be all we have. The faithful community can survive - and even thrive on - differing perspectives by remembering God is present in all persons and situations.
In today’s reading from Luke, Jesus cleansed a man of leprosy and “ordered him to tell no one” (v. 5:14). Luke doesn’t directly tell us the man disobeyed, but he does say “more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad” (v. 15). Christ had to go into the wilderness just to find solitude for prayer. However, the man’s disobedience increased Christ’s reputation and following. They had different ideas on how to respond to the miracle, and in the middle of this difference the Spirit worked.
When Paul was ready to leave Caesarea and return to Jerusalem, the prophet Agabus warned him the Jews in Jerusalem would capture Paul and turn him over to the Gentile authorities. Naturally the people did not want him to go. But Paul was “ready to be bound and even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13). God’s love was present both in Paul’s friends, who wanted him to remain safely with them, and in Paul, who valued his mission over his personal safety. We can imagine the discussion was a lot more heated and heartfelt than Acts describes. In the end, Paul and his friends can agree on one thing: “The Lord’s will be done” (v. 14).
In our homes, our churches, and our world, people of good faith will have very different opinions. Faith sometimes means dwelling in the mystery of God working toward seemingly contradictory purposes. In most cases, we can accommodate each other without compromising our integrity or faith. Sometimes, we may juggle internal contradictions. God is in all of it.
Comfort: We know that all things work together for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28).
Challenge: Ask someone’s opinion without offering your own.
Prayer: Glorious Creator, thank you for the complexities of life.
Evening readings: Ps 94, 95
Tomorrow's readings: Ps 101, 109; Hos 4:11-19; Acts 21:15-26; Luke 5:27-39
Friday, August 27, 2010
Astounding Gifts
Today's readings: Ps 16, 17; Job 9:1-15, 32-35; Acts 10:34-48; John 7:37-52
“The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.” (Acts 10:45)
This verse points out the difference between accepting someone superficially and truly including them, a distinction sometimes lost on even the most well-meaning individuals. While sitting at a table with Gentiles was a major step for the Jewish Christians, this sentence tells us they were not yet accepting the Gentiles as equals. Not until the Spirit poured out gifts upon the Gentiles did the Jews recognize they were deserving of the same baptism.
How long do we wait until we truly include new people in our community, church or life? We almost always let them in the door, and can see them as additional help for the bake sales and nursery duty, but when do we stop thinking of them as the “new” people? Do we wait until they somehow earn our approval, like the apostles did, or do we start treating them as equal members of the body of Christ ASAP? Each person brings their own astounding gifts, so it is to our benefit to truly integrate them as lovingly and efficiently as possible. Beyond that, it is simply the Christian thing to do.
On the other hand, sometimes we withhold our own gifts until we are confident a community has fully embraced us. While it’s natural to be cautious when entering a new group, being too reserved slows down the process of acceptance and inclusion. We should work to be aware of our own gifts, because life in a Christian community is a two- (and twenty- and two hundred-) way street. We are to use our gifts to support a community as much as the community is to support us.
We all have gifts to offer. Sometimes we don’t even know what they are until we are called upon to try something new. As part of a community, we should always be eager to offer and accept each other’s gifts.
Comfort: As Christians we are truly accepted and truly accepting.
Challenge: Look for opportunities to share your gifts. Don’t be shy.
Prayer: God of truth, thank you for revealing the gifts of your people.
Evening readings: Ps 22
Tomorrow's readings: Ps 20, 21; Job 10:1-9, 16-22; Acts 11:1-18; John 8:12-20
“The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.” (Acts 10:45)
This verse points out the difference between accepting someone superficially and truly including them, a distinction sometimes lost on even the most well-meaning individuals. While sitting at a table with Gentiles was a major step for the Jewish Christians, this sentence tells us they were not yet accepting the Gentiles as equals. Not until the Spirit poured out gifts upon the Gentiles did the Jews recognize they were deserving of the same baptism.
How long do we wait until we truly include new people in our community, church or life? We almost always let them in the door, and can see them as additional help for the bake sales and nursery duty, but when do we stop thinking of them as the “new” people? Do we wait until they somehow earn our approval, like the apostles did, or do we start treating them as equal members of the body of Christ ASAP? Each person brings their own astounding gifts, so it is to our benefit to truly integrate them as lovingly and efficiently as possible. Beyond that, it is simply the Christian thing to do.
On the other hand, sometimes we withhold our own gifts until we are confident a community has fully embraced us. While it’s natural to be cautious when entering a new group, being too reserved slows down the process of acceptance and inclusion. We should work to be aware of our own gifts, because life in a Christian community is a two- (and twenty- and two hundred-) way street. We are to use our gifts to support a community as much as the community is to support us.
We all have gifts to offer. Sometimes we don’t even know what they are until we are called upon to try something new. As part of a community, we should always be eager to offer and accept each other’s gifts.
Comfort: As Christians we are truly accepted and truly accepting.
Challenge: Look for opportunities to share your gifts. Don’t be shy.
Prayer: God of truth, thank you for revealing the gifts of your people.
Evening readings: Ps 22
Tomorrow's readings: Ps 20, 21; Job 10:1-9, 16-22; Acts 11:1-18; John 8:12-20
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