Have you ever lost something important to you? Do you remember how you felt when you discovered it was missing? Do you remember how you felt when you found it?
When I was young (just a few years ago...) I received a lovely ring as a gift. After spending an afternoon baking, after my bread was done and the kitchen cleaned up, I discovered that my ring was missing. I was devastated, heartbroken and panic-stricken. I turned my kitchen upside down, inside out and every which way. I sifted through the flour canister, the sugar bag and the pantry. Then I scoured the floor, stuck my hand down into the sink drain and looked through the garbage pail. Then it occurred to me that it might be baked right into the bread, so I carefully sliced all the loaves to see if the ring would turn up. When everything failed, I did it all over again! Finally I just sat down in the middle of the floor and cried.
The three parables in chapter 15 of Luke's gospel are all about that which is lost and that which is found. God feels it deeply (devastated and heart-broken?) when one of us is 'missing' from Him. Actually, God probably grieves more, because when we are 'missing' it's a matter of eternal life or eternal death.
Where are you? Is God looking for you? Remember that if you feel far from God, it is you, not Him, who is lost. He is waiting. And He will celebrate and be glad (verse 32.)
(I did eventually find the ring. It had slipped into the spine of my Pillsbury Cookbook 3-ring binder...and I did a little happy dance in exactly the spot I had cried upon.)
peace,
Pastor Judi Hunt
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Monday, 3/30, Luke 14:1-35
Luke 14:12-14
"Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers, or relatives, or your rich neighors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."
Yesterday I stopped in the hallway at church to chat with a young mother who was there with her year-old daughter and 3-year old son. The little boy asked her if he could have a package of chewy fruit snacks which were tucked away in their little travel bag. She said yes, and he was quite happy (well, until they ran out).
Then the Mom told me that her son had taught her a Kingdom lesson that morning. He wanted to bring chewy fruit snacks for every child in his Sunday School class! Mom's first thought was, '
"well that would be great, but then we won't have any more fruit snacks for the rest of the week..." a most natural reaction! Then she realized what was happening.
Her son was expressing what she and his Dad had taught him - to share what you have with others. He was expecting nothing in return from his friends, just wanted to give them some of what he had. Mom noted that she was glad her son had taught her that day that we can have a little bit of the Kingdom of God right here, right now when we do what Jesus asks us to do. She also noted that once it dawned on her what her little son was doing, she wanted to go out and get five more boxes to share!
This is exactly Jesus' Kingdom message in this short passage of Scripture. And this little family was definitely blessed.
Peace,
Pastor Judi
"Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers, or relatives, or your rich neighors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."
Yesterday I stopped in the hallway at church to chat with a young mother who was there with her year-old daughter and 3-year old son. The little boy asked her if he could have a package of chewy fruit snacks which were tucked away in their little travel bag. She said yes, and he was quite happy (well, until they ran out).
Then the Mom told me that her son had taught her a Kingdom lesson that morning. He wanted to bring chewy fruit snacks for every child in his Sunday School class! Mom's first thought was, '
"well that would be great, but then we won't have any more fruit snacks for the rest of the week..." a most natural reaction! Then she realized what was happening.
Her son was expressing what she and his Dad had taught him - to share what you have with others. He was expecting nothing in return from his friends, just wanted to give them some of what he had. Mom noted that she was glad her son had taught her that day that we can have a little bit of the Kingdom of God right here, right now when we do what Jesus asks us to do. She also noted that once it dawned on her what her little son was doing, she wanted to go out and get five more boxes to share!
This is exactly Jesus' Kingdom message in this short passage of Scripture. And this little family was definitely blessed.
Peace,
Pastor Judi
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009 Luke 13:18-30
Who will be saved? It's a human question which flows from the need we have to possess information. Information is power for some of us, at least over those without it. Notice that Jesus refused to give a formula or say how many would be involved. He simply reminds Israel that the time for deciding is drawing near, and those hated Gentiles might arrive in eternity before God's chosen people! It was not Good News to his listeners. It will take commitment and focus--no chance that someone could fall into salvation by accident. Unless life is just a game and the New Testament has misled us, then it is really possible to walk right past the "open door" that leads to heaven and refuse to enter. One must be looking for the door and intend to go in.
Have you given much thought to the intentionality with which we must approach eternity, or do you think we will all end up there anyway? It's a really important question, and deserves our time and reflection.
Traveling along with you,
Pastor Paul
Have you given much thought to the intentionality with which we must approach eternity, or do you think we will all end up there anyway? It's a really important question, and deserves our time and reflection.
Traveling along with you,
Pastor Paul
Friday, March 27, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009 Luke 13:1-17
A fig tree and a woman whose body has been twisted and bent double for eighteen years--what do these two seemingly unrelated incidents have to do with Jesus' ministry? I think both of them are, oddly enough, talking about the same issue: Will the people of Jerusalem hear the Good News in a different form than they are accustomed to hearing? Will they be open to realizing that their religious leaders have been focusing on the form and structure of following God's Law rather than the spirit? In either case, will they hear the truth and respond by amending their ways of approaching God and one another?
If Jesus represents the gardener tending the fig tree, will God give the people more time for Jesus' word to penetrate the hardened layers of their spiritual "soil" so that new growth can occur?
What do you think?
I am your fellow traveler,
Pastor Paul
If Jesus represents the gardener tending the fig tree, will God give the people more time for Jesus' word to penetrate the hardened layers of their spiritual "soil" so that new growth can occur?
What do you think?
I am your fellow traveler,
Pastor Paul
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009 Luke 12:49-59
If ever there was a section of scripture NOT to read before going to sleep, this is it! It is filled with harsh words like"division," "crisis," "fire on the earth." I think as Christians, we can often become so cozy with our understanding of the Bible and the role of the Church in the world that we ignore the tough passages of scripture in favor of the warm, fuzzy ones. As I have reflected on this passage, I believe Jesus is saying that the church in every age is responsible for interpreting the events of the world through the lenses of heaven. Whenever people hear that message proclaimed honestly and without sugar-coating, it can cause divisions, even among people in the same family. This was especially true within the large, extended families of Jesus' culture. What's your take on the church to proclaim the "whole" truth of God?
I am your fellow traveler,
Pastor Paul
I am your fellow traveler,
Pastor Paul
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
March 25, 2009 Luke 12:1-48
As some of you may know, I like to work with my hands as a stress reliever. That means that I love life best when I'm outside digging in the yard, planting and nurturing something alive, and even once in a while, playing in the kitchen. Whenever I approach food in the kitchen, I do it with a typically male attitude, or so says my wife, Laura. That means that cooking is just simple math, rules must be followed, and the outcome should be predictable. Okay, it rarely turns out to be that simple.
Take making bread, for example. Simple math tells me how much of each ingredient to add, rules tell me in what order to add them, and the finished bread should be the predicted outcome. The problem with that formula is the yeast. Yeast is a living, growing organism that lies dried and dormant until it's activated by warm liquid and a food source (such as sugar). As it grows, it gives off carbon dioxide, which expands and pushes the dough upward and outward. In other words, the dough rises to signify that the yeast is working. In this case, seeing the dough rise on the outside means something is working secretly on the inside.
Jesus is talking about many of these same reflections in the text for today. The Pharisees were favorite targets for Jesus, who often chided them for doing what looked right on the outside, while secretly being motivated by internal greed and hunger for power. Jesus' point, in challenging their hypocrisy, is that whatever we think is hidden on the inside will eventually make itself know externally: nothing stays hidden forever.
What do these reflections say to you about your life today?
I am your fellow traveler,
Pastor Paul
Take making bread, for example. Simple math tells me how much of each ingredient to add, rules tell me in what order to add them, and the finished bread should be the predicted outcome. The problem with that formula is the yeast. Yeast is a living, growing organism that lies dried and dormant until it's activated by warm liquid and a food source (such as sugar). As it grows, it gives off carbon dioxide, which expands and pushes the dough upward and outward. In other words, the dough rises to signify that the yeast is working. In this case, seeing the dough rise on the outside means something is working secretly on the inside.
Jesus is talking about many of these same reflections in the text for today. The Pharisees were favorite targets for Jesus, who often chided them for doing what looked right on the outside, while secretly being motivated by internal greed and hunger for power. Jesus' point, in challenging their hypocrisy, is that whatever we think is hidden on the inside will eventually make itself know externally: nothing stays hidden forever.
What do these reflections say to you about your life today?
I am your fellow traveler,
Pastor Paul
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009 Luke 11:37-54
In today's lengthy text, Jesus is again confronting the hypocrisy of the Pharisees: adhering to the letter of the Law, but ignoring the important human needs of those around them. For me, this has always been the struggle between Law and Mercy, Rules and Grace. As a compulsive rule-follower, I have to be very careful that I temper my need for order and living according to the rules, even moral ones, with the need for balancing grace.
Jesus, especially in verse 42, says that the Pharisees are so careful in following the rules of tithing that they even tithe small amounts of herbs. However, Jesus' point is that they should be equally observant in "tithing" their care for people. Many of us are likewise guilty of doing what is right externally, while knowing that we harbor wrong feelings and motives internally.
How is it with your soul today? How closely does your inside match your outside?
I am your fellow traveler,
Pastor Paul
Jesus, especially in verse 42, says that the Pharisees are so careful in following the rules of tithing that they even tithe small amounts of herbs. However, Jesus' point is that they should be equally observant in "tithing" their care for people. Many of us are likewise guilty of doing what is right externally, while knowing that we harbor wrong feelings and motives internally.
How is it with your soul today? How closely does your inside match your outside?
I am your fellow traveler,
Pastor Paul
Monday, March 23, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009 Luke 11:29-36
In the midst of all the public acts Jesus was doing--miracles, healings, cleansing skin diseases--the people kept calling for signs from heaven. Some wanted to trap him into performing like a circus magician, delighting the crowd with increasingly bigger spectacles. others wanted to trap him into doing things that would further infuriate the religious leaders against him.
Jesus calls them an "evil and adulterous generation," and says that only the sign of the prophet Jonah will be given to them. You may remember that Jonah was the only Old Testament prophet sent by God from his own people out into the lands of their enemies. His message was a call to repent or face the wrath of an holy and just God. His witness was the courage to enter enemy lands with an unpopular message. Secretly, Jonah hoped they would ignore him, so that God would punish them. They repented and God spared them. The toughest part of being a "sign" to the Ninevites for Jonah was having to watch them obey God and be spared.
Jesus comes to Jerusalem and offers the same message: repent and live, or ignore the message and deal with the consequences. A message from God, brought by one of their own, to the Jews in Jerusalem. it should have been a slam-dunk for Jesus, but they rejected everything he offered. And yet, he kept pursuing them.
Is there something in your life about which God has been trying to get your attention? Is there an issue Jesus is speaking to you about, but you're ignoring him? Maybe it's time to stop and listen for a change. What do you think?
I am your fellow traveler,
Pastor Paul
Jesus calls them an "evil and adulterous generation," and says that only the sign of the prophet Jonah will be given to them. You may remember that Jonah was the only Old Testament prophet sent by God from his own people out into the lands of their enemies. His message was a call to repent or face the wrath of an holy and just God. His witness was the courage to enter enemy lands with an unpopular message. Secretly, Jonah hoped they would ignore him, so that God would punish them. They repented and God spared them. The toughest part of being a "sign" to the Ninevites for Jonah was having to watch them obey God and be spared.
Jesus comes to Jerusalem and offers the same message: repent and live, or ignore the message and deal with the consequences. A message from God, brought by one of their own, to the Jews in Jerusalem. it should have been a slam-dunk for Jesus, but they rejected everything he offered. And yet, he kept pursuing them.
Is there something in your life about which God has been trying to get your attention? Is there an issue Jesus is speaking to you about, but you're ignoring him? Maybe it's time to stop and listen for a change. What do you think?
I am your fellow traveler,
Pastor Paul
Sunday, March 22, 2009
March 22, 2009 Luke 11:14-28
Of all the texts I have blogged about, this one is probably the richest in imagery and substance. Demons, Beelzebul, a house divided against itself, and my personal favorite, the image in verse 24 of wandering spirits returning to the house "from which it came."
This teaching point in verses 24-26 reminds me of some TV dramas, such as CSI and Law and Order, which maintain suspense by exploring a sub-plot within the larger story line. Jesus describes what can happen when a spirit has been cast out and seeks another host. Finding none, he returns to his former home (host) and invites others to join him. The conclusion I draw is that once an unclean spirit has left its host, something must fill the void that has been created. If we don't fill it with God's Spirit and his gifts, then it becomes an inviting place for evil to find a home.
Are there people, places, or things filling your vacancies that you would like to change? Or perhaps you are already in the process of cleaning out your house and making some new places that only God can fill. What are you thinking?
Your fellow traveler,
Pastor Paul
This teaching point in verses 24-26 reminds me of some TV dramas, such as CSI and Law and Order, which maintain suspense by exploring a sub-plot within the larger story line. Jesus describes what can happen when a spirit has been cast out and seeks another host. Finding none, he returns to his former home (host) and invites others to join him. The conclusion I draw is that once an unclean spirit has left its host, something must fill the void that has been created. If we don't fill it with God's Spirit and his gifts, then it becomes an inviting place for evil to find a home.
Are there people, places, or things filling your vacancies that you would like to change? Or perhaps you are already in the process of cleaning out your house and making some new places that only God can fill. What are you thinking?
Your fellow traveler,
Pastor Paul
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Luke 9:10-17
It is another lesson on God’s provision isn’t it? It confirms that what we yield to God, God multiplies. Notice it wasn’t simply for their benefit that the food was multiplied. It was for everybody. When I take what I have and make it available to Christ to be used at his direction that’s when the divine multiplier kicks in. It’s about the richness of the kingdom in which we participate by partnering with God’s purpose.
When we do that an awful lot of hunger gets satisfied…ours and others.
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
It is another lesson on God’s provision isn’t it? It confirms that what we yield to God, God multiplies. Notice it wasn’t simply for their benefit that the food was multiplied. It was for everybody. When I take what I have and make it available to Christ to be used at his direction that’s when the divine multiplier kicks in. It’s about the richness of the kingdom in which we participate by partnering with God’s purpose.
When we do that an awful lot of hunger gets satisfied…ours and others.
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
Friday, March 13, 2009
Luke 9:1-9
“He gave them power and authority….and sent them out to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal.” Jesus sent them out on a mission. Notice how poorly they are resourced by the world standards. No staff, no bag, no food, no money, not even a change of clothes. Sounds like a recipe for failure…or a recipe for learning. Seems to me that when I get too dependent on “stuff” in my faith walk I’m less likely to be as responsive to God’s voice. I get pretty protective of my resources and mete them out sparingly and for me at least somewhat selfishly. Jesus says don’t make your journey with me depend on your own resources. Let me make provisions for you. Like in my authority and my generosity and the things you currently fret about so much will take an appropriate place of concern. Oh, we still work and earn, sow and reap but the focus is on Kingdom values and the healing and hope it brings.
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
“He gave them power and authority….and sent them out to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal.” Jesus sent them out on a mission. Notice how poorly they are resourced by the world standards. No staff, no bag, no food, no money, not even a change of clothes. Sounds like a recipe for failure…or a recipe for learning. Seems to me that when I get too dependent on “stuff” in my faith walk I’m less likely to be as responsive to God’s voice. I get pretty protective of my resources and mete them out sparingly and for me at least somewhat selfishly. Jesus says don’t make your journey with me depend on your own resources. Let me make provisions for you. Like in my authority and my generosity and the things you currently fret about so much will take an appropriate place of concern. Oh, we still work and earn, sow and reap but the focus is on Kingdom values and the healing and hope it brings.
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Luke 8:40-56
These are healing stories, a women in the crowd, a family’s grief and a little girl’s life. They are uplifting, powerful and provocative. Provocative because not all were healed while Jesus was on the earth. Not all were raised from the dead. Was Jesus just picky or capricious? Did some deserve it more than others? I believe that Jesus was demonstrating that Divine power was breaking in on human affairs and was the symbol of ultimate authority. Friends, we live in a broken world. While I want everything to be fixed in the now it seems the promise is that in God’s time (not mine) the broken, grief filled, lifeless moment of this earthly journey will be redeemed. I live in that hope in the midst of what is yet to be
These are healing stories, a women in the crowd, a family’s grief and a little girl’s life. They are uplifting, powerful and provocative. Provocative because not all were healed while Jesus was on the earth. Not all were raised from the dead. Was Jesus just picky or capricious? Did some deserve it more than others? I believe that Jesus was demonstrating that Divine power was breaking in on human affairs and was the symbol of ultimate authority. Friends, we live in a broken world. While I want everything to be fixed in the now it seems the promise is that in God’s time (not mine) the broken, grief filled, lifeless moment of this earthly journey will be redeemed. I live in that hope in the midst of what is yet to be
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Luke 8:26-39
This is in Gentile territory. (No pigs in Jewish territory) It demonstrates to me the openness Jesus had to people of all ilks. The man Jacob encountered was deeply troubled. His maladies had destroyed his relationship with his family and his community. He was exiled to a place of geographical isolation like the interior of his life.
Jesus provides release for this man and gives him the opportunity for restoration to his community. It’s a great story that exemplifies Christ’s mission to try healing and restoration. It’s good for me to remember Jesus’ great compassion and mission. Who and how can I serve in the name of that compassion and healing?
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
This is in Gentile territory. (No pigs in Jewish territory) It demonstrates to me the openness Jesus had to people of all ilks. The man Jacob encountered was deeply troubled. His maladies had destroyed his relationship with his family and his community. He was exiled to a place of geographical isolation like the interior of his life.
Jesus provides release for this man and gives him the opportunity for restoration to his community. It’s a great story that exemplifies Christ’s mission to try healing and restoration. It’s good for me to remember Jesus’ great compassion and mission. Who and how can I serve in the name of that compassion and healing?
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Tuesday, March 10 Luke 8:16-18
In the teaching time this weekend I referenced how hard it is for me to “pay attention” with my leanings toward ADD. It does take extra effort to focus on what’s important sometimes. We are easily distracted. When I’m in a noisy room trying to hear the person with whom I’m in conversation, I try to focus on their face to see as well as hear. When it comes to hearing God’s voice it helps me to look for what God may be doing in and through the lives of others. Somehow it helps me hear better.
Luke 8:19-21
Was Jesus being disrespectful to his mother and brother? At first blush it seems so. I wonder though if he simply had this as a “teachable moment” to broaden people’s understanding that the journey of faith is not made in isolation but in community with each other…like a healthy family. How would it be to have the support, encouragement and even direction of folks who like you would be faithful in their walk with Christ? It might enhance our ability to hear and then do.
Luke 8:22-25
I’ve been in the boat! Storm raging, waves coming in over the sides. It seemed to me that Jesus was asleep on the job. I’ve pounded the gates of heaven shouting do something! In my journey I’ve found he does…but not always what I want. Sometimes he lets the storm continue but steadies me. Sometimes he lets the waves roil but provides endurance. Sometimes he lets the fireworks of thunder and lightening roll but let’s me see that there is something beyond that is good. If I had my “druthers” I’d "druther" not have those awful times of challenge, but since all human beings do I’m thankful that I can look to Jesus for what I need even when it’s not what I want.
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
In the teaching time this weekend I referenced how hard it is for me to “pay attention” with my leanings toward ADD. It does take extra effort to focus on what’s important sometimes. We are easily distracted. When I’m in a noisy room trying to hear the person with whom I’m in conversation, I try to focus on their face to see as well as hear. When it comes to hearing God’s voice it helps me to look for what God may be doing in and through the lives of others. Somehow it helps me hear better.
Luke 8:19-21
Was Jesus being disrespectful to his mother and brother? At first blush it seems so. I wonder though if he simply had this as a “teachable moment” to broaden people’s understanding that the journey of faith is not made in isolation but in community with each other…like a healthy family. How would it be to have the support, encouragement and even direction of folks who like you would be faithful in their walk with Christ? It might enhance our ability to hear and then do.
Luke 8:22-25
I’ve been in the boat! Storm raging, waves coming in over the sides. It seemed to me that Jesus was asleep on the job. I’ve pounded the gates of heaven shouting do something! In my journey I’ve found he does…but not always what I want. Sometimes he lets the storm continue but steadies me. Sometimes he lets the waves roil but provides endurance. Sometimes he lets the fireworks of thunder and lightening roll but let’s me see that there is something beyond that is good. If I had my “druthers” I’d "druther" not have those awful times of challenge, but since all human beings do I’m thankful that I can look to Jesus for what I need even when it’s not what I want.
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Luke 8: 1-15
At Gordon-Conwell, a Seminary here in Charlotte, there is a fresco painting of the parable of the sower in their chapel. It’s absolutely beautiful and is the center piece of their worship area. The painting portrays a sower (Jesus) walking along a path scattering seed from a bag. Behind him on the path you observe several things occurring. You can see the crows coming to snatch the seed, you see some of the seed falling on rocky territory and some falling among the thistles. One can only hope that somewhere along the path the sower found some fertile ground. It’s as if he is walking through history scattering seed to grow, but then amazingly the artist has painted Jesus to appear as if he is walking out of the painting into our time and space.
This leads the observer to wonder about the condition of the ground where Jesus now works to scatter the seed of God’s Kingdom. Is it fertile? Or is it rocky, crow infested or thorny? The bag appears to have an endless supply of seed, but what will happen to it when he scatters it along the path of our lives?
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brad
P.S. Here’s a link to see the painting online (http://www.steinmeyerstudio.com/sower/l-sower.jpg) or go to the Seminary to view it in person (14542 Choate Circle; Charlotte, NC 28273)
At Gordon-Conwell, a Seminary here in Charlotte, there is a fresco painting of the parable of the sower in their chapel. It’s absolutely beautiful and is the center piece of their worship area. The painting portrays a sower (Jesus) walking along a path scattering seed from a bag. Behind him on the path you observe several things occurring. You can see the crows coming to snatch the seed, you see some of the seed falling on rocky territory and some falling among the thistles. One can only hope that somewhere along the path the sower found some fertile ground. It’s as if he is walking through history scattering seed to grow, but then amazingly the artist has painted Jesus to appear as if he is walking out of the painting into our time and space.
This leads the observer to wonder about the condition of the ground where Jesus now works to scatter the seed of God’s Kingdom. Is it fertile? Or is it rocky, crow infested or thorny? The bag appears to have an endless supply of seed, but what will happen to it when he scatters it along the path of our lives?
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brad
P.S. Here’s a link to see the painting online (http://www.steinmeyerstudio.com/sower/l-sower.jpg) or go to the Seminary to view it in person (14542 Choate Circle; Charlotte, NC 28273)
Friday, March 6, 2009
Luke 7: 36-50
In this passage Jesus points out the inhospitality of his host. One of the Pharisee’s has invited Jesus to his house for dinner. It would appear by the way that Jesus is received that the Pharisee intends to trap or expose Jesus. This however does not occur, in fact it is Jesus who exposes the Pharisee. Jesus comments that the “woman who had lived a sinful life” offered him more hospitality than his host. The host is apparently offended that Jesus would allow such a sinful person who is so very different than he is to be in his presence. The Pharisee misses the mark. He fails to realize that we all “have lived a sinful life” and need to have our debt forgiven. The Pharisee implicitly values the sins of this woman as greater and more unforgivable than his own. But Jesus boldly communicates through his actions that he does not view things in this way. Instead, He restores the woman by forgiving her sins.
Friends, are we guilty of missing the mark in the same way that this Pharisee did? Are there times when we refuse to offer hospitality to someone when we falsely believe that their sins are greater than ours? If so, then let us deeply consider how Jesus would have us respond.
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brad
In this passage Jesus points out the inhospitality of his host. One of the Pharisee’s has invited Jesus to his house for dinner. It would appear by the way that Jesus is received that the Pharisee intends to trap or expose Jesus. This however does not occur, in fact it is Jesus who exposes the Pharisee. Jesus comments that the “woman who had lived a sinful life” offered him more hospitality than his host. The host is apparently offended that Jesus would allow such a sinful person who is so very different than he is to be in his presence. The Pharisee misses the mark. He fails to realize that we all “have lived a sinful life” and need to have our debt forgiven. The Pharisee implicitly values the sins of this woman as greater and more unforgivable than his own. But Jesus boldly communicates through his actions that he does not view things in this way. Instead, He restores the woman by forgiving her sins.
Friends, are we guilty of missing the mark in the same way that this Pharisee did? Are there times when we refuse to offer hospitality to someone when we falsely believe that their sins are greater than ours? If so, then let us deeply consider how Jesus would have us respond.
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brad
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Luke 7: 24-35
In reading this passage the verses that jump out at me this time are verses 29-30. I’m struck by how we through our resistance can allow the “way” of God to pass us by. These Pharisee’s that Jesus talks about missed the life changing opportunity to encounter the living Messiah by their obstinance. These were men of God, given the responsibility of interpreting the Law for the people. They, at least through function, were respectable men desiring to honor God. At times they get a bad reputation and to be fair many times in the New Testament they certainly do miss the mark. But remember Nicodemus (John 3) and Paul (Phil. 3:5) were both Pharisees, demonstrating that God at times promoted them to places of high influence.
So what happened? How did these men miss God’s way when it was right in front of them? Maybe they were too wrapped up in the way they thought things were to be. Maybe they got too absorbed in their own power and influence. Maybe they misread Scripture. We don’t really know, but what we do know is that they “rejected God’s purpose for themselves” (v.30).
Perhaps the most difficult question for us is when are the times that we miss God’s way when it is right in front of us?
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brad
P.S. Welcome Yuri! What is God doing in the Brazilian Methodist Church? Our prayers are with you!
In reading this passage the verses that jump out at me this time are verses 29-30. I’m struck by how we through our resistance can allow the “way” of God to pass us by. These Pharisee’s that Jesus talks about missed the life changing opportunity to encounter the living Messiah by their obstinance. These were men of God, given the responsibility of interpreting the Law for the people. They, at least through function, were respectable men desiring to honor God. At times they get a bad reputation and to be fair many times in the New Testament they certainly do miss the mark. But remember Nicodemus (John 3) and Paul (Phil. 3:5) were both Pharisees, demonstrating that God at times promoted them to places of high influence.
So what happened? How did these men miss God’s way when it was right in front of them? Maybe they were too wrapped up in the way they thought things were to be. Maybe they got too absorbed in their own power and influence. Maybe they misread Scripture. We don’t really know, but what we do know is that they “rejected God’s purpose for themselves” (v.30).
Perhaps the most difficult question for us is when are the times that we miss God’s way when it is right in front of us?
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brad
P.S. Welcome Yuri! What is God doing in the Brazilian Methodist Church? Our prayers are with you!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
1 Kings 17: 17-24
In today’s reading we have another encounter with a widow. This time it is the prophet Elijah who meets a widow at the town gate. It is in a time of great famine and despair throughout the region. They are in Zarephath, a Phoenician town, indicating that the widow is likely a gentile. (Even at this time in the history of the people of Israel we get hints of God’s plan to expand his Kingdom throughout the whole world.)
This widow is in a time of great despair believing that she and her son are close to the point of death (see v.12). God however has other plans and uses this widow to provide for Elijah while at the same time providing miraculously enough food for her and her son. This goes on for sometime until her son falls ill and dies.
She cannot understand how God could allow this to occur, but God wants to demonstrate to this woman His immense power. God brings healing to her son and because of this the woman makes a profession of faith. God demonstrates that his power is not just limited to the nation and people of Israel, but to all people. When have you observed God provide for someone or something in a way that you did not anticipate?
God's Peace,
Pastor Brad
In today’s reading we have another encounter with a widow. This time it is the prophet Elijah who meets a widow at the town gate. It is in a time of great famine and despair throughout the region. They are in Zarephath, a Phoenician town, indicating that the widow is likely a gentile. (Even at this time in the history of the people of Israel we get hints of God’s plan to expand his Kingdom throughout the whole world.)
This widow is in a time of great despair believing that she and her son are close to the point of death (see v.12). God however has other plans and uses this widow to provide for Elijah while at the same time providing miraculously enough food for her and her son. This goes on for sometime until her son falls ill and dies.
She cannot understand how God could allow this to occur, but God wants to demonstrate to this woman His immense power. God brings healing to her son and because of this the woman makes a profession of faith. God demonstrates that his power is not just limited to the nation and people of Israel, but to all people. When have you observed God provide for someone or something in a way that you did not anticipate?
God's Peace,
Pastor Brad
Monday, March 2, 2009
Luke 7: 11-17
Have you ever felt totally helpless and hopeless? If so, then you will be able to identify with how this woman feels at the time that Jesus encounters her at the town gate. As a widow now mourning the loss of her only son she has no one whatsoever to care for her. This is significant, because in ancient Israel a woman’s status was tied to her husband and if he had died it was then connected to her son. This woman now has neither! She would have no voice and it would be difficult for her to earn any money, thus she would likely be dependent on the mercy and compassion of others.
As she departs the town, following the coffin of her only son, she encounters Jesus. In the face of hopelessness and helplessness Jesus extends hope to her. He brings her son back from the dead! Jesus yet again brings restoration to the life of one in need. How has God done this in your life?
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brad
Have you ever felt totally helpless and hopeless? If so, then you will be able to identify with how this woman feels at the time that Jesus encounters her at the town gate. As a widow now mourning the loss of her only son she has no one whatsoever to care for her. This is significant, because in ancient Israel a woman’s status was tied to her husband and if he had died it was then connected to her son. This woman now has neither! She would have no voice and it would be difficult for her to earn any money, thus she would likely be dependent on the mercy and compassion of others.
As she departs the town, following the coffin of her only son, she encounters Jesus. In the face of hopelessness and helplessness Jesus extends hope to her. He brings her son back from the dead! Jesus yet again brings restoration to the life of one in need. How has God done this in your life?
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brad
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