Mark 2:21-22 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; if he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; if he does, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but new wine is for fresh skins.”
Did you ever have a pet solution to a repeating problem? Certain issues in my marriage with Marsha were predictable in their recurrence. In those limited arenas of our marriage we both held to our pet solutions. If you consider each situation when it comes up a a new problem, we were trying to fix old problems with old solutions. I guess that doesn't exactly match the gospel. Linking todays issues with yesterday however is a problem. Today must be dealt with today and we need a today solution to a today problem. Repeating the same old solution that didn't work before is one definition of insanity.
I know in my case that it was the work of the Holy Spirit that led Marsha and I away from pet solutions to Godly solutions. Our lives changed rapidly when we learned to deal with today's problem with today's solutions and particularly allowing our lives to be led by the Holy Spirit.
It doesn't matter wether we're talking about our individual lives, our relationships, or our churches we need to face today's problems with todays solutions guided by the Holy Spirit. Other options are just insanity.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Come and See
John 1:43-46 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Beth-saida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathana-el, and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathana-el said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
I know I'm a priest and for some that slants the influence of me words. For some it makes them more influential and for some it makes my words predisposed to Jesus at the very least. When I was a regular guy, before I even thought of being ordained a priest, I used to say that lay people had more power and influence than clergy. I guess I've come to see that as true with only some people. I see that some listen most clearly to we who are ordained. On my best day though, I never had five word power. People changed their whole lives so fast around Jesus. "Follow me." he said, "Come and see."
Jesus said to Andrew, "Follow me." This is the same call that Jesus has on my life. I can go through life leaning on my own understanding, depending on my own talents, trusting my own intellect, etc. but Jesus says "Follow me". I learned some time ago that Jesus has no reason to follow me. I acted early on like I had all the great plans and ideas and Jesus should follow my lead. Didn't work very well but I thought it was how things worked. I thought following Jesus was just deciding that he was my savior. I got something, he gave something and now I had a helper. I've grown a little and following Jesus is better for me than my efforts to lead.
I think that change in me happened because I did "Come and see." Through scripture and prayer I came to see what Jesus was all about, and what he wanted for us, and what he wanted from us. I miss his plan for me now as well, but not as often and not for as long. So Jesus calls you to follow and desires for you to come and see. Your probably on the journey with him already, but I don't think our vision is twenty twenty yet.
I know I'm a priest and for some that slants the influence of me words. For some it makes them more influential and for some it makes my words predisposed to Jesus at the very least. When I was a regular guy, before I even thought of being ordained a priest, I used to say that lay people had more power and influence than clergy. I guess I've come to see that as true with only some people. I see that some listen most clearly to we who are ordained. On my best day though, I never had five word power. People changed their whole lives so fast around Jesus. "Follow me." he said, "Come and see."
Jesus said to Andrew, "Follow me." This is the same call that Jesus has on my life. I can go through life leaning on my own understanding, depending on my own talents, trusting my own intellect, etc. but Jesus says "Follow me". I learned some time ago that Jesus has no reason to follow me. I acted early on like I had all the great plans and ideas and Jesus should follow my lead. Didn't work very well but I thought it was how things worked. I thought following Jesus was just deciding that he was my savior. I got something, he gave something and now I had a helper. I've grown a little and following Jesus is better for me than my efforts to lead.
I think that change in me happened because I did "Come and see." Through scripture and prayer I came to see what Jesus was all about, and what he wanted for us, and what he wanted from us. I miss his plan for me now as well, but not as often and not for as long. So Jesus calls you to follow and desires for you to come and see. Your probably on the journey with him already, but I don't think our vision is twenty twenty yet.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Seeking
John 1:35-39 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples; and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.”
Jesus question is still relevant today. What do you seek? We live in such a fast paced culture, where immediate gratification is the order of the day, that we expect to complete our search when we think of it. The historical culture of Jesus thought in different terms. I love one of the meanings of seek in the ancient world. The word would be used for a well worn path. The word represents an action that takes sustained effort, a repeated process.
I wanted so bad to be a basketball player when I was a kid. I played or practiced every day, not just for minutes but for hours. I could feel the slightest difference in the way the ball left my hand because I had done it so many times, and I could make almost instant adjustments if I was making an error. So much energy invested but believe me I was seeking.
I think we can all identify things we have sought like that. With me I have had a number of them in my life as my needs and goals changed through the years. At an important point in my life it seemed like Jesus was saying "Come and see." clearly in my ear, and I began to seek him and his purpose for my life. He wants each of us to Come and see and seek Him with as much energy as we have other less important things.
Jesus question is still relevant today. What do you seek? We live in such a fast paced culture, where immediate gratification is the order of the day, that we expect to complete our search when we think of it. The historical culture of Jesus thought in different terms. I love one of the meanings of seek in the ancient world. The word would be used for a well worn path. The word represents an action that takes sustained effort, a repeated process.
I wanted so bad to be a basketball player when I was a kid. I played or practiced every day, not just for minutes but for hours. I could feel the slightest difference in the way the ball left my hand because I had done it so many times, and I could make almost instant adjustments if I was making an error. So much energy invested but believe me I was seeking.
I think we can all identify things we have sought like that. With me I have had a number of them in my life as my needs and goals changed through the years. At an important point in my life it seemed like Jesus was saying "Come and see." clearly in my ear, and I began to seek him and his purpose for my life. He wants each of us to Come and see and seek Him with as much energy as we have other less important things.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Don't Ignore Me
John 1:30-34 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but for this I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John bore witness, “I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him; but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”
It is clear from the understanding of John that although Jesus did not send the Holy Spirit to the believers until after his resurrection, baptizing with the Holy Spirit was a major reason for his ministry. Baptism for repentance was possible for John, but to provide the presence of God the Holy Spirit was jesus domain. All four gospels and the book of Acts witness to this message that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and power.
The church too often has had little emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit. The pieces of scripture we say what the Holy Spirit will do and why He is needed are just ignored or de-emphasized. Focus tays on the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, but downplays the he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and power.
Some people act like the ten commandments are a pick seven out of ten list of options, while others neglect the gospel message of taking care of the poor. Still others think they can solve all the issues with their own effort while ignoring the need for the power of the Holy Spirit. Christianity is not meant to be a menu of possible selections but a complete plan for life. Take it all is the Christian choice not one entree and one appetizer.
It is clear from the understanding of John that although Jesus did not send the Holy Spirit to the believers until after his resurrection, baptizing with the Holy Spirit was a major reason for his ministry. Baptism for repentance was possible for John, but to provide the presence of God the Holy Spirit was jesus domain. All four gospels and the book of Acts witness to this message that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and power.
The church too often has had little emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit. The pieces of scripture we say what the Holy Spirit will do and why He is needed are just ignored or de-emphasized. Focus tays on the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, but downplays the he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and power.
Some people act like the ten commandments are a pick seven out of ten list of options, while others neglect the gospel message of taking care of the poor. Still others think they can solve all the issues with their own effort while ignoring the need for the power of the Holy Spirit. Christianity is not meant to be a menu of possible selections but a complete plan for life. Take it all is the Christian choice not one entree and one appetizer.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Still
Luke 18:9-12 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.’
Did you ever meet anyone like that? I've played golf with a few people that talk as if the golf course is just so lucky to have them playing there. They point out the mistakes of everyone else on the course who don't fix divots or drive a cart in a wrong place or take too long to play. Meanwhile they act like the golf course should make every exception for them and every adjustment to their needs and desires.
Did you ever meet anyone like that? I've gone to church with people who acted like it was their personal club. I want this or not that or these people don't help or those people are sitting in my seat. Want to meet them, just try to change something and they will come out of the woodwork. The church couldn't possibly survive without them and the church is so lucky they are a member.
Humility is not a natural commodity and it isn't with me either. In any setting, perhaps family, or work, or the gym or the church, this type attitude can be difficult, but what about with God? No, God is not the lucky one to have me on his side, and although I might think I do everything so right that God needs me, what a mistake that is. Really, the minute I start to think that I'm not other people, that is the minute you can be sure I am just like everyone else. You see I can state one think loud and clear. I too, yes even me, in fact maybe especially me, will die still needing a savior.
Did you ever meet anyone like that? I've played golf with a few people that talk as if the golf course is just so lucky to have them playing there. They point out the mistakes of everyone else on the course who don't fix divots or drive a cart in a wrong place or take too long to play. Meanwhile they act like the golf course should make every exception for them and every adjustment to their needs and desires.
Did you ever meet anyone like that? I've gone to church with people who acted like it was their personal club. I want this or not that or these people don't help or those people are sitting in my seat. Want to meet them, just try to change something and they will come out of the woodwork. The church couldn't possibly survive without them and the church is so lucky they are a member.
Humility is not a natural commodity and it isn't with me either. In any setting, perhaps family, or work, or the gym or the church, this type attitude can be difficult, but what about with God? No, God is not the lucky one to have me on his side, and although I might think I do everything so right that God needs me, what a mistake that is. Really, the minute I start to think that I'm not other people, that is the minute you can be sure I am just like everyone else. You see I can state one think loud and clear. I too, yes even me, in fact maybe especially me, will die still needing a savior.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Bold Humility
John 1:25-30 They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but among you stands one whom you do not know, even he who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” This took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me.’
One of my foundational Christian attitudes has to do with the realization of my identity. My theology (idea about God) has changed as I wrestle with three questions. Who am I? Who is God? Who are you? I mean what is my view of myself, my nature, my character, my value, etc. Who is God, what is my idea of what God is like, His nature, His character, His relationship to me, etc. Who are you, can you be trusted, what should be my actions toward you, how can I love you, etc. My answers have changed as my faith has developed. I think I have some pretty good answers now, but I'm not sure I've got it all together yet.
I admire John the Baptist because he knew who he was and who he wasn't. He did his part in God's plan and pointed to the one who he knew was to follow. His humility mixed with his bold witness has continued to stir my heart. He knew who was and whose he was. At times I lack boldness in my humility and at other times I lack humility in my boldness. I always need to remember to point at the same one that was to follow John, that is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, Jesus.
This is just one part of the answers to my three questions. I have questions that I know I will not have answered until I meet Jesus face to face, but I want to follow Jesus as I answer all my questions, at point others to find Him and answer their questions.
Turn On The Lights
John 1:9-13 The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
People love the opening passage of the gospel of John which contains the portion I picked for today. The first chapter is poetic and uplifting with a strong promise for the readers who believe. Other people struggle with the idea that Jesus who walked this earth in a human body existed before he was born and that the world was made through him. This pre-existent Jesus is a problem for them. It doesn't seem possible to the modern mind.
I was a Biology major in college and my aptitude is heavily to the math science side of the scale. I function from the logical sequential perspective of life. I was one of those people who could not or would not accept what didn't fit in my logical sequential understanding. I would take too much space to explain the journey from there to faith, but I will say I am so glad I made the journey. You see in the middle of that journey the lights came on, the true light that enlightens every man came into me. My eyes were opened and what a beautiful world it is. Yes I'm a child of God and I have a big imperfect family, with a big perfect brother.
People love the opening passage of the gospel of John which contains the portion I picked for today. The first chapter is poetic and uplifting with a strong promise for the readers who believe. Other people struggle with the idea that Jesus who walked this earth in a human body existed before he was born and that the world was made through him. This pre-existent Jesus is a problem for them. It doesn't seem possible to the modern mind.
I was a Biology major in college and my aptitude is heavily to the math science side of the scale. I function from the logical sequential perspective of life. I was one of those people who could not or would not accept what didn't fit in my logical sequential understanding. I would take too much space to explain the journey from there to faith, but I will say I am so glad I made the journey. You see in the middle of that journey the lights came on, the true light that enlightens every man came into me. My eyes were opened and what a beautiful world it is. Yes I'm a child of God and I have a big imperfect family, with a big perfect brother.
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