Lectionary Ruminations for Sunday, October 24, 2010, the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Posted each Thursday, Lectionary Ruminations focuses on the Scripture Readings, taken from the New Revised Standard Version, for the following Sunday per the Revised Common Lectionary. Comments and questions are intended to encourage reflection for readers preparing to teach, preach, or hear the Word. Reader comments are invited and encouraged. All lectionary links are to the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible via the PC(USA) Devotions and Readings website, but if you prefer another translation, feel free to use that instead. (Other references are linked to the NRSV via the oremus Bible Browser.)


Joel 2:23-32
v. 23 After several weeks of lamentation, doom and gloom, it is refreshing to hear something rejoicing over.

v. 24 It often seems that the land and its produce are the best indications of Israel’s spiritual and religious health.

v. 26 How shall we read and interpret the promise “my people shall never again be put to shame” in light of the holocaust?

v. 28 In verse 23 we are told that God has poured down abundant rain. In this verse, God talks about pouring out my spirit. What is the connection, if any, between rain and spirit? What is the significance of “all” flesh? What is the significance that both sons and daughters shall prophesy? What is the connection between the “sons” and “daughters” of this verse with the “children of Zion” in verse 23? Is there any difference between “dreams” and “visions”. Why are both “old men” and “young men” mentioned but there is no similar mention of young women and old women?

v. 29 Both male and female are mentioned in this verse, but does the emphasis fall on the fact that the spirit is inclusive of both sexes, or that “slaves” are included? “In those days” sounds like an apocalyptic formulaic saying.

v. 30 More apocalyptic language

v. 31 What is the danger of interpreting this and the preceding verse literally? How can a day be both “great” and “terrible”?

v. 32 Note “everyone”. Might this “everyone” include others not children of Zion? Why “in” and not “on” Mount Zion? When and where has “the LORD said”? Who else will be “among the survivors” in addition to “those whom the LORD calls”? Can Reformed Christians refer to this verse to defend the Reformed doctrine of election?

Psalm 65:1-13
v. 1 Unlike Joel 2:32, there is no “Mountain” here so “in” seems to make sense.

v. 2 Note “all” flesh, an echo of Joel 2:28.

v. 3 I like that this is in the conversational direct address and present tense.

v. 4 Note that God chooses.

v. 5 What are these “awesome deeds”? I think “ends of the earth” and “farthest seas” is nice poetic imagery.

v. 7 Why is the “roaring of the ocean” and “waves” paired and equated with “the tumultof the peoples”?

v. 8What are the ‘gateways of the morning and the evening”?

v. 9 What is “the river” of God? Is the agricultural imagery a little overpowering for an urban context?

v. 11 God has a wagon?

v. 13 If only Presbyterians could learn to shout and sing like the meadows and valleys!

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
v. 6 How many people know what a “libation” is? It sounds as though Paul is preparing for, looking forward to, even anticipating his death.

v. 7 Sports imagery from the Olympic style games.

v. 8 What is a “crown of righteousness”? On this day the “that day” echoes the “those days” of Joel 2:28.

v. 16 Does the reference to “first” defense suggest that there was more than one defense? What “defense” is being referred to? Whom might Paul have expected to come to his support?

v. 17 With the “Lord” standing by one’s side, who needs any other support? What is the “message” being referred to? How did Eugene Peterson translate this verse? Is “lion’s mouth” a literal or a figurative reference?

v. 18 A well known acclamation of praise ends the Reading.

Luke 18:9-14
v. 9 Who might those “who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt” have been? I am glad Jesus was talking to them and not to us!

v. 10 Remember, this is a parable. What sort of parabolic situation is setting up with the inclusion of a Pharisee and a tax collector as the two main characters?

v. 11 At least this was a sincere prayer. Maybe sometimes sincerity is not all it is made out to be.

v. 13 What is the symbolism of beating one’s breast”. The tax collector’s prayer echoes the prayer of the ten lepers from two weeks ago in Luke 17:13. Once again, as I did in relation to Luke 17:13, I draw your attention to The Jesus Prayer of Hesychiasm and the Philokelia.

v. 14 A typical parabolic reversal.

ADDENDUM
When I am not posting Lectionary Ruminations on Presbyterian Bloggers I am posting about a variety of topics, especially kayaking and other mostly outdoor related topics, at Summit to Shore.

The Practicality of the Bible

When I overhear they younger generation discussing the Holy Bible, I often hear references to the age of the book and to the question of meaning for today’s world. Most wonder how a book written by over forty different people over two thousand years ago could be practical to today's issues. This subject is often debated in our churches, with the discussions centering on the inerrancy and shear truths that make up God’s Holy Word. It is one thing to discuss just how these words directed and disciplined the Jews and Gentiles some 2000years ago, yet it is another to explain how these same words can give us guidance that applies to situations today. In my opinion, I feel that this is just what we need, just when we need it.

All one needs to do is to take a thirty minute tour through the Book of Proverbs to see and hear the wisdom that applied then, yet still applies to this day and age. In fact, the very first Proverb gives us great instruction on what we need to do in order to please our God. It discusses everything from obeying our parents to dealing with the evils of peer pressure. The last time I checked, this would be a great lesson for our teenagers of today. The Bible has been around for two thousand years, and continues to be the most read book on the market. The only thing we leave out is taking the knowledge we gain and applying it. If we could only convince our younger generation to actually read God’s Word, and take some of it to heart, we would have much fewer issues of delinquency and loss of parental rights that take place in our courtrooms.

I have had the privilege, or as some would say the punishment of working in the Juvenile Court System for a short time. This is the biggest eye opener that anyone needs in order to wake them up to what’s actually happening, as opposed to what they believe is happening. The growing number of cases on the docket is just one indicator that we have a serious problem. We also have what could be described as the solution to the problem, but it’s not allowed in the schools and classrooms where these young people get there guidance on how to live their lives. We need to take a hard look at where our society is headed, with these “gen-X” and “gen-Y” individuals looking to become our next batch of corporate executives and government leaders. Just take a look around at all the negative influences that prey on our young people today, then take a look at our defenses we use against peer pressure, broken homes and poverty. We seem to be out-gunned and short of qualified troops to deal with these issues. Yet while all of this is happening, we are quick to send aid to foreign countries and provide huge bailouts to the fortune 500 companies. I’m not sure about you, but I fail to see the logic in this.

But hey, I’m just a simple citizen trying to figure out why our government leaders and corporate "big shots" choose to operate in a manner that does not reflect the quote that permeates our society "in God we trust." The book of Proverbs reminds us to “trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding.” (Ps 3:5) I see great practicality in these words. I’m not sure where the confusion lies. There is nothing impractical about knowing God, trusting God and adhering to His guidance and discipline.

Monday Blog Club

Today's first blog is Mrs.ReverendDr.: The life of a full time, head Pastor's wife, offering a variety of posts about ministry, hospitality and Church-clergy relations in the PC (USA) church. (She now blogs as Coupon Queen at Eerie Deals.) I've followed Mrs.Rev.Dr.'s blog from time to time since she joined the web ring. I find her stories fascinating, as she is a minister's wife and I am a minister's daughter but our experiences are very different! I'm bummed that she's no longer blogging at Mrs.Rev.Dr.

Second is My Farcical Existence by Miranda. Miranda's blog has lain dormant for over two years but remains on our blog roll and always will, since she started the unofficial PC(USA) Blog. If you're curious about our roots, check out the archives here and go read some vintage Miranda. Cheers!

And, finally, we have NeilCraigan.Com: On a journey to become human... Neil is an Irish American pastor living and serving in Minnesota. And he's a runner! (I have a soft spot for distance runners. Had a great time watching my husband finish a Halloween 10k this morning. Wish I had been able to run it, too!) Recent posts on NeilCraigan.com include Thoughts on Presbyterian Worship, Music in Worship, a thought on narratives, and an NPR interview with Peter Himmelman about his priorities as a husband, father, and observant Jew.

Happy reading!

Managing the Mysterious

I apologize for not having this posted on Tuesday. I have been “losing myself” in His majesty at Regent Univ.

I was puzzled the other day while sitting in my Spiritual Formation classroom. The topic of how we discern the workings of the Holy Spirit was the center of our discussion. This started the wheels turning in my head, thinking about how mysterious this concept is to the person who has never set foot inside a house of worship. Does that make our sanctuary a “haunted house” type of place, spewing smoke and strange sounds to people passing by? To a child, this would be the perfect attraction for the upcoming season of ghosts and goblins. How do we, as Christians manage these mysterious concepts when they are just that, very mysterious and strange to someone who does not know Christ.

When we think about how God, in his magnificent triune existence, is the “perfector of our faith,” we must remember that not everyone around us knows the same God. If we were to examine how we came about having faith in our God, we may find that it was a long, very complicated process, one that does not lend itself to brief explanation. Our journey, or at least the one I have been on, seems to get more complicated at each turn, offering up several different options to be chosen from. I often feel that we have created such a complicated method of coming to know Christ, that we have created more obstacles to others feeling His love and His forgiveness. We tend to create barriers with the bricks of the church, keeping people out instead of inviting them in. I have found, in my short tenure at Regent, there is no need for boundaries when Christ is at the center of all.

It has been such an eye opening experience to watch others come to Christ, fully accepting Him as Lord and Savior, but with no expectations, no preconceived notions, without limits on our great God. This is where I believe we could take a note or two on just how to describe the triune God to others. This is where I believe we can drop all notions of putting walls around the Holy Spirit, making Him ours, solely ours.

One of the many ways we use to demonstrate our faith, to get the message out to the masses is through song. The genre of Contemporary Christian Music has been around for ages. This style of music flushes out the Holy Spirit in all of us. This music generates true and genuine expressions of the Holy Spirit at work in those who allow themselves to become lost in His grasp. I am slowly learning this very unusual method of “managing the mysterious.” It is just amazing to watch the spirit in action as He moves over an entire room of very different, very diverse individuals having an impact on each and every life. This is one way in which I hope to “manage the mysterious.” By allowing ourselves to be completely immersed in His majestic love for us, we can truly experience a taste of heaven as we all sing together the words on the screen. It is simply an amazing event to be a part of witnessing His Holy Spirit working in and among friends. We just simply need to figure out how to get this feeling to those who yearn for it.

I know that our God, our great triune God, can and will be everywhere at once. He will be with us as we move to the music, celebrating His presence and helping us to “manage the mysterious.”

Go Fish!: Tell Us A Story

“You are one of the stories God wants to tell in the world.” - Donald Miller

Last month I had the great privilege to attend Donald Miller’s first-ever Storyline Conference in Portland, OR. If you don’t know who Donald Miller is, get yourself a copy of Blue Like Jazz, stat. Miller is speaking for a generation of young believers and seekers (as well as middle-aged ones like myself) through his blog and several books, and soon through the screen version of Blue. Nearly 500 people flew in from all over the continent to hear Miller explain why we can all live a better story with our lives.

The conference was based on Miller’s 2009 book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. The book chronicles how Miller decided to live a better life using the elements of story writing.

In Portland he laid out for attendees how to plot out both the negative and positive story turns of our lives and showed how those turns can be used by God to create good. He asked us to figure out who we are and what skill set God gave us. He also encouraged us to pay attention to our daydreams, because what’s on our heart is on God’s heart, and they may be the direction God wants us to head in our lives.

Miller used his gift of storytelling to share tales of people who are making a serious difference in the world. Through Miller’s career he has been blessed to meet many people who are telling stories of kindness and compassion through their actions. In addition, Miller interviewed guests on stage to share their stories of how they are helping others.

Storyline wasn’t about evangelism, but I couldn’t help but make the connection. After all, if God is telling a story through our lives, then he means for that story to be “read” by others around us. What story are we telling about God to others with our actions?

My next question is, are we prepared to tell others – not just show them - God’s part in our story?

Apparently about a billion of us were watching the 33 Chilean miners being rescued from the San Jose Mine this week (a great week for Kleenex!). What amazing stories those miners told, and will continue to tell.

I still tear up when I think of the one miner who said that there were 34 miners trapped because God was always with them. Another miner said he was with the devil and with God, and he chose God. Down in the mine the men worshipped and prayed together, led by one miner who served as their spiritual leader throughout the ordeal.

As each one emerged from the depths of the earth, the miners’ unabashedly told stories to all of us of how God made a difference in their lives going through a terrible calamity. They didn’t edit themselves worrying about what non-believers would think. They just told their stories of how God made a difference in their lives.

Near the conclusion of the Storyline conference, Miller used a quote from Robert McKee, famed Hollywood screenwriting guru. It’s aimed at writers, but it works for all of us as we “write” the stories God wants us to tell:

“Write every day, line by line, page by page, hour by hour. Do this despite fear.”

Every day we get a chance to write a new and better story and share it with the world. And because of our faith, we can share that story without fear.

Miller sent us off with this benediction: “May you tell beautiful stories.”

The Storyline Conference is being repeated January 23 – 24, 2011, in Portland. Details aren’t up yet, but you can keep checking at thestorylineconference.com. And if you’re a fan of Blue Like Jazz, check out the amazing story that’s being told about how the movie is getting made at savebluelikejazz.com. It’s already the largest crowdsource-financed movie in history, and is on its way to collecting the most amount of donations for a creative project on kickstarter.com.

Lectionary Ruminations for Sunday, October 17, 2010, the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Posted each Thursday, Lectionary Ruminations focuses on the Scripture Readings, taken from the New Revised Standard Version, for the following Sunday per the Revised Common Lectionary. Comments and questions are intended to encourage reflection for readers preparing to teach, preach, or hear the Word. Reader comments are invited and encouraged. All lectionary links are to the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible via the PC(USA) Devotions and Readings website, but if you prefer another translation, feel free to use that instead. (Other references are linked to the NRSV via the oremus Bible Browser.)


Jeremiah 31:27-34
v. 27 Does the phrase “the days are surely coming” suggest that this is a somewhat apocalyptic passage? What does it mean to “sow” with the “seed of humans” and “animals”?

v. 28 Prophecy of a flip-flopping reversal.

v. 29 Does this “Proverb” and folk-like saying occur anywhere else in the Scriptures?

v. 30 This seems to be another flip-flopping reversal, of what was in the previous verse. Why all this talk about eating “sour grapes”? How might contemporary proverbs and folk sayings influence how we hear and interpret this passage?

v. 31 Now we move from diet to theology! Yea!

v. 33 And yet another flip-flopping reversal, of what was in the preceding verse. If we read this literarily, we should be able to tell at the time of an autopsy whether a person was among God’s covenant people. If they are, something will be “written” on their heart.

v. 34 The end of religious education.

Psalm 119:97-104
v. 97 Is it the “law” of this verse that connects this Psalm with the Jeremiah Reading, particularly Jeremiah 31:33?

v. 99 The reflections of a first semester Seminarian?

v. 100 The reflection of young minister?

v. 103 An appropriate verse for Chewing on the Word: Lectionary Runinations.

v. 104 “Precepts”, and in other verses “words”, “ordinances”, “decrees”, “commandment”, and “law”. Are there any other synonyms I missed? Can you think of any others that are not in this verse?

2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
v. 14 From whom did Timothy learn what he has learned?

v. 15 What are “the sacred writings” to which Paul refers?

v. 16 How many different understandings of “inspired” are your familiar with? What is scripture good for? If we were to ask Paul “What is scripture not useful for?” how might he reply?

v. 1 This sounds like is taking an oath or “swearing on the Bible”. Why such an appeal to authority?

v. 2 This sounds like a charge to a newly ordained and/or installed pastor or recognition of a newly credentialed Certified Christian Educator.

v. 3 Does “For the time is coming” suggest this a somewhat apocalyptic passage? I think this time has arrived.

v. 4 What does Paul mean by “truth” and “myths”. Some myths can contain a lot of truth, but only if you interpret them as myths. I am thinking of “Carl Jung” and “Joseph Campbell” type myths here.

v. 5 And what do we mean by “sober”?

Luke 18:1-8
v. 1 In relation to the previous Reading, what is the difference between a “parable” and a “myth”?

v. 2 How less specific can we be, “a certain city”? How in the world did this parabolic person become a judge with such poor qualifications? Oh, that’s right, this is a parable.

v. 3 What is the significance, if any, that the supplicant was a “widow”?

vs. 4-5 And the lesson here? Apparently, justice might be blind, but it is not deaf!

v. 6 Why should we listen to this unjust judge when he is such a jerk?

v. 7 And the answer to this rhetorical question is? Is this an argument for prayer that is only intercession and supplication? What about adoration, confession and thanksgiving?

v. 8 How many people in the pews will get this “Son of Man” language and how much time should be devoted to explaining it? And as I asked about verse 7, what is the answer to the rhetorical question posed in this verse?

ADDENDUM
Regarding the 2 Timothy Reading, I suggest you consult Presbyterian Understanding and Use of Holy Scripture and Biblical Authority and Interpretation.

Monday Blog Club

1. At Monmouth Presbytery Mission Cafe and soon-to-be presbytery website, Bruce Reyes-Chow, Moderator of the 2008 General Assembly, posted this response to the teen suicides. Other recent posts include Hunter Farrell's letter about the General Assembly Mission Council's Independent Abuse Review Panel (IARP) report and a link to an inspirational post about creation care. Lots to see here!
2. Church of Scotland/Presbyterian Minister: preacher, pastor, and encourager, Mary Haddow, blogs at Mountain Tops and Monday Mornings: thoughts of a follower of Christ … a wife, mother and pastor. Recent posts include her reflections on being ministered to while ministering, the God-shaped hole in all of us, and, my favorite, Surviving the Friendly Fire, about ministers dealing with constant criticism (and little support) from congregations.
3. Mr. Locke's Classroom is the blog of Neal Locke. Neal is a former high school English teacher, current Presbyterian seminary student, and future monastic microbrewer. He's also a husband and a father. Recent posts include a three-part series on Who Is My Neighbor: Pastoral Ministry in a Border Community. Alongside the blog are mstrlocke's tweets.

What a creative and diverse blog roll we have!

Lectionary Ruminations for Sunday, October 10, 2010, the Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C

Posted each Thursday, Lectionary Ruminations focuses on the Scripture Readings, taken from the New Revised Standard Version, for the following Sunday per the Revised Common Lectionary. Comments and questions are intended to encourage reflection for readers preparing to teach, preach, or hear the Word. Reader comments are invited and encouraged. All lectionary links are to the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible via the PC(USA) Devotions and Readings website, but if you prefer another translation, feel free to use that instead. (Other references are linked to the NRSV via the oremus Bible Browser.)

Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7

v. 1 These are the words of Jeremiah, not the words of the LORD. Where was Jeremiah at the time he wrote the letter?

v. 4 Even though these are the words of Jeremiah’s letter, his letter contains the words of the Lord. Note who has sent the exiles into exile.

v. 6 Shall the wives be chosen only from among the exile community or shall they also be chosen from among the indigenous inhabitants? What does history tell us, if anything?

v. 7 Seeking the welfafre of the city where God has sent them, and praying to the LORD on its behalf, means, in essence,seeking the welfare and praying for enemies and captors (or former enemies and hosts?).

Over the past three weeks, the readings have progressed from pre-destruction, lament over the destruction, and post destruction of Jerusalem. This broad sweep invites us to reflect on how Jeremiah’s preaching has changed. It might sound trite, but might we say that before the destruction he afflicted the comfortable while after the destruction he comforted the afflicted?

Psalm 66:1-12

vs. 1-2 These verse could form the basis of a Call to Worship.

v. 3 In light of the Jeremiah Reading, do you think God’s enemies really cringe? Who are God’s enemies. Is it safe to assume that Israel’s enemies are God’s enemies? Is it safe to assume that our enemies are God’s enemies?

v. 4 Does the reference to “All the earth” refer to only human beings?

v. 5 What has God done? This is the second occurrence in the NRSV translation of this Psalm of “awesome”. The first occurrence was in v. 3.

v. 6 What is being recounted here?

v. 9 In light of the Jeremiah Reading, while we might be captives and exiles, at least we are alive?

v. 10 In the wilderness, Israel tested God. Now God tests Israel? How is silver “tried”?

v. 11 Is this a reference to bondage in Egypt or Babylonian captivity?

v. 12 This Psalm sounds to me more like a Psalm celebrating the Exodus. If so, why would the RCL folk choose to pair it with the Jeremiah Reading?

2 Timothy 2:8-15

v. 8 What does Paul mean by “Remember”? Compared to later creedal statements, Paul’s “gospel” is basic, no frills, and almost void of doctrine.

v. 9 Does Paul mean to suggest that while he might be “chained like a criminal” he is not a criminal?

v. 10 the ears of Presbyterians and other Reformed Christians ought to perk up when they hear Paul’s reference to “the elect”.

v. 11 Why has this verse not become associated with baptismal liturgies?

v. 14 How does the “remind” connect with the “remember of v. 8? What is the “this” to “remind them of”? Does Paul really have the moral authority to admonish others not to “wrangle over words”? In light of this blog column, when does “Chewing on the Word” and ruminating about the Lectionary Readings become wrangling?

v. 15 How does one rightly explain the word of truth? How would Paul define “the word of truth”?

Luke 17:11-19

v. 11 What is the significance of the fact that Jesus was “On the way to Jerusalem”? What is significant about the region “between Samaria and Galilee”?

v. 12 Is there any symbolic significance to there being “ten lepers”? How can ten lepers both approach and keep their distance?

v. 13 This verse reminds me of The Jesus Prayer of Hesychiasm and the Philokelia.

v. 14 Why does this verse say Jesus saw the ten lepers rather than hear them since they were calling out to him? Why would Jesus send the lepers off to the priests rather than healing them at that moment?

v. 15 Is one out of ten lepers a tithe?

v. 16 What is the significance that the one leper who returned was a Samaritan? Can we assume anything about the ethnic or religious identity of the nine who did not return? Does v. 18 shed any light on the question?

v. 19 Since v. 14 says “they were made clean,” can we assume that the faith of the others who were made clean, presumably the other nine, also made them well?

ADDENDUM

It has nothing to do with the lectionary readings, but this particular Sunday will be 101010 (October 10, 2010). In addition to posting Lectionary Ruminations every Thursday on Presbytery Bloggers, I also blog about a variety of topics on my personal blog, Summit to Shore.

Did You Feel That ?

Sometimes when we are going about our mundane, repetitious and boring tasks, we suddenly feel something strange. In most cases, we just shrug it off to be something we can safely ignore, and move on to more important issues. We never stop to think of what it may have been, or who it may have been. I truly believe that this is a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit. It’s nothing but a tap on the shoulder from our God who wants and needs our attention. I was privileged to be a witness to our wonderful God as He slowly transformed 11 individuals with the use of His Holy Spirit.

The process began Thursday as the team began preparation for the 28th Presbytery of the James Pilgrimage (PJP 28). This gathering had been in the planning phase for a year, and was about to be launched in a very quiet and humble fashion. The pilgrims began to arrive, being dropped off by their sponsors, and left with a team of strangers who would be their servants for the next three days. This experience is very humbling in that as a pilgrim, you will not have access to a watch or cell phone. We, as the team, will take care of everything. We even go as far as reminding you of medication schedules and any other concern you may have. It is somewhat frightening to place complete trust in a complete stranger, but it is also very liberating at the same time. I was honored to be a part of this process of witnessing a very dramatic, obvious and gratifying change in the pilgrims. There is only one explanation for this dramatic shift. God was there among us through His Holy Spirit. It was the most awesome thing to watch as we guided these individuals on a journey that only God could lead.

As the days went by, you could just see the transformation take place. The faith journeys of each individual were moving them forward, but only as fast or as slow as each one needed to move. It was just simply amazing to watch the Holy Spirit move everyone, including the team members, as the weekend progressed. I cannot say enough about this small group of dedicated individuals who had worked so hard to bring this wonderful experience to fruition. I was blown away by the humble and servant-like attitude displayed throughout the weekend by all the team members. It was very assuring to me that we, as the team, were able to reach these pilgrims and take them further along in their faith walk.

While traveling back to Regent Univ. I was able to ponder just what I had witnessed. There seemed to be a change in me as well. My faith had grown, just like the faith of the individuals who had just walked with Christ through PJP 28. To see the change in the faces, attitudes and faith of the new “babe chicks” was nothing more than evidence for me that there is a God, and he works through us by using the Holy Spirit to examine, influence and convince. There is just no other explanation for what happened at PJP28. Congratulations to the new “Babe Chicks.”

DeColores!

What Are We?

Underneath the flash and spark of the science and religion debates are some real issues that reflect some real differences of world view. One of these, I think, are differing ideas about what a human being is. What do you think we are?

Here are your choices: *

1. We are made of one "part"
a. a physical body only. (materialism)
b. spirited bodies, incarnated souls, (physicalism)

2. We are made of two "parts" (dualism)
a. a body and a soul
b. a body and a mind

3. We are made up of three parts, body, soul, and spirit. (trichotomism)

4. We are made up of one "part" which is spiritual or mental (idealism).

So, what did you pick? Was it hard to decide? Is this a topic you have given much thought to?

Nancey Murphy in her book, Bodies and Souls, or Spirited Bodies, suggests that most people haven't thought very seriously about this. That's a shame, because as she points out, our view of what a person "is" affects our opinions about many modern concerns. Abortion, end of life, stem cell research- just to name a few.

Historically the mainstream Christian position has been dualism. Murphy contends that much of our Christian thinking about this has been more heavily influenced by Greek and Roman philosophy and less influenced by scripture. The Old Testament, for the most part, assumes a robust physicalism. This is not the "nothing but" materialism of modern reductionism which claims humans are nothing but our physical bodies and so genetics, endocrinology and the rest of science can account for all that we are. In the Hebrew Bible, people were understood to be unities of body, mind, and soul. We cannot be separated into component parts. Sometimes this idea is expressed by the phrase "incarnated souls" or "spirited bodies". The New Testament writers reflect the variety of first century opinions about what constitutes a human being but are more concerned about relationship.

So the Greek philosophers we have surveyed were interested in the question:what are the essential parts that make up a human being? In contrast, for the biblical authors each "part" ("part" in scare quotes" stands for the whole person thought of from a certain angle. For example, "spirit" stands for the whole person in relation to God. What the New Testament authors are concerned with, then, is human beings in relationship to the natural world, to the community and to God. Paul's distinction between spirit and flesh is not our later distinction between soul and body. Paul is concerned with two ways of living: one in conformity with the Spirit of God, and the other in conformity to the old aeon before Christ. (21-22)

So Murphy argues that there is no clear definitive Biblical teaching about what a human being is. Therefore, she believes Christians in our time are free to, and should, rethink our beliefs about what a human being is and that we should use the findings of modern science as well as scripture to help us do this.

Murphy acknowledges that there will have to be "adjustments" made to certain Christian beliefs but she contends that on the whole, they will be helpful. For example, physicalism could help Christians embrace a strong belief in the bodily resurrection of Jesus. And, it could help encourage an appreciation for the physical world- our bodies included- that would discourage an "other worldliness" that sometimes keeps us from acting in this world.

I have to confess, I haven't finished her book yet. I'm reading it as part of a science and religion book discussion group and I haven't read ahead. It will be interesting to think more about this as she makes her case for physicalism.

But I am wondering about the implications of physicalism for the science and religion dialogue.

If more Christians adopted a physicalist view, would that remove some of the stumbling blocks in the science and religion dialogue? Removing dialogue stumbling blocks is not an adequate reason to adopt the physicalist position. But what if after serious study and prayer and discussion, physicalism became a more commonly held belief? Would we stop debating about souls and start focusing on entire people?

Certainly this view of humanity, physicalism is a more complex accounting of humans than the "nothing but-ism" of some materialists. There still might be too big a difference to overcome. How ever, not all scientists are materialists, and some are very willing to engage a more complex view of human kind.

What do you think? Is physicalism a view that Christians could faithfully adopt? Would a physicalist anthropology help resolve some of the science and religion tensions?


********


Adapted from Nancey Murphy's book Bodies and Souls, or Spirited Bodies?, Current Issues in Theology, Iain Torrance, editor. Cambridge University Press: 2006.

Lectionary Ruminations for Sunday, October 3, 2010, the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C

Posted each Thursday, Lectionary Ruminations focuses on the Scripture Readings, taken from the New Revised Standard Version, for the following Sunday per the Revised Common Lectionary. Comments and questions are intended to encourage reflection for readers preparing to teach, preach, or hear the Word. Reader comments are invited and encouraged. All lectionary links are to the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible via the PC(USA) Devotions and Readings website, but if you prefer another translation, feel free to use that instead. (Other references are linked to the NRSV via the oremus Bible Browser.)


Lamentations 1:1-6, 3:19-26
vs. 1-2 Yes, this is about Jerusalem, but It could as easily be applied to a rust belt city like Detroit, or New Orleans, still recovering from Katrina.

v. 3 She who now lives among the nations is the one in whom all the nations will be blessed.

v. 4 Lamenting the loss of the religious tourist trade.

v. 5 And why is Zion suffering?

v. 21 What is it exactly that is called to mind that brings hope?

vs. 22-23 Is this what brings hope? How easily we forget!

Psalm 137:1-9
vs. 1-2 Does anyone remember the song “On The Willows” from the musical Godspell?

v. 4 But, according to Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon, are not all Christians “resident aliens”?

v. 8 Shall we read this as a Biblical admonition for revenge and paybacks, or thePsalmist expressing both personal and communal agony?

v.9 This is always a fun verse to try to interpret.

vs. 8-9 I fear these two verses encapsulate some of the feelings of anger among those mourning the loss the Christian Establishment as we have moved into a post-Christian era. It is one thing to express such feelings. It is another thing to act on them by engaging in violence.

2 Timothy 1:1-14
v. 3 Paul, a apostle of Christ, claims to worship the same God in the same way his Jewish ancestors did.

v. 5 Did Lois, Eunice and Timothy all embrace the faith at the same time, or is Timothy actually the product of Christian nurture provided by his mother and grandmother?

vs. 6 What is the gift that needs rekindled? How is the laying on of hands associated with this rekindling?

v.7 Cowardice or power, love and self-discipline. Where do we fall in that contrast?

v.8 What shame has Timothy been feeling? What shame might we be feeling?

v. 11 Does Paul string together “herald”, “apostle” and “teacher” for alliterative emphasis, or is he actually claiming three different titles?

v. 14 What is the “good treasure” entrusted to Timothy?

Luke 17:5-10
vs. 5-6 How does verse 6 follow from verse 5? Does the new U.S. Religious Knowledge Survey, released recently by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, shed any light on this verse?

vs. 7-10 How do these verses follow from what came before?

v. 10 Well, I am feeling about as important and valued as whale dung on the bottom of the ocean floor. “Oh, forgive me God, the miserable sinner that I am.” So much for self-esteem.

ADDENDUM
This Sunday will be World Communion Sunday, and for many PC(USA) Presbyterians, the Sunday on which to receive the Peacemaking Special Offering.  How do any of the above lectionary passages relate to World Communion and/or Peacemaking?

Spring Cleaning in the Fall

We often think of cleaning house, really giving it a good scrubbing, in the spring. I guess that’s why they call it “spring cleaning.” We take advantage of the change in season and make an effort to clean up our houses, get rid of things we no longer use, and put a new shine on what is left over. I would make the suggestion that we adopt this practice whenever the season changes, regardless of the time of year. I would also suggest that we not limit this process to just “cleaning houses” but also cleaning up and throwing out old hurts, things that just seem to stick around regardless of how many times we take the scrub brush to them. We need to present ourselves as new creations before our God and shine as bright as the sun.

We all have things that we have regretted, wishing and hoping that they would eventually fade into the deep, dark recesses of our minds never to be heard from again. Then as time goes by, these things always resurface at the worst times of our lives, kicking us when we are already on the ground. We know that there is only one way to deal with these irritating issues. We need to take them to our God, admit that we have wronged Him and others we have hurt along the way. Then we ask for His forgiveness. This sounds way to simple, but all throughout God’s Word, He tells us that we just need to bring these things to Him. He has forgiven us before we even ask. God knows the very thing that is weighing heavily on our minds right now. He is just waiting for us to bring this nagging thing to Him in prayer. Ask in earnest to be forgiven, and allow God to be God. I believe we spend too much time getting in His way. After all, He was willing to give up His son in order that our sins would be taken away, nailed to the cross with Christ.

In this day and age, we tend to spend much of our lives feeling guilty for things we know are wrong, but it seems like feeling guilty is more satisfying to us as a way of reaping well deserved blame and punishment on ourselves. Yet it’s not enough to keep us from repeating the same offense later in life. God is here with us to wait patiently, listen intently, and if it is His will, to answer our prayers. We just need to start cleaning house and throwing out old stuff we know is not in God’s plan. Getting rid of the excess baggage will be just what we need to gain the freedom to move forward.

I have made an effort to follow my own advice and I have scrubbed the closets of my mind with a strong cleaner, God’s Holy Word. This is the best stain remover for old hurts, painful memories, and things in our past that seem to just get worse as time goes on. We all could use a bit of spring cleaning this fall. Let’s break out those brooms and start sweeping. You will be surprised what you find among the dust bunnies.

Monday Blog Club

Welcome to Monday!

1) Talitha P blogs at Madame Future Moderator: Some day I'm going to grow up to moderate something very important; like a Session, or a Presbytery, or maybe even the General Assembly of the PC(USA). Alternately, I might give up on all things establishmentarian and go live with Jesus in a tree.  I like Talitha because she reads Robert's Rules of Order for fun.  Or maybe it's because she's so passionate about mission work.  But what makes her stand out this week is her most recent post.

Here at the unofficial PC(USA) blog we're all about respectful conversation and, yes, even disagreement.  Check out that blog roll, folks!  But this week we got a few messages from someone with a passionate hatred (and mistaken understanding) of the denomination.  So stumbling upon Happy To Be Presbyterian was a wonderful surprise.  Especially today, when I was elected to serve as an elder for the first time.  So thanks, Talitha!

2) Over at Mark Time, Mark Smith recently reviewed Carol Howard Merritt's Reframing Hope.  (My brother-in-law is reading that one right now.)  He also discusses the unexpected turn his recent job search took.  Congrats, Mark, on the big leap: hearing and responding to a different call than you were seeking!  Best of luck and God's blessing on your journey.

3) Meanwhile, Rev. Carl Wilton continues his short story, "A Treasurer's Tale" over at Monmouth Presbytery Clerk's Corner.  The tale begins (with apologies to Charles Dickens):  

Ebeneezer Droodge, church treasurer, awoke with a start from his fitful sleep. That noise – what was it?

It was nothing, he assured himself. Probably a little too much tuna casserole at the church potluck. Sure, that was it. Tuna casserole.

No, wait – he was sure he’d heard it this time.

“Over here, Ebeneezer.”

“Where?”

“Over here, on your computer. Where you sit up late every night fussing with the church spreadsheets.”

One of the Three Forbidden Subjects

There are three subjects which we tend to not want to talk about in the context of church: money, sex and death.

We recently started a series of studies at my church on death and dying from a Christian perspective. It's a mid-week study; one session at noon for the "lunch bunch" and another in the evening after a shared supper. The study is being facilitated by the Pastor and I.

The one thing that really stood out in this past Wednesday's sessions (it was our first of nine) was the level of emotion that rose to the surface among the participants. That's understandable, I'm inclined to think, if for no other reason than that for the last 100 years or so, we've done everything we can, it seems, as a culture and as church, to remove death as far away from us as possible.

I remember when, a few months prior to his death, my father called me into his study, told me to sit down and write down a list he was going to give me. "What's the list for?" I asked. "It's a list of things to do when I die," he replied. It was a conversation I did not want to have; not at all. But yet, my father, in his wisdom, knew that it was a conversation that we had to have.

Yes, we've tried to banish death from our thoughts. A hundred years ago, the vast majority of people died at home. Now the overwhelming majority die in some sort of institution: hospitals, nursing homes, etc. And when a loved one dies, we're immediately (or pretty quick) shuffled out of the room, not to see our loved one again until they appear in a casket at the funeral home, or in the case of cremation, not until we're handing a small container holding their ashes.

According to Rob Moll, in his wonderful little book, The Art of Dying: Living Fully Into the Life to Come, we've lost the Christian practice of dying well. There are a number of reasons for that, cultural ones for the most part, due to shifts from agrarian to urban life, the incredible advances in medicine, and so forth. But regardless of the reasons, we as Christians have lost something when it comes to death.

In his book, Moll writes:

"There is an untapped reservoir of Christian belief about dying. Christians are people who claim to worship and have the life of the risen Son of God. A renewed practice of Christian dying should affect not just the dying and those caring for them, but will fundamentally affect church life and individual spiritual lives from beginning to end."

The beginning point for recapturing a Christian view of death and dying is simply this: that we start talking about it openly and without fear of showing some emotion. That conversation will inevitably involve seeing how the biblical material might inform our views of death and dying. That conversation will recognize the central importance of death for Christian faith: that is, the death, and resurrection, of Jesus who is the Christ.

So let's start the conversation. Let's recover the spiritual practice of dying.

Lectionary Ruminations for Sunday, September 26, 2010, the Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Posted each Thursday, Lectionary Ruminations focuses on the Scripture Readings, taken from the New Revised Standard Version, for the following Sunday per the Revised Common Lectionary. Comments and questions are intended to encourage reflection for readers preparing to teach, preach, or hear the Word. Reader comments are invited and encouraged. All lectionary links are to the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible via the PC(USA) Devotions and Readings website, but if you prefer another translation, feel free to use that instead. (Other references are linked to the NRSV via the oremus Bible Browser.)


Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15
v. 1 What is the significance of the historical reference?

v. 2 Why was Jeremiah confined in the court of the guard?

vs. 7-8 Is the redundancy typical of Hebrew prophecy or is it serving another purpose?

v. 9 What is the symbolism of Jeremiah buying a field at Anathoth from his cousin Hanamel?

v. 14 No longer is it simply “the LORD” but is now “the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel;” Is there any significance to the longer moniker?

v. 15 Here is a verse that could very well serve as a prophetic sign of hope in the midst of our nation’s low economic recovery.

Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16
vs 1-2 Nice images: live, abide, shelter, shadow, refuge and fortress.

v. 2 It seems the Psalms almost always speak in terms of “trust” rather than “believe”. Does it make any difference?

v. 3 “snare of the fowler” suggests a human operative setting the snare, whereas “deadly pestilence” suggests a force of nature divorced from human agency.

v. 4 “pinions” and “wings” are iamages related to birds, but what sort of bird? “Shield and buckler” shift from foul imagery to military imagery.

v. 5 What are our night terrors?

v. 6 More ”pestilence”, but this pestilence stalks in darkness.

v. 14 Do all those who love God know God’s name? Do all those who know God’s name love God?

I think it is easy to see why this Psalm is paired with the Jeremiah Reading.

Reading 1 Timothy 6:6-19
v. 6 I think only Paul, of all the authors included in the New Testament, could begin a sentence with “Of course”.

V 10 Not that “the love of money”, and not money itself, “is a root of all kinds of evil.”

v. 11 How does this list of virtues compare with other Pauline lists of virtues?

v. 12 How does one fight the good fight? What is the difference between a “good” fight and a “bad” fight?

v. 13 What was the “good confession” Christ Jesus made in his testimony before Pontius Pilate? Is this the only New Testament reference to Pontius Pilate outside of the Gospels?

v. 14 What is “the commandment” to which Paul refers?

v. 15-16 Some of this sounds like confessional language, or the language of an early Christian hymn.

v. 17 Yes, this reading did begin by talking about riches, to which we now return. I have not checked the Greek, but the juxtaposition of the “uncertainty of riches” with the “God who richly provides” is a nice one in English.

v. 18-19 Is this the Judeo-Christian foundation of charity and philanthropy?

Luke 16:19-31
v. 19 And low and behold “a rich man” appears in the Gospel reading after Paul’s words to Timothy about riches and the love of money. What is the significance of the fact that this man was dressed in purple? Does “fine linen” suggest the same status? “Feasting sumptuously every day,” suggests this rich man was not eating franks and beans, but what?

v. 20 Is it an unfortunate coincidence that a poor man was named “Lazarus”, the name of the brother of Mary and Martha?

v. 22 How do we deal with the “angels” and this man being carried away to Abraham before Christ was crucified and resurrected?

v. 23 How do we deal with “Hades” and its torment?

v. 24 Can we read and hear this without being influenced by Dante’s Inferno?

v. 25 Is this an example if typical New Testament reversal; i.e. the first being last and the last being first?

v. 26 What is this “great chasm” and how do we deal with it? Shall we or shall we not be reminded and influenced by cartoonish images of bearing a cross to a chasm and then laying it down across the chasm to use as a bridge?

v. 29 If Moses and the prophets were not enough to warn this man, what makes anyone think they are enough for the guy’s five brothers? Is there any significance to the number five?

vs. 30-31 Is this an example of literary anachronism, reading back into the text a reference to something that according to the setting has not yet happened but which the author knows has already happened?

I think we need to guard against reading this too literally, and certainly not as history. How can we mine the message without also digging up a lot of unnecessary overburden?

Laughter in the Heavens

Sometimes, if we listen closely, we may just hear the roar of laughter coming from heaven. God and his troop of angels are all getting a big kick out of our comical behavior here on earth. I say this because if we think about how we go through our daily routine trying our best to get it right, but only to realize we are so far off the mark, we, too see the humor. We need to stop trying so hard, stop taking life so seriously in order to enjoy bits and pieces of it. After all, God did not say that we had to be completely serious, monotonous, robots just going through the motions. How boring would that be? God is a loving God who would want His family to enjoy life.

I know God has a bit of a sense of humor, and I know this each time I look in the mirror. I realize that God must have been smiling, or grinning from ear to ear when He decided to create this child. I can also use my analogy I have used in the past where Jethro, the lead character on the popular show “NCIS” goes around smacking his detectives on the back of the head when they just can’t seem to grasp the obvious. God just loves getting a laugh or two out of His children, and I do enjoy being His “comical” servant. I know that I have been able to give God a chuckle or two in my day. But I can’t think of a better way to serve Him than to bring Him pure enjoyment. With that enjoyment, I pray that He is happy not only with me, but happy that I am His. It brings a smile to my face when I think about that, and I hope it brings a smile to yours as well. You should feel wonderful that you are a child of God, and that you have been put here for His purposes. I bet you have given God a smile or two in your past, and we all know it will not be the last time God laughs at us.

I often wonder what it’s like when we just refuse to see things God’s way, even going as far as denying or avoiding being classified as a “born again” or a “bible thumper” when we are socializing or at work. I can only imagine how God feels when His children play the role of the obstinate little child who can’t seem to be satisfied with anything, refusing to quiet his or her behavior even after being offered many wonderful things in order to create peace in the world. How many times have we denied the offerings from our God because it just not what we wanted, only to find out later that it was what we needed? This is where I can just hear God chuckling and saying “see, I told you so.” This is why I know God has a terrific sense of humor. Even after we try so hard to disobey, to look the other way when He is trying to tell us something, He never leaves us. God refuses to abandon us, but does get chuckle out of our childish behavior even when “the boss” is smacking us on the back of the head.

I know that our God is a loving God, and therefore, quite often, we provide Him with laughter in the heavens.

Monday Blog Club

This week I'd like to highlight a few more members of our robust and diverse web ring.  Up this week are three blogs that begin with the letters K and L:

1) Kruse Kronicle: Commentary and reflection on ministry and culture in the twilight of Western Christendom.  This blog's author is elder Michael Kruse, who describes himself, saying, "I am presently serving as the chair of the of the General Assembly Mission Council of the Presbyterian Church (USA), but my horizons and involvement extend well beyond denominationalism. Of particular interest to me is how our daily work connects with the things of God."  And his interests include "annoying Presbyterians."  :-)

Kruse pulls out interesting articles and essays from various news sources, sometimes adding commentary and sometimes letting the pieces stand on their own.

2) Next is the Laughing Pastor.  "My grandmother taught me the art of laughter. She also taught me to be honest about life. Along the way as I share the ups and downs of my journey I consistently bump into laughter. Laughter is a many sided gift of which humor is only one aspect. I believe laughter is like prayer....with faith and hope there is always space for laughter."

Recent posts include texts, pictures, poetry, and links.  Definitely another blog worth a visit this week.
"In short...
Breathe more.Enjoy Life.
Enjoy God."

3) Lighthouse/searchlight church: Participating in the mission of the light of the world by Robert Austell, pastor of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC ... passionate about worship, music, and God's mission to the world . 

Welcome! The primary purpose of this blog is to explore and encourage around what it means to be winsome and sent into the world for God's glory. The definition of "lighthouse-searchlight" is a good place to start. Come peruse the blog!

Three excellent blogs this week.  Check 'em out!

Go Fish!: First Things First

At a church I once belonged to in Southern California a committee designed an action plan in case there was an earthquake during worship. A card was created to sit in every pew rack with instructions on what to do if natural disaster struck. I chuckled every time I saw the card because the number one instruction was "Pray!"

It seems obvious, but I guess we all forget from time to time that the number one thing to do is to "Pray!" Prayer is the foundation of all work of the church. Prayer, is critical before, during, and after we engage in any work of the Church, including evangelism.

In Reimagining Evangelism, author Rick Richardson lays out his case of how we collaborate with God in prayer for the purpose of evangelism. In Chapter 2 of his book he reminds us of what he calls is the "startling promise" in John 14: 10-14:

"Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it."

Richardson comments: "Notice, the secret of the miracles and the power of the prayers was once again this dynamic of collaboration. Jesus did what he did because he and the Father were one. The Father was living in him and doing the works. In our case, the Father and the Son have made their home in us by the Spirit (John 14:23). Witness and prayer are not first of all our work; they are God's work in us and through us. In witness and prayer, Another lives in us, and we are the junior partners."

We have to take the time, however, to be receptive to God's desire to collaborate with us, which means, we have to take time to pray. Furthermore, during that prayer time we not only speak, we listen. Richardson says he gets "quiet and receptive for a moment" and then he asks God the following questions:

"Jesus, where are you already at work? Lord, lead me to people who are receptive."

"Is there someone you want me to talk to, care for or pray with?" Is there someone here who is hurting?"

He then waits for the "nudge" that tells him to speak to particular people, or take specific actions.

In Presbyterian pastor Glenn McDonald's book, The Disciple Making Church; from Dry Bones to Spiritual Vitality, he speaks of the "Six Marks of a Disciple." One of the marks is "A Voice to Speak the Good News." The mark immediately before that one? "Knees for Prayer." McDonald recommends people develop a list of about 10-12 individuals or concerns, and then spend 15 minutes each day prayer and journaling about who or what is on the list.

At the end of the book, McDonald lays out "The Habits of a Disciple-Making Church." Number one, "Stay Centered through Prayer and Discernment." He says, "Prayer must not be a perfunctory seeking of God's blessing on our work. Our work itself is prayer - sustained waiting, listening, and calling on the name of the Lord."

These blog posts about evangelism always have "Go Fish!" in the title. I like the idea of "going" out into the world, and I'm playing on Jesus' promise of making the disciples "fishers of people." Unspoken in that title however is this command: "(Pray! Then) Go Fish!".

Lectionary Ruminations for Sunday, September 19, 2010, the Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Posted each Thursday, Lectionary Ruminations focuses on the Scripture Readings, taken from the New Revised Standard Version, for the following Sunday per the Revised Common Lectionary. Comments and questions are intended to encourage reflection for readers preparing to teach, preach, or hear the Word. Reader comments are invited and encouraged. All lectionary links are to the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible via the PC(USA) Devotions and Readings website, but if you prefer another translation, feel free to use that instead. (Other references are linked to the NRSV via the oremus Bible Browser.)


Jeremiah 8:18-9:1
v. 18 Who is speaking?

v. 19b Who is speaking and who is being quoted?

v. 21 Para-sympathetic feelings? How is this image magnified by the crucifixion?

v. 22 Who is asking these questions? Are they rhetorical questions?

v.1 Is this a Holy lamentation?

How much might Jeremiah be inserting his own thought s and feelings into his prophecy. Who is hurting more, Jeremiah, God, or the people?

Psalm 79:1-9
v.1 Does this verse reflect a time after 58-586 CE?

v. 4 Is this the viewpoint of the Diaspora?

v. 5 A communal prayer that could fall upon the lips of an individual.

v. 6 “Why punish your children when others have totally neglected and ignored you?”

v. 8 “Give us a break! Don’t hold us accountable for the sins of our parents.”

v. 9 “If you forgive us, it will make you look better.”

1 Timothy 2:1-7
v. 1 What is the meaning and significance of “First of all”? Does this refer to time or importance? What do you make of the list “supplications,prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings”? Is there anyone excluded from the “all”? What does the “all” say to the generally individualistic and narcissistic prayers of American Christians?

v. 4 Is there a hint of universalism here? What is “the knowledge of the truth”. To quote Pilat, what is ‘truth?’. Or should we asking “who is the truth?”

v. 6 This verse is often used to defend a particular understanding of the atonement, but does it force us to embrace only one understanding?

v. 7 Why does Paul even have to write “(I am telling the truth, I am not Lying)”?

Luke 16:1-13
v. 1 It is anachronistic to do so, but read back into this recent Wall Street and Investment Banking scandals.

vs. 5-7 An example of one bad deed spawning another? Certainly Jesus was not intending to teach dishonesty, or was he?

v. 8 In my humble opinion, this is NOT one of Jesus’ best parables.

v. 9 What?

v. 10-13 These verses seem to redeem what preceded.

v. 13 a poignant verse during tough economic times and two months before an election that might have as one of its debates who pays how much in taxes and what entitlements will be cut.

Man's Best Friend

For those of you who have pets, particularly dogs, you know what I’m talking about when I say that they are great companions, some would even call them best friends. I can truly say that about my Great Dane Bruce. He is a great companion, a bit large, but a great friend and pal. We often have discussions in the evening about life and about how our days were. It’s a bit one sided, but Bruce does get a word in now and then. Regardless of my mood, or my temperament, Bruce is always wagging his tail and wanting attention, disregarding all of my overtones to just leave me alone for a bit. His love is so unconditional, but then again, we should be accustomed to this type of love.

God is so gracious with His love for us. It does not matter what we do, how we do it, who we upset, or how upset we get, He is there with open arms ready to give us the biggest hug possible. God is such a loving God that sometimes I think He gave us dogs so that we could get a very tiny glimpse into just how unconditional His love is for us and how wonderful it will be to join Him in heaven. I can just imagine all of the wonderful pets I have had in my life waiting there to greet me. It will be a stampede of genuine love and affection when they see me and come running with their tails wagging. I truly believe that “all dogs go to heaven.”

When we try to imagine how wonderful and blissful it will be when we get to see our Savior face to face, it is impossible to do. We, as humans, can only imagine how it will be, and when we do we fall so short of being even close with our anticipated dreams. There are no words presently in the English language to describe this occasion. God is saving the best for last. I know that when it is my time to visit my maker, I will be in awe of His grace and glory. We all need to take just a minute or two out of our hectic day to thank God’s son for going to heaven and preparing a place just for us. It is a beautiful home with many rooms, so many we can’t even count them.

When I try to imagine God’s unconditional love for me, I can’t help but think about my buddy Bruce. God’s plan is to be man and woman’s best friend. A pet is just a great example of God’s unconditional love for his children. This is such a gracious gift from our God that we have no means of repaying this incredible debt. But then again, God doesn’t want repayment, He just wants our love in return. I think I will try harder to show God my love, and maybe there will be a little left over for Bruce. God is a loving God, we just need to return a little of it occasionally, and show Him how we can be His best friend.