Psalm 122
I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”
********************
When we lived in Florida, one of our fellow parishoners at the Chapel of St. Andrew was from New Zealand. He told us a story one time about when he was a little boy. Often, on Sunday mornings, he and his siblings would argue with their mother about having to go to church. All of the kids knew that their dad did not like going to church, so they would often appeal to him for relief. But, regardless, when the arguing would reach a fever pitch, his dad would say, "We're all going to church!" Only, he would say it with the strong Kiwi accent. (Read the title of this writing today and you will be speaking like you are from New Zealand). The whole family, including dad, would then trek off to church, mom's will in tact.
Why go to church?
A common theme of the my musings these past 30+ days has been about what God does and does not require of us. He certainly does not need us to go to church. God would still exist whether or not there were people worshiping Him in multi-million dollar cathedrals or tiny grass huts on the savannah. Many times we feel the "Sunday Morning Guilt" when we are sitting at home, working in the yard, playing golf or doing any other thing besides sitting with friends in prayer and thanksgiving at our local place of worship. Do we feel it because God is upset with us or dissapointed in some way? Not at all.
There are plenty of excuses to not attend worship services each week: busy family obligations, those annoying people who are "too churchy", a pastor/minister/priest who does not "speak" to our needs... But, all of these things exist in the world outside of church. We find ways to fit in lots of activities; there are people at work and in social settings who drive us nuts; we are at times surrounded by leaders who miss the big picture. But, think of it this way, there are lots of people in the world making counterfeit currency, but we haven't given up on using money...
Being a member of a local church is about one thing: spending time with a community of people who are believers in the power of Christ working in the world today. Spending time with people who will be available for you when you are in need, and likewise, to whom you will be available when they are in need. This does not happen overnight...or by going just one Sunday and giving up. It takes finding the right place, spending time, meeting people and knowing them.
So, this Sunday...or Saturday...or Friday...whatever day, go to church. Be with friends. Worship together. Fullfill and be fullfilled.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Mar 30 - "The Crag"
Psalm 31
"In you, O LORD, have I taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame; *
deliver me in your righteousness.
Incline your ear to me; *
make haste to deliver me.
Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe,
for you are my crag and my stronghold; *
for the sake of your Name, lead me and guide me.
Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me, *
for you are my tower of strength.
Into your hands I commend my spirit, *
for you have redeemed me,
O LORD, O God of truth."
***********************
Just over a year ago, my wife Greta and I took a leap of faith. We had a whole series of events pointing us toward the fact that leaving Chicago and moving to live closer to family was what we were being called to do. It was a big risk. The real estate market was starting to turn sour and my company was in a major state of transition, which put our livelihood in question.
Nonetheless, we put our faith in God and He provided. When we started talking to friends about our decision to move, one of our neighbors made an offer on our house. At work, when I spoke to the head of my company about working remotely, he told me many of our executives were going to do the same thing to save on headquarters real estate costs and he supported my decision. When we came to Indianapolis to look for a place to live, we found our dream home at the very last stop on our list. We had been climbing along for quite a while, we put our faith in God and He gave us a place of rest. God is glorious!
When I read this Psalm, the word which speaks most directly to me is ‘crag’. A funny word, but one which brings to mind a beautiful, but dangerous picture of climbing up the face of a mountain. I imagine this…
…you start your climb at dawn. The morning light coming up brings your challenge into view. The low angle of the orange sun shows the stark contrast of rocks and ledges over which you will crawl in the coming day. You can almost see the path you will take: straight up here; angle to the left, then up over there; sideways to the right for a few feet, then up some more. Your heart beats quickly in anticipation for this journey, but you feel strong and sure.
As you progress, through the morning, your arms and legs start to feel the strain of the climb. With each pull to the next set of rocks, your arms quiver from the strain. Your fingertips are raw from gripping sharp edges. Your legs, fresh and strong just hours before have now become liabilities, shaking as your toes grasp onto tiny outcroppings. You have to keep moving up. You can’t stop because there is nowhere to rest, no easy place to recover.
At one point, you pull yourself to the next rock and realize, you’ve taken wrong path. Without knowing it, you have climbed into a spot which does allow you to easily move back down and head a different direction. The climb above you is almost straight up. Your arms and legs are shot and you can barely hold on. It would be easier to give up and let go… You pray for help.
But wait, out of the corner of your eye, you see a break in the sheer face on which you have been climbing. You crane your neck to the right and can see it. Could it be a place to rest, or is it a mirage? Have your weakness and desire combined to create something which does not really exist? You inch your way over and up just a bit more, using your last bit of strength. And there it is. A crag. The rocks have been split to form a resting place. You climb into the opening and drop in, exhausted. Your arms and legs finally are able to stop the constant push and pull. There is clean, cool water dripping from a spring in the rocks. Your thirst is quenched and you rest. God has provided.
So, as tough as life may seem at the moment, look for the strong rock; seek out the castle or the crag in which you can crawl to safety. It is likely within your reach, maybe just out of sight, but if you hang on, move forward just a bit more, He will be there for you. Put your faith in God and He will provide a place of rest and respite, before you have to move on, refreshed and renewed, to continue your climb.
"In you, O LORD, have I taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame; *
deliver me in your righteousness.
Incline your ear to me; *
make haste to deliver me.
Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe,
for you are my crag and my stronghold; *
for the sake of your Name, lead me and guide me.
Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me, *
for you are my tower of strength.
Into your hands I commend my spirit, *
for you have redeemed me,
O LORD, O God of truth."
***********************
Just over a year ago, my wife Greta and I took a leap of faith. We had a whole series of events pointing us toward the fact that leaving Chicago and moving to live closer to family was what we were being called to do. It was a big risk. The real estate market was starting to turn sour and my company was in a major state of transition, which put our livelihood in question.
Nonetheless, we put our faith in God and He provided. When we started talking to friends about our decision to move, one of our neighbors made an offer on our house. At work, when I spoke to the head of my company about working remotely, he told me many of our executives were going to do the same thing to save on headquarters real estate costs and he supported my decision. When we came to Indianapolis to look for a place to live, we found our dream home at the very last stop on our list. We had been climbing along for quite a while, we put our faith in God and He gave us a place of rest. God is glorious!
When I read this Psalm, the word which speaks most directly to me is ‘crag’. A funny word, but one which brings to mind a beautiful, but dangerous picture of climbing up the face of a mountain. I imagine this…
…you start your climb at dawn. The morning light coming up brings your challenge into view. The low angle of the orange sun shows the stark contrast of rocks and ledges over which you will crawl in the coming day. You can almost see the path you will take: straight up here; angle to the left, then up over there; sideways to the right for a few feet, then up some more. Your heart beats quickly in anticipation for this journey, but you feel strong and sure.
As you progress, through the morning, your arms and legs start to feel the strain of the climb. With each pull to the next set of rocks, your arms quiver from the strain. Your fingertips are raw from gripping sharp edges. Your legs, fresh and strong just hours before have now become liabilities, shaking as your toes grasp onto tiny outcroppings. You have to keep moving up. You can’t stop because there is nowhere to rest, no easy place to recover.
At one point, you pull yourself to the next rock and realize, you’ve taken wrong path. Without knowing it, you have climbed into a spot which does allow you to easily move back down and head a different direction. The climb above you is almost straight up. Your arms and legs are shot and you can barely hold on. It would be easier to give up and let go… You pray for help.
But wait, out of the corner of your eye, you see a break in the sheer face on which you have been climbing. You crane your neck to the right and can see it. Could it be a place to rest, or is it a mirage? Have your weakness and desire combined to create something which does not really exist? You inch your way over and up just a bit more, using your last bit of strength. And there it is. A crag. The rocks have been split to form a resting place. You climb into the opening and drop in, exhausted. Your arms and legs finally are able to stop the constant push and pull. There is clean, cool water dripping from a spring in the rocks. Your thirst is quenched and you rest. God has provided.
So, as tough as life may seem at the moment, look for the strong rock; seek out the castle or the crag in which you can crawl to safety. It is likely within your reach, maybe just out of sight, but if you hang on, move forward just a bit more, He will be there for you. Put your faith in God and He will provide a place of rest and respite, before you have to move on, refreshed and renewed, to continue your climb.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Mar 29 - "The Prize"
1 Corinthians 9:19-27
"Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified."
********************
I never knew Saint Paul was a runner. Although I had seen these verses before, I'm not sure I ever attributed them to Paul. But now I love him all the more, knowing that he shared the desire set a plan and push himself each day to new levels of achievement. I wonder what kind of shoes he wore?
A few years ago, before I became I runner, I had committed to myself to pray the Daily Office each day for one year. The Daily office is a set of prayers and scripture laid out in the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. But, this form of prayer is not limited to the Anglican tradition. It, of course, draws its form or runs in line with both the Judaic and even Islamic traditions of multiple prayers on a daily basis. As you may remember, the scripture reflected upon in these writings each day comes from either the Morning Prayer or Evening Prayer for that day. These daily times of prayer were a hard thing to get used to. Getting up each morning and starting with prayer...remembering to end each day with prayer in the evening. Sometimes, even praying Compline...a peaceful set of prayers intended to be said right before bed to ensure peaceful rest.
This cycle of prayer, at the time, represented for me a way to become more familiar with Holy Scripture as well as spend time in communion with God each day. I will admit that at this point in my Walk, I thought it was one thing I could do to help me obtain my salvation. I thought of it as a way to show piety and discipline to God. I believed that praying each day in this way would help God realize I was worthy to be a member of His eternal kingdom someday. This was the Prize I desired. Little did I know, I already had the salvation I sought. But, God drew me to this discipline nonetheless, for another Prize was in my reach, even though it was not the one I thought I was working to obtain.
For runners who have a deep and true love of running, the time we achieve at a particular race is not the goal. Our true measure of a successful race is our PR (Personal Record). Yes...a top 10 finish in your age group is some sweet icing on the race cake, but it's really all about finding out how hard you can push yourself, how you are able, through discipline, to take your body and you mind to new places which had not been possible before committing to the discipline of training.
Then, when Paul speaks of the Prize and about winning the race, is he not referencing the Prize of an eternal life with God in Heaven? If not for a first place ribbon, a gold medal, eternal salvation...what is all of this for? I believe discipline, this act of purposefully replacing one thing for another, something for nothing, is the Prize itself. Pick your analogy..."it's the journey, not the destination...", "virtue is its own reward."
So, in what thing will you have discipline? What is the small thing, the one item that by following its regimen each day (or hour, or week, or month) will allow you to obtain the Prize? Recognize that the act of discipline itself is a wonderful prize. But most importantly, what is the Prize you seek? Look around you...it may already be in your possession.
"Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified."
********************
I never knew Saint Paul was a runner. Although I had seen these verses before, I'm not sure I ever attributed them to Paul. But now I love him all the more, knowing that he shared the desire set a plan and push himself each day to new levels of achievement. I wonder what kind of shoes he wore?
A few years ago, before I became I runner, I had committed to myself to pray the Daily Office each day for one year. The Daily office is a set of prayers and scripture laid out in the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. But, this form of prayer is not limited to the Anglican tradition. It, of course, draws its form or runs in line with both the Judaic and even Islamic traditions of multiple prayers on a daily basis. As you may remember, the scripture reflected upon in these writings each day comes from either the Morning Prayer or Evening Prayer for that day. These daily times of prayer were a hard thing to get used to. Getting up each morning and starting with prayer...remembering to end each day with prayer in the evening. Sometimes, even praying Compline...a peaceful set of prayers intended to be said right before bed to ensure peaceful rest.
This cycle of prayer, at the time, represented for me a way to become more familiar with Holy Scripture as well as spend time in communion with God each day. I will admit that at this point in my Walk, I thought it was one thing I could do to help me obtain my salvation. I thought of it as a way to show piety and discipline to God. I believed that praying each day in this way would help God realize I was worthy to be a member of His eternal kingdom someday. This was the Prize I desired. Little did I know, I already had the salvation I sought. But, God drew me to this discipline nonetheless, for another Prize was in my reach, even though it was not the one I thought I was working to obtain.
For runners who have a deep and true love of running, the time we achieve at a particular race is not the goal. Our true measure of a successful race is our PR (Personal Record). Yes...a top 10 finish in your age group is some sweet icing on the race cake, but it's really all about finding out how hard you can push yourself, how you are able, through discipline, to take your body and you mind to new places which had not been possible before committing to the discipline of training.
Then, when Paul speaks of the Prize and about winning the race, is he not referencing the Prize of an eternal life with God in Heaven? If not for a first place ribbon, a gold medal, eternal salvation...what is all of this for? I believe discipline, this act of purposefully replacing one thing for another, something for nothing, is the Prize itself. Pick your analogy..."it's the journey, not the destination...", "virtue is its own reward."
So, in what thing will you have discipline? What is the small thing, the one item that by following its regimen each day (or hour, or week, or month) will allow you to obtain the Prize? Recognize that the act of discipline itself is a wonderful prize. But most importantly, what is the Prize you seek? Look around you...it may already be in your possession.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Mar 28 - "Food and Drink?"
John 6:52-59
"The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink."
****************
There are times when we read a section of the Bible and say, "Hmm. Not sure I really get that one. Should I take it literally?"
In these verses from John's Gospel, Jesus is speaking at the synagogue at Capernaum. The message he delivers is a very literal one. Eating his flesh and drinking his blood? That sounds a little odd. In trying to make sense of these verses, I looked at 9 or 10 different translations of the Bible to see if there were any different takes on the original Greek for the words 'eat' and 'drink'. There were no differences. Every single one of them used 'eat' and 'drink'; no variation. Even a Spanish version used conjugations of 'comer' and 'beber'; 'to eat' and 'to drink'...as well as 'carne' (meat) for 'flesh'.
What are we to make of this? In one of my earlier posts I talked about the Catholic tradition which believes that, during the Eucharist, the wafer and the wine actually become Christ's Body and Blood...not symbols of these, but the real thing!
Why do we eat and drink? Lots of reasons, for sure: the basic need for daily nourishment; after hard exercise, to replace what was taken out of us; when together as family and friends, a means to have fellowship. I suppose Jesus must have chosen to deliver His message in this way to make sure there was no confusion in how we should bring Him into our lives. We should take Him in and by doing this, He will be in us...and us in Him. For when we take in food and drink, they become a part of us. The bread and the wine become a part of each cell of our bodies. Flesh and blood mingles with our own and those things which were separate and distinct, become one.
It is likewise with the Holy Spirit. When thinking about the concept of how the Holy Spirit, which proceeds from the Father and the Son, comes into us, my love for the power and meaning of "words" is manifested. One of the many 'names' for the Holy Spirit is the Greek word 'pneumos', which means 'wind'. There are many prayers which ask for guidance "by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit". Inspiration...a fun word, once again. It can mean "to breathe in" (like the 'wind' of the Holy Spirit...get it?) or to be "inspired"...'motivated', for lack of a better word. Either way, this is all about taking something, bringing it into us and using it for our benefit.
"The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink."
****************
There are times when we read a section of the Bible and say, "Hmm. Not sure I really get that one. Should I take it literally?"
In these verses from John's Gospel, Jesus is speaking at the synagogue at Capernaum. The message he delivers is a very literal one. Eating his flesh and drinking his blood? That sounds a little odd. In trying to make sense of these verses, I looked at 9 or 10 different translations of the Bible to see if there were any different takes on the original Greek for the words 'eat' and 'drink'. There were no differences. Every single one of them used 'eat' and 'drink'; no variation. Even a Spanish version used conjugations of 'comer' and 'beber'; 'to eat' and 'to drink'...as well as 'carne' (meat) for 'flesh'.
What are we to make of this? In one of my earlier posts I talked about the Catholic tradition which believes that, during the Eucharist, the wafer and the wine actually become Christ's Body and Blood...not symbols of these, but the real thing!
Why do we eat and drink? Lots of reasons, for sure: the basic need for daily nourishment; after hard exercise, to replace what was taken out of us; when together as family and friends, a means to have fellowship. I suppose Jesus must have chosen to deliver His message in this way to make sure there was no confusion in how we should bring Him into our lives. We should take Him in and by doing this, He will be in us...and us in Him. For when we take in food and drink, they become a part of us. The bread and the wine become a part of each cell of our bodies. Flesh and blood mingles with our own and those things which were separate and distinct, become one.
It is likewise with the Holy Spirit. When thinking about the concept of how the Holy Spirit, which proceeds from the Father and the Son, comes into us, my love for the power and meaning of "words" is manifested. One of the many 'names' for the Holy Spirit is the Greek word 'pneumos', which means 'wind'. There are many prayers which ask for guidance "by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit". Inspiration...a fun word, once again. It can mean "to breathe in" (like the 'wind' of the Holy Spirit...get it?) or to be "inspired"...'motivated', for lack of a better word. Either way, this is all about taking something, bringing it into us and using it for our benefit.
Maybe I get it. Jesus wants us to literally take Him into us. And, by taking Him in, He becomes one with us...a part of our being to the core.
So, today, when you think about Jesus and His teachings, His love and His sacrifice...eat heartily...drink deeply. Take in His Body and Blood, make them a part of your being and be nourished!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Mar 27 - "Hard to Believe"
John 6:41-51
"Then the Pharisees began to complain about Jesus because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They were saying, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”
*******************
During the time of Jesus' ministry here on earth, it must have been a pretty exciting to be with Him . Imagine being one of His disciples, walking around with Him, witnessing miracles. So cool! You would be given fresh evidence hour-by-hour, every day, of the fact that you were in the presence of God incarnate.
But, despite the evidence shown repeatedly to people of that time, there were still those who could not believe Jesus was the Messiah. They would hear His words, as we see in today's scripture reading, as say, "Wait a minute. This guy did not 'come down' from heaven! I remember seeing him running around the streets of Nazareth as a little boy. I saw him that one time with his brothers when they let the goats out of the pen and they were running all over town. This man can't be the Messiah!"
Evidence. We seek it every day as a part of the all too cynical people we have become. Maybe it is because there is so much false information out there every day; infomercials making claims which aren't true; celebrities or sports figures lying about their past behavior; business moguls defrauding people of their money or cooking the books. All of these situations create in each of us a demand for the truth as well as a constant sense of doubt. These experiences over time make it harder and harder for us to believe things which are at times, simple truths. Was it the same for the people of Jesus' time? Perhaps.
There was a time in my life when I lost my Faith. I remember distinctly standing outside the funeral for my young cousin, Josh, in utter disbelief that God could allow him to be taken from us. Why did he have to die? A God which would allow this to happen was no God for me. Forget it...I am done. He cannot exist. I decided from that point on that, even though I would try to continue to live my life as a good person, I was not going to put my faith in something that could cause so much pain.
At that point in my life, it seemed there was plenty of evidence which pointed me to the conclusion that God did not exist. Or, at least if He did, that it was something of which I wanted no part. I sought out, through classes in college, other things to believe in; I became a Post-Modernist in the truest sense of the word, believing there was nothing new to be learned, no new thoughts to be had. All things were just a "recycle" of what others had already created or thought up. I decided to live a life without God in it.
The flaw in my approach was, that instead of seeking out evidence in a balanced way, I sought evidence to prove that God did not exist. I looked to the things which confirmed what I had come to believe. By taking this approach, it seemed everything around me supported my belief. It was a long, sad time in my life. Sure, there were plenty of happy times too, but overall, something was definitely missing.
Oddly enough, I don't remember when I started to Believe again. Even as I think about it now, I can't think of a moment or event which moved me back into the loving arms of Christ. (Truth is, I never left them...I just didn't know they were there). I do remember, looking down into the crib of my brand new baby daughter, Maddy, and thinking, "There must be a God. Look at this perfect beauty! Greta and I are so blessed!" I still think this every morning, when I sit on Maddy's bed to wake her up for school.
So, dear friend, is there something keeping you from believing? Are you looking for the wrong type of evidence? What is the thing that does not allow you to open your heart completely? No doubt, it is hard to believe at times. I know this firsthand. But, if you open your eyes and your heart, if you allow yourself to see the evidence around you each day, God will show you, in every thing, that He is with us.
"Then the Pharisees began to complain about Jesus because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They were saying, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”
*******************
During the time of Jesus' ministry here on earth, it must have been a pretty exciting to be with Him . Imagine being one of His disciples, walking around with Him, witnessing miracles. So cool! You would be given fresh evidence hour-by-hour, every day, of the fact that you were in the presence of God incarnate.
But, despite the evidence shown repeatedly to people of that time, there were still those who could not believe Jesus was the Messiah. They would hear His words, as we see in today's scripture reading, as say, "Wait a minute. This guy did not 'come down' from heaven! I remember seeing him running around the streets of Nazareth as a little boy. I saw him that one time with his brothers when they let the goats out of the pen and they were running all over town. This man can't be the Messiah!"
Evidence. We seek it every day as a part of the all too cynical people we have become. Maybe it is because there is so much false information out there every day; infomercials making claims which aren't true; celebrities or sports figures lying about their past behavior; business moguls defrauding people of their money or cooking the books. All of these situations create in each of us a demand for the truth as well as a constant sense of doubt. These experiences over time make it harder and harder for us to believe things which are at times, simple truths. Was it the same for the people of Jesus' time? Perhaps.
There was a time in my life when I lost my Faith. I remember distinctly standing outside the funeral for my young cousin, Josh, in utter disbelief that God could allow him to be taken from us. Why did he have to die? A God which would allow this to happen was no God for me. Forget it...I am done. He cannot exist. I decided from that point on that, even though I would try to continue to live my life as a good person, I was not going to put my faith in something that could cause so much pain.
At that point in my life, it seemed there was plenty of evidence which pointed me to the conclusion that God did not exist. Or, at least if He did, that it was something of which I wanted no part. I sought out, through classes in college, other things to believe in; I became a Post-Modernist in the truest sense of the word, believing there was nothing new to be learned, no new thoughts to be had. All things were just a "recycle" of what others had already created or thought up. I decided to live a life without God in it.
The flaw in my approach was, that instead of seeking out evidence in a balanced way, I sought evidence to prove that God did not exist. I looked to the things which confirmed what I had come to believe. By taking this approach, it seemed everything around me supported my belief. It was a long, sad time in my life. Sure, there were plenty of happy times too, but overall, something was definitely missing.
Oddly enough, I don't remember when I started to Believe again. Even as I think about it now, I can't think of a moment or event which moved me back into the loving arms of Christ. (Truth is, I never left them...I just didn't know they were there). I do remember, looking down into the crib of my brand new baby daughter, Maddy, and thinking, "There must be a God. Look at this perfect beauty! Greta and I are so blessed!" I still think this every morning, when I sit on Maddy's bed to wake her up for school.
So, dear friend, is there something keeping you from believing? Are you looking for the wrong type of evidence? What is the thing that does not allow you to open your heart completely? No doubt, it is hard to believe at times. I know this firsthand. But, if you open your eyes and your heart, if you allow yourself to see the evidence around you each day, God will show you, in every thing, that He is with us.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Mar 26 - "Why? Part 2"
Romans 8:12-27
"I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies."
**************
In today's reading, maybe we get a little answer to the question of "why?" posed yesterday. It's not a happy answer, but perhaps an answer, nonetheless.
At this time, our extended family is blessed with some babies on the way. Both my sister, Jessica, and my cousin, Kristen, are expecting little ones in the Fall. All of us are so excited!! For Kristen and Jessica, there is the forward-looking joy of these two babies coming into their lives, but they will not arrive without some pain. I won't ever pretend to profess to understand the pain which can be experienced while being in labor and then giving birth to a child, but I have to imagine it's not very pleasant, even with the modern gift of an epidural.
Would the joy of holding your newly born child in your arms be as sweet without the pain of childbirth? If your baby arrived in a neat little package via FedEx with an instruction manual, would you love him or her more?
I have found, through lots of trial and error, that the things in my life I value most, the treasures I hold dearest to my heart, took a LOT of work...and sometimes pain...to achieve or receive. Conversely, most often that thing which came easily has less value and is not as important to me. When the easy thing is lost, are we not less sad? Easy come, easy go.
I do believe we experience hardship, sadness, loss...the groaning of labor pains...as an integral part of the joy we will know later, after those things have gone. Maybe part of understanding the answer to yesterday's question of "why?" is not being focused on why God could choose to allow sin, evil and pain to exist in the world, but rather, looking to the end result of experiencing these things.
So, today, if you are experiencing pain, consider this: is there a greater joy this pain may bring later? Think about the hard work, anguish, consternation, frustration of a current situation. Is there a reward at the end? Maybe the joy or reward to come is yet to be revealed to you, but find comfort in the fact that God does not allow suffering in the world for it's own sake. Perhaps He allows us to experience all that life in this world has to offer...both pain and joy, for they are at times inexorably linked...in order that when we come to be with Him and His Son, the joy is that much sweeter.
"I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies."
**************
In today's reading, maybe we get a little answer to the question of "why?" posed yesterday. It's not a happy answer, but perhaps an answer, nonetheless.
At this time, our extended family is blessed with some babies on the way. Both my sister, Jessica, and my cousin, Kristen, are expecting little ones in the Fall. All of us are so excited!! For Kristen and Jessica, there is the forward-looking joy of these two babies coming into their lives, but they will not arrive without some pain. I won't ever pretend to profess to understand the pain which can be experienced while being in labor and then giving birth to a child, but I have to imagine it's not very pleasant, even with the modern gift of an epidural.
Would the joy of holding your newly born child in your arms be as sweet without the pain of childbirth? If your baby arrived in a neat little package via FedEx with an instruction manual, would you love him or her more?
I have found, through lots of trial and error, that the things in my life I value most, the treasures I hold dearest to my heart, took a LOT of work...and sometimes pain...to achieve or receive. Conversely, most often that thing which came easily has less value and is not as important to me. When the easy thing is lost, are we not less sad? Easy come, easy go.
I do believe we experience hardship, sadness, loss...the groaning of labor pains...as an integral part of the joy we will know later, after those things have gone. Maybe part of understanding the answer to yesterday's question of "why?" is not being focused on why God could choose to allow sin, evil and pain to exist in the world, but rather, looking to the end result of experiencing these things.
So, today, if you are experiencing pain, consider this: is there a greater joy this pain may bring later? Think about the hard work, anguish, consternation, frustration of a current situation. Is there a reward at the end? Maybe the joy or reward to come is yet to be revealed to you, but find comfort in the fact that God does not allow suffering in the world for it's own sake. Perhaps He allows us to experience all that life in this world has to offer...both pain and joy, for they are at times inexorably linked...in order that when we come to be with Him and His Son, the joy is that much sweeter.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Mar 25 - "Why?"
Genesis 3:1-15
"But the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.”
*****************
Talk about shirking responsibility...
God asks Adam a question about a choice he has made; a choice to partake of the so called "Forbidden Fruit". What's his response to God? "Not my fault." More liberally translated, Adam says, "Listen God. I was just standing around in Your beautiful garden, minding my own business. This woman, whom You gave me, by the way, comes up to me and gives me this fruit. I had no idea what she was giving me! I was just being a nice guy and took it. I didn't know it was from the tree You told us not to touch or eat...". It's kind of comical, except that it represents the fall of man and the introduction of sin into the world.
I think one of the more painful concepts in this story is the fact that God created the serpent who tested Eve. It even says "Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the LORD God had made." Given that God created the serpent, didn't He give it the craftiness, which is used to bring down Adam and Eve. The bigger question, did God purposefully put sin into the world? Did He intend for us to be tempted and for us to fall?
I suppose the cold, hard fact is that, yes, God created sin. God created all that is and ever will be. He is the Maker of all things, seen and unseen. He also knows all things happening in the past, present and future, for it is all His Plan.
Then why? Why would God put us in a situation where we can fall? Why would He allow evil in the world?
Even though in a previous writing I profess to know the "Meaning of Life", which some would say is a deeper question than the one of the reason for evil in the world, I'm not sure I can answer this one. The Holy Spirit seems to be hiding this one from me. The only glimpse I have of the answer to this question, as a brief flash in my peripheral vision, borders on something like, "It doesn't matter." Meaning, even though we have pain and trouble and misery at times in this world, when we pass into the next, not only will we understand why these things exist, but they will not matter. We won't feel them any longer. And, we will be with God for eternity, making the 100 years or so (we all hope!) we spend on this world seem smaller than the period at the end of this sentence.
Back to Adam... Maybe one way to look at his part in the story is to think about being careful. We never know when something may sneak into our lives, seemingly innocent and harmless, which could contribute to bringing pain to us over the long term.
This whole thing has me a bit perplexed...which is OK.
So, today, faithful reader, ask yourself the question..."why?" God wants us to wonder. Tell me what you think. Maybe the Holy Spirit will move in you and enlighten us all. But either way, we can relish in the mystery of Creation. And His Creation is perfect, even though sometimes we don't understand it.
"But the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.”
*****************
Talk about shirking responsibility...
God asks Adam a question about a choice he has made; a choice to partake of the so called "Forbidden Fruit". What's his response to God? "Not my fault." More liberally translated, Adam says, "Listen God. I was just standing around in Your beautiful garden, minding my own business. This woman, whom You gave me, by the way, comes up to me and gives me this fruit. I had no idea what she was giving me! I was just being a nice guy and took it. I didn't know it was from the tree You told us not to touch or eat...". It's kind of comical, except that it represents the fall of man and the introduction of sin into the world.
I think one of the more painful concepts in this story is the fact that God created the serpent who tested Eve. It even says "Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the LORD God had made." Given that God created the serpent, didn't He give it the craftiness, which is used to bring down Adam and Eve. The bigger question, did God purposefully put sin into the world? Did He intend for us to be tempted and for us to fall?
I suppose the cold, hard fact is that, yes, God created sin. God created all that is and ever will be. He is the Maker of all things, seen and unseen. He also knows all things happening in the past, present and future, for it is all His Plan.
Then why? Why would God put us in a situation where we can fall? Why would He allow evil in the world?
Even though in a previous writing I profess to know the "Meaning of Life", which some would say is a deeper question than the one of the reason for evil in the world, I'm not sure I can answer this one. The Holy Spirit seems to be hiding this one from me. The only glimpse I have of the answer to this question, as a brief flash in my peripheral vision, borders on something like, "It doesn't matter." Meaning, even though we have pain and trouble and misery at times in this world, when we pass into the next, not only will we understand why these things exist, but they will not matter. We won't feel them any longer. And, we will be with God for eternity, making the 100 years or so (we all hope!) we spend on this world seem smaller than the period at the end of this sentence.
Back to Adam... Maybe one way to look at his part in the story is to think about being careful. We never know when something may sneak into our lives, seemingly innocent and harmless, which could contribute to bringing pain to us over the long term.
This whole thing has me a bit perplexed...which is OK.
So, today, faithful reader, ask yourself the question..."why?" God wants us to wonder. Tell me what you think. Maybe the Holy Spirit will move in you and enlighten us all. But either way, we can relish in the mystery of Creation. And His Creation is perfect, even though sometimes we don't understand it.
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