March 27, 2013

To Jerusalem (Matthew 21 - P 54)

The last act of the incredible drama of Jesus' life on earth in bodily form begins with our reading today.  The final week of his life here ...

Matthew 21: 1 - 11

The world of Christendom commemorated the tradition of "Palm Sunday" this past Sunday, March 24.  In churches all around the world, the event we have just read about was remembered and celebrated.   It marked the beginning of the final week of Jesus' life on earth.  It was the road that led directly toward the humiliation and the cross.  What courage from our Lord!  He knew where it led.  

To understand the scene, picture the reports you saw about our national Mall when President Obama was inaugurated for his first term as President.  Some of you may have been there.  Picture what is happening right now in Washington before the Supreme Court building as the furor around the cases about same sex marriage are being considered by that court.  Picture the crowds ... picture the chaos ... picture the opposing, passionate views.  The scene we read about is not too different ... just the clothing.  Verse 10 tells us that the "whole city was stirred".  It's Passover time in Jerusalem.  One estimate places the possible number of people swelling the city to be around 2,500,000.  Imagine the pushing, the sweat, the jockeying for position, the mob mentality, the confusion.  I can see mothers desperately trying to hang on to their little ones.  That's the scene.  And this is not a random 'happening'.  Let me make some observations for us ...

First consider the donkey.  Of course it was to fulfill the prophecy.  Matthew quotes the prophet Zechariah.  These words come from Zechariah 9:9.  Jesus is making his claim to be their "king".  But what kind of king?  In the Roman world of the time when a king rode a horse ... it was for war.  When a king rode a donkey ... it was for peace.   (I wonder how Zechariah knew that would be the culture into which Jesus, Messiah, walked?)   So Jesus enters Jerusalem ... on a donkey ... our Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)  We have read so many instances where Jesus tries to get his disciples to understand that his kingdom and earthly kingdoms were different.  The value systems represented were different.  The use of power and service in the two were different.  What constituted greatness was different.  So this king enters Jerusalem to establish his kingdom on a donkey ... surrounded by ordinary people.  

          How prominent in your own life are the qualities of humility and peace?  

Secondly, the people received Jesus as a king.  We see that in the spreading of the people's cloaks before him.  This is exactly what happened in Israel centuries earlier when Jehu was made king.

2 Kings 9:13  They hurried and took their cloaks and spread them under him on the bare steps.  Then they blew the trumpet and shouted, "Jehu is king!"

Have you proclaimed Jesus as King in your own life?  If not, why not?  
Do you honor him as your King?

Third, the palm branches were historically significant and were symbolic of a victorious leader.  In the period between 175 and 164 BC there was a plan to turn Jerusalem into a Greek city with Greek values and pluralism, even bringing other rituals into the Temple itself.  It was under the rule of a king named Antiochus Ephiphanes and supported by Jewish elitists.  A strong revolt ensued, led by Simon Maccabaeus.  When Simon Maccabaeus entered Jerusalem following one of his victories, we read in 1 Maccabees 13:51 "On the twenty-third day of the second month, in the one hundred seventy-first year, the Jews entered it [Jerusalem] with praise and palm branches, and with harps and cymbals and stringed instruments, and with hymns and songs, because a great enemy had been crushed and removed from Israel."

How is Jesus your conquering hero?  Do you see him in those terms right now, not just future?  

Fourth, the people cry out their hearts' desire with the word 'Hosanna'.  The Hebrew word translated "hosanna" is the word "yasha".  Its meanings include:  "to save, to be delivered, to be liberated."  Hosanna Lord ... Hosanna!  The quotation Matthew chose is Psalm 118:26.  But notice ... 
Psalm 118:25  Save us, we beseech you, O Lord!          
Hosanna.

Are you saved by the Lord?  Have you cried out "hosanna" to Him?  
Are you being delivered from the bondage and slavery of sin that wrecks our bodies and our souls?  

my Lord ... my King ... my conquering hero ... HOSANNA!

March 26, 2013

Observing Jesus (Matthew 20 - P 53)

Read Matthew 20: 20 - 34

Let's observe our reading today through two different lenses.  First, let's see what we can learn from the disciples.  Secondly, we will glean lessons from Jesus.

The Disciples:

Ambition

The disciples ... how human they were ... how like us.  James and John were ambitious.  And their mother was ambitious for them.  Ambition is not a bad thing.  the Webster's definition is:  (a) an ardent desire for rank, fame, power; (b) strong desire to achieve a particular end.  One reason I know ambition is not a bad word is because of its antonyms.  Some of the antonyms of this word are:  apathy, halfhearted, indifference.  Ambition is good ... the problems occur when our ambition is focused in the wrong place.  James and John were confused about the whole Kingdom of God thing.  They could not quite move past the thinking that this world was it.

There is good ambition and bad ambition.
I make it my ambition to proclaim the good news ...          Romans 15:20a
We urge you, brethren, to excel still more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.           1 Thessalonians 4: 10b - 12
However ...
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.  this wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.  For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.         James 3: 14 - 16

So here is the question for the day:  What are your ambitions?  Have you lined them up against the Word of God?  Do they fit?  If so, what are you doing about them?

Invincible Faith

The disciples ... how they believed even though they did not quite understand.  James and John (and their mom) were dead certain that Jesus was to rule over his kingdom.  No doubts.  The disciples were passionately loyal.  They had just been told that there was going to be a bitter cup to drink ... humiliation and death in Jerusalem ... yet they are all still with Jesus!  No one has left ... yet.  I am moved by their faithfulness and loyalty to Jesus.

So another question for the day:  To whom or to what are you most loyal?  Who stirs your passion and loyalty?  Is it Jesus?  Is it his kingdom?  

Jesus:

Patience

Jesus ... how 'other' He was ... how NOT like us.  After 3 explanations to his followers about his kingdom not being of this world ... they still don't get it.  But we sense no frustration or anger from Jesus.  We witness a beautiful extension of patience and love toward these men.  And more explanation because, obviously, more was needed.  I cringe when I remember the times of impatience with my own children because, usually, they were being children.  I cringe when I remember the times of impatience in my classroom when one particular kid just couldn't get it ... even after numerous and various examples and explanations and illustrations.  Not so our Lord.  His love was greater than that.  His heart was more expansive than that.  He could be more concerned for the good of the other person than for his own time or ego.  

So ... question ... how are you doing on the "patience" front?  Need more practice?  Have you identified your own strong trigger points?  Be aware of them.  That will help ... and pray ... teach us Lord to mimic you.

Compassion

Jesus ... how 'other' he was ... how NOT like us.  Jesus' compassion for his followers caused him to be completely honest with them.  There was no pretense, no camouflage   He let them know the pain involved in following him.  He was honest about the value system in his kingdom.  It was not like the world to which they had grown accustomed.  It was a complete reversal.  It was service driven - not self driven.  It was giving focused - not getting focused.  

Another question ... what stirs your compassion?  Are you honest about the kingdom of God or do you try a bit of manipulation to trick people into wanting it?  It's all about "spin" right?  I don't see Jesus trying to "spin" anything.  Straight out honest.  Are you?  

With all of this on his mind ... with the coming agony of Jerusalem ... with the crowds still following and pressing in on him ... he was interrupted yet again by 2 needy, blind men.  What a nuisance, right?  Not for Jesus.  His patience and compassion radiate all around him as he stops ... as he heals ... as he blesses.  

Lord, from these verses today ... how I long for
Godly ambition
invincible faith
a spirit of patience
a heart of compassion
Lord ... transform me into an image of Christ. 
And I will choose right now to cooperate with the process!




March 20, 2013

Bad News (Matthew 20 - P 52)

Bad news ... or is it?  We all remember moments when bad news hit us in the face.  A phone call - "there's been an accident".  A doctor's appointment - "It's cancer."  The baby is born - "There's a problem."  And on and on ... you can make your own list.  What do we do with the "bad news" moments?  Our reading today is very brief ... so take it slowly.

Matthew 20: 17 - 19

Jesus pulls his disciples aside to talk to them privately.  They have to understand what is coming.  He is intent on their realization of what lies ahead in Jerusalem.  Jesus is walking into Jerusalem with his eyes wide open.  The disciples are not.  So we read today of his 3rd attempt to prepare them.  

There will be pain in Jerusalem.  And this pain will be all-inclusive.  
  • There will be the emotional pain of betrayal by a friend.  The Lord of glory was betrayed by a friend.  Have you ever felt that pain?
  • There will be the injustice.  Have you ever felt the pain of being unjustly treated by others?
  • There will be the humiliation of mocking.  Ridicule.  Public.  Have you ever suffered from someones ridicule of you?  Even publicly?
  • There will be the physical pain of flogging.  From my reading, the Roman system of flogging is unparalleled in human pain.  Have you ever had physical pain beyond what you thought you could bear?
  • There will be death.  Satan's ultimate weapon.  If you are reading this you obviously have yet to experience this level of pain.  Have you had to watch as someone you loved dearly had to walk through that pain?  Also, we all know it will be for us as well ... one day.  
Did the disciples really hear him?  I think not.  Perhaps they couldn't.  Perhaps it was just too much for them to process.  We are going to find that they are still shocked when the actual pain comes.  

But how like us!  Jesus tries to prepare us for living in this world.  He warns us of the pain.  He continually reminds us that this is not our 'home'.  And we still are shocked when the painful times come.  We still seem to think that we deserve a pain free existence because we are believers.  Why is that?  

Just in the book of Matthew that is the focus of our thinking this year ... listen ...

Matthew 4:24  "News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick."   Notice ... there was (and is) sickness.

Matthew 5:11 "God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you ..."  Notice, he did not say "if" ... he said "when".

Matthew 6:34  "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.  Today's trouble is enough for today."  Notice ... in your 'today' there will be worries and trouble.

Matthew 10:16  "Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves."  Notice ... that's not a safe place!

Matthew 10:17  "For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues."  Notice ... that's in the public arena and in the religious arena.

And remember the healings we have read about ... the lame, the deaf, the blind, the chronically ill, the demon-possessed.  Those things all existed in his day ... and they exist in ours.  

Jesus told us that is the way of life in this fallen world ... this world under the dominion of Satan.  

The disciples seemed unable to truly hear his warnings about the pain in Jerusalem.  Can we hear the warnings of the pain in this world?  

Bad news, right?  But NO ... hard news, not bad news.  Because Jesus follows this warning to his disciples with the promise of resurrection!  The promise of victory over the pain and the death.  
  • That's why you can not crumble under betrayal.
  • That's why you can handle sickness and pain.
  • That's why you can endure emotional stress and strain and weariness.
You can ... because you know what's coming!  You know there is an end - it's not eternal.  It is temporary.  You can!  And you have the very same Spirit IN you that has already walked through all of these human pains ... he went first ... endured first.  So ... we can.  

Read the following words from Jesus aloud as you close your meditation today ... hear your own voice say them ... and believe.

John 16:33  "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

March 18, 2013

The Parable of the Workers (Matthew 20 - P 51)

Matthew 19 ends with Jesus making a remarkable statement about what eternal life looks like ... in God's economy ... in God's kingdom.  Now he paints a verbal picture of the principle.  What is the principle?  "But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first."

Read Matthew 20: 1 - 16

Peter has asked a question.  In 19:27 he asked Jesus: "We've given up everything to follow you.  What will we get?"  Jesus responds with the incredible promises in verses 28 and 29 ... and then He tells this story.  I think it may be a warning to Peter.  I think Jesus may be telling Peter to check his motives.  Motives are tricky things.  Do you ever struggle with your motives ... keeping them pure and clean ... trying to watch for self-centeredness in them?

If this story is a warning ... what can we take from it for own lives?

Obviously this story is not about working for one's salvation.  We know that our salvation is not dependent on our work ... how much or how little.  Ephesians 2: 8 - 9
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of god - not the result of works, so that no one may boast.
In this parable, God is represented by the landowner.  And this landowner is remarkable.  First, he wants the harvest brought in.  And he calls workers to do that task on his behalf.  Why the God of the universe wants to use the likes of us to do his work, I'll never be able to figure out!  But he does.  Jehovah calls his people to work in his field, to bring in the harvest.  He wants all who are willing to accept the call to work for him.  Whether you are young in your faith or a seasoned veteran of faith ... he calls ... will you serve him?  This landowner is generous.  He wants all who will work being allowed to work.  Do you have a generosity of spirit toward others?  We have to guard our hearts and minds against territorial-ism,  against exclusivity for any number of reasons, and against applying human standards of 'fairness' to God.

This parable is about service - service in the kingdom of heaven - service for the King.

The story is not really about rewards.  It's not about 'fairness' by human standards - by our limited view of things.  Rewards are not a bad thing.  God speaks of reward.  Jesus speaks of reward.  Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:8 - 9 
The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose.  And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.  For we are both God's workers.  And you are God's field.  You are God's building.

I think Jesus wants Peter to check his motives and his heart. (And Jesus wants the same thing for you and I!)   I think perhaps Jesus wants Peter to see himself as the early worker ... the one who began at the first of the day.  No resentment, Peter, of those who come later.  You don't "deserve more" because you were first on board.

Or perhaps Jesus was warning his disciples that there would be others coming into faith and fellowship.  And just because the disciples were there first ... that did not constitute special status.  All men and women are precious to God.

We can also apply the warning to the church.  Listen to William Barclay:
There are people who think that, because they have been members of a church for a long time, the Church practically belongs to them and they can dictate its policy.  Such people resent what seems to them the intrusion of new blood or the rise of a new generation with different plans and different ways.  In the Church, seniority does not necessarily mean honor.

And from Warren Wiersbe:
We must watch our motives for Christian service.  The right work done with the wrong motive dishonors God and robs us of the blessing.  We cannot judge motives, but we can judge our own hearts.  Let's do all for the glory of God because we love Him.
This parable reminds us that "God is God ... and I am not."  This parable reminds us that God will do what God will do with His people and His work.  And it is right.  Good things to remember ...

Lord ... today ... purify my motives.  May I serve you willingly, joyfully today.  May I not waste a moment standing idle.  Take captive every thought, every word, every action from me this day ... may it be a work of service in honor of You.

March 13, 2013

About Eternal Life (Matthew 19 - P 50)

Someone comes to Jesus with a question ... and our reading today is Jesus' response as well as further clarification for his disciples.  If you have been "in church" for some time, this will be a familiar encounter.  Don't allow that familiarity to cause you to skim through the passage.  Read it ... thoughtfully ... again ...

Read Mathew 19: 16 - 30

Let's make some observations that allow us to apply this encounter to our own lives and experiences.

Observation #1:
This man coming with the question came from a legalistic mindset.  What must I DO?  In other words, what actions or rules must I follow to be guaranteed eternal life.  Do we not approach God with the same mindset?  "OK, God ... I have my excel spreadsheet in front of me.  Which of these 'rules' are the most important ones?  Which ones MUST I do and which ones are optional?  I want to be able to present to You a stellar report card.  So, would you highlight for me the necessities?"  That was the question ... and if we are not careful, we reduce religion to the same kind of thinking.

Observation #2:
Jesus' first response was in the man's same mindset.  He presented a list.  It is interesting to notice that in Jesus' listing of the 10 Commandments, he quotes 6 ... all from the second set of the commandments ... those relating to our relationships with others.  Are they more important than the others?  No ... but Jesus is leading this man down a path.  And, as it turns out, it is a path upon which the man does not want to walk.  Jesus meets us where we are and leads us on.  You don't have to be at any particular place in your faith journey to ask questions of Jesus.  ASK.  He will meet you there ... and lead you on.  Of course, you will decide whether or not you will follow.

Observation #3:
Riches are dangerous things.  They are not sin in and of themselves ... but they are dangerous.  Why?  One reason is because when we have much, we tend toward believing that we are really independent ... that we can handle things ... we can pay our way out of trouble.  They also tie us to this earth.  Do you remember in Matthew 6 when Jesus said:
Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Riches tend to shackle us.  We can become so consumed with getting and maintaining the earthly that we fail to place any focus upon the other world, the eternal.  Riches also have the tendency to make us selfish.  The world of "more" begins to take hold of our spirits and souls.  And the world of "more" has one player ... self. William Barclay writes a dire warning in regards to this encounter:
Those who put things before people and self before others must turn their backs on Jesus Christ.

Observation #4:
Jesus turns the world's value system upside down.  Our world does not place much value in humility ... in service ... in considering the "other" as much as one considers the "self".  But we must remember, the world's value system is temporary - short-lived.  As parents, we strive to help our children understand the value in "delayed satisfaction".  And then as adults, we rebel against it!  Are you rebelling right now?
But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.

Observation #5:
C. S. Lewis, in his book, Mere Christianity, describes powerfully what it costs for eternal life with God.  This is the message that Jesus was giving our "wealthy someone" in this passage.  Place yourself in the position of receiving these words.  Then do more than just listen ... really HEAR!
That is why Jesus warned people to "count the cost" before becoming Christian.  "Make not mistake," He says, "if you let me, I will make you perfect.  the moment you put yourself in My hands, that is what you are in for.  Nothing less, or other, than that.  You have free will, and if you choose, you an push me away.  But if you do not push Me away, understand that I am going to see this job through.  Whatever suffering it may cost you in your earthly life ... whatever it costs Me, I will never rest, nor let you rest, until you are literally perfect - until my Father can say without reservation that He is well pleased with you, as He said he was well pleased with e.  This I can do and will do.  But I will not do anything less."  

The word is surrender.  Will you?  
  

March 11, 2013

Children, Jesus & Touch (Matthew 19 - P 49)

Remember, we are reading chapter 19 with our eyes on the disciples ... watching to see if we are like them.  Today our reading is quite brief, just 3 little verses ... but perhaps one of the loveliest scenes in all of scripture.  Therefore, I would love for you to just go slow with it.  Observe each person or groups of people ... look for yourself.  Watch Jesus.

Read Matthew 19: 13 - 15

First ... we don't know for sure who is bringing these children to Jesus, but my guess is their moms.  How typical.  We are careful in this day and time to do whatever we can for the protection and the well being of our children.  Have you looked at the aisles with car seats lately?  There are special seats for different weight increments ... backward/forward facing ... shoulder harness ... all these technologies to hopefully protect the life and body of a little one if an accident occurs.  And well worth it, don't you think?  

We train them to not talk to strangers ... to NEVER get in a car with strangers.  We train them to know how to say "NO" when someone is inappropriate with them.  We make sure the nurseries and schools we select have background checks on personnel, etc. 

The list could go on for quite a while.  And while we understand that we cannot protect them 100%, (Newtown and others give testimony to that fact) we are willing to expend energy and monies to do the best we can.  And that is good.  

Do we make sure that we take our little ones to Jesus?  That is a life issue!  Moms (and Dads) are you doing whatever you can to make sure that your little ones know, and are touched by, Jesus?  You can't guarantee their acceptance of Him 100% ... but are you determined to do what you can to lead them to Jesus?  

Lord, help us each be more diligent to bring our little ones, our children and our grandchildren, to you.

Secondly ... notice the disciples.  At first read we may find their reaction harsh.  But think about these men.  They are listening to Jesus speak more and more about his death.  They, more than any others, know how weary he can become in his humanity.  They know the press of the crowds ... all the time.  They know the incessant demands for his attention.  I think they are reacting in a protection mode.  I think they want to protect Jesus ... give him some rest.  So they are defensive.  Hmmm ... I can be that way as well when trying to protect someone I love.  Perhaps they thought the little children were not so important.  Jesus squelches that idea immediately.  Hmmm ... can we sometimes think that way as well?  In your families ... in your churches ... how important are the "little ones"?  

Lord, help us know what matters and what is of lesser importance.  It is so hard to keep those things straight. Give us your eyes.

Third ... notice Jesus.  Again we observe him taking time - touching the ones that culture says don't matter.  Accessibility.  Important people in our world are blocked from the public.  You have to have some kind of special access and appointments to get into the presence of celebrities or important politicians or famous religious leaders.  Not so with the most important figure in all of history.  He says, "Come.  Let me touch you.  Let me bless you."  Are you consistently 'coming' to him?  Do you rest under his touch?    

Close today by reflecting on the words of this familiar William Gaither song:

Shackled by a heavy burden, beneath a load of guilt and shame -
then the hand of Jesus touched me, and now, I am no longer the same.

Since I met this blessed Savior, since He cleansed and made me whole,
I will never cease to praise Him - I'll shout it while eternity rolls.

he touched me, oh, He touched me,
And oh, the joy that floods my soul;
Something happened, and now I know,
He touched me and made me whole.  

March 6, 2013

Taxes? Fishing? What? (Matthew 17 - P 44)

Read Matthew 17: 22 - 27

We close chapter 17 with a very interesting story.  Is it a story about taxes?  Or is it a story about fishing?  Commentators disagree on whether or not Jesus was speaking literally or figuratively.  I think the disagreement comes from the fact that we do not know whether or not Peter went and picked up his fishing net!   Our verses end with Jesus' words instead of a description of Peter's action following the conversation.

Those who do not interpret this as a literal fish with a literal coin in its mouth do not consider the encounter as insignificant.  They believe that Jesus is telling Peter to work at fishing a day ... that would provide the money to pay the tax.  It is similar to a mechanic "finding" groceries for his family in a car's transmission.  Or a teacher "finding" her house payment in her classroom.  Also, they contend, Jesus never used his miraculous power  to make his own life easier.  He clearly demonstrated that in the temptations recorded in Matthew 4. So - Peter, go fish - we need to pay our tax.

Others contend that it was a literal fish and coin.  After all, to the Lord who could still storms and cause great catches of fish ... what's one fish?  So - Peter, go fish - we need to pay our tax.

Rather than get bogged down in a discussion of the encounter being literal or figurative ... let's continue to think application.  Are there any lessons for you and me in this story?  Some observations ...

Paying taxes is part of living in any country, under any system.  It is revenue source.  Is it always fairly distributed?  Seldom.  Is it always used for good purposes?  No.  Does it mean the payer 100% supports the current government or leadership?  No - Jesus had repeatedly denounced the religious leadership of his day.

Sometimes the duties of citizenship are unpleasant ... they must be shouldered anyway.  Followers of Jesus must not exempt themselves from good citizenship on the excuse that they are not of this particular 'kingdom'.

Listen to Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:20
So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
In Eugene Peterson's "The Message", this 2 Corinthians passage reads:

God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing.  we're Christ's representatives.  God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God's work of making things right between them.  We're speaking for Christ himself now ...

An ambassador to another country keeps the local laws in order to represent the one who sent them.  We are ambassadors in the United States (or in whatever country you currently reside) representing the kingdom of God.  What kind of ambassador are you?






Marriage vs Divorce (Matthew 19 - P 48)

Jesus leaves his conversation with his disciples and once again moves into the crowd.  As we observe Matthew 19, try and place yourself in the position of the disciples.  You are with Jesus because you believe in him and you, as a disciple and follower, are watching and listening to his words.  Notice the questions they ask and the reactions they exhibit.  I think you will be able to identify with them!  I certainly can ...

Read Matthew 19: 1 - 12

Why is the question from the Pharisees a trap?  Let's consider some possibilities ...

First, remember that John the Baptist had been beheaded because of his view on marriage and his confrontation with Herod over his marriage.  Perhaps these Pharisees saw a way to trap Jesus into the same controversy.

Second, divorce at this particular time was a topic of division among the Jews.  (Hmmm ... times don't change much, do they?)  The law being referenced is found in Deuteronomy 24: 1 - 2:
Suppose a man enters into marriage with a woman, but she does not please him because he finds something objectionable about her, and so he writes her a certificate of divorce, puts it in her hand, and sends her out of his house; she then leaves his house and goes off to become another man's wife.
You can see the point of the debate would revolve around the "something objectionable".  And that is exactly where the controversy swirled.  One interpretation followed the teachings of Rabbi Shammai.  This school of thought was that the objectionable thing would be nothing other than adultery.  However, there was another school of thought that followed the interpretation of Rabbi Hillel.  According to William Barclay:
They said that it meant that a man could divorce his wife if she spoiled his dinner; if she spun, or went with unbound hair, or spoke to men in the streets; if she spoke disrespectfully of his parent in his presence; if she was an argumentative woman whose voice could be heard in the next house.  Rabbi Akiba even went to the lengths of saying that the phrase if she does not please him meant that a man could divorce his wife if he found a woman whom he liked better and considered more beautiful.

Can you guess which school of thought was the most popular - the one that prevailed in that culture?  Right - Hillel.  Same in our day, no?  The primary difference is that in our day women can do the divorcing as well as men.  There are further interesting details about desertion and sterility and insanity ... but we don't have space!  These Pharisees likely wanted to get Jesus embroiled in the controversy.  And Jesus' response was astounding.

He did not jump into the debate.  He directed the questioners back to the ideal - back to the principle rather than a law.  God created ... male and female ... united them ... and they became one flesh.  So is marriage to be.  Moses never 'commanded' divorce ... he permitted it under certain stipulations as a concession to the lost ideal.  

So what do we do with Jesus' words - both to the Pharisees and to his disciples after they challenge the wisdom in marrying at all?  I offer a few observations that come to mind as I contemplate Jesus' words.

  1. The marriage ideal is one man and one woman - united - one flesh - lifetime
  2. Divorce happens in our fallen world and fallen state - we do have hard hearts!
  3. Divorce is sin - not unforgivable sin - but sin.  Remember the definition of sin - falling short of the ideal of God, the person of God.  
  4. Marriage is not the way to go for everyone.  In our churches we have often left the impression that being married is the only way to lead a fulfilled life.  Jesus disagrees.  We have often primarily catered to couples and couples with children.  That is unfortunate ... and thoughtless. 
How do we apply these words of Jesus?  Again, a few observations.
  1. If you are single ... that's not a bad thing.  Ask God to show you how to serve him more fully as you are.  Don't waste energy and heart on wishing away your current place in the kingdom.  
  2. If you are divorced ... confess the sin ... always remembering that God forgives and cleanses and gives fresh starts.
  3. If you are married and contemplating divorce ... slow down.  If you are not in an abusive situation, slow down.  It may not be the answer you think it will be.  How can you strive toward God's ideal?  Seem impossible?  In your strength it most likely is.  But if you are a believer, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, you have access to power beyond your own strength.  
  4. If you are married ... treat that marriage as a gift from God to be cared for and nurtured.  Again, allow me to quote from Barclay:
The true basis of marriage is not complicated and difficult to understand - it is simply the love which thinks more of the happiness of others than it thinks of its own, the love which is proud to serve, which is able to understand, and therefore always able to forgive.  That is to say, it is the Christlike love, which knows that in forgetting self it will find self, and that in losing itself it will complete itself.

Please know that I offer no placebo solutions to the difficulties of marriage and/or singleness.  The challenges are many.  The struggles are real and complex.  My own marriage has soared and plummeted at different times throughout the last 44 years.  But I hear Jesus calling us back to the ideal ... back to the Garden ... back to the heart of God.  And I do want to go!  Can you hear him?  




March 4, 2013

Forgive - Again? (Matthew 18 - P 47)

Keep in mind that Chapter 18 of Matthew reports a conversation.  The conversation is between Jesus and his disciples.  It is a conversation triggered by a question about life in the kingdom of heaven.  And, as conversations do, it has morphed through several topics.  The conversation is about to morph again as Peter steps up and asks another question.

Read Matthew 18: 21 - 35

Peter really wants to know.  Don't you?  How many times, Lord?  How many times?  What is the requirement?  Where is the limit?  I don't want to fall short.  But I certainly don't want to be an over achiever either!  So tell me how many times I have to forgive ... and I'll do it.  I'll even a keep a ledger so that I don't cut it short.  How many times, Lord?

So Jesus tells a story.  It almost could fit into the "theater of the absurd" genre.  The extreme difference in the debts is absurd.  I have read that the total annual revenue from the entire province of Galilee at this time was around 300 talents.  And a talent was worth more than 15 years' wages for a working man.  Jesus selected the absurd amount of 10,000 talents for the first debt.  The second debt is minuscule in comparison.  One hundred denarii.  A denarius was the usual day wage for a laborer.  Jesus' point?  It's rather obvious, no?  When we have been forgiven a debt that was absolutely unpayable ... forgiven by God ... slate wiped clean, how dare we not pass on forgiveness to anyone around us.  Any wrongs done to me ... even the deep, sometimes devastating ones ... CANNOT be compared to the debt that God has forgiven me.  Jesus says in another place, "Freely you have received, freely give."  (Matthew 10:8)   He is speaking about ministry ... but I think we can apply it to forgiveness as well.  

Let me share some observations about forgiveness.  You are welcome to share your own observations.  In fact, it would be great for us to begin to build a list ... a "Things I Have Learned About Forgiveness" list.  It perhaps would prove a useful tool and a gift we could give to each other.  

Things I Have Learned About Forgiveness

  1. It matters.  I know this because Jesus speaks of it often.  I know this because Jesus links our receiving forgiveness to the spirit with which we choose to forgive.  So it matters.  This issue cannot be swept under the rug for another day.  We can't wait until we want to ... or feel more like it ... or the pain is not as sharp, or, etc.  It matters.It is a gift that I give to myself more than to the person I am forgiving.  
  2. It is the road I must walk to free my own heart from bitterness and resentment.
  3. It frees me from the other person's control.  My heart is released.  The "other" no longer has the power to effect my mood or spirit or sense of calm and serenity.
  4. For me, it has proven itself to be a multi-step process.  the deeper the hurt or wound, the more layers of forgiveness must be practiced.  I have found that Jesus often whispers to me, "I know you forgave     (  ), but now we must take it a little deeper."
  5. Forgiveness and reconciliation are not the same thing.
  6. "Forgive and forget" is a cute cliche, but I find that it doesn't work.  I can't forget.  I have found that memory will fade - its sharpest edges get filed off over years - but it doesn't completely go away.  I can only address the place where I find myself right now.  Who knows?  maybe by the end of my years on this earth I can say ... Yes, my friends, forgive and forget!  But since i cannot totally forget I have to find something to do with the scars.  I have found that turning the scars into catalysts for praise works for me.  When I remember or see one of the scars, I try to turn it immediately into praise to my Father who got me through it, or held me up in it, eased the pain, or allowed me to suffer in Jesus' name, or brought resolution, or protection or (you keep going for yourself).  How can your scars be catalysts for praise?
  7. Forgiveness does not absolve the other party of consequences and responsibility for their own actions.  that's not my business.  That belongs in God's hands.  So leave it there.  My job is to forgive.
  8. It's hard.  
  9. It's the heart of God.  As you and I are more and more transformed into the image of our master, forgiveness becomes more and more a part of the very essence of our being.
  10. It is born out of love.
  11. You don't have to be asked ... or apologized to.  Sure, it's nice ... but it is not a necessity.  Forgiveness is not a two way street.  I forgive because God told me to ... because God said it was an important thing for me to do ... because it imitates God.
  12. Forgiveness does not mean that I continue to subject myself to abusive and/or hurtful behavior from some "other".  Sometimes we must forgive ... and walk away.  And in extreme circumstances, we walk away ... and work on the forgiveness piece when in a safe place.  


I may think of more as the days progress ... and I will add them if I do.  Do you have some to add?  What have you learned about forgiveness as you have wrestled with this issue?  What I can say for certain ... it is worth the effort!  Never forget that sometimes we find ourselves in the position of needing to pray ...
"Lord, give me the desire to forgive.  Help me want to.  I can't seem to get the "want to" in place.  I have the "should" in place ... but I desperately need the "want to".  And by Your power and Your Spirit ... take me there."