Shape Up - A New Day Is Coming

For 12/16/2012


The story of John the Baptist is included in all four gospels and his disciples appear on several occasions in Luke’s story of the early church (Acts). But what does he have to say to us today as we prepare for the celebration of the baby’s birth? He spoke out with words of accusation and instruction, just what do they have to do with us today?

Luke 3:7-9 When crowds of people came out for baptism because it was the popular thing to do, John exploded: “Brood of snakes! What do you think you’re doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snakeskins is going to deflect God’s judgment? It’s your life that must change, not your skin. And don’t think you can pull rank by claiming Abraham as ‘father.’ Being a child of Abraham is neither here nor there—children of Abraham are a dime a dozen. God can make children from stones if he wants. What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? Because if it’s deadwood, it goes on the fire.”

• How do you visualize him as he speaks to the crowd? What is his demeanor, appearance, and what are the characteristics of his speaking voice? What would your reaction be if you had trudged all the way out into the desert to hear them?

• One of foundations of the faith John’s listeners was being a descendant of Abraham and heirs of God’s covenant with him. What does John say about that and what would their reaction have been? What does he say really counts? Can we fall victim to the same kind of assumptions? What really counts for us, do we hold onto things that effect our ability to be truly repentant (change direction)?

• We are told that large crowds came out to hear John, what might have motivated them to trek out into the desert to hear this man? What message or speaker might motivate you to go out of your way to listen to in person? Has anyone you have heard speak influenced your faith life for better or worse?

• John is prominent in the Gospels with two beginning with his story. What do we know about John, who were his parents and was his relationship to Jesus? Here are some links to Luke 1.  His parents  Connection to Jesus  His Birth  Unlike Jesus who has one or two possible references, John the Baptist appears in recorded history.  The following passage in the first-century Jewish historian, Flavius Josephus, is especially valuable as all our other descriptions of John come from Christian sources.

[116] Now some of the Jews thought that the destruction of Herod's army came from God, and that very justly, as a punishment of what he did against John, that was called the Baptist: for Herod slew him, who was a good man, and commanded the Jews to exercise virtue, both as to righteousness towards one another, and piety towards God, and so to come to baptism; for that the washing [with water] would be acceptable to him, if they made use of it, not in order to the putting away [or the remission] of some sins [only], but for the purification of the body; supposing still that the soul was thoroughly purified beforehand by righteousness. Now when [many] others came in crowds about him, for they were very greatly moved [or pleased] by hearing his words, Herod, who feared lest the great influence John had over the people might put it into his power and inclination to raise a rebellion, (for they seemed ready to do any thing he should advise,) thought it best, by putting him to death, to prevent any mischief he might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties, by sparing a man who might make him repent of it when it would be too late. Accordingly he was sent a prisoner, out of Herod's suspicious temper, to Macherus, the castle I before mentioned, and was there put to death. Now the Jews had an opinion that the destruction of this army was sent as a punishment upon Herod, and a mark of God's displeasure to him. Antiquities of the Jewish People, 18.116-19: Perseus Digital Library

John’s message had an impact on the crowd and they began to ask questions:

Matthew 3:10 The crowd asked him, “Then what are we supposed to do?” 11 “If you have two coats, give one away,” he said. “Do the same with your food.” 12 Tax men also came to be baptized and said, “Teacher, what should we do?” 13 He told them, “No more extortion—collect only what is required by law.” 14 Soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He told them, “No shakedowns, no blackmail—and be content with your rations.”

• What is the crowd’s reaction to John’s admonition? How profound is John’s direction to them? Is this some esoteric or mystical life he telling them they must embrace? How do we find out what we need to change? Is it really something we always want to hear?

• Have you ever changed direction for the better in some aspect of your life? What kind of things motivates us to make these changes? What are some feelings we have after making them?

• How do you feel about hearing this scripture in Advent when we focus on joy and celebration?

John now both speaks to his role and of the coming of someone and something even greater:

15 The interest of the people by now was building. They were all beginning to wonder, “Could this John be the Messiah?” 16-17 But John intervened: “I’m baptizing you here in the river. The main character in this drama, to whom I’m a mere stagehand, will ignite the kingdom life, a fire, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. He’s going to clean house—make a clean sweep of your lives. He’ll place everything true in its proper place before God; everything false he’ll put out with the trash to be burned.” 18 There was a lot more of this—words that gave strength to the people, words that put heart in them. The Message!

• What kind of baptism does John offer? What is it intended to do? How does he describe the impact of the messiah’s baptism – what will happen, what will change?

• What your memories of you baptism? Did you feel that it was an act of repentance as well as a spiritual moment? Has it taken on more or less meaning over time?

• What does John make clear is his status as opposed to the coming Messiah? If you read the Gospels you will see repeated instances of this clarification which speaks to the stature of John whose influence could be felt up to the time of their being written. See this example of his influence in Acts:

Acts 19 1-2 Now, it happened that while Apollos was away in Corinth (about 20 years after the resurrection), Paul made his way down through the mountains, came to Ephesus, and happened on some disciples there. The first thing he said was, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? Did you take God into your mind only, or did you also embrace him with your heart? Did he get inside you?” “We’ve never even heard of that—a Holy Spirit? God within us?” 3 “How were you baptized, then?” asked Paul. “In John’s baptism.”

• What do you take away from this, does this discussion fit into your idea of Advent preparation?

Closing Prayer

Enter my heart, O Holy Spirit, and set me free. Throw open the locked doors of my mind, cleanse the chambers of my thought for your dwelling; light there fires of a new understanding of truth. Amen. From a prayer by Eric Milner-White

Next Week’s Scriptures: Luke 2:39-45 (45-55), Micah 5:2-5, Luke 1:47-55 or Psalm 80:1-7, Hebrews 10:5-10

Good News or Bad News?

For 12/9/2012


Advent is a time of preparation and waiting but what are we really waiting for – a child born in a manger or something else? And what are the ramifications of this arrival, what do you expect and just what might happen when the time of waiting is over? What is the meaning of Jesus’ arrival for you this year?


Malachi has some ideas on what should be expected and they are very un-babe-in-the-manger like. Read on and you may find some additional thoughts to include in your Christmas preparations. Malachi speaks to a community which had returned from exile and rebuilt the temple, yet the new world of blessings and peace spoken of by prophets like Isaiah had not commenced. He likely is writing to a people who are disheartened and question God’s promises.

Malachi 3:1-4  The Message Version
3:1 “Look! I’m sending my messenger on ahead to clear the way for me. Suddenly, out of the blue, the Leader you’ve been looking for will enter his Temple—yes, the Messenger of the Covenant, the one you’ve been waiting for. Look! He’s on his way!” A Message from the mouth of God-of-the-Angel-Armies.
2-4 But who will be able to stand up to that coming? Who can survive his appearance? He’ll be like white-hot fire from the smelter’s furnace. He’ll be like the strongest lye soap at the laundry. He’ll take his place as a refiner of silver, as a cleanser of dirty clothes. He’ll scrub the Levite priests clean, refine them like gold and silver, until they’re fit for God, fit to present offerings of righteousness. Then, and only then, will Judah and Jerusalem be fit and pleasing to God, as they used to be in the years long ago.

Malachi later identifies the messenger as Elijah (4:5-6) and the Gospels give John the Baptist this role. In the Jewish tradition Elijah’s return preceeds the coming of the Messiah and a seat and cup is reserved for him at the Seder Table.

• Verse 1 brings good news for the Israelites. What does Malachi give as the purpose of the coming of the messenger (v 1)? Does this sound like what they may have been looking and hoping for? How must the people have felt when they heard these words?

• The good news is tempered with a stern reality? What will be the focus of the Lord’s return, what will be done? Is it something to anticipate with relish? What does it appear that Malachi feels is standing between the Israelites and God’s blessing?

• Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes of this theme of judgment in an Advent sermon he preached in 1928:

It is very remarkable that we face the thought that God is coming, so calmly, whereas previously peoples trembled at the day of God . . . . We have become so accustomed to the idea of divine love and of God's coming at Christmas that we no longer feel the shiver of fear that God's coming should arouse in us. We are indifferent to the message, taking only the pleasant and agreeable out of it and forgetting the serious aspect, that the God of the world draws near to the people of our little earth and lays claim to us. The coming of God is truly not only glad tidings, but first of all frightening news for every one who has a conscience.

Only when we have felt the terror of the matter, can we recognize the incomparable kindness. God comes into the very midst of evil and of death, and judges the evil in us and in the world. And by judging us, God cleanses and sanctifies us, comes to us with grace and love.1

• What is your reaction to Bonhoeffer’s words? Have you ever included thoughts of God’s judging with Advent? Do these words fit with your understanding and feelings about Jesus as you think about his birth?

• Is there any part of the Christian theology or liturgy that includes cleansing as a part of Jesus’ coming? What did the people who came to John the Baptist receive as part of the preparation he was announcing?

• Malachi’s words might be more appropriate for Lent rather than Advent but can we really separate the two? Are there any elements of our Lenten preparation which might also be included in Advent?

• Let’s review, after thinking about these questions what should we include in our expectations and thoughts about the consequences of the birth of Christ? What would you include in a description of who Jesus is and the meaning his coming has for you? Try writing it down as part of your Advent preparations.

Closing Prayer

Prepare us to embrace your presence and your leading, O God of promise. Open our hearts to the words of your prophets, who bid us to journey in your wise ways of justice and peace. Amen.

Next Week’s Scriptures: Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Isaiah 12:2-6, Zephaniah 3:14-20

Pay Attention - Big Things Are Going To Happen!

For 12/2/2012

This is the first Sunday in the Advent season which is a time of announcement of the coming, the birth of the Savior, but the Gospel Scripture for this Sunday contains a different kind of announcement – the Second Coming. Each of the three synoptic gospels contains warnings about the end times. Some contain references to the destruction of the temple which was probably an accomplished fact when the gospels were written but here Luke’s words are more general. But first to set the scene:

• Recall a time of crisis when the world around you seemed to be coming apart. Were there some things that seemed out of your control? What could you control and what resources helped you find your way through?

Now Luke’s recording of Jesus’ announcement with his words of caution and advice about his return:

Luke 21:25-26 “It will seem like all hell has broken loose—sun, moon, stars, earth, sea, in an uproar and everyone all over the world in a panic, the wind knocked out of them by the threat of doom, the powers-that-be quaking.
27-28 “And then—then!—they’ll see the Son of Man welcomed in grand style—a glorious welcome! When all this starts to happen, up on your feet. Stand tall with your heads high. Help is on the way!”
29-33 He told them a story. “Look at a fig tree. Any tree for that matter. When the leaves begin to show, one look tells you that summer is right around the corner. The same here—when you see these things happen, you know God’s kingdom is about here. Don’t brush this off: I’m not just saying this for some future generation, but for this one, too—these things will happen. Sky and earth will wear out; my words won’t wear out.
34-36 “But be on your guard. Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a trap, for it’s going to come on everyone, everywhere, at once. So, whatever you do, don’t go to sleep at the switch. Pray constantly that you will have the strength and wits to make it through everything that’s coming and end up on your feet before the Son of Man.”
From The Message Version

• What are the signs of the time of the coming of the Son of Man ? How are people reacting to these signs? Can you see any of these kind of events in our world today? Do you think that fear and foreboding by people because of disastrous events is unique to our times?

*Is Jesus’ returning an important part of your theology?  See the article below by David Lose which looks at both the idea of a second coming and living our real lives today.

• How is Jesus portrayed as returning? How would you imagine it happening if it occurred tomorrow, where might it happen and how would it received? Revelations prophesies in this fashion:
21:1 I saw Heaven and earth new-created. Gone the first Heaven, gone the first earth, gone the sea.
2 I saw Holy Jerusalem, new-created, descending resplendent out of Heaven, as ready for God as a bride for her husband.
3-5 I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone.” The Enthroned continued, “Look! I’m making everything new. Write it all down—each word dependable and accurate.”
From the Message Version

What are some of the major themes of the Revelations scripture? Are any of them meaningful to you?

• Jesus uses the analogy of springtime to speak of signs of his return – of the spiritual renewal of the world. Have you had times of spiritual renewal? What prepared you for the experience? What triggered it? If not are there signs that you should seek renewal?

• Can times of trial be a part of our journey to redemption? Have you discovered things about your faith because of hard times? Did signs of God’s presence come through as you experienced the difficulties?

• Jesus tells us not to get distracted, to pay attention, to be alert, that we can miss the signs if we forget we are on a faith journey. What is your experience in maintaining a faith focus in hard times? What helps and what hinders a faithful journey when things are really bad for us?

• Jesus seems to say that these events will happen in the lifetime of those he is speaking to? What do you make of this prediction some 2000 years later, what do his words mean to you as a person of faith today?

• Much of scripture and certainly this one are about the faithfulness of God to the promises God made to humankind. For those of us who live in the real world the events in our lives, the lives of those around us and the ongoing injustice, famine, war and natural disasters can test this certainty. So we must rely on faith and the writer of Hebrews gives us a very brief but wonderful definition of faith:

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

From The New English Version

This is indeed the human condition, connected to the mysterious infinity by faith alone.

Closing Litany (from Psalm 25)

Make me to know your ways, O Lord;

teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth, and teach me,

for you are the God of my salvation;

for you I wait all day long.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord;

teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth, and teach me,

for you are the God of my salvation;

for you I wait all day long.

Amen

Next Week’s Scriptures: Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 1:68-79, Baruch 5:1-9 or Malachi 3:1-4

From WorkingPreacher.org

Apocalyptic texts come across to most of our hearers as alien, strange, even off-putting. Truth be told, whatever worries we may occasionally harbor about, nuclear or environment holocaust, most of us express little day-to-day concern about the end of the world and even less about Jesus' second coming. In this respect, we may feel that we live at a great distance from Luke's audience.

At the same time, we are as intimately acquainted as they were with the challenges presented by waiting for an event that seems late in coming. We may be waiting for an event on a national or global scale like economic recovery, an end to war in Iraq and Afghanistan, or concerted international action to reduce pollution. Or we may be waiting an event on a personal level like the results from a biopsy, a letter from an estranged child, or the safe return of a loved one from a tour of duty. Whatever the case, we know the challenge of waiting, the stress of waiting, the anxiety of waiting.

In this context, Luke offers us a perspective that, while it will not remove our waiting, it may affect its character. We live, according to Luke, between the two great poles of God's intervention in the world: the coming of Christ in the flesh and his triumph over death. In this regard we should not forget that these verses serve as the hinge between Jesus' teaching and his passion – and the coming of Christ in glory at the end of time and his triumph over all the powers of earth and heaven. This "in-between time," though fraught with tension, is nevertheless also characterized by hope as both the beginning and the ending of the story of the Church – and therefore of our story –which has been secured by Christ. We are therefore free to struggle, to wait, to work, to witness – indeed to live and die – with hope because we know the end of the story.

From Moses to Martin Luther King, Jr., history is full of examples of those who, because they had been to the mountaintop, had peered into the promised land, and had heard and believed the promise of a better future, found the challenges of the present not only endurable, but hopeful. We, too, amid the very real setbacks, disappointments, or worries of this life, can "stand up and raise [our] heads" because we have heard Jesus' promise that our "redemption draws near."

David Lose
Marbury E. Anderson Biblical Preaching Chair
Luther Seminary
St. Paul, MN



Christ the King

For 11/25/2012

This Sunday is celebrated in many traditions as Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday in the church year (Advent begins next week). In the Catholic tradition Christ the King Sunday celebrates the all-embracing authority of Christ as King and Lord of the cosmos.


• What do we know about Christ that would cause him to be given the title – King? The title was usually something attributed to Jesus, the much more common form of address or characterization was Lord.

Early Christians viewed Jesus as "the Lord" and the Greek word Kyrios which may mean God, lord or master appears over 700 times in the New Testament, referring to him. In Romans 10:9-13 Paul emphasized the salvific value of the title, and stated that confessing by mouth that Jesus is Lord leads to salvation. The high frequency of the use of the term Kyrios in the Acts of the Apostles indicates how natural it was for early Christians to refer to Jesus in this way. This title persisted among Christians as the predominant perception of Jesus for a number of centuries.

The use of the Kyrios title for Jesus is central to the development of New Testament Christology, for the early Christians placed it at the center of their understanding and from that center attempted to understand the other issues related to the Christian mysteries. The question of the deity of Christ in the New Testament is inherently related to the Kyrios title of Jesus used in the early Christian writings and its implications for the absolute lordship of Jesus. In early Christian belief, the concept of Kyrios included the Pre-existence of Christ for they believed that if Christ is one with God, he must have been united with God from the very beginning.
                                                                                                      From Wikipedia
• Is the title King or Lord meaningful to you? What might be some alternative contemporary descriptors for him that conveys the same imagery?

• What forms of address or titles do you use for Jesus?

Pilate and Jesus

Pontius Pilate was the Roman Governor of Jerusalem and Judea with headquarters on Caesarea and came to Jerusalem during times like Jewish festivals when large, potentially riotous crowds might be present. Pilate brutally crushed three large riots during his tenure (26-36 CE) but had to deal with many smaller uprisings during his tenure. He had come to Jerusalem for this Passover with a large cohort of armed soldiers. For the Romans duty in Judea was a hardship post because of the constant problems with the Jews. For their part the Jews hated the Romans for their taxes, religious insensitivity and of course being occupiers.

Jesus Accused (from John 18)

12 So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him. 13First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year… 24Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest… 28 Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. 29So Pilate went out to them and said, ‘What accusation do you bring against this man… 31Pilate said to them, ‘Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.’ The Jews replied, ‘We are not permitted to put anyone to death.’

• What do the actions of the Jewish leaders (they had responsibility for day to day governing) says about their attitudes toward Jesus and their relationship with Pilate? Why would they go to all this trouble for a nobody from the hills during this important religious celebration?

• If you were Pilate, given the history of the constant problems governing the Jews, how would you have felt when they showed up “early in the morning’ demanding that he take action against Jesus? What do you think was the tone of his conversation with them?

• What would his mood have been as he turned to Jesus to question him as John's Gospel continues:

18:33 Pilate went back into the palace and called for Jesus. He said, “Are you the ‘King of the Jews’?” 34 Jesus answered, “Are you saying this on your own, or did others tell you this about me?” 35 Pilate said, “Do I look like a Jew? Your people and your high priests turned you over to me. What did you do?” 36 “My kingdom,” said Jesus, “doesn’t consist of what you see around you. If it did, my followers would fight so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But I’m not that kind of king, not the world’s kind of king.” 37 Then Pilate said, “So, are you a king or not?” Jesus answered, “You tell me. Because I am King, I was born and entered the world so that I could witness to the truth. Everyone who cares for truth, who has any feeling for the truth, recognizes my voice.” 38-39 Pilate said, “What is truth?”

• What is the issue that Pilate seems most concerned about? Why would it be something that the Romans would concern themselves?

• What seems to be Jesus’ attitude and demeanor as he answers Pilate’s questions? What do you think his mental condition was at the time?

• What would Pilate’s understanding of king and kingdom be? What would a king expect that others would see as his role, responsibilities? How would Pilate expect those in the kingdom to behave in his presence? Do you think that Jesus’ words reassured him?

• How would you describe God’s kingdom? How does it differ from Pilate’s? Review the contrasts made below in What is the Kingdom of God.

• What does Jesus say he was born for? How would you describe the truth or wisdom that he brought to us?

• What do you think was Pilate’s attitude as he asked Jesus the question, “what is truth?” John begins his gospel with words about Jesus as God’s wisdom:

1:14 The Word (Divine Wisdom) became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish

How would you answer Pilate’s question?

• How does the truth Jesus brought to us contrast with the conventional wisdom of our culture today? Do you think that it is significantly different than during the rule of the Roman Empire?

• Why do you think that this scripture was chosen for Christ the King Sunday?

Closing Prayer

Holy God, your reign is justice and love, grace and truth, wisdom and compassion. Help us to find our place in your kingdom that we might bear witness to it with the whole of our lives. Amen.

Next Week’s Scriptures: Luke 21:25-36, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

What is the Kingdom of God?

From Wikipedia:

The kingdom of God or kingdom of Heaven is a foundational concept in the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Interpretations of the phrase range from the restoration of the Land of Israel to a world-wide kingdom, from a theocratic monarchy to an egalitarian utopia, and from an earthly kingdom to one in the afterlife.

The term "kingdom of God" is found in all four Christian canonical gospels and in the Pauline epistles. The Gospel of Matthew uses the phrase "kingdom of Heaven" more often, perhaps to avoid offending Jews in the early church or perhaps simply a translation of the rabbinical expression "Malkut Shamayim".

From http://www.christcenteredmall.com/teachings/kingdom-of-god-4.htm:

In the simplest terms, the Kingdom of God is the rule of God. Thus, it can be said that wherever the Lord Jesus Christ reigns, there you have the Kingdom of God. This is true whether Jesus rules in an individual life or over a group of people.

God is a Spirit (John 4:24), and therefore His Kingdom exists in the spiritual realm — a realm which is presently invisible to our natural eyes. Someday, God's Kingdom will come in all its fullness, but it is now "at hand" for us to enter into by faith. God writes the laws of His Kingdom on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33-34) and calls us to walk in obedience to His commandments. Through the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, we can experience the reign of God in our daily lives.

It is the Spirit of God Who reveals the ways of God to the children of God (see John 14:26). The Bible says in I Corinthians 2:9-10, "But as it is written, 'Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.' But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." The rule and reign of God within the hearts of men, women, boys and girls is the reality of the Kingdom of God on earth!

Here are seven biblical truths to help us further understand what God's Kingdom is:

The Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future certainty.

The Kingdom of God is opposite to our human reasoning.

The Kingdom of God is revealed in the ministry of Jesus.

The Kingdom of God is revealed in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy.

The Kingdom of God is entered only on God's terms.

The Kingdom of God is inaccessible to the wicked.



Christ as the Ultimate Sacrifice

For 11/18/2012

The writer of Hebrews develops the image of Christ as the great high Priest who fulfills and completes the Jewish system of sacrifice for much of the epistle preceding this scripture. This raises the whole topic of sacrifices which we will discuss below:


Hebrews 10:11-14 Every priest goes to work at the altar each day, offers the same old sacrifices year in, year out, and never makes a dent in the sin problem. As a priest, Christ made a single sacrifice for sins, and that was it! Then he sat down right beside God and waited for his enemies to cave in. It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process.                                                        All Scriptures are from The Message Version

• What does the writer of Hebrews tell us about the Jewish practice of sacrifice (which was only carried out at the temple in Jerusalem)? How is Jesus’ sacrifice different? How is Jesus different from the Priests? What is your understanding of Jewish sacrificial practices, see below for some ideas:

Contrary to popular belief, the purpose of qorbanot (sacrifice) is not simply to obtain forgiveness from sin. Although many qorbanot have the effect of expiating sins, there are many other purposes for bringing qorbanot, and the expiatory effect is often incidental, and is subject to significant limitations. The purposes of qorbanot are much the same as the purposes of prayer: we bring qorbanot to praise G-d, to become closer to Him, to express thanks to G-d, love or gratitude. We bring qorbanot to celebrate holidays and festivals. Others are used to cleanse a person of ritual impurity (which does not necessarily have anything to do with sin). And yes, many qorbanot, like many prayers, are brought for purposes of atonement.

The atoning aspect of qorbanot is carefully circumscribed. For the most part, qorbanot only expiate unintentional sins, that is, sins committed because a person forgot that this thing was a sin. No atonement is needed for violations committed under duress or through lack of knowledge, and for the most part, qorbanot cannot atone for a malicious, deliberate sin. In addition, qorbanot have no expiating effect unless the person making the offering sincerely repents his or her actions before making the offering, and makes restitution to any person who was harmed by the violation.                                                                                     
                                            From: http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/qorbanot.html

According to the Talmud, repentance was among the first things God created; even before God created the physical universe. When the Temple in Jerusalem was active, a Jew was required to bring various sacrifices for certain types of sins. Although sacrifices were required, the most essential part was teshuva, the person bringing the sacrifice would confess his sins. Presently, with the Temple destroyed, atonement may nevertheless be granted by doing teshuva.                                                              From Wikipedia

• Who do you think that the writer is thinking of when he refers to the enemies Jesus is waiting for to “cave in”? Do you think that Jesus is waiting on anything from each of us? What does it take for someone/something to be Jesus’ enemy? Could this be linked to the second coming?

• What is your reaction to the idea that a human sacrifice was needed for us to be acceptable to God? Is this requirement part of your image of who God is?

The writer of Hebrews continues with words taken from the prophet Jeremiah (31:33-34)

14-18 The Holy Spirit confirms this: This new plan I’m making with Israel isn’t going to be written on paper, isn’t going to be chiseled in stone; This time “I’m writing out the plan in them, carving it on the lining of their hearts.” He concludes, I’ll forever wipe the slate clean of their sins. Once sins are taken care of for good, there’s no longer any need to offer sacrifices for them.

• The writer is connecting this paraphrase of Jeremiah to the fact that Jesus’ sacrifice made us acceptable to God. What does Jesus’ sacrifice make possible for us? How would we be different if God’s law (will) were part of our hearts and minds? Do you relate to this promise in any way?

• Why is no further sacrifice required? However we all fall short, what is required of us to continue in this right relationship with God? What do you do when you fall short, are there a variety of steps depending on the nature of forgiveness required?

The imagery in this next scripture refers to the curtain which separated the Holy of Holies (God’s residence) in the temple which was a place only the high priests could enter.

Hebrews 10:19-21 So, friends, we can now—without hesitation—walk right up to God, into “the Holy Place.” Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The “curtain” into God’s presence is his body. 22-25 So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

• What should be our mindset as we seek the presence of God? What are the benefits of having confidence in our relationship with God? Is this an element of your faith? Can we be overconfident? How does confidence play a role in this transition time?

• How are we different because of having our “great priest” according to verse 22? How important is this idea in order for our faith to have meaning? Do you have any sense of your body being a holy place? How can this awareness help us as we live our daily lives?

• What is God faithful about and what evidence do you have that this is true? Have there been times when this has been seemingly in question?

• How should we approach encouraging love and helping out? What have you see work in this faith community? How important has it been and will it be in this transition period?

Closing Litany (From Psalm 16)

Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord;

I have no good apart from you.’

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;

you hold my lot.

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;

I have a goodly heritage.

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;

in the night also my heart instructs me.

I keep the Lord always before me;

because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

You show me the path of life.

In your presence there is fullness of joy;

in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

Amen

Next Week’s Scriptures: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 or Daniel 12:1-3, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 or Psalm 16, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18), 19-25, Mark 13:1-8



How Much Is Enough?

For11/11/2012


The end of the year is coming and one of the many things we receive in the mail, other than election propaganda, are the many appeals for money from charities. Many faith communities also have an emphasis on financial support of the church. Today’s scriptures give us some scriptural background as we consider our response to these many worthwhile causes and balance them against the demands on our finances by the real world. So read on and consider these words from Mark’s gospel but first:

• Do you remember a fund raising campaign that was particularly effective in reaching you? What were some of the elements that brought the message home to you?

*Mark 12:41-44 Sitting across from the offering box, he was observing how the crowd tossed money in for the collection. Many of the rich were making large contributions. One poor widow came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, “The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all.”                                                                    * All scriptures are from The Message Version

• How comfortable are you with the idea that Jesus might be watching us put money into the collection tray? What might be some positives and negatives of this kind of reality?

• In what way are the rich criticized in this scripture? How is their contribution different from the widow’s? Is contributing out of abundance a bad thing?

• What is the widow praised for? What would be some explanations for her willingness to contribute everything she had to live on? Is this a practical – real world- understanding of what we should put into the collection tray?

• How might this apply to us when we feel we don’t have the ability to make a significant contribution to some portion (not necessarily financial) of our congregational life?

• What do you think that Jesus has in mind in telling this story? Is it a stewardship message? If so how would you use it to make a decision on your contributions (financially and otherwise) to the work of the church?

• One of the questions raised by the story is how much is enough, what guidelines should we use to determine the level of our financial and personal support of the congregation? One of the ideas used to determine an appropriate level of support is the tithe. This word or concept does not appear in the New Testament, its roots are in the Old Testament (See below). How does the idea of the tithe enter into your giving decisions?

Some of the classic scriptures used during church fund raising campaigns come from 2 Corinthians 8-9 in which Paul is urging support for a collection which will be used to support the church in Jerusalem which was in great need. Read each scripture, consider its message and reflect on its relevance on your thinking about financial support of an church or cause:

8:7 You do so well in so many things—you trust God, you’re articulate, you’re insightful, you’re passionate, you love us—now, do your best in this, too. 8-9 I’m not trying to order you around against your will. But by bringing in the Macedonians’ enthusiasm as a stimulus to your love, I am hoping to bring the best out of you. You are familiar with the generosity of our Master, Jesus Christ. Rich as he was, he gave it all away for us—in one stroke he became poor and we became rich.

9:10 This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.

9: 12-15 Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the bare needs of poor Christians. It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ… Meanwhile, moved by the extravagance of God in your lives, they’ll respond by praying for you in passionate intercession for whatever you need.

• In the real world what are some of the factors we should use in making a decision as to how much to include on our pledge form each year? Are there any special considerations as we live in this time of transition?

Closing Prayer

(From Old *Sarum Primer)

God be in my head and in my understanding.

God be in my eyes and in my looking.

God be in my mouth and in my speaking.

God be in my heart and in my thinking.

God be at my end and in my departing.

Amen

*The Sarum Primer is a collection of prayers and worship resources developed in Salisbury, England, during the 13th century. It was used throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, as well as some parts of continental Europe, until the Reformation.

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 or Daniel 12:1-3, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 or Psalm 16, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18), 19-25, Mark 13:1-8

                                                 
                                       Some History of the Tithe (From several sources)

Under the Old Covenant God made with the children of Israel, he commanded various ordinances pertaining to the institution of the temple with its attendant Priests and Levites. One of these ordinances was the tithe. The tithe consisted of 10% of what the land produced as crops of grain and fruit and what the Israelite herds produced as offspring.

The nation of Israel was roughly 180 miles long and 60 miles wide and was divided between the tribes with the tribe of Levi being excluded from the land inheritance. In order to provide for the Levites, one tenth of what was produced on the other tribal homelands was given to them so that they would have food for themselves and their families in the Levitical cities where they lived. Likewise, each year one in ten of what was born to the Israelite herds was given to them. After the Levites received their annual share, they selected the best tenth of what they received and gave it to the descendents of Aaron who were the Priests. The tithe of food is the way God provided for the Priests and Levites who had no way to keep sustaining crops or producing herds.

The tithe went into effect after the Children of Israel entered their promised inheritance, the land of Canaan. As they wandered in the desert wastes prior to their entry into the land God had promised them, the Priests and Levites ate manna like everyone else.

When considering the Old Covenant tithe it is important to remember that only those people who owned producing land and herds paid the tithe of food. There was no such thing as a tithe of money. Poor people, even if they owned producing land and herds, did not tithe the increase of their land since everything they had was necessary for their survival. In fact, poor people were included along with the Priests and Levites as recipients of the tithe. Jesus was a carpenter, Peter was a fisherman and Paul was a tentmaker and though they paid the two drachma temple tax, they did not tithe. Jesus was not subject to the tithe ordinance for two reasons. He was a carpenter and he was poor.

Some interpretations of Biblical teachings conclude that although tithing was practiced extensively in the Old Testament, it was never practiced or taught within the first-century Church. Instead the New Testament scriptures are seen as teaching the concept of "freewill offerings" as a means of supporting the church. Also, some of the earliest groups sold everything they had and held the proceeds in common to be used for the furtherance of the Gospel: Acts 2:44-47, Acts 4:34-35. Further, Acts 5:1-20 contains the account of a man and wife who were living in one of these groups. They sold a piece of property and donated only part of the selling price to the church but claimed to have given the whole amount and immediately 'fell down and died' when confronted by the apostle Peter over their dishonesty.

Most New Testament discussion promotes giving and does not mention tithing. 2 Corinthians 9:7 talks about giving cheerfully; 2 Corinthians 8:3 encourages giving what you can afford; 1 Corinthians 16:2 discusses giving weekly (although this is a saved amount for Jerusalem); 1 Timothy 5:18 exhorts supporting the financial needs of Christian workers; Acts 11:29 promotes feeding the hungry wherever they may be; and James 1:27 states that pure religion is to help widows and orphans. Tithes were mentioned in councils at Tours in 567 and at Mâcon in 585 they were formally recognized under Pope Adrian I in 787.



Arguing With God

For 10/7/2012


Why do bad things happen to good people, especially people of faith?  Why does God allow bad things to happen?  Why does God allow evil to exist in the world?  All questions that come to mind as we read Job's story and as is true in anything based on faith probably leaves us with more questions than answers.  So read Job's story and reflect upon your own:

Job 1:1-3 Job was a man who lived in Uz. He was honest inside and out, a man of his word, who was totally devoted to God and hated evil with a passion. He had seven sons and three daughters. He was also very wealthy—seven thousand head of sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred teams of oxen, five hundred donkeys, and a huge staff of servants—the most influential man in all the East!                                                                       All Scriptures are from The Message Version

• What is the writer of Job seeking to establish in our minds about Job as he sets up this story?
• Possessing wealth and a large family were seen by many at that time as signs of faith and piety. What are some signs of faith and piety in our times? How would the writer of Job describe that kind of person to resonate with us?
• Do you feel that your faith brings blessings? What reinforces for you that God is present in your life? Are they blessings that are similar to those cited for Job?

Job 2:1-3 One day when the angels came to report to GOD, Satan also showed up. GOD singled out Satan, saying, “And what have you been up to?” Satan answered GOD, “Oh, going here and there, checking things out.” Then GOD said to Satan, “Have you noticed my friend Job? There’s no one quite like him, is there—honest and true to his word, totally devoted to God and hating evil? He still has a firm grip on his integrity! You tried to trick me into destroying him, but it didn’t work.” 4-5 Satan answered, “A human would do anything to save his life. But what do you think would happen if you reached down and took away his health? He’d curse you to your face, that’s what.” 6 GOD said, “All right. Go ahead—you can do what you like with him. But mind you, don’t kill him.”

• The writer now begins to explore the mystery of why bad things happen in general and particularly to good people. In Job’s case what is at the heart of the bad things that happened to him?
• Who actually brings the afflictions upon Job? What is God’s role in the misfortune Job experiences? How do you feel about this portrayal of God?
• What have you used as explanations for the seeming incongruity of a loving God and yet evil present in great measure in our world? How would you adjust the story to fit your understanding of this complex faith question? What role does Satan seem to play? (In Job ha-Satan is a member of the Divine Council subservient to God. Ha-Satan is many times translated as "the prosecutor", charged by God to tempt humans reporting back to God all who go against His decrees. Wikipedia)
• Another possible interpretation of Job is that our faith will be tested by God. Do you think that this happens? What are some real world ways in which our faith is put under pressure? Should we be surprised that living faithfully has consequences – what were some trials Jesus faced?

After several friends trying at length to convince him that he must have done something bad to have all of this come down on his head and repeated emotional defenses by Job of his righteousness he cries out for justice, a fair hearing of his innocence:

Job 31:35-37 “Oh, if only someone would give me a hearing!

I’ve signed my name to my defense—let the

Almighty One answer!

I want to see my indictment in writing.

Anyone’s welcome to read my defense;

I’ll write it on a poster and carry it around town.

I’m prepared to account for every move I’ve ever made—

to anyone and everyone, prince or pauper.

• What is the essence of Job’s defense and what does he assume is the source of the terrible misfortune that has come into his life? What does he feel will be the cure and make it all go away?  Read Deuteronomy 28:1-14 to see the promises he felt he deserved and Deuteronomy 28:15-68 to see what he was experiencing.
• What is Job’s tone as he speaks these words? Is it a request or does it have the flavor of something else? Do you think that it could be a form of prayer?
• Can you think of other cases of bible characters arguing with God? What does this tell us about God and our relationship with God? Have you ever felt like arguing with God?

38:1 And now, finally, God answered Job from the eye of a violent storm. He said: 2-11 “Why do you confuse the issue? Why do you talk without knowing what you’re talking about? Pull yourself together, Job! Up on your feet! Stand tall! I have some questions for you, and I want some straight answers.

Where were you when I created the earth? Tell me, since you know so much! Who decided on its size? Certainly you’ll know that! Who came up with the blueprints and measurements? How was its foundation poured, and who set the cornerstone, While the morning stars sang in chorus and all the angels shouted praise? And who took charge of the ocean when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb? That was me! I wrapped it in soft clouds, and tucked it in safely at night. Then I made a playpen for it, a strong playpen so it couldn’t run loose, And said, ‘Stay here, this is your place. Your wild tantrums are confined to this place

Job 40:1 40 1-2 God then confronted Job directly: “Now what do you have to say for yourself? Are you going to haul me, the Mighty One, into court and press charges?”

• Do you think that Job expected the response he got? Is this the calm courtroom that Job asked for in his prayer/demand? How do you envision God’s countenance as God speaks to Job?
• What in essence is God’s response? Does he address Job’s circumstances in the way in which Job probably expected? Is there some sarcasm or are the words non-judgmental?
• What do you relate to and question as you read these words? Is it a satisfactory answer?
• As we utter prayers what does this story tell us we might bear in mind? How do you deal with the fact that some prayers for relief and healing seemed to be answered and others not? What should we expect to receive from our spiritual life during times of trial?

This is what Job learned,:

42:1 Then Job replied to the LORD : 2 "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. 3 You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. 4 "You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.' 5 My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. 6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."

What have you learned?

Closing Prayer

In times of trial and times of peace we give thanks, O God, for your presence with us. In times of confusion and doubt we give thanks for the wisdom of your Spirit. May we follow your leading as we trust in your purposes. Amen.

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Job 23:1-9, 16-17 or Amos 5:6-7, 10-15, Psalm 22:1-15 or Psalm 90:12-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31



Finding True Wisdom

For 9/30/2012

James 3:13 – 4:3

In today’s scripture the writer of James’ Epistle speaks to the nature of true wisdom – God’s wisdom – and as he similarly wrote of faith (faith without works is dead) tells us that wisdom is also revealed by our actions.

• How would you define wisdom? How do you know it when you see it?
• Why should we seek wisdom? How will wisdom make us better off?
• Is the degree of wisdom a person possesses necessarily in proportion to their level of intelligence?

Read on in our scripture for today and see what the writer tells us constitutes wisdom.

James 3:13-16 Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats.

• What about a person would cause you to feel that they were wise and understanding? How do you see wisdom described above, what are some specific ways we might see wisdom demonstrated?
• How does your list and those identified in the scripture compare? Are there any above that you question about or disagree with? Is there anything connected with faith or a relationship with God in them?
• He makes a broader point that trying to make ourselves look good ends up causing lots of problems. Can you think of instances from the news of people who were devious, gathered recognition and wealth, and in the end hurt themselves and others? This can also happen in little ways as when we get caught in a lie – have you witnessed events that make the point?

In considering the first scripture we looked at what could be some generally accepted descriptions of wisdom, now we read about real wisdom.

17-18 Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.

• Where does wisdom begin and what comes from it? What are some characteristics of real wisdom?
• Have you seen this kind of wisdom? What are some examples of people you think had real wisdom?
• The focus of living wisely is developing healthy relationships. Is it always easy to do this with someone with whom you have a loving relationship? Where does wisdom come into play in maintaining relationships and what should our faith bring as a resource for maintaining them?
• But this wisdom is to apply to all of our relationships in the community, even with some whom we may not feel a personal connection. What wisdom have you accumulated about maintaining relationships with folks whom you do not relate? What causes fractures? Has your faith played a role in overcoming issues that cause fractures in these types of relationships?
• But how does our faith bring wisdom, where should we turn to find it? Some scripture from Hosea for contemplation:

Hosea 14:9 If you want to live well,

make sure you understand all of this.

If you know what’s good for you,

you’ll learn this inside and out.

God’s paths get you where you want to go.

Right-living people walk them easily;

wrong-living people are always tripping and stumbling

• What are some resources for identifying God’s path in any given situation? Are the paths always easy to find especially when our emotions are involved? Have you ever been involved in a relationship crisis when you allowed your personal hurts overcome any desire to find an equitable resolution? How about the opposite, when you found a way to peace and overcame those urges? What made the difference? Was any wisdom involved?

Some last thoughts on what happens in the absense of wisdom:
4:1-2 Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.
2-3 You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.

• You might find this scripture offensive and feel that it does not apply to you but where in the news and throughout history have we seen the truth of these words? Do these words reach down to some of the basic causes for wars, crime and violence?
• But on the other hand can they also apply in diminished strength to the polarized society we seem to find ourselves in today, the unhealthy political climate, and the incendiary rhetoric? What wisdom do you have for bringing peace and community to our body politic? What must happen for us to move forward on God’s path?
• How would you sum up what you have learned about wisdom from James?

Closing Litany

The revelation of GOD is whole

and pulls our lives together.

The signposts of GOD are clear

and point out the right road.

The life-maps of GOD are right,

showing the way to joy.

The directions of GOD are plain

and easy on the eyes.

God’s Word is better than a diamond,

better than a diamond set between emeralds.

Amen

Next Week’s Scriptures: Job 1:1; 2:1-10 or Genesis 2:18-24, Psalm 26 or Psalm 8, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16



Going Backwards - Being Last is a Good Thing

For 9/23/2012

Today’s scripture from chapter 9 of Mark's Gospel follows Jesus’ admonishment of the disciples in verses 9:33-35 as they discussed among themselves who had the greatest stature: The silence was deafening—they had been arguing with one another over who among them was greatest. He sat down and summoned the Twelve. “So you want first place? Then take the last place. Be the servant of all.”

Jesus teaches the need to be a servant of others on many occasions, with his washing of the disciple’s feet being the best known.
• Are you surprised that this discussion was going on among the disciples?

• How does the desire to be “first” manifest itself in our culture, what are some common things we see people competing for in their work and personal lives? Does this kind of jockeying for stature and status take place in faith communities and in the clergy? How have you seen this take place?

• How do we balance the pressures of the secular world with the call of our faith life to live as Jesus teaches here? Do we give up working to better ourselves?

We start with the set-up for the discussion in Mark 9:38 John spoke up, “Teacher, we saw a man using your name to expel demons and we stopped him because he wasn’t in our group.” 39-41 Jesus wasn’t pleased. “Don’t stop him. No one can use my name to do something good and powerful, and in the next breath cut me down. If he’s not an enemy, he’s an ally. Why, anyone by just giving you a cup of water in my name is on our side. Count on it that God will notice.

• Down through the ages religious authorities at all levels and in every part of the past and present faith community have placed restrictions on who is “qualified” to carry out many different types of religious activities. What are some that you can think of and what reasoning might have been used to rationalize these restrictions? Do you think that there are some that should be maintained, are important to only be carried out by someone who is qualified?

• Bitter theological disputes plague Christianity as denominations and sects have sometimes violently confronted one another over differences throughout history. What causes this passion and what does Jesus suggest as an antidote?

• Mormons, Quakers, and the Amish proclaim Jesus’ name yet are seen by some Christians as not being ‘in our group’. Why is that the case? Again how does this illustrate Jesus’ words?

• Based on what Jesus says should a not for profit or church have any compunction about accepting aid from a casino, a convicted felon, or other “questionable” sources in support of a faith based initiative?

Mark 9:42 “On the other hand, if you give one of these simple, childlike believers a hard time, bullying or taking advantage of their simple trust, you’ll soon wish you hadn’t. You’d be better off dropped in the middle of the lake with a millstone around your neck.

• What is Jesus talking about when he warns against being a problem for others? What are some examples of ‘childlike believers” we might encounter? Have you ever felt put-off or discouraged by the words or actions of other believers? How might we be well intentioned but yet an impediment for others?

Mark 9:43-48 “If your hand or your foot gets in God’s way, chop it off and throw it away. You’re better off maimed or lame and alive than the proud owner of two hands and two feet, godless in a furnace of eternal fire. And if your eye distracts you from God, pull it out and throw it away. You’re better off one-eyed and alive than exercising your twenty-twenty vision from inside the fire of hell.

• How do you react to this scripture? Some have taken this literally down through the ages, what does it mean to you? What are some examples of things in our lives that are very important to us but might get ‘in God’s way’? Can you think of anyone who has radically changed their lives in order to be closer to God?

• Are there changes that come with living faithfully that might cause us to appear to be handicapped for life in the secular world?

• Paul gives us some advice about eliminating spiritual impediments – what do you think about them?

Romans 12:2 Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Back to Mark 9:49-50 “Everyone’s going through a refining fire sooner or later, but you’ll be well-preserved, protected from the eternal flames. Be preservatives yourselves. Preserve the peace.”

• How can living faithfully cause us to go through ‘a refining fire sooner or later’? Is something missing if we do not have any faith related ‘fire’ experiences? Have you had any which caused your life to seem different?

• How does all that we have discussed pertain to preserving the peace? What words in today’s scripture contributes to your understanding of being a peacemaker?

• What do you take away with you from today’s discussion, what have you learned?

Closing Litany (Psalm 19)

God’s Word warns us of danger

and directs us to hidden treasure.

Otherwise how will we find our way?

Or know when we play the fool?

Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh!

Keep me from stupid sins,

from thinking I can take over your work;

Then I can start this day sun-washed,

scrubbed clean of the grime of sin.

Amen

Next Week’s Scriptures: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22 or Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29, Psalm 124 or Psalm 19:7-14,James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50

Get Real!

For 9/2/2012

James’ epistle had a tenuous journey before being included in the canon and seems to have some of the same characteristics of Proverbs – wisdom for a meaningful life. The writer speaks to us of the real meaning and obligations of living a spiritual life seven days a week. If for no other reason than for us to pause and reflect on the way in which our real life is affected by our faith we read today’s scripture:

James 1:16-18 So, my very dear friends, don't get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. He brought us to life using the true Word, showing us off as the crown of all his creatures.

• What is the origin of the desirable and beneficial blessings of life? What do you think about his description of these gifts? Does that include good things and good deeds initiated by non-believers?

• What difference does being a person of faith make in being an effective conduit of God’s desirable and beneficial? Should/does our faith make us more effective givers of good things? How and why?

• How is God described? What are some attributes? What words would you use about God when thinking of gifts and life?

• Do you think that the writer has our physical birth in mind when speaking of God bringing us to life? What words are clues to what is meant? Read this from Ephesians 2 for some ideas about life and acting as God’s creation:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

• In what way does this creation of us to do good works happen, how are we equipped, what should make us effective?

More from James' epistle
19-21Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God's righteousness doesn't grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.

• What does the writer suggest to us about suppressing anger? What is your experience; what brings anger to the forefront for you? What has helped you avoid angry reactions? What gets left out when anger takes over? How often have you looked back on an angry exchange with regret? When did you feel that it was appropriate?

• What is his suggestion for insuring angry reactions straggle along in the rear? In what attitude should we seek acting righteously and what should we use as a guide for change? Has your spirituality helped reduce the anger in your life?

22-24Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don't act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like. 25But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life!—even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action.

• How good are your listening skills? Are there times and conditions when you listen well and not so well? Do you think that he is limiting our spiritual education to just listening or might this also apply to reading and observing? How do you learn best?

• What has been the source of your most useful spiritual wisdom? Where have you turned in times of doubt and confusion about the practical aspects of living a spiritual life?

• How has your spiritual journey been enriched and guided by practical application, testing, risking? Do you agree with the writer that acting and action are where we find “delight and affirmation” of our faith? Must the action have a happy ending to bring either delight or affirmation?

26-27Anyone who sets himself up as "religious" by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.

• How many times have we heard words like this? Do you think that talking about the ‘good game’ is a bad idea? Has hearing about events on the faith journey of others been helpful to you?

• But what is the bottom line on hearing – when does it become an empty game? What keeps us from moving past the talking to action?

• Are there action scriptures that have had particular meaning for you, helped you take action, and gave you inspiration for the experience of ‘real religion’?

• This might be both the essence of and most familiar words from this letter:

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Closing Litany (Psalm 15)

God, who gets invited to dinner at your place?

How do we get on your guest list?

"Walk straight,

act right,

tell the truth.

"Don't hurt your friend,

don't blame your neighbor;

despise the despicable.

"Keep your word even when it costs you,

make an honest living,

never take a bribe.

"You'll never get blacklisted

if you live like this."

Amen

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 or Isaiah 35:4-7, Psalm 125 or Psalm 146, James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17, Mark 7:24-37



What is Wisdom and Where Do I Find It?

For 8/19/2012

All Scriptures are from The Message Version

Wisdom is a word we see repeatedly in Scripture, something to be valued, sought, and treasured. True wisdom is a gift from God which guides our lives along the right paths and saves us from folly. Jewish Wisdom literature includes several of the books of the Old Testament including Proverbs, Psalms, Daniel, and Job. In that tradition Wisdom is feminine and given a number of attributes as we can see from these words from Proverbs:

God sovereignly made me—the first, the basic— before he did anything else.

I was brought into being a long time ago, well before Earth got its start.

And then staked out Earth’s Foundations, I was right there with him, making sure everything fit.

Day after day I was there, with my joyful applause, always enjoying his company…

• What are some of Wisdom’s attributes? Are any surprising? What does the writer want us to know about Wisdom?
• Notice these similar words from John 1 about Jesus: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

Today’s Lectionary Scripture is attributed to the Solomon, that man of wisdom. Proverbs is filled with practical advice about the benefits of wisdom and the downfall that comes with temptation and folly. Let’s look at today’s scripture for what it says about Wisdom - both the lady and the attributes:

Proverbs 9:1-10 Lady Wisdom has built and furnished her home; it's supported by seven hewn timbers. The banquet meal is ready to be served: lamb roasted, wine poured out, table set with silver and flowers. Having dismissed her serving maids, Lady Wisdom goes to town, stands in a prominent place, and invites everyone within sound of her voice: "Are you confused about life, don't know what's going on? Come with me, oh come, have dinner with me! I've prepared a wonderful spread—fresh-baked bread, roast lamb, carefully selected wines. Leave your impoverished confusion and live! Walk up the street to a life with meaning."
…It's through me, Lady Wisdom, that your life deepens, and the years of your life ripen. Live wisely and wisdom will permeate your life; mock life and life will mock you.

• First of all what does this tell us about the dispenser of wisdom, how would you describe her? Does it appear that access to Wisdom is difficult?
• What words are used to describe wisdom and its benefits? How would you use to describe it? Is it different from knowledge?
• What would you point to as examples of wisdom in your life experience? What was the impact of the wisdom on your life? Who have been examples of wise people in your life?
• Have you connected wisdom with your faith life? Has your spiritual life been a source of wisdom? In what practical ways has this wisdom made a difference in your life?

Paul speaks repeatedly about wisdom, that of the secular world and that of the spiritual, telling both of the source and the failure of the worldly to grasp it:

1 Corinthians 2:6-10 … God's wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes. You don't find it lying around on the surface. It's not the latest message, but more like the oldest—what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us, long before we ever arrived on the scene. The experts of our day haven't a clue about what this eternal plan is. If they had, they wouldn't have killed the Master of the God-designed life on a cross. That's why we have this Scripture text: No one's ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it— What God has arranged for those who love him. But you've seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you.

• What is your take on the way in which Paul describes wisdom? What do you agree with and what question? Would you add anything to his description? What is added to the ideas about wisdom in Proverbs?
• What is the heart of the wisdom he refers to, what is its source? Do you see Jesus’ life and teachings as a source of wisdom for us? What are some of them that are particularly important to you and help guide the way you live your life?
• It can sound like wisdom will bring us wealth and true happiness – what happened to the Master of the God-designed life? What does this say to us, how is it instructive in understanding the meaning and purpose of wisdom? Is the ultimate goal of the Christian life to live safely, comfortably and contentedly or are there other dimensions?

John’s Gospel has Jesus assuring his disciples the night before he was crucified:

John 14:25-27 "I'm telling you these things while I'm still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught.

• Do you think that this scripture relates to God’s wisdom? How did the disciples receive wisdom from Jesus as they traveled with him and what happens now that he is leaving them? Do you think that his words apply to us?
• Have you experienced nudging, God moments, guidance, ah-has, or inspiration you attribute to your spiritual life? Have you sensed the presence of the Spirit in the day to day? Do you associate these things with the idea of wisdom?
• What are some ways we can strengthen this spiritual blessing to our daily lives? What are some things that shut it off?
• What would you now tell someone who asked you to describe wisdom? How does wisdom fit into your faith story, would you include it in describing the impact of your faith on your life?

Closing Litany

Hallelujah! I give thanks to God with everything I've got—

Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation.

God's works are so great, worth

A lifetime of study—endless enjoyment!

Splendor and beauty mark his craft;

His generosity never gives out.

His miracles are his memorial—

This God of Grace, this God of Love.

Amen

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11), 22-30, 41-43 or Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18, Psalm 84 or Psalm 34:15-22, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69