Monthly Archive for April, 2011

Entering The Tomb

Published on April 24, 2011 in Uncategorized. Closed

The buzz was that Jesus had risen from the dead.  John and Peter wanted to see for themselves, so they took off running to the last known whereabouts of their Lord – the tomb where His lifeless body had been laid.  Arriving there, they found that the huge rock which had sealed the entrance was rolled away.

Any good Jewish person knew that it wasn’t a good idea to go inside a tomb.  The books of the law were filled with directives to stay away from corpses, lest one become defiled and have to undergo all types of ceremonial cleansing.  John, therefore, (although he was the faster runner and arrived before Peter), did exactly as he should.  He stopped at the door.

Peter, on the other hand, ignoring what might seem proper, rushed right in and entered the tomb as soon as he arrived.  He found that a miracle had occurred.  Christ was risen indeed!

I think I’m a lot like John: cautious by nature; always wanting to do the “right” thing.  Perhaps I should bend the norms and take some chances now and then.  I just might discover a resurrection.

Happy Easter.

Worth Remembering

Published on April 17, 2011 in Uncategorized. 1 Comment

Jesus knew He was about to die.  So on the last night that He and His friends would be together, He told them something profound, yet a little strange.  During the Passover meal, He said “Every time you eat bread and drink wine like this, remember me.”

 

Perhaps Jesus understood the human tendency to continue to do something that seems religious or spiritual, yet forget the reason for doing it. 

 

Countless times I’ve been told to read the Bible.  But why should I read the Bible?  To learn Jewish history?… For principles of living?… To win theological debates?… To impress other Christians with my knowledge?… Or because I love the Bible’s author and want to know Him?  The answer sounds obvious when the question is stated that way, but I can’t remember anyone ever even bringing it up.  They simply told me to read the Bible, and made me feel guilty if I didn’t.

 

Likewise, going to church (whatever that is), prayer, and so many other activities.  “Do them,” the system says, with little real explanation.

 

Jesus, on the other hand, told his disciples – and tells us – the why.  It’s simple, and it once again puts Him at the center of the spiritual journey, where He should be.  The Son of God says, “Remember me.”

 

Life And A Few Words

Published on April 10, 2011 in Uncategorized. 1 Comment

Three men stayed in a city.  Their names were Paul, Silvanus and Timothy, and the city was called Thessalonica.  The year was around 50 AD.

 

What did the men do in that place?  They delivered the good news that God loved the people there.  But that was just the beginning. In a letter recapping their time together, they later wrote: “We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives.”

 

Through the years many people have delivered messages to me that they said, or at least strongly implied, were from God.  These involved things those individuals felt I was doing wrong, or should be doing differently, or maybe even doing right.  In the interest of taking any input seriously, I consider each one.

 

The words to which I give the most weight, however, are those which come from messengers who do more than just talk.  These people share their lives with me in the form of transparent relationships.  We explore the reality of struggles, the dangers of temptation, and the mysteries of divine grace that keeps us on the path.  In the midst of it all, God’s direction comes through clearly.

 

The hit and run method of spiritual communication by “sharing a few words” – or many – might have a legitimate purpose once in awhile.  But, personally, I gravitate toward those who have more to offer … their lives for example.

 

 

Home Improvement

Published on April 3, 2011 in Uncategorized. 2 Comments

Imagine a group of people.  Each is an expert in some facet of home improvement.  They each live in a house that is in disrepair in some way, but not in the area of their own expertise.  There’s somebody there who could fix whatever’s wrong with anyone else’s house.  And they all have plenty of money to pay for anything that needs to be done.

 

Sadly, none of these people know that those in the group are home repair experts, or that anyone among them has a repair need.  Although they get together regularly, they don’t talk about such things.  Instead, they converse as though their homes were in perfect condition.  All of them would be glad to assist their friends, but no one actually comes out and says “Here’s what I’m good at. Does anybody need my help?”  All the while they affirm their love for one another.

 

Sounds crazy, doesn’t it?  Yet this describes the experience of many – including me – on the journey of faith.  The home in disrepair is my life … I’m good at making it look just fine, when in truth I have many needs.  I’m not always sure where to turn, because I haven’t asked others where they feel motivated to help.  The areas of expertise are the gifts God gives to all His children, which too often I keep hidden.  The means of payment is love, which we’re told to owe all our brothers and sisters.

 

Fortunately, God provides a solution.  He tells us to form relationships of true community in which we can use our talents to serve one another and bear each other’s burdens.  He encourages us to let down the façade and be genuine with our brothers and sisters. 

 

I thank those of you who join me down this path as I attempt to move further in the direction of true fellowship. I see glimpses now and then and it’s glorious.  Maybe the roof won’t leak forever.

 

 

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