Jesus
Book Review: Red Letter Revolution
December 27, 2012 | 
Author Book Review: Red Letter Revolution
Author: Shane Claiborne and Tony Campolo
Publisher: Thomas Nelson ISBN: 9781400204182
Red Letter Revolution: What if Jesus Really Meant What He Said?
I appreciate this book very much for a number of reasons; first of which, I agree that considering the words and teaching of Jesus seriously is a good starting point for any conversation regarding the Bible. This is the foundational premise of this book, Red Letter Revolution, by Shane Claiborne and Tony Campolo. A second reason I like this book is the style it is written. It is a conversation, a running interview-style dialogue between Claiborne and Campolo from beginning to end. I felt as though I were a passive participant at a round-table discussion listening in and pondering the ideas that were pushed, poked, and prodded. And this is the third reason I liked the book; not all of the conversations were positions I would embrace or agree with, some I had not even considered, but I appreciated being “invited” into the conversation nonetheless and I’m still pondering some of the thoughts presented for my consideration. The entire dialogue is needful, relevant, and healthy.
The book is divided into three main components or three primary conversations: Red Letter Theology, Red Letter Living, and Red Letter World. Each part deals with a specific group of sub-conversations. The way that I understand the breakdown is as follows: Red Letter Theology deals with the history, traditions, and doctrines of the church relevant to the words of Jesus; Red Letter Living relates more specifically to the movements of community and neighbor; and Red Letter World reaches out the global stage and forward impact of Jesus’ teaching. This may or may not be entirely accurate, but it is the way that I perceived the conversation from my reading.
The book is a fairly easy read. I found some areas more subjective and opinionated than others, but taking into account that the conversation is comprised of the thoughts and opinions of two men interpreting their understanding of Jesus’ words, that is expected.
I think most persons will find the Red Letter Revolution stimulating. I think engaging the conversation is healthy and might stir the thoughts of critical thinking people. It has certainly given me reason to pause and examine my own positions and return again to Jesus’ words with new questions…seeking fresh answers. I recommend the book.
Posted in Books, Jesus, The Christian Walk | 
Tags: Book Reviews, Books, Discipleship, Gospels, Jesus, Shane Claiborne, Tony Campolo | 
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Jesus for President? Probably not…
Jesus for President? Probably not…
Political Post Warning…
I’m feeling frisky, so I thought I’d share some musings on this day, our presidential election, in our United States of America. Since I am unashamedly a follower of Messiah Jesus, I thought I’d post a few thoughts from a Christian perspective.
I’ve seen quite a few thoughts around the web that invoke the idea of “vote for Jesus” or “Jesus for president” and other similar inferences like making the most “informed Christian” vote (that is assuming your or my vote would be most closely aligned with who Jesus would vote for. And this assumes He would vote at all—but that is another conversation).
First, let me say that I voted and I believe in the process, even as flawed as it might be; I’m glad I get to vote on the leadership in this nation.
Now, onto the idea of Jesus for president…
Really? I wonder how long Jesus would last if he were really voted in. Let’s hypothetically assume the United States is a Christian nation, and let’s take it one step further and assume that every United States citizen professes themselves aligned with Christianity as their faith affiliation.
First, it is my opinion that Jesus would not be voted in at all if the things he taught and the things he did were reported through the media as are most other presidential candidates.
If good communication skills are a prerequisite and being able to clearly dictate a position are necessary to win over voters, I don’t think Jesus would have scored very high even though we call him a great orator. He said that he chose to deliberately speak in parables so some people would hear him clearly and others would not (see Luke 8).
According to the gospels, Jesus doesn’t seem to be very keen on capitalism, free market systems, amassing fortunes, or retirement plans. In fact, he once told a story about a man who had raised a bumper crop of wheat. The man figured he’d done well and could retire on his efforts and earnings only to be called a “fool” and have his life taken by God that very night (Luke 12:13-21). Additionally, the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount and elsewhere in the gospels seem to favor Socialism over the Free Market system that fuels most of the American Dream.
Many people like to believe that Jesus is “fair” and universal in his approach toward helping humanity, but the gospels teach differently about this perception as well. Jesus was often in the midst of great crowds, but we’re only told of two accounts where he fed the masses. I’m reasonably sure there were more than three people that he was aware of who died in the places he traveled, but we’re only told of three that he raised from the dead. In the early pages of Mark’s Gospel we read that Jesus healed all that were brought to him in one day, yet on the morning of the next day, he left people who wanted and needed healing with their disease and sickness telling his disciples he had to go to the next city… “this is not the reason I have come” (Mark 1:29-39). Then there was the scene at the pool of Bethseda; where John recounts there were “many invalids there,” yet Jesus chose to heal only one… (John 5:1-13) and this does not even take into account that Jesus broke the law of the land to heal this man by healing him on the Sabbath.
Certainly my words sound somewhat facetious; it is a literary tool to help us consider our own motives and political positions, but in reality Jesus was a radical that not too many people would be happy with as a president. What if he came to you and demanded you sell all your possessions to give to the poor? What if he advised you the only way you could be part of his country/kingdom was to give up all your status and become a servant to all? What if he announced the only way you could keep your life was to sacrifice it for someone who despised you? I think most people would say; “Jesus, you’re out of your flipping mind…” kinda the same way people thought when he told them his body and blood were real food and drink (John 6:22-59).
He tells us if someone asks for our tunic, give it to them and your shirt too. He says if someone asks you to carry their load a mile, carry it two. If someone cracks you on the jaw, turn your cheek and offer it to them so your bruising will be symmetrical. People say Jesus never wants anyone to be a doormat for others, but this is exactly what he made of himself….and still does today. He is the gate and the doormat to the kingdom of God and He invites us to follow Him.
I think it sounds nice and spiritually self-righteous to say “Jesus for President!” I don’t think it is very heartfelt or realistic, unless of course it is some other Jesus that we are talking about that isn’t the Jesus mentioned in the Holy Scriptures.
Oh, and don’t think for a minute, that I’m not talking about myself here too. I’m as guilty as the next person who wants their proverbial “cake and to eat it too.” I want to follow the Jesus in the Scriptures, and I call myself trying, but I also see the enormous chasm between his teachings and my reality. If Jesus were on the ballot, I’m not sure I would be prepared to vote for him…especially after reading his campaign promises in the gospels.
Jesus for president? Let me think on that awhile.
Posted in A Deeper Walk, Becoming the Word, Bible Speak, Disciple, Gospel of John, Gospel of Luke, Gospel of Mark, Jesus, Shaping Me | Tags: Believer, Christianity, disciple, Election, Jesus, Jesus for President, President, United States | No Comments »
Walking Lock-Step with Jesus
Walking Lock-Step with Jesus
I’ve had an image in my mind’s eye for a few weeks now. It is something I have taken to calling “walking lock-step with Jesus.” I don’t know that the vision itself is the subject of this post, but it has stirred quite a few other thoughts about the Christian journey. I should probably describe what I mean when I use the word “lockstep.”
I served in the U.S. Navy, and while the Navy might not be known for its parade pageantry, I can remember spending a considerable amount of time marching in formation during my boot camp days. There were something like 80-90 men in our company and we spent hours and hours learning to march in step with one another and in formation as a group of one…a unit…a single organism. The swinging of our arms, the turning of our heads, the length of stride, our turns, our stops, and our starts were all synchronized with the persons next to us. When the unit was in lockstep, it was a beautiful thing to behold—even more beautiful was seeing a dozen or more of these companies marching lockstep with one another—the precision was astounding and a work of art for the eye and ear to behold.
What does this have to do with Jesus? I think a lot. As I said, the way we trained was matching the stride and movement of the person next to us. We did have a leader calling out the cadence and direction to the company, but we were specifically matching our “march” with the person on our right in most cases. How this relates to Jesus might seem obvious about now, but in the event that it does not… in my illustration, Jesus is my “right-hand-guide.” He is the One I key on: matching my stride, swinging my arms, and following even the turn of my head all with Him. I do what Jesus does. This might also be a more comprehensive metaphor for the Church, but I think you get the picture.
Marching lockstep with Jesus is a beautiful thing, but what happens when the rhythm gets broken? Well, for starters, precision is thrown out the door. When one guide loses step with the person on their right, the march of the entire company usually follows. The slightest timing shift can undo the lockstep of the entire company…and this is where some of my peripheral thoughts have been wandering. Once this cascade of “losing step” takes place, it is hard to get back into lockstep. The march is a mass of confusion with everything seemingly losing synch, arms swinging, heads turning…steps, strides…everything. It’s difficult to know where to trust or “key” your movements from as you “lose sight” of your marching partner, not because he is no longer there, but you’ve shifted your attention to the “individual” marchers all around you. Everyone looks the same…but different…you no longer know who or what to trust.
Losing step with Jesus can be as unnerving or even more unnerving than the scenario I describe. As we move through the course of our lives, stuff happens and we can momentarily shift our attention away from Jesus and lose our step with him. This slight shift can throw us completely out of alignment, sometimes to the point that we cannot see him, hear him, or even look like we are doing anything remotely like he is doing. Times like these cause us to panic and doubt our reality—we try to force our way back into syncopation (a weak beat)…half-stepping to get back into synchronization and lockstep—frustration abounds with every misstep and failure.
Occasionally, rarely, the company would find its groove and get back into lockstep, but more often what would take place was the sure-fire fix. A command would come out from the company commander, “Com—pany HALT!” The entire company would stop, every man would collect themselves with a deep breath and get their eyes fixed on their marching partner (guide). The company commander would then issue the order, “Com—pany, For-Ward MARCH!” and the unit would be in lockstep again.
Walking lockstep with Jesus might not be as described in my illustration, but I think there are things we can learn. I can recognize even more similarities than what I’ve shared here. I think the most valuable lesson I take away is that missteps might occur and if/when they do, I shouldn’t panic. The best course of action is to stop, take a deep breath, regroup, recenter, reorient, and re-fix my eyes on Jesus and begin again. This is how I get my lockstep back on.
Posted in Becoming the Word, Jesus, Meditations, The Christian Walk | Tags: disciple, Jesus, Military, Navy, Spiritual Formation | No Comments »
Holy Spirit—Union With God
Holy Spirit—Union With God
I steep and soak in my reflections on what it means to be “filled with the Holy Spirit.” I have been reading, studying, asking questions, and organizing my thoughts in a non-stop immersion since just after Easter of this year. I have, of course, studied this aspect of Christian faith before now, but I have followed a hunger to really pull out all stops and dig deeply into a myriad of unsettled questions I have had and see where my studies and God’s Spirit leads me.
Most recently, after reading a few books and reflecting in Scripture, an analogy I have pondered previously began to clarify and take on deeper meaning to me. I should probably do a little context work before I proceed further.
One of the questions I have been asking lately is in response to my personal witness of the Christian journey; that is, the daily life lived out in the pursuit of becoming perfected in the likeness of Jesus Christ. I have written out many of my thoughts on this subject over the course of the past decade, but consolidated some of those ideas in a recent series here (see link). Essentially, I am wondering aloud, if we are able to complete the Christian journey intact (aka eternally perfected—saved) without the “full in-filling” or baptism of the Holy Spirit as it is spoken about in Scripture. I realize there are many thoughts and doctrine about this teaching with a great deal of diversity and disparity of interpretation therein, but the role and work of the Holy Spirit, as mysterious as it may be, is very prominent in the Scriptures from beginning to end. Considering this prominence, I cannot help but be very drawn to trying to understand what my response should be to the influence of the Holy Spirit.
There are a few assumed conclusions I have settled upon at this juncture of my studies (always subject to change as I continue to study and learn) and subsequent understanding; they are as follows:
- We are incapable of living out the life of holiness God commands us to live without the work of the Holy Spirit within us. In other words, we cannot become what God wants of us without God within us.
- Christian perfection (becoming like Christ in every way) is part of the plan of God from before the beginning of time.
- Not becoming perfected (especially willful refusal to grow in the ways of spiritual maturity) in the Way of Christ can influence our eternal future.
- Visible manifestations and measurable evidences (spiritual fruit) are part of the Christian journey and useful in the grading (aka judging) one another’s progression and course of discipleship.
I might share a few more questions floating around my head before describing my analogy. I wonder at what point a person is filled with or baptized with the Holy Spirit. Is it something that happens at the moment of spiritual rebirth/regeneration? Is it a specific second work of grace that takes place subsequent to regenerative conversion? If being “born again” and “filled with the Spirit” are a singular event, how do we explain the discrepancies for singularity we read about in the Bible (the original followers of Jesus, the household of Cornelius, and the believers at Ephesus are a few examples). Is the total surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer an optional path of discipleship? There are other questions influencing my study, but I consider these sufficient to provide a backdrop for my analogy.
Union with God ◊ Marriage Metaphors
All throughout Scripture, God employs the use of marriage and sexual intimacy as strong metaphors to describe the relationship between man and the Triune Godhead. God calls the people of Israel “adulterers and adulteresses” for forsaking their primacy of relationship with Him for other gods. He also gives Hosea specific instructions to marry a prostitute in order to construct a visual aid for all to see how He perceives His relationship with the chosen people of Israel. Likewise, the beauty of intimacy is described in vivid detail with the Song of Solomon, and is believed to be a metaphor for the bond of love between Christ and the Church. The Church is mentioned as the “Bride” of Christ, and the “Marriage Feast of the Lamb” is a prominent event mentioned in Scripture, especially in the Book of the Revelation. The description of a man and woman becoming “one flesh” and the “oneness” described by Jesus in his Priestly Prayer (John 17) cannot be ignored as we consider all these descriptions, metaphors, and analogies. What is it that God is portraying for us in them? How are we to interpret what God is speaking through these descriptions? Why is it that these particular and strong word pictures are featured so predominately?
One last disclaimer and qualifier: Every metaphor limps—because no metaphor is perfect. This is why we use metaphors, because the “perfect explanation” is out of our reach and our closest approximation is to say, “Blank is like blank.” Remember; like is not is.
I think the Christian journey as the baptism of the Holy Spirit relates to it is like the courtship to marriage relationship.
- I think many persons will make their first steps toward Christian rebirth under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Scripture teaches the Holy Spirit is involved with drawing fallen humans to God. I see similarity between the “wooing” of the Spirit and how the courtship of a man and woman might progress. Whereas the spiritual journey might see the respondent opening to their awareness to God, the physical relationship between a man and a woman might similarly see them opening to one another (becoming more agreeable to conversations and the depth of information each other are willing to disclose). I might liken these first steps to an introductory or initial dating phase.
- As dating and courtship continue between human relationships, so does the relationship between man and God. As the man’s curiosity and awareness to the presence and activity of God is heightened, he is driven and drawn to learn more about this God who “woos” him. Similarly, we see the same behavior exhibited between a man and woman as they learn the dance of romance as well as determine their compatibility and need for one another.
- Counting the cost of relationship is wise advice according to the words of Jesus. I believe this applies to temporal relationships between men and women as much as it applies to the temporal-eternal relationship between man and God. A woman might consider how a man will treat her, provide for her materially and emotionally… what kind of father he might be to her children, and etc. Likewise, Jesus advises the potential follower-disciple to evaluate the cost involved in following or “being married to” Him.
- Eventually there comes a nexus where betrothal, engagement, or the promise to marry becomes the primary question. In this moment, a commitment takes place between the parties consigning devotion to one another. I think this same process occurs in the spiritual relationship with Christ. The speed and the means by which the process unfolds might look differently from person to person, but the realization of the question, answer, and ultimate decision is probably very similar.
- Marriage. The Covenant agreement. In both cases there seems intellectual and soulful agreement to belong to one another. Jesus’ promise to all who would follow Him devotedly is that He would never leave or forsake them. Similarly, the covenant agreement in marriage vows echoes a “forever” commitment, “…to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part.” I don’t know the ritual covenantal vows for all cultures and Christian denominations, but would imagine they might be very common to those I mention. Jesus, on many occasions, uses the marriage metaphor to describe the relationship between his followers and himself (Matt 9:15; 25:1-10; John 3:29). I completed a study and wrote an essay on the parallels of marriage as a divine institution some years ago that has more information on these thoughts (see link).
- Consummation. I believe the in-filling or baptism of the Holy Spirit might be likened to the consummation of a marriage. I realize how stark and intimate this metaphor seems, but it is the analogy that God uses throughout the Holy Scriptures to describe the relationship between Himself and mankind. As I mentioned in point number five, I believe that becoming “born again” may happen at the time of intellectual and soulful agreement to the person of Jesus Christ and the affirmation of the atoning sacrifice of his life for our sin. I believe in accordance to the teaching of Scripture that this is a justifying act of grace declared by the voice and hand of God who declares that soul as “saved.” This declaration is a divinely valid agreement and the person over whom it is declared is as eternally secure and “saved” as they can or ever will be. I think the same can be said for the person who is married… they are never any more legally married or bound to their respective spouse on the first day of marriage than they are on their fiftieth year of marriage. Can a person be legally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically married without the act of conjugal consummation? I believe the answer is yes, but in many cultures, the lack of consummation can be grounds for annulment of the marriage…not divorce, but annulment. Annulment states specific grounds for which the marriage is declared void—as if it never took place—and was never actualized as a real marriage. Jesus declares the baptism of the Holy Spirit a divine imperative; consummation of the divine relationship is a mandate and expectation. Jesus speaks very explicitly about this union with his followers in his teaching about abiding in him (John 15) and in the prayer for unity and oneness found in John chapter seventeen. The parallel is also seen when Jesus reminds the teachers of the Law that it was God’s divine planning for a man to leave his family to be “joined as one flesh” with his wife. It is the joining of the Holy Spirit with the believer that makes him or her more than they were as their former self. Jesus said believers would receive “power from on high” when the Holy Spirit came to take up residence within them. This is the ultimate form of love in union. It requires absolute trust and absolute surrender. We are taught by Jesus that he “chose us as his own” for the purpose of bearing fruit for His Father, God, and His Kingdom. Christian fruit (john 15) can only come from “consummation” of the relationship (infilling/baptism of the Holy Spirit) just the same as children from a couple can only come through consummation of marital relationship. The reciprocity of surrender and giving of selves to one another naturally produce godly “fruit”—this might be manifest in the most basic of levels, with children…and in other manifestations deeper intimacy of relationship and “knowing” one another. Perhaps… this might help us to understand why it is that Jesus speaks so forthrightly about men and women who professed their “marriage” to Christ on the Day of Judgment. Jesus speaks the following words from the Gospel of Matthew chapter seven:
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matt. 7:21-23)
It is interesting to me the word Jesus uses “knew” is the same word, and I believe the same contextual meaning, as his mother, Mary, used when she answered to the angel Gabriel for example in Luke 1:34, “And Mary [a virgin] said to the angel, ‘How will this be since I do not know (Strongs-1097 /ginṓskō = sexual intimacy) a man.
It may be that without the active infilling and baptism of the Holy Spirit, Jesus does not know us in the strictest and most important way we are to be known.
I think ultimately we also need to realize that living in union and communion with God is not about being perfect or achieving some level of Christian perfection. I definitively believe and understand the process of Christian formation or entire sanctification is not measured by perfection, but is measured by the level of our surrender to the process and to the Holy Spirit who guides it.
Eastertide | Ascension Day
[17MAY2012] Eastertide | Ascension Day
O Almighty God, whose blessed Son our savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abideth with his church on earth, even unto the end of the ages; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
“But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you. But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me.” John 16:5-9
The Church celebrates the ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ on this day. What that means may be recognized and interpreted in as many different ways as there are people who follow after Jesus… but I do know this; the Ascension of Jesus Christ is hugely, magnificently, overwhelmingly, significant to me and the current context of my life.
For the past few weeks, I have been examining my heart, my motive, my dreams, my understanding of Scripture, and the mission of Christ in my life. So I am not misunderstood, my faith hasn’t been in crisis, but I have been taking note at the odds by which my personal beliefs about the teachings of Jesus seem to diverge from the mainstream of Christian America. This has disturbed me and has been the source of my inner reflection and soul examination. You see, I believe that we, every Christ following believer, can live the life that Jesus lived while he walked the earth. I believe this because he said we could do it. Likewise, I also believe the teachings he espoused in the Beattitudes and The Sermon on the Mount are true and livable expectations for people who have determined to live a life of self-denial and Christ-likeness as they pursue the kingdom of God on this earth while waiting for the ultimate and glorious return of Jesus for the eternal kingdom. The conflict is this; while some people profess to believe these things likewise, there are few that I have met personally, who are intent on pursuing them. I realize this may sound critical and judgmental, and I apologize for that, but it has been my experience.
“We who have once for all cloned ourselves in Christ, and been made worthy to have him dwelling within us, may show everyone, if we choose, simply by the strict discipline of our life and without saying a word, the power of him who dwells in us.” John Chrysostom
This past week I had a break-through of sorts and realized that my discontent was founded in the sense that what I was seeing was true. I also realized that I could not allow the discontent to swell to discouragement. I resolved to continue the course that God has set my heart on; I will press on toward living the kingdom as full as I possibly can on this side of eternity. I will settle for nothing less than all that Jesus has promised. Those persons, believers they may be, who are misguided in their understanding of the promises of God (Galatians 3:12-21), I will pray for them. I will press on with the conviction God has placed in my heart.
[27APRIL2012] Eastertide Devotional Series
[27APRIL2012] Eastertide Devotional Series
I will be posting this devotional series as part of my Eastertide reflections for the next three weeks (see this link for other installments in the series). Each week of this devotional series focuses on a specific theme (week one: brokenness, week two: repentance, and week three: renewal). I hope you’ll enjoy the series and I invite you to comment here on the blog or email me direct; I would love to hear your thoughts.
Renewal: Week 3 | Day 6
Scripture Reading: John 10:22-30; 14:15-31
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me… If you love me, obey my commandments. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me.”
The past few weeks have taken us on a journey leading up to this place of spiritual renewal. We have realized that recognizing our brokenness and responding with repentance (turning back to God) are prerequisites to beginning the path of renewal, but there is more… As we have explored the dynamic of renewal this week, we are learning that it requires certain commitments from us. We learned on Monday that renewal requires humility and contrition; coming before God and asking Him to renew and restore us. Tuesday we acknowledged that renewal and restoration are a partnership with God and that we have a share in the responsibility of our spiritual renewing. Wednesday taught us that successful renewal is best found through deliberate and intentional planning: assessing our need, formulating a plan, enlisting the help of others and putting the plan into action. We learned Thursday, that being wholehearted in our efforts of turning back to God is necessary for our successful renewal. Without our wholehearted involvement, it is likely there will be no partnership with God and spiritual renewal does not happen when we are doing it alone.
The next step in our process of renewal and restoration is hearing the Voice of God and our active obedience to His Voice. Jesus said; “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” This short, but very deep, statement can be summed up as follows: Hear, Listen, Obey. If we have any expectations for hearing God’s Voice, it will always require obedience. Without obedience to God’s instruction, our ability to hear His Voice degrades. Without His Voice, there is no instruction and direction from Him. Without God’s instruction and direction, we lead ourselves blindly and return to our own way… spiritual renewal and restoration fails, as do we. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me… If you love me, obey my commandments. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me.”
I confess that my obedience to God’s Voice, following Jesus, has not always been easy. I have often had to make difficult choices, putting aside my personal desires and sacrificing many things along the way (friendships, career, financial decisions, my pride, and these are just a few). The upside of these sacrifices for obedience has been my renewed ability to hear and respond obediently to His Voice!
Have you struggled with being obedient to God’s commands and direction in your life? What has been the source of your struggle? How well do your hear God’s Voice? How closely do you “follow” Jesus?
Our Prayer: Lord Jesus, I admit that I do not always listen to your voice. Sometime I feel that following you is negotiable and discretionary…that I can jump on and off the path without repercussion. I tell myself this, but I know in my deepest heart that it is not true and every time I “jump off the path” or fail to obey you, I weaken our relationship. Lord, I want to confess again, that I am weak, but I know that you are strong, so I ask you to be strong in me. Help me to hear you clearly and by your Holy Spirit, help me to obey you and show you how much I love you by following you. May my life be all for your glory and your honor. Amen.
[21APRIL2012] Eastertide Devotional Series
[21APRIL2012] Eastertide Devotional Series
I will be posting this devotional series as part of my Eastertide reflections for the next three weeks (see this link for other installments in the series). Each week of this devotional series focuses on a specific theme (week one: brokenness, week two: repentance, and week three: renewal). I hope you’ll enjoy the series and I invite you to comment here on the blog or email me direct; I would love to hear your thoughts.
Repentance: Week 2 | Day 7
Scripture Reading: Luke 14:25-35 (see also: Matthew 10:16-40, Luke 9:57-62, John 15:18-25)
“If you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple…But don’t begin until you count the cost”
I included a few bonus passages of Scripture this morning because I think that sometimes we overlook a critical aspect of the process that is repentance. I know I did and Jesus’ words to us reveal a seemingly inarguable position that he also believed this point was critical… so much so that he told would-be followers, “don’t begin until you count the cost.” The very idea of what may be implied in these words puts a lump in my throat.
As we have examined some of the elements rolled into this word “repentance,” we’ve realized that it doesn’t just mean “feeling bad about the things I do.” Repentance means to change your mind about your life’s direction, making a turn toward that new and better destination, and then moving continually along the path always moving closer to the ultimate destination with eyes, heart, and hope fixed on arriving at the goal. But Jesus also says; “Don’t begin until you count the cost.” Why does he say this?
The reason Jesus makes this point is that staying the course of repentance and remaining a faithful disciple of Jesus is not easy. The path of repentance will take us on a journey through trials and temptations, desolations and consolations of the soul, extreme mountain-top experiences with the presence of God and tearfully lonely times when it seems as though God is far from us… We will lose things and people we love, ideas and beliefs will be broken, and our false idols crushed… And, this might just be the beginning of what lies along the road of repentance. Yes, there are glorious days that await us and we will experience some of them along the way, but the point is this: “Don’t begin until you count the cost.” Jesus desires disciples that are all in and willing to complete the journey.
The result of a disciple who has fully counted the cost and then decided to trust and follow Jesus is this: confidence in the face of adversity, joy even in seasons of grief, gentle calmness of soul even when chaos surrounds, discernment, knowledge, and wisdom…yes, the very mind of Christ in a world that reeks of uncertainty. He has given us everything we need to live a godly life; even to sharing in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:2-4). How do we do this; what is our part? Our part is to trust, obey, die to self and follow. It isn’t easy, but it is simple…and it will always, always begins with a repentant heart.
Have you ever really counted the cost of your journey with Jesus? Do you have unrealized expectations about your Christian journey? Are your expectations unrealistic? Are your expectations consistent with the teachings of Jesus? Have you considered giving up on your faith because it was harder than you realized? How do you feel or what do you think about the current state of your relationship with God?
Our Prayer: O Holy and Eternal Father, I admit that I might have unreal expectations sometimes with the dailyness of my faith. While I know there will be trials, sometimes they seem harder than I can bear and other times they simply do not make sense to me what their purpose may be. I know You said, “Take comfort” and “rejoice in times of suffering…” but I find it hard to do this. I pray You to help me in my growing pains; help me to overcome as you overcome. Help me to confidently put on your cloak of righteousness and walk with the heart of a submissive servant, anxious to do Your will and grow in Your grace. May it be so in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
[20APRIL2012] Eastertide Devotional Series
[20APRIL2012] Eastertide Devotional Series
I will be posting this devotional series as part of my Eastertide reflections for the next three weeks (see this link for other installments in the series). Each week of this devotional series focuses on a specific theme (week one: brokenness, week two: repentance, and week three: renewal). I hope you’ll enjoy the series and I invite you to comment here on the blog or email me direct; I would love to hear your thoughts.
Repentance: Week 2 | Day 6
Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:1-12, Galatians 5:22-23 (see also John 15:1-8)
“You brood of snakes… Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath?”
This is certainly one of the “ouchie” statements we read from Scripture. At first glance, I quickly wipe the sweat from my brow and thank God that John is talking to those wicked Pharisees and Sadducees… and not directing his words to me. Hmmm… or is he directing his words toward me after all? It’s easy to make villains of the Pharisees and Sadducees, they seem to be the bad boys of the New Testament. Even Jesus denounced them more harshly than any other group of people. However, there is something about John the Baptist’s words in this passage of text that prompts me to look a little more closely.
When he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.
Let’s forget about the Pharisees and Sadducees for a moment. Ask yourself what your motivation for coming to Jesus is? Is it to simply save yourself? “Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath?” I think this is an interesting question to ask myself. It’s easy to think that because I’ve said a prayer asking for forgiveness and joined a church that “I’m safe.” John’s words make me rethink this position… he as much as says “that means nothing” if my repentance doesn’t reveal itself in fruit that proves I have turned toward God. And, what is the fruit of repentance?
I’m sure fruits of repentance manifest themselves tangibly in a number of ways, but I think the journey of transformation that repentance leads us on is very closely related to being re-imaged in the image and character of Christ. Subsequently, I think we get a good picture of what this fruit might involve from the Apostle’s description in Galatians 5:22-23; “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
The question then, I should ask, is this: “Is my motivation for coming to Jesus to save my own skin aka ‘flee the coming wrath?’” Or, is my motivation to be fully reconciled to God through Jesus Christ and allow Him to remake my image into His likeness and fruit? As I finish typing this another saying of Jesus comes to my memory; “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it” (Matt. 16:25). If I honestly examine my life, do I see the evidence of godly fruit such as a more loving nature, exhibiting joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?
Our Prayer Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner. I pray today, O Lord, that I have not grown complacent and satisfied thinking I have arrived or I am safe because of the words I speak or the church I attend. I pray you would have your way in my life, help me to completely surrender my life to you, so I might bear the kind of fruit that truly reflects your character and nature. I want to be your true disciple, one who bears much fruit and brings much glory to You, my God and King. Amen.
Book Review: Insurrection
Book Review: Insurrection
Author: Peter Rollins
Publisher: Howard Books ISBN: 9781451609004
I have enjoyed the thought-provoking writing of Pete Rollins since getting my hands on and reading How (Not) to Speak of God around five years ago. Since reading that first book of his, I have been challenged, frustrated, stretched, inspired, enraged, and affirmed by each book I have read that has followed. Peter is that kind of thinker… that kind of writer. Insurrection remains true to the form set by those preceding works; it will stretch your mind, your heart, and the way in which you live out your faith.
I think, if I have understood this writing correctly, the overarching question of the book is this: “What does it require for faith in Christ to thrive?” This isn’t Rollin’s question; it is more my question as I worked through the book. As I was asking, and asking this question again, and again it seemed there was no sacred dog that Rollins was fearful of poking—and while this might be overly disturbing for some who might be unprepared to confront their beliefs asking themselves “WHY?” it can also be a very liberating experience that helps to root oneself deeply in their faith experience. Insurrection does this.
A few years back I purchased Peter’s book The Orthodox Heretic, a great little book of brain and heart teasing parables written by Rollins. I was happy to see him bringing his parables (assuming he wrote these) to Insurrection. He begins each chapter with a thoughtfully relevant parable. This served to “take my thinking out of park” and engage the gears of my listening skills and cognitive reasoning. You really need to be open with your thinking as you read the theology presented by Rollins in this work. This is not to say that I agree with every point he makes, but remaining open and listening well helps the reader interact with the processes Rollins presents…and interacting, processing, and wrestling are the actions that will produce faith fruit from this book.
Be prepared to be offended by some terms and some claims. If you’ve never read or listened to Pete Rollins, be prepared to have your faith doctrine tested… perhaps even shaken… be prepared to defend your version of truth, and be prepared to have your version of truth crushed. At some point of my reading and listening to Rollins, all of these experiences have been my own. I don’t consider this a bad thing. In fact, I trust the words that appear on the front cover and also that serve as the title of chapter two; “To Believe is Human; to Doubt, Divine. The Bible teaches us that we work out our salvation through fear and trembling. Insurrection might just give you the “shakes” you need that put you on the way to working out your salvation.
Posted in Books, Jesus, Media, Theologica | Tags: Book Reviews, Books, Insurrection, Peter Rollins, Theology | No Comments »
[14APRIL2012] Eastertide Devotional Series
[14APRIL2012] Eastertide Devotional Series
I will be posting this devotional series as part of my Eastertide reflections for the next three weeks (see this link for other installments in the series). Each week of this devotional series focuses on a specific theme (week one: brokenness, week two: repentance, and week three: renewal). I hope you’ll enjoy the series and I invite you to comment here on the blog or email me direct; I would love to hear your thoughts.
Brokenness: Week 1 | Day 6
Scripture Reading: John 21:1-25
This is another densely packed chapter of Scripture and there are many points to reflect upon, but our focus for this meditation takes place in verses fifteen through seventeen. This is a very curious exchange between Jesus and Peter. I’ve heard quite a few sermons and read an equal number of studies about this conversation, but none of them really addressed something I noticed that convicted me of my own brokenness. Our English translations of the Bible translate the Greek word Agapao to love. Likewise, the Greek word, Phileo, is also translated to love. Both words are used in the following dialogue. I have put in parenthesis the proper placement of the word used
15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love (Agapao) me more than these?” ”Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love (Phileo) you.” ”Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. 16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love (Agapao) me?” ”Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love (Phileo) you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love (Phileo) me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love (Phileo) you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
The difference between these two words, Agapao and Phileo, are very important. Agapao is the love described by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13. It implies complete devotion at minimum and infers perfect and godly love at best. Phileo love was most often used in context that might be understood as close friendship or “brotherly” love. It is in the distinction and the difference between these “two loves” that I see my own brokenness.
The specifics of Peter’s circumstance are not the point of my reflection, but the correlation of how I might respond to Jesus’ questions is. Truthfully, Jesus does ask each of his followers the question; “Do you agapao me more than these?” While I like to think I am unerringly and totally devoted to Jesus, I might arrogantly answer him, “Yes, I agapao you, Jesus.” The more I reflect upon my “love” for Jesus, the more I think I fall into the phileo category. I continue to wrestle with issues of obedience and complete faithfulness. I put my personal needs before Jesus every time I waver in my devotion. Is this agapao love? Probably not…my brokenness still presents itself as a stumbling block for me. Thankfully, like Peter, Jesus is willing to meet me where I am as I surrender myself to grow in His grace and His agapao love.
Consider the state and depth of your love for Jesus today. Does your love lean more toward phileo or agapao? Are there areas of your love that Christ is calling you to grow more faithful in today?
Our Prayer: Father God, you have enabled us through your Spirit to love You with a devoted heart. You promised that You would change our old heart, replacing it with a heart that could and would love You with a perfect love. Lord, I fall short of this agapao love at times when I think of myself before thinking first of You. I pray that Your Spirit would help me overcome these shortcomings, so my love might be more faithful and I would love You the way You deserve to be loved and the way You love me. Amen.
Posted in A Deeper Walk, Bible Speak, Eastertide, Jesus, Spiritual Formation | Tags: AGAPE, Devotions, Discipleship, Eastertide, Jesus, Love | No Comments »
