February 16, 2016
My 2016 Lenten Journey: Exploring the
Gospels to discover what following Jesus and becoming more like him would look
like? ‘And I, when I am lifted
up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32 NRSV).
In yesterday’s
phase of this Lenten Journey Jesus called his disciples with the words, “Follow
me, and I will make you fish for people.” Cool metaphor; but what does it mean?
The disciples used nets; but when I catch fish I set a hook in the fish’s jaw
and yank and crank while the fish thrashes and splashes in an attempt to get
away. In fishing for people, shall I use baited hooks, like a carnival hawker
or a used car commercial on TV? I’m not sure that metaphor works for us today.
I hope not.
But follow the
text (what a concept!). Immediately following the call of the disciples there is
a general summary of the beginnings of Jesus’ ministry. It includes going among
the people, teaching, preaching “the good news of the kingdom” and healing the
sick. Is that what he meant by “fishing for people?”
Then Chapter 5
of Matthew begins with what we call the Sermon on the Mount. It begins with
what we call The Beatitudes. I’ll not use space to reproduce it here; but read
it. In those eleven verses Jesus describes nine qualities of human behavior
that are blessed. These eleven verses are among the most beloved verses of Holy
Scripture. They establish a standard of value by which we can all compare our own
lives. Am I “poor in spirit?” I know I have mourned. Am I “meek”; do I “hunger
and thirst for righteousness” in my life?
I’m drawn to
these values. I’m not “hooked,” but I am enfolded in a net of grace as these
words draw me closer to who I want to be.
Can I cast that
same net?
“Lord,
I want to be like Jesus
Ina my heart,
ina my heart…”
“Whoever
has seen me has seen the Father” (John
14:9 NRSV)
“And I, when I am lifted up from the
earth, will draw all people to myself” (John
12:32 NRSV).
That's the
way it looks through the flawed glass that is my world view.
Together in the Walk,
Jim
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