My 2016 Lenten Journey -- Day 7

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

My Lenten Journey 2016 #6

 February 15, 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).

Matthew 4: 18-19 (NRSV) As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. ¹⁹ And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” ²⁰ Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

One of the great mysteries about Jesus, at least for me, is that the families of the disciples are rarely mentioned. Jesus called them to leave their jobs and follow him. OK for the disciples. They can scrounge and do day labor to earn the necessities; but, what about the families they left behind?

I sang with a gospel quartet for twelve years. We sang several concerts most weekends, and spent a week of our vacation touring each year. We released two albums, and promoted two singles nation-wide. Our singles made some significant charts and enjoyed valuable air time in several radio markets in the southeastern states, but we were not able to spend the time traveling and promoting them; so their impact was short-lived.

One of our group was single, and another was retired. Both of them favored either quitting our jobs or taking an extended leave of absence (without pay) to take the quartet on the road. But, two of us had families with kids still at home, and no source of income other than our jobs.  So we stayed put.

When I’ve focused on God’s call upon God’s people, I’ve virtually always said, “Whom God calls, God equips.” Was that the principle at work when Jesus’ disciples left their jobs and went on the road with him? Would that have been the principle at work had we left our jobs and taken our quartet on the road? How do I discern the difference between God’s call and my ego?

What does it mean to follow Jesus? Do I have the faith to do that?

“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

My Lenten Journey 2016 #5

February 14, 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).

Matthew 4:10 NRSV ~ Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’”

I grew up with an image of Satan as “the booger man:” a horrid, evil, hurting creature. As a child I had frequent nightmares about “the old booger man.” But here in this text he doesn’t appear horrible; no horns or forked tail or pitchfork. No creature like that could ever tempt anybody. As in the Adam and Eve story in Genesis, even though he comes as a serpent, Satan nevertheless is “beguiling.”

And note in this text he comes with a Bible under his arm! Satan quoting Scripture (Psalm 91:11)? [That really shouldn’t be surprising. People have manipulated the Scriptures since before the ink was dry!

It’s easy to take away the message here, as it relates to my Lenten Journey. Jesus resisted temptations. Not just any temptations. Every temptation related to some political manifestation of Jesus’ calling: (1) to do whatever it takes to be popular—populist, beloved leader; (2) to be a dramatic headliner, making a big splash and eliciting awe and admiration; (3) to hold power over vast expanses of real estate—an expansionist. We could probably relate the names of several current politicians to each of the temptations.

Jesus could have used any, all or any combination of the temptations for good. But his response was clear: “Be gone, Satan!” His sense of God’s presence and calling took precedence.

Am I focused enough on my sense of God’s presence and calling that I am not distracted? Have I even identified God’s claim and calling upon me?

“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

My 2016 Lenten Journey--#4

February 13, 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).

Matthew 3:13-15 NRSV ~ Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. ¹⁴John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” ¹⁵But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.”

“All righteousness?” What does that mean? In the original languages of both the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures, the same word can be translated either “righteousness” or “justice.” In other words, justice and righteousness are virtually interchangeable, with a slight variations depending upon context.

They both mean something like “doing the right thing”; but, what is the standard by which we choose what is “right?”

I’m tempted to pull examples from multiple verses of Scripture; but, integrity calls me to use the text I chose. In this case, what is “right” for Jesus is to let go of any status that would put him over John and to submit to John’s baptism. No one is above the law, we like to say; and I think Jesus, in his humility, accepts that same status for himself.

In business theory “doing things right” is not necessarily the most effective way, if we’re not “doing the right things” If a thing is not “right”, it matters not how well we do it.

Am I following Jesus and fulfilling all righteousness when I keep banging away at ineffective things, saying, “I just need to try harder?” The adage says “insanity is doing the same thing again and expecting a different result.” Am I stuck in trying to do things right, and need to shift to doing the right thing?

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

My 2016 Lenten Journey--#3

February 12, 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).

Matthew 2:10-11 NRSV ~ When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. ¹ On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage.

It is difficult to overstate the importance of this encounter between the infant Jesus and these foreign dignitaries and scholars (aka the Magi and the Wise Men). It marks a crucial shift in the understanding of the God who is fully reflected in the life of Jesus. Prior to this encounter God had been perceived, even among mainstream Jews, as “their” God: and exclusive and tribal deity who dispenses retributive justice. This encounter is the gateway to a new, more accurate understanding in which God’s Epiphany (disclosure) is open to all creation.

"Jesus did not come to change the mind of God about humanity; Jesus came to change the mind of humanity about God." ~ Richard Rohr

Does my witness portray a God who favors one ethnic, cultural or political people or ideology (namely, mine)? Or do I follow Jesus and present a witness for all (and “all” means “all”)?

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

My 2016 Lenten Journey--#2

February 11, 2016

My 2016 Lenten Journey: Exploring the Gospels to discover what following Jesus and becoming more like him would look like?

Matthew 2:2-3 ~ In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men^[a] from the East came to Jerusalem, ² asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” ³ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him…

Herod was frightened. I wonder why. Was he afraid of potential competition for his throne? After all, he enjoyed wealth and power, and a life insulated from accountability. Few would willingly give up such a position of power.  

While known as the greatest of Israel’s builders during the early Roman era, his graft and corruption were legend. Was he frightened of having his corruption exposed? Who knows; but, I find it interesting that the presence of Jesus, even as an infant, struck fear into the heart of established, but corrupt, power.

Am I a source of anxiety for those who misuse power?

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

My 2016 Lenten Journey--#1

February 10, 2016 ~ Ash Wednesday

My 2016 Lenten Journey: Exploring the Gospels to discover what following Jesus and becoming more like him would look like?

Matthew 1:23, from Isaiah 7:14 ~ His name shall be called Emmanuel (which means, “God with us.”) In John 14:9, Jesus says, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” In the core of his identity, Jesus shows us what God is like. In what ways am I being like Jesus and reflecting or radiating the presence of God? In what ways am I being counterproductive in my effort to reflect or radiate the presence of God?

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