| almost_out_of_the_boat |
|---|
|
read my profile sign my guestbook  Name: Jon Metro: Kansas City Occupation: Student Message: message me Member Since: 8/21/2005 |
| Subscriptions |
|---|
| Blogrings |
|---|
| Myrtle Beach Summer Project 2005 previous - random - next Campus Crusade for Christ previous - random - next The Cru of KC previous - random - next Kansas City Crumen previous - random - next |
Evidence...“Yea, the more of a Christian any man is, to so many the more evils, sufferings, and deaths is he subject… This is a spiritual power, which rules in the midst of enemies, and is powerful in the midst of distress. And this is nothing else than that strength is made perfect in my weakness, and that I can turn all things to the profit of my salvation; so that even the cross and death are compelled to serve me and to work together for my salvation… [We are not merely] kings and the freest of all men but also priests for ever, a dignity far higher than kinship, because by that priesthood we are worthy to appear before God, to pray for other, and to teach one another mutually the things which are of God. For these are the duties of priests, and they cannot possibly be permitted to any unbeliever. Christ has obtained for us this favour, if we believe in Him, that, just as we are His brethren, and co-heirs and fellow kings with Him, so we should be also fellow priests with Him, and venture with confidence, through the spirit of faith, to come into the presence of God, and cry “Abba, Father!” and to pray for one another, and to do all things which we see done and figured in the visible and corporeal office of the priesthood.” – Freedom of a Christian, Martin LutherSure it’s a tad long, but worth reading. I’ll admit it’s been some time since I’ve considered the ‘office’ of priesthood, though I’ve contemplated the priesthood of all believers fairly often. But it was in reading this, and contemplation of the ‘duties’ of a priest (from an Old Testament perspective) that I came to recognize again how quite of few of these have become lacking in my own life… It is easy to spotlight, and highlight where others fall short when it comes to what we are called to be more like (ie Christ on earth), but after seeing lack it is sometimes difficult to look at yourself again and admit to the same lack. …I lack. At one point, some years ago, a friend continuously told me how much of Christ she saw in me and through me, and it honestly scared the heck out of me. Not that I didn’t or don’t want to be more and more like Him, but I didn’t want to be turned into the savior of this person as opposed to the real Christ, who is the only savior. So I focused on admitting my inadequacy… on a regular basis… Some say I’m too open (others say I’m not; you choose), but I don’t want to be seen as perfect, because I know that I am not, and cannot hope to be in this life. And yet as I write this, it comes to mind that Christians are called “To be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:38) and to “Be holy, because I, the LORD your God, am holy.” (Lv 19:2) So what have I been doing but to spit in His face by not seeking to be such?! I have sinned, and it is a grievous sin. My mind fixates on that which is not good, and pointing out fault rather than seeking actively to rectify or improve. As a priest within the priesthood of believers, I have neither made sacrifice nor supplication on behalf of my brethren… This is hyperbole, but I do not as I should… I call Him “Father” when we speak, but those times have become far fewer than they ought ever to be. Worthy, through Christ’s sacrifice, to come before the throne, I have not taken advantage of it, knowing who I really am, and my underservedness to do so… I have not seen myself as kin nor a king. And my weakness has shown me to be exceedingly weak… For I am nothing without Him whom I’ve neglected. But by Him, I have been forgiven. By Him I have been reinstated. And through Him, as all things were and are, I have been created and made new… Though my mind remembers where I come from, and how much this calling is undeserved, how much more should I seek to fulfill that calling by resting in Him who gives me the strength to do so. “Yea, the more of a Christian any man is, to so many the more evils, sufferings, and deaths is he subject.” Why should I not expect now the pain I have thus far experienced? And why should I seek to avoid that which God, by His providence, has placed in my path? ---------------- Remind me of who I am Not merely your kin, but priest and a king, You’ve forgiven my sin, and now I sing Of all you’ve done in my life Remind me of who I’ll be When I walk the clouds, and You I’ll see. Not only of guilt, I’ll completely be free Of this world and all its strife Only, I wish you didn’t have to die to bring me peace Your love and kindness are too great to ever deserve, And none but I fool would turn it away. Only by Your strength could I ever hope to serve In the way You have called us to Today. | |
What You Won't Hear in Church - episode 1[Posted on Facebook, but added hear for the sake of those who still read it :) ] I actually got slightly excited when I heard one of the churches I listen to begin a series on Ruth. The reason for my excitement is that it is the primary book our Hebrew course worked through and partially exegete… However, I’ve been profoundly disappointed – not because the teaching was necessarily ‘false,’ but greatly because what was taught is NOT in the text! Time permitting, I intend to address each chapter (there’s only four). Be patient; comments welcome.
And thus begins “What you won’t hear in church” – episode #1: Ruth 1
First note: “In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons.” (1:1)
The first and foremost thing to remember in the interpretation of scriptures is “If it isn’t there, it’s NOT important.” In the address of the very first verse of the book, many preachers and pastors will not that famine is often the sign of God’s judgment in scripture. This is true; however, in scripture, if it is God’s judgment, it is either stated or made blatantly clear in some way. To say “there was a famine in the land” does not mean “God was judging His people,” it simply means “there was a famine in the land”! Many will go on to add that the ‘man’ who went to sojourn was “fleeing God’s judgment,” and berate this person who was seeking to provide for his family on the assumption (never stated in the text) that God was judging at this time; saying “he should have repented of his sin, and his people’s sin.” --- Sounds vaguely familiar, if you’ve ever read Job (upon being tested through calamity, because of his righteousness, Job’s friends accuse him of unrepentant sin as the cause of his difficulty)… Simply, there was a famine, and he and his family moved.
“…They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah…” (1:2) An Ephrathite is a citizen of Ephratah, the ancient/original name of Bethlehem (Gen 35:16, Gen 35:19; Gen 48:7). This is to say that Elimelech and his family are from a lineage that goes way back into the history of Bethlehem itself. It would not be an easy decision to turn one’s back on this, especially from Jewish tradition emphasis on family and family history (note the many genealogies).
Second note: “But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, ‘Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me.’” (1:8) Literally, this last statement is “as you have showed loving-kindness/faithfulness to the dead and to me, may [the LORD] deal with you likewise.”
I’ve yet to hear this clearly preached, and it’s rather unfortunate, but the fact is that understanding this would potentially greatly change the message being preached if it was included. By Naomi’s own words, throughout this book, it is very clear that she is not happy with God. Some might even say she hates God for what He has allowed to transpire in her life (the death of her husband and her only children). The fact is that her understanding of loving-kindness/faithfulness is not from her experience with God (not in her eyes, anyway). This word for loving-kindness/faithfulness is nearly always attributed to God, but here she is praying that God would follow the example of her daughters-in-law! Apparently, she doesn’t hold God’s goodness as high as she holds theirs…
Merely as a point not stated in the text, it should be known the ‘familially,’ after the death of their husbands, Naomi’s daughters-in-law have no obligation towards Naomi, but stay with her none-the-less, and show loving-kindness/faithfulness… Even the fact that Orpah returns to her people should not be held against her because it is clear that Naomi’s strong urging is because she cares for them so much. She’s doing what Naomi told her to do…
It should also be noted that verses 11-13 should not be read simply as a mother-in-law lovingly explaining why stay with her is stupid(ironic?), it should be read in exasperation! She is a woman admittedly without hope and resigned to being without hope; but these two women still have a chance and should take it! “for it is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me” (1:13) – my interpretation of this statement is closely related to what some call a “Christ complex,” meaning ‘it is better for me to suffer so that others can have it easier.’ In this case, the ‘others’ refers to Ruth and Orpah, of course. K, maybe that was two notes… … moving on…
Third note: (I’ll keep this one short, but it is none-the-less important) “…where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” Verses 16-17, the words of Ruth to Naomi, is actually in oath by its formation; made more clear by swearing by God at the end. I don’t think a lot has to be said on this, as it seems clear to me… What follows, however, is rather interesting… Literally, verse 18, says “and when she saw she was determined…” This formation is intentional by the author, but unfortunately most translations fill in the gaps with the surrounding information. But this is intentionally written as it is because it is meant to be clear that both, Naomi and Ruth, are determined. Naomi is determined that Orpah an Ruth should leave and find new husbands. Ruth is determined that she will not abandon Naomi who’s experienced so much loss… “…and she said no more.” A number of translations will paraphrase what they believe this to mean; e.g. “and she said no more about it.” Very likely, based on the surrounding information, this actually means “silent treatment.” Naomi is determined Ruth should leave, and Ruth swears by God that she won’t. Naomi can’t push her anymore with making her break an oath; but she doesn’t want her there… So she just stops talking to her. The following scene upon entering Bethlehem again confirms this by making no reference to Ruth except that she is there. The narrator reminds us, but Naomi never says “oh yeah, and this is my daughter-in-law who cam with me.” No, she even says to the women, “God has returned me empty (without anything/anyone).”
Final note: One of the flaws in many preachers and pastors is that ‘there has to be a clear cut good guy or bad guy in a story, and that we only learn from those whom are said to be good.’ In light of Ruth, many seem to believe that, prior to her conversion, we can’t learn anything from Ruth. Despite that Naomi sees loving-kindness/faithfulness personified in her, rather than God… It’s also a reason why people don’t like hearing messages like it at church. “There’s no such thing as a ‘good’ person who’s not a Christian” is one of the stupidest beliefs anyone can have. Christians aren’t ‘good,’ merely forgiven of their sins, and attempting, though not always successful, to follow Christ in the way that He Himself led. Circumstantially, non-Christians can be good or bad, just like Christians. The only difference is our standing with God. Even we can learn from non-believers; to think otherwise is prideful (which if you need a reminder, is still a sin)… | |
Inside my head"This is who I am - I've always been this way, I'll always be this way. So I might as well accept it." This is the lie I've been living with since I can't remember. The lie that has allowed me to put up the walls I have, to distance myself, and not allow people to see the love I have for them because I know Christ loves them also. Because if they knew, especially if they rejected that love, it would only hurt more... Here, I only catch a glimpse of how much it grieves the heart of God when people turn their back on Him. But I've allowed my heart to protect itself so much, I do not let people see that I care, 'cause it would only hurt more if they knew. So I build walls that separate me from them; my heart from them... I used to think these walls protected me, but they've become a snare. I can't be myself when I have this mask/wall. I've felt isolated because I've isolated myself. And it's not me! The past, and what I think everyone else thinks about me should not dictate my actions. Who God created me to be is who I'm supposed to be, regardless of the fears I have, because He has overcome them. | |
A few friends recently pointed out that I hadn't posted anything for a while, so I'm posting... I just spent the last hour or two pouring over, or clearing out, my "Match" box in eHarmony (yeah, yeah - keep it to yourself). Anyway, I kept reading a statement over and over in many of the profiles I was reading, or something similar to it - "I am thankful for God and the love that He shows me each day." Emphasis on the last part... And for some reason, every time I read that, I thought of Job (especially 1:9-11). I kept thinking of Satan's words in essence saying, "He only loves You because Your good to him. Take it all away, and he will surely curse You." This is not to say they don't really love Him, but it emphasizes the good that He does for them, and not the good that He does because of who He is. Just some food for thought. | |
I had been going over this verse in contemplating my testimony and how God has worked throughout my life to bring me to where I am now at, and it occurred to me to write something about it… After going through numerous commentaries, authors, original text and exegesis, translations, and the like, I realized that aside from those who study doctrinal issues and exegesis with a passion for laying out the very literal meaning and intent of what is written, I did not believe many were interested textual variants, excessive comparison with others texts, or Paul’s adaptation of traditional Jewish teaching. For what purpose is having information without use? Why write on such things if it only gets stored away for someone to use during their next theological debate? Therefore, after reading all these commentaries, variants, etc, etc and the like, I will not bore you with the excessive details of grammar and meaning, but tell you of its application in my life. Not of a “how it should be” mentality, but of a “how it has been and continues to be” mentality… Exegetical stuff (if interested): Briefly, “Paul’s intended concentration in vv.26-28 [is] on the work of the Spirit with and among believers, which continues despite their weakness and suffering.” With this in mind, if you want to argue semantics, the Spirit works for the good of those who love God (the Father) [considering original text and context]. Then again, the Trinity is One. Have fun with that… Most translations are fairly straight forward and don’t skewer the passage, and thus I still go by the NIV as it still gets the point across: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Yet one nuance is left out, concerning the Spirit; it is in the verb which could literally be translated as “cooperates.” The thrust of the argument is encouraging: despite adversity and the ongoing weakness of the congregation, the Spirit labors alongside believers in such tasks! We are not merely reborn, and left to fend for ourselves, but God continues to work with us, using His divine power to get us through things we would not be able to get through on our own (brings a whole new understanding for some concerning 1 Cor 10:12)… Purpose “Perplexity and mystery are part of the experience to be shared by all reflecting men. The world, and especially human life, furnish enigmas which the understanding cannot solve, which can only be dealt with by the higher principle of faith. The groans of creation mingle with the groans of men, and the discerning mind detects also the groaning of the Spirit. But, above all, is a harmony which overcomes and silences earth’s discords.” Despite the world’s promotion of pleasure, all things work together for good. This ‘fact’ disturbs many who now look at the world and seriously wonder at the ‘good’ which is supposedly coming about. Unfortunately, for this world, this good is not for all… Such a purpose does not secure good for all; many will not receive the benefits which nature and life are intended to convey. But those who love God, and who respond to His call, actually reap advantages (Gal 6:9) to which others are strangers. These are the obedient, who are attentive to the Divine summons. The fact and severity of Christian sufferings throughout the world are never minimized by Paul. It is even through the sufferings that our likeness is transformed to that like Christ. And yet such sufferings are still seen as insignificant; not even worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (v18). God’s providence rules in such a way as to ensure everything that happens to us is working for our ultimate good. So, Jon, why do you write on purpose? Good question, my good sir (or madame)… I’ve been caught at a seeming crossroads, of sorts. Through my eyes, I’ve experienced numerous hardships that I will not recount here. Even before I would consider myself a Christian, I would often look to the sky and ask “Why me? Is there any reason for my actually being here? ‘Cause it surely doesn’t seem that way.” … And every time I will feel stirred within me a sense of purpose, that I was not here for my own good, but that I might be used for good if I ever ‘let go.’ I felt called for ministry, but I was oft reminded of Paul and Simon and Peter, and the persecution of the early church. I was not excited about being stoned to the point of death…multiple times… But God was calling me to His purpose. A number of times since I ‘became’ Christian, He would oft remind me of a purpose I was denying. I wanted to be the ‘Christian example’ in the workplace; not a minister of God’s people. I recognized the burden of ‘tending His flock,’ and I didn’t want it… But He was tireless in His pursuit… He would always remind me of my need, and His want and desire that others should know Him. The King summoned me, and I was reluctant… As with all royals summons, I didn’t exactly have a choice in the matter. Due partially to previous blessing, I turned from the gift giver, and sought to take care of the gift He gave me. So He took it back… In essence, He smacked me upside the head and said “Get your priorities straight!” - Do you not realize that you are serving something perishable? - Do you not realize the Imperishable One wants to use you for the imperishable? So long as I sought my own purpose rather than His, it did not work out. Instead, He led me to His purpose, which is better than mine by far! He opened my eyes, and I suddenly saw the illusion crumble before me. That all is meaningless without God (Ecc 1:2). Even if I stockpiled all my wealth at the end of the day, I will die and it goes to someone else. Even if I marry the perfect bride and have the perfect family, there is no guarantee I will see them again but for the grace of God… Everything is meaningless, and I had fallen into the trap of think it had value… But God showed me, and allowed me the understanding that His knowledge surpasses all others. He is, at all times. The past, present, future, are all to Him the same. He knows what is ahead of me, and the paths I follow. He knows my struggles, my pain, and my heartache while I am yet in my mother’s womb. And He knows the strength He can and will provide to get me through those times to the betterment of His glory. I know, that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him… And He knows how profoundly I do… Not only this, but as called according to His purpose, even if I err, He will put me back on track. I write this with my own hand (albeit on a keyboard). Do not turn from the grace He provides, His wisdom, or His direction. Pursue His purpose at all costs that when you reach the end of your race, you can hear the words “well done” from the very lips of the One who shed His blood for you, where you should have been... | |
