It’s time #2
Yesterday must have been a Monday. I’ve not had such a day before when so many cranky people were in the food court. Conversations careened off the walls: pooped out from partying and working all weekend, lack of money, broken cars, dying relatives, impending papers, poor grades, imploding dreams. I was exhaustedly loony by the time I finished my fried rice lunch. I wanted to make it all better by handing out pillows, checks, understanding, mufflers, experience with death issues, time for exhausted and note taking study. And grand dreams that were big enough and important enough to change the world. After I was finished with my Bruce Almighty, “If I were God I’d fix all this” act, I began to realize the miracle may be that we survive on campus at all.
You might be feeling stuck between wanting to have a value added life and being stuck in a prison. We’ve all developed wishes and dream lists which would, if we had them, cause us to aim high and succeed. We’ve also been handed or developed prisons of being stuck where we are. We want something better. “What is better and where is it?” we wonder.
We need a new perspective.
Yesterday, late afternoon, was gorgeous and the tree in the front yard has been shaggy and full of droopers—a deadly convergence of bad feng shui. Grabbing the tallest ladder we own, a tree saw, loppers and safety glasses, I readied myself for the onslaught of tree trimming destruction. First came the slow walk around the perimeter from the neighbors’ view, then closer examination at the drip line, and finally decisions concerning the excess branches. And now, onto the ladder.
The view from inside a tree when 10 feet in the air gave great pause. Everything looked different. Not to mention the queasy feeling of feeling every real and imagined wobble of the ladder. Gutsy grabs and tired arms later, the shabby lengths of green flooring were gathered on the ground. My grumpy neighbor came over and offered the use of two garbage cans for the limbs. I was so surprised I respectfully declined. While I thought I was creating space for new light and cheerful openness in the tree, Truth be told, I was unwilling to let a man out of his grumpy prison by accepting his offer of help. It’s one thing to want to change one’s self. It’s another to accept and encourage change in others. It’s called homeostasis, wanting nothing to change, or “I’d rather live with the devil I know than with the angel who will ask me to be new. “ On a deeper level, I’d rather lie to myself.
Rats, foiled again.
So here’s a job for the day: Spend five minutes today welcoming the gifts and abilities of someone else, and make it random, so it’s not just a mutual admiration society. Jesus did. One morning Jesus accepted the gift of someone who believed himself unworthy and one evening a similar styled gift of a woman. We can be more accepting of the gifts others bring if we reduce our narcissism by 5%--that’s not much, but we’ve all got the power!
The two stories:
Luke 5
1Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, 2he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. 4When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” 5Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. 7So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. 8But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” 9For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; 10and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” 11When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
Luke 7
36One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table. 37And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. 38She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment. 39Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—that she is a sinner.” 40Jesus spoke up and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Teacher,” he replied, “speak.” 41“A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42When they could not pay, he canceled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?” 43Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the greater debt.” And Jesus said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44Then turning toward the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. 45You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.”
Tuesday, October 9
Monday, October 8
It's time #1
It’s time
In Boston, starting tomorrow, is a Microsoft webdesign event. You can check it out at http://www.remix07boston.com/Default.aspx. What’s unique about it is that it sports not only new software, but notes the need for interactivity as developers. Of course, you can keep up with it all on Facebook (remix07). And there are funky presenters. One is “President and Chief Experience Officer of Experience Engineering, Inc.,” (that reminds me of Luckenback Texas, where Hondo Crouch, the Grand Imagineer once lived) Another, is all about “creating highly sustainable, maintainable, accessible, interactive and beautiful Web sites for the global community.” My nephew is leading this breakout: “Go below the surface of ASP.NET AJAX and see how the Microsoft AJAX Library and the ASP.NET AJAX server controls come together to create a rich platform for developing more immersive, responsive and interactive Web applications.”
This group is techno-value added and future oriented. There is nothing holding them back. Their big problems are flight connections and delays, and figuring out how to publicize and sell. So they focus on words that appeal and gatherings that tantalize (tonight there’s a special gathering with food, drinks and a view of the River Charles.
Another I recently spotted has a different sense of time and a different reality with limited hope;
Last night the white noise in my office was the Discovery Channel’s story about the California Prison System. It seems the idea of “three strikes and you’re out” (2nd felony doubles the sentence and the third felony means life) has caused an over crowded prison, gang control within the walls. One inmate commented, “When you come in here, you need to learn to do jail.” That means, an inmate has to learn all the details and desires of gangs, groups and the man. People look at time differently in prison—it’s all about surviving until you get out. About 1% of the inmates gain a GED while doing time.
Lots of folks feel stuck. You might feel stuck right now. Are you wanting something better?
It’s true that if you open you life to God, God will respond. But it’s also true, I think, that God is looking for us with an open hearted welcome. You might read about Zacchaues.
There once was a man named Zacchaeus who combined these two worlds—wanting a value added life while being stuck in survival mode. The tension in his life was palpable. So he climbed a tree to get a view of the newest traveling healers coming to town. He thought, “It’s time to see this Jesus.”
Luke 19
1He entered Jericho and was passing through it. 2A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. 4So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. 5When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” 6So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. 7All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” 8Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” 9Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”
In Boston, starting tomorrow, is a Microsoft webdesign event. You can check it out at http://www.remix07boston.com/Default.aspx. What’s unique about it is that it sports not only new software, but notes the need for interactivity as developers. Of course, you can keep up with it all on Facebook (remix07). And there are funky presenters. One is “President and Chief Experience Officer of Experience Engineering, Inc.,” (that reminds me of Luckenback Texas, where Hondo Crouch, the Grand Imagineer once lived) Another, is all about “creating highly sustainable, maintainable, accessible, interactive and beautiful Web sites for the global community.” My nephew is leading this breakout: “Go below the surface of ASP.NET AJAX and see how the Microsoft AJAX Library and the ASP.NET AJAX server controls come together to create a rich platform for developing more immersive, responsive and interactive Web applications.”
This group is techno-value added and future oriented. There is nothing holding them back. Their big problems are flight connections and delays, and figuring out how to publicize and sell. So they focus on words that appeal and gatherings that tantalize (tonight there’s a special gathering with food, drinks and a view of the River Charles.
Another I recently spotted has a different sense of time and a different reality with limited hope;
Last night the white noise in my office was the Discovery Channel’s story about the California Prison System. It seems the idea of “three strikes and you’re out” (2nd felony doubles the sentence and the third felony means life) has caused an over crowded prison, gang control within the walls. One inmate commented, “When you come in here, you need to learn to do jail.” That means, an inmate has to learn all the details and desires of gangs, groups and the man. People look at time differently in prison—it’s all about surviving until you get out. About 1% of the inmates gain a GED while doing time.
Lots of folks feel stuck. You might feel stuck right now. Are you wanting something better?
It’s true that if you open you life to God, God will respond. But it’s also true, I think, that God is looking for us with an open hearted welcome. You might read about Zacchaues.
There once was a man named Zacchaeus who combined these two worlds—wanting a value added life while being stuck in survival mode. The tension in his life was palpable. So he climbed a tree to get a view of the newest traveling healers coming to town. He thought, “It’s time to see this Jesus.”
Luke 19
1He entered Jericho and was passing through it. 2A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. 4So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. 5When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” 6So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. 7All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” 8Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” 9Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”
Friday, October 5
Today might be the Day #3
Shoes
Last spring while in the food court, Lori invited me to watch a video on her computer about shoes. It might have been on Youtube. You’ve probably seen it. Shoes and more shoes. Probably rated R or more. Not good for youth groups. All this talk about labyrinths has made me think about that video and shoes.
Evolution from a guy's perspective
I have to admit, I think shoes are hilarious looking. When I open my closet, I see old shoes, and they are funny looking. My first favorite shoes were wing tips. These huge black anomalies with little holes all over gave my teenage body a connection with the earth. Almost like magnets. Then came earth shoes, which looked a lot like golf clubs on my feet. My toes were higher than my heel, so walking felt like being on a sandy beach without the sand. There was more leaning involved and the shoes allowed my toes to spread out. Birkenstocks were a big hit when I was going earthy. I wanted to be fashionable, so I tried Doc Martens. They looked good (reminded me of my wing tips) but they were so heavy they pulled my knees apart. I’m not kidding. Z-coils are my tribute to the health industry look. And now I have a green pair of Keens; light and airy. I hope they do well in the snow.
All these shoes, by the way, don’t count the fashion and mental statement of my running shoes, Since I took up running late in life (like 25), my first shoes were versions of track shoes. Tigers, I think. Then I quickly became a New Balance person, their being made in the US and all and they weren’t the most expensive kind. Also, I tried a pair of Nike’s and my calf froze up on me the third day. My legs must have gotten in a rut, physically. So I’ve given up trying other brands. Besides, I don’t run right now, maybe not any more.
And I’ve not even touched on women’s shoes, which range from “smart and sassy” to “sexy” to “sensible.” And there’s even more than that. I smile in my head when I look at shoes, especially the pointy ones with heals. I wonder, “what’s going on at the pointy tip where all that air is? What do those shoe prints look like in the snow? Why pink?” I know, I have too much time on my hands and besides, no one has accused me of having hyper fashion sense.
Sometime I’ll go on a rant about socks, but not right now.
All this walking and labyrinthing and shoes is of note because it’s a good a sacred thing to take them off when walking a labyrinth, or for that matter, any time you want a little sacred space.
Moses did this when he came over to watch the bush that didn’t burn, and it’s a cultural thing to take off your shoes when entering some homes. It’s also an anal thing for a relative of mine who has decided shoes on a white carpet are bad karma. Shoes bring in the dirt. (True enough, shoes can bring dirt, but in general, I think white carpet can be bad karma—but I digress).
When we walk the labyrinth indoors, we are invited to take off our shoes. Originally, like white carpet, I thought it was all about dirt. But I have a second take on that now. Removing shoes may be an act of creating sacred space. It might parallel using holy water on entering a sanctuary, or kneeling, or deep breathing for meditation. Certainly, the act of shoe removal for a brief walk is an intentional act to show respect for and invite the holy. And it’s organically stimulating, from a tactile point of view.
So when you want a little sacred time, just take off your shoes. It will help you in your walk on holy ground.
--f
Exodus 3
1Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. 3Then Moses said, “I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.” 4When the LORD saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5Then he said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6He said further, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
Last spring while in the food court, Lori invited me to watch a video on her computer about shoes. It might have been on Youtube. You’ve probably seen it. Shoes and more shoes. Probably rated R or more. Not good for youth groups. All this talk about labyrinths has made me think about that video and shoes.
Evolution from a guy's perspective
I have to admit, I think shoes are hilarious looking. When I open my closet, I see old shoes, and they are funny looking. My first favorite shoes were wing tips. These huge black anomalies with little holes all over gave my teenage body a connection with the earth. Almost like magnets. Then came earth shoes, which looked a lot like golf clubs on my feet. My toes were higher than my heel, so walking felt like being on a sandy beach without the sand. There was more leaning involved and the shoes allowed my toes to spread out. Birkenstocks were a big hit when I was going earthy. I wanted to be fashionable, so I tried Doc Martens. They looked good (reminded me of my wing tips) but they were so heavy they pulled my knees apart. I’m not kidding. Z-coils are my tribute to the health industry look. And now I have a green pair of Keens; light and airy. I hope they do well in the snow.
All these shoes, by the way, don’t count the fashion and mental statement of my running shoes, Since I took up running late in life (like 25), my first shoes were versions of track shoes. Tigers, I think. Then I quickly became a New Balance person, their being made in the US and all and they weren’t the most expensive kind. Also, I tried a pair of Nike’s and my calf froze up on me the third day. My legs must have gotten in a rut, physically. So I’ve given up trying other brands. Besides, I don’t run right now, maybe not any more.
And I’ve not even touched on women’s shoes, which range from “smart and sassy” to “sexy” to “sensible.” And there’s even more than that. I smile in my head when I look at shoes, especially the pointy ones with heals. I wonder, “what’s going on at the pointy tip where all that air is? What do those shoe prints look like in the snow? Why pink?” I know, I have too much time on my hands and besides, no one has accused me of having hyper fashion sense.
Sometime I’ll go on a rant about socks, but not right now.
All this walking and labyrinthing and shoes is of note because it’s a good a sacred thing to take them off when walking a labyrinth, or for that matter, any time you want a little sacred space.
Moses did this when he came over to watch the bush that didn’t burn, and it’s a cultural thing to take off your shoes when entering some homes. It’s also an anal thing for a relative of mine who has decided shoes on a white carpet are bad karma. Shoes bring in the dirt. (True enough, shoes can bring dirt, but in general, I think white carpet can be bad karma—but I digress).
When we walk the labyrinth indoors, we are invited to take off our shoes. Originally, like white carpet, I thought it was all about dirt. But I have a second take on that now. Removing shoes may be an act of creating sacred space. It might parallel using holy water on entering a sanctuary, or kneeling, or deep breathing for meditation. Certainly, the act of shoe removal for a brief walk is an intentional act to show respect for and invite the holy. And it’s organically stimulating, from a tactile point of view.
So when you want a little sacred time, just take off your shoes. It will help you in your walk on holy ground.
--f
Exodus 3
1Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. 3Then Moses said, “I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.” 4When the LORD saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5Then he said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6He said further, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
Thursday, October 4
Today might be the day #2—hanging out results
Today might be the day #2—hanging out results
I noticed a big difference between Wednesday People and Tuesday People. Wednesday people had not seen the labyrinth yet and were confounded by the “round thing”. “T” helped me set up. He was kind, even if bemused. Then he walked it. When he returned for his afternoon walk he was avoiding all sense of quiet decorum, since he was now on familiar terms with it. He was boisterous. A friend of his, draped in earrings and ball cap, danced backwards for a while, thinking this labyrinth thing could be just a hoax, and he didn’t want to be made a fool of. After few dozen steps, though, he was calmer. Another turn or two brought him to full-fledged focus on his path. He was amazed.
Amy came by, wondering about this thing on the floor. She’d heard about it, but was a detached observer. After some conversation, she took off her shoes and entered the holly ground. She reported her experience: “I was skeptical at first, but I tried it anyway. Almost as soon as I started everything else was gone. I focused on the path and there were absolutely no thoughts in my mind. Once I had reached the middle, all I felt was relief, and happiness. It was an amazing experience and I would recommend it to everyone. Hey, there is nothing to lose and so much to gain!”
A faculty member was less timid as he entered the sacred space. But he was glad he’d walked. Something was on his mind.
Lori walked and invited passersby to join in. She’s gifted that way. Several took her up on the invitation.
A Tuesday person happened by and questioned me, “Hey, when are you bringing this thing back on Tuesday?” as if it was Tuesday’s turf.
The labyrinth doesn’t belong to Tuesday or Wednesday. It’s just different class schedules. And the impression is that more people are on campus Tuesday/Thursday days. The labyrinth doesn’t belong to a culture—it’s a part of many cultures. It’s a way of meditating while walking. It can help focus and offer relaxation at the same time, and it still transcends cultures—even the Tuesday culture and the Wednesday one. Who knows how this works? Who can explain it?
Jesus is like that, available to all cultures—at least on a good day.
Matthew 9:
2: And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” 3Then some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? 6But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.” 7And he stood up and went to his home. 8When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.
I noticed a big difference between Wednesday People and Tuesday People. Wednesday people had not seen the labyrinth yet and were confounded by the “round thing”. “T” helped me set up. He was kind, even if bemused. Then he walked it. When he returned for his afternoon walk he was avoiding all sense of quiet decorum, since he was now on familiar terms with it. He was boisterous. A friend of his, draped in earrings and ball cap, danced backwards for a while, thinking this labyrinth thing could be just a hoax, and he didn’t want to be made a fool of. After few dozen steps, though, he was calmer. Another turn or two brought him to full-fledged focus on his path. He was amazed.
Amy came by, wondering about this thing on the floor. She’d heard about it, but was a detached observer. After some conversation, she took off her shoes and entered the holly ground. She reported her experience: “I was skeptical at first, but I tried it anyway. Almost as soon as I started everything else was gone. I focused on the path and there were absolutely no thoughts in my mind. Once I had reached the middle, all I felt was relief, and happiness. It was an amazing experience and I would recommend it to everyone. Hey, there is nothing to lose and so much to gain!”
A faculty member was less timid as he entered the sacred space. But he was glad he’d walked. Something was on his mind.
Lori walked and invited passersby to join in. She’s gifted that way. Several took her up on the invitation.
A Tuesday person happened by and questioned me, “Hey, when are you bringing this thing back on Tuesday?” as if it was Tuesday’s turf.
The labyrinth doesn’t belong to Tuesday or Wednesday. It’s just different class schedules. And the impression is that more people are on campus Tuesday/Thursday days. The labyrinth doesn’t belong to a culture—it’s a part of many cultures. It’s a way of meditating while walking. It can help focus and offer relaxation at the same time, and it still transcends cultures—even the Tuesday culture and the Wednesday one. Who knows how this works? Who can explain it?
Jesus is like that, available to all cultures—at least on a good day.
Matthew 9:
2: And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” 3Then some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? 6But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.” 7And he stood up and went to his home. 8When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.
Wednesday, October 3
Today might be the day #1—hanging out
Today might be the day #1—hanging out
There’s a joy in hanging out together . The brush of being together against the hard surface of our daily reality can make any difficulty wither . This slight friction can also make joy the norm. I plan to see it again today.
The labyrinth is scheduled to be set up in the fireplace lounge in MBSC by mid-morning and will be a walking meditation until late afternoon. On these fine days experimenters come out of the walls to see what this big round thing on the floor is. They want to know why it is here and what it is for. Once walking, they are intrigued. Like thirsty searchers, they want to fill up at the pump of newness. Some wander around and look on. Others hurry by caught up in their busy self-importantness. “I’d do it but I’m late.” Some are really in a rush and are borderline being late. Others, though, have a look that displays this sentiment: “I’m always self-absorbed and I’m always late, and I don’t have time for this rubbish.” It reminds me of Ebenezer Scrooge on his way to the office to harp on poor Bob Cratchet. He says something like: “Humbug! I don’t have time for nonsense.”
That’s OK. Jesus is only here to offer some balance to those who are ready. Today might not be Scrooge’s day. But someday will. Today might be your day to be ready, and it might be by walking the labyrinth.
It might be by walking a labyrinth, or it might be by hanging out and watching, brushing God’s hope against your reality. And if that happens, who knows where that spark might find a home?
Luke 2:
8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people
There’s a joy in hanging out together . The brush of being together against the hard surface of our daily reality can make any difficulty wither . This slight friction can also make joy the norm. I plan to see it again today.
The labyrinth is scheduled to be set up in the fireplace lounge in MBSC by mid-morning and will be a walking meditation until late afternoon. On these fine days experimenters come out of the walls to see what this big round thing on the floor is. They want to know why it is here and what it is for. Once walking, they are intrigued. Like thirsty searchers, they want to fill up at the pump of newness. Some wander around and look on. Others hurry by caught up in their busy self-importantness. “I’d do it but I’m late.” Some are really in a rush and are borderline being late. Others, though, have a look that displays this sentiment: “I’m always self-absorbed and I’m always late, and I don’t have time for this rubbish.” It reminds me of Ebenezer Scrooge on his way to the office to harp on poor Bob Cratchet. He says something like: “Humbug! I don’t have time for nonsense.”
That’s OK. Jesus is only here to offer some balance to those who are ready. Today might not be Scrooge’s day. But someday will. Today might be your day to be ready, and it might be by walking the labyrinth.
It might be by walking a labyrinth, or it might be by hanging out and watching, brushing God’s hope against your reality. And if that happens, who knows where that spark might find a home?
Luke 2:
8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people
Friday, September 28
meditation on Long Distance #5
Ann Lamott, a writer who is openly religious, came to Omaha to speak about writing and faith. Outside the Holland Performing Arts Center, a number of Pro birth protesters set up shop, complete with graphic representations of aborted fetuses. People were shouting: “The devil is in that place. If you go in, you’ll go to hell.” In order to get to the Holland and Anna Lamott’s story telling, it was hard to avoid this nasty adventure. I heard it was like the wandering Hebrews passing through this River Jordan to get to the Promised Land.
The apocryphal story is of State Senator Rev. Lowen Kruse (United Methodist). Apparently he was not at a loss for words for these protesters. He is reported to have wittily retorted: “I’m not sure what all this fuss is, I don’t believe there will be any abortions in the Holland Center tonight.”
In the Holland Center, at the beginning of her talk, Ms. Lamott declared she was a member of the ACLU and proudly proclaimed the protesters had a protected right to state their case. In fact, she invited, “I’m told there may be some dissenters in this hall. So I want to give you an opportunity to enjoy your dissent, so if you’re going to dissent, would you please do me a favor and do it right now?” The crowd fell silent for several moments, then laughed, then applauded. She had called out the devil, and the devil was silent.
This story reminds us of a fifth path to the land of the weary: avoid telling the truth about ourselves and the truth about our culture. Lamott later commented, “The opposite of faith is not doubt, the opposite of faith is certainty.” This, I think, was about cockiness. Walter Brueggemann says it this way: “Tell hope that does not depend on our conservative certitude or on our liberal self-assuredness, but only on the God who has given the Easter verdict over a new world and called it “very good”.” Call out the devil and the devil will be silent in the face of truth stories.
You are invited to tell the truth: about arrogant military policy; about slaves ancient and modern; about exile and displacement; about our sensing God’s absence; about how poverty crushes in our land; about how buying sweatshop made t-shirts and clothing fosters lives of depravation; about how using up our planet may not kill us, but it may leave a wasteland for the next generation. You can fill in the blanks and you can call out the devil in our world. You can tell the truth. You can be strong. You can be firm. You can demand healthy boundaries.
We are God’s people in this time. Recognizing and claiming that will put us in places where hope can be heard and the truth can be told. And the devil will be powerless.
Matthew 4
1Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. 3The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4But he answered, “It is written,
‘One does not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
5Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written,
‘He will command his angels concerning you,’
and ‘On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’”
7Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; 9and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written,
‘Worship the Lord your God,
and serve only him.’”
11Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.
The apocryphal story is of State Senator Rev. Lowen Kruse (United Methodist). Apparently he was not at a loss for words for these protesters. He is reported to have wittily retorted: “I’m not sure what all this fuss is, I don’t believe there will be any abortions in the Holland Center tonight.”
In the Holland Center, at the beginning of her talk, Ms. Lamott declared she was a member of the ACLU and proudly proclaimed the protesters had a protected right to state their case. In fact, she invited, “I’m told there may be some dissenters in this hall. So I want to give you an opportunity to enjoy your dissent, so if you’re going to dissent, would you please do me a favor and do it right now?” The crowd fell silent for several moments, then laughed, then applauded. She had called out the devil, and the devil was silent.
This story reminds us of a fifth path to the land of the weary: avoid telling the truth about ourselves and the truth about our culture. Lamott later commented, “The opposite of faith is not doubt, the opposite of faith is certainty.” This, I think, was about cockiness. Walter Brueggemann says it this way: “Tell hope that does not depend on our conservative certitude or on our liberal self-assuredness, but only on the God who has given the Easter verdict over a new world and called it “very good”.” Call out the devil and the devil will be silent in the face of truth stories.
You are invited to tell the truth: about arrogant military policy; about slaves ancient and modern; about exile and displacement; about our sensing God’s absence; about how poverty crushes in our land; about how buying sweatshop made t-shirts and clothing fosters lives of depravation; about how using up our planet may not kill us, but it may leave a wasteland for the next generation. You can fill in the blanks and you can call out the devil in our world. You can tell the truth. You can be strong. You can be firm. You can demand healthy boundaries.
We are God’s people in this time. Recognizing and claiming that will put us in places where hope can be heard and the truth can be told. And the devil will be powerless.
Matthew 4
1Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. 3The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4But he answered, “It is written,
‘One does not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
5Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written,
‘He will command his angels concerning you,’
and ‘On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’”
7Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; 9and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written,
‘Worship the Lord your God,
and serve only him.’”
11Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.
Thursday, September 27
meditation on Long Distance #4
Just call me Cleopatra, Queen of ___________
Yesterday’s devotion was long, Today’s won’t be.
Most students complain they have too much to do and too little time. Some, however, have a smile on their faces and a skip in their step. I asked first one, “Are you OK? And she spat out, “No, I’ve been sick, I’ve got exams, I’ve got papers, I’ve got projects. I feel awful.” I asked the other, “How’s it going?” and she reflected, “It’s not that I’m giddy, but I feel fine. I’ve got exams, I’ve got papers, I’ve got projects, but I’ve got hope.”
I often wonder what makes us sick. When my oldest child would come home from an all night event, he would be exhausted. A day or so later he would have strep throat. There was notion of causality there. When he would deny he was tired or sick, he just got more tired and that led to really having a case of strep throat. His problem started by being tired and the problem was fanned by denying it.
Maybe you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired, If you are it might just be time to change your behavior. Instead of getting sicker and more tired, try a different way of living.
A fourth way to weariness is denying there is weariness. Walter Brueggemann, Old Testament scholar and prophet, puts it this way:
We are weary with anxiety fed by our denial;
We are heavy laden with coercion fed by our despair.
Here is the remedy:
Anxiety fed by denial has no power where truth is told;
Coercion fed by despair has no power where hope is told.
(Walter Brueggemann “Mandate to Difference” p. 46)
Hang with us, Hang with Jesus. Walk the labyrinth. Make yourself useful. Be justice oriented and buy sweat free. Drink Fair Trade. There are no ridiculous perfect answers, but our questions and our responses and connections get deeper and deeper. We invite you to allow the invitation to hope to make a difference.
It’s your choice. Don’t deny it!
Watch for the signs of the new yoke.
Matthew 11:
28“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Yesterday’s devotion was long, Today’s won’t be.
Most students complain they have too much to do and too little time. Some, however, have a smile on their faces and a skip in their step. I asked first one, “Are you OK? And she spat out, “No, I’ve been sick, I’ve got exams, I’ve got papers, I’ve got projects. I feel awful.” I asked the other, “How’s it going?” and she reflected, “It’s not that I’m giddy, but I feel fine. I’ve got exams, I’ve got papers, I’ve got projects, but I’ve got hope.”
I often wonder what makes us sick. When my oldest child would come home from an all night event, he would be exhausted. A day or so later he would have strep throat. There was notion of causality there. When he would deny he was tired or sick, he just got more tired and that led to really having a case of strep throat. His problem started by being tired and the problem was fanned by denying it.
Maybe you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired, If you are it might just be time to change your behavior. Instead of getting sicker and more tired, try a different way of living.
A fourth way to weariness is denying there is weariness. Walter Brueggemann, Old Testament scholar and prophet, puts it this way:
We are weary with anxiety fed by our denial;
We are heavy laden with coercion fed by our despair.
Here is the remedy:
Anxiety fed by denial has no power where truth is told;
Coercion fed by despair has no power where hope is told.
(Walter Brueggemann “Mandate to Difference” p. 46)
Hang with us, Hang with Jesus. Walk the labyrinth. Make yourself useful. Be justice oriented and buy sweat free. Drink Fair Trade. There are no ridiculous perfect answers, but our questions and our responses and connections get deeper and deeper. We invite you to allow the invitation to hope to make a difference.
It’s your choice. Don’t deny it!
Watch for the signs of the new yoke.
Matthew 11:
28“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Meditation on Long Distance #3
We can become weary through physical exhaustion (09/24), We can become weary through doing work and activities that go against the grain of vocation (0925).
A third way of becoming weary is the result blaming behavior—“it must be someone else’s fault.” During last night’s ISS* gathering, we listened to Ari Handel spin the story of his life as a researcher and Santiago, his monkey. For a listen yourself, go to: http://www.themoth.org/listen. In the story, the researcher finds ways to manipulate Santiago’s behavior. Santiago goes along with this until one morning, he is no longer willing to play the game. The project then becomes a battle of wills. Ari’s comment: “I was engaged in a battle of wits with an animal with the brain the size of my fist, and I was losing….” So Ari concocts and implements plans until the monkey relents. Ari wins the battle of wills, but Santiago is no longer a spirited monkey. Sanitago does his work, then goes home. He’s no longer interested or interesting. The relationship between Ari and Santiago is one of master and slave, owner and cubicle inhabitant. But Ari, the grand perpetrator wonders, “why is he (Santiago) doing this to me?”
That’s just it, we wonder, why is he/she/it/the system/my system/my instructor/my family/the world/my church/God doing this to me? These are questions not fit for the weak of heart because they beg us to find answers deep within our spiritual lives. It’s all about not taking responsibility for what we’ve done or thinking through that for which we hope.
Here’s a few paragraphs from a concentration camp in WWII about the same thing (yeah, this really happened):
“It had been a bad day. On parade, an announcement that had been made about the many actions that would from then on, be regarded as sabotage and therefore punishable by immediate death by hanging. Among these were crimes such as cutting small strips from our old blankets (in order to improvise ankle supports) and very minor “thefts.” A few days previously a semi-starved prisoner had broken into the potato store to steal a few pounds of potatoes. The theft had been discovered and some prisoners had recognized the “burglar.” When the camp authorities heard about it they ordered that the guilty man be given up to them or the whole camp would starve for a day. Naturally the 2,500 men preferred to fast.
On the evening of this day of fasting we lay in our earthen huts—in a very low mood. Very little was said and every word sounded irritable. Then, to make matters even worse, the light went out. Tempers reached their lowest ebb. But our senior block warden was a wise man. He improvised a little talk about all that was on our minds at that moment. He talked about the many comrades who had died in the last few days, either of sickness or of suicide. But he also mentioned what may have been the real reason for their deaths: giving up hope. He maintained that there should be some way of preventing possible future victims from reaching this extreme state.” (read about Frankl’s speech to the captives following p. 102 “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Victor Frankl)
We do not have to do time in a WWII concentration camp to understand how giving up hope can remove the will to live with meaning. We can see it in others, we see it in our city’s violence between citizens, we see it in ourselves. Evidently, Jesus saw it as well:
Matthew 20:
20Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him. 21And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23He said to them, “You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”
24When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. 25But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. 26It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; 28just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
The mother of James and John, and the brothers themselves decided it would be good to improve their position in life by asking for a change in relation to Jesus. They gave all the power to that formal request. They were willing to make a deal. They would have been better off, I think, by taking responsibility for their own lives and improving themselves. That change would have resulted in a change of relationship with their leader, Jesus.
Perhaps a healthy step removing weariness in their lives would have been to not let their mother take care of things for them!
Instead of fighting with our Santiagos and Saviors (so we can get what we want out of them and later blame them when things do not go our way), why not make take some responsibility for ourselves and determine, “What have I done? What do I really hope for? Is there any connection between the two?” If there’s no connection, what will you do about that?
*(Inclusive Spiritual Seekers, 8 PM, Tuesdays, the Tower Room, 3rd floor of MBSC—you’re welcome to join us. Next week is music night. Two or three people bring music that moves them spiritually. The only rule is that the music must not be playable on Christian Rock stations and yet is deeply moving to the person bringing it to the meeting.
A third way of becoming weary is the result blaming behavior—“it must be someone else’s fault.” During last night’s ISS* gathering, we listened to Ari Handel spin the story of his life as a researcher and Santiago, his monkey. For a listen yourself, go to: http://www.themoth.org/listen. In the story, the researcher finds ways to manipulate Santiago’s behavior. Santiago goes along with this until one morning, he is no longer willing to play the game. The project then becomes a battle of wills. Ari’s comment: “I was engaged in a battle of wits with an animal with the brain the size of my fist, and I was losing….” So Ari concocts and implements plans until the monkey relents. Ari wins the battle of wills, but Santiago is no longer a spirited monkey. Sanitago does his work, then goes home. He’s no longer interested or interesting. The relationship between Ari and Santiago is one of master and slave, owner and cubicle inhabitant. But Ari, the grand perpetrator wonders, “why is he (Santiago) doing this to me?”
That’s just it, we wonder, why is he/she/it/the system/my system/my instructor/my family/the world/my church/God doing this to me? These are questions not fit for the weak of heart because they beg us to find answers deep within our spiritual lives. It’s all about not taking responsibility for what we’ve done or thinking through that for which we hope.
Here’s a few paragraphs from a concentration camp in WWII about the same thing (yeah, this really happened):
“It had been a bad day. On parade, an announcement that had been made about the many actions that would from then on, be regarded as sabotage and therefore punishable by immediate death by hanging. Among these were crimes such as cutting small strips from our old blankets (in order to improvise ankle supports) and very minor “thefts.” A few days previously a semi-starved prisoner had broken into the potato store to steal a few pounds of potatoes. The theft had been discovered and some prisoners had recognized the “burglar.” When the camp authorities heard about it they ordered that the guilty man be given up to them or the whole camp would starve for a day. Naturally the 2,500 men preferred to fast.
On the evening of this day of fasting we lay in our earthen huts—in a very low mood. Very little was said and every word sounded irritable. Then, to make matters even worse, the light went out. Tempers reached their lowest ebb. But our senior block warden was a wise man. He improvised a little talk about all that was on our minds at that moment. He talked about the many comrades who had died in the last few days, either of sickness or of suicide. But he also mentioned what may have been the real reason for their deaths: giving up hope. He maintained that there should be some way of preventing possible future victims from reaching this extreme state.” (read about Frankl’s speech to the captives following p. 102 “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Victor Frankl)
We do not have to do time in a WWII concentration camp to understand how giving up hope can remove the will to live with meaning. We can see it in others, we see it in our city’s violence between citizens, we see it in ourselves. Evidently, Jesus saw it as well:
Matthew 20:
20Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him. 21And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23He said to them, “You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”
24When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. 25But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. 26It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; 28just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
The mother of James and John, and the brothers themselves decided it would be good to improve their position in life by asking for a change in relation to Jesus. They gave all the power to that formal request. They were willing to make a deal. They would have been better off, I think, by taking responsibility for their own lives and improving themselves. That change would have resulted in a change of relationship with their leader, Jesus.
Perhaps a healthy step removing weariness in their lives would have been to not let their mother take care of things for them!
Instead of fighting with our Santiagos and Saviors (so we can get what we want out of them and later blame them when things do not go our way), why not make take some responsibility for ourselves and determine, “What have I done? What do I really hope for? Is there any connection between the two?” If there’s no connection, what will you do about that?
*(Inclusive Spiritual Seekers, 8 PM, Tuesdays, the Tower Room, 3rd floor of MBSC—you’re welcome to join us. Next week is music night. Two or three people bring music that moves them spiritually. The only rule is that the music must not be playable on Christian Rock stations and yet is deeply moving to the person bringing it to the meeting.
Tuesday, September 25
meditation on long distance #2
One way we become weary is physical: too little sleep or lots of physical work. When we’re weary we may make poor decisions and make our situation worse. A second way to become weary is to have energy, but be required to put that energy into work that’s wrong for us: continually doing the things we that don’t bring out the best in ourselves, the things that don’t remind us about God in our lives, and the things that demand we avoid contact with positive, energy giving values.
The movie, “the Brave One” is just out with Jodie Foster. She’s a NYC radio personality who talks about the streets of New York. Through violence done to herself and her lover, she collapses into a heap of rage. She buys a gun (illegally, of course) and becomes a vigilante, killing bad people. At the end of the movie, the credits roll and the name of the film, “the Brave One” made me wonder, “who is brave in this film?” Jodie Foster, who’s vigilante attitude could have caused the devolution of society, her friend the cop, who colludes with her, her friend who lives in the same building, who has gone through the boy soldier wars in Africa, or her dog, who is held captive and is freed to go home.
Who is brave in life? It could be the people “do what they have to do.” It could also be those who break out and bring God’s vision to our planet.
Walter Brueggemann, Old Testament scholar, puts it this way:
“So what is it that makes people like us weary? It is not working too hard that makes us weary. It is rather, I submit, living a life that is against the grain of our true creatureliness, living a ministry that is against the grain of our true vocation, being placed in a false position so that our day-to-day operation requires us to contradict what we know best about ourselves and what we love most about our life as children of God. Exhaustion comes from the demand that we be, in some measure, other than we truly are; such an alienation requires too much energy to navigate.” (Walter Brueggeman “Mandate to Make a Difference”, p.42)
A brick making story from scripture goes this way:
Exodus 5
5Then the Israelite supervisors came to Pharaoh and cried, “Why do you treat your servants like this? 16No straw is given to your servants, yet they say to us, ‘Make bricks!’ Look how your servants are beaten! You are unjust to your own people.” 17He said, “You are lazy, lazy; that is why you say, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD.’ 18Go now, and work; for no straw shall be given you, but you shall still deliver the same number of bricks.” 19The Israelite supervisors saw that they were in trouble when they were told, “You shall not lessen your daily number of bricks.” 20As they left Pharaoh, they came upon Moses and Aaron who were waiting to meet them. 21They said to them, “The LORD look upon you and judge! You have brought us into bad odor with Pharaoh and his officials, and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.”
We’ve always got time to bake bricks, but God shows us a better way than being anxious. Stay tuned.
The movie, “the Brave One” is just out with Jodie Foster. She’s a NYC radio personality who talks about the streets of New York. Through violence done to herself and her lover, she collapses into a heap of rage. She buys a gun (illegally, of course) and becomes a vigilante, killing bad people. At the end of the movie, the credits roll and the name of the film, “the Brave One” made me wonder, “who is brave in this film?” Jodie Foster, who’s vigilante attitude could have caused the devolution of society, her friend the cop, who colludes with her, her friend who lives in the same building, who has gone through the boy soldier wars in Africa, or her dog, who is held captive and is freed to go home.
Who is brave in life? It could be the people “do what they have to do.” It could also be those who break out and bring God’s vision to our planet.
Walter Brueggemann, Old Testament scholar, puts it this way:
“So what is it that makes people like us weary? It is not working too hard that makes us weary. It is rather, I submit, living a life that is against the grain of our true creatureliness, living a ministry that is against the grain of our true vocation, being placed in a false position so that our day-to-day operation requires us to contradict what we know best about ourselves and what we love most about our life as children of God. Exhaustion comes from the demand that we be, in some measure, other than we truly are; such an alienation requires too much energy to navigate.” (Walter Brueggeman “Mandate to Make a Difference”, p.42)
A brick making story from scripture goes this way:
Exodus 5
5Then the Israelite supervisors came to Pharaoh and cried, “Why do you treat your servants like this? 16No straw is given to your servants, yet they say to us, ‘Make bricks!’ Look how your servants are beaten! You are unjust to your own people.” 17He said, “You are lazy, lazy; that is why you say, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD.’ 18Go now, and work; for no straw shall be given you, but you shall still deliver the same number of bricks.” 19The Israelite supervisors saw that they were in trouble when they were told, “You shall not lessen your daily number of bricks.” 20As they left Pharaoh, they came upon Moses and Aaron who were waiting to meet them. 21They said to them, “The LORD look upon you and judge! You have brought us into bad odor with Pharaoh and his officials, and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.”
We’ve always got time to bake bricks, but God shows us a better way than being anxious. Stay tuned.
Monday, September 24
meditation on long distance #1
Grasping for Energy
Few things in life are as insidious as exhaustion. Not only does weariness tax your body, weariness also is the end of good decisions and awareness. Just ask anyone who has run a marathon. At about the 2/3-3/4 mark, the body’s system runs out of nutrient supply. A person’s body is affected and get wobbly. The brain is affected, too; the result being giving in to the urge to quit. The brain supplies a number of reasons why this is a good idea, among them: “nobody cares”, “it really doesn’t matter,” and “I’ve already proved I’m way beyond average.”
Every three miles along the running route, there is a water station. Runners time themselves from station to station. “Three miles more. I should be there in 24 minutes (or whatever speed is right for the runner. Trust me, runners know their three-mile speed.)
Al this really did happen to me. Years ago I was in the Omaha marathon. This was back in the day when the route ran north from downtown, past the airport and circled through Ponca Hills. At mile 18, I was fine, I thought. I kept looking for the next water station, and it kept not appearing. “I should have passed it by now,” I wheezed. I kept running, but still no water station. My mind went nuts. I figured the marathon organizers had failed to put the station where it belonged. They had in fact, removed it to make the run even tougher than it was. Outrageous! I’m going to quit and show them, I concluded. Soon, I was walking instead of running, cursing my bad luck, my stupidity for being suckered into this race and all the time I’d spent training. I blamed everyone I could think of. My thought process was kaput.
Then I was passed by a runner. “Where’s the water?” I pled. “Up ahead. Keep running.” I did and it was up ahead. The reality was that I was slowing down because I was tired. And I was out of energy. I knew it was going to be a battle to finish, but at least I knew that that’s what it was.
This week, as you settle into a rhythm and routine of school and work, I’ll be encouraging you to get to the next water station and keep going. I also encourage you to get some sleep and let your body recover, so you can make the best decisions you can.
After all, this is a marathon you’re in—it’s either a marathon this week, this semester, this degree, or this life. Whatever you’re running, it’s spreading out before you and it’s a long way to go.
Today, just recognize it’s a long way, make sure you have the right shoes for the run, (Ephesians 6:15 -- 15As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace) know where the run is headed, and why you’re in the race in the first place. Know what the reward is.
Matthew 25
25At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; 26yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Few things in life are as insidious as exhaustion. Not only does weariness tax your body, weariness also is the end of good decisions and awareness. Just ask anyone who has run a marathon. At about the 2/3-3/4 mark, the body’s system runs out of nutrient supply. A person’s body is affected and get wobbly. The brain is affected, too; the result being giving in to the urge to quit. The brain supplies a number of reasons why this is a good idea, among them: “nobody cares”, “it really doesn’t matter,” and “I’ve already proved I’m way beyond average.”
Every three miles along the running route, there is a water station. Runners time themselves from station to station. “Three miles more. I should be there in 24 minutes (or whatever speed is right for the runner. Trust me, runners know their three-mile speed.)
Al this really did happen to me. Years ago I was in the Omaha marathon. This was back in the day when the route ran north from downtown, past the airport and circled through Ponca Hills. At mile 18, I was fine, I thought. I kept looking for the next water station, and it kept not appearing. “I should have passed it by now,” I wheezed. I kept running, but still no water station. My mind went nuts. I figured the marathon organizers had failed to put the station where it belonged. They had in fact, removed it to make the run even tougher than it was. Outrageous! I’m going to quit and show them, I concluded. Soon, I was walking instead of running, cursing my bad luck, my stupidity for being suckered into this race and all the time I’d spent training. I blamed everyone I could think of. My thought process was kaput.
Then I was passed by a runner. “Where’s the water?” I pled. “Up ahead. Keep running.” I did and it was up ahead. The reality was that I was slowing down because I was tired. And I was out of energy. I knew it was going to be a battle to finish, but at least I knew that that’s what it was.
This week, as you settle into a rhythm and routine of school and work, I’ll be encouraging you to get to the next water station and keep going. I also encourage you to get some sleep and let your body recover, so you can make the best decisions you can.
After all, this is a marathon you’re in—it’s either a marathon this week, this semester, this degree, or this life. Whatever you’re running, it’s spreading out before you and it’s a long way to go.
Today, just recognize it’s a long way, make sure you have the right shoes for the run, (Ephesians 6:15 -- 15As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace) know where the run is headed, and why you’re in the race in the first place. Know what the reward is.
Matthew 25
25At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; 26yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Friday, September 21
Meditation on "Who do You Trust?" #5
Meditation on Trust #5
It’s the end of the work week and time for the weekend. In a conversation yesterday with a UNO junior, he told me clearly his agenda for the next three days was to study Spanish and have just enough time to party. So that’s pretty much the weekend: study and party. Your agenda might be similar. Or you might be in the thick of a paper and thinking of putting off the party until the job is done.
Nehemiah’s story is like the latter. He had a job to do and he wasn’t going to be happy until it was completed. It seems Nehemiah was in the field of engineering; his job was to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by attacking foreigners generations before. Though he was a servant to a foreign king, he went ahead and asked for permission to rebuild the walls of the “city of his fathers.” The king granted permission and he also provided for wood for the beams.
In a way, Nehemiah was rebuilding his life and the lives of his people by rebuilding the city. This is great urban planning. The Jerusalem Chamber of Commerce would have been excited. Just think of it: coffee and tea bars on every corner. Rug, clothing and bookshops in the Old Market. Special events around the holidays. This place that had once been a grand city had become an empty wasteland. But now comes a man, Nehemiah, with a plan, resources and dedication. He’s going to rebuild the city. Who knows? It might become a great city again. And certainly, its rebuilding will give honor and glory to God.
I’ve been thinking about this idea for some time and I propose it to you: God gets excited when we participate in the shift of our world of ruin to a world that’s robust. The larger purpose of our being on this planet and at UNO is not our degrees and training, valuable though they are. The larger purpose is the transforming of our selves and our world. Our degrees and our training can be much larger than a paycheck. Trusting in our larger purpose gives us hope.
Some wish to wait for others to take the lead. I’m hoping you will take a role in this cosmic shift. If you want to party about that this weekend, go ahead. Being part of God’s shift in our city is a big enough reason!
Nehemiah 2
1In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was served him, I [Nehemiah] carried the wine and gave it to the king. Now, I had never been sad in his presence before. 2So the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This can only be sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid. 3I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of my ancestors’ graves, lies waste, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” 4Then the king said to me, “What do you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5Then I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor with you, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my ancestors’ graves, so that I may rebuild it.” 6The king said to me (the queen also was sitting beside him), “How long will you be gone, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me, and I set him a date. 7Then I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors of the province Beyond the River, that they may grant me passage until I arrive in Judah; 8and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, directing him to give me timber to make beams for the gates of the temple fortress, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall occupy.” And the king granted me what I asked, for the gracious hand of my God was upon me.
It’s the end of the work week and time for the weekend. In a conversation yesterday with a UNO junior, he told me clearly his agenda for the next three days was to study Spanish and have just enough time to party. So that’s pretty much the weekend: study and party. Your agenda might be similar. Or you might be in the thick of a paper and thinking of putting off the party until the job is done.
Nehemiah’s story is like the latter. He had a job to do and he wasn’t going to be happy until it was completed. It seems Nehemiah was in the field of engineering; his job was to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by attacking foreigners generations before. Though he was a servant to a foreign king, he went ahead and asked for permission to rebuild the walls of the “city of his fathers.” The king granted permission and he also provided for wood for the beams.
In a way, Nehemiah was rebuilding his life and the lives of his people by rebuilding the city. This is great urban planning. The Jerusalem Chamber of Commerce would have been excited. Just think of it: coffee and tea bars on every corner. Rug, clothing and bookshops in the Old Market. Special events around the holidays. This place that had once been a grand city had become an empty wasteland. But now comes a man, Nehemiah, with a plan, resources and dedication. He’s going to rebuild the city. Who knows? It might become a great city again. And certainly, its rebuilding will give honor and glory to God.
I’ve been thinking about this idea for some time and I propose it to you: God gets excited when we participate in the shift of our world of ruin to a world that’s robust. The larger purpose of our being on this planet and at UNO is not our degrees and training, valuable though they are. The larger purpose is the transforming of our selves and our world. Our degrees and our training can be much larger than a paycheck. Trusting in our larger purpose gives us hope.
Some wish to wait for others to take the lead. I’m hoping you will take a role in this cosmic shift. If you want to party about that this weekend, go ahead. Being part of God’s shift in our city is a big enough reason!
Nehemiah 2
1In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was served him, I [Nehemiah] carried the wine and gave it to the king. Now, I had never been sad in his presence before. 2So the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This can only be sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid. 3I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of my ancestors’ graves, lies waste, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” 4Then the king said to me, “What do you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5Then I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor with you, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my ancestors’ graves, so that I may rebuild it.” 6The king said to me (the queen also was sitting beside him), “How long will you be gone, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me, and I set him a date. 7Then I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors of the province Beyond the River, that they may grant me passage until I arrive in Judah; 8and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, directing him to give me timber to make beams for the gates of the temple fortress, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall occupy.” And the king granted me what I asked, for the gracious hand of my God was upon me.
Thursday, September 20
Meditation on "Who do You Trust?" #4
Who do you Trust? #4
I tend to trust people who have good opening lines. Mr. Spock used to say, “Live long and prosper.” That’s a good line.
The angels in the Bible had a good opening line, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you news of great joy.” God had a great opening line, speaking of creation, “It is very good.” Jesus had a good opening line when he was on a recruiting tour: “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” It was an invitation, a statement of purpose and a tantalizing comment.
Ann Lamott, a Christian writer, had a good opening line last night: “I didn’t bring a prepared speech, I only came to tell you the things that I really believe are really, really, really true about faith and about writing.” That line relaxed people and created a sense of trust. By the end of the hour an a half journey together with her, there was a sense of well being and hope. To conclude her talk, Ms. Lamott played a favorite gospel song of hers over the sound system. Then she danced on stage (and she had told a few stories about how she and her boyfriend are not good dancers), she asked people to stand and sing along (the crowd clapped in time) and she set out to be herself. Would that we could all do that!
I was wondering why I felt trust and compassion for and with this woman from California. I had heard everything is perfect there. She said, “No, it’s not perfect. I’m not perfect.” And she also doesn’t think the way God shows him/herself to us is perfect. “have you ever noticed you need an answer from God right now, and the answer comes in a week or two or three or some months later? I find that annoying.”
Ann talked about situations she’s been in and looked for God. She’s been sober for 21 years and was converted to being a Presbyterian 22 years ago. It was striking to me her father and mother are atheists, yet her grandfather was a Presbyterian missionary in China. Evidently, her father did not like his father’s lifestyle and found little in it worth saving. Maybe there was some conflict there. Maybe there was a rebel. Maybe things just didn’t pan out. Maybe the weather and lifestyle in California is too perfect. Who knows?
Anyway, a good opening line can be truthful and yet be friendly, even inclusive, and put people at ease. You might want an opener for your paper, for your friend, for your friends friends. You might even need a good opener for people who are on the edges. Perhaps even for God (“Hey God, my life is great right now. Thanks a bunch.”) It might be a good idea to try out a few of them. Why not write them down and keep them handy? Who knows when you might need one? After all, you are taking a leadership role in your life. Do people have good reason to trust you?
Here’s a great opening line. It’s specific, inclusive (all people) and has purpose:
John 1
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
I tend to trust people who have good opening lines. Mr. Spock used to say, “Live long and prosper.” That’s a good line.
The angels in the Bible had a good opening line, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you news of great joy.” God had a great opening line, speaking of creation, “It is very good.” Jesus had a good opening line when he was on a recruiting tour: “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” It was an invitation, a statement of purpose and a tantalizing comment.
Ann Lamott, a Christian writer, had a good opening line last night: “I didn’t bring a prepared speech, I only came to tell you the things that I really believe are really, really, really true about faith and about writing.” That line relaxed people and created a sense of trust. By the end of the hour an a half journey together with her, there was a sense of well being and hope. To conclude her talk, Ms. Lamott played a favorite gospel song of hers over the sound system. Then she danced on stage (and she had told a few stories about how she and her boyfriend are not good dancers), she asked people to stand and sing along (the crowd clapped in time) and she set out to be herself. Would that we could all do that!
I was wondering why I felt trust and compassion for and with this woman from California. I had heard everything is perfect there. She said, “No, it’s not perfect. I’m not perfect.” And she also doesn’t think the way God shows him/herself to us is perfect. “have you ever noticed you need an answer from God right now, and the answer comes in a week or two or three or some months later? I find that annoying.”
Ann talked about situations she’s been in and looked for God. She’s been sober for 21 years and was converted to being a Presbyterian 22 years ago. It was striking to me her father and mother are atheists, yet her grandfather was a Presbyterian missionary in China. Evidently, her father did not like his father’s lifestyle and found little in it worth saving. Maybe there was some conflict there. Maybe there was a rebel. Maybe things just didn’t pan out. Maybe the weather and lifestyle in California is too perfect. Who knows?
Anyway, a good opening line can be truthful and yet be friendly, even inclusive, and put people at ease. You might want an opener for your paper, for your friend, for your friends friends. You might even need a good opener for people who are on the edges. Perhaps even for God (“Hey God, my life is great right now. Thanks a bunch.”) It might be a good idea to try out a few of them. Why not write them down and keep them handy? Who knows when you might need one? After all, you are taking a leadership role in your life. Do people have good reason to trust you?
Here’s a great opening line. It’s specific, inclusive (all people) and has purpose:
John 1
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
Wednesday, September 19
Meditation on "Who do You Trust?" #3
Who Do You Trust? #3
It’s Wednesday and it’s a good day to start moving.
There is a difference between a maze and a labyrinth. A maze is built to have lots of stops and blind alleys. Try it out at http://games.yahoo.com/games/kidsmz.html The challenge is finding the way through, because there are many alternatives, but there is only one way through. A maze is designed to be frustrating. A maze has its own value, though. It teaches us that we must be self-reflective and have a good memory if we’re going to find our way through the puzzle. We must be self-reflective, because we experience a variety of emotions when the way is not simple. Self-reflective people wonder how to cope with conflict, mixed messages, and being lost.
A labyrinth, on the other hand, has only one way through from the outside to the center. Though the pathway is circular and goes back and forth, there is no issue of deciding which way is the right way. If a person stays on the path, there is no way to get lost. If a person will trust the path, that person will find the center. This center can be understood
as a person’s spiritual center, or the place where we connect with God. (On Tuesday, Sept. 25, there will be a maze in MBSC at the fireplace lounge, bring friend and come to experiement!)On October 13, a dozen or so of us will go to an area campground and walk a maze in a cornfield and a labyrinth in a meadow. We will build leadership skills by working through this kind of complexity as a group. (We’ll also climb trees a’la rock climbing) You are invited to join us. Look for more information later.
So is the way to God complex or simple? Is the way to God for you a series of switchbacks and difficult and competing solutions and possibilities? Or is the path to God as simple as getting on the right path and staying on it?
Both possibilities are reflected in scripture. Moses, for example, stopped in front of a burning bush and received clear direction there. What could be simpler? God is sending Moses to bring the suffering people out of Egypt. That’s the job. Jesus, on the other hand, spent his entire adult life praying, searching, leading and finally dying in the service of a way of life. The liberation of the people was not physical, but spiritual. On the surface, it looks simple; underneath, it’s clearly complex. (Have you ever tried to lead a group of twelve?)
Rather than tell you which is the true path, let me say simply that both approaches have value and both approaches, when used as the only approach, fall short of making us any more faithful. In the end, we must find ways to be faithful and simple, and we must be self-reflective and not fall for the “there’s only one way, and by the way that’s my way” attitude.
The important thing today and every day, is to take a step and get moving. We are called to make a decision to trust that calls us out of our self-centeredness and into God-centeredness.
Exodus 3
1Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. 3Then Moses said, “I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.” 4When the LORD saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5Then he said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6He said further, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
7Then the LORD said, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, 8and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 9The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. 10So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” 11But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” 12He said, “I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain.”
Tuesday, September 18
Meditation on "Who do You Trust?" #2
Who do you trust #2
Since we’re on an Ann Lamott roll here (she’s going to be at the Holland Center Wednesday night at 7PM; it’s a free event and you are invited; the doors open at 6PM), I thought of presenting the story of Jesus in the Temple. According to the Gospel of Luke (this story does not appear anywhere else, by the way), Jesus has been in the temple for three days and his parents are frantic with their searching for him. Evidently, the omniscient powers of Jesus were not received from or bestowed on his biological parents. And in the end after they heard his explanation concerning his whereabouts and why didn’t they know where he’d be, they did not know what he was talking about. Sounds just like a teenager/parent conversation.
Ann asked a priestly friend of hers on this topic: “What would Jesus have done with thirteen-year-olds?” Father Tom replied:
“In biblical times, they used to stone a few thirteen-year-olds with some regularity, which helped keep the others quiet and at home. The mothers were usually in the first row of stone throwers, and had to be restrained.” And she later comments, “Every parent who saw this note on my wall laughed and felt better; nothing helps like letting your ugly common secrets out.” (p. 95 in “Plan B: Further thoughts on Faith”)
The Boy Jesus in the Temple
Luke 2
41Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. 42And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. 43When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. 45When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. 46After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.” 49He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50But they did not understand what he said to them. 51Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
52And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.
I suspect that last line was added to make us all feel like Jesus was divine and never caused anyone any trouble. It could also be we’d like a nice tame little savior—someone we can always appreciate. Evidently he never experienced the drama of 7th grade.
But the story of Jesus in the Temple is more than a cute diversion. It’s a reminder that most of us want to have it all: we want to be wise in our youth, respected by our elders, free to not check in with anyone, have no conflict, and always be right. But by our college years, we have to give up on that. We know wisdom comes from conflict, by being in healthy groups and not just the hard partying ones, self-assessment that includes looking deeply into our failures, and the realization that sometimes there is no “right.” It’s just the decisions we make in the midst of a mess.
I knew a sixteen-year-old who was morose one day. I asked him what was up. He simply looked up with his swollen eyes and said, “I just realized my childhood is over.” Perhaps at sixteen he was a little slow on the uptake, but at least he got it—if you’re reading this, your childhood is over. Of course, this doesn’t mean life is no fun anymore. The Psalmist reminds us, “Joy comes in the morning.” But the quality question remains: Now what? My friend, Lori, made a marvelous comment to this point recently. She noted, “What we need are armbands that have this abbreviation, “WWAD?” Translation: “What Would an Adult Do?”
In our post childhood times of decision-making: Who is worthy of your trust? Who will help you into adulthood? Who is your guide?
Trying to do it alone is a failed plan. Non-assessed animal behavior doesn’t work. So, here’s the question, “Now that you’re not a kid anymore, who do you trust?”
Care for some tea in the temple?
Since we’re on an Ann Lamott roll here (she’s going to be at the Holland Center Wednesday night at 7PM; it’s a free event and you are invited; the doors open at 6PM), I thought of presenting the story of Jesus in the Temple. According to the Gospel of Luke (this story does not appear anywhere else, by the way), Jesus has been in the temple for three days and his parents are frantic with their searching for him. Evidently, the omniscient powers of Jesus were not received from or bestowed on his biological parents. And in the end after they heard his explanation concerning his whereabouts and why didn’t they know where he’d be, they did not know what he was talking about. Sounds just like a teenager/parent conversation.
Ann asked a priestly friend of hers on this topic: “What would Jesus have done with thirteen-year-olds?” Father Tom replied:
“In biblical times, they used to stone a few thirteen-year-olds with some regularity, which helped keep the others quiet and at home. The mothers were usually in the first row of stone throwers, and had to be restrained.” And she later comments, “Every parent who saw this note on my wall laughed and felt better; nothing helps like letting your ugly common secrets out.” (p. 95 in “Plan B: Further thoughts on Faith”)
The Boy Jesus in the Temple
Luke 2
41Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. 42And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. 43When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. 45When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. 46After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.” 49He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50But they did not understand what he said to them. 51Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
52And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.
I suspect that last line was added to make us all feel like Jesus was divine and never caused anyone any trouble. It could also be we’d like a nice tame little savior—someone we can always appreciate. Evidently he never experienced the drama of 7th grade.
But the story of Jesus in the Temple is more than a cute diversion. It’s a reminder that most of us want to have it all: we want to be wise in our youth, respected by our elders, free to not check in with anyone, have no conflict, and always be right. But by our college years, we have to give up on that. We know wisdom comes from conflict, by being in healthy groups and not just the hard partying ones, self-assessment that includes looking deeply into our failures, and the realization that sometimes there is no “right.” It’s just the decisions we make in the midst of a mess.
I knew a sixteen-year-old who was morose one day. I asked him what was up. He simply looked up with his swollen eyes and said, “I just realized my childhood is over.” Perhaps at sixteen he was a little slow on the uptake, but at least he got it—if you’re reading this, your childhood is over. Of course, this doesn’t mean life is no fun anymore. The Psalmist reminds us, “Joy comes in the morning.” But the quality question remains: Now what? My friend, Lori, made a marvelous comment to this point recently. She noted, “What we need are armbands that have this abbreviation, “WWAD?” Translation: “What Would an Adult Do?”
In our post childhood times of decision-making: Who is worthy of your trust? Who will help you into adulthood? Who is your guide?
Trying to do it alone is a failed plan. Non-assessed animal behavior doesn’t work. So, here’s the question, “Now that you’re not a kid anymore, who do you trust?”
Care for some tea in the temple?
Monday, September 17
Meditation on "Who do You Trust?" #1
Who do you trust?
Ann Lamott is coming to town on Wednesday. You’re invited to hear her speak at the Holland Center at 7PM. Doors open at 6 PM and the event is free. Your friends at our UNO campus ministry have read her works and believe she has an honest integrity and speaks truth. If you need transportation, please let me know by phone or email and we will arrange something for you.
Let me share how she came to be sponsored by a connected group of progressive congregations.
Creighton University offered Ms. Lamott, even though she is not Catholic, the opportunity to lecture on behalf of a women’s health series. This is normal, well and good. However, in her most recent book, published after the contract between Creighton University and Lamott was finalized, she speaks about euthanasia and abortion as options that do not always deserve condemnation. Certain folks in the Catholic hierarchy and in the associated Creighton medical community saw a chasm between accepted Catholic teaching and what Lamott had written. They discovered boundary issues. Discussion with Lamott followed and the contract was revoked.
Let me say Creighton has to walk a fine line here. As an academic institution, it needs to welcome new ways of thinking and be on the edge of academia., or we’ll continue to think the earth is the center of the universe. On the other hand, it cannot flaunt traditional Catholic teaching and expect no consequences. Like most of life’s decisions, this was not a clean cut, but looked jagged and bloody.
A group of leaders from progressive congregations in Omaha (from the denominations that support our campus ministry at UNO, yea!), quickly decided Ann Lamott should definitely come to Omaha to speak because she has some deep and valid things to say about God, Jesus, her teenage son, Sam, politics in our nation, and her own faith journey. These are powerful and accessible stories of faith (how God is with us in coping with alcoholism, power in the family and such). Within 24 hours, the new deal was done and she’s coming on Wednesday. There is room for 2,000 of our closest friends and I hope you’ll join us.
So who and what do you trust? Church teachings? Authority figures? Your gut feeling? If it feels good, do it? The Jesus who broke rules and demanded expected much and demanded change? The Jesus who was traditional?
The way we answer these questions speaks to how we view ourselves: are you a person who needs to be told what to do and how to act in order to be offered salvation? Are you a person who needs to make his/her own decision without reference to traditional ways of thinking? or are you someone who is comfortable with God and trusts that God is not vindictive if you listen and question and creates room for varied opinion? These questions go to the very core of how we view ourselves as people and God’s children.
We may not get all this understood and answered by Wednesday, but I hope you continue your dialogue with God!
John 2:
3The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. 15Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” 17His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” 18The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” 19Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21But he was speaking of the temple of his body. 22After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
23When he was in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, many believed in his name because they saw the signs that he was doing. 24But Jesus on his part would not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone.
Ann Lamott is coming to town on Wednesday. You’re invited to hear her speak at the Holland Center at 7PM. Doors open at 6 PM and the event is free. Your friends at our UNO campus ministry have read her works and believe she has an honest integrity and speaks truth. If you need transportation, please let me know by phone or email and we will arrange something for you.
Let me share how she came to be sponsored by a connected group of progressive congregations.
Creighton University offered Ms. Lamott, even though she is not Catholic, the opportunity to lecture on behalf of a women’s health series. This is normal, well and good. However, in her most recent book, published after the contract between Creighton University and Lamott was finalized, she speaks about euthanasia and abortion as options that do not always deserve condemnation. Certain folks in the Catholic hierarchy and in the associated Creighton medical community saw a chasm between accepted Catholic teaching and what Lamott had written. They discovered boundary issues. Discussion with Lamott followed and the contract was revoked.
Let me say Creighton has to walk a fine line here. As an academic institution, it needs to welcome new ways of thinking and be on the edge of academia., or we’ll continue to think the earth is the center of the universe. On the other hand, it cannot flaunt traditional Catholic teaching and expect no consequences. Like most of life’s decisions, this was not a clean cut, but looked jagged and bloody.
A group of leaders from progressive congregations in Omaha (from the denominations that support our campus ministry at UNO, yea!), quickly decided Ann Lamott should definitely come to Omaha to speak because she has some deep and valid things to say about God, Jesus, her teenage son, Sam, politics in our nation, and her own faith journey. These are powerful and accessible stories of faith (how God is with us in coping with alcoholism, power in the family and such). Within 24 hours, the new deal was done and she’s coming on Wednesday. There is room for 2,000 of our closest friends and I hope you’ll join us.
So who and what do you trust? Church teachings? Authority figures? Your gut feeling? If it feels good, do it? The Jesus who broke rules and demanded expected much and demanded change? The Jesus who was traditional?
The way we answer these questions speaks to how we view ourselves: are you a person who needs to be told what to do and how to act in order to be offered salvation? Are you a person who needs to make his/her own decision without reference to traditional ways of thinking? or are you someone who is comfortable with God and trusts that God is not vindictive if you listen and question and creates room for varied opinion? These questions go to the very core of how we view ourselves as people and God’s children.
We may not get all this understood and answered by Wednesday, but I hope you continue your dialogue with God!
John 2:
3The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. 15Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” 17His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” 18The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” 19Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21But he was speaking of the temple of his body. 22After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
23When he was in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, many believed in his name because they saw the signs that he was doing. 24But Jesus on his part would not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone.
Thursday, September 13
Meditation: focusing on the Big Picture:#4
It’s Thursday, so you might be looking for a leader for your weekend. You know the type: someone who is fun, upbeat, will go with you to lots of fun or thrilling events, still leaving time for completion of papers and studies so you’re all prepared for Monday. You’re looking for someone who will fill you life.
Yesterday, we read about the ordeal in Plattsmouth with the beating of a man with baseball bats. Not much in the area of positive leadership there! Today’s less than stellar report concerns an OPS teacher and girls softball coach who single handedly destroyed her career by driving the wrong way on a one way in downtown Omaha (right in front of the Police Station!) and was ticketed for a Federal DUI!
We’re tempted stick out proverbial noses in the air and think: “How tawdry!” when the reality is most of us are lucky we’ve not gotten caught. We certainly are looking for leaders for the weekend.
Here’s a thought:
When Jesus called his few disciples, he went out immediately and began to heal people. He could have read the news reports and gotten what the British call a “toffee nose.” In those days, chronic illness was thought to be tied to bad behavior—by you, your relatives, people in your tribe, or your leaders. It was logical to believe healing could come only by wiping the slate clean through a sacrifice to God. Jesus, the leader, had another plan:
Matthew 4:
Jesus Ministers to Crowds of People
23Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. 24So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them. 25And great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.
Jesus led by healing, not by calling peoples’ misdeeds to attention. Later in his life as Son of God and Savior, he adopted additional means of calling attention to God in peoples’ lives, but his first actions were healing ones.
This weekend, we might want to look for a healing presence; or for that matter, be one.
Yesterday, we read about the ordeal in Plattsmouth with the beating of a man with baseball bats. Not much in the area of positive leadership there! Today’s less than stellar report concerns an OPS teacher and girls softball coach who single handedly destroyed her career by driving the wrong way on a one way in downtown Omaha (right in front of the Police Station!) and was ticketed for a Federal DUI!
We’re tempted stick out proverbial noses in the air and think: “How tawdry!” when the reality is most of us are lucky we’ve not gotten caught. We certainly are looking for leaders for the weekend.
Here’s a thought:
When Jesus called his few disciples, he went out immediately and began to heal people. He could have read the news reports and gotten what the British call a “toffee nose.” In those days, chronic illness was thought to be tied to bad behavior—by you, your relatives, people in your tribe, or your leaders. It was logical to believe healing could come only by wiping the slate clean through a sacrifice to God. Jesus, the leader, had another plan:
Matthew 4:
Jesus Ministers to Crowds of People
23Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. 24So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them. 25And great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.
Jesus led by healing, not by calling peoples’ misdeeds to attention. Later in his life as Son of God and Savior, he adopted additional means of calling attention to God in peoples’ lives, but his first actions were healing ones.
This weekend, we might want to look for a healing presence; or for that matter, be one.
Wednesday, September 12
Meditation: focusing on the Big Picture:#3
When You Come to Yourself
This morning’s news had a disturbing article about a beat down in Plattsmouth. The reporter tried to make sense out of the “love lost and my ex is bigger than you are” theme. Seems as though the second fight between the Weeping Water group and the jilted boy in the Plattsmouth group came to the house of the father of the jilted. He woke up with the racket and went to the front porch to be met with a hale of aluminum baseball bats. He’s in intensive care. Read it here: http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10130064
The article reads like it was a pretty stupid and immature activity. Both boys and girls on both sides ended up looking a lot like the Sharks and Jets in “Westside Story”—Teens trying to vie for territory and the honor of a woman. It didn’t work out that way. They all lost.
I’m reminded of the story of a youngster in Luke 15:
The Parable of the Prodigal and His Brother
11Then Jesus _ said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. 13A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 14When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. 17But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.” ’ 20So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
The story goes on to reconciliation. But first the son had to do some self reflection and take ownership for his actions.
This story looks like everyone was going to live happily ever after. But they didn’t—the family continued in gracious love and unpretentious dysfunction. (read more in your bible—I know you’ve got one; also they’re available online for free). But the son and father do reconcile.
A problem with living with people is this: we don’t get it right all that often. But when we don’t, the biblical way of doing this is to fess up, take stock, make reparations and move on. That’s what’s meant by “he came to himself.” Are you ready to come to yourself?
This morning’s news had a disturbing article about a beat down in Plattsmouth. The reporter tried to make sense out of the “love lost and my ex is bigger than you are” theme. Seems as though the second fight between the Weeping Water group and the jilted boy in the Plattsmouth group came to the house of the father of the jilted. He woke up with the racket and went to the front porch to be met with a hale of aluminum baseball bats. He’s in intensive care. Read it here: http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10130064
The article reads like it was a pretty stupid and immature activity. Both boys and girls on both sides ended up looking a lot like the Sharks and Jets in “Westside Story”—Teens trying to vie for territory and the honor of a woman. It didn’t work out that way. They all lost.
I’m reminded of the story of a youngster in Luke 15:
The Parable of the Prodigal and His Brother
11Then Jesus _ said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. 13A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 14When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. 17But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.” ’ 20So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
The story goes on to reconciliation. But first the son had to do some self reflection and take ownership for his actions.
- What he’d done (run away and used up his share of the estate
- What he stood for (his values)
- Who he was related to (father and brother)
- Where his home really was (with his father and brother—with all its warts)
- What he needed to do to reconcile
This story looks like everyone was going to live happily ever after. But they didn’t—the family continued in gracious love and unpretentious dysfunction. (read more in your bible—I know you’ve got one; also they’re available online for free). But the son and father do reconcile.
A problem with living with people is this: we don’t get it right all that often. But when we don’t, the biblical way of doing this is to fess up, take stock, make reparations and move on. That’s what’s meant by “he came to himself.” Are you ready to come to yourself?
Tuesday, September 11
Meditation: focusing on the Big Picture:#2
What’s in Front of You?
In the movie, “Dead Poet’s Society”, a teacher at a prestigious school for boys has taken his charges to a flat plaza like space where they are walking in procession. Of their own accord, they fall into step with each other and begin marching to a common rhythm. Left righ left. Around and around they go in a large circle, left right left. Finally, everyone is in step with everyone else, left right left, in military precision. The teacher, played by Robin Williams, has the boys stop and review: “Why did you all get in step with everyone else?”
They had no answer except that it seemed natural to get in step with each other. But in the movie, the boys weren’t going anywhere in particular. Instead, they were just going around in a circle. The question then becomes not only, “why did you get in step with everyone else”, but “where were you going?”
The book of Exodus describes how the Hebrews escaped slavery of Egypt and how they ran for the wilderness. Now that they were safe from the clutches of Pharaoh, they needed a new set of skills to live in this land. After instructions, the end of Exodus 40 gives specifics on when the camp was to move, where the people were to go.
Exodus 40
34Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 36Whenever the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out on each stage of their journey; 37but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day that it was taken up. 38For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, before the eyes of all the house of Israel at each stage of their journey.
As long as the pillar of flame or the pillar of cloud were in front of the people, they knew whether to go and where to go. If the pillar was still, the message is “don’t go on” If the pillar moved to a new location, the people were to decamp and follow. The people knew where to go by following what was in front of them. The story goes on to report how the people never lacked for food or water or direction during the whole 40 year saga.
If you’re feeling lost, it’s good to know what’s in front of you. Perhaps you don’t know the fire and cloud. If you’re not feeling lost, it’s good to acknowledge what’s in front of you and what you’re following. You might be following a dream or a destiny or a hope. Whatever you’re following, it will take you somewhere or nowhere.
What’s in front of you?
In the movie, “Dead Poet’s Society”, a teacher at a prestigious school for boys has taken his charges to a flat plaza like space where they are walking in procession. Of their own accord, they fall into step with each other and begin marching to a common rhythm. Left righ left. Around and around they go in a large circle, left right left. Finally, everyone is in step with everyone else, left right left, in military precision. The teacher, played by Robin Williams, has the boys stop and review: “Why did you all get in step with everyone else?”
They had no answer except that it seemed natural to get in step with each other. But in the movie, the boys weren’t going anywhere in particular. Instead, they were just going around in a circle. The question then becomes not only, “why did you get in step with everyone else”, but “where were you going?”
The book of Exodus describes how the Hebrews escaped slavery of Egypt and how they ran for the wilderness. Now that they were safe from the clutches of Pharaoh, they needed a new set of skills to live in this land. After instructions, the end of Exodus 40 gives specifics on when the camp was to move, where the people were to go.
Exodus 40
34Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 36Whenever the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out on each stage of their journey; 37but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day that it was taken up. 38For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, before the eyes of all the house of Israel at each stage of their journey.
As long as the pillar of flame or the pillar of cloud were in front of the people, they knew whether to go and where to go. If the pillar was still, the message is “don’t go on” If the pillar moved to a new location, the people were to decamp and follow. The people knew where to go by following what was in front of them. The story goes on to report how the people never lacked for food or water or direction during the whole 40 year saga.
If you’re feeling lost, it’s good to know what’s in front of you. Perhaps you don’t know the fire and cloud. If you’re not feeling lost, it’s good to acknowledge what’s in front of you and what you’re following. You might be following a dream or a destiny or a hope. Whatever you’re following, it will take you somewhere or nowhere.
What’s in front of you?
Meditation: focusing on the Big Picture:#1
Staying Tuned to the Big Picture
Picture this: a desk with computer paraphernalia & speakers, remnants of food and drink, photos, tv zapper, a few books, note paper, and other stuff. A set of papers is due this week and they need to be outlined. How to get focused and get the work done?
When as years go by, people start accumulating stuff—more sets of games, more books, more clothes, more TVs, more cars, more more, more. In many homes, garages used to be places where people put their automobiles. Back in the day, the average family felt good about having one car. Today, there’s often at least one for every person of driving age. The result of all this stuff fallout is that the cars no longer fit in the garage, (unless you have a house with three or four garages) because the garage is already full of stuff. So some bright person started building storage facilities. More places for more stuff!
Distractions abound in the study area. They abound in other parts of our lives, too. So much to do and so much stuff to wade through. We wonder: “Will I ever have enough time?” How do I prioritize? A simple lifestyle is hard to implement. Steven Covey, a prolific writer on putting values into motion, puts it this way: “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” One of the Psalms says this, “I keep the Lord always before me (16.8).
Daily routines to keep the God as our focus is not a distraction from the main thing. And for where you are in life, God many not be the main thing for you. Maybe getting degree is the main thing. Maybe a healthy relationship with a significant other is the main thing. Maybe your sexuality, relationships to parents, your job, loneliness or stress is the main thing. Maybe figuring out your main thing is the main thing.
If you’re struggling, why not try something daring: Try God as your focus for a few days. Think about God being with you while traveling. Is the Lord in your car? Is the Lord in your attitude? Is the Lord in your relationships? Is the Lord with you in your degree search? Is God with you in your questioning? Is God around in your search for tickets to the perfect concert? (or event a better day at work?)
Imagine God is somewhere on your desk in that mess, maybe even under the pile, next to the used video and pin number. Who knows what you’ll find if you move that stack!
Psalm 16
Song of Trust and Security in God
A Miktam of David.
1 Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.” _
3 As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble,
in whom is all my delight.
4 Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows; _
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names upon my lips.
5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
I have a goodly heritage.
7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I keep the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Picture this: a desk with computer paraphernalia & speakers, remnants of food and drink, photos, tv zapper, a few books, note paper, and other stuff. A set of papers is due this week and they need to be outlined. How to get focused and get the work done?
When as years go by, people start accumulating stuff—more sets of games, more books, more clothes, more TVs, more cars, more more, more. In many homes, garages used to be places where people put their automobiles. Back in the day, the average family felt good about having one car. Today, there’s often at least one for every person of driving age. The result of all this stuff fallout is that the cars no longer fit in the garage, (unless you have a house with three or four garages) because the garage is already full of stuff. So some bright person started building storage facilities. More places for more stuff!
Distractions abound in the study area. They abound in other parts of our lives, too. So much to do and so much stuff to wade through. We wonder: “Will I ever have enough time?” How do I prioritize? A simple lifestyle is hard to implement. Steven Covey, a prolific writer on putting values into motion, puts it this way: “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” One of the Psalms says this, “I keep the Lord always before me (16.8).
Daily routines to keep the God as our focus is not a distraction from the main thing. And for where you are in life, God many not be the main thing for you. Maybe getting degree is the main thing. Maybe a healthy relationship with a significant other is the main thing. Maybe your sexuality, relationships to parents, your job, loneliness or stress is the main thing. Maybe figuring out your main thing is the main thing.
If you’re struggling, why not try something daring: Try God as your focus for a few days. Think about God being with you while traveling. Is the Lord in your car? Is the Lord in your attitude? Is the Lord in your relationships? Is the Lord with you in your degree search? Is God with you in your questioning? Is God around in your search for tickets to the perfect concert? (or event a better day at work?)
Imagine God is somewhere on your desk in that mess, maybe even under the pile, next to the used video and pin number. Who knows what you’ll find if you move that stack!
Psalm 16
Song of Trust and Security in God
A Miktam of David.
1 Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.” _
3 As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble,
in whom is all my delight.
4 Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows; _
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names upon my lips.
5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
I have a goodly heritage.
7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I keep the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Saturday, September 8
Jesus and the Entourage
Meditation on Collaboration #5
When it came to bringing Good News to people, Jesus did not even try to do it alone. In Matthew 4, Jesus is being tempted in the wilderness. Power and recognition were shown to him, but Jesus didn’t take the offer. However, he did realize he wasn’t going to be able to do this ministry thing alone.
Why he chose 12 and why they are a mix of brothers and singles is probably formulaic. In good Hebrew tradition, it would be a good idea to have 12 representatives. This correlates with the number of tribes of Israel –12. But holy numbers are also 3 (trinity), 4 (points on a compass), 7, (number of days in creation) and 40 (days and nights of rain that created the flood, number of years in the wilderness). Why didn’t he choose any of these numbers?
The truth is, nobody knows. The whole thing could have been more practical than we suspect. In reading the newspapers or on entertainment analysis shows, it’s clear that stars all have an entourage: that gathering of folks needed for driving, traffic control, bill payment, food procurement, front men, and image. The point is not the number of disciples, which seemed to expand over time. The point is that Jesus did not try to create a movement by himself. He intentionally set out to gather a group large enough for the mission. Throughout the gospels we find Jesus with people. The only times he was alone was when he was praying, or gathering his thoughts away from the crowds, or when he was deserted by the disciples. Speaking of praying, if you read the Gospel of Luke’s version, Jesus prayed about this selection process and from many disciples, he chose 12 from among them.
When we do campus ministry, or any kind of ministry, we cannot do it alone, either. We must continue to offer invitations to those around us—and we must have a clear idea what we want these invitees to be and to do. Jesus didn’t say, “Well, hang out with me and we’ll see what happens.” Jesus tried all sorts of things and events—healing people, dinner going, preaching tours, and the like. If we want to follow the model of Jesus, it’s all about identification of followers, training, experimenting and deeper training, so these disciples will have the tools to offer Good News.
If you have any kind of faith life, you will want to be joined with others in the mission. We cannot do this alone. Look in the job jar and see what disciple activity you’d like. After all, there weren’t 12 Jesuses in the band. There was Jesus and the entourage of twelve.
Matthew 4:
18As 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. 19And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” 20Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. 22Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.
Luke 6
Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles
12Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. 13And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: 14Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James, and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, 15and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Simon, who was called the Zealot, 16and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
When it came to bringing Good News to people, Jesus did not even try to do it alone. In Matthew 4, Jesus is being tempted in the wilderness. Power and recognition were shown to him, but Jesus didn’t take the offer. However, he did realize he wasn’t going to be able to do this ministry thing alone.
Why he chose 12 and why they are a mix of brothers and singles is probably formulaic. In good Hebrew tradition, it would be a good idea to have 12 representatives. This correlates with the number of tribes of Israel –12. But holy numbers are also 3 (trinity), 4 (points on a compass), 7, (number of days in creation) and 40 (days and nights of rain that created the flood, number of years in the wilderness). Why didn’t he choose any of these numbers?
The truth is, nobody knows. The whole thing could have been more practical than we suspect. In reading the newspapers or on entertainment analysis shows, it’s clear that stars all have an entourage: that gathering of folks needed for driving, traffic control, bill payment, food procurement, front men, and image. The point is not the number of disciples, which seemed to expand over time. The point is that Jesus did not try to create a movement by himself. He intentionally set out to gather a group large enough for the mission. Throughout the gospels we find Jesus with people. The only times he was alone was when he was praying, or gathering his thoughts away from the crowds, or when he was deserted by the disciples. Speaking of praying, if you read the Gospel of Luke’s version, Jesus prayed about this selection process and from many disciples, he chose 12 from among them.
When we do campus ministry, or any kind of ministry, we cannot do it alone, either. We must continue to offer invitations to those around us—and we must have a clear idea what we want these invitees to be and to do. Jesus didn’t say, “Well, hang out with me and we’ll see what happens.” Jesus tried all sorts of things and events—healing people, dinner going, preaching tours, and the like. If we want to follow the model of Jesus, it’s all about identification of followers, training, experimenting and deeper training, so these disciples will have the tools to offer Good News.
If you have any kind of faith life, you will want to be joined with others in the mission. We cannot do this alone. Look in the job jar and see what disciple activity you’d like. After all, there weren’t 12 Jesuses in the band. There was Jesus and the entourage of twelve.
Matthew 4:
18As 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. 19And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” 20Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. 22Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.
Luke 6
Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles
12Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. 13And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: 14Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James, and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, 15and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Simon, who was called the Zealot, 16and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
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