You've Got the Time--Day 10

Luke 5-9

Right off the bat I wish I knew what else was going on that didn't get recorded in the gospels. It seems to me that something else had happened. As this section begins, Jesus gets into a boat belonging to Peter. Did they know each other? Had thy been fishing before? The gospel doesn't say it, but obviously they knew each other. I mean, can you imagine just getting in someone's boat? So what had happened previously?

I was struck by the complaints lodged against the disciples. They were accused of eating and drinking--of basically being party animals! How often is that said of disciples today? Very seldom! Rather we are seen as the party-poopers; and often with good reason! The followers of Jesus have now taken over the role of the Pharisees. We are the rule keepers! How far have we come? What would happen if we began acting like the real disciples? Just asking.

In one of the more bizarre reactions, Jesus heals a man on the sabbath and the Pharisees are mad! Do we do that? Do we get mad when good is done--even in ways that don't go with our beliefs, with our traditions? I hope not, but I am afraid that too often we do.

In a section that echoes Matthew, Luke gives us the "Sermon on the Plain." Only here the Beatitudes are not "spiritualized." Jesus says, "Blessed are the poor." No "poor in spirit." This is a rather significant difference. Too often I think we seek to "Matthewize" Jesus teachings, making them more spiritual than actual. (We like Matthew better because he doesn't add the "woes" that Luke kicks it--and with which Luke kicks us!)

John's disciples come to see if Jesus is "the One." Jesus responds by telling them to report to John what they have seen. What if people did that with us? What if they reported what they see us do? Would it point to God? Seems that is the report on which we are graded.

Tomorrow is Sunday, a day off, time to get caught up! Join the conversation! Come to worship! We will "talk" again Monday!

You've Got the Time--Day 9

Luke 1-4

It is interesting how when you read a text can affect how you read a text! This passage from Luke's gospel is THE Christmas text! This is the story that Linus quotes in A Charlie Brown Christmas. This is THE text that we yearn to hear on Christmas Eve. This passage is Christmas.

So what are we doing reading it in Lent, as we make our way towards Jerusalem (not Bethlehem) and the cross (not the manger)?

It changes how I heard it this morning! Suddenly I found myself hearing things that would eventually lead to the cross--not religious things, but political things, things that got one crucified. Early in the story we hear of upheaval and turmoil.

Zechariah is going to the temple to do his priestly duties and learns that he and his wife--both of whom are way beyond the time of childbearing and childrearing--are about to be doing just that. And this child is going to change the ways things are! I was struck with the line "turn their hearts toward their children." Hmmmm. Maybe we need a John the Baptist today, especially in a state where our children will once again take the brunt of budget cuts. (But we won't go there!)

And then in the Magnificat, that wonderful hymn that choirs sing echoing Mary's hymn of praise, we hear that her child will scatter the proud, bring down the powerful, lift up the lowly, filled the hungry and sent the rich away empty. And why do we sing this in church? Sounds like a hymn of insurrection--which it was, and is! And which is why they had to do away with this Jesus! Even at his birth the shadow of the cross!

A couple other things hit me. I am always amused with the "church-like" way that Mary admonishes Jesus after he had gone missing for 5 days! I am just not sure that is what was said! I would love to have a tape recording of that conversation!

And in Luke there is no baptism by John--if the chronology is correct. John the Baptist is locked up by Herod, and then Jesus is baptized. I have never caught that before! And as was mentioned Wednesday night, Luke's genealogy goes backwards, with different people, and goes all the way back to Adam. There are theological reasons for that. See if you can figure it out in the next days? Why would Luke go back to Adam while Matthew stops with Abraham?

Let me show my cards--this is my favorite gospel! I am looking forward to hearing it. I'm also looking forward to your comments. Join the conversation, and enjoy the listening!

You've Got the Time--Day 8

Mark 12-16

This section sure does cover a lot of ground--from Jesus teaching and debating with the religious leaders, through his crucifixion, resurrection and ascension! An awful lot in a few days--and in Mark, it is a few days!

I found that much of the Matthew story kept bleeding into my hearing! Even though Mark is the older of the two gospels, having heard Matthew earlier, that was the story I kept wanting to return to.

I was struck by the fact that everyone wants answers. The religious leaders want them--as much out of desperation to trick him as anything, but some were genuine in their questions. The disciples want to know the answer--"When is the end coming?" And to some Jesus gives answers, to others he doesn't. Maybe answers aren't that important???

But what are we to do with the statement, "This generation will not pass away..." before the Kingdom comes. Jesus didn't return in glory. The paraousia has not occurred. We still have people proclaiming that we are living in the last days! What do we do with that? I tend to agree that these are words that are "put in Jesus mouth" to give comfort and support to the early church. Hang in there in the midst of persecution. The end is near! So how are we to read those verses now, in the waning days of Christendom?

I was interested in seeing which ending of Mark they would use. The oldest manuscripts end with the women running from the tomb in terror. But the recording went beyond--with the continuing disbelief. And can you blame them?

And what do you do with the list of "signs" that accompany those who believe? Casting out demons, speaking in tongues, picking up serpents, drinking poison, healing the sick? Is it any wonder that some sects of Christianity seem a bit "strange?" Are they just taking the Bible literally?

We now move to Luke! Join the conversation!

You've Got the Time--Day 7

Mark 7-11

In Matthew we heard the story about how the Pharisees accused the disciples of eating with unclean hands. Mark shares that story as well. Here they accuse the disciples of not following traditions, mainly the traditions of the elders.

That struck me! They don't accuse the disciples of breaking the law. That is the way I have heard that before. Rather, the disciples are accused of breaking with tradition. I wonder how often out traditions are more binding than the law. What are the traditions that come between us and God; between us and others? Would Jesus have any more tolerance of those?

I often wonder how many times Jesus just wanted to look at the disciples and ask, "Are you really that stupid?" After watching Jesus feed 5,000 and 4,000 with tons of leftovers, they get worried that they ONLY have one loaf of bread! Really guys?

Note that Jesus is moving at breakneck speed. I actually pulled out a map to see where he was going! Really could have used a GPS, or at least someone to manage this tour. Not always the most direct route!

I was struck with Peter's reaction at the Transfiguration. Mark states that Peter "did not know what to say because he was afraid." How often do we blurt out things--even for God--out of our fear. I think of some of the horrible things people have said at funerals, trying to say something, anything to make some sense of it. Maybe we need to learn from Peter that there is a "time to be silent."

And what do you do with Jesus "really bad day?" Did he just wake up in a really grumpy mood? He curses a fig tree because it doesn't have any figs--even though figs are out of season; then goes and cleans out the temple for doing the things they have done for years? Are there times when we do ministry out of anger? Are there times when we do the right thing for wrong reasons? Did Jesus ever wrestle with his motives?

In just 2 days Jesus has reached Jerusalem. And we know how this story is going to end. You can't offend that many people and it end well!

What are you hearing from Mark? Add your comments here, or tonight at church as we share what we have heard so far!

You've Got the Time--Day 6

Mark 1-6

On the seventh day God rested, but on this day we venture into Mark. Right off the bat you realize that we "aren't in Kansas anymore!" Mark is different than Matthew. There isn't a birth story. Did Mark not know the story? Did he not think it was important? Did it not fit with the story he wanted to tell? He says, "the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ" and he starts at the baptism. Hmmmm. What is he saying about Jesus?

I noticed again how quickly Mark moves. (I have often called Mark's Jesus hyperactive--he is always immediately going somewhere.) He is in Galilee, in Capernaum, in the mountains, on the sea. He is always somewhere new! Didn't this man ever sleep? Even when he went to rest people were always bothering him--coming from Jerusalem and Judea and Idumea--look at a map! My gosh, they came from far away! No wonder he was always "bothered" by people!

I am always struck by the way Mark tells the story of the man lowered through the ceiling by his friends. The way Mark tells it you get the sense that this was Jesus' house that they messed up. Gives the story a different flavor! What would you do if someone broke through your roof?

Jesus is always doing things, and then saying, "But don't tell anyone!" He tells the demons, those he heals, those in attendance. Not a very good way to build a movement. Today would Jesus use a blog or twitter or Facebook, or TV?

Somehow I had always missed Mark's version of Jesus walking on the water. As he puts it, Jesus meant to pass by the disciples on the sea, but they saw him. There is almost a comic air to Mark's telling that is striking--especially having just left Matthew!

If only I can keep up with this Jesus!

You've Got the Time--Day 5

Matthew 25-28

This was a tough section--another one--but not just because this is the first crucifixion account we will hear. I found it tough to reconcile Matthew 25--which has always been one of my favorite gospel chapters. But it starts with the parable of the bridsmaids--and some of them get in trouble because they don't have enough oil. They were in need and went to the others and were turned down. When they went to get more oil, and the Groom showed up, they were left out.

But later in the same chapter those who helped others out were rewarded. Those who didn't were thrown out where there is wailing and gnashing of teeth. (There is a lot of gnashing of teeth in Matthew. Maybe he knew a good dentist!) Isn't that a bit inconsistent? How are we supposed to know who to help?

I was also struck by how Peter is the one that is always accused of denying Christ, yet all the other disciples agreed with Peter. They all said they wouldn't deny him--and yet they did. How often do we still pick out A scapegoat, one who gets all the blame for the things we do? And again, Matthew says that all this was done to fulfill prophecy. You get the sense that Matthew did not believe in free will. So much had to happen.

The whole episode with Pilate was like something out of today's paper. Here is a political leader who knows the right thing to do, and yet he doesn't do it because the mob raises their voice. I guess justice, government, leadership by opinion poll isn't an invention of the modern age! Just a what if--what if Pilate had a backbone, had listened to his wife, had done what he knew was just?

It must have been a busy week for the Jerusalem Geological Association--multiple earthquakes. And what about the dead coming out of the tombs when Jesus dies! And did you note that the thieves reviled him. What happened to the good one?

I am also struck by the fact that when Jesus appears to the disciples in Galilee, "some doubted." Sometimes seeing isn't believing. Maybe believing is seeing! But then, at least they were there! In spite of their doubts, they still were in Galilee, following Jesus. Maybe that is what matters--obedience.

This is the end of Matthew! Thanks be to God! This has been a tough gospel to hear.

You've Got the Time--Day 4

Day 4--Matthew 19-24

What a range of ideas in this selection. I was struck with how many different sermon ideas, and how many ideas that I really don't want to hear--especially the "Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" Getting a little close here, Jesus!

I was hit with the undercurrent of humility. So many people--both inside Jesus' band of disciples and without, are working so hard to get positions of respect and power. James and John even have their mother, or maybe this is the first incident of a "pulpit mom," work to get them a cushy position in the kingdom. And isn't that what all the Pharisees are doing?

And to all them, Jesus gives an object lesson. He puts a little child in the midst. "Be like this one." In that day children were the least of the least--like many in our own world. They had no rights, could be bought and sold into slavery. Be like this one!

Forget that! How happy are we when we get moved from the Children's Table at Thanksgiving Dinner?!

It is also obvious that life isn't fair! (Wow, what a great idea for a Youth Retreat!) Nothing is fair in this section--people who work all day get paid the same thing that those who show up in the last hour make. People who are forced to come to a wedding feast are thrown out because their clothes aren't right. Where is the grace in all this grace?

But the distractions! That is what I will remember this morning! As I was listening, Anita had to leave; I had a phone call; got 3 text messages that needed a response; emails flashed on the screen; the dishwasher needed emptying; I really need to finish the sermon--now what was Jesus saying about what is important?

You've Got the Time--Day 3

Matthew 13-18

Savannah (my daughter) put a comment on yesterday's entry that said she will be glad to get out of Matthew! I think I feel that way today! I just kept wondering why the disciples never seemed to get it! Why can't they be more like me and understand everything fully!

Really??? I was often confused listening to these chapters. (I am trying to resist "reading" along, but sometimes....) Are there people who will never get it because God has closed up their ears? Are there people who can't hear the gospel? Does that mean that God plays favorites--or is that the way we see ourselves? "If everyone was just like me, the world would be so much better off! I feel sorry for those who don't!"

And what is it with food in these chapters? We have wheat growing, leaven and yeast, loaves of bread and fish--not once but twice--and lessons about washing your hands before meals! Made me hear my mother all over again!

What kept hitting me time and time again is how often what I was hearing ran up against what I remember from the stories! "No , wait, that isn't how the story goes!" I wonder how often I have done that--substituted my memory, the way I want the story to be, with THE story. This Jesus isn't meek and mild. He takes on any and all comers--including the forces of nature. I am not always sure that I want to hear him (especially working as a 'religious leader') or run up against him. Which makes me wonder, "Is this someone I really want to follow, especially knowing where it is leading?"

But then, isn't that the point of Lent?

Others have entered the conversation. Join in! What are you hearing?

You've Got the Time--Day 2

I was surprised as I listened to Matthew 8-12 that I really wasn't as engrossed as I was with the first chapters--even the begats. (Even though in the ESV it is "the father of...")

But there were a few things that hit me. It seems that everyone is afraid of Jesus. We seem to have missed that with "Gentle Jesus Meek and Mild." There really isn't very much that scares us about Jesus. Have we domesticated him that much? Turned him into a "Mr. Rogers Wantabe?"

I was also struck by the variation in the stories. Take the Gerasene demoniac--only here it is the Gadarenes demoniacs. There are two of them! And later there are two blind men! Somehow that little tidbit had always escaped me. Did Jesus wipe out two different herds of pigs, or did Matthew change the story? And if so, why? (Hey, I am just listening and then reading the story here!)

It is also apparent that Jesus doesn't like religious people very much! He says better things about the outcasts, those "outside the law" than he does about the Pharisees, the other religious folk. That really gives me pause! I/we are those religious folk, and yet Jesus says that we are missing the boat! Things will be better off for the folks of Sodom! And that didn't turn out very well!

Sorta makes me wonder if I want to listen to any more!

What are you hearing, learning? Leave your thoughts!

You've Got the Time

During Lent I am listening to the New Testament, courtesy of a wonderful partnership between CBF and Faith Comes by Hearing. Many in our congregation are taking part (in fact we are almost out of CD's!)

In an attempt to make this a shared event, I am going to post some of my impressions, thoughts, each day. (It will also be an incentive not to miss a day!) I also invite you to post your thoughts in the comment section.

It is our hope that this discipline will be very beneficial as we prepare for Easter!

Day 1

Matthew 1-7

Who are these people? The father of______________. While I recognize some of their names, I do wonder about others. Do they ever appear in the Bible? Where did Matthew get their names? Was there a genealogy service available?

While I knew that Matthew took very seriously the idea that Jesus was the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, I was struck with how often idea appears in the 2nd chapter. And did you know that Nazareth was an after-thought about where to settle?

"You are the salt of the earth...You are the light of the world..." Is that what we really want to be? I am struck with how often we don't want to stand out. We have seen what happens to people who are out-front on issues--they are ridicules, have their lives thrown open to the world. Who would want that? Can't we just be on the front row--where we can be seen, but still sorta blend in with the crowd?

Thoughts for Day 1. What were yours?

Celebrating Women Preachers

On Sunday, Providence took part in the Martha Sterns Marshall Day of Preaching sponsored by Baptist Women in Ministry. As we noted in our worship guide having a female preach was not an unusual occurrence in our church. In fact, recently having a non-staff-male in our pulpit has been rare. Because of that, we can just forget that a woman preaching, even being a minister, is still too rare.

I was reminded of that Sunday afternoon. I was talking to our daughter, Savannah, who is a sophomore at Furman at a student in their Exploring Vocational Ministry program. As I told her about LeAnn preaching she relayed a conversation she had with Vaughn Crowe-Tipton, Furman’s chaplain and the advisor of EVM. He was talking about how women ministers are still rare, and in some places controversial.

Savannah was astonished. She said, “Really? But not in CBF churches?”

Oh how I wish that were the case! Our daughters have been privileged to grow up in churches where the conversation about women in ministry is as frequent as a conversation about whether a piano should be in the sanctuary. It just has never been a question. They have never been in a church that doesn’t have a female minister. In Greenville, they watched Donna Forrester, Michele McClendon, Janice Johnson who were my colleagues on the ministerial staff; at Providence they have Deanna McBroom—and so many more women ministers in our congregation—Carol Hughes, Rene Sisson, Stacy Painter, Stacy Sergent, Marjorie Avent, LeAnn Gardner. They have always been the beneficiaries of the wisdom and giftedness of female ministers. We are all better for them!

We were happy to be a part of Martha Sterns Marshall Day of Preaching. I will be even happier when every child can ask, “Really? A woman preaching was an issue? You’re joking, right?”