You've Got the Time--Day 37

I John 2-II John-III John-Jude

I want to arrange the Bible! After listening to this section what I understand is that it isn't all the stuff in the Bible--it is how it is arranged. I John is stuck way at the back and so few people ever really get to it. They are so lost in Romans, confused in Corinthians and disgusted in Timothy that they just give up! They never get to hear "the GOSPEL" in I John.

Ok, my bias is coming out! But what a great difference it would make if we moved I John forward in the Bible. I might even propose putting it first--before you even hear the story of Jesus what you need to understand is "God is love, and everyone who loves God also loves each other! Now that you know that, hear the story."

What a difference that would make! Just imagine how that would completely alter the way we hear so much of what would follow. The question we would ask is not, "Is this right?" but rather, "Is this loving?" Is it really loving to treat people this way? Is it loving to have slaves, to force women to live as 2nd class citizens, and on and on we could go. When I get to put the Bible together, I John is going first!

To be honest, I was so caught up in I John that the next two letters were a blur. Jude caught my attention with the legendary and apocryphal stories that seem to have helped shape his theology. I found myself thinking of the legends that shape my own theology--the legends of the Bible, the legends of our country, the legends of my life. Legends are the stories that shape us--different from history, from fact. They are the way we choose to interpret events. What happens if you don't accept the legend, the myth? Are you really rejected by God?

See why I John needs to be first! God is love!

You've Got the Time--Day 36

I Peter-II Peter-I John 1

It felt like we had entered a whole new world with the beginning of the "minor epistles." (Not really sure that anything attributed to Peter or John should be considered minor, but then I am giving a nod to the minor prophets--but then that is Old Testament!)

And just when it felt strange, I hear that this is being written to those who are in exile. Exile here doesn't have the same feel as those minor prophets writing to exiles in Babylon, but in many ways the image fits well. These are people who no longer feel at home in the world that is, but are yearning for the world that will be.

How often are we exiles--either in a physical or spiritual sense? Too often I know that I like staying in the familiar--seriously, why should I leave Daniel Island? Charleston is nice enough, people come here for vacation, so isn't this about as good as it gets? (The answer is Yes!)

I think the problem comes when we don't feel like exiles, especially in a spiritual sense. Life is good enough. The culture is fine. Let's just blend in; go along to get along! And before we know it there really isn't a Christian distinctive--at least not in the sense the Peter is referring too! We are more like Kierkegaard Christians--in that we live here. We have been enculturated. The only "Christians" around now are those really weird people that no one wants to be like, who make people terribly uncomfortable with their list of do's and don'ts!

Which raises the question, what does it mean to be "Christian" today? Is there any sense that we are exiles?

I thought it was interesting that in talking about baptism the image that was used was that of Noah. I don't know if I have heard that used as the image before, and to be honest, I don't know what exactly to do with it. I just thought it was interesting!

It is obvious that these are being written to people who are suffering. They are being persecuted, living in a world that was antagonistic to their faith, their way of living, their culture. So what does this say to us who really are not suffering. (Somehow an economic downturn doesn't belong on the same scale as say, crucifixion.) How do those of us living in Christendom--especially in the southern US where there are more Christians than people--hear these words? And what does it say to us as we begin to leave the world of Christendom for a more pluralistic world?

Rather than seeing it as persecution, should/could we not see it as an opportunity to once again be an alternative community. I am trying to hear the admonitions about relationships as just that kind of call, rather than an affirmation of the status quo. If that is the case, then we need to give serious consideration to what "Christian relationships" look like in the 21st Century. We need not be the archetype for the 1st century, which is often what the church tries to push! What should be our image?

The book of I John gets a quick intro, but it was enough to make me anticipate tomorrow. A reminder that that sin does exist, and any delusion to the contrary is destined to fail. A hard dose of loving reality!

More to come!

You've Got the Time--Day 35

Hebrews 11-James

OK, just when I am about to start a petition to have the book of Hebrews removed from the Bible due to total obscurity and being completely out of touch with anything having to do with modern life, this section comes along! I remember why I want to keep this book.

Yes, I am playing "Pick and Choose," but how can we get rid of a book that has the wonderful "Roll Call of Saints?" It is not the people--although you have to admit is a rather impressive list. Not, what that litany did for me was to call to my mind the number of people who have influenced me, those known and unknown who have shaped my faith, who have made me who I am. Quickly on the heels of that list came those men and women who have shaped the church, at least the way I see church. For that reason alone I vote we keep Hebrews!

But on a theological level, I was struck with the line, they "were strangers and exiles" on earth. What an interesting line! But the writer goes on to say that they were exiles because they had a vision of what "home" would be like. Talk about going along with the sermon series for Lent! (I love it when a plan comes together!) These saints had a vision and it was so real for them that they were unwilling to turn back.

How "real" is our vision of God's kingdom? Are we willing to keep going, even when it seem rather impossible? Afterall, how "likely" is it that an 80+ year old couple will give birth? Faith calls on us to believe, to live as if there is a better and different world out there, in here, right now. Yes it may seem crazy, but then building a large boat in your backyard and beginning to gather animals is rather crazy, let alone against numerous zoning regulations!

If faith is the anthem of Hebrews, then it is held in tension by the book of James which reminds us that faith without works is dead. What an ongoing tension that is! Is it orthodoxy (believing the right things) that brings us home (using the Hebrews language) or is it orthopraxy (doing the right things? Pick a side in this argument; and while you are at it, which comes first the chicken or the egg?

This is a tension that we so want to relieve, but do so at our peril. Perhaps we should phrase the question a different way: What do my actions say I believe? I think that is a better way of looking at this issue. What do our actions say we believe--as individuals, as a congregation, as a nation? That is where we get uncomfortable. (At least I do!) I say "This I believe" right up to the point that I have to "Just do it!"

Maybe I should join the "Get Rid of James" coalition instead!

You've Got the Time--Day 34

Hebrews 2-10

If there ever was a book in the Bible that was written/directed at a certain ethnic group, this book has to be it! Could a first century Gentile understand this? If not, what chance does a 21st Century American who has no concept of sacrifice-other than not buying a new car this year so we can go on vacation, or maybe save for our children's college--have of catching any idea of what is going on? I mean. seriously, when was the last time you gave serious thought to Melchizedek? And yet he appears continuously throughout this section. And if we are just looking at the book logically, it appears that prooftexting is in vogue. "Hey, here is a verse that seems to point towards Jesus. Let's just pull it out of context and say it does!"

It is easy to understand that this was one of the "controversial" books when the final choice was made of what got in and what got left out of the Bible. The book goes against the idea of "once saved always saved." After all, what do you do with those who claim the faith and later turn away? The writer of Hebrews seems to say that there is a special place in hell reserved for them. You can understand why. This was a time of extreme persecution. You need to know that you can trust those you are worshipping with, knowing that you will not be carted off to the dungeon, or worse!

What I do appreciate about this text is the willingness to translate the experience of Christ into a language that the readers could understand. They knew about sacrifices, about Melchizedek. So he used what they know. (And yes, I am making the assumption that the writer was a he--not being sexist, just playing the odds!)

So how willing are we to do the same? How would we relate our experience with Christ to a middle-class American community who voted in the last election and drive a car that is about to be recalledl who is anxious about their retirement, their parent's health and their children's education (and braces!) What story would we tell? Why are we so terrified about telling a different-but-same story?

I often joke that after preaching for 13 years to the same congregation, I need new material. Maybe Hebrews is a way of saying, "Then write it!"

What story would you tell?

You've Got the Time--Day 33

I Timothy 6-II Timothy-Titus-Philemon-Hebrews 1

Just looking at all the ground to cover in this segment made me wonder if it was 28 hours--but we are now into the "little books,"--little in size but with quite a bit to say. That is if we have ears to hear. I will confess that it took some work at the beginning. I kept wanting to argue with the writer. What is this great desire to protect the status quo? Do you have any idea how these books are going to be used to beat people up in the centuries to come?

But of course they didn't. They were not writing the Bible--they were writing letters. I would hate to have some of my letters in the Bible! (Not that there is any possibility of that!)

In the midst of it though, there are words that I needed to hear. There is an admonition to really think about what we are chasing after in life. The writer reminds us that food and shelter are enough--and I agree, but that house on the marsh on Daniel Island really is nice! And I would like to have a new pair of riding shoes, and a driver, and if only I didn't have to be concerned about how we are going to pay for the wedding and tuition and taxes and and and. It is easy to get caught up in the desire for more and more--with our souls getting less and less. A good hard word!

The entire book of II Timothy reads like a letter of encouragement--to a young minister or any young person (young being anyone under 65!) Again it is a call to be true to one's calling. What I appreciated today is the reminder that as much as we think we are "of one mind," the fact is that there are those who will oppose you, will reject you, will just not be going in the same direction. So it has always been! The writer just seems to reject them outright! Oh, if only I were so sure of my "rightness." There are those who are so sure of their orthodoxy/orthopraxy--but to me reek of hypocrisy. It is obvious that this writer had no problem castigating them, calling names, and then leaving it to God to work out. It would be interesting to have some of their letters!

In Titus and Philemon I felt like I really was reading someone's mail! Very personal reflections. It is obvious that Paul didn't have any problem using guilt to get what he wanted from Philemon! I just wonder if he was ever plagued with thoughts of intention?

The books are getting shorter, but still much to chew on! We are heading into the last week--so toss your reflections in! This isn't a private party!

You've Got the Time--Day 32

I Thessalonians 3-II Thessalonians-I Timothy 2

Listening to this early (ok WAY too early) this morning, with a very busy day at church, made me keenly aware of how much we are now moving into scriptures that deal with how we do church. But first, there is an interesting note where the Paul tells the people in Thessalonica that he warned them about affliction. I wondered what he told them. Was it about persecution? Did he talk about the ways in which following Christ would make them different from the society in which they lived and how that might affect the way they were seen? Did he talk about the ways in which there would be conflict between what they wanted and how they were called to live?

I also wondered how often we/I give that warning today. Or are we just too concerned with building our attendance, making people happy, making sure the budget is met? Hmmmmm.

You can see some issues are beginning to arise as the church "grows up." There are theological issues that are in search of answers. "Brother Isaac was a believer, and we knew he would see the Lord when he returns, but he has died. What will happen to him?" I can just see Brother Paul scratching his head, trying to come up with an answer. So we get this concept that God will raise them first--which just fed the future rapture folks!

Questions about heaven and eternity continue. You might want to see some current ideas about heaven and compare them to what you think/believe. An interesting article.

We need to understand that theology isn't biology. We can't put eternity, God under a microscope and say, "This is THE answer." A lot of it is made up on the spot as situations occur. (Remember yesterday--work out your salvation-and maybe your theological answers--with fear and trembling.) Maybe that is why Paul reminds his readers to test every prophecy. See if it holds up. (Not his, of course, but everyone else! :) )

As we move into Timothy we can definitely see the passage of time and the "institutionalization" of the church. Remember that the Bible wasn't written in a couple years--more like a hundred years. Imagine someone in 1900 telling us how we should do church. As time has passed, the writer (and I don't personally think it was the same Paul from Romans, and definitely not the one from Corinthians--but we will get to that in a minute) is trying to help churches know how they should be organized. Think of it like someone from the Convention/Diocese/Conference saying, "This is how WE do things." This is how we act as ministers, how we behave, how members of our church live.

It is easy to get caught up in the specifics--but here again we do pick and choose, don't we? Too often we hold up scripture about who can be a minister/deacon (husband of one wife--what about polygamy) but carefully leave out the part that the church isn't going to take care of widows under 60. Younger ones should get married. (So what about the Paul of "Remain in your state, don't get married" of earlier books??? Hmmmmmm!)

Without mounting a defense of the book of Timothy (this is one of the sections that I have dreaded since the "responders" have turned out to be female!) let me suggest that what we have here is an admonition for the church to have the highest ethical, moral, practical standing in the community. Which raises a lot of questions about how we do things. Why isn't the church at the forefront of the most creative ideas? Why do we continue to lag several decades in technology and creativity and finances? As one person put it, "too often we are the thermometer rather than the thermostat."

I am trying not to get caught up in the details, but hear the spirit speak. What are you hearing? Sure this will be interesting!

You've Got the Time--Day 31

Philippians 2-Colossians-I Thessalonians 2

It is probably one of my favorite verses ever since I read it from the pen of Soren Kierkegaard as a Junior at Wake Forest. "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling." (Even then I knew the line wasn't original with him!) So often we think of salvation as a gift, that we can just take for granted, without any worries or anxiety. Paul seems to be reminding us that it might not be that cut and dried. Salvation takes some work--on our part. It means choosing day after day after day whether or not we will continue to "follow my Christ who loves me so..." It also means realizing that maybe, just perhaps, I might not have it ALL right. There is a chance I might be wrong. It is that part that reminds me that ultimately it is about the grace of God. (At least I hope it is!)

But time and time again I wonder if Paul remembered that! Oh, I know he says that, but how many times in his letters does he say "imitate me." I know in my head that it is due to his love for his readers, his hope that they might experience the fullness of life that he has found in Christ---but still! My heart just wants to scream at times! I mean, how many times have we heard his credentials--almost like an author who has written the same book several times. Paul has this litany of his accomplishments that he shoots off numerous times--with a little variation so as to avoid copyright laws!

And then just as I am ready to quit--to throw it all away he comes back with lines that cut to the very heart of life today. He realizes that at the core of so much of our problems is pride. Not that we ever see that in our world--not in politicians who oppose legislation they once co-sponsored because the other party might get the credit; churches who seek to cut out and out-do others out of pride rather than any "worthy" reasons. And it infects us all! I don't want to give up my credentials, my diplomas, my standing. I have worked so hard to get it! To say that it is all rubbish? Rubbish!

See, it is pride.

And say what you will, Paul knows how to end a letter! If it isn't with a "holy kiss" (shouldn't we bring that back to church?) it is with a litany of hello's or verses that should be tattooed on our hearts: "Finally beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worth of praise, think about these things."

Again we get to hear an entire book--that of Colossians. Much of it seems to be Ephesians Vol II. We have these wonderful paragraphs about how we should treat each other and I find myself thinking, "Wow! You go Paul!" And then he goes and talks about wives and husbands and slaves. Again I hear the contortions, and the historical relevance--but it is hard after the way these verses have been used to keep people in bondage--both physical and otherwise! I know all this stuff, but you have to understand why someone who hasn't grown up surrounded with the wonderful nurture of Vacation Bible School is not willing to go back to 1st Century Relational Rules. Even if they were revolutionary for his time! Are we willing to be that revolutionary in ours?

So many questions have arisen from this experience. What happened to the letter to the Laodiceans? Why didn't it make the New Testament? Who was going around spreading stories about Paul? Seems like every letter has some section where he is having to defend his credentials? The more I listen, the more I am coming to believe that we have really neutered the Bible--and maybe with good reason!

Maybe all of this IS the ramblings of a crazy heretic. But it is my salvation that is being worked out with fear and trembling! Thanks Soren! Thanks Paul!

You've Got the Time--Day 30

Galatians 5-Ephesians-Philippians 1

What a fascinating 28 minutes! Started off with what I often consider the Baptist Magna Carta "For freedom Christ has set us free!" I really just love that verse--because it seems that for most of his ministry Paul was fighting against individuals and groups who kept wanting to restrict the freedom and grace of God--by circumcision, by baptism, by different gifts, by different approaches to ministry. And throughout, Paul keeps coming back to say, "Christ has set us free."

Except when he doesn't!

Which is why hearing the ENTIRE book of Ephesians was such an interesting experience. After the end of chapter 3 I even jotted down the note--"Is this the real ending and someone just tacked on something additional?" There may not be a book in the entire Bible that I personally "pick and choose" more than Ephesians. Here we have those wonderful verses:
"I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers;"
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God--not the results of works so that no one may boast;"
"I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all; the saints, what is the breadth and length, and height and depth and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God"

But then we get those verses in Chapter 5 which are so often pulled out of context; which people try to explain away; which are just an abomination to any modern father who has daughters and hopes that they might have the opportunity to fulfill all their God-given gifts!

These passages really raise the issue of hermeneutics--the big theological word that means how we interpret scripture. This passage points out that we can't even toss out certain books! Even in the midst of a paragraph we have to listen and choose which ones really are "the word of God."

We all have a way. We all do it! The question is, are we aware? Are we consistent? How do we decide? If there is a section in the entire New Testament in which those issues arise, this is it? Sorta wonder if we really want people who have no knowledge of our faith to hear this section! But then, we have those great verses too! So how do we decide?

How do you decide?

You've Got the Time--Day 29

II Corinthians 10-Galatians 4

As I listen to this section I am once again overwhelmed with the desire to know what was going on "behind the scenes." It is obvious that both in Corinth and in Galatia there is some rather serious opposition to Paul. Maybe there are those who are mad at the fact that, for whatever reason, Paul hasn't made it back to see them, and so they assume that they are no longer important. Maybe they have started listening to the preacher down the street--afterall, that is who their neighbors are listening to, and his church is obviously growing, so maybe he is the REAL apostle. Maybe they are finally realizing that this "Jesus" stuff isn't all that it was cracked out to be--I mean, he isn't here either!

There is obviously something going on--but all we have is Paul's defense. Even without it there are several questions that arise for me. Paul gives a rather heated defense of "the gospel." Is it "the" gospel; "a" gospel; or "Paul's" gospel? Those may be different things! How do I know that what I am preaching is "the," "a" or "my" gospel?

And if it is "the" gospel, should we really be deciding what should be included and what is left out because it is cultural? On the surface they seem like trivial items, and yet they lie at the very core of so much of the dissension in churches today--people confused about the-a-my!

Paul just assumes that the gospel and his gospel are one and the same. But before I throw stones, I have to remember that I do the same thing. Otherwise, wouldn't we just mumble?

As Galatians opens Paul is still giving a heated defense of his ministry, but he also opens the conversation of works and faith. Funny how we are still having that conversation! Or maybe not funny! I am not sure that Paul's argument holds up, though. It really isn't good preaching, good logic or good gospel. He has his assumption and then goes looking for proof-texts.

But then again, don't we all? So as i struggle with grace and works, with circumcision and freedom, with criticism and defense--I wonder how far we have come from Corinth and Galatia? It is almost enough to make you throw up your hands and quit!

But this Lenten journey is not for the faint of heart, or body. And so I continue--struggling with every step, with every chapter. Listening is hard! The struggle is even harder!

Not to late to join the conversation!

You've Got the Time--Day 28

I Corinthians 16-II Corinthians 9

It was bound to happen! Maybe it was the early morning bike ride; or the time spent finishing up my sermon, but by the time I got to this section, I was completely brain dead! I have absolutely no idea what Paul is talking about.

Oh, there were verses here and there. Paul obviously didn't get to Corinth like he had hoped, had caught wind that some of the brothers (and that is an intentional sexism) were bothered by his first letter. So he had to write a "make up" letter to remind them that he really does care about them. In many ways it sounds like a parent saying, "this is going to hurt me more than you."

But other than a verse or two, I am lost in the language, the philosophy, and the gorgeous day. Paul says that grace may abound, so I hope that God's grace will abound towards me, and maybe Monday I will have a better idea of what is going on.

Actually, I hope I have some idea of what is going on tomorrow! If my language ever gets this obtuse in a sermon, please just raise your hand or shout out, "What in the world are you talking about?!"

Hold on, let me give that some thought!

You've Got the Time--Day 27

I Corinthians 10-15

If you are confused about the title, I just realized that I have messed up the counting! (Hey, I was a religion major--counting to 40 is tough. We usually only deal with numbers like 7 and 12!) So rather than go back and completely change all the titles, I just decided to make an adjustment today. That way we can continue in good order!

Which seems to be the theme in this section. I agree with Stacy's earlier comment that I am confused with the multiple voices in Corinthians. But it seems that there were multiple voices speaking in and for the church in Corinth. The result was total confusion, disarray and conflict. (Who ever heard of that happening in a church today?)

Paul's admonition to love each other seems rather safe and benign, until you start to take it seriously. It is much easier to fall into old patterns, to follow the script from the past rather than take the risky step of loving one another, of putting your own interests below those of the body of Christ.

And yet, Paul seems to fall exactly into the "old patterns" in his treatment of women. This is obviously a cultural pattern which too often has been elevated to the level of doctrine--without insisting that women cover their heads in church. We pick and choose, don't we? And that is all of us? It seems that to fall back on the law of love is just too tough.

Much of this I just want to discount as cultural baggage--but that in itself is a danger, isn't it? How do we decide what we will keep and what we will discard? That question has come up time and time again as I have listened to these scriptures. This is dangerous stuff! One person even told me that she wasn't sure that these tapes should be sent to places so that people could just hear them! I fully understand. Do I believe that my daughters are lower than men? Of course not! So how do we decide what is "scripture" and what is ancient custom?

Ahh, therein lies the rub! As I have often said, the question is what we include in our Bible. This section just highlighted that tension. What is in your Bible? How do you decide? I invite you to share your thoughts!

See, this conversation does get interesting--even when we don't agree!

You've Got the Time--Day 24

I Corinthians 2-9

This is one of those days when I've had to scratch my head and say, "Really?" This lesson and my day just collided, or should I say meshed in a way that almost makes me think it was one of those "God-things!"

My day is being spent in with meetings that many consider "outside the domain" of my job, but which after today I again see as very much in line with my job. This morning I had a board meeting with the SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. This is one of the great ministries (and I use that term intentionally) in SC that has helped make a difference in the lives of so many families. In a few minutes I am off to a meeting of the Charleston County School District Health Education Advisory Committee--the group that helps determine the health education curriculum (including sexuality education) for our school district.

And Paul spends much of this section talking about sexual ethics! Coincidence??

As this was the topic of my doctoral dissertation, I could write another 257 pages on this topic (but you wouldn't read it!) The real question however is how do we made decisions about sexual ethics today? Paul was rightfully upset about the way in which some members of the Corinthian church had taken the idea of freedom from the law to excess. It leads him to a conversation about marriage and sexual relations--all of which must be read against the backdrop of the expectation of the imminent return of Jesus! You don't change your relational status because Christ will be back soon, and there is too much to be done! Getting married takes a lot of preparation (we know that in our house right now!) and being married will distract you from the "real" job of getting ready for God's kingdom.

But that was nearly 1900 years ago? Does that urgency still hold? Is that the basis for our ethic? If not, then what is? Do we have any sexual ethics, or do we live in an anything goes world?

Oh there is so much more in this section--what do you do when someone is going against the behavioral standards of the church? (Does anyone want to bring back "churching? If not, does that mean that anything goes?) Does God really keep secrets from some people and then hold it against them? What parties are we following--not just preachers, but denominations, political affiliations, family loyalties--other than the Kingdom of God?

All this is in this section, one in which I think Paul really is showing his concern (and a bit of arrogance) for this church. This is the human Paul--one with flaws and attributes--and yet he still got into the Bible! That grace gives me hope. It also reminds me that Paul was human--and might be wrong. So I have to struggle with these issues.

In fact, I have to struggle with them in 30 minutes downtown!

You've Got the Time--Day 23

Romans 11-I Corinthians 1

This was a tough section for me to hear, mainly because of all the interruptions! I wonder if Paul had those when he was transcribing this letter. (Loved the writer putting in his greetings at the end!)

Paul is trying to make his case why the Gentiles are now welcomed into the Kingdom of God. They are not Jews, and everyone knows that the Jews are God's favorites. So how did/can this happen?

Apparently this was a major issue for the early church. How glad I am that we no longer worry about who is in and who is out, who God favors and who God doesn't, who God can/will love and who God won't! (You do catch the tongue firmly planted in my cheek there, don't you?) After all his argument it seems to me that Paul finally comes down to the point that God will love whom God will love. God is going to do something, and if that means using Gentiles so be it.

But will God use Methodists? Muslims? How far will we allow God to go in bringing about God's kingdom?

After what seems like a rant from "angry Paul" we suddenly have this shift where the "kinder-gentler Paul" (who seldom gets any recognition) shows up. In Romans 12 we have this wonderful exposition of how we should behave as followers of Christ. It is a wonderful "to-do" list, but also a list that reminds me of how much I do need the grace of God!

How many times growing up did I hear sermons about how we shouldn't do things that might cause others to fall? At least monthly! It was a way of driving into us that we need to stay on path--but I wonder how often those verses have been used to keep us on a cultural course rather than a Christian one? Don't do anything that might offend someone? Isn't that the argument the ministers in Birmingham used against Martin Luther King, Jr? How much do we take others ingrained prejudices, mores, into consideration? This is always a sticky wicket for me. I do think that our actions affect others--often negatively, but there are times when following our faith will put us at odds with the way things are. Tough!

I loved the "hellos" to friends at the conclusion of the letter. Reminds me of the wonderful PS in older days!

The shift to Corinthians is rather abrupt! Here is a church that Paul knows well and it is obvious that he loves them while at the same time rather disappointed that they would fall prey to such petty fighting. Again, thankfully we don't have any of that today!

So how do you like Paul? It is not too late to join the conversation! Leave your comments. Your voice may just be the one we need to hear.

You've Got the Time--Day 22

Romans 5-10

Stacy is right in her comments on yesterday. This is where Paul starts getting a little (OK, a whole lot) dense. It seems to me that part of the problem is that he is working out of a philosophical base that may or may not hold for us anymore. And that creates a real problem. What happens to our faith when the language that we have traditionally used doesn't fit our world.

For instance, substitutionary atonement. The idea of sacrifice is totally foreign for us. In all my years I have not been to a sacrifice--other than Wake Forest football! There isn't a church or synagogue or masque or temple in this country that offers sacrifices--real one, goats, sheep, cows, pigeon doves--as a part of worship. So how do we have any idea of sacrifice? In fact, the real sacrifices today are those offered by suicide bombers--and I dare say that we all totally reject that as a picture of what God calls us to?

So what then are we to say about these things? (Channeling Paul there!) What Paul was doing was "translating" his experience with Christ into a mindset that his readers could understand. At times that meant jettisoning some ideas that were deeply rooted--are the Jews really God's favorites? What about the Gentiles?

So are we willing to let go of some of those ideas that have been rooted in us? What does that mean for how our faith, our churches, our actions look? Who gets to decide what is kept, and what is disposed of?

It is easy to just dismiss Paul. Lord knows that there are times that I do--but then he speaks what is the core of the gospel--"nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus"--and I have to give him another chance. It isn't easy, but I have to remember that Paul was a human who was working with what he had available to him, both technologically (isn't this new papyrus great?) but also philosophically. Neither one is God. To make them so is to completely miss the boat, to substitute one "slavery to the law" for another.

This grace stuff is hard!

You've Got the Time--Day 21

Acts 27-Romans 4

Day 21 means that we move into the later part of Lent, but it also means that we make a major transition from hearing about Paul to the letters from Paul. And right off the bat we hit Romans, which is about as dense and important a book as there is in the New Testament.

But first we have to finish Acts. And finish may be a nebulous word. What we get is one last travelogue--Paul's cruise to Rome--which isn't the way to travel. Paul is a prisoner, but it seems that he is the one in charge. There is a storm, a boat wreck and finally a journey to Rome...and it ends! No real "ending."

And maybe that is the way it should be. In many ways Acts is the story of the church...and it definitely didn't end in Rome. It continues--in all its storm-tossed ways! The ending is one that we are helping write--maybe even blog about!

Paul did his writing in the form of letters that went from church to church, city to city. Perhaps none is more important than the letter to the church in Rome. It is one that challenges us to think about life and what we believe and how we act. And all of that makes me very uncomfortable! Which may very well be why I don't really like Paul that much! (Or at least, haven't in the past. But then, I used to think that I liked Luke, so who knows any more!)

Right off the bat Paul gives us a lists of sins that have been used to segregate, beat up, castigate and all kinds of other discriminatory words! But it is important to note that Paul is talking about "sin" and the symptoms of sin. The actions that we so often use are the examples, the symptoms of our sin! And who doesn't have at least one of them. (I know that I heard several descriptions of myself!)

And just when I am ready to remind Paul about that whole "Log in your own eye" thing, he goes there himself, reminding us that there is a higher bar for those who judge. Don't really hear that preached very often! (Note to self--sermon topic for the future.)

I was struck by Paul's writing about the righteous--and again how they may not fit the neat "categories" we like to use. For Paul it was Jew and Gentile, and he insists that the Gentiles who do righteousness are favored by God, they are more "in line" with what God wants than the Jews. I wonder how far we are willing to push that envelope. And what do we do with his statement that often the name of God is blasphemed because of our actions.

What do our actions say about our God?

But that may just have to be another entry, completely outside the "You've Got Time" series!

You've Got the Time--Day 20

Act 21-26

Did you notice that this is Day 20? That means that we are now officially halfway through Lent, and through the New Testament! It doesn't feel that way, since we aren't even finished with the 5th book, but remember that some of the later ones only have 1 chapter!

This might be a good time to reflect just a bit on what the experience has been like for you. What have you learned--about the scriptures; about Jesus; about yourself? I continue to be amazed by things that I didn't know, almost as much as new revelations about things that I thought I knew. Explains why people have been reading and wrestling with this text for nearly 2,000 years!

Today we continue with Paul's travelogue! I actually listened to this section in the Atlanta airport VERY early this morning, after flying in from Los Angeles on the Red Eye Express! I wondered if Paul was ever this exhausted? But at least I knew where the cities I have visited were on a map. I kept thinking, "Where in the world is Paul?" (There should be a Bible video game in there somewhere. If you create it, the idea was mine! I want a share of the royalties!)

As normal, Paul continued to be in trouble. What was it about this guy that just got people all bothered? But then I guess I shouldn't be surprised as he still does it today! In this case the Jews were all happy with him as he gave his testimony (maybe we should bring that back in church today! Want to volunteer for tomorrow?) They were happy until he mentioned the word "gentile." At that point they went ballistic and wanted to kill him.

What are the words that we dare not say at church from fear of upsetting the status quo? What word would set us off? I have to keep remembering that today I am the establishment! I am the one who is trying to kill Paul. It isn't fair to put myself on his side, while maybe the Paul's of our day just set me off!

Paul did show that he was a shrewd debater. He found a way to turn his opponents against each other, and was actually rescued by his enemies. I wonder how often we allow our enemies to save us. How often do we try to save our enemies?

Time and time again Paul is in trouble, even to the point that a bunch swore that they would not eat until Paul was killed. Because of that, Paul ends up in a jail for 2 years, again, "protected" by the Romans. But, what happened to that oath? What happened to those men who swore they would not eat until Paul was dead? Did they break their vow, a very serious thing in that day? Or did they not live to see Paul hauled off to Rome.

Oops, did I let some tidbit out from Monday?

Well, tune in again tomorrow, or Monday for another stirring episode of "You've Got the Time!" As always, we would love for you to join the conversation! What have you experienced as we reach halftime?

Remember to turn your clocks back an hour tonight! Or you may be way off for worship!

Acts 16-20

There is a lot of traveling in this section--a lot like what I hope to be doing tonight! But we will see!

I thought it was interesting that Paul took it on himself to circumcise Timothy for what seems to be less than ideal reasons. (I also wonder what Timothy thought about this!) It was done to appease the Jews. Now before I get too bothered by this, I wonder how often we/I do things in order to make sure someone is not offended. It isn't because I think it is the right thing to do, or that I want to do it, but it is expected. Rather than risk the ire of others, I do whatever it is. So is that counted unto me as righteousness? I wonder...

It was interesting to me that even though Paul wanted to go into Asia, he was stopped by the spirit of God. The skeptic in me wants to ask whether that was the case. Was it God who stopped him, or was it circumstances that he just ascribed to God? Does God really stop us from doing good things? These passages seem to say just that. Of course, because he was stopped there were opportunities in Macedonia, so...

I remember a friend asking in a college meeting "Is God's will something we can see ahead of us, or is it just what we see through the rear view mirror?" Maybe this was Paul's way of looking behind him and seeing that God had been at work, even in the events that Paul saw as less than favorable.

We have a travelogue that includes a book burning, a guy falling out of a window during a sermon that ran way too long, and miracles and healings. Through it all we see Paul rising to the stature of Peter--the things Peter did earlier in Acts Paul does now. The gospel is spreading literally to all the world with Paul in the lead!

You've Got the Time--Day 19

Acts 10-14

I just hate it when God refuses to follow the rules!

But that was the theme I kept hearing throughout these passages. (OK, I got ahead yesterday, but the same thing is going on there at the end!) God's spirit is not confined to just one group. We have the story of Cornelius and the Gentiles there, of Peter telling his friends about his experience; of Paul and Barnabas missionary journey to the Gentiles.

And there was great opposition--both from the Jews and the church. "They" were not worthy; "We" are the chosen ones, the right ones; we can't let them in!

I am so glad that we no longer have those arguments in the church! Oh how I wish!

What would happen if we listened again, and every time gentile was used, we substituted "gay?" What if instead of gentiles receiving the spirit, we substituted women? What if those that we want out--for whatever reason--were welcomed in? Now I understand why people were opposed! We get upset when we arrange the sanctuary a different way. These "apostles" were rearranging life as they had known it!

I need to remember that today as I go and listen about how the internet is radically transforming the way that church is being done, how it will be done. Perhaps I should leave my rocks outside--just in case!

You've Got the Time--Day 18

Acts 5-10

And you thought early church history wasn't exciting!

We are now hearing the stories, the legends, maybe even the urban legends that grew up around the early church. By early we are talking about those years right after Jesus. Did they happen like this? Probably not! This is not modern journalism, where we learn the who, what, when and where!

You can only imagine how the stories spread—as people were forced out of Jerusalem, as a man told his cousin who was passing through who then told his sister-in-law who then told the women at the market who told their husbands who passed the word on at the synagogue.

But what stories they are! You have by far the greatest stewardship sermon in the history of the church! A family sells a piece of land, promising that they will give the proceeds to the church but then keep a portion (a large portion) for themselves. The result is that the husband and the wife are struck dead! Just imagine that next year at pledge time! My guess is that the congregation would meet its budget or be much smaller in membership!

We can get caught up in the story and miss the point! Will we do what we promise God? This is serious stuff.

The first deacons are chosen. And once again the ancient sexism wins out. That hit me when the disciples chose a replacement for Judas. Using their “requirements” shouldn’t they have chosen one of the women who stuck around at the cross, who cared for Jesus all the way? Here again they are looking for someone to serve at the table. When was there a man mentioned as serving—other than Jesus? It was always the women—remember Mary and Martha!

One of the great “What if’s!” What if the early church has lived out their creed “there is no male or female” and chosen a woman as a deacon? As an apostle? How different would the church be? How different would our world be? What if we lived it out today? Just asking!

We have one of the longest sermons in the Bible, as Stephen gives us the first “Salvation history” tracing the Jesus story all the way back to the Abraham. Maybe his stoning should serve as an example to long-winded preachers! But it also serves to introduce us to Saul—soon to be Paul.

Without reciting the whole stories (you have listened to them, haven’t you?) I do want to mention the willingness of individuals to go against the expected. Annaias goes to see Saul, who had been looking to kill him; a Roman centurion goes looking for Peter to learn from him; Peter is willing to go and stay with Gentiles! All go against the norm! They step WAY OUT of their comfort zone.

That is the challenge that came to me this morning. How often do I try to stay in the straight and narrow and miss out on the real mission God has in mind? How far are we willing to go to follow Jesus?

A word of personal privilege! Acts is the story of a changing world. This is being posted as I fly across the country to attend a conference “Theology after Google.” How is our theology being affected by this new world? How is our theology affecting this world?

Never been to California before and still don’t know where this goes once I post it online! Talk about outside your comfort zone!

You've Got the Time--Day 17

John 20-Acts 4

This is THE story that we turn to every Easter, the one we will read in just a few weeks. It is the one that we cling to! So when I heard Jesus' words to Mary, I wondered how much we cling to the stories we know, that we love. I know that as we have gone through the gospels I have found myself resisting letting go of MY Jesus. And yet, here he is saying that we can't hold on--not if Jesus is to continue to grow in our lives, to be the Christ that we need him to be.

Got me to thinking of what other ideas I cling to? Hmmmmm.

We then have that wonderful story of Faithful Thomas (I am trying to redeem his reputation--after all, he was the one who convinced the other disciples to follow Jesus to Jerusalem!) He had some questions, and Jesus gave him the answers he needed. And then Jesus responds to Thomas by saying, "Have you believed because you have seen me..."

So why have I believed? Why do I believe? Why do you believe? Another one of those questions that I often just take for granted. We don't ask the question. But one day it arises--even out of scripture? Why do you believe? Not what, but why?

One of the final scenes in John's story is Jesus fixing breakfast for the disciples. They have been out fishing all night, haven't caught anything but with Jesus advice pull in a great catch of fish (153 to be exact.) When they come ashore Jesus has fish and bread cooking on the fire but says, "bring some of the fish you have caught." Why? Why does Jesus need their fish? Has he forgotten about what he can do with some fish and bread?

Or could it be that Jesus needs their contribution? Does Jesus know we need to make a contribution--to the meal, to the kingdom? What is it that I have to contribute?

And note that there isn't any ascension in John. The story just ends with the acknowledgment that there are a lot more stories about Jesus that don't make this book--or even THE book. What do we do with them? John's story is different from Luke's which is different from Mark which is different from Matthew. What do we do with those that are even more different--so different that they didn't make the Bible? These have been so thought provoking that I am glad we aren't reading any more--I don't know if my heart and mind could take it!

And with that we change books! We change authors, stories, voices even. We pick up with Acts--or Luke Volume II as I like to call it. We hear the story of the ascension (again in a different locale than Matthew. Here it is outside Jerusalem; Matthew puts it in Galilee. Why?) We have the story of Pentecost and the wonders of that day. We often get caught up in the story of the tongues of fire and the speaking (or hearing) in tongues, but what caught me this morning was what happened to turn these fearful disciples who were hiding out to street corner preachers? What happened to them?

And in return, what has happened to us, to make us move the other direction--terrified to speak a word for or about Jesus and God? And how have we neutered Jesus to the point that some even pontificate that if you should leave a church that talks about "social gospel" and caring for the poor! Is this how much we have profaned the message of Christ? (But that is for another day!)

Peter and John are going to the temple, still practicing their faith when they are confronted with a man who was lame. He is begging, asking for money. I love the response Peter gives. "We don't have any money, but we will give you what we have." It isn't a denial of assistance, but rather they offer what they have.

What is it that we have to offer our world? Anything at all? Is it just financial--a question I often wonder, especially when our church is located in an affluent part of town? Does ministry flow down the economic hill, or do we have anything to offer people who aren't begging? What do we have to offer?

As the story moves from Jesus to the church, that is the question before us--as the church, and as individuals. I look forward to your contributions to the discussion!

You've Got the Time--Day 16

John 15-19

Right off the bat this morning I was distracted by this section--not by anything in the text, but by the song that kept running through my head! "Jesus is the vine and we are the branches, his banner over me is love..."

It is a song I learned somewhere in my distant past; one of those catchy songs that after it runs through your mind the first 789 times you are ready for a complete lobotomy! But it sticks! and for many of us, that is how we remember scripture--only "his banner over me is love" isn't in the scripture! That is what we so often do. We know the scripture that we know--whether or not it is what the text actually says. Just another incident in where I have become conscious of this during this discipline of hearing the text.

As the lesson continued, I gave myself some grace. This is "Rambling Jesus." I am convinced that john did what some of the other gospel writers did--just put a lot of sayings together in one spot that may or may not have anything to do with one another. It's just that we are nearing the climax of the story!

Aren't we all caught up with the same question that the disciples were asking, "What does he mean by a little while?" I had a professor who said that he asked a church history question on an exam. One question--"What is the most significant event in the history of the church?" One student answered quickly, turned his test in with the answer, "The non-occurrence of the paraousia. Everything was changed." He got an "A."

I am sure that some of the people who were reading John's text were wondering the same thing! How much longer? Aren't we? Isn't that why we have the "Left Behind" novels, the fascination with the Mayan calendar, Nostradamus? We just want things to be scheduled! But those who were hearing this needed to know that their suffering would soon be over. Someone in prison hears this differently than someone planning a wedding!

This is also the section that gives us "the Lord's Prayer" the one Jesus prays, not the one he used to teach us to pray. Here we are able to eavesdrop on Jesus as he pours out his soul--or at least the way John recalls it!

The arrest and trial of Jesus is SO different here! There is no earnest prayer time in the Garden of Gethsemane. There is no betrayal with a kiss. Instead we have a Jesus who is rather forceful, facing down his captors. We have Peter named as the one who is cutting off ears. When Jesus goes before the High Priest and Pilate we don't have a silent Jesus, but one who is forceful, almost belligerent. Even the date is different in John. This is the day before the Passover! Why the discrepancy? What is John trying to say?

I was caught with the speed of Jesus death--just a few verses it seemed--especially after the long supper speech.

This is a different Jesus--one that doesn't allow capture in a set image, and definitely in a catch song. He is a complex and intriguing man--perhaps that is why we are listening to his story centuries after his life.

You've Got the Time--Day 16

John 10-14

We are heading into the wordy Jesus, the one whose "red letters" just fill up page after page in my old Bible. This is a Jesus that at times I find myself thinking, "What in the world are you talking about?" Yet this is also the Jesus I turn to when I really need a word from God. What does that mean? Maybe that God's otherness is just the comfort I so often need.

But that doesn't mean that this section is not full of enough questions to keep a person busy for a life time. It seems to me that right off the bat Jesus hints that there are some who are sneaking into the kingdom. Can you do that? How often do I try to do that--get in without anyone knowing that I am there, that I am following Jesus? But then comes that line that just throws a kink in all our ideas about missions and evangelism--"I have other sheep not of this fold." How far are we willing to take that? Sure, we will let the Methodist and the Lutherans in (have to say that since Anita grew up Methodist and Deanna grew up Lutheran!) but what about those "other ones?" And what about the Other Ones--those who don't even call themselves Christians? Is Jesus going to corral them into the kingdom too?

Now before I get accused of blasphemy (again) let me remind you that was the accusation aimed at Jesus. In the winter (I actually like the little details that John throws in) the religious leaders are ready to stone him! (That would make our rituals a bit different would it? How do you make the sign of the stone? OK, now we are really heading into the world of blasphemy!) Who are the others that we religious types have sought to stone? And how often do we run away at the first sight of that kind of opposition?

Jesus ran away--for a season. but then decides that he will go back. And I love Thomas's reaction--Let's go so that we can die with him. So why don't we ever talk about Faithful Committed Thomas?

The whole Lazarus story has enough material for a year of sermons don't you think? Why did Jesus wait? What do we do with Martha's reprimand of Jesus (even though the actress on the recording didn't want to go there with Jesus--there are some things we just can't do even now!) What do we do with Martha's lie to her sister? (Jesus never asked about her!)

Through it all however is such deep truth! Jesus cries! He grieves! We hear the anger and the negotiating from Lazarus' family and friends! These are real grief responses--the very ones that we so often try to shove under the rug when we are going through grief! There is a wealth of lessons for us here!

Seeing isn't believing! Some of the those who saw Jesus raise Lazarus went to the Pharisees announcing that they had to do something with this man less he bring down the whole kingdom. And isn't that exactly what Jesus is seeking to do--bring down or in the kingdom? Just not the one we want, the one we have. And so the leaders do what is expedient, what is necessary. They decide that he has to go!

Now before we crucify them, perhaps we need to think of all the times when we choose to do what is expedient, what is necessary. How often do we fail to do the things that we really should do--like the disciples! How dense are they? I mean, if I heard Jesus say, "The one I give this bread to is the one who will betray me," and then gives the bread to Judas, I really hope I would at least say, "Hey Judas, what is going on?"

And did you catch that John doesn't have a "Last Supper?" It is just supper, the day before Passover. Instead of communion John gives us foot washing. Just interesting what caught on in the church!

One last thing, Phillip asked Jesus to show them the Father and "That will be enough." Is it? What is enough for me? For us?

I think that John just has too much! Too much for me to take in! Tomorrow is Sunday, so there won't be a blog, but instead I hope you will join us at Providence as we continue to imagine the Kingdom of God. But feel free to add your comments!

You've Got the Time--Day 15

John 6-9

Today we finally hear the "REAL" feeding of the 5,000 story--the one that we know is true because it is the one that we were taught in Vacation Bible School! This is the story where the little boy brings his lunch to Jesus--well, actually Andrew found him and brought him and the lunch to Jesus. Growing up I heard the story about how his mother had prepared his lunch for him as he was going out to hear Jesus, knowing that it would be a long day. It was one of those Christian Mishnah's that has become so much a part of our faith.

And yet, we still don't really know the story! In this telling, Jesus is the one who takes the initiative to care for the people--almost with a gleam in his eye he begins the process. And then there is that interesting line (at least for someone who lives on the coast) "they had all the fish they wanted." Talk about a miracle! Can you really have that much fish? Obviously weren't serving steamed oysters, or shrimp!

And then Jesus retreats, runs away, because the people wanted to "make him king by force." How different is that from our world--where people start running for president years before election day. Here is one who is running away from election, from coronation. Just another interesting insight into his character, and how different he is from our world!

One issue that started to arise in this section (and I will confess that it is one of the reasons I don't rank John high on my list of gospels) is Jesus beginning to sound like a philosophy professor. There were times when I was forced to pull out a Bible and read along, just because I couldn't grasp what he was saying. This is hard stuff, because Jesus is not speaking 21st Century. When was the last time that you had a conversation about bread from heaven, or devils, or genealogy and it's impact on your salvation?

But in the midst of all of this the question kept arising for me, "Why do we seek Jesus?" The people were coming for bread and signs. What are we coming for? What is it that we want, expect, need from Jesus?

This section also gets a bit gory, didn't you think with all the talk about eating my body and drinking my blood? You can understand why one of the early charges lodged against the church was cannibalism!

The tension is rising already in this gospel--even within Jesus. (What do you do with the part where Jesus says he is not going to the festival, and then goes to the festival? Did he lie?)

Finally (due more to time restrictions on my part, not that this anywhere near deals with all the issues that this section raised for me) Jesus is called a Samaritan! I had never heard that before! In that day, in Jerusalem, could you call someone anything worse? It would be like someone accusing me of being a Tar Heel fan! Gross! But what are the ways that we try to denigrate those who are different from us? The words that we throw around--we say they are descriptive, but how often do they come with such venom.

Even in the midst of dense words comes a blow to me! What is hitting you?

You've Got the Time--Day 14

John 1-5

We have moved into a different world today--away from the synoptic gospels into the world of John--and it appears the voice of a different narrator! As if we needed another reminder!

The verses from John 1 are those that we read every year on Christmas Eve--"And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth." But I was struck by the fact that I seldom go much farther in this chapter. I have always thought of Luke as being a gospel aimed at the Gentiles, but right off the bat John opens up his telling of the Jesus story to everyone. "Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."

And the differences just keep on coming! The geographical alignment of John is totally different. In the previous stories we have Jesus primarily in Galilee, but John puts him in Jerusalem. Jesus cleans out the temple right off the bat--which could explain why the religious leaders were after him from the get-go! In many ways John is literally turning the story upside down--and maybe that is what we need! It gets so familiar doesn't it? Or at least I thought it was before I started listening!

But what really caught my attention were the questions that are raised in the early chapters. People come to John the Baptist asking, "Who are you?" (Where is The Who soundtrack when you need it?) John's disciples ask Jesus, "Where are you staying?" Nathaniel asks the skeptic's question, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" All these questions when what we usually want are answers. And note that Jesus usually responds, "Come and see for yourself." There isn't A answer--but the answer comes from the experience.

I was also struck by the story of the woman at the well. Actually, I was struck by her. What had happened to her? She had been married several times previously--and was now living with someone to whom she wasn't married. Had she been widowed? Divorced? Either way these were things that had happened to her. In that world she couldn't divorce her husband. So what was the background? Isn't that a typical response? We want to know what has happened, what are the circumstances? Jesus just deals with what is in front of him. We want to assign blame, or at least understand the circumstances. Jesus is just "full of grace," to the point that it just overflows.

He is a bit more speechy in John, but so far is showing a lot more grace! Surprising for me! What are your reactions?

You've Got the Time--Day 13

Luke 20-24

As we come to the end of this gospel we know how it is going to end. We've already heard it twice. This road is not going anywhere good--at least not for Jesus.

Maybe that is why my attention turned elsewhere this morning--to the Pharisees. Throughout the gospel they come across as the Bad Guys. If this were a Western, they would wear black hats and have mustaches!

And yet...

As I have said before, if I am honest, I want a congregation full of Pharisees. They were the good people! They were the ones who were encouraging, pushing, pleading with people to keep Torah. They truly believed that if everyone would just follow the law for one day, then the Messiah would come to set up God's kingdom.

And here comes this rabble-rousing, law breaking, drunkard and wine-bibber itinerant preacher stirring up the people with this new teaching that seemed to turn the law, their law on its head! What are we to do with him?

And then the verse that caught my attention this morning. They knew what they wanted to do, but they couldn't because "they were afraid of the people."

I wonder if that is not the case for many of us in the church. We would follow Jesus too, but we are afraid of the people. We are really afraid of what would happen if we started hanging out with sinners and tax collectors--those that the good people look down on. What would happen if we started hanging out with drug dealers and prostitutes? What would happen if we opened our buildings up to young girls to keep them away from pimps? What about the skaters and the kids that truth be told we really don't want in our youth group or building? What if we started preaching about the fact that putting our trust in financial spreadsheets is what has brought us to the place we are as a nation and as individuals, and what following Jesus really means is selling it all and giving it away? (Except of course, for our building, and my house, and he really can't expect me to do without health insurance!)

Luke's gospel starts with the angel's exhortation, "Don't be afraid." And yet, everyone in Luke is afraid. We are afraid. Jesus was even afraid. At the end of the Last Supper, that holiest of times, Jesus tells his disciples to go out on a weapons buying spree! So should we be surprised when one of them cuts off someone's ear in the Garden? Isn't that what Jesus said?

Maybe THAT was the moment of decision for Jesus. He probably could have turned the tide right there; he could have led a revolution. Or he can be faithful and committed to the path he has been traveling. I can imagine him wavering--but then he decides.

Put away your sword. We're not going that way. I am not going to turn aside because I am afraid of where it will lead. At that moment he really chose to place his spirit, and his life, in God's hands.

Would we? Or will we be afraid?

So Luke and the synoptic gospels are over. Tomorrow we go to John and a totally different way of telling the story!

You've Got the Time--Day 12

Luke 14-19

OK, let's be honest! THIS is THE section that I have been waiting on! If I had to pick my favorite chapter of the whole Bible it would have to be Luke 15. How can you not love that chapter, full of such great stories! I was looking forward to hearing this!

I should have stuck with my memories! It is so obvious that I have such selective hearing/memory! This is a horrible section! It so flies in my face, into the face of anyone who considers themselves "religious!"

It starts right off the bat with Jesus call to individuals to follow him. They give all kinds of excuses, and they are so lame! Come on people! Can't you come up with a decent excuse? Just go to any middle school and take a lesson! And yet, how lame are the excuses that I come up with to not doing the things that Jesus is rather explicit in calling us to do?

Maybe that is why we never talk about the real cost of following Jesus. We avoid these passages about "hating father and mother," or at the very least we spiritualize them rendering them almost worthless. I often wonder what those who believe in the inerrancy of scripture do with this passage? At least liberals are used to discounting passages!

The passage where the worthless salt gets thrown out because it really isn't making a difference really hit home today. I got a video that was one of the most disturbing things I have seen in a while, about sex trafficking in the US. And then I realize how we in the church choose to deal with such safe issues, like listening to the New Testament, instead of making a difference in this situation. Ouch! Hope I like the fire!

There are those wonderful stories in Luke 15, but by now I am so disturbed, convicted, and confused! What do we do with the stories when Jesus seems to be holding up the crooks and criminals as examples? What about the 9 lepers who didn't come back to say 'thank you?' Did they get cured anyway? And again, what do we do with all this apocalyptic stuff? There is a really good sermon on the Providence website from February 21 about your options. (OK, maybe not really good, but there is a sermon there that gives you options. Which one do you choose?) Or do we just throw these verses out?

(If I throw out all the verses I don't like, my New Testament is getting really thin!)

The story of the blind man beside the road gives us one of the most compelling questions in the Bible. Jesus calls him and just asks, "What do you want me to do for you?" How would I answer that question? What do I want from Jesus? If I don't know, is it any wonder I don't recognize what I am given?

One thing that hit me in the telling of the servants given the talents--Luke says there were 10! But only 3 give a report? What happened to the other 7? And really, do we have to slaughter those who disagreed? Stacy, you are going to love this! But it does point out (time and time again) that there are consequences to our actions, and our inactions.

And so we come to the cleansing of the temple. In hearing this today, I don't think Jesus was really bothered about the marketplace. He had been there many times before. I think it was just the last straw and he just threw a hissy fit! (Gotta love the South!) So much time and energy and finances were being spent on things that really didn't matter, that really didn't make a difference. It is as if we are back at Chapter 14!

I could go on and on--in fact, I have ranted to my dear wife this morning! Thankfully there is no one in the office today, or they would get an earful too!

Calm down, Don! Just pick up the coins. Ignore the crazy man. Get business back to normal. Get the sermon written. It is just a story you are listening to, right?

You've Got the Time--Day 11

Luke 10-13

I thought I knew these chapters! After all, this is where the good stuff begins, the stories that I know and love! Obviously I have been doing some selective reading. Again, the listening to a whole chapter at once, an entire section of the gospel gives a different--somewhat disturbing, perspective!

First off, who are these 72 that Jesus sent out? Just a part of the nameless people that often roam through the Bible. But note that they have the same success that the 12 have. Could it be that the nameless people in our congregation are providing the same ministry as the "select?"

The best part of this section for me is that we start getting "the good stories!" Here we have the Good Samaritan. But what hit me (how often have I read this?) is that Jesus just tells this story in reaction to a question! How does he pull out THIS great a story off the cuff? How often am I hit with a question and days later think, "I wish I had said this!" But not Jesus! (Paul Duke once told me that his ability to tell stories this great is sign enough that he was the Son of God! I think he may be right.)

Has there ever been two more different sisters than Martha and Mary? (Other than the two sisters that lived in our house, or your house?) Mary is the one who gets the accolades here, but I often wonder what would have happened if Martha hadn't been "serving." I mean, who would have cleaned the dishes, put up the chairs, vacuumed the floor, put out the hymnals, kept the nursery.... Sorry, I fell into my Martha mode, worrying about many things! The things that often start conflicts and hurt feelings in churches and families. But who does this stuff? (I hate it when Jesus goes to meddling!)

And meddle he does! Jesus directs a series of "woes" at individuals. It seems that part of the condemnation is directed at those who have missed out on the signs before them. But there is also an element of those who condemn others, while living off the results of their predecessors' sins. That hit me as I heard that in Charleston, sitting in my home less than a mile away from the slave quarters at Boone Hall. It hit me hard, the grandson of mill bosses. How often do we accuse people of sins, even crimes, when we are in the position we are in due to the discrimination, the crime, the sin of those who have gone before us? Seems to be a reminder that we are all tainted with original sin!

Once again we hear the Pharisee's condemnation about sabbath violation. Amazing to hear that today, when I went out to eat yesterday, and passed by store after store that invited me in! We really don't take the sabbath very seriously today--and that is a loss for us all.

So I wonder, what are our "sabbath rules" today? What are those "rules" that we use to separate the sheep from the goats, the chosen from the left-outs, the saints from the sinners? What are our rules? Would they be Jesus'?

Hmmm. After listening to this, maybe I don't like Luke after all! What do you think?