"Then Peter proceeded to speak and said, 'In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him.' " - Acts 10:34-35
If this were a race to see who could separate themselves from their Jewish faith, Peter would be right behind Jesus. He's saying that no nation or people - including Israel - is any more "chosen" than the rest. And for those that can (and often) trace their Jewish lineage to the Egyptian times, this flies directly in the face of one of their most sacred beliefs.
But Peter's trying to make a point - that those who believe in that God - the God of Abraham, the God of Moses, the God of Elijah, the father of Jesus - and act in a way pleasing to God are His "chosen" ones. And that includes Christians.
But that goes both ways - and we as Christians need to remember that. Peter isn't saying ours is the only path - but he is saying that our way is simply an additional path - a new way to live, to love, and to be faithful to God through our belief in Jesus.
It makes things a little simpler - and opens the door for the formation of an entirely new people. One that doesn't identify themselves as a nation, but rather a group of followers spread throughout the world with one simple goal - to act justly, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Across the Threshold
"When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and, falling at his feet, paid him homage. Peter, however, raised him up, saying, 'Get up. I myself am also a human being.' " - Acts 10:25-26
Cornelius (and his household) were Gentiles. And as such, it was forbidden by Jewish law for Peter (a Jew) to walk into their house. But Cornelius had made a pretty big claim - that an Angel of God had told him to summon Peter to his house to hear what Peter had to say. And not wanting to lose out on spreading the good word, Peter enters his home, and begins to talk about Jesus with them.
There's a silent testament to this as well - certainly Peter is breaking Jewish law by entering his house. That's quite obvious (he talks about it upon entering Cornelius's home). But his comment about him being a 'human being' - it must have taken a lot of self control to say that. After all, an Angel of God came down and told Cornelius about Peter -- how could you not feel a sense of importance, a sense of entitlement, to the homage paid at your feet? But Peter, knowing the whole story, and being one who physically walked with Jesus, knows he's just a servant of Jesus - just a messenger bringing the Good News, and nothing more. That Jesus is the 'big deal' - the one whom homage must be paid to.
I also have to believe that this was a pivotal moment for Peter. God has made it quite clear that this is the path that he must follow - so clear that He's preparing folks before Peter gets there. It'll help Peter later on, when he must stick to his mission, no matter what...
Note: The first reading this week is from Acts, and is quite well portioned for Lectio Divina. There's an important message throughout this reading, an example for us to follow by the disciples. That's why I've chosen to use this, instead of the Gospel.
Cornelius (and his household) were Gentiles. And as such, it was forbidden by Jewish law for Peter (a Jew) to walk into their house. But Cornelius had made a pretty big claim - that an Angel of God had told him to summon Peter to his house to hear what Peter had to say. And not wanting to lose out on spreading the good word, Peter enters his home, and begins to talk about Jesus with them.
There's a silent testament to this as well - certainly Peter is breaking Jewish law by entering his house. That's quite obvious (he talks about it upon entering Cornelius's home). But his comment about him being a 'human being' - it must have taken a lot of self control to say that. After all, an Angel of God came down and told Cornelius about Peter -- how could you not feel a sense of importance, a sense of entitlement, to the homage paid at your feet? But Peter, knowing the whole story, and being one who physically walked with Jesus, knows he's just a servant of Jesus - just a messenger bringing the Good News, and nothing more. That Jesus is the 'big deal' - the one whom homage must be paid to.
I also have to believe that this was a pivotal moment for Peter. God has made it quite clear that this is the path that he must follow - so clear that He's preparing folks before Peter gets there. It'll help Peter later on, when he must stick to his mission, no matter what...
Note: The first reading this week is from Acts, and is quite well portioned for Lectio Divina. There's an important message throughout this reading, an example for us to follow by the disciples. That's why I've chosen to use this, instead of the Gospel.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Decisions
"Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples." - John 15:6-8
At vineyards, branches that were trimmed were often hung up to dry out - later to be used as kindling. Jesus is continuing on in his vineyard example, describing what happens when we do remain in him (we bear great fruit), and when we don't (we wither and die, and are destroyed).
While there's some similarities between what happens to those who don't believe and the common perception of hell (e.g. fire) - I don't think Jesus was trying to describe what hell is like. Rather, I think he's trying tell us that we will return to the dust (from which we came), should we choose not to follow him. Only by remaining him - believing, trusting, and carrying on his mission - can we hope to have everlasting life.
So while choosing not to believe is a scary prospect, we're fortunate that Jesus is making it quite clear as to the consequences of our decision - and to remind us that, in fact, it is our decision to make.
At vineyards, branches that were trimmed were often hung up to dry out - later to be used as kindling. Jesus is continuing on in his vineyard example, describing what happens when we do remain in him (we bear great fruit), and when we don't (we wither and die, and are destroyed).
While there's some similarities between what happens to those who don't believe and the common perception of hell (e.g. fire) - I don't think Jesus was trying to describe what hell is like. Rather, I think he's trying tell us that we will return to the dust (from which we came), should we choose not to follow him. Only by remaining him - believing, trusting, and carrying on his mission - can we hope to have everlasting life.
So while choosing not to believe is a scary prospect, we're fortunate that Jesus is making it quite clear as to the consequences of our decision - and to remind us that, in fact, it is our decision to make.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Stick Around
"Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. " - John 15:4-5
It's interesting that, in these two verses, Jesus uses the word "remain" five times... so it must be important that we understand what Jesus is trying to tell us. He's asking us to "remain in him", but I don't think he's just asking the disciples to stick around. Rather, Jesus is subtly reminding us that he won't be on earth forever - and that it's us that need to carry on his work. For us to truly "remain in him", we must continue to exist while keeping him close to us - while spreading the good news to others. And for the thousands of years after he walked with us, we've done our best.
Certainly we've had our ups and downs, certainly there's been folks who have used his name to advance their own agendas, but the core of who Jesus was, what he did, and his message for us has stood the test of time. He has remained with us, and is with us always.
So he's done his part. And now it's up to us to decide - will we remain in him?
It's interesting that, in these two verses, Jesus uses the word "remain" five times... so it must be important that we understand what Jesus is trying to tell us. He's asking us to "remain in him", but I don't think he's just asking the disciples to stick around. Rather, Jesus is subtly reminding us that he won't be on earth forever - and that it's us that need to carry on his work. For us to truly "remain in him", we must continue to exist while keeping him close to us - while spreading the good news to others. And for the thousands of years after he walked with us, we've done our best.
Certainly we've had our ups and downs, certainly there's been folks who have used his name to advance their own agendas, but the core of who Jesus was, what he did, and his message for us has stood the test of time. He has remained with us, and is with us always.
So he's done his part. And now it's up to us to decide - will we remain in him?
Monday, May 7, 2012
Together
"Jesus said to his disciples: 'I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.' " - John 15:1-3
I've been married for over 8 years. And throughout it all, I've found this journey to be easier, exciting and more fun than going at it alone. I've come to think of myself not as a single person, but as a partner, walking day to day in life with someone who wants the same basic things I do - someone to love, someone to share, and someone to hold on to. And I consider myself both lucky and blessed to have found that person, to know I'll always have someone that will listen to me (even if she disagrees), support me, and encourage me... and to know I get to reciprocate in kind.
Jesus is giving an example of a similar, yet much deeper, kind of love. One that only requires us to believe in him, to fully realize the benefits of that love. It's a love that fulfills and supports us, giving us the comfort in knowing we're never alone - and will never be left behind. It's something that, even in our darkest of days, we know will always be there. It's a love that requires constant nurturing on both of our parts, and a commitment that it will always be provided. All we need to do is be with Him - in prayer, in song, in helping others - and we'll never lose sight of that love.
I've been married for over 8 years. And throughout it all, I've found this journey to be easier, exciting and more fun than going at it alone. I've come to think of myself not as a single person, but as a partner, walking day to day in life with someone who wants the same basic things I do - someone to love, someone to share, and someone to hold on to. And I consider myself both lucky and blessed to have found that person, to know I'll always have someone that will listen to me (even if she disagrees), support me, and encourage me... and to know I get to reciprocate in kind.
Jesus is giving an example of a similar, yet much deeper, kind of love. One that only requires us to believe in him, to fully realize the benefits of that love. It's a love that fulfills and supports us, giving us the comfort in knowing we're never alone - and will never be left behind. It's something that, even in our darkest of days, we know will always be there. It's a love that requires constant nurturing on both of our parts, and a commitment that it will always be provided. All we need to do is be with Him - in prayer, in song, in helping others - and we'll never lose sight of that love.
Friday, May 4, 2012
In Control
"This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father." - John 10:17-18
If you've never had the opportunity to argue with a 4 year old, I'd suggest you try it some time - because it's often about issues related to independence. For instance, my daughter, who told me tonight that when she has kids, she's going to let them stay up until 10:00 at night. I tried to reason with her, reminding her that kids that stay up late are often grouchy, can get sick easier, and are generally not pleasant to be around. None of this mattered to her already-made-up four-year-old mind. Her kids were staying up until 10, because she gets to make the rules.
I promptly reminded her that I too make the rules, and that MY kid (her) would be going to bed at 8:00. It did not go over well.
Now, I'm not trying to compare our Savior's words with my four-year-old's focus on independence. But Jesus reminds us that his death was his decision. Not those that wanted to murder him, but an event that he himself is allowing to happen. It reminds me of his conversations with Satan while in the desert - Satan trying to get him to spring water from a rock, to throw himself off a cliff to have God save him - and again Jesus asserting his control over it all, and failing to succumb to the devil's temptations.
And again, Jesus is reminding us that, while we may think we're in control of his life, it's the other way around. He's in control, he's going to let it happen at it's appointed time, and when the time comes, he will go willingly.
When you look at it that way, it's much easier to give a little more control back to God.
But I'm still going to bed at 10.
If you've never had the opportunity to argue with a 4 year old, I'd suggest you try it some time - because it's often about issues related to independence. For instance, my daughter, who told me tonight that when she has kids, she's going to let them stay up until 10:00 at night. I tried to reason with her, reminding her that kids that stay up late are often grouchy, can get sick easier, and are generally not pleasant to be around. None of this mattered to her already-made-up four-year-old mind. Her kids were staying up until 10, because she gets to make the rules.
I promptly reminded her that I too make the rules, and that MY kid (her) would be going to bed at 8:00. It did not go over well.
Now, I'm not trying to compare our Savior's words with my four-year-old's focus on independence. But Jesus reminds us that his death was his decision. Not those that wanted to murder him, but an event that he himself is allowing to happen. It reminds me of his conversations with Satan while in the desert - Satan trying to get him to spring water from a rock, to throw himself off a cliff to have God save him - and again Jesus asserting his control over it all, and failing to succumb to the devil's temptations.
And again, Jesus is reminding us that, while we may think we're in control of his life, it's the other way around. He's in control, he's going to let it happen at it's appointed time, and when the time comes, he will go willingly.
When you look at it that way, it's much easier to give a little more control back to God.
But I'm still going to bed at 10.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Motivation
"This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd." - John 10:13-16
Have you ever thought about what motivates you? Not in a flashy motivational-speaker sort of way, but in a deeply personal way? What motivates you to get up in the morning? To carry on with your day? To do your best (...well, some days)?
To openly admit, and embrace your Christianity?
And what stops you? What derails your day? What keeps you from meeting your goals?
What keeps you from being open about what you believe?
For me, it's that possibility of being uncomfortable - of saying the wrong thing, or wondering if people are assuming things about me because of what I believe. It's the unknown - and that in of itself can be scary.
Jesus didn't have to worry about that. He was well aware of what lay in store for him - his purpose, his goal, and, ultimately, his end. And uncomfortable or not, he knew he only had a short amount of time to get it all done. But knowing all of that, it must have taken a lot to get motivated. After all, how do you get pumped about knowing how you're going to die? And worse, how terrible a death it will be?
But Jesus reminds us that his ultimate motivation isn't money, or fame, or the human glories of success. Rather, he reminds us that his motivation is wrapped up in his purpose - and seems to come to terms with that - to meet his Father's goals, he must fulfill his purpose. And to fulfill his purpose would mean the end of death for us all.
Now that's motivation.
Have you ever thought about what motivates you? Not in a flashy motivational-speaker sort of way, but in a deeply personal way? What motivates you to get up in the morning? To carry on with your day? To do your best (...well, some days)?
To openly admit, and embrace your Christianity?
And what stops you? What derails your day? What keeps you from meeting your goals?
What keeps you from being open about what you believe?
For me, it's that possibility of being uncomfortable - of saying the wrong thing, or wondering if people are assuming things about me because of what I believe. It's the unknown - and that in of itself can be scary.
Jesus didn't have to worry about that. He was well aware of what lay in store for him - his purpose, his goal, and, ultimately, his end. And uncomfortable or not, he knew he only had a short amount of time to get it all done. But knowing all of that, it must have taken a lot to get motivated. After all, how do you get pumped about knowing how you're going to die? And worse, how terrible a death it will be?
But Jesus reminds us that his ultimate motivation isn't money, or fame, or the human glories of success. Rather, he reminds us that his motivation is wrapped up in his purpose - and seems to come to terms with that - to meet his Father's goals, he must fulfill his purpose. And to fulfill his purpose would mean the end of death for us all.
Now that's motivation.
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