In his Gospel, Matthew quotes Jesus using a phrase 32 times that occurs NO WHERE ELSE in the Scriptures. What is the phrase?
...(wow, so glad you asked)...the unique expression in Matthew is: "the Kingdom of Heaven." The other Gospels (Mark, Luke, and John) all prefer the phrase "Kingdom of God." Why the difference?
Most commentators point out that Matthew's original audience were primarily Jews; Jews with a long history of reverence for the name of God---Jews who went to great lengths to steer clear of even the appearance of misusing the name of the Lord. Thus, one plausible explanation for Matthew's unique term is simply an effort to eliminate possible confusion and offense by using the word "Heaven" in place of the name "God." Plausible indeed.
But...unfortunately FOR US...that favorite phrase of Matthew...often creates a great deal of confusion. Many of us read Matthew's Gospel and attribute Jesus' comments about "the Kingdom of Heaven" to be referring to some far-off destination after we die. But take a moment to look closer at such passages as:
Matthew 6:9-10
Matthew 6:25, 32-33
Matthew 10:5-8
Matthew 12:22-26, 28
Matthew 13
Mattthew 18:2-3
These make a strong case for "Heaven" (our eternal destiny with God) and "Kingdom of Heaven" to be two distinct topics.
Have you heard many sermons that point out such a distinction?
Friday, June 22, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
As it was in the beginning...
As we jump into chapter 10 this week in Mark's Gospel, Jesus gets "set-up" by the religous folks with a controversial topic:
"Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?"
Hard to believe, but, the issue was FAR MORE of a religous-political debate than it is in 21st century Western culture. I'm sure that everyone at the Celebrations on Sunday at River Valley will have been impacted, directly or indirectly, in some significant way by divorce. I'm really hoping that God's Spirit can speak truth to each of us in an atmosphere of love and grace.
Grab your Bible and read it: Mark 10:1-12. I'm wondering what some of your thoughts and questions are about this passage.
By the way, it may be helpful to also read Matthew's parallel account of this encounter (Matthew 19:1-12) and Paul's words on marriage and divorce (1 Corinthians 7). Might be interesting to compare and contrast their words.
Also...as you read Mark 10:1...what clue is buried in that verse that speaks to context (in this case: Location/Location/Location).
Hint: What else (or WHO else) had significant activity in the area of the Jordan river?
Ok...I am such a pushover...check out Mark 6:17-20...
"Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?"
Hard to believe, but, the issue was FAR MORE of a religous-political debate than it is in 21st century Western culture. I'm sure that everyone at the Celebrations on Sunday at River Valley will have been impacted, directly or indirectly, in some significant way by divorce. I'm really hoping that God's Spirit can speak truth to each of us in an atmosphere of love and grace.
Grab your Bible and read it: Mark 10:1-12. I'm wondering what some of your thoughts and questions are about this passage.
By the way, it may be helpful to also read Matthew's parallel account of this encounter (Matthew 19:1-12) and Paul's words on marriage and divorce (1 Corinthians 7). Might be interesting to compare and contrast their words.
Also...as you read Mark 10:1...what clue is buried in that verse that speaks to context (in this case: Location/Location/Location).
Hint: What else (or WHO else) had significant activity in the area of the Jordan river?
Ok...I am such a pushover...check out Mark 6:17-20...
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Upside-Down Kingdom
In Mark 9:30-37, Jesus challenges his disciples definition of "greatness."
And...I wonder....In our media-saturated world of "American Idol" wannabes, mega-million-per-year-earning sports stars, and the latest pop culture gods and godesses wooing the attention and awe of our world's youngest and brightest....
Has much really changed in 2000 years of trying to follow?
And...I wonder....In our media-saturated world of "American Idol" wannabes, mega-million-per-year-earning sports stars, and the latest pop culture gods and godesses wooing the attention and awe of our world's youngest and brightest....
Has much really changed in 2000 years of trying to follow?
Saturday, April 21, 2007
The Missing Prayer
Here we are cruising through Mark chapter 9, headed back down the mountain...(did you catch how Messiah Jesus---recently "glorified" in the trans-figura experience---now comes down to engage humanity in its 'mess' in Mark 9:14-15?) Incarnation indeed...and then we happen upon verse 29. Wow. Jesus says: "These kind (the demonic kind he just dealt with)...can only come out by prayer. Some of the earliest manuscripts have it as..."these kind can only come out through prayer and fasting." That phrase is interesting to me because...thak about it...a prayer can happen in a instance, but...'fasting'...well, that can't be manufactured or microwaved instantly. Fasting speaks of a process bound in time and duration. Now, I'm not suggesting that those manuscripts have it right, but they do raise an interesting question. Which is...when Jesus frees the little boy from the demons...WHERE is "the prayer"? In fact, notice when Jesus does nearly any or all of his miracles...Where is the prayer?
Doesn't Jesus put a priority on prayer? He told the disciples in this passage that "by (through) prayer" was the ONLY way these forces of the Evil One could be dealt with effectively.
So..again...I ask: Where is the prayer? Where is the powerful, perfectly-worded, put-the-demons-on-the-run prayer?
Is Mark forgetting about the dynamic, hands-raised-toward-Heaven, thunder and lightening producing "super prayer" pronounced over the boy that sent the demons scurrying away?
Why don't the Gospel writers record those important words?
Wouldn't it be oh-so-helpful to have "that prayer" to recite when we need it most? Sort of like a theological light saber we could swing about in the midst of our spiritual warfare?
Well...I'm thinking that Mark and the other Gospel writers don't record the "magic" prayer that Jesus used in miraculous moments like the one in Mark 9:14-30...because there WASN'T one!
In his classic book, "The Divine Conspiracy" author, Dallas Willard, makes the statement:
"It is not enough to ask in a moment of need or temptation: 'What would Jesus do?' We must first consider the kind of life
that Jesus lived."
His point is...we cannot consistently DO what Jesus DID unless we live the (hidden) life that Jesus LIVED.
So...what if...THE PRAYER that Jesus is referring to has already happened...long before this encounter. More to the point, what if THAT prayer is the type of prayer that has already BEEN HAPPENING between Jesus and the Father for quite some time? Consider Mark 1:35 for instance. What if...the kind of prayer that "works" best with demons is the Mark 1:35 kind?
What if prayer is less about the emergency/magic bullet kind we frequently suppose it is, and more about this incredible dialogue (talking AND listening) we are having day by day with our Heavenly Father? What if Jesus easily casts out some demons which the disciples find impossible to handle---precisely because Jesus understands what it means to be alone with the Father and live "a life filled with prayer"? Hmm. I wonder.
I wonder if that is why the disciples soon come to Jesus and say: "Lord, teach us to pray." What if what they are really asking is: "Lord, would you teach us to pray LIKE YOU PRAY...(because your kind of prayer seems like what prayer is supposed to be like)?"
In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus invites to put on his "yoke". He descibes it as "light and easy" and as "perfectly fitting".
What has your experience with prayer been like?
Does the passage in Matthew seem likely? Possible? Why?
Doesn't Jesus put a priority on prayer? He told the disciples in this passage that "by (through) prayer" was the ONLY way these forces of the Evil One could be dealt with effectively.
So..again...I ask: Where is the prayer? Where is the powerful, perfectly-worded, put-the-demons-on-the-run prayer?
Is Mark forgetting about the dynamic, hands-raised-toward-Heaven, thunder and lightening producing "super prayer" pronounced over the boy that sent the demons scurrying away?
Why don't the Gospel writers record those important words?
Wouldn't it be oh-so-helpful to have "that prayer" to recite when we need it most? Sort of like a theological light saber we could swing about in the midst of our spiritual warfare?
Well...I'm thinking that Mark and the other Gospel writers don't record the "magic" prayer that Jesus used in miraculous moments like the one in Mark 9:14-30...because there WASN'T one!
In his classic book, "The Divine Conspiracy" author, Dallas Willard, makes the statement:
"It is not enough to ask in a moment of need or temptation: 'What would Jesus do?' We must first consider the kind of life
that Jesus lived."
His point is...we cannot consistently DO what Jesus DID unless we live the (hidden) life that Jesus LIVED.
So...what if...THE PRAYER that Jesus is referring to has already happened...long before this encounter. More to the point, what if THAT prayer is the type of prayer that has already BEEN HAPPENING between Jesus and the Father for quite some time? Consider Mark 1:35 for instance. What if...the kind of prayer that "works" best with demons is the Mark 1:35 kind?
What if prayer is less about the emergency/magic bullet kind we frequently suppose it is, and more about this incredible dialogue (talking AND listening) we are having day by day with our Heavenly Father? What if Jesus easily casts out some demons which the disciples find impossible to handle---precisely because Jesus understands what it means to be alone with the Father and live "a life filled with prayer"? Hmm. I wonder.
I wonder if that is why the disciples soon come to Jesus and say: "Lord, teach us to pray." What if what they are really asking is: "Lord, would you teach us to pray LIKE YOU PRAY...(because your kind of prayer seems like what prayer is supposed to be like)?"
In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus invites to put on his "yoke". He descibes it as "light and easy" and as "perfectly fitting".
What has your experience with prayer been like?
Does the passage in Matthew seem likely? Possible? Why?
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Up and Down...the Mountain
This week's passage in Mark is...well..."amazing." Mark 9:2-13 is a timely response to the (possible?) doubt raised by all of Jesus' cross-talk at the end of chapter eight. Peter, James, and John get front row seats for an incredible encounter between Jesus, Yahweh, and a couple of their Hebrew heroes---Moses and Elijah. Sounds straight-forward enough, right?
I'm trusting you guys have some questions or comments...
"And he said to them, “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.” Mark 9:1
After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. Mark 9:2
His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. Mark 9:3
And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Mark 9:4
Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters — one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” Mark 9:5
(He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Mark 9:6
Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” Mark 9:7
Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. Mark 9:8
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. Mark 9:9
They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. Mark 9:10
And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” Mark 9:11
Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? Mark 9:12
But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.”
Mark 9:1-13
I'm trusting you guys have some questions or comments...
"And he said to them, “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.” Mark 9:1
After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. Mark 9:2
His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. Mark 9:3
And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Mark 9:4
Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters — one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” Mark 9:5
(He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Mark 9:6
Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” Mark 9:7
Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. Mark 9:8
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. Mark 9:9
They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. Mark 9:10
And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” Mark 9:11
Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? Mark 9:12
But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.”
Mark 9:1-13
Friday, March 30, 2007
Dangerous Liaisons
At River Valley this weekend we jump back into Mark's Gospel with a fury. Following Peter's confession to Jesus: "You are the Christ," Jesus gives his disciples an earful about what lies ahead: Danger! Danger! Danger!
What are some of your thoughts, questions, impressions of this passage?
"He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. Mark 8:31
He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. Mark 8:32
But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” Mark 8:33
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Mark 8:34
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. Mark 8:35
What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Mark 8:36
Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:37
If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38
And he said to them, “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.”
Wow! Whacha Think?
What are some of your thoughts, questions, impressions of this passage?
"He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. Mark 8:31
He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. Mark 8:32
But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” Mark 8:33
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Mark 8:34
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. Mark 8:35
What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Mark 8:36
Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:37
If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38
And he said to them, “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.”
Wow! Whacha Think?
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Have You Seen This Yet?
Things It Takes Most Of Us 50 years to learn:
1. The badness of a movie is directly proportional to the number of helicopters in it.
2. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight-saving time.
3. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.
4. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above-average drivers.
5. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is: age 11.
6. There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
7. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
8. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."
9. The main accomplishment of almost all organized protests is to annoy people who are not in them.
10. If there really is a God who created the entire universe with all of its glories, and he decides to deliver a message to humanity, he will NOT use as his messenger a person on cable TV with a bad hairstyle or in some cases, really bad make-up too.
11. You should not confuse your career with your life.
12. A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter/janitor, is not a nice person.
13. No matter what happens, somebody will find a way to take it too seriously.
14. When trouble arises and things look bad, there is always one individual who perceives a solution and is willing to take command. Very often, that individual is crazy.
15. Your true friends love you, anyway.
16. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
1. The badness of a movie is directly proportional to the number of helicopters in it.
2. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight-saving time.
3. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.
4. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above-average drivers.
5. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is: age 11.
6. There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
7. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
8. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."
9. The main accomplishment of almost all organized protests is to annoy people who are not in them.
10. If there really is a God who created the entire universe with all of its glories, and he decides to deliver a message to humanity, he will NOT use as his messenger a person on cable TV with a bad hairstyle or in some cases, really bad make-up too.
11. You should not confuse your career with your life.
12. A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter/janitor, is not a nice person.
13. No matter what happens, somebody will find a way to take it too seriously.
14. When trouble arises and things look bad, there is always one individual who perceives a solution and is willing to take command. Very often, that individual is crazy.
15. Your true friends love you, anyway.
16. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
