Well, I've been celebrating Christmas for over 30 years now, most of which I remember. But it wasn't until this year that I realized that there is nothing in any biblical story that says Jesus was born in a stable. In fact the words in the original language may actually lead us to believe he was not. Whoa! What about all those nativity scenes? They can't all be wrong can they? I can see some of you know grabbing your Bible to check it out. Go for it, what you'll find in Luke 2 is two clues: "no room for them in the inn" and "manger." It is from these two descriptions that we have arrived at the standard nativity scene. But a closer look is needed.
Katalooma - The word that is translated "inn" in most Bibles is the word katalooma in Greek. And it doesn't necessarily mean inn. A more appropriate translation might be "guest room," or simply "a place for travelers to rest." (It's the same word used in Luke 22:11, translated "guest room.") In fact, Bethlehem was so small that it is unlikely there was even a public inn in town. So, let's go with guest room. If Joseph was traveling back to his hometown it is likely he still had family there. And it is likely he would not have been the only one traveling back home to register for the census. So perhaps they were staying with relatives, in a full house, where the guest room was already crowded, and not a suitable place to give birth (most prefer an element of privacy for this sort of occasion). So these cruel relatives kicked the so-called "virgin" out to the stable? Hmm, no, probably not, though it didn't occur to me til just now that the whole virgin thing may still have been a little sketchy to family members just hearing about it. It's funny, since I've had 30 years to process the story, I think Joseph's relatives have had that long too (wait, I didn't know what a virgin was 30 years ago ... ok, I've had 12 years to process that part of the story). Anyway, point is, we have to understand the structure of a home in that time/setting to get this. In that culture, for a poor simple family, the animals would have been kept inside at night in the lower floor of the house, whereas the bedrooms would have been upstairs. So Mary and Joseph probably went down to the first level of the home to have the baby (b/c there was no room for such an event in the guest room). Another clue is from Matthew's account: "when the wise men came to the house." (see
Manger - Suddenly the manger makes sense with the "guest room" translation. If there were animals inside, there was probably a feeding trough inside as well. And it would have been a convenient, safe place to put a newborn. Um, I guess that's all there is to say about the manger. A little less eventful than the katalooma discussion.
But what difference does any of that make? Stable? Inn? Guest room? What's really being said? That's the question we need to get at. Even if we could perfectly recreate the scene of Christ's birth, that wouldn't be as valuable to us as what we do have - the words that the Holy Spirit inspired the Biblical authors to write: "no room" ... "manger." What is being communicated by what Luke writes? That's the question. What is significant about the way Jesus comes into the world?
I think it is significant that they were out of place. They were away from home, and there was no room for them in the guest room. Jesus was out of place in this world; He was away from home. And he came to teach us that we are out of place in this world too. There was no special treatment for Jesus, no "hey everybody out of here, make room, this is the king of all creation being born here." No royal announcement, no gathering of big wigs. Oh, wait, there was an announcement ... to shepherds, nobodies in that culture ... humble faithful shepherds who took care of their sheep - just like Jesus would do.
God came into the world quietly, not forcefully, with social nobodies and pagans as his first worshippers. Jesus still invites nobodies and pagans, and he still does not force worshippers. But all who worship Him from the heart find the same joy the shepherds and wise men found.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Punch Line: it's the Pagans (continued from last post)
Yea, so you've got the pseudo-king who just ends up showing the depth of his insecurity, becomes super jealous, and murders even more people - he doesn't show up to honor baby Jesus. To him this "king of the Jews" was a threat, a threat to his power and control. Sadly, Jesus is still seen that way by many. Then you have the posers (religious leaders). And why do I call them posers? Because they thought they had it all together; they thought they had the corner on the religious tidiness market. They thought they knew the Scriptures, but they failed to see that what they thought they knew, really pointed to Jesus (John 5:39). They missed it. And even though they knew the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, and even though they heard that he had possibly been born, and even though others were going to check it out... they did not go.
But the magi did; they went. In fact it says they were overjoyed to go. They found the child, and worshipped Him. These pagans, these star-gazers, these ... gentiles, they worshipped Jesus, the Savior of the world. But, wait, these guys didn't deserve to be there; they didn't have the credentials, the Bible knowledge, the right background! And yet they are welcomed, more than that - drawn, to this place, to worship this King. Reminds me of a verse from Isaiah - "I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth" (49:6). The light of the world began shining on gentiles early in His life. And I'm so thankful He did, because I realize that I am one.
Ya know, I'm glad the magi are in most Nativity scenes. I know, I realize it's not historically accurate, but I like seeing them there ... reminds me that I am also welcomed into the presence of Jesus, even though I don't deserve it.
But the magi did; they went. In fact it says they were overjoyed to go. They found the child, and worshipped Him. These pagans, these star-gazers, these ... gentiles, they worshipped Jesus, the Savior of the world. But, wait, these guys didn't deserve to be there; they didn't have the credentials, the Bible knowledge, the right background! And yet they are welcomed, more than that - drawn, to this place, to worship this King. Reminds me of a verse from Isaiah - "I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth" (49:6). The light of the world began shining on gentiles early in His life. And I'm so thankful He did, because I realize that I am one.
Ya know, I'm glad the magi are in most Nativity scenes. I know, I realize it's not historically accurate, but I like seeing them there ... reminds me that I am also welcomed into the presence of Jesus, even though I don't deserve it.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Pagans, Posers, and a Pseudo-king (please pronounce the p in pseudo to make the aliteration work)
Picture this ... the most important religious leader of all time is being born. His birth has been foretold for hundreds of years. His influence will surpass that of any other human on earth til that time or since. His teachings will be recorded and taught for thousands of years after he's gone. What kind of people would be there to celebrate the birth of this special child? Of course the leader I'm talking about is Jesus. The predictions of his birth are the OT prophecies, and his influence is still seen around the world today. So, who showed up for the birth of Jesus? There are three sets of people presented in Matthew 2:1-12 ... pagans, posers, and a pseudo king.
The king, king Herod, is certifiably crazy. He has killed anyone who was even remotely a threat to his reign, including family members. Clearly this guy has some security issues. He wants nothing more than to be king, king of everything, in control, with no threat to his own sovereignty. The posers are the religious leaders. They knew the prophecies, knew where the Messiah was supposed be born. In fact they are the ones who told Herod that he was to be born in Bethlehem. They had the facts memorized, had their religious structures in place. But what about these pagans? The "magi" they're called. Where did they come from? And why of all people did they feel the need to come honor this child-king who had been born. We're given little detail, only that they came from the east, had an interest in stars, and had somehow heard about "one who was born king of the Jews." These were not Hebrews, not religious guys, not well respected in Jesus' culture. They were pagans, star-gazers, foreigners, gentiles. (by the way, all we know is that they followed a star, found their way to Jerusalem, and asked about a child-king ... let's not pretend that there aren't some pieces missing here - if all they saw was a star, how did they know to expect a king? did an angel visit them as well and we're not told about it? did word travel to their land about Jesus? did they somehow have copies of ancient Hebrew Scriptures that gave them clues? for all we know, they knew very little about what they were getting into)
So, the stage is set ... who's going to show up to honor this king? tbc...
The king, king Herod, is certifiably crazy. He has killed anyone who was even remotely a threat to his reign, including family members. Clearly this guy has some security issues. He wants nothing more than to be king, king of everything, in control, with no threat to his own sovereignty. The posers are the religious leaders. They knew the prophecies, knew where the Messiah was supposed be born. In fact they are the ones who told Herod that he was to be born in Bethlehem. They had the facts memorized, had their religious structures in place. But what about these pagans? The "magi" they're called. Where did they come from? And why of all people did they feel the need to come honor this child-king who had been born. We're given little detail, only that they came from the east, had an interest in stars, and had somehow heard about "one who was born king of the Jews." These were not Hebrews, not religious guys, not well respected in Jesus' culture. They were pagans, star-gazers, foreigners, gentiles. (by the way, all we know is that they followed a star, found their way to Jerusalem, and asked about a child-king ... let's not pretend that there aren't some pieces missing here - if all they saw was a star, how did they know to expect a king? did an angel visit them as well and we're not told about it? did word travel to their land about Jesus? did they somehow have copies of ancient Hebrew Scriptures that gave them clues? for all we know, they knew very little about what they were getting into)
So, the stage is set ... who's going to show up to honor this king? tbc...
Saturday, December 4, 2010
A Royal Mess
So why does Matthew include these women? In a genealogy, which typically only has men, and which sometimes excluded men of questionable character? And in a genealogy of the Son of God ... seems like it would be easy to get left out of that one. And yet, there they are, scandalous women... but wait, we only mentioned four. Who is the fifth woman mentioned in the genealogy? Matthew 1:16 "...and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah." Woman number 5: Mary, the mother of Jesus, and no less scandalous if you think about it. Her story must have sounded crazy. I'm pregnant, but don't worry ... Yahweh is the father. What? Perhaps Matthew was showing that for those who were put off or taken back by her story, Jesus has descended from a long line of crazy stories. The royal line that brought Messiah into the world was a royal mess. Don't let Mary's scandal scare you ... it's nothing new, except this time, it was only apparent scandal. Perhaps Matthew was also reminding us that Jesus has descended from humans, very human humans, scandalous humans ... the very humans He came to save.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Scandalous
This morning I was a guest at gathering of men who meet once a week to fellowship, read a chapter from the Bible, and pray together. While deciding which chapter to read this morning one of the men joked that they were going to make the oldest member (who's 90 btw) read Matthew 1. Of course, the joke was that it would be funny to hear him (or anyone) try to pronounce all the ancient Hebrew names in the genealogy of Jesus found in that chapter. But that's not to say there's nothing of value in this long list of names.
Matthew's record of the lineage of Jesus is very strategic, though not exhaustive. He intentionally leaves some kings out and structures his account so that there are 3 sets of 14 generations. 14 from Abraham to David; 14 from David to the exile; 14 from the exile to Jesus. Much can be said about this, but what should be made clear is that this was not a mistake or lack of diligent research, but rather a literary device making a case for the royal ancestry of Jesus.
There are interesting technical features to be studied up on, but what has really stood out to me as I've been reading the Christmas story this season is the scandalous women found in the genealogy in Matthew 1! Women were not typically cited in genealogies anyway, let alone the brand of woman that are mentioned here. So, why on does Matthew draw attention to these four women: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheeba (who, btw, doesn't even get named). What do these women have in common, if anything, and what do they have to do with the Christmas story? Let us consider ...
Tamar - posed as a prostitute and slept with her father in law, Judah, the tribe from which the Messiah would come.
Rahab - a lying gentile prostitute, she lied to the soldiers in Jericho, hid the Hebrew spies and helped them get away. And for this, she and her family were spared. She ended up marrying a Hebrew, Salmon, and having a son named Boaz, which brings us to ...
Ruth - a gentile who stayed in Israel after the death of her husband, and used less than chaste means (though this is debated) to attract and secure a husband, Boaz. In spite of the scandalous origin of this relationship, they bring the grandfather of King David into the world.
"Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah's wife" - I mean really?! There had to be a better way to say that, a less scandalous way to say that! Poor girl doesn't even get named. In fact, the very thing that made her relationship with David scandalous is what is used to describe her: she "had been Uriah's wife." Bathsheeba was taken to be the wife of King David as a result of his lust, adultery, and murder. Hardly the sort of proud family line you want to trace your heritage back to.
So, four scandalous women (though it should be noted, Judah and David were way more scandalous than the women mentioned in association with them) ... but wait, those aren't the only women mentioned in this genealogy ...
Matthew's record of the lineage of Jesus is very strategic, though not exhaustive. He intentionally leaves some kings out and structures his account so that there are 3 sets of 14 generations. 14 from Abraham to David; 14 from David to the exile; 14 from the exile to Jesus. Much can be said about this, but what should be made clear is that this was not a mistake or lack of diligent research, but rather a literary device making a case for the royal ancestry of Jesus.
There are interesting technical features to be studied up on, but what has really stood out to me as I've been reading the Christmas story this season is the scandalous women found in the genealogy in Matthew 1! Women were not typically cited in genealogies anyway, let alone the brand of woman that are mentioned here. So, why on does Matthew draw attention to these four women: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheeba (who, btw, doesn't even get named). What do these women have in common, if anything, and what do they have to do with the Christmas story? Let us consider ...
Tamar - posed as a prostitute and slept with her father in law, Judah, the tribe from which the Messiah would come.
Rahab - a lying gentile prostitute, she lied to the soldiers in Jericho, hid the Hebrew spies and helped them get away. And for this, she and her family were spared. She ended up marrying a Hebrew, Salmon, and having a son named Boaz, which brings us to ...
Ruth - a gentile who stayed in Israel after the death of her husband, and used less than chaste means (though this is debated) to attract and secure a husband, Boaz. In spite of the scandalous origin of this relationship, they bring the grandfather of King David into the world.
"Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah's wife" - I mean really?! There had to be a better way to say that, a less scandalous way to say that! Poor girl doesn't even get named. In fact, the very thing that made her relationship with David scandalous is what is used to describe her: she "had been Uriah's wife." Bathsheeba was taken to be the wife of King David as a result of his lust, adultery, and murder. Hardly the sort of proud family line you want to trace your heritage back to.
So, four scandalous women (though it should be noted, Judah and David were way more scandalous than the women mentioned in association with them) ... but wait, those aren't the only women mentioned in this genealogy ...
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Disheartened
I just received an email from the River City Sports and Social Club to come to their Christmas party. Admission: a wrapped toy, $10 value to help "Sergeant Santa." Ok, hanging out with friends, providing presents for underprivileged kids, these seem like legitimate reasons to have a party. But the poem that came with the invitation really got me, consider the following lines:
Twas the end of the year, when all through the bar
not a player was sober, not even the "star."
No thought about sleeping, there's kegs to be tapped,
And Sudsy is looking for more than just a night cap.
The players were nestled face first in the keg
while seasons of football replayed in their head...
He whistled, and shouted, and called them by name,
"On football, now dodgeball! Now wiffleball & volleyball!" "On kickball"
And somewhere I heard on this eventful night,
"Just do it for the kids and give it all your might!!"
Picture a typical Nativity scene ... get that scene in your head, all that is represented there... what part of this party has anything to do with Christmas? Nothing. "But wait, the magi brought presents to Jesus ... and Jesus was God's gift to the world! So giving gifts lines up, right?" Yes, but the magi brought gifts to honor and worship the King of Kings ... and Jesus was a gift given to sacrifice himself for the sins of humanity. No parallels there. But, wait there is one big parallel: worship. Worship is the common denominator in this party and the first Christmas. But the worship offered by shepherds and magi (even though I realize the magi weren't there the night Jesus was born) and declared by angels was appropriate worship; it was directed to the One who is worthy of being declared worthy. The worship that will take place at this party will be given to idols, to the false gods of alcohol and recreation, and ultimately, to the false god of self. And this saddens me.
We live in a world of idolatry, where people seek to fill their emptiness with false promises of fulfillment, and the quicker the results the better (i.e. - a couple beers equals decent buzz in a matter of minutes). Now, this particular event also includes buying a gift for a poor kid, which will inevitably serve to ease whatever conscious may be left in those that are worshiping alcohol. The faulty system of moral balances ("I did something good by bringing a present, so I earned a night of drunkenness") will ensure that all the beer is consumed. But this Christmas party is particularly interesting (read sad) because it is all done in the name of the One who deserves worship, and yet, He will get no recognition, no worship... in fact, He will be blasphemed by practices of false worship.
I know I can't be mad at the world for being the world, but I think it is highly appropriate to be disheartened, and broken, at the thought of a club like this with a substantial following, whose gods are sports and beer. This should drive all true worshipers to brokenness and prayer, and give us open hearts to share truth with those living far from God. In this season especially, may we have our eyes and hearts open to share with those whose hearts are empty. I think I'll be attending this party ... and bring a Gift.
Twas the end of the year, when all through the bar
not a player was sober, not even the "star."
No thought about sleeping, there's kegs to be tapped,
And Sudsy is looking for more than just a night cap.
The players were nestled face first in the keg
while seasons of football replayed in their head...
He whistled, and shouted, and called them by name,
"On football, now dodgeball! Now wiffleball & volleyball!" "On kickball"
And somewhere I heard on this eventful night,
"Just do it for the kids and give it all your might!!"
Picture a typical Nativity scene ... get that scene in your head, all that is represented there... what part of this party has anything to do with Christmas? Nothing. "But wait, the magi brought presents to Jesus ... and Jesus was God's gift to the world! So giving gifts lines up, right?" Yes, but the magi brought gifts to honor and worship the King of Kings ... and Jesus was a gift given to sacrifice himself for the sins of humanity. No parallels there. But, wait there is one big parallel: worship. Worship is the common denominator in this party and the first Christmas. But the worship offered by shepherds and magi (even though I realize the magi weren't there the night Jesus was born) and declared by angels was appropriate worship; it was directed to the One who is worthy of being declared worthy. The worship that will take place at this party will be given to idols, to the false gods of alcohol and recreation, and ultimately, to the false god of self. And this saddens me.
We live in a world of idolatry, where people seek to fill their emptiness with false promises of fulfillment, and the quicker the results the better (i.e. - a couple beers equals decent buzz in a matter of minutes). Now, this particular event also includes buying a gift for a poor kid, which will inevitably serve to ease whatever conscious may be left in those that are worshiping alcohol. The faulty system of moral balances ("I did something good by bringing a present, so I earned a night of drunkenness") will ensure that all the beer is consumed. But this Christmas party is particularly interesting (read sad) because it is all done in the name of the One who deserves worship, and yet, He will get no recognition, no worship... in fact, He will be blasphemed by practices of false worship.
I know I can't be mad at the world for being the world, but I think it is highly appropriate to be disheartened, and broken, at the thought of a club like this with a substantial following, whose gods are sports and beer. This should drive all true worshipers to brokenness and prayer, and give us open hearts to share truth with those living far from God. In this season especially, may we have our eyes and hearts open to share with those whose hearts are empty. I think I'll be attending this party ... and bring a Gift.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
The Reason He Came
Matthew 1:21 says "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Our sins were always in view when Jesus left glory to reveal God's love. So not only did He leave the glories of Heaven and enter into the existence of a human being subjected to the same pain, sickness, temptation, hunger, and trials of humanity ... He did it for an undeserving helpless people. The valor of doing something heroic and self-sacrificing seems to be accentuated when it is done for a sweet little child, or someone who deserves the efforts made to save them. But what valor is there for He who gives His life for His enemies? None, for he seems foolish to the world. But in this foolishness we are saved, saved from the foolishness of our sins and foolish attempts to get to Him on our own. He came to us, to save us from our sins, and bring us to Himself.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Isaiah's Perspective ... Shepherds' Perspective
Continuing this theme of understanding just how far it is from Heaven to earth ... consider what Isaiah saw and what the shepherds saw.
John said Isaiah saw Jesus' glory. When did that happen? Well, in the context of the passage we see John quoting a portion of Isaiah 6 ... so what happened in Isaiah 6? If you read 6:1-5 you see a pretty intense description Isaiah has of a King, a King on a throne ... in the temple. And this King is wearing a robe so majestic if fills up the entire temple. And there are angels, weird looking angels, declaring the glory of this King ... "holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty ... the whole earth is full of His glory." And as if that wasn't intense enough, the place starts to shake and fills up with smoke. That guy, that King, that's King Jesus ... in all His glory.
Now ... how does this same Jesus look in Luke 2? He's tiny. Helpless. Wrapped in strips of cloth, not robes of majesty. He's surrounded by animals and their food ... both pre-digested and post-digested I'm sure ... not smoke and shaking doorposts and six-winged flying worshippers. It's a different scene folks. Same Jesus. Emptied. Stepped out of glory into humility. Hebrews 2 says that he shared in our humanity, that "He had to be made like his brothers in every way." (v. 17) Jesus gave up more in the incarnation than we realize. And the reason He had to stoop so low? Our sin, our guilt, our need. He was born a little baby, helpless. He became helpless because we are helpless.
Now, there were some similarities in what happened in Isaiah 6 and in Luke 2. Consider the difference in the message of the angels. Isaiah 6 - declaring his holiness and glory, no mention of peace or good news. Luke 2 - these angels also declare his glory, but then ... “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (v. 14) A declaration of peace. The journey from Heaven to earth brought the hope for peace on earth.
Another similarity is in the effect the encounter had on Isaiah and on the shepherds. Re-read these accounts and see for yourself. Good stuff.
John said Isaiah saw Jesus' glory. When did that happen? Well, in the context of the passage we see John quoting a portion of Isaiah 6 ... so what happened in Isaiah 6? If you read 6:1-5 you see a pretty intense description Isaiah has of a King, a King on a throne ... in the temple. And this King is wearing a robe so majestic if fills up the entire temple. And there are angels, weird looking angels, declaring the glory of this King ... "holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty ... the whole earth is full of His glory." And as if that wasn't intense enough, the place starts to shake and fills up with smoke. That guy, that King, that's King Jesus ... in all His glory.
Now ... how does this same Jesus look in Luke 2? He's tiny. Helpless. Wrapped in strips of cloth, not robes of majesty. He's surrounded by animals and their food ... both pre-digested and post-digested I'm sure ... not smoke and shaking doorposts and six-winged flying worshippers. It's a different scene folks. Same Jesus. Emptied. Stepped out of glory into humility. Hebrews 2 says that he shared in our humanity, that "He had to be made like his brothers in every way." (v. 17) Jesus gave up more in the incarnation than we realize. And the reason He had to stoop so low? Our sin, our guilt, our need. He was born a little baby, helpless. He became helpless because we are helpless.
Now, there were some similarities in what happened in Isaiah 6 and in Luke 2. Consider the difference in the message of the angels. Isaiah 6 - declaring his holiness and glory, no mention of peace or good news. Luke 2 - these angels also declare his glory, but then ... “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (v. 14) A declaration of peace. The journey from Heaven to earth brought the hope for peace on earth.
Another similarity is in the effect the encounter had on Isaiah and on the shepherds. Re-read these accounts and see for yourself. Good stuff.
Friday, November 26, 2010
More Distance Than We Think
I'm sitting here in our family room, tree lit, kids asleep, Joanna reading her Bible, and a pretty clean house. The house wasn't so clean earlier; it took a little work throughout the day to get it this way. But the distance between a dirty house and a clean house wasn't so great today, b/c the house wasn't in terrible shape. Exactly UNlike the world Jesus was born into. It was a wreck ... and the distance He came to get here was enormous ... we were literally worlds apart. The distance from dirty to clean wasn't much for us today because we were kinda close to clean already, but the distance from dirty to clean for humanity is enormous. And it's because this distance is so great that Jesus came to earth. But the fact that we don't realize just how far from clean we are is the reason we don't realize just how far from earth Heaven is. It's the reason we aren't as amazed as we should be at the incarnation. The distance covered in the incarnation was more than we think.
I fear that we underestimate just how great a distance it was. Often because we don't think we're really that bad; we don't live with an honest assessment of how desperate we are without Christ. Or we tend to think we deserved a Messiah; God's ultimate plan was my salvation and so of course Jesus came (and if it's such a given that He would come ... then it probably wasn't too big of a deal for him to get here). These presumptuous thoughts lead us to misunderstand that the life of Christ was defined by sacrifice, even in the incarnation. Jesus stepped out of glory, as Paul said in Philippians 2 ... "he emptied himself." He didn't slightly alter himself; He didn't forgo some of his glory; He didn't pretend to hurt while all the while maintaining a god-like resistance to human pain. We think we sacrifice when we go on a one week mission trip to a lesser developed nation ... for one week. How bout out of the glory of Heaven into a feeding trough ... to begin a 33 year journey. He went the distance, a whole lot of distance ... to get to us ... so we could get to Him.
John 12:41 offers some insight for understanding the great distance from Heaven to earth: "Isaiah said this because he saw His glory and spoke about him." What is John talking about? When did Isaiah see Jesus? More tomorrow.
I fear that we underestimate just how great a distance it was. Often because we don't think we're really that bad; we don't live with an honest assessment of how desperate we are without Christ. Or we tend to think we deserved a Messiah; God's ultimate plan was my salvation and so of course Jesus came (and if it's such a given that He would come ... then it probably wasn't too big of a deal for him to get here). These presumptuous thoughts lead us to misunderstand that the life of Christ was defined by sacrifice, even in the incarnation. Jesus stepped out of glory, as Paul said in Philippians 2 ... "he emptied himself." He didn't slightly alter himself; He didn't forgo some of his glory; He didn't pretend to hurt while all the while maintaining a god-like resistance to human pain. We think we sacrifice when we go on a one week mission trip to a lesser developed nation ... for one week. How bout out of the glory of Heaven into a feeding trough ... to begin a 33 year journey. He went the distance, a whole lot of distance ... to get to us ... so we could get to Him.
John 12:41 offers some insight for understanding the great distance from Heaven to earth: "Isaiah said this because he saw His glory and spoke about him." What is John talking about? When did Isaiah see Jesus? More tomorrow.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
The Christmas Bug
I got it early this year. So did Joanna. In fact, we bucked tradition and put our tree up today (instead of the day after Thanksgiving, which would be tomorrow). I know it's only one day, but we feel like we got in a whole extra week of Christmas celebration by our early start. This early Christmas excitement also comes with a fresh hunger for deeper insight into the all too familiar Christmas story, which coincides nicely with my desire to post more regularly. So, here we go ... it's November 25, a month til Christmas ... and this is the first of a month's worth of posts that will ultimately center around the miracle that sets the scene for my salvation ... the incarnation. God ... in the flesh. Here. On this earth ... from Heaven. I think my complacency with the story stems from a lack understanding about just how far it is, the trip from Heaven ... to earth. More tomorrow.
Monday, October 18, 2010
It Is Not Good for the Man to Be Alone ...
Last night was a great demonstration of the truth of this foundational biblical principle found in Genesis 2. This is, in fact, the first thing in all of creation that was declared by God to be "not good" ... it wasn't good then, and it isn't good now.
Joanna left Sunday afternoon to go to a church planters wives' conference in Arkansas. I was thrilled that she got to go, but slightly intimidated by the daunting task ahead of me ... being a single dad for a couple days. Of course she left me with detailed instructions, all supplies needed, meals in the fridge, and the promise of a sweet reunion in a few days.
So, last night was my first go round ... only mildly disastrous. Invited TC over to help out ... and cause I wanted to go throw football and Trey's not quite old enough, and Mary Grace said her arm was a little sore from all the clapping lately (she's just learned to clap, very cute). But here's the thing - I knew Trey needed to poop, and we're trying to get all that into the toilet for good. So I put him on, he had his normal stage fright, didn't perform (you gotta relax that thing son), and I put his underwear back on and headed out to the park to play football.
Really Robby? He had not "moved" in over 24 hours, what made me think he was gonna hold it til we got back home? And I left him in underwear?! Anyway, we played, he ran with us and had a blast, so cute, and then he kinda walked away and went toward the playground, next thing I know he's waddling ... and I'm kickin myself for being so stupid. There we are, no diaper, no wipes, no change of clothes ... and a load of crap in his underpants. I removed said underpants ... buried them along with their fresh contents, put his pants back on (giving him his first free*&#$%* experience ... hm, so it wasn't all bad) ... and headed home.
Well, that was just the first issue. Got home, put him in the tub, put his pants in the wash, disaster over ... so, what's for dinner? Mexican lasagna, excellent. It takes 45 minutes to cook. It's 7:00. Their bed time is 8:00. Long night ahead. So, we ate, fed them, cleaned their cute messy faces off, got jammies on, gave Trey his tea, gave MG her lotion, brushed Trey's teeth, made him his little covers fort, and put those boogers in bed. Nice, aside from a late dinner and getting them in bed late, not bad.
I went to grab my phone and see if Joanna called ... hmm, where's my phone? "TC have you seen my phone? Call my phone dude I gotta find it" Nope, nowhere. Uh, where did you have it last? Oh... yea, Trey had it. He was holding it in the stroller on the way to the park. Cue tape of Robby with headlamp on driving slowly toward the park looking for his phone on the road, expecting to find it in pieces. Got all the way to the park, nothin. Until I walked by the slide and saw it sitting on the ground ... with nine missed calls from TC. Disaster averted.
Well, needless to say, we all slept well. That is, until 11:53 when Mary Grace decided to wake up crying. But the miracle is that I heard her ... and was coherent enough to know to go check on her and make her a bottle.
Well, it's 11:30, and Trey just woke up crying, gotta go.
Hurry back mommy, we miss you.
Joanna left Sunday afternoon to go to a church planters wives' conference in Arkansas. I was thrilled that she got to go, but slightly intimidated by the daunting task ahead of me ... being a single dad for a couple days. Of course she left me with detailed instructions, all supplies needed, meals in the fridge, and the promise of a sweet reunion in a few days.
So, last night was my first go round ... only mildly disastrous. Invited TC over to help out ... and cause I wanted to go throw football and Trey's not quite old enough, and Mary Grace said her arm was a little sore from all the clapping lately (she's just learned to clap, very cute). But here's the thing - I knew Trey needed to poop, and we're trying to get all that into the toilet for good. So I put him on, he had his normal stage fright, didn't perform (you gotta relax that thing son), and I put his underwear back on and headed out to the park to play football.
Really Robby? He had not "moved" in over 24 hours, what made me think he was gonna hold it til we got back home? And I left him in underwear?! Anyway, we played, he ran with us and had a blast, so cute, and then he kinda walked away and went toward the playground, next thing I know he's waddling ... and I'm kickin myself for being so stupid. There we are, no diaper, no wipes, no change of clothes ... and a load of crap in his underpants. I removed said underpants ... buried them along with their fresh contents, put his pants back on (giving him his first free*&#$%* experience ... hm, so it wasn't all bad) ... and headed home.
Well, that was just the first issue. Got home, put him in the tub, put his pants in the wash, disaster over ... so, what's for dinner? Mexican lasagna, excellent. It takes 45 minutes to cook. It's 7:00. Their bed time is 8:00. Long night ahead. So, we ate, fed them, cleaned their cute messy faces off, got jammies on, gave Trey his tea, gave MG her lotion, brushed Trey's teeth, made him his little covers fort, and put those boogers in bed. Nice, aside from a late dinner and getting them in bed late, not bad.
I went to grab my phone and see if Joanna called ... hmm, where's my phone? "TC have you seen my phone? Call my phone dude I gotta find it" Nope, nowhere. Uh, where did you have it last? Oh... yea, Trey had it. He was holding it in the stroller on the way to the park. Cue tape of Robby with headlamp on driving slowly toward the park looking for his phone on the road, expecting to find it in pieces. Got all the way to the park, nothin. Until I walked by the slide and saw it sitting on the ground ... with nine missed calls from TC. Disaster averted.
Well, needless to say, we all slept well. That is, until 11:53 when Mary Grace decided to wake up crying. But the miracle is that I heard her ... and was coherent enough to know to go check on her and make her a bottle.
Well, it's 11:30, and Trey just woke up crying, gotta go.
Hurry back mommy, we miss you.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Psalms and Mtn Biking
I've really slacked on my psalms readings ... but my energy has been thrown pretty seriously into preaching the psalms ... Psalm 73 last week "but as for me it is good to ..." (you'll have to look it up ... or go to Movement Church podcast to suffer through the sermon =). Psalm 67 this week - joy to the nations ... will consider - why does God bless someone ... how does God bring joy to the nations ... and ultimately, how can we be part of that?
In other news - I connected with a cool group of mtn bikers in Richmond Wednesday to begin a series of time trial races throughout the rest of the summer. By buddy Matt Dorinsky joined me ... and a big thanks to master mtn biker Mike for putting it all together.
In other news - I connected with a cool group of mtn bikers in Richmond Wednesday to begin a series of time trial races throughout the rest of the summer. By buddy Matt Dorinsky joined me ... and a big thanks to master mtn biker Mike for putting it all together.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Ch. 10, 12, 13
Ch. 10
1-5
The arrogant wicked man who abuses the poor is introduced here – he renounces the Lord, says “there is no god,” and yet, he seems to prosper. The psalmist laments at this apparent injustice, wondering why the Lord seems “far away” and “hidden.” Most significant phrase in this first section: “your judgments are on high, out of his sight.” He may think he’s got it made, but the Lord’s judgment is not always obvious nor immediate. His walking on thin ice, and feeling confident about it.
6-11
His ignorant arrogance is flaming in this section: “I shall not meet adversity … murders the innocent … seizes the poor … says in his heart ‘God has forgotten… he will never see it’ ”
12-18
A plea to God to arise and remember the afflicted, to “break the arm of the evildoer.” The psalmist reminds himself that though the wicked doubt God’s justice (“you will not call to account”), God does see and will “take it into your hands.” His heart for the afflicted really shines through here as well: “to you the helpless commits himself, you have been the helper of the fatherless … you hear the desire of the afflicted … do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed.”
In summary – this psalm recognizes the injustice of living in a fallen world, where wicked arrogant men doubt God’s authority, and also diverts one’s response to this injustice from despair to hope, by affirming God’s authority and compassion for the afflicted. May we take part in joining God’s action against injustice and pointing the afflicted to His grace, while praying for the wicked that they may be broken and repent.
Ch. 12
David emphasizes what people are saying, what’s coming out of their mouths: “lies, flattering lips, tongue that makes great boasts.” In contrast to that: “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined… purified seven times”
“because the needy groan, I will now arise … I will place him in the safety for which he longs.” God’s heart to meet those who are needy and act in their behalf.
Ch. 13
“sorrow in my heart all day” … David is constantly being honest about the struggles in his life and the sorrow in his heart, and he wonders how long it will last. He feels as if God is hiding his face from him. Is he? Maybe, maybe God wants him to trust in what is real, not in what he can feel. David’s request: “consider and answer me.” Conclusion, ends in faith: “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.”
Themes: the themes of wicked men, the afflicted, (often afflicted by wicked men), specifically-the author's enemies, and the author's trust in God, b/c He is righteous and good, a refuge to be trusted in.
1-5
The arrogant wicked man who abuses the poor is introduced here – he renounces the Lord, says “there is no god,” and yet, he seems to prosper. The psalmist laments at this apparent injustice, wondering why the Lord seems “far away” and “hidden.” Most significant phrase in this first section: “your judgments are on high, out of his sight.” He may think he’s got it made, but the Lord’s judgment is not always obvious nor immediate. His walking on thin ice, and feeling confident about it.
6-11
His ignorant arrogance is flaming in this section: “I shall not meet adversity … murders the innocent … seizes the poor … says in his heart ‘God has forgotten… he will never see it’ ”
12-18
A plea to God to arise and remember the afflicted, to “break the arm of the evildoer.” The psalmist reminds himself that though the wicked doubt God’s justice (“you will not call to account”), God does see and will “take it into your hands.” His heart for the afflicted really shines through here as well: “to you the helpless commits himself, you have been the helper of the fatherless … you hear the desire of the afflicted … do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed.”
In summary – this psalm recognizes the injustice of living in a fallen world, where wicked arrogant men doubt God’s authority, and also diverts one’s response to this injustice from despair to hope, by affirming God’s authority and compassion for the afflicted. May we take part in joining God’s action against injustice and pointing the afflicted to His grace, while praying for the wicked that they may be broken and repent.
Ch. 12
David emphasizes what people are saying, what’s coming out of their mouths: “lies, flattering lips, tongue that makes great boasts.” In contrast to that: “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined… purified seven times”
“because the needy groan, I will now arise … I will place him in the safety for which he longs.” God’s heart to meet those who are needy and act in their behalf.
Ch. 13
“sorrow in my heart all day” … David is constantly being honest about the struggles in his life and the sorrow in his heart, and he wonders how long it will last. He feels as if God is hiding his face from him. Is he? Maybe, maybe God wants him to trust in what is real, not in what he can feel. David’s request: “consider and answer me.” Conclusion, ends in faith: “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.”
Themes: the themes of wicked men, the afflicted, (often afflicted by wicked men), specifically-the author's enemies, and the author's trust in God, b/c He is righteous and good, a refuge to be trusted in.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Psalm 4
Some of the same themes here: calling to God, requesting an answer (emphasizing communication w/ God, a God who is near, not distant, a God who hears, and yet even though David believes this, he still asks God to answer), reminder of times when God has been there, frustration with wicked men, trust in the Lord, joy in the Lord, delighting in Him more than the treasures of this world (grain and new wine), and then he ends with peace, trusting that God makes him “dwell in safety.”
So, David recognizes his circumstances, but calls on the God who is in control of circumstances, for a joy that goes beyond his circumstances. He finds his joy in God – “you have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.” David’s joy, based on God’s goodness in spite of his circumstances (“you have given relief when I was in distress”), is deeper, better, more real, than their joy that is based on their circumstances (grain and new wine abound).
So, David recognizes his circumstances, but calls on the God who is in control of circumstances, for a joy that goes beyond his circumstances. He finds his joy in God – “you have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.” David’s joy, based on God’s goodness in spite of his circumstances (“you have given relief when I was in distress”), is deeper, better, more real, than their joy that is based on their circumstances (grain and new wine abound).
Sunday, May 16, 2010
chapter 2, 3
(this discipline thing is kinda tough for me, but I soldier on; here's ch. 2,3 ... I also realize there's not always going to be a ground-breaking insight, but through the discipline I hope to find some ground-breaking insights)
Ch. 2
This is a psalm about the Messiah (the “anointed one”) … the rulers of the world will conspire against Him (which happened), but Yahweh defends Him in anger, affirming the Kingship of the Messiah. His anger is against the wicked, but the blessed man can take refuge in Him. (and yet, even though His anger is directed against the wicked, the Anointed One takes that anger upon Himself for all who call on Him to do so, even the very wicked that have conspired against Him)
Ch. 3
A lot of the psalms deal with David just crying out to God, being real about how he feels, particularly about his trials/enemies. This is one of those. I find it interesting that one of the comments that his enemies were making about him was that “God will not deliver him.” But then David reminds himself who God is: “You are a shield around me.” He puts his fears aside in light of God’s protection and sustaining power in his life; he calls on the Lord to deliver him, and he again reminds himself: “from the Lord comes deliverance.” And finishes with a plea for blessing on “your people” … so even in his distress, his prayer is not only for himself, but for the people, and, it’s a prayer for God’s blessing – a theme that runs throughout Scripture, starting with God “blessing them” and telling them to be fruitful and multiply.
Ch. 2
This is a psalm about the Messiah (the “anointed one”) … the rulers of the world will conspire against Him (which happened), but Yahweh defends Him in anger, affirming the Kingship of the Messiah. His anger is against the wicked, but the blessed man can take refuge in Him. (and yet, even though His anger is directed against the wicked, the Anointed One takes that anger upon Himself for all who call on Him to do so, even the very wicked that have conspired against Him)
Ch. 3
A lot of the psalms deal with David just crying out to God, being real about how he feels, particularly about his trials/enemies. This is one of those. I find it interesting that one of the comments that his enemies were making about him was that “God will not deliver him.” But then David reminds himself who God is: “You are a shield around me.” He puts his fears aside in light of God’s protection and sustaining power in his life; he calls on the Lord to deliver him, and he again reminds himself: “from the Lord comes deliverance.” And finishes with a plea for blessing on “your people” … so even in his distress, his prayer is not only for himself, but for the people, and, it’s a prayer for God’s blessing – a theme that runs throughout Scripture, starting with God “blessing them” and telling them to be fruitful and multiply.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
chapter 1
What does this man delight in? Unsavory friends? (those that can sometimes be fun(ny) and keep things “exciting” … whose habits often involve worldly pleasures) No. His delight is in something else … those who pursue ungodly friendships seeking the “freedom” of the hedonistic lifestyle are against what the Blessed Man seeks – He seeks the opposite of unrestraint – He delights in restraint: God’s law. The restraining principles, which are really based on the righteous character of our God! This man delights in restraining principles which actually bring freedom – freedom to live the life he was called to. And his delight is demonstrated … “on his law he meditates day and night.” These are not just warm and fuzzy feelings about religious thoughts; this is a practice of savoring God’s truth and His character which is revealed in His Word. He meditates, spends time reading, spends time thinking about, spends time being quiet with … the law of the Lord … in which he delights.
The result? “a tree planted by streams of water … fruit in season … leaf does not wither … whatever he does prospers.” This man experiences a fruitful life, full of purpose and prosperity (prosperity defined in God’s terms). The wicked does not experience this. Whereas he is planted firmly with nourishment nearby, the wicked is not planted, but rather blown away. They will not stand in the day of judgment … when it is determined whether they kept the very law that the blessed man is delighting in. When they are found to have despised God’s law, they will then curse their “freedom” and long for the “restraint” of God’s loving law.
The result? “a tree planted by streams of water … fruit in season … leaf does not wither … whatever he does prospers.” This man experiences a fruitful life, full of purpose and prosperity (prosperity defined in God’s terms). The wicked does not experience this. Whereas he is planted firmly with nourishment nearby, the wicked is not planted, but rather blown away. They will not stand in the day of judgment … when it is determined whether they kept the very law that the blessed man is delighting in. When they are found to have despised God’s law, they will then curse their “freedom” and long for the “restraint” of God’s loving law.
Psavoring the Psalms
The last comment I received on this blog was "time for a new post pastor" ... thank you my beloved sister Teecy. Speaking of Teecy, my beloved friend T.C. (different person of course ... coached T.C. in high school) and I are about to go through the Psalms, two a day. So, my goal is to blog a little something about each Psalm for the next 3 months or so ... those of you who know me, know this is virtually impossible, but here goes. I would really love for YOU to help deepen my understanding of the Psalms by checking in from time to time and adding your insights/thoughts/questions. Best to read/study Scripture in community ... so join me as we Psavor the Psalms (I know, cheesy ... but it should be a pretty psweet time)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
