From chapter 2: "Why a Jewish Rabbi?" from Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus: How the Jewishness of Jesus Can Transform Your Faith, by Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg.
Jesus came not only giving us the word of God, words from his Father, but he came as the Word of God, and the last word God has spoken and is speaking to his people. As such it is to be expected that what we find Jesus doing much of the time in the gospels is teaching. And living.
Rabbis not only taught their disciples, or followers how to live, but had to be examples, and exemplary in what they taught. As the authors point out, while Jesus came as Messiah, Deliverer (Savior) and Redeemer, still Rabbi as in "my Master" and Teacher was not only at the heart of what he did as we see in the gospels, but is also at the heart of what he does today by the Spirit through the word within the church for the world.
Too often people see Jesus as Redeemer and Savior so that their sins are taken care of, and they have a place in heaven, period. But Jesus came secondarily as the way to heaven. Jesus is the way that humans are to live in relationship to God, to others, to themselves, and to the world. We today have a Rabbi who perfectly exemplifies what he teaches us. And his name is Jesus.
What thoughts do you have from or on this?
Showing posts with label God's word. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's word. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
the book (other than the Bible) that shaped me the most
Mom read us books as little children and the one she read the most and that I remember most vividly is Kenneth Taylor's The Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes (the original of it, 1956- the year I was born). The pictures stood out to me and for me as a child were surely iconic, as the simplicity, clarity and power of the spoken word came through clearly for a child in Kenneth Taylor's (the author of the paraphrase The Living Bible) words, with simple questions at the end of each short entry.
This book surely was the most formidable of all books for me as a child in influencing and shaping my thought and formation, the fruit of it coming forth in my conversion years later. But before my conversion I rarely if ever doubted the truth of the simple gospel, or of the Bible. It's only now, as I look back on it, that I begin to understand just a little the profound impact this book, and my mother's faithful reading of it to us, had on me.
The picture of Jesus hanging on the cross always stood out to me. Also the first picture of the book- of God creating the heavens and the earth, along with a good many others. Each picture was quite important to us, and the words were kept simple and few, with good questions afterwards, just right for a child.
I have many good childhood memories, but this ranks among the best. My guess is that Mom often read several at a time. I can't remember exactly how I felt during such times, but I'm sure it was formational for me and to this day has an impact on what I do in more ways than I can understand. I think what it did tell me is that the Bible is both true and true to life. So that I carried that belief with me, even through my years of rebellion.
There are surely better books out there for children now in expressing the truth of God's word and God's kingdom come in Jesus. But surely there's no better book as to the format that was used and captured me as a child, preparing me for a love for God's word and the story in it, which continues on to this day.
Do you have any similar story? What book or books shaped you the most through your formidable years?
Thanks to Diane, of Emerging Quaker, who both brought up this question to her readers and then asked me to develop my thoughts further.
This book surely was the most formidable of all books for me as a child in influencing and shaping my thought and formation, the fruit of it coming forth in my conversion years later. But before my conversion I rarely if ever doubted the truth of the simple gospel, or of the Bible. It's only now, as I look back on it, that I begin to understand just a little the profound impact this book, and my mother's faithful reading of it to us, had on me.
The picture of Jesus hanging on the cross always stood out to me. Also the first picture of the book- of God creating the heavens and the earth, along with a good many others. Each picture was quite important to us, and the words were kept simple and few, with good questions afterwards, just right for a child.
I have many good childhood memories, but this ranks among the best. My guess is that Mom often read several at a time. I can't remember exactly how I felt during such times, but I'm sure it was formational for me and to this day has an impact on what I do in more ways than I can understand. I think what it did tell me is that the Bible is both true and true to life. So that I carried that belief with me, even through my years of rebellion.
There are surely better books out there for children now in expressing the truth of God's word and God's kingdom come in Jesus. But surely there's no better book as to the format that was used and captured me as a child, preparing me for a love for God's word and the story in it, which continues on to this day.
Do you have any similar story? What book or books shaped you the most through your formidable years?
Thanks to Diane, of Emerging Quaker, who both brought up this question to her readers and then asked me to develop my thoughts further.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
quote of the week: Scot McKnight on letting the Bible be what it is
I have learned that when we take our hands off the pages of the Bible, read and listen to its words, and enter into its story by faith, something happens. It renews and continues to renew its powers. It becomes what it was meant to be, something both more intimate than an old pair of jeans and more unusual than alien creatures, something like a familiar stranger or an unpredictable neighbor or a pet lion whose presence invigorates its surroundings. Something like the glory of the ocean, which on the surface appears gentle and strolling and pleasant to observe, but under the surface there's a vibrant, teeming, swirling, dynamic world full of beauty and wonder. Or perhaps listening to the Bible is like having the most powerful person in the world sit down with you for coffee as a friend and chat with you.Scot McKnight, The Blue Parakeet: Rethinking How You Read the Bible, 36,37.
Friday, July 31, 2009
the effect of God's word
I generally notice a difference in myself when I'm meditating on God's word, and when I'm not. It's true that we're normally pondering something. I can easily get enmeshed and lost in my own thoughts, which sometimes go down a pathway that is not helpful or good.
As I take up a portion or passage in Scripture, I find over time as I ponder that grace begins to set in. God's love by the Spirit comes to the fore, and the old, doomed thoughts and attitudes are gone.
This is why I like to be in God's word all day as much as possible. God's word has a power all its own, and a wildness which can't be tamed, except by our systematic theologies, which can take the potency and power, yes what it really is as God's word, right out of it- and by themselves they do, as this excellent book which I'm rereading once again is reminding me.
How does God's word impact you? Or what would you like to share here?
As I take up a portion or passage in Scripture, I find over time as I ponder that grace begins to set in. God's love by the Spirit comes to the fore, and the old, doomed thoughts and attitudes are gone.
This is why I like to be in God's word all day as much as possible. God's word has a power all its own, and a wildness which can't be tamed, except by our systematic theologies, which can take the potency and power, yes what it really is as God's word, right out of it- and by themselves they do, as this excellent book which I'm rereading once again is reminding me.
How does God's word impact you? Or what would you like to share here?
Saturday, July 18, 2009
when lost
When unsettled for any reason at all, what do we do? What we do is important, because becoming unsettled in some way can result in a downward spiral which can have some undesirable or even disastrous results.
Yes, what we do I say, not what we believe, though it is true that what we really have faith in should determine what we do.
Why do I say that? Because often we can't see our way out of the fog and darkness we're in. Yes, sometimes believers do get lost (as a recent Michael Card song tells us), and we can find ourselves groping with the sense that what we've relied on before seems to be gone. Maybe akin to Jesus on the cross crying out, "My God, my God. Why have you forsaken me?"
For me it means I need to pray to God, beginning with the prayer Jesus taught us to pray. And then I get into God's word. Maybe a passage will come to mind, or a book to work through. And I always ask my wife, Deb to pray for me during such times.
Usually in time, and in time is important by the way, that takes care of it. But if not, I may want to get together with my pastor or a good friend to share my struggle. Usually for me in recent years that has involved Deb, and sometimes friends by email.
Again it's important that when unsettled for any reason we both act, and that what we do is turned toward God in faith. Through prayer, the word, the fellowship of believers- all through Jesus by the Spirit. God will help us through, as we endeavor to walk through those dark times with him.
What would you like to share on this?
Yes, what we do I say, not what we believe, though it is true that what we really have faith in should determine what we do.
Why do I say that? Because often we can't see our way out of the fog and darkness we're in. Yes, sometimes believers do get lost (as a recent Michael Card song tells us), and we can find ourselves groping with the sense that what we've relied on before seems to be gone. Maybe akin to Jesus on the cross crying out, "My God, my God. Why have you forsaken me?"
For me it means I need to pray to God, beginning with the prayer Jesus taught us to pray. And then I get into God's word. Maybe a passage will come to mind, or a book to work through. And I always ask my wife, Deb to pray for me during such times.
Usually in time, and in time is important by the way, that takes care of it. But if not, I may want to get together with my pastor or a good friend to share my struggle. Usually for me in recent years that has involved Deb, and sometimes friends by email.
Again it's important that when unsettled for any reason we both act, and that what we do is turned toward God in faith. Through prayer, the word, the fellowship of believers- all through Jesus by the Spirit. God will help us through, as we endeavor to walk through those dark times with him.
What would you like to share on this?
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
when we lose heart
I have been struggling lately not to do more than just go through the motions of what I'm supposed to do, and really have to do, day after day. Of course there are notable exceptions, such as when Deb and I celebrated our granddaughter's first birthday, just recently.
When I lose heart, then I know I need to pray. Jesus taught his disciples that they should always pray, rather than lose heart, or give up. Sometimes that's all I feel I can do, simply pray. And keep praying.
In the ebb and flow of life, this does seem like a kind of low time for me. One that carries with it plenty of sadness and some numbness with it.
But such a time can be a special time to come before God in his word and in prayer. That is what I want to do.
What about you? How do you go through such times?
When I lose heart, then I know I need to pray. Jesus taught his disciples that they should always pray, rather than lose heart, or give up. Sometimes that's all I feel I can do, simply pray. And keep praying.
In the ebb and flow of life, this does seem like a kind of low time for me. One that carries with it plenty of sadness and some numbness with it.
But such a time can be a special time to come before God in his word and in prayer. That is what I want to do.
What about you? How do you go through such times?
Saturday, March 28, 2009
violence
I hold to a Christian pacifist position, that is that followers of Jesus are to be people who follow in the steps of Jesus who taught us to love our enemies, and when hit on one cheek to turn the other.
Jim Elliot is often touted by Christians as a great example, but it is little known that he embraced a Christian pacifist stance, and was going to file as a "conscientious objector," if a draft was put in place.
I have been well reminded lately that the power we have as Christians is neither in the ballot box nor by the sword, but by the word of God. Not to say we don't vote, or that many Christians don't take up "the sword" as police officers, or in the military, though I don't accept the latter option. But to say that we are to be people who live out and speak the word of God, the revelation of God that is in Jesus.
This is a word that speaks against the ways of this world, the way of violence, and instead is about taking the way of the cross. As Christians, regardless of where we stand in what ways Christians can participate in society, and specifically in the state, we ought to be known as people who are followers of the Way, in the sense of being known as working for peace in terms of righteousness, which can only be realized through the message of Jesus- the gospel: Jesus' redemptive work for us, in his life, death and resurrection which we will soon remember and celebrate.
How this is lived out can be misunderstood. Some think it means we have to let ourselves be rugs for others to walk on. But that is a misreading of Scripture, and misunderstanding of what Jesus brought and continues to bring through the Spirit in the church. We must be bold, but with a boldness that is of God's Spirit, not of the flesh; not of this world, but of the kingdom of God come in Jesus.
Just a few thoughts on this. A subject I've blogged about before, but has been in my mind some lately. What would you like to add to this? What objections might you raise to what I'm saying here?
Jim Elliot is often touted by Christians as a great example, but it is little known that he embraced a Christian pacifist stance, and was going to file as a "conscientious objector," if a draft was put in place.
I have been well reminded lately that the power we have as Christians is neither in the ballot box nor by the sword, but by the word of God. Not to say we don't vote, or that many Christians don't take up "the sword" as police officers, or in the military, though I don't accept the latter option. But to say that we are to be people who live out and speak the word of God, the revelation of God that is in Jesus.
This is a word that speaks against the ways of this world, the way of violence, and instead is about taking the way of the cross. As Christians, regardless of where we stand in what ways Christians can participate in society, and specifically in the state, we ought to be known as people who are followers of the Way, in the sense of being known as working for peace in terms of righteousness, which can only be realized through the message of Jesus- the gospel: Jesus' redemptive work for us, in his life, death and resurrection which we will soon remember and celebrate.
How this is lived out can be misunderstood. Some think it means we have to let ourselves be rugs for others to walk on. But that is a misreading of Scripture, and misunderstanding of what Jesus brought and continues to bring through the Spirit in the church. We must be bold, but with a boldness that is of God's Spirit, not of the flesh; not of this world, but of the kingdom of God come in Jesus.
Just a few thoughts on this. A subject I've blogged about before, but has been in my mind some lately. What would you like to add to this? What objections might you raise to what I'm saying here?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
daily manna
The Israelites were given fresh manna every morning, and a double portion to gather the morning prior to the Sabbath, for both days. Jesus tells them later that he is the true bread come down from heaven, which if a person eats will give them life forever.
I need to be in God's word daily, but of course that word comes to us in Jesus, who likewise is called the Word. In the temptation in the wilderness, Jesus told the devil that humans do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
In my experience I find that God has something fresh for me daily. But I have to get it; it normally doesn't just come to me. One has to do their part, taking what God has given and "eating" it. This involves a meditative pondering on God's word. And by faith drawing on the life I have in the Spirit through Jesus.
I am blessed to work daily among Christians who seek to live out the truth of God's word in Jesus. We fail along the way, but God's word is there for us in all things, for us in those times. I believe the connection between Spirit-Word and Community made by Amos Yong is a quite apt one. His writings are challenging, but I do get that much. We need God's Spirit to help us through God's Word- both Jesus, and Scripture- to live in Community, ultimately the Community of God found in the Trinity, and one in which we share together as God's people in Jesus and seek to live out together in and before this world.
What would you like to add to this?
Saturday, December 13, 2008
grounded in the word
I believe we have to be well grounded in the word of God, in Scripture. This takes time and practice, and is only realized in Jesus and in community and in mission. But all that we need and where we're going comes together in Jesus. And it's a together process- "us", not "I".
This is about living out this faith, this continuing story on earth in this present day. God's word has power in ways we don't know, so we can't limit the value of what we read in it, even if we don't understand it all. But it's intended for us in Jesus to sweep us up into the story, so that we find our place in what is central to this story in Jesus.
This is not an easy task. But as we work at it, little by little, God will help us together to really be his people in this world. A people in Jesus who call others to this same reality in Jesus, to this same faith. Our lives need to be centered in this; all else is peripheral to it.
What might you like to add to these few thoughts?
This is about living out this faith, this continuing story on earth in this present day. God's word has power in ways we don't know, so we can't limit the value of what we read in it, even if we don't understand it all. But it's intended for us in Jesus to sweep us up into the story, so that we find our place in what is central to this story in Jesus.
This is not an easy task. But as we work at it, little by little, God will help us together to really be his people in this world. A people in Jesus who call others to this same reality in Jesus, to this same faith. Our lives need to be centered in this; all else is peripheral to it.
What might you like to add to these few thoughts?
Friday, December 12, 2008
faith is ongoing
Why is it that we often are hit with the unpleasant realities of living in a fallen world? (a pretty obvious answer to that question!) Why do we at times, have the sense of being overwhelmed, or maybe in a blue funk? It's all related to helping us in the ongoing walk of faith which is to be a part of our every day life in this world, in Jesus.
As we look at Scripture, we see that faith involves commitment, trust, acts or works, resting, waiting, a living hope, etc. And it's necessary in all the circumstances of life. The good times and bad times. When we do well and when we fail. When we seem to be doing what is good and right, and when we sin. When we have plenty and when we are in need. All of these times and circumstances are occasions of faith.
There are difficult parts of our life journey which seem particularly dark, other parts seem to have much light, and most parts have for me, a sense of ambiguity- not knowing a lot, while walking with the light God gives us, such as with the lamp or light of God's word, or walking/living by faith and not by sight.
Faith is ongoing. It's faith in that it requires ongoing trust in God and his promises in Jesus. We realize that while God is doing a work that is beyond us in us, it's not about us or confidence in ourselves. But we are to grow in this ongoing faith so that in the end our faith will grow and be stronger than it was when we first received Christ as Lord. This faith is a reality, but it's often stronger when we are weaker. And faith is relational in nature as well, both to God and to each other, in Jesus.
What would you like to add here?
As we look at Scripture, we see that faith involves commitment, trust, acts or works, resting, waiting, a living hope, etc. And it's necessary in all the circumstances of life. The good times and bad times. When we do well and when we fail. When we seem to be doing what is good and right, and when we sin. When we have plenty and when we are in need. All of these times and circumstances are occasions of faith.
There are difficult parts of our life journey which seem particularly dark, other parts seem to have much light, and most parts have for me, a sense of ambiguity- not knowing a lot, while walking with the light God gives us, such as with the lamp or light of God's word, or walking/living by faith and not by sight.
Faith is ongoing. It's faith in that it requires ongoing trust in God and his promises in Jesus. We realize that while God is doing a work that is beyond us in us, it's not about us or confidence in ourselves. But we are to grow in this ongoing faith so that in the end our faith will grow and be stronger than it was when we first received Christ as Lord. This faith is a reality, but it's often stronger when we are weaker. And faith is relational in nature as well, both to God and to each other, in Jesus.
What would you like to add here?
Monday, December 01, 2008
wilderness of words
Words are wonderful; I'm certainly an advocate of them. Words are underrated, too; if that's not so, then why did God give us words as perhaps the most foundational aspect of "special revelation" given to us?
All that being said, I find that the use of words can be helpful or it can be a hindrance. It is interesting that the enemy tempted Eve by asking if God had really said such and such, and instead interjected that God meant so and so. Eve bought into that, but in so doing changed God's words of the command to her and Adam, herself. So words ended up mattering in a life and death way.
Words mattering should encourage us to spend more time in God's word, in Scripture. In that word we find the Word of God, Jesus, and we find in Jesus the way to God and God's will in this life and world, as well as the promise and reality of new creation in Jesus. So the importance placed on words should move us towards the word of God. And in that, to the story of God we find in Scripture. And by that to our own place in God's story, which in Jesus is ongoing.
Words can have a steadying, stabilizing effect as well as an unsettling effect. So this means we need discernment as we read blogs or books and even our own thoughts as we read God's word. We have to test all others words with reference to and by the word of God. While at the same time appreciating the gift of words and truth spoken by humankind from many places, disciplines and traditions.
What do you appreciate about words? How have you found them good or evil? How does adherence to God's word help us? And how can we err as did Adam and Eve?
All that being said, I find that the use of words can be helpful or it can be a hindrance. It is interesting that the enemy tempted Eve by asking if God had really said such and such, and instead interjected that God meant so and so. Eve bought into that, but in so doing changed God's words of the command to her and Adam, herself. So words ended up mattering in a life and death way.
Words mattering should encourage us to spend more time in God's word, in Scripture. In that word we find the Word of God, Jesus, and we find in Jesus the way to God and God's will in this life and world, as well as the promise and reality of new creation in Jesus. So the importance placed on words should move us towards the word of God. And in that, to the story of God we find in Scripture. And by that to our own place in God's story, which in Jesus is ongoing.
Words can have a steadying, stabilizing effect as well as an unsettling effect. So this means we need discernment as we read blogs or books and even our own thoughts as we read God's word. We have to test all others words with reference to and by the word of God. While at the same time appreciating the gift of words and truth spoken by humankind from many places, disciplines and traditions.
What do you appreciate about words? How have you found them good or evil? How does adherence to God's word help us? And how can we err as did Adam and Eve?
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