Tag: love

Beach Party!

1 Corinthians 11:20–29; John 21:1–13

Have you ever been to a beach party? I have…once. It was a surreal yet enjoyable experience. I was the 3rd wheel. We had a huge pallet bonfire and roasted hot dogs. Even as the outcast that I normally am (or perceive myself to be), I felt included. These weren’t really my friends, but for a time, we enjoyed each other’s company.

Over the last two days, we’ve talked about God’s feast. The first day (Matthew 22:1–14) was the fierceness of the king when the feast was disregarded as not being as worthwhile as the things of the mundane. The king was so insulted by those that were first invited that he started a new list…everybody else.

There is one last thing to say about that feast. It’s not as if the doors were closed to those that were first invited. They chose a different path. At no point was their invite rescinded. It was, and remains, open.

Yesterday, we talked (John 6:53–58) about the strangeness of the words used, “flesh” and “blood”. It might seem unwise to emphasize the weirdness of it. However, that is one of those “things” we do as Christians we need to see through non-Christian eyes.

Over the years there have been many movements that call Communion a “memorial”. Personally, I cannot fathom it being only a memorial. Yesterday’s devotion probably provides an idea as to why this is my perspective. One of the other reasons I struggle with the “memorial” view are the words of Paul that we read today.

We have many memorials, and many of them are very serious and deep. There are memorials for those who have given their lives for others. On the other hand, through a history of disconnection (deliberate and incidental) far too many think of an extra day off.

There are plenty of people who take Communion who view it as a thing that is done and miss the depth of what they do, what they a part of, and who they are dismissing. Yet, while that is critically important, there is something that is equally important. It is the love that draws us to the feast.

Whether Peter had ever had a beach party before is questionable, as the beach was the start and end of his work as a fisherman. Work parties always seem to be an oxymoron. It was also the place that Peter and a number of the other disciples were most familiar with, and the old familiar work probably helped their hearts.

And Jesus shows up. Not in a great crowd, but simply giving direction, and the building a simple fire to cook the fish and make some bread. It’s no beach party, but its very simplicity would help men that were still “simple” feel at ease.

Jesus welcomed them to his table. Jesus was the host. Yes, it was on a beach. It wasn’t fancy. It was love.

※Prayer※

Thank you, Jesus. Through you, we have True life. Thank you for your regular reminder of your love through Communion, and the family that you have gathered us into. Amen.

※Questions※

1) If you could have Jesus show up, what would you do together?

2) Why might it be significant what Jesus was doing on the beach?

3) How does one balance the fierceness and honor of the king’s banquet, to the simplicity of a beach grilling?

2020 08 22
What a Feast!

Matthew 22:1–14; John 6:53–58

When you’ve been invited to a party or some sort of celebration, have you ever received a little card that had you select from entree and/or other options? Or have you been to a buffet and been overwhelmed by the selection (or underwhelmed)?

Over the years there have been many tales of what the feasts in Heaven would look like. Some have used it to recruit people to their church or religion. For many, a gathering of family barbecues every day would be fantastic. So, of course, that’s would be what Heaven would be like (all the social introverts just shuddered)!

Making assumptions about things like that is often unwise, as it can lead to weird thoughts and even bad theology. The more serious part of that is that the primacy of feasts in the Scriptures is not to be diminished. This is especially true when we remember the feast that Jesus left to fill the gap while we wait for his return.

The feast that we have, though, is peculiar. Those who have been long in the church have been inured to the strangeness that is the Eucharist. As we read in John…eating human flesh and drinking human blood? If someone came to you and said that…how would you respond?

We read this and we immediately translate it into Christian language and thinking. If someone like Jeffrey Dahmer (real-life cannibal) or Hannibal Lecter (fictional cannibal) said something like this, we would not have such a Christianized response. That is the horror and revulsion that his hearers and likely even his disciples felt when they heard these words.

The Christian side of it is that we see the “spiritual” side of this as perfectly reasonable. We do have to keep in mind that for years Christians were accused of cannibalism because of the words of Jesus, and the regular Love Feast.

The Christian side of it also continues in two ways. First, by associated with blood, Jesus was associating with the Jewish belief of life was in the blood (from Levitical law). Second, by associating with the bread, Jesus was tying himself to the daily necessity (and often only food) of bread.

Lastly, though not often talked about, is the Jewish concept of eating the word of God. This was the Jewish practice of licking (literally) off a slate upon which Scripture was written (the Shema would make the most sense) with honey poured on it. There is some historical question if this was a 1st Century thing or if it developed later. However, there is some precedence from Ezekiel 3:3 who ate the word of God on a scroll.

Also, we understand that Jesus was the incarnate word of God (John 1:1–4). Thus, eating the word of God takes on a completely different understanding.

Especially now, when we are not taking Communion (Eucharist/Love Feast) in the communal way we have in the recent past, it is even more important to understand the gravitas of it. It isn’t just a little juice and a wafer (or bread)…it is the Word of God.

※Prayer※

Lord, John Wesley taught us that your feast is a means by which you deliver your grace to us. Let us not take it for granted and approach your banquet table with thanksgiving [eucharistia]. Amen.

※Questions※

1) How would you explain the why of Communion to a non-believer? How do you explain “eating flesh and drinking blood” without it sounding weirder than it already does?

2) Thinking of the king’s feast (Matthew 22:1–14), what does this tell you about coming to “the table” for communion?

2020 08 20
Join the Feast

Matthew 22:1–14

When you were a child, perhaps one of your favorite times was when you were invited to a birthday party. For some, an invitation was proof that they were actually “seen”. Even if that person was thought to be a friend, it was a surety that the friendship was true. If your parent(s) said you couldn’t go, oh, the drama!

As a ruler and public person, culturally, the king would be expected to have a (semi-)public feast, where at least the connected or (at least of) the correct blood would be invited. Also, the cultural expectation would be—barring something truly serious (illness and death being about it)—to accept the invitation and attend.

So, the same people were invited again. Those that went on to their mundane (i.e., not culturally serious enough to not attend) tasks insulted the king in one way. By abusing and even killing the king’s servants, the others found a different way to insult the king. Servants were often the “carriers” of the king’s will, so killing them would be similar to declaring war.

Which helps explain the next part. The king declares war. Some sort of retribution to salvage his honor would be required. Add to that the killing of his representatives…nothing good would come of it. Jesus‘ listeners would understand.

Those originally invited were, to the hearers and our understanding, the Jews (who were the remnant of Israel). So, why waste the feast? It would be shameful to have an empty feast. So, all the unconnected and non-blood were invited. For those keeping track, this would be the Gentiles (most of us).

It is here that there is another unexpected twist. Culturally, everyone would be expected to show up dressed appropriately. This is not the tuxedo or suit, but a more common, yet special, overwear that displayed that one was honoring the host.^*

The man dishonored the king. The king had had enough dishonoring, but at least he only tossed the guy out. The commonness of the “overwear” means that this was a deliberate choice. That shows it was more than being poor. It was something more.

Jesus’ concluding statement, though, tells us something far more. All too often, people believe they are called to God (they are). However, they allow the things of the world to be a priority over God. Others think that God’s magnanimousness is carte blanche to do whatever, as long as they “just” show up.

While the Jews, at the time, were accused of caring more for the world (and the forefathers) more than God (and God’s prophets), others (in general, could be Samaritans or Romans or other Gentiles) were also being accused of wanting the spoils without even showing the slightest care for the one who gave them.

Truly, these accusations can be justly put at the feet of all of us at some point in our lives. There is an ebb and flow to each. Yet, the Lord of the Banquet calls us to the Love Feast, and we have to be at least somewhat prepared.

※Prayer※

Lord of the Feast, help us prepare the ways of heart so that we come to the table hungry for you. Amen.

※Questions※

1) Can you think of a time when some wore inappropriate attire to a gathering? What was the gathering? What made it inappropriate?

2) Have you ever made an excuse to not attend a function that you were otherwise perfectly able to attend? Why? What did it gain you not to attend?

3) While it appears the king had an open door invite to the feast, that really wasn’t so. What kind of other situations have you experienced like that?

^*This is more of a guess than anything. Several commentators leave it as a mystery, yet as we look to the Scriptures for clues, we see garments of white with the implication of them being over the stained (representing sin) clothes that we wear. Hence, my conclusion.

2020 08 19
Stirring

Isaiah 43:8–13; Romans 11:13–29

What or who are you fighting for? If you are not fighting for God, then are you fighting for an idol?

Often Christians dismiss the Israelites of the Old Testament as the clueless. They were the people that didn’t get it. This view seems to be reinforced by Jesus’ words, yet were they really that clueless?

They valued the word of God. They valued traditions. They valued theology. They valued being Jewish. These values, it seems, were more a barrier between them and God, rather than

How much are we just like them? Would we really recognize Jesus on the street or the internet?

Christians have been accused of being blind and deaf to Jesus. This has come from Christians and it has come from the world. We are often quick to dismiss these words, rather than contemplate them.

We are human. We will be blind. We will be deaf. In many ways, that is how we are able to go through life without losing our minds or succumbing to fear.

There really isn’t a prescription so that we all know and can all be certified to be Christians. That would be nice. It takes practice. It takes a lot of practice.

The statistics are showing that many churches will not recover post-COVID. Some are saying that only 30% will return. Imagine your church only having 30% of its people.

Perhaps this will be the winnowing that the church needs.

This is along the same line of thought, though different, that Paul had regarding his fellow Jews. He knew they were passionate about the word of God, tradition, theology. They still had a heart problem.

Paul wanted the Jews to look at the Gentiles and want what they have, freedom in grace and mercy. In addition, the Gentiles (along with the Jews that became Christian) began to develop a community of faith and trust that transcended culture and blood.

We Christians, though, have now been around long enough that we have developed tradition, a love of God’s word that doesn’t necessarily include reading it, and we have theology.

We are likely now at the point where we need a Paul to get us stirred up. We need to be what Paul wanted the Jews to be…jealous for God.

※Prayer※

Holy Spirit, may we be stirred up for your plan and glory. Amen.

※Questions※

1) What does it mean to be jealous for God?

2) Why can love for God’s word an incomplete understanding of the word of God in our lives?

3) Why do you think people won’t return? What can we change to encourage people to stay and return?

2020 08 17
Speed Check

Isaiah 56:1–8; Ezekiel 2:1–10

When you’re driving, do you continue to check your speed? What do you do when you check a speed limit sign?

A speed limit sign cannot make you stop speeding. A speed limit sign cannot make you speed up. A speed limit sign can only tell what the authorities have set as the maximum speed for the area.

The law enforcement agency in charge of that area may have some grace about being a little over. If a lot of people are going over, they might let it go. If a person is weaving in and out of traffic and going over the speed limit, they may likely end up with a citation.

While the Scriptures are the word of God, they are also similar to speed limit signs. There is guidance and wisdom in the Scriptures. There are many warnings. People can (and do) choose to do their own thing.

God is not looking for rote obedience, obedience for obedience’s sake, or obedience for a reward. God desires obedience out of love.

Take the eunuchs. In Deuteronomy 23:1, eunuchs were banned from joining the assembly of God. That doesn’t mean that they could not (or did) not worship God, but that they could not participate in any Temple aspect, including the sacrificial offerings.

At the time, this was likely a response to the cultures (such as Egypt) that had eunuchs as ministers and in charge of harems. This would further separate the Israelites from other peoples.

By the time of Isaiah, things hadn’t really changed in the surrounding cultures. Also, people would often seek power and influence or were sent (e.g., political hostages) to foreign powers and were made eunuchs. Isaiah overthrows the concept of Deuteronomy, insofar as relationship with God is primary.

In Jewish tradition, Isaiah is sometimes elevated over Moses and Isaiah (according to Jewish tradition) reduced the 10 Commandments to 2, justice and mercy. A faithful eunuch who pursued justice and mercy would give true life to others. The ability to produce children was outweighed by a faithful heart.

The eunuchs, then, were those who saw the speed limit signs and obeyed, rather than those that Ezekiel (and Isaiah) spoke of/to that disregarded the ways of God.

This is, in some small way, a foreshadow of the Gentiles. The Gentiles could not add to the tribe of Israel (for they weren’t of the blood). However, they could add to the Kingdom of God by living for God.

※Prayer※

Holy Spirit, guide us into all Truth. Especially guide and guard us in regard to justice and mercy. Amen.

※Questions※

1) Take any issue (not a person or political party) right now. What would be just and merciful in that situation? If there is more than one side to that issue, what would be just and merciful all sides?

2) Taking that same issue, trying (and it’s hard) to look at it from God’s perspective, what might God’s idea of justice and mercy be? Which “side” of the above does that match? Which “side” are you on?

3) Why is the concept of giving Godly/spiritual life—rather than biological life—rated so important?

2020 08 15
Grudge Walker

Genesis 33:1–9; Numbers 20:14–21; Psalm 137; Lamentations 5:1–22

How much of your extended family do you know? Second cousins, third cousins, and so on. Imagine knowing the descendants of your ancestors (approximately 20 generations gap).

The brothers Jacob and Esau seemed to have been reconciled (though it was a strange one). They certainly didn’t go after each other after this. Yet, something carried over.

The Israelites came out of Egypt after around 500 years after this reconciliation. So, what happens after that? Esau’s descendants want nothing to do with Jacob’s descendants. In fact, they seem to want to make life difficult for their relatives.

As the history of the Israelites continues, the animosity also continues. The Edomites were joyful and mocking at the demise and exile of the Jews. The fall of Jerusalem was a celebration.

It apparently made such an impression that we read in Lamentations about the mocking. The descendants of Esau will soon switch places with the Jews as the disgraced ones.

It can be amazing what a family can do to each other. A place that is supposed to be built on love that destroys spirits and hearts. It seems that on the surface Esau and Jacob were reconciled, but that the discord was passed down to future generations.

When we look at the world around us, we ought to be asking, what kind of relations are we passing down? In the US, we often look at tribal conflicts that are generations old. We even mock (mostly) the historic rivalry between the Hatfields and the McCoy.

We don’t define ourselves that way and certainly not violently. Is that changing? Black- and Blue-Lives Matters, Antifa, Neo-Nazis are all creating their own brand of chaos, and there are a number of others. In fact, at this point, there are so many that it’s almost impossible to keep track of except by the experts.

It wasn’t that long ago that most people would snicker at someone’s assertion that the US was headed toward a new violent internal conflict. Yet, now both people on the left and the right are openly brandishing weapons (as provocation), and the more peaceful pundits of the left and right are starting to show concern.

And, while this is starting to sound like something on constant repeat, the church is experiencing this as well. Fellowship is being broken. The body of Christ is being broken.

The first call of the church is to heal itself, and there is a lot of work there. It is family after all. Once the church begins the real healing journey, then—and only then—will the church be able to help heal the world.

※Prayer※

Father God, Father of our church family, guide us to be your loving family. Amen.

※Questions※

1) Have you ever experienced a family grudge that strained family occasions? Was it a significant issue, or was it something small that was made big?

2) Why do you think family squabbles are often the worst and longest lasting?

2020 08 14
I Hate You

Luke 14:25–35; 1 John 3:14–18

So, who do YOU hate? Your mom, dad, husband, wife, significant other, son, daughter, brother, sister, cousin, aunt, uncle…Really, who do you hate?

Trump, Clinton, Bin Laden, and many others have been (or are) hated. It could be because of politics. It could be because they murdered people. It might be something that you think they may have done.

This passage in Luke is a hard passage for many. Except in cases of abuse or other mistreatment, hating one’s family is out of the question. A religion that has long considered itself (especially in the West) a “family-centered” religion will struggle that which it says it is based upon. “Family values”, a decades-old purportedly Christian value, are questionable if we are to hate our family.

Then John, a disciple of writes that we are to love our brothers and sisters, and that anyone who hates their brother or system is a murderer (even if said brother or sister still lives), and because of that they don’t have eternal life. Confused, yet?

So, how does this work, exactly? Well, we’re back to the age-old problem of English versus Greek. Just like there are more words for love in Greek than in English, there’s the same problem with hate. Hate isn’t quite hate, sort of.

When Jesus talks about hate, it refers more to loyalty that like, dislike, love, or hate. Jesus sought to shock people into an understanding that they may have to choose where their loyalty lay. Was their loyalty with family, or was their loyalty with Jesus?

Hate may seem overly dramatic, however, in the cultural context, hate was the understanding. Only a hateful child, parent, spouse, and so forth would choose Jesus over family. In that time, the time shortly thereafter, and it appears now, family loyalty is against Jesus.

Which brings us to John’s words. His hate is more along the lines of what we think of when we hear the word hate. The kind of hate that blindly rages and cares more about hurting another than blessing the enemy. This is the context of John’s hate.

We are called to pray for the blessings of our adversaries. Even more so are we to seek the benefit of our brothers and sisters in Christ. John’s primary concern is not the family ties of blood and culture that Jesus brought to light. John’s concern was what we at Generations call framily (friends who are like family).

This framily is found within the body of Christ. Because of its place within the body of Christ, it should not have divided loyalties. Of course, when it comes to human frailty, we all know that isn’t the case.

As we work through our hopes and fears of COVID and elections, we will often be tempted to hate our brothers and sisters in Christ. We must strive against that, for a house divided against itself will not stand, and then what would we say to Jesus?

※Prayer※

Jesus, you prayed to the Father that we would be one. Help us to be united in you, while we yet still remain individuals with different thoughts and experiences. Amen.

※Questions※

1) Is there someone in the body of Christ with whom you are angry? Pray for them. Ask for the peace of the Holy Spirit to fall upon and fill both them and you.

2) How can you work to be one with your brothers and sisters in Christ while you have differing opinions?

3) How does the concept of Jesus before family still cause you and others trials?

2020 08 13
Whose Crown?

1 Samuel 8:1–22; Mark 10:35–45; 1 Corinthians 1:20–25

One cannot say the beginning of the fall of Israel was at the point they demanded a king. God pointed this out to disappointed Samuel. Israel’s “desire” for a king showed that Israel’s heart continued to not focus on God.

Samuel’s sons were a mess. In no way did they honor God or their father. Just like many of us, and the world, the Israelites were looking at humanity rather than God.

The failure of the Israelites wasn’t that they didn’t want Samuel’s sons in charge. That was actually wisdom. What they didn’t want, apparently, was a spiritual leader like Samuel. They wanted a “normal” king.

When God tells Samuel that the Israelites were against God, God makes it clear that it isn’t Samuel’s fault. The hearts of the Israelites are at fault. What happens, though, is that while they get want, they want, it does eventually become a “be careful what you wish for.”

The path of king never really ends for the Israelites. Eventually, the kingdom splits into 2. The Northern Kingdom (confusingly also called, Israel) eventually disappears. The Southern Kingdom (called Judah) remains, but over the years of exile and conquest never really stops having a king.

By the time of Jesus, the “king” (Herod) really is just a governmental flunky of Rome. The Gentiles and their quests for power (a constant theme of the Roman Empire) are what Jesus is likely referring to when he talks to the disciples. His point being who wants to live like that. Jesus had a better way.

The better way was the way of God’s love (not just generic human love) of both sacrifice and discipline. What need of worldly government and power would such a person have?

When we focus too much on worldly power, we miss the reality that Jesus turned power upside down. If we focus on the world’s ways, we succumb to the foolishness of the world, rather than living in and through the wisdom of God.

When we rely on the world, we make the same mistake the Israelites did…we choose a king (even if it’s only for 4 years).

※Prayer※

Lord Jesus, as we try to live out being faithful citizens of this world, help us to remember our deeper and truer citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen.

※Questions※

1) What are some reasons you think the Israelites wanted a king “like the other nations”?

2) In what ways does the US political scene look at the president as King? What does that teach us about our (and our nation’s) heart?

3) How might you live out the upside-down kingdom that Jesus brought to us?

2020 08 10