Devotion.al

Tag: tradition

  • Hand Power

    Hand Power

    Psalm 115; Numbers 8:5–22; Titus 1:1–9

    In Numbers, the outline for priestly behavior is pretty minimal. Do your job. They also have an date, 50. Yes, there were other concerns (as the children of Eli showed in 1 Samuel). By and large, though, the duties of the priests were what set them apart, not their character. However, there is an aspect of their installation (i.e., becoming priests) that is well worth looking at. The people laid their hands on the priests.

    This might sound kind of strange, and even unrelated, to us. In “priestly” circles, laying on of hands has long been a . In non-Evangelical circles, it is an expected rite and theologically necessary. Traditions such as the Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Anglican hold to an unbroken chain of laying on of hands since Peter. Based upon the tradition of Levitical priests and the laying on of hands, it actually is pretty reasonable from a Jewish and Christian .

    The Church of the Nazarene doesn’t particularly hold to the “unbreakable” aspect of the laying on of hands, but it does hold on to the tradition itself, as each ordained person has hands laid on them during their ordination by both the presiding Superintendent, but also all those who are ordained within the confines of the district (except in weird times as now).

    When a pastor is called to a church, during the installation, the Church board will lay hands (and often the congregation). Often, when a board is elected by the membership of church, hands are laid upon them by the congregation.

    There are multiple meanings within the laying on of hands. For the Israelites, there was an aspect of confession and there was an aspect of commission. The priests were set apart for the direct ministerial work of God on behalf of all of Israel. They were God’s “portion” (or “tithe”) of the people of Israel. So, the laying on of hands was integral to their for the people.

    With ordination, it is different. This is in recognition of the laying on of hands in the New Testament which would be accompanied by the imbuing of the (correlation, not causation). While it is important both as and ceremony, it really is an “inside” thing.

    However, the interaction between the pastor, board, and congregation is significant. What it isn’t is an abdication of responsibility. What it is is a bestowal of authority and a recognition of submission to the designated ( upon) authority.

    And it is that last piece that is the rub for so many. We all are more than willing to give all the “grunt” work to others, but we often don’t want to recognize the submission aspect. Of course, coming from a pastor this may seem self-centered. Honestly, I have others do “my” grunt work, too. We all do, to some degree.

    As fellow members of the and of God, we all need to be willing to dig in for others, for the benefit of others and not ourselves, and ultimately produce fruit worthy of God’s children.

    ※Reflection※

    • Have you ever experienced have hands laid on you? Why? What was your feeling resulting from it?
    • Have you ever laid your hands on someone? Why? What was your takeaway from participating in that?

    ※Prayer※

    Lord, we minister to each other through touch. We cannot always answer how or why, but we know that the Holy is present. May our touch bring others closer to you. Amen.

  • Places for Scripture

    Places for Scripture

    Psalm 93; Deuteronomy 11:18–21; Mark 16:19–20

    “Place these words…on your heart” and then to “…they went out and proclaimed the message everywhere.”One of the little truths about this passage in Deuteronomy is the very simple tool given that many turned into a soulless rule or merely room decor. God directed that God’s be placed everywhere in our lives, even on door frames! You can go to places like Michael’s and Hobby Lobby and find the available for room decor. You can do it simply with a piece of paper and tape.

    Honestly, I used to disparage the use of Scripture as decor, mostly because I saw it in too many homes and places that seemed anything but filled with God’s love. However, it is certainly not fair to God’s Word that I should be that way. As we read, it’s actually bad that I thought that way. I have found peace and redemptive actions in simply reading a verse of Scripture or that which reminds me of the Scriptures as I walk around my home.

    At my paying job (purchasing manager in manufacturing), I’ve been told that my workspace is too white (white walls, no decor). Over the last few days (before this devotion), I’ve been thinking that I need some of the Scriptures in my work . Will it be visible? Yes. Will it be there for others to see? If they wish. I’m going to put it there for me so that I remember—when that really irritating person walks through my door for the umpteenth time that day—whose I am, and who I am to reflect. It won’t be there to provide the appearance of a warm and cozy home. It is for me to remember.

    Remember. The whole point of Moses’ directive is so that the Israelites (and we) remember. For a number of years, I heard the same passage from 1 John 1 read at the beginning of every Sunday church service as part of the opening corporate confession of . Then we left that church , we stopped hearing it. I can still quote it. It gives me great peace, too, and gives direction to give grace to others. It’s a whopping four verses.

    So, if you remember and the words, what about the signs? That is a great question! How do you know a Christian? How they ? How they dress? How they spend? How they give? How they receive? Yes, to all of these and more! It’s not very easy. That is one of the pitfalls of our post-Enlightenment world. The world, and we, want an easy answer to determine who is in and who is out.

    Except, as we read the Scriptures when can that when we “know” who is in and who is out we stop loving God and loving others…which may mean we’re out.

    ※Reflection※

    • What ways are you open to bring the Scriptures regularly into your life? What ways are you currently using? Which ones are you thinking about adding?
    • What are some reasons that we should have some of the Scriptures deep within us as we share the of Jesus?

    ※Prayer※

    Holy Spirit, quicken our hearts and mind to want more of you and the Word inside of us, that we may be emboldened and encouraged to go into the world seeking to transform it by your love coming through us. Amen.

  • Follow Through The Veil

    Follow Through The Veil

    Psalm 98; Isaiah 49:5–6; Acts 10:1–34

    It’s not enough to restore a backslidden, rebellious, unloving, non-grace-filled, unjust people who either don’t acknowledge or hate God. On top of that, the whole world that doesn’t know God is going to look to you for the of God. No pressure.

    Or how about a valorous warrior, who lead 80 soldiers from the front, a Gentile (dirty to Jews) who followed the Jewish (dirty to Greeks) faith. A person used to pressure was visited by an angel. Military? Yes. ? Probably. Messenger of God?

    Or how about a simple fisherman, who met this wandering carpenter, followed him, befriended him, deserted him, experience a transformative experience of his friend into the Son of God (and resurrected to boot), going from a simple follower to a of leaders of a new faith tradition, and then receive a overturning his entire dietary understanding and eventually his understanding of who Jesus died for (everyone).

    You and I are not Isaiah, Cornelius, or Peter. We are not going to be of in the Scriptures (they’re closed). Our dreams and visions may be remembered by the internet and perhaps friends and family. No one else. Not like Isaiah.

    Some followers of Jesus may turn out to be very much like Cornelius, faith-filled followers of Jesus (eventually in Cornelius’ state) who are also valorous soldiers. However, having a personal meeting with an angle and meeting someone greater than any pope, archbishop, bishop? Probably not.

    While most of us can see aspects of ourselves in Peter, his life is beyond ours. He physically walked with Jesus. He learned directly from Jesus. He met Jesus after the resurrection (embodied). Not going to measure up to that.

    We’re not called to that. Maybe. What we are called to is a better and deeper with God through the of Jesus Christ and the of the Holy .

    If you’ve been baptized, it is hoped that you understood (if you were an adult) or were taught (if baptized as an infant or child) that is God’s seal on you (from one perspective) and a public tying of you to the faith. Baptism is only supposed to be at the beginning of the journey. It isn’t the end.

    As we look at Peter’s life, he was transformed day by day. He did not remain the same. That is truly one we can be like Peter.

    ※Reflection※

    • How have you changed since you first followed Jesus?
    • What is the biggest part of you changing in submission to Jesus now?

    ※Prayer※

    Lord, change us into the followers you see us to be, rather than the ones we are. Amen.

  • Open Invite

    Open Invite

    Acts 8:26–40; Psalm 22:25–31; 1 John 4:7–21; John 15:1–8

    In many respects, the story of the Ethiopian is one of my favorites. It, along with the Samaritan woman, reflects the love and of God.

    Yesterday, in Amos 9:7, Cushite was used as a disparaging term toward the Israelites infidelity to God. A Cushite is what the Old Testament calls…an Ethiopian. So, the people group used to disparage the Israelites…can have a saving relationship with Christ.

    Then there is another issue. The Ethiopian was a eunuch. Per the Law, a eunuch was not permitted in the . Granted, had redefined things a bit.

    One thing often disappears in this is the reality that one cannot reproduce biologically when one is a eunuch. However, as a Christian one still produces children…spiritual ones (think and Timothy).

    The Ethiopian was already on the spiritual journey, for he was going to at the Temple. It means that he was a worshiping as a Jew. He was, then, almost there.

    The Ethiopian is symbolic of just how outside of God’s “” a person can be, and still be called into relationship. We could dismiss the so-called minor issues of the Ethiopian, however, the Law helped to define what was for the Jews.

    So, this isn’t a minor thing. Instead, it shows that while God is holy and separate, God still makes a way for those whose hearts are open to the movement of the . That’s pretty open. God’s grace is wide open.

    ※Reflection※

    • Have you ever felt so separated from God, that God would never take you back?
    • How would you explain this grace to a person who does not understand ?

    ※Prayer※

    Jesus, you are the reason for this grace that we have been given. Thank you for what you did for us on the cross. Amen.

  • Beyond Sight/Site

    Beyond Sight/Site

    Psalm 119:9–16; Haggai 2:1–9, 20–23; John 12:34–50

    Haggai and Zechariah were the two prophets that accompanied the Israelites from exile to home. Their primary focus was the restoration of Israel, not so much as a powerhouse, but as a people and of God, including both and the Davidic kingly line. Later on down the chronological line (beyond today’s readings), the temple is completed. However, the temple that was completed did not have the of the old one in physical status.

    As Haggai’s words are considered canonical (i.e., verified as the of God), then the Jews saw something much different than the literal word (often our when we are reading). From a Jewish standpoint (especially Haggai’s traditionalist perspective), the temple isn’t so much the point as a people faithfully pursuing God with one of the signs being worship as prescribed in the Old Testament. What does it matter what it looked like today (remember the original Temple was David’s plan, inspired by God, but not prescribed) when faithful worship and a God-fearing king were what was required?

    That Haggai was seeing beyond the immediate temple and even beyond the immediate kingly line tells us that Jesus’ words were not without historical precedence (as some have claimed). As we look beyond Jesus’ time on earth, we can see the fulfillment of Haggai’s words, as in Jesus Christ has changed the world. Though, sadly, many of those who cried, “Lord, Lord,” were liars, murderers, and power-grabbers beyond the average struggling Christian.

    Haggai’s understanding of a God-honoring relationship revolved around the temple. That is what and the Scriptures taught. Haggai understood quite well, as he was coming from exile, that empty actions were not what was needed. It was actions that were firmly grounded in who God is, and that the Israelites were God’s chosen people.

    While Jesus’ words may have seemed revolutionary at the time, Jesus did answer the “Christ will be with us forever” in a way unexpected, though by pure reason, it probably should have been an idea. The Christ was with the Children of God forever…in their souls, their temple to God. Thus a relationship through the temple was now very personal, and the Christ was with them.

    Would Haggai have been able to recognize that Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of his prophecy in only a way that God could make it happen? Perhaps. We can only look at Haggai’s words and see Christ in retrospect.

    ※Reflection※

    • What practices do you fulfill in relationship with God? How about in regards to the temple, both body and church?
    • What do you think is comparable to the Davidic kingly line in regards to lively rightly before God?
    • When was the last time you evaluated your habits through the lens of habit or “because you need to”? Why is it important?

    ※Prayer※

    Lord, guide us ever deeper into meaningful and -changing relationship with you. Amen.

  • Journey Essentials

    Journey Essentials

    Psalm 107:1–3, 17–22; Numbers 20:22–29; John 3:1–13

    Commentators have proposed many reasons why the event at Meribah warranted Aaron and Moses not making it into the Promised Land. The reason for the question probably has less to do with Moses than it does with Aaron. Aaron started making a golden calf when the Israelites were still fresh out of Egypt. Aaron rebelled against Moses. So, Aaron makes a little sense. It was Meribah, however, that was the deciding factor.

    Regardless, there seems something peculiar and special about Aaron’s . Moses and Eleazer (Aaron’s ) accompany Aaron to the place Aaron will die. Moses and Eleazer then (we can safely assume) Aaron’s death. The special aspect of this is the passing on of the . Aaron would see his son wear the high priest attire, be anointed, and then die. Aaron was able to see that what he and Moses had the next generation to take their place (and Moses would have Joshua).

    The passing off of the reigns as God intended is both a gift and a responsibility. There is a big drive to pass off the reigns to the “next generation” (and who that is depends on how old you are). This is indeed the goal. However, passing off a mess or a bad legacy is not fulfilling the responsibility that God has given us. Of course, blinding holding on is just as bad (and often worse).

    We see some of this with how the Jewish was passed to the next generation. Then the next generation would build upon that. The generation after that would build on some more. Not to put too fine a point on it, but when the wrong stuff is passed on and built on, we get the Winchester House of theology and relationship. If you’re not familiar with Winchester House, it was continually expanded and built upon by Sarah Winchester to supposedly appease all the spirits of all those killed by her husband’s invention of the repeating rifle (i.e., the Winchester rifle). There are staircases that go nowhere, doors that are useless, and other oddities. Its only use is a tourist attraction.

    The purpose of a house is to provide protection and security, not to be an oddity whose only use is tourism. Religion and theology should be building up, improving, and understanding the relationship between humanity and God, not lead us into dead ends.

    Jesus takes the passed on Jewish theology and turns it over and breaks it apart. Poor Nicodemus was quite confused by Jesus’ answer. We often look down on Nicodemus because he didn’t understand the obvious (to us) connection between baptism of water and of . Or we give him that in his confusion he didn’t approach Jesus (in a learning way) in the day. Instead, perhaps we ought to think of Nicodemus who was making sure he understood and making sure that the legacy he would pass on was right.

    ※Reflection※

    • Of the /religion/theology that you have had passed you, what do you think needs to be stripped away to pass on a “cleaner” faith/religion/theology? Why?
    • Of the faith/religion/theology that you have had passed you, what do think needs to be certainly passed on? Why? Is it biblically sound?

    ※Prayer※

    Lord, as we look , help us to determine, with you as our guide, the best path to take, so that may follow the path that leads to you. Amen.

  • Becoming Light

    Becoming Light

    Jeremiah 30:12–22; John 12:36–43

    Perhaps this has been said before, but an important lesson learned through Celebrate Recovery was, “hurt people hurt people.” When people are hurting, they lash out. Sometimes the is stress. Often it is thousands of little things (and sometimes only a few) that pile up all at once. Our individual emotional and spiritual history is full of small wounds. Most of the time, we function well despite them. Other times, we fall completely apart.

    God relays back to the Israelites all their woe and anguish. God explains how much of, really, is the accumulation of delayed consequences over the years. It is not that God is uncompassionate. It is that God is trying to retrain them to pursue God and not the world.

    We can safely assume that many Israelites said with their hearts and/or their mouths, “God, if you really us…” They judged God by the consequences of their actions. We are often no different, whether we blame God or others.

    God acknowledges and identifies their pain. Many are lashing out at God because of their pain. Many, just like today, lash out at God for they cannot see clearly through their pain. God doesn’t leave it at that. God promises .

    What should catch our attention in the promises is, “You will be my people…” The Israelites were declared God’s people in Exodus, yet here is a tense. The Israelites were no longer God’s people. It seems obvious, but for the Israelites, it wasn’t obvious that they were no longer God’s people.

    The other implication here is that the can be lost. For those of us in the Wesleyan-Arminian , this isn’t a shock, but we often choose to forget it. The Israelites had lost it. This should not be taken to an antisemitic extreme (“Christians” have done too much of that). It should be viewed as a warning.

    It is not that they didn’t regain the blessing, but one can look at the history that followed, and see that the blessing never returned to the way it had been. The rise and fall of Israel is a lesson for every believer.

    ‘ words are the guidelines to follow. If you have the (Jesus), believe in the light. This is the full-hearted belief and trust in God. This is not a “statement of belief.” It is a of belief.

    The CEB concludes with “that you might become people whose lives are determined by the light.” Other translations say something more familiar, “that you may become children of light.” Might is not coincidental. Might indicates that…you can lose it, or that you can walk away from it.

    Your trust and with God may be such that you are not able to understand why anyone would “lose” or “walk away” from Jesus. The Israelites wandered away from God. Judas Iscariot (who was with him for nearly 3 years) betrayed Jesus. It can happen.

    ※Reflection※

    • Do you know anyone who “walked in the light” and then stopped? Do you know the pain of their story and/or why?
    • How do you deal with the pain of people who know Jesus? How do you deal with the pain of people who don’t know Jesus?

    ※Prayer※

    Jesus, help us to walk in the light and to call others to your light, too. Amen.

  • Billboard or Reflection

    Billboard or Reflection

    Isaiah 58:1–12; Psalm 51:1–17; 2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:10; Matthew 6:1–6, Matthew 6:16–21

    Today is Ash Wednesday. This ancient goes beyond Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox. It a time of self-reflection. Many call it a time of self-mortification. This is why it is often a time of fasting (of varying sorts). Truthfully, the fasting is often something that should be done anyway as a form of self-improvement or just a matter of separating oneself from the immediate to dedicate time to the truly important.

    The words in Isaiah allude to this. Sacrificing (e.g., fasting) because it is the religious thing to do is not the point. It seems, in fact, that religious sacrificing is actually an affront to God when one’s life around it is not God-honoring. That should be a gut check (no pun intended) for us all.

    Pursuit of the of God without pursuit of the heart of God is often an empty pursuit. Yes, we can more facts about God. That doesn’t mean we actually know God. God wants us to know God, not merely know of God.

    2020 was a banner year of self-mortification realization. From politics, to race, to gender, to the police, to riots, to COVID, there was so much that God seemed to be telling the church. The church has been too busy, for too long, doing the religious sacrificing without knowing the heart of God. Looking back on 2020, you may well have an idea of what God wants you to put to death.

    From an Isaiah point of view, 2020 was a great year! All that extra stuff (much of it dead) just needs to be cut off! The church, and people in general, still want to cling to what is dead, rather than lean into what and who gives life.

    The Psalmist though cries out the Lenten cry, “HAVE ON ME!” While Lent is to be a time of putting un-Christ-like things and behaviors to death, it is such a time of joy, for God had mercy on us. This mercy, and the joy because of it, is part of our to the world. It is part of that which makes us .

    Some churches will have Ash Wednesday in the morning, so that the congregants go into the world proclaiming Christ. It could seem to be a billboard of, “look how religious I am!” For some communities that may actually be the case. On the other hand, Ash Wednesday is a “stamp of strangeness” for most people. If you were to go to work (whether in person or on a video call) with a big black cross on your forehead, you might get some strange looks. Others might even mock you. Yet, it is a chance that it might open the door to talking about .

    It isn’t bad to wear a cross of , nor is it bad to fast. It is about the why and the rest of your life.

    ※Reflection※

    • What does a cross of ashes mean or represent to you? Why?
    • What have you decided to “put to death” for Lent? Why that? If nothing, why nothing?
    • How do mercy and joy fit into your understanding of Lent?

    ※Prayer※

    Lord, as we begin this time of reflection, help us to truly be reflective and not reflexive. Grant us the grace to see more of you and to become more like you. Most of all, help us to reflect your into the world. Amen.