2.9.10 Tuesday Insights from Pastor Molly Simpson

Luke 19:11-27 sounds just a little funny, doesn’t it?  It sounds like something we’ve heard many times before but with a twist at verse 27, “But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.”  The similar yet different story is found in Matthew 25:14-30, the parable of the talents, and is more widely taught and preached.

So what do we do with Luke’s version? Let me suggest this–instead of just ignoring the differences or the strange details that Luke includes  notice the oddities and dig deeply because they often unlock a wealth of contextual information and help us to understand the text more fully.  In doing so for this passage, you will discover the story of Herod and his son Archelaus which Darrell points out in our GPS today.  I also discovered that this passage likely has multiple meanings and interpretations that Jesus may have been directing at different groups of people.  Thanks to the thoughts of theologian N.T. Wright, in addition to understanding this passage to teach about stewarding and investing the gifts given to us, I discovered that the King going away and returning may be speaking of Jesus–and not in the way you might imagine.  Instead of the king’s departure being symbolic for Jesus’ death and his return for Jesus’ second coming, Wright points out that what Jesus may be telling his Jewish audience is that he is the King returning–the presence of God returning to the holy city, to Zion.  This happens immediately before Jesus descends the Mount of Olives and enters Jerusalem.

In light of this interpretation, the issues around the minas point towards the conflict that will continue to escalate amongst the people of Israel as they are confronted with the true identity of Jesus.  The question is not only what do you do with the minas, but what do you do with the truth that God has entrusted to you?  While that doesn’t make verse 27 more pleasant, it does make more sense as it points to the fact that Jesus as the true King, the Messiah, will cause the “rising and falling of many” (as Simeon suggests in Luke 2) and ultimately what we do with Jesus is a matter of life and death.

2.8.10 Monday Insights from Pastor Clayton Smith

I will always remember Jericho.  When our tour bus stopped in the center of Jericho I got off quickly.  I was amazed to see a large Sycamore tree by the side of the road.  Immediately my mind recalled the story of Jesus encountering Zacchaeus on his way to Jerusalem.

As we read today’s scripture we witness a life changing experience for the chief tax collector of this area.  Jesus stopped to recognize Zacchaeus. He called to him. Zacchaeus must have felt honored by the attention and presence of Jesus.  We have to wonder how Jesus knew the spiritual need of this tax collector.  What happened changed Zacchaeus.  He overcame his greed and began to transform his community with generosity and justice.

When Christ visits us on our journey to know, love, and serve God we are moved from living in guilt to growing in grace.  This man, who had been motivated by his own greed, must have recognized the saving grace that Jesus offered.  I can imagine that he felt a great relief from the burden of sin and guilt.

As a pastor my heart rejoices when I see someone discover the joy of forgiveness!  This ancient story continues to happen as Christ comes to seek and save what was lost!

Clayton Smith serves as Executive Pastor of Stewardship and Generosity at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. He generously provided today’s blog in place of Pastor Andrew Conard, who is on a mission trip.

2.5.10 Friday Insights from Darren Lippe

In today’s reading I was drawn to Luke 18:17 & the phrase, “….whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall not enter into it.”

Some skeptics read this & conclude that Jesus is telling us that our faith must remain at an elementary level without question or scrutiny.  However, that doesn’t really sync up with everything we have learned about Jesus during our sermon series.  So, what other childlike trait might Jesus have in mind?

Consider the following example from a few years ago.  When guiding our younger son Jacob’s Sunday School class back when he was 2 years old, there was an instance when one little guy became quite upset.  You know the drill:  tears, crying, eyes scrunched shut, arched back, the works.  So, we had to reluctantly interrupt his folks’ worship experience.  As we hear his Dad chatting with his Mom as they come down the hall to retrieve their son, our little friend immediately stops crying.  His back relaxes, his eyes open up & he starts looking around.  Just hearing his Father’s voice was enough to bring him peace.  After check-out & exchanging stickers, our friend is happily walking down the hall hand-in-hand with his Dad as though nothing had even happened.

Of course, after reading all of the “What to Expect When…” books & other child-rearing handbooks, we surmise that our little friend was simply experiencing “separation anxiety.”  This is a very common phase that kids can go through at various times of childhood.  (Aside:  Isn’t it great to be able to expertly assess behavioral issues in other kids, while our own children’s thoughts & actions are completely mysterious & often inexplicable?  Ah, God does love irony.)

Perhaps this is a trait that Jesus noticed in young children:  an amazing abillity to trust in his or her parents.  A trust that is so pervasive that just being in their presence produces a great sense of peace & tranquility.  Sadly, we recognize that some earthly parents fall short of deserving this great level of trust.  But we can have faith that our heavenly Father is worthy of such confidence.

Consider an excerpt from Hudson Taylor’s journal.  (Hudson was a missionary to China during the late 1800’s.  In addition to inspiring hundreds of missionaries, he is credited with bringing over 35,000 people to Christ.  Unfortunately, the exact number of “Coffee with the Pastors” he hosted has been lost to history.)  At one point, feeling physically exhausted & spiritually bankrupt, Hudson had an epiphany: 

“…As I read I saw it all!  Jesus had said that, “I will never leave thee.”  Ah, there is rest! I thought.  For has He not promised to abide with me – never to leave me, never to fail me?  And He never will.”

Perhaps we are feeling “separation anxiety” in our own lives.  Perhaps we are seeking to resolve this unsettled feeling through money, constantly acquiring possessions, ill-advised relationships, or unhealthy habits.  What if we sought to fill this void in our lives with God instead?  Maybe, like our buddy from Sunday School, we’d begin to feel at peace if we sought to hear our Father’s voice. Then He could help wipe away our tears & we could walk hand in hand with Him to enjoy a great day this day.

2.4.10 Thursday Insights from Pastor Penny Ellwood

I am sure all of us can think of someone we would call a nag. Such persons are always complaining about something, going on and on.  If there is an important issue or principle involved, these persons will not let it go until it is fixed or solved to their satisfaction. No matter what the conversation, it always ends up back at the same place. 

It makes me think of my youngest son when he was little.  When he wanted something, he would pester you incessantly until you were finally so worn down you’d want to give in just to keep him quiet.  It was amazing how long he would pursue whatever is was he wanted.  Just when you’d think he had finally given up, there he would come, back for more.

In Luke 18:1-8, we have a parable about such a person; a nagging widow.   This nagging woman is insistent on achieving justice from an independent judge who shows no preference to anyone.  This nagging widow is to serve as an example for how we should pray.  We are to pray just as she nags, especially when we are seeking vindication for God’s people.  We are to pray and keep praying for justice.

 The encouragement not to give up or grow weary in prayer (Lk 18:1) indicates that God’s response may not always come when we want it. We may have to persist and wait for it just like the nagging widow. She knew that in her lowly place in society the only way she could achieve justice was through the decision of the judge and her persistence.  And even though the judge was not known for his compassion–he neither feared God nor cared about men–he still was the one responsible for hearing her case. 

The woman took her problem back to the judge again and again.  Like my son when he was little, she just kept coming back. Her message was, “Grant me justice against my adversary.” For a time the judge resisted. Exactly how long he held out we are not told. Apparently, he thought his nonaction would get rid of her. For some reason, he didn’t want to act on her behalf. But every time he held court, there she was and rightly so.  In that culture, a widow’s case had to be heard. Finally he responded: “Because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out by her coming!”  Her constant intercession finally achieved success.

Jesus urges us to be persistent in prayer because, unlike the judge in the parable, God is not grudging about granting our desire for justice.  We should keep asking for the vindication of the people of God.  Our patience and willingness to make this request should never run out because eventually our prayers will be heeded. Someday there will be food enough and shelter enough for all God’s people.  And by continuing to make our requests known, we stay sensitive to the need for justice to come. So like the nagging widow, keep asking!

02.03.10 Wednesday Insights from Pastor Russell Brown

For today’s reading, I would like us to focus on the story of the 10 lepers who were healed by Jesus as he was traveling between Galilee and Samaria. Of course during Jesus’ time there were many diseases that were lumped under the category of “leprosy,” as we now know. Medical professionals tell us that almost anything that produced sores or visible outbreaks on the skin of a person was called leprosy in those days and was also believed to be highly contagious. Nowadays we know much more about the disease called Hanson’s Disease. We know, for example, that it is a disease process in which a person loses the ability to feel pain in certain sets of nerves.

Several things stand out in this story that show us not only the true nature of Jesus, but which also highlight characteristics his followers are called to adopt. First of all, rather than avoid, Jesus moves toward the people who are shunned by the rest of the world. They exert a special attraction on him and draw forth a seemingly extra measure of his compassion. This prompts several questions, such as, “Who are the people today that are considered those to be avoided? What would it mean to move toward them rather than away from them?

Although their gratitude was not a condition required for their healing, only one of the lepers turned around and gave thanks to God for his new life. Ironically, it was the Samaritan leper, the one considered a “foreigner” and therefore doubly unclean by most Jews at the time. How can we each remember to give thanks to God when we receive unexpected blessings and unexpected release from pains that have hindered us throughout our lives? This story shows us that although God seeks our restoration at all times, our ability to exhibit gratitude and to give thanks helps us to be more alert to all of the ways – both great and small – that God is at work in our lives every day.

2.2.10

2.1.10 Monday Insights from Pastor Steven Blair

From Panic to Satisfaction

You are running late and digging through every drawer for your lost keys. Each moment causes your blood pressure to rise and rise until you hear the jingle. In that moment, a rush of satisfaction comes over us. Jesus uses that feeling of panic moving into satisfaction as a metaphor for understanding the Father’s heart. God desires to “find” his children with even more fervor than we spend looking for keys, a lost checkbook, or a missing file on our computer.

Jesus’ parables in Luke 15 replace the image of God sitting idly on a throne with an image of frantic pursuit. Viewing God in ways other than cool, calm, and collected can be a challenge, but it can be rather invigorating to one’s faith. As a child, a Sunday School teacher told me that every time I skip a morning devotion or a Sunday morning, it was as if I was “standing up” Jesus who was waiting for me at some diner. This led me to believe that God was completely passive in our relationship, handcuffed by my free will to do anything other than sit and hopefully wait for me to arrive for a conversation. Luke 15 protects against that image.

In Luke 15 we see that God does not sit idly by watching us leave Him, disobey Him, and hurt ourselves. Instead, God pursues us with reckless abandon. God chases after us, panic stricken that we are hurting ourselves and others and does not wait for us to “come around.” In my life, I have found this re-understanding of Luke 15 to be a powerful expression of how much God loves me and what that loves looks like in action. I am God’s beloved, the one He would search all over for, the one he would send His son for. So are you. God does not sit by passively hoping that you don’t stand him up for your morning coffee together. God chases us down until we take notice that we have been found. And in that moment, God is not the only one who moves from panic to satisfaction.

1. How has God chased you down in the way Jesus describes in Luke 15?
2. Can you see God pursuing others today, including those who do not claim a relationship with Jesus?
3. What would it mean for you to share God’s heart for persons who are lost?

Grace and Peace,
Steven Blair
Pastor of Congregational Care (Last names M-R)
steven.blair@cor.org
personal blog: www.stevenblair.wordpress.com (updated weekly)

1.29.10 Friday Insights from Darren Lippe

As we review Jesus’ version of “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” I ran across this article about discovery of a “diary” from the 1^st century.  Here’s one entry:

I simply must tell you about the most amazing day.  The barley field had recently been reaped.  I was going back through the field to glean the leftover stalks.  I noticed a throng of people coming down the lane, following this traveling Rabbi.  I could hear them chatting about Him hosting some kind of dinner party later on at His Father’s house. 

As I was standing there with my skirt in front of my robe filled with barley, He walked right up to me in the field & He simply said, “I am inviting you to come to My banquet.” 

I was speechless.  Here I was, my robe was dirty, my face was streaked with dust & sweat, & my hands were covered with scrapes & nicks from picking up grain from the field.  I must have been quite a sight!

I was hesitant to accept His invitation.  I’m not one to receive very many invitations.  Why would He want me to come?  Surely there are more worthy guests to be included.  Maybe I should just pass.

I began to think of all sorts of excuses:  I could say I needed to work more, or I could talk about repairing my cracked oven, or I could just complain that I was tired. Finally, I told Him, “I would have to come straight from the field.  I wouldn’t have time to look presentable.”

He replied, “Please come as you are.” 

I tried again, explaining that I wouldn’t have time to clean up.  He said “Don’t worry, at the party, you’ll be washed & made like new.”

Finally, I stammered if there was anything I could bring.  As the words came out of my mouth, I wanted to take them back.  What could I possibly bring that would be worthy of such a costly celebration?  I have nothing.  I felt humbled & ashamed.  He looked me in the eye & said, “Bring only yourself.  You are my guest.”  Then He smiled (oh what a smile He had!) and added, “Actually, it’s going to be such a nice banquet, why not invite some friends as well?”

Guess what?  I’m accepting His invitation!  I can’t wait to tell my friends of this amazing man.  I followed Him the rest of the afternoon.  The more He spoke & the more I learned about Him, the more excited I got.  I am still stunned.  To think He is interested in me.  What a difference a day can make!  It is late & time for bed.  For the first time in many, many years, my heart is at peace.  More tomorrow, I promise.

(Signed) Gianina

Editor’s Note:  Gianina is Hebrew for “God is gracious.”  God is gracious, indeed!

1.28.10 Thursday Insights from Amy Otto

These past few weeks have been pretty eye opening for our world. An earthquake caused massive damage to the country of Haiti. People are without homes, food, water, family– all the basic necessities we take for granted.

In today’s Scripture passage, Jesus heals a woman who has been bent over for 18 years. This was not a tragic accident that happened in front of Jesus, but someone who had carried this hardship for many years. The Pharisees, of course, got upset. Their excuse was that they had a rule that said you couldn’t heal anyone on the Sabbath.

I wonder what our excuses are. Even before the earthquake, there were people in the world, our country, our states, our cities, even our neighborhoods without food, water, families – all the necessities. There are people who have lived for years on the streets, others who haven’t spoken to family in months. There are families trying to figure out how to pay bills and buy groceries. The list goes on.

If you are like me (and the Pharisees), you’ve got a lot of great excuses. But God doesn’t want our excuses. He wants us to act. He wants that so badly that He will help us act. So as you read this scripture, think about what your excuses are. Then join me in this simple prayer that God will help us act:

Lord, I lay down my excuses before you and ask that you turn them into actions for your Kingdom. When someone needs help, may I be the one who helps. When someone needs a friend, may I stop and listen. When someone needs a healing touch, may I be that touch. In your Holy Name, Amen.

Amy Otto serves on the Student Ministries staff at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. Her e-mail signature includes the words, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.” ~ I Timothy 4:12

1.27.10 Wednesday Insights from Pastor Nicole Conard

Today’s Scripture can be summed up in one general theme: Jesus warns.  Did you read all the ways Jesus says the hard things to those who were listening?  This is not easy reading.  We can often reflect – ‘What does he mean by that?’ Then know in that reflection, we are not the only ones. The people who were listening to Jesus’ talks in this Scripture probably thought the same thing.  Jesus was not saying nice, easy-listening points of conversation. Instead, it is just the opposite.

Jesus gives warning – the message of the kingdom is not an easy message. It may bring about divisions.  It is expecting and demanding responsibility like in the parable of the faithful or unfaithful slave. Jesus warns that no one is exempt from living their faith. We all have a lot to learn. Yet in this warning we also hear a word of grace.

The Unfinished Parable in Luke 13:6-9, gives me hope.  I hear of Jesus “bringing into account” the tree needing fruit. If the tree does not bear fruit, cut it down.  But, he gives ‘the tree’ a second chance. Jesus wants us to hear, believe and live life following after Christ each and every day. The days we fall short know that there is grace and a second chance. Today may our live our lives in such a way that bears fruit and for the times we fall short, rest in God’s grace and look forward to the next day.