www.HopeandHelpCenter.org
Daily Advent Meditation
By Lena Petty
Zechariah 8:9-17
"God who rules over all also says, 'Gather strength, you who are listening to these words today from the mouths of the prophets who were there at the founding of the house of God who rules over all, so that the temple might be built. Before that time there was no compensation for human or animal, nor was there any relief from adversity for those who came and went, because I had pitted everybody - each one - against everyone else. But I will be different now to this remnant of my people from the way I was in those days,' says God who rules over all, 'for there will be a peaceful time of sowing, the vine will produce its fruit and the ground its yield, and the skies will rain down dew. Then I will allow the remnant of my people to possess all these things. And it will come about that just as you (both Judah and Israel) were a curse to the nations, so I will save you and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid! Instead, be strong!' "
"For God who rules over all says, 'As I had planned to hurt you when your fathers made me angry,' says God who rules over all, 'and I was not sorry, so, to the contrary, I have planned in these days to do good to Jerusalem and Judah - do not fear! These are the things you must do: Speak the truth, each of you, to one another. Practice true and righteous judgment in your courts. Do not plan evil in your hearts against one another. Do not favor a false oath - these are all things that I hate,' says God.' " New Revised Standard Version
We have all been apprehensive when entering into a relationship with someone who has a past that is not the most pleasant. Sometimes our prejudgment of someone can hinder us from "hearing" important messages that they may have for us. While we may always remember the past, we can try to not allow fear to determine our future. People can change. Just as God gave the Israelites another chance in today's story, we can give those we care about another chance and have a new attitude not controlled by the past.
My grandmother has a beautiful cherry bedroom that she's had for as long as I can remember. When I was young, I would play with the woodworking on the headboard, acting like I was changing the channel on the television. My grandmother would make me dust it for leaving my fingerprints all over her headboard. Twenty plus years later, my children put garbage pail kids stickers all over the chest of drawers. I was very upset with them for ruining Grandmother's chest of drawers and tried to get them off. I couldn't believe it when Grandmother's response was "Oh leave them on there. That just means they love me. You don't chance ruining the child who has a heart and feelings for a piece of furniture that cannot love you back."
Grandmother knew that she could change her mind and try something different. She knew what really mattered was doing what you know is right, even if it was different than what you had been doing all of your life.
Advent allows those of us who are skeptical about the future, because of the past, to hope. We can face today with anticipation instead of dread, because we know that it doesn't need to be like yesterday. God gives us a fresh start every day to get it right: to speak the truth, to live in peace, to love one another. What's from the heart reaches the heart..
communications@mccgsl.org
www.MCCGSL.org
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Daily Advent Meditation for DEC 18th~ By Kelly Durbin
www.HopeandHelpCenter.org
Daily Advent Meditation
By Kelly Durbin
Matthew 25:14-30
"For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, 'Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, 'Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' But his master replied, 'You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'" New Revised Standard Version
Today we have yet a third parable about waiting. This story has a different twist to it though. Before the master leaves, he entrusts each of his servants with a portion of his property. To put it simply, he gives them money. No instructions are given in the text, but there is clearly an expectation that the handling or managing of the master's money requires some action on the part of the servants, otherwise the master could "hold" the money for himself. Without any knowledge of when the master would return, each servant set out to manage the money entrusted to him/her. As the story goes, two of the three servants invest the money so well that they double what they were given. The third servant didn't fare so well; fearful of losing what s/he had been given, the servant hides the money with no return on investment. This servant played it safe and missed the call.
When I've heard this story in the past, I've always been taught that it means we are to be good stewards of what we have, that we are to use our resources, talents, skills and abilities wisely and for the glory of God, for if we neglect to use them, they will be taken from us or at the very least be of no use to anyone if left idle. I think this is a reasonable interpretation, but I also believe there is more to the story if we look a little closer. The placement of this parable in the book of Matthew is shortly before Jesus' death, before the time when he would be leaving the disciples. It would seem Jesus was trying to use this story metaphorically to prepare the disciples for his death and departure. He was trying to provide some direction for what they should "do" while they wait for his return, for he would surely return just as the master does in the story.
So what were they to do? At first glance, it would seem they should invest and make money for an earthly kingdom to be established. But again, the money is a metaphor for something far greater...some scholars believe the investment is in people, in the mission of making disciples of all nations. This would make sense as a mere 3 chapters later, Jesus has died, been resurrected and now commissions the disciples in Matthew 28:18-20 when he says, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of God the Creator, of the Son our Redeemer, and of the Holy Spirit our Sustainer, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." New Revised Standard Version
So what is the lesson from this parable? RISK is involved in making disciples. We must do more than accept the gift of love we have received in Christ. We are not to take that precious gift and bury it in the ground! We must take risks as the two servants did to "come out" into the world with the good news of Christ and invest in the lives of others. We are to invest our time, our talents and our abilities in loving people as Christ loved us. But there is indeed RISK. Anytime we put ourselves out there, we take the chance that we may not be received; we may even be ridiculed or persecuted. Sometimes I think we can handle those harsh realities more readily than the fact that we may be "uncomfortable" as we are called to love those who are not like us. Notice the call is to make disciples of ALL nations, not just of those we identify as "our people." RISK, RISK, RISK...While we wait...May we answer the call to go and make disciples of all nations. May we take the risk to love; and lest we forget, we are not alone for Christ is with us always, to the end of the age (even while we wait).
communications@mccgsl.org
Daily Advent Meditation
By Kelly Durbin
Matthew 25:14-30
"For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, 'Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, 'Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' But his master replied, 'You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'" New Revised Standard Version
Today we have yet a third parable about waiting. This story has a different twist to it though. Before the master leaves, he entrusts each of his servants with a portion of his property. To put it simply, he gives them money. No instructions are given in the text, but there is clearly an expectation that the handling or managing of the master's money requires some action on the part of the servants, otherwise the master could "hold" the money for himself. Without any knowledge of when the master would return, each servant set out to manage the money entrusted to him/her. As the story goes, two of the three servants invest the money so well that they double what they were given. The third servant didn't fare so well; fearful of losing what s/he had been given, the servant hides the money with no return on investment. This servant played it safe and missed the call.
When I've heard this story in the past, I've always been taught that it means we are to be good stewards of what we have, that we are to use our resources, talents, skills and abilities wisely and for the glory of God, for if we neglect to use them, they will be taken from us or at the very least be of no use to anyone if left idle. I think this is a reasonable interpretation, but I also believe there is more to the story if we look a little closer. The placement of this parable in the book of Matthew is shortly before Jesus' death, before the time when he would be leaving the disciples. It would seem Jesus was trying to use this story metaphorically to prepare the disciples for his death and departure. He was trying to provide some direction for what they should "do" while they wait for his return, for he would surely return just as the master does in the story.
So what were they to do? At first glance, it would seem they should invest and make money for an earthly kingdom to be established. But again, the money is a metaphor for something far greater...some scholars believe the investment is in people, in the mission of making disciples of all nations. This would make sense as a mere 3 chapters later, Jesus has died, been resurrected and now commissions the disciples in Matthew 28:18-20 when he says, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of God the Creator, of the Son our Redeemer, and of the Holy Spirit our Sustainer, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." New Revised Standard Version
So what is the lesson from this parable? RISK is involved in making disciples. We must do more than accept the gift of love we have received in Christ. We are not to take that precious gift and bury it in the ground! We must take risks as the two servants did to "come out" into the world with the good news of Christ and invest in the lives of others. We are to invest our time, our talents and our abilities in loving people as Christ loved us. But there is indeed RISK. Anytime we put ourselves out there, we take the chance that we may not be received; we may even be ridiculed or persecuted. Sometimes I think we can handle those harsh realities more readily than the fact that we may be "uncomfortable" as we are called to love those who are not like us. Notice the call is to make disciples of ALL nations, not just of those we identify as "our people." RISK, RISK, RISK...While we wait...May we answer the call to go and make disciples of all nations. May we take the risk to love; and lest we forget, we are not alone for Christ is with us always, to the end of the age (even while we wait).
communications@mccgsl.org
Daily Advent Meditation for DEC 17th by Kelly Durbin
www.HopeandHelpCenter.org
Daily Advent Meditation
By Kelly Durbin
Matthew 25:1-13
"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, 'Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise replied, 'No! There will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.' And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, 'Lord, lord open to us.' But he replied, 'Truly I tell you, I do not know you.' Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour." New Revised Standard Version
Much like yesterday's meditation, we have another story about waiting. Only in this story, no one person is put in charge while the master, or in this case the bridegroom, is away. Each bridesmaid is left to prepare and provide for her own needs while she waits: a look at one's own soul if you will. Now, I've heard many sermons on this parable. Most have been focused on the difference between the 5 wise bridesmaids and the 5 foolish. There is a call, often motivated by fear of being locked out like the foolish, to be like the wise, prepared, ever watchful maids waiting for the bridegroom to return. While I understand how those sermons developed, I'd like to look at this story in another way. I believe that the Holy Spirit is still at work within each of us, providing new insights and fresh perspectives to face the challenges we have in our lives and in our world today.
What if the oil were really the focus of this story, rather than the bridesmaids themselves? The oil is the fuel after all, the energy that keeps their lamps lit, ready and prepared. We know that the scientific community, in theories of Quantum Physics and the like, describes God as pure energy and it is energy that is needed for fuel. I tend to think of God's energy as love, pure love. What if they had fueled their inner lamps with love? What happens when we share love? We are transformed when we love. And instead of running out, love actually burns brighter and grows. Ask anyone who has loved if this is not indeed the case! Footnotes in the New Interpreter's Study Bible indicate that the "oil represents faithful, active, obedient discipleship. It cannot be borrowed from others." This explains why when the foolish bridesmaids asked to borrow oil from the wise, the response was a negative one. But perhaps that call to faithful obedience and discipleship was misunderstood? What if the call was actually a call to love? Isn't that what discipleship is, sharing the love of God, the good news of the gospel with others, thereby making disciples through love?
If we stand ready and willing to fuel our lamps with the love of God, a direct product of being in relationship with God, then we can share that love with others and many will be transformed, including ourselves. There will be no fuel shortage, since with love there is always "enough" to go around so no one needs to be "shut out." In the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:14, Jesus gives us the church's mission, "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to God in heaven."
During this season of advent, may we at Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis be reminded, as we wait for the bridegroom. to keep our lamps burning bright with good works of love; may we indeed be radically inclusive to invite all to share our oil and to answer the call to love as God first loved us.
communications@mccgsl.org
Daily Advent Meditation
By Kelly Durbin
Matthew 25:1-13
"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, 'Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise replied, 'No! There will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.' And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, 'Lord, lord open to us.' But he replied, 'Truly I tell you, I do not know you.' Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour." New Revised Standard Version
Much like yesterday's meditation, we have another story about waiting. Only in this story, no one person is put in charge while the master, or in this case the bridegroom, is away. Each bridesmaid is left to prepare and provide for her own needs while she waits: a look at one's own soul if you will. Now, I've heard many sermons on this parable. Most have been focused on the difference between the 5 wise bridesmaids and the 5 foolish. There is a call, often motivated by fear of being locked out like the foolish, to be like the wise, prepared, ever watchful maids waiting for the bridegroom to return. While I understand how those sermons developed, I'd like to look at this story in another way. I believe that the Holy Spirit is still at work within each of us, providing new insights and fresh perspectives to face the challenges we have in our lives and in our world today.
What if the oil were really the focus of this story, rather than the bridesmaids themselves? The oil is the fuel after all, the energy that keeps their lamps lit, ready and prepared. We know that the scientific community, in theories of Quantum Physics and the like, describes God as pure energy and it is energy that is needed for fuel. I tend to think of God's energy as love, pure love. What if they had fueled their inner lamps with love? What happens when we share love? We are transformed when we love. And instead of running out, love actually burns brighter and grows. Ask anyone who has loved if this is not indeed the case! Footnotes in the New Interpreter's Study Bible indicate that the "oil represents faithful, active, obedient discipleship. It cannot be borrowed from others." This explains why when the foolish bridesmaids asked to borrow oil from the wise, the response was a negative one. But perhaps that call to faithful obedience and discipleship was misunderstood? What if the call was actually a call to love? Isn't that what discipleship is, sharing the love of God, the good news of the gospel with others, thereby making disciples through love?
If we stand ready and willing to fuel our lamps with the love of God, a direct product of being in relationship with God, then we can share that love with others and many will be transformed, including ourselves. There will be no fuel shortage, since with love there is always "enough" to go around so no one needs to be "shut out." In the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:14, Jesus gives us the church's mission, "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to God in heaven."
During this season of advent, may we at Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis be reminded, as we wait for the bridegroom. to keep our lamps burning bright with good works of love; may we indeed be radically inclusive to invite all to share our oil and to answer the call to love as God first loved us.
communications@mccgsl.org
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Daily Advent Meditation for DEC 16th - by: Kelly Durbin
www.HopeandHelpCenter.org
Daily Advent Meditation
By Kelly Durbin
Matthew 24:45-51
"Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whose master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions. But if that wicked slave says to himself, 'My master is delayed,' and he begins to beat his fellow slaves, and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know. He will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." New Revised Standard Version
A coworker was telling me a story the other day about how her son's school teacher was leaving the classroom at various moments during the day. Whenever this would occur, she would leave a certain student in charge of the classroom. It was her responsibility to make sure that her classmates weren't talking or getting out of hand. She was charged with putting names on the board of anyone who was "misbehaving". Now I'm sure the student that was chosen to be in charge was probably a "good student", one who follows directions, completes her assignments, and helps out in class. The teacher likely used her observations of this student in the classroom to make her choice. As it turns out, however, when the teacher wasn't watching, this little girl didn't behave the same way. She picked on students that she didn't like, putting their names on the board to lose recess first, and those who were her friends could talk without consequence.
Reading today's scripture lesson made me think of that story. Many people go through life operating just as this little girl did. We are faithful servants when others are watching, especially when we think someone in authority or who has power or influence over us is watching, but when the "master" is out, we do what we want. I've experienced this same phenomenon in the work place: that often people work harder, or more quietly, and definitely more diligently when the boss is in vs. when the boss is out. Why is it we sometimes have a tendency not to do the right thing when left on our own? Do we only want to make a good impression on our teacher, the boss or others in a position of power? What about the needs of those left in our care, whether they are coworkers, customers, children or those less fortunate than ourselves who we are given a direct charge by Jesus to serve?
The apostle Paul understood the struggle. In Romans 7:14-25, he talks about knowing what he wanted to do, and yet at times found himself doing the very things he didn't want to do instead. Why? The answer is that we are human and fallible, thus prone to following our own desires and fulfilling our own needs, rather than following the example of Christ. His example was one of to loving (and serving) others as we love (and serve) ourselves. The message is not that we should deny ourselves completely, but that we must go beyond caring for ourselves to use our talents, gifts, skills and abilities in the service and care of others. If we have not taken care of ourselves, if we do not love ourselves, then we will not have the strength or even the understanding of what is needed to care for others. I think what often happens though is we get so wrapped up in ourselves that we forget the other part of the call: to reach out beyond ourselves. What we often don't realize is that something transformative happens when we answer the call completely by loving God, ourselves and others. We suddenly find ourselves whole.
I will tell a little story on my spouse that often brings a smile to my face...there are times when Gina will get frustrated with someone, maybe a clerk at the store, another driver on the road or a coworker who has been rude or inconsiderate. She will often say to me, "Its times like this when I know "it's" working! If it wasn't, I'd be going off on them!" What she is so vehemently declaring is that if it were left up to her, and her human spirit, she would not be kind, understanding or polite to those individuals. But because of the Spirit of God working within her, she is able to regain composure and behave in a more responsible and loving way. The apostle Paul said exactly the same thing in Romans 7:24 when he wrote, "Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
During this season of advent, we are encouraged to wait with great expectation for the return of Jesus Christ our Lord, just as the world waited for his birth. Yet while we wait, we are not to sit idle! We are challenged to continue working while we wait, to take care of our world (the household of God) in much the same way as the master left a wise and faithful servant in charge of the household in our scripture lesson. The question is which servant will we be: wise and faithful or foolish and selfish? Alone and under our own power, I fear we will find ourselves foolish and selfish. But the good news of the gospel is this: while we wait, the Spirit of God is ever present to come to our aid! We can indeed do all things through Christ who gives us strength and is at work within us right here, right now. May we yield to the Spirit today and every day! May it be so!
www.MCCGSL.org
communications@mccgsl.org
Daily Advent Meditation
By Kelly Durbin
Matthew 24:45-51
"Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whose master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions. But if that wicked slave says to himself, 'My master is delayed,' and he begins to beat his fellow slaves, and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know. He will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." New Revised Standard Version
A coworker was telling me a story the other day about how her son's school teacher was leaving the classroom at various moments during the day. Whenever this would occur, she would leave a certain student in charge of the classroom. It was her responsibility to make sure that her classmates weren't talking or getting out of hand. She was charged with putting names on the board of anyone who was "misbehaving". Now I'm sure the student that was chosen to be in charge was probably a "good student", one who follows directions, completes her assignments, and helps out in class. The teacher likely used her observations of this student in the classroom to make her choice. As it turns out, however, when the teacher wasn't watching, this little girl didn't behave the same way. She picked on students that she didn't like, putting their names on the board to lose recess first, and those who were her friends could talk without consequence.
Reading today's scripture lesson made me think of that story. Many people go through life operating just as this little girl did. We are faithful servants when others are watching, especially when we think someone in authority or who has power or influence over us is watching, but when the "master" is out, we do what we want. I've experienced this same phenomenon in the work place: that often people work harder, or more quietly, and definitely more diligently when the boss is in vs. when the boss is out. Why is it we sometimes have a tendency not to do the right thing when left on our own? Do we only want to make a good impression on our teacher, the boss or others in a position of power? What about the needs of those left in our care, whether they are coworkers, customers, children or those less fortunate than ourselves who we are given a direct charge by Jesus to serve?
The apostle Paul understood the struggle. In Romans 7:14-25, he talks about knowing what he wanted to do, and yet at times found himself doing the very things he didn't want to do instead. Why? The answer is that we are human and fallible, thus prone to following our own desires and fulfilling our own needs, rather than following the example of Christ. His example was one of to loving (and serving) others as we love (and serve) ourselves. The message is not that we should deny ourselves completely, but that we must go beyond caring for ourselves to use our talents, gifts, skills and abilities in the service and care of others. If we have not taken care of ourselves, if we do not love ourselves, then we will not have the strength or even the understanding of what is needed to care for others. I think what often happens though is we get so wrapped up in ourselves that we forget the other part of the call: to reach out beyond ourselves. What we often don't realize is that something transformative happens when we answer the call completely by loving God, ourselves and others. We suddenly find ourselves whole.
I will tell a little story on my spouse that often brings a smile to my face...there are times when Gina will get frustrated with someone, maybe a clerk at the store, another driver on the road or a coworker who has been rude or inconsiderate. She will often say to me, "Its times like this when I know "it's" working! If it wasn't, I'd be going off on them!" What she is so vehemently declaring is that if it were left up to her, and her human spirit, she would not be kind, understanding or polite to those individuals. But because of the Spirit of God working within her, she is able to regain composure and behave in a more responsible and loving way. The apostle Paul said exactly the same thing in Romans 7:24 when he wrote, "Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
During this season of advent, we are encouraged to wait with great expectation for the return of Jesus Christ our Lord, just as the world waited for his birth. Yet while we wait, we are not to sit idle! We are challenged to continue working while we wait, to take care of our world (the household of God) in much the same way as the master left a wise and faithful servant in charge of the household in our scripture lesson. The question is which servant will we be: wise and faithful or foolish and selfish? Alone and under our own power, I fear we will find ourselves foolish and selfish. But the good news of the gospel is this: while we wait, the Spirit of God is ever present to come to our aid! We can indeed do all things through Christ who gives us strength and is at work within us right here, right now. May we yield to the Spirit today and every day! May it be so!
www.MCCGSL.org
communications@mccgsl.org
Monday, December 14, 2009
Daily Advent Meditation for DEC 15th - by Val Jackson
www.HopeandHelpCenter.org
Daily Advent Meditation
By Val Jackson
Matthew 24: 32-44
'From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that the Messiah* is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. '
'But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Messiah but only God. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Humanity. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Humanity. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day the Messiah is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Humanity is coming at an unexpected hour.' New Revised Standard Version
The Second Coming (A continuation of yesterday's the End is Near)
As we pray about this scripture, let's remember the time in which it was written. During that time, Jewish people lived under the oppressive rule of the Roman Empire and Christians were being persecuted. The rapture and second coming may have been a response of, or hope for, the members of that community. In the text, Jesus indicated that his second coming would be within that generation, but there was no rapture and there was no second coming. So how was Jesus mistaken? Was he wrong about a physical second coming, period, or just about the timing? Might there be pieces, missing in the translation, that would tie it all together neatly? We don't know and we may never know.
Hebrew and early Christian writers saw God as the "master planner," so many of their writings are based on the supernatural and divine intervention. Most of us today have not seen divine intervention to the extent of the claims in the Bible. We, today, may or may not be able to believe in a supernatural rapture or heroic return of Christ. What is real to us is that the world could end as abruptly as it does in this scripture through neglect or nuclear war - not necessarily through divine intervention.
The warning to be more urgent and less complacent is, perhaps, more meaningful for us today, than for 1st century Christians. We can't afford to be so caught up in our individual lives that we cannot see where humanity is going as a whole as was the case for people of Noah's time.
Neither can we afford to disenfranchise ourselves from the world (living in, but not of) waiting for the rapture and the fulfillment of this so called prophecy.
If we remain bound by the 1st century worldview and accept this scripture as prophecy - destiny ordained by God - then the end of the world becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, brought on by ill-chosen human action and ill-chosen human inaction.
What we ordain, God ordains.
During this advent season, let us open our hearts anew, not seeking to have Christ return to us, but to have us return to the way of Christ. Give us eyes, hands and the will, Oh Lord, to turn the tide of a world headed for self-destruction. You gave us the way in the first coming. Help us to seek justice for all, to love our neighbors as ourselves and to love God with our whole heart.
communications@mccgsl.org
www.MCCGSL.org
Daily Advent Meditation
By Val Jackson
Matthew 24: 32-44
'From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that the Messiah* is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. '
'But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Messiah but only God. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Humanity. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Humanity. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day the Messiah is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Humanity is coming at an unexpected hour.' New Revised Standard Version
The Second Coming (A continuation of yesterday's the End is Near)
As we pray about this scripture, let's remember the time in which it was written. During that time, Jewish people lived under the oppressive rule of the Roman Empire and Christians were being persecuted. The rapture and second coming may have been a response of, or hope for, the members of that community. In the text, Jesus indicated that his second coming would be within that generation, but there was no rapture and there was no second coming. So how was Jesus mistaken? Was he wrong about a physical second coming, period, or just about the timing? Might there be pieces, missing in the translation, that would tie it all together neatly? We don't know and we may never know.
Hebrew and early Christian writers saw God as the "master planner," so many of their writings are based on the supernatural and divine intervention. Most of us today have not seen divine intervention to the extent of the claims in the Bible. We, today, may or may not be able to believe in a supernatural rapture or heroic return of Christ. What is real to us is that the world could end as abruptly as it does in this scripture through neglect or nuclear war - not necessarily through divine intervention.
The warning to be more urgent and less complacent is, perhaps, more meaningful for us today, than for 1st century Christians. We can't afford to be so caught up in our individual lives that we cannot see where humanity is going as a whole as was the case for people of Noah's time.
Neither can we afford to disenfranchise ourselves from the world (living in, but not of) waiting for the rapture and the fulfillment of this so called prophecy.
If we remain bound by the 1st century worldview and accept this scripture as prophecy - destiny ordained by God - then the end of the world becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, brought on by ill-chosen human action and ill-chosen human inaction.
What we ordain, God ordains.
During this advent season, let us open our hearts anew, not seeking to have Christ return to us, but to have us return to the way of Christ. Give us eyes, hands and the will, Oh Lord, to turn the tide of a world headed for self-destruction. You gave us the way in the first coming. Help us to seek justice for all, to love our neighbors as ourselves and to love God with our whole heart.
communications@mccgsl.org
www.MCCGSL.org
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Daily Advent Meditation DEC 14th - By Val Jackson
www.HopeandHelpCenter.org
Daily Advent Meditation
By Val Jackson
Matthew 24: 15-31
So when you see the desolating sacrilege standing in the holy place, as was spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), then those in Judea must flee to the mountains; someone on the housetop must not go down to take what is in the house; someone in the field must not turn back to get a coat. Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a sabbath. For at that time there will be great suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Then if anyone says to you, "Look! Here is the Messiah!" or "There is Christ!"-do not believe it. For false messiah and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Take note, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, "Look! The Messiah is in the wilderness", do not go out. If they say, "Look! Christ is in the inner rooms", do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Humanity. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.
'Immediately after the suffering of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Humanity will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see "the Son of Humanity coming on the clouds of heaven" with power and great glory. And Christ will send out the angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather the Messiah's elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. ' New Revised Standard Version
THE END IS NEAR
This passage, along with Revelation and parts of the book of Daniel are commonly assumed to be biblical prophecy about the end of the world. Many of us have heard the "End is Near" sermon preached in one format or another. That message still rings in my ears, and I can hear the preacher as he delivers it from the pulpit with an urgent fervor:
"We know the time is short," He says, "We know it won't be long because we see the signs of the times. No man knows the exact day. No angel in heaven knows the exact hour - Not even Jesus himself. Only God knows the appointed time when Christ shall appear. On that day, the sun will refuse to shine, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky and the Earth will tremble on its axis. It will be a time of great suffering and tribulation, but there will be no place to run and no place to hide. Behold...the heavens will split and all will look to the sky and see him, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, The Prince of Peace, riding on a cloud of glory, wielding the sword of power and justice. And Christ will send forth the angels to sound the final trumpet. Then the dead in Christ shall rise first. Afterward, those of us in Christ, who remain, who are the living Elect, will be gathered from the four corners of the earth and we will be caught up to meet him in the air. Glory, Hallelujah, brothers and sisters have you been washed in the blood of the lamb? Are you ready for that great 'getting up' morning?"
I can hear the joyful "Amens" and "Hallelujahs" coming from the congregation as the Elect rejoice in that great day of deliverance.
Even today, as I attempt to sort myth from fact, the possible from the impossible and the literal from the metaphorical, my heart feels the power of the message. Yet - my head finds it difficult to digest it. On the surface some scriptures appear to be too far-fetched to be useful, but I don't want to dismiss them immediately. Let's honor this scripture (as it reads or how we've heard it.) Let us invite in the Holy Spirit as we contemplate its significance for us. What is the meaning of the second coming of Christ for us now? Is there a message in this story which is plausible and useful?
Speak to us, I pray. (To be continued in tomorrow's devotional)
communications@mccgsl.org
Daily Advent Meditation
By Val Jackson
Matthew 24: 15-31
So when you see the desolating sacrilege standing in the holy place, as was spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), then those in Judea must flee to the mountains; someone on the housetop must not go down to take what is in the house; someone in the field must not turn back to get a coat. Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a sabbath. For at that time there will be great suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Then if anyone says to you, "Look! Here is the Messiah!" or "There is Christ!"-do not believe it. For false messiah and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Take note, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, "Look! The Messiah is in the wilderness", do not go out. If they say, "Look! Christ is in the inner rooms", do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Humanity. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.
'Immediately after the suffering of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Humanity will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see "the Son of Humanity coming on the clouds of heaven" with power and great glory. And Christ will send out the angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather the Messiah's elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. ' New Revised Standard Version
THE END IS NEAR
This passage, along with Revelation and parts of the book of Daniel are commonly assumed to be biblical prophecy about the end of the world. Many of us have heard the "End is Near" sermon preached in one format or another. That message still rings in my ears, and I can hear the preacher as he delivers it from the pulpit with an urgent fervor:
"We know the time is short," He says, "We know it won't be long because we see the signs of the times. No man knows the exact day. No angel in heaven knows the exact hour - Not even Jesus himself. Only God knows the appointed time when Christ shall appear. On that day, the sun will refuse to shine, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky and the Earth will tremble on its axis. It will be a time of great suffering and tribulation, but there will be no place to run and no place to hide. Behold...the heavens will split and all will look to the sky and see him, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, The Prince of Peace, riding on a cloud of glory, wielding the sword of power and justice. And Christ will send forth the angels to sound the final trumpet. Then the dead in Christ shall rise first. Afterward, those of us in Christ, who remain, who are the living Elect, will be gathered from the four corners of the earth and we will be caught up to meet him in the air. Glory, Hallelujah, brothers and sisters have you been washed in the blood of the lamb? Are you ready for that great 'getting up' morning?"
I can hear the joyful "Amens" and "Hallelujahs" coming from the congregation as the Elect rejoice in that great day of deliverance.
Even today, as I attempt to sort myth from fact, the possible from the impossible and the literal from the metaphorical, my heart feels the power of the message. Yet - my head finds it difficult to digest it. On the surface some scriptures appear to be too far-fetched to be useful, but I don't want to dismiss them immediately. Let's honor this scripture (as it reads or how we've heard it.) Let us invite in the Holy Spirit as we contemplate its significance for us. What is the meaning of the second coming of Christ for us now? Is there a message in this story which is plausible and useful?
Speak to us, I pray. (To be continued in tomorrow's devotional)
communications@mccgsl.org
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Daily Advent Meditation for DEC 13th By Val Jackson
www.HopeandHelpCenter.org
Daily Advent Meditation
By Val Jackson
John 5: 30-47
'I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek to do not my own will but the will of the One who sent me. '
'If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that his testimony to me is true. You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. Not that I accept such human testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But I have a testimony greater than John's. The works that God has given me to complete, the very works that I am doing, testify on my behalf that God has sent me. And the God who sent me has testified on my behalf. You have never heard God's voice or seen God's form, and you do not have God's word abiding in you, because you do not believe him whom God has sent. '
'You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify on my behalf. Yet you refuse to come to me to have life. I do not accept glory from human beings. But I know that you do not have the love of God in* you. I have come in God's name, and you do not accept me; if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one who alone is God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Parent; your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But if you do not believe what Moses wrote, how will you believe what I say?' New Revised Standard Version
Can I Get a Witness?
Law enforcement officials often talk about the unreliability of eyewitnesses. It is amazing how a number of people can witness the same event, yet see different things. Actually, what we see is dependent upon what we've seen in the past. What we see is based on what is within us.
Jesus is talking to individuals who are unable to witness God in him. Sometimes we miss God because we are expecting to see God in a certain way, under particular conditions. Sometimes, God isn't quite acting the way we think God should act.
The Christmas story is about God coming to us born of a virgin in a stable. The message is not that God actually came to us from a virgin and was laid in the manger, but that God comes to us in unexpected ways.
Our challenge is to be in full relationship with God so that God fills us and overflows to the world beyond. When this happens, we witness God in ourselves and in others. We see, hear and appreciate God in the smallest ways.
Lord, fill me with your spirit. Let me be a witness of your love.
communications@mccgsl.org
Daily Advent Meditation
By Val Jackson
John 5: 30-47
'I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek to do not my own will but the will of the One who sent me. '
'If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that his testimony to me is true. You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. Not that I accept such human testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But I have a testimony greater than John's. The works that God has given me to complete, the very works that I am doing, testify on my behalf that God has sent me. And the God who sent me has testified on my behalf. You have never heard God's voice or seen God's form, and you do not have God's word abiding in you, because you do not believe him whom God has sent. '
'You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify on my behalf. Yet you refuse to come to me to have life. I do not accept glory from human beings. But I know that you do not have the love of God in* you. I have come in God's name, and you do not accept me; if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one who alone is God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Parent; your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But if you do not believe what Moses wrote, how will you believe what I say?' New Revised Standard Version
Can I Get a Witness?
Law enforcement officials often talk about the unreliability of eyewitnesses. It is amazing how a number of people can witness the same event, yet see different things. Actually, what we see is dependent upon what we've seen in the past. What we see is based on what is within us.
Jesus is talking to individuals who are unable to witness God in him. Sometimes we miss God because we are expecting to see God in a certain way, under particular conditions. Sometimes, God isn't quite acting the way we think God should act.
The Christmas story is about God coming to us born of a virgin in a stable. The message is not that God actually came to us from a virgin and was laid in the manger, but that God comes to us in unexpected ways.
Our challenge is to be in full relationship with God so that God fills us and overflows to the world beyond. When this happens, we witness God in ourselves and in others. We see, hear and appreciate God in the smallest ways.
Lord, fill me with your spirit. Let me be a witness of your love.
communications@mccgsl.org
Friday, December 11, 2009
Daily Advent Meditation for DEC 12th
www.HopeandHelpCenter.org
Daily Advent Meditation
By Ron White
Revelation 3: 1 - 6
'And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars:'
'I know your works; you have a name for being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is at the point of death, for I have not found your works perfect in the sight of my God. Remember then what you received and heard; obey it, and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. Yet you have still a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes; they will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. If you conquer, you will be clothed like them in white robes, and I will not blot your name out of the book of life; I will confess your name before God and before the angels. Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.' (New Revised Standard Version)
The Advent season is about new beginnings...about one new beginning that completely transforms life. The story of the birth of Christ has given tremendous hope to those who have become intimately familiar with it over the last two millennia. Their hope has transformed the way that much of the world conducts their both daily life and business. A writer once wrote that "Hope is the basic ingredient in motivating ourselves and others."
For some, the story doesn't do what it has done for so many. One thing that two thousand years of elapsed time has produced is a critical rereading of the narrative. Whether for better understanding of the Christian imperative or factual deconstruction of the details of the narrative, critical re-readings and the subsequent commentaries have produced a doubt about the veracity of not only the advent story, but of the details in the entire Bible. As the Jesus Seminar (a group of Biblical scholars who study the historicity of Jesus) has so aptly illustrated, the Bible is only peripherally a historical document and is far more a collection of philosophical truths.
Do you ever wonder what the white robe will look like, the one this passage says you'll be clothed in when you have conquered this world? That isn't at the top of the list for most people who embrace the hope of entering the Kingdom of God. What about the Book of Life with your name written in it? Is it literally written on pages, whether papyrus or paper? Again, that isn't at the top of most folks' concerns. For me, the hope that the advent story gives and how I choose to live my life today are the pursuits in which I immerse myself. Truth for me is all about what I believe God has in store for me today and forevermore, whether I grasp the "factual" details or not. Can you embrace your hope without all the window dressing? As we enter this worshipful season, let the hope of Advent flood your senses and your consciousness. We have a salvation which, one day, can lead all of humanity out of the hopelessness of this world and into the brilliant light of hope which this Advent Season promises.
communications@mccgsl.org
Daily Advent Meditation
By Ron White
Revelation 3: 1 - 6
'And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars:'
'I know your works; you have a name for being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is at the point of death, for I have not found your works perfect in the sight of my God. Remember then what you received and heard; obey it, and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. Yet you have still a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes; they will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. If you conquer, you will be clothed like them in white robes, and I will not blot your name out of the book of life; I will confess your name before God and before the angels. Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.' (New Revised Standard Version)
The Advent season is about new beginnings...about one new beginning that completely transforms life. The story of the birth of Christ has given tremendous hope to those who have become intimately familiar with it over the last two millennia. Their hope has transformed the way that much of the world conducts their both daily life and business. A writer once wrote that "Hope is the basic ingredient in motivating ourselves and others."
For some, the story doesn't do what it has done for so many. One thing that two thousand years of elapsed time has produced is a critical rereading of the narrative. Whether for better understanding of the Christian imperative or factual deconstruction of the details of the narrative, critical re-readings and the subsequent commentaries have produced a doubt about the veracity of not only the advent story, but of the details in the entire Bible. As the Jesus Seminar (a group of Biblical scholars who study the historicity of Jesus) has so aptly illustrated, the Bible is only peripherally a historical document and is far more a collection of philosophical truths.
Do you ever wonder what the white robe will look like, the one this passage says you'll be clothed in when you have conquered this world? That isn't at the top of the list for most people who embrace the hope of entering the Kingdom of God. What about the Book of Life with your name written in it? Is it literally written on pages, whether papyrus or paper? Again, that isn't at the top of most folks' concerns. For me, the hope that the advent story gives and how I choose to live my life today are the pursuits in which I immerse myself. Truth for me is all about what I believe God has in store for me today and forevermore, whether I grasp the "factual" details or not. Can you embrace your hope without all the window dressing? As we enter this worshipful season, let the hope of Advent flood your senses and your consciousness. We have a salvation which, one day, can lead all of humanity out of the hopelessness of this world and into the brilliant light of hope which this Advent Season promises.
communications@mccgsl.org
Advent Devotion for Dec 11th
www.HopeandHelpCenter.org
Daily Advent Meditation
By Ron White
Psalm 31: 1-5
In you, O Lord, I seek refuge;
do not let me ever be put to shame;
in your righteousness deliver me.
Incline your ear to me;
rescue me speedily.
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a strong fortress to save me.
You are indeed my rock and my fortress;
for your name's sake lead me and guide me,
take me out of the net that is hidden for me,
for you are my refuge.
Into your hand I commit my spirit;
you have redeemed me faithful God. (New Revised Standard Version)
Psalm 31 became a resource for the gospel writers for understanding and relating to the passion and death of Jesus. The underlined verse, traditionally attributed as a direct quotation of Jesus from the cross, is an affirmation of his trust in God that anticipates the resurrection. Even more important, these words are not just an interpretation of how Jesus died but are also part of a critically important interpretation of the gospel writers about how Jesus lived his life. The writers authoritatively assert that Jesus lived his entire life trusting God. Whatever other theological differences the gospels present, on this point they are in unison. The worldly result of that trust is unmistakably obvious.
In our community, some have managed to live relatively secure and peaceful lives, not exposed to the threat and persecution that the Psalmist referred to in his own life. Many others have managed to live with oppression, if not direct threats, for much of their lives, while the remainder may have experienced a degree of threat and persecution akin to that of the Psalmist. In all cases, we have managed to live within whatever circumstances we find ourselves. We usually manage our lives fairly well by ourselves. We may even take pride in having done so. But therein lies the problem. We may have read this Psalm a hundred times and missed the message, or perhaps not. Here's the message: this Psalm and Jesus' life teach us the importance of self-surrender to Yahweh. In surrendering, we have hope of finding the "peace that surpasses human understanding" promised by the writer of Phillippians 4 if only we will approach total surrender. Yet, that may also be the most difficult task we will ever approach. But, we don't only have our own will to overcome; perhaps the hidden lesson to learn from Psalm 31 and from the life of Jesus is that persons who trust God unreservedly can expect opposition from those who choose to trust only themselves.
communications@mccgsl.org
Daily Advent Meditation
By Ron White
Psalm 31: 1-5
In you, O Lord, I seek refuge;
do not let me ever be put to shame;
in your righteousness deliver me.
Incline your ear to me;
rescue me speedily.
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a strong fortress to save me.
You are indeed my rock and my fortress;
for your name's sake lead me and guide me,
take me out of the net that is hidden for me,
for you are my refuge.
Into your hand I commit my spirit;
you have redeemed me faithful God. (New Revised Standard Version)
Psalm 31 became a resource for the gospel writers for understanding and relating to the passion and death of Jesus. The underlined verse, traditionally attributed as a direct quotation of Jesus from the cross, is an affirmation of his trust in God that anticipates the resurrection. Even more important, these words are not just an interpretation of how Jesus died but are also part of a critically important interpretation of the gospel writers about how Jesus lived his life. The writers authoritatively assert that Jesus lived his entire life trusting God. Whatever other theological differences the gospels present, on this point they are in unison. The worldly result of that trust is unmistakably obvious.
In our community, some have managed to live relatively secure and peaceful lives, not exposed to the threat and persecution that the Psalmist referred to in his own life. Many others have managed to live with oppression, if not direct threats, for much of their lives, while the remainder may have experienced a degree of threat and persecution akin to that of the Psalmist. In all cases, we have managed to live within whatever circumstances we find ourselves. We usually manage our lives fairly well by ourselves. We may even take pride in having done so. But therein lies the problem. We may have read this Psalm a hundred times and missed the message, or perhaps not. Here's the message: this Psalm and Jesus' life teach us the importance of self-surrender to Yahweh. In surrendering, we have hope of finding the "peace that surpasses human understanding" promised by the writer of Phillippians 4 if only we will approach total surrender. Yet, that may also be the most difficult task we will ever approach. But, we don't only have our own will to overcome; perhaps the hidden lesson to learn from Psalm 31 and from the life of Jesus is that persons who trust God unreservedly can expect opposition from those who choose to trust only themselves.
communications@mccgsl.org
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