Luke 12:57 "Why can't you decide for yourselves what is right?"
In the context of this discourse Jesus meaning is clear. Do not wait for judgment day. Judge what is right, for your own actions. And do what is right. Do not wait for others to judge for you, take it upon yourself to be responsible. Do not wait for God or your boss to judge.
In the context, before this Jesus was speaking of people's natural ability to judge the weather. We do not give it a second thought. We look outside and try to predict. And often we are right, because we know what to look for. It is the same for more important things.
Jesus is saying, yes we can do a pretty good job of predicting the weather. In the same fashion we can do a pretty good job of predicting more important things, like the trajectory of our country and our world. He is saying "judge the times".
The times, in Jesus' times, were ripe for the Messiah. Many people were expectant. The Jewish leaders could read the scriptures and knew the time foretold in the prophets was about now. Yet they still did not understand that the Messiah was standing before them. They did not read the times right. Jesus was inviting them to reread, to see again, this time to judge correctly.
Also too, despite all the warning about a Messiah that would change everything, many people just kept on living as they were, day by day, eating drinking, marrying, working. They did not want to look beyond their day to day existence. Perhaps they felt powerless. Whatever was going to happen would happen. But Jesus was trying to tell them that was not so. Just as they could see weather changes and make adjustments to their behavior, so if they read the political and spiritual signs they could also make changes.
Do you try to read present times? Do you seek God's wisdom about our country and our world? I think we can read the signs and we can make adjustments to what we see. We can and we should. Like the Jewish leaders we may not be right. We may have to reread again the signs when no facts occur and new events happen. But we should never give up trying to be actively involved in the world.
There are many Christians speaking prophetically to our world. I was a reader of David Wilkerson before he died. He spoke to the future of this country and how we could act to repent and change our behavior.
Jesus spoke to our behavior as faithful servants of God: (Luke 12:42-48 GNB) The Lord answered, "Who, then, is the faithful and wise servant? He is the one that his master will put in charge, to run the household and give the other servants their share of the food at the proper time. How happy that servant is if his master finds him doing this when he comes home! Indeed, I tell you, the master will put that servant in charge of all his property. But if that servant says to himself that his master is taking a long time to come back and if he begins to beat the other servants, both the men and the women, and eats and drinks and gets drunk, then the master will come back one day when the servant does not expect him and at a time he does not know. The master will cut him in pieces and make him share the fate of the disobedient. "The servant who knows what his master wants him to do, but does not get himself ready and do it, will be punished with a heavy whipping. But the servant who does not know what his master wants, and yet does something for which he deserves a whipping, will be punished with a light whipping. Much is required from the person to whom much is given; much more is required from the person to whom much more is given.
If we know we should act then we should act! We should be sensible servants of our father God
.
We are tempted to think we are powerless. We cannot change society. Perhaps in a sense we are powerless. But we can do our part. What we can control we can do to be faithful and sensible, knowing that God will come back eventually and check on us. Who knows? If others do the same, it will make a difference. We may never know how our actions help. But we can trust God. He knows and is pleased with us. He will bless his faithful servants. And Jesus says he will whip those who think they can get away with ignoring God. Let's not be like that!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Luke 11:5
After Jesus gives them a structure for prayer, full of polite commands addressed to God he speaks to them several parables about prayer. The first one I always stumble on.
Remember it? Suppose someone has last minute guests who arrive very late at night. But this man has nothing to serve them and they are hot and tired and hungry from traveling. So he goes to a neighbor/friend and knocks on his door and asks for three loaves of bread. The man inside says I am asleep and my family are all under the covers. I cannot get up. Yet the man who is in need knows he has the loaves. He would rather get him mad than neglect his guests. So he keeps knocking until the man gets up, gets him the food, so he can have peace and quiet for the rest of the night.
But I tend to think of God is different. I wonder if he cares. I do not think I can get him to do anything for me, even if it is a good thing. I know I would have a problem trying to make a person give me what I need either. I find it easier to just give up and sulk and think I am a victim here. I ask the first time and if it is no then I am liable to give up. I would do that with God or with a person. It seems like begging. I am too proud. It is beneath me. It is the same with God. When I pray the first time and God does not seem to answer I give up. I give up. I get mad at God and say I am a victim. God does not care. God does not love me.
Jesus' point is the opposite of course. He does not call it begging, he calls it persistence. Jesus is telling us here "do not give up". We don't know why God does not answer the first time. But we are told to be persistent.
I find it comfortable to get mad, sulk, refuse to beg, refuse to take my real cares to God anymore. I take that same manner to humans as well. Right now I need some help and I have called people to ask for help. When they do not call right back or help right away I tend to give up. But I have to be persistent. Right now things are moving in that arena. But I still need to be persistent, not in an angry manner but in a confident manner. The example Jesus gives is of a man being confidently persistent. He knows his friend can help him. And he need to keep asking until he does. We know that about God too. God is able to help us. We just need to keep asking until he does.
Jesus is saying be persistent in prayer. It is good to be persistent.
But in the next parable he tells the disciples that God like to give good things to his disciples like a father does to his children. We are like children to him. Humans might not be as smart about giving what we need but God is perfect.
Jesus tells us to be persistent in prayer about our real needs, about good needs. Despite what it looks like sometimes God want to answer prayer, to give us what we need, to give us good things. By not being persistent we may very well miss out on God's gift to us.
Remember it? Suppose someone has last minute guests who arrive very late at night. But this man has nothing to serve them and they are hot and tired and hungry from traveling. So he goes to a neighbor/friend and knocks on his door and asks for three loaves of bread. The man inside says I am asleep and my family are all under the covers. I cannot get up. Yet the man who is in need knows he has the loaves. He would rather get him mad than neglect his guests. So he keeps knocking until the man gets up, gets him the food, so he can have peace and quiet for the rest of the night.
But I tend to think of God is different. I wonder if he cares. I do not think I can get him to do anything for me, even if it is a good thing. I know I would have a problem trying to make a person give me what I need either. I find it easier to just give up and sulk and think I am a victim here. I ask the first time and if it is no then I am liable to give up. I would do that with God or with a person. It seems like begging. I am too proud. It is beneath me. It is the same with God. When I pray the first time and God does not seem to answer I give up. I give up. I get mad at God and say I am a victim. God does not care. God does not love me.
Jesus' point is the opposite of course. He does not call it begging, he calls it persistence. Jesus is telling us here "do not give up". We don't know why God does not answer the first time. But we are told to be persistent.
I find it comfortable to get mad, sulk, refuse to beg, refuse to take my real cares to God anymore. I take that same manner to humans as well. Right now I need some help and I have called people to ask for help. When they do not call right back or help right away I tend to give up. But I have to be persistent. Right now things are moving in that arena. But I still need to be persistent, not in an angry manner but in a confident manner. The example Jesus gives is of a man being confidently persistent. He knows his friend can help him. And he need to keep asking until he does. We know that about God too. God is able to help us. We just need to keep asking until he does.
Jesus is saying be persistent in prayer. It is good to be persistent.
But in the next parable he tells the disciples that God like to give good things to his disciples like a father does to his children. We are like children to him. Humans might not be as smart about giving what we need but God is perfect.
Jesus tells us to be persistent in prayer about our real needs, about good needs. Despite what it looks like sometimes God want to answer prayer, to give us what we need, to give us good things. By not being persistent we may very well miss out on God's gift to us.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Financial Sunday II
Sunday was the second Sunday in a row for financial sermons at both churches. Coincidence? I don't know.
At VCH in the morning HF spoke on being responsible with your money. He is a former banker so he knows a lot about debt. He used Proverbs to illustrate points about basic money management. He stressed controlling debt and spoke a little on savings. A key point was never co-sign for a friend. People need to be forwarded and forearmed before that friend or relative comes begging. If you do it once you probably learn. But it is best to never do it at all. Perhaps a corollary point: Parents are no obligated to support their children after they are grown. As he would likely say, that approaches meddling. I know one couple that has a weakness for helping their 40 year old children. One needs to go into that with your eyes wide open. Nevertheless we do need to let our kids get out of their own problems, if they absolutely can. And they usually can, it just might be painful. We hate to see our kids go through things like this. But they must learn, just like we did.
In the evening at SJD it was Loyalty Sunday, the day people are supposed to turn in their pledge cards and get them blessed. Last week they prepared us for it, another financial Sunday. Last week was "Fork it over Sunday" as a priest friend of mine once said. That is the Sunday when giving to the church is stressed. Some priests apologize for having to do this. Last week the rector was subtle but not apologetic. This week JD used the lectionary to make some points. Amos prophesied against a wealthy people who were ruthless against the weak and the poor, taking advantage of them and refusing to help them in time of need. She linked this to giving. I cannot remember how.
The gospel was the story of the rich young ruler. She spoke of the man's confidence in his ability. Money, or his salary played a large role in his confidence. Money can get in the way. Jesus saw that it got in the way of the man and his soul. How are we to react to that? Are we to give all our money away? Or is this hyperbole like the earlier preaching about ripping out your eye if it caused you to sin? Some tradition has it that this man later did give all his money away and followed Jesus. But that is romantic dross. The point is to put God before money. Use it to serve God and not to serve ourselves. And remember money can never save your eternal soul.
At VCH in the morning HF spoke on being responsible with your money. He is a former banker so he knows a lot about debt. He used Proverbs to illustrate points about basic money management. He stressed controlling debt and spoke a little on savings. A key point was never co-sign for a friend. People need to be forwarded and forearmed before that friend or relative comes begging. If you do it once you probably learn. But it is best to never do it at all. Perhaps a corollary point: Parents are no obligated to support their children after they are grown. As he would likely say, that approaches meddling. I know one couple that has a weakness for helping their 40 year old children. One needs to go into that with your eyes wide open. Nevertheless we do need to let our kids get out of their own problems, if they absolutely can. And they usually can, it just might be painful. We hate to see our kids go through things like this. But they must learn, just like we did.
In the evening at SJD it was Loyalty Sunday, the day people are supposed to turn in their pledge cards and get them blessed. Last week they prepared us for it, another financial Sunday. Last week was "Fork it over Sunday" as a priest friend of mine once said. That is the Sunday when giving to the church is stressed. Some priests apologize for having to do this. Last week the rector was subtle but not apologetic. This week JD used the lectionary to make some points. Amos prophesied against a wealthy people who were ruthless against the weak and the poor, taking advantage of them and refusing to help them in time of need. She linked this to giving. I cannot remember how.
The gospel was the story of the rich young ruler. She spoke of the man's confidence in his ability. Money, or his salary played a large role in his confidence. Money can get in the way. Jesus saw that it got in the way of the man and his soul. How are we to react to that? Are we to give all our money away? Or is this hyperbole like the earlier preaching about ripping out your eye if it caused you to sin? Some tradition has it that this man later did give all his money away and followed Jesus. But that is romantic dross. The point is to put God before money. Use it to serve God and not to serve ourselves. And remember money can never save your eternal soul.
Monday, October 15, 2012
big weekend
My ankles are hurting. My right knee still hurts a lot, especially when I turn it. It makes it hard to get to sleep. This has been aggravated by running and jogging as a middle school football referee. Well, this week I have three more games, just when my legs were recovering. My legs felt a little better when I lay down last night to sleep. But tonight it will likely be worse.
DW counseled that I should stretch. It seems that is all I do as stretch. Sometimes it looks more like squirming, trying to get more comfortable. I do stretch while I am standing. I do it while I am sitting. I went out Saturday night to see the Rice Light Extravaganza on the academic quad. That is the one with the statue of William Marsh Rice himself. The light show was spectacular. But the whole time I stood and watch I kept moving around, trying to get comfortable. I was sort of stretching as I could. It looked more like wiggling.
The Extravaganza was implemented with a computer program that projected sophisticated light beams off three large buildings on the eastern side of the quad. The quad consists of six three story buildings so this was done off the eastern half of the quad. It started with a projected owl flapping from one side of the three "walls" to the other side. Even though owls fly quietly this is a/v after all so the flapping was pronounced. The show ended with a similar flight of the owl across the three walls. In between there was some interesting a/v affects and some teaching and preaching. We saw names of greats from Rice's past. There were Curl and Smalley and a picture of a buckyball. At one point we saw a bunch of typical Rice graduates, at least I think that is what that was. One period of preaching was a treatise on Rice goals with the visual effect of water (or molten rock) being poured to one side. Then it reverses and pours back to the other side. This reversal happened several times. The show was very arresting. It lasted about 20 minutes. All through I was moving around, trying to get more comfortable.
Earlier JB went with me to see the homecoming football game. Rice surprisingly won over an unbeaten UTSA team 34-14. Rice dominated the game pretty much like Green Bay dominated the Texans Sunday night and like Oklahoma dominated Texas (Boomer Sooner) on Saturday afternoon.
Thursday through Saturday Rice celebrated 100 years of existence. There were events all over campus of various times. There was free food and long lines everywhere. There were also expensive formal dinners, for those who prefer that. DW is pretty tired these days after doing the things where she wants to serve. So she did not come with me to any of these events. I am sorry I could not share it with her. But there was quite a bit walking even though a lot of parking lots were open. I saw a lot of people I had not seen in a long time and got to talk to some of them. The 100th anniversary of Rice brought out many who never or very rarely come back. On to the next 100 (as several wags have said).
DW counseled that I should stretch. It seems that is all I do as stretch. Sometimes it looks more like squirming, trying to get more comfortable. I do stretch while I am standing. I do it while I am sitting. I went out Saturday night to see the Rice Light Extravaganza on the academic quad. That is the one with the statue of William Marsh Rice himself. The light show was spectacular. But the whole time I stood and watch I kept moving around, trying to get comfortable. I was sort of stretching as I could. It looked more like wiggling.
The Extravaganza was implemented with a computer program that projected sophisticated light beams off three large buildings on the eastern side of the quad. The quad consists of six three story buildings so this was done off the eastern half of the quad. It started with a projected owl flapping from one side of the three "walls" to the other side. Even though owls fly quietly this is a/v after all so the flapping was pronounced. The show ended with a similar flight of the owl across the three walls. In between there was some interesting a/v affects and some teaching and preaching. We saw names of greats from Rice's past. There were Curl and Smalley and a picture of a buckyball. At one point we saw a bunch of typical Rice graduates, at least I think that is what that was. One period of preaching was a treatise on Rice goals with the visual effect of water (or molten rock) being poured to one side. Then it reverses and pours back to the other side. This reversal happened several times. The show was very arresting. It lasted about 20 minutes. All through I was moving around, trying to get more comfortable.
Earlier JB went with me to see the homecoming football game. Rice surprisingly won over an unbeaten UTSA team 34-14. Rice dominated the game pretty much like Green Bay dominated the Texans Sunday night and like Oklahoma dominated Texas (Boomer Sooner) on Saturday afternoon.
Thursday through Saturday Rice celebrated 100 years of existence. There were events all over campus of various times. There was free food and long lines everywhere. There were also expensive formal dinners, for those who prefer that. DW is pretty tired these days after doing the things where she wants to serve. So she did not come with me to any of these events. I am sorry I could not share it with her. But there was quite a bit walking even though a lot of parking lots were open. I saw a lot of people I had not seen in a long time and got to talk to some of them. The 100th anniversary of Rice brought out many who never or very rarely come back. On to the next 100 (as several wags have said).
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Luke 9
Last night DW and I got to talk with a man who did not accept that Jesus was the only way to God. I tried to explain that Jesus claimed that and that his resurrection proved that his claims must be taken seriously.
Well obviously he did not accept that answer and DW had more to say to him. I did not feel like repeating the same thing and listening to his similar response. But I know DW had more creative things to help him with. But I think finally we spoke across each other. Neither was going to concede. Neither of us is going to be convinced.
To me Luke speaks to the openness of the things that Jesus and his disciples did. Jesus sent his disciples out to preach and heal. The commotion even caused the king, Herod to take notice. As Paul said, "None of this took place in a dark corner." No Jesus made people take notice. People had to decide whether they thought he was God or whether he was crazy. Jesus was killed by the government authorities and his resurrection was never refuted by anyone. The man last night said there were other ways to explain that. Not credible ways. Sure people are going to try to explain it away because they do not want to believe. It would cause them to have to change their behavior.
============================================================
Luke 9:1-9 ^ And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. ^ And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing. ^ And He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics apiece. ^ Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that city. ^ And as for those who do not receive you, as you go out from that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them." ^ Departing, they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. ^ Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was happening; and he was greatly perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, ^ and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen again. ^ Herod said, "I myself had John beheaded; but who is this man about whom I hear such things?" And he kept trying to see Him.
Well obviously he did not accept that answer and DW had more to say to him. I did not feel like repeating the same thing and listening to his similar response. But I know DW had more creative things to help him with. But I think finally we spoke across each other. Neither was going to concede. Neither of us is going to be convinced.
To me Luke speaks to the openness of the things that Jesus and his disciples did. Jesus sent his disciples out to preach and heal. The commotion even caused the king, Herod to take notice. As Paul said, "None of this took place in a dark corner." No Jesus made people take notice. People had to decide whether they thought he was God or whether he was crazy. Jesus was killed by the government authorities and his resurrection was never refuted by anyone. The man last night said there were other ways to explain that. Not credible ways. Sure people are going to try to explain it away because they do not want to believe. It would cause them to have to change their behavior.
============================================================
Luke 9:1-9 ^ And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. ^ And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing. ^ And He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics apiece. ^ Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that city. ^ And as for those who do not receive you, as you go out from that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them." ^ Departing, they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. ^ Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was happening; and he was greatly perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, ^ and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen again. ^ Herod said, "I myself had John beheaded; but who is this man about whom I hear such things?" And he kept trying to see Him.
buying a watch
I waited two weeks to buy a watch. I feel naked without a watch. To find out the time I have to dig in my pocket, find my cell phone, turn it on and squint at the face. If I am outside I really have to squint. Sometimes I do not have my cell phone with me. Then I am SOL. But I waited two weeks.
Why?
Well two reasons. While in Israel I swam and found out the jeweler who replaced my battery was not careful to set the gasket well, or it was ruined and we were both too cheap to replace it. So it filled with water and was ruined. I quickly bought a watch somewhere without looking. When at the YMCA I took a swim with it and it promptly filled with water.
I have to say parenthetically that I have both old watches near my desk. I figured out where a screwdriver was that would open them. I found getting the battery loose was not easy. I tried to ease them out. Several days later I figured "what do I have to lose" - I forced the cages around the batteries and got them out. Then I tried to seriously dry out the watches. But rebooting with the battery did not make them work. One lit up partially but they are done it seems, without repairmen help. But they are not worth repairing. I hate to say that but it is true. I still have not brought myself to throw them out. But I have reclaimed the batteries for other uses.
So finally it came to me that Academy would likely have $10 waterproof watches. Well if anyone would have them Academy would. So late one night I was passing Academy and risked them being closed. I figured they would be closed. They looked closed. No wait, someone is heading for the front door. So I kept driving and got out of the car. I got out of the car and approached the door. It opened and I am in!
Right after the door is a case with watches. But they are expensive. They are not all water resistant. (That is the proper word.) So fortunately I had the sense to ask an employee. He pointed me to the other side. And after a few glances I found the case. It is a big case with at least a hundred $10 waterproof watches. I have hit the jackpot. Each watch is slightly different that the others. I am looking for one that is totally black, does not have too little a face (too feminine), and has a fairly simple look. Several fit the bill and I picked one.
I am so glad to have a watch on my right arm. I have almost gotten the habit of glancing down to see the time. Ah, the world is right again.
Why?
Well two reasons. While in Israel I swam and found out the jeweler who replaced my battery was not careful to set the gasket well, or it was ruined and we were both too cheap to replace it. So it filled with water and was ruined. I quickly bought a watch somewhere without looking. When at the YMCA I took a swim with it and it promptly filled with water.
I have to say parenthetically that I have both old watches near my desk. I figured out where a screwdriver was that would open them. I found getting the battery loose was not easy. I tried to ease them out. Several days later I figured "what do I have to lose" - I forced the cages around the batteries and got them out. Then I tried to seriously dry out the watches. But rebooting with the battery did not make them work. One lit up partially but they are done it seems, without repairmen help. But they are not worth repairing. I hate to say that but it is true. I still have not brought myself to throw them out. But I have reclaimed the batteries for other uses.
So finally it came to me that Academy would likely have $10 waterproof watches. Well if anyone would have them Academy would. So late one night I was passing Academy and risked them being closed. I figured they would be closed. They looked closed. No wait, someone is heading for the front door. So I kept driving and got out of the car. I got out of the car and approached the door. It opened and I am in!
Right after the door is a case with watches. But they are expensive. They are not all water resistant. (That is the proper word.) So fortunately I had the sense to ask an employee. He pointed me to the other side. And after a few glances I found the case. It is a big case with at least a hundred $10 waterproof watches. I have hit the jackpot. Each watch is slightly different that the others. I am looking for one that is totally black, does not have too little a face (too feminine), and has a fairly simple look. Several fit the bill and I picked one.
I am so glad to have a watch on my right arm. I have almost gotten the habit of glancing down to see the time. Ah, the world is right again.
Monday, October 1, 2012
keeping my eyes to myself - ministry fair
The church ministry fair showed me I can keep my eyes to myself. Thanks be to God! But I am not healed, from it. I still am as rebellious as ever. My eyes do not make it as obvious. Women have different reactions. There is the woman I have not noticed. So she flirted. There is the woman who does not believe I have reformed. Sorry. I am truly sorry. I do pretty much keep my eyes to myself. But it is still very conscious. Will it ever be easier? Probably only when I have my new glorious body in heaven.
That reminds me of the mixer for Lee High School graduates commemorating the 50th anniversary of it's founding. Was it my imagination that there were women on the make? Wow, they were almost as old as me. It never ends does it? Barbara and I had great fun. Again it was somewhat unsuspected. Why do I go you might ask if I have such low expectations? Well I keep hoping to see some people that I did know and like when I was in school. Alas. Those people never come.
Barbara got to make a new friend and they discussed Christian ministry for an hour or so.
Ministry fair was a lot of fun. Who knew? They had to turn off the lights and kick some of out. I sure did not expect to be there so long. I got some new missionaries to pray for. I also need to remember to pray for local missionaries like the Litzenbergers. I ran into Wes and got very encouraged about renewing chess club for the year. I've been wondering if they were trying to let me down easy. It was not particularly successful last year. Still I think chess can offer a great benefit to certain kids.
That reminds me of the mixer for Lee High School graduates commemorating the 50th anniversary of it's founding. Was it my imagination that there were women on the make? Wow, they were almost as old as me. It never ends does it? Barbara and I had great fun. Again it was somewhat unsuspected. Why do I go you might ask if I have such low expectations? Well I keep hoping to see some people that I did know and like when I was in school. Alas. Those people never come.
Barbara got to make a new friend and they discussed Christian ministry for an hour or so.
Ministry fair was a lot of fun. Who knew? They had to turn off the lights and kick some of out. I sure did not expect to be there so long. I got some new missionaries to pray for. I also need to remember to pray for local missionaries like the Litzenbergers. I ran into Wes and got very encouraged about renewing chess club for the year. I've been wondering if they were trying to let me down easy. It was not particularly successful last year. Still I think chess can offer a great benefit to certain kids.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
