Tag: lectio insights

deeply

by hovering love

“ . . . . for the truth didn’t sink deeply into his heart.”  (Mt. 13:21 TPT)

As I read through the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13, my attention is captured by this wording in The Passion Translation:  sink deeply into his heart.  This inspires me to engage my imagination with this passage in a different manner, to visualize it through a different lens.

In the past, I’ve felt a mixture of grateful encouragement and conviction when meditating on this parable and the explanation that Jesus shares with his disciples.  In the four scenarios provided in the parable, only one scenario involves the removal of the seed from the heart — the first soil/heart where the seed remains only on the surface.  In the other three scenarios, the seed remains in the heart.  Granted, two of the three other seeds experience results that appear to be less than desired, but they do remain in the heart.  It is only in one scenario where the seed remains in the heart and experiences abundant fruitfulness; however, we do not know how this abundant fruitfulness comes about.  That is a mystery.

As I contemplate this passage, I think of my own garden — the seeds I’ve planted, the plants that have survived, the plants that have thrived, and those that have produced fruit of some kind.  I’ve planted some seeds that never came up at all.  I’ve planted other seeds that came up and grew into solid plants, but didn’t produce fruit.  Some plants produced lovely fruit the first season, and others didn’t produce fruit until after being in the ground for several years.  I’ve learned that some seeds/plants need time to produce fruit.  This is where my grateful encouragement comes from:  as long as the seed remains in the soil, there is hope that it will produce fruit of its kind in time.

As long as the seed remains in the heart, there is always hope.  “Sinking deeply into the heart” takes time, much time, even decades.  I understand things about myself and God today that I was truly clueless about 40 or 50 years ago.  This “fruitfulness” isn’t instant, which is unfortunate for those who don’t want to wait, who desire it all NOW.  The fruit grows as the relationship with God deepens.  When I consider the soil of my heart, I recognize that the surface soil is always softer than the packed-down soil underneath it.  As a result, there can be an initial fruitfulness (which may be so tiny that I can’t even see it) that is prevented from being the “30, 60 or 100 times what was sown” because of the harder soil underneath.  As the hard soil underneath gets slowly broken apart by the experiences of life and grace, the seeds can begin to work their roots further down and deeper into the heart.  What may have initially produced a 15 times harvest, may now be a 30 times harvest.  With even more life lived and grace received, the 30 times slowly turns into a 60, and eventually into a 100 times what was sown.     

My old lens saw this parable in terms of quantity:  30, 60, 100, size, numbers, etc.  As a result, I always felt a sense of conviction about how little fruit I perceived to be in my life and being.  But perhaps quantity is not the miraculous part.  Perhaps the unimaginably, miraculous part is the fact that the fruitfulness (or harvest) of each seed that remains in our heart continues throughout our years, moving deeper into our hearts with time, and becoming fuller, sweeter, and richer in quality with each season of our life.  Perhaps the producing of the “100 times” harvest has occurred over many decades with the fruit of each harvest season becoming more and more pure.  Is it possible that this kind of fruitfulness can occur in a vacuum?  I think not; it will be felt by everyone who comes into contact with it, everyone who sees and experiences it.

Something to consider.    

soil

by hovering love

“Now you are ready to listen to the revelation of the parable of the sower and his seeds: . . .” Matthew 13:18 (TPT)

The parable of the sower recounts the tale of a farmer who goes out to sow seeds. As he sows, some of the seeds fall on the hard beaten path where the seeds can only lie on the surface waiting to be eaten by birds. Some seeds fall on gravel where the seeds sprout up quickly but wilt just as quickly when exposed to hot sun and no rain because they have no roots to sustain them. Some seeds fall among weeds where the seeds sprout but are overtaken and suffocated by the heartier weeds. And some seeds fall on good soil, soil that’s been carefully prepared, making it a receptive host for the seeds. These seeds sprout, grow, thrive and produce a harvest that exceeds the farmer’s wildest dreams.

Through the years, I’ve heard a variety of sermons preached on this parable and its intended meaning. I’ve listened as the four types of soil were related to the hearts and lives of four different types of people. Some people are hard beaten soil, some are gravel, some are filled with weeds and some are good soil. And there always seems to be exhortations for each kind of soil to make whatever changes are necessary for it to become the good type. But that hasn’t been my experience.

I have been all of these types of soil, and I have little doubt that I still am. This is my human reality: I can be each of these soils at different times and all of them simultaneously. I can be good soil regarding one aspect of my heart and being while being a hard beaten path regarding a different aspect of who I am and how I live. I can’t help but wonder how many seeds are continuously scattered upon me by the Holy Spirit that never even have a chance to germinate in my heart, let alone take root and produce a harvest? Far too many to count, I’m sure. Yet, the Holy Spirit keeps on sowing. I know this to be true; otherwise, there would be no evidence of any fruitfulness in my life at all. But I have experienced some pretty amazing fruit—harvests that have certainly exceeded my wildest dreams of what would happen or could even be possible.

Is there anything that I can do to prepare my own heart to be receptive to these seeds? I’ve heard all kinds of ideas on that subject, too. I have experienced only one thing that seems to make a real difference in the condition of my soil: humility. If I’m willing to be real with myself and with God, I’m much more likely to see change occur. Not that I’m capable of producing that change, but I am more changeable. After all, the soil is just the soil—not the farmer who prepares it, not the seed that sprouts and grows and produces fruit in it. I’m very grateful that the Holy Spirit continues to sow seeds upon me whether the soil of my heart is “good” or not.

Thank you, Father Son and Holy Spirit, for your mercy and grace. Thank you for continuing to prepare the soil of my heart, more and more, over time. Thank you for continuing to sow seeds within me whether I’m ready and willing to take them in or not. Thank you for producing your fruit within me. Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for loving me and working with me just as I am. I love you. All that I am is because of you.

Amen!

question

by hovering love

“He said to them, ‘How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’?” Mt. 22:43 (TNIV)

Religion scholars were frequently asking Jesus questions in an effort to trap him with his own words. Such was the case in this passage of Scripture, but on this occasion Jesus asks them questions in return. He asks them whose son the Messiah is, and they respond by saying he is the son of David. Then Jesus asks the above question. The religion scholars have no answer. They don’t attempt to bait Jesus with any more questions, either.

I’m surprised that the religion scholars had no concept of Messiah being God Incarnate as a descendant of David—a person walking earth who was fully God and fully man. The answer to Jesus’ question above seems simple to me, but I know a much fuller version of the story, and from the position of hindsight. The religion scholars were doing their best to discern truth regarding someone they expected to come in the future and whom they expected to be fully human—just like all the other prophets who had come before. If they hadn’t been so concerned with possessing power and proving themselves to be “right” (and proving Jesus to be “wrong”), I wonder if they could have experienced an unanticipated illumination of truth from Jesus—one that they were not able to perceive or understand from Scripture alone? I hope so for my own sake! The intent and approach of the heart can make all the difference, and God sees the heart. Illumination seems to be given based upon the condition of the heart—or does it? As I recall, Caiaphas prophesied regarding the necessity of Jesus’ death (John 11:50) – he was illuminated, not because his heart was close to God but because he had the religious authority to condemn Jesus to death, thus fulfilling God’s plan for mankind. So, where does this leave me?

As I consider this, I hear God ask me a question. “You only know what I reveal to you, in accordance with my own purposes and plans. ‘How is it then’ that you perceive and understand anything about me? It is a gift, from me to you, and nothing that you can claim or take credit for. Receive what I give to you with humility and the full confidence that I desire to give you all that I have and am—because I love you, and because I want you to share in my plans and my glory.”

offer

by hovering love

“He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.” John 6:6 (TNIV)

Many who’ve “already decided what they’re going to do” will ask questions of others merely to obtain affirmation and support of their plan—not to obtain wisdom or advice regarding their plan. If the others express agreement, the person may feel justified in their decision. If the others disagree, the person may feel offended and defensive, choosing not to listen due to some excuse. Few people will actually listen to and consider the words of others once they’ve made up their mind to proceed in a certain manner. That’s why, when presented with these kinds of questions from others, my emotional response is often one of ambivalence and wariness.

Jesus has spent the day teaching and now he finds himself surrounded by a huge crowd of hungry people (at least 5,000 in number). He asks his disciple, Philip, where they can buy enough bread to feed these folks. Jesus is fully human, but he approaches earthly life from a heavenly perspective. He doesn’t ask his questions seeking affirmation or justification from Philip. Jesus perceives this to be a teaching moment—he asks for the sake of others, not for his own sake. I don’t imagine that Philip felt grateful to be put on the spot in this way; he may have felt rather ambivalent and wary, himself. But Jesus’ reason for questioning Philip causes my own emotions to change. My ambivalence and wariness become gratitude when I understand that Jesus’ purpose is to teach and encourage growth—in Philip and myself. Philip’s response reveals his belief that Jesus’ intention of feeding the crowd is not only crazy; it’s impossible as well. Another disciple, Andrew, weighs in by sharing his observation of a boy’s lunch but he ends with, “but how far will that go among so many?” Andrew’s openness to possibilities beyond his grasp is greater than Philip’s, but it’s still sadly lacking. He, too, suffers from the ambivalence (and doubt) that results from not being able to perceive the unlimited resources of God.

I frequently desire to be of assistance and service to others, but then I am easily discouraged and overwhelmed by the shear size of the need. Like Philip, satisfying the need as I see it can appear impossible to me. I desire to be more like Andrew—noticing what is readily at hand, and open to the idea that what is available could be of help. But even Andrew couldn’t take it far enough. Left to Philip, Andrew and myself, the crowd would have walked home hungry. Not so with Jesus—as he taught Philip and Andrew that day, he teaches me now:

“My beloved child, why do you allow yourself to become discouraged and overwhelmed. I never ask you to solve the entire problem, or to serve perfectly—I only ask you to willingly offer what you can. Never fear that what you have to offer is not enough. Give what you can with the joy of knowing that I delight in producing huge results from small offerings. The true value of what you have to offer is always immense in my hands. I multiply all that you give to meet the need and get the job completed well. Be encouraged, my child. I will always guide you and enlarge all that you offer to me.”

I want to take it farther than Philip and Andrew—I want to be able to believe that what’s available, in God’s hands, really is enough. How about you?

 

simple

by hovering love

“But Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and often thought about them.” Luke 2:19  (Living Bible)

What a year Mary has had: visited by an angel and told she’s going to have a baby, living with the gossip in her village regarding her “situation”, being forced to travel about 80 miles on foot/donkey (a 4 day journey) to register for a Roman census in Bethlehem, giving birth to her first child in a stable with only Joseph there to assist! No doubt, she was exhausted. She must have felt spent in every way. I imagine her with Joseph in a town where they and their “situation” are not known, finding peace in their anonymity away from the people in town, relief in a healthy childbirth and wonder-filled joy in Mary’s newborn son. All too soon, they’re burst in upon by an exuberant group of shepherds with a remarkable tale of angels and the glory of God, revealing a secret that had been shared by Joseph and Mary alone to all who will listen. Mary knew what it was like to be visited by an angel, and she instantly knew in her heart that the tale of the shepherds was true. Mary’s secret is now revealed, but in a way that redeems her reputation and restores her soul—if not in Nazareth, at least in Bethlehem. What a kind and timely Christmas gift for this new mother! No small wonder that she is treasuring it all up deep within her heart!

God sends one angel to deliver the message to Mary and the shepherds, but then accentuates the breadth of this event with a full army of angels that sing of God’s glory and grace. Amazing! God shares his secret plans with a simple young woman and he proclaims its fulfillment through a group of simple shepherds. I can’t help but wonder why did the angels appear to the shepherds and not to heads of state, or at least the local rabbi? As I ponder this question, I hear the following:

“My child, my glory is most profound and powerful when it is housed and professed by that which is small and simple, unimpressive and unpretentious. This is where my glory shines the brightest and my joy is most complete. Be just and only who you are—my precious, chosen child—today and every day. This is how my glory will be most profoundly and powerfully seen in and professed through you.“

Amen!

yes

by hovering love

“Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:30 (TNIV)

“Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say.” Luke 1:38 (The Message)

Understandably, Mary is shaken by what’s happening to her: being visited by an angel, being told she’ll conceive a baby via the Holy Spirit, and give birth to God’s son. Remarkable! Extraordinary! This is way too much for any mere mortal to take in; yet, the angel provides Mary with just enough information to enable Mary to “see” what she needs to see in order for her to make the choice to agree with God and surrender herself to God’s plan—for herself, and the world. Of course, she “sees” so little at this point—hardly anything compared with all that she can’t see yet. But she sees enough, and acts upon what she does see. Overwhelmed as she must be by her circumstances, Mary does not give in to her fears. Her response to the angel, and to God, is “Yes.” I’m delighted and amazed by Mary’s simple, childlike faith in God. I’m a bit amused by her naivety, imagining that she sees it all. I’m also filled with wonder and awe of God’s tender love for the young woman that he has chosen to be his mother!

Though Mary’s and my circumstances are so very different, there is one way in which we (and all of humanity) are very similar. There is so little that we humans do see, so little that we do know; yet, God always gives us just enough insight to act upon. That kind of situation seems scary, but God tells us not to fear. God’s tender love for us all is sure and unchanging, and his word to us never fails. I hear his words to me now:

“Hold firmly, tightly, onto what child-like faith that you have. Just as I chose Mary to be my mother, I have chosen you to be my sister, friend and full-time companion. Say “Yes” to me unreservedly and I will birth myself within you—freeing you to be your true self and empowering you to be my partner for life, eternally loving and being loved by Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I have chosen to live and love in and through you! Say, “Yes”!

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, may it be to me according to your word! Amen!

law

by hovering love

“Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” John 8:4,5 (TNIV)

What, indeed! The teachers of the law and the religious leaders are attempting to trap Jesus in some form of religious infraction, yet again. My gut reaction to this situation is one of anger, and it takes the form of challenging these teachers of the law with the law itself. If these teachers know their subject, they know that both the adulterer and the adulteress are to be equally judged and condemned together (Leviticus 20:10). These teachers and leaders say that this woman was “caught in the act“ of adultery and yet she is presented alone. Surely these accusers are smart enough to know that the sin of adultery is an act that requires two participants, not one alone (there is a name for engaging in a sexual act all by yourself, but “adultery” isn’t it). How can their charge be taken seriously from a legal viewpoint if the accused isn’t capable of committing the sin alone, and no other participant was apparently seen or apprehended when the woman was “caught in the act”? I am not a legal professional, but if I were the judge, this is where I would slam down my gavel, declare the woman innocent of all charges brought against her, invite her to leave the courtroom as a free person, dismiss the case for the sham that it is, and penalize the accusers in some manner for their obvious disrespect of my courtroom and the law itself!

Jesus, however, goes much deeper than I. By responding, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her,” Jesus goes into the heart and soul of every person present in the temple courtyard (where this incident took place) that day. I would have exposed the charge against this woman as a sham, but Jesus exposed the hearts and souls of all present as being sinful and in need of forgiveness, as well as in need of compassion and grace for their fellow humans. My anger-driven response keeps me shallow, causing me to accomplish nothing more than acting just as disrespectful of the accusers as they were of the woman, the Law and God. I’m so impressed by and so grateful for the depth of perception, insight and wisdom of Jesus!

God’s Law is both good and just, but it is impossible to obey and uphold in goodness and true justice in a sinful environment by sinful people. God’s Law is too pure for sinful mankind to process and use in correctness of action as well as correctness of heart. I know this to be true in my mind, but has the depth of it penetrated my heart yet? Only God, in his perfection, can uphold not only the letter but also the spirit of the Law simultaneously. God’s Law is beyond me, as are his compassion, forgiveness, mercy, love and grace. His Law is pure, as are his attributes. They all belong, not just in my mind but also in my heart, and both places are where I long for them to reside. I am in debt to God regarding the Law and his love for me.

awaiting

by hovering love

“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:28 (TNIV)

Prophecy is a curious thing. In one regard, this passage in the gospel of Luke is talking about the utter destruction of Jerusalem in 70A.D. In another regard, this passage is talking about another event entirely that is still yet to occur—Jesus’ return to earth. I wonder if the people who were hearing Jesus’ words expected both events to occur at the same time? I wonder if they were disappointed and disheartened when they didn’t? How horrible for them to experience the destruction of Jerusalem in 70A.D. only to have Jesus NOT return at that time!   I wonder if the experience of the one event without the other shattered the faith of the Christians at that time, or if they were wise enough (or fortunate enough to have perceived the Holy Spirit’s reminder) of the multi-faceted nature of prophecy in Scripture (one fulfillment in the near future and one for the far off future)? My heart goes out to each person in Jerusalem in 70A.D.; their suffering must have been devastating. I feel for the Christians in Jerusalem at that time—their trauma was not only physical, but spiritual as well. If ever a time was ripe for them to experience a “faith crisis”, that would be it.

As many may still be awaiting Messiah’s advent, I am awaiting his return. In the meantime, I consider the affect of these words upon me for today? What “devastation” is before me, and why would God instruct me to “stand up and lift up my head, because my redemption is drawing near” in the midst of it? As I quietly listen, this is what I hear:

“No redemption occurs without suffering and loss. Your own attachments to what you think, believe, expect, perceive, have, etc. must first be attacked and dislodged before whatever you truly are and have can be redeemed by the Holy Spirit for the purposes and glory of God. This is destructive, but what it destroys are the illusions, delusions, falsehoods and unrealities in your life and being. This destruction is traumatic but good, providing life and freedom for you that you have never known. Therefore, face these experiences in an upright position with your head high—confidant that I am in them, deconstructing the false for the purpose of reconstructing the true, for your good and my glory. As you await the completion of this transformation, be at peace and follow me.”

 

refocus

by hovering love

“Watch out for the religion scholars. They love to walk around in academic gowns, preen in the radiance of public flattery, bask in prominent positions, sit at the head table at every church function. And all the time they are exploiting the weak and helpless. The longer their prayers, the worse they get. But they’ll pay for it in the end.” Luke 20:45-47 (The Message)

A group of religion scholars question Jesus with the intent of trapping him with his own words. Jesus then asks them how the Messiah can be both David’s son and David’s God at the same time. (Luke 20:44) To me, the answer seems obvious: Messiah is called “David’s son” because he comes from David’s line of descendants; Messiah is called “David’s God/Lord” because he is God, living on earth in human form. That doesn’t sound like such a hard question for “scholars of Scripture” to answer to me, but I don’t know what they understood or expected regarding Messiah. Also, my perspective comes from hindsight; whereas, they were trying to discern what Jesus said and claimed in the moment regarding something that they were looking forward to in the future. Everything is much easier to see and discern in hindsight (thus the saying about it being 20/20), but discernment in the moment can be a much different matter—especially if your focus isn’t really on “discerning truth” in the first place. Jesus then warns his disciples not to be like these scholars who love power and prestige and status and respect—even at the expense of others. Some of these scholars may have begun their “career” in honesty and sincerity with a true desire to know God and help others to know him, as well. But as the years passed, it was far too easy for them to be swept up in the perks and privileges of their position without realizing the detrimental effects these can have on you, personally and professionally. If you aren’t paying attention and subjecting these “benefits”, as well as your own attachment to them, to scrutiny and reflection, you can end up being worthy of severe punishment in the end without knowing why or how it happened in the first place. A very sobering thought, indeed! Sobering for me as a person who may be in a position of teaching and leading others, and sobering for me as a person who may be tempted to judge (and condemn) others who are in positions of teaching and leading me. This scenario is a true possibility for all of us, regardless of what our position or occupation, and regardless of the form and nature of the benefits that we receive from it. The penalty for allowing myself to fall into the trap of these scholars sounds quite severe, however just it may be, and I don’t want to find myself worthy of it—ever.

At this point, I’m reminded that Jesus didn’t come to earth to judge or condemn mankind, but so that mankind would be saved through him. (John 3:17) As I consider this truth in light of my own temptations to fall into the “scholar’s trap”, I hear God say this to me: “Don’t judge or condemn—yourself or anyone else. Be alert and pay attention! Consider your thoughts, and the ways that you act upon them, with care. Discern the way before you and make your choices based upon the light and truth that I provide for you. Each day that you live on earth is a gift from me to you—live each day as my loving child and servant, allowing me to promote and provide salvation in all its forms to those who need it through you. This can only happen when you consciously choose to place your own “benefits” aside so you can focus on the reason for my advent into this world—to bring salvation: love, joy, forgiveness, grace, hope and peace to a world filled with people who desperately need it.”

child

by hovering love

“Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” Luke 18:17 (The Message)

If a child is going to hold tight to something, it will be to the one who cares for them: a parent, grandparent or guardian. There is only one exception, or perhaps addition, that I’ve seen to that truth: their “security” item (a blanket, stuffed animal or toy, etc.). But even then, a child usually has only one security item, not “mansions” filled with items like adults will endeavor to have. A child’s trust and security seems to be very simple and focused, for example: “my mommy and my blanket”. That’s all that’s really needed for a child to be happy and content, to feel safe and secure, and for them to rest and be at peace. Situations of extreme poverty can cause this not to be essentially true, and some parents who are currently in the trenches of raising their children may beg to differ with me as well, but as I look back over my years in those trenches, I recognize that a large part of what a child really needs is one loving, caring relationship and one treasured item. These “possessions” can provide comfort and stability for children, even when their situation is less than favorable. As I ponder this reality, I can’t help but ask myself, “What one relationship and one item can provide the same for me?”

I recognize a longing within myself for the freedom to be a simple child who lives a simple life consisting of one relationship and one item of comfort and familiarity. But living this simple lifestyle would require that I let go of the many things that I have acquired as an adult. I fear the real and imagined loss of “selling all that I have, giving to the poor and following Jesus”. How could this even be possible for me to do; after all, I have a spouse and a house filled with items and the decision to keep or dispose of these items is not up to me to make alone. Now I not only feel longing and fear, but I’m beginning to feel a bit trapped as well! Like Jesus’ disciples, I find myself wondering what must I do to be saved from my dilemma!

In the midst of my silent listening, I hear God say this to me.

“Doing is a trap, a trap that you can’t escape on your own. You must have help—from others and from God—to escape the trap’s “teeth” or grip. The process of getting rid of your item-filled house must be one that you walk through with your spouse. The “community” aspect of this process is your teacher and guide—be attentive and learn from it. In your own childhood, you grew up as an only child never knowing the irritations or the joys of having and being a sibling. As an adult, you have been the mother who has raised offspring to adulthood, often marveling and being mystified by the sibling interactions that you’ve witnessed among your children—the comforting familiarities as well as the oppressive pitfalls. As I now “grow you back down” to the simplicity of a child, your life in community with your spouse (and others) gives you the opportunity to experience life as a sibling, as co-heirs with each other and with Jesus before God, the Father. This is not something that you do. It’s something that you are. Be who you are. Be my darling child who clings to my neck for dear life, not ever letting go. Cling tightly, also, to your “security blanket”: my Holy Spirit. She alone will provide you with the comforting sense of familiarity, security, love and peace that you need to face the ups and downs of life as my child. Focus your attention on my Spirit and trust in me as your “Abba” (“Daddy”), and you will be the child that you long to be. I guarantee it!”

With tears on my cheeks and from the depths of my heart, I thank you, Abba, for the privilege and joy of being your child!