Tag: lectio insights

small

by hovering love

“Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to?” Luke 13:18

“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.” Luke 13:24

First Jesus searches for the right story or word picture to describe the Kingdom of God to his listeners. He describes the kingdom as a tiny seed that, when planted, grows into a huge tree that eagles nest in. He also describes it as yeast that is kneaded into flour and works its way all through the dough, enabling the dough to rise and become tasty, nourishing bread. Then a passerby asks Jesus if only a few people will be saved, and Jesus replies with an encouragement to enter through the “narrow gate”. “Hmm, what does that mean,” you ask, “and what does it have to do with metaphors about seeds and yeast?” Hmm, I wonder, too.

As I ponder the seeds and yeast, some sense begins to emerge. In each case, the kingdom is described as something that begins very small and grows very large. In each case, the kingdom is described as something that is very commonplace; something that you could easily take for granted and overlook as being too ordinary and too simple to devote any real thought or reflection to. Yet, in each case, something very essential is provided: energy that enables growth to occur and its host to “rise”. Though humans must make some effort, to plant a seed and knead some dough, in each case, it is God and God alone who enables the transformation to occur. THIS is how Jesus describes the Kingdom of God!

Because God’s kingdom is so simple and ordinary in nature, it does require special effort and attention to notice it and appreciate it for what it is, and to value it correctly. This effort, attention, noticing, appreciating and valuing are required for us to enter into God’s kingdom—it’s what enables us to know God so intimately that we see and recognize God in all things every day. I believe this intimate knowing and seeing to be the “narrow gate” that Jesus describes—the narrow way that enables us to enter into God’s kingdom on God’s terms, not our own. This requires intentionality on my part, but it also requires that once I’ve done my small part I must be willing to take my hands off of it and trust God to do the rest, as God sees fit. So, what makes this a “narrow” way? Not all will take the time and exert the energy to pursue God’s kingdom in this manner. It sounds so simple—possibly far too simple for some people to grasp or accept. Many of us devise our own requirements and criteria for entering God’s kingdom without realizing it, unconsciously believing that we know better than God what the “narrow gate” should look like and consist of. I believe that only brings frustration and despair, preventing us from entering when we expect to be welcomed in. That’s part of the paradox and mystery of the Kingdom of God. That’s what trips us up and leaves us out in the cold—unless we’re intentionally focusing our eyes and ears to see and hear God in and through the simple, the small, and the ordinary of every day life. Though our world encourages us to “live large,” remember that God can always be found in the small.

test

by hovering love

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 10:25

A religion scholar “tests” Jesus with a simple enough question. I confess that the word “inherit” has the connotation of entitlement to me that I don’t like to associate with my faith in Jesus. As heirs of Christ, we may be “entitled” to eternal life, but God’s grace is always a gift not to be assumed, presumed or taken for granted.

The scholar then asks another question in an attempt to justify his own external behavior. God certainly sees the outward behaviors of mankind, but he pays focused attention to the attitudes and motivations of the heart. Interestingly enough, it seems that many people have some familiarity with the story of the Good Samaritan whether they have any personal knowledge or connection with Jesus or not. I’d say this is for good reason, too.

This religion scholar’s motivation is unknown to me. He may be feeling entitled or just wanting to “get” what he wants for himself. Then again, he may be testing Jesus in obedience to a command from his superiors among the religious leadership in Jerusalem. Jesus answers his question in a respectful manner with some questions of his own. The scholar answers well, but I sense some entitlement in his tone as he asks one more question to “justify himself”. Jesus no longer responds with questions; he teaches with the aid of a story. Without judgment or criticism from Jesus, the scholar’s attempt to justify himself is shown for what it is, and his tone changes from one of entitlement and superiority to one of humility. The scholar may have come to test Jesus, but Jesus tested him and led him to a new place of deeper personal perception and understanding.

I wonder if the scholar was impressed with Jesus. I am. I’m amazed and humbled by Jesus. His ability to challenge and confront and redirect and correct by means of asking questions and telling stories that move us from our superficial illusions and excuses to the deepest places of our hearts and souls is not just impressive, it’s quite beautiful. With firmness but also with respect and kindness, Jesus enables us to see what is in our own hearts and inspires us to be the very best version of our self. This story is really about Jesus himself – he is the Good Samaritan to one and all.

Lord Jesus, I rarely come across people in my daily life who are physically beaten and left for dead, but I am frequently surrounded by a world of people whose minds, hearts and souls are beaten and hurting badly. Please teach and enable me to be a Good Samaritan to everyone that I meet . . . just like you. Amen!

cloud

by hovering love

“While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.” Luke 9:34 (NIV)

Jesus climbed up onto a mountain to pray, taking James, John and Peter with him. The three disciples were very sleepy, perhaps even nodding off a bit. Without them realizing it, something spectacular began to occur. They must have wondered at first if they were dreaming, but they rapidly became fully awake and aware of the odd and amazing happenings in their midst. The disciples saw Jesus speaking with two other men (whom they somehow recognized as Moses and Elijah), all three of whom were glowing brightly white. In his flustered excitement, Peter began babbling about making something in honor of the occasion only to be interrupted by an even more overwhelming occurrence—they found themselves being enveloped by a cloud in which they heard the actual voice of God speaking to them. Is it any wonder that they felt fear as they entered this cloud?

Considering this “cloud of God’s presence” brings to my mind the anonymous work of Christian mysticism, “The Cloud of Unknowing”. Entering into the cloud of God’s presence and mystery (my unknowing) is worthy of eliciting fear: of the unknown, of being in the presence of ultimate power and holiness, of having no control, of the limitations and inadequacies of being human, etc. The reasons for experiencing fear (in the form of both terror and awe) in the presence and mystery of God are without end. I find the relationship between these two uses of the word “cloud” to be both curious and unnerving. I appreciate and empathize with the disciples’ fear in that moment. The prospect and possibility of entering into the presence and mystery of God causes me to feel the same. I long to be united with God as closely and completely as I can, yet I often fear the personal changes involved in entering “the cloud of unknowing”. That’s why I am tempted to turn back and retrace old steps instead of allowing myself to enter and walk through the cloud with God. I never know what awaits me in both the fear itself and the unknown before me, or how it will turn out in the end. As I ponder my dilemma, I hear Jesus say this to me:

“Fear will always be present in this earthly life, but it has no real power over you. YOU CHOOSE – either to give in to the fear, or to push it aside and continue on your way. Being and living in my Kingdom requires you to demonstrate bravery—to resist the fear, and trust in my love and power for you. I am always with you . . . ALWAYS! Trust in my forever and always presence with you, and continue on your way. The “end result” will never be what you think you desire, anticipate or expect. Enter into the fear knowing this to be true, and be flexible enough to accept and receive what I bring to you. My love and care for you will NEVER change. The end game is always MINE, and it’s always far better than you desire, anticipate or expect (not just for you, but also for all those around you). Only the smallest amount of bravery is needed to send you on your way—I work miraculous wonders with very small things. Don’t be afraid when I envelope you in my cloud. Bravely enter into it. Look for me there, and you will find me. And, as always, follow me.”

quibble

by hovering love

“They were surprised and impressed—his teaching was so forthright, so confident, so authoritative, not the quibbling and quoting they were used to.”  Luke 4:32 (Message)

Quibble is rather a fun-sounding word, even if its meaning isn’t.  If all the other religious teachers in Jesus’ time “quibbled”—arguing, complaining, nitpicking over unimportant details, quoting other “authorities” to support their own points and ideas (I think today we might call that “name dropping”)—then Jesus’ approach of authenticity (speaking from what he knows to be true in his life and being) would be very refreshing indeed!  What a pleasant relief it must have been to hear Jesus teach!

Since not quibbling worked so well for Jesus, I can’t help but wonder why so many Christians today engage in it?  Nitpicking over nonessential doctrines and unimportant details only leads to division and disunity.  Arguing and complaining are simply symptoms of ego and pride, not humble self-sacrifice.  Validating your words by quoting popular or well-promoted Christian pastors and/or authors is frequently done to impress, and reveals a lack of true ownership for your own spirituality.  These words of mine may sound harsh, but are they untrue?      

Jesus knew who he was and how he was called by God.  He intentionally lived into his identity and his calling, trusting in the guidance and support that he received from the Father and the Holy Spirit.  Jesus possessed authority that had been given to him by his Father.  In addition, his authenticity regarding his true being and how he lived that out in his daily life naturally lended even more authority to his actions and teachings.  As Jesus’ followers, we have all received our own unique identity and calling from the Father.  The question is, are we choosing to waste precious time and energy quibbling or are we trusting our identity and calling in Christ and intentionally living into it?  As I ponder this question for myself, I hear Jesus say the following to me:     

“My sister and friend, I have planted my truth within you and it has grown.  There is more for you to learn, but you can be confident and authentic regarding what you have already received from me.  Your authenticity is your authority!  Claim what you do know.  Boldly proclaim it with your words and through your actions.  I have placed my authority within you—share it with me as we use it to our Father’s glory.”

Do I hear an “Amen!”?

nothing

by hovering love

“So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.” John 12:10, 11

Even though the Jewish leadership is plotting a double murder scenario (Jesus and Lazarus), their evil intent can’t stop or even dampen the overwhelming sense of awe, wonder and joy that surrounds Lazarus’ resurrection and Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. If there wasn’t so much joy and praise of God being expressed, this scene might resemble an out-of-control mob—but the praise and joy do prevail and energize this celebration.

My attention today turns to Lazarus. I don’t think I’ve ever noticed before that this large crowd formed for the purpose of seeing Lazarus, as well as Jesus. How humbling and exciting for him to be such a key player in this scene. Exciting because he gets to “share the stage” with someone that he worships and adores. Humbling because the reason for his being on that “stage” has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with him! After all, the only thing that Lazarus did to bring himself to such prominence was to die and be buried for 4 days. Lazarus expended no energy at all. Jesus did all the rest, without the slightest response or cooperation on Lazarus’ part.

Sweet Lazarus! As I ponder this truth about his experience, I am reminded that the same is true of my life and being as well. Without me ever thinking a thought, feeling an emotion, speaking a word, performing an action or even being deliberate about an intention, God gives me the gift of being his daughter, and heavenly life to experience being a daughter of God in and through (even while I remain on earth)! I do nothing; indeed, there is nothing that I am capable of doing to bring this about or sustain and maintain it. It is truly all God’s doing.

Thank you, God, for your many gifts and graces to me. Just like Lazarus, may the life you give to me be attractive to others, causing them to draw near to you with open curiosity, joyous celebration, humble gratitude and heartfelt praise.

action

by hovering love

“ . . . put aside for a moment what you hear me say about myself and just take the evidence of the actions that are right before your eyes.  Then perhaps things will come together for you, and you’ll see . . .” John 10:38 (The Message)

Jesus is dealing with opposition from the religious leaders of his day.  He knows that God has given the Hebrew people laws that have been recorded in Scripture form as a reminder and a guide for them to follow.  Jesus also knows that the Hebrew people have devised their own laws and traditions that they adhere to along with those given to them by God.  Jesus recognizes that though it is Scriptural for him to claim a likeness between himself and God, the Father (Psalms 82:6), the laws and traditions devised by the Jews consider this kind of speech to be strictly taboo.  Thus, the problem—the Jewish leaders keep getting caught up in and tripped up by “language”.  In his graciousness and understanding, Jesus offers them a solution that will help them get around their struggle.  Since language is a stumbling block for them, Jesus tells them to put language aside for the moment and consider him in terms of his actions alone.  By focusing their attention upon Jesus’ actions and looking to see if God is present and at work in them, they will be able to move on in their ability to see the truth of who and what Jesus is and believe.  Jesus doesn’t have to have the last “word”, he just wants them to be able to progress in their understanding and faith and he’s willing to take language out of the picture to enable that to happen.

Our culture today has a real problem with language, both outside and inside of the church.  Part of the ever-increasing division and disunity in America today can be boiled down to language.  Each group and individual has devised our own laws of language that we adhere to quite strictly and dogmatically.  If you question that, spend a moment listening to the pre-election political ads that are flooding our media and competing for our attention and vote.  Language plays a very key role, much more important even than the qualifications and character qualities of the candidates being promoted.  This is not just a political phenomenon—it exists in every person, social and ethnic group, occupation, belief system, gender, age, etc.

Language has become a huge stumbling block in America today.  We need to take a moment (or many) to put language aside and look at actions and what those actions reflect and reveal about the people and the various forms and natures of organizations that we come into contact with on a regular basis—not for the purpose of passing judgments (which are always inadequately lacking in some manner), but for the purpose of seeing what is really there.  Actions do speak louder than words.  If we take the time and expend the energy to watch for it, we can see if God is present and at work in the actions occurring around us.  As we are paying more attention to the actions of others, we need to become more aware of our own, as well.  What do my actions reflect and reveal about me?  What do your actions reflect and reveal about you?

ask

by hovering love

“Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.” John 7:39

The religious rulers in Jesus’ day were scholars, steeped in knowledge of the Law and Scriptures, knowing all the Biblical clues and criteria regarding Messiah.  They knew that Messiah would be from King David’s lineage, the tribe of Judah and that he would come from the town of Bethlehem.  They believed Jesus couldn’t be Messiah because he didn’t fit the Biblical criteria.  They “knew” that Jesus was a child of Nazareth which was located in the land of the tribe of Zebulun.  Their judgment would have been correct if their information regarding Jesus had been correct, but it wasn’t.  Their judgments were based upon their own assumptions, which were based upon incomplete and inaccurate hearsay.  Because these rulers never asked Jesus about his family lineage or the location of his birth, they never learned his full back story.  These scholars had not done their due diligence of research in this matter.  Of course, there’s no guarantee that Jesus would have revealed the details of his lineage and birth to them if they had asked.  Jesus could be very vague when he wanted.  Nicodemus had come to Jesus one evening with questions regarding his teachings.  I don’t know if Nic left that conversation illuminated or more confused.  He didn’t seem to understand what Jesus was talking about at the time, but his actions at Jesus’ death suggest that the Holy Spirit used Jesus’ words to deepen Nic’s understanding and faith over time.

It would be easy to judge and condemn these ruling scholars (just as they did of those who believed in Jesus) for not doing their jobs correctly and completely (which made it highly improbable for them to believe Jesus was Messiah); however, they were acting solely in their own strength—the Holy Spirit had not yet been given to dwell within those who believed in Jesus.  Many people today who profess to possess the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, myself included, don’t take the time or expend the energy or pursue the open mind and wisdom that’s needed to correctly obtain the full back story of a person or situation before passing judgment.  Though we have the Holy Spirit’s truth and wisdom available to us, do we act any different than those who assumed, judged and condemned Jesus on the basis of their own abilities alone?  Their assumptions, judgments and condemnation were all wrong even though they contained some truths (their knowledge of Scripture was correct).  If we don’t ask for the Holy Spirit’s wisdom, open mind and enabling before we proceed, our own conclusions and verdicts have no chance of being completely correct.  All we can hope for is to possess partial truths that lead us to wrong conclusions and at best.  

I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if the Jewish ruling scholars had done a good, complete job of research before they set their minds upon a decision regarding the validity of Jesus’ claims and ministry.  The back story is always important, even crucial, to enable us to perceive and understand rather than just assume and judge.  Take time to get the full back story—otherwise you miss the full truth and make judgments based upon what you do know: inaccurate and incomplete information.  Ask for the Holy Spirit’s assistance; approach each conversation (and decision) with the mindfulness that you know nothing, and you’ll be better able to really hear and discern the full truth when you hear it.

stretch

by hovering love

“He said this to stretch Phillip’s faith.” John 6:6 (The Message)

Jesus asks Phillip a question merely to get Phillip to think, to ponder from a faith perspective. His question is rhetorical, and its purpose is to stretch Phillip’s faith. Phillip doesn’t perceive the question as being rhetorical; he takes it quite literally and physically (after all, they are surrounded by hungry people). In response, he doesn’t stop to think or ponder or approach the question from a position of faith; he immediately moves into “fix it mode”, sees no available resources at hand and decides that a solution is impossible. It doesn’t appear that Phillip took the time or had the inclination to consider a response of faith at all. Perhaps that’s why Jesus was attempting to stretch it.

Andrew’s response to Jesus’ question is different. He listens to the question, looks around for what resources are available and he presents these small resources to Jesus, asking Jesus how these can help with such a large need. Andrew’s response is one of faith, though mixed with doubt. Like Phillip, Andrew is earthly and earthbound in his thinking and approach; he is looking for a result that will fix the problem, not a miracle that will demonstrate Jesus’ power and provision. To Andrew’s credit, he is more open to a faith response at this time than Phillip; he’s open to seeing what Jesus can do with the resources at hand—however small they may appear to be.

Both men are no doubt blown away by what Jesus does with practically nothing. Where Phillip saw only impossibility, Andrew saw an improbability, but was open to possibility. One’s mind was closed and limited; the other’s was open and limitless.

How often do I respond to Jesus’ “stretches” as Phillip did, looking only at what mankind has to offer and seeing it as inadequate, impossible? If it appears impossible (or I’ve decided that it is), then the human tendency is to give up, don’t waste anymore time trying—from an earthly perspective, it’s the only logical, reasonable, rational response. How often do I respond like Andrew, looking for what mankind has to offer and then placing it in Jesus’ hands to see what he’ll do with it? This option may appear highly improbable but it’s also open to whatever God may do, which encourages and produces hope, imagination and expectant anticipation.

My invitation from God is quite simply: “When I “stretch” you, take the time to wait—to ponder my question from a faith perspective, and to look for where I am and what I’m doing before you respond or react. This will enable you to be more open and available to the miraculous in everyday events. There is so much that I want to show you. Let me delight you with what I can do—this can only happen if you’re already open to it.”

raised

by hovering love

 

“The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.” Matthew 27:52, 53

“Surely he was the Son of God!” Matthew 27:54

I confess that I’m perplexed and intrigued by the dead people whose tombs are broken open and are awakened to life as Jesus dies. We are told that after Jesus’ resurrection, these same people leave their tombs, enter Jerusalem and proceed to mix and mingle with the inhabitants of that city. How fascinating and downright curious! If they are brought back to life as their tombs are broken open around 3:00pm on Friday afternoon, what did they do or experience in the meantime as they awaited their tomb exit and entrance into the city on Sunday morning? As they lay in their grave—alive—from Friday to Sunday, did they have any idea of the events on Friday? Were they aware of what was happening around them? Did angels minister to them? I’m guessing that no human, other than possibly Romans, would even have the chance to be aware of “live people in graves” at that time because the Jews in the city would all be engaged in celebrating the Passover and participating in the activities of that day (and definitely no where near a cemetery!). Trying to imagine this entire scenario fills me with amazement and wonder, not to mention that it creeps me out a bit. All I can say is it’s a good thing the tombs were broken open so they could have fresh air to breath while they waited!

On a more serious note, when the Roman captain and his soldiers experienced all that happened (three hours of darkness in the middle of the day, earthquakes, etc.), they were “scared to death” and proclaimed that Jesus must have been the Son of God! How often it is that those on the outside of something can readily perceive what those on the inside are oblivious to.

So . . . what am I missing that others can readily see in my life and being? What am I oblivious to? God has given me a “raised” form of life also—am I still laying quiet and still in my old grave, waiting for something else to happen or another time to come? If so, is my waiting in line with God’s plan for me, or the result of my own reluctance and resistance? Am I being told that the time has come for me to leave my unnecessary grave, enter the city of the living and joyously engage with those that I meet along the way? What a miraculous occurrence—for the “raised” in this story, for myself and for all who are alive on planet earth! New possibilities abound, boggling my mind and imagination!

 

 

alone

by hovering love

“As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross.” Matthew 27:32

“He trusts in God.” Matthew 27:43

As Jesus hangs on the cross, waiting for his time to die, where are his disciples and those who followed him? Where are his Father in heaven and the many legions of angels who were at his disposal? Where are Jesus’ family members and personal friends? All seem to be elsewhere—this is an experience that Jesus has to endure alone, separated from all but those who hate him and regard him with contempt. A very few who love him may be watching from a safe distance, but is he aware of their presence as he waits in the dark? Jesus surely knows in his heart that he still belongs to the Trinity, and perhaps the Holy Spirit is there (unseen) ministering strength and courage to him, but the physical suffering and the earthly humiliation and disgrace must be a solitary experience for him. This is his cross to bear.

Earlier in the day, Simon from Cyrene had been caught off guard and forced by the Roman soldiers to participate in this traumatic event. This was an experience that Simon did not deserve, could not escape or avoid. I don’t know what business, desire or need brought him into the city at that moment but I am certain that the day did not go as he had anticipated. Simon could not have experienced the events and demands placed upon him that day without it having an impact upon him. I suspect that it was deeply etched in his memory for the rest of his earthly life.

Just like Simon, we all have unanticipated experiences and demands forced upon us at various times. As we walk through life, we all have our own moments/seasons when we find ourselves enduring our own crosses alone. The Father in heaven is watching over us, Jesus is empathizing and guiding us, and the Holy Spirit is intervening in action and prayer for us (whether recognized by us or not), but we are nonetheless alone in the actual living out of the suffering, loss and pain. This is part of our own “sharing in the sufferings of Christ”. It’s also the pathway to our regression and sustained immaturity of faith or to transformation and maturity of faith as followers of Jesus and citizens of God’s kingdom. Jesus had to remember who he is in the Trinity, and how good, faithful and trustworthy his Father in heaven is to endure and prevail over his solitary suffering. So must I, for therein lies my only hope of present help and future joy.

In your times of suffering, may you lean into Father God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and embrace the experiences that are brought to you in their presence and care. You may feel alone, but they are always with you—you are never truly alone.