- Last week after our Sunday worship gathering someone said they had been told to read the book of John, because "maybe they would find some answers there." So they wanted to know if I thought the same thing. I'm not real sure what I even said at the time, but after thinking about it... I don't know that it's the best advice. For starters, I've never understood why the book of John is a good place to start. I would recommend Matthew, Mark or Luke over John. But also, I just don't know that it's always best to simply tell someone they need to "read the Bible" in order to solve their problems. It doesn't always work. In fact, usually it causes more problems than it solves. Not that we shouldn't read the Bible, but to me the answers don't come JUST from reading the Word, but they come when the Word comes to life in us. It is to be "living and active," and that doesn't always happen just by reading it in isolation. It happens when we're a part of a community that takes it seriously, and lives it out, and we learn from and lean on one another, etc., etc., etc. Something like that.
- On another note, I've been thinking a lot lately about the time I used the f-word on here. Maybe it was even more than once, I don't remember. I guess I want to clarify. You know, I didn't use the f-word because I think it is "acceptable" or because I was trying to make a point, or trying to shock anyone. I used it because I was MAD. I am not a cussing person normally. In fact, my kids have probably heard more cuss words from me on this blog in their 20-23 years than they've ever heard come out of my mouth in person. But in this instance I was mad because of what someone had said about my earring, and how judgmental and condescending and stupid it sounded. I think someone named Ken left a comment that summed it up perfectly (thanks Ken). And to top it off, it made me mad that they did it with an anonymous comment. So, I wish I hadn't flown off with the f-word. I don't like to get mad like that. But sometimes it happens, and I always feel bad after the fact when it does.
- Speaking of anonymous comments... that's one reason why I don't like them. It is impossible to apologize or ask forgiveness from someone who comments anonymously. And this does not apply to people who post anonymous because they don't have an account. Lots of people do it and sign their name at the bottom. No problem with that. I don't like people who try to sneak around though, or who are afraid to be accountable for what they write. Another reason I don't like anonymous comments is because it is impossible to know how to address the commenter. It would make a huge difference if it's a 10-year-old kid or a 56-year-old adult. You can't factor in context and intent and things like that. So, I allow anonymous comments for people who don't have accounts, and I appreciate those who sign their name at the end. For those of you who wish to remain anonymous - whatever, it's your life. But don't be surprised if your comment is removed, or at least ignored. And don't take it personally, because you can't. You're anonymous.
- In a change of gears... Saturday we contemplated Luke 10:1-2. Several times. There was one phrase that jumped out at me each and every time... v. 4 says, "Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and DO NOT GREET ANYONE ON THE ROAD." That "...do not greet anyone on the road" haunted me all that day and ever since. I'm going to look into that.
Monday, January 05, 2009
The monday moan
This could probably be a weekly title ...if I were able to remember it. Many thoughts swirling around today, but very little sense. Some things I'm thinking about (at least the ones I feel like blogging about):
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9 comments:
I'm with you on the "do not greet anyone on the road" thing. I preached that once and the best I could come up with was it was a call to be diligent in the task at hand and not be distracted by the way, but focused on the calling/destination...but it still troubles me some.
I remember when you used the F-word, you were like "FFFFF-indlay!"
I was shocked.
I just want to say that I think your first bullet point is extremely crucial for people to understand. i've tried to explain that several times and I can never get it to sound quite as well as your just wrote it.
It should be developed into a book (if it's not already). Maybe that should be your New Year's resolution. I think you'd make a really wonderful writer - I mean, you already do - but I think you really could write a book and do it GREAT.
I wasn't familiar with the text, but it sounded intriguing... a minute's googling came up with an interpretation similar to the chap above's *points up and waves*.
see http://www.jesuswalk.com/lessons/10_1-8.htm (and scroll down a bit) - the nutshell version of this chap's take is as the chap above suggests (sorta "avoid well-meaning distraction from the greater purpose").
Will you post your own thoughts as you work through them (might be interesting to others).
cheers
kel in oz
Jim,
Kudos on preaching that passage. It's a toughy.
MR,
Yeah, I know... I say Findlay entirely too much. I'm working on it.
Carrie,
Well, I was planning to write a book about my time working in a gas station. At least I have been for 30 years or so. As soon as I do that one I'll start on this one. :)
Kel,
Yeah, I think that's the basic idea. I did a little research yesterday, but now it's on to the weekly message. I will likely be looking at it more later though.
Thanks all. Peace to ya.
As for the Gospel of John. I think when people say that, they are breaking down the four gospels according to the standard view that Matthew was written to the Jews and views Christ as King, Mark was written to the Romans and shows Christ as Servant, Luke was written to the Greeks and shows Christ as the God/Man, and John was written to the world in general and shows Christ as Savior. From that perspective it would appear that John would be a good place to start for someone who doesn't fit the other categories. But I think that may be flimsy reasoning.
Dan,
I just queried the F word and got no entries, you must have cleaned it up. However the S word appears twice, once quoted, once used in direct context.
You should have said "fudge."
However, the statute of limitations has expired on all these offenses, so you're free to go. You must have been apologizing to these other people, because, as you know, I use those words as a garnish on my blog.
My guess would be that Jesus said that for eschatological reasons. At least in Matthew (10) he sends them out first to the houses of Israel. It seems like it is here that he would say do not greet anyone, or, don't greet gentiles. Once the Kingdom is proclaimed to the houses of Israel, the Son of Man will come. Then later, after Jesus develops a different understanding of who he is as the Son of Man(I believe), he sends the disciples out to all nations, and it would seem the disciples would be free to greet anyone. Then, he says, he (the Son of Man) will come.
While this isn't exactly the same in Luke, I would guess it is for similar reasons that Jesus here, at first, says not to greet anyone.
Tom,
Yeah, you're right, but... I think John is fairly 'heavy' - especially for someone with no prior knowledge.
MR,
I think I have deleted the posts with f garnishing. People don't seem to get as upset with the s-word apparently.
Isaac,
Good thoughts. Thanks for sharing them.
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