"'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving,
and ever hearing but never understanding;
otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!'"
This sounds a little bit weird, doesn’t it? It sounds like Jesus spoke in parable so that no one would understand! But that’s not quite it.
The main point here is, the Kingdom comes only to those who have gone to great lengths to listen (verses 3, 9, 13, 23, 24). This strongly implies that the Gospel is not something you simply pick up and do. Rather you must wrestle with it, reflect on it, think it out until it “sinks in” (like seed). By using the agricultural metaphor with the repeated call to “listen”, Jesus shows us that it is
extremely possible to think you understand the Gospel when you really don’t. “The penny has to drop”. You may think you “get it” and yet it has not truly touched your heart or penetrated your understanding.
What else does it tell us about the kingdom of God?
• Earthly kingdoms come to the supremely confident, but God’s kingdom comes to the completely humble, receptive. The ground that “gets” the kingdom is not hard but soft and easily penetrated. We have to “open up”, let down our intellectual and volitional defense, and take in his message like the ground takes in seed. The kingdom comes not to the fierce but to the teachable — those who know they have much to learn.
• The power of the kingdom is truth not force. The kingdom of God moves forward not by political or military force, but through teaching and persuading and by hearing and learning. Jesus’ kingdom will conquer through love and service, not force, through sweet persuasion, not coercion, and it will produce loving obedience, not slavery, and therefore it will transform completely, not superficially. Jesus’ kingdom is more like a seed on the heart than a boulder on the head. The boulder smashes from the outside, the seed penetrates to the inside. The entry of a seed is the most gentle of procedures.
• Third, we learn here how small and unimpressively the kingdom of God can start! Afew seeds in the ground are essentially invisible. Nothing appears to have really happened. In the same way, the church of Jesus Christ for many decades consisted of a very small number of socially marginal people. No one would have ever thought that it was going to “take over” the Roman empire.
• Fourth, we learn how slowly and indirectly the kingdom of God can proceed. It may take a very long time and seem to be going nowhere. Some seeds and roots can lie fallow and hidden for an extremely long time and then spring up. So the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is not something that will break in completely and immediately. The agricultural metaphor at least suggests that it will come in stages. It generally grows organically and gradually, not coercively and suddenly.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
January 12, 2010
Up to this point we have seen Jesus heal many and cast out many demons. He has clarified the Sabbath and addressed his critics. Now, finally, Mark records some of Jesus teaching and preaching, which consisted primarily of stories, which biblical scholars call parables.
These stories are typically not allegorical, with a number of “one to one” allusions to something else. Rather they are typically constructed to make one simple (but profound) point. Although today’s story/parable actually gets explained by Jesus in an allegorical fashion, it is still good to ask, "what would Jesus’ one main point be?”.
My take is that those who call this the “parable of the sower” have it exactly right. God just keeps on sowing. He sows everywhere, fertile soil, bad soil, rocky soil, thorny soil. He sows everywhere because everywhere matters. He sows in hope and in love and with eternal optimism and also with omniscient certainty that the seeds will sprout where they will, and the Kingdom of God will, with certainty, eventually “overrun” and renew the planet.
I hope this makes you relax. God is at work everywhere, whether you see it or not, whether you believe it or not, whether, you feel too unworthy or not, whether systems or nations or the all forces of hell oppose Him or not, God is at work and his work and Will will be done.
These stories are typically not allegorical, with a number of “one to one” allusions to something else. Rather they are typically constructed to make one simple (but profound) point. Although today’s story/parable actually gets explained by Jesus in an allegorical fashion, it is still good to ask, "what would Jesus’ one main point be?”.
My take is that those who call this the “parable of the sower” have it exactly right. God just keeps on sowing. He sows everywhere, fertile soil, bad soil, rocky soil, thorny soil. He sows everywhere because everywhere matters. He sows in hope and in love and with eternal optimism and also with omniscient certainty that the seeds will sprout where they will, and the Kingdom of God will, with certainty, eventually “overrun” and renew the planet.
I hope this makes you relax. God is at work everywhere, whether you see it or not, whether you believe it or not, whether, you feel too unworthy or not, whether systems or nations or the all forces of hell oppose Him or not, God is at work and his work and Will will be done.
Monday, January 11, 2010
January 11, 2010
Jesus family thought he was crazy. Some thought he was possessed by demons.
This passage is rather startling. Jesus first used logic to rule out the possibility of his being demonically possessed. He took this a step further however to make one of the most frightening pronouncements in all of the Bible. “Those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven”.
These words were spoken to the religious leaders. Interesting isn’t it? Could it be that the legalistically religious are the ones furthest from God, actually the ones most prone to rejecting him in favor of the religious structures they have erected? It is of course true that if the offer of forgiveness accomplished on the cross is rejected eternally, (rejecting/blaspheming the Holy Spirit’s offer of forgiveness), then an unreceived gift is a gift not received. Forgiveness offered, if rejected, results in an unforgiven life, the destiny of which is a Godless eternity which we know by the name of hell.
Many wonder, “am I guilty of blaspheming the Holy Spirit?”. My answer is usually no. Because if you can ask the question, that means that heart is still malleable. Those guilty of this sin, on the other hand, have hearts so hardened toward God that they just don’t care. They are simply and smugly so at home in the dangerous comfort of their own self sufficient world, that the question of their relationship to this sin is simply not on their radar. Typically and sadly it is only severe pain that can break through and open them to the rescue of Jesus Christ.
This passage is rather startling. Jesus first used logic to rule out the possibility of his being demonically possessed. He took this a step further however to make one of the most frightening pronouncements in all of the Bible. “Those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven”.
These words were spoken to the religious leaders. Interesting isn’t it? Could it be that the legalistically religious are the ones furthest from God, actually the ones most prone to rejecting him in favor of the religious structures they have erected? It is of course true that if the offer of forgiveness accomplished on the cross is rejected eternally, (rejecting/blaspheming the Holy Spirit’s offer of forgiveness), then an unreceived gift is a gift not received. Forgiveness offered, if rejected, results in an unforgiven life, the destiny of which is a Godless eternity which we know by the name of hell.
Many wonder, “am I guilty of blaspheming the Holy Spirit?”. My answer is usually no. Because if you can ask the question, that means that heart is still malleable. Those guilty of this sin, on the other hand, have hearts so hardened toward God that they just don’t care. They are simply and smugly so at home in the dangerous comfort of their own self sufficient world, that the question of their relationship to this sin is simply not on their radar. Typically and sadly it is only severe pain that can break through and open them to the rescue of Jesus Christ.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
January 9, 2010
In this passage Jesus selects his team among whom are fishermen, a tax collector and an insurrectionist. Matthew had been a traitor, a Jew working for the enemy, a little bit like a Jewish citizen today working for the Palestinian Authority against his own people. Simon the Zealot, on the other hand was a Jewish freedom fighter, an enemy of the empire.
Imagine their conversations. Imagine how Simon must have been tempted to hold Matthew in contempt. Yet the “band of brothers” (Judas aside) held together.
This is a sign of the presence of the Kingdom of God. Wherever you see Christ followers of different background, politics, ethnicity, race, gender, heritage, language, etc, etc. working together in a common bond toward the end of bringing other into a healing relationship with Jesus Christ, you are in the presence of the Kingdom of God.
Wherever there is division, hatred, strife, gossip, posturing, criticism of one another, the world has every right to question whether or not the Kingdom is actually here.
“I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me” . John 17:21 (NLT)
Imagine their conversations. Imagine how Simon must have been tempted to hold Matthew in contempt. Yet the “band of brothers” (Judas aside) held together.
This is a sign of the presence of the Kingdom of God. Wherever you see Christ followers of different background, politics, ethnicity, race, gender, heritage, language, etc, etc. working together in a common bond toward the end of bringing other into a healing relationship with Jesus Christ, you are in the presence of the Kingdom of God.
Wherever there is division, hatred, strife, gossip, posturing, criticism of one another, the world has every right to question whether or not the Kingdom is actually here.
“I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me” . John 17:21 (NLT)
Friday, January 8, 2010
January 8, 2010
"The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."
Many years ago the youth of our church were not permitted to play pick up ball games on Sundays because it was the Sabbath. The fourth commandment needed to be honored.
Yet Jesus, instead of restricting what we do on the Sabbath, redefined it’s meaning. Apparently the Sabbath was intended to be a day where God’s blessings would expand. Picking and eating heads of grain from the field had been considered work and therefore was prohibited. Jesus indicated that wasa silly rule if it becomes deadening legalism. Healing on the Sabbath was also prohibited because it, too, was work. Yet the Sabbath is for people. God intended it for our welfare. The Exodus command, “keep the Sabbath holy” was God’s way of ensuring that His people would stay connected to the source of all health and welfare, God Himself. Within the context of Honoring God, however, much is permitted if it is life-giving.
Empty ritual deadens. Yet biblical practices, when understood as conduits to “the life that is truly life”, are wonderful. Prayer, worship and fellowship all enliven. But so does play, caring for others, and anything else that elevates God as the source and sustainer of life.
Many years ago the youth of our church were not permitted to play pick up ball games on Sundays because it was the Sabbath. The fourth commandment needed to be honored.
Yet Jesus, instead of restricting what we do on the Sabbath, redefined it’s meaning. Apparently the Sabbath was intended to be a day where God’s blessings would expand. Picking and eating heads of grain from the field had been considered work and therefore was prohibited. Jesus indicated that wasa silly rule if it becomes deadening legalism. Healing on the Sabbath was also prohibited because it, too, was work. Yet the Sabbath is for people. God intended it for our welfare. The Exodus command, “keep the Sabbath holy” was God’s way of ensuring that His people would stay connected to the source of all health and welfare, God Himself. Within the context of Honoring God, however, much is permitted if it is life-giving.
Empty ritual deadens. Yet biblical practices, when understood as conduits to “the life that is truly life”, are wonderful. Prayer, worship and fellowship all enliven. But so does play, caring for others, and anything else that elevates God as the source and sustainer of life.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
January 7, 2010
“While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" were eating with him and his disciples”
Levi (his other name is Matthew, author of the Gospel by the same name) was a tax collector. This means that he worked for the Roman occupiers, oppressors, of Israel. He had “sold out” to the enemy for money. Further, his job was to seek out any of his fellow citizens, no matter how destitute, who could be squeezed for more money. Even further, he was free to keep any money “squeezed” which exceeded that demanded by the Romans. Needless to say, he would have not been the toast of the party in his community.
Yet Jesus went to a party at his party full of others like him. Jesus made it a practice to hang out with “riff raff”. It’s a big part of what got him in trouble with the religious leaders.
How about you? Would you be found socializing with those who are clearly out of favor with respectable people? Would you hang out with thieves, drunks, and drug abusers? Or do you find in yourself a need to stay “above that”?
Levi (his other name is Matthew, author of the Gospel by the same name) was a tax collector. This means that he worked for the Roman occupiers, oppressors, of Israel. He had “sold out” to the enemy for money. Further, his job was to seek out any of his fellow citizens, no matter how destitute, who could be squeezed for more money. Even further, he was free to keep any money “squeezed” which exceeded that demanded by the Romans. Needless to say, he would have not been the toast of the party in his community.
Yet Jesus went to a party at his party full of others like him. Jesus made it a practice to hang out with “riff raff”. It’s a big part of what got him in trouble with the religious leaders.
How about you? Would you be found socializing with those who are clearly out of favor with respectable people? Would you hang out with thieves, drunks, and drug abusers? Or do you find in yourself a need to stay “above that”?
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
January 6, 2010
This is a weird story, as least as it strikes me. Here come three or four guys carrying a friend to Jesus, actually breaking into the house, jumping to the head of the line, just so their friend could be healed. Instead Jesus forgives his sins!!!! It’s weird because my perspective immediately assumes that the first big issue is the guy’s welfare.
Actually, however, the guy’s welfare is Jesus’ concern too. It’s just that Jesus sees the big picture. There is something that is more basic and radical and necessary than physical health. In fact and in truth the only disease that can kill me is unforgiven sin. If I’m forgiven of my sins, one day, no matter what happens to my body, I’ll be resurrected and live forever. If my sins are not forgiven, my eternal destiny is spiritual death which we know by the name of hell.
The most important result of sickness is always to end up closer to God through it. Forgiveness is the one miracle that can ultimately heal. Yes I want physical healing now for my ailments, but one day Christ’s perspective will be my perspective and on that day my ultimate joy will be in knowing that God took all my sin upon himself and let off an eternal hook. Thank you God.
Actually, however, the guy’s welfare is Jesus’ concern too. It’s just that Jesus sees the big picture. There is something that is more basic and radical and necessary than physical health. In fact and in truth the only disease that can kill me is unforgiven sin. If I’m forgiven of my sins, one day, no matter what happens to my body, I’ll be resurrected and live forever. If my sins are not forgiven, my eternal destiny is spiritual death which we know by the name of hell.
The most important result of sickness is always to end up closer to God through it. Forgiveness is the one miracle that can ultimately heal. Yes I want physical healing now for my ailments, but one day Christ’s perspective will be my perspective and on that day my ultimate joy will be in knowing that God took all my sin upon himself and let off an eternal hook. Thank you God.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
January 5, 2010
It is well known that Mark did not arrange Peter’s recollections of his three years with Jesus chronologically. Rather, Mark, the editor/redactor, sought to emphasize certain things, probably the things that Peter emphasized.
In today’s passage we can see something that is easily missed by the casual reader. In verses 16-34 Mark records miracles, power, huge crowds, authority . . . . really big miraculous scenes. Same thing in verses 39-45.
What’s in between? Prayer. Jesus alone with God. Silence. Solitude. Jesus talking to God as a child would talk to his Father. And listening. I suspect that Jesus did a lot more listening than talking. Did Jesus pray constantly throughout each day? . . . . most certainly .. . .being attentive to God, asking, thanking, thinking, imagining. . . . . . .but none of this precluded the need to be alone with God away from everything else and away from people. This is where the power to bring the kingdom of God to earth came from. The power is not mechanical, like recharging a battery. The power is in the loving Father Son relationship. And that is true for us as well.
I’m guessing that Jesus would also suggest that we need this very same thing. I’m also guessing that in the car on the way to work doesn’t make a good substitute for what we read here.
In today’s passage we can see something that is easily missed by the casual reader. In verses 16-34 Mark records miracles, power, huge crowds, authority . . . . really big miraculous scenes. Same thing in verses 39-45.
What’s in between? Prayer. Jesus alone with God. Silence. Solitude. Jesus talking to God as a child would talk to his Father. And listening. I suspect that Jesus did a lot more listening than talking. Did Jesus pray constantly throughout each day? . . . . most certainly .. . .being attentive to God, asking, thanking, thinking, imagining. . . . . . .but none of this precluded the need to be alone with God away from everything else and away from people. This is where the power to bring the kingdom of God to earth came from. The power is not mechanical, like recharging a battery. The power is in the loving Father Son relationship. And that is true for us as well.
I’m guessing that Jesus would also suggest that we need this very same thing. I’m also guessing that in the car on the way to work doesn’t make a good substitute for what we read here.
Monday, January 4, 2010
January 4, 2010
Here is Mark’s first picture of the “Kingdom of God.” God’s teaching is present (in the synagogue scriptures were read) but this time the teaching came with power. The Old Testament, the Hebrew scriptures, spoke of miracles but now they were demonstrated. No longer does satan and his demonic force have free reign, rather it is cast out. The Kingdom of God is where God reigns and Satan is dispelled. People are set free. Life as it was intended is restored. There’s a new power at work on earth, not just “up there with God somewhere”. Even the demons proclaim that God is here.
Mark records Peter’s recollection of how Jesus would constantly tell everyone to keep quiet about the miracles. Theologians call this the “Messianic Secret”. Why would Jesus want to keep it all a secret. There are many reasons, but above it simply suffices to say that Jesus is in charge. God in Jesus has come to earth with a job to do and that job has its own purposes and its own timing. It would also fit with Jesus’ recognition that miracles get lots of short term gawkers but few life long followers.
Are you familiar with the old play on words, when a skeptic says, “God is nowhere”, the believer says, “God is now here”. This, then, is the presence of the Kingdom of God.
Mark records Peter’s recollection of how Jesus would constantly tell everyone to keep quiet about the miracles. Theologians call this the “Messianic Secret”. Why would Jesus want to keep it all a secret. There are many reasons, but above it simply suffices to say that Jesus is in charge. God in Jesus has come to earth with a job to do and that job has its own purposes and its own timing. It would also fit with Jesus’ recognition that miracles get lots of short term gawkers but few life long followers.
Are you familiar with the old play on words, when a skeptic says, “God is nowhere”, the believer says, “God is now here”. This, then, is the presence of the Kingdom of God.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
January 2, 2010
Jesus spoke more about the Kingdom of God than anything else. Probably the thing he spoke second most about was money because where we put our money tells us so much about what we really believe. He hardly ever spoke going to heaven when you die. Interesting isn’t it?
What is the kingdom of God? Jesus said it was almost here, actually was here insofar as he was here.
So what does that mean? Since the Kingdom of God, life on planet earth as God intended it, was lived and demonstrated by Jesus, then we should look at the life of Jesus.
And what did that look like? The mute could speak, the deaf could hear, the sick were healed, the dishonest became honest, the haughty became humble, the dead were raised, the demonic was expelled, evil was vanquished, beauty was restored, the hungry were fed, the naked were clothed, the lonely were befriended, parents were honored, women were elevated, the oppressed were raised up . . . . . . . . . . .the kingdom had come.
At least it was inaugurated. But Jesus isn’t done yet.
What is the kingdom of God? Jesus said it was almost here, actually was here insofar as he was here.
So what does that mean? Since the Kingdom of God, life on planet earth as God intended it, was lived and demonstrated by Jesus, then we should look at the life of Jesus.
And what did that look like? The mute could speak, the deaf could hear, the sick were healed, the dishonest became honest, the haughty became humble, the dead were raised, the demonic was expelled, evil was vanquished, beauty was restored, the hungry were fed, the naked were clothed, the lonely were befriended, parents were honored, women were elevated, the oppressed were raised up . . . . . . . . . . .the kingdom had come.
At least it was inaugurated. But Jesus isn’t done yet.
Friday, January 1, 2010
January 1, 2010
We need what Jesus needed. We need to know that our father loves us and is pleased with us. We need to know this. It’s not an “add on” it’s a need. Without this each of us is stuck in “being loved for what we do rather than being loved because we simply are”. And this kind of love always leaves us feeling not good enough. It’s debilitating.
Jesus’ “baptism of the Holy Spirit” was inseparable from being affirmed by His Father in Heaven.
The “baptism (immersion in) the Holy Spirit” is inseparably connected to knowing that God loves you, no matter what, no matter how horrible you are or have ever been. Nor will he love you more even if you win a Nobel prize, the super bowl, and Pulitzer.
However there’s more. It’s fascinating that Mark records the Holy Spirit driving Jesus into the desert to be tempted and tested. Why? There are several reasons I think, but perhaps the biggest one is that God wants you to know that wherever you are, whatever happens to you, God in Christ experienced in the Holy Spirit is all you ever need.
Jesus’ “baptism of the Holy Spirit” was inseparable from being affirmed by His Father in Heaven.
The “baptism (immersion in) the Holy Spirit” is inseparably connected to knowing that God loves you, no matter what, no matter how horrible you are or have ever been. Nor will he love you more even if you win a Nobel prize, the super bowl, and Pulitzer.
However there’s more. It’s fascinating that Mark records the Holy Spirit driving Jesus into the desert to be tempted and tested. Why? There are several reasons I think, but perhaps the biggest one is that God wants you to know that wherever you are, whatever happens to you, God in Christ experienced in the Holy Spirit is all you ever need.
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