Alright, well, I'm going to dive right in. I have to say, I love the Lord, and I love, love, love His sense of humor! Sometimes He just makes me laugh. Other times, like today, He just makes me scrunch up my nose, chuckle a bit and shake my head.
What on earth am I talking about?
This is today's verse:
"Do not eat anything you find already dead. You may give it to an alien living in any of your towns, and he may eat it, or you may sell it to a foreigner. But you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Do not cook a young goat in its mother's milk" Deuteronomy 14:21 (NIV).
Yes, I'm serious.
Here's what caught my attention about this one. There are things in this world (things like dead animals) that are just fine as they are. There's nothing wrong with them, there's nothing "bad" about them; they are just a part of what life includes here. And, be that as it is, they're just fine for the next guy, for my neighbor, my boss and some other folks I know.
And why is that? Is it because I'm so much better than everyone else? No, of course not! It's because, by the Grace of Jesus, I have been adopted into the family of His chosen people. I've been called to be set apart. Now, my thought process about the above verse adds one final reminder - one that I need, because it's easy for me to think that being God's chosen for holiness makes me somehow superior to others. It makes me blessed, no doubt about it. But not better! And even if it did, that's not my place to judge. But here's what I noticed as well. God says it's okay to take the already dead meat and give it to an outsider. This is the same God who, even in this same chapter of the Bible, talks about generosity to the alien, and those unable to provide for themselves. He even goes a step further! He says it's okay to sell it to the foreigner! This is the same unchanging God who wants us to love our enemies. And, it's okay to sell this meat to them. I think it's a reasonable inference that the meat, in and of itself, isn't bad or poisoned or tainted or cursed it some way. It's just not for us.
I wish I had some thorough, eloquent and (most importantly) authoritative explanation for why exactly that is. I don't. I know I don't. But I know and believe it to be true. And I have examples of this principle in my own life. In fact, I have one from this very day.
I had a challenging conversation with someone today. And when I got off the phone, although I was frustrated by the content of the conversation itself, I felt more upset about how I'd handled myself. I hadn't yelled, and I hadn't cursed or been mean... but I hadn't been kind either. I'd been short tempered, aggressive and impatient. I was not exactly displaying the fruit of the Spirit. So... I sat with it a bit, went to the Lord in prayer and just said, "deal with me! I trust that you are dealing with the other person; she's yours to handle! But, Lord, I ask you to deal with me too!" And He did. Gently. Lovingly and without condemnation. Long story short, I called her back and was able, with the help of the infilling of the Spirit, to speak to her honestly and out of love. It was good. He always is.
But, the parallel I'm drawing here is this: 98.2% of the people I know could have heard my end of the conversation and said, "Well, you didn't say anything that bad. It's fine." I think a typical reaction might have been just to shrug it off. And, perhaps, that could have been okay. But, the Spirit spoke to me, and said, "You're being held to a different standard now." Different, by far, from the standard to which I'd been held before - even in my own heart and spirit. This is God's refining fire; I'm being set apart. So, I yielded (the key verb of my life, I think), and God does what He alone can do. He heals, He rejoins, He restores. The principle here is the same as in this random verse about dead animals. We're called to be different. We're called to do things in a different way. When it comes to specifics, I can't always give a good answer for why, but it is what it is, and it's His. So, I trust it's good. And when I listen, and yield, and learn, I am better for it. And I sensed in my encounter with Him today that He was pleased with me too. For my willingness I would guess. I am grateful for that. What a loving Father!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
No Need to Hide
A few years ago, I caught hold of a very powerful idea; it seems simple now in the retelling, but at the time it really gave me pause for reflection. The idea was that many of the ways in which I was "acting out" (which is a pathetically general way of trying to quickly lump together a multitude of behaviors, so please forgive me!) were motivated by a single thing: I wanted to control the way I was perceived.
Naturally, one thing that can sometimes influence how we're perceived is how we act. All those external cues do inform the ways in which we're seen. However, I think all will agree that sometimes, what we understand as the reality of our actions seems to be a hundred miles apart from how another person might see or understand us. There are umpteen factors influencing these things - factors brought to the picture by the person viewed, and those brought by the person viewing.
Where I'm going with this is simply that I think we can all relate to the idea of trying to not "seem" a certain way or another... whether we really are that way or not. For myself, I hold an ideal in my heart of never trying to manipulate my image; it's simple but absolute honesty for which I strive. Now, in truth, I frequently fall short of this ideal. I find myself trying to manipulate the impression I make on others without even realizing it - in subtle ways. Nothing that anyone might call deceit, but beneath are two fallacies: 1) I can control how another person perceives me and 2) There is something to be gained from doing so.
In light of these ideas, here's the verse that caught my eye today: "His eyes are on the ways of men; he sees their every step " Job 34:21 (NIV).
Thankfully, I'm at a place in my life where I don't mind admitting to you that I sometimes find myself trying to control and change (viz. manipulate) the way that even God sees me! Isn't the very idea ridiculous? Well, certainly I agree; the idea is ridiculous! The attempt is pitiful! And yet, I do it all the time!!!
It's a simple message to say that God sees us exactly as we are. And, in fact, I'll add to that a reminder that He sees us with eyes that see even more clearly than our own. He knows us - in every sense, in every way and on every level.
I'm not sure what the "purpose" may be for you in this reminder, but I will toss this last thought into the idea before I close. He knows each and every thing you've ever done, thought, said and even felt - and He adores you, absolutely loves you and deeply longs for intimate relationship with you.
Wow. Lord, when I am feeling lofty, help me remember that I cannot hide from You. And when I swing the other way and start to feel unworthy, help me to know with conviction that You know me better than I could ever know myself, and that because of Your loving gift of sacrifice, You deem me worthy. Help me to never take so great a step of arrogance as to think my own estimation of my worth is more accurate than Your own! And when I do stumble on this rocks, help me reaffirm the truths of Your word and know that I am wonderfully made by You! And that, truly, nothing else is relevant! Thank You, Lord!
Naturally, one thing that can sometimes influence how we're perceived is how we act. All those external cues do inform the ways in which we're seen. However, I think all will agree that sometimes, what we understand as the reality of our actions seems to be a hundred miles apart from how another person might see or understand us. There are umpteen factors influencing these things - factors brought to the picture by the person viewed, and those brought by the person viewing.
Where I'm going with this is simply that I think we can all relate to the idea of trying to not "seem" a certain way or another... whether we really are that way or not. For myself, I hold an ideal in my heart of never trying to manipulate my image; it's simple but absolute honesty for which I strive. Now, in truth, I frequently fall short of this ideal. I find myself trying to manipulate the impression I make on others without even realizing it - in subtle ways. Nothing that anyone might call deceit, but beneath are two fallacies: 1) I can control how another person perceives me and 2) There is something to be gained from doing so.
In light of these ideas, here's the verse that caught my eye today: "His eyes are on the ways of men; he sees their every step " Job 34:21 (NIV).
Thankfully, I'm at a place in my life where I don't mind admitting to you that I sometimes find myself trying to control and change (viz. manipulate) the way that even God sees me! Isn't the very idea ridiculous? Well, certainly I agree; the idea is ridiculous! The attempt is pitiful! And yet, I do it all the time!!!
It's a simple message to say that God sees us exactly as we are. And, in fact, I'll add to that a reminder that He sees us with eyes that see even more clearly than our own. He knows us - in every sense, in every way and on every level.
I'm not sure what the "purpose" may be for you in this reminder, but I will toss this last thought into the idea before I close. He knows each and every thing you've ever done, thought, said and even felt - and He adores you, absolutely loves you and deeply longs for intimate relationship with you.
Wow. Lord, when I am feeling lofty, help me remember that I cannot hide from You. And when I swing the other way and start to feel unworthy, help me to know with conviction that You know me better than I could ever know myself, and that because of Your loving gift of sacrifice, You deem me worthy. Help me to never take so great a step of arrogance as to think my own estimation of my worth is more accurate than Your own! And when I do stumble on this rocks, help me reaffirm the truths of Your word and know that I am wonderfully made by You! And that, truly, nothing else is relevant! Thank You, Lord!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Demolition Derby
Alright, I just love, love, love this verse. Check it out:
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV).
Now, I may be slightly biased; it is certainly true that I have had my fair share of strongholds with which to contend in life. And, so, as I continue on in warfare on my own patch of grass here, I so appreciate the vote and promise of divine power here!
I'll keep this brief for today. I think, in looking at this one, that the text speaks for itself so very clearly. And to help demonstrate that point, there's probably no better approach than simply looking at the original language of the text itself.
The word translated as weapons doesn't necessarily connote only warfare or fighting. It does imply armor and a taking up of arms, but it also implies simple tools or utensils. The take away there for me is that it's not only in the hard times of serious fighting that I need to remember to call on His weaponry and strength; it's all times. Even when I may be passing by my sword and grabbing for a simple hammer.
Next, "divine power." The more word-for-word King James translates this phrase as "mighty through God" referencing two root words: one for "mighty" and one for "through God." The word for mighty is a word I am loving: dynatos. It means powerful, but also capable. I don't know about you, but there's an added layer of importance to that. A ninja kick to the gut might be powerful. But, unless your goal is either violence or a really slick video clip, it probably isn't going to really accomplish much in your personal situation. But this word, dynatos, implies capability, possibility and strong, powerful ability. It's a word that, to my reading, implies that things can get done and that they can get done with the same kind of might encapsulated in a wicked-cool ninja kick. The word translated as "through God" reminds me of the last very important element: it's through, because of and within the context of God that we have this power available to us, and, if I may say so, that the power has the ability to do anything at all.
Lastly, the demolition of strongholds. Stepping aside from the original language for a moment, I love the NIV's choice of "demolish" here. What a great word! I picture a house and bulldozer, and that house, in my mind's eye, is just a heap of sticks in a matter of moments. And, really, what's great is that the Greek supports this word-picture to a certain extent! This word for demolish really means to pull-down or tear-down. It implies destruction and complete extinction. Praise God! His weapons have the power to make extinct my problems! What an awesome piece of truth that is!!!
And, as the final piece, strongholds: part of the translation I have found for this word lends itself to the idea of a fortified castle, a structure holding safely its shape and form. I imagine a big castle, complete with moat and creaky drawbridge. Big ole walls have surrounded some of my own castle-strongholds. But this verse says that they can be torn down and completely destroyed, by the power of the weapons He puts into our hands and to which He gives His power! Awesome! I'm taking my own mental pictures and following through here: bulldozer, meet castle. And that's it! Bye-bye castle! Moat and drawbridge are no more. It's freed promised land that my God has set aside for me! And for you, too! What an awesome word of encouragement and empowerment!
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV).
Now, I may be slightly biased; it is certainly true that I have had my fair share of strongholds with which to contend in life. And, so, as I continue on in warfare on my own patch of grass here, I so appreciate the vote and promise of divine power here!
I'll keep this brief for today. I think, in looking at this one, that the text speaks for itself so very clearly. And to help demonstrate that point, there's probably no better approach than simply looking at the original language of the text itself.
The word translated as weapons doesn't necessarily connote only warfare or fighting. It does imply armor and a taking up of arms, but it also implies simple tools or utensils. The take away there for me is that it's not only in the hard times of serious fighting that I need to remember to call on His weaponry and strength; it's all times. Even when I may be passing by my sword and grabbing for a simple hammer.
Next, "divine power." The more word-for-word King James translates this phrase as "mighty through God" referencing two root words: one for "mighty" and one for "through God." The word for mighty is a word I am loving: dynatos. It means powerful, but also capable. I don't know about you, but there's an added layer of importance to that. A ninja kick to the gut might be powerful. But, unless your goal is either violence or a really slick video clip, it probably isn't going to really accomplish much in your personal situation. But this word, dynatos, implies capability, possibility and strong, powerful ability. It's a word that, to my reading, implies that things can get done and that they can get done with the same kind of might encapsulated in a wicked-cool ninja kick. The word translated as "through God" reminds me of the last very important element: it's through, because of and within the context of God that we have this power available to us, and, if I may say so, that the power has the ability to do anything at all.
Lastly, the demolition of strongholds. Stepping aside from the original language for a moment, I love the NIV's choice of "demolish" here. What a great word! I picture a house and bulldozer, and that house, in my mind's eye, is just a heap of sticks in a matter of moments. And, really, what's great is that the Greek supports this word-picture to a certain extent! This word for demolish really means to pull-down or tear-down. It implies destruction and complete extinction. Praise God! His weapons have the power to make extinct my problems! What an awesome piece of truth that is!!!
And, as the final piece, strongholds: part of the translation I have found for this word lends itself to the idea of a fortified castle, a structure holding safely its shape and form. I imagine a big castle, complete with moat and creaky drawbridge. Big ole walls have surrounded some of my own castle-strongholds. But this verse says that they can be torn down and completely destroyed, by the power of the weapons He puts into our hands and to which He gives His power! Awesome! I'm taking my own mental pictures and following through here: bulldozer, meet castle. And that's it! Bye-bye castle! Moat and drawbridge are no more. It's freed promised land that my God has set aside for me! And for you, too! What an awesome word of encouragement and empowerment!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
As the World Does
So, there are two verses on my heart as I write this.... I just got finished watching a movie that reminded me so much of all the things I saw during a mission trip to India late last year. Because of the reminders I got about how hard life can be for them, and how, in many ways, there are so few "good" choices when it comes to survival, I wanted to find a verse to include in this post that was about remembering the poor. I don't usually like to start with my own agenda in writing on this site, but thought it was at least a starting place, and that God would lead me where He would, and I may end up with a verse about the poor, or I may not. Well, here's where I landed.
First, Paul is writing to the Galatians about his acceptance into the group of apostles and says, "They only asked us to remember the poor—the very thing I also was eager to do" Galatians 2:10 (NASB). This was the only advice the apostles gave to Paul: continue to help the poor. Good, good. What most caught my attention here, though, was his remark that this was the very think he was so eager to do. Good man that Paul...
Okay, I'll come back to that, but here's the other verse: "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does" 2 Corinthians 10:3 (NIV). This verse usually reminds me that there is a supernatural enemy, and that he is against me, and that I am called to use supernatural spirit-filled tools in order to fight him. Today, though, I thought of it in light of the verse above, and also in light of a few things on the radar in my own life.
Economic times are hard right now; sigh.... I was joking at work the other day that my new least favorite phrase is, "because of the economy." I cannot count the hundreds I've times I've heard that lately. And as much as I'd like to deny it, money is top of mind in many ways and in many places right now. Companies are shoring up their accounts, consumers are afraid to spend, banks are lending less than ever before. And on and on and on... Fear not! I certainly do NOT wish to go into a diatribe about all these things. Truly, I'd rather be blithely unaware of them at all, but, God did put these three things together in my mind in a way that I think is worth sharing.
As I said, many people and institutions are tightening their purse strings. Spending less, hoarding more, and perhaps, fearing more than ever. But, what I heard in the latter of the two verses today was a reminder not to rely on the things upon which the world relies. I am receiving more requests to support others' missions and spiritually led ventures than ever before. I am giving more than I ever have before. And I, too, am aware of the world around me. When tempted to tighten my own purse strings and be more stingy and less generous than I have been in the past, I heard God speak into my heart, "We do not wage war as the world does." And then I heard the advice I needed today in the verse from Galatians: keep on helping the poor (as it's translated in the NLT).
Please don't misunderstand my point. Wise stewardship of God's money is always important, always. And, our God is the God of provision. The earth is the Lord's, along with everything and everyone in it. I consider it a blessing to even have the opportunity to have a heart for the poor in India. World missions are, I cannot help but believe, a thing God believes in as a pursuit for our lives when we're called to it. I do have fears that creep up about money. But the Bible tells me not to fear. When I take shelter in Him, when I tithe and continue my other giving faithfully and as He leads, I will be taken care of. There is no arguing the point. I doubt it all the time; I confess that much right now. But I know the truth: my God lifts me up, He keeps me safe and He is the one and only provider. Let our hearts not be tempted by the ways of the world to forget those who need His resources most.
First, Paul is writing to the Galatians about his acceptance into the group of apostles and says, "They only asked us to remember the poor—the very thing I also was eager to do" Galatians 2:10 (NASB). This was the only advice the apostles gave to Paul: continue to help the poor. Good, good. What most caught my attention here, though, was his remark that this was the very think he was so eager to do. Good man that Paul...
Okay, I'll come back to that, but here's the other verse: "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does" 2 Corinthians 10:3 (NIV). This verse usually reminds me that there is a supernatural enemy, and that he is against me, and that I am called to use supernatural spirit-filled tools in order to fight him. Today, though, I thought of it in light of the verse above, and also in light of a few things on the radar in my own life.
Economic times are hard right now; sigh.... I was joking at work the other day that my new least favorite phrase is, "because of the economy." I cannot count the hundreds I've times I've heard that lately. And as much as I'd like to deny it, money is top of mind in many ways and in many places right now. Companies are shoring up their accounts, consumers are afraid to spend, banks are lending less than ever before. And on and on and on... Fear not! I certainly do NOT wish to go into a diatribe about all these things. Truly, I'd rather be blithely unaware of them at all, but, God did put these three things together in my mind in a way that I think is worth sharing.
As I said, many people and institutions are tightening their purse strings. Spending less, hoarding more, and perhaps, fearing more than ever. But, what I heard in the latter of the two verses today was a reminder not to rely on the things upon which the world relies. I am receiving more requests to support others' missions and spiritually led ventures than ever before. I am giving more than I ever have before. And I, too, am aware of the world around me. When tempted to tighten my own purse strings and be more stingy and less generous than I have been in the past, I heard God speak into my heart, "We do not wage war as the world does." And then I heard the advice I needed today in the verse from Galatians: keep on helping the poor (as it's translated in the NLT).
Please don't misunderstand my point. Wise stewardship of God's money is always important, always. And, our God is the God of provision. The earth is the Lord's, along with everything and everyone in it. I consider it a blessing to even have the opportunity to have a heart for the poor in India. World missions are, I cannot help but believe, a thing God believes in as a pursuit for our lives when we're called to it. I do have fears that creep up about money. But the Bible tells me not to fear. When I take shelter in Him, when I tithe and continue my other giving faithfully and as He leads, I will be taken care of. There is no arguing the point. I doubt it all the time; I confess that much right now. But I know the truth: my God lifts me up, He keeps me safe and He is the one and only provider. Let our hearts not be tempted by the ways of the world to forget those who need His resources most.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Firsthand Witness
Ah friends! I felt some waves of fear this morning - nothing "important" - just typical work stuff.... And I was so grateful to be able to remember what God inspired in me yesterday: I need only to keep my eyes focused on Him, and there is no fear that can touch me! Amen & hallelujah!
As I find myself (gratefully) continuing on my journey toward greater and greater belief, I have had another reminder come back to me with full force. If you will, indulge me in a little exposition before I land this story.
I know I am not alone in wondering sometimes about "proof." I've heard teachers speak (rightfully so) on how it is different today; we weren't there to see the Red Sea part, or to watch Jesus walk resurrected down the road. Even the Bible alludes to the differences between those who have seen incredible wonders first hand and those who have not (see Deuteronomy 11:2-7, I believe...). So, you know, often times when I hear people talk about their struggles with faith - in light of a lack of "proof", I nod sympathetically. I'm sure that the voice I've heard speak such things has been my own as well.
But you know, as I sit here today, I am pondering Deuteronomy 10:21 which reads, "He is your praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes" (NIV, italics mine), I realize that it would be an outright lie to say I hadn't seen "great and awesome wonders" with my eye owns. Goodness... I think of the simple things - a child simply reveling in the delight of her own amusement, the laughter of a baby, the playfulness of nature and the world in which we live, its absolutely perfect beauty and cyclic gracefulness... surely there are many great and awesome wonders before us all.
More so, I look at my own life. There have been absolutely horrifying strongholds and addictive obsessions of my own mind, life and sin in which I suffered for years, years. And I am not exaggerating when I say I had to fight with everything within me to crawl to a glimpse of light in some of those darkest years... but friends, I am mile-markers ahead of those days when grasping for a shimmer in the darkness was the best for which I could hope. Certainly, I have days when I feel discouraged, and you all know about my own days of sagging faith and a fearful heart.... But, in truth, when I think about the median point of my life - where my "average" day is compared to where it was a decade ago... and when I think about how much more steady and even my life is (thank gooooooooodness those overly dramatic roller-coaster rides are a thing of the past!).... Well, when I reflect in honesty, I would be ashamed to claim to have never seen great and awesome wonders of God in my very own life, and in my very own heart. I have.
I know it's been explored and suggested exhaustively in the world these days, but I do have to put in a good word for gratitude lists. It doesn't have to be in any certain format, or any certain method. The essence of the exercise is just taking some time to really immerse yourself in remembering that which God has done for you. Spend some time, if you need (and even if you don't!) to recount for yourself some great and awesome wonders. I will follow mine up with some praise for the God who performed them!
Thank You, great, holy and wonderful God! You take us and redeem our hurt; You restore our hearts and lives. Only You renew our minds. Thank You, Father, for rescuing me! I thank You for a day to give special honor to Your great and mighty works! I love You, Lord!
As I find myself (gratefully) continuing on my journey toward greater and greater belief, I have had another reminder come back to me with full force. If you will, indulge me in a little exposition before I land this story.
I know I am not alone in wondering sometimes about "proof." I've heard teachers speak (rightfully so) on how it is different today; we weren't there to see the Red Sea part, or to watch Jesus walk resurrected down the road. Even the Bible alludes to the differences between those who have seen incredible wonders first hand and those who have not (see Deuteronomy 11:2-7, I believe...). So, you know, often times when I hear people talk about their struggles with faith - in light of a lack of "proof", I nod sympathetically. I'm sure that the voice I've heard speak such things has been my own as well.
But you know, as I sit here today, I am pondering Deuteronomy 10:21 which reads, "He is your praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes" (NIV, italics mine), I realize that it would be an outright lie to say I hadn't seen "great and awesome wonders" with my eye owns. Goodness... I think of the simple things - a child simply reveling in the delight of her own amusement, the laughter of a baby, the playfulness of nature and the world in which we live, its absolutely perfect beauty and cyclic gracefulness... surely there are many great and awesome wonders before us all.
More so, I look at my own life. There have been absolutely horrifying strongholds and addictive obsessions of my own mind, life and sin in which I suffered for years, years. And I am not exaggerating when I say I had to fight with everything within me to crawl to a glimpse of light in some of those darkest years... but friends, I am mile-markers ahead of those days when grasping for a shimmer in the darkness was the best for which I could hope. Certainly, I have days when I feel discouraged, and you all know about my own days of sagging faith and a fearful heart.... But, in truth, when I think about the median point of my life - where my "average" day is compared to where it was a decade ago... and when I think about how much more steady and even my life is (thank gooooooooodness those overly dramatic roller-coaster rides are a thing of the past!).... Well, when I reflect in honesty, I would be ashamed to claim to have never seen great and awesome wonders of God in my very own life, and in my very own heart. I have.
I know it's been explored and suggested exhaustively in the world these days, but I do have to put in a good word for gratitude lists. It doesn't have to be in any certain format, or any certain method. The essence of the exercise is just taking some time to really immerse yourself in remembering that which God has done for you. Spend some time, if you need (and even if you don't!) to recount for yourself some great and awesome wonders. I will follow mine up with some praise for the God who performed them!
Thank You, great, holy and wonderful God! You take us and redeem our hurt; You restore our hearts and lives. Only You renew our minds. Thank You, Father, for rescuing me! I thank You for a day to give special honor to Your great and mighty works! I love You, Lord!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Listening to Him = No Fear
Have you ever had one of those moments when you're talking to someone who is so distracted with whatever is going on for them that they just will not to you? You probably have, but if not, the scene I'm imagining has been captured in numerous movies and TV shows. One person is going on and on about some sort of potentially forthcoming disaster. In other words, they're panicking. The second person is saying, "hey! hey!" and trying to tell them that whatever disaster they're worrying about has already been averted! It's usually a hilarious comedy of errors until the calm person gets the attention of the panicked person and says, "Look at me! Listen to what I'm saying!" Then, freak-out-Frannie starts actually listening to our calm friend, and realizes that all is well. Insert happy rainbow-filled ending here.
Well, now, imagine yourself as the freaking out one. I can't speak for anyone else, but for me, this doesn't require much imagination. Where am I going with all this?
Check this out: "but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm" Proverbs 1:33 (NIV).
As soon as I read this verse tonight, I thought, "Oh yeah, this is me." When I am all spun up and worked up and freaked out, all I ever need to do is stop, focus my attention on the Lord and actually listen to what He says and what He is saying to me. And as we see here, we are promised safety and ease as part of the package. Safety is great; yay for safety - really, I mean that. But, to be honest, in those moments, I may sometimes value the ease more. Either way, I'll take it. And I'm grateful!
Well, now, imagine yourself as the freaking out one. I can't speak for anyone else, but for me, this doesn't require much imagination. Where am I going with all this?
Check this out: "but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm" Proverbs 1:33 (NIV).
As soon as I read this verse tonight, I thought, "Oh yeah, this is me." When I am all spun up and worked up and freaked out, all I ever need to do is stop, focus my attention on the Lord and actually listen to what He says and what He is saying to me. And as we see here, we are promised safety and ease as part of the package. Safety is great; yay for safety - really, I mean that. But, to be honest, in those moments, I may sometimes value the ease more. Either way, I'll take it. And I'm grateful!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Learning from Mary's Example
I was struck tonight by two verses in the same chapter...I'd actually done some meditations and study on the first of these, but I don't recall ever noticing or having it pointed out to me that the second one, which seems to echo the language of the first, is even there - just a few verses down. First things first; the verses:
"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" Luke 2:19 (NIV)
&
"Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart" Luke 2:51 (NIV).
What caught my attention first was the similar language. I started to think about what a good example Mary could be in remembering to treasure the here and now, and keeping close to our hearts the precious things that happen in life when it is oh-so-tempting to let them be quickly swept away. And, of course, those are always good reminders for me, and I'm glad to have thought of them. However, what became more interesting for me was looking at the original language; it's similar in some ways, but in some key ways different.
In the first verse, after Mary hears the wise men speak prophesy over her son, Jesus, and speak out the stories of what they were told by the angels, she treasures these things up in her heart. The original language for "treasure" implies a sort of conservation though. She's holding them closely together, in an effort to remember. The original language implies she wants to keep them protected from ruin.
The word translated here as "ponder" is a truly awesome word (I'm a word-nerd; I love 'em!). It means to meet up with and to encounter, to converse with and to consult, and (by implication) to personally aid. How cool! In this verse, Mary is not only holding these words close together for preservation, but she's also having a relationship with them in a way. She comes together with the words and ideas here and let's them be wisdom and teaching to her. This verse demonstrates a much better example in Mary than I'd even expected!
The second verse gives a quick aside as to part of Mary's behavior after finding Jesus in the temples teaching after she & Joseph had thought they'd lost him. This is the famous "I was in my father's house" story. And, truthfully, she provides a truly honorable example here again. Remember, she's well into the childhood and adolescence of this son of hers, but as we all know, he was no ordinary son. Can you even imagine? I don't have any children myself yet, but I know enough to know what a mind-bending and mind-blowing experience it is on countless levels. Can you imagine adding to the mix the knowledge that your son, conceived of the Spirit, was also the Holy Savior of all humanity?!? Um, yeah... talk about a big bite to chew on!
In any case, it seems Mary was wise enough to have started learning from the Savior early on. The language translated in the NIV here to "treasured" is not the same word as our previous scripture. This word has very different implications. It means to watch thoroughly, and to observe. This, from what I can tell, is a far more shrewd and thoughtful (rather than "heart-ful") response. Mary was paying attention! One smart lady - in any case, but especially considering all she knew about her son and God's plan for his earthly life!
Lastly, the word translated as "heart." It is the same word in both verses. From the reference materials I've read, it seems to imply her mind and heart more so than the way I might mean when talking about her heart alone. It seems to refer to a space sort of tucked into the deep middle of her thoughts and her feelings. So, it's not all intellectual, but it's not without intellect. It also is specifically called out as in the middle. These were not things she was pondering or treasuring or keeping together just on the edges of her self. They were things she tucked right into that special middle-pocket. She knew better than to be cavalier about the things revealed to her - no matter the manner of revelation.
In many ways, I wish we knew more about Mary. Not to state the beyond-obvious, but she was obviously a woman from whom I could learn much.
Lord, I ask for a heart like Mary's. I ask for the wisdom and humility to take deep within myself the beautiful special whispers You offer to me in this life. I ask for the awareness and intelligence to pay close attention to the lessons Jesus demonstrates for me. May I learn the skills and abilities that help me to know Your heart better and do Your will more! Thank You, Lord for so many stories from which we can learn so much! You are a wonderful teacher! Amen.
"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" Luke 2:19 (NIV)
&
"Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart" Luke 2:51 (NIV).
What caught my attention first was the similar language. I started to think about what a good example Mary could be in remembering to treasure the here and now, and keeping close to our hearts the precious things that happen in life when it is oh-so-tempting to let them be quickly swept away. And, of course, those are always good reminders for me, and I'm glad to have thought of them. However, what became more interesting for me was looking at the original language; it's similar in some ways, but in some key ways different.
In the first verse, after Mary hears the wise men speak prophesy over her son, Jesus, and speak out the stories of what they were told by the angels, she treasures these things up in her heart. The original language for "treasure" implies a sort of conservation though. She's holding them closely together, in an effort to remember. The original language implies she wants to keep them protected from ruin.
The word translated here as "ponder" is a truly awesome word (I'm a word-nerd; I love 'em!). It means to meet up with and to encounter, to converse with and to consult, and (by implication) to personally aid. How cool! In this verse, Mary is not only holding these words close together for preservation, but she's also having a relationship with them in a way. She comes together with the words and ideas here and let's them be wisdom and teaching to her. This verse demonstrates a much better example in Mary than I'd even expected!
The second verse gives a quick aside as to part of Mary's behavior after finding Jesus in the temples teaching after she & Joseph had thought they'd lost him. This is the famous "I was in my father's house" story. And, truthfully, she provides a truly honorable example here again. Remember, she's well into the childhood and adolescence of this son of hers, but as we all know, he was no ordinary son. Can you even imagine? I don't have any children myself yet, but I know enough to know what a mind-bending and mind-blowing experience it is on countless levels. Can you imagine adding to the mix the knowledge that your son, conceived of the Spirit, was also the Holy Savior of all humanity?!? Um, yeah... talk about a big bite to chew on!
In any case, it seems Mary was wise enough to have started learning from the Savior early on. The language translated in the NIV here to "treasured" is not the same word as our previous scripture. This word has very different implications. It means to watch thoroughly, and to observe. This, from what I can tell, is a far more shrewd and thoughtful (rather than "heart-ful") response. Mary was paying attention! One smart lady - in any case, but especially considering all she knew about her son and God's plan for his earthly life!
Lastly, the word translated as "heart." It is the same word in both verses. From the reference materials I've read, it seems to imply her mind and heart more so than the way I might mean when talking about her heart alone. It seems to refer to a space sort of tucked into the deep middle of her thoughts and her feelings. So, it's not all intellectual, but it's not without intellect. It also is specifically called out as in the middle. These were not things she was pondering or treasuring or keeping together just on the edges of her self. They were things she tucked right into that special middle-pocket. She knew better than to be cavalier about the things revealed to her - no matter the manner of revelation.
In many ways, I wish we knew more about Mary. Not to state the beyond-obvious, but she was obviously a woman from whom I could learn much.
Lord, I ask for a heart like Mary's. I ask for the wisdom and humility to take deep within myself the beautiful special whispers You offer to me in this life. I ask for the awareness and intelligence to pay close attention to the lessons Jesus demonstrates for me. May I learn the skills and abilities that help me to know Your heart better and do Your will more! Thank You, Lord for so many stories from which we can learn so much! You are a wonderful teacher! Amen.
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