Luke 14:25-30

“Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple.” vs. 26

Sometimes Jesus’ words are harsh and difficult to understand. We wonder if he could possibly mean what he seems to be saying and search for ways to make his hard statements palatable. Or maybe there’s another way to translate Luke’s Greek–perhaps an alternative meaning for the word “hate”, one that will soften its impact. But hate isn’t necessarily the opposite of love–and hating father and mother doesn’t mean that you can’t also love them. And the same is true for wife, children, brothers and sisters–Jesus isn’t saying that our hearts shouldn’t overflow with love for them. What he is saying is that discipleship means making some costly decisions, ones that will have a deep impact on every part of our lives. And any choice that would jeopardize our spiritual connection to him could be devastating! Another way of understanding this is to recognize that there is nothing more important than loving God with all our heart, mind, and strength–all else has to be in second place. Of course that doesn’t mean we have to spend our days dissing everyone who is close to us and trying to inflict pain in their lives–that’s not what Jesus is talking about. It’s all about priorities in living–and making sure that God is always number one!

Thought for the Day: How could children ever get in the way of Jesus?

Philemon 8-25

“Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for ever, no longer as a slave but as more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.” vss. 15-16

Slavery was commonplace in the Roman Empire–it had an institutional presence and was unquestioned by the early Christians. It didn’t take long though for their little communities to realize that the message of the gospel just didn’t work in an atmosphere of bondage. Paul didn’t see Onesimus as a slave any longer–in his eyes he was a brother in Christ, and he invited Philemon to see him in the same way. We don’t know how Philemon reacted, but what we do know is that it took centuries for the institution of slavery to be broken down. In fact, in many places Christianity adapted so well to the presence of slaves that Christian leaders became advocates of bondage and claimed that it was the will of God. Some of them even bought and sold slaves without much serious reflection. The economic benefits were too great to ignore. That same kind of resistance to the freedom of the gospel has been widespread–it has been difficult even for followers of Jesus to put aside long-standing practices and prejudices. But where the good news is proclaimed freely barriers and bondages have crumbled and fallen. In Christ there is no slave or free–all are one!

Thought for the Day: Why do humans like to “lord it over” one another?

Philemon 1-7

“I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.” vs. 7

The letters of Paul give us amazing snapshots of life in the early Christian communities. In one way or another in dozens of cities, the good news of Jesus had been proclaimed and passed on. Hundreds of people had become believers and were meeting weekly in what were known as “house churches.” There was no established hierarchy of priests or pastors, but in each community people were being led by the Spirit to provide leadership in a variety of ways. One of those “house churches” met in the home of Philemon, a well-to-do man who lived in the city of Colossae in present day Turkey. Philemon had a slave named Onesimus who had evidently run away and found his way to Ephesus where Paul was imprisoned. Under Paul’s influence Onesimus had become a follower of Jesus too and now Paul had decided that it would be good for him to be reconciled with his master. In his letter to Philemon we sense the deep bonds of love that connected the Christians in these various communities. They were truly like family to one another and were quick to offer prayers and encouragement in every time of need. That caring has always been a strength of faith communities. Our congregations don’t exist in isolation–we have connections, a common faith that ties us together as the living, loving Body of Christ–and we look out for one another!

Thought for the Day: How is my congregation connected to the larger church?

Psalm 1:4-7

“The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.” vs. 4

The imagery used by the psalmist calls to mind the hilltop threshing floors used by farmers to separate the wheat from the chaff at harvest time. As they tossed the separated grain into the air, the chaff would be blown away by the wind while the heavier wheat would fall back to the earth. The metaphor implies that one day there will be a separation between the wicked and the righteous. The problem with this dualistic approach to describing humanity is obvious–this isn’t how life is! It simply isn’t true that there are two categories of people, the good and the bad! We’ve used that kind of language far too long and it’s led to some really messed up thinking. The truth is that all people are the children of God and are created in the divine image–and all have fallen short of the glory of God. We’ve all been touched by the power of sin–none are able to escape its influence. All of us need cleansing and restoration–and that’s exactly what is happening in the Kingdom of God. The wind from God, which in the words of Genesis brooded over the waters in the midst of chaos, continues to blow through our lives now. This Holy Spirit blows away the chaff, all the residue of sin, cleanses hearts, and restores a right spirit within us. Come, Holy Spirit, blow through my life today!

Thought for the Day: Where do I experience the wind from God? 

Psalm 1:1-3

“They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.” vs. 3

The world of this psalmist was not particularly complicated. There were good people and bad people, those who had their act together and those who didn’t. Most of us would probably agree–that’s what we see too. There are those who delight in doing what is right and others who seem to get their kicks from lying and cheating. The psalmist’s description of the righteous is right on–they are like trees planted by streams of water and their fruits abound. In other words, they are those in whom Christ is made visible–their spiritual roots tap into that Divine Presence and the Light is unmistakable. It’s not that they don’t mess up from time to time–all of us know that experience. The ways of the world are powerful and regularly work together to obscure the good in us. But Christ is a powerful presence and has resurrection power. We are regularly raised up with Christ and restored to righteous living. In fact there’s even that hope for the liars and cheats among us. The Christ dwells within them too–on their better days we can glimpse signs of that holy presence, and we’re surprised and made glad by the fruit they bear. What a gift it is to see such restoration! It’s what we want for all God’s children!

Thought for the Day: A stranger in whom I have seen the light of Christ!

Deuteronomy 30:15-20

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live…” vs. 19

The Israelites had been set free from their bondage in Egypt by the grace of God and had been formed into a people by their experience in the wilderness. Now they faced a critical moment–ahead lay life and death, blessings and curses–their future would depend on their choices. There are some who say that humanity now stands at a similar juncture. God has showered blessings upon all people–we have reaped the bounty of creation. Blessings and curses lie ahead–our future depends on our choices. It now appears to many that our unprecedented prosperity has come at a great environmental cost. Global warming is changing our world even faster than scientists have predicted and the effects are unmistakable. Important decisions have to be made quickly–there isn’t time to spare. Will it be life or death? How will our failure to make hard choices affect the lives of our descendants? What kind of future are we bequeathing to them? Those are big questions and it remains to be seen if we have the collective will to make the right choices, particularly if they involve financial sacrifice. We know how things turned out for Israel–they chose death and curses and lost their nation. Perhaps there’s a different ending for us! The choice is in our hands!

Thought for the Day: What difference do our individual choices make?

Luke 14:12-14

“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” vss. 13-14

Every organization or community is guided by sets of unwritten rules that govern social connections. Often these expectations will be obscure to outsiders but those on the inside know them intimately–we could even say that they are written on our hearts. With every gracious act there is an expectation that there will be a reciprocal response. Jesus had observed the dominant codes in his culture and announces that in the kingdom of God there would be a new operating system. In his world there are no ulterior motives connected to acts of kindness and generosity. Instead of doing good in order to build their social standing, his followers would spend their lives reaching out to the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. How much easier it would be if we actually lived by that principle instead of being guided by the unwritten rules of our social circles. Why should we even care whose turn it is to host our clique’s next party? Good deeds done in the name of Jesus carry no price tag–there will be no expectation of being repaid–we really don’t even need a “thank you.” It is enough to give as God has given to us–freely and without price. The benefits of such giving are out of this world!

Thought for the Day: What expectations accompany my gifts?

Luke 14:1, 7-11

“When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host;” vs. 8

Jesus had been invited to dinner on the Sabbath at the home of a leader of the Pharisees and people were watching him carefully–and he was watching them. He was particularly amused at how they were jockeying for positions of honor around the table and gives them some practical advice. It would be better, he told them, if they did not plop themselves down at the place of honor at a banquet table. Of course Jesus probably didn’t care much about where he fit in the social structure. It doesn’t seem to have been important to him–but it was in that community–and it continues to have more importance than it deserves. Too many people spend too much time worrying about whether they’re received proper honors–and we all know the horror stories about violence perpetrated by those who feel they’ve been dishonored. Even congregations are not immune. People like to be honored, and if they’re not, all hell can break loose. Now, we’re not going to be able to eliminate honor codes from the social structure–they’re deeply ingrained in our community’s DNA and widely accepted. But honor is always sweeter when it’s received and not claimed. And if we don’t get the honor we think we deserve it’s really not that big of a deal!

Thought for the Day: How have I been dishonored?

Hebrews 13:8,15-16

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” vs. 8

The writer of the book of Hebrews knew the history of his people as far back as the scriptures recorded it. He was familiar with the stories of the matriarchs and patriarchs and believed that the many examples of their faithfulness could both inspire and console. But the most important truth he passed on was his insight regarding the continuous and constant presence of the Christ. The Christ hadn’t just shown up when Jesus was born–the Christ had been in the world from the very beginning, from the moment of the first light, and the Christ would be around until the glorious end, the time of the great completion. That’s a powerful and comforting message, one that we too often forget in the course of our all-too-short lives. From our perspective things are constantly changing and the ever-evolving crises that preoccupy the media can easily erode our hope for any kind of lasting tranquility. Some days we can even begin to doubt that our grandchildren have any prospects for good and fruitful lives–we can’t imagine the challenges they’re going to be facing. It’s in those moments that people of faith have learned to rally around Jesus Christ, the one source of stability and hope that is the same yesterday and today and forever. Our grandchildren will do just fine…Christ dwells in them and will shine through them even if they abandon religion!

Thought for the Day: What will the world be like for our grandchildren?

Hebrews 13:1-7 

“Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” vss. 1-2

It’s a given that followers of Jesus are called to love one another…according to John, it was his final commandment. Early believers learned that this mutual love was one of the most impressive attributes of their faith communities…and it’s been that way ever since. Most of us have had powerful experiences of love in our congregations…and when it’s not present we’re terribly disappointed. But usually we do manage to create some sort of loving community…we’re good at hugs and hot dishes and sharing the peace at worship. Where we miss the boat is in the way we treat strangers. It happens regularly in too many congregations. When strangers show up at worship it’s almost like we don’t know what to do and our cliquish tendencies are laid bare for all to see. We huddle with our favored friends after the closing hymn while the strangers stand alone…we seem scared to death to take the first step and extend a hand of welcome. And it’s not only on Sundays! The current atmosphere of suspicion has stifled what should be a natural response to outsiders. In our places of work, our schools and neighborhoods, and our borders people of faith are called to extend hospitality to all…and not just those who look and act like ourselves. We never know when we’re going to meet an angel sent from God!

Thought for the Day: How do I welcome strangers?