Today’s Lectionary Readings: Psalm 47; Isaiah 44:6-8, 21-23; Luke 7:18-23; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; Psalm 4
Yesterday, I spent my time in the entry talking about my frustration how the political world influenced the development of Christianity. Today, I’m struck by another way in which our larger cultural values here in the West (especially here in the US) have shaped the development of our tradition as well. In reading 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, I was struck by the opening verse: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (NIV). The verse got me to thinking about how the story of Jesus looks from the outside. Here’s an individual who – at the age of 30 – received a call (very late in life by the world’s standards). He then gathered around him a group of 12 (very small group of supporters by the world’s standards). He then engaged in his ministry for three years (very short career by the world’s standards). As a result of his on going conflicts with the religious and political authorities, he was crucified next to criminals (very demeaning by the world’s standards). On so many levels this story of Jesus would appear foolish to the world. And yet for Christians the power of the story is that God works through those circumstances and uses them to provide what to us is an unparalleled work of redemption. And how have churches in the West (particularly in the US) shaped themselves over the past two millenna? To reflect the values of the cross? No. Instead, we have constructed our faith communities based on the values of this world. In the era of mega-churches, for instance, our buildings are large, elaborate, and ornate. We have developed paths to leadership that separates people (lay vs. clergy) instead of integrate them. And we define communal success in earthly terms (i.e. number of members and the size of budget) rather than spiritual terms. So how do we get back on track and look a little more foolish to the world? We do that by returning to the power of the cross. Today I encourage you to spend some time thinking about how that return would look in your life. I look forward to journeying with you back to the cross as we rediscover its powers in new ways. Til next time…
Yesterday, I spent my time in the entry talking about my frustration how the political world influenced the development of Christianity. Today, I’m struck by another way in which our larger cultural values here in the West (especially here in the US) have shaped the development of our tradition as well. In reading 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, I was struck by the opening verse: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (NIV). The verse got me to thinking about how the story of Jesus looks from the outside. Here’s an individual who – at the age of 30 – received a call (very late in life by the world’s standards). He then gathered around him a group of 12 (very small group of supporters by the world’s standards). He then engaged in his ministry for three years (very short career by the world’s standards). As a result of his on going conflicts with the religious and political authorities, he was crucified next to criminals (very demeaning by the world’s standards). On so many levels this story of Jesus would appear foolish to the world. And yet for Christians the power of the story is that God works through those circumstances and uses them to provide what to us is an unparalleled work of redemption. And how have churches in the West (particularly in the US) shaped themselves over the past two millenna? To reflect the values of the cross? No. Instead, we have constructed our faith communities based on the values of this world. In the era of mega-churches, for instance, our buildings are large, elaborate, and ornate. We have developed paths to leadership that separates people (lay vs. clergy) instead of integrate them. And we define communal success in earthly terms (i.e. number of members and the size of budget) rather than spiritual terms. So how do we get back on track and look a little more foolish to the world? We do that by returning to the power of the cross. Today I encourage you to spend some time thinking about how that return would look in your life. I look forward to journeying with you back to the cross as we rediscover its powers in new ways. Til next time…
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