Today’s Lectionary Readings: Psalm 37; Leviticus 25:35-55; Matthew 8:1-13; Galatians 3:1-5
One of the most challenging aspects of living in a relationship is communication. What often makes communication so difficult is that each partner will often have VERY different understands of words or concepts that are spoken. Let’s say, for instance, that members of a couple are planning on meeting up somewhere after work, and one member says, “Be sure to be on time.” For one partner “on time” might mean be at the location 10 minutes early; for the other partner, “on time” might mean simply leaving work by the agreed upon time. Consequently, if a relationship is going to work, regular check ins are required to make sure you have a similar understanding of the words or concepts used. This is certainly true in our relationship with God as well. Take the issue of Jesus’ death and resurrection. In Galatians 3:1, Paul writes (using Eugene Peterson’s The Message): “… it’s obvious that you no longer have the crucified Jesus in clear focus in your lives.” Some have read Paul’s admonition to have the crucified Jesus as the focus of their lives and concluded this suggests that our relationship with Jesus means we are one the winner’s side – therefore, we are called to live triumphant lives where payback is the dominant theme. Others have read Paul’s admonition and come to the opposite conclusion – that a focus on the crucified Jesus means living lives of self-emptying, sacrificial love and humility. Grace and thanksgiving are often the dominant themes here rather than victory. Same phrase – “the crucified Jesus in clear focus”: VERY different conclusions. As we head into day 2 of Lent, what does that six word phrase mean to you? How is your life reflective of your understanding of that phrase? Til next time…
One of the most challenging aspects of living in a relationship is communication. What often makes communication so difficult is that each partner will often have VERY different understands of words or concepts that are spoken. Let’s say, for instance, that members of a couple are planning on meeting up somewhere after work, and one member says, “Be sure to be on time.” For one partner “on time” might mean be at the location 10 minutes early; for the other partner, “on time” might mean simply leaving work by the agreed upon time. Consequently, if a relationship is going to work, regular check ins are required to make sure you have a similar understanding of the words or concepts used. This is certainly true in our relationship with God as well. Take the issue of Jesus’ death and resurrection. In Galatians 3:1, Paul writes (using Eugene Peterson’s The Message): “… it’s obvious that you no longer have the crucified Jesus in clear focus in your lives.” Some have read Paul’s admonition to have the crucified Jesus as the focus of their lives and concluded this suggests that our relationship with Jesus means we are one the winner’s side – therefore, we are called to live triumphant lives where payback is the dominant theme. Others have read Paul’s admonition and come to the opposite conclusion – that a focus on the crucified Jesus means living lives of self-emptying, sacrificial love and humility. Grace and thanksgiving are often the dominant themes here rather than victory. Same phrase – “the crucified Jesus in clear focus”: VERY different conclusions. As we head into day 2 of Lent, what does that six word phrase mean to you? How is your life reflective of your understanding of that phrase? Til next time…
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