Today’s Readings: Psalm 24; Exodus 34:18-35; Luke 19:28-40; Philippians 2:1-5; Psalm 18
Whenever I read portions of the law contained in the Pentateuch such as today’s passage from Exodus, a portion of me gets worked up. Why is that? It’s because such passages often reveal the hypocrisy of some folks who call themselves biblical literalists. I say that because lots of folks who call themselves biblical literalists will point to other passages in the Pentateuch such as Leviticus 20:13 (“if there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death”) and use it as their basis for their condemnation of homosexuality. And yet these same folks would never think of turn to parts of today’s Exodus passage and suggest that we incorporate them into our modern day lives (i.e. “every firstborn from the womb is mine”, “if you don’t redeem [your firstborn donkey] then you must break its neck” – Exodus 34:19-20 from The Message). So what is it that compels some folks to insist on a literal interpretation of scripture in one place and then argue for a metaphorical interpretation of scripture in another? I suppose it’s the personal agenda of the reader. Most of us are more prone to argue for a literal interpretation of a passage when we agree with its message than we are if a passage violates our personal views. So what lesson do we draw from all of this? I can’t speak for you, but the lesson I draw from this is to ask myself a simple question when I’m reading scripture: “What is my motive in reading scripture? Am I reading it simply to support a position at which I’ve already arrived; or am I reading scripture with an open heart and mind so that I can discern the leading of the Spirit?” Over the years, I’ve found that that is not a question I can ask myself once and then move on. I need to continue to ask myself that question each time I encounter it. I would invite you to ask yourself the same question as you continue to delve deeper and deeper into the sacred writings of our faith. Til next time…
Whenever I read portions of the law contained in the Pentateuch such as today’s passage from Exodus, a portion of me gets worked up. Why is that? It’s because such passages often reveal the hypocrisy of some folks who call themselves biblical literalists. I say that because lots of folks who call themselves biblical literalists will point to other passages in the Pentateuch such as Leviticus 20:13 (“if there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death”) and use it as their basis for their condemnation of homosexuality. And yet these same folks would never think of turn to parts of today’s Exodus passage and suggest that we incorporate them into our modern day lives (i.e. “every firstborn from the womb is mine”, “if you don’t redeem [your firstborn donkey] then you must break its neck” – Exodus 34:19-20 from The Message). So what is it that compels some folks to insist on a literal interpretation of scripture in one place and then argue for a metaphorical interpretation of scripture in another? I suppose it’s the personal agenda of the reader. Most of us are more prone to argue for a literal interpretation of a passage when we agree with its message than we are if a passage violates our personal views. So what lesson do we draw from all of this? I can’t speak for you, but the lesson I draw from this is to ask myself a simple question when I’m reading scripture: “What is my motive in reading scripture? Am I reading it simply to support a position at which I’ve already arrived; or am I reading scripture with an open heart and mind so that I can discern the leading of the Spirit?” Over the years, I’ve found that that is not a question I can ask myself once and then move on. I need to continue to ask myself that question each time I encounter it. I would invite you to ask yourself the same question as you continue to delve deeper and deeper into the sacred writings of our faith. Til next time…
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