Man has a huge desire to explore. Man likes to go where others have not, do what others have not, see things others cannot, experience something unique. To do so man takes risks. That is one of the reasons when I began my study of the Mind of Christ 2 1/2 years ago I picked the Challenger Deep as my metaphor for the study. Challenger Deep is the deepest point on earth, over 36,000 feet, 10,000 feet deeper than Mt. Everest is high. These two conflicting drives in man are held in tension, the need to explore and the need to survive.
The latest issue of National Geographic carries an article entitled "Into the Unknown" about the Mawson expedition called the Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE). 31 men from 1911-1914 took on a nearly impossible task of learning all they could about the most uninhabitable part of earth. The stories are no less than amazing. One story is of Mawson making his way with two others 297 miles in 35 days across a northern section of Antarctica from November 10, 1912 to February 8, 2013. There is much to tell, but Mawson returning alone on January 17, 1913 fell into a crevasse being held up by a rope tied to a sled fourteen feet above. He was in wretched physical condition frost-bitten and starving. Fortunately he had tied knots in the rope at regular intervals. You never know when you might need an extra knot or two in your rope.
He begin pulling himself up hand over hand until he reached the top only to have the overhanging lip of the crevasse break off and send him plunging back down. He was beyond desperation and despair. He thought of slipping out of his harness and going to his death instead of slowly freezing to death. But the words of his favorite poet, Robert Service, flashed through his mind: "Just have one more try-its dead easy to die,/ Its the keeping on living that's hard."
Peter was in a boat filled with frightened and exhausted men. His drive to explore caused him to step out of a boat onto rough and cold waves to do what others only dreamed of, to defy gravity and to walk on water. He received the command to do so from the one who obviously proved it could be done. But, the saw an unseen force-wind. This mysterious entity that could drive sails or topple houses, a friend and an enemy captured his attention away from Jesus, and he began to sink into his watery crevasse. As he did his primal desire to survive kicked in and he cried out, "Lord save me." Fortunately the hand of Jesus was within his grasp, and he lived to die another day.
Peter or Mawson or me? "Its dead easy to die; its the keeping on living that's hard" "Just have one more try or Lord save me!" Faith or fear?; which will determine our course.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Reality Therapy
William Glasser wrote a book titled Reality Therapy. It is a wonderful book with some helpful approaches to men's fears and unhealthy reactions. Jesus modeled some reality therapy on the lake early one morning. He had sent his disciples in their boat ahead of him while he prayed in the hills overlooking Bethsaida. While they struggled against the wind and waves on an angry lake, he decides to walk by them. But when they see him, they suppose that he is a ghost, and they become very frightened. Take into account their mental state. They have had little sleep for days. They are exhausted from rowing for several hours. They are, no doubt, irritated. Their retreat was cut short by the persistent and hungry crowds of thousands. The sun is beginning to come up and they see a lone figure walking by on the lake. Fright! Fear! It was caused by a cognative distortion. They jumped to a false conclusion. It's a ghost!
Jesus could have ridiculed them for such an unfounded fear. "What's wrong with you guys? There is no such thing as ghosts!" He could have ignored their fears and "played along" making wierd sounds like a ghost drawing them into their fear. He could have simply ignored them and let them think what they wanted claiming it was not his problem to straighten out their thinking. But instead he said, "Take courage; it is I; do not be afraid." (Mark 6:50) He applied some reality therapy. He simply told them the truth.
Paul encountered a similar situation in Corinth. Read 1 Corinthians 8:1-7. Some new Christians were made afraid in eating meat which had been sacrificed to idols because being so accustomed to idols they supposed such to be real. Paul knew there was "no such thing as an idol." He knew an idol was not a god, not real, not anything to be feared. However, he did believe and know that idols were the invention of demons (1 Cor.10:19-20). But, Paul and Jesus dealt with fear the same way. They acknowledged that ghosts and idols were real to some folks, and they told them the truth.
But there is always a gap between belief in a lie and acknowledgement of the truth. Did the disciples' fear subside immediately when he said "It is I?" Of course not. They had to adjust their thinking to reality. The chemicals coursing through their veins and brains had to have time to dilute and subside. The greater one's trauma which causes beliefs (or fantasies) to become embeded into our lives (psuche), the more difficult it is to accept the realities that will reduce our fears. This is why the overwhelming reality of Jesus in our lives is so important. He constantly says to us "It is I; do not be afraid." This embeds in our spirit and controls our body and soul leading to peace.
Rod
Jesus could have ridiculed them for such an unfounded fear. "What's wrong with you guys? There is no such thing as ghosts!" He could have ignored their fears and "played along" making wierd sounds like a ghost drawing them into their fear. He could have simply ignored them and let them think what they wanted claiming it was not his problem to straighten out their thinking. But instead he said, "Take courage; it is I; do not be afraid." (Mark 6:50) He applied some reality therapy. He simply told them the truth.
Paul encountered a similar situation in Corinth. Read 1 Corinthians 8:1-7. Some new Christians were made afraid in eating meat which had been sacrificed to idols because being so accustomed to idols they supposed such to be real. Paul knew there was "no such thing as an idol." He knew an idol was not a god, not real, not anything to be feared. However, he did believe and know that idols were the invention of demons (1 Cor.10:19-20). But, Paul and Jesus dealt with fear the same way. They acknowledged that ghosts and idols were real to some folks, and they told them the truth.
But there is always a gap between belief in a lie and acknowledgement of the truth. Did the disciples' fear subside immediately when he said "It is I?" Of course not. They had to adjust their thinking to reality. The chemicals coursing through their veins and brains had to have time to dilute and subside. The greater one's trauma which causes beliefs (or fantasies) to become embeded into our lives (psuche), the more difficult it is to accept the realities that will reduce our fears. This is why the overwhelming reality of Jesus in our lives is so important. He constantly says to us "It is I; do not be afraid." This embeds in our spirit and controls our body and soul leading to peace.
Rod
Friday, December 28, 2012
The Playful Jesus
In the story of Jesus walking on the water in the fourth watch of the night, i.e. 3-6 AM, there is a little comment given by Mark (6:48) that might go unnoticed. Let's get the context. A couple of days earlier Jesus planned a retreat with his apostles for the hills above Bethsaida. But, when he arrived the crowds were waiting and he healed, taught, and fed them. After the meal he sent the crowds away, told the apostles to take the boat over to Capernaum, a 3-4 mile distance, and he went into the hills to have a private mini-retreat. When the apostles left about dark, someone forgot to check with the weatherman. A storm blew in, most likely from the northwest over the hills and onto the lake. It seems this storm pushed them out into the lake making it difficult to make the the short journey. John says they rowed 3-4 miles (literally 25-30 stadia). We know they end up in Gennesaret which is just south of Capernaum near where I stayed while in the Holy Land.
Jesus finishes his prayer time very early in the morning. We are not told if he was in the same storm as he prayed. But, instead of taking the land route of three to four miles, he set out on the lake, walking on the water.Why? You might say so he could increase his disciples' faith and allow Peter to try to walk on water. That's not what the text says. Mark says "...He intended to pass by them." (NASB) Could this have been a playful move on Jesus' part. Here they are in a storm for several hours straining hard against the wind and waves. They are not making very good time. They are wet, tired, and probably pretty irritable. Imagine they look up and see Jesus "boogying" on passed them, perhaps waving with a smile on his face, and stands waiting for them on the other shore asking, "what took you so long?" I know it doesn't say all this, but it is a possibility.
The story doesn't turn out like that, but the rest of the story does have some playfulness in it. They think he is a ghost. He scares them nearly to death. And, then there is the scene with Peter walking on the water. This must have brought great delight to the weary apostles. Can you imagine the ribbing Peter got for sinking? All of this must have been good for some hearty laughs around a campfire at night after Jesus had died. "Remember the time Jesus came "boogying" by us that night and scared us silly." "Hey, Peter how about some swimmies for Christmas?"
Rod
Jesus finishes his prayer time very early in the morning. We are not told if he was in the same storm as he prayed. But, instead of taking the land route of three to four miles, he set out on the lake, walking on the water.Why? You might say so he could increase his disciples' faith and allow Peter to try to walk on water. That's not what the text says. Mark says "...He intended to pass by them." (NASB) Could this have been a playful move on Jesus' part. Here they are in a storm for several hours straining hard against the wind and waves. They are not making very good time. They are wet, tired, and probably pretty irritable. Imagine they look up and see Jesus "boogying" on passed them, perhaps waving with a smile on his face, and stands waiting for them on the other shore asking, "what took you so long?" I know it doesn't say all this, but it is a possibility.
The story doesn't turn out like that, but the rest of the story does have some playfulness in it. They think he is a ghost. He scares them nearly to death. And, then there is the scene with Peter walking on the water. This must have brought great delight to the weary apostles. Can you imagine the ribbing Peter got for sinking? All of this must have been good for some hearty laughs around a campfire at night after Jesus had died. "Remember the time Jesus came "boogying" by us that night and scared us silly." "Hey, Peter how about some swimmies for Christmas?"
Rod
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Agendas
He was alone in the mountains of northern Israel at night in April. He had a retreat planned but it was interrupted by work. People were sick and ignorant and this drove Jesus' change of plans. He healed and taught, and then they got hungry and He had to take time out to do a small miracle we call the feeding of the 5000, no less than an act of creation. Perhaps this was what tipped the balance for some who now devised a plan, an agenda, to take Him by force and make Him king. Jesus had one year left on earth. What would I do if I knew this were my final year? Perhaps I should see what Jesus does with His and then live each of my final years according to His plan.
Being alone in the mountains at night in April would mean it was at least chilly. Matthew's words "He was there alone" seem mysterious, sad yet spiritual. As the old folk song says, "You gotta walk that lonesome valley; you gotta walk it by yourself." His disciples were in a boat trying to make a short trip to Capernaum. Their agenda was being interrupted by a storm. Jesus will get to it later. For now He needs to pray. He knows that the people are hatching a plot to come take Him by force to make Him a king. Everyone has their plans. The wolf of John 10 has a plan to snatch the sheep. The devil has a plan to snatch the word from people's hearts (Matt.13). Paul was taken away by force for his own protection (Acts 23:10). Jude 23 tells us our agenda is to snatch sinners from the fire. And violent men try to take the kingdom by force (Matt.11:12).
Jesus knows that the way of the world is to get into God's business. People are fickled. At the beginning of Jesus' last year they are drafting Him as their king. At the end they will be putting this same "king" on a cross with an inscription over his head. They want a king, but they also want to tell the king what to do. And if he doesn't solve their problems their way they don't want him. Instead of asking Jesus what God's will is and what his agenda for them is, they make their plan. They conspire to push their own agenda.
This is the clash of two systems: The world and heaven. Jesus' view is "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Their view is "Our will be done on earth regardless of God's will in heaven." Perhaps God might even change His agenda and conform His will to ours. Perhaps, but not likely. Our earthly desires drive our politics and heaven's plan is stuffed in a drawer to gather dust. Or is it? Maybe it is in our drawer, but not His. Instead of a new year's resolution, perhaps we need a new year's agenda. But whose agenda?
Rod
Being alone in the mountains at night in April would mean it was at least chilly. Matthew's words "He was there alone" seem mysterious, sad yet spiritual. As the old folk song says, "You gotta walk that lonesome valley; you gotta walk it by yourself." His disciples were in a boat trying to make a short trip to Capernaum. Their agenda was being interrupted by a storm. Jesus will get to it later. For now He needs to pray. He knows that the people are hatching a plot to come take Him by force to make Him a king. Everyone has their plans. The wolf of John 10 has a plan to snatch the sheep. The devil has a plan to snatch the word from people's hearts (Matt.13). Paul was taken away by force for his own protection (Acts 23:10). Jude 23 tells us our agenda is to snatch sinners from the fire. And violent men try to take the kingdom by force (Matt.11:12).
Jesus knows that the way of the world is to get into God's business. People are fickled. At the beginning of Jesus' last year they are drafting Him as their king. At the end they will be putting this same "king" on a cross with an inscription over his head. They want a king, but they also want to tell the king what to do. And if he doesn't solve their problems their way they don't want him. Instead of asking Jesus what God's will is and what his agenda for them is, they make their plan. They conspire to push their own agenda.
This is the clash of two systems: The world and heaven. Jesus' view is "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Their view is "Our will be done on earth regardless of God's will in heaven." Perhaps God might even change His agenda and conform His will to ours. Perhaps, but not likely. Our earthly desires drive our politics and heaven's plan is stuffed in a drawer to gather dust. Or is it? Maybe it is in our drawer, but not His. Instead of a new year's resolution, perhaps we need a new year's agenda. But whose agenda?
Rod
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Cultural Seismic Shifts
It is my understanding that seismologists study the slightest tremors to determine the shifts in the earth's crust, and thereby predict earthquakes. It is not a precise science, but it does help us understand the danger signs, and the trends. I believe there are such signs that indicate trends within our culture. They may seem small, but they may be signigicant indicators of where we are heading.
For instance, children in general no longer say without some prompting "yes mam" and "yes sir." "Yeah" is a common expression. Children are calling adults by their first names more often as well. I remember even when I was growing up my first cousin who was older than me allowed his children to call him and their mother by their first names. It was a discussion point within our family because then it seemed very strange. We hardly notice it today. I have also noticed that if an adult and a child are walking and are on a collison course, it is rare to see a child yield the right of way to the adult. If the adult keeps walking they will probably be run over by the child. The same applies to opening doors.
I know these are small things, but they are signs of disrespect. There was a time when a clear distinction was made between young and old. Not so much anymore. I remember when we would sit in a circle, usually shelling peas, and the "youngins'" would actually sit there and shell peas with the adults, and actually listen to the stories they would tell. This could go on for hours. I cannot imagine such a scene today in our culture. There has been a shift.
I have noticed that children interrupt adults when they are talking these days. They don't seem to understand the idea of waiting patiently until they are acknowledged. They don't get the idea of letting guests go first in line either. Something is changing. The seismic plates are shifting. Have we become too casual about respect?
For instance, children in general no longer say without some prompting "yes mam" and "yes sir." "Yeah" is a common expression. Children are calling adults by their first names more often as well. I remember even when I was growing up my first cousin who was older than me allowed his children to call him and their mother by their first names. It was a discussion point within our family because then it seemed very strange. We hardly notice it today. I have also noticed that if an adult and a child are walking and are on a collison course, it is rare to see a child yield the right of way to the adult. If the adult keeps walking they will probably be run over by the child. The same applies to opening doors.
I know these are small things, but they are signs of disrespect. There was a time when a clear distinction was made between young and old. Not so much anymore. I remember when we would sit in a circle, usually shelling peas, and the "youngins'" would actually sit there and shell peas with the adults, and actually listen to the stories they would tell. This could go on for hours. I cannot imagine such a scene today in our culture. There has been a shift.
I have noticed that children interrupt adults when they are talking these days. They don't seem to understand the idea of waiting patiently until they are acknowledged. They don't get the idea of letting guests go first in line either. Something is changing. The seismic plates are shifting. Have we become too casual about respect?
Thursday, May 24, 2012
A Stark Contrast
Read Luke 7:36-50 first and let the scene sink in. Imagine what it looked like. See Jesus reclining at the table with his feet strechted out behind him accross from Simon. Imagine there is some light conversation going on when suddenly something dramatic happens, a "sinner woman" enters, and she is very worked up. She is crying. She is distraught. She is on a mission. She went to work. Jesus looks at Simon for his reaction and Simon watches the woman's reaction and Jesus' reaction. Simon is critical of Jesus and the woman. The woman is so caught up in her work she cares little what anyone thinks. Jesus' reaction is coming by way of a story and a point. Surely there are others watching the scene unfold. This was their TV program for the evening.
The room turned very tense when Jesus told Simon, "I have something to say to you." I would have turned up the volume on my "clicker" at that point. I would not have wanted to miss what Jesus was going to say to this Pharisee. Simon was cool: "Say it, Teacher." The story Jesus told was simple. One moneylender, two debtors, one owing $50,000 another $5000, who could not pay, forgiveness for both, and their reactions. Simon must have been paying attention because he passed the one question test Jesus gave: "Which of them therefore loved him more?" Through Simon's eyes the answer was obvious: the one who was forgiven more loves more. Jesus gave him an "A" but in reality it was all about perception. Both were forgiven equal amounts, i.e. ALL. The consequence for non payment could have been the same for both.
But here is the STARK CONTRAST.
The room turned very tense when Jesus told Simon, "I have something to say to you." I would have turned up the volume on my "clicker" at that point. I would not have wanted to miss what Jesus was going to say to this Pharisee. Simon was cool: "Say it, Teacher." The story Jesus told was simple. One moneylender, two debtors, one owing $50,000 another $5000, who could not pay, forgiveness for both, and their reactions. Simon must have been paying attention because he passed the one question test Jesus gave: "Which of them therefore loved him more?" Through Simon's eyes the answer was obvious: the one who was forgiven more loves more. Jesus gave him an "A" but in reality it was all about perception. Both were forgiven equal amounts, i.e. ALL. The consequence for non payment could have been the same for both.
But here is the STARK CONTRAST.
No Water vs Tears and Hair
No Kiss vs Kissing Feet
No Oil of Anointing vs Perfume of Anointing
"Forgiven Little" vs "Forgiven Much"
Loves Little vs Loves Much
For Jesus footwashing was about connection. Read John 13, especially the part about Peter. "If I do not wash you you have no part with me." Kissing is about worship. The Greek word for worship is proskuneo meaning to kiss toward. The anointing oil could mean the passing of authority, but not in this case because it is coming from the lesser to the greater. Here it is about honor. It is preparation for Jesus' burial.
So if we put the entire scene together in a logical progression we would have this picture. 1) Recognition of Sin; 2) Confession of Sin; 3) Repentance; 4) Forgiveness; 5) Love; 6) Connection, Worship and Honor. Since Simon never recongnized his sin the process did not unfold for him. Stark!
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