These three chapters appear to have nothing in common (and perhaps they don't, except that they are all a part of the letter to the Romans). Chapter 11 completes Paul's thoughts about the salvation of the Jews, the promise of Jesus, and what he thinks will happen "in the end." Paul exhorts the Gentile Christians not to think of themselves too highly; after all, if they could be grafted into the vine, they could most certainly could be cut off, and the original branches grafted back on! He also muses that perhaps God has a purpose in the supposed hardness of heart of some of his Jewish brothers and sisters. It is exactly so that God could show mercy to the Gentiles -- and then -- in the end -- all of Israel will also be saved. At least, that is Paul's vision and his hope.
In chapter 12, Paul casts a vision of a transformed life and a transformed community. He begins by speaking about the gifts people will share in this transformed community. And then he goes on to share a laundry list of Christian excellence: genuine love, hospitality to strangers, service to others. Giving to the needs of the saints. Associating with the lowly. This is what transformed lives look like. And though it is easy for us to read the list and consider these as individual virtues (that is the way we think of most things in our lives), these are virtues practiced and honed in community. This is the "rock tumbler" of Christian community, where we bump up against one another, and begin to shine.
And then, we come to the difficult chapter 13. Why difficult, you might ask? After all, Paul is simply asking us to consider civil authority as given by God, to obey the law, to believe that there is an order to the creative world. God has put governments in place for a good purpose, to prevent chaos, and to make sure communities live (as much as possible) in peace. It seems fair enough. Even now, we encourage citizens to obey the law.
Except that there are extenuating circumstances. Except that in Nazi Germany, church-goers used this particular chapter of Romans as an excuse for not standing up to Hitler. So we need to read Romans 13 very carefully, respect the message and its limits.
Remember that Paul did not live in a democracy, where everyone had the same voice and responsibility. Even so, remember as well that if rulers are given by God, they are accountable to God as well. If they are not acting justly, we have the means, and the responsibility to hold them accountable, while at the same time respecting laws.
So, these chapters are each very different, with a different slant. The glue that holds 11 and 13 together, though, is the vision of chapter 12: "let love be genuine. hate what is evil. hold fast to what is good." And the whole thing is held together with the glue of God's mercy in Christ.
In a sense, each chapter has something to say about our calling, our irrevocable calling, which is completely based on the grace and mercy of God to us.
Which is these chapters hit home the most for you?
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
Day 50: Israel, the Church, God's People
Paul is Jewish. Paul is a disciple of Jesus. Paul loves Judaism. Paul loves Jesus. In chapters 9, 10 and 11, Paul tries to speak about all of these things in away that is true to God's promises through Jesus, but also true to God's faithfulness to Israel as the chosen people.
One of Paul's statements is that God chooses the ones he chooses, and hardens the hearts of others, and who knows why. An imaginary opponent poses the question, "How can God blame someone for a hard heart, if he hardens the heart?" Good question.
Paul has nothing but praise for his Jewish brothers and sisters' zeal and how religious they are. He respects them, and doesn't really have any idea why most of his brothers and sisters have not joined him in the community of Jesus.
But, Paul asserts: God chooses. God chose Abraham, and Jacob, and Joseph. And God is choosing now, and is choosing Gentiles to also be a part of his chosen people. God is in charge, and somehow this is happening. That is the greatest good news of all. God chooses. God loves his people, both the ones he is choosing now and the ones he chose long ago.
And I believe, at the end of Romans 10, when Paul writes, "How can they hear without a preacher? How can they preach unless they are sent?" he is particularly speaking to Gentile Christians, to make sure they are speaking and sharing words and grace and faith that they have been given. Make sure you are good witnesses to the grace of love of Jesus, he is telling them.
He has an interesting thought: Maybe, if we make a really good community, and are really good witnesses of what life in Christ is like, we will make them jealous.
Paul's thoughts are to be continued, in chapter 11....
One of Paul's statements is that God chooses the ones he chooses, and hardens the hearts of others, and who knows why. An imaginary opponent poses the question, "How can God blame someone for a hard heart, if he hardens the heart?" Good question.
Paul has nothing but praise for his Jewish brothers and sisters' zeal and how religious they are. He respects them, and doesn't really have any idea why most of his brothers and sisters have not joined him in the community of Jesus.
But, Paul asserts: God chooses. God chose Abraham, and Jacob, and Joseph. And God is choosing now, and is choosing Gentiles to also be a part of his chosen people. God is in charge, and somehow this is happening. That is the greatest good news of all. God chooses. God loves his people, both the ones he is choosing now and the ones he chose long ago.
And I believe, at the end of Romans 10, when Paul writes, "How can they hear without a preacher? How can they preach unless they are sent?" he is particularly speaking to Gentile Christians, to make sure they are speaking and sharing words and grace and faith that they have been given. Make sure you are good witnesses to the grace of love of Jesus, he is telling them.
He has an interesting thought: Maybe, if we make a really good community, and are really good witnesses of what life in Christ is like, we will make them jealous.
Paul's thoughts are to be continued, in chapter 11....
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Day 49: Bondage to Sin/Freedom in Christ
Perhaps chapter 7 of Romans confuses you somewhat. I find the sentence structures convoluted, and it seems like (at times, anyway) that Paul is really struggling to say what he wants to say. Then, for a moment, it becomes clear. Then, it's a struggle again.
Since Paul is talking about the relationship between sin and the law, between our desire for God and our temptations to do evil, it's perhaps understandable that his language sounds like a struggle. Because there's a struggle going on inside us: the struggle to do good, and the knowledge that we have done evil, and our guilt before God.
Many people have assumed that what Paul is writing is a sort of confessional, that he is saying, "this is what it was like for me before I followed Jesus." But actually, he is not writing about himself, but his "I" is meant to be EveryMan. He is not telling his story; he is telling all our stories. We are in bondage to sin, struggling to do the right thing but failing at every turn and in every way imaginable. We are spiraling out of control. What are we going to do?
The good news is: "what are we going to do?" is not even the right question. There is nothing for US to do. The question is not "what are we going to do?" but "what is God going to do?" And the answer is,
Thanks be to God, who has given us the victory through out Lord Jesus Christ.
Chapter 8 follows as one of the most soaring chapters in all of scripture. The chapter begins: Now there is no more condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. God has ended the struggle. God does not condemn us.
By grace God's spirit dwells in us, and helps us to turn to God again and again. By grace God's spirit dwells in us, and helps us through our suffering, helps us in our weakness, and proclaims to us, holds on to us, so that we know that God's love will never let go of us, no matter what happens to us. Even death can't separate us from God's love.
This is such a long way from the struggle just one chapter ago, in chapter 7, but it is the movement of our lives, every day, and every time we confess our sin. We move from our awareness of our bondage to experiencing the gift of freedom again. That is the power of God in Christ.
Since Paul is talking about the relationship between sin and the law, between our desire for God and our temptations to do evil, it's perhaps understandable that his language sounds like a struggle. Because there's a struggle going on inside us: the struggle to do good, and the knowledge that we have done evil, and our guilt before God.
Many people have assumed that what Paul is writing is a sort of confessional, that he is saying, "this is what it was like for me before I followed Jesus." But actually, he is not writing about himself, but his "I" is meant to be EveryMan. He is not telling his story; he is telling all our stories. We are in bondage to sin, struggling to do the right thing but failing at every turn and in every way imaginable. We are spiraling out of control. What are we going to do?
The good news is: "what are we going to do?" is not even the right question. There is nothing for US to do. The question is not "what are we going to do?" but "what is God going to do?" And the answer is,
Thanks be to God, who has given us the victory through out Lord Jesus Christ.
Chapter 8 follows as one of the most soaring chapters in all of scripture. The chapter begins: Now there is no more condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. God has ended the struggle. God does not condemn us.
By grace God's spirit dwells in us, and helps us to turn to God again and again. By grace God's spirit dwells in us, and helps us through our suffering, helps us in our weakness, and proclaims to us, holds on to us, so that we know that God's love will never let go of us, no matter what happens to us. Even death can't separate us from God's love.
This is such a long way from the struggle just one chapter ago, in chapter 7, but it is the movement of our lives, every day, and every time we confess our sin. We move from our awareness of our bondage to experiencing the gift of freedom again. That is the power of God in Christ.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Day 48: Abraham, Adam, Jesus -- Peace with God
In the next three chapters are three different models for us. In Chapter 4 we meet Abraham, the father of Israel, the father of the circumcised, the one who originally heard God, and set out on a journey to a place he had never been before. Paul makes the argument that Abraham is the father not just of Israel, not just of the circumcised, but of all who trust God's faithfulness. Didn't God's call to Abraham (and Abraham's answer) precede his circumcision? Paul asks. (Yes). Well, then, it is not circumcision that makes the difference but it is faith in God. It is trust in Christ's faithfulness, not whether we meet a particular legal requirement, that makes the difference.
Before we meet the next model (Adam), there is that wonderful portion of Romans 5 that shows us the consequences of trusting in Christ's faithfulness: peace with God. This peace transcends our circumstances, builds character, and gives meaning to our suffering, because God's love has overflowed into our hearts.
So, what about Adam? Paul also lists Adam as a model -- a model not of obedience but of disobedience, not of trust but of distrust. Adam and Eve were in the garden, with free gifts all around them, and instead of seeing the abundance of gifts, they focused on the one thing denied them. Paul says -- we are like Adam -- and yet, God values us, loves us, and Jesus died for us.
Then, finally, is Jesus, the third model. Unlike Adam, Jesus trusts God. Jesus is faithful to God -- and to us. Somehow because of this faithfulness, the cycle of sin is broken, and we are set free. We don't have to obey God, out of fear or obligation. But we get to hear God's voice, experience God's love and caring, and help our neighbor in ways that really help.
Paul is talking about, trying to explain big things, big concept: Freedom and captivity, sin and faith and righteousness. What do those words mean to you? What does it mean to be free? or, not free?
Before we meet the next model (Adam), there is that wonderful portion of Romans 5 that shows us the consequences of trusting in Christ's faithfulness: peace with God. This peace transcends our circumstances, builds character, and gives meaning to our suffering, because God's love has overflowed into our hearts.
So, what about Adam? Paul also lists Adam as a model -- a model not of obedience but of disobedience, not of trust but of distrust. Adam and Eve were in the garden, with free gifts all around them, and instead of seeing the abundance of gifts, they focused on the one thing denied them. Paul says -- we are like Adam -- and yet, God values us, loves us, and Jesus died for us.
Then, finally, is Jesus, the third model. Unlike Adam, Jesus trusts God. Jesus is faithful to God -- and to us. Somehow because of this faithfulness, the cycle of sin is broken, and we are set free. We don't have to obey God, out of fear or obligation. But we get to hear God's voice, experience God's love and caring, and help our neighbor in ways that really help.
Paul is talking about, trying to explain big things, big concept: Freedom and captivity, sin and faith and righteousness. What do those words mean to you? What does it mean to be free? or, not free?
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Day 47: Digging into Romans: All Have Sinned
Have you eaten a good breakfast? are you sitting down and ready to think deeply? We are out of the stories of Jesus and the Apostles now and into the deep theology of the letters of Paul. Romans is the longest, and the deepest, and the most systematic of these letters. I wish we had more than a few days to read the whole thing.
Most of Romans, actually doesn't read much like a letter. It sounds more like a treatise. Paul is on his way to Rome, but on the way he is collecting an important offering from his Gentile churches to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem, an important symbol of unity between the two bodies of believers. In the meantime, he's writing to Rome to share his faith with Gentile believers, at least in part to help them to live with, and be good witnesses to, their Jewish brothers and sisters. As it is, there is much misunderstanding between them.
Paul is writing this letter to a church he has never met (that is not the case with most of the letters). Perhaps this is one of the reasons it sounds less personal than many of the others you will read. After framing his greetings in the common format of letter of the day, he begins his argument for the gospel -- salvation for everyone, "the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Paul will repeat this phrase many times.) His main point in these first three chapters is to prove that all of us, Jewish or Gentile, are sinners, that we have no excuse, that we have no defense before God. He debates with imaginary sparring partners, refuting their arguments at every turn in order to make it to his main point and eventually to the height and the depth and the width of the love and grace of God. On the way, he speaks of sins, which are the result of idolatry -- of worshipping creation rather than Creator, of looking into the mirror at ourselves (with out selfishness, greed and hard-heartedness) and imagining God from what we see there.
The well-known verse in chapter three, "since all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is Christ Jesus," is a sort of climax to the whole first section. If you read it aloud (which I actually recommend), imagine it being read in a louder and louder voice, until finally, the words "Justified by his grace as a gift..." make the peak of the mountain, from which we come down now.
Much as I know well this letter, it's going to be a learning curve for me in the next few days to think of compelling ways to write about what I find here, what my thoughts are, and what stories might emerge.
What is your experience of the book of Romans? Do you know it well? What are your stumbling blocks? What do you appreciate here?
Most of Romans, actually doesn't read much like a letter. It sounds more like a treatise. Paul is on his way to Rome, but on the way he is collecting an important offering from his Gentile churches to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem, an important symbol of unity between the two bodies of believers. In the meantime, he's writing to Rome to share his faith with Gentile believers, at least in part to help them to live with, and be good witnesses to, their Jewish brothers and sisters. As it is, there is much misunderstanding between them.
Paul is writing this letter to a church he has never met (that is not the case with most of the letters). Perhaps this is one of the reasons it sounds less personal than many of the others you will read. After framing his greetings in the common format of letter of the day, he begins his argument for the gospel -- salvation for everyone, "the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Paul will repeat this phrase many times.) His main point in these first three chapters is to prove that all of us, Jewish or Gentile, are sinners, that we have no excuse, that we have no defense before God. He debates with imaginary sparring partners, refuting their arguments at every turn in order to make it to his main point and eventually to the height and the depth and the width of the love and grace of God. On the way, he speaks of sins, which are the result of idolatry -- of worshipping creation rather than Creator, of looking into the mirror at ourselves (with out selfishness, greed and hard-heartedness) and imagining God from what we see there.
The well-known verse in chapter three, "since all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is Christ Jesus," is a sort of climax to the whole first section. If you read it aloud (which I actually recommend), imagine it being read in a louder and louder voice, until finally, the words "Justified by his grace as a gift..." make the peak of the mountain, from which we come down now.
Much as I know well this letter, it's going to be a learning curve for me in the next few days to think of compelling ways to write about what I find here, what my thoughts are, and what stories might emerge.
What is your experience of the book of Romans? Do you know it well? What are your stumbling blocks? What do you appreciate here?
Monday, July 16, 2012
Day 46: Paul comes to Rome, the story Continues....
So, in this final installment in the book of The Acts of the Apostles, Paul testifies convincingly to King Agrippa. In fact, in some translations, he says he is "almost persuaded" to become a follow of The Way. But, not quite. Paul shares his testimony, his former life as a Pharisee, how he came to believe in Jesus, and what he is doing now. King Agrippa is almost persuaded. Others shout out that Paul has gone crazy (from too much learning, they say...). Everyone agrees, though, that there is no reason for Paul to be arrested. He could be released.
If only he hadn't appealed to Rome.
So, Paul sets out, as a prisoner, for Rome. It's late to make the sea journey, and Paul (who comes off just a little as a know-it-all) warns them that they will run into trouble. Which they do. Paul becomes a leader, encouraging and supporting the crew and the other prisoners, blessing food for a meal (which sounds a lot like a communion mean, even though most of the people on board are not believer), and leading the people as they unload the grain in an effort to avoid shipwrecked.
Just as Paul prophesied, they are shipwrecked anyway, but although they lose their ship, they do not lose any lives. The crew were considering killing all of the prisoners, so that they wouldn't escape, but the centurion prevented this. On shore, a poisonous snake bites Paul, but he is unfazed by this. Paul also is a healer on the island (which they discover is Malta).
Finally, Paul and his companions make it to Rome. He gets a chance to make his case in the synagogue in Rome, where Paul again meets with a mixed reception. Some believe in Paul's message about Jesus, but others are skeptical and converse among themselves. Paul is going to continue to preach the message about Jesus among the Gentiles.
The final verse of Acts does not seem so much like an ending. We don't know what happens to Paul. He doesn't come to trial while he is there. We only know that at the end of the book of Acts, Paul is still awaiting trial, but preaching freely and doing his ministry in this place.
There is no ending.
Not until the final verse of the book of Revelation, when the new heaven and the new earth is revealed.
In the meantime, there are still Acts being written, or being lived, your Acts and mine, or rather, the Acts of Jesus in us.
As for Paul, what does happen to him? There are some people who believe that he journeyed further, that he preached and testified in Spain. Most scholars believe that he was, finally, martyred in Rome.
Maybe it's better not to know for sure. Because Acts 29 is being written in every disciple that journeys with Jesus, and every community that shares his name.
If only he hadn't appealed to Rome.
So, Paul sets out, as a prisoner, for Rome. It's late to make the sea journey, and Paul (who comes off just a little as a know-it-all) warns them that they will run into trouble. Which they do. Paul becomes a leader, encouraging and supporting the crew and the other prisoners, blessing food for a meal (which sounds a lot like a communion mean, even though most of the people on board are not believer), and leading the people as they unload the grain in an effort to avoid shipwrecked.
Just as Paul prophesied, they are shipwrecked anyway, but although they lose their ship, they do not lose any lives. The crew were considering killing all of the prisoners, so that they wouldn't escape, but the centurion prevented this. On shore, a poisonous snake bites Paul, but he is unfazed by this. Paul also is a healer on the island (which they discover is Malta).
Finally, Paul and his companions make it to Rome. He gets a chance to make his case in the synagogue in Rome, where Paul again meets with a mixed reception. Some believe in Paul's message about Jesus, but others are skeptical and converse among themselves. Paul is going to continue to preach the message about Jesus among the Gentiles.
The final verse of Acts does not seem so much like an ending. We don't know what happens to Paul. He doesn't come to trial while he is there. We only know that at the end of the book of Acts, Paul is still awaiting trial, but preaching freely and doing his ministry in this place.
There is no ending.
Not until the final verse of the book of Revelation, when the new heaven and the new earth is revealed.
In the meantime, there are still Acts being written, or being lived, your Acts and mine, or rather, the Acts of Jesus in us.
As for Paul, what does happen to him? There are some people who believe that he journeyed further, that he preached and testified in Spain. Most scholars believe that he was, finally, martyred in Rome.
Maybe it's better not to know for sure. Because Acts 29 is being written in every disciple that journeys with Jesus, and every community that shares his name.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Day 45: Paul Appeals to Caesar
We are almost to the end of Acts. It is all Paul's story now, and who knows how it will end? He has come to Jerusalem to give offerings for the poor (against the advice of friends, remember), and he has been set up, accused and arrested. Now, several different rulers have heard his story, and are deciding what is next for him.
Paul portrays himself in front of Felix as an observant Jew whose only offense is believing in what he calls "The Way." Felix leaves Paul in prison until a new governor, Festus, is appointed, and then Paul presents his case to Festus. Upon not receiving a sympathetic hearing, he appeals to Caesar.
Festus agrees.
King Agrippa and his with Bernice arrive with much fanfare. There is some interesting conversation between Agrippa and Festus. They agree that they don't really know what is going on. When Paul's accusers stand before them, they don't present the case they expect. Instead, they are arguing about a man named "Jesus." What is going on? They are puzzled.
King Agrippa wants to hear Paul for himself. Festus promises that he will, tomorrow.
There seems to be so little overtly "spiritual" in these passages. It is all about the courts and the accusations and the political machinations, and whether justice will be done or not. But God is present here too, even though we don't know the end, or what will happen to Paul.
So, what is here that intrigues you? Is it the name of the followers of Jesus "the Way"? Is it the way that the government officials don't have any understanding of the issues of spiritual realities? "Why do they care about this dead guy, Jesus?" they ask. Or perhaps it's the way Paul takes every opportunity, whether in season or out of season, to speak about his faith, and give his testimony. Paul is humble, but he is bold. He appeals to Caesar for his life, but accepts his fate if fault is found in him.
"Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's."
So, what will happen next?
Paul portrays himself in front of Felix as an observant Jew whose only offense is believing in what he calls "The Way." Felix leaves Paul in prison until a new governor, Festus, is appointed, and then Paul presents his case to Festus. Upon not receiving a sympathetic hearing, he appeals to Caesar.
Festus agrees.
King Agrippa and his with Bernice arrive with much fanfare. There is some interesting conversation between Agrippa and Festus. They agree that they don't really know what is going on. When Paul's accusers stand before them, they don't present the case they expect. Instead, they are arguing about a man named "Jesus." What is going on? They are puzzled.
King Agrippa wants to hear Paul for himself. Festus promises that he will, tomorrow.
There seems to be so little overtly "spiritual" in these passages. It is all about the courts and the accusations and the political machinations, and whether justice will be done or not. But God is present here too, even though we don't know the end, or what will happen to Paul.
So, what is here that intrigues you? Is it the name of the followers of Jesus "the Way"? Is it the way that the government officials don't have any understanding of the issues of spiritual realities? "Why do they care about this dead guy, Jesus?" they ask. Or perhaps it's the way Paul takes every opportunity, whether in season or out of season, to speak about his faith, and give his testimony. Paul is humble, but he is bold. He appeals to Caesar for his life, but accepts his fate if fault is found in him.
"Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's."
So, what will happen next?
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