We pick up at verse 11 in 1 Corinthians chapter 2.
For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God's except the Spirit of God. Now we have receive not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual. (1 Cor. 2:11-13)
Let's be very clear that Paul is not talking about some "hocus pocus" that communicates something beyond what is real and everyday. The Spirit teaches us about the cross of Christ. The Spirit lets us in on the mystery of Christ and the life that is available for us now. We can figure out how humanity thinks and acts. We see examples of it everyday...and it is not always a wonderful thing to view...but we can count on humans knowing that kind of life. The Spirit takes us on a ride through a Reigning vision of new life that springs up among us by the power of God - the Good News. Yes, it will be a vision shaped by acts of kindness and humility that is often seen as being contrary to our ways of brashness and bravado that make people swoon but the disciples of Christ weep. The Spirit brings life - not make believe. The Spirit opens up our eye and ears to that life we cannot and will not see if left up to our own abilities.
Connection: As always, it takes more than me in the seclusion of my own life to come to see the life that the Spirit opens up for all of us. More and more, it is the dialogical power of community that sends us walking into the very depths of our humanity that is led by the Spirit of God.
Hold our hand, Spirit of New Life, and point us in the ways of God's wide open spaces of peace and hopefulness and joy. When we are left with nothing but our own ways, shake us up to behold the presence of your Reign and stir up our hearts as you have always promised you would. Amen.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
25 May 2005
Continuing with 1 Corinthians chapter two.
Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. (1 Cor. 2:6) But we speak God's wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (1 Cor.2:7-8)
Before anything was created...before age was age...there was the love of God that creates out of nothing. It is known among us. It is the foundation of how we live within the realm of God's power. It is also the power that the rulers of this age cannot allow to flourish because their power and their might - as they count power and might - would be dismantled and their rule would present itself in the image of God and not the image of the rulers of this world. Though many rulers try to pass themselves off as leading in the name of the God of Creation, just look at their actions - no peace - no justice - special interests that will not stoop to seek the welfare of all - mammon leading the decision of the day and trying to disguise its actions with religious language. Today, the powers - all of us - would still choose to drive those nails or flip the electrical switch in order to preserve what we have and who we want to be. Before the ages and even through this age, the crucified Lord still Reigns even when others claim to be in power.
Connection: Don't be fooled by sweet talking religious leaders who speak of values and morals but their discussion and action is limited to self-centered issues that will not touch the expanse of life that is called forth by Jesus.
O Ancient of Days, this is the day that you have made and we long for you to make us a bold witness to your gentle Reign. Teach us the wisdom of your ways. Amen.
Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. (1 Cor. 2:6) But we speak God's wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (1 Cor.2:7-8)
Before anything was created...before age was age...there was the love of God that creates out of nothing. It is known among us. It is the foundation of how we live within the realm of God's power. It is also the power that the rulers of this age cannot allow to flourish because their power and their might - as they count power and might - would be dismantled and their rule would present itself in the image of God and not the image of the rulers of this world. Though many rulers try to pass themselves off as leading in the name of the God of Creation, just look at their actions - no peace - no justice - special interests that will not stoop to seek the welfare of all - mammon leading the decision of the day and trying to disguise its actions with religious language. Today, the powers - all of us - would still choose to drive those nails or flip the electrical switch in order to preserve what we have and who we want to be. Before the ages and even through this age, the crucified Lord still Reigns even when others claim to be in power.
Connection: Don't be fooled by sweet talking religious leaders who speak of values and morals but their discussion and action is limited to self-centered issues that will not touch the expanse of life that is called forth by Jesus.
O Ancient of Days, this is the day that you have made and we long for you to make us a bold witness to your gentle Reign. Teach us the wisdom of your ways. Amen.
Monday, May 23, 2005
24 May 2005
Due to problems of sending the devotions by e-mail last week please note that those devotions are posted on our website - www.RedeemerLuth.com
We continue with the second chapter of First Corinthians.
Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. (1 Cor. 2:6)
I really intended in going much more into the text than one verse but so much is laid at our feet. We live in a time when a number of religious people appear to be siding with the specific powers of the day. Let me say that this is a comment about segments of all religious peoples. In the case of Christians - especially Christians in this country as this is where I live - we seem to be living within a time when religious communities are openly blessing and anointing the direction and the policies of our government as though God has made a decree that certain policies and people within our government are divinely inspired. Whenever religious people put that kind of a stamp of approval on the actions and words of any government, the time at hand is a dangerous one for all of us. The way of the cross of Jesus is never the way that a government would choose to move. In fact, this cross-shaped wisdom of God and the life that springs from such self-sacrificing love will never rise to power in any country. That makes me wonder what word is leading some religious leaders in our country to walk hand in hand with and then simultaneously bless one group of politicians over another. When I look around, these leaders are not being led by a call to love all people or even a call to simply want justice for all or peace to prevail among us.
Connection: Simply ask, "Who will benefit by this action?" We are not called to ask, "How will I benefit by this action?" We are always invited to ask the "We" question with the "We" being the whole body of God's people without limits.
Be glorified, O God Most High. Be glorified within the ongoing incarnation of your wisdom as the cross of your Beloved continues to be the way of life that questions all life with the vision of your gracious Reign. Amen.
We continue with the second chapter of First Corinthians.
Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. (1 Cor. 2:6)
I really intended in going much more into the text than one verse but so much is laid at our feet. We live in a time when a number of religious people appear to be siding with the specific powers of the day. Let me say that this is a comment about segments of all religious peoples. In the case of Christians - especially Christians in this country as this is where I live - we seem to be living within a time when religious communities are openly blessing and anointing the direction and the policies of our government as though God has made a decree that certain policies and people within our government are divinely inspired. Whenever religious people put that kind of a stamp of approval on the actions and words of any government, the time at hand is a dangerous one for all of us. The way of the cross of Jesus is never the way that a government would choose to move. In fact, this cross-shaped wisdom of God and the life that springs from such self-sacrificing love will never rise to power in any country. That makes me wonder what word is leading some religious leaders in our country to walk hand in hand with and then simultaneously bless one group of politicians over another. When I look around, these leaders are not being led by a call to love all people or even a call to simply want justice for all or peace to prevail among us.
Connection: Simply ask, "Who will benefit by this action?" We are not called to ask, "How will I benefit by this action?" We are always invited to ask the "We" question with the "We" being the whole body of God's people without limits.
Be glorified, O God Most High. Be glorified within the ongoing incarnation of your wisdom as the cross of your Beloved continues to be the way of life that questions all life with the vision of your gracious Reign. Amen.
Sunday, May 22, 2005
23 May 2005
This week we move into chapter two of First Corinthians.
When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God. (1 Cor. 2:1-5)
Conditional love (the way the powers of this world try to love) takes a lot of energy and a lot of work...and...it never reaches the reality of love as we hear and see it in the story of Christ crucified. The mystery of God is that God is completely revealed within the weakness, fear, and trembling of our humanity. Here, right here in the make up of the community, God promises to bring the power of creation and liberation and renewal to all people. There will be no list of proposition to which we must agree. There will be no hoop through which we must jump in order to show that we fit into a correct pattern or method or rule. Paul brought a story of a love that could not be shut up...and therefore he did not shut up. This love - this mysterious love of God - becomes for us the whole foundation upon which we offer ourselves to one another. Within that simple story all his teaching will find its beginning and its eternal rest. In other words, God's action for us will be enough and not another piece is needed to make this news - Good.
Connection: Listen up to what is being said through the lines of religious babble all around us. The freedom and new life promised through Christ, Jesus, most often sounds full of conditions and limits and promises that really only give us what we want - nothing new. Unfortunately, the language of condition is a beloved language to people who cannot trust what God hands over to us in Christ.
Lord Whose Love Stretches Beyond Our Sight, we are so content to live within the bounds of our limited lives. Stretch us and anoint us with your promises so that we will not fear that love you shower upon us in Jesus' name. Amen.
When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God. (1 Cor. 2:1-5)
Conditional love (the way the powers of this world try to love) takes a lot of energy and a lot of work...and...it never reaches the reality of love as we hear and see it in the story of Christ crucified. The mystery of God is that God is completely revealed within the weakness, fear, and trembling of our humanity. Here, right here in the make up of the community, God promises to bring the power of creation and liberation and renewal to all people. There will be no list of proposition to which we must agree. There will be no hoop through which we must jump in order to show that we fit into a correct pattern or method or rule. Paul brought a story of a love that could not be shut up...and therefore he did not shut up. This love - this mysterious love of God - becomes for us the whole foundation upon which we offer ourselves to one another. Within that simple story all his teaching will find its beginning and its eternal rest. In other words, God's action for us will be enough and not another piece is needed to make this news - Good.
Connection: Listen up to what is being said through the lines of religious babble all around us. The freedom and new life promised through Christ, Jesus, most often sounds full of conditions and limits and promises that really only give us what we want - nothing new. Unfortunately, the language of condition is a beloved language to people who cannot trust what God hands over to us in Christ.
Lord Whose Love Stretches Beyond Our Sight, we are so content to live within the bounds of our limited lives. Stretch us and anoint us with your promises so that we will not fear that love you shower upon us in Jesus' name. Amen.
Monday, May 16, 2005
20 May 2005
Just whose are we as followers of Jesus as we stand at the end of this week.
Consider your own call brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." (1 Cor. 1:26-31)
This sounds quite like the song sung by Mary in Luke's gospel. The song called the Magnificat. For in that song and these words by Paul, we can hear the grand reversal. We can hear how the way of Jesus, the way of God's will in the flesh, does not sit in the seat of the powers of our day. Rather, Jesus calls us - all of us - even someone like me who does not deserve a place, but is still called beloved without any qualification. From that identity, comes the power for new life. There are no other categories for boasting. In a day in which we hear crusade language rising up within religious communities (off all kinds) we are invited, once again, to settle within the blessed assurance of our status as it is given to us. We are living in a time when the description "Christian" is sounding like Crusader. When that takes place, there is only boasting that will rise among us. There will be no humility, no self-sacrificing love for those who we are told don't deserve it. And yet, we are invited to stand in opposition to such crusading images and recall the servant who call us to serve without condition.
Connection: There will be voices that will rise up to pull us into positions of power that are run by fear and promise new crusades to cleanse us all. Remember that we are already cleanse and nourished for a life that amazes the world with a strange reversal of power - called the love of God.
Lord of New Life, define our lives by your grace and pull us by your Holy Spirit into the realm of that graciousness within this world of division and power. Amen.
Consider your own call brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." (1 Cor. 1:26-31)
This sounds quite like the song sung by Mary in Luke's gospel. The song called the Magnificat. For in that song and these words by Paul, we can hear the grand reversal. We can hear how the way of Jesus, the way of God's will in the flesh, does not sit in the seat of the powers of our day. Rather, Jesus calls us - all of us - even someone like me who does not deserve a place, but is still called beloved without any qualification. From that identity, comes the power for new life. There are no other categories for boasting. In a day in which we hear crusade language rising up within religious communities (off all kinds) we are invited, once again, to settle within the blessed assurance of our status as it is given to us. We are living in a time when the description "Christian" is sounding like Crusader. When that takes place, there is only boasting that will rise among us. There will be no humility, no self-sacrificing love for those who we are told don't deserve it. And yet, we are invited to stand in opposition to such crusading images and recall the servant who call us to serve without condition.
Connection: There will be voices that will rise up to pull us into positions of power that are run by fear and promise new crusades to cleanse us all. Remember that we are already cleanse and nourished for a life that amazes the world with a strange reversal of power - called the love of God.
Lord of New Life, define our lives by your grace and pull us by your Holy Spirit into the realm of that graciousness within this world of division and power. Amen.
19 May 2005
Moving along in 1 Corinthians.
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided through the foolishness of our proclamation , to save those who believe (1 Cor. 1:20-21). For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength. (1 Cor. 1:22-25)
I think it may help to drop off the word Jews and Greeks and use something like "religious" and "secular." In other words, the followers of Jesus are not going to considered in good light by any of the battling powers of the day. Religious people, who want the world to be run by rules and have a view of life that is restrictive to an "us and them" who can be clearly defined as a "Good and Bad." Secular folks simply dismiss anyone who speaks of a power that does not fit into the way things are run "in the real world." For example, some religious folks today have a limited definition of what it is to do God's will. These definitions rarely have a tolerance for the unlimited grace of God. Rather, they want things to be cut and dry...people to be either this or that. To not speak in their limited tongues is to be "unfaithful." On the other hand, I listen to some people in the media and they immediately write of anything that comes from a "religious" source. Not only do they turn off the limited view of religious legalists, they also look at the way of Jesus and find it quaint but not helpful. We have a news that is powerful and yet rejected by just about everyone. Unless of course the news has been changed to fit what the Religious and the Secular people want it to be.
Connection: How does your understanding of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus inform how you listen to the voices of our day? How do you speak up with this alien voice when it is such a minority vision? What would help you stand on that solid rock of God's grace?
Within the power of you love, O God, there is life that places us within a new avenue of life that will invite us to move in opposition to the many voices of our world. We ask that you continue to inspire us with words of hope and visions of life that is free within your gracious Reign. Amen.
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided through the foolishness of our proclamation , to save those who believe (1 Cor. 1:20-21). For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength. (1 Cor. 1:22-25)
I think it may help to drop off the word Jews and Greeks and use something like "religious" and "secular." In other words, the followers of Jesus are not going to considered in good light by any of the battling powers of the day. Religious people, who want the world to be run by rules and have a view of life that is restrictive to an "us and them" who can be clearly defined as a "Good and Bad." Secular folks simply dismiss anyone who speaks of a power that does not fit into the way things are run "in the real world." For example, some religious folks today have a limited definition of what it is to do God's will. These definitions rarely have a tolerance for the unlimited grace of God. Rather, they want things to be cut and dry...people to be either this or that. To not speak in their limited tongues is to be "unfaithful." On the other hand, I listen to some people in the media and they immediately write of anything that comes from a "religious" source. Not only do they turn off the limited view of religious legalists, they also look at the way of Jesus and find it quaint but not helpful. We have a news that is powerful and yet rejected by just about everyone. Unless of course the news has been changed to fit what the Religious and the Secular people want it to be.
Connection: How does your understanding of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus inform how you listen to the voices of our day? How do you speak up with this alien voice when it is such a minority vision? What would help you stand on that solid rock of God's grace?
Within the power of you love, O God, there is life that places us within a new avenue of life that will invite us to move in opposition to the many voices of our world. We ask that you continue to inspire us with words of hope and visions of life that is free within your gracious Reign. Amen.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
18 May 2005
We pick up at verse 20 in chapter one of 1 Corinthians.
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided through the foolishness of our proclamation , to save those who believe.
Remember, the proclamation Paul mentions lifts high the crucified one - that is the one who entered into the pain and suffering of the world (all of it) as the way to make known the merciful Image of God. I find this most interesting to hear and see that there is a "Christian" movement in our country today that is filled with a lust for power and dominance. This movement covers itself with words of faith and - like propaganda that is aimed to win the day - claims to have God on its side and all of its actions are therefore, ordained by God. Sounds like the crusades, but no, I shouldn't say that...that would be too direct and pointed of a remark. The crusaders today have the gall to talk of being victims within our society and yet, they are well-groomed, well appointed, well endowed with wealth, and - as one might expect from crusaders of any faith - well fed with dreams like John and James wondering who will be at the right and left side of Jesus when he comes into his kingdom. Ah, but this is where the crusaders of our day reveal their god. It is a god who promises wealth and power and holy crowns that will separate them from the rabble. What these new crusaders forget, is that Jesus (Yes, the one they say is Lord...Not everyone who says "Lord..." never left the side of the rabble. Even at his death he was with them - by God - he was one of them. There is not anything much more foolish than Jesus' life. But, don't think that the new crusaders will follow this Lord, Jesus. They have another, wiser, more prudent, better suited lord to follow and they would like us all to join the parade.
Connection: Continue to read of the Christ, Jesus, of the Gospels and the one to whom Paul points when he is painting the gracious vision of the Reign of God. Continue to watch that small cadre of the followers of Jesus in the book of Acts who really were "run out of town" - not for the rules they wanted to impose on people - but the grace and mercy and love that set people free without condition. The story hasn't changed much.
Reigning Lord of All, it is so easy for us to turn to the wisdom of our world and its flashing ways of selling something that is not the truth and calling it the truth. Keep us forever focused on the way of the cross and the way we are called to serve other so that their well being will be the well being of us all. Amen.
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided through the foolishness of our proclamation , to save those who believe.
Remember, the proclamation Paul mentions lifts high the crucified one - that is the one who entered into the pain and suffering of the world (all of it) as the way to make known the merciful Image of God. I find this most interesting to hear and see that there is a "Christian" movement in our country today that is filled with a lust for power and dominance. This movement covers itself with words of faith and - like propaganda that is aimed to win the day - claims to have God on its side and all of its actions are therefore, ordained by God. Sounds like the crusades, but no, I shouldn't say that...that would be too direct and pointed of a remark. The crusaders today have the gall to talk of being victims within our society and yet, they are well-groomed, well appointed, well endowed with wealth, and - as one might expect from crusaders of any faith - well fed with dreams like John and James wondering who will be at the right and left side of Jesus when he comes into his kingdom. Ah, but this is where the crusaders of our day reveal their god. It is a god who promises wealth and power and holy crowns that will separate them from the rabble. What these new crusaders forget, is that Jesus (Yes, the one they say is Lord...Not everyone who says "Lord..." never left the side of the rabble. Even at his death he was with them - by God - he was one of them. There is not anything much more foolish than Jesus' life. But, don't think that the new crusaders will follow this Lord, Jesus. They have another, wiser, more prudent, better suited lord to follow and they would like us all to join the parade.
Connection: Continue to read of the Christ, Jesus, of the Gospels and the one to whom Paul points when he is painting the gracious vision of the Reign of God. Continue to watch that small cadre of the followers of Jesus in the book of Acts who really were "run out of town" - not for the rules they wanted to impose on people - but the grace and mercy and love that set people free without condition. The story hasn't changed much.
Reigning Lord of All, it is so easy for us to turn to the wisdom of our world and its flashing ways of selling something that is not the truth and calling it the truth. Keep us forever focused on the way of the cross and the way we are called to serve other so that their well being will be the well being of us all. Amen.
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