Scriptures for May 31
Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19
Psalm 46
Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28
Matthew 7:21-29
How might you receive the May 31 worship scriptures? Some suggestions for how to receive them are at http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html
What might be highlighted for you as you receive these scriptures? You will find out as you enter into this spiritual exercise. Receptivity is vitally important. There are some notes about it at http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving.html.
After you receive these scriptures for yourself, you may want to share with others who have done the same. Following are notes I made after receiving these scriptures.
May 24 prayer for receiving
Flowers open to and thrive on life-sustaining light and water. I'm created to receive as surely as the flowers receive sun and rain. Here I am Lord, wanting to receive--to open to and thrive on--your Word as spirit and and life. Let that receiving happen again, and all the more, today.
Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19 (selections and reflections)
"Noah walked with God." (vs. 9)
"...corrupt ...violence ...corrupt ... corrupted..." (vss. 11-12)
"God said... I will destroy them..." (vs. 13)
Can I stay all the more receptive when I'm reading words like these verses that trigger a lot of thoughts, feelings, and sometimes talk about God. Can I just receive and be with these words without turning my attention to those who try to say God is not really like that; or to those who say maybe God was like that in Old Testament times, but Jesus came and now God is different. Can I stay out of the ongoing dialog about God, and just receive the words and let them be spirit and life today?
Psalm 46 (Selections and reflections)
"God is our refuge." (vss. 1 and 11)
Corruption is no less corrupt; violence is no less violent. But in the midst of corruption and violence God is our refuge. This Psalm calls me to receive God as refuge.
"Though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;" (vs. 2)
It occurs to me today like it hasn't before that a big enough flood does that!
"Be still, and know that I am God" (vs. 10)
Be still.
Even with the flood account.
Even with God saying, "I will destroy."
Still, knowing God.
Not still because I think I've figured out how to have God be
the way people think God ought to be.
Still, knowing God.
Every word about God is
a tiny opening into God.
All the Bible's words about God combine
to be a big opening into
God who is
so far beyond them all.
Be still, knowing God.
Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (Selections and reflections)
"...the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God...
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith..." (vss. 16,17)
The gospel reveals the righteousness of God. What causes many to become absorbed in the gospel and not the righteousness? Maybe another way to ask this question is: How did the gospel become so popular and righteousness so unpopular?
"all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (vs. 23)
Matthew 7:21-29 (Selections and reflections)
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." (vs. 21)
I'm struck by how service-oriented, and how "like Jesus" it is to prophesy in Jesus' name, and to cast out demons in Jesus' name, and to do many wonders in Jesus' name. It is service-oriented, wonder-working, Jesus-imitating people that hear these terrible words from Jesus: "I never knew you; depart from Me..." These verses are an urgent invitation to keep saying to Jesus: Do you know me? Do I know and do the will of Your Father in heaven?
I need to be known by You. I need to know and do the will of Your Father.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Receiving May 24 worship scriptures
Scriptures for May 24, 2008
Isaiah 49:8-16a
Psalm 131
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Matthew 6:24-34
You are invited to receive the Word as spirit and life. There are suggestions for how to do this at http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html
Spirit and life thrive in an open, welcoming heart. After receiving the Word for yourself, you will have reflections and responses to share. What you have to share may coincide with or complement the following.
May 17 prayer for receiving
When I give, my thoughts and feelings are with the one I'm giving to.
Now I'm the receiver, and want my thoughts and feelings to be present to You the Giver.
With what thoughts and feelings of love you have given your Word.
Enable me, please, to receive Your word as spirit and life.
Isaiah 49:8-16a (selections and reflections)
"Sing, O heavens!
Be joyful, O earth!
And break out in singing, O mountains!
For the LORD has comforted His people,
And will have mercy on His afflicted." (vs. 13)
"But Zion said,
'The LORD has forsaken me,
And my Lord has forgotten me.'" (vs. 14)
"'Can a woman forget her nursing child,
And not have compassion on the son of her womb?
Surely they may forget,
Yet I will not forget you.
See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands." (vss. 15,16)
There may be cause for the heavens and earth to sing joyfully. Mt. Everest and K2 may even break out in an unforgettable duet.
But none of this is for me. I'm forsaken. The Lord has forgotten me.
Then: I really won't forget you. See the palms of my hands.
Unspeakable grandeur. Unspeakable desolation. Unspeakably compassionate comfort. This is heart terrain.
Psalm 131 (selections and reflections)
"I have calmed and quieted my soul" (vs. 2)
Soul in turmoil or soul gone numb, neither is calm and quiet.
Closeness for the sake of closeness calms and quiets.
This is hope terrain.
1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (selections and reflections)
"...stewards of the mysteries of God." (vs. 1)
Wow! That's some task. Stewards are a kind of manager. Managers of the mysteries of God. Can a Christian, even Paul, do that? Can all the best, most authentic, real Christians of all time combined--can they together manage the mysteries of God? Can they even comprehend the mysteries of God, much less manage them?
Thinking like that is not the route to the spirit and life in this amazing statement. Stewards of the mysteries of God. Yes. And they are still mysteries, not some comprehensible commodity to be controlled by one feeble manager or a whole Christian church full of managers.
Stewards of the mysteries of God are the forsaken who've seen the palms of His hands; they are the calmed and quiet close ones; they are heart-broken yet hope-filled. They are stewards of mysteries they'll never comprehend and certainly never control.
"I do not even judge myself." (vs. 3)
"He who judges me is the Lord." (vs. 4)
What wonderful relief from the hard job of dealing with self.
Matthew 6:24-34 (selections and reflections)
"Is not life more than food?" (vs. 25)
The stilled and quieted child of Psalm 131 realizes and experiences this.
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." (vs. 33)
The kingdom of God and His righteousness more the focus (more what I desire and what I seek) than is food, drink, or clothes (basic physical necessities). The word in Matthew 6:24-34 isn't spirit and life for me yet when I only receive it as "Don't worry" advice. This same word does become spirit and life when I let it draw me into God's kingdom and righteousness as more present and more important than food, drink or clothes. The kingdom of God and God's righteousness are more essential and more deserving of my time and attention than even the basic necessities of life. That is spirit and life.
Isaiah 49:8-16a
Psalm 131
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Matthew 6:24-34
You are invited to receive the Word as spirit and life. There are suggestions for how to do this at http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html
Spirit and life thrive in an open, welcoming heart. After receiving the Word for yourself, you will have reflections and responses to share. What you have to share may coincide with or complement the following.
May 17 prayer for receiving
When I give, my thoughts and feelings are with the one I'm giving to.
Now I'm the receiver, and want my thoughts and feelings to be present to You the Giver.
With what thoughts and feelings of love you have given your Word.
Enable me, please, to receive Your word as spirit and life.
Isaiah 49:8-16a (selections and reflections)
"Sing, O heavens!
Be joyful, O earth!
And break out in singing, O mountains!
For the LORD has comforted His people,
And will have mercy on His afflicted." (vs. 13)
"But Zion said,
'The LORD has forsaken me,
And my Lord has forgotten me.'" (vs. 14)
"'Can a woman forget her nursing child,
And not have compassion on the son of her womb?
Surely they may forget,
Yet I will not forget you.
See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands." (vss. 15,16)
There may be cause for the heavens and earth to sing joyfully. Mt. Everest and K2 may even break out in an unforgettable duet.
But none of this is for me. I'm forsaken. The Lord has forgotten me.
Then: I really won't forget you. See the palms of my hands.
Unspeakable grandeur. Unspeakable desolation. Unspeakably compassionate comfort. This is heart terrain.
Psalm 131 (selections and reflections)
"I have calmed and quieted my soul" (vs. 2)
Soul in turmoil or soul gone numb, neither is calm and quiet.
Closeness for the sake of closeness calms and quiets.
This is hope terrain.
1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (selections and reflections)
"...stewards of the mysteries of God." (vs. 1)
Wow! That's some task. Stewards are a kind of manager. Managers of the mysteries of God. Can a Christian, even Paul, do that? Can all the best, most authentic, real Christians of all time combined--can they together manage the mysteries of God? Can they even comprehend the mysteries of God, much less manage them?
Thinking like that is not the route to the spirit and life in this amazing statement. Stewards of the mysteries of God. Yes. And they are still mysteries, not some comprehensible commodity to be controlled by one feeble manager or a whole Christian church full of managers.
Stewards of the mysteries of God are the forsaken who've seen the palms of His hands; they are the calmed and quiet close ones; they are heart-broken yet hope-filled. They are stewards of mysteries they'll never comprehend and certainly never control.
"I do not even judge myself." (vs. 3)
"He who judges me is the Lord." (vs. 4)
What wonderful relief from the hard job of dealing with self.
Matthew 6:24-34 (selections and reflections)
"Is not life more than food?" (vs. 25)
The stilled and quieted child of Psalm 131 realizes and experiences this.
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." (vs. 33)
The kingdom of God and His righteousness more the focus (more what I desire and what I seek) than is food, drink, or clothes (basic physical necessities). The word in Matthew 6:24-34 isn't spirit and life for me yet when I only receive it as "Don't worry" advice. This same word does become spirit and life when I let it draw me into God's kingdom and righteousness as more present and more important than food, drink or clothes. The kingdom of God and God's righteousness are more essential and more deserving of my time and attention than even the basic necessities of life. That is spirit and life.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Receiving May 17 worship scriptures
Scriptures for May 17, 2008
Genesis 1:1 - 2:4a
Psalm 8
2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Matthew 28:16-20
You are invited to receive the Word as spirit and life.
There are suggestions for how to do this at http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html Whether or not you attend a church that will focus on these same scriptures May 17 (or 18), you can receive these scriptures and then interact with others who are doing the same. The primary purpose of this blog is to encourage people to prayerfully receive the Word as spirit and life. It is not the purpose here to give you devotional words about the Word. It's not the purpose to explain or interpret the Word. The purpose is to encourage and enable you to receive the Word yourself.
The purpose of this blog is being realized when you are receiving the Word, and pondering it in your heart (the center of your whole being). http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html is provided to help you do that. Following are the notes I made while doing what you are invited to do. Use these notes to help you receive the Word. If just reading and reflecting on the following notes (without taking time to prepare your own notes first) helps you receive and ponder the Word in your heart, then they are still serving some of their purpose.
May 10 prayer for receiving
Receiving You and Your Word as spirit and life.
Receiving You, God, not just some other part of me.
Paths of my being cleared to receive Your Word as spirit and life.
Diminish my doing and being; increase Yours.
Paths cleared by Your coming, paths cleared by my faith.
Let receiving be what my soul longs for and what Your heart desires.
Genesis 1:1 - 2:4a (selections and reflections)
"The Spirit of God was hovering over..." (vs. 2)
1 light darkness
day night
2 heaven Waters under divided from waters above
3 earth seas
grass, herbs, trees
4 greater light to rule the day lesser light to rule the night
stars
5 water creatures
winged birds
Blessed to multiply
6 earth creatures
man, male and female, in God's image
given dominion; blessed to multiply
food given
From daily "good," to everything "very good." (vs. 31)
7 God rested (vs. 2)
God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it... (vs. 3)
There's a lot of dividing, separating, or distinguishing happening. Light and darkness, day and night, waters under and waters above, earth and sea, greater light and lesser light--these are divided (distinguished, separated). It occurs to me this prepares the way for a quality, a power, of complementing that couldn't happen without the clear divisions, the clear distinguishing.
Psalm 8 (selections and reflections)
"How excellent is Your name in all the earth." (vs. 1, 9)
This exclamation begins and ends this psalm.
"You who set Your glory above the heavens!" (vs. 1)
"What is man that You are mindful of him?" (vs. 4)
"You have crowned him with glory and honor." (vs. 5)
God's glory above the heavens that are the work of God's fingers (vs. 3). It's not the whole hand, just the fingers that shape the smallest details. The whole sky full of stars, and their moons and planets--the whole fabulous, unfathomable universe is the needlework of God.
Words like the Psalmist used, clearly distinguish the glory above the heavens from all other glory.
After God's glory is clearly distinguished, then it is shared.
First, the Psalmist (like the Creator) divides, establishing the immense contrast between the glory of God and any other glory. After the glory above the heavens is fully recognized for what it is, then we're prepared for glory on earth. God crowns people with glory. When the glory above the heavens is clearly distinguished, and I see it for what it is (or at least I begin to do that!), then I'm prepared to receive the glory under the heavens, right here on earth, where it crowns God's people.
2 Corinthians 13:11-13 (selections and reflections)
"Become complete." (vs. 1)
In connection with the other passages this week, this becomes an appeal to bring full articulation into wholeness. That is, let the clearly divided or distinguished aspects of creation, and salvation, be combined as intended so they can complement each other.
"Be of good comfort..." (vs. 1)
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and
the love of God, and
the communion of the Holy Spirit..." (vs. 14)
Is this just a standard closing at the end of an epistle, something like "Sincerely" at the end of a business letter? Is it just a form?
Or, is verse 14 an over-arching, heart-inhabiting essential? Is it substance that gives substance to everything else said in the letter? Is it a prayer to be repeated, like breath is repeatedly inhaled and exhaled; like heart beats are repeated. Is the repeating of this prayer a way for spirit and life to remain in us?
Matthew 28:18-20 (selections and reflections)
"...in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (vs. 19)
A formula? A form? A routine? A ritual? Or vastly more?
What did, or will, it mean to be baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit? What is there about each--Father, Son and Holy Spirit--that is especially compelling to Bible writers, and to me? What is there about the three together that is especially compelling to Bible writers, and to me? How can I grow in love for Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
Genesis 1:1 - 2:4a
Psalm 8
2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Matthew 28:16-20
You are invited to receive the Word as spirit and life.
There are suggestions for how to do this at http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html Whether or not you attend a church that will focus on these same scriptures May 17 (or 18), you can receive these scriptures and then interact with others who are doing the same. The primary purpose of this blog is to encourage people to prayerfully receive the Word as spirit and life. It is not the purpose here to give you devotional words about the Word. It's not the purpose to explain or interpret the Word. The purpose is to encourage and enable you to receive the Word yourself.
The purpose of this blog is being realized when you are receiving the Word, and pondering it in your heart (the center of your whole being). http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html is provided to help you do that. Following are the notes I made while doing what you are invited to do. Use these notes to help you receive the Word. If just reading and reflecting on the following notes (without taking time to prepare your own notes first) helps you receive and ponder the Word in your heart, then they are still serving some of their purpose.
May 10 prayer for receiving
Receiving You and Your Word as spirit and life.
Receiving You, God, not just some other part of me.
Paths of my being cleared to receive Your Word as spirit and life.
Diminish my doing and being; increase Yours.
Paths cleared by Your coming, paths cleared by my faith.
Let receiving be what my soul longs for and what Your heart desires.
Genesis 1:1 - 2:4a (selections and reflections)
"The Spirit of God was hovering over..." (vs. 2)
1 light darkness
day night
2 heaven Waters under divided from waters above
3 earth seas
grass, herbs, trees
4 greater light to rule the day lesser light to rule the night
stars
5 water creatures
winged birds
Blessed to multiply
6 earth creatures
man, male and female, in God's image
given dominion; blessed to multiply
food given
From daily "good," to everything "very good." (vs. 31)
7 God rested (vs. 2)
God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it... (vs. 3)
There's a lot of dividing, separating, or distinguishing happening. Light and darkness, day and night, waters under and waters above, earth and sea, greater light and lesser light--these are divided (distinguished, separated). It occurs to me this prepares the way for a quality, a power, of complementing that couldn't happen without the clear divisions, the clear distinguishing.
Psalm 8 (selections and reflections)
"How excellent is Your name in all the earth." (vs. 1, 9)
This exclamation begins and ends this psalm.
"You who set Your glory above the heavens!" (vs. 1)
"What is man that You are mindful of him?" (vs. 4)
"You have crowned him with glory and honor." (vs. 5)
God's glory above the heavens that are the work of God's fingers (vs. 3). It's not the whole hand, just the fingers that shape the smallest details. The whole sky full of stars, and their moons and planets--the whole fabulous, unfathomable universe is the needlework of God.
Words like the Psalmist used, clearly distinguish the glory above the heavens from all other glory.
After God's glory is clearly distinguished, then it is shared.
First, the Psalmist (like the Creator) divides, establishing the immense contrast between the glory of God and any other glory. After the glory above the heavens is fully recognized for what it is, then we're prepared for glory on earth. God crowns people with glory. When the glory above the heavens is clearly distinguished, and I see it for what it is (or at least I begin to do that!), then I'm prepared to receive the glory under the heavens, right here on earth, where it crowns God's people.
2 Corinthians 13:11-13 (selections and reflections)
"Become complete." (vs. 1)
In connection with the other passages this week, this becomes an appeal to bring full articulation into wholeness. That is, let the clearly divided or distinguished aspects of creation, and salvation, be combined as intended so they can complement each other.
"Be of good comfort..." (vs. 1)
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and
the love of God, and
the communion of the Holy Spirit..." (vs. 14)
Is this just a standard closing at the end of an epistle, something like "Sincerely" at the end of a business letter? Is it just a form?
Or, is verse 14 an over-arching, heart-inhabiting essential? Is it substance that gives substance to everything else said in the letter? Is it a prayer to be repeated, like breath is repeatedly inhaled and exhaled; like heart beats are repeated. Is the repeating of this prayer a way for spirit and life to remain in us?
Matthew 28:18-20 (selections and reflections)
"...in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (vs. 19)
A formula? A form? A routine? A ritual? Or vastly more?
What did, or will, it mean to be baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit? What is there about each--Father, Son and Holy Spirit--that is especially compelling to Bible writers, and to me? What is there about the three together that is especially compelling to Bible writers, and to me? How can I grow in love for Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Receiving May 10, 2008, worship scriptures
Make the most of this post.
Receive the Word for yourself first. Suggestions for doing this are at http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html
Following are the notes I made while doing what I'm inviting you to do.
Scriptures for May 10, 2008
Numbers 11:24-30
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
Acts 2:1-21
John 7:37-39
May 3 prayer for receiving
Thank you, God, for the desire to receive Your Word as spirit and life. Thank you for the times and ways you have satisfied this desire, and then increased the desire again. Enable me to receive again and more fully today, especially now.
Numbers 11:24-30 (selections and reflections)
"Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put His spirit upon them!" (vs. 29)
Oh that is good. It's heart satisfying. That's what came over me as I received this story that climaxes in Moses saying, "Oh, that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put His spirit upon them!"
"...the seventy elders...prophesied." (vs. 25)
"...Eldad and...Medad... prophesied." (vs. 26)
"Oh, that all the LORD's people were prophets..." (vs. 29)
Receiving the Spirit of God and prophesying.
Receiving the words of others who have received the Spirit and prophesy.
What does this story show about both? What does it show about responding to the Spirit directly, and also to someone with a Spirit-given message?
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b (selections and reflections)
"This great and wide sea,
In which are innumerable teeming things..." (vs. 25)
The Blue Planet is a miniseries about the ocean (a four-videodisc set available at public libraries) that, among many other aspects of ocean life, shows vast underwater "clouds" of those innumerable teeming things. This miniseries is this verse in your living room! It's a series that helps me receive the great and wide sea part of this fabulous Psalm.
"You take away their breath, they die..." (vs. 29)
"You send forth Your Spirit, they are created;" (vs. 30)
Life in creatures from the Spirit of God.
Life in human beings from the Spirit of God--physical life and spiritual life.
The Spirit sustains physical and spiritual life.
"May the glory of the LORD endure forever;" (vs. 31)
The more we see and ponder the connection between the manifold works of God in the earth (vs. 24 ff) and the glory of God (vs. 31), the more amazing it becomes. The size and splendor of the glory we can already see is more than any, or all, of us can absorb. Beyond this present glory, there is the unspeakably greater glory to come. The Spirit is our Guide in this territory that either eludes or overwhelms us without Him. And imagine this: The people of God are part of the present glory, and they will also be part of the glory of God that is to come. That is great to realize in the best of times and the worst of times. The glory of God mattered to Jesus; being glorified with God mattered to Jesus; and giving God's glory to others mattered to Jesus (John 17:1,5,22). This week's and last week's scriptures encourage me to love and seek God's glory the way Jesus did.
Acts 2:1-21 (selections and reflections)
"...a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house..." (vs. 2)
"Then...tongues, as of fire..." (vs. 3)
"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak..." (vs. 4)
Sound and sight.
Filled house; filled humans.
They heard and saw. They knew the house was filled. They knew they were filled.
Ponder how the Holy Spirit has come to people you know, and to you.
"We hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God." (vs. 11)
Here are some reactions to what was happening:
- confused (vs. 6)
- amazed and marvelling (vs. 7)
- amazed and perplexed (vs. 12)
- mocking (vs. 13)
The word, in Peter's sermon (that begins in vs. 14) and spoken by the prophet Joel (vss. 17-21), helps the people receive and respond to what was happening.
Supernatural happenings combined with the word. Letting that connection sink in all the more is important.
John 7:37-39 (selections and reflections)
"If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.
"He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.
"He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive..." (vss. 37-39)
What are this week's scriptures showing me about believers receiving the Holy Spirit today?
One thing that's highlighted for me is that the Spirit and words go together; the people who are filled with the Spirit speak. It's sort of like air inhaled becomes air exhaled; the Spirit received becomes words expressed.
Receiving the Holy Spirit is the best and most essential receiving I can imagine. What's it like within and among believers when that receiving happens? Too many times the actions or words that the speaker thinks the Spirit inspired don't seem very inviting or desirable to those who see or hear them. There are a lot of scriptures that help a person discern the genuine. Experience also teaches us about the genuine.
May Day I was looking for a small potted plant in bloom. There are lots to choose from. I scanned the racks and racks of them, and liked the small white mums best that day. Then I started choosing which one of the many little boxes of small white mums. Some were "past their prime," others weren't in full bloom yet. I wanted full blooms that would stay fresh. (How much should a person expect from a blossom!) What occurs to me is how Spirit-given life is visible; we recognize fresh, vibrant life. We can see Spirit-given life in people, something like we recognize the life in a plant. If the words we speak don't seem to convince, we can let our life convince. Receive the Spirit, and let the water of life flow. That is water of life that flows, not frustrating or irritating actions or words.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Receiving May 3, 2008, worship scriptures
To make the most of this post, begin by receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself. Suggestions for doing this are at http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html
Whether or not you attend a church that will focus on the following scriptures May 3 (or 4) you can receive these scriptures and compare notes with others who are doing the same.
Scriptures for May 3, 2008
Acts 1:6-14
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
John 17:1-11
April 26 prayer for receiving
Blessed is the one whose heart is set on pilgrimage (Psalm 84:5). And the one whose heart is set on pilgrimage goes from strength to strength. Through today's circumstances, this blessing is renewed and it also speaks to me today about receptivity. The strength of my Spirit-born desire to receive becomes the strength of actually receiving. The strength of actually receiving becomes fuller receptivity. Please God, let my receptivity go from strength to strength today.
Acts 1:6-14 (selections and reflections)
"When they had come together, they asked Him, saying, 'Lord will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?'" (vs. 6)
What does a person say to, or ask, the risen Christ?! What question would I have asked? Be with their question and what it says about them and the kingdom--the kingdom God promised through the Old Testament and proclaimed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
"It is not for you to know..." (vs. 7)
"But you shall receive power... and... be witnesses to Me..." (vs. 8)
Consider the move from knowledge (or relying on knowledge) to power. Consider how that movement (from knowledge to power) affected early and all subsequent Christianity. How does the movement from knowledge to power affect us individually? Have I ever wanted knowledge and been given power instead? Have I, or my church, ever insisted on knowledge instead of receiving power?
"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;" (vs. 8)
Some people seem to excel at power dynamics, that is at "getting" or claiming power, and using and keeping it. Other people seem quite clueless about how to get, use, or keep power. The clueless sometimes feel superior to, or at least more humble than (!), people with power. Power can attract, repel, or trick us.
At this last meeting with His disciples before the Ascension, Jesus told them a soon-coming fact about power: you shall receive power... Ponder how receiving power differs from achieving power.
"...when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." (vs. 8)
Be, as far as possible, one of the disciples hearing that just before the cloud received Jesus, and they no longer saw Him. What happens in your heart and mind? What desire, fear, hope, or hesitancy do those words stir up?
"This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." (vs. 11)
The word and works of God and the responses of the people of God prepared the way for Jesus' life, death and resurrection.
Anticipation and preparation before Jesus was born an infant.
Anticipation and preparation before Jesus comes in the clouds and in glory.
How are these two times of anticipation and preparation similar; how are they different?
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 (selections and reflections)
"Extol Him who rides on the clouds" (vs. 4)
"The earth shook;
the heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God;
Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel" (vs. 8)
"To Him who rides on the heaven of heavens...
...His strength is in the clouds." (vss. 33, 34)
Letting these words from Psalm 68 "settle in" with Acts 1:11 blesses me!
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 (selections and reflections)
These verses from 1 Peter 4 and 5 include the following disturbing words: Fiery trial, sufferings, reproached, cares, adversary the devil, roaring lion, sufferings
Ponder (always!) how the crucified and risen Christ comes before these words of suffering, and the glorified returning Christ follows these words of suffering. Life as we know it, with terrible suffering included, is meant to be connected with the Word already spoken, and the Word to come in glory. Consider how the crucified and risen Christ and the returning, glorified Christ are the past and future that enter and affect the present, and all its sufferings.
"But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." (vss. 10,11)
John 17:1-11 (selections and reflections)
"Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You..." (vs. 1)
"And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was." (vs. 5)
These words from Jesus' prayer, combined with the other scriptures this week, invite a person to realize again, or perhaps for the first time, that the glory of God, and being glorified, are (1) extremely important, and (2) worked out, or realized, in the very worst, yet best, possible outcomes--the crucifixion and resurrection.
Glory isn't just something we're supposed to give to God, being careful not to take any to ourselves. How do I really catch on to the glory of God--how immense, and how desirable it is? Also, Peter in this week's scriptures (and Paul in Romans 8:18) show me that it is shared glory. The God of all grace has called us to His eternal glory by Jesus Christ (1 Peter 5:10)
The other day I received and relayed some extraordinary photography by email. A friend, whose praise is weighty (it's not passed out recklessly or without good cause!) responded saying the photography is breathtaking. The times we see and recognize the breathtaking are windows into glory. How much we enjoy the glimpses! Consider how overwhelmingly much we will enjoy the encounter with the returning, glorified Christ. The glory of God is compelling--our hearts are drawn to it.
Whether or not you attend a church that will focus on the following scriptures May 3 (or 4) you can receive these scriptures and compare notes with others who are doing the same.
Scriptures for May 3, 2008
Acts 1:6-14
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
John 17:1-11
April 26 prayer for receiving
Blessed is the one whose heart is set on pilgrimage (Psalm 84:5). And the one whose heart is set on pilgrimage goes from strength to strength. Through today's circumstances, this blessing is renewed and it also speaks to me today about receptivity. The strength of my Spirit-born desire to receive becomes the strength of actually receiving. The strength of actually receiving becomes fuller receptivity. Please God, let my receptivity go from strength to strength today.
Acts 1:6-14 (selections and reflections)
"When they had come together, they asked Him, saying, 'Lord will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?'" (vs. 6)
What does a person say to, or ask, the risen Christ?! What question would I have asked? Be with their question and what it says about them and the kingdom--the kingdom God promised through the Old Testament and proclaimed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
"It is not for you to know..." (vs. 7)
"But you shall receive power... and... be witnesses to Me..." (vs. 8)
Consider the move from knowledge (or relying on knowledge) to power. Consider how that movement (from knowledge to power) affected early and all subsequent Christianity. How does the movement from knowledge to power affect us individually? Have I ever wanted knowledge and been given power instead? Have I, or my church, ever insisted on knowledge instead of receiving power?
"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;" (vs. 8)
Some people seem to excel at power dynamics, that is at "getting" or claiming power, and using and keeping it. Other people seem quite clueless about how to get, use, or keep power. The clueless sometimes feel superior to, or at least more humble than (!), people with power. Power can attract, repel, or trick us.
At this last meeting with His disciples before the Ascension, Jesus told them a soon-coming fact about power: you shall receive power... Ponder how receiving power differs from achieving power.
"...when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." (vs. 8)
Be, as far as possible, one of the disciples hearing that just before the cloud received Jesus, and they no longer saw Him. What happens in your heart and mind? What desire, fear, hope, or hesitancy do those words stir up?
"This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." (vs. 11)
The word and works of God and the responses of the people of God prepared the way for Jesus' life, death and resurrection.
Anticipation and preparation before Jesus was born an infant.
Anticipation and preparation before Jesus comes in the clouds and in glory.
How are these two times of anticipation and preparation similar; how are they different?
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 (selections and reflections)
"Extol Him who rides on the clouds" (vs. 4)
"The earth shook;
the heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God;
Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel" (vs. 8)
"To Him who rides on the heaven of heavens...
...His strength is in the clouds." (vss. 33, 34)
Letting these words from Psalm 68 "settle in" with Acts 1:11 blesses me!
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 (selections and reflections)
These verses from 1 Peter 4 and 5 include the following disturbing words: Fiery trial, sufferings, reproached, cares, adversary the devil, roaring lion, sufferings
Ponder (always!) how the crucified and risen Christ comes before these words of suffering, and the glorified returning Christ follows these words of suffering. Life as we know it, with terrible suffering included, is meant to be connected with the Word already spoken, and the Word to come in glory. Consider how the crucified and risen Christ and the returning, glorified Christ are the past and future that enter and affect the present, and all its sufferings.
"But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." (vss. 10,11)
John 17:1-11 (selections and reflections)
"Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You..." (vs. 1)
"And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was." (vs. 5)
These words from Jesus' prayer, combined with the other scriptures this week, invite a person to realize again, or perhaps for the first time, that the glory of God, and being glorified, are (1) extremely important, and (2) worked out, or realized, in the very worst, yet best, possible outcomes--the crucifixion and resurrection.
Glory isn't just something we're supposed to give to God, being careful not to take any to ourselves. How do I really catch on to the glory of God--how immense, and how desirable it is? Also, Peter in this week's scriptures (and Paul in Romans 8:18) show me that it is shared glory. The God of all grace has called us to His eternal glory by Jesus Christ (1 Peter 5:10)
The other day I received and relayed some extraordinary photography by email. A friend, whose praise is weighty (it's not passed out recklessly or without good cause!) responded saying the photography is breathtaking. The times we see and recognize the breathtaking are windows into glory. How much we enjoy the glimpses! Consider how overwhelmingly much we will enjoy the encounter with the returning, glorified Christ. The glory of God is compelling--our hearts are drawn to it.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Receiving April 26, 2008, worship scriptures
Scriptures for April 26, 2008:
Acts 17:22-31
Psalm 66:8-20
1 Peter 3:13-22
John 14:15-21
Begin by receiving these scriptures as spirit and life--for yourself. Then learn from and grow with others who are doing the same. Ask a friend to join you in this weekly spiritual exercise. For simple suggestions about how to receive the Word as spirit and life see http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html
April 19 prayer for receiving
God, You are closer than my breath and also so far beyond all this. Comfort me with Your closeness and fill me with reverence by contact with Your infinite surpassing power. In comfort and reverence let my receptivity thrive.
Acts 17:22-31 (selections and reflections)
"...you are very religious;" (vs. 22)
"...as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.'" (vs. 28)
This is a call from religion on to the Man ordained by God and raised from the dead (vs. 31). Paul met his listeners where they were and used their religious strength as the starting point. And Paul drew them on. He didn't stay with them where they were.
"...the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you:" (vs. 23)
Consider the confidence it takes to proclaim the One. What makes an individual or group convincing in doing this? How do individuals and groups proclaim the One, without becoming spiritually proud or in some other way obnoxious? How do individuals and groups respect diversity and still proclaim the One?
"...we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising." (vs. 29)
Does a belief in verse 31 prevent a person from falling into the sin of verse 29? I'm afraid not. The resurrected Christ can be shaped by art and man's devising. Destroying art doesn't destroy the sin of verse 29 either. It occurs to me that the sin of verse 29 is humans shaping or devising Divine Nature. There is something really simple here, but it's not always easy to recognize in ourselves or others. It's humans presuming to take control over the Divine Nature or some small part of it. This is a ridiculous thing no one would agree to, except that it is done in ways we don't always recognize. Maybe one way to notice when it's happening is to ask, "Am I telling or showing myself or others what God is like, or am I opening up to God more and more, and inviting others to do the same?" I might also ask, "Am I receiving what has been revealed about God, or am I shaping and devising what I think I or others need to know about God?"
From Paul's address at the Areopagus I'm encouraged to proclaim the One and never to shape or devise the One.
Psalm 66:8-20 (selections and reflections)
"Oh, bless our God...
Who keeps... and does not...
For You have...proved us... refined us... brought us into... laid affliction on... caused...
We went through fire and through water;
But You brought us out to rich fulfillment." (vss. 8-12)
"I will declare what He has done for my soul." (vs. 16)
"Blessed be God..." (vs. 20)
We bless God by receiving God and God's "doings" and then declaring what God has done. The movement is from God to us, the recipients. We receive, then tell what happened. That's much different than shaping and devising God.
That we can bless God is something I only partly "get." Of course it's not hard to see how parents are blessed when their children receive and respond to love with love. So of course we can bless God! Blessing isn't just a person in a position of power being kind to someone less fortunate!
1 Peter 3:13-22 (selections and reflections)
"But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed." (vs. 14)
"Christ also suffered...that He might bring us to God..." (vs. 18)
"Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him." (vs. 22)
See the link between suffering and blessedness.
See that suffering unites us with God.
See that suffering is surpassed--angels, authorities and powers are subject to the One who suffered.
"Sanctify the Lord God...
be ready (to 'answer for' hope)...
with meekness and fear;
having a good conscience..." (vss 15, 16)
Consider what it's like to do these things instead of being afraid of threats or troubled (vs. 14).
Sanctifying God happens in the heart; we could say it's a matter of letting God be holy to and in us. That is, God's holiness is realized in the heart. What we believe in, know or trust is to become a heart reality during suffering.
Being ready to "answer for" hope, with meekness and fear. What a picture. Consider how that readiness, and meekness and fear affect suffering; consider how much they are needed during suffering.
John 14:15-21 (selections and reflections)
"...He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever." (vs. 16)
"...the spirit of truth..." (vs. 17)
"...He dwells with you and will be in you." (vs. 17)
"...I will love him and manifest Myself to him." (vs. 21)
He manifests Himself to us. This is the opposite of Him being shaped or devised by us.
Acts 17:22-31
Psalm 66:8-20
1 Peter 3:13-22
John 14:15-21
Begin by receiving these scriptures as spirit and life--for yourself. Then learn from and grow with others who are doing the same. Ask a friend to join you in this weekly spiritual exercise. For simple suggestions about how to receive the Word as spirit and life see http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html
April 19 prayer for receiving
God, You are closer than my breath and also so far beyond all this. Comfort me with Your closeness and fill me with reverence by contact with Your infinite surpassing power. In comfort and reverence let my receptivity thrive.
Acts 17:22-31 (selections and reflections)
"...you are very religious;" (vs. 22)
"...as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.'" (vs. 28)
This is a call from religion on to the Man ordained by God and raised from the dead (vs. 31). Paul met his listeners where they were and used their religious strength as the starting point. And Paul drew them on. He didn't stay with them where they were.
"...the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you:" (vs. 23)
Consider the confidence it takes to proclaim the One. What makes an individual or group convincing in doing this? How do individuals and groups proclaim the One, without becoming spiritually proud or in some other way obnoxious? How do individuals and groups respect diversity and still proclaim the One?
"...we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising." (vs. 29)
Does a belief in verse 31 prevent a person from falling into the sin of verse 29? I'm afraid not. The resurrected Christ can be shaped by art and man's devising. Destroying art doesn't destroy the sin of verse 29 either. It occurs to me that the sin of verse 29 is humans shaping or devising Divine Nature. There is something really simple here, but it's not always easy to recognize in ourselves or others. It's humans presuming to take control over the Divine Nature or some small part of it. This is a ridiculous thing no one would agree to, except that it is done in ways we don't always recognize. Maybe one way to notice when it's happening is to ask, "Am I telling or showing myself or others what God is like, or am I opening up to God more and more, and inviting others to do the same?" I might also ask, "Am I receiving what has been revealed about God, or am I shaping and devising what I think I or others need to know about God?"
From Paul's address at the Areopagus I'm encouraged to proclaim the One and never to shape or devise the One.
Psalm 66:8-20 (selections and reflections)
"Oh, bless our God...
Who keeps... and does not...
For You have...proved us... refined us... brought us into... laid affliction on... caused...
We went through fire and through water;
But You brought us out to rich fulfillment." (vss. 8-12)
"I will declare what He has done for my soul." (vs. 16)
"Blessed be God..." (vs. 20)
We bless God by receiving God and God's "doings" and then declaring what God has done. The movement is from God to us, the recipients. We receive, then tell what happened. That's much different than shaping and devising God.
That we can bless God is something I only partly "get." Of course it's not hard to see how parents are blessed when their children receive and respond to love with love. So of course we can bless God! Blessing isn't just a person in a position of power being kind to someone less fortunate!
1 Peter 3:13-22 (selections and reflections)
"But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed." (vs. 14)
"Christ also suffered...that He might bring us to God..." (vs. 18)
"Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him." (vs. 22)
See the link between suffering and blessedness.
See that suffering unites us with God.
See that suffering is surpassed--angels, authorities and powers are subject to the One who suffered.
"Sanctify the Lord God...
be ready (to 'answer for' hope)...
with meekness and fear;
having a good conscience..." (vss 15, 16)
Consider what it's like to do these things instead of being afraid of threats or troubled (vs. 14).
Sanctifying God happens in the heart; we could say it's a matter of letting God be holy to and in us. That is, God's holiness is realized in the heart. What we believe in, know or trust is to become a heart reality during suffering.
Being ready to "answer for" hope, with meekness and fear. What a picture. Consider how that readiness, and meekness and fear affect suffering; consider how much they are needed during suffering.
John 14:15-21 (selections and reflections)
"...He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever." (vs. 16)
"...the spirit of truth..." (vs. 17)
"...He dwells with you and will be in you." (vs. 17)
"...I will love him and manifest Myself to him." (vs. 21)
He manifests Himself to us. This is the opposite of Him being shaped or devised by us.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Receiving April 19, 2008, worship scriptures
Scriptures for April 19, 2008:
Acts 7:55-60
Psalm 31:1-6, 15-16
1 Peter 2:2-10
John 14:1-10
The first step is for you to receive these worship scriptures as spirit and life. See http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html for suggestions about how to do this. After you have your own notes, compare notes. The following can help you do that.
My April 12 prayer for receiving
Please, God, enable my heart to receive Your Word and be broken and strengthened by it. Make my eyes and ears ever better paths into my heart.
Acts 7:55-60 (selections and reflections)
"And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God..." (vs. 59)
The people who stoned Stephen were "cut to the heart" (vs. 54) when they heard what Stephen said. The people who heard Peter (Acts 2) were also "cut to the heart" (vs. 37). It wasn't a conciliatory, don't make anybody uncomfortable arrangement. They were cut to the heart. What followed was either repentance and baptism (Acts 2) or murder (Acts 7). When listeners were cut to the heart they didn't vacillate, compromise, or postpone. They decided, and acted.
How can I listen to God's Word so I am cut to the heart and repent and grow more fully into my baptism? Can, or should, I speak so others are cut to the heart? Do I want to? What if those I speak to are the kind of listeners who murder the messenger?
Psalm 31:1-6, 15-16 (selections and reflections)
"In You, O LORD..." (vs. 1)
It would be possible to read this Psalm and think Wow! too bad this Psalm didn't work for Stephen. Then I look again.
trust (vss. 1, 6)
never ashamed (vs. 1)
deliver... (vss. 1, 2, 15)
rock and fortress (2, 3)
my strength (vs. 4)
Into Your hand I commit my spirit (vs. 5)
My times are in Your hand (vs. 15)
You have redeemed me, O LORD God of truth (vs. 5)
Make your face shine upon Your servant (vs. 16)
I reflect on Stephen:
full of the Holy Spirit gazing into heaven and seeing the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. I see him calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." I hear him say as he dies, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin."
As I reflect, Psalm 31 becomes beautifully and powerfully Stephen's Psalm. Trust, freedom from shame, and deliverance shine out of Stephen's story, especially his dying, all the way into our day. God was Stephen's rock, fortress and strength. Stephen committed his spirit to Jesus; and he was redeemed by the God of truth. How the face of God shined upon him; the glory from heaven was so bright and real that Stephen invited others to look and see it with him.
1 Peter 2:2-10 (selections and reflections)
"Coming to Him as to a living stone..." (vs. 4)
A living stone (ah, the rock in Psalm 31:2, 3 is also alive). It's not enough to have spring send green shoots up through the dirt; stones come to life. This is life so alive and vibrant even the stones "catch" it! Our God, our Redeemer, is a living stone; we are living stones (vs. 5). Stones crying out (Habakkuk 2:11; Luke 19:40).
"...rejected... chosen... precious..." (vs. 4, 6, 7)
Rejected and precious are not easy to keep together. The more rejected we feel, the less precious we feel. And, of course, we know the precious are chosen and the rejected are not chosen. Yet, the Living Stone is rejected, chosen and precious. So are the living stones of verse 5.
"...a holy priesthood..." (vs. 5)
"...a royal priesthood..." (vs. 9)
Peter's writing to the pilgrims of the dispersion (1:1). Pilgrims of the dispersion. How's that for describing what it's like to be a Christian today! The scattering and dispersion is getting downright geometric in an age described by one writer as the confetti age.
If there were a word that might help to unite the pilgrims of the dispersion, it probably wouldn't be priesthood. That may be good enough reason to look again. What if I could let go of what I do or don't believe about priesthood; what if I could let go of what my denomination does or doesn't believe about priesthood? What if I could just receive the spirit and life: you are a holy priesthood; you are a royal priesthood.
"...into His marvelous light." (vs. 9)
This takes me back to Stephen gazing into heaven and the glory of God.
"...now have obtained mercy." (vs. 10)
Psalm 31 appeals to God's mercy (vs. 9) for His mercies' sake (vs. 16) Ponder mercy as a word about God, and about our condition. Open to the size of that word. Love and respect mercy. Gratefully receive it and grow in appreciation of it.
John 14:1-10 (selections and reflections)
"Let not your heart be troubled..." (vs. 1)
Stephen's death must have troubled hearts. And, if some were not troubled by his death, they must have been troubled by seeing the crucified and risen Christ resisted and rejected. They must have been troubled that some did not choose what they loved supremely. Wouldn't they also be troubled that they didn't manage to somehow convey the message so that it would be accepted? In spite of all of this, and in the midst of all of this, "Let not your heart be troubled" can become spirit and life. As we actually receive the troubling experiences (instead of bypassing them, or somehow explaining them away), we can also actually receive the surpassing words: Let not your heart be troubled.
"...you believe in God, believe also in Me." (vs. 1)
"...you know Him and have seen Him." (vs. 7)
Acts 7:55-60
Psalm 31:1-6, 15-16
1 Peter 2:2-10
John 14:1-10
The first step is for you to receive these worship scriptures as spirit and life. See http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html for suggestions about how to do this. After you have your own notes, compare notes. The following can help you do that.
My April 12 prayer for receiving
Please, God, enable my heart to receive Your Word and be broken and strengthened by it. Make my eyes and ears ever better paths into my heart.
Acts 7:55-60 (selections and reflections)
"And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God..." (vs. 59)
The people who stoned Stephen were "cut to the heart" (vs. 54) when they heard what Stephen said. The people who heard Peter (Acts 2) were also "cut to the heart" (vs. 37). It wasn't a conciliatory, don't make anybody uncomfortable arrangement. They were cut to the heart. What followed was either repentance and baptism (Acts 2) or murder (Acts 7). When listeners were cut to the heart they didn't vacillate, compromise, or postpone. They decided, and acted.
How can I listen to God's Word so I am cut to the heart and repent and grow more fully into my baptism? Can, or should, I speak so others are cut to the heart? Do I want to? What if those I speak to are the kind of listeners who murder the messenger?
Psalm 31:1-6, 15-16 (selections and reflections)
"In You, O LORD..." (vs. 1)
It would be possible to read this Psalm and think Wow! too bad this Psalm didn't work for Stephen. Then I look again.
trust (vss. 1, 6)
never ashamed (vs. 1)
deliver... (vss. 1, 2, 15)
rock and fortress (2, 3)
my strength (vs. 4)
Into Your hand I commit my spirit (vs. 5)
My times are in Your hand (vs. 15)
You have redeemed me, O LORD God of truth (vs. 5)
Make your face shine upon Your servant (vs. 16)
I reflect on Stephen:
full of the Holy Spirit gazing into heaven and seeing the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. I see him calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." I hear him say as he dies, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin."
As I reflect, Psalm 31 becomes beautifully and powerfully Stephen's Psalm. Trust, freedom from shame, and deliverance shine out of Stephen's story, especially his dying, all the way into our day. God was Stephen's rock, fortress and strength. Stephen committed his spirit to Jesus; and he was redeemed by the God of truth. How the face of God shined upon him; the glory from heaven was so bright and real that Stephen invited others to look and see it with him.
1 Peter 2:2-10 (selections and reflections)
"Coming to Him as to a living stone..." (vs. 4)
A living stone (ah, the rock in Psalm 31:2, 3 is also alive). It's not enough to have spring send green shoots up through the dirt; stones come to life. This is life so alive and vibrant even the stones "catch" it! Our God, our Redeemer, is a living stone; we are living stones (vs. 5). Stones crying out (Habakkuk 2:11; Luke 19:40).
"...rejected... chosen... precious..." (vs. 4, 6, 7)
Rejected and precious are not easy to keep together. The more rejected we feel, the less precious we feel. And, of course, we know the precious are chosen and the rejected are not chosen. Yet, the Living Stone is rejected, chosen and precious. So are the living stones of verse 5.
"...a holy priesthood..." (vs. 5)
"...a royal priesthood..." (vs. 9)
Peter's writing to the pilgrims of the dispersion (1:1). Pilgrims of the dispersion. How's that for describing what it's like to be a Christian today! The scattering and dispersion is getting downright geometric in an age described by one writer as the confetti age.
If there were a word that might help to unite the pilgrims of the dispersion, it probably wouldn't be priesthood. That may be good enough reason to look again. What if I could let go of what I do or don't believe about priesthood; what if I could let go of what my denomination does or doesn't believe about priesthood? What if I could just receive the spirit and life: you are a holy priesthood; you are a royal priesthood.
"...into His marvelous light." (vs. 9)
This takes me back to Stephen gazing into heaven and the glory of God.
"...now have obtained mercy." (vs. 10)
Psalm 31 appeals to God's mercy (vs. 9) for His mercies' sake (vs. 16) Ponder mercy as a word about God, and about our condition. Open to the size of that word. Love and respect mercy. Gratefully receive it and grow in appreciation of it.
John 14:1-10 (selections and reflections)
"Let not your heart be troubled..." (vs. 1)
Stephen's death must have troubled hearts. And, if some were not troubled by his death, they must have been troubled by seeing the crucified and risen Christ resisted and rejected. They must have been troubled that some did not choose what they loved supremely. Wouldn't they also be troubled that they didn't manage to somehow convey the message so that it would be accepted? In spite of all of this, and in the midst of all of this, "Let not your heart be troubled" can become spirit and life. As we actually receive the troubling experiences (instead of bypassing them, or somehow explaining them away), we can also actually receive the surpassing words: Let not your heart be troubled.
"...you believe in God, believe also in Me." (vs. 1)
"...you know Him and have seen Him." (vs. 7)
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