Why Christianity is More Naturally Suited for Connection Rather Than Independence

In all the talk about disaffiliation within The United Methodist Church, many of the congregations that have left, have chosen independence rather than to be part of the Global Methodist Church or some other denomination.  

As an elder (and district superintendent) committed to The United Methodist Church, I realize that I am biased, but I consider the bid for independence to be more about self-preservation and less about understanding John Wesley's calling to see "the world as my parish."

Independence is attractive.  Leaving behind accountability is often more efficient in the short run but can have unforeseen consequences in the long run.

When I was in seminary at Candler, my wife Sheryl and I lived in Emory's married student housing on campus.  She commuted to work with the spouse of a med school student there and quickly discovered that this couple went to an independent non-denominational church in Atlanta.  

As they had about an hour commute through traffic each day, Sheryl quickly found out that this church was pretty conservative theologically.  In fact, their doctrine was that if you did not attend their church, you were going to Hell.   You would think that a couple paying money for school so that one of them could become a pastor might be an exception to the rule, but you would be wrong!

So, Sheryl, not one to be cowed, started asking her ride share about various people that were considered damned.  Finally, she played the one card she thought would make this woman reconsider.

"What about Mother Teresa?  Do you think she's going to Hell?"

"Well, she doesn't go to our church..."

The sheer spiritual audacity of such a statement seems bizarre to most who hear this story.  How would one possibly get to this position?

I would say lack of accountability.  When a church is independent, the lack of oversight can be apparent if a charismatic figure begins to lead a church away from its roots.

The math of such a position also doesn't add up.  A church that is independent can only reach a certain number of people within its zip code.  I recognize that with online worship and community, there are exceptions, but for the most part, churches impact the people within driving range.  

For the instance above, this church could only bring salvation to the people that were willing to attend, which in their own eyes meant that the majority of the world's population would burn in eternity.  What about all the poor souls born outside of Atlanta?

I grew up at Boston Avenue UMC
and was blessed with a large staff
of clergy which came from many
different United Methodist Churches.

An independent church has staff including pastors that likely come from all over.  They have migrated to this independent church and have found life through being employed there.  Within United Methodism, this is also true of our large churches in that appointments are made to this church from all around the conference.  The difference is that United Methodist congregations pay apportionments which help to lift up churches in other parts of their conference as well as other parts of the world.  

Part of these apportionments support accountability staff such as bishops and district superintendents, which provide for small, medium and large churches alike.  We support missionaries as well as disaster response around the globe.  Part of our apportionments support scholarships for United Methodist seminaries which train future pastors.  Apportionments support equitable compensation for when a smaller congregation has hit a rough patch.  They support monies for new church starts which help to share the good news with corners of our area that we have yet to reach.  And because these smaller churches are supported, they are more likely to reach one in their community who will eventually end up on the staff of a larger church.  Everybody comes from somewhere!

Now, a large church in an urban area could easily say, "Because of our size, prestige and salary support, we will easily be able to attract the kind of talent from other churches that will allow us to thrive into the future."

This is likely a true statement.  But if a church has thrown off connectionalism in favor of independence, they are not helping those other churches thrive.  When this becomes the case, the independent church has actually become predatory.  

They are only taking from the Body of Christ rather than building it up by being in connection around the world.   

The great commissioning at the end of Matthew's gospel reminds us to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  

I can't see how going independent allows a church to further achieve this over being in a connection.

When you ask a Christian who has gone independent how they could make a difference to someone living outside their area, they may be forced to answer, "Well, they don't go to our church..."

As I said above, I am biased.  But I am biased because I have been nurtured in the United Methodist connection.  This connection has reminded me countless times of the great commandment of Jesus to love God with all I am and to love my neighbor as I love myself.  Being in a church helps us to do the former well.  Being in a connection of churches helps us with the latter in a way that an independent church can't accomplish.

May God continue to bless The United Methodist Church as we see the world as our parish!

Photo by Ed Schipul via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons license.

What About the Next Bishop?

One of the questions I've heard lately as a district superintendent is, "Will Oklahoma receive a new bishop in January and how does this process happen?"

The UMC doesn't have quite the
fanfare for the election of our bishops
as say when a new pope is selected
but it is important to us nonetheless!

Because the pandemic prevented our normal gathering in July of 2020, we are meeting in November of this year which is an unusual date.

Normally, United Methodists gather every four years at a jurisdictional conference to elect bishops to lead.  They are then appointed to serve at one (or more) of the annual conferences that make up the jurisdiction.  We have five jurisdictions in the United States and Oklahoma resides in the South Central Jurisdiction (SCJ).  Our jurisdiction includes the annual conferences from Nebraska and Kansas (Great Plains), Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma (Oklahoma and Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conferences), New Mexico (which includes a sliver of Arizona) and Texas (Northwest Texas, Central Texas, North Texas, Rio Texas and Texas - 5 different annual conferences within this state - 6 if you include the OIMC churches in Texas).

The bishops are elected from elders within their jurisdictional area (there are exceptions where elders have been elected from areas outside the jurisdiction but this is rare and I don't believe the SCJ has ever done this).  Bishops are itinerant just like elders and are placed by the jurisdiction in a conference that is open (whose bishop is either retiring or moving).  Their initial placement is almost always in a conference different from the one out of which they are elected.  So, if I were elected bishop, since I come from the Oklahoma Conference, I would likely be placed in one of the other conferences mentioned above.  The advantage of the jurisdiction is that they share a lot of similarities theologically, philosophically, politically and culturally. It is thought that a person elected from another annual conference in this geographic area could more easily acculturate to the conference in which they are placed to lead (as opposed to someone else from outside this area).

Within the Oklahoma Conference, there has been some anxiety circulated that our current episcopal leader, Bishop Nunn, will either retire or be moved at the end of this year, following the called Jurisdictional Conference in early November.  

Bishop Nunn put to rest any fears in his pastoral letter to the conference that he would retire at the end of this year.

Interestingly enough, Bishop Nunn serves the only three-point charge in the South Central Jurisdiction with Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Indian Missionary (OIMC) and the Northwest Texas conferences.  The difficulty of this assignment is that each of these conferences are in a different place regarding disaffiliation.  The OIMC may have the fewest disaffiliations in the United States.  The Oklahoma Conference may end up with around ten percent of its churches disaffiliating (my current guesstimate) and the Northwest Texas Conference may have the most disaffiliations by percentage in the US.  So, Bishop Nunn must be aware of the context to which he is speaking because of the differing expectations of each setting.

While we have four openings in our jurisdiction for episcopal elections in November, the recommendation is that we only elect three.  According to the press release, the old New Mexico/Northwest Texas area will not be a landing site for one of the newly elected bishops but rather each of these conferences will continue to be filled as multi-charge sites for our bishops (New Mexico is currently led by Bishop Schnase who also oversees Rio Texas).  

When one considers that Northwest Texas will have a special called conference on December 3rd in order to vote on disaffiliations, the remaining churches will amount to the kind of numbers we would see in one of our smaller districts in Oklahoma (around 50).  Since this will create an unprecedented change in their conference, it is very, very likely that the Episcopacy Committee will leave Bishop Nunn in his current assignments through 2024.

While I would like to think that the fear of losing Bishop Nunn is prompted by love for him, the message I'm hearing from those who are afraid is that some are concerned a new ultra-liberal bishop will be appointed to Oklahoma in January and make it much more difficult on churches seeking to disaffiliate and clergy seeking to withdraw.

At this time, there are no ultra-liberal bishops that are running for episcopal office in our jurisdiction.  When you look at the places sending forth candidates (see above list of states), it allows us to know that we are getting someone from a similar context.  The candidates from these conferences must have a wide swath of support from across their conferences even to receive consideration.  This means that they have worked well across the theological and philosophical spectrum to be considered.

I know each of the three candidates likely to be elected and know that they are people who work within systems rather than those who would impose some kind of tyranny on those under their care.  The conferences that receive them will appreciate their leadership.  Regardless, due to the circumstances of Northwest Texas mentioned above, and the intention that the old pairing with New Mexico will not be renewed at this time, the expectation across the jurisdiction is that Bishop Nunn will continue to serve Oklahoma until September 1, 2024 at a minimum.  This date follows the normal timeline for jurisdictions to assign bishops for the quadrennium (four-year term). 

My hope is that this eases the minds of those within the Oklahoma Conference concerning the future of our church leadership.  As people of faith, we remember that God works through our processes as well and does not leave us entirely to our own devices!

I am confident that the people of the Oklahoma area will remain in good hands and that the United Methodists across our jurisdiction will be receiving leadership that will help them rather than hinder them.  May God continue to bless the world (and our corner of it) through The United Methodist Church!

Photo by Jeffrey Bruno via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons permission.

Disaffiliation Blues

As the Crossroads District Superintendent for the Oklahoma Conference, I have been a part of the conversation on churches disaffiliating and what those policies should include.  It is pretty cut and dry until you start plugging actual churches and names into the equation.  That's when it begins to be difficult.

I've found that as I continue to encounter videos, blogs, podcasts, emails and social media posts, that my energy level has begun to drag.  It sometimes feels like I'm putting more time into the people that don't want to be a part of our future over the people who are committed to working together in our denomination.

To be clear, I'm an evangelist for Jesus Christ through The United Methodist Church.  This is a part of the vow all United Methodists make when we become members of a local United Methodist church.  As an Elder in our denomination, a part of what I've been ordained to is the ordering of our church.  So, I'm not neutral when it comes to disaffiliation.  I try, however, to be fair and allow churches to follow the process that our Book of Discipline and our conference Board of Trustees have laid out for those seeking to leave.

Some have asked how I can do both at the same time?  It feels like walking a tightrope.  While I seek to share the Good News through The United Methodist Church, a part of our witness is that we are committed to being ecumenical or working together with other Christian bodies.  Within the Book of Discipline, paragraph 105 lines out "Our Theological Task."  This is where we find our commitment to the Wesleyan Quadrilateral as envisioned by Outler (Scripture, Tradition, Experience and Reason).  I find this an especially inciteful quote from this paragraph as it relates to our current situation:

"United Methodists as a diverse people continue to strive for consensus in understanding the gospel. In our diversity, we are held together by a shared inheritance and a common desire to participate in the creative and redemptive activity of God.  Our task is to articulate our vision in a way that will draw us together as a people in mission."

And the last piece of "Our Theological Task" is the section on our "Ecumenical Commitment."  As a part of prevenient or preceding grace, we understand that God is at work throughout Christendom and not just through our denomination or local church.  It is within this greater acknowledgement that we accept Christian baptism from other denominations as valid.  Those within the Global Methodist Church will likely sit with us in the future at the World Methodist Conference.

It is with this understanding that we are seeking to be gracious but at the same time, I admit that I find it difficult for a congregation to leave us if there are some within it who wish to stay.  

There are some churches whose pastors and members largely align and seek to remain United Methodist (although there are likely some pockets of dissent).  There are also some churches whose pastors and members agree that they have a better future outside of our current covenant.  These too usually have some that are finding it difficult that their church is leaving their denomination.  Some of the emails we've received bear witness to this pain quite expressively.  

But I think the most troublesome are the churches which seem to be fairly split where half may want to stay, and half want to go.  Most churches in this category would not be viable if they were to lose half of their congregation.  To have presentations on leaving the denomination in these churches seems to be a recipe for this church to lose its effectiveness and witness to their part of the world no matter which denomination they end up in.

For the most part, it seems that pastors who are wishing to go are leading the charge in these particular congregations.  To be fair, they are seeking to take their church with them because they need a place to land.  Because of the newness of the Global Methodist Church, there are not a lot of openings for positions at this time and they would like to continue to be paid in order to live.  But just as I have been transparent in my seeking to stay, I would hope that these pastors would inform their congregations that they are now recruiting toward the GMC in the presentations they are making.

When our denomination is vilified in order to make it easier to recruit to something new, this strikes at the core of our ecumenical commitment.  I would guess that the official doctrine of the GMC would allow that full salvation in Jesus Christ may be found through the witness of the UMC.  If this is the case, it may be that those seeking to influence their congregations to leave may need to reevaluate their tactics and message.  

These are painful words to express.  I want to work with colleagues that want to work with me.  When we find that this is no longer the case among some of our clergy and laity, these realizations may come with people that you've been friends with for decades.  Grief takes energy and it may cause you to withdraw.  But we are an Easter people.  We know that resurrection is real, and we have this expectation for our church as well.  

So, if you are experiencing the disaffiliation blues, know that you are not alone!  We will get through this together.  The resurrection is better experienced in community.  I believe that our present suffering and conflict will pass.  When the dust settles, and we look around and see that we are left with people that all want to work together, we may finally set aside the distraction of disaffiliation and find that even in our diversity, we are drawn "together as a people in mission."

To me, that sounds like church.  May all of us be receptive to the Holy Spirit working among us during this difficult time so that each one of us is sowing seeds of life!

Photo by mav via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons license.

In Defense of the Trust Clause

I have been voting in United Methodist General Conferences since 2004 and each time we have seen legislation come forward on the trust clause.  It has always been to loosen or remove it entirely.  Not surprisingly, the trust clause has been one of the talking points of the Wesleyan Covenant Association.  Specifically, it has been held up that the Global Methodist Church will not have a trust clause.  Local churches in this expression of Methodism will own their own property.  This is always lifted up as a positive and maybe for the world at large, it would seem so.

Property ownership is part of the American dream, and we laud those who are able to become homeowners.  Home ownership allows for the transfer of wealth from one generation to the next.  It allows families to break the cycle of poverty.  These are good things for individual family units.  But as a theologian, I believe it is important to ask if we need to think differently about the church.

I have been in meetings where congregation members are shocked that their local church is actually held by the annual conference.  My response is that they are not thinking big enough!  As a United Methodist whose membership is in the Oklahoma Conference, they do own this local church.  In fact, they own all of the churches within our boundaries.  All of these properties are ours.

I'm always happy to help
the next generation understand that
we own our United Methodist
Canyon Camp as stewards for God!

As a citizen of the United States, this is a similar way for me to think about our national parks.  When we view the majesty of the Grand Canyon or behold the wonder of Old Faithful at Yellowstone, we are happy that these places are held in trust for all of us.  They are ours together.  

It is helpful for us to think about the church in the same way.

Many of our sanctuaries inspire the majesty of worship.  The architecture of our buildings can draw us upward in wonder as we encounter the divine.  Within our shared covenant, they are larger than local ownership.  They are ours together.

As I mentioned, the Global Methodist Church will not have a trust clause as a part of their polity.  But in the many posts I’ve read, I’ve not heard them discuss the fact that they intend to put a lien on the church property if there is still unpaid pension liability for said church.  This is mentioned in paragraphs 351 and 903 in their Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline.  

As I’ve heard The United Methodist Church being disparaged by those seeking to leave, one of the comments is that we have turned away from Biblical values to adopt whatever the current culture lifts up.  As we think about property, I believe The United Methodist Church seeks to be shaped by Acts 4:32-33 which states, “Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.  With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.”  The trust clause is about identity – specifically, our identity as Christians.  

A lien may also be about identity, but it communicates a more punitive image.  

While I plan on remaining United Methodist, I’m not against The Global Methodist Church.  Division is a painful part of our history, and the mother body often experiences important reform during the process of birthing something new.  But I would like the options in the process to be transparent.  If a person wants to leave, I would much rather hear why they are excited about their new venture rather than hear them tearing down the institution from which they are leaving.  

I think this also says something about identity.

Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Daily Devotion for Post-Lent - Easter Sunday

Scripture Reading: Luke 24

Why don't angels appear to Pilate or Herod?  It would be nice if some did and said, "Boy, you really screwed up!"

But that's not the way of Jesus even though it might be our way at times.

Rather, the angels appear to the female followers.  They are the first to be witnesses to the empty tomb.  And they are not even believed when they share the message of Easter.  "Oh, that is just the prattling of women."

It is a large reminder of how women were considered second class and always had to defer to the men.  But Jesus has started a revolution of how we see other people.

Let us remember in Luke's Gospel that the angels didn't alert anyone of importance to the birth of Jesus but rather appeared to shepherds.  These were some of the lowest of the blue-collar workers in their social standing.

Do you see what's going on here?  In the Easter revolution, anyone can be a witness.

Jesus also appears to Cleopas and another disciple but remains unknown to them until they break bread together.  This foreshadows the sacrament of Holy Communion being a way in which we continue to share in Jesus Christ as his followers.  The table fellowship we celebrate here at times has been controlled as a means of who can and who can't receive, but I believe that our reading of Luke reminds us that it is a means of grace that we should freely offer everyone.

Eating together is important.  So important that Jesus eats a piece of fish with the disciples to show that resurrection is different than a ghostly appearance.  Ghosts are often about fear and the past.  Jesus is looking to the future and asks us even now, "Why are you frightened?"

Luke ends his Good News with the ascension.  This is fitting for a life that has pointed to God.  And the disciples don't abandon their religion or their rituals.  They remain in the Temple.  But they've been changed by resurrection.  They see differently now.

As we think about this story, Luke already knew the ending when he wrote it down.  As we look back at the Gospel, we can see how Easter colors everything in it.  How can it not?

We are the inheritors of this marvelous witness.  Luke seems to be asking us today, "What are you going to do now?"

Prayer for the day:

Loving God, you give us life at our birth, and we sometimes act as if you have wound us up like an old-fashioned watch - set to run until we don't.  But when we remember the past, we know that these watches had to be wound to work accurately.  Let us see the living Lord as one who works to wind us often so that we can share a more precise picture of the world.  This view is a respecter of all kinds of people because we see them as God sees them - as beloved.  We are thankful that not even death can stop this message.  We are grateful today to be a part of it.  You have raised up Christ today and forevermore!  Alleluia!  Amen.

Photo by Giulio Bernardi via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 40

Scripture Reading: Luke 23:26-56

And so we see the end of the revolution.

It wasn't a revolution of arms - we never saw Jesus take up the sword.  But it was a revolution of ideas.

For the Jewish people, Jesus asked them to consider how they were treating one another in the midst of captivity.  How could they remain faithful with so much pollution going on all around them?  As the foreigners came and lived among them and even told them what they could and couldn't do, how would they retain their identity in God?

Some traded a part of their identity - colluding with the occupiers - in order to maintain certain parts of their tradition such as worship in the Temple.  From Jesus' perspective, this collusion may have been worse than that of the tax collectors.  When Jesus is betrayed by his own leadership and killed by the foreign soldiers, we see the curtain of the temple torn in two.  This may foreshadow the violent end that such collusion will lead to for the Temple.  But it may also indicate that the leadership that would work to have Jesus killed was broken.  And lest we lay all the blame on our leaders, the crowds willingly followed their plan.

We see women all through today's reading.  

They are wailing for Jesus as he makes his way to The Skull.

They watch and pray as he is nailed to the cross.

They see him taken down and placed in the tomb.

They begin to prepare ointments and spices to anoint his body following the sabbath.  

They are to be the first to discover that the revolution hasn't ended as they surmised.  In fact, it may be just beginning...

But that is for tomorrow.  For today, we have grief.  And that is enough for today.

Prayer for the day:

Loving God, we grieve our loss anew as we remember the crucifixion of our Lord.  We are participants in the story as we wail with the women or scoff with the soldiers.  At times we are both criminals - doubting your power, O God, while at the same time yearning for salvation.  But then we are also faithful like Joseph who tended to propriety and buried Jesus before sundown.  There are times in life when things seem meaningless and we go through the motions.  Today, we pray for endurance.  We pray this in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Photo by Andy Read via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 39 Good Friday

Scripture Reading: Luke 23:1-25

What's the best way to have someone killed who has influence among the people?

This is what the religious authorities were trying to figure out in Jesus' day.  He was a brilliant teacher, healer and exorcist.  He was itinerant in that he didn't set up shop for very long in any one town or place.  He challenged the status quo and was a threat to those in religious power.

Within the Hebrew scriptures, there are passages that grant the authorities the right to capital punishment.  However, the Roman authorities that occupied Judea kept a strict rein on the right to execute people for crimes.  They didn't allow for Jewish leaders to take matters into their own hands if it meant a death sentence.

This is the Man by Myroslav Duzinkevych, 2002

Certainly, Roman authorities executed a lot of people.  The main people that they would have had no qualms about killing were insurrectionists who threatened the power of Caesar in this locality.  So, notice through today's passage that Jesus is being painted as a threat to Roman rule.

They start out complaining that he kept them from paying taxes.  As we think about tax day in the US, I don't think this complaint was a legitimate worry of theirs, do you?

They call Jesus the Messiah - the king - which would have been a direct threat to Pilate.  But Pilate doesn't see him as a military leader.  They have plenty of accusations but Pilate doesn't see one that successfully paints Jesus as an insurrectionist.

When Jesus gets handed off, Herod just wants to see a miracle.  For some reason, Jesus doesn't seem up to it.  Jesus is not an entertainer.

In the end, neither Pilate nor Herod see Jesus as a threat deserving death.

The crowd then picks an actual insurrectionist over Jesus.  

We often choose violence over peace and have throughout human history.

On this Good Friday, I must honestly look at myself and ask why this is.  I know that I choose violence - maybe not physically - but in the words I sometimes use.  I pick violence in that my blood gets hot over things that frustrate me.  My thoughts at times are not thoughts of peace.

And in these instances, we become a part of the mob demanding Barabas over Jesus.

Prayer for the day:

Oh God, this is a heavy day.  We recognize that we do not have it all together - either individually or collectively.  Why would Jesus stay silent when a word might have released him?  Help us to sit with the fact that someone would lift us up at any price.  We pray these things in the name of Jesus, the Messiah.  Amen.

Picture, This is the Man by Myroslav Duzinkevych, 2002.  Used under the Creative Commons License.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 38

Scripture Reading: Luke 22:31-71

Jesus seems the epitome of the non-anxious presence in today's reading.  He recognizes what is coming his way and does pray for an alternate path.  But he also resigns himself to be who he is going to be.  He doesn't seem to get upset or angry, even when those closest to him fail him.

When his disciples do respond with violence, Jesus does seem to get a little exasperated.  Rather than chastise them, Jesus simply offers a better way and heals the man who was wounded.

It is not easy to be calm in
the midst of the chaos!

His response to those coming to arrest him shows that he is not the one acting dishonorably.  He reminds them that he was present in their midst in the Temple each day.

Later, Jesus shows them that their own statements about him are what they are using to condemn him.

Our own denial of Jesus may not come as blatantly as Peter's.  It is often more subtle and justifiable but it is there nonetheless.  I find it striking that Jesus mentions that he is praying for Peter that his faith would not fail and that he would be there to strengthen the rest.  It seems that Jesus sees the thrice denial as a moment of weakness in an otherwise faithful life.

This is a good reminder that we shouldn't measure ourselves by our worst moments.  And if this is the case, maybe we shouldn't judge someone else by theirs either.  

As we approach the end of Lent, how is Jesus helping you move past your own denials?  It may be helpful to think of Jesus saying to you, "I'm praying for you that your own faith may not fail, that you may be a source of strength for others."

Prayer for the day:

Eternal God, we give thanks for your steadfastness.  You know us through and through and lift up our strengths while pardoning our weaknesses.  Teach us to put our own anxieties aside as we serve you.  And may the calm that comes from you be a blanket of peace that we spread over the people we meet.  We pray these things in the name of Jesus the Christ.  Amen.

Photo by Jong Soo (Peter) Lee via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 37

Scripture Reading: Luke 22:1-30

I've always been inspired by the fact that Judas was allowed to eat with the rest of the disciples at the Passover meal.  As we see Jesus move them to the new tradition of the Lord's Supper, it doesn't become an annual rite but a regular spiritual rhythm for Christians as they gather together.

As Jesus is clearly aware of the impending betrayal, he doesn't even out Judas to the rest of the disciples (although John's account seems to indicate this).  If it ever seemed like a good idea to close the table to someone, Judas should be the top candidate.

I'm not sure who 
came up with this
name for a beer.
Maybe because
of what is does to
your liver?

So, this becomes a reminder that grace isn't earned or deserved.  Grace may not even be bothered about nefarious intent.  This is hard for us to wrap our heads around.

It may cause us to stop and ask the question, "Why even bother being good?"  Of course, the answer to this is that if we are being good so as to stand out over those who aren't, we may have our own nefarious intent.

I like in Luke's Gospel how when Jesus drops the bombshell about his betrayal, the disciples start arguing over which one of them is the best disciple.  And this is right after receiving the very first Holy Communion!  

This is a perfect reminder that we all have a long way to go before we get to where we need to be spiritually.  It is also a good reminder that taking Communion doesn't automatically fix our faults!

As tomorrow is Holy Thursday, there should be ample opportunity for you to receive the sacrament.  I would invite you to do so with a heart that is open to the greater Christian community.  There will be those of differing theological or political camps receiving this same day.  What does it mean to share at the same table with them?

Prayer for the day:

Gracious God, you provide for us in a myriad of ways.  You strengthen us and you forgive us in our weaknesses.  Sometimes our weakness extends to our ability to be in relationship with our brothers and sisters in the faith.  Regardless of how we see them, you see them as your children.  Bless us with your sight.  In Jesus' name,  Amen.

 Photo by Miquel C. via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 36

Scripture Reading: Luke 21:20-38

Within Luke's time, he had already witnessed the successful rebellion of Judea against Rome in 66 CE.  But then he also knew about Rome's successful retaliation and recapture of Jerusalem four years later.  It was a horrific massacre of many innocent lives, and the Temple was once again destroyed.

It would certainly seem like an apocalyptic time for the survivors.  

The Gospel gives us meaning for this today and reminds us that end times seem to occur cyclically in human history.

The Great War over a century ago
also seemed like the apocalypse

If you go back through Christian history, you will find countless times that the end of the world or the second coming of Christ has been predicted to occur.  So far, we are batting 0% on our success ratio!  

But the issue for us is that we feel like the changes we are seeing (sometimes violent in nature) are upending our world and that it seems like it is ending.

Jesus reminds us that the worries of this life can be a trap that we all fall into.  When chaos increases, so does our anxiety.  Many people fell into this trap during the pandemic as mental health professionals had to start working overtime with the skyrocketing caseload.  Liquor sales increased dramatically and the drunkenness that Jesus warns about also was evident.  I would say that seeing a mental health professional is a much better response than tipping the bottle.

What does it mean to "be alert" during a time of calamitic change?  We mustn't take this out of context with the rest of the Gospel so far.  To be alert means to avoid putting on a false self for our comfort.  To be alert means to watch out for those who have fallen and aren't doing as well.  To be alert means to make sure that our compassion isn't drowned by our disgust that is fueled by anxiety.

Luke shows us that as Jesus was teaching in the Temple each day, he would also rest and retreat from the masses on the Mount of Olives.  So even as we are to be alert, we should also take the time to rejuvenate.

As we move through Holy Week, how are you staying alert during today's apocalypse?

Prayer for the day:

Gracious God, help us to rest well.  Give us sabbath time away from our worries and our fears.  Let us remember your presence as we move through today.  May we breathe deeply of your Holy Spirit as we refresh and seek to be alert to those around us.  And as we make connections with your children, may our peace in you be contagious.  We pray these things in the name of the Christ.  Amen.

Photo by USMC Archives via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 35

Scripture Reading: Luke 21:1-19

All of the talk of calamity and persecution is preceded in Luke by the widow's mite.  While it may seem foolish to give away all she had (what will she eat?), it really is meant to denote a trust in God for all we have.  It is getting back to basics.

The Temple has been torn down before and then later restored.  It is merely a symbol (although architecture can be inspirational for our worship).  

This is also a reminder that even nations are temporary.

Some things are
built to enjoy for a season

Growing up, I remember hearing in history class about nations lasting for hundreds of years before ending.  Then it was posited that our country might have an ending someday.  It was almost beyond my comprehension that the United States might not last forever!

But as we consider the gift of the widow's last penny, we are to see that her understanding is that it is all God's anyway.  God is the only lasting thing we can grasp.  

If we are holding on to God, it may be that the other things are put in perspective.

Because of her poverty, it is almost easy to excuse her actions - she had next to nothing anyway.  Now, if a rich person had given his very last penny, what would that convey?

Of course, this makes us wonder about our own holdings and belongings.  Are there things in which we place permanency beyond God?

With the pandemic and now the war in Ukraine, there is more uncertainty for us than there was a couple of years ago.  You may see more people touting the apocalyptic texts as tension mounts.  These are trying to create a pattern and provide answers for the chaos.  I think what Jesus means by all of this is that everything is temporary but God.  

This is helpful for me as I go through denominational strife.  I still grieve my losses, but I put them in perspective of the greater knowledge that God moves forward with us during these times.

As we see the story progress to the cross, Jesus seems to be preparing his disciples both then and now.

Prayer for the day:

Loving God, we recognize that all things are really yours.  When we lose our possessions and even when our way of life is threatened, we may grieve as if someone close to us has died.  Help us to remember that things are not lives.  Let us see that the systems in which we engage are temporary.  And may you continue to hold onto us as we hold onto you.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Photo by Sam Powers

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 34

Scripture Reading: Luke 20

This chapter seems to be all about the authority of Jesus.

We begin with this question and Jesus asks them about John the Baptist.  Some have speculated that Jesus was a disciple of John's before setting out on his own.  We like to imagine that Jesus didn't need to be taught and Luke even presents this notion as when Jesus was a child in the Temple at the beginning of the Gospel.  But Jesus was a human being and studied the Torah along with the other children in Nazareth.  

A rabbi in that day would have been a disciple of another rabbi at some point to be acknowledged as such.  Could the baptism of Jesus have been his graduation?  Regardless, we see that Jesus holds John in high esteem.  His wisdom and authority came from God and Luke seems to be showing us that Jesus' wisdom and authority comes from the same place.  If you won't acknowledge one, you won't acknowledge the other.

The parable of the wicked tenets is a foreshadowing of the crucifixion.  Luke may also use this to foreshadow the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles.  

The three questions have to do with the authority of Jesus over the emperor, the kingdom of God, and the Jewish people.  He shows mastery over all of them and steps calmly out of the traps they set.  

We are reminded at the end that Jesus is not about appearances.  He is not there for show with no substance.  In the end, his enemies were trying desperately to preserve their way of life without changing.  But a change is coming.

As Bob Dylan once said, "A hard rain's gonna fall!"

Some authority is naturally granted!

Lent reminds us to shake things up in our lives.  The season reminds us to examine ourselves and see what's amiss.  It is a period where we can set things in order as we try to align our wills with God's will.

The key in this is to remind ourselves about the authority of Jesus over us.  Jesus calls us on our posturing and tells us to be our real selves with others.  This can be a resurrection in and of itself.  How can you be more authentic today, not only to the people who know you best, but also to the strangers you encounter?

Prayer for the day:

Loving God, we confess that we grant authority to all kinds of things in our lives.  Some of these are automatic and remain unexamined.  Some of them are conscious and we struggle with what to do.  Remind us of who we are in Christ.  Remind us that the Lord of our lives is a living presence and a source of strength.  Remind us that we shall overcome.  In Christ's name we pray.  Amen.

Photo of Sheryl by Sam Powers, South Africa, August 9, 2011

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 33

Scripture Reading: Luke 19:29-48

Common wisdom of the day would look at the actions of Jesus and say that things are not going to end well for him.

We know differently but could certainly see where they were coming from.

As he enters Jerusalem, we must remember that the Passover is nearing.  This is a Jewish holiday where lots of people come from all over to visit the Temple.  It is a time when they remember how God led them out of captivity from Egypt.

If you were a foreign occupier of Jerusalem, this religious observance would make you nervous for sure!

Jerusalem is ripe for riot and revolt.

When Jesus enters Jerusalem in a kind of procession, they are calling him "King" and "Lord".  The Pharisees were calling for cessation in that they didn't want the army coming in and killing a bunch of civilians caught up in the moment.  The cleansing of the Temple wouldn't have toned this down at all.

When Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, Luke has already seen (or at least heard of) the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD.  All of the things Jesus says in this paragraph have essentially already come to pass.  Some see this as prophetic utterings by Jesus while others see it as editorial commentary by Luke.  Regardless of which you believe, we see an important message shared.

If only we could recognize the things that make for peace.  

This is true in our world today as we try to figure out Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

It is true in our country today as we wrangle over politics from the federal level down to school board elections.

It is true in our denomination today as some seek to leave for perceived greener pastures.

It is true in some of our families as they disagree over any of the above!

When you're in a war zone,
all you want is peace.

So, we do know that violence is not the end-all.  But rather resurrection speaks a
louder message.  We are reminded that if we are silent, the very stones will cry out!

This phrase is a good reminder that truth will eventually come out.  

Some day.  

But if we can occupy a place for peace in the world, maybe "some day" could come sooner.  Then maybe Jesus wouldn't have to weep over our lost chances for peace today.

Prayer for the day:

God, we often pray for peace.  All of the chaos and turmoil is tiring.  If people would just get on our side, all of this disagreement could end!  We struggle over keeping our ideals to bring healing to a hurting world and getting along with those with an alternate philosophy.  The balance is excruciating.  Help us to remember the root of this word as we approach Holy Week.  In Christ's name we pray.  Amen.

Photo by manhhai via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 32

Scripture Reading: Luke 19:1-28

As we approach Palm Sunday this week, we are getting close in Luke's Gospel as well.  It is interesting to see today's scripture passages in context of Jesus entering Jerusalem as the Messiah (which we'll get to tomorrow).  

The Messiah was seen by the Jewish people as someone in the line of King David who would channel the military might of his ancestor.  And so, we have here a passage where Jesus enters the home of a tax collector.  Tax collectors were sell-outs working for the Roman empire.  They knew who to collect from and how much people were worth because they were locals.  You can imagine their popularity!

So, how would a Messiah act in accordance with the populism of the day?  He

It's easier to welcome this kitten
down than it would be someone
like Zacchaeus.

would have knocked Zacchaeus to the ground and ridiculed him for his betrayal.  Maybe the crowd surrounding Jesus would have been stirred to violence.  It wouldn't have been hard.

Is it any wonder that people grumbled at the surprising response of Jesus?

This is where Luke interjects the parable of the pounds.  This is a fantastical tale with astronomical sums for slaves to trade in.  They are rewarded with entire cities to rule so it has a bit of an eschatological air to it.  How does this relate to the grace Jesus shows Zacchaeus?  

Is the money they are dealing with a symbol for the forgiveness they should be offering?  The one who sits on the grace of God and does not multiply it is the one who ends up with nothing.  The violence does come in the story with the people who are unwilling to be led by grace.  It may be that they reap what they sow.

Jesus is giving us clues that he will be a different kind of Messiah.  But his influence is even more transformative than military rebellion.  When a new king comes to power, very often, the systems remain in place and not a lot changes.

As The Who once said, "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss."

But we see the transformation come to Zacchaeus without doing him any harm.  He's not even removed from his position but the way he conducts himself will be with a fair hand to his neighbors from this point on.  So in this way, Jesus brings transformation to the whole community.

Can Jesus be something new for us?  Breaking down our systems?  That would be a Messiah we could follow!

Prayer for the day:

Almighty God, we know that you hold all things in the palm of your hand.  There are many we know with which we would like to see you tighten your grip into a fist!  Yet, we know that our ways are not your ways.  Help us to open our hand to our neighbors as well.  May our touch be gentle with them - like the caress of God.  We pray these things in Jesus' name.  Amen.  

Photo by Wall Boat via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License. 

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 31

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:18-43

The spiritual blindness precedes the beggar's physical blindness throughout this reading.

When Jesus names five of the ten commandments, the rich ruler (Matthew identifies him as young) seems to respond with hubris, "I have kept all these since my youth."

Sometimes people like to set themselves up to brag.  If he was rich as well as being in leadership, most in that day would assume that he has God's favor.  He may have been looking for praise from Jesus, but he found a challenge instead.  

As we saw earlier in this chapter, self-sufficiency becomes a trap.  It is not that it is a bad thing to take care of ourselves, but it does seem to get in the way of embracing grace rather than entitlement.  What does it mean to give away all our possessions?

It means that we have no choice but to rely on God.

Jesus is going to have to rely on God as he outlines his mission of suffering, death and resurrection.  But the disciples can't see it yet.  It will be resurrection that finally opens their eyes.

What keeps us from seeing?

This blind beggar correctly identifies Jesus as the Messiah ("Son of David").  Jesus asks the man what he wants.  The beggar who is opposite in social status as the rich ruler wants to see.  Both of them were looking for something but the beggar's was more basic.  Jesus heals him and his sight is restored.  

Both were given the option for healing but only one took it.  Notice that the rich ruler was unable to follow even though invited.  The beggar gladly follows.

This makes us think about our own blind spots.  Sometimes we can self-identify them.  Sometimes, like the ruler, we know about them and choose to live with them.  But maybe, like the beggar, we can take them to Jesus and our sight can be restored.

Prayer for the day:

God, you know our weaknesses better than we do.  You call us regardless, but you also give us the freedom to live our lives.  May our offering to you be our weaknesses that you might transform them.  We recognize that we all need to cry out to you, "Son of David, have mercy on us!"  Amen.

Photo by samantha celera via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 30

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:1-17

Today's reading grants us a certain worldview that Jesus gives his followers.  It is knowing our place in the universe in relation to God.

Children seem to get this better than adults.  They have nothing and they are dependent on others to provide for them.

Adults begin to believe that they are self-sufficient as per the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.  The Pharisee might have been persistent in prayer, but he was doing it wrong!

If we continue to lift up to God our own prejudices in prayer like the Pharisee, do we remain stuck in our rut?  When the widow continually approaches the judge, she is seeking justice.  Since widows in that day were not usually rich, it is likely actual justice she is looking for rather than a perceived need for justice.

Lots of animals play
king of the hill.

But what if I continually pray with a sense of hierarchy?  

If you are churched, it is likely that you would consider yourself more spiritually aware than the unchurched.  This is logical because you do tend to your spiritual life on a regular basis - you are making a disciplined practice of it.  So, those of us who qualify - and I would guess that's anyone reading this blog - do we find ourselves occupying the chair of the Pharisee?

The irony is that the more spiritually disciplined we become, the more we should develop a worldview that God is lifting all of us up.  Becoming more adept at seeing God in the world means that we realize we are all in the same boat.  Isn't this what it means to receive the Kingdom of God as a little child?

Oh, I better pray some more...

Prayer of the day:

Lord, we would pray more often but we get caught up in the world.  Our daily affairs tend to grab our attention and not let us go.  Help us to take more moments to retreat with you during the day.  Give us perspective that heals our relationships.  May the way we carry ourselves around other people be a witness to you today.  In Christ, Amen.

Photo by dalvenjah via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 29

Scripture Reading: Luke 17:1-37

I really like the idea of partnering with God in today's reading.  Strong faith is not something that we can accomplish in a void because faith in the living God means that we are expecting God to work with us in this life.

We are not always thankful
for our siblings.

Notice that Luke places the faith of the mustard seed after the command to forgive repeat offenders!  When Jesus tells the disciples to continue to forgive the same person multiple times, they implore him to "increase our faith!"

I think this is the disciples recognizing, "We can't do all that forgiving alone!"

The illustration of the slaves reminds us to have humility in our accomplishments which is not always easy.  I think we prefer to have others think well of us and sometimes they may not notice all that we have done!  Yet, partnering with God means that we acknowledge our help in the matter.  It really puts to rest the concept of the self-made man (person).

The story of the ten lepers once again has a Samaritan as the good example.  Notice that Luke has this placed right after the notion of humility in our relationship with God.  As Luke ministers to a Gentile Christian community, it is helpful to see that "foreigners" are made well by their faith.  But it also helps the well-established in the faith from staying on their high horse.  As we partner with God, our blessings should be regularly acknowledged.

Finally, we have these apocalyptic images.  These can be scary when life is going well for us.  We don't harken for a quick return of the Lord to end the good thing we have going!  But, for those who suffer, the apocalypse may be a relief.  As in most things, our context means a lot.

So, if we are partnering with God, how can we bring about the return of the Lord for the suffering?  If the Kingdom of God is indeed among us or even within us as it may be translated, how do we share this truth with those in need?

It may be that we are causing little ones to stumble by our neglect.

As we are called to witness, it is often that our best witness needs no words.

Prayer for the day:

Loving God, do we see you within us?  Can you increase our faith so that we may offer grace - even to those we know don't deserve it?  Help us to love more fully, recognizing that our reservoir comes from you.  May we see that it is inexhaustible!  And as we share it, may we remember to return and give thanks to you for the ability to love more fully.  We pray these things in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Photo by medusahead via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 28

Scripture Reading: Luke 16:14-31

We see a lot of reversals in today's reading.

Those with wealth assume that they are favored by God and Jesus reverses this thought.

The law and the prophets are to be absorbed in our being rather than followed only as actions.

Divorce is outlawed, granting equality in the marriage relationship to women.

Then we see the parable of Lazarus and the rich man.  In Luke, Lazarus is a poor man rather than the brother of Martha and Mary as per the Gospel of John.  While the resurrection in John is a physical one in this life, in Luke's parable, it comes in the next life.

The reversal in this story comes in the social roles of the rich man and Lazarus.  In this life, Lazarus is lower than the dogs and is ignored by the rich man.  He doesn't even see him.

In the next life, Lazarus is literally on top of the rich man.  Note that the man in Hades tries to reassert his old role and tells Abraham to send Lazarus to serve him.  

Ain't happening!

In Jesus' day, the Pharisees would have been at the top of the Jewish social ladder in a regular town.  Jesus may have been telling them this parable to try to get them to notice the people they saw beneath them.

All social groups have 
a pecking order

Note the foreshadowing of the resurrection.  It is an inditement of those who will continue to reject this reversal even after Jesus is raised from the dead.

The difficulty of social roles is that the hierarchies creep back in.  We have them in the church today even though we would like to hold up an egalitarian philosophy once you come into the sanctuary.

As we see people who we would subconsciously consider lower than ourselves, we may see them in the same way the Pharisees saw others.  How does this parable of Lazarus teach us to really see people?

Prayer for the day:

God, the difficulty of being human is that we get set in our ways.  Sometimes we set them in concrete before we even realize it.  Help us to remember the Way of Jesus.  And as we remember, help us to align our ways with his.  We pray these things in Christ's holy name.  Amen.

Photo by The Wasp Factory via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 27

Scripture Reading: Luke 16:1-13

This parable is disturbing at first glance.  

Is Jesus praising dishonest actions?

The dishonest steward doesn't have a lot of redeeming qualities.  The charge of squandering the owner's property could just mean he wasn't very good at his job.

Then he admits that he doesn't have the strength for physical labor and has too much pride to ask for charity.

So, he slashes the neighbors' debts without authorization in order to build up enough goodwill so that he will have places to stay.

So he's a free-loader as well!

The only thing he seems good at is protecting his future.

How is this praise-worthy?

As we think about the Pharisees being the targets of Jesus' teaching, he often points out their hypocrisy.  In the previous parable of the Prodigal Son, the older brother doesn't see where he was sinning against the father.  

What is it that we should give away that we don't own?

I find it easier to forgive
a squirrel than a person.
Hmm.

If the master in the parable is God, maybe we reduce what we think people owe God for redemption of their sins.  What if we slashed the debts we held against people for the things they have done against us?

At this point in our lives, it is probable that we can all be a little more easy-going.  The honest thing to do would be to hold people accountable for every little action.  But it may also be the lonely thing to do.

As we think about the debts God forgives us on a daily basis, maybe our realization is that we're the free loaders!

Prayer for the day:

Loving God, we confess that in order to love us, you must have to overlook a lot of the little things we think throughout the day.  There may also be things that we say that aren't featuring our best sides.  Just as you forgive us countless debts, help us not to be so particular in counting the costs against others.  In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Photo by martin_vmorris via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 26

Scripture Reading: Luke 15:11-32

This parable is one of the favorites of the Christian community.  It is well-known even beyond church-goers.  

It is a scary proposition
to be lost!

The Prodigal Son is masterful because we can see our own behavior in both the younger and older sons.  Ideally, we should emulate the father, but that may not come as often.

I like the story Fred Craddock used to tell about this scripture.  He was preaching on it and afterward, a congregant was unhappy with the parable.  Fred asked, "What do you think should have happened to the prodigal?"  

The man matter-of-factly answered, "I think he should have been arrested!"

Fred was shocked at this answer but then had the awareness to ask, "What kind of sentence would you have given the prodigal?"

He said, "Six years."

This story about the story is a parable in itself.  It reminds us that we have trouble really processing grace in our lives.  Within the parable Jesus tells, the younger son is clearly in the wrong.  There's no debate about it and he would deserve the wrath of the father.

But then the older son is also shown in the wrong in how he doesn't defer to the father's wishes.  He treats his father disrespectfully and now he is the one in need of forgiveness.  He can't see his blessed status in remaining with the father throughout his life.

Is it possible that we have a blessed status that we aren't paying attention to?  If we were to realize this, would it take the edge off our resentment?  If we were to realize our favor by God, would we be able to let others off the hook more easily?

What do you think the older brother does in response to his father's statement in verses 31-32?

Prayer for the day:

Gracious God, you offer us new life continuously.  Sometimes we stray from life with you and we squander our blessing.  Sometimes we remain with you and we take for granted the life you offer us.  Regardless, we are thankful that you continue to remain in relationship with us.  Help this realization influence how we are in relationship with others.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

Photo by ella via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons license.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 25

Scripture Reading: Luke 15:1-10

There is an important detail at the beginning of these parables today (and tomorrow).  In the first verse, Luke shares that the tax collectors and sinners were drawing near to listen to Jesus.  Who is grumbling?  The Pharisees and the scribes.

Why would this be so?

In that culture, positioning is important.  Those who were considered righteous would have the closest seats for discussion to the learned rabbi.  Jesus allows the seemingly unrighteous to usurp the entitled rightful place of those who had earned it.  

If we are honest with ourselves, we wouldn't like it either.  No one likes it when you have worked hard, and a Johnny-come-lately steals your spotlight.  How many of you have ever worked on a group project?  How did you feel when the slacker got the same grade as you?

Some sheep may be 
outsiders of their own accord!

It may be easier for us to be egalitarian in the abstract as we think of God's love coming to all no matter if they deserve it or not.  But what about concrete actions such as reputed sinners getting the best seats in the house?  What happens when someone takes the chair we thought was ours?  And takes it without waiting for us to offer it?  What about when they take it without acknowledging that it was ours?  It begins to sting a little bit.

Do we see why the Pharisees and scribes were grumbling?

Now as we hear those parables, we may find that we are called by God not to grumble at the lost but to seek them out.

As we move through Lent, where does resentment rise up in you?

Prayer for the day:

Loving God, we are thankful for the times we have been on the inside.  We are thankful for the families and communities to which we belong.  Help us to remember the times when we've not been so fortunate.  And give us compassion for those who make their homes on the outside.  We pray this in Jesus' name, who teaches us to seek out the lost.  Amen.

 

Photo by myri_bonnie via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 24

Scripture Reading: Luke 14:25-35

This is not what Jesus was 
talking about with regards to discipleship!

Today's reading moves us past what reasonable people are willing to do.  If following Jesus meant losing your family, would you do it?

In Jesus' day and time, the family was the largest identifier of a person in society.  It gave you your social position in the community as well as your employment.  Loyalty to the family was highly prized and you may see yourself aligned against another family in the community.

Carrying the cross was a statement that meant you were willing to go against Roman rule.  This is a more revolutionary stance as plenty of wannabe Messiahs were crucified along with other rabble rousers.

Finally, Jesus mentions giving up one's material goods.  These would be the things that tie us down.  If you are going on the road, you won't need them.  You can basically take what you can easily carry with you.

Jesus seems to be asking us, "Are you all-in?"

Now that the movement of Jesus is an established religion, it has gone through many shake-ups, revivals, and reformations.  Some argue that we are in the midst of one right now.  

But for the established church, we offer grace to all but do not receive the same level of commitment from all.  What happens when we are called to give more of our time, our money, and our abilities? It may be that we go back to the beginning of the chapter (yesterday's reading) and begin to offer excuses.

As a pastor, my goal is to deepen the discipleship of the people called United Methodists.  I don't feel like we have lost our "saltiness" and that our unique understanding of prevenient, justifying and sanctifying grace is an important way for us to relate to God and one another.

I feel like there are many right now who are trying to cast doubts on our identity as United Methodists.  If someone starting a new thing has to tear down the old thing in order to form their own identity, it may be good to question the foundations of this new thing.

But for those seeking to remain, how can we begin to renew our commitment to our faith through our church?  What's preventing us from being "all-in"?

Prayer for the day:

God, help us to rest in you.  And help us to know that true rest comes from you.  For the things that wear on us, let us see them in their proper place.  For the things that bring us your peace, let them flourish in us and through us.  Help us renew our commitment to you.  We pray these things in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Photo by Shavawn via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons license.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 23

Scripture Reading: Luke 14:1-24

We would like to come but we have some very good excuses...

What does it mean to miss out on the banquet?  I feel like Jesus was telling this from a 21st century rather than a 1st century perspective.  As I think about worship attendance, we've got a lot of excuses going on and this was prior to the pandemic!

So, the good news for us is that this has been happening for a long time.  The bad news is that it seems to be a chronic issue for us.

What is the consequence of missing out on the invitation?  While we could say, "Well, you don't make it into heaven", I think the less obvious conclusion is that we miss out on relationships.  Before you say that you have more relationships than you can handle, it also means that we are likely to be less healthy in the relationships that we do have.

Take the previous story of Jesus telling us to sit in the lowest place.  When we don't access what Jesus is telling us on a regular basis, we may be more likely to sit where we want.

Jesus emphasizes those who are not normally thought of in today's reading.  We start with a reminder that a man in need of healing should be thought of in the same priority as your own child or animal in need.  Then he goes on to lift up the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind in the next two passages.  

The difficulty of this is that we can probably think of reasons we don't have time to include them in our lives.  Maybe this gets back to the reasons the Pharisees didn't want the man healed on the Sabbath.  Maybe this gets to the idea of why people made excuses to come to the banquet.  

All of a sudden, this hits painfully close to home.

Prayer for the day:

God, we must confess that we often let our own interests hold sway in our lives.  And when other things begin to interfere with our time, we quickly put them in their place.  Help us to see beyond our selves.  Let us begin to understand your invitation and what it means for our lives.  Amen.

Photo by Tor Andreas Torhaug via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License.