Last week we looked at the broader picture of Jesus' birth in time. We saw how God had promised and planned for Jesus to come. When things were bad and it seemed evil was prevailing - God would tell the people to hang in, to trust, and salvation would come. Often signs were given: some immediate, to say this was a true prophecy; others for the future, so people would know when the prophecy was fulfilled. God worked through time to prepare people to receive this unconventional messiah.
This week we looked at the broader picture at the time of Jesus' birth - and discovered that, though Jesus was perfect, there was nothing else around that was.
The interesting thing is that we started with Galatians 3:26 - 4:7 - not your usual Advent passage. It tells us that, in Christ, we are all children of God. This is why he came. To break down barriers and allow everyone to come to God. As one writer put it - to bring the end to religion - and to race and social status. The ideal result of Jesus' coming was a kind of unity and equality never experienced (as far as I know) by humankind. This was not an "anti-racism" campaign, nor a "socialist" agenda - but a true end to all barriers. Yet people keep putting up more barriers - based on race, class, economic status, religion, denomination within the religion - and probably within the denomination and within each congregation. The very antithesis of Jesus' message. It is a little disconcerting how, in a world containg innumerble Christians, we miss part of the very core of Jesus' reason for coming.
As we pondered this central message we turned to Jesus' geneology. Ho-hum? NOT! We often read how Jesus was descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as well as King David - making him the best kind of Jew. Another geneology has him descended from a line of priests as well. Sounds pretty awesome. But every family has its problems. In the geneology from Matthew we see good kings but also some of the most evil kings their nation had known We see upstanding, God fearing men, but also adulters, murderers, con men. Even more interesting is the inclusion of women in the geniology - not all that common - and each of the included women has a story that is less than savory. Most are foreigners, many had been married before the union that brought about the birth of Jesus' ancestor - and all had "interesting" relationships. Jesus's family was not perfect - by Jewish standards (with all those foreigners!) but even by most people's standards - with trickery and prostitution and deception and all kinds of evil behind the scenes. Yet from this imperfection comes Jesus. We are not defined by our lineage.
If we broaden our outlook a little we see the political situation. A king needed to tax his people. Not unusual. But this king wanted to make sure he got from EVERY man - so needed to take a census - and God used this secular desire and power to make it so that prophecy was fulfilled. Even though the purpose of the the census wasn't God-centred in any way shape or form - God used it. And God used Herod - also not God centred. Not only did Herod call for the census that brought Joseph & Mary to Bethlehem, he also directed the wisemen who brought expensive gifts and worshipped Jesus, and then, when the magi did not return, began the slaughter of many infant boys. He actually seems quite devious and evil - but again - his making it unsafe for Jesus to be in Nazareth brought true the prophecy that the Messiah would be called out of Egypt. So God can use horrible situations and still bring something good from them. I'm sure Herod would have torn his hair out in frustration if he had known that he was going to help prove Jesus was the messiah by forcing his parents to move - to Bethlehem where he was born, to Egypt where they took refuge, and then finally, by his death, Herod made it possible for them to move home to Nazareth. All these places mentioned in prophecy. God can bring about amazing things even when evil abounds.
To emphasize God's ability to use even evil powers to bring about good, we looked at Psalm 2 and saw God laughing at the nations who were conspiring against Him. It talks about how God can turn their plots against themselves and/or to bring about good. There is hope in the midst of the evil, the darkness, the horribleness of human depravity.
What else was happening back then? John the Baptist was preaching - a Prophet calling from the wilderness for people to look to God. Many mistook him for the Messiah. He was noisier - more charismatic and unusual than anyone people had seen in a long time. He heralded the coming of Christ - but wasn't sure he recognized Jesus as such. He was close to God, living his life spreading the word of God - yet could not see God when Jesus appeared as God incarnate. Understandable as he probably grew up with this younger second cousin - but still interesting. God used this dedicated, well meaning man, even though he was still somewhat blind to what he was doing. God uses imperfect people.
All these passages show that, even if we look back and say it was the perfect time - in many ways by our reckoning it was a very imperfect time. If we look at geneology - Mary and Joseph may not have been the best choice to parent a blue blood prince. If we look at the political situation - it was pretty dangerous. If we look at the main jarbinger of Jesus' coming - even he was imperfect and unsure whether this was actually it. In the midst of all this blundering imperfection, Jesus came, grew up, preached, lived, died and rose again- changing history forever..
God is not asking us for perfection. God is not expecting us to always know the right thing. God can use us even when we make mistakes. The hard part is not getting God's forgiveness - it is there - but forgiving ourselves when we make mistakes, and taking the chance that we might make mistakes. It is hard putting ourselves out there in all our glorious imperfection. Jesus came from an imperfect family, in an imperfect place (a barn?!), in a time when a ruthless, self centred king ruled. Where is the perfection in that? In Jesus, himself. And Jesus, himself, has offered to help us through all the dangerous or otherwise difficult times. To help us, if we are willing, make a difference in spite of our faulty, human selves. I praise God for the timing that helps me see that perfection is, not only pretty much impossible in this world - but also highly overrated and unnecessary. The perfect time for you or I to act may be now. Go for it! Take on the challenge God has for you.
Friday, 30 November 2012
Saturday, 24 November 2012
November 19 - Looking to Advent
Today we turned our focus toward advent. “ In the beginning was the Word”. We saw how Jesus was around from the
beginning and how the plan for him to come in human form is implied even in the
Garden of Eden. We looked at the above passage
from the beginning of John, and also at Genesis, Isaiah, Micah and
Malachi. Prophecies can be found
throughout the Bible, showing us the broader picture of Jesus’ coming, calling
God’s people to be patient, trust and hope.
We recognized often quoted prophecies –Heard strains of the Messiah run
through our heads at various point - but were interested to hear them in
context. Many of these words of hope
were not given to a congregation awaiting God’s leading – but as part of a
prophet’s advice or even admonitions to Kings or nations on how to deal with
enemies – or on how they were messing up.
Some of the prophecies were a kind of double prophecy – having a
fulfilment in that time as well as hundreds of years later. It was never quite as simple or
straightforward as it seems in many of our advent services.
One interesting thing
is that, when you see them in context, you can understand how people missed these
messages. We are used to hearing these
passages in Advent & Christmas services where they seem so beautiful and so
obviously pointing to the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, – but when the prophets first spoke these words they were surrounded by
admonitions and warnings. Some were spoken to wayward or confused kings
and leaders. Not all of them were understood to foretell the coming of the
Messiah. Some were just slipped into a
whole bunch of other advice. In the midst of trying times, many of them while
the threat of the Assyrian army loomed over Judah, glimmers of hope were
injected. It makes we wonder what we are
missing now. Are we open to God’s
leading, God’s giving us words of hope in the midst of whatever decisions we
are making? Is God trying to show us that “All things [will] work together for
good” (Romans 8:28) Are we listening?
Our discussion ranged from talk of how we would feel if one
of our children became a prophet, to how we feel about our own futures. We spoke of difficult times we had endured,
and of concerns for friends currently experiencing health crises. We spoke of partisan politics in our nation
and that of our neighbor, and of decision making within our congregation. It is so hard to do the right thing. Whether it is selecting for whom to vote or
for deciding whether to speak at a meeting and, if so, what to say or figuring
out how to help when you really can’t make a big difference or supporting our
kids – it is hard to know what to do.
How can we spread the love and nurture God has given us? How can we best follow God’s will? How can we best help our children learn to
listen for God’s guidance and follow it? I guess we came up with more questions than
answers.
The one answer we have is prayer. As we read of a coming miracle and talked of
a seemingly miraculous healing and hoped for more help and healing we realized
we have to give up our confusion, our worries, even our loved ones, to God. In giving up and trusting we can experience God’s
wonders. We can relax and enjoy the
blessings we are receiving, even while enduring the trials. Like so many others, we have to wait for God
to act – and trust that God WILL act, even if not in the time or the way we
would prefer. God will act. God is
coming. We just have to wait, trust, and hope.
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
November 12 - Some rambly thoughts on busyness
Well it was a crazy week. Today was kind of a holiday - some people had it off, others didn't - but it seemed almost everyone else was gone or busy so we cancelled our gathering today.
Last week was a bit of a test for me. We had 7 different people staying in our home for varying lengths of time as we hosted a leadership assembly for our national church. I usually like to leave many parts of the house hidden behind closed doors, but there wasn't that much extra space. I usually don't feel very capable of serving food to others, as I'm sure they are used to better fare - but there were people who needed to be fed. We openned our home to people for supper on Monday, lunch on Tuesday as well as breakfasts all week. I even made a meal to serve to whoever was left Saturday afternoon. And all went well.
After spending the previous week (s) helping to arrange billeting for around 23 people, I cooked and baked food and washed and changed sheets and hosted people I didn't know and drove in blinding snow to bring people to the airport. And it all went well. Did I say the wrong thing? probably. Did I make mistakes? Of course. But I also got to get to know some amazing people. Each one had something to share, each had thoughts that enlightened or challenged or at least interested me. I was sorry to see each one go - but knew I had to make room for the next ones.
Last week we had talked about being acceptable even when we didn't feel that way - so I hung onto that. We had talked about the joy of focussing your actions as a response to God and/or loved ones instead of obligations - and I actually felt pretty good all week. Then, when the dust cleared and they were all gone, I felt a let down. I started to second guess incidents, comments, actions. Why did I serve that tea? Should I have offered more food? What did I say? Did it come out wrong? Why didn't I do that? Why did I do that - wrong? but again I am hanging on to the promise that I am acceptable (though far from perfect) even if I don't feel that way.
Busyness is tiring - but there is a sense of accomplishment. Putting yourself , your home, your cooking, out there is risky - but if you give up the right to manage others' opinions of you it is much less so. There is a freedom in just doing what needs to be done without agonizing over how it is being perceived. It was a good week - but I am glad I had done some reading before it, as remembering bits and pieces really has helped me through the aftermath of all that busyness. Now I can focus on the blessing it was to meet and get to know so many great people. (and on cleaning up).
Last week was a bit of a test for me. We had 7 different people staying in our home for varying lengths of time as we hosted a leadership assembly for our national church. I usually like to leave many parts of the house hidden behind closed doors, but there wasn't that much extra space. I usually don't feel very capable of serving food to others, as I'm sure they are used to better fare - but there were people who needed to be fed. We openned our home to people for supper on Monday, lunch on Tuesday as well as breakfasts all week. I even made a meal to serve to whoever was left Saturday afternoon. And all went well.
After spending the previous week (s) helping to arrange billeting for around 23 people, I cooked and baked food and washed and changed sheets and hosted people I didn't know and drove in blinding snow to bring people to the airport. And it all went well. Did I say the wrong thing? probably. Did I make mistakes? Of course. But I also got to get to know some amazing people. Each one had something to share, each had thoughts that enlightened or challenged or at least interested me. I was sorry to see each one go - but knew I had to make room for the next ones.
Last week we had talked about being acceptable even when we didn't feel that way - so I hung onto that. We had talked about the joy of focussing your actions as a response to God and/or loved ones instead of obligations - and I actually felt pretty good all week. Then, when the dust cleared and they were all gone, I felt a let down. I started to second guess incidents, comments, actions. Why did I serve that tea? Should I have offered more food? What did I say? Did it come out wrong? Why didn't I do that? Why did I do that - wrong? but again I am hanging on to the promise that I am acceptable (though far from perfect) even if I don't feel that way.
Busyness is tiring - but there is a sense of accomplishment. Putting yourself , your home, your cooking, out there is risky - but if you give up the right to manage others' opinions of you it is much less so. There is a freedom in just doing what needs to be done without agonizing over how it is being perceived. It was a good week - but I am glad I had done some reading before it, as remembering bits and pieces really has helped me through the aftermath of all that busyness. Now I can focus on the blessing it was to meet and get to know so many great people. (and on cleaning up).
November 5 - Finishing Grace for the Good Girl
Today we gathered to talk about the last few chapters of the book. There is so much in the last chapters of this book, it is hard to summarize or to do justice in a brief discussion but with Christmas coming ever nearer and schedules becoming crazy busy we decide to move on. I would encourage anyone with access to the book to read the last two sections - they bring home what is truly important.
Today we talked about Mary and Abraham - and in this case, Abraham didn't come out looking so great!
When the angel told Mary she was about to become the mother of God's son, after only one logistical question (how?) she rejoiced. She was told she was going to have a baby - ok we see the blessing in having a child - but she doesn't seem to hesitate. She doesn't seem overwhelmed by the responsibility or concerned with how it will look to the people around her - or even how her fiance who knows he's not the father will take it. Wouldn't it be great to be able to respond with such spontaneous joy! She did not get bogged down in all the problems that could come from this or the fact that Joseph could have her stoned! This is how worship and service is supposed to be - spontaneous and full of joy.
Somehow the thought of making meals, or cleaning the house - especially scrubbing toilets - does not fill me with joy. Somehow having to get up Sunday morning and get ready in time to go to church does not make me burst out in praiseful song. And the idea of having to help out or donate - well many days I'd rather be lazy. But if we change our way of thinking - if we receive the wonderful gift of God's love, acceptance and grace, remembering all God has done for us and is doing for us, and resting in God's promise that it will all work for the good in the end - we can rejoice - even while cleaning toilets! Our service is not a duty or obligation. It is an opportunity! It is our response to the wonder of all God is and has done for us.
Abraham is a different story. He started as Abram, a childless, yet faithful man. He doesn't seem very strong as Sarai convinces him to try to have a child with her servant. Then comes across even weaker when Sarai decides to punish the servant and Abram doesn't stop her or stand up for this poor woman who. not only was given no choice, but also was the mother of his child! When Abram is told he will have a son by Sarai he doesn't believe it - thinks the angel got it wrong and is talking about the servant's child, Ishmael. So far its hard to believe this is one of the Bible's heroes! But he does change his name and that of his wife. He does have a child with Sarah and he does call him Isaac. So he does come through in spite of his doubt, and God does many great things through him and his offspring.
I think we tend to be a little more like Abraham, a little doubtful, a little hesitant, maybe more tending toward looking for a logical rather than a miraculous solution. God can use that too but I want to be more like Mary. I want to believe what God is telling me. I want to rejoice in the opportunities presented to me to serve and to worship.
One thing holding me back is my belief that I can't do it right. I will mess it up. I am not good enough. I tend to revert to devaluing myself instead of accepting that I make mistakes, like most everyone else in this world, but still have value. Emily Freeman tells a story of attending a gathering where everyone else seemed perfect - in good shape, perfect hair, perfect clothes, perfect accessories, perfect home - and even perfectly nice and welcoming. The feelings of inadequacy this brought out made her want to just sit in a corner and hide, hoping people wouldn't notice the extra 5 pounds she had gained, or the imperfect outfit or..... but then she mentions four questions to ask (p 214 & 215) - and these seem to be significant for most of us.
1) What is the truth - ignore your perception, your feelings - what is the truth? - Though you feel unacceptable, God has accepted you as you are and has made you acceptable. God loves you as you are and you are loveable.
2) What do you choose to believe? Choose to believe God, to believe in God's promises. Choose to believe that you are acceptable even if you don't feel that way. This is one I struggle with but am really working on. I keep making mistakes and feel inferior to everyone else who seems to have everything under control - but I am choosing to believe God has made me acceptable and loveable and that God can use me even in my fallibility.
3)What do you choose to do? I am choosing to depend on God, to trust that God has made me acceptable and to act as if I am acceptable, rather than cower at home in bed or on the couch to ensure I don't make any more public mistakes. I am choosing to act as if I have a value to share with others, and not as if I am an intrusion in their lives or activities. I am choosing to act in spite of my feelings not on the basis of them.
4) Will you give up the right to feel as if God's truth is true? This is a tough one - but if I truly choose to act acceptable I have to give up the right to feel that way. I have to trust. I also have to give up the right to fit in - or to feel like I fit in. "I choose to release the right to manage others' opinions of me and rest in the sufficiency of the life of Christ." (p215).
Wow. This is tough. But it is also freeing. If I can learn to trust, to depend on Christ and in God's love and acceptance - I am free to respond spontaneously and joyously when God calls me. I can go to my brothers and sisters, secure in the knowledge, even if not the feeling, that I am of value and acceptable. I can be open to hearing them because I don't have to listen to my insecurities yelling at me to hide. I can make it through tough times because I don't bear responsibility to feel capable - just to hang on because God has promised to help me through. I can keep doing things - because God has promised to use even my failures for the good. I am free to be the person God wants me to be, because I don't have to feel able to be.
And I guess that's kinda where the Grace lies - in the freedom to listen to God's call and focus on living my life as a response to all God's goodness and grace - even if I'm not such a good girl.
Today we talked about Mary and Abraham - and in this case, Abraham didn't come out looking so great!
When the angel told Mary she was about to become the mother of God's son, after only one logistical question (how?) she rejoiced. She was told she was going to have a baby - ok we see the blessing in having a child - but she doesn't seem to hesitate. She doesn't seem overwhelmed by the responsibility or concerned with how it will look to the people around her - or even how her fiance who knows he's not the father will take it. Wouldn't it be great to be able to respond with such spontaneous joy! She did not get bogged down in all the problems that could come from this or the fact that Joseph could have her stoned! This is how worship and service is supposed to be - spontaneous and full of joy.
Somehow the thought of making meals, or cleaning the house - especially scrubbing toilets - does not fill me with joy. Somehow having to get up Sunday morning and get ready in time to go to church does not make me burst out in praiseful song. And the idea of having to help out or donate - well many days I'd rather be lazy. But if we change our way of thinking - if we receive the wonderful gift of God's love, acceptance and grace, remembering all God has done for us and is doing for us, and resting in God's promise that it will all work for the good in the end - we can rejoice - even while cleaning toilets! Our service is not a duty or obligation. It is an opportunity! It is our response to the wonder of all God is and has done for us.
Abraham is a different story. He started as Abram, a childless, yet faithful man. He doesn't seem very strong as Sarai convinces him to try to have a child with her servant. Then comes across even weaker when Sarai decides to punish the servant and Abram doesn't stop her or stand up for this poor woman who. not only was given no choice, but also was the mother of his child! When Abram is told he will have a son by Sarai he doesn't believe it - thinks the angel got it wrong and is talking about the servant's child, Ishmael. So far its hard to believe this is one of the Bible's heroes! But he does change his name and that of his wife. He does have a child with Sarah and he does call him Isaac. So he does come through in spite of his doubt, and God does many great things through him and his offspring.
I think we tend to be a little more like Abraham, a little doubtful, a little hesitant, maybe more tending toward looking for a logical rather than a miraculous solution. God can use that too but I want to be more like Mary. I want to believe what God is telling me. I want to rejoice in the opportunities presented to me to serve and to worship.
One thing holding me back is my belief that I can't do it right. I will mess it up. I am not good enough. I tend to revert to devaluing myself instead of accepting that I make mistakes, like most everyone else in this world, but still have value. Emily Freeman tells a story of attending a gathering where everyone else seemed perfect - in good shape, perfect hair, perfect clothes, perfect accessories, perfect home - and even perfectly nice and welcoming. The feelings of inadequacy this brought out made her want to just sit in a corner and hide, hoping people wouldn't notice the extra 5 pounds she had gained, or the imperfect outfit or..... but then she mentions four questions to ask (p 214 & 215) - and these seem to be significant for most of us.
1) What is the truth - ignore your perception, your feelings - what is the truth? - Though you feel unacceptable, God has accepted you as you are and has made you acceptable. God loves you as you are and you are loveable.
2) What do you choose to believe? Choose to believe God, to believe in God's promises. Choose to believe that you are acceptable even if you don't feel that way. This is one I struggle with but am really working on. I keep making mistakes and feel inferior to everyone else who seems to have everything under control - but I am choosing to believe God has made me acceptable and loveable and that God can use me even in my fallibility.
3)What do you choose to do? I am choosing to depend on God, to trust that God has made me acceptable and to act as if I am acceptable, rather than cower at home in bed or on the couch to ensure I don't make any more public mistakes. I am choosing to act as if I have a value to share with others, and not as if I am an intrusion in their lives or activities. I am choosing to act in spite of my feelings not on the basis of them.
4) Will you give up the right to feel as if God's truth is true? This is a tough one - but if I truly choose to act acceptable I have to give up the right to feel that way. I have to trust. I also have to give up the right to fit in - or to feel like I fit in. "I choose to release the right to manage others' opinions of me and rest in the sufficiency of the life of Christ." (p215).
Wow. This is tough. But it is also freeing. If I can learn to trust, to depend on Christ and in God's love and acceptance - I am free to respond spontaneously and joyously when God calls me. I can go to my brothers and sisters, secure in the knowledge, even if not the feeling, that I am of value and acceptable. I can be open to hearing them because I don't have to listen to my insecurities yelling at me to hide. I can make it through tough times because I don't bear responsibility to feel capable - just to hang on because God has promised to help me through. I can keep doing things - because God has promised to use even my failures for the good. I am free to be the person God wants me to be, because I don't have to feel able to be.
And I guess that's kinda where the Grace lies - in the freedom to listen to God's call and focus on living my life as a response to all God's goodness and grace - even if I'm not such a good girl.
October 29 - Time Out for Coffee
Due to various commitments, only three of us could gather today, so we decided to meet at a coffee shop more centrally located between our homes.
There is a real blessing in having time to just sit and chat - and to learn from one another. There are many things we don't have in common - but we were all moms so naturally the conversation turned to our children and the choices they have in front of them as well as the choices they've made. Those of us with grown and scattered children could share with the one whose child was still and home making decisions for his future.
Parenting, decision making, missing our kids - all parts of life. It is interesting to ponder God's presence in the different stages of life. Whether it be giving you strength to keep going when you are severely sleep deprived, helping you continue giving to your child when you just want to escape for a few minutes, or allowing you to let go and sleep, even though your children are across the country, or across the world - God is with them, and with us.
Oh the decision making. French Immersion, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, Drama, Art, - all these decisions loom large when entering high school - and can affect parts of your life later on. But we whether or not we are sure of the decision that has been made, the time comes (for most people) when you have to go to high school and live with it. And then more decisions - work, college, university - if college or university which college or university, which faculty, which courses - and so on. We are constantly making decisions which lead to other decisions - all of which have consequences. Life is kinda like that - we have to move on from where we are at. . God can use where we are at. We need to accept that some of our decisions are better than others, but that doesn't change how God feels about us. We need to rest in the assurance that God has given us what we need to make the best decision possible at that moment, and that, even if we mess up the decision, God can still help us through and even bring good from the outcome.
No we didn't come up with profound truths about life or Christianity or anything else - but we talked and shared where we, and our kids, were at. And there is a beauty and a value in that. Where two or three are gathered, God has promised to be there too - even if it is just gathering for coffee.
There is a real blessing in having time to just sit and chat - and to learn from one another. There are many things we don't have in common - but we were all moms so naturally the conversation turned to our children and the choices they have in front of them as well as the choices they've made. Those of us with grown and scattered children could share with the one whose child was still and home making decisions for his future.
Parenting, decision making, missing our kids - all parts of life. It is interesting to ponder God's presence in the different stages of life. Whether it be giving you strength to keep going when you are severely sleep deprived, helping you continue giving to your child when you just want to escape for a few minutes, or allowing you to let go and sleep, even though your children are across the country, or across the world - God is with them, and with us.
Oh the decision making. French Immersion, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, Drama, Art, - all these decisions loom large when entering high school - and can affect parts of your life later on. But we whether or not we are sure of the decision that has been made, the time comes (for most people) when you have to go to high school and live with it. And then more decisions - work, college, university - if college or university which college or university, which faculty, which courses - and so on. We are constantly making decisions which lead to other decisions - all of which have consequences. Life is kinda like that - we have to move on from where we are at. . God can use where we are at. We need to accept that some of our decisions are better than others, but that doesn't change how God feels about us. We need to rest in the assurance that God has given us what we need to make the best decision possible at that moment, and that, even if we mess up the decision, God can still help us through and even bring good from the outcome.
No we didn't come up with profound truths about life or Christianity or anything else - but we talked and shared where we, and our kids, were at. And there is a beauty and a value in that. Where two or three are gathered, God has promised to be there too - even if it is just gathering for coffee.
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