How Does God Challenge Our Assumptions?
Good Morning Friends,
Today we follow up on the story of the baptism of Jesus and of God being with us in the workings of the Holy Spirit. And as we consider the story it becomes clear that we each have certain notions about how God is. A friend of mine pointed out to me that grace is a form of judgement and so too the work of the Holy Spirit. This should humble us a bit if we have been blessed to experience more of the lamb than the lion of God. But the more I think about it the more I am convicted that if Jesus were here today few would recognize him and even if they did recognize him, people would not necessarily heed the word he provided. That is the way the story played out in the Bible and aside from the prophecy that eventually every knee will bow, and tongue confess, I am not particular hopeful that if Jesus were here today he would approve of much of what is going on in his name. The point is that 2000 years ago Jesus deliberately sought to shake people out of their rigid and comfortable approach to religion so that more people could benefit from the salvation he offered. And if he were here today I think Jesus would continue to confront us as a Jew to Gentiles. So, How Does God Challenge Our Assumptions?
Scripture: Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching. I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.
Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 (NRSV)
Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
Acts 10:34-38 (NRSV)
O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill? Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart; who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends, nor take up a reproach against their neighbors; in whose eyes the wicked are despised, but who honor those who fear the Lord; who stand by their oath even to their hurt; who do not lend money at interest, and do not take a bribe against the innocent. Those who do these things shall never be moved.
Psalm 15 (NRSV)
Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.
Matthew 5:17-18 (NRSV)
Message: Man’s answer to help people live with one another is the enforcement of laws. The hope of laws is to help people live orderly and civil lives. You see this in scripture. Moses’ teaching was outlined in six hundred thirteen laws to build community among the Hebrews. The number grew a hedge around potentially undesirable behavior. About four hundred years later, David, in the fifteenth psalm, attempted to reduce them and later Isaiah did the same. Micah, in chapter 6 verse 8 narrowed the laws down to three: “To do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before your God.” Then a religious professional asked Jesus which was the greatest law. His intent was to get Jesus into trouble with the political and religious leaders who controlled social and religious practices by imposing dozens and dozens of new laws. Jesus’ answer was a surprise. He did not reduce the laws to one, though he could have. Instead, he reduced them to two. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.” Friends, Jesus is still challenging us today and leading us to the conclusion that our core assumptions about life control us more than we would like to think. Some traditions are good, and some traditions may have been extended beyond their original purpose. We make more and more laws in the attempt of making sure we abide. And so, it follows that we need to be careful what assumptions we are making about God and about others. Clinging to the wrong assumptions and the wrong laws can stunt our growth. Challenging traditions is sure to raise the ire of those who cling to them. Jesus changed the rules on the cross, but the world still clings to its rules and that may not change until he returns.
Pray we realize that God’s love is not prejudiced but that there is still prejudice in the world. Pray we realize that when we identify with Christ we can begin to overcome our own prejudices. Pray we appreciate the good news that everyone matters to God. Pray we understand that God’s love knows no bounds. Pray we begin to understand that some of our assumptions about God may need to change. Pray we realize that Christ became one of us to show us the way. Pray we realize that Jesus came to the Jews first and that his love for them is not replaced by Gentiles being loved by Jesus. Pray we listen and understand before we automatically judge something to be wrong. Pray we put ourselves in other’s shoes and understand why they believe the way they do. Pray we remember that all truth is God’s truth. Pray we really know what the Bible says and the various ways of interpretation. Pray we engage others in conversation about the challenges of assumptions. Pray we seek lifelong learning. Pray we realize that God does not fit nicely into a box. Pray we keep surrounded by followers of Jesus seeking common ground for spiritual growth even as we explore the diversity of the world. Pray we be willing to challenge each other’s assumptions while holding to our core beliefs. Pray we not take grace for granted. Pray we not just learn about what Jesus and the Holy Spirit do but experience who God is.
Blessings,
John Lawson
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