ComeUnity

Wisdom and Revelation

Pastor Amy Becker — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:23:58 GMT

Christ the King Sunday - A
November 23, 2008

Ephesians 1:15-23
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason ¹⁶I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. ¹⁷I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, ¹⁸so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, ¹⁹and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. ²⁰God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. ²²And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, ²³which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

I love that phrase in vs 17 "a spirit of wisdom and revelation." I also really appreciate that the prayer for the people of Ephesus is that they would come to know God so they can know hope. That is the purpose of Christ's Kingship - so that we might know God and the hope God gives of our "glorious inheritance among the saints."

What stands out for you in this Scripture?
What is your prayer for others?
Have you ever experienced something that could be described as a "spirit of wisdom and revelation?"

Reunion

Pastor Amy Becker — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:18:36 GMT

26th Sunday After Pentecost
November 9th, 2008

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

¹³But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. ¹⁴¹⁵¹⁶¹⁷¹⁸

Note: Due to Pastor Becker's impending (and well-earned) vacation, Jim Bjugstad is blogging this week.

The first thing that stood out for me in this reading was how it fits the pattern of a good newspaper article: all the "who's, what's, where's, when's, and why's" are addressed.

In this part of the letter (described as "the oldest preserved Christian document) to the early gathering in Thessalonica, Paul is responding to a specific concern of the early Christians. They were all living in the expectation that Christ's return could happen any moment, at which time all the living faithful would be taken up "with the Lord forever." However, as time went on and beloved church members, friends and family, passed away before the arrival of the end times, people began to wonder where the faithful departed fitted in the scheme of things.

This passage is interpreted by some today as supporting the idea of "the rapture". Others take it less literally, but still as a message of hope that God's promise will be kept, whatever the specific details of the event. In either case, it's clear that questions of what happens at our personal end time, or that of the whole world, still have great importance for us.

What does this message of hope mean to you? How does this promise affect the way in which you live out your faith?

Does the knowledge that our relationships won't end at death impact those relationships in the here and now? Should it?

Child of God

Pastor Amy Becker — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 12:41:35 GMT

All Saints Sunday
November 2, 2008

1 John 3:1-3
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. ²Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. ³And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

The phrase "child of God" is so common place, because it is such a key aspect of faith. But, because of it's importance and prominence, I know I don't always look at what that means. I don't always look at what it means to be anybody's child.

I'm sometimes fascinated when I see families to see how they are like one another. Whether it's through physical characteristics, or speech patterns, or the ways they hold themselves, or values that they hold, families - whether they share common DNA or not - often take after each other.

There are certain ways I look like my parents. There are many common values I hold with my siblings. There are phrases and life experiences that I hold in common with many to whom I am related. How does this get carried out into the world?

A similar question then, when it comes to knowing that we are God's children.
What does it mean for us to be part of this family?
What traits are strong? How do we see them?
What does it mean to be a child of God?

Law and Gospel

Pastor Amy Becker — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:54:38 GMT

Reformation Sunday
October 26, 2008

Romans 3:19-28
Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. ²⁰For “no human being will be justified in his sight” by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. ²¹But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, ²²the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, ²³since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; ²⁴they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, ²⁵whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; ²⁶it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus. ²⁷Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. ²⁸For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law.

In our Adult Bible Study class yesterday (Sunday, Oct 19th), we talked about law and gospel. Law is that which guides us, gives us rules, and helps us recognize our brokenness. Gospel saves us, redeems us, helps us to know that we are forgiven.

This Scripture passage is a classic case of both law and gospel. (It stands to reason, since this is a passage that is used on Reformation Sunday). The law names that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Gospel promises that all "are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

Do you notices other aspects of Law and Gospel in this Scripture?
With the assumption that we all recognize that we are sinners, what is it that holds up that mirror for you the most?
What helps you best recognize God's grace for you?

Follow the Leader

Pastor Amy Becker — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:57:21 GMT

23rd Sunday After Pentecost
October 19, 2008

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
1Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.

²We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly ³remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁴For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, ⁵because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake.

⁶And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, ⁷so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. ⁸For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. ⁹For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, ¹⁰and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming.

Early in my seminary career, I attended a worship service at another seminary. This particular worship service was held to praise God for the women who had gone before all of us, being an example of God's love and grace and of prophecy and steadfastness. It was really powerful to lift up some of those names of people who have gone before me who have helped me to know God and to know what God's call for me is.

Many women and men have gone before each of us. Some have made a large impact on our lives to help us know God. Paul (and Silvanus and Timothy) are thanking God for the people of Thessalonica because they are being an example for others - they are encouraging others in faith. And, it's gotten to the point where their faith is so obvious, they don't even need to speak it. Their lives are an example. And, they followed the example of Paul and Silvanus and Timothy.

Who have been some people who have taught you about God - or been examples for your life?
For whom have you been an example?

Choose Your Own Blog Adventure

Pastor Amy Becker — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 13:38:00 GMT

22nd Sunday After Pentecost
Oct 12, 2008

Philippians 4:1-9

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. ²I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. ³Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. ⁴Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. ⁵Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. ⁶Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ⁸Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ⁹Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

¹⁰I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. ¹²I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. ¹³I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

There are so many directions a short blog on this piece of Scripture would go. It would be interesting to hear what first stands out to you who are reading this. So, for a moment, before I go anywhere else - stop, take a moment to see what it is that stands out to you about this Scripture.

That will be one of the questions at the end.

You've got your own direction in mind, right? Ok. Now I'll go into the blog post I chose.

The thing that stands out to me the most is that women are named here as people who struggled with Paul in the work of the Gospel. We know very little about Euodia and Syntyche, but we do know that they were co-workers of Paul's. Reading into the text, it appears that they may have had some disagreements with one another, and that others were to support them in their work. There is very little else to say about that. Yay women in ministry!

Leaving out this particular pastor, what has been your experience of women in ministry?
What was your direction - or what stood out to you in the beginning about this text? Thoughts about that?

Press On

Pastor Amy Becker — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:58:29 GMT

21st Sunday After Pentecost
October 5, 2008

Philippians 3:4b-14

(Paul writes) If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: ⁵circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; ⁶as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.
⁷Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. ⁸More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ ⁹and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith.
¹⁰I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, ¹¹if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. ¹²Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

¹³Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.

At first it sounds as if Paul is falling into the trap of works-righteousness, meaning it sounds as if he believes that he has accomplished everything he would need to in order to be righteous. But, he turns that on its head when is says that those marks of righteousness are not necessary because of the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ.

But, he doesn't end there. First, he doesn't want it to be something that is not internalized (as he says, "I press on to make it my own). And, he continues to confess that he wants to continue to strive - to work - to press on towards God's call.

What traps of works-righteousness do you fall into?
How do you strive to make this goal of becoming like Christ your own?
What does it mean to you to "press on toward the goal" (meaning God's call)?

Lift Every Voice

Pastor Amy Becker — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:07:22 GMT

20th Sunday after Pentecost
September 28, 2008

Philippians 2:1-13

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, ²make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. ³Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. ⁴Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. ⁵Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, ⁶who, though he was in the form
            of God,
        did not regard equality with God
        as something to be exploited,
⁷but emptied himself,
        taking the form of a slave,
        being born in human likeness.
    And being found in human form,
    ⁸he humbled himself
        and became obedient to the point
            of death—
        even death on a cross.
⁹Therefore God also highly
            exalted him
        and gave him the name
        that is above every name,
¹⁰so that at the name of Jesus
            every knee should bend,
            in heaven and on earth and under
                the earth,
    ¹¹and every tongue should confess
            that Jesus Christ is Lord,
            to the glory of God the Father.

¹²Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; ¹³for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Sometimes pagination is everything. How else would we notice so quickly that verses 6-11 are a different kind of writing? That selection is actually a very early Christian hymn. Think of your favorite hymn - why is it your favorite? Is it the tune? The emotion that it evokes within you? Is it the message of the words? A combination of these? Something else entirely?

What do you think this hymn was used for? Any thoughts on what the tune might be?
What is a favorite hymn? Why is it your favorite?

Standing Firm

Pastor Amy Becker — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:15:04 GMT

19th Sunday After Pentecost
September 21, 2008

Philippians 1:21-30
For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. ²²If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. ²³I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; ²⁴but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. ²⁵Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, ²⁶so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.

²⁷Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, ²⁸and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. ²⁹For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well— ³⁰since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Hi folks - I'm having one of those weeks with too much to do in the amount of time I have. So, I will simply ask you to tell me
1) What does Paul mean by "live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ"? (Meaning, what is Paul saying to the Philippians...)
2) How do you do that? (Meaning, what is Paul saying to us?)

Uncommon Sense

Pastor Amy Becker — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:11:27 GMT

Reading for Holy Cross Sunday, Sept 14, 2008

1 Corinthians 1:18-24

¹⁸For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ¹⁹For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” ²⁰Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ²¹For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. ²²For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, ²³but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, ²⁴but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

"We proclaim Christ crucified..." That is really strange when you stop to think about it. We shout out that the one we follow was tried and put to death. Strangely, it's one of the things that encourages my faith - that it makes such little sense. God went to such great lengths that are beyond our comprehension in order to get our attention...in order to help us know that God's love for us is beyond common sense. (In a strange turn of events, that then makes perfect sense to me).

It's frequently said that Jesus was all about turning the world upsidedown. I wonder how much of the world we live in has taken what Jesus did and turned it back rightsideup. Meaning, Jesus' sacrifice is now normal to us. We are not in danger if we proclaim what Christ has done. Jesus came speaking truth to power - taking the "wisdom" of the time and challenging it.

What is the "wisdom" of this time that denies Christ and needs challenging?
How do we "proclaim Christ crucified?"
What makes sense to you here? What doesn't?

Paul says it, So I Don't Have To

Pastor Amy Becker — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 13:03:49 GMT

17th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A
September 7, 2008

Romans 13:8-14

⁸Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. ⁹The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” ¹⁰Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.

¹¹Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; ¹²the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; ¹³let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. ¹⁴Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Hmmm, it's Labor Day weekend as I write this. And so, it seems to me that Paul's letter let's my labor be minimal.

What stands out to you about this selection of Romans?

Any thoughts on "love is the fulfilling of the law"?

Heap of Burning Coals

Pastor Amy Becker — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 11:40:29 GMT

The 16th Sunday After Pentecost
August 31, 2008

Romans 12:9-21

⁹Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; ¹⁰love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. ¹¹Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. ¹²Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. ¹³Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. ¹⁴Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. ¹⁵Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. ¹⁶Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. ¹⁷Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. ¹⁸If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. ¹⁹Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” ²⁰No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” ²¹Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

First of all, not that anyone is dying to know, but the title last week was from the song "Free Your Mind" by En Vogue (the 1992 album "Funky Divas" - yes, this pastor does own that).

Now, back to the current reading. Paul offers some guidance to the Roman's as to how to live in community. He just finished saying that "we" - Paul is speaking about himself and all those who are the Body of Christ - we are one body with many members. He also says that there are different gifts among these many members. After listing some specifics, he then jumps into this appeal.

All of these phrases are good advice - things to follow as we walk through life, working to follow Christ. Verse 20 catches me off guard though. It's got that "kill them with kindness" mentality. Without that little window, one might think that Paul was otherworldly....and these were impossible ideals.

I agree with Paul: we are to care for everyone, including our enemies. We are not to sink to what we might term "their level" or repay evil with evil. But, it's not easy. Paul offers a not-so-holy incentive for treating your enemy with love...because it will be like you have piled "burning coals on their heads." (Verse 20 comes almost directly from Proverbs 25:21-22). I'm not sure that our motivation for treating our "enemies" well should be because it will cause them guilt or remorse. However, it certainly lifts up that even if we are angry, the correct response is to do good in the face of evil.

There are many fantastic phrases in this reading. Do any in particular stand out to you?
What do you think about this whole concept of heaping "burning coals" on your enemies heads?

Free your mind, and the rest will follow.**

Pastor Amy Becker — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 12:20:45 GMT

15th Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday August 24th

Romans 12:1-8
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. ²Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. ³For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. ⁴For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, ⁵so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. ⁶We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ⁷ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; ⁸the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

This week I'm diverting from my normal practice of blogging about the Gospel. I have been intentional in blogging regularly about the Gospel text because there are some that are just so difficult, it'd be easier to find a happier text (like last Sunday's for example). So, in some ways, it's an accountability piece for myself to not just pick the easier piece of scripture.

This week, I am changing, for a few reasons. First, because this Romans reading is one of my favorite. Secondly, The Gospel this week would not be too much of a challenge - Jesus asks "who do you say that I am?" and Peter responds, "You are the messiah, the Son of the living God" and Jesus calls Peter the rock. Full text here. Also, I have been thinking that at some point I should switch and intentionally blog about the 2nd reading. That has yet to be determined.

In this selection, as Paul writes, "do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds..." I think about the practices that I have (such as not letting myself off the hook when it comes to difficult scripture), that keep me accountable to God and not the world. I fail many times in these practices, and often pay much more attention to the world, however, with grace, I seek to be transformed over and over again.

One of these practices is regular conversation about given scripture passages; another is to meet with a spiritual director to look at what God is doing with and in my life; another is attempting to be quiet in prayer. I'm not actually doing the transformation - God is. But, I am putting myself in the place to be transformed. It's not easy all the time - there are many many times when I do not see this transformation at all. But I trust that God is present, at work, bringing about renewal and transformation.

Do you have practices that you do to be renewed and transformed by God?
What do you think? Continue with Gospel texts? Move on to Epistles (generally the 2nd reading)?
**Trivia this week - who can name what the title of this post is in reference to? Hint: it's from the early 90s.

Jesus, How Could You?

Pastor Amy Becker — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 08:25:17 GMT

Gospel for the 14th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A

August 17, 2008

Matthew 15:10-28
Then he called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: ¹¹it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” ¹²Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” ¹³He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. ¹⁴Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.” ¹⁵But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” ¹⁶Then he said, “Are you also still without understanding? ¹⁷Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? ¹⁸But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. ¹⁹For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. ²⁰These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.”

²¹Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. ²²Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” ²³But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” ²⁴He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” ²⁵But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” ²⁶He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” ²⁷She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” ²⁸Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Who is this Jesus who says that what comes out of the heart and mouth is what defiles, but then in the next moment insinuates that a woman who is not and Israelite is a dog? Is this the same Jesus who in a while will tell his disciples that "whatever you do for the least of these, you do unto me"?

The actions that defile (vs 19) are certainly horrendous. But the next verse basically says that a person isn't unclean because they don't follow the same religious ritual. And, following that, Jesus is given the opportunity to put his words into action.

There are so many ways to explain away or explore this episode. It is a bit troubling after all - I personally would rather Jesus be open and welcoming immediately without having to have the woman groveling for the health of her child.

I choose not to explain it away. But rather to ask, what does this tell us about God's kingdom? What does this tell us about Jesus? What does this leave open for confusion and questioning? And is that confusion/questioning and only partial understanding of Jesus a bad thing?

Caught

Pastor Amy Becker — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:14:42 GMT

Matthew 14:22-33

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Trusting God can be difficult. Sometimes we want to test God's call to us, God's comfort of us. Jesus is trying to tell the disciples not to be afraid, but Peter's reaction is to ask Jesus to do something miraculous with him. In some ways, Peter asks Jesus to "prove it" by allowing Peter to walk on water.

Jesus seems to not make a big deal about it. Some recognition, perhaps, that sometimes people do need some evidence, something to hold onto. And, Peter did walk on water. Peter did an amazing thing, as long as he was focused on Jesus.

It's when he's distracted and stops trusting that he begins to sink.

I get distracted. Easily. I get distracted by tasks and by my own diversions. It's sometimes easy to look away from the purpose or base of something (Sharing Christ's love) because of all of the details or because outside things seems so big.

Personally, I know that I regularly need that hand of Jesus reaching out, catching me from sinking into the details of what seems to be a deep sea.

What distracts you?
How do you test God?
When have you been "caught" or helped to have things be put in focus, by God?

Mission Impossible?

Pastor Amy Becker — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 11:53:51 GMT

The Gospel for the 12th Sunday After Pentecost
August 3, 2008

Matthew 14:13-21
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. ¹⁴When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. ¹⁵When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.’ ¹⁶Jesus said to them, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat.’ ¹⁷They replied, ‘We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.’ ¹⁸And he said, ‘Bring them here to me.’ ¹⁹Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. ²⁰And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. ²¹And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Jesus said, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat."

Like many other episodes in the Gospels, I see myself in the disciples in this reading. You might say that is a good thing - to see oneself as a disciple. To be someone who attempts to follow Jesus. Isn't that what we're all doing, really?

Once again, however, imagining myself as a disciple means recognizing the limits of my imagination and belief. It means recognizing that God asks us to sometimes do what seems impossible. And, then that impossibility isn't wholly up to us to accomplish. We gather the fish and the loaves and let God work. But, first we need to gather the fish and the loaves.

What amazing things has God done, that you've been part of?
What feels impossible right now? How might God use you to start to accomplish the impossible?

Parable Lines

Pastor Amy Becker — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:36:32 GMT

The Gospel for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost

July 27, 2008

Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-52

13 He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; ³²it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.’

33 He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with^* three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’

44 ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

45 ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; ⁴⁶on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

47 ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; ⁴⁸when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. ⁴⁹So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous ⁵⁰and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

51 ‘Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ ⁵²And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’

Note: As he will be preaching on Sunday, Jim Bjugstad is the guest blogger this week.

I find it a bit out of character, and somewhat suspect, that when Jesus asks the disciples if they understand his "anything but clear" (to me) parables about the Kingdom of Heaven, they simply answer "yes". I wish I could so confidently affirm my understanding.

The "Kingdom of Heaven" is an incredibly important concept in Christianity, and volumes have been written about it. In Lutheran theology, the Kingdom is often described as "already/not yet here", a rather Zen concept to me! In keeping with that ambiguity, we're also taught that bringing about the Kingdom is God's work - and ours.

How do you picture the Kingdom of Heaven? What is the Kingdom "like" to you?

What can we do to bring about the Kingdom?

What do you make of that last verse about the new and old "treasure"?

Give It Some Time

Pastor Amy Becker — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:13:51 GMT

The Gospel for the 10th Sunday After Pentecost
July 20, 2008

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43²⁴He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; ²⁵but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. ²⁶So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. ²⁷And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ ²⁸He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ ²⁹But he replied, ‘No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. ³⁰Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”

³⁶Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” ³⁷He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; ³⁸the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, ³⁹and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. ⁴⁰Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. ⁴¹The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, ⁴²and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ⁴³Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!

So often we want to fix everything right away - as soon as we recognize a problem. Ok, ok. Maybe I shouldn't say "we," but "I." This is a characteristic of mine - the desire to right what is wrong - asap. But, I would not be at all surprised if a number of you who read this blog share that characteristic.

Now, I'm not saying that we shouldn't strive toward neat fields - or rather, that we shouldn't try to keep weeds from being planted (and yes, even uproot them - just not at the expense of all else that is being sown). It's a little bit similar to the cliché of not throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

What is remarkable is that the weeds do not triumph. The good seed continues to grow in the midst of the weeds. God (or, as Jesus says here, the Son of Man) will rid the world of sin - in the Kingdom of God, the children of the kingdom will be released from the causes of sin to shine like the sun.

For the here and now - we know that this kingdom is coming - we pray for it. And, we don't necessarily sit back and allow sin to invade, but we also recognize that it is God who removes the sin that has already been planted.

What thoughts do you have?
Where does this metaphor work? Where does it break down?

Sow: What's Up With That?

Pastor Amy Becker — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:55:20 GMT

The Gospel for the 9th Sunday after Pentecost

July 13, 2008

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

13That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. ²Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. ³And he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘Listen! A sower went out to sow. ⁴And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. ⁵Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. ⁶But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. ⁷Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. ⁸Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. ⁹Let anyone with ears^* listen!’

18 ‘Hear then the parable of the sower. ¹⁹When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. ²⁰As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; ²¹yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away.^* ²²As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. ²³But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.’

Note: Jim Bjugstad is the guest blogger this week, while Pastor Becker is pursuing some continuing education.

In this passage, Jesus tells a parable showing that not all who hear the word will respond in the same way, or have the same results.

Where is the "rocky ground" that prevents healthy roots from forming in your faith?
What "thorns" are choking out the word for you?

Jesus says that even in good soil, the yields might be different, thirtyfold, or sixty, or a hundred. What does that mean for you?

Rejections

Pastor Amy Becker — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:21:17 GMT

The Gospel for the 8th Sunday after Pentecost
July 6, 2008

Matthew 11:16-19 (20-24) 25-30
¹⁶“But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, ¹⁷‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ ¹⁸For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; ¹⁹the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”
⁽²⁰Then he began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent. ²¹“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. ²²But I tell you, on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. ²³And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades. For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. ²⁴But I tell you that on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom than for you.” )

²⁵At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; ²⁶yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. ²⁷All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. ²⁸“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Those verses 20-24 won't be read on Sunday, but in some ways they enlighten the rest of the Scripture selection. Just prior to this selection, John the Baptist (Jesus cousin who is in jail at this point) sends some of his disciples to check out to see if Jesus is the real thing. The Messiah he had been working to get people ready for.

When John's disciples leave, Jesus uses the opportunity to teach those around him - and lifts up John's role in his ministry. But, then Jesus complains about all those who do not accept the Good News that has come into the world. All those who have seen miracles and not responded - all those near whom the Kingdom of God has come...who do nothing, and certainly do not repent. He likens these people to children in the marketplace who don't play along with games of weddings and funerals (flute and dancing - like Jesus who eats and drinks/ and wailing and mourning - like John the Baptist who abstains from eating and drinking). The cities he's named have not responded, even though Jesus has been performing miracles in their midst.

Then he goes into this lovely Jewish prayer - and ends with an image of taking on his yoke. Carrying it with him. A yoke that will make you follow along with Jesus, but whose heaviness isn't too difficult to handle.

So, ComeUnity bloggers - how are we (as individuals/as a city or other group) like those who rejected Jesus and John the Baptist? When do we not see God's kingdom at work?

What does it mean to you to take up Jesus' yoke? Is it an image that connects for you?