Seeds For Thinking

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: Jesus said, “On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets”. (Matthew 22:40, NKJV)

There is an old saying, “Cleanliness is next to godliness.”
I am not sure how the “godliness” part applies to gasoline engines, but I can tell you - from experience - that cleanliness does make a big difference - to go, or not go!
Assuming that the hardware is all in place, and the proper fuel is supplied, there are still two things that have to occur at the right time: The proper fuel to air mixture must be pulled into the cylinder (carburization) and the plug needs to spark at the right time (ignition).
The spark part is easy to check: Grab ahold of the spark plug wire and spin the engine!
Not really!!
Take the plug out and check it - part of the cleanliness routine. Then spin the flywheel and check for a spark at the plug. Got spark? Good; the ignition part is ready to go.
Now, to the fuel part - carburization - a part that can drive you nuts! Not just fuel, but the proper ratio of fuel to air. A speck of dirt, a cloggage in any part of the system, messes up the entire process.
If I have the parts that make up the ignition system, along with the fuel tank and the carburetor, I have an engine, ready to go.
No?
You’re correct! There are valves, cams, pistons, a crank shaft and many other critical parts. So what is the “greatest” part of a working engine?
The Pharisees asked Jesus to tell them what kind of law, of all the laws, is the most important. It is a trap, as verse 35 attests. It is like asking, “What is the most important part of an engine?”
At the very least they're asking him (they think) to choose between moral law and ceremonial law, to declare an ultimate allegiance either to the Pharisees (who would have generally focused on the moral law) or the Saducees (ultimate guardians of the ceremonial law as operators of the temple).
Both parties get caught up in observing a minutia of details and trivia. When to pray; how to pray, what to wear; what to eat; what is considered to be work - etc, etc . . .
Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all you are AND your neighbor as yourself. From this all the law and prophets hang."
This is what Jesus was saying in Matthew 22:37.
The first and greatest commandment concerns our relationship toward and with God, and is like the spark of an engine: Sure, we might “fire” only part of the time - not consistent in our relationship to God. Our “timing” might be erratic; we are not in synch with God’s plans for us.
Maybe our devotion becomes “short circuited” by things that draw our attention away from God - things that become our idols, focusing on our wants & desires, not our needs. On worldly things, trinkets & treasures, habits & pleasures. But the bottom line is: either you have a total commitment to God, or you don’t.
So - Love the Lord, your God with all of your being.”
People! Your “Neighbors.” And who is my neighbor? That’s like the carburetor of an engine: lots of small things can mess up the mixture. A common belief limited such neighborly relationships to their friends and companions, and one of their own religion. It was said, "Do not I hate them that hate me?"
Jesus acknowledged that was a common saying, beginning in Matthew 5:43 (part of the Beatitudes, chapts. 5-6-7 of Matthew’s gospel). He said, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
Loving the Lord God with all our being, and extending that love to all of God’s creation, still lacks one import part: Most of us know by heart John 3:16 :
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:17 adds that the people of the world will be saved through Him.

Seeds for Thinking (©) 1996 - 2011 by Leland Hubbell

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2, NKJV)rev

Crime and punishment: That has long been one of the most difficult issues facing our social relationships. “Do unto others” - Yea, verily! But not according to the Golden Rule, which emphasizes doing good. More often it is “Tit for Tat” and “This for That.” The old adage of “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” “Don’t just get mad”, they say; “Get even!” We are typically quick to judgment, but slow on mercy. A common adage is, “What we sow, so shall we reap,” and multiple millions of persons can testify to this reality.
While some suffering can be directly traced to sin, natural evil comes without a moral agent: A tower falls, an earthquake shakes, a tornado destroys, a hurricane ravages, a spider bites, a disease debilitates and kills. The world is filled with wonders mixed with dangers. Gravity can save you or gravity can kill you. When a tower falls, it kills. Some persons suffer innocently by the sinful acts of others.
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus mentioned an example of such a tragedy when he was told about some Galilean insurgents who were killed by the Romans. Those who told Jesus this may have expected him to say that their deaths were punishment for their rebellious and belligerent behavior. Jesus replied that they were not more sinful than other Galileans, nor were the eighteen killed in the collapse of the tower of Siloam. Jesus taught that death can come upon anyone, regardless of how sinful they are. He went on to teach that the need for all people to repent is the true lesson from such tragedies.(Luke 13:1-5)
One common belief, both in our time and in Jesus’ day, relates to individual or collective misfortune. “Who sinned?, the disciples asked, expressing a trend of thinking that physical limitations, like deafness, or blindness, were served up by God as punishment for sin. Some Christians, like Job’s “friends, simply explain suffering as the consequence of sins, known or unknown. In reality, tragedy occurs whether or not a person or country is either innocent or guilty of sin.
In John 9, a man is blind from birth, and Jesus tells the Twelve that this blindness cannot be traced back to this man's sin, or that of his parents. A common saying in the time of the Old Testament prophets concerned sins of parents inflicted upon their children. Jeremiah writes that a day is coming when “People will no longer say, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.’
Instead, everyone will die for his own sin; whoever eats sour grapes - his own teeth will be set on edge.” (Jeremiah 31:29-30) Even then, prophesy foretold Jesus’ words, that through repentance, and God’s Grace, The Lord will “forgive iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34b.)
What should we, as faithful Christians, do in regard to the supposed sins of others? First of all, pray for your enemies - and sinners. In the words of Leviticus 19:18 "'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” and in Deuteronomy 32:35, ”It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them."
Paul wrote, “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
(Romans 12:19 -21)

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Scripture: Jesus said, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Mt. 5:44
Ezekiel 34:26b - I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing. NKJV

There shall be showers of blessing:
O that today day they might fall
Nathan

The occasion of rain is a curious phenomena - Some people want it, some don’t.
Granted, timing plays a large role in how rain is accepted. For some people, rain is an inconvenience, an interruption of life, a spoiler of fun:

“Rain, rain, go away;
Come again some other day.”
Why? “Little Johnnie wants to play.”

On goes the scowls, out come the umbrellas, washed away goes the day.
Rain is a blessing for other people, however: The farmer needing moisture to sprout or sustain crops, people with cisterns, and - assuming that the shower is gentle and warm - children with obliging parents.
Ever notice? Children who have to be dragged into the tub/shower go joyfully and gleefully into the rain. Laughter, giggles, looking for puddles, maybe eyes closed, looking to the heavens. (Perhaps it’s the absence of soap.)

So, some want (and need) rain, and rain will answer their prayers. Others, like Little Johnnie, are praying for sunshine.
Keep in mind the precepts of Matthew 5:45, that God makes the sun shine on the evil and the good. He sends the rain on the just and the unjust. Everybody! No matter what, somebody is going to be unhappy.
Does it grieve you that blessings fall on the evil ones, perhaps those who hate you, or curse you? Are you discouraged to see bad things happen to good people?
There are - and must be - times that we do not readily see blessings in the answer that God gives us. Look closer; there may be blessings falling, blessings sent by God that you are turning away with your scowl and ‘spiritual umbrella.’ Look instead for ways you can collect, as in a spiritual cistern, these showers for times when you can draw upon them as needed. Times when love, blessing, and prayer bring seasons refreshing to your soul, or to another’s.
Jesus, also, prayed for the “cup to pass,” but accepted God’s will.
He exemplified His teachings (Mt. 5:44) and, in so doing, brought salvation to the world.

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Scripture: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10, NKJV)

“Respect everything; fear nothing.” At first glance, this adage may seem to be at odds with the scripture from Proverbs. I think that there is much to be said for respect, compared with fear.
Fear is to “be afraid of (someone or something) as likely to be dangerous, painful, or threatening; an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain.”
Respect, on the other hand, is “a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements; agree to recognize and abide by (a legal requirement)”; and, “due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others”
For example, I am not afraid of electricity, having worked with it in many ways, but I have a good, healthy respect for its power and what it can do to the body. I have worked with many rotating mechanical devices, again having the capability to inflict major damage, but I do not come quaking and shaking as I approach a farm implement. I do not experience an “unpleasant emotion” in these situations; rather, I hope I exhibit a “due regard for” the qualities that make them powerful.
Now let’s apply this to a Biblical theme, in keeping with the scripture. “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind; You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22” 37, 39)
To me, this approach to the great commandment speaks more of respect than of fear, according to my dictionary: “Deep admiration, and due regard.”
Let’s look at a case where a lack of respect resulted in fear, as represented by the ark of the Testimony, or Covenant. The Ark was an embodiment of God's presence with the Israelites. The atonement cover (or "mercy seat") that covered the ark was God's throne (2 Sam 6:2) and God's presence was above it (Lev 16:2); It contained the stone tablets of the Testimony (Ten Commandments) a golden pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded. The mercy seat was covered with gold. Two winged figures (cherubim) faced each other with outstretched wings. It was designed to be carried by four men, using poles inserted into rings on the sides of the ark.
God had given the Israelites many rules concerning the Ark of the Covenant. It was to be kept in the Most Holy Place in the temple, hidden from view by a curtain (Ex 26:33). Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and then only after he had undergone ceremonial cleansing, made sacrifices to atone for his sins and the nation's sins, and burned incense to conceal the atonement cover (Lev 16). When the ark was moved, it was covered with at least 3 layers of cloth by the priests to protect others from seeing it (Num 4:5-6, 15, 18-20);
Certainly, we may say that the presence of the ark struck fear into the hearts of the Philistines, who had captured it in battle (See 1 Samuel, chaps 5, 6). Giving glory to the God of Israel, the Philistines returned the ark to the Israelites at Beth Shemish.
The Israelites rejoiced to see the ark, and made a burnt offering to the LORD. However, their curiosity led the men of Beth Shemish to open the lid, and to look in the ark, which, out of respect for its symbolism of God’s presence, they were not supposed to do. The LORD struck the people with a great slaughter. (1 Samuel 6:19) Since God's presence was on/over the ark, they were actually coming into the presence of God - and without the least sense of reverence (respect?) towards Him.
And the men of Beth Shemish said, “Who is able to stand before this holy LORD god?” (vs. 20)
Who, indeed! Those who show respect for, and have a feeling of deep admiration for, the abilities, qualities, or achievements of The LORD, expressing love for Him with all heart - soul - mind, should have no need to feel fear.

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Scripture: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27

How willing are we to serve in Jesus’ name?
As I was dwelling on the Parable of the Good Samaritan, I began thinking about the actions of all of the persons involved in this passage of scripture. And, I wondered, would I do differently, walking in their shoes?
The lawyer was an expert in Jewish religious teachings of Mosiac law. Eternal life was a current topic of religious debate. He thus answered Jesus’ question by stating the Jewish Shema, a Hebrew text consisting of three passages from the Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 6:4, 11:13–21; Numbers 15:37–41) and beginning “Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one.” It forms an important part of Jewish evening and morning prayer and is used as a Jewish confession of faith.
He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind
(from Deut 6:5) and 'Love your neighbor as yourself.”(from Leviticus 19:18 - “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”)
Jesus responded, “You have answered correctly - do this and you will live.”
(Leviticus 18:5 “Keep my decrees and laws, for the man who obeys them will live by them. I am the LORD.”)
Yes, Jesus died to bring salvation to the world, but this does not absolve us from loving God with all of our being, and loving our neighbor, even as Jesus loves.
We can readily identify with the man - everyone; mankind - at the mercy of the world, who was attacked, beaten and robbed. Mankind has a history of descending. From Genesis to Revelation, we get a picture of descent, especially if Satan has his way with us. Satan: robber, murderer. Taker, of lives. What will be left? Sin! Robbers and thieves act out, “What you have is mine, if I can take it from you.”
The priest and Levite represent ritualism and ceremonialism. Perhaps they tended to think, “What I have is mine, and I am going to keep it.” They were a privileged class. There were many rules & regulations governing them. For example, they had to dress a certain way, and carry out very specific actions as worship. They were not to defile themselves, such as by contact with a corpse. Priests could not even attend a burial except of a close relative. Was the man possibly dead? They knew the dangers, and avoided them. Wouldn’t you?
The Samaritan embodies the concept, “What I have is yours if I can help you.” I found these words from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary:
“It is lamentable to observe how selfishness governs all ranks; how many excuses men will make to avoid trouble or expense in relieving others. But the true Christian has the law of love written in his heart. The Spirit of Christ dwells in him; Christ's image is renewed in his soul. The parable is a beautiful explanation of the law of loving our neighbour as ourselves, without regard to nation, party, or any other distinction. It also sets forth the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward sinful, miserable men.”
Ritualism, ceremonialism, and legalism could not save the man, nor nor can it save mankind. The question is not whether we will have eternal life, but whether that life will be with God, rather than with Satan. Jesus, through the Grace of God, offers salvation. Having chosen Jesus, then, let us embody fully this example: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

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Scripture: “For, dear brothers, you have been given freedom: not freedom to do wrong, but freedom to love and serve each other.” Galations 5:13, Living Bible
Ah! Freedom: The quality or state of being free. The power to do as one pleases. Freedom from physical restraint, freedom from arbitrary or despotic control.
Yes, but also permission to go freely within specified limits. FREEDOM has a broad range of application from total absence of restraint to merely a sense of not being unduly hampered or frustrated. (Definitions: Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary)
Paul speaks often of freedom, especially freedom from Mosaic law, in his letter to the Romans, and to the Galations. However, Paul points out that freedom in Christ is not total absence of restraint; that is, lacking legal or moral restraints. (See above)
Rather, “having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” (Romans 6:18)
Some translations use the word “liberty” rather than freedom in Galations 5:13. Liberty suggests release from former restraint or compulsion, in this case, the restraint of the law and compulsions of the flesh.
I will admit that I have struggled with the concept of freedom from the law, as presented by Paul. After all, shouldn’t we try to keep the Ten Commandments? Aren’t we to obey ‘laws’?
Consider that the Rich Young Ruler had kept all the commandments from his youth, yet lacked the means to obtain eternal life. (Luke 18:18-27) Jesus is telling us, and Paul is affirming, that eternal life is not obtained through works, such as observing traditions, laws, or commandments. That is like earning a prize if you collect so many coupons. It is not that the laws are bad or sinful, it is just that human nature is to “talk the talk but not walk the walk.”
Part of the answer can be found in Jesus’ reply to the Scribes and Pharisees in Mark chapter 7 concerning charges that the disciples were breaking the “laws, i.e. transgressing the traditions of the elders. They were not following the ritual of washing their hands, pitchers and cups in a special way before eating. Is this a sin that will keep them from entering the kingdom of heaven?
Jesus answers that the Scribes and Pharisees are “teaching as doctrines the commandments of men,” quoting Isaiah 29:13, while rejecting the intent of God’s commandments. Many of their traditions were merely “lip service,” not true worship.
Jesus contrasts the commandment “Honor your father and mother” with the practice of making a “gift to God” (Corban) of money that should have gone to the parents, thus making the commandment of no effect. They didn’t ‘break’ the commandment, but they didn’t observe God’s intent of providing for parents, either.
Perhaps Peter had this in mind when he wrote of those who speak great swelling words of emptiness; “While they promise . . . liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption.” (2 Peter 2:18-19)
Peter also wrote that it is the will of God to do good “to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men - as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. “ (1 Peter 2:16)
Christ has set us free from “keeping lists” or “check off charts.” We don’t have to “collect coupons” to obtain eternal life. Jesus said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)
Salvation is a gift, granted by the Grace of God to all who accept Jesus as the Christ; they shall not perish, but have everlasting life.
“For, dear brothers, you have been given freedom: not freedom to do wrong, but freedom to love and serve each other.” (Galations 5:13, Living Bible) July 1, 2007

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Scripture: Paul wrote, “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
(Romans 13:8)
“and if there is any other commandment, all are summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
(Romans 13:9b) NKJV

Love! Oh, how we love to use the word love. We have ‘love’ nouns; we have ‘love verbs. My Merriam-Webster’s© lists entries for:
calf-love; courtly love; free love; light-o’-love; love affair; love apple; love beads; love child; love feast; love grass; love handles; love-in; love-in-a-mist; love knot; love seat; make[1, verb] platonic love; puppy love; self-love.
Definitions include, but are not limited to:
(1) : strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties; ‘maternal love for a child.’
(2) : attraction based on sexual desire : affection and tenderness felt by lovers.
(3) : affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests.
(4): an assurance of love “give her my love”
2 : warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion “love of the sea.”
(5) : the object of attachment, devotion, or admiration *baseball was his first love.*
(6) : a beloved person : DARLING - often used as a term of endearment.
(7) British - used as an informal term of address.
(8) : an amorous episode.
(9 ): a god or personification of love.
etc. . . . . ad ifinitum.

So - what does it mean when we read the word “love” in the Bible? Some raise the question of what kind of ‘love’ Jesus really had for the “Beloved Disciple” and for Lazarus.
Rest assured that it wasn’t erotic love, because the Greek language has specific words, four of them, that we English speakers all lump under the common word, love. The original New Testament uses only two of the four words - philia - brotherly, (love) unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another concern for others, and; agape;
The fatherly concern of God for humankind; a person's adoration of God.
This is a partial listing of quotes from the New Testament that use a form of agape in every instance:

* God is Love.
* Love never fails.
* Love one another.
* Love your neighbor.
* Peter, lovest thou me?
* See how he loved him.
* For God so loved the world . . . .
* Love suffers long, and is kind.
* If I have not love, I am nothing.
* He who loves another has fulfilled the law.
* Now abide faith, hope, love,
* But the greatest of these is love.

March 4, 2007