Seeds For Thinking

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

* Retaliation
* Scripture: Jesus said, " . . .the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." Luke 9:56, NKJV

It hath been said, "Don't get mad - get even." Ah! Sweet revenge! "Do unto others if they do it to you - an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth."
Jesus spoke about retaliation in the Sermon on the Mount, as recorded in Matthew 5:38, adding, in effect, 'But if you follow My teaching, you won't act like that.' Rather, His disciples are to turn the other cheek and to love their enemies.
Why? "That you may be (children) of your Father in heaven." (Mt. 5:45)
Think about that in terms of an earthly family. Parents are responsible for providing for their children's welfare. Children are to be obedient, and are under the authority of a parent or guardian until the age of majority, the age at which full civil rights are accorded.
At what point in our Christian journey, then, do we grow up enough that we cease to be "children" of God? Is there a time when we can presume to become independent of God, a time when we can literally 'take over the business,' and run things our own way?
I bring up this point to invite you to consider how we should react to some of the challenges that face us as Christians. When people say bad things about Christianity, about religion in general, or take God's name in vain, the urge to retaliate is very real.
There have been periods in history where the overly zealous attempted to advance the cause of the church at the point of the sword. In essence, some have said, "If you don't love God, I'll kill you."
My chosen scripture verse speaks to the point of treatment of those who reject The Christ. Jesus' disciples wanted to command fire to come down from heaven and consume those people (Samaritans) who did not receive Him. (Lk. 9:51-56) Jesus said, "No!"
If it is not the purpose of the Son of Man (Christ) to destroy such people, then what are we to do?
We are to love God, and our neighbor as ourselves. Who is our neighbor? All people- for all belong to God. That includes those we might consider to be 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)
Children of God are not in a position of greater authority to change that teaching. When disciples pray, "Your will be done" (Lord's Prayer) Christians indicate submission to the dominion and authority of God in their lives.
(Quotations from the NKJV)
September 24, 2006

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

* Procrastinators Club
* Scripture: "Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up , that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem." Luke 9:51, NKJV (See also Mark 8:31-38)

I've been thinking about officially joining the Procrastinators Club - that is, if I can ever get around to it.
I suppose that I have a lot of company, people with a long To-Do list, maybe a Job Jar, things that need to be done, things that lack the glamor and appeal of - say, enjoying a little 'Down-time.' "All work and no play" is not good for us, you know.
We rationalize that the world will not come to an end if we neglect, or put off, cleaning chores, like closets and larger collecting areas. Autos are supposed to be rain-proof, after all, so what if the garage is protecting other more critical stuff. Perfectly made-up beds are just a vanity thing, right? Lots of little chores can always wait for inspiration - and another day.
Then there are those things that we really, really have to do, but dread the very thought of it - the doctor, the dentist. Wee folk may envision the haircutter as nothing short of an executioner, ready to perform an amputation, and behave accordingly. Even older folk sometimes resist such a drastic modification to their countenance.
This latter category definitely includes things for which neglect could bring an end to the world, or at least our participation in it. That little lump, the sore that doesn't seem to heal, a cough that just won't go away could be an indicator of a life-threatening situation. Many people will not face the reality until it is too late! The pain of treatment is thought to be more alarming than the "comfort" of not worrying about it.
Consider, then, the thoughts that Jesus must have had as he faced what lay ahead in Jerusalem. His disciples were duly concerned, reflecting only on the safety of their Master.
Some things indeed have to be done, even though the thought is as alarming as a two year old in the barber's chair. Or a root canal.
In Jesus' case, God's plan could only be completed if Jesus was totally obedient, even unto death.
Sometimes we need to pause and reflect upon the challenges, even if the immediate effect seems to be unbearable or painful.
Then, to set our face toward doing God's will, even as Jesus has done.
March 5, 2006

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

Growing Up
The Bible tells us very little of Jesus childhood and young adulthood. Luke 2:20 records that Jesus grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. The only other insight into his childhood is of Jesus in the Temple (Lk 2:41-52). Again, Luke states that he was obedient to his parents and grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Really, what better approval rating could there be? What more do we need to know? Sure, in our enlightened age of popular idols, many desire to know every intimate detail of peoples lives. We are told a little more about some Biblical persons than others, but usually only where it shows some insights, good or bad, into that persons relationship to God.
One little boy asked his friend why the boys grandmother read her Bible so much. After some thought, the friend replied, “Maybe she’s cramming for her finals.” When that day comes around, when we are asked what we have done with the life that God gave us, may we be able to say, I grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. (12/22/1996)