imagination

Imagination seems controversial in some circles among evangelical Christians. Granted that Jesus nowhere tells his disciples to sit down and close their eyes, and use their imagination. We don’t read that elsewhere, though I think some of the gifts of the Spirit involve one being open to hear a word, or see a picture from God, looking to God for its interpretation, or meaning.

If we’re thinking of our own imaginations, then yes, that spells trouble. Scripture warns in the Old Testament of prophets who spoke out of their own imaginations, rather than from the Lord. But if God awakens our imagination through his word, and by the Spirit, to think of how something might be, I think that is entirely different.

The vision we have should be something of shalom, and according to God’s revelation given to us in scripture and realized in Jesus. What we imagine for a given situation may not work out that way, but it might surely have an impact on it. In ways we can’t see or imagine.

Of course we should never pretend to have the full picture, or even the right one. What we do have may come in part from our own imaginations. Enter the problem of those who are learning to prophesy, to really hear from God by the Spirit, to speak words into a given situation. There was even a school of the prophets in the Old Testament, I think during Elisha’s time, at least. People surely learning to hear from God so as to be able to speak God’s word. Prophecy in the New Testament is related though a bit different. But enough on that.

Actually I don’t think our human imagination is necessarily evil in and of itself if we submit it to God and to his word. Our own imagination since we are sinners can indeed be evil or skewed, but in Jesus, it would seem that imagination as part of our redeemed humanity can be a tool to help us see another possibility of how life could be in God’s will in Jesus, in a difficult situation.

When we read God’s promises in scripture, we need to be in prayer, asking God for insight as to what their application might be. And we need vision as to how this could bring change. And at least quite often some of the significant change will be in us, in own hearts, and out from that in our lives and actions.

Yes, an imagination in regard to a given situation, but also in regard to the bigger picture in some scenario. We seek to imagine from God God’s will for the here and now. A will we’re to live out together in Jesus in and for the world.

grace brings a society

On Scot McKnight’s Jesus Creed blog there is a series of posts going through the book of another blogging friend who like Scot is a professor and New Testament scholar, Daniel Kirk. This book looks like an excellent read.

Today there is a post on the gospel being inherently social. Yes, amen to that! We need to hear this message in the highly individualistic and privatistic culture in which we live.

There is no doubt that individuals have a relationship with God through Jesus which is personal. God loves each of his children in a special way. We all have a personal identity. This is important and we can’t lose sight of it.

And yet over and over again we find scripture concerned about one’s group identity, or community. The culture of scripture is closer to much more of the world today, than to the United States where I live. It was family oriented not only by design, but by necessity. And it wasn’t much about individual freedom or rights, but responsibility within the family, and from that, living well according to the norms of one’s people. Which in those days meant a union with others which if broken, was gravely serious.

Not so in our day. We break and divide over any number of things. We Protestants are known for our divisions. The political divide in the United States today seems as deep and wide as ever in U.S. history.

But the gospel brings with it a new society oriented in grace, which at its heart is inclusive of all. This becomes the priority, not only this gospel of Jesus, but also the results of it, a kingdom community consisting of all who would follow Jesus from across deep divides. Bringing together people who before were not only at odds, but out and out enemies. And introducing a new dynamic by the Spirit of a body which in love works together from its head, Christ, to care for each other, and be a witness of him to and for the world. Showing a new society in the way of Jesus, indeed a new humanity, bent in love on God and others. Being about “us” in God’s kingdom in Jesus, not about “me.” In the good will of God in Jesus.

the vision of shalom

A missing chord in the gospel proclaimed is often the failure to see the world in the light of God’s promises to Israel. God promised shalom, which we translate peace, but which means much more than an absence of war. It has to do with general overall well being and human flourishing. Shalom is in terms of creation, with language of new creation. Justice is big, and God is on the throne, the son of man having God’s authority. This blessing to Israel, God’s covenant people, meant for the world.

God’s kingdom is now present in Jesus and is seen in the church. I take it that we in Jesus as the salt of the earth and the light of the world all in terms of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught, are to live out that new way in this world. Which means we are to be a witness of what God’s kingdom in Jesus is. Someday in God’s glory to cover the earth as the water covers the sea.

I also take it that the gospel that Jesus is the Messiah has with it a light for the nations in terms of systemic justice. Judgment will come in this new light, but this light is also meant for good, so that even within a world system, some good might be done. I think of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa which confronted evildoers in Christian terms, that nation avoiding a bloodbath widely expected after apartheid was abolished. In this life and present existence all these attempts do go against the tide, since the world system is always in alliance with the flesh (fallen weak and sinful humanity) and the devil.

The good news that Jesus is the Messiah is certainly a saving message, bringing in God’s kingdom among those who embrace it. Lived out in a counter cultural way in this world. And always in the way of Jesus, which is the way of the cross. Someday to be brought to completion in and through Jesus. But having its beginnings now in Christ’s Body, the church. Not just for it, but for the world. As a light to the nations in and through Jesus.

Something to always be keeping in mind, as we approach another new year on our calendars. And pray that God’s kingdom would come, and his will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

born in weakness

The circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth were profoundly humbling, as is well known. And yet surrounded by glory, to be sure. Jesus was indeed born in weakness, a sign of what was to follow. (Luke and Matthew’s accounts.)

Who likes weakness? And yet from start to finish that is the way of Jesus, from his birth to his death. And lived out now in him by the Spirit. It is the new way of being human in the face of the old. A kingdom of serving rather than lording it over others. It is the way of the cross, the way of obedience out of love. Period.

From that comes God’s answer. Resurrection. Vindication. Salvation. All in Jesus who made this way for us. By faith we follow in this salvation. Together for the world. But in the way of Jesus. Together in weakness.

Yes, our precious Savior was a baby boy. Born like all the rest of us, though unique in his conception and person. But just as human as you and I. What a wonderful gift from our Father! A gift for the world.

We in him are all bearers of that gift. Individually and together. In weakness that the world might know God’s strength and saving reign in and through Jesus.

sorting things out

To be human in part is to want to understand. To try to make sense out of things, out of life. We analyze, categorize, organize, systematize. Seen on many fronts both formal and informal.

Actually I’m not the most organized person in the world as my wife will more than dutifully agree. Not that her relationship to me is one of duty I would hope!

There is something good in wanting to sort things out. As long as we never think we have everything figured out. Sometimes we may think we have nothing at all figured out, and actually that can be good since God may want to work in us through Jesus an entirely new way of seeing.

Jesus was out and about not only doing good, but challenging everyone in regard to what is good, what is fitting. Humanity knows something is wrong, out of whack, not in good order. There is that deep sense of right and wrong, of something better- something of shalom in which everything is the way it’s supposed to be.

A big problem in this life is when entities impose on others what they think is in order and good, or more than likely- to impose their own will. We’ve seen the devastation that can cause all too clearly in the past century. And it continues, with push backs as we see today.

Sorting things out is in large part what Jesus came to do, and what he does through God’s kingdom come in him, even in this present life. In fact most definitely in this present life, the hope to come framed in categories of that. And it actually begins here and now in Jesus. In and through his community, the community of God in him, yes the humble church, his Body in the world. And out from that community impacting for good the world. In Jesus ways, in the way of the cross. Using the order in place, and yet living by another order which disrupts the status quo. A big part of what it means to take up one’s cross.

Yes, I’m always sorting things out so to speak, even disorganized me. And we all do. In the end, and beginning now, all things find their place and are brought to complete unity and harmony in and through Jesus. That is the hope we look forward to seeing realized, in which begin to live even now, seeking to live that out in Jesus in and for the world. As we indeed grow in it, ourselves.

seeking shalom for all

When Israel of old was removed from the Promised Land in God’s judgment due to their sin, they were commanded to seek the peace, or shalom of the city in which they lived. I wonder what that might suggest of the renewed Israel of today, the church, scattered all over the earth. Is that thought a stretch?

Surely this would suggest that we be faithful first and foremost to our calling of living out, witnessing to, and proclaiming the good news of Jesus. There is an intrinsic tension in that good news of course, always for the world. The message of the cross is an offense and scandal to the world, while the message that Jesus is Lord over all trumps any such claim for Caesar.

While all that is true, I think followers of Jesus are called to live out in as wise a way as possible a kingdom message which is ultimately meant for the good of all, both people and entities, including government ones. In other words, while Jesus’ kingdom is not from this world, it is present for the world. Destined to take over at Jesus’ return, but for now in place in a different way, even with its parallels to earthly governments.

What this means for us in Jesus I’m not altogether sure. I don’t believe, myself, that Christians should take up arms in the military. But we seek the flourishing of all in terms of God’s kingdom come and will revealed in Jesus.

Therefore we’re not at all about overthrowing earthly governments so as to set up our own government as in some kind of theocracy. The theocracy present now is the church, and it lives in the Jesus way, as opposed to the way of the world.

And we surely do our best in seeking shalom for all, by seeking to be true to our calling in Jesus, in a community on God’s mission for the world. Being true to that wherever we may be placed, whatever our calling may be, like Daniel of old was for his time.

fear

Fear is a factor which hits our lives here and there frequently for a number of reasons. Here in the United States many are fearing another recession, in fact that is so in numerous countries around the world, as governments and institutions work (we hope) at getting their financial house in order.

A major fear is the fear of death. Scripture addresses that in no uncertain terms. Jesus came to destroy him who holds the power of death, the devil. And free those who all their lives have been held in bondage by their fear of death. And we read elsewhere that Christ came to abolish death, and to bring life and immortality to light through the gospel. And we know death doesn’t have the final word. The last enemy to be destroyed will be death, in and through Christ’s resurrection.

Another fear can be the fear of not being able to live in a way that is pleasing to God. Sometimes we are simply overcome with life. With all the problems we face, and issues at times with another, or others. Sometimes there seems to be no answer. We do know that this life in Jesus is lived fully in God’s grace. Not in our effort, or goodness, or right answers. Strictly and completely in God’s grace in Jesus. Through that grace God does indeed miraculously enable us to be pleasing to him. The Father is pleased over his daughters and sons in Jesus far more than we realize or imagine. He is pleased with our desire to be obedient children out of love. And over our struggles to find him and his will even in the midst of our confusion and despair.

God helps us by daily carrying our burdens. And also by helping us see the bigger picture. God in Jesus is King over all; his kingdom may seem underground now, even covert, but it is actively at work in this world. Destined at the appointed time to take over the world in the renewing of all things in Jesus.

In the meantime we can trust and not be afraid. And when we are afraid trust. In God in whom through Jesus perfect peace can come to us now over and over again. And will come in the end, and forever.

a just society

What makes up a just society? Where is it to be found?

Christians along with others will certainly answer that differently. Hence all the discussion that has gone on around Washington’s impasse (seemingly until now) over raising the debt ceiling so as to pay off its bills. Some would say society owes no one anything. That it’s each person to fend for themselves.

In scripture God does seem to care how we treat each other. In the prophets nations and societies are rebuked for their unjust behavior to each other and to the poor. Israel included.

Yes, the church is to care for the poor, beginning with its own poor. But I don’t see where that relieves society in general in regard to justice, especially for the poor and down and out. Jesus in his parable we call “the good Samaritan”, points to one who was not an insider, not part of the people of God, as the one who did what is right and just, in contrast to Jewish religious leaders who kept the letter, but violated the heart of the Torah, God’s Law and Instruction.

Whether government is involved, or to what extent, every society needs to live with an attitude that we’re all in this together. It should never be each person for themselves. The least government should do in our society is enact laws and oversight to make sure private enterprise does what is right. In the Ancient Near East kings were considered shepherds of the people. Can a democratic society write that responsibility off and be right in the sight of God?

It is a sin to live in a country where a life can be saved, but since there is no means for that person, society lets that person die. Oh yes, the church should step in and do what it can. I am thankful for our church and its heart for the poor and down and out.

We await the coming of God’s kingdom in its fullness in Jesus. Already present, but not yet consummated so as to cover the earth. In the meantime the church consists of pockets of that kingdom throughout the earth. Living out this new reality in Jesus as the light in Jesus of a new standard by which the world will be helped, hopefully influenced and ultimately judged.

justice denied?

We don’t really know if justice was denied or not in the recent trial in which the verdict was given. We do know for certain that justice can never be complete until Jesus returns, and wrongs are made right, and the old made new in him.

What is certain is that just as God’s judgment will be good and complete, the judgment known in this present world is limited. And yet God’s hand is on the world’s mechanism of justice in ways that are beyond us. In fact God’s ways bring about justice even in this present age. In ways beyond us to be sure, but we can rest assured in that. Yet at the same time, we see before our eyes the immediate part of the story, or past parts in which we see miscarriages of justice. We don’t yet see justice complete in any system in this world, nor is that possible.

Justice has to do with doing what is right and good in regard to a matter, and with reference to all things. What moves God’s justice is God’s love. And the result of that love is both judgment and salvation.

Jesus took on himself the judgment of God to bring about the salvation of God. The judgment of all the world he bore on himself at the cross, so that the reconciliation of the world could be completed in him.

The final end of all justice is shalom in God’s kingdom and grace come in Jesus. Peace in the sense of fullness of goodness, in God’s overflowing and never ending love. Fulfilled when Jesus returns. We begin by faith to experience that here and now in Jesus. Through the salvation in him by which God forgives and begins to change us. Judgment and salvation at work in this grace of God in Jesus unleashed in our lives, and in our community in Jesus. A salvation to be lived out personally, in community, and in the world beginning in our neighborhood. And proclaimed to others.

deep calls to deep

Sometimes life is just too much for us. We can’t handle it anymore. All the hurt, all the disappointment, all the ways we haven’t measured up (according to the devil, and even Christian friends, who are not speaking for God). Of course we don’t measure up; who does? We are all sinners. Of course we won’t do well in and of ourselves. But there is more, so much more. Beyond the finger pointing. Even beyond our actual sins and shortcomings.

Deep calls to deep, in the words of the psalmist. That is, in the depths of our souls so to speak, God’s voice in its depth comes to us. Only through this can we escape the shallowness of life in which we live. But this must be ongoing. With the passion of, or longing for the psalmist’s thirst for God.

As C.S. Lewis pointed out, we humans settle for infinitely less. We may even have a relatively settled faith in God through Jesus. But we can live, not in the depths, but in a shallow existence not much different than the rest of humanity who live essentially as those whose lives are simply life in this world. With all its own wonder and beauty, along with all the subtle and open destruction of so many fronts on every side.

God calls us, and then through us calls humanity to a deeper life, found in Jesus which moves us into the realm of shalom: the sphere in which God’s love is the very life through which all live. Which we begin to work out now in the redeemed community, and out from that into the world. Inviting others through Jesus, and beginning to work out the meaning of it for this world. In anticipation of the completion of its fulfillment in and through Jesus when all things at long at last are made right and new in him.

This must begin now with us. Process and mission together. Yes individually, and together in Jesus for no less than the world.