Thursday, January 24, 2008
Sssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
(Matthew 17:5-7 NIV)
While he [Peter] was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" [6] When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. [7] But Jesus came and touched them, "Get up," He said. "Don't be afraid."
Jesus was transfigured and speaking with Moses and Elijah when Peter began telling Jesus how great it was to be there, etc. Suddenly, God butts in a very direct way --- and the disciples were terrified! Who wouldn't be?! But then Jesus comes to them, and reassures them. Seems kind of contradictory --- kinda like God is the bad cop, Jesus is the good cop.
After a little thought, though, I don't think that's the case at all. Sometimes my oldest son will be running around doing boy things --- sometimes jabbering quite loudly --- and I'll "butt in." My butting in always carries a very direct command. Sometimes he cries (not quite "terrified" like the disciples ....), but I gently reassure him that Daddy loves him, but that Daddy means business and he must obey.
Since God is our Father, I think this, in part, may have been what was going on here.
While he [Peter] was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" [6] When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. [7] But Jesus came and touched them, "Get up," He said. "Don't be afraid."
Jesus was transfigured and speaking with Moses and Elijah when Peter began telling Jesus how great it was to be there, etc. Suddenly, God butts in a very direct way --- and the disciples were terrified! Who wouldn't be?! But then Jesus comes to them, and reassures them. Seems kind of contradictory --- kinda like God is the bad cop, Jesus is the good cop.
After a little thought, though, I don't think that's the case at all. Sometimes my oldest son will be running around doing boy things --- sometimes jabbering quite loudly --- and I'll "butt in." My butting in always carries a very direct command. Sometimes he cries (not quite "terrified" like the disciples ....), but I gently reassure him that Daddy loves him, but that Daddy means business and he must obey.
Since God is our Father, I think this, in part, may have been what was going on here.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Stupid is as Stupid does ......
"A fool's mouth is his undoing ...."
(Proverbs 18:7a NIV)
Each person speaks his/her native tongue. Words spoken (or written) reveal the heart --- identifying the person. Sobering.
(Proverbs 18:7a NIV)
Each person speaks his/her native tongue. Words spoken (or written) reveal the heart --- identifying the person. Sobering.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Wisdom Proved Right by Actions
... a fresh post for Kiki.
(Matthew 11:18, 19 NIV)
"... John came neither eating or drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' [19] the Son of Man came eating a drinking and the say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdon is proved right by her actions."
--> It's easy to be critical of appearances. It's easy to be skeptical when/if they don't immediately and exactly line up with our preconceived ideas. It's easy to "pick at" and "pick apart" surfacy things and never hear the message. Beware arrogance!
--> People can/will be critical of what I do regardless of what it is that I do --- but if I'm focused on doing what's right, my actions will prove themselves. Live at peace with others in as much as it depends on me, but do right first and foremost. Beware people-pleasing!
(Matthew 11:18, 19 NIV)
"... John came neither eating or drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' [19] the Son of Man came eating a drinking and the say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdon is proved right by her actions."
--> It's easy to be critical of appearances. It's easy to be skeptical when/if they don't immediately and exactly line up with our preconceived ideas. It's easy to "pick at" and "pick apart" surfacy things and never hear the message. Beware arrogance!
--> People can/will be critical of what I do regardless of what it is that I do --- but if I'm focused on doing what's right, my actions will prove themselves. Live at peace with others in as much as it depends on me, but do right first and foremost. Beware people-pleasing!
