Scripture:
Romans 1:5 “Through Christ, God has given us the priilege and authority to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.
Observation:
Sometimes it feels like we have to convince people of the “bad news” (that they’re sinners) before we can relate “what God has done for them.” Dad does a good job of always making the entire message “good news.”
Sometimes I feel like I don’t know how to read the Bible. I often talk with people who express their amazement at how dad keeps up with the plan and how they get stuck on a particular verse or passage and just can’t manage to finish. I read these same passages (like today’s reading, Matthew 23-25), where he condemns hypocrites (which I can certainly be), he expresses his grief for Jerusalem in a manner that only The Creator could, tells us to be prepared for his return, and what we should be doing in the meantime. Meaningful passages and yet I’m left somewhat blank.
Matthew 22:29 “Jesus replied, “Your problem is that you don’t know the Scriptures…”
I journaled about this verse six months ago and it still stands out to me. My first thought is about the conversation I recently had with Jenn Williamson about scripture memorization; a practice and discipline that is not part of my life, but I want it to be. I’m always impressed when people can rattle off verses about various topics. Hm, impressing people is not exactly good (or sustainable) motivation. Do I need to memorize scripture? I feel like I have a good overall sense of the heart of God – the basis for all scripture – and I know I can find it easily when needed (a la Biblegateway.com). On a basic level, it seems like a good discipline. But how does it contribute to my holiness? Maybe it has more value in my ability to relay God’s Word to others? I’m reminded of my entry a couple days ago (Exegesis vs Eisegesis) and wonder if perhaps the ability to pull from a broader base of scripture allows for better contextual application of God’s Word.
Beyond the why – the what continues to escape me. Jenn said she sometimes memorizes scripture from her daily reading … I could do that too I guess, but I feel like there’s a more intentional method of going about this.
Despite not having a solid outline, I do want to incorporate this practice in my life.
Lord, thank you for giving me your word. Show me how you want me to use it in my life, and help me apply it purposefully.
Matthew 14:28-29 “‘Then Peter called to Jesus, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you by walking on water.’ ‘All right, come,’ Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.”
Something about having Jesus right in front of you telling you to walk on water makes this step of faith seem easier; yet, “Blessed are those who have not seen, yet have believed.” I think God is still calling people from their boat, it’s just not easy to do so.
I think our “boat” can represent a lot of things – in the not-so-distant past, it represented Peter’s living. Whatever it is, it’s certainly always the status quo, safety, comfort. It’s not that I lack faith in God, but rather my ability to hear God’s voice.
Lord, give me clarity to see your direction.
Matthew 7:1-2 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
I read this verse yesterday for a study I’m doing on staff. I don’t remember what the question was, but there was one that framed this verse, for me, in the form of grace. I often judge other people because a lack of understanding, compassion, and ultimately grace.
I need to give people more room, and start with the (accurate) assumption that I don’t know enough about their situation to make any kind of judgment – even if it wewre my place (which it’s not).
Lord – I can’t help but to ask that you don’t measure grace to me in the amount I measure to others.
