Dangerous Newness of Jesus

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, February 22, 2018

Dangerous Newness of Jesus

I am striving (and struggling) to do my Lenten devotional, as has happened for years. It is not because of the reading material! No, the book of short reflections called Meeting God in Paul by Rowan Williams is a fascinating read. (Did I mention that I love the clarity of Prof. Williams’ writing?) No, I have struggled to have regular devotions for years. God knows. (And, we have had many conversations about this, over the years.) But, I was fascinated by the readings set for this week.

As I read the assigned chapters from 2 Corinthians, 10 and 11, I was struck again by Paul’s forcefulness in speech. Sure, he might have been a less-than-impressive figure in person. I know—from what he wrote—that he was fully aware of that. However, that did not stop him from being forceful, convincing, and persuasive in his letters. I have no doubt in eloquence in speech (and sermons), too.

I went back to Williams’ introduction, just to refresh my memory. I was struck by what he said: “…we need to have at least some sense also of the social world and the world of ideas Paul inhabits…It helps to have some feeling for this, otherwise we shall miss the moments when he is being most courageous and creative, when the dangerous newness of what has happened because of Jesus most clearly comes through for him.” [1]

What a statement! “Dangerous newness.” Almost two thousand years after the fact, having been raised in an atmosphere where the Biblical figures and the Old and New Testaments were fairly common references in literary culture, it’s difficult for me to separate myself from my “pre-set,” from the ideas and concepts that I learned about the apostle Paul from school-age (1960’s and 70’s) to seminary, shortly after 2000. Yet, reading 2 Corinthians 10 and 11 once again brought this newness starkly to my attention.

How can I tell others about the newness of Jesus? Of His love for me, and of His very Good News? In the 21^st century, as modern culture is becoming less and less knowledgeable and welcoming to the Gospel message, the news about Jesus Christ is gaining dangerous newness, again.

How can I communicate this? Dear God, I wonder. Help me learn how to reach out effectively, in this day and age. Help me to understand better how to tell others about You, I pray.

@chaplaineliza

 

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Why not visit my companion blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.  #PursuePEACE. My Facebook page, Pursuing Peace – Thanks! And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

[1] Meeting God in Paul: Reflections for the Season of Lent, Rowan Williams (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2015), xi.

In the Middle of Things—in Prayer

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, November 22, 2016

In the Middle of Things—in Prayer

Ever had what seems to be a hundred things going on at once? Yeah—me, too.

Don’t come to me for advice. (Please.) But, I do listen to some wise people. Sometimes.

Yes, I have work stuff happening, and continuing to happen. Yes, there is quite a bit of family stuff happening, both in my extended family as well as my husband’s family. On top of everything else, a major holiday is coming up, soon. Even more stuff is happening because of that.

All of which is totally overwhelming, if I let myself think about it too much.

This season in my life reminds me of some years ago, when I was in graduate school, full-time. I had a family. I worked two internships, half-time, my second and third years of graduate school. You better believe I was busy!. I could not even think of a full semester of my class work at a time. My brain would short circuit.

I got used to thinking of only a day or two, or at most, three. That was all. Just a couple of days at a time. The only exceptions were when I had a big project or a major paper. Those I would think about a week or two ahead of time. Unwillingly. Believe me, the people who stick to the idea of “One Day at a Time” really have hit on something.

So, that is what I am doing now. Concentrating on just a day, or maybe, two, at a time. I hope and pray I can be faithful and courageous.

Dear God, help me as I try to get things done, just a little at a time. Be attentive to my loved ones, and especially the situation with a dear one in hospice, Lord. Help me to decide and discern what to do first, second and third, each day, and what can be left for another day. Thank You for Your blessings poured out upon us each day and every day. Lord, in Your mercy, hear all of our prayers.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my companion blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.  #PursuePEACE. My Facebook page, Pursuing Peace – Thanks! And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

There’s a Sweet Spirit in This Place

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, July 11, 2015

There’s a Sweet Spirit in This Place

Holy Spirit. Heavenly Dove. Third member of the Trinity. So mysterious, yet so needful. You are a presence, a comforter, a helper to me. Coming alongside of me, helping me even when I am not sure You are there. I mean, here. I mean to say, with me.

These verses from this chapter of Praying the New Testament as Psalms intrigue me. They surprise me. Not because of the content backing up these modern verses, which I’ve known so well for decades. But, because of the format.

I was taken aback when I considered this to be such a moving psalm. (Yes, it is a modern adaptation, it is a psalm!) However, I’ve always seen these as more intellectual statements, printed in the New Testament. (And, sometimes, the transition to another format is quite a shake to the systems.)

Here’s a verse I felt was incredibly moving, adapted from the Gospel of Luke: “Send me to proclaim release to the captives,/recovery of sight to the blind,/and to let the oppressed go free.”[1] I know when Jesus read these words in the Hebrew Scriptures, He knew exactly how and when He was going to fulfill those words. I do not. However, as I read them in this different format, Luke’s words were packed with new meaning for me. Fresh import. I mean,

Sweet Holy Spirit, You seem to be the quiet one, the restful one. I know there is so much going on under Your mysterious surface. Holy Spirit, help me to act in a courageous way, in keeping with You and Your purposes. Lead me in a powerful way, ready to follow Your will and Your ways. I pray these words in Jesus’ risen name, amen.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

[1] Praying the New Testament as Psalms, Desmond O’Donnell, OMI, and Maureen Mohen, RSM, (United States of America: ACTA Publications, 2002.), 100.

Day #31 – Be Courageous! In Secret.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Day #31 – Be Courageous! In Secret.

Talk about a throwback. A blast from the past.

As I read today’s suggestion, I suddenly felt myself crouching in a crawl space underneath a camp building. I must have been all of twelve years old. A day in late winter, if I remember correctly. Separately, by threes and fours, we all slipped through the heavy metal door. The space was lit by electric lanterns. Not very much light. Or room.

I remember one of the other pastors (not my pastor) giving a brief explanation for why we all were doing this. Then, we had a quiet, intense, emotional worship service, and the highlight was a celebration of communion.

That was the first I had actual knowledge and understanding that there were (and are) Christians around the world who were—and are in dangerous situations.

Now, I know there are many, many millions of our fellow believers, those who call on the name of Christ, who are persecuted, In danger not only for the sake of their freedom, but of their lives.

Please. Get involved. Please. Do something beneficial. Tell others. Or find out more. Or pray. Or give of your time and talents. I pray for those who are—or have been—persecuted or in fear. Thank you.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

(Check out #40acts; doing Lent generously at www.40acts.org.uk )

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And read #40acts sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .