09/11/2023
Great Quote that Just Missed
‘The Cut’ to be Included In the Sermon
Jen Wilkins, in her excellent exposition of the ‘Ten Words’ writes:
“If I am walking into my home and see a ladybug on my doorstep, I smile and take care to relocate it to the nearest plant. But if I see a cockroach, I have a different response. Why? Because I feel affection for one and contempt for the other. Any decent entomologist would tell me that these two creatures are essentially equals, but I have devoted myself to elevating one to “delightful” and the other to “despicable”. A faulty entomology has its consequences, but how much more so a faulty anthropology? Contempt directed at an image bearer breeds all manner of violence.”
As the father of an entomologist, I love the line that says: “A faulty entomology…(vs.) a faulty anthropology. I would add a faulty theology—a misunderstanding of who God is and what God desires for his earthly children. The difference between a cockroach and a ladybug is a difference in point of view and nothing more. The difference from a Maga Republican and a Progressive Democrat is a difference of two competing visions of what is best for our nation and the world. Nothing more. No insidious conspiracies, no passion to take away anyone’s rights, just two citizens of the same nation who want that nation to live up to its highest ideals.
Anger that leads to outrage and outrage that is harnessed by “anger merchants” and turned into contempt—that is a deadly influence to the heart of a Christian. It poses a clear and present danger to neighbors living with neighbors as well as our shared love of constitutional democracy. As we have been seeing among United Methodists, it also has the power to break down the body of Christ into little homogeneous islands of like-thinking denominations/congregations.
Archived Posts
Such A Rich Passage (Luke 19:1-10)
I reflected a lot on the passage about Zacchaeus because it has been written off as “been there, read that, little guy in a tree.” But it is so rich in getting to the heart of what it means to be saved by grace through faith—to live our lives out of gratitude rather than obligation.
The Power of Presence
This last Sunday I had so much more to share than time to share it. The last Emotional Management Technique was to stay present in the process. Just as Jesus stayed with the woman who was judged and found guilty by the angry crowd, we stay by our children and our friends, especially when they need us the most. Here a couple of examples...
What’s In A Benediction?
Last Sunday I used one of my favorite benedictions.
It was inspired by a saying from about ten years ago:
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
There are several powerful and evocative artworks that depict the scene from Mark 9:14–29, where Jesus heals a boy possessed by an unclean spirit... Some of the following have internet links, the others are worth googling. Enjoy!
The Gift of Ourselves As A Gift of Love
The more the giving of myself costs me something, the greater the power of the gift. You know I love quotes, so after a little research, let me share a few of my favorites on this very subject:
The Loss of a Great Christian Leader
The death today of Pope Francis was particularly poignant, falling as it did on the day after Easter. As Protestant Christians we have a once removed interest in the leader of the Roman Catholic church. Yet the pope is the authoritative leader of 1.4 billion women and men around the world. It is worth our time to pause and consider what kind of man and what kind of legacy Pope Francis left behind.
Everything You Wanted To Know About Judas Iscariot
(Drawn from online sources)