More from the author of "The Shack"

Several of us at church have read and fallen in love with the book, The Shack. I am on the author's email list and just received this today. It feels good to spend some more time hearing about what Papa's up to. If you're unfamiliar with the book, you can get more information about it and even read the first chapter at The Shack website.

May you continually know how "especially fond" Papa is of you.


Picture from The Shack website.

Check out Andy Wood's blog

I have reconnected with a former professor of mine at Regent University, Andy Wood. I was reading the comments to one of internetmonk's posts and saw Andy Wood's name. Hmmmm, I wonder if that is the same Andy Wood. Lo and behold, this was the same Andy Wood whose thought provoking, critical thinking I had enjoyed so much in class.

Anyway, he has started blogging. Please visit his blog LifeVesting and say hello.
His "where it all began" tab will tell you about the name. Peace.

Who am I?

This morning I was doing lectio divina with a reading from Colossians.
There is so much in this passage for me personally, for us as a community of faith. I can see numerous blog posts emanating from this. But for today, I got stopped at the first few words of the first verse, "¹²As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved..."

Who am/are I/we? In those times when some may call us fat, forgetful, stupid, whatever...God calls us chosen, holy, beloved. Does it matter what others call us when God calls us chosen and beloved? It can be difficult to keep criticisms in perspective, particularly when they are painful ones. We can take heart with the encouragement of scripture. Paul told the Colossians this and God has this word for us as well, chosen and beloved.

Who am I? Everyone has struggled/struggles with this question, particularly in times of uncertainty. Even Dietrich Bonhoeffer expresses this sentiment in his poem entitled "Who Am I?"
Bonhoeffer's conclusion to the matter was, "Whoever I am, Thou knowest, 0 God, I am Thine!" Chosen and beloved, echoing the words of Paul, we are what God calls us.

My inability/God's ability: Ezekiel 11:14-21

For my undergrad class on the prophets, this week’s exegesis was on Ezekiel 11:14-21, pitting the self-righteous Jerusalemites against the exiles in Babylon. The more I read, the richer this text became. Several things particularly struck me.

The word of the Lord through Ezekiel for the exiles is one of overwhelming grace. Ezekiel was at the point of despair in verse 13, asking if the remnant were to be destroyed. This passage full of mercy, love and grace is God’s answer. The remnant in exile (verses 19-20) “will be renewed spiritually, so … they will be God’s obedient people … from the heart … an echo of Jeremiah’s New Covenant idea (Jer. 31:31-34).[1] That renewal is wrought “by virtue of an unanticipated and unmerited act of grace.”[2] God will: regather them (v.17a), restore them to the land (v.17b), cleanse the land of abominations (v. 18), and fulfill a new covenant with them (vv. 19-20).[3]

The remnant and true sanctuary being with the exiles corresponds to the true circumcision in the Gentile church (Rom 2:29; Phil 3:2-3). A new heart of flesh foreshadows God’s work through Christ (Rom 2:15, 29; 2 Cor 3:3; Gal 4:6; Eph 3:17 etc.). Grace’s echoes resound as God makes his people new in Ezekiel 11:18-21, a reminder of our inability to merit God’s favor because “A new Israel will arise only through a new creation”[4] (2 Cor 5:17).

Our inability makes room for God’s ability. Luther’s explanation of the third article of the Apostles’ Creed, on being made holy, states:

I believe that in my own understanding or strength I cannot believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him, but instead the Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, made me holy and kept me in the true faith…[5]

---

[1] Gordon McConville, A Guide to the Prophets, Exploring the Old Testament, vol. 4 (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002), 90.

[2] Joseph Blenkinsopp, Ezekiel, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, eds. James Luther Mays and Patrick D. Miller (Louisville: John Knox Press, 1990), 64.

[3] Ralph H. Alexander, Ezekiel, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, vol. 6, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1986), 793.

[4] Bruce Vawter and Leslie J. Hoppe, A New Heart: A Commentary on the Book of Ezekiel, International Theological Commentary, eds. Frederick Carlson Holmgren and George A. F. Knight (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1991), 75.

[5] Martin Luther, “The Small Catechism,” in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2006), 1162.

The Bible. New International Version.

Worship/spiritual disciplines resource

Thanks to Clint and his link, I have found a site that is a treasure trove for those interested in spiritual disciplines such as fixed hour prayer, lectio divina, and the daily readings. For quite some time now, I have found such practices along with journaling to be useful in drawing near to God and hearing his voice.

Call and relationship

God calls, we respond. Gifted for Leadership has a post reminding us of the relational nature of God's call. It goes beyond a career. I am grateful to be reminded of what should be the obvious, particularly during Holy Week. What Wondrous Love is This!

Trouble Brewing?

It is good to take some time to look at where we're at, how far we have or have not come, and where we're going. We do that as individuals. Do we do that often enough as a church? During the summer, Emanuel Lutheran Church, West Warwick, RI did that in a series of cottage meetings in members' homes. It was enlightening and action has been taken as a result.

Gordon MacDonald suggests what it could look like if the church followed Starbuck's example of closing for a time to retool. What do you think?



Pictures courtesey of Fotosearch.

Ezekiel 4:1-17 An exegesis

One of the final courses I'm taking for my bachelor's degree is a course on the Old Testament prophets. Each week we exegete a passage of scripture. Last week's was Ezekiel 4:1-17. Here's what I wrote.

Ezekiel 4:1-17

I. Historical/Cultural Context

Ezekiel alone is situated solely in Babylon,[1] with the prophet and other Jews in exile. He was a contemporary of Jeremiah. No details are available outside of this book. He was from a priestly family, [2] mentioned in “a postexilic list of priests (I Chron. 24:16)[3] and was widowed “in 588 B. C. at the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem (24:15-18).”[4] Due to sin, the Southern Kingdom would be exiled.

II. Analysis of the Passage-Symbolic Acts Against Jerusalem

Ezekiel demonstrates God’s message symbolically. This “enhances[s] … the spoken word, to make possible … [a] more intense kind of identification.”[5] He depicts Jerusalem’s besiegement on a “clay tablet” (Ezek 4:1) or brick, playing the Babylonian part with “the besieging army…as agent of divine judgment.”[6]

Verse three’s “iron pan” literally means a griddle for baking.[7] Elsewhere (Lev 2:5; 6:21; 7:9; 1 Chr 23:29), it concerns the sacrificial system, [8] while Alexander suggests it was a “pan used only by the priests for certain offerings (Lev 2:5; 6:21; 7:9).”[9] It also references God’s call, in Ezekiel 3:8, and possibly symbolizes the divide between God and the Jerusalemites.[10]

Verses 4-8 depict Ezekiel assuming Israel and Judah’s guilt, a priestly action. “The sudden use of the name ‘Israel’ … referenc[ing] …the Northern Kingdom…is unexpected, since the remainder … concentrates on the imminent siege and exile of Judah, the Southern Kingdom.”[11] Blenkinsopp acknowledges one difficulty: Ezekiel is “bound with cords which prevent him turning over, yet he is ordered to lie on both sides in succession”[12] (Ezek 4:8). One understanding is redactors organizing passages together with similar themes “ignor[ing] …discrepancies of chronology and content.”[13] Lying bound demonstrates captivity with days representing years. The chronology is problematic however, if interpreted literally, having numerous variables. Some suggest viewing the numbers symbolically.

In verses 9-17, Ezekiel demonstrates symbolically the coming food and water shortage in Jerusalem. He would survive on two pints of water and one half pound of bread.[14] The 390 days are more literally the time of siege in this passage.[15]

Verses 12-15 concern the Exile as “…the people of Israel will eat defiled food among the nations where I will drive them” (Ezek 4:13). Alexander finds no “recorded prohibition in the … Torah regarding the use of human excrement for fuel.”[16] Also, “the cleanliness of the camp of Israel…and …the hygienic practices of the Jews… convince us …what God was asking Ezekiel to do … [was] …abhorren[t].”[17] Ezekiel’s continual concern with preserving ritual purity and obedience in exile,[18] was honored as God relents, allowing animal dung for fuel (verse 15). Verses 16-17 refer again to food shortages in Jerusalem during the siege, emphasizing sin as the cause.

III. Synthesis of the Passage

Ezekiel displayed symbolically Jerusalem’s coming siege and subsequent deportation to exile. The symbols were a clay brick inscribed with besieged Jerusalem, the prophet lying bound, and Ezekiel baking bread, allowed one half pound and two pints of water only, symbolizing scarcity of food and drink in siege and exile.

IV. Application

Ezekiel was a messenger and an exile, as were the message’s recipients. Identification with those we minister to is crucial. “Rock & Roll Revival,”[19] speaks to this issue. Ezekiel’s identification with the people’s sins, though innocent, reminds us of Christ’s identification with our sin, though sinless. God called Ezekiel to prophesy utilizing unusual, somewhat outlandish means. Can we be as obedient?

---

[1] J. Gordon McConville, A Guide to the Prophets, Exploring the Old Testament, Vol. 4 (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002), 83.

[2] Joseph Blenkinsopp, Ezekiel, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, ed. Patrick D. Miller (Louisville: John Knox Press, 1990), 8.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid., 34.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Bruce Vawter and Leslie J. Hoppe, A New Heart: A Commentary on the Book of Ezekiel (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991), 41.

[8] Ibid.

[9] Ralph H. Alexander, Ezekiel, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, vol. 6, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1986), 769.

[10] James L. Mays, ed., HarperCollins Bible Commentary (San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 2000), 595.

[11] Mays, 595.

[12] Ibid.

[13] Vawter and Hoppe, 41.

[14] Alexander, 770.

[15] Ibid., 43.

[16] Ibid., 44.

[17] Ibid.

[18] Blenkinsopp. 38.

[19] Kelly Fryer, “Rock & Roll Revival, Reclaiming the F Word, 12 March, 2008, n. p. Online: http://reclaimingthefword.typepad.com/reclaiming_the_f_word/ [12 March 2008].

Bibliography

Alexander, Ralph H. Ezekiel. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary. Vol. 6. Ed. Frank E.
Gaebelein. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1986.

Blenkinsopp, Joseph. Ezekiel. Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and
Preaching. Ed. Patrick D. Miller, Jr. Louisville: John Knox Press, 1990.

Fryer, Kelly. “Rock & Roll Revival.” Reclaiming the F Word, 12 March 2008: n. p.Online:
http://reclaimingthefword.typepad.com/reclaiming_the_f_word/ [12October 2008].

Hoppe, Leslie J. and Bruce Vawter. A New Heart: A Commentary on the Book of Ezekiel.Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991.

Mays, James L., ed. The HarperCollins Bible Commentary. San Francisco:HarperSanFrancisco, 2000.

McConville, Gordon. Exploring the Old Testament. Vol 4, A Guide to the Prophets. Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002.

The Bible. Today’s New International Version.

A Focused Life

“A vision is a picture of a possible, ongoing future you intend to create that illuminates your underlying purpose, values, and beliefs” (Stoner, Zigarmi, & Blanchard, 2003, p. 2). Paul paints it in Ephesians as, “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20, Today’s New International Version). Paul was a determined, focused leader who effectively communicated his vision to the church.

“Paul almost single-handedly spread Christianity…His secret was a focused life” (Warren, 2002, p. 32). He wrote, “I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead” (Philippians 3:13, New Living Translation). This enabled empowerment of others in leadership.

“… the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2, Today’s New International Version). Paul shared leadership. He entrusted his churches to those he taught.

Paul loved his followers, revisiting churches he planted, considering them “dear children” (Galatians 4:19, Today’s New International Version). Paul communicated on his hearers’ level, rather than expecting them to come up to his level. “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22, Today’s New International Version).

Paul used “innovative communication…interaction about new ideas in the organization—how the job can be done better, new products the organization could produce, different ways of structuring the organization…” (Miller, 2006, p. 57). The gospel is the most innovative communication imaginable. New products equate resources for Christian growth, while structuring parallels the means of believers’ growth and effective outreach.

People describe me as dependable. Paul’s dependability was due to his focus on God. I want to be that kind of leader in the church, despite circumstances I may encounter.

References

Holy Bible (2004). New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale.

Holy Bible (2005). Today’s New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan.

(Miller K 2006 Organizational Communication Approaches and Processes)Miller, K. (2006). Organizational Communication Approaches and Processes (4th
ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.

(Stoner J Zigarmi D Blanchard K 2003 Creating You Organization's Future: the Full Steam Ahead Field Guide)Stoner, J., Zigarmi, D., & Blanchard, K. (2003). Creating You Organization's
Future: The Full Steam Ahead Field Guide. San Diego: The Ken Blanchard
Companies.

(Warren R 2002 Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth am I Here For?)Warren, R. (2002). Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth am I Here For? Grand
Rapids: Zondervan.

Jesus as Servant-Leader

“When an organization’s vision stems from the innermost values and beliefs … it generates a tremendous excitement, a compelling spirit, and a passionate commitment… Enormous energy is … unleashed” (Stoner, Zigarmi, & Blanchard, 2003, p. 1). Jesus best exemplifies “…vision stem[ing] from innermost values and beliefs” (Stoner et al., p. 1).

Jesus generated commitment because “Knowing your purpose motivates your life… produces passion. Nothing energizes like a clear purpose” (Warren, 2002, p. 33). “’My food…is to do the will of him who sent me…’” (John 4:34, Today’s New International Version). Followers are freed to “feel … empowered to act independently and be assured that they are benefiting the organization” (Stoner et al., 2003), p. 1).

Jesus was credible. “Do What You Say You Will Do [is a] …commonsense definition of credibility … To be credible in action, leaders must be clear about their beliefs… know what they stand for” (Kouzes & Posner, 2002, p. 38). Jesus’ words were supported by miracles, healing, giving the Holy Spirit as guide.

Jesus empowered followers, evidenced in the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. Earlier in ministry, he prepared them for the greater empowerment in Matthew 10:8. His default of trust was in God’s ability to work.

Jesus communicated effectively via stories and parables. In this way, “by talking story…degrees of separation between people melt away, creating new understandings across cultures and contexts” (Stanford-Blair & Dickmann, 2005, p. xv). This also breaks down the wall of separation between God and humanity (Ephesians 2:14).

As a servant-leader, Jesus laid down his life for his followers (John 15:13). Documented throughout the gospels is his motivation of compassion. We should each emulate such core values. Servant leadership speaks to the characteristics I hope my life and work model. Empowering communicators of vision, purpose, and credibility are most effective.

References

Holy Bible (2005). Today’s New International Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

(Kouzes J M Posner B Z 2002 Leadrship Challenge)Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2002). Leadership Challenge (3rd ed.). San
Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

(Stanford-Blair N Dickmann M H 2005 Leading Coherently: Reflections from Leaders Around the World)Stanford-Blair, N., & Dickmann, M. H. (2005). Leading Coherently: Reflections
from Leaders Around the World. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

(Stoner J Zigarmi D Blanchard K 2003 Creating Your Organization's Future: the Full Steam Ahead Field Guide)Stoner, J., Zigarmi, D., & Blanchard, K. (2003). Creating Your Organization's
Future: the Full Steam Ahead Field Guide. San Diego: The Ken Blanchard
Companies.

(Warren R 2002 Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth am I Here Here For?)Warren, R. (2002). Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth am I Here For? Grand
Rapids: Zondervan.

Seven Dolours of Our Lady

In honor of the Seven Dolours of Our Lady, Charles and Allie put aside their differences to sleep on my bed together. Here is the picture:

Rock & Roll Revival

If you want to be moved by seeing the hand of God at work in the world, read Kelly Fryer's "Rock & Roll Revival" post at http://reclaimingthefword.typepad.com/reclaiming_the_f_word/.

You won't regret it.

Home Stretch

There is light at the end of the tunnel. After a week off, my last three courses for my undergrad degree began yesterday. Despite any numerous perceived interruptions, I don't expect to get behind like I did after my surgery. This is not to say these eight weeks will be easy, but it should be like a proverbial cakewalk compared to the first half of the semester. My pain is greatly diminished, in spite of a flare up of bursitis. With degree in hand I will be ready for Gettysburg in August, which I just recently discovered will begin on the 17th with Greek.

Picture from http://www.lightingshowplace.com/decor/product.pl?mid=55077&fh=Franciscan%20Bronze&P&CID=FRO

Thanks Mark

Mark Daniels, at his blog, "Better Living Thoughts from Mark Daniels," had a great quote of the day posted:

"We should pray with few words but with deep, meaningful thoughts. The fewer the words, the better the prayer. The more the words, the worse the prayer. Few words and deep meaning are Christian. Many words and little meaning are pagan." [Martin Luther]

See Jesus' words in Matthew 6:7-8.

This is from http://markdaniels.blogspot.com/

Friday Cat Blogging

Charles and Allie do not always get along in perfect harmony. Allie frequently growls and hisses at Charles, and even chases Charles and swipes at him. Charles is peace-loving and will usually just withdraw from the room when attacked (even though he is significantly bigger than she is).

So I was happy, a few minutes ago, to see them sitting next to one another in one of Allie's favorite spots, on top of the kitchen cabinet above the refrigerator:


For more pictures of Charles and Allie, see Chris Tessone's blog. He stayed with me before and after our jurisdictional gathering last weekend.

Bible Meme

In general, I vehemently oppose memes, and tend not to read posts responding to them -- but the Bible meme is kind of interesting, so I'll do it.

1. What translation of the Bible do you like best?

For liturgical use, I prefer the King James; for non-liturgical use (and for modern liturgies), I prefer the NRSV. My LEAST favorite versions are those that are paraphrases or rely far too heavily on "dynamic equivalence", such as the TEV, the NLB, and the NAB.

2. Old or New Testament?

I like both -- one thing I miss from my Baptist upbringing is the assumed familiarity with OT narratives. One reason I like the Revised Common Lectionary is that is much better about including those narratives.

3. Favorite Book of the Bible?

The Psalms.

4. Favorite Chapter?

Psalm 139.

5. Favorite Verse? (feel free to explain yourself if you have to)

Acts 2:42.

6. Bible character you think you’re most like?

Abraham. I've done a lot of journeying in my life, and am more concerned than I ought to be with other's opinions (see his dealings with Pharaoh and Abimelech and his being caught in the middle between Sarah and Hagar).

7. One thing from the Bible that confuses you?

The genealogies of Edom -- I can see the genealogies of the Israelites -- but why do they care about the Edomites? I can easily see why the Kabbalists came up with commentaries to say that the Edomite genealogies were in fact sources of deep esoteric teaching (even though I am decidedly not an esotericist).

8. Moses or Paul?

Moses. I can empathize with his murder of the oppressive Egyptian. I understand his control-freakish nature that required Jethro to point out that he needed assistants. I'm with him in striking the rock the second time out of frustration and breaking the tablets out of irritation with idolatry.

9. A teaching from the Bible that you struggle with or don’t get?

The teachings that are interpreted as referring to eternal damnation -- I'm pretty much a universalist.

10. Coolest name in the Bible?

Zophar the Nephite.

My Three Profs--Thank You!!

The first half of this semester has been difficult, to say the least. Week two of my classes was my total knee replacement. Somehow, I unrealistically thought that once I was out of the hospital and into rehab, I would easily catch up from the few days missed. Boy was I wrong! Much of the remaining time of these courses, I was anywhere from 1-2 weeks behind and wondering if I would ever catch up. By God's grace I did. And it was due in no small part to the grace of my three professors: Jonathan Howell, Don Solomon, and Dr. Kevin Larsen at Regent University. Despite the lateness of most of my work, not one of them dinged me for that. I am grateful to these three dear Christian professors who understand the meaning of grace. I have learned much from them.