I'm finally posting again, after a few months of school insanity and then recovery. I hope to get back to writing the blog more often with things I've learned in class. This is a short paper I wrote for Old Testament Theology on Abraham and Yahweh. I loved learning this and doing the research. The assignment was to take the story of Abraham (Genesis 11:27-25:11) and study the relationship between Abraham and Yahweh. We could not refer to any other part of the Old Testament or New Testament, but had to take the story as it stood on its own. It was a tremendously revealing experience, and I understand Abraham and Yahweh so much more deeply.
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While hindsight can reveal the past more clearly to people, sometimes it can limit the ability to understand what was happening during a given event. It is easy to take knowledge learned later on and examine the past. Many times this can be a fruitful study, but other times this knowledge can block insight into how the people within the events understood what was taking place. Such is the case with the story of Abraham1 in Genesis 11:27-25:11. It is a familiar story to many Christians. But what was going on for Abraham? Setting aside the revelations of the later Old and New Testaments is not easy, but doing so enables the reader to understand Abraham’s perspective. Reading the text on its own reveals the growing personal relationship between Yahweh and Abraham over a span of approximately 100 years. This essay will examine how that relationship grew from a general deity-human relationship into a deep, personal relationship of faith, trust and covenantal connection.
When Yahweh first speaks with Abraham, Yahweh gives a command and a promise to Abraham. Yahweh commands Abraham to leave his father’s household and go to another land, which Yahweh will show him. Yahweh also promises that Abraham will be made into a great nation (12:1-2). It is striking that Abraham does not seem surprised that God is speaking with him with commands and promises. Without any apparent hesitation, Abraham leaves. When he reaches Shechem in Canaan, Yahweh appears to Abraham and promises him that this land is meant for his descendants (12:6-7). Abraham builds an altar to Yahweh there and at each of the next few places he stays. This is likely an automatic ritual response to Yahweh’s words and appearance - he obeys Yahweh and builds an altar to worship him. The relationship is a distant deity to human relationship, which was common in the Ancient Near East culture. Yahweh speaks, and Abraham obeys, but never verbally responds to Yahweh.
The relationship between Yahweh and Abraham begins to deepen after Abraham has to rescue Lot from his kidnappers. On his victorious return, Abraham meets Melchizedek, the priest of El Eleyon, God Most High, and they break bread and take wine together. Abraham seems to learn from Melchizedek, who calls Yahweh Koneh shamayim va-arets, “acquirer” or “possessor” of heaven and earth (14:18-19). Abraham then uses this title when rejecting the king of Sodom’s offer of the spoils, saying he is sworn to Yahweh, Koneh shamayim va-arets, and will not be made rich by any man (14:22-23). This is the first time in the narrative that Abraham verbally declares his allegiance to Yahweh. With this statement, Abraham sets himself apart from the Canaanites as a follower and worshiper of Yahweh, instead of the Canaanite gods.
It is no coincidence that after this declaration comes the relationship’s most significant event - the covenant. The covenant is a crucial part of Ancient Near East culture, and Yahweh uses the covenant to deepen his relationship with Abraham. Even before the covenant is formally enacted, however, the relationship between Yahweh and Abraham has changed. Abraham is no longer a passively obedient worshipper of Yahweh, but is an active participant in the relationship, conversing with and asking questions of Yahweh, whom he calls Adonai (“Lord”) (15:2-3,8). Yahweh’s responds to Abraham’s questions with promises, commanding Abraham to look at the stars, saying his descendants will be that numerous. Despite all natural circumstances being against the fulfillment of Yahweh’s promises, Abraham believes (15:4-6). When faced with the question of how Abraham will possess the land, Yahweh commands a specific kind of sacrifice from Abraham (a heifer, goat, ram, dove and pigeon) and then, in the symbols of a smoking firepot and blazing torch, passes between the halves of the sacrifice, cutting a covenant with Abraham to demonstrate his commitment to his promises (15:9, 17). The personal relationship between Yahweh and Abraham now includes the legal aspect of the covenant, when the sovereign power (Yahweh) cuts a covenant with the subordinate person (Abraham).
Years pass before the narrative returns to the relationship between Yahweh and Abraham. There is no indication of whether Yahweh and Abraham have spoken since the covenant was cut. When Yahweh appears, saying that he is El Shaddai (“God Almighty”) and commands Abraham to walk before him and be blameless, Abraham falls facedown (17:1b-3a). Abraham’s reaction is intriguing, as he has never before fallen facedown when Yahweh has appeared to him (12:7). Why is he falling facedown now? Perhaps the covenant has changed the relationship, but the text is not clear why Abraham falls facedown here. At Yahweh’s appearance, he commands Abraham to circumcise all the males of his household as a symbol of their covenant (17:10). Circumcision was not widely practiced in Canaanite culture, and would likely set Abraham and his household apart from the Canaanites. Abraham obeys the command, but before doing so, questions Yahweh’s promise to give him a son through Sarah and begs Yahweh to give Ishmael his blessing (17:17-18). The reader is left wondering whether Yahweh and Abraham have continued to speak with one another, or if this is the first time in thirteen or more years that Yahweh has spoken with Abraham. Abraham’s request that Ishmael receive the blessing seems like an old argument between Yahweh and Abraham.
In the next part of the narrative, Yahweh arrives at Abraham’s tent in the guise of a man, accompanied by two other men. Abraham seems very aware that it is Yahweh who is visiting him, though it is not explained how. It simply describes Abraham’s low bow and hospitality (18:1-8). After the three men have eaten, Abraham walks with Yahweh and bargains for Lot’s life (18:16-33). Abraham is asking a favor of his God and sovereign, and he does so in a hesitant fashion. He never directly asks Yahweh to spare Lot. Abraham is close enough with Yahweh to walk and talk with him, yet he never forgets his reverence and respect for the one he calls Shophet, the one who judges (18:25).
As much reverence as Abraham has for Yahweh, he never loses his awareness that the Canaanites have no like reverence (20:11). Despite Yahweh declaring himself as Abraham’s shield (15:1), Abraham lies to protect himself. Ultimately Yahweh proves he is capable of protecting both Abraham and Sarah (20:3-7). Yahweh’s speech and actions to Abimelech and his household cause Abimelech to acknowledge and fear Yahweh, but he does not begin to serve and worship him. Instead, Abimelech makes a treaty with Abraham, so that Yahweh will have no reason to punish him (21:22-32). This emphasizes that, despite the appearance of Melchizedek, Yahweh is Abraham’s God, not a god of the Canaanites. His commands, promises and covenant deal with Abraham, and therefore Abraham’s household, alone.
The first promise of Yahweh is fulfilled when Sarah gives birth to Isaac when Abraham is a hundred years old (21:1-6), twenty-five years after Yahweh’s promise to make him into a great nation (12:1-2). After Isaac’s birth, Abraham never questions Yahweh again. Even when Yahweh commands Abraham to listen to Sarah and send away Ishmael, his son by Hagar, Abraham does not ask why or even bargain for Ishmael to stay (21:11-13). The birth of Isaac is a significant event in the life of Abraham, because it is the fulfillment of Yahweh’s covenantal promise to give Abraham an heir of his body by his wife. This is the first promise of Yahweh to come to complete fruition. It confirms the faith and trust that Abraham has in Yahweh.
While Abraham has questioned Yahweh, he has always followed Yahweh’s commands. After Isaac was born and Ishmael sent away, Yahweh commands Abraham to offer Isaac as a burnt offering at Moriah (22:2). Abraham shows his faith in Yahweh through his obedient and unquestioning response. Yahweh responds to Abraham’s faith by commanding him to stop and gives him a ram to sacrifice instead. Why does Abraham not protest the sacrifice of his son? It is perhaps because the personal and covenantal relationship between Yahweh and Abraham has solidified into a deep, true and faithful understanding. Yahweh’s promises have been fulfilled. He has been a shield to Abraham and his household, and he has given Abraham a son through Sarah. Abraham trusts Yahweh so much he does not hesitate to sacrifice Isaac at Yahweh’s command.
The sacrifice is the last direct encounter Yahweh and Abraham have within the text. Although Abraham speaks of God as “Yahweh, God of heaven and God of earth” to his servant, and the servant prays to Yahweh, his master’s God, while seeking a wife for Isaac, Yahweh does not again appear in the text. Abraham continues to worship and trust Yahweh, and Yahweh continues to bless Abraham (24:1-3).
Throughout the story of Abraham, the relationship with Yahweh has grown and changed. This was not an instantaneous transformation but took many years to develop. By the end, Abraham does not need an explicit promise from Yahweh to know that Yahweh will help his servant find a non-Canaanite wife for Isaac (24:7). Abraham’s faith in Yahweh is complete. What began as a traditional relationship between god and man, filled with the rituals of Abraham’s culture, was transformed into a deep personal and covenantal relationship between Yahweh, Sovereign Lord and Eternal God, and Abraham, faithful and righteous man.
Showing posts with label Examining Scripture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Examining Scripture. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
The Book of Ruth: Its Place in the Canon
We're all familiar with the book of Ruth, a small four-chapter book tucked between Judges and 1 Samuel. It's considered a sweet story by many, and the words of Ruth to Naomi have been read at many weddings ("Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay..."). It was likely placed where it was because it was seen as a historical narrative; therefore, its place should be among the historical books. It was placed between Judges and 1 Samuel because that was the most likely time frame of the book.
One thing a lot of people may not realize is that the Hebrew Bible has a different organization of the books of the Bible. It goes as follows:
Torah - what Christian Bibles have as the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
Prophets (Navi'im) - this is split into the Former Prophets (Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings) and the Latter Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and the Twelve - Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi)
Writings (Kethubhim) - this is Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ruth, Canticles (Song of Solomon or Song of Songs), Ecclesiastes, Threni (Lamentations), Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Chronicles
Looking at the books in the order the Hebrew Bible puts them in can offer some addition insight into the books. For example, Ruth. When we look at it in our Bibles, it fits neatly into our historical books. In the Hebrew order, when Ruth follows the book of Proverbs, the last verses a reader would have read would be Proverbs 31... the chapter with the acrostic on the virtuous woman. In his book on OT Theology, John Sailhamer points out that the acrostic begins with "A virtuous woman, who can find?" (verse 10) and ends with "her deeds will praise her in the gates" (verse 31). If we immediately read through the book of Ruth, we find that the climax of Ruth comes in 3:11 (the words of Boaz to Ruth) - "All those in the gate of my people know that you are a virtuous woman." This not only identifies Ruth with the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31, but also connects her and her story with the wisdom theme of the book of Proverbs. It is not only due to Ruth's virtue, but also to her wise decisions, that bring her story to a happy and blessed conclusion.
You may also notice that the Songs of Songs follows Ruth, but I'll leave that potential connection for you to ponder...
One thing a lot of people may not realize is that the Hebrew Bible has a different organization of the books of the Bible. It goes as follows:
Torah - what Christian Bibles have as the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
Prophets (Navi'im) - this is split into the Former Prophets (Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings) and the Latter Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and the Twelve - Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi)
Writings (Kethubhim) - this is Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ruth, Canticles (Song of Solomon or Song of Songs), Ecclesiastes, Threni (Lamentations), Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Chronicles
Looking at the books in the order the Hebrew Bible puts them in can offer some addition insight into the books. For example, Ruth. When we look at it in our Bibles, it fits neatly into our historical books. In the Hebrew order, when Ruth follows the book of Proverbs, the last verses a reader would have read would be Proverbs 31... the chapter with the acrostic on the virtuous woman. In his book on OT Theology, John Sailhamer points out that the acrostic begins with "A virtuous woman, who can find?" (verse 10) and ends with "her deeds will praise her in the gates" (verse 31). If we immediately read through the book of Ruth, we find that the climax of Ruth comes in 3:11 (the words of Boaz to Ruth) - "All those in the gate of my people know that you are a virtuous woman." This not only identifies Ruth with the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31, but also connects her and her story with the wisdom theme of the book of Proverbs. It is not only due to Ruth's virtue, but also to her wise decisions, that bring her story to a happy and blessed conclusion.
You may also notice that the Songs of Songs follows Ruth, but I'll leave that potential connection for you to ponder...
Monday, March 8, 2010
Tree of Knowledge
It's been a while since I've posted with fun things I'm learning in Hebrew - it's been busy. But here is something interesting I've learned this week...
We're all used to the translations of Genesis 2:9 which says, "the tree of knowledge of good and evil." However, in class, we talked about what a more accurate translation would be. First, the second "of" in the phrase is inaccurate. If we take it out, that leaves "the tree of knowledge, good and evil." Second, we have to understand what tov and ra means in Hebrew. Truthfully, translating those words as "good and evil" isn't accurate. When we translate them as such, we think in terms of morality or in cognitive terms, when they are actually experiential terms.
Tov can be thought of as positive or pleasurable experiences. It involves an aesthetic that is good in the eye (and experience) of the beholder and experiencer. "And God saw the light and it was good" - meaning, he experienced it and it was pleasant to him.
Ra can be thought of as a negative or painful experience. It is undesirable and injurious to the person seeing or experiencing it.
We also have to look at how the phrase itself functions. This phrase is most likely a merism, which is an expression which takes the beginning and ending of a series and uses it to denote everything in the middle. We use merisms when we say "A to Z" - we mean the whole alphabet. As a merism, this phrase "good and evil" means the range of human experience, from positive to negative, from pleasing to injurious, from pleasure to pain. This is the entirety of human experience.
"the tree of knowledge, pleasurable (experiences) through painful (experiences)."
This is not a tree of moral observance. Eating of this tree gave Adam and Eve the change to experience everything humanity could experience, from pleasure to pain.
So what does this mean when we're talking about the tree of life versus the tree of knowledge, and how does this affect what the Fall means?
The choice for Adam and Eve was whether to trust God or to experience the world on their own. God put the choice out there because obedience cannot be based on having only one option. Adam and Eve sinned by choosing not to trust God, but to go their own way and experience human life on their own. To experience pleasure and pain and everything in between. And everything included death.
We can choose to trust God and receive life, or we can choose to experience things on our own and receive death. What will our choice be?
We're all used to the translations of Genesis 2:9 which says, "the tree of knowledge of good and evil." However, in class, we talked about what a more accurate translation would be. First, the second "of" in the phrase is inaccurate. If we take it out, that leaves "the tree of knowledge, good and evil." Second, we have to understand what tov and ra means in Hebrew. Truthfully, translating those words as "good and evil" isn't accurate. When we translate them as such, we think in terms of morality or in cognitive terms, when they are actually experiential terms.
Tov can be thought of as positive or pleasurable experiences. It involves an aesthetic that is good in the eye (and experience) of the beholder and experiencer. "And God saw the light and it was good" - meaning, he experienced it and it was pleasant to him.
Ra can be thought of as a negative or painful experience. It is undesirable and injurious to the person seeing or experiencing it.
We also have to look at how the phrase itself functions. This phrase is most likely a merism, which is an expression which takes the beginning and ending of a series and uses it to denote everything in the middle. We use merisms when we say "A to Z" - we mean the whole alphabet. As a merism, this phrase "good and evil" means the range of human experience, from positive to negative, from pleasing to injurious, from pleasure to pain. This is the entirety of human experience.
"the tree of knowledge, pleasurable (experiences) through painful (experiences)."
This is not a tree of moral observance. Eating of this tree gave Adam and Eve the change to experience everything humanity could experience, from pleasure to pain.
So what does this mean when we're talking about the tree of life versus the tree of knowledge, and how does this affect what the Fall means?
The choice for Adam and Eve was whether to trust God or to experience the world on their own. God put the choice out there because obedience cannot be based on having only one option. Adam and Eve sinned by choosing not to trust God, but to go their own way and experience human life on their own. To experience pleasure and pain and everything in between. And everything included death.
We can choose to trust God and receive life, or we can choose to experience things on our own and receive death. What will our choice be?
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Living in Eden
I discovered something fun today while translating my Hebrew - the meaning of Eden. Like many proper names, Eden has a meaning... and that meaning is joy, rapture, or even ecstasy. If you look at Genesis 2:8, it can be translated "And YHWH God planted a garden in Eden (meaning: joy, rapture) in/out of the east and he put there the man which he formed."
I asked my professor whether this could possibly be translated simply as "planted a garden in joy" and he said that it was clear from Genesis 2-3 that Eden is used as a proper name. However, names are significant in Hebrew, and it is clear that the name itself is derived from joy, rapture, luxury and pleasure. This name, Dr. Stone said, "captures the essence of this garden."
I am continually amazed by what I discover in my translations and study. It is an amazing thing that God created humanity and then immediately created a garden named Eden (joy) as a place for Adam to live. To me, this makes the creation story even more personal and moving. It is sometimes too easy to see God as a distant Creator, one who makes something and then calmly declares it good. But I think this passage - once we know the meaning of Eden as joy - makes the Creator more personal. I also don't think it's a coincidence that this is the passage that begins using Yahweh (the proper name of God) rather than the more distant Elohim. We use someone's name when we're in relationship, and it seems that this passage is starting to introduce Yahweh and show the relationship with his created people. This passage begins to show the reader the joy that God found in creating and breathing life into humanity, and how he desires everything good for us to the point of creating a garden named joy. It almost feels like God was so excited about the person he had created that he desired to make a special home for him.
One could go negative with this and think of how humanity then ruined the garden through sin... but ultimately the Bible says that one day there will be a new heaven and a new earth for redeemed humanity to live in.
I wonder if it will be named joy.
I asked my professor whether this could possibly be translated simply as "planted a garden in joy" and he said that it was clear from Genesis 2-3 that Eden is used as a proper name. However, names are significant in Hebrew, and it is clear that the name itself is derived from joy, rapture, luxury and pleasure. This name, Dr. Stone said, "captures the essence of this garden."
I am continually amazed by what I discover in my translations and study. It is an amazing thing that God created humanity and then immediately created a garden named Eden (joy) as a place for Adam to live. To me, this makes the creation story even more personal and moving. It is sometimes too easy to see God as a distant Creator, one who makes something and then calmly declares it good. But I think this passage - once we know the meaning of Eden as joy - makes the Creator more personal. I also don't think it's a coincidence that this is the passage that begins using Yahweh (the proper name of God) rather than the more distant Elohim. We use someone's name when we're in relationship, and it seems that this passage is starting to introduce Yahweh and show the relationship with his created people. This passage begins to show the reader the joy that God found in creating and breathing life into humanity, and how he desires everything good for us to the point of creating a garden named joy. It almost feels like God was so excited about the person he had created that he desired to make a special home for him.
One could go negative with this and think of how humanity then ruined the garden through sin... but ultimately the Bible says that one day there will be a new heaven and a new earth for redeemed humanity to live in.
I wonder if it will be named joy.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Genesis 1:1-13
The coolest thing about being able to translate from the Hebrew (or Greek) is being able to pick up on some of the nuances that translations just can't give you. Over the last couple days I've worked to translate Genesis 1:1-13. This might seem like an easy passage, and to some extent it is. When you get to those repeated, simple phrases ("and it was evening and it was morning," "and it was so," etc.), they're definitely easy to translate (and provide a nice break from tearing out your hair over the other stuff.
Before I begin, I want to point out that I am still very much a student. I could be wrong. I'm tossing out my ideas here to hopefully inspire discussion – or at least make you think a little. Maybe I'm right, maybe I'm wrong. One thing I do know is that God honors our search for the truth, though we may wander along dead ends from time to time.
So that said, here are some things I've learned from the first 13 verses of Genesis.
1) Despite most translations saying "In the beginning," Genesis 1:1 is more literally translated "In a beginning, God created." Some (including my professor, Dr. Lawson Stone) have suggested that this could be turned into a temporal phrase, "When God began to create." Either way, I wonder why translations added a "the" which wasn't there. Maybe I'll learn that in class tomorrow.
2) When God creates the light and separates it from the darkness, there is a strong sense of naming in Genesis 1:5. In many translations of the English, it comes across somewhat weaker than in Hebrew. Compare "And God called the light 'day'" with "And God called to the light, 'Day." Ditto with "Night" and with "Sky" (Genesis 1:8) and with "Land/Earth" and "Seas" (Genesis 1:10). I could be wrong, but I get the feeling God didn't just casually call them something; he was giving them their names. God also named Adam (and Adam was given the high privilege of naming the animals). I don't think this in any way implies that creation (day, night, sky, earth and sea – or animals) is equally important to God as humanity, which is created in His image. But that doesn't mean the earth is unimportant either. He created it and it was good. It's important not to forget that – and that we are called to be stewards of this world.
3) Based on which verb forms the Hebrew uses, different nuances can be understood. A really fun one appears in Genesis 1:11. I won't go into all the gory details of conjugating the verb, but in the Hebrew there is the understanding that God did not cause the green plants (grass, etc.) to grow. He commanded the earth to do it. A very literal translation might be, "Let the earth cause itself to be green [or to sprout]..." I suppose it shouldn't surprise us that the earth was created to bring forth life. Do we really think that God causes every flower to bloom and every seed to fall and every plant to grow? Dr. Lawson Stone said something very interesting last semester: "Who is the better "programmer"? The one who can create something or the one who can create a world that can create or rewrite itself?" God created a world that can create. Not that the world is sentient or divine – I'm certainly not advocating pantheism – but I believe that looking at the world around us, and seeing the amazing things that the world produces and creates, shows us how wise and amazing the Creator is.
Before I begin, I want to point out that I am still very much a student. I could be wrong. I'm tossing out my ideas here to hopefully inspire discussion – or at least make you think a little. Maybe I'm right, maybe I'm wrong. One thing I do know is that God honors our search for the truth, though we may wander along dead ends from time to time.
So that said, here are some things I've learned from the first 13 verses of Genesis.
1) Despite most translations saying "In the beginning," Genesis 1:1 is more literally translated "In a beginning, God created." Some (including my professor, Dr. Lawson Stone) have suggested that this could be turned into a temporal phrase, "When God began to create." Either way, I wonder why translations added a "the" which wasn't there. Maybe I'll learn that in class tomorrow.
2) When God creates the light and separates it from the darkness, there is a strong sense of naming in Genesis 1:5. In many translations of the English, it comes across somewhat weaker than in Hebrew. Compare "And God called the light 'day'" with "And God called to the light, 'Day." Ditto with "Night" and with "Sky" (Genesis 1:8) and with "Land/Earth" and "Seas" (Genesis 1:10). I could be wrong, but I get the feeling God didn't just casually call them something; he was giving them their names. God also named Adam (and Adam was given the high privilege of naming the animals). I don't think this in any way implies that creation (day, night, sky, earth and sea – or animals) is equally important to God as humanity, which is created in His image. But that doesn't mean the earth is unimportant either. He created it and it was good. It's important not to forget that – and that we are called to be stewards of this world.
3) Based on which verb forms the Hebrew uses, different nuances can be understood. A really fun one appears in Genesis 1:11. I won't go into all the gory details of conjugating the verb, but in the Hebrew there is the understanding that God did not cause the green plants (grass, etc.) to grow. He commanded the earth to do it. A very literal translation might be, "Let the earth cause itself to be green [or to sprout]..." I suppose it shouldn't surprise us that the earth was created to bring forth life. Do we really think that God causes every flower to bloom and every seed to fall and every plant to grow? Dr. Lawson Stone said something very interesting last semester: "Who is the better "programmer"? The one who can create something or the one who can create a world that can create or rewrite itself?" God created a world that can create. Not that the world is sentient or divine – I'm certainly not advocating pantheism – but I believe that looking at the world around us, and seeing the amazing things that the world produces and creates, shows us how wise and amazing the Creator is.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Matthew 5:43-48
In my posting of the briefs on prayer that I did last semester, somehow I managed to miss the final one. I suspect it had something to do with the madness that comes around finals time. So here it is, only a month or so late...
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
These verses come in the context of what is commonly known as the Sermon on the Mount. It is part of a series of sections that begin with Jesus saying "You have heard it was said… but I say to you…" In these sections, it appears that Jesus is attempting to revise his listeners understanding of certain issues, including that of loving your enemies.
The Jewish New Testament Commentary points out that nowhere in the Law does it say to hate your enemies, though it does specifically say to love your neighbors (Leviticus 19:18). It may be that the commendation of hating your enemies was a misinterpretation of the Law, taking it too far. The IVP Bible Background Dictionary says that hating God's enemies was considered a pious thing, though the Law did not explicitly teach hatred for one's own enemies. Some Jewish groups, such as the Essenes, did emphasize hatred for those outside the covenant. It's important to note that loving one's enemies has nothing to do with one's feelings toward them, but deals with wanting good for them, doing good for them, and praying for them (Jewish NT Commentary). "Praying for one's persecutors (except that God would strike them dead!) had not generally characterized even the most pious in the Old Testament" (IVP Bible Background NT).
In his commentary on Matthew, William Barclay calls this section the most "concentrated expression of the Christian ethic of personal relations." He says that if we are required to live this out in our daily lives, we must understand what it means to love our enemies. This love that Jesus is speaking of is agape love; this is a love that is not a feeling of the heart that we cannot help, but is a determination of the mind where we have goodwill toward others that is not defeated by anything, even what that person may do to us. This does not mean that we let people get away with anything. What it means is that even when we have to punish someone (i.e. time in prison for murder, etc.), our motivation is not revenge. Barclay also points out that this commandment to love is not only passive, but is also active. We are not just to have determined goodwill toward others, but are told to pray for them. Why pray for them? Because it changes us. We cannot retain life-damaging bitterness when we pray for someone. In his commentary on Matthew, Tom Wright calls this a new kind of justice, one that creates, heals and restores. It is infinitely better to reflect the patient love of God than to seek our own vengeance.
Another question that arises is why we are to have this kind of love. The answer is simple: because it makes us more like God, and in all things we are to strive to imitate him (Barclay). Here is where the call to be perfect enters in. Barclay says that the Greek idea of perfection is about function; something is perfect if it fulfills the purpose for which it was made. Therefore a man is perfect if he achieves the purpose for which he was made, and man was created in the image of God. To be perfected, we must be like God, and that includes determined love for our enemies. Wright agrees that we are told to watch what our heavenly father does and to imitate him. God loves – indeed, God is love – and we are called to act out that love in our own lives toward all, including our enemies. An anonymous author in an incomplete homily on Matthew said, "… he who loves his enemy loves not for his own sake [as he would friends] but on account of God" (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture). Chrysostom said, "… the Lord wishes us to overcome the common law of human love by the law of gospel love, so that we may show the affection of our love not only toward those who love us but even toward our enemies… Thus we may imitate the example of true piety and our Father's goodness."
Even today this is not an easy message to hear or read. When we have been harmed, our first temptation is vengeance, bitterness, and anger. Yet even secular psychologists tell us that this inner bitterness and anger harms us more than it harms our enemy. But we Christians are called not only to release that bitterness and anger, but to love with a determined love that voluntarily offers goodwill and unhesitatingly prays for our enemies. Jesus did not call us to an easy life or to simple actions, but he does not ask us to do what he has not already done himself. How many people could speak words of forgiveness to those who crucified them? Not many, I would say. We are called to be perfect, as our Father in heaven is perfect. This perfection in love, where we release bitterness and offer agape love, is one that takes time and effort. It is not easy, but it is part of our calling as Christians. May each of us continue to reach for that perfection in love as we strive to be in the image of God.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Mark 11:20-25
As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. And Peter remembered and said to him, "Master, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered." And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any one; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."
In this brief narrative, the fig tree that Jesus had previously cursed (11:12-14) is found to be withered, and Jesus uses it as a lesson to teach the disciples about faith. This incident follows Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, as well as the cleansing of the Temple, and is followed by the priests, scribes and elders questioning Jesus' authority.
While this story and Jesus' teaching about the 'faith that moves mountains' is a well-known one these days, the IVP Bible Background Dictionary indicates that this would have been a rather shocking statement for Jesus to make. There are some Jewish texts that speak of removing mountains as an infinitely long and virtually impossible task, something that is accomplished by only the most pious. Rabbis tended to apply this to mastering studies that seemed humanly impossible to master. That Jesus would say that one could move a mountain by faith would have been a very thought-provoking and stunning statement. However, this is not the only place in the Bible that speaks of mountains being moved or destroyed. Zechariah 4:6-7 says, "Then he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerub'babel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerub'babel you shall become a plain; and he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of 'Grace, grace to it!'" But instead of having God's Spirit move the mountain, Jesus says that if one has enough faith and does not doubt in his heart, the mountain will be moved. He then goes on to say that "whatever you ask for in prayer, believe you have received it, and it will be yours."
In his commentary on Mark, William Barclay points out that the incident with the fig tree is unusual for Jesus. How often does Jesus curse something? In particular, the author of Mark specifies that it wasn't even the season for figs; so why does Jesus seem to be angry? Barclay suggests that this is an enacted parable for the disciples, demonstrating the condemnation of promise without fulfillment and profession without practice. He states that Jesus may have been trying to show the disciples the fate of Israel, who had failed to bear fruit. Cyril of Jerusalem agrees with this, pointing to the discussion in John 15 of how those who do not abide in the vine will not be fruitful and will be cut off and burnt in the fire. "Let us therefore bring forth worthy fruit" (Cyril of Jerusalem). Regarding the verses on the prayer of faith to move mountains, Barclay says that the passage gives three rules of prayer: it must be a prayer of faith, a prayer of expectation, and a prayer of charity. A prayer of faith means that we are willing to take our problems and difficulties to God, and that we are willing and ready to accept God's guidance. Through this comes the power to conquer the difficulties of thought and action. A prayer of expectation means that we are confident in success; our prayer must never be a ritual without hope. Finally, it must be a prayer of charity, because "the prayer of a bitter man cannot penetrate the wall of his own bitterness." If the ruling principle of a man's heart is not love, there is a barrier between himself and God. In his homily On the Incomprehensibility of God, John Chrysostom says that prayer "has power to destroy whatever is at enmity with good. I speak not of the prayer of the lips, but of the prayer that ascends from the inmost recesses of the heart." The prayer of faith produces fruit (i.e. results).
I think it's important that we not understand this apart from Jesus' other teachings on prayer. When he says "whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours," this is not an open invitation to begin asking God for anything that crosses our mind to ask. We are always to seek and pray the will of God and we are to claim his promises for us. If we ask for something "in Jesus' name" (John 14:12-17), we are to pray for what is worthy of his name. In the same way, when we pray in faith, we are to pray what is worthy of faith – God's will. If we pray without faith, without expectation, and without forgiveness, we will bear no fruit and have no result to our prayer. As Chrysostom said, this is not "the prayer which is cold and feeble and devoid of zeal. I speak of that which proceeds from a mind outstretched, the child of a contrite spirit, the offspring of a soul converted – this is the prayer which mounts to heaven."
In this brief narrative, the fig tree that Jesus had previously cursed (11:12-14) is found to be withered, and Jesus uses it as a lesson to teach the disciples about faith. This incident follows Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, as well as the cleansing of the Temple, and is followed by the priests, scribes and elders questioning Jesus' authority.
While this story and Jesus' teaching about the 'faith that moves mountains' is a well-known one these days, the IVP Bible Background Dictionary indicates that this would have been a rather shocking statement for Jesus to make. There are some Jewish texts that speak of removing mountains as an infinitely long and virtually impossible task, something that is accomplished by only the most pious. Rabbis tended to apply this to mastering studies that seemed humanly impossible to master. That Jesus would say that one could move a mountain by faith would have been a very thought-provoking and stunning statement. However, this is not the only place in the Bible that speaks of mountains being moved or destroyed. Zechariah 4:6-7 says, "Then he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerub'babel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerub'babel you shall become a plain; and he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of 'Grace, grace to it!'" But instead of having God's Spirit move the mountain, Jesus says that if one has enough faith and does not doubt in his heart, the mountain will be moved. He then goes on to say that "whatever you ask for in prayer, believe you have received it, and it will be yours."
In his commentary on Mark, William Barclay points out that the incident with the fig tree is unusual for Jesus. How often does Jesus curse something? In particular, the author of Mark specifies that it wasn't even the season for figs; so why does Jesus seem to be angry? Barclay suggests that this is an enacted parable for the disciples, demonstrating the condemnation of promise without fulfillment and profession without practice. He states that Jesus may have been trying to show the disciples the fate of Israel, who had failed to bear fruit. Cyril of Jerusalem agrees with this, pointing to the discussion in John 15 of how those who do not abide in the vine will not be fruitful and will be cut off and burnt in the fire. "Let us therefore bring forth worthy fruit" (Cyril of Jerusalem). Regarding the verses on the prayer of faith to move mountains, Barclay says that the passage gives three rules of prayer: it must be a prayer of faith, a prayer of expectation, and a prayer of charity. A prayer of faith means that we are willing to take our problems and difficulties to God, and that we are willing and ready to accept God's guidance. Through this comes the power to conquer the difficulties of thought and action. A prayer of expectation means that we are confident in success; our prayer must never be a ritual without hope. Finally, it must be a prayer of charity, because "the prayer of a bitter man cannot penetrate the wall of his own bitterness." If the ruling principle of a man's heart is not love, there is a barrier between himself and God. In his homily On the Incomprehensibility of God, John Chrysostom says that prayer "has power to destroy whatever is at enmity with good. I speak not of the prayer of the lips, but of the prayer that ascends from the inmost recesses of the heart." The prayer of faith produces fruit (i.e. results).
I think it's important that we not understand this apart from Jesus' other teachings on prayer. When he says "whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours," this is not an open invitation to begin asking God for anything that crosses our mind to ask. We are always to seek and pray the will of God and we are to claim his promises for us. If we ask for something "in Jesus' name" (John 14:12-17), we are to pray for what is worthy of his name. In the same way, when we pray in faith, we are to pray what is worthy of faith – God's will. If we pray without faith, without expectation, and without forgiveness, we will bear no fruit and have no result to our prayer. As Chrysostom said, this is not "the prayer which is cold and feeble and devoid of zeal. I speak of that which proceeds from a mind outstretched, the child of a contrite spirit, the offspring of a soul converted – this is the prayer which mounts to heaven."
Thursday, November 5, 2009
John 14:12-17
12 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; 14 if you ask anything in my name, I will do it. 15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you.
In the context surrounding John 14:12-17, we see that Jesus is teaching the disciples various things. This teaching narrative begins in chapter thirteen with Jesus washing the disciples' feet and ends in chapter seventeen with Jesus releasing Judas from the meal, knowing that Judas will betray him. He then begins teaching the disciples and answering their questions. After the teaching narrative concludes (John 17:26), Jesus and his disciples travel to a garden, where Jesus is betrayed by Judas and taken captive. This is part of Jesus' last teachings for his disciples before his death.
The IVP Bible Background Commentary says that what Jesus offered in these verses was a radical promise. Jewish tradition held that some very pious teachers could receive from God almost anything they asked, but this was never applied to the majority of people. It is also highly significant that Jesus told the disciples to ask in his name. Asking something in his name meant that those who ask genuinely in his name, i.e. those who seek his glory (not their own) and are his true representatives on earth (IVP Bible Background). This verse ties in with verse 15 – those who love Jesus will keep his commandments. Those who are his true representatives on earth will also keep his commandments. The Jewish NT Commentary agrees with this, saying that our prayers, if we love him and obey him, will be in line with his will and therefore will be answered. The Spirit is also promised in 14:16-17, who is a Spirit of truth. This seems to indicate that the Spirit will continue to reveal the truth of Jesus to his true representatives on earth.
In his commentary on John, Barclay points out that "in the name of Jesus" is vital to understanding this passage. One cannot pray for some unworthy or unchristian object (such as personal revenge or for personal ambition) in the name of Jesus. Barclay says, "When we pray, we must always ask: Can we honestly make this prayer in the name of Jesus?" (165). In other words, prayer based on his will, rather than prayers based on ourselves, will be answered. Regarding 14:15, Barclay points out that for John, the one true test of love is obedience. If we say we love him, but do not obey him, then our love is not true. Yet there is the promise of the Spirit; we are not left alone to struggle with obedience. We are given a Counselor and Spirit of truth that will dwell with and in us to help us in our walk with Jesus (Barclay 166-167). The Bible Exposition Commentary says that asking in Jesus' name is not some magic formula. "To ask anything of the Father, in the name of Jesus, means that we ask what Jesus would ask what would please Him, and what would bring Him glory by furthering His work." Being able to use God's name doesn't mean we can just ask for anything; having the privilege of using his name means that we know his nature and his purpose. Requests that don't glorify God's name should not be asked in his name (Bible Exposition Commentary).
These verses demonstrate a lovely and powerful cycle: we are given the promise of being able to ask anything in his name, we are asked to (if we love him) keep his commandments, and we are promised the Spirit of truth, who will dwell with and in us and counsel us forever in his truth. Therefore if we are walking in love and doing what he commands, and the Spirit is revealing the truth to us, then what we ask of him is what he truly desires for us and for the world. Of course he would be able to fulfill those prayers, which are truly praying for his will to be done on earth. And we are then able to do greater works, for not only do we have him answering our prayers, but we also have the Spirit and Counselor with us. These verses truly seem to tie together as an image of how Christians ought to live on earth; we are to be Christ's true representatives, doing his will because we love him and praying his will in his name.
I have to ask myself whether I have been Christ's true representative on earth. Have I obeyed him in every way that I could? Have I been worthy in praying in his name? I know there are times when I have not. But the comfort is that his grace abounds, and we are able to try again and again, with the guidance of the Spirit, our Counselor, who has been given to us.
In the context surrounding John 14:12-17, we see that Jesus is teaching the disciples various things. This teaching narrative begins in chapter thirteen with Jesus washing the disciples' feet and ends in chapter seventeen with Jesus releasing Judas from the meal, knowing that Judas will betray him. He then begins teaching the disciples and answering their questions. After the teaching narrative concludes (John 17:26), Jesus and his disciples travel to a garden, where Jesus is betrayed by Judas and taken captive. This is part of Jesus' last teachings for his disciples before his death.
The IVP Bible Background Commentary says that what Jesus offered in these verses was a radical promise. Jewish tradition held that some very pious teachers could receive from God almost anything they asked, but this was never applied to the majority of people. It is also highly significant that Jesus told the disciples to ask in his name. Asking something in his name meant that those who ask genuinely in his name, i.e. those who seek his glory (not their own) and are his true representatives on earth (IVP Bible Background). This verse ties in with verse 15 – those who love Jesus will keep his commandments. Those who are his true representatives on earth will also keep his commandments. The Jewish NT Commentary agrees with this, saying that our prayers, if we love him and obey him, will be in line with his will and therefore will be answered. The Spirit is also promised in 14:16-17, who is a Spirit of truth. This seems to indicate that the Spirit will continue to reveal the truth of Jesus to his true representatives on earth.
In his commentary on John, Barclay points out that "in the name of Jesus" is vital to understanding this passage. One cannot pray for some unworthy or unchristian object (such as personal revenge or for personal ambition) in the name of Jesus. Barclay says, "When we pray, we must always ask: Can we honestly make this prayer in the name of Jesus?" (165). In other words, prayer based on his will, rather than prayers based on ourselves, will be answered. Regarding 14:15, Barclay points out that for John, the one true test of love is obedience. If we say we love him, but do not obey him, then our love is not true. Yet there is the promise of the Spirit; we are not left alone to struggle with obedience. We are given a Counselor and Spirit of truth that will dwell with and in us to help us in our walk with Jesus (Barclay 166-167). The Bible Exposition Commentary says that asking in Jesus' name is not some magic formula. "To ask anything of the Father, in the name of Jesus, means that we ask what Jesus would ask what would please Him, and what would bring Him glory by furthering His work." Being able to use God's name doesn't mean we can just ask for anything; having the privilege of using his name means that we know his nature and his purpose. Requests that don't glorify God's name should not be asked in his name (Bible Exposition Commentary).
These verses demonstrate a lovely and powerful cycle: we are given the promise of being able to ask anything in his name, we are asked to (if we love him) keep his commandments, and we are promised the Spirit of truth, who will dwell with and in us and counsel us forever in his truth. Therefore if we are walking in love and doing what he commands, and the Spirit is revealing the truth to us, then what we ask of him is what he truly desires for us and for the world. Of course he would be able to fulfill those prayers, which are truly praying for his will to be done on earth. And we are then able to do greater works, for not only do we have him answering our prayers, but we also have the Spirit and Counselor with us. These verses truly seem to tie together as an image of how Christians ought to live on earth; we are to be Christ's true representatives, doing his will because we love him and praying his will in his name.
I have to ask myself whether I have been Christ's true representative on earth. Have I obeyed him in every way that I could? Have I been worthy in praying in his name? I know there are times when I have not. But the comfort is that his grace abounds, and we are able to try again and again, with the guidance of the Spirit, our Counselor, who has been given to us.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Luke 11:5-13
And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; and he will answer from within, 'Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything'? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
In the previous verses (11:1-4), Jesus was asked by his disciples to teach them to pray. He gives them The Lord's Prayer, then tells them a parable about the late-night host (11:5-13). These two sections seem to go together, as the previous section is about Mary and Martha and the following section is about Jesus casting out demons.
Hospitality was a vital obligation for a homeowner in that time; if a traveler came to someone's house and they weren't able to offer the guest a fresh, unbroken loaf of bread (even if they came at midnight), great shame would come on that household (IVP Bible Background Dictionary). The frantic host in the parable goes to a friend whom he knows will probably have the loaf he needs. In his commentary on Luke, William Barclay says that in that time in Israel, a home's door would be open all day, with people coming in and out and very little privacy, but if the door was shut, especially at night, it was a clear sign that the householder did not want to be disturbed. The IVP Bible Background Dictionary points out a reason for the friend's hesitation to unbolt and open the door; if his children are in bed (which is usually on the first floor near the front door), then the disturbance of unbolting the door would wake the children. But since the frantic host would likely wake the children anyway beating on the door and calling out to his friend, the friend decides he might as well get up and give the host the bread he needed.
Jesus continues teaching the disciples about boldness in prayer in the next few verses, telling the disciples that whatever they ask for, they will receive. He also points out that God their Father cares for them even more than a father loves his children, and wants to give them the great gift of the Holy Spirit. Barclay says, "If a churlish and unwilling householder can in the end be coerced by a friend's shameless persistence into giving him what he needs, how much more will God who is a loving Father supply all his children's needs?" However, this does not release the Christian from fervency in prayer, as evidenced by Jesus' words in 11:9-10. Bede says, "He bears witness that the kingdom of heaven is not given to, found by and opened to those who are idle and unoccupied but to those who ask for it, seek after it and knock at its gates. The gate of the kingdom must be asked for by prayer. It must be sought after by living properly. It must be knocked at by persevering." (Homilies on the Gospels) But we do not have a God who is unwilling to give gifts to us. He gives to us, His children, the Holy Spirit – but we must ask.
In his commentary on Luke, Matthew Henry points out that the parable is an example of something that is vital (bread for a hungry traveler) and that 11:11-12 speaks of food and bread, which symbolizes that which is needful. Jesus has promised that God will provide the Holy Spirit, the best of all possible gifts, and he will give the Spirit with generosity. In asking, seeking and knocking, "we are not wringing gifts from an unwilling god, but going to one who knows our needs better than we know them ourselves and whose heart towards us is the heart of generous love." (Barclay) Some would argue that they have prayed many times and not received what they ask for. Barclay counters this, saying, "If we do not receive what we pray for, it is not because God grudgingly refuses to give it but because he has some better thing for us. There is no such thing as unanswered prayer." I do think too often if we don't get the answer we want or expect, that it can be discouraging. This passage directs us to be bold in prayer, knowing that we will receive, find, and have the door be opened to us. God desires to answer our prayer, and if we seek Him with boldness and persistence, He is faithful – even joyful – in responding.
The passage of last week (Luke 18:1-8) and this seem to come together. We are not only to be persistent in prayer, but also bold, knowing that God will answer, that we will find what we need, and that doors will be opened to us. It's easy for me to forget this, that God has the best for me – I want to go my own way, I want my own desires answered. But God knows what is best, and if I truly ask for His will, seek His face, and knock on His door, I will always receive what I need – Him.
In the previous verses (11:1-4), Jesus was asked by his disciples to teach them to pray. He gives them The Lord's Prayer, then tells them a parable about the late-night host (11:5-13). These two sections seem to go together, as the previous section is about Mary and Martha and the following section is about Jesus casting out demons.
Hospitality was a vital obligation for a homeowner in that time; if a traveler came to someone's house and they weren't able to offer the guest a fresh, unbroken loaf of bread (even if they came at midnight), great shame would come on that household (IVP Bible Background Dictionary). The frantic host in the parable goes to a friend whom he knows will probably have the loaf he needs. In his commentary on Luke, William Barclay says that in that time in Israel, a home's door would be open all day, with people coming in and out and very little privacy, but if the door was shut, especially at night, it was a clear sign that the householder did not want to be disturbed. The IVP Bible Background Dictionary points out a reason for the friend's hesitation to unbolt and open the door; if his children are in bed (which is usually on the first floor near the front door), then the disturbance of unbolting the door would wake the children. But since the frantic host would likely wake the children anyway beating on the door and calling out to his friend, the friend decides he might as well get up and give the host the bread he needed.
Jesus continues teaching the disciples about boldness in prayer in the next few verses, telling the disciples that whatever they ask for, they will receive. He also points out that God their Father cares for them even more than a father loves his children, and wants to give them the great gift of the Holy Spirit. Barclay says, "If a churlish and unwilling householder can in the end be coerced by a friend's shameless persistence into giving him what he needs, how much more will God who is a loving Father supply all his children's needs?" However, this does not release the Christian from fervency in prayer, as evidenced by Jesus' words in 11:9-10. Bede says, "He bears witness that the kingdom of heaven is not given to, found by and opened to those who are idle and unoccupied but to those who ask for it, seek after it and knock at its gates. The gate of the kingdom must be asked for by prayer. It must be sought after by living properly. It must be knocked at by persevering." (Homilies on the Gospels) But we do not have a God who is unwilling to give gifts to us. He gives to us, His children, the Holy Spirit – but we must ask.
In his commentary on Luke, Matthew Henry points out that the parable is an example of something that is vital (bread for a hungry traveler) and that 11:11-12 speaks of food and bread, which symbolizes that which is needful. Jesus has promised that God will provide the Holy Spirit, the best of all possible gifts, and he will give the Spirit with generosity. In asking, seeking and knocking, "we are not wringing gifts from an unwilling god, but going to one who knows our needs better than we know them ourselves and whose heart towards us is the heart of generous love." (Barclay) Some would argue that they have prayed many times and not received what they ask for. Barclay counters this, saying, "If we do not receive what we pray for, it is not because God grudgingly refuses to give it but because he has some better thing for us. There is no such thing as unanswered prayer." I do think too often if we don't get the answer we want or expect, that it can be discouraging. This passage directs us to be bold in prayer, knowing that we will receive, find, and have the door be opened to us. God desires to answer our prayer, and if we seek Him with boldness and persistence, He is faithful – even joyful – in responding.
The passage of last week (Luke 18:1-8) and this seem to come together. We are not only to be persistent in prayer, but also bold, knowing that God will answer, that we will find what we need, and that doors will be opened to us. It's easy for me to forget this, that God has the best for me – I want to go my own way, I want my own desires answered. But God knows what is best, and if I truly ask for His will, seek His face, and knock on His door, I will always receive what I need – Him.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Luke 18:1-8
Brief: Luke 18:1-8
1 And he told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man; 3 and there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, 'Vindicate me against my adversary.' 4 For a while he refused; but afterward he said to himself, 'Though I neither fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual coming.'" 6 And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
This parable is the first of two parables told by Jesus to his disciples as they are traveling up to Jerusalem. This section is part of the chapters leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, death and resurrection; the parables and instructions Jesus is teaching them seem as though they are among the last lessons Jesus is giving them.
The IVP Bible Background Commentary points out that in the Old Testament, judges were supposed to fear God (since one day He would judge them) and defend the oppressed. Barclay disagrees with this point of view, stating that the judge can't be viewed under Old Testament law because it is clear that the judge was not a Jewish judge (therefore wouldn't necessarily be driven by fear of God or Old Testament law); under Jewish law, disputes were taken before the elders. Jewish law also required that three judges arbitrate the dispute, not just one. So it is likely that this judge was a paid magistrate appointed by Herod or the Romans; these magistrates were notorious for needing to be bribed in order to make a determination one way or another (The Gospel of Luke, Barclay). This fits in well with why the widow needed to be so persistent in her claim. A widow often barely had the means to live, much less bribe a judge. She was a prime example of someone who was oppressed, therefore Jewish judges should have been on her side against an opponent trying to take advantage of her (IVP Bible Background Commentary). In this parable, the widow stands in for all who are poor and defenseless, and she wields the only weapon she has – persistence (Barclay).
It is pointed out that this is a standard Jewish parable of the qal vahomer argument (how much more); if the judge will vindicate the widow due to her persistence, how much more will God do for his elect? This is a familiar theme from the Old Testament (IVP Bible Background Dictionary), which Jesus uses to encourage his disciples that "they ought always to pray and not lose heart" (18:1). Barclay also points out that this judge is contrasted with how God is; God cares for his people so much more than this judge, therefore how much more will he do for them? Augustine agrees with this assessment, saying "By no means does that unjust judge furnish an allegorical representation of God. The example is of an unjust man who, although he yields for the mere sake of avoiding annoyance, nevertheless cannot disregard those who bother him with continual pleadings. By this the Lord wishes us to infer how much care God bestows on those who beseech him, for God is both just and good" (Sermon on the Mount 15).
If one message comes out of this parable, it is, 'Do not give up'. The widow kept going to the judge, and he kept rejecting her. But in the end, he gave in because of her persistence. God, who loves us much more than the judge cared for the widow (which was not at all), will vindicate us. In his Commentary on Luke, Cyril of Alexandria says, "The present parable assures us God will bend his ear to those who offer him their prayers, not carelessly or negligently but with earnestness and constancy." In the last verse in this section, Jesus encourages the disciples not to give up, even if, after their persistence, it doesn't seem as though an answer is coming. Jesus is saying that people, if their prayers aren't answered after a time, will lose faith and give up. This is his encouragement to not lose faith, to keep asking and asking until God vindicates. Jesus confirms here that God will vindicate one day, and His people should not give up.
How easy it is to give up when it seems as though God is not answering your prayer? This parable confirms that yes, God hears and He cares. Through our trials and testings, we should not lose faith that God will vindicate us. It may not be in the timing that we want; it may not be immediately that we receive a response. But God has promised that if we persist in faith, He will answer. When hope and faith are struggling, these words of Jesus are there to cling to – that we "ought always to pray and not lose heart" (1:1b).
1 And he told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man; 3 and there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, 'Vindicate me against my adversary.' 4 For a while he refused; but afterward he said to himself, 'Though I neither fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual coming.'" 6 And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
This parable is the first of two parables told by Jesus to his disciples as they are traveling up to Jerusalem. This section is part of the chapters leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, death and resurrection; the parables and instructions Jesus is teaching them seem as though they are among the last lessons Jesus is giving them.
The IVP Bible Background Commentary points out that in the Old Testament, judges were supposed to fear God (since one day He would judge them) and defend the oppressed. Barclay disagrees with this point of view, stating that the judge can't be viewed under Old Testament law because it is clear that the judge was not a Jewish judge (therefore wouldn't necessarily be driven by fear of God or Old Testament law); under Jewish law, disputes were taken before the elders. Jewish law also required that three judges arbitrate the dispute, not just one. So it is likely that this judge was a paid magistrate appointed by Herod or the Romans; these magistrates were notorious for needing to be bribed in order to make a determination one way or another (The Gospel of Luke, Barclay). This fits in well with why the widow needed to be so persistent in her claim. A widow often barely had the means to live, much less bribe a judge. She was a prime example of someone who was oppressed, therefore Jewish judges should have been on her side against an opponent trying to take advantage of her (IVP Bible Background Commentary). In this parable, the widow stands in for all who are poor and defenseless, and she wields the only weapon she has – persistence (Barclay).
It is pointed out that this is a standard Jewish parable of the qal vahomer argument (how much more); if the judge will vindicate the widow due to her persistence, how much more will God do for his elect? This is a familiar theme from the Old Testament (IVP Bible Background Dictionary), which Jesus uses to encourage his disciples that "they ought always to pray and not lose heart" (18:1). Barclay also points out that this judge is contrasted with how God is; God cares for his people so much more than this judge, therefore how much more will he do for them? Augustine agrees with this assessment, saying "By no means does that unjust judge furnish an allegorical representation of God. The example is of an unjust man who, although he yields for the mere sake of avoiding annoyance, nevertheless cannot disregard those who bother him with continual pleadings. By this the Lord wishes us to infer how much care God bestows on those who beseech him, for God is both just and good" (Sermon on the Mount 15).
If one message comes out of this parable, it is, 'Do not give up'. The widow kept going to the judge, and he kept rejecting her. But in the end, he gave in because of her persistence. God, who loves us much more than the judge cared for the widow (which was not at all), will vindicate us. In his Commentary on Luke, Cyril of Alexandria says, "The present parable assures us God will bend his ear to those who offer him their prayers, not carelessly or negligently but with earnestness and constancy." In the last verse in this section, Jesus encourages the disciples not to give up, even if, after their persistence, it doesn't seem as though an answer is coming. Jesus is saying that people, if their prayers aren't answered after a time, will lose faith and give up. This is his encouragement to not lose faith, to keep asking and asking until God vindicates. Jesus confirms here that God will vindicate one day, and His people should not give up.
How easy it is to give up when it seems as though God is not answering your prayer? This parable confirms that yes, God hears and He cares. Through our trials and testings, we should not lose faith that God will vindicate us. It may not be in the timing that we want; it may not be immediately that we receive a response. But God has promised that if we persist in faith, He will answer. When hope and faith are struggling, these words of Jesus are there to cling to – that we "ought always to pray and not lose heart" (1:1b).
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
A Brief Look at Matthew 6:5-8
For my class, Life of Prayer, we get to prepare briefs (about 700-800 word essays) on selected teachings on prayer by Jesus, looking at the context, the cultural and social background of the day, what commentators say, as well as our own reflections on the message of the Scripture. Last week, we wrote on Matthew 6:5-8.
5 "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7 "And in praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (RSV)
These verses appear in Jesus' well-known Sermon on the Mount, contained in chapters five through seven of Matthew. Jesus' teaching on prayer falls between his instructions on almsgiving and fasting. It is worthwhile to note that in each of these sections Jesus first addresses what not to do, before advising the disciples and the crowd on what they should do. Matthew 6:5-8 is primarily the "do nots" of praying, with the exception of verse six.
It was common in Jesus' day to stand while praying, and "it was probably common for pious people to recite their prayers individually in the synagogue." (IVP Bible Background Dictionary) From the context of the verses, it seems that Jesus was not condemning the practice of praying while standing, but of the attitude displayed by some Jews. Jesus indicates that there is true reward from God in prayer that is to God and only God, without the demonstrating for others that existed in synagogues and on street corners. The Bible Exposition Commentary points out that Jesus is not saying it is wrong to ever pray in public, but that it is wrong to only pray in public where others can see you. We should not abandon our private prayer lives, then pray aloud in public as though we have a strong prayer life and close relationship with God. Jesus calls this hypocrisy. In one of his homilies on Matthew, St. Chrysostom says that in praying thus, the hypocrites are casting their eyes around them to others, which is why they receive their reward on earth. Those who cast their eyes to God receive from God.
Jesus goes on to give further instructions on how to pray, saying "do not heap up empty phrases." It was common in the Gentile world to pray on and on in order to placate their gods; in addition, the Jews had developed prescribed prayers. This does not seem to forbid long or pre-written prayers, but indicates that prayers should have our heart's desire behind them. Instead of babbling empty words in order to placate God (or look good to our fellow Christian), we are to speak from the heart. All our prayers, whether long or short or spontaneous or prepared, should have the heart and focus of the one praying behind it.
Verse eight indicates that God already knows what we need before we ask, so what is the point of praying at all? This seems to be reminding Jesus' listeners that God does not need each person to tell Him of what their needs are, but that prayer has a different purpose – that of communicating with the Father (v. 6b). Barclay says, "No nation ever had a higher ideal of prayer than the Jews had; and no religion ever ranked prayer higher in the scale of priorities than the Jews did." Jesus here is pointing a finger at the hypocrites who pray loud, empty words in public places in order to be seen by fellow Jews as more righteous. Jesus is instructing people to use prayer for its true purpose of daily renewing their relationship with their Father in heaven. "Prayer (even if offered in the context of public worship or a prayer gathering) is to be directed to God in secret and not to be made a public spectacle to display the "righteousness" of the one who prays" (Barclay, Word Biblical Commentary, vol. 33a). Again, it seems that Jesus is objecting not to the practice, but to the attitude behind it.
In Sermon 26, John Wesley says about Matthew 6:5-8, "Prayer is the lifting up of the heart to God: All words of prayer, without this, are mere hypocrisy." Barclay seems to agree, quoting a rabbinic adage that says, "If a man says his prayers, as if to get through a set task, that is no prayer." On reflection, this is a lesson that I have definitely taken to heart. How many times have I let my mind wander in church as I repeated The Lord's Prayer? I know the prayer "by heart", but am I really letting the prayer touch and transform my heart? While I don't leap up to pray in groups, I can easily lead prayer if asked so that it seems I am more spiritual than I am, even if I haven't prayed in private for days. I need to remember not only to pray from the heart, but also to daily renew communication with my Father in heaven. Prayer should be more than a task to check off my list; it should be a cornerstone of my spiritual growth and transformation.
5 "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7 "And in praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (RSV)
These verses appear in Jesus' well-known Sermon on the Mount, contained in chapters five through seven of Matthew. Jesus' teaching on prayer falls between his instructions on almsgiving and fasting. It is worthwhile to note that in each of these sections Jesus first addresses what not to do, before advising the disciples and the crowd on what they should do. Matthew 6:5-8 is primarily the "do nots" of praying, with the exception of verse six.
It was common in Jesus' day to stand while praying, and "it was probably common for pious people to recite their prayers individually in the synagogue." (IVP Bible Background Dictionary) From the context of the verses, it seems that Jesus was not condemning the practice of praying while standing, but of the attitude displayed by some Jews. Jesus indicates that there is true reward from God in prayer that is to God and only God, without the demonstrating for others that existed in synagogues and on street corners. The Bible Exposition Commentary points out that Jesus is not saying it is wrong to ever pray in public, but that it is wrong to only pray in public where others can see you. We should not abandon our private prayer lives, then pray aloud in public as though we have a strong prayer life and close relationship with God. Jesus calls this hypocrisy. In one of his homilies on Matthew, St. Chrysostom says that in praying thus, the hypocrites are casting their eyes around them to others, which is why they receive their reward on earth. Those who cast their eyes to God receive from God.
Jesus goes on to give further instructions on how to pray, saying "do not heap up empty phrases." It was common in the Gentile world to pray on and on in order to placate their gods; in addition, the Jews had developed prescribed prayers. This does not seem to forbid long or pre-written prayers, but indicates that prayers should have our heart's desire behind them. Instead of babbling empty words in order to placate God (or look good to our fellow Christian), we are to speak from the heart. All our prayers, whether long or short or spontaneous or prepared, should have the heart and focus of the one praying behind it.
Verse eight indicates that God already knows what we need before we ask, so what is the point of praying at all? This seems to be reminding Jesus' listeners that God does not need each person to tell Him of what their needs are, but that prayer has a different purpose – that of communicating with the Father (v. 6b). Barclay says, "No nation ever had a higher ideal of prayer than the Jews had; and no religion ever ranked prayer higher in the scale of priorities than the Jews did." Jesus here is pointing a finger at the hypocrites who pray loud, empty words in public places in order to be seen by fellow Jews as more righteous. Jesus is instructing people to use prayer for its true purpose of daily renewing their relationship with their Father in heaven. "Prayer (even if offered in the context of public worship or a prayer gathering) is to be directed to God in secret and not to be made a public spectacle to display the "righteousness" of the one who prays" (Barclay, Word Biblical Commentary, vol. 33a). Again, it seems that Jesus is objecting not to the practice, but to the attitude behind it.
In Sermon 26, John Wesley says about Matthew 6:5-8, "Prayer is the lifting up of the heart to God: All words of prayer, without this, are mere hypocrisy." Barclay seems to agree, quoting a rabbinic adage that says, "If a man says his prayers, as if to get through a set task, that is no prayer." On reflection, this is a lesson that I have definitely taken to heart. How many times have I let my mind wander in church as I repeated The Lord's Prayer? I know the prayer "by heart", but am I really letting the prayer touch and transform my heart? While I don't leap up to pray in groups, I can easily lead prayer if asked so that it seems I am more spiritual than I am, even if I haven't prayed in private for days. I need to remember not only to pray from the heart, but also to daily renew communication with my Father in heaven. Prayer should be more than a task to check off my list; it should be a cornerstone of my spiritual growth and transformation.
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