_09.jpg)
Friday, March 13, 2009
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
New Sight
We were challenged to think about the miracles of Jesus involving sight. Specifically the two where Jesus makes clay and puts them on the eyes of the blind man.
I'm wondering about the one where the man only partially sees when Jesus heals him. That part has often bothered me because it kind of flies in the face of my main objection to "faith" healers. So often they blame partial healings or reoccurences on something else, lack of faith in the healed for instance, but here, Jesus doesn't fully heal the man in the first place. I hope I haven't been thinking that Jesus messed up... I wonder if that was my flawed thinking, without really thinking it through.
Anyway, upon looking up the actual story, I see that it is sandwiched between two other interesting parts of Jesus' life. Right before, Jesus is questioning why people don't see that Jesus is more than a meal ticket, noting that they are only after another "feeding of the 5000" experience. Immediately after, is Peter's confession that Jesus is "the Christ". Here is an example how people, given the same opportunities, can respond to Jesus in such different ways. One sees, the other only dimly.
John reminds us that Jesus' miracles are more than that, they are in fact "signs". They show us a little of who He is, of the kingdom, of His work. Is this not part of what Jesus brought? Light to some and a veil of secrecy to others?
While I'm posting on this subject. Can anyone tell me if people born blind are born without eyes(or part of their eyes)? I've heard that, but I thought, rather than look it up, I'd see if anyone else has that piece of information tucked away. For now. I'll look it up soon... I guess I just thought it was interesting that perhaps Jesus is replicating the creation of man by taking more dirt and re-forming eyes for these men.
As always, comments are appreciated :)
I'm wondering about the one where the man only partially sees when Jesus heals him. That part has often bothered me because it kind of flies in the face of my main objection to "faith" healers. So often they blame partial healings or reoccurences on something else, lack of faith in the healed for instance, but here, Jesus doesn't fully heal the man in the first place. I hope I haven't been thinking that Jesus messed up... I wonder if that was my flawed thinking, without really thinking it through.
Anyway, upon looking up the actual story, I see that it is sandwiched between two other interesting parts of Jesus' life. Right before, Jesus is questioning why people don't see that Jesus is more than a meal ticket, noting that they are only after another "feeding of the 5000" experience. Immediately after, is Peter's confession that Jesus is "the Christ". Here is an example how people, given the same opportunities, can respond to Jesus in such different ways. One sees, the other only dimly.
John reminds us that Jesus' miracles are more than that, they are in fact "signs". They show us a little of who He is, of the kingdom, of His work. Is this not part of what Jesus brought? Light to some and a veil of secrecy to others?
While I'm posting on this subject. Can anyone tell me if people born blind are born without eyes(or part of their eyes)? I've heard that, but I thought, rather than look it up, I'd see if anyone else has that piece of information tucked away. For now. I'll look it up soon... I guess I just thought it was interesting that perhaps Jesus is replicating the creation of man by taking more dirt and re-forming eyes for these men.
As always, comments are appreciated :)
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Holy The Firm
Holy The Firm was a great book by Annie Dillard. I thought of it today though unrelated to the book or Ms Dillard.
I was thinking of our current state. The economy is quivering, some are losing work, many more are disheartened.
Politicians are selling out. I guess even they are worrying about losing their jobs in this climate.
It got really cold this week again. Really cold.
Its too busy. Everywhere.
Its too fake.
Its too plastic.
Its too much debt.
Its not enough credit.
Its who knows what to do?
Our governments can't save us. What does this new guy, what's his name, Obarack, what does he know? Warren Buffet can't save us. Bill Gates has left the building. Tiger Woods has gone back to golf, he must not be the messiah. Donald Trump doesn't have the cash. Bernard Getz is out shopping for new screwdrivers. The Wonder Pets only take calls from baby animals, not people acting like babies. Lawrence of Arabia (sorry to break it to you) is dead. Alexander the Great is crying in his tonic water. Nero is fiddling, and WE'RE BURNING HERE!
But The Holy, is firm. He isn't shaken by this. He is in control.
I was pondering little Jesus today. Jesus of the 3 or 4 year old variety. Imagine him, learning vowel sounds. Or jots and tittles. Imagine him trying to fasten his sandal correctly. Why doesn't he just do it? Why is he wasting his time "growing in wisdom and stature"? Why doesn't he just show up and settle the matter once and for all? I've already scarred my 2 and 4 year old enough in their short lives, that likely they're twitching in their sleep right now. Isn't Jesus worried about Joseph and Mary setting him off on some Himalayan search for purpose (only to find Rick Warren) through their sheer ineptitude? Isn't he afraid that a passing chariot will knock him over and derail the whole plan? Isn't he worried that people will recognize him as the Messiah and decide not to kill him? Isn't he afraid that as a little baby his mother will offer him an unwashed stone (quiet nod to Mom here) and end up with some fatal disease? How come he lets all these unknowns just happen to him? Why, he practically lets fate lead him around with a blindfold on...
God lets go of what He can. He's big enough that nothing gets out of control. He can drop all kinds of things we'd worry about and not even bat an eye. He has the end result. He is in this moment. The one that has you right now staring at the period. He is firm.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
I was thinking of our current state. The economy is quivering, some are losing work, many more are disheartened.
Politicians are selling out. I guess even they are worrying about losing their jobs in this climate.
It got really cold this week again. Really cold.
Its too busy. Everywhere.
Its too fake.
Its too plastic.
Its too much debt.
Its not enough credit.
Its who knows what to do?
Our governments can't save us. What does this new guy, what's his name, Obarack, what does he know? Warren Buffet can't save us. Bill Gates has left the building. Tiger Woods has gone back to golf, he must not be the messiah. Donald Trump doesn't have the cash. Bernard Getz is out shopping for new screwdrivers. The Wonder Pets only take calls from baby animals, not people acting like babies. Lawrence of Arabia (sorry to break it to you) is dead. Alexander the Great is crying in his tonic water. Nero is fiddling, and WE'RE BURNING HERE!
But The Holy, is firm. He isn't shaken by this. He is in control.
I was pondering little Jesus today. Jesus of the 3 or 4 year old variety. Imagine him, learning vowel sounds. Or jots and tittles. Imagine him trying to fasten his sandal correctly. Why doesn't he just do it? Why is he wasting his time "growing in wisdom and stature"? Why doesn't he just show up and settle the matter once and for all? I've already scarred my 2 and 4 year old enough in their short lives, that likely they're twitching in their sleep right now. Isn't Jesus worried about Joseph and Mary setting him off on some Himalayan search for purpose (only to find Rick Warren) through their sheer ineptitude? Isn't he afraid that a passing chariot will knock him over and derail the whole plan? Isn't he worried that people will recognize him as the Messiah and decide not to kill him? Isn't he afraid that as a little baby his mother will offer him an unwashed stone (quiet nod to Mom here) and end up with some fatal disease? How come he lets all these unknowns just happen to him? Why, he practically lets fate lead him around with a blindfold on...
God lets go of what He can. He's big enough that nothing gets out of control. He can drop all kinds of things we'd worry about and not even bat an eye. He has the end result. He is in this moment. The one that has you right now staring at the period. He is firm.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
Free Coffee for a Year?
Did you know you can win free coffee for a year? Forget the cars, laptops and cash... you can win free coffee for a year!
http://www.rolluptherimtowin.com/en/fun.php?showcontest
Tim Hortons... roll up the rim to win... shameless plug for a daily stop in life's journey.
http://www.rolluptherimtowin.com/en/fun.php?showcontest
Tim Hortons... roll up the rim to win... shameless plug for a daily stop in life's journey.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)