The words of Jesus both comfort and terrify me. He is everything I want to be and hope for this world. So many tip their hats to him as a "good teacher" (including me in my practical atheism-- more on that in a minute). How would this world be different inside and out if we all followed in the steps and Spirit of Jesus?
Jesus slices with words, simultaneously bringing life and devastation to those willing to truly hear him. "Don't be like those who walk the walk for show. Be like the one who gives their life in silent sacrifice, applauded by none but seen by God." (Mk 12:38-44 -- my paraphrase) To the showmen of righteousness, Jesus's words surely offend. To those of us who want to live out this faith authentically, perhaps a shudder chills our bones and slaps a lump squarely in our throats: "Crap. I give; but do I give all I have to live on?" The line in the sand is clearly drawn. Following Jesus requires everything (not mostly everything).
Then, at the risk of leaving room for us authentic Christians to look down on anyone, Jesus digs his finger more deeply into the sand. "Things are going to get pretty bad, pretty ugly. Because of me, many will hate you. If you hang on, you will be saved." (Mk 13:13 -- my paraphrase) Doesn't that "if" just wreck you? Based on my last service trip and tithe check, I thought I was fine, and now I just had to read this. In case you missed it, following Jesus requires everything (not mostly everything).
But before anyone throws in the towel here, consider another one of Jesus's lightsaber truths: "With man this is impossible, but not with God. All things are possible with God." (Mk 10:27) With these words, Jesus answers the question from his stunned disciples after they learn how difficult it is for the rich ("the most blessed" according to their limited worldview) to enter the Kingdom: "Then who in the world can be saved?" This brilliant response from Jesus also addresses my visceral reaction to the aforementioned truth-bombs. Within us, it is impossible to truly give everything we have. In and of ourselves, it is impossible to stand firm to the end. But, thanks be to God, he promises to carry us, to fill us with his Spirit, so that we can live the impossible lives we were designed to live. Impossible on our own strength-- made possible by God.
I mentioned earlier my practical atheism (I'm in recovery). My words and my heart say, "I believe in you, Jesus!", but my footsteps often say, "I've got this! I can handle this!". And as I learn to divest myself of that self-sufficiency, I lean further into his promise that he makes possible the impossible life I desire to live, that authentic faith-walk with Jesus. Beautiful Jesus.
Indeed, following Jesus requires everything (not mostly everything). Jesus gave everything so that you and I can receive everything (not mostly everything).
Pray with me: Father, as best I can, I release to you my self-sufficient tendency to walk as if you don't exist. Would you help me release that to you so that I can pick up the God-dependent life you've designed me for? I want to authentically walk with you today. Thank you for carrying me. I love you. Amen.
On Mar 5, 2018, 2:13 PM -0500, Ricardo Arocha <ricardoarocha123@gmail.com>, wrote:
Mark 12:38-13:13
The words of Jesus both comfort and terrify me. He is everything I want to be and hope for this world. So many tip their hats to him as a "good teacher" (including me in my practical atheism-- more on that in a minute). How would this world be different inside and out if we all followed in the steps and Spirit of Jesus?
Jesus slices with words, simultaneously bringing life and devastation to those willing to truly hear him. "Don't be like those who walk the walk for show. Be like the one who gives their life in silent sacrifice, applauded by none but seen by God." (Mk 12:38-44 -- my paraphrase) To the showmen of righteousness, Jesus's words surely offend. To those of us who want to live out this faith authentically, perhaps a shudder chills our bones and slaps a lump squarely in our throats: "Crap. I give; but do I give all I have to live on?" The line in the sand is clearly drawn. Following Jesus requires everything (not mostly everything).
Then, at the risk of leaving room for us authentic Christians to look down on anyone, Jesus digs his finger more deeply into the sand. "Things are going to get pretty bad, pretty ugly. Because of me, many will hate you. If you hang on, you will be saved." (Mk 13:13 -- my paraphrase) Doesn't that "if" just wreck you? Based on my last service trip and tithe check, I thought I was fine, and now I just had to read this. In case you missed it, following Jesus requires everything (not mostly everything).
But before anyone throws in the towel here, consider another one of Jesus's lightsaber truths: "With man this is impossible, but not with God. All things are possible with God." (Mk 10:27) With these words, Jesus answers the question from his stunned disciples after they learn how difficult it is for the rich ("the most blessed" according to their limited worldview) to enter the Kingdom: "Then who in the world can be saved?" This brilliant response from Jesus also addresses my visceral reaction to the aforementioned truth-bombs. Within us, it is impossible to truly give everything we have. In and of ourselves, it is impossible to stand firm to the end. But, thanks be to God, he promises to carry us, to fill us with his Spirit, so that we can live the impossible lives we were designed to live. Impossible on our own strength-- made possible by God.
I mentioned earlier my practical atheism (I'm in recovery). My words and my heart say, "I believe in you, Jesus!", but my footsteps often say, "I've got this! I can handle this!". And as I learn to divest myself of that self-sufficiency, I lean further into his promise that he makes possible the impossible life I desire to live, that authentic faith-walk with Jesus. Beautiful Jesus.
Indeed, following Jesus requires everything (not mostly everything). Jesus gave everything so that you and I can receive everything (not mostly everything).
Pray with me: Father, as best I can, I release to you my self-sufficient tendency to walk as if you don't exist. Would you help me release that to you so that I can pick up the God-dependent life you've designed me for? I want to authentically walk with you today. Thank you for carrying me. I love you. Amen.
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