WATCHWORD:
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
1 Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. 2 They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. 3 Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, 4 so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught. Luke 1:1-4 NLT
Meditation:
God’s Truth?
Are you a literalist when it comes to the Bible? Does a friend challenge you that the King James Version is the only “true” translation of Holy scripture when your choice is the NIV or The Message, or perhaps the Living Bible? Do you bristle when someone says to you that the Bible is just a book of stories, or that Jesus was just one of several good teachers at that time?
It can be a struggle, but the chances are that speaking the truth in love will work a whole lot better than berating or lecturing that person until they agree with you, or just walk away. So, just smile and agree that different translations speak more clearly to different believers. And, yes, the Bible contains lots of stories, stories that teach and instruct. Parables that convey ancient truth.
What prompted Luke to investigate everything from the beginning? Probably the same skepticism that is visited upon us, even when we are trying hard to do the right thing or to study God’s “living Word”.
In Chuck Smith’s sermon notes for John 21, he points out the difficulties we sometimes encounter in reading and understanding various scripture passages. We get caught up in the Greek translations where the “tone” of a word carries different meanings. Smith uses as an example the passage where Jesus says to Peter: “do you love me more than these?” The word “these” is not specific. Is he referring to the other disciples, or to his fishing business? The “tone” does not tell us. That
Are there other words that we tend to define too narrowly that can influence how we view our “faith”? For example, the word “church” often refers to a building, or a denomination, while the “true” meaning of the word simply means a gathering of believers. Or take the word “catholic” which may or may not appear in the Apostle’s Creed within the liturgy. The meaning of “catholic” is the whole body of believers, not a religious sect.
I am a bit uncertain with respect to “Sacrament”. I am aware there are five, six or seven Sacraments (depending on your denomination) in the Christian faith. Each one very specific and well defined. I agree that a sacrament is an “active and public sign of God’s grace towards His believers.” I take that to mean that living out your Christian faith is an “overarching” sacrament, and all the others follow – Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, etc. each is a way of worshiping and confirming our belief. I was reminded that in Greek, “sacrament” also carries with it mystery, reflecting back to our belief and faith.
I wonder if in our struggle to understand, we are making God too small. I can only imagine that He is smiling, and encouraging our feeble efforts. Have we defined the “requirements” or definitions to the point where we have squeezed elements of FAITH and BELIEF into a far lesser role in our faith equation? God has given us a very simple and understandable statement in Micah 6:8 – What does the Lord require of me? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with my God.
Yes. it is simply stated, but the Way of the Cross is not easy, and it is best followed with Jesus leading us by the hand. Amen.
Better Stated?
This Meditation is a revision of an essay titled “What Does That Mean?” originally posted on March 3, 2014. Sometimes it is helpful to be reminded that the Word of God planted in our hearts has more meaning for our lives than the variety of definitions, meanings and requirements that come across our paths. “What does that mean?” might better be stated as “What does that mean, Lord?” in our prayer-life than a question for the world to struggle with. So be it.
Come Holy Spirit:
Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that, as the scriptures are read and your word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today, and put it into practice. Amen.
