paravanes:meditations

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once, they left their nets and followed him.” --Matthew 4:19 and 20. On Sunday, March 20, 2011, I listened to my pastor, Rev. Dr. Sharon Mook, preach from this text. The title of her sermon was “Follow Jesus…to Where?” It was a good question and one I considered as I moved through the week. Jesus’ call to follow is compelling. Some might say, “Oh well, these men were just fisherman (not a high life style back then, or now), and they didn’t have much to lose by following Jesus. That might be true. After all, a rich young man who had a lot to lose went away sorrowfully (Mark 10:17-22) when Jesus let him know the young man must leave behind everything to become a follower. Still, it is a good thing to know this: Jesus is worth anything or anyone you must leave behind. We are not all called to be apostles, but we are all called to be witnesses of what we have seen and experienced with God. How well am I d...

I have never had a problem with the use of the term “God the Father.” Because of this, I am very grateful the newly published edition of the NIV (New International Version) Bible continues the use of this correct and accurate phrase. As a woman, I don’t understand why some women and others object to the use of this term. Maybe it’s a “generational thing”, but I grew up using this phrase and never felt reduced or diminished by the image or representation of God as father. I also had a wonderful relationship with my father, who is now with the Lord. I am fully aware God is not a man. I am fully aware many of the terms in the original languages of scripture referring to God are not masculine. Still, using “gender neutral” language is not my choice because I love many of the things the term “God the Father” says about how God chooses to relate to us. In most of the world, for most of history, fatherhood has represented shared identity, protection, provision, inheritance, loving care,...

--image from the Ancient Sculpture Galley Collection of Icons This hymn, written by Isaac Watts around 1707, is one of the first hymns written in "first person." This means the author simply told his personal response to a spiritual insight in the lyrics. This hymn's fourth verse, rarely used these days ( too bad ), is one of the most powerful in the song and was based on Galatians 6:14 . "His dying crimson, like a robe, Spreads o'er His body on the tree: Then am I dead to all the globe, And all the globe is dead to me." When the writer says he "surveys" the wondrous cross, what he really means is he reflects upon, deeply considers, and meditates on the cross. Another writer---sadly, I cannot recall the name--wrote of the shame and scandal of the cross. Why would the Son of God disgrace Himself by dying, and by dying such a horrible, painful, torturous death? Every religious tradition includes sacrifice, but only Christianity shows a...