The Penitent Soul Changes the World (Hosea 5:15-6:6)

On By Tim EhrhardtIn Christian Spirituality Blog, Daily Bible Reading Blog, Year ALeave a comment
Saint Dominic in Penitence, by Filippo Tarchiani, c.1607

I will return again to my place
    until they acknowledge their guilt and seek my face.
    In their distress they will beg my favor:

“Come, let us return to the Lord,
    for it is he who has torn, and he will heal us;
    he has struck down, and he will bind us up.
After two days he will revive us;
    on the third day he will raise us up,
    that we may live before him.
Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord;
    his appearing is as sure as the dawn;
he will come to us like the showers,
    like the spring rains that water the earth.”

What shall I do with you, O Ephraim?
    What shall I do with you, O Judah?
Your love is like a morning cloud,
    like the dew that goes away early.
Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets;
    I have killed them by the words of my mouth,
    and my judgment goes forth as the light.
For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice,
    the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. (New Revised Standard Version Update Edition)

We are meant for righteousness, not wickedness. So, whenever we fail to do what is right, we will suffer pain. This is because wicked attitudes, words, and behavior go against how we were designed and created as humans.

There are times when we all transgress what is right by either doing outright wrong, or by failing to do what is good, right, and just when we have the opportunity to do so. Therefore, repentance is vital and necessary. That is, to practice something that seems to be lost in our contemporary language: penitence.

Penitence simply means to have regret over wrongdoing. When we are penitent, we seek to repent (turn from what is wrong and do what is right). God has no interest in those who offer the forms of repentance without any penitence. That’s why God told the ancient Israelites that love and knowledge are what’s important, more than sacrifices and offerings.

What’s more, penitence is necessary for spiritual maturation and growth. The penitent soul finds that one’s faults and wrongs can be transformed into assets – such is the power of God through one’s penitent repentance.

And even more, the individual who experiences penitence and repents of wrongdoing, is forgiven, leading the whole world to be forgiven along with them.

Just one penitent and repentant person will intercede and confess the sins of the world; and that can change everything. So, imagine when a community of forgiven persons are motivated to bring about humanity’s greatness and nobility through penitent prayer.

I want you to think this thought: Any sort of moral misdeed committed by an individual weakens the soul of the entire community, and indeed, all the world.

Every attitude and action has a consequence, whether good or bad. Penitence, repentance, and forgiveness are the mandatory practices to restoring and renewing a life-giving dynamic to everyone.

Thus, penitence brings healing to the world; the individual who repents is forgiven; and the whole world is forgiven with him.

The powers of evil want to keep us ignorant of such things – which is why knowledge of God is so very important. Ignorance inevitably leads to sin and to the construction of a false self, which then encrusts itself upon the soul.

Penitence and repentance remain as lights deep within a person, even if they are buried beneath all sorts of arrogance and bravado of the ego.

Change of our world and transformation of our lives will not come apart from a vigorous and popular education of God and God’s Word. With so much ignorance all around us, it is imperative that individuals and communities become familiar with how spiritual realities work.

Although it appears that sinister darkness is spreading across the world and into the depths of humanity, the hope and promise of light discerns that evil can and will be overcome.

Penitence is the key to the healing presence this world needs.

For those who have experienced the renewal and reformation of a forgiven life, the steadfast love of God’s grace is very much needed for those still stuck in the mud of wickedness.

In truth, the meanness of a person betrays how much anguish of soul they are actually experiencing. Their estrangement of God is such that they are in great spiritual pain.

So, every situation designed by God to evoke penitence and repentance within such a mean person leads not only to a struggle in the soul, but also to outward conflicts with others in the forms of bullying, arrogance, and hardness of heart.

Not only do we suffer because of another’s grotesque sin, so does God. The pain of the wicked person unfortunately works to bring others pain, including God.

The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart. (Genesis 6:5-6, NLT)

Both humanity and God are in anguish when the dark powers take hold within an individual, and in the community.

We must have the grace to bear with others and hold our ground, giving the Spirit of God time to bring about penitence and repentance. For our part, continual learning of divine things and a commitment to steadfast love becomes the hands and feet of our prayers.

When one suffers, we all suffer, because there is an inextricable connection between all people.

Regret, remorse, and sorrow over wrongdoing are the prerequisites for goodness to become ensconced in the world. Penitence serves both the individual and the community, preventing any poisonous root of bitterness to grow up and corrupt many people.

See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. (Hebrews 12:15, NIV)

God and humanity are meant to be united. And the Lord will create whatever conditions are necessary for divisions to be healed, and for people to love one another and love God will all their hearts, souls, minds, and energy.

Almighty God, my heavenly Father: I have sinned against you, through my own fault, in thought, and word, and deed, and in what I have left undone. For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive me all my offenses; and grant that I may serve you in newness of life, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

The Singular Voice of Jesus (John 10:1-10)

On By Tim EhrhardtIn Christian Spirituality Blog, Daily Bible Reading Blog, Year ALeave a comment

“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition)

“A bee does not waste its energy trying to convince a fly that honey is better than s**t.” ancient Japanese saying

The voice of Jesus goes out into the world and calls persons by name. He spends no time twisting arms or putting the squeeze on people to get them into his sheep pen. Christ simply opens the gate, letting in people who come in response to his voice.

Jesus trusts that those who will come, will come. There’s no anxious hand-wringing on his part concerning whether anyone is going to show up, or not.

We certainly live in an anxious age – tending toward worrying incessantly about things out of our control. Many people spend an inordinate amount of time trying to influence things which belong to the realm of Jesus and the Spirit.

In addition, there is an over-abundance of putting unnecessary pressure upon ourselves to ensure we live some sort of perfect life. There is a hyper-developed sense of responsibility by some to never ever make any mistakes in this life.

I am speaking as much or more to myself. I have a nasty tendency of trying to be Atlas, picking up the world and carrying it on my shoulders. It’s all done in the erroneous notion that everything is up to me, that the earth spins on the Pastor Tim axis. After all, what will happen if I’m not there? I can’t be sidelined; people need me! O, what hubris there is in such notions.

In the Gospel text for today, Jesus makes no mention of our anxieties about entrance into the divine sheepfold. That’s because he has no expectations that we are to do his work. It isn’t our voices that are raised here; it is the voice of Jesus. We can trust that his voice and naming of persons is sufficient.

The responsibility and onus of salvation has always been on the side of God, not us. We redeem no one, including ourselves.

Sheep don’t shepherd the flock; the shepherd handles the flock of sheep. Another’s deliverance from sin, death, and hell comes neither from our hand nor our well-articulated words. No, it is the voice of Jesus that makes the difference. Hearing him is what creates response.

The voice of Christ is so powerful and effective that it doesn’t need to be heard audibly by the physical ear; it can more easily be heard with our spiritual ears and discerned by the soul.

Wisdom cries out in the street;
    in the squares she raises her voice.
At the busiest corner she cries out;
    at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
    and fools hate knowledge?
Give heed to my reproof;
I will pour out my thoughts to you;
    I will make my words known to you. (Proverbs 1:20-23, NRSVUE)

It is our responsibility to listen and respond for ourselves, and not for anyone else. The gate will open for us.

We are to equally refuse listening to other competing voices of Trumpian-type charlatans. Such persons make grandiose promises which they never intend on keeping.

Those other voices only use the sheep by fleecing them of what little they have. However, if we enter the divine sheep pen, we need no longer be subject to the alternative voices which are full of foolish contradictory words that do nothing to help.

As the very gate by which the sheep enter, Jesus provides verdant green pastures; protects from bandits and predators; and gives life to the full. Christ calls folks together, guards, and sustains his flock. The shepherd can be trusted to take care of his own.

Open to me the gates of righteousness,
    that I may enter through them
    and give thanks to the Lord.

This is the gate of the Lord;
    the righteous shall enter through it.

I thank you that you have answered me
    and have become my salvation. (Psalm 118:19-21, NRSVUE)

Because Jesus gives abundant life, he can be contrasted with outlaws who come to create chaos among the sheep and ultimately destroy them.

Thieves do not come for the benefit of others; only themselves. They’re continually watching for how they can take advantage of situations, gaslight unsuspecting victims, and then dispense with them after having fleeced them of their resources, and even their very lives.

Whatever does not lead to life, leads to death and destruction. The hallmark of a contemporary charlatan-leader is that he creates division, disharmony, and disunity, rather than fostering loving connections and life-giving relationships.

If abundance is in the hands of a few, and not the many, then you can be sure that the outlaw is in charge of the flock. To have people languish, while others ignore them or even demonize them, is to have a charlatan thief calling the shots and trying to suffocate the voice of Jesus.

But the voice of Jesus will not be silenced. Christ’s voice will be heard. And it is being heard. Many are listening to the life that he offers. Jesus has the singular voice of deliverance.

Yet, many in this old world still seek political saviors. Only too late do these people realize that the would-be-savior makes a mockery of all that is good, just, and true.

In this current climate of Trumpism and a world which is attempting to resurrect authoritarianism in the name of Christianity, utopian dreams from twisted politicians will turn (and are turning) into nightmares.

Only Jesus is the gate; no one else can make the claim to providing an abundant life.

These current times are yet another temptation toward sinking into a debilitating anxiety. However, if we come back to listening to the singular voice of Jesus, then we can allow faith, hope, and love to take their rightful place in our lives. We can say along with the psalmist:

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
    I fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    my whole life long. (Psalm 23:4-6, NRSVUE)

Holy Shepherd, you know your sheep by name and lead us to safety through the valleys of death. Guide us by your voice, so that we may walk in certainty and security to the joyous feast prepared in your house, where we celebrate with you forever. Amen.

Resurrection of the Lord (Matthew 28:1-10)

On By Tim EhrhardtIn Christian Spirituality Blog, Daily Bible Reading Blog, Year ALeave a comment

After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 

So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers and sisters to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” (NRSVUE)

“Christ is risen!”

“Christ is risen, indeed! Alleluia!”

“The Lord suffered for the sake of him who suffered, and was bound for the sake of him who was imprisoned, and was judged for the sake of the condemned, and was buried for the sake of the buried. So come, all families of human beings who are defiled by sins, and receive remission of sins.

“For I am your remission, I am the Passover of salvation. I am the Lamb sacrificed for your sake. I am your ransom. I am your life. I am your Resurrection. I am your light. I am your salvation. I am your King. I lead you toward the heights of heaven. I will show you the eternal Father. I will raise you up with my right hand.” Melito, Bishop of Sardis (died c.190 C.E.)

So, why not today, of all days on the calendar? Why not experience miracles on this Day of Resurrection in which new life abounds? Why not sense the power of Christ’s Resurrection coursing through your spiritual veins? For this is the day of new beginnings, leaving old grudges and bitterness behind. This is the day of deliverance from all things which hinder us from knowing God and seeing the Savior.

O God, of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things are made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Life In the Spirit (Romans 8:6-11)

On By Tim EhrhardtIn Christian Spirituality Blog, Daily Bible Reading Blog, Year ALeave a comment
Art by Randi Ford

The attitude that comes from selfishness leads to death, but the attitude that comes from the Spirit leads to life and peace. So the attitude that comes from selfishness is hostile to God. It doesn’t submit to God’s Law, because it can’t. People who are self-centered aren’t able to please God.

But you aren’t self-centered. Instead you are in the Spirit, if in fact God’s Spirit lives in you. If anyone doesn’t have the Spirit of Christ, they don’t belong to him. If Christ is in you, the Spirit is your life because of God’s righteousness, but the body is dead because of sin. If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your human bodies also, through his Spirit that lives in you. (Common English Bible)

The chapters of Romans 5-8 are a core biblical text for the Christian life. They get down to the fundamental issue of a Christian’s identity and daily practice.

In the mind of the Apostle Paul, all persons are either in the Spirit of God, or not; selfish or unselfish; thinks of the common good of all, or only thinks of oneself and what is best for the individual me.

For Paul, the tell of one being a Christian is to orient one’s life completely around the person and work of Jesus Christ. If not, then one cannot claim to be a Christian, at all.

Regular Bible-readers will notice that I have used the Common English Version’s rendering of the Greek word σάρξ as “selfishness” instead of the literal and often translated English word “flesh.”

My choice highlights the reality that, although “flesh” may make some reference to the physical body, it has much more to do with a person’s holistic expression of sin by means of the mind, emotions, and soul. In other words, “flesh” can be appropriately translated as “selfishness” since it truly takes the whole person to accommodate sin’s desires.

The selfish nature of human individuals (and communities) can take many forms such as the passionate pursuit of material possessions, winning at all costs, unchecked power, and seeking influential positions.

What’s more, this fleshly selfishness is seen in communal ways through extreme promotion of capitalist ideology; hierarchical forms of power which dominate and oppress others; societal norms which keep people locked into class warfare; and exploitation of the earth’s resources for selfish purposes.

Those who are in these sorts of mindsets and social practices cannot please God, because they fundamentally contradict the overarching ethics of Holy Scripture.

We are not to dwell in the realm of selfishness but are to live in and according to the Spirit of Christ. All of this means that every believer has within them a great potential for both good and evil. Even though we have been freed from the realm of sin, the individual (and the community) must actively use this freedom from Christ for good purposes.

Simply avoiding the bad – although quite necessary – will not do. Only focusing on not getting into trouble may easily leave one complicit to evil by not helping when it was in our power to do so. The Lord Jesus avoided a simple skate through his earthly life. He instead sought:

“to preach good news to the poor,
    to proclaim release to the prisoners
    and recovery of sight to the blind,
    to liberate the oppressed,
    and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19, CEB)

These are actions rooted in Old Testament ethical practices. They are socially minded aspirations meant for the common good of all people, and not just some persons.

The Spirit invades our lives in order to unite us to Christ. In him the believer is made righteous, and given new life and hope. Christians now have a real possibility to live according to the words and the ways of Jesus.

We no longer need to “watch out for number one.” The love of God in Christ provides what is necessary to melt the old selfish desires.

We can now remove ourselves from unholy cycles of condemnation toward both others and self.

We can now speak in a manner which encourages and uplifts, rather than use our speech to verbally decapitate another with harsh divisive language.

We can now relate to others with genuine spiritual care, instead of personal disinterest.

And we can take great hope in the fact the work of God in this world is ongoing, because of transformation by divine grace. I need no longer to listen to all the condemning messages emanating from ignorant persons who are quick to make knee jerk judgments on things they know little about.

The Spirit of Christ and the Word of God are more powerful and have greater effectiveness than any other spirit or word that is expressed or spoken. The inner testimony within the individual knows this to be true. The Christian’s identity is firmly in Christ, not in selfishness.

Perhaps it is so hard to live unselfishly because self-surrender to God feels like dying. Often our longings betray the fact that we have forgotten who we are. When that happens, we tend to search for that identity in all the wrong places.

Let’s instead put our effort into the ultimate ethic of love as embodied in the Lord whom we serve – not in idyllic ideas of romance, but in accepting people for who they are, and not what we want them to be.

I’m talking about a love that is present to others and stays with them; sharing my life; putting up with another’s difficulties; seeing things through and plugging away at what I know is right.

Most of the time, living in the Spirit is just a matter of meeting what comes day by day, and persevering with patience through it in the best way I know how.

The love of God in Christ tends not to be the kind that people write stories about, but is simply doing things with a good attitude, a right spirit, and proper motives. If we relate deeply to life and experience both the joy and pain of living on this earth, then I believe we will find that our longings fade into the background.

That’s because I am now living in the realm of the Spirit of love. And when I’m in that zone, there’s no reason to seek anything else, because the Spirit is your life.

God of compassion and consolation, your breath alone brings life to weary souls. Pour out your Spirit upon us, so that we may face despair with the hope of resurrection and faith in Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit are one God, now and forever. Amen.