Category: Uncategorized (Page 178 of 188)

This morning at Journey we covered quite a chapter of the realities of Jesus’ birth – the 3 wise men, Egypt, God coming to those who we wouldn’t expect… there was plenty to discuss. but i was stuck on v. 3 – “When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.” I get the King Herod part – his civic authority was about to be challenged and he knew it. But Jerusalem? What message is Matthew trying to say here?

Thanks to that seminary edumacation i have some very heavy books and decided to put them to use (other than applying pressure to pet stains). Here’s what i’ve got.

First, according to my New Bible Dictionary, Jerusalem “frequently stand[s] for the body of citizens, the whole of Judah, the whole of Israel or the entire people of God.” Interesting. The following verse makes mention of the chief priests and teachers of the law, so i also wonder if “jerusalem” is making reference to that? I’m inclined to think so, because, according to the entry about pharisees, it seems that the pharisees, saducees and teachers of the law were the people with pull. Interestingly, the NBD author says “the traditional image of thr all-powerful legalistic Pharisee is manifestly incorrect. Claims that they controlled cultic practice are increadible and contradicted by the evidence. However, our sources do suggest a disproportionate influence on society… [sources] suggest that their influence was limited to the environs of Jerusalem.”

That’s enough research. Here are my thoughts. Why would Jerusalem, whoever Matthew is referring, be shaking in their booties at the thought of a coming Messiah? From what we’ve been taught, the Jewish people were watching and waiting for a Christ to come save them (and continue to do so today). Why would they be “disturbed”? (sorry, no time for Greek etymological research). Anxious? yes. Apprehensive? maybe. Fearful? sure. but disturbed in the same way that Herod was? i mean, Herod didn’t like the idea because of what he might loose. surely the People of God wouldn’t feel that, would they?

Would we- i mean they? (because in talking about others it’s much easier to remove similar notions from ourselves, right? ) The news that a Savior has been born, in the city of David nonetheless, and the people of God, whether it be the power-weilders or the whole of the nation, were disturbed.

Do we truly know the implications of the presence of a savior? Maybe to stretch it further – maybe there are things, places, ways of life that we don’t necessarily want to be “saved” from. It’s easy to point a misgiving finger at the chief priests and teachers of the law if we think about how they’d loose their position and influence (not to mention, i do believe i’ve heard that there was a faction of these folk who were pretty cozy with Rome, so political status is also in jeapordy… not at all an issue we face today *insert eyeroll* but that’s a whole other post).

If we’re really honest, aren’t there times when we think that life is much easier and more manageable if Jesus just stayed out of it? i mean, really, there are places in our lives that Jesus causes more “disturbance” than the other things like peace, hope and joy that we are regularly promised. Calling us to be more generous rather than selfish… forgive rather then hang on to grievences… give away parts of ourselves and allow others in rather than keeping closed and cold. None of that is easy. And we don’t want to deny the fact that so many of us unknowingly live with position and influence that, if taken away, would cause some discomfort as well.

This still seems like a hodgepodge of thoughts. But here’s where i’ve landed: through advent we’re continually asked “are you preparing for the coming of the savior?” now that Christmas is over and the baby was born, and as i read through passages like this, i ask: “am i accepting of the change this savior will bring?”

Every year for christmas my mother-in-law puts wonderful, practical things in our stockings. Top of the line shaving cream (something that is difficult to go generic, if you ask me), gum, chapstick, nail files, soap, and a toothbrush. This year was no different.
Now i’m not particularly particular about my choice in toothbrush. i like a soft bristle, that’s about my only requirement. some people are a bit more choosey – for years my sister only accepted purple toothbrushes. but for my lack of choosiness, i still have difficulty getting the new tool out of the packaging and throwing the old away. for years i avoided it completely by simply updating the toothbrush in my travel toiletries kit and keeping my favorite red brush near the sink. finally i acquieced and made the trade.

the new toothbrush has no negative qualities necesarily. the bristles are slightly firm, but not painful. it might take me a day or two to remember which one is mine (although process of elimination will tell me the pink one is not JJ’s). but i still lack motivation to make the change. which i think is the problem.

change. i’m sure my dental hygenist would tell me that i need to make the upgrade as it’s better for my teeth – less germs, new firmness is good for the gums, blah blah blah. but when i brush, it just feels… different. it’s outside what i’m used to. the handle is a bit ackward. i’m not sure of the angle to reach the backside of my lower molars.

but this being said, i know it’s something i need to do. i must progress. and i’m feeling a bit the same about new years resolutions. the changes i would like to make are not difficult. they don’t hurt and in actuality they are good for me. but they’re different. and i have a tendency to gravitate toward the comfortable.

i typically use my old toothbrush in the travel bag and toss out the old travel brush, thereby getting the option of old toothbrush out of my options in the morning. i think that might need to be my approach. what do i need to remove from my line of vision each AM so that i can make the necessary changes to my life?

but what a good feeling to know that at the end of 2009 i could be blogging that this currently new toothbrush has filled the shoes of “comfortable”. we can hope.

I have not yet fully put together my thoughts for this post, but it’s something that’s been brewing this holiday season. i’ve been overwhelmed with gratitude. this christmas was one that i we could honestly say we needed nothing. i came up with a list for those who asked, but there wasn’t a thing that i thought “well, if i don’t get it for christmas, i’ll use some of my special money and find a way to buy it.” jj and i continue to see just how blessed we really are. and yet, we’ve been put in a place in this world with so many generous people who love so freely. we’re just surrounded by it – we were overwhelmed by it all when henry was born and the cards and gifts and prayers just poured in. but it’s continued throughout this holiday season. our parents are endless in their giving. our church family (ies) show us sooooo much love.

i think it’s because i’ve been struck by the ungratefulness of others that i hope my gratitude shows. i hope i’m able to express how appreciative we are for everything that others do for us and not just come to expect it. our generation is one that feels like most luxuries are our “right” in life, and i hope that i don’t come across like that. i’ve made a concerted effort to say thank you, but there reaches a point that you can’t say thank you enough.

and if i’m like this with those that i see, about the things i can touch… how much more am i likely to skim over the blessings that God has showered me with? i know i do it… but i’d like to stop.

last year i made a list of things that would make 2008 better than 2007. i think i’ll make another similar list. butt, hips and thighs will remain on the list as i did not put forth much effort on that one (i’ll plead pregnancy). and this year i’ll add: 1) show more gratitude and 2) be more generous.

being the TTYD that i am, i think i need to make an action plan. this will require time with kristy and a good bottle of chilean wine.