Loved by God.

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Chicago, IL, United States
* It's good to suffer loss, for it draws me to the Cross where God's loss is more than what anyone ever lost. * We cannot hear what the stories of the Bible are saying until we hear them as stories about ourselves. * Let go of control. * Trust God. Thank God. Think about God. Talk to God. Talk about God.
Showing posts with label Matthew. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Matthew. Show all posts

Saturday, December 16, 2023

Day 12 Advent, 12/15/23: A Friend of the Socially Unacceptable (Mt 11:19)

"The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners'" (Mt 11:19).


The flute symbolizes joy, and the dirge symbolizes mourning. By complaining that their playmates did not participate in their games (Mt 11:16-17), the children were saying that they were not happy or sad but unresponsive or indifferent. Jesus uses this parable as a rebuke to the Bible teachers and Pharisees. They complained about both John the Baptist and Jesus. John's fasting was too strict, rigid and legalistic (Mt 11:18), while Jesus' dining habits were too lenient, liberal and socially unacceptable (Mt 11:19). But in reality, they judged and rejected the teachings of both John and Jesus based on their own criteria, biases, expectations and preferences.

Friday, December 15, 2023

Day 13, 12/16/23: The Son of Man is Going to Suffer

"...the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands" (Matthew 17:13).

Jesus tells his disciples that John the Baptist fulfilled the prophecy of Elijah's return as Jesus' forerunner (Mt 17:10-13; Mal 4:5-6). And as they did unjustly to John [beheading], they would do to him (Mt 17:12; 16:21). The reason John was executed was because he proclaimed repentance (Mt 3:1-2), the message of "turning your life over to a higher power."

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Day 11 of Advent, 12/14/23: A Gentle Forcefulness (Mt 11:12)

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Day 10 of Advent, 12/13/23: I am Gentle and Humble (Mt 11:29)

How gentle am I? That is a very tough question for me to face and answer.

Matthew 11:29 is the only time Jesus describes himself, describes his own inner man, in the Bible. The Greek for "gentle" means meek and mild, but not in a weak way. It means "strength under control," like a wild stallion that has been tamed. The Greek for "lowly" means humble or low in status, like a servant. He is unselfish and thoughtful. Chuck Swindoll says, "We are never more like Christ than when we fit into His description of Himself: gentle and humble."

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Day 7 of Advent, 12/9/2023: The Laborers are Few (Mt 9:37)

"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Mt 9:37-38).

Jesus instructs Christians to pray for laborers for the harvest (Mt 9:38) and for disciples to heal and evangelize others (Mt 10:1, 7-8). Matthew concludes his gospel by saying, "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them...and teaching them to obey everything" (Mt 28:19). Thus, everything that I decide and choose to do should be somehow related to evangelism, i.e., winning others for Christ and his kingdom.
  • I pray that my life, lifestyle, choices, and morals may reflect Christ and the holiness of God (Rom 8:29; Heb 12:10).
  • In my older years (Ps 92:14) I pray to live a life of repentance (Ps 51:1-4; Mk 1:15).
  • I pray to learn and/or re-learn a life of prayer, piety and purity so that God can use me to somehow influence others (Ps 51:13), even the next generation (Ps 22:30).

First Week of Advent

Matthew 9:35—10:1, 5a, 6–8

Friends, today Jesus instructs us to pray for laborers for the harvest, for disciples to do the work of evangelization. We need to organize our lives around evangelization. Everything we do ought to be related somehow to it. This doesn't mean that we all have to become professional evangelizers. Remember, you can evangelize by the moral quality of your life. But it does mean that nothing in our lives ought to be more important than announcing the victory of Jesus.

We should think of others not as objects to be used, or annoying people in the way of realizing our projects, but rather as those whom we are called to serve. Instead of saying, "Why is this annoying person in my way?" we should ask, "What opportunity for evangelization has presented itself?" Has God put this person in your life precisely for this purpose?

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Day 4 of Advent, 12/06/23: Give Away What You Receive (Mt 15:36-37)

Monday, January 2, 2023

How should Christians Care for the Poor?

In the US, over 15 million children live in poverty, and 64 million people live at less than the minimum wage, including 54% of African Americans (2015 statistics). A 2011 study from Columbia University estimated that 250,000 Americans died each year from causes linked to poverty. While only 4 million tons of food are needed to feed all Americans, 46 million tons of food are thrown away each year in the US. There are an estimated 10 million homeless people in the US, but more than 12 million empty luxury housing units. Also, 2/3rd of all minimum wage workers are women, and many of these are heads of households.

OT texts frequently bid us to care for widows, orphans, and sojourners (Exo 22:21-22, 23:6, 9; Lev 23:22; Deut 10:18, 14:29, 15:9, 24:7, 14, 19, 26:12-13, 27:19; Ps 68:5, 72:4, 146:9; Prov 15:25, 22:22; Job 29:12, 31:16; Isa 1:17, 23, 10:1-2, 58:10; Jer 5:28, 7:6, 22:3, 16; Eze 16:49, 22:7, 29; Am 4:11; Zech 7:10, also Mk 12:40; Jas 1:27). In the Gospels, 1 out of every 10 verses is about the poor, and in James, 1 verse in every 5. We can't avoid reflecting on what Scripture says about the poor.

Jesus's words "the poor you will always have with you" (Matthew 26:11) are regularly used to suggest that ending poverty is impossible, that poverty is a result of moral failures, and that the poor themselves have no role in changing their situation. But  "the poor you will always have with you" is actually one of the strongest biblical mandates to end poverty. 

Sunday, November 7, 2021

Chiasm of Matthew 6:24

  • A. No one can serve two masters. 
    • B. Either you will hate the one 
      • C. and love the other, 
      • C'. or you will be devoted to the one 
    • B'. and despise the other. 
  • A'. You cannot serve both God and money.
A chiasm is like a sandwich with the bread on the outside, the lettuce and pickles next and the patty (chicken, beef, fish) in the center.

What is the chiasm structure saying?
  • C/C' the center essentially asks, "Who/what do you love and are devoted to?"
  • A/A' on the outside makes a statement of truth.
  • B/B' is the contrast of C/C'.
Chiastic structures are the "hidden" beauty of Hebrew narrative and poetry.

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Gentle, Meek and Humble (Matthew 11:29)

Matthew 11:29 Inspirational ImageTaking up Jesus' yoke and burden doesn't give you freedom from suffering, but a freedom from self, which to say the least is suffocating.

Taking up Jesus' yoke is also to give up control over your life and over others. You think you have safety and security when you're in control. Yet the precise opposite is true. Wanting control is to play God over your life and the lives of others, which God never intends. Acting in control is the root of sin [for you think you're in control and in charge like God] and will only bring disappointment, despair, despondency, desperation and destruction.

If you're gentle, meek, humble and accommodating in heart toward others, you'll be a lot more peaceful and the world--including the church--will be a much better place.

Sunday, May 3, 2020

Be Perfect in Showing Mercy (Matthew 18:21-35)

"When we are securely rooted in personal intimacy with Christ, it will be possible to remain flexible without being relativistic, convinced (absolute) without being rigid, willing to confront without being offensive, gentle and forgiving without being soft and true witnesses without being manipulative." Henri Nouwen.


Lectionary text [5/10/2020]: Psalm 31:1-16; John 14:1-14
Jesus as Teacher. Matthew incorporates almost all of Mark's Gospel, but in 5 places he inserts extensive blocks of teaching (5:1-7:27; 10:5-42; 13:1-52; 18:1-35; 23:1-25:46). The end of each of these 5 sections says, "When Jesus had finished [etelesen] these words..." This accentuates Jesus' role as authoritative teacher. At the conclusion of TSOM "the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes/teachers of the law" (Mt 7:28-29).

  • Why were people not moved [disinterested, turned off] by the way the religious leaders taught the Bible?
  • How does Matthew end his Gospel (Mt 28:18-20)? What is the mandate of the "great commission"? 
  • How does this ground the life and mission of the church (Mt 7:24-25)? 
  • Why is training necessary if we want to follow Jesus (Mt 13:52; 1 Tim 4:7; 2 Cor 7:1; 2 Pet 1:5-8)?
  • Is there a system to discipleship? What is the goal of discipleship?
  • Is the community of the church necessary for one to follow Jesus? Can one follow Jesus without being trained in the community of the church?  
Jesus' Hard Teaching:
  • "Be perfect" (Mt 5:48). Christians don't make excuses: "I'm only human." "I'm still a sinner." "No one's perfect."
  • "...unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Mt 5:20).
  • "...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Mt 28:20). No way around teaching obedience. Teaching must be exemplified.
  • "...every teacher...who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven..brings out...new treasures as well as old" (Mt 13:52). Am I a one trick pony?
  • "...love your enemies" (Mt 5:44). Seriously?
  • "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them" (Mt 6:1). Why do we like to show off our righteousness?
  • "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" (Mt 9:13; 12:7; Hos 6:6).
  • "But you have neglected the more important [weightier] matters of the law--justice, mercy and faithfulness" (Mt 23:23).
  • "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private" (Mt 18:15, NASB). Why is this straight forward instruction hard to do?
  • "...forgive...from your heart" (Mt 18:35).
Gospel and Christology [The Moral Vision of the NT, Richard Hays]:
  • Taking Up the Cross [Crucified Messiah] (Mark)
  • Training for the Kingdom of Heaven [Teacher] (Matthew)
  • Liberation through the Power of the Spirit [The Spirit of the Lord is upon me] (Luke-Acts)
  • Loving One Another [Man from heaven] (John and Epistles)
Some thoughts & reflections:
  • The problem is NOT the problem.
  • Obedience [keeping the Law] {being right} and disobedience [breaking the Law] {being wrong} are NOT "gospel categories," since EVERYONE disobeys [breaks the Law] {is wrong}. Thus...
  • Pointing out that someone is sleeping around or not sleeping around is NOT what helps anyone to change or repent.
  • Watching porn or not watching porn is NOT the change that should be sought.
  • Being great(er) or having no ambition whatever is not the problem. [Hard working or lazy. Accomplished or underachieving.]

Monday, April 27, 2020

Expose the Sin and Forgive (Matthew 18)


If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just ...
Lectionary [5/3/2020]: Ps 23; Jn 10:1-10.
  1. Why are the disciples asking about who the greatest is (Mt 18:1; 16:21; 17:22)? What does this show about them?
  2. Is being great a requirement for entering the kingdom of God (Mt 18:2-3)? What are kingdom people like (Mt 18:3-5)? What is required (Mt 18:3)? [child - paidion]
  3. Who are the "little ones" [ton micron] (Mt 18:6a)? Why does Jesus use hyperbole--such drastic language toward those who cause others to stumble (Mt 18:6b-9; 1 Cor 12:12-20)?
  4. What do disciples [we] incline to do with "little ones" (Mt 18:10a)? Why should we not (Mt 18:10b, 14)? How does Jesus illustrate this (Mt 18:12-13; Lk 15:4-7; Eze 34)? Is this pragmatic or prudent (Jn 11:50)?
  5. 3 Steps for Conflict resolution
    • What should you do when a fellow Christian sins [against you] (Mt 18:15a; Lev 19:17-18)? 
    • Why? What is the ultimate objective (Mt 18:15b)? 
    • What would this avoid? Why do we often NOT do so?
    • What if the one who sins is a leader in the church (1 Tim 5:19-20)?
  6. What is the role of the church (Mt 18:16-17; Dt 19:15)? 
    • What does it mean to "treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector" (Mt 18:17)? 
    • Why is church discipline important and necessary (Mt 18:18-20, 6, 1-5)? 
    • On what basis does the church have such authority (Mt 18:18-20; 28:20)? 
    • Is excommunication inconsistent with loving enemies and the golden rule (Mt 5:43-48; 7:12)?  
  7. Why did Peter ask about the frequency of forgiving others (Mt 18:21)? Why did he chose "7 times" (Job 33:29-30; Amos 1:3; 2:6)? 
    • How do we forgive others unlimitedly (Mt 18:22)? How much is 10,000 talents (Mt 18:24) and 100 denarii (Mt 18:28)? 
    • Why do we not comprehend or grasp the greatness of God's forgiveness (Mt 18:23-31)? 
    •  How serious is it to not forgive others (Mt 18:32-35)?
    • What does an unforgiving heart show about the person?
    • Does forgiveness involve restoring the relationship?
Reference:
  1. Hays, Richard B. The Moral Vision of the New Testament: community, cross, new creation: a contemporary introduction to New Testament ethics. Part One, 3. The Gospel of Matthew: Training for the Kingdom of Heaven. 1996. HarperCollins Publishers, NY.
  2. Hauerwas, Stanley. Matthew. Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible. Brazos Press, Grand Rapids, MI, 2006. MATTHEW 18: The Church.

Monday, April 20, 2020

God Values the Little Ones (Mt 18:10-14)

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God Values the Little Fella (Mt 18:10-14). Disciples Don't Despise Dispensable Disposable Deplorables, for Jesus the good shepherd is the model for his disciples [SWS 4/26/2020; Ps 116; Lk 24 lectionary texts. Song: The Overwhelming Never Ending Reckless Love of God Coming After Me].
  • [1] These Little Ones (Mt 18:10a)
    • [2] My Father in Heaven (Mt 18:10b)
      • [3] 100 Sheep One Lost (Mt 18:12a)
        • [4] Leave & Search [for the little one] (Mt 18:12b)
      • [5] One Found 99 Never Strayed (Mt 18:13)
    • [6] My Father in Heaven (Mt 18:14a)
  • [7] These Little Ones (Mt 18:14b)
Notice the rhetorical structure in this chiasm (ring composition) composed of 7 inverted units:
  • the beginning [1], middle [4] and end [7] focus on "the little ones" (Mt 18:10, 12, 14), while
  • [2] and [6] are a pair of my/your "Father in heaven" (Mt 18:10, 14), and
  • [3-5] are a parable on finding the one lost sheep (Mt 18:12-13) with
    • [3] and [5] focusing on "the one and the many" while
    • the climax in the very center [4] displays the willingness of the shepherd to risk leaving the 99 "on the hills" to go after the one that went away (Mt 18:12b).
Questions for Reflection:
  1. Who are "these little ones" (Mt 18:10a)? Why might one little one wander away (Mt 18:12a; 16:24; Lk 14:26; 1 Jn 2:15-17)? Is the sheep misled or does it go astray? Is it the fault of the sheep or the shepherd?
    • Might Peter denying Jesus, doubting Thomas, the 10 disciples who ran off in the garden, and the "Jerusalem street" (Lk 23:35, 48; 18:13) be among "the little ones" who strayed and went astray?
    • What was Jesus "still doing" on the cross with "the little ones" (Lk 23:34)?
    • Who did Jesus say is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Mt 18:2-5)? 
    • What does the disciples' question about the greatest show about them (Mt 18:1)? 
    • Was Jesus speaking of children in general or of this particular child (Mt 18:4)?
    • What does the change from "child" (Mt 18:5) [paidion] to "little ones" (Mt 18:6; 10:42) [ton micron] tell us? 
  2. Why does Jesus caution/warn his disciples to "not despise/look down on" [neglect, ignore] the little ones (Mt 18:10a) [to treat others with scorn or contempt]? Why? [See Q. 3.] 
    • Does this challenge the leadership of the church in every age?
    • Do people/organizations/"churches" tend to despise the dispensables /disregard the powerless /overlook the non-contributors? [Or declare an interest in them as a power play?]
    • Do you desire/wish to be in what C.S. Lewis calls "The Inner Ring"? [What's the motivation?] Should you not rather be a "sound craftsman"?
  3. What does it mean that "the little ones" (believers) have angels before "the face of my Father in heaven" (Mt 18:10b; Ac 12:15; 1 Cor 4:9; Heb 1:14; Ps 17:8; Rev 2:1, 8, 12; 3:1, 7, 14)?
  4. What does Jesus exemplify in the center/climax of the chiasm [3,4,5] (Mt 18:12-13)?
    • How does the world regard the weak, the powerless, the poor, the nameless?
    • Why do people not want to bother with the one sheep who couldn't keep up?
    • Can the lost, the one who wandered off, find their own way home?
    • What is the shepherd willing to endure in order to look for the one who is lost/went astray (Lk 15:4, 8; Jn 10:11)? How does this strengthen and encourage the 99? 
    • What is the tendency of [church] leaders with regard to 1/99? 
    • How might we want our [church] leaders to act?
  5. What does the shepherd rejoicing over finding the lost sheep teach us about repentance (Mt 18:13; Lk 15:5-6,9; 19:10; Jn 4:32)?
    • Who is the celebration and rejoicing about (Lk 15:6, 9, 24, 27, cf. Lk 15:30)? 
    • When the lost one is found were they blamed, rebuked, shamed and exposed as a "bad sheep," made to feel bad?
  6. Despite the intention of the Father in heaven (Mt 18:14) and the shepherd (Mt 18:12), what could still happen? Is there the possibility of failure?
  7. What was Jesus expecting of his disciples (Mt 25:40; Jn 20:21; 1 Pet 5:2)?
Reference: Bailey, Kenneth E. The Good ShepherdA Thousand-Year Journey from Psalm 23 to the New Testament. IVP. Downers Grove, IL 60515. 2014.

Friday, December 27, 2019

Love God

"The command to love God is a command that presumes God's love of Israel. Such a love is no vague generality, but rather is manifest in the concrete and daily care of God for his people. We know what it means to love God only because of God's love for us through the law and the prophets. This love can be harsh and dreadful, because to be loved by God is to be forced to know ourselves truthfully." Stanley Hauerwas, Matthew.

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Be Kind and Gentle (2008 - 2018)

"I am gentle and humble in heart" (Matthew 11:29).

West Loop Church (WL) began in Jan 2008. 2018 began with our 10 year anniversary. These are some of my extemporaneous random reflections over the years.
  1. Be kind and gentle (Mt 11:28). Jesus said, "I am gentle and humble in heart."  Mother Theresa said, "I prefer you to make mistakes in kindness than work miracles in unkindness." I realize that when I feel attacked, oppressed, imposed upon, criticized, slandered, gossiped about and experience injustice, I am reactive, angry, loud, defensive and offensive. I am anything but kind, gentle and humble in heart, even if I try to control my outward expressions. For the rest of my life, I pray to learn my Lord who is "gentle and humble in heart," though it will surely be with many failures.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Sermon on the Mount (Martyn Lloyd-Jones): General Introduction

Mt5-7beatitude
Why study the Sermon on the Mount? The church is superficial. An outstanding characteristic of the Church is superficiality. Evangelistic efforts tends toward boisterousness, which is shocking. Her conception of holiness and approach to sanctification is shallow.

Why is the church shallow? Poor/wrong way of studying the Bible. A main cause is our attitude toward the Bible. We fail to take it seriously as our sole authority. We fail to study the Bible in the right manner.