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Posts Tagged ‘Hebrews’

Without Genealogy

Posted in Eastertide, Time Up to Pentecost, tagged , , , , , , , , , on May 27, 2011| 2 Comments »

A good portion of Hebrews 7 is devoted to the mysterious Melchizedek, the priest-king to whom Abraham tithed “10% of everything.” One of the great wonders to the believers of that time was his lack of genealogy. Who was this guy? Many theories, but no one really knows. Nevertheless, he had the authority to bless, even the patriarch, Abraham.

Hebrews 7:2b-3
“. . . First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.”

Questions that can send silent shudders up a librarian’s spine are from the amateur genealogists seeking out their family line. They are an enthusiastic bunch and quick to tell of their latest discoveries. The librarian nods her head and smiles while the genealogist explains the depth of his or her line. There is great pride in sleuthing out names and dates and long lost relatives that go back to the American Revolution or even earlier.

But in Jewish history, the genealogical line was even more important. People were rooted in their community or accepted into a new community by the veracity of their genealogical line. In modern times, this is sometimes mirrored in small communities where being “from” there requires the person to be “born there.” And certainly, in the Mormon church, genealogy is critical to leadership. Most of the best genealogical records of modern times have been stored and digitized by that group.

But here is Melchizedek, apparently quite powerful and respected which is reflected in the 10% of all “booty” that Abraham and his men give to him after defeating the kings of Sodom. We know so little of his story that he has become the subject of much speculation, particularly among various teachers and rabbi’s. Some claim he was divine which explains his lack of lineage while others say he was simply an anointed king of the era.

I am captivated by this story because of its mystery. The Bible has many such characters who appear briefly and then are heard of no more. There is usually significance in their appearances, but I’m not sure what it is.

Today, I am simply struck by the idea that there is always someone higher than us. No matter how much fame or fortune or power we attain, there is always someone who has more. God places each of us in that continuum, in some cases, it is we ourselves who are the “higher one,” perhaps by income or status or position at work. We are inside the sandwich of authority.

Melchizedek blessed Abraham first and then the gift was given willingly. Isn’t it important for me to bless those around me who are in a different part of the sandwich. It’s so important to speak blessings to everyone in our circle of influence, but even moreso to those who have less than we do. A blessing calls on God to fill in where human cannot.

The trick is not to envy or become jealous of the blessings, for some will be called to the higher table at the banquet.

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To Swear–Or Not

Posted in Eastertide, Time Up to Pentecost, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on May 25, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Nowadays, swearing and oath-making are not very common. Of course, I’m not talking about profanity, there’s plenty of that. Funny, the same word, swear, has such opposing uses: one as a debasement while the other is a promise that is binding because of the witness of someone “higher” in power, class, or position.

Hebrews 6:16-17
Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath.

There are only a few places where the full intent of swearing is still recognized: a wedding where vows are made between two people; a swearing in to public office; and a swearing to tell the truth in a court of law. In all three of these cases, people are asked to “swear” over a Bible with the implication that they are “swearing by” God. Supposedly, they are saying the words that can be and should be witnessed by God who will/can affirm their truth. Hmmmm.

Sorry, but I don’t think people take these oaths very seriously anymore. Marriage oaths are broken every day. In fact, there are great numbers of people who consider divorce their first option if “things aren’t working out.” I know this attitude well, I had it myself when I married the first time. I had all kinds of provisos: If he does this or if he does that, or doesn’t do this or doesn’t do that, I’ll just get a divorce. Big deal, in other words. I’ll do what I want to do.

I certainly don’t feel so cavalier today. In fact, I’m beginning to wonder if there aren’t some serious repercussions for swearing or making an oath with little intent to keep it. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus discouraged his followers from making oaths, “. . . I tell you, do not bind yourselves by an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is the throne of God; Or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you are not able to make a single hair white or black.Let your Yes be simply Yes, and your No be simply No; anything more than that comes from the evil one.” [Matthew 5:34-37, Amplified]

Throughout this morning, a partner verse keeps coming to my mind about the sowing and reaping principle: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” [Galatians 6:7, NIV 2010] A vow or oath is a type of sowing, it’s a promise, and it’s the beginning of a process; when that promise is broken, the process is aborted and something else will happen instead. There has to be a reaping.

For this reason, I think, Jesus advises us to avoid these situations.

And, as an afterthought, perhaps the profane kind of swearing also bears some unpleasant fruit (or reaping) for the speaker. Wikipedia states that the original meaning of “profane” was “outside or in front of the church.” It is something that does not belong to the church. Interesting tidbit.

Before my Christ-centered days, I could swear up a blue streak and probably “out-swear” a truck driver if need be (not that truck drivers necessarily swear). I could also drink just about anyone under the table. I was proud of my ability to appear really “bad.” Inside, I don’t think I was much different than anyone else. I just covered up a great deal of my insecurities with behavior.

So, my take away for today is two-fold: I should be much more circumspect about the promises I make as well as more prudent in my words. I don’t profanely swear on a regular basis but I do find myself lapsing into some old bad habits. It’s unproductive, or worse, when directed at someone else, it’s “outside the Spirit.”

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Produce Useful Crops

Posted in Eastertide, Time Up to Pentecost, tagged , , , , , , , on May 23, 2011| 2 Comments »

What is a useful crop? I’m sure there would be lots of answers to this question depending on one’s point of view. Is my life producing anything useful? Beautiful? Memorable? Helpful? What is ultimately driving me? I am so very busy all the time. Maybe it’s time to rotate the crop?

Hebrews 6:7
Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God.

When I was a younger Christian (back in the day is the latest phrase — of course, the kids who use it crack me up, it’s hard for me to consider their tween lives as “back in the day”), I was taught a similar sounding verse from John 15:8, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples,” and that fruit meant converts. My fruit was supposed to be notches on my belt, the number of people “brought to Christ.”

But really, is it just about that? Or is fruit like the crops and what is truly important is that they be “useful.” Whatever I produce should have some purpose. Naturally, sharing my faith with others and the story of my transformation as a result of that commitment to the Christ is useful. But, there are other things: providing food and shelter for those who don’t have it or giving a family to an orphan, or guiding someone to resources they need to take the next step. These are all good.

What about beauty? Is art useful? Is music? Is drama or writing?

Too many people lose sight of the power of the arts and nature to feed the soul and to transcend circumstances.

Yesterday, I read in the New York Times Magazine about a young African American who grew up in the projects where deep poverty and casual violence was the mainstay of his life. And somewhere along the way, Ryan Speedo Green found the joy of music and now, he won an “idol” type contest by the Metropolitan Opera. Someone gave him this opportunity and it was more than “useful,” it was life-changing.

We never know who we will touch with our fruit but as long as it is nurtured with love and is an authentic expression of ourselves, there will be someone to eat.

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Taste Heavenly Gifts

Posted in Time Up to Pentecost, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on May 22, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Of all the senses, I find it fascinating that the writer of Hebrews uses taste twice in the same sentence to describe the human experience of the things of God, that is the heavenly gift and word of God. That sense we use every day when eating but rarely do modern believers “taste” God.

Hebrews 6:4-6a
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance . . .

Even back in Psalms [34:8], we are encouraged to “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him,” or in verse 119:103, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! ”

There must be something then about the intimacy of eating and tasting that is particular to the Word of God (both Jesus Himself [“eat of my body and drink of my blood” John 6:52] and the words imparted to us through scriptures), as well as the heavenly gift (which could be any number of things, but in my mind, it’s pure grace).

Just a cursory glance through commentaries about these verses shows many have decried and argued and professed to know what they really mean. I can’t begin to make such a claim. I don’t even want to discuss what it might be to taste these things and then, by virtue of “falling away,” losing access to repentance. The whole idea gives me the heeby-geebies. The texts that fall on both sides of the aisle are numerous from the simplified “once saved, always saved,” to the stricter interpretation of “human will” to the more Calvinist interpretation that all human acts fall under the express sovereignty and rule of God. I realize there are issues here.

But what about this taste business? If I just focus on this one piece of information, this one phenomenon, I believe there is something here for me today that can transcend all of the rhetoric and apologetics.

Taste is a matter of detection, discovery and discernment. Everyone responds to foods differently, depending on the sophistication of their palate. Some people have affinities for certain tastes and aversion to others. On average, the human tongue has between 2,000 to 8,000 taste buds. It’s highly personal and individualistic.

And so, here’s my small point: when we taste the things of God, we all have a different experience. For some, it is a rich, sweet taste and suffuses the mind. For others, something else, like savory [or to use the latest word, umami] and maybe, depending on the circumstances, even bitter or sour or salty.

But in any case, the taste is strong and unique. Like the spelled “turkish delight” that drove Edmund in the Lion, Witch & the Wardrobe to make all kinds of poor choices, the taste of heavenly things is intimately memorable. I’m guessing or supposing that the taste sense somehow brings into sharp focus the other senses so that what is seen or heard or touched suddenly has a much needed added dimension.

Perhaps the next time I sit at a meal and pray a blessing on the food, I might add a silent prayer to expand my understanding of tasting the things of God.

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Loud Cries and Tears

Posted in Eastertide, Time Up to Pentecost, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 20, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Artwork by Gretchen Smith

Most of us know the short verse, “Jesus wept” [John 11:35]. We might even get a warm and fuzzy feeling at the picture of a sympathetic Christ, weeping for his friend. But how often does anyone quote this verse in Hebrews, where Jesus cries out loud and sheds tears before God?

Hebrews 5:7
During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.

After a quick look at some of the commentaries, it’s interesting to me that most writers place all this “weeping and wailing” right before his death in the Garden of Gethsemane, as though this is the one time Jesus encountered his destiny and travailed before the Father. But I propose that the prayers and supplications of Jesus were ongoing. Think about it: how many times did Jesus miraculously escape the authorities? How many times did he suspect danger in his life, anticipate a shortened ministry, protect himself and his work by discouraging loose talk or gossip among his followers?

Jesus knew his life was forfeit but I can imagine him praying regularly, “Not yet . . . not yet. Give me a little more time.”

Jesus needed help and protection from God continually, not just in the garden, but throughout his ministry life. And in the same way that he emptied his heart and soul before God at Gethsemane, I believe he did this regularly and undoubtedly during many of those solitary prayers he sought out on the mountainsides, away from the disciples.

Lastly, I am intrigued by the idea of a noisy Christ. I mean, I don’t know about you, but a mental picture of Jesus roaring or wailing before God is difficult to wrap my mind around. And yet, why not? Isn’t it culturally appropriate? Would Jesus be “above” such behavior, such expression of need, desire, or supplication? Not at all.

I have experienced deep crying out to God and weeping but only at those times of deepest despair, betrayal, or fear. When I cried out to God at such times, I confess, it wasn’t that I put all my trust in God, I was merely bereft of hope, overwhelmed, and felt as if there was nowhere else to turn, I was “poor in spirit.” It was my last chance.

I wonder, were there circumstances and situations that Jesus did not expect to happen? Was he ever surprised (or surprised all the time)? Did he expect/hope his follower-disciples would “get it” sooner than they did (or did they get it while he was still alive at all?); was he troubled by the masses of people who easily followed him day after day for “bread and fish” but could not grasp the food of the Spirit; was he frustrated by his own inability to break through thousand-year-old traditions and beliefs? Did he cry out to God the day he called himself the “bread of life” and taught them about eating his flesh and drinking his blood–so many deserted him that day. I can imagine him saying, “Father, how do I reach them?”

And yet, each day, he submitted again and again and again to the role he was given to endure (in the order of Melchizedek); he pressed on. He woke up, he prayed, he taught, he ate, he miracled. And finally, he reached that God-ordained last day, that last supper, and that last prayer. My spirit tells me now: his garden prayers were not the first time he bled in sweat nor flooded the ground with his tears. His life in the Father was full of prayers and supplications every day.

Holy tears for me. Thanks be to God.

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A High Priest, King, and Me

Posted in Eastertide, Time Up to Pentecost, tagged , , , , , , , on May 18, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Melchizedek

When the Temple was destroyed in Jerusalem (70 AD), as much as I understand such things, the high priesthood dissolved for the Jews. And yet, the Christians, both East and West, have carried forward a similar hierarchy through the institution of Popes, Bishops, and Patriarchs, but none after the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 5:1, 5a, 6
For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men [and women] in things relating to God, to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. . . . So too Christ (the Messiah) did not exalt Himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed . . . As He says also in another place, You are a Priest [appointed] forever after the order (with the rank) of Melchizedek. [Amplified]

I confess, I’m not the best one to write or discuss authority structures in the Church. I’m a bit of libertarian in those circles and not well versed in its history. But I do understand that one of the key roles of the Messiah is his Melchizedekian inheritance: he is both High Priest and King. He is both judge and mercy-giver. He can make the laws and forgive us for breaking those laws. He is Human and Spirit, King and Priest; Christ is paradoxical.

Melchizedek, priest and King of Salem (Jerusalem), lived in the time of Abram, 2000 BCE. And this role has been assigned to the Christ to come.

But what do we know of Kings in our age? Who do we have to model this role? What do we learn from the kings and queens of Great Britain (and their protectorates) or the Kings of Belgium, Sweden, or Norway, or the absolute monarchs of Saudi Arabia, Oman, or Qatar? [Incidentally, the Pope is also considered the absolute monarch of Vatican City.]

There are a zillion protocols for approaching a Royal, such as bowing, curtseying, proper address, proper distance, and so forth. Do I imagine King Jesus in this way? I usually ignore this perspective, don’t you?

And on the High Priest side, my only exposure to priests has been local Catholics and Episcopalians who are generally laid back around town and wouldn’t expect me to bend and kiss a ring or insist on addressing them as Father or Brother. That’s not to say the same for the “higher” priests. The protocols for the Pope, bishops, and patriarchs are equally submissive and quite extensive. Do I imagine Priest Jesus in this way? Not really.

None of these human examples of high priests or kings give much meaning to my Messiah-King. But isn’t some of that my own fault?

Are we all too casual in this day and age? Have we gotten too comfortable with our mauve carpeting and coffee club church services? Have we spent too much time humanizing Jesus/God (e.g. paintings of the laughing Jesus) or emphasizing his gentleness (drawing of Jesus with the lamb) or putting emphasis on our “family status,” making Him just one of the guys?

This is one reason why I am trying to spend more time on and in my relationship with the Holy Spirit. This is not king or priest, but a spirit union with me. This One is sister, brother, counselor, lover. Yes, I understand we learn about Jesus in those same ways, but honestly, I think we’d better understand His role as Melchizedek too. And in that semblance, I doubt I’ll be jumping up into his lap like Santa Claus.

Something to think about today.

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How Am I Tempted?

Posted in Eastertide, Time Up to Pentecost, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on May 17, 2011| Leave a Comment »

If I am supposed to have more confidence in the Christ, who acts in the role of high priest for me (whatever that means), and who supposedly has bona fide empathy with my temptations, then I’d better be clear on what they are.

Hebrews 4:15
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.

Secretly, I’m pretty sure I don’t really believe Jesus experienced all of my temptations and I’m guessing I’m not alone in that deep, dark truth.

Do I really believe that Jesus was tempted by anything like a Dunkin’ Donut or Creme Brulee? Did he worry about the number of calories consumed in a day or the sense of body betrayal when my favorite clothes no longer fit? Was Jesus ever tempted to give up and become a beached whale on the couch because nothing seemed to work?

Was Jesus tempted to run away from all of his responsibilities? Did he consider suicide? Was he tempted to get drunk and stay drunk because life was too overwhelming? And what about all the plights and dangers of love relationships, broken relationships, or marriages built on lies and convenience?

Or what about getting old? Did he look in the mirror and pull up on the crows’ feet around his eyes or stretch the skin around his mouth and consider plastic surgery? Did he stare at old people being helped out of cars with walkers and wheelchairs and contemplate such a future for himself?

I know I’m being ridiculous and yet, am I the only one who chafes, even just a little, at the idea that Jesus, Human for 33 years, could sympathize or empathize with the details of my life’s temptations?

The answer is right there of course. It’s not in the detailed temptations at all, but in the one big temptation that encapsulates them all: being in charge. The temptation is to do it “all myself” and to solve all my problems alone. It’s “kicking against the goads” [Acts 26:14]. It’s following the Eve and Adam story line.

How am I tempted? I am tempted to be a god and manipulate my environment and I am regularly disappointed in the results. And so, yes, it is this person who is asked to come to the Throne of Grace and ask for mercy and help. And the courage to surrender.

Each day.

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