One who is forgiven the most responds the most

The Gospel Reading for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Luke 7:36-8:3) is summarized in Jesus' words to Simon, his Pharisee host: "...her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love" (7:47). That is precisely what David says in Psalm 32 – which is also the alternate Psalm for this Sunday: "Happy are those whose transgressions are forgiven and whose sin is put away! Happy are they to whom the Lord imputes no guilt..."

Think of David's crimes in the First Reading. Then look at his confession in Psalm 51: "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight..."

Even Ahab who "did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him (1 Kings 16:30), and compared to no other "who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord...(and) behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols..." (1 Kings 21:25-26) had God's forgiveness when he repented (1 Kings 21:27-29).

Some people still find it difficult to find reconciliation between David's sins – especially with regard to Uriah's murder – and his place in history as the greatest king of Israel, and, lest we forget, the house from whom Jesus comes. Yet, that is precisely the point in these readings. It is about God, love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness – to be seen in God's perspective.

These surpass human understanding. In the Epistle Reading from Galatians 2:15-21 Paul says they come "not by doing the works of the law" but through Christ. He further says, "...it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me".

Tough to grasp and contemplate but we are called to imitate God, especially in our relationship with one another.

Justice and compassion and proclaiming God's truth without judgment

The two alternate First Readings for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost portray greed and injustice at their worst. King Ahab of Samaria – or northern kingdom of Israel – lusts after Naboth's ancestral piece of land on the edge of the Jezreel Valley (1 Kings 21:1-21). If you have seen the Jezreel Valley – the most spectacular and picturesque land in all of Israel – you will probably understand why Ahab lusted over Naboth's land.

But then, King Ahab put Naboth in an impossible situation because it was ancestral land, he could not simply transfer it to anybody, and Ahab knew it. Furthermore, he was the king. What he had was in abundance relative to poor Naboth's possession. Ahab's lust and injustice resulted in Naboth's murder, a worse crime than the contributing offenses.

There is a similar picture in the alternative reading from 2 Samuel 11:26-12:15. Here King David lusts after Uriah's wife, commits adultery, attempts to cover it up, and ends up committing murder, again a crime worse than the contributing offenses. Note too, that David was king, the most powerful man in his time and he had no business lusting after Bathsheba – even though the scripture says, "the woman was very beautiful" (2 Samuel 11:2)."

In the Collect we pray that the Church, "through God's grace may proclaim God's truth with boldness and minister justice with compassion".

Perhaps the greatest challenge the church is facing today is discerning God's truth in our ever-changing society. Social issues continue to divide the church as different voices believe theirs represent God's truth. Some even look at contemporary social issues in the light of Ahab and David's deviations from God's truth.

The dilemma is between justice and compassion; and while the former, for humans, often leads to judgment, the Collect invokes faith, love and compassion for the church.

There is more on this, next.

Unconditional service or strings attached?

In our discussion of God's sovereignty, protection and provision for all – especially the needy and the least in society – we ended with the observation that Elijah was active in the Zarephath and Sidon (Phoenician) region or what is today Lebanon; in a foreign land. Similarly, the widow whose son Jesus raised from the dead was from Nain in today's Shomron, or Samaria, also foreign territory.

There is a huge challenge for us here, to examine how we relate to those outside our borders or boundaries. People of faith, and especially Christians, affirm that we are obliged to help those in need. Indeed, we excel in doing that. Nevertheless, how we do it and the motivation, are perhaps even more important than the doing itself.

Consider the following, real illustration:

For many years, a rescue mission has served breakfast and dinner to the poor and needy, every single day of the year. Most of this ministry is borne by volunteers who give their time and resources to serve the needs of the hungry.

Over the years, before dinner or breakfast, the guests assembled in the chapel for 30-45 minutes where a pastor or preacher gave a sermon. 95% or more of the guests did not listen or hear the sermon because they were hungry, tired, sleepy or simply not there for a sermon. The mission eventually decided that dinner would be served first, then chapel time to follow thereafter. In other words, the guests were given a choice regarding chapel time.

Some of the pastors and preachers decided to withdraw their help because "the gospel was being compromised" - in their words. It is as if they were saying to the hungry, "we will give you something to eat but first you must hear the gospel message".

That is the question we ask ourselves today: How do we help those we help and how do we serve those we serve? Are there per-conditions or strings attached or are we doing what we are called to do unconditionally? Think of our foreign policy too, as a nation. Are there some accompaniments that go with foreign aid?

God's sovereignty has no boundaries

The Lessons for the Third Sunday after Pentecost continue from last Sunday's reading. Last Sunday we saw God's sovereignty over kings and rulers. There were the stories of King Ahab and King Solomon in the Hebrew Bible readings and the Roman centurion in Capernaum, in the Gospel Reading. All were shown to be under God's sovereignty.

In this Sunday's First Reading from 1 Kings 17:8-16 (17-24) there is the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, one of the most familiar stories in the bible. A widow in the bible lies on the opposite scale of a king or a ruler. It is the lowest position in society. Widows, orphans, strangers, the infirm, are the weakest and most vulnerable in society.

Then there is also the story of nature woven into the account. There is a drought, a calamity, because it brings about hunger. Add to that, death. A widow, without a husband, is dependent on her son. Take away the son and it is the end of life for the widow. The widow of Zarephath, already in a precarious position, also has famine and hunger to deal with, then the death of her only source of support.

Yet, she is not without help. That is the thrust of the story in the First Reading. The Psalm for the day (Psalm 146) reinforces that where it says, "Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them;...Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, and food to those who hunger. The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; The Lord loves the righteous; the Lord cares for the stranger; he sustains the orphan and widow..."

Indeed those words of the psalmist summarize the story in the First Reading.

The Gospel Reading (Luke 7:11-17) is a replay of the First. Indeed, the crowd that witnessed the Lord's miraculous raising of the son of the widow of Nain could recall the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath.

Thus, what we see in these lessons is the Lord's sovereignty over kings and rulers, over nature and its forces, including death; and the Lord's care and protection for the least and the most vulnerable in society.

One more thing: Zarephath and Sidon were in Phoenicia, in present-day Lebanon. Nain, about 20 miles south west of Capernaum is in today's Shomron – or Samaria – today's West Bank. So, these are stories about the Lord's dealing with strangers.

Follow the discussion next.

Pluralism, syncretism and institutionalized idolatry are as challenging today as in the days of Ahab

The lessons for the Second Sunday after Pentecost raise some questions and challenges about pluralism, syncretism and institutionalized idolatry.

To begin with, pluralism, according to The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, is 'a condition of society in which numerous distinct ethnic, religious, or cultural groups coexist'. Syncretism is defined as 'the attempt or tendency to combine or reconcile differing beliefs, as in philosophy or religion'.

Institutionalized idolatry is best illustrated in the First Reading from 1 Kings 18:20-21, (22-29), 30-39.
Because of his wife Jezebel's strong influence, King Ahab of the northern kingdom of Israel led his people into the idolatry of Baal worship. 1Kings 16:30-31 says, "Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him...He also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him".
Rulers like kings, and leaders in general, provide a moral compass for those they lead. The people of Israel strayed away from the Lord because of Ahab's leadership.
Earlier, in 1 Kings 8:22-23, 41-43, which is the alternate First Reading for this Sunday, King Solomon had dedicated the temple he built for the Lord. 1 Kings 8:22-53 is the most inspirational dedication service in the whole bible. In its conclusion, Solomon "rose from before the altar of the Lord where he had been kneeling with his hands spread out toward heaven...and blessed the whole assembly of Israel in a loud voice, saying: 'Praise be to the Lord, who has given rest to his people Israel, just as he promised"

Here are, therefore, two pictures of two different kings and two different leadership directions. The first typifies syncretism. In the opposite picture, Solomon prays: "Likewise when a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a distant land because of your name – for they shall hear of your great name, your mighty hand, and your outstretched arm – when a foreigner comes and prays toward this house, then hear in heaven, your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner calls to you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and so that they may know that your name has been invoked on this house that I have built".

Simply put, in our own day, how do we distinguish between Baal worship and worshiping the Lord? Think of power, prestige, recognition, materialism (and consumerism).

Pluralism is probably even more challenging. Solomon prayed for the inclusion of the stranger. In the Gospel Reading too, from Luke 7:1-10, Jesus ministered to a Roman military leader, who, in turn had built a synagogue for the Jews. It is a picture of our own pluralistic society. Add to that our desire for free thinking, free from dogmas, free from conformity.

One can argue that there are two different issues involved here: Service to the whole world on the one hand, and our faithfulness to Jesus Christ and even inviting others into this faithfulness, on the other. Indeed, the Epistle Reading from Galatians 1:1-12 stresses the one gospel of Christ.

We would emphasize too, that the ultimate goal of all our endeavors and thinking ought to be the glory of God. In the words of Psalm 96, "Declare God's glory among the nations and God's wonders among all peoples...Ascribe to the Lord honor and power. Ascribe to the Lord the honor due to the Lord's Name".    


   

Transformation in practice

Transformational Author Experience®

How to Grow Your Business as a Published Author... and Impact More Lives With Your Message

Have you dreamed of writing a book or becoming a successful published author? Do you have a valuable message that - if put in print - will help grow your business and transform more lives? If you answered yes, but don't have your book written yet... keep reading!

There has never been a better time to write your book and become an author. The opportunities available for authors in the 21st Century are endless. Yet, the majority of entrepreneurs who say they want to write a book don't actually do it. Why? Based on more than 900 responses to a recent survey by Transformational Book Coach, Christine Kloser, aspiring authors revealed what holds them back.

Most authors don't know where to start or what to do first. They are overwhelmed with too much information and not enough action. Sometimes things like fear and doubt creep in. Other times, its confusion, lack of clarity or confidence that can stop an author in their tracks. Another big challenge for authors is feeling like their book has already been written... by somebody else.

Not to mention the maze of information out there about writing and publishing a book. Is it best to self-publish or try to get an agent and sell your manuscript? How important is it to build your platform? What are the first things to do to start writing your book? How can you leverage your book to grow your business? What do you do about "writer's block?" How much will it cost to publish?

The questions facing an aspiring author can be endless and the answers are often times confusing. But, it doesn't have to be that way. There are great people out there who want to help you write your BEST book, who are interested in your message and your success more than they're interested in your money.

And it's absolutely possible to write your book in a way that is easy, joyful and fun - without wasting your precious time, money or energy going in circles. It's also possible your book will bring about profound personal, professional, and even planetary transformation.

Consider this...

Throughout history; books have played a critical role in impacting readers to create positive changes in their lives. Seeing that individual transformation impacts global transformation - it can be said the books truly do have the power to transform the world. And YOUR book can be one of those books that transforms lives forever.

So, if you're ready to take the next step with your book (even just a little bit interested in writing a book someday) you'll want to join me for Christine Kloser's Transformational Author Experience®. Christine is a transformational book coach and is offering one of the best trainings I've ever seen for authors. Her faculty includes Bestselling authors like Lisa Nichols, SARK, and Marianne Williamson, as well as publishing industry leaders like Reid Tracy (CEO and President of Hay House), Marc Allen (Publisher of Eckhart Tolle's Power of Now), and Bill Gladstone (Neale Donald Walsch's literary agent). And that's just the beginning of what's in store for you at her f-r-e-e Transformational Author Experience®.

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Christine Kloser Bio

Christine Kloser, "The Transformation Catalyst" is a transformational book coach, spiritual guide and award-winning author whose spot-on guidance transforms the lives of visionary entrepreneurs and authors around the world. Her life-changing work is endorsed by many of today's leading transformational authors, including: Neale Donald Walsch, Lisa Nichols, Sonia Choquette, Gay Hendricks, and more - and has appeared in media such as the Los Angeles Times, Entrepreneur, FOX News, Forbes.com, and PUBLISHED! Magazine. Her books and publications have also received numerous awards including the Nautilus Book Silver Award, Pinnacle Book Award, eLit Award, National Best Books Award, and the Apex Award for Publication Excellence.

A men's book club is also be possible

In his introduction to the May/June/July 2013 Forward Day by Day, Scott Gunn, the Executive Director of the Forward Movement, makes the following observation: "In many congregations, there are regular readers of Forward Day by Day, though I have discovered that too often people who are practicing this daily discipline do not know one another". He continues: "I wonder how our church might be enriched if more people shared their faith journeys – the successes and the challenges – with one another".

Indeed, the best way to share faith journeys is in groups, especially interest groups. Think of a men's book club, for example. It is not quite an audacious or wishful thinking – such clubs do exist.

Christ Church Cathedral already has a men's and a women's Bible Study groups. There is plenty of room for other interest groups. How about a men's coffee and discussion group? What about a prayer and breakfast group? Actually these are some ideas that some people have considered. They can be transformed into concrete plans and actualized.

Scott Gunn suggests finding "other readers of Forward Day by Day and share your journey with them". Indeed, this could be the beginning of an interest group and fellowship in faith. It is important to note that this journey of faith is not meant to be a lonely experience. It is easier, joyful and enriching when in fellowship.

Those who appreciate the benefits of fellowship may want to start by connecting with one another through Forward Day by Day and taking it from there. Remember the Chinese saying: A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.