We’re a strange people, aren’t we? Especially when we know better! Scriptures to be heard on the upcoming weekend will hopefully remind those who hear that we still run after alien gods, whether we call them by ancient names or more contemporary ones: trust in military might, the newest vehicles/razors/broadband services, the supremacy of an athletic team, or the wonders of artificial intelligence. (You can insert your own personal god right here.) A prophet is one empowered by the Real God to speak against idolatry by whatever name it bears. Do we need more prophets?
In JOSHUA 24, we see that the habiru/desert wanderers have arrived at the Promised Land. Joshua has called the leaders of the tribes, and exhorts them to be loyal to YHWH. There’s a critical choice to be made between the local gods “of the ancestors” or the God who has led them through the wilderness with many signs and intercessions. Joshua encourages the People to embrace the Laws & Command-ments and not give in to the temptations of compromising their relationship with the True God by running after things that can tarnish with time.
The key verse in EPHESIANS 6:10-20 seems to be “For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities (see Titus 3:1), against the cosmic powers of this present darkness….” Paul counsels that we are to stand firm and not go with the flow. Does your congregation take this seriously, or is the bottom line the measure of “success”?
We’ve been exploring in the Gospel of JOHN the seemingly shocking speeches of Jesus about the consumption of his body and blood. Many of his followers said, “This is too much” and ran away. In 6:67 we read Jesus’ question, “Do you ALSO wish to go away?” Notice that he’s not speaking just to those disciples, but to present ones as well. You and me. Peter forms the Church as he replies, “We have come to believe and know that YOU are the Holy One of God.” More than “spirituality”, our life in Christ demands that we go with him beyond our comfort zone.
Susan Henry-Crowe gives us some demaning questions (FEASTING on the WORD, B 3:366): “What are the names of the ancestral gods still worshiped in his or her own congregation? What benefits have these gods provided in the past? What losses may result from deserting them for the One God who promises relationship instead of rewards?” Living the God-like life is hard.
In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King
Every Tuesday we examine–and are likewise examined by–the Scriptures to be heard on the upcoming weekend. Please join us!
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