The God Pause Daily Devotional of Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Friday, 4 March 2016 with Scripture Luke 15:11b-32
Luke 15:11 Again Yeshua said, “A man had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that will be mine.’ So the father divided the property between them. 13 As soon as he could convert his share into cash, the younger son left home and went off to a distant country, where he squandered his money in reckless living. 14 But after he had spent it all, a severe famine arose throughout that country, and he began to feel the pinch.
15 “So he went and attached himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the carob pods the pigs were eating, but no one gave him any.
17 “At last he came to his senses and said, ‘Any number of my father’s hired workers have food to spare; and here I am, starving to death! 18 I’m going to get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired workers.” ’ 20 So he got up and started back to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity. He ran and threw his arms around him and kissed him warmly. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son — ’ 22 but his father said to his slaves, ‘Quick, bring out a robe, the best one, and put it on him; and put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet; 23 and bring the calf that has been fattened up, and kill it. Let’s eat and have a celebration! 24 For this son of mine was dead, but now he’s alive again! He was lost, but now he has been found!’ And they began celebrating.
25 “Now his older son was in the field. As he came close to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked, ‘What’s going on?’ 27 The servant told him, ‘Your brother has come back, and your father has slaughtered the calf that was fattened up, because he has gotten him back safe and sound.’ 28 But the older son became angry and refused to go inside.
“So his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 ‘Look,’ the son answered, ‘I have worked for you all these years, and I have never disobeyed your orders. But you have never even given me a young goat, so that I could celebrate with my friends. 30 Yet this son of yours comes, who squandered your property with prostitutes, and for him you slaughter the fattened calf!’ 31 ‘Son, you are always with me,’ said the father, ‘and everything I have is yours. 32 We had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead but has come back to life — he was lost but has been found.’”[Complete Jewish Bible]
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This story has been playing out for thousands of years: two sons (or two daughters), two points of view, two different paths through life. What does it take to go beyond jealousy and resentment? Are we able to celebrate when our families have the chance to be whole again? Why is it so hard to be compassionate?
The younger son does not know the satisfaction of hard work. His understanding of living the dream is narrow. His "dissolute living" has resulted in many mornings after. He has little else. The dutiful elder son has worked and learned alongside his father. He will inherit the wealth of the family: jewelry, fine robes, animals and land. Still, sadly, the elder is not whole. He is resentful and angry. "All these years...I have never...you have never...who has devoured..." He has neither asked his father for, nor been given the means to party with his buddies. The elder son is stuck. He can't see past his anger. He feels wronged, life is unfair.
Generous God, love us when we are dissolute and angry. Help us to see beyond the superficial. Teach us to be compassionate, share what is ours, and celebrate when we can begin again. Amen.
Jennifer Bartholomew
Digital Resources, Instruction and Outreach, Luther Seminary Library
Luke 15:11 "There was a man who had two sons.
12 The younger of them said to his father, "Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.' So he divided his property between them.
13 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living.
14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need.
15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs.
16 He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything.
17 But when he came to himself he said, "How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger!
18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you;
19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands." '
20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.
21 Then the son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
22 But the father said to his slaves, "Quickly, bring out a robe--the best one--and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate;
24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate.
25 "Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing.
26 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on.
27 He replied, "Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.'
28 Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him.
29 But he answered his father, "Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends.
30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!'
31 Then the father said to him, "Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.
32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.' "[New Revised Standard Version]
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The God Pause Daily Devotional of Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Thursday, 3 March 2016 with Scripture Luke 15:1-3
Luke 15:1 The tax-collectors and sinners kept gathering around to hear Yeshua, 2 and the P’rushim and Torah-teachers kept grumbling. “This fellow,” they said, “welcomes sinners — he even eats with them!” 3 So he told them this parable:[Complete Jewish Bible]
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"So he told them this parable..." When you attend your next corporate event, church potluck or family holiday celebration will you be excited? Will you be looking forward to talking to everyone? Or will you grumble a little (or a lot) about spending time with people you don't really care for? Will you avoid the people who make you uncomfortable? Will you only talk to the people who are like you, who think as you think and do as you do?
Imagine hearing about a man whose stories and teachings were so compelling that people from all walks of life traveled to be with him. This man's message was about the kingdom of God. He didn't care if you had leprosy, were sick, blind, rich or poor. Heck, he even talked to women, and he had the power to heal. His magnetic, healing presence was real and powerful. Just like God.
Welcoming God, help me to see that the people I think are sinners are just like me. Help me to lessen all that separates us. Help me practice hospitality and acceptance. Amen.
Jennifer Bartholomew
Digital Resources, Instruction and Outreach, Luther Seminary Library
Luke 15:1 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him.
2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them."
3 So he told them this parable:
[New Revised Standard Version]
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The God Pause Daily Devotional of Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Wednesday, 2 March 2016 with Scripture 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
2 Corinthians 5:16 So from now on, we do not look at anyone from a worldly viewpoint. Even if we once regarded the Messiah from a worldly viewpoint, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is united with the Messiah, he is a new creation — the old has passed; look, what has come is fresh and new! 18 And it is all from God, who through the Messiah has reconciled us to himself and has given us the work of that reconciliation, 19 which is that God in the Messiah was reconciling mankind to himself, not counting their sins against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore we are ambassadors of the Messiah; in effect, God is making his appeal through us. What we do is appeal on behalf of the Messiah, “Be reconciled to God! 21 God made this sinless man be a sin offering on our behalf, so that in union with him we might fully share in God’s righteousness.”[Complete Jewish Bible]
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"God has given us the ministry of reconciliation." How are we to succeed and be good ambassadors? We know that humans are not all knowing and all seeing. Each of us filters the world through our senses and experience. How shall we be agents to reconcile the world?
As I read this passage my thoughts turned to current events. We live in uncertain times with the specter of terrorism and other horrors. Must we always be fearful and untrusting? I wish for leaders who take reconciliation seriously, who leave aside combative arguments and disturbing visions, and who will work for a world where shalom (peace) prevails. Can we find a way to live that helps us fosters understanding towards people we don't like or agree with? I think often of the words we say in church when baptizing or welcoming new members or when blessing special groups: "I will with God's help."
God of loving kindness, help us to be patient and to find joy in the work of reconciliation. We struggle to live beyond our limitations in your new creation and to embody love. Help us to know which actions and thoughts separate us from you. Help us become right with you. Amen.
Jennifer Bartholomew
Digital Resources, Instruction and Outreach, Luther Seminary Library
2 Corinthians 5:16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way.
17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.
20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. [New Revised Standard Version]---------------------
The God Pause Daily Devotional of Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Tuesday, 1 March 2016 with Scripture Psalm 32
Psalm 32:1 (0) By David. A maskil:
(1) How blessed are those whose offense is forgiven,
those whose sin is covered!
2 How blessed those to whom Adonai imputes no guilt,
in whose spirit is no deceit!
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away
because of my groaning all day long;
4 day and night your hand was heavy on me;
the sap in me dried up as in a summer drought. (Selah)
5 When I acknowledged my sin to you,
when I stopped concealing my guilt,
and said, “I will confess my offenses to Adonai”;
then you, you forgave the guilt of my sin. (Selah)
6 This is what everyone faithful should pray
at a time when you can be found.
Then, when the floodwaters are raging,
they will not reach to him.
7 You are a hiding-place for me,
you will keep me from distress;
you will surround me
with songs of deliverance. (Selah)
8 “I will instruct and teach you
in this way that you are to go;
I will give you counsel;
my eyes will be watching you.”
9 Don’t be like a horse or mule
that has no understanding,
that has to be curbed with bit and bridle,
or else it won’t come near you.
10 Many are the torments of the wicked,
but grace surrounds those who trust in Adonai.
11 Be glad in Adonai; rejoice, you righteous!
Shout for joy, all you upright in heart![Complete Jewish Bible]
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In times of distress we can lose our way. How do we find the right path again? Who will guide us? How will we resolve our problems? Whether we need a place to hide, or are looking for deliverance, this psalm suggests that there is a way to evade those mighty waters and find a path to comfort. We don't have to feel uncertain and alone. Selah
Suffering silently is one choice but it is not what God wants us to do. God asks us to share our troubles and reveal our transgressions. Can we open our hearts and trust that God will listen and forgive us? Selah
God will stand by us, advise and teach us. God promises to be with us. Selah
Is there something you have been waiting or wanting to talk to God about? Do you seek forgiveness? Let God know you are ready to try something new.
God of forgiveness, help us let go of our mulish ways and attend to your teachings. Open our hearts and our minds. Share your wise counsel. Show us the joy that comes from trusting you. Amen.
Jennifer Bartholomew
Digital Resources, Instruction and Outreach, Luther Seminary Library
Psalm 32"1 Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
2 Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3 While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. (Selah)
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord," and you forgave the guilt of my sin. (Selah)
6 Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.
7 You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. (Selah)
8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9 Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.
10 Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart. [New Revised Standard Version]
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The God Pause Daily Devotional of Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Monday, 29 February 2016 with Scripture Joshua 5:9-12
Joshua 5:9 Adonai said to Y’hoshua, “Today I have rolled off from you the stigma of Egypt.” This is why the place has been called Gilgal [rolling] ever since. 10 The people of Isra’el camped at Gilgal, and they observed Pesach on the fourteenth day of the month, there on the plains of Yericho. 11 The day after Pesach they ate what the land produced, matzah and roasted ears of grain that day. 12 The following day, after they had eaten food produced in the land, the man ended. From then on the people of Isra’el no longer had man; instead, that year, they ate the produce of the land of Kena‘an.[Complete Jewish Bible]
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"Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt." The Israelites had left Egypt a long time ago. A new generation has grown up knowing only wandering. In the last few days they have crossed over the Jordan into a new land. After arriving at Gilgal all males are circumcised (not at the hospital, not at a bris, ouch!). The Israelites celebrate Passover in this new place and the very next day they are no longer homeless. God's people are ready for a new start in the land promised to them.
Has your life always been stable, filled with the familiar and the comfortable? Or have you lived in exile? Have you ever crossed a border and faced danger? In 2015, The United Nations High Commissioner reported almost 60 million refugees worldwide--not six million but sixty million. Can you imagine leaving all your possessions behind and wandering? How long would you be homeless? What would it be like not to know if you would ever find a new land, a new home?
God of new beginnings, thank you for all you provide, all you have rolled away, for leading us to a life without disgrace. Help us to care for our land and all it produces. Amen.
Jennifer Bartholomew
Digital Resources, Instruction and Outreach, Luther Seminary Library
Joshua 5:9 The Lord said to Joshua, "Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt." And so that place is called Gilgal to this day.
10 While the Israelites were camped in Gilgal they kept the passover in the evening on the fourteenth day of the month in the plains of Jericho.
11 On the day after the passover, on that very day, they ate the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain.
12 The manna ceased on the day they ate the produce of the land, and the Israelites no longer had manna; they ate the crops of the land of Canaan that year. [New Revised Standard Version]
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