As we delve deeper into this week's Bible Lesson, Doctrine of Atonement, we continue to see just what it is we are being called upon to do. The early Bible characters worshipped God with burnt offerings and a strict code of laws. Eventually that thought was elevated as Jesus came to bring grace and truth.
In the custom of the times, Jesus went to John the Baptist to be baptised in the river Jordan. If he had any doubts as to his true identity and mission, he now hears directly from God, "Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased". With this afffirmation comes a series of trials as Jesus has a wilderness experience. He needed that time to process what had happened, to wrestle with the temptations that must have come when he realized his full potential.
Tempted by Satan, he overcomes each suggestion, all starting with the word 'if'. If you are the son of God. Has error ever whispered to you an 'if'? If you are the child of God. Jesus always responded with Scripture, the Word of God he had studied all his life. We can respond the same way with a relevant insight from the Bible or from Mrs. Eddy's writings. At the successful conclusion of this wilderness experience Jesus is ministered to by angels.
I'd love to share something wonderful that was included in a testimony at yesterday's CSO meeting. A testifier spoke to the story of Daniel in the lions' den that had been in the readings. She said that someone had once told her that the lions had been fed. I never thought about that before. Daniel was protected and guarded by the angels who came but now I wonder if they did not also minister to those lions as they had ministered to Jesus. The hungry lions were fed. What a neat thought! It brings out how what blesses one blesses all. Daniel did not want to kill or punish those lions. Maybe part of his prayer had been to know that they would be taken care of even as he was. What an example of at-one-ment.
Being a student of Chrisian Science does not mean you will no longer be tested or tempted. But it does mean that when that happens you are prepared with just the right ammunition to overcome it and gain a little spiritually in the process. Gaining a better understanding of our at-one-ment with God.
Tomorrow I will be studying the parable of the lost sheep.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Are you atoning?
What an interesting Bible Lesson this week on the Doctrine of Atonement. As Christian Scientists we read that as at-one-ment with God but to others it seems to be about atoning for sins. We have all made mistakes in judgement at one time or another. In the process we may have hurt others, or we may have been hurt by others. How does one 'make up' for that or what does one expect someone else to do to correct a wrong? Is there an unforgivable sin?
Sometimes it is about giving up something that has taken over our lives, a habit or behavior that seems so important that we put it before anything else. Screen time with television or computers or the latest hand-held device, texting even when you are in the same room. It can become an obsession and it leads to isolation. Is that something you or someone in your family deals with? Once it is seen, is there a willingness to voluntarily change that pattern? What takes its place? Can you do this for God, to be a better reflection of His child? Would you give it up for Him? Do you trust Him enough to believe your life will still be filled with good and purpose if you stop doing it?
At the end of the Responsive Reading the author of Hebrews has some advice: "Let us hold tightly wihtout wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. (Heb 10:23, 24)
The Lesson starts with how God directed Moses and Aaron to make an atonement for the sins for the priests and all the people. But the prophet Samuel soon asks; "hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord?" Why would God want burnt sacrifices? I loved that line in one of the Star Trek movies: "Why would God want a starship?" He wants us to be obedient to His commandments and our covenant with Him. He will be our God (no one and nothing else will) and we will be His people.
Mrs. Eddy writes; "Let us rid ourselves of the belief than man is separated from God, and obey only the divine Principle, Life and Love. Here is the great point of departure for all true spiritual growth." (S&H 91)
So that is our point of departure this week. Obey God. Follow His guidance. Take a careful look at how you are spending your time and focusing your attention. The kingdom of God is at hand.
Tomorrow - more about temptations.
Sometimes it is about giving up something that has taken over our lives, a habit or behavior that seems so important that we put it before anything else. Screen time with television or computers or the latest hand-held device, texting even when you are in the same room. It can become an obsession and it leads to isolation. Is that something you or someone in your family deals with? Once it is seen, is there a willingness to voluntarily change that pattern? What takes its place? Can you do this for God, to be a better reflection of His child? Would you give it up for Him? Do you trust Him enough to believe your life will still be filled with good and purpose if you stop doing it?
At the end of the Responsive Reading the author of Hebrews has some advice: "Let us hold tightly wihtout wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. (Heb 10:23, 24)
The Lesson starts with how God directed Moses and Aaron to make an atonement for the sins for the priests and all the people. But the prophet Samuel soon asks; "hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord?" Why would God want burnt sacrifices? I loved that line in one of the Star Trek movies: "Why would God want a starship?" He wants us to be obedient to His commandments and our covenant with Him. He will be our God (no one and nothing else will) and we will be His people.
Mrs. Eddy writes; "Let us rid ourselves of the belief than man is separated from God, and obey only the divine Principle, Life and Love. Here is the great point of departure for all true spiritual growth." (S&H 91)
So that is our point of departure this week. Obey God. Follow His guidance. Take a careful look at how you are spending your time and focusing your attention. The kingdom of God is at hand.
Tomorrow - more about temptations.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Jesus, Mary, Martha and a crowd of witnesses
Hard to believe it is Saturday already. So I will wrap up this week's blogs about our current Bible Lesson which asks; "Are sin, disease, and death real?"
The third account addresses the unreality of death. Jesus has already demonstrated the power of divine Love to heal blindness, deafness, leprosy, insanity, the ability to walk on water and still storms, and to overcome a multitude of other challenges. He has raised a young girl who had just been reported dead, he had restored a young man who had died the day before to his widowed mother, and now he is going to bring someone out of the grave. I am sure he knew that not only could he do this for others but he was going to demonstrate it for himself. He was paving the way for the world to believe in this. Look at the cover of Science and Health and read his personal message to each of us: Cleanse the lepers, cast out demons, heal the sick, raise the dead. He did. And he expects us to make these demonstrations as well.
Jesus loved everyone but he also had some special friends; Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus. Word reaches Jesus while he is travelling that Lazarus is sick. Did the sisters generate that call for help? We don't know but his response may seem surprising. He does not leave immediately to go to this family. He began the treatment however by stating that the sickness was not 'unto death', but for the glory of God. He already knew what was going to happen. The Son of God would be glorified and many would believe this undeniable overcoming of death. Neither the young girl nor the young man had been buried. By the time Jesus returns to Bethany Lazarus will have lain in his grave four days. There is no way anyone could say he just appeared to be dead and then revivied.
His disciples were reluctant for him to go at all as the last time he was there the Jews tried to stone him. But Jesus knows what he needs to do and I'm sure he spent those days in prayer preparing. He is going to wake Lazarus from sleep just as he will awaken himself after the crucifixion and burial.
Mrs. Eddy writes; "God does not cause man to sin, to be sick, or to die". (S&H 206). Those who believe Jesus to be the Son of God will not see death either as they gain the true idea of infinite Life.
So Jesus arrives where many have gathered to comfort Martha and Mary. He speaks first with Martha. From what we've read about her she would be the one up and busy, tending to this crowd of friends and neighbors gathered at her home. She says that if Jesus had been there here brother would not have died. I like to think she says that as a positive affirmation and not a reproach. He assures her that her brother will rise again and she agrees, but at the time of resurrection. He tells her plainly that he is the resurrection and the life. Word of his arrival has reached Mary where she has been mourning. She comes to him - note he does not go to her - and falls at his feet, weeping. She says the same thing Martha had said, if you had been here my brother had not died, but it is plain that she is overcome by the loss. Jesus sees Mary and the other Jews weeping and he groans in spirit.
I wrote an article for the periodicals about Jesus next question - where have you laid him? - you can access this article on the new Journal, Sentinal, Herald site or find it in the bound volumes at the reading room. (Journal, April 2011). In that article I addressed that question and urged you to see just where you have 'put' someone who appears to be in a serious challenge. Where do you see them right at that moment in your own thought about them? Martha was feeling the loss but she believed she would see her brother at the resurrection. Mary was too caught up in her grief, she had already laid him in his grave. They answer his question with 'come and see'. Remember that because it is the same invitation the angel will make to Mary when she once again comes weeping to where she thinks Jesus has been buried. What was she expecting to see? What are you expecting to see?
You know what happens next. Jesus calls to Lazarus and Lazarus answers that call from the Christ. It would have taken a few minutes for him to get to his feet, bound hand and foot, and make his way out of the tomb. Jesus had already ordered the stone blocking it to be moved away. (There will be no one there to do that for him). When Lazarus does appear it seems that no one rushes to help him so Jesus instructs them to loose him and let him. Loose him from the claim of death and let him go.
We read this in Science and Health, "If Jesus awakened Lazarus from the dream, illusion, of death, this proved that the Christ could improve on a false sense. Who dares to doubt this consummate test of the power and willingness of divine Mind to hold man forever intact in his perfect state, and to govern man's entire action?" Do you doubt it?
So after a week of study and prayer I hope you are confident in being able to answer the question posed this week. We get there step by step, doing our best and highest sense of right day by day. What am amazing journey we are all on!
The third account addresses the unreality of death. Jesus has already demonstrated the power of divine Love to heal blindness, deafness, leprosy, insanity, the ability to walk on water and still storms, and to overcome a multitude of other challenges. He has raised a young girl who had just been reported dead, he had restored a young man who had died the day before to his widowed mother, and now he is going to bring someone out of the grave. I am sure he knew that not only could he do this for others but he was going to demonstrate it for himself. He was paving the way for the world to believe in this. Look at the cover of Science and Health and read his personal message to each of us: Cleanse the lepers, cast out demons, heal the sick, raise the dead. He did. And he expects us to make these demonstrations as well.
Jesus loved everyone but he also had some special friends; Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus. Word reaches Jesus while he is travelling that Lazarus is sick. Did the sisters generate that call for help? We don't know but his response may seem surprising. He does not leave immediately to go to this family. He began the treatment however by stating that the sickness was not 'unto death', but for the glory of God. He already knew what was going to happen. The Son of God would be glorified and many would believe this undeniable overcoming of death. Neither the young girl nor the young man had been buried. By the time Jesus returns to Bethany Lazarus will have lain in his grave four days. There is no way anyone could say he just appeared to be dead and then revivied.
His disciples were reluctant for him to go at all as the last time he was there the Jews tried to stone him. But Jesus knows what he needs to do and I'm sure he spent those days in prayer preparing. He is going to wake Lazarus from sleep just as he will awaken himself after the crucifixion and burial.
Mrs. Eddy writes; "God does not cause man to sin, to be sick, or to die". (S&H 206). Those who believe Jesus to be the Son of God will not see death either as they gain the true idea of infinite Life.
So Jesus arrives where many have gathered to comfort Martha and Mary. He speaks first with Martha. From what we've read about her she would be the one up and busy, tending to this crowd of friends and neighbors gathered at her home. She says that if Jesus had been there here brother would not have died. I like to think she says that as a positive affirmation and not a reproach. He assures her that her brother will rise again and she agrees, but at the time of resurrection. He tells her plainly that he is the resurrection and the life. Word of his arrival has reached Mary where she has been mourning. She comes to him - note he does not go to her - and falls at his feet, weeping. She says the same thing Martha had said, if you had been here my brother had not died, but it is plain that she is overcome by the loss. Jesus sees Mary and the other Jews weeping and he groans in spirit.
I wrote an article for the periodicals about Jesus next question - where have you laid him? - you can access this article on the new Journal, Sentinal, Herald site or find it in the bound volumes at the reading room. (Journal, April 2011). In that article I addressed that question and urged you to see just where you have 'put' someone who appears to be in a serious challenge. Where do you see them right at that moment in your own thought about them? Martha was feeling the loss but she believed she would see her brother at the resurrection. Mary was too caught up in her grief, she had already laid him in his grave. They answer his question with 'come and see'. Remember that because it is the same invitation the angel will make to Mary when she once again comes weeping to where she thinks Jesus has been buried. What was she expecting to see? What are you expecting to see?
You know what happens next. Jesus calls to Lazarus and Lazarus answers that call from the Christ. It would have taken a few minutes for him to get to his feet, bound hand and foot, and make his way out of the tomb. Jesus had already ordered the stone blocking it to be moved away. (There will be no one there to do that for him). When Lazarus does appear it seems that no one rushes to help him so Jesus instructs them to loose him and let him. Loose him from the claim of death and let him go.
We read this in Science and Health, "If Jesus awakened Lazarus from the dream, illusion, of death, this proved that the Christ could improve on a false sense. Who dares to doubt this consummate test of the power and willingness of divine Mind to hold man forever intact in his perfect state, and to govern man's entire action?" Do you doubt it?
So after a week of study and prayer I hope you are confident in being able to answer the question posed this week. We get there step by step, doing our best and highest sense of right day by day. What am amazing journey we are all on!
Friday, October 5, 2012
Jesus heals the palsied man - Part Two
Continuing on with our Bible Lesson this week, today I am studying the second part of this healing. Jesus had been teaching at Peter's house to a capacity crowd when four men arrived bearing their palsied friend on a stretcher. Unable to get into the courtyard because of the people they climbed the outside stairs to the roof and lowered him down. Jesus, appreciating their faith, addresses the man as son and tells him that his sins are forgiven. The account continues in section four.
Following the pattern of this lesson we see Jesus tend to the one needing healing and then address those around him who are there to challenge his Messiahship. Here again the scribes are present and it sounds like they are sitting in the front row. When they hear Jesus tell the man his sins are forgiven they are ready to accuse him of blasphemy as only God can forgive sins. Jesus was always aware of the thoughts of those around him. We have had similar experiences when you can just tell what someone else is thinking, and it is usually not positive. So he asks them a question in return. Do they think it is easier to say sins are forgiven....or to tell the man to rise and walk? Just to show that the Son of man has this power on earth he is going to do just that. He turns to the sick man, who had already been told his sins were forgiven, but apparently did not equate that with freedom from his physical problem. He is to arise, take up his cot, and go to his house. And the man, who moments before had been unable to move, stands up, picks up the cot and goes out.
Notice all three things. First, he arises. That would have been impressive physically but it is even more impressive on a metaphysical level. When we feel under pressure or depressed how easily do we just shake that off and rise up healed when we have called for support from a Christian Science practitioner? This man did not get this healing on his own, he needed that kind of assurance and support. Sometimes we do as well. He believes what Jesus has told him, he has been forgiven and all the effects will disappear. Remember to rise up!
Next he takes up that cot. No one will need to carry him around now. That symbol of his disability no longer has control of him, he is not trapped on it nor does anyone have to see him any longer in that condition. He is able to carry what he had been carried in on. Can you just imagine the joy and rejoicing his friends must have felt! Can you imagine what the scribes must have felt? Once again Jesus deals with the atmosphere and thought around this healing. The healing is complete and no one can put this man back on that cot.
Finally, he goes forth. Yesterday I wondered if his former actions that resulted in this condition had caused his family to cast him out. Now he can return home, forgiven and restored. Is there any doubt that he will not return to those bad behaviors or habits? He has caught of glimpse of his true home in the kingdom of heaven with his Father Mother God.
The account says that all were amazed and glorified God. Gratitude and acknowledgement of God's wonderful love and protection should be present at every healing. They had never seen anything like this before. Sometimes this is true in our own experience where those around us have never seen this type of spiritual healing, this total reliance on prayer. Put the praise where it belongs, on God. As the Psalmist says: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy disease; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies."
Arise. Go forth. Go home to God.
Following the pattern of this lesson we see Jesus tend to the one needing healing and then address those around him who are there to challenge his Messiahship. Here again the scribes are present and it sounds like they are sitting in the front row. When they hear Jesus tell the man his sins are forgiven they are ready to accuse him of blasphemy as only God can forgive sins. Jesus was always aware of the thoughts of those around him. We have had similar experiences when you can just tell what someone else is thinking, and it is usually not positive. So he asks them a question in return. Do they think it is easier to say sins are forgiven....or to tell the man to rise and walk? Just to show that the Son of man has this power on earth he is going to do just that. He turns to the sick man, who had already been told his sins were forgiven, but apparently did not equate that with freedom from his physical problem. He is to arise, take up his cot, and go to his house. And the man, who moments before had been unable to move, stands up, picks up the cot and goes out.
Notice all three things. First, he arises. That would have been impressive physically but it is even more impressive on a metaphysical level. When we feel under pressure or depressed how easily do we just shake that off and rise up healed when we have called for support from a Christian Science practitioner? This man did not get this healing on his own, he needed that kind of assurance and support. Sometimes we do as well. He believes what Jesus has told him, he has been forgiven and all the effects will disappear. Remember to rise up!
Next he takes up that cot. No one will need to carry him around now. That symbol of his disability no longer has control of him, he is not trapped on it nor does anyone have to see him any longer in that condition. He is able to carry what he had been carried in on. Can you just imagine the joy and rejoicing his friends must have felt! Can you imagine what the scribes must have felt? Once again Jesus deals with the atmosphere and thought around this healing. The healing is complete and no one can put this man back on that cot.
Finally, he goes forth. Yesterday I wondered if his former actions that resulted in this condition had caused his family to cast him out. Now he can return home, forgiven and restored. Is there any doubt that he will not return to those bad behaviors or habits? He has caught of glimpse of his true home in the kingdom of heaven with his Father Mother God.
The account says that all were amazed and glorified God. Gratitude and acknowledgement of God's wonderful love and protection should be present at every healing. They had never seen anything like this before. Sometimes this is true in our own experience where those around us have never seen this type of spiritual healing, this total reliance on prayer. Put the praise where it belongs, on God. As the Psalmist says: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy disease; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies."
Arise. Go forth. Go home to God.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Jesus heals the palsied man - Part One
In the next two-parter from our Bible Lesson (Are sin, disease, and death real?) we have the account in Mark's gospel of Jesus and the man 'sick of the palsy'. Mark's gospel is Peter's memoirs and Peter would have precise memories of this event as it took place in his house.
Many were being drawn to Jesus for his teaching and his healings as he travelled around. He returned to Capernaum and the word flashed around town that he was there and in Peter's house. Immediately crowds formed filling the courtyard completely. No one would even get in the door. Four men arrive, bearing their friend on a cot. Their friend was suffering some sort of paralysis and was not able to move. These men must have absolutely believed that Jesus could heal this. They refused to be discouraged or deterred when it did not seem that they could get anywhere near the Master. Do we have that kind of belief and faith when we actively seek prayerful help but run into obstacles?
At that time houses like Peter's had a stairway along the outside wall that led to the roof. That was a place one could go to sit and watch the sunset or catch whatever breeze was blowing. The men made their way up to that roof and then took apart the covering over the patio area where Jesus was addressing the people. That would have made an impression on Peter as it was his roof! They they lowered their friend down. Jesus must have smiled upon their determination and faith. He speaks to their friend and I am always touched by his words: "Son, thy sins are forgiven thee". We do not know what the man had been up to but it had been sinful behaviour that had destroyed his health. I wonder if that prolonged life style had caused his familly to shun him, cast him off. They were not the ones who had been caring for him, they had not brought him to Jesus. It may have been some time since he had been called 'son'. And who knows how long since he had been forgiven.
In the earlier story of the woman taken in adultery Jesus did not say that she was forgiven her sins. He defused the angry accusers and saved her from punishment by stoning. Then he told her to go and sin no more. The implicaton being that if she did not repeat her offenses but repented she would be forgiven. This time he lets the man know immediately that his sins have been forgiven. By his heavenly Father through his beloved son.
Once again we see that we are forgiven our mistakes when we turn from them and sin no more. We need to do this and then quit bringing them up again and again. Ruminating. Going over and over what we said and did. Shake it off and move to a higher place.
Jesus was not in the condemning business. I used to think maybe he was writing names or sins in the dust but he did not condemn so I think he may have been writing the true qualities that God's children reflect. What is true about us as God's image and likeness. In that incident he dealt with the atmosphere around the woman and her accusers. Tomorrow I will be studying what happens next with the palsied man and how Jesus dealt with the atmosphere in that courtyard where the scribes had gathered to hear him.
Many were being drawn to Jesus for his teaching and his healings as he travelled around. He returned to Capernaum and the word flashed around town that he was there and in Peter's house. Immediately crowds formed filling the courtyard completely. No one would even get in the door. Four men arrive, bearing their friend on a cot. Their friend was suffering some sort of paralysis and was not able to move. These men must have absolutely believed that Jesus could heal this. They refused to be discouraged or deterred when it did not seem that they could get anywhere near the Master. Do we have that kind of belief and faith when we actively seek prayerful help but run into obstacles?
At that time houses like Peter's had a stairway along the outside wall that led to the roof. That was a place one could go to sit and watch the sunset or catch whatever breeze was blowing. The men made their way up to that roof and then took apart the covering over the patio area where Jesus was addressing the people. That would have made an impression on Peter as it was his roof! They they lowered their friend down. Jesus must have smiled upon their determination and faith. He speaks to their friend and I am always touched by his words: "Son, thy sins are forgiven thee". We do not know what the man had been up to but it had been sinful behaviour that had destroyed his health. I wonder if that prolonged life style had caused his familly to shun him, cast him off. They were not the ones who had been caring for him, they had not brought him to Jesus. It may have been some time since he had been called 'son'. And who knows how long since he had been forgiven.
In the earlier story of the woman taken in adultery Jesus did not say that she was forgiven her sins. He defused the angry accusers and saved her from punishment by stoning. Then he told her to go and sin no more. The implicaton being that if she did not repeat her offenses but repented she would be forgiven. This time he lets the man know immediately that his sins have been forgiven. By his heavenly Father through his beloved son.
Once again we see that we are forgiven our mistakes when we turn from them and sin no more. We need to do this and then quit bringing them up again and again. Ruminating. Going over and over what we said and did. Shake it off and move to a higher place.
Jesus was not in the condemning business. I used to think maybe he was writing names or sins in the dust but he did not condemn so I think he may have been writing the true qualities that God's children reflect. What is true about us as God's image and likeness. In that incident he dealt with the atmosphere around the woman and her accusers. Tomorrow I will be studying what happens next with the palsied man and how Jesus dealt with the atmosphere in that courtyard where the scribes had gathered to hear him.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
The woman taken in adultery - Part Two
Continuing on from yesterday's post with the story of the woman taken in adultery and brought before Jesus. He dealt with her accusers by simply asking that 'he who was without sin should throw the first stone'. Interestingly enough, he was the only one in the room who qualified and her accusers slunk out one by one until "Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst'.
I like to read that several ways. Jesus was left alone. Those who had been taunting him to make a theological decision, hoping to trap him into a choice that would give them a reason to accuse him, were suddenly accused within their own hearts. And they left him alone, the badgering stopped. They also left the scene....but the room was not empty. The woman was still there, standing in the midst. I think that meant that now she was surrounded by the disciples who had witnessed the whole thing.
Jesus had been stooping down, doodling in the dust, and now he 'lifted up himself'. He stood upright but he also continued to elevate his own thought about what was really going on and who was before him. He lifted up himself. Do we pause to do that when dealing with some situation? Perhaps we should. There she stood, probably shaken and shaking, from her ordeal, and her sudden recovery. She may have feared she would not have lived to see the next day. This man had saved her from an angry mob without lifting a finger.
I love what is recorded in John next: 'he saw none but the woman'. He saw that those others had left, but I also believed that as he looked at her he saw none but the perfect child of God, he was seeing her as God sees her. She certainly was not seeing herself in a good light at the moment. She would need some lifting up in her own thought. He asks her, "Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?" Saved by the Christ there are no accusers left, but now there needs to be no reason for condemnation.
One can only imagine what she must have thought as she looked at this man. She must have sensed the Christliness about him for she replies, "No man, Lord." She was not quite sure who and what he was but he seemed more than just a man to her. His reply to that was, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." She was saved, she was redeemed, her purity and dignity restored. Now she was to learn from this and not repeat the offense. What tenderness, what mercy, no lecture, no chastising, just pure love. Would she sin again? Probably not.
Do we? Have we ever been like the scribes and Pharisees, looking for a way to show up someone we think deserves it? Self-righteous? One who is without sin doesn't want to 'throw stones' or punish others. Have we ever been like the woman, doing something we know is not our highest sense of right? We can turn away from that behavior and act as the pure and perfect child of God.
He spoke to the men, he spoke to the woman, and he speaks to us...go, and sin no more,.
I like to read that several ways. Jesus was left alone. Those who had been taunting him to make a theological decision, hoping to trap him into a choice that would give them a reason to accuse him, were suddenly accused within their own hearts. And they left him alone, the badgering stopped. They also left the scene....but the room was not empty. The woman was still there, standing in the midst. I think that meant that now she was surrounded by the disciples who had witnessed the whole thing.
Jesus had been stooping down, doodling in the dust, and now he 'lifted up himself'. He stood upright but he also continued to elevate his own thought about what was really going on and who was before him. He lifted up himself. Do we pause to do that when dealing with some situation? Perhaps we should. There she stood, probably shaken and shaking, from her ordeal, and her sudden recovery. She may have feared she would not have lived to see the next day. This man had saved her from an angry mob without lifting a finger.
I love what is recorded in John next: 'he saw none but the woman'. He saw that those others had left, but I also believed that as he looked at her he saw none but the perfect child of God, he was seeing her as God sees her. She certainly was not seeing herself in a good light at the moment. She would need some lifting up in her own thought. He asks her, "Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?" Saved by the Christ there are no accusers left, but now there needs to be no reason for condemnation.
One can only imagine what she must have thought as she looked at this man. She must have sensed the Christliness about him for she replies, "No man, Lord." She was not quite sure who and what he was but he seemed more than just a man to her. His reply to that was, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." She was saved, she was redeemed, her purity and dignity restored. Now she was to learn from this and not repeat the offense. What tenderness, what mercy, no lecture, no chastising, just pure love. Would she sin again? Probably not.
Do we? Have we ever been like the scribes and Pharisees, looking for a way to show up someone we think deserves it? Self-righteous? One who is without sin doesn't want to 'throw stones' or punish others. Have we ever been like the woman, doing something we know is not our highest sense of right? We can turn away from that behavior and act as the pure and perfect child of God.
He spoke to the men, he spoke to the woman, and he speaks to us...go, and sin no more,.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
The woman taken in adultery - Part One
I am very intrigued by the format of this week's Bible Lesson. As we study the question it poses, Are sin, disease, and death real, we will be working with three biblical stories. What makes this lesson so different is the way that we deal with each of those stories as a two-parter. In each case something is being handled and forgiven or healed. Jesus heals the one struggling with sin, disease or death. He expands that treatment to those surrounding the individual and heals, forgives, redeems them as well. This is a strong reminder of how we are to be expanding our prayers beyond our own personal experience to bless the world.
Our Golden Text sets the tone for these healings. You should always begin your own prayers with gratitude, giving thanks to God for His goodness. He redeems us from our enemies and is merciful to all. Be sure to impersonalize the error you are dealing with. It is never someone, it is always just a suggestion from error, that big liar. So, is it real? No!
So today and tomorrow I will work with the account in John's gospel of Jesus and the woman taken in adultery. John was probably an eye witness of what happened. A woman is dragged before Jesus by the scribes and Pharisees. She is accused of committing adultery. (notice they did not bring the man) She was only betrothed, not married, otherwise her punishment would not have been stoning but strangulation. This 'law' was obsolete by Jesus' time and this incident may have been a set up to force Jesus to make an unpopular decision. They refer to Moses' law and ask Jesus what should be done with her. Should he order her death he would then be in trouble with the Roman authorities.
So picture the scene with Jesus at the temple surrounded by those who had come to him for teaching. Error often confronts us when we are taking time to listen and pray. How do you deal with it when you are suddenly confronted by those who want to discredit you or make you look bad? He had been sitting down to teach but must have stood up when the men came in with the woman. Now he stoops down and with his finger writes on the ground. He does not chose to interfere in civil disputes. Writing on the ground was a symbolic action well known at that time signifying an unwillingness to deal with the matter at hand. But they persisted. When they continued to badger him, he 'lifted himself up' and I'm sure we can see that as a spiritual uplifting, taking his thought to its highest level, turning to God for the right response. He simply says that whoever is without sin should cast the first stone at her. Then he stoops down and doodles again in the dust. What did he write? Names? Sins? No one knows but his words struck home and the men 'being convicted by their own conscience' went out one by one. He forced them to look within themselves and they did not like what they saw. He did not change their minds as we do not attempt to change the minds of those who trouble us. He simply dealt with the error.
Mrs. Eddy writes: "A sinner is afraid to cast the first stone." (S&H 447) and "A dishonest position is far from Christianly scientific." Those accusers had much to think about after that and if it awoke them to their self-righteous behavior they could be redeemed and forgiven.
So Jesus dealt with the atmosphere surrounding the woman. Much as he would send away those mourning a young girl that had died on another occasion. He quieted the tumult with calm words and the anger and grief were removed so the healing work could go forward.
I'll be pondering that response today and tomorrow will share some thoughts about what happened next. I love the verses from Psalms in this section as they point out that the law of God is perfect and that it converts, makes wise, rejoices the heart, is pure. We can pray to be kept from 'presumptuous sins' so they do not have dominion over us.
Here in Elsah we are working with the metaphysical theme 2012-2013: "Delight in the law of God" (Romans 7:22) So I will be watching for evidence of that law of ever present good being in operation and available 'at all times and under all circumstances' so we can be lifted up to see that good.
Our Golden Text sets the tone for these healings. You should always begin your own prayers with gratitude, giving thanks to God for His goodness. He redeems us from our enemies and is merciful to all. Be sure to impersonalize the error you are dealing with. It is never someone, it is always just a suggestion from error, that big liar. So, is it real? No!
So today and tomorrow I will work with the account in John's gospel of Jesus and the woman taken in adultery. John was probably an eye witness of what happened. A woman is dragged before Jesus by the scribes and Pharisees. She is accused of committing adultery. (notice they did not bring the man) She was only betrothed, not married, otherwise her punishment would not have been stoning but strangulation. This 'law' was obsolete by Jesus' time and this incident may have been a set up to force Jesus to make an unpopular decision. They refer to Moses' law and ask Jesus what should be done with her. Should he order her death he would then be in trouble with the Roman authorities.
So picture the scene with Jesus at the temple surrounded by those who had come to him for teaching. Error often confronts us when we are taking time to listen and pray. How do you deal with it when you are suddenly confronted by those who want to discredit you or make you look bad? He had been sitting down to teach but must have stood up when the men came in with the woman. Now he stoops down and with his finger writes on the ground. He does not chose to interfere in civil disputes. Writing on the ground was a symbolic action well known at that time signifying an unwillingness to deal with the matter at hand. But they persisted. When they continued to badger him, he 'lifted himself up' and I'm sure we can see that as a spiritual uplifting, taking his thought to its highest level, turning to God for the right response. He simply says that whoever is without sin should cast the first stone at her. Then he stoops down and doodles again in the dust. What did he write? Names? Sins? No one knows but his words struck home and the men 'being convicted by their own conscience' went out one by one. He forced them to look within themselves and they did not like what they saw. He did not change their minds as we do not attempt to change the minds of those who trouble us. He simply dealt with the error.
Mrs. Eddy writes: "A sinner is afraid to cast the first stone." (S&H 447) and "A dishonest position is far from Christianly scientific." Those accusers had much to think about after that and if it awoke them to their self-righteous behavior they could be redeemed and forgiven.
So Jesus dealt with the atmosphere surrounding the woman. Much as he would send away those mourning a young girl that had died on another occasion. He quieted the tumult with calm words and the anger and grief were removed so the healing work could go forward.
I'll be pondering that response today and tomorrow will share some thoughts about what happened next. I love the verses from Psalms in this section as they point out that the law of God is perfect and that it converts, makes wise, rejoices the heart, is pure. We can pray to be kept from 'presumptuous sins' so they do not have dominion over us.
Here in Elsah we are working with the metaphysical theme 2012-2013: "Delight in the law of God" (Romans 7:22) So I will be watching for evidence of that law of ever present good being in operation and available 'at all times and under all circumstances' so we can be lifted up to see that good.
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