A running dialogue (with you) on reading the Bible together for life change.
What this blog is about and what I hope it does...
I hope this will be a simple fun tool for us to grow in our understanding and surrender to God through the Bible as we connect over the web. Reading the Bible is both simple and difficult. What could be easier than opening a book and reading? Yet we've all done that and wondered what sections of the Bible mean? What's with the book of Leviticus? What is Revelation really about? Is the Song of Songs about marital love or is it supposed to be more 'spiritual' than that?
So, my intent is for this blog to be a tool that helps us in our faith. A forum for better understanding. An honest place of sharing that nurtures us as we follow Jesus together.
(There are a few resources I have included under "PAGES" that may be a helpful start, especially to those newer to reading the Bible. It's located just below this and to the right. Also included is a READING OUTLINE. If you miss a day, go on to the next rather than trying to catch up.)
ONE LAST NOTE: you don't have to join or set up an account to share comments. Just click 'comment' at the bottom of a post, click the drop down and click 'anonymous.' Then write your post and if you want sign it with your first name and finish by clicking 'Post comment.' I would love to hear your thoughts.
This is one of the more difficult passages for me. I'll withhold my usual introductory comments. Read it and share your thoughts. You may have more insight than I have.
OK, on v18-19. At first, I didn't see this as much changed from the previous discussion about authority. Except now we potentially receive punishment when we have done no wrong. This, we are reminded, is the example left for us by Jesus. The old cliche we've all said and heard about bearing our cross.
Maybe the disturbing part of this is v23 where we don't defend ourselves. The accusations (or actual injuries!) may fly our way, but we are to turn the other cheek, and trust that God alone will judge us. We are just measly humans, here on this earth, the only physical world we will ever know in this life. Yet we forgo all that we know, and trust in the God, returning to "the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." Easy to say ...
I believe we can be slaves in this century . Sometimes we may be slaves to a job or vocation where there is no escape ( perhaps because of financial reasons ) ; our coworkers watch to see how the Christian slave bears up , Sometimes we may be a slave to public opinion . Our congregation watches to see how we bear up under the lash . Above all , God watches , for sure .
Slavery - first, Peter (as all NT writings) is talking about domestic slaves/servants rather than agricultural or 'brute labor' slaves, the latter being more like 19th century slaves in America; domestic slaves more often than not had advantages over most poor but free; the relationship to one's master was in most cases one of trust; a domestic slave could work toward manumission (freedom) and Roman citizenship; domestic slaves were often well educated in order to serve as teachers, tudors, managers, estate overseers, etc.
On the other hand, we might still say, 'slavery is still slavery.' True enough. And, as Peter says, some masters can be 'harsh.' The word is skoliois = crooked from which comes the word scoliosis, crooked spine.
So, Peter's Christian instruction, is as so much has been, pretty radical and against the grain, not just for us, but for those living in Peter's day/world.
Aristotle thought no injustice could be done to slaves since they were property anyway. Smart man...just not very wise ethically.
Peter does what we all are called to do: to understand and conduct ourselves through the lens of the gospel. Sort of flows off the tongue pretty easily, but doesn't flow out of our hearts without some serious heart change and intentional effort.
Peter gives Jesus as the ultimate example and enabler of this kind of conduct.
In other words, the gospel is the focal point for all our living...even how a slave responds to an unjust master.
Like I said, this passage has always been difficult for me.
Christians are called to do right even if it means suffering (21). So, Jesus invites us to receive Him as shepherd and bishop/overseer of our souls (v. 25).
Congrats on the endurance Matt.
ReplyDeleteOK, on v18-19. At first, I didn't see this as much changed from the previous discussion about authority. Except now we potentially receive punishment when we have done no wrong. This, we are reminded, is the example left for us by Jesus. The old cliche we've all said and heard about bearing our cross.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the disturbing part of this is v23 where we don't defend ourselves. The accusations (or actual injuries!) may fly our way, but we are to turn the other cheek, and trust that God alone will judge us. We are just measly humans, here on this earth, the only physical world we will ever know in this life. Yet we forgo all that we know, and trust in the God, returning to "the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." Easy to say ...
I believe we can be slaves in this century . Sometimes we may be slaves to a job or vocation
ReplyDeletewhere there is no escape ( perhaps because of financial reasons ) ; our coworkers watch to see how the Christian slave bears up , Sometimes we may be a slave to public opinion . Our congregation watches to see how we bear up under the lash . Above all , God watches , for sure .
Some thoughts:
ReplyDeleteSlavery - first, Peter (as all NT writings) is talking about domestic slaves/servants rather than agricultural or 'brute labor' slaves, the latter being more like 19th century slaves in America; domestic slaves more often than not had advantages over most poor but free; the relationship to one's master was in most cases one of trust; a domestic slave could work toward manumission (freedom) and Roman citizenship; domestic slaves were often well educated in order to serve as teachers, tudors, managers, estate overseers, etc.
On the other hand, we might still say, 'slavery is still slavery.' True enough. And, as Peter says, some masters can be 'harsh.' The word is skoliois = crooked from which comes the word scoliosis, crooked spine.
So, Peter's Christian instruction, is as so much has been, pretty radical and against the grain, not just for us, but for those living in Peter's day/world.
Aristotle thought no injustice could be done to slaves since they were property anyway. Smart man...just not very wise ethically.
Peter does what we all are called to do: to understand and conduct ourselves through the lens of the gospel. Sort of flows off the tongue pretty easily, but doesn't flow out of our hearts without some serious heart change and intentional effort.
Peter gives Jesus as the ultimate example and enabler of this kind of conduct.
In other words, the gospel is the focal point for all our living...even how a slave responds to an unjust master.
Like I said, this passage has always been difficult for me.
Christians are called to do right even if it means suffering (21). So, Jesus invites us to receive Him as shepherd and bishop/overseer of our souls (v. 25).
ReplyDelete