“If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition and then admit that we just don't want to do it.”
― Stephen Colbert
“If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition and then admit that we just don't want to do it.”
― Stephen Colbert
― Stephen Colbert
LEVITICUS 24-25
39“ ‘If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and sell themselves to you, do not make them work as slaves. 40They are to be treated as hired workers or temporary residents among you; they are to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. 41Then they and their children are to be released, and they will go back to their own clans and to the property of their ancestors. 42Because the Israelites are my servants, whom I brought out of Egypt, they must not be sold as slaves. 43Do not rule over them ruthlessly, but fear your God. (25:35-43)
39“ ‘If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and sell themselves to you, do not make them work as slaves. 40They are to be treated as hired workers or temporary residents among you; they are to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. 41Then they and their children are to be released, and they will go back to their own clans and to the property of their ancestors. 42Because the Israelites are my servants, whom I brought out of Egypt, they must not be sold as slaves. 43Do not rule over them ruthlessly, but fear your God. (25:35-43)
MARK 1:23-45
32That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33The whole town gathered at the door, 34and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place
JOURNAL
I wonder why it is that greed and selfishness have become something to be admired in our American society. We reward those who hoard money and manipulate others in order to earn it. As long as someone doesn't break a law and often even if they do but justifiably get away with it...they are revered for their wealth and power. I can understand it more from a societal standpoint but it is really sad to see how it has taken over the identity of "conservative" churches.
I guess it falls in line with the idea that if someone has wealth and power then that is an affirmation and a blessing of God. So the reverse is also thought of as true...if someone is poor and destitute then God is punishing them and they are not blessed by God. However scripture continually turns all of this on its head...yet for some reason, it fails to find its way into our churches.
However, the more I am learning from reading scripture the more I realize that sitting in judgment of others is just as wrong. It is such a temptation to sit back and condemn others...it's so easy to see where others...even the church have missed the mark. However, that is me trying to sit on the judgment seat and play God. That's not my place...that's not what he created me to do. What I have learned and what I now am continually coming back to is God commands me to
- Serve as a great teammate in whatever capacity in which I am blessed
- Win the moment by giving my very best without fear of the future or shame of the past
- Lastly, do all this with a passionate spirit of joy and hope
I wonder why it is that greed and selfishness have become something to be admired in our American society. We reward those who hoard money and manipulate others in order to earn it. As long as someone doesn't break a law and often even if they do but justifiably get away with it...they are revered for their wealth and power. I can understand it more from a societal standpoint but it is really sad to see how it has taken over the identity of "conservative" churches.
I guess it falls in line with the idea that if someone has wealth and power then that is an affirmation and a blessing of God. So the reverse is also thought of as true...if someone is poor and destitute then God is punishing them and they are not blessed by God. However scripture continually turns all of this on its head...yet for some reason, it fails to find its way into our churches.
However, the more I am learning from reading scripture the more I realize that sitting in judgment of others is just as wrong. It is such a temptation to sit back and condemn others...it's so easy to see where others...even the church have missed the mark. However, that is me trying to sit on the judgment seat and play God. That's not my place...that's not what he created me to do. What I have learned and what I now am continually coming back to is God commands me to
- Serve as a great teammate in whatever capacity in which I am blessed
- Win the moment by giving my very best without fear of the future or shame of the past
- Lastly, do all this with a passionate spirit of joy and hope
3“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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