On the Way to Wonder

10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.  1 Corinthians 15: 10

This is one of the famous verses in 1 Corinthians.  Paul is summarizing his responses to their questions but ends on this personal note.  He keeps calling the believers back to their faith in Jesus, not other preachers, and to the challenge to live at peace with others.  Yesterday he summarized the basic principles of his faith and ended with the realization that he believed in Jesus after a personal encounter with him and after a time in his life when he was trying to kill Christians.  He knows he did not deserve God’s love.  He was aware of his unworthiness for the happiness he had found.  He sums it up today with the word “grace.” 

For many of us we can look back over our lives, especially if we are older, and realize the mistakes we have made but hopefully we can also identify many ways we have been blessed more than we deserved.  Let’s make an acrostic of the word grace, not to define it but to help us think of ways we have been blessed.  For example “G” might be for gifts that surprised us, or generosity that felt undeserved, or maybe just a goldfish that we enjoyed, or a good meal, or….

”G” is for ________

”R” is for ________

”A” is for ________

”C” is for ________

“E” is for ________ ….evenings with beautiful sunsets.  Thank you, Lord!

“The first thing I did was place before you what was placed so emphatically before me: that the Messiah died for our sins, exactly as Scripture tells it; that he was buried; that he was raised from death on the third day, again exactly as Scripture says; that he presented himself alive to Peter, then to his closest followers, and later to more than five hundred of his followers all at the same time, most of them still around (although a few have since died); that he then spent time with James and the rest of those he commissioned to represent him; and that he finally presented himself alive to me. It was fitting that I bring up the rear. I don’t deserve to be included in that inner circle, as you well know, having spent all those early years trying my best to stamp God’s church right out of existence.”

  1 Corinthians 15:3-9, The Message

Paul introduced this first letter to the Corinthians by introducing himself as a “called apostle,” an authorized leader in the early church and complemented the Corinthians on how he saw them growing in faith.  He then answered questions people had given him about what the journey of faith looks like and the different issues the people in the church were facing.  Now in chapter 15 he starts to wind down to the end of the letter.  He gives the Corinthians a summary of his beliefs. It may sound a bit wordy but again we remember that there was no New Testament scriptures to be researched and be taught from.  So what do we see in this long sentence?

First I see that Paul wants me to know that Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy.  He did not just pop up on the stage of history but was anticipated for centuries.  The Bible is a story that grows and becomes fuller and richer through time.  The individual events contain lessons but there is a bigger revelation unfolding.

Secondly Paul documents that people, lots of people witnessed the life of Jesus.  He is not just a popular folk tale but a genuine incarnated human – God being.  Paul humbly self identifies as someone who did not believe and who persecuted early Christians but then came to believe and became a follower of Jesus.

So how would you summarize your story of faith?  What might be the important facts that ties your journey into the unfolding of history of humanity?  My daughter likes to hear our story of President Moi of Kenya visiting the school campus right after her birth.  As he walked in to eat, he paused and point his “rugs”, authority stick, at her and said, “Some day she too will go to this school.”  And she did.  Perhaps someone said, “You’re just like your …..”. Our lives are part of history.  Where do you fit in and what contribution would you like to make?  Pray about it.  Blessings.

39-40 Three things, then, to sum this up: When you speak forth God’s truth, speak your heart out. Don’t tell people how they should or shouldn’t pray when they’re praying in tongues that you don’t understand. Be courteous and considerate in everything.

1 Corinthians 14:39-40, The Message

Consideration and courtesy are the words Paul uses to describe the atmosphere he would like to see in a worship service of the early church.  There was no New Testament to read from, only letters being circulated, and what we now call the Old Testament.  There were no printing presses so I doubt written testimonies were available.  There were no seminaries or Bible schools.  People gathered to share orally their insights and experiences.  Paul addresses women encouraging them to not be disruptive.  We know this dynamic.  Many churches have Sunday school at the same time as worship services so active children do not disturb elders who can’t hear.  Nursery rooms or rocking chairs are provided in the back of the church for tiny tots.  Churches struggle with making church “user friendly” for the most possible.  Paul uses the words “considerate” and “courteous” as an over arching goal.

Consideration …considers the needs of the other and does not put self first.  The dictionary defines it as the process of “carefully thinking over a matter typically over a period of time.”  We might reflect on all the thought going into making political rallies safe, user friendly and edifying for the most people right now.  Certainly we want our worships services to be places worthy of similar consideration and courtesy for all.

So perhaps we might ponder what part of going to church do you really enjoy?   How could you help create a similar experience for others?  Lord, help us to be considerate and courteous in all we do at church!

26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.

1 Corinthians 14: 26

1 Corinthians 14 touches on another subject that has divided Christians through the ages, speaking in tongues.  The technical word is xenoglossia.  It can refer to a spiritual gift where the speaker suddenly talks in a language unknown to the person or it can refer to praying in a heavenly language unknown to anyone else.  It is a kind of ecstatic experience.   Paul clearly says that the purpose of xenoglossia is to build the church, to help others, and for personal prayer use at home.  As Paul has said through the whole letter to the Corinthians, whether we are identifying with a certain evangelist or whether we are pondering what we can eat or now, how we can speak, the general rule is to do that which harms no one else’s faith and do that which builds the fellowship of believers.

It seems to me that when another speaks to me in truth and love, whether that is an affirmation or a reprimand, I can receive the truth and grow.  It is when I feel like an outsider that I withdraw from fellowship.  Other words to describe the use of the tongue that builds others is integrity or transparency.  James 3 talks about the tongue and describes good use of the tongue:

 17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

May the words of my mouth be helpful to others today.

12 We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

13 But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love. 1 Corinthians 13:12-13, The Message

We come to the last two verses in 1 Corinthians 13, known as the Love Chapter, penned by Paul to the church in Corinth.  Paul says that right now we are “incomplete.”  I like that adjective.  It is gentler than saying we are stupid or even blinded by our sinfulness.  Incompleteness hints to a completeness that is coming, a revelation we will someday receive.  I think of a piece of art halfway finished.  As I step into widowhood I think of missing my husband and how he completed me with his gentleness and strength.  I think of my children, now adults, and miss all the chaos and laughter they brought to the dinner table.  Perhaps we can think of the paycheck that has not arrived that will complete the income for the month.  What pictures come to your mind when you think about being incomplete?

Paul says that during this time of incompleteness we can cling to faith, hope and love.  But I like the descriptions the Message gives: faith…trust steadily in God – he’s dependable, hope unswervingly -don’t let those dreams die, and then love extravagantly – with your whole heart, overflowing, and gushing.  Having a loving heart covers for so many things that we do incompletely.  My husband loved to say, “I’m drinking from the saucer cuz my cup is overflowing.”  May you drink from the saucer today from a cup overflowing with love! 

The psalm for tomorrow is Psalm 116 and focuses on God’s faithfulness.  In the Gospel text Jesus asks the disciples who people say that he is.  Peter gives the answer , “Messiah.”  It would seem that he understands Jesus’ ability to heal, raise from the dead, and feed the hungry but he has yet to comprehend the strength of God’s love in the face of suffering.  We praise God when we are having good days and “good” is winning but it is more challenging when we face the crosses of life.  Jesus begins to predict the cross and those are hard words to hear.  Let us read the psalm and see how lament entertwines itself with praise!  Blessings.

Psalm: Psalm 116:1-9

I will walk in the presence of the Lord. (Ps. 116:9)

 1I love the Lord, who has heard my voice,

  and listened to my supplication,

 2for the Lord has given ear to me

  whenever I called.

 3The cords of death entangled me; the anguish of the grave came upon me;

  I came to grief and sorrow.

 4Then I called upon the name of the Lord:

  “O Lord, I pray you, save my life.” 

 5Gracious is the Lord and righteous;

  our God is full of compassion.

 6The Lord watches over the innocent;

  I was brought low, and God saved me.

 7Turn again to your rest, O my soul.

  for the Lord has dealt well with you.

 8For you have rescued my life from death,

  my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling;

 9I will walk in the presence of the Lord

  in the land | of the living. 

Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.

Love doesn’t strut,

Doesn’t have a swelled head,

Doesn’t force itself on others,

Isn’t always “me first,”

Doesn’t fly off the handle,

Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,

Doesn’t revel when others grovel,

Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,

Puts up with anything,

Trusts God always,

Always looks for the best,

Never looks back,

But keeps going to the end.

1 Corinthians 13:3-7,  Message

We are pondering the 13th chapter of Corinthians, the Love Chapter, ”the most excellent way.”  Yesterday we pondered what Paul said love is – kind, patient, and rejoices in truth.  Today we are looking at what love is not.  Love is not a quitter.  It is not proud with a swelled head, and It isn’t easily angered.  Read the above list again.  Today we want to focus on areas of growth in our character.  Few of us want to be known as quitters.  I want to be a loyal, faithful friend that stands beside my friends during tough times.  I don’t want to be a “fair weather friend.”  I don’t want to be known as someone who speaks with a “forked tongue.”  Pick three descriptions from the above description, areas in your character you would ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of.  Lord be the mirror that shows me when and where I need to grow.  Thank you for your patience.  Guard me from hurting those I love and help me be forgiving.  Blessings.

4Love is patient,

•  love is kind. 
• It does not envy, 
• it does not boast, 
• it is not proud. 
• 5 It does not dishonor others, 
• it is not self-seeking, 
• it is not easily angered, 
• it keeps no record of wrongs. 
• 6 Love does not delight in evil but 
• rejoices with the truth. 
• 7 It always protects, 
• always trusts, 
• always hopes, 
• always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, The Message

Paul sets pretty high standards when he now tells us what love is.  As I look at the list and reflect on my life, I know I have not lived all these qualities to those I cherish the most.  I have falllen short.  As I read down the list a second time I see that Paul says there are things that love is and there are things that love is not.  Let’s narrow our vision today to the things love is.

Love is: 

patient

kind

rejoices in truth

trusts

hopes

perseveres

Now pick just three of these qualities and give an example.  For example, I appreciate it when someone is patient at a stop light and does not honk at me if I am a bit slow to put the pedal to the metal.  Then form a prayer.  Lord, help me be patient when …. We might even thank God when he  is patient with me when I forget to …. 

Pick three qualities that you’d like to speak with God about!  Blessings.

13 If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.

2 If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing.

3-7 If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

1 Corinthians 13: 1-7

Today we come to one of the most famous chapters of the Bible.  1 Corinthians 13 is called “the Love Chapter.”  Paul has been answering questions about spiritual gifts in chapter 12 and ends with the statement that he is going to show us “the excellent way.”  He opens with three “if-but-then” statements.

If I have a golden tongue and can win people over with my speech, but have no love, I am nothing, bankrupt.

If I am brilliant with all kinds of answers to questions but have not love, I am nothing, bankrupt.

If I am the most generous of givers to charities but have no love, I am nothing, bankrupt.

“Bankrupt” is a strong word. To me it connotes failure and loss of resources.  So before we read further as Paul describes “love,” let us ponder where our wealth lies.  What makes you feel wealthy?  Perhaps you feel closest to God when you are emersed in your music, or nature or family or filled with appreciation for   accomplishments.  Many areas of life bring us blessings.  so think how you might finish the statement, “I am not bankrupt if I ____________.  Then thank God for that blessing in your life.

27-31 You are Christ’s body—that’s who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept your part of that body does your “part” mean anything. You’re familiar with some of the parts that God has formed in his church, which is his “body”:

apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, healers, helpers, organizers, those who pray in tongues.

But it’s obvious by now, isn’t it, that Christ’s church is a complete Body and not a gigantic, unidimensional Part? It’s not all Apostle, not all Prophet, not all Miracle Worker, not all Healer, not all Prayer in Tongues, not all Interpreter of Tongues. And yet some of you keep competing for so-called “important” parts.

1 Corinthians 12 17-31, The Message

Paul finishes the question raised by the church in Corinth about the various gifts of the Holy Spirit. I think he is saying that  as we understand our “part” in the “whole”, we experience completeness.  I saw the doctor today and he said that if they do a certain procedure, I will feel normal and whole again.  What does that mean?  It can’t mean I’ll feel 20 years old again!  It can’t mean I’ll no longer struggle with being overweight.  I will never be an  Olympian or a winner of AGT. I think he is speaking to the wholeness or completeness of a body not compromised by illness. In the same way Paul is saying that as we grow in understanding our part in the Body of Christ, we experience a sense of optimizing not only our own talent but we also experience the joy of being a contributing part of a whole process that glorifies God,  It seems to me that as we grow in using our spiritual gifts, we grow in a sense of completeness and wholeness, as we center our lives on his Spirit in us.  The people that pass through our lives and the events of our lives are not random but meaningful and we contribute to a better world.  I pray that is so.  Today is in God’s hands to bless us and to bless other’s through us, even on those tough days!  Blessings.