14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the origin of God’s creation: 15 “I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Did the Church at Laodicea experience the damnatio  memoriae, the condemnation of a person’s memory? What could the church had done to warrant such a punishment? Many opinions exist but of the two that garner the most support I favor that of Adolf von Harnack, a much respected German scholar. In later times, the church in Laodicea sadly fell from grace. It is his theory based on scripture from the book of Revelation referring to the letter to Laodicea, which makes sad reading… in the letter, to the church of Laodicea the risen Christ, says in that vivid phrase: ‘I am about to spit you out of my mouth’ (Revelation 3:16). So what was damnatio memoriae? It would have resulted in the church at Laodicea records being erased from all books, obliterated from all inscriptions and chiseled out of all memorials. It would be as if they never existed. The biblical equivalent of our current day cancel culture. What did they do that would merit such punishment? The answers lie within the scripture and can be an uncomfortable recognition of current attitudes.  

Laodicea was a wealthy city during the Roman period. Located on major trade routes that passed through important cities like Ephesus, Smyrna and Sardis, Laodicea also was a center of textile production and banking. Like the city it resided in the church had done well, as noted in Revelations 3:17 it was a wealthy church. Wealth has a way of corrupting our character, lessening our resolve to follow the right way and hampers good intentions for the sake of acquiring more of worldly things that cools our faith. The scripture indicates that the people had become lukewarm and that attitude was shown by their deeds. In Revelations 3:14-21 the Lord describes them as such. There are many examples of analogies to be found among the scriptures. The people of Laodicea would have picked up on this one in these verses. Those who would read John’s “Revelation” would have also. The cities drinking water came by aqueduct from a spring six miles to the south of the city and when it arrived it was lukewarm, not refreshing at all. There were hot springs near by that people bathed in, seeking to heal their bodies. Hot water can clean and purify, cold water can refresh and give life to a tired soul. Lukewarm water could do neither. Scripture tells us that the seven churches in Asia Minor each received a letter, the harshest being the one to the church at Laodicea. Their deeds or lack of drawing the Lord’s displeasure. In the eyes of Jesus, this is a dead church. This church practiced a faith of convenience being neither hot or cold. They had become comfortable in their wealth and were arrogant to others around them. 

Mark 10:23 (ESV)

23 And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”

Jesus and scripture often equates deeds as an indicator of a person’s spiritual health.

Matthew 7:16–17 (ESV)

16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn  bushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.

The Church at Laodicea was prosperous in material goods and its people were also. They enjoyed the fruits of their physical labour but in return they became victims of their wealth and allowed themselves to become comfortable with a semblance of the faith…  Their attitude of self-sufficiency  and lukewarm faith placed them in constant danger of the evils of this world.

Where are you and your church in this world today? Have we become so comfortable in the things of this life that our legacy will be that of the church at Laodicea? I hope and pray not. 

Join us in the Pew next week….

Life is Good

jk

• 

 While not stepping completely out of The Pew I am figuratively at the end of the pew and I must be careful with my words and thoughts. We will have many choices to make in our lives and all will in some way be influenced by people, places and things, timing and for many of us our faith… 

 Let me introduce you to Viktor Frankl… who was an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, philosopher, author, and Holocaust survivor. Viktor Frankl was a practicing Jew his entire life, but he was very careful not to impose, or even be seen to be imposing, his religious conviction upon others; that was not the way he operated as a therapist, physician or man. Frankl believed that humans are motivated by something called a “will to meaning,” an overwhelming desire to find meaning in life. He argued that life can have meaning even in the most miserable of circumstances and that the motivation for living comes from finding that meaning.  According to Frankl, “We can discover this meaning in life in three different ways:

(1) by creating a work or doing a deed

(2) by experiencing something or encountering someone 

(3) by the attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering” and that “everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances” 

City Slickers a 1991 movie, gave us an exchange between Jack Palance and Billy Crystal that lasted a whole 1:03  and gave us a question that people have spent a life time asking and trying to answer. What is the meaning of life? Curly Washburn’s answer was… ‘just one thing, stick to that and everything will be all right’. When asked what that one thing was, Curly replied… ‘that’s what you have to figure out’.  I found it interesting that Mr. Frankl, a man of degrees has narrowed down the ways to discover the meaning of life. My friend Webster defines attitude as follows…. “a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior.” We can enlarge on that somewhat by adding this….

“The definition of an attitude is a way of feeling or acting toward a person, thing or situation. Passion for a sport, dislike for a certain actor and negativity toward life in general are each an example of an attitude.”

Ok, next I found myself reading this…

The four basic types of attitudes and behaviors that are positive, negative and neutral.

• Positive Attitude: This is one type of attitude in organizational behaviour. …
• Negative Attitude: A negative attitude is something that every person should avoid. …
• Neutral Attitude: …
• Sikken Attitude:

“The silken attitude was new to me, so I dug a little deeper and found this….People with a sikken attitude demonstrate a negative state of mind. They try to destroy the image of every element that reflects into their mind. However, you may consider it as a type of much more aggressive negative attitude.”

If we accept that attitude is a choice, I would then ask you to consider that a biblical attitude is one that should be added to that list. The bible has much to say about attitude, the one that resonates the most with me is from Philippians 4: 8-9…

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. “

 On the other hand the Bible is full of folks who are in need of an attitude adjustment. Some sins of  attitude include, a false pride, unjust anger, bitter envy, malicious hatred. When attitude becomes a verb, a negative one…it always brings with its actions hurt, pain and the lessening of value of the people, places and things it is directed at. We can unpack and pull up scripture and still miss the point. Curly said it in a simple and short conversation… I believe it starts with the attitude you have toward doing one thing and doing it well. Live a Godly life, lifting up Jesus Christ and the good news of the salvation for all who believe and call on his name and those who are in need of God’s love. Remember, a biblical attitude is one of affirmation, not one of condemnation. You can start doing just that by remembering this 

Romans 12:2

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

What does God say is the purpose of life? In one sense, you are always living in God’s purpose. God is God and He works all things, including your life, according to his purposes. … Psalm 57:2 says, “I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.” This is key in understanding God’s purpose for your life.(What Is God’s Purpose for Your Life And How to Find It … https://www.cornerstone.edu › blog-post › what-is-gods-p..)

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. “

Walking with Jesus will give you the answer to the question of the meaning of life… Your life. Apply what Curly said…‘just one thing, stick to that and everything will be all right’. 

Yes, attitude is a choice. Hear what God has told you…Micah 6: 8

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

    And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

    and to walk humbly with your God.

Life is Good

jk

• 

Last week behind the words we found these facts.

• there was a history between the Jews and the Samaritans
• Whether  to worship God in the Temple in Jerusalem or on Mt Gerizim
• We are there for the beginning of a new stage in Jesus’ ministry
• It was the sixth hour of the day, rather late for her to come for water she would need for house hold chores
• the reason of going through Galilee to get to Jerusalem
• The possibility of a theological point
• The woman had no idea who she was talking to.

This week we will read of the conversation between Jesus and the woman, the arrival of the disciples and her departure then Jesus’s conversation with the disciples and finally the reaction of the town people. 

When we get to verses 5-6 there is a detailed description of the location of this conversation between Jesus and this woman. The location of the well and whose well it is provides a reference to the   importance of patriarchal  traditions. These traditions will have an influence on their conversation. (Patriarchal -having a system that relates to a society or government controlled by men.) 

Reading carefully we note that Jesus arrives at the well in the heat of the day (about the sixth hour NIV) He is tired from his journey and is in need of water. There are some things here we can glean that add a richness to this story and as always history adds in part of our understanding scripture. There will be thirteen exchanges between the two of them. There are two sections to these exchanges, each one introduced by a request or command from Jesus. The first being vv. 7-15 “give me a drink” the second occurring in vv. 16-26 “go call your husband”. As we continue to read this remarkable story the walls continue to figuratively  fall. The social conventions of the day forbid a Jewish man to initiate a conversation with an unknown woman. It was also not proper to engage in a public conversation with a woman. Jews did not invite contact with Samaritans. There was no social intercourse between them. We also see that as in other conversations there were times Jesus refused to answer the question directly, he lets her answer the question for herself…”if you knew”. She hears only the words living water. The concept of such a thing was not within her reasoning…again, she does not know who she is talking to. She is thinking, this man who cannot acquire water for himself now offers me running water. As readers of this story we must realize the reasoning of her thoughts. We know about the living water but she only knows and understands the literal meaning. We do not want to confuse but the woman sees no visible means available to Jesus to draw the water and she challenges Jesus by simply asking “you are not greater than Jacob, are you?” You have nothing to use to draw the water from the well and only a miracle similar to the one traditionally to Jacob at Haran could produce the water he needed. Jesus responds by asserting to her that Jacob’s gift may have been miraculous and abundant but it would not quench her thirst permanently.  In these two verses vv. 13-14 Jesus says that his water will become a spring in her gushing up to eternal life. Her response indicates that she has once again missed the point entirely….

 Consider these verses….

27 Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you want?” or, “Why are you speaking with her?” 28 Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, 29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” 30 They left the city and were on their way to him.

Verses 39-42 are a fitting end to the story of the woman at the well, pay close attention to verses 41 – 42.

39 Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I have ever done.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.”

It is hard to know when to back away from the keyboard there is so much here that a surface read  misses. 

-Jesus challenges and breaks down boundaries.. the boundaries between chosen people and rejected people, male and female

–Jesus offers the Samaritan woman the gift of God v.10 and revealed His identity to her vv.25-26 

25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

-read carefully because this hate of other people and nations is ever present today. Across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe

-She is the first person to whom he boldly makes known His identity. Here in this verse 26 is the Revelation we wrote of earlier. 

-the despised Samaritans get to spend two days with the “Savior of the world.

There is more but for now may we all have that Samaritan experience. May we be the one to whom the good news comes in unexpected places and at unexpected times.

Life is Good

jk 

We all know of the parable found in the Book of Luke, 10: 25-37, about a traveler who is stripped of clothing, beaten, and left half dead alongside the road. First a Jewish priest and then a Levite comes by, but both avoid the man. Finally, a Samaritan happens upon the traveler and offers comfort and needed help. There is a history between the Jews and the Samaritans that adds cause and reason to the story of this encounter of Jesus and this woman. It is my belief that to really read the Bible we must get past what I will call a surface read. Each word, sentence and paragraph builds on those before, building a foundation of thought and reason. That’s my way as a layman to get into the word and it works for me. Get past the surface and behind the words and seek the meaning and message of our Lord and Savior. In my own small way I will try to do this as we read this story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman. 

A New Stage…

We read in the Book of John, Chapter 4 Jesus’ ministry enters a new stage. Jesus was a Jew and up until this time in the ministry he had always been confined to traditional Judaism, that which reckoned outsiders and enemies as a threat to the precepts of Judaism and viewed the Samaritans as such. The nearest event to have caused this intense dislike occurred about 200 BCE. The dispute that caused these hard feelings between the Jews and the Samaritans was about the correct location of the cultic center. The Samaritans had built a shrine on Mt. Gerizim during the Persian period and claimed that the shrine was the proper place to worship, not in the Temple in Jerusalem. The Temple was destroyed in 128 BCE but the hostility between the Samaritans and the Jews continued. So…let’s continue. As Jesus travels through Samaria he comes to a town called Sychar. It is here that Jacob’s well was located and here he encounters the woman late in the day who had come to draw water. As we read on we come to know why she came so late in the day a good example of a surface read  is found here. If we remember this little fact later we can arrive at the possibility she came late to avoid others because of her reputation in the village. Just a quick pass over and we might miss this foundational block of our story. Jesus’ ministry was always the salvation of all of people. I am sure this is not Jesus’ first break from the traditional practices of Judaism. Here at this moment His actions and intentions are made clear as to this salvation Jesus speaks of… It is for ALL. We must not let ourselves let this moment pass. Two things here are pivotal. He speaks directly to a Samaritan, who happens to be a woman who has come to draw water from the well. This is someone who stands in marked contrast to all that has preceded in the Gospel so far. Jesus had spoken with Nicodemus, a male of high standing in the Jewish religious establishment. But now Jesus speaks with a Samaritan woman, an unnamed female of an enemy people. 

The next surface read is found in verses 4: 4-6  and asks the question. Was the choice to go through Samaria geographical or did it have some theological reasoning also, that would support it? Was Galilee the quickest and best? There is scripture to indicate that there was some theological value included in this decision. 

Look at verses John 3:14…14 – 15 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,[15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” .  V 30: He must become greater; I must become less.”  V 9: 4…4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 

These verses do add a theological consideration in answering this question. There is the very real possibility that Jesus believed that his calling was to go among those whom social and behavior paths was deemed unacceptable to God’s plan and will. To bring them to salvation, they would need to hear the word of God.  Our last point for this week will be is something we might go by at first. These next verses 4: 5,6,7 are reminiscent of some old testament images and do in some way add to the narrative of these verses.  In both the stories, Elijah and the widow of Sidon, (1 Kgs 17: 10-11) and of this encounter at that well tell of women being interrupted while engaged in housework by a gesture of hospitality. The parallel here suggests the image of Jesus as a prophet and this will become an observation that plays a part in their conversation.

We all know of the parable found in the Book of Luke, 10: 25-37, about a traveler who is stripped of clothing, beaten, and left half dead alongside the road. First a Jewish priest and then a Levite comes by, but both avoid the man. Finally, a Samaritan happens upon the traveler and offers comfort and needed help. There is a history between the Jews and the Samaritans that adds cause and reason to the story of this encounter of Jesus and this woman. It is my belief that to really read the Bible we must get past what I will call a surface read. Each word, sentence and paragraph builds on those before, building a foundation of thought and reason. That’s my way as a layman to get into the word and it works for me. Get past the surface and behind the words and seek the meaning and message of our Lord and Savior. In my own small way I will try to do this as we read this story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman. 

A New Stage…

We read in the Book of John, Chapter 4 Jesus’ ministry enters a new stage. Jesus was a Jew and up until this time in the ministry he had always been confined to traditional Judaism, that which reckoned outsiders and enemies as a threat to the precepts of Judaism and viewed the Samaritans as such. The nearest event to have caused this intense dislike occurred about 200 BCE. The dispute that caused these hard feelings between the Jews and the Samaritans was about the correct location of the cultic center. The Samaritans had built a shrine on Mt. Gerizim during the Persian period and claimed that the shrine was the proper place to worship, not in the Temple in Jerusalem. The Temple was destroyed in 128 BCE but the hostility between the Samaritans and the Jews continued. So…let’s continue. As Jesus travels through Samaria he comes to a town called Sychar. It is here that Jacob’s well was located and here he encounters the woman late in the day who had come to draw water. As we read on we come to know why she came so late in the day a good example of a surface read  is found here. If we remember this little fact later we can arrive at the possibility she came late to avoid others because of her reputation in the village. Just a quick pass over and we might miss this foundational block of our story. Jesus’ ministry was always the salvation of all of people. I am sure this is not his first break from the traditional practices of Judaism. Here at this moment His actions and intentions are made clear as to this salvation Jesus speaks of… It is for ALL. We must not let ourselves pass this moment pass. Two things here are pivotal. He speaks directly to a Samaritan, who happens to be a woman who has come to draw water from the well. This is someone who stands in marked contract to all that has preceded in the Gospel so far. Jesus had spoken with Nicodemus, a male of high standing in the Jewish religious establishment. But now Jesus speaks with a Samaritan woman, an unnamed female of an enemy people. 

The next surface read is found in verses 4: 4-6  and asks the question. Was the choice to go through Samaria geographical or did it have some theological reasoning also, that would support it?Was Galilee the quickest and best? There is scripture to indicate that there was some theological value included in this decision. 

Look at verses John 3:14…14 – 15 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,[15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” .  V 30: He must become greater; I must become less.”  V 9: 4…4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 

These verses do add a theological consideration in answering this question. There is the very real possibility that Jesus believed that his calling was to go among those whom social and behavior paths was deemed unacceptable to God’s plan and will. To bring them to salvation, they would need to hear the word of God.  Our last point for this week will be is something of we might not read at first. This Samaritan woman had no idea who she was talking to. These next verses 4: 5,6,7 are reminiscent of some old testament images and do in some way add to the narrative of these verses.  In both the stories, Elijah and the widow of Sidon, (1 Kgs 17: 10-11) and of this encounter at that well tell of women being interrupted while engaged in housework by a gesture of hospitality. The parallel here suggests the image of Jesus as a prophet and this will become an observation that plays a part in their conversation. So, beyond the words, what have we found?

• there was a history between the Jews and the Samaritans
• Where to worship God  in the Temple in Jerusalem or on Mt Gerizim
• We are there for the beginning of a new stage in Jesus’ ministry
• It was the sixth hour of the day, rather late for her to come for water she would need for house hold chores
• the reason of going through Galilee to get to Jerusalem
• The possibility of a theological point
• The woman had no idea who she was talking about

I will stop here this week, next week we will read the conversation between Jesus and the woman, the arrival of the disciples and her departure then Jesus’s conversation with the disciples and finally the reaction of the town people. I enjoy being back in the word and hope you have enjoyed your visit to The Pew. Meet you here next week.

Life is Good

jk

• 

A new word or at least a new slant on the meaning of an old word when it is used in the context of  US Slang, Woke, the simple definition as in Webster’s means to be aware. To know what is going on around you…people, places and things. The first use of the word as an adjective was in 1972. Here is a recent up-grade to that word from Webster’s dictionary.

chiefly US slang

: aware of and actively attentive to important facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice)

So a simple meaning would be, being aware. But let’s not stop there.

The Urban Dictionary, which published its original definition two years prior to the official dictionary, defines it as “being woke means being aware… knowing what’s going on in the community (related to racism and social injustice)”. In other words, it means to be awake to sensitive social issues, such as racism.Jan 21, 2021

Being Woke calls fore people to be Aware of Social justice and Racism. I am disturbed not by what is written here but more disturbed by what is not included in this latest social and cultural interest and lifting up the state of being Woke is the fact that being Woke to God’s word and will is a necessary component. As I wrote earlier…the simple Webster’s meaning is to be Aware.

In this day and time words and things can be hijacked to meet a need or serve an agenda. In 1984 another term popped up and joined those buzz words which are used to get our attention. Spin Doctor, the definition of which is….: a person (such as a political aide) responsible for ensuring that others interpret an event from a particular point of view. I believe that interpreting an event from a particular point of view is now fashionable in this agenda, social justice, culture-driven world we live in. The Woke and Canceled led society of the day is woefully misguided. Dealing with the cancel culture at this writing is best left for another time. It is in itself a whole other blog. So join me for a few as we look to the state of Christian Woke.

 From a  Christian Perspective

Remember the saying God’s got this, well He has and for a long time. In the birth, ministry, crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ…those of the faith have been Woke for a long time. Here are some thoughts from gotquestions.org

-as Christians we must be aware that racism in the USA has brought shame upon our nation and at certain times in our history has resulted in terrible violence.

-we must be aware that the very principles of civil rights, respect for others and equal justice cannot ensure these very things. No law can change what’s in our hearts. As Christians we know that change, an awareness of Christ and God’s will in our life can and will change what’s in a person’s heart. Real Justice can happen only when we are justified in Christ. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” in the way taught by Christ (Mark 12:31).  

–awareness that reconciliation in the church, our lives and others occurs when we put Christ first, the love of God and our duties to the faith. When that happens we set aside racial categories and ethnicity and see others through God’s eyes.We are all children of God, part of the family of God… “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

2 Corinthians 4: 4

4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 

–Real change and real answers to the problems of racism, injustice, other societal evils are found in God’s Word and in the peace He gives. (This is a direct quote from the article in gotquestions.org)

The faith and the gospel of Jesus Christ have been woke for well over 2000 years, more accurately  since God the Creator said… “let there be light”. Perhaps we of the faith have been napping and have forgotten the need to be Woke, or as I prefer The Christian Perspective….AWARE of our Lord’s commands.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

13 Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love. 

Simple enough…To be Woke you must be Aware. The solutions needed will not be found in the streets or the destruction of other people or things. Be Aware of God and his will, the answers lie there.

Life is Good

jk