Readings for February 20 2011

Prayer of Approach
O God, our world is so full of advice, so full of information, we hear it selectively, we listen rarely, and we follow it even more rarely. Help us, O God, to tune our ears so that we hear your voice more keenly, that it might enter our hearts with commitment and passion and priority. Give us the grace to follow your Word, even as we seek to understand its living power. For we pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

READ Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18:

Primarily a book of “commandments”, Leviticus only appears in the lectionary 2 times, both times this passage. Leviticus is not generally an inspiring read – it contains laws covering everything from sacrificial offerings, to ordination of priests, to bodily discharges. I think everyone should read AJ Jacobs' Year of Living Biblically – an excellent read by a writer who commits to following all the biblical laws for one year. I learned that biblical commandments and rituals can be outdated and seem ridiculous, but sometimes they are still powerful in shaping our identity and relationship with God.

Most of the precepts of Leviticus are outdated, having to do with farm animals and temple worship, but this particular passage is more attitudinal and transcends the historical context. It is the “kernel” of the holiness code, which is the centre of Leviticus, which is at the centre of the Torah.

In verse 1-2, we are reminded this is God’s law not Moses. According to the “holiness code” (chs 17-26) holiness comes from God, therefore we imitate that holiness.

The MISSING PARTS are the “positive precepts”, the lectionary reading is the negative prohibition.

In Hebrew the “you” is mixed - one time singular, another plural. Therefore it is both community and individual responsibility to live these commandments. They cover everything from landowners not taking the built in portion for the poor from fields and vineyards; respect for neighbours; respect for God; power relationships; relationships with disabled; justice, fairness; taking no profit from evil; family relationships, accountability; and in verse 18 – "Love your neighbour as yourself – for I am the Lord."

Question for Reflection:
Is it easier to follow a faith community that is based on behavioural commands or living in relationship with God and others? How does ritual, practice, shape our attitudes?

READ 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23

Borg and Crossan would call this “First Paul” – it is most likely original to the apostle Paul, probably written around 55 CE, responding to Chloe’s questions about conflict in the community at Corinth.

The theme is "Building on foundations" – you have to stay on same lines or your building falls down, like stacking chairs. In that way Paul presents the gospel as self-perpetuating.

The MISSING VERSES contain the concept that stratas of building reveal what care has been taken, what has been invested. It will all be tested by fire – cheap building materials will burn, the best will endure.

Usually the word “church” is equated with a building – in this reading Paul makes the building a metaphor for the people. You can’t call them ekklesia (like-minded people) if they are in conflict!

If you see the community as housing God’s spirit (temple), then you will treat with each other with respect. The “you” in verse 16 and following is plural “Your body is a temple” is not individual advice, but reality for the community. The threat is corporate disunity, not individual harm. It is clear that the temple belongs to God, not to any leader. This passage promotes a sense of humility – our wisest are still foolish – God’s foolishness is always wiser than we are. The only way to reflect God is corporately – no one can do it alone.

Question for Reflection:
How important is the value of being “like-minded” in a church? Can we agree to disagree? What are the implications of being a community?

READ Matthew 5:38-48

This passage is found in a long teaching passage – the Sermon on the Mount – which is challenging to our normal expectations. "You have heard it said” starts back in verse 21, naming other expectations of what is fair. It may refer to past laws, eg. Ex 21:24/Lev 24:20/Deut 19:21 (these are contradicted by Lev 19 – do unto others.)

Our expectations have been shaped by a “Christian” reinterpretation that that was the old testament God. And yet Christians have used physical punishment in the extreme (during the Inquisition, for example.) We have demonstrated through history that we all need to be reminded. Anger is a normal human emotion, but ultimate accountability belongs to God.

The commands are "impossible, challenging" because we are being asked to be like God, and to be like Jesus, who offers an alternative to what is normal, when he says: “but I say to you.” This is what will set believers apart, to shift people’s understanding of God, moving from a God of judgement to a God of grace.

The law says we can demand retribution, but the gospel says it is not effective in healing what is really broken. The creditor could take your wardrobe, except for the outer coat (Deut 24:12-13; Ex 22:26-27), but to make things right you should offer it, and forfeit the right to private property by sharing with others. It is a different way of looking at justice, fairness – being like God is not being “fair” like a human understands fairness. But if it is forced, it is not effective, either.

Question for Reflection:
What does it mean to live God’s values in the midst of normal daily life values? How do we make our faith visible to others if not with our choices?

Closing Prayer: based on Psalm 119:33-37,40

Teach me, O God, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it all of my days.
But only if I am listening, O God. Only if I really take the time to listen. Give me understanding that I may keep your law and observe it whole-heartedly.It is only one law – and if I really hold it in the centre of my life, it should be easy. Lead me in the path of your commandment, for in it I delight.I do find it delightful to be clear and fully committed to something, it is being confused over figuring things out that I find depressing. Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain. For selfish gain just weighs me down, and then I cannot dance. Turn my eyes from looking at vanities, give me life in your ways.It is a very small world to be looking in the mirror when God gives us a beautiful world to enjoy. See I have longed for your precepts, O God, in your righteousness give me life!