This past Sunday I spoke on extravagant generosity from the passage in Luke that describes a powerful scene where a "sinful woman" crashes a dinner party to get to Jesus. It is one of the most extravagant displays of worship, acceptance, and new life in the Gospels.
As I've continued to sit with this passage I've found myself asking the question "So...which character are you - Jesus, Simon the Pharisee, or the sinner?" Today I realized, usually I'm not either of those. You see there is a fourth option that I think typifies the weakness of my faith more accurately. Rather than the judging Pharisee, or even the sinful woman, I find myself the passive disciple. The text doesn't directly state that the disciples are there, but considering the relationship between a rabbi and his disciples in the first century it's hard to think they would be any place else (for a great look at this relationship check out Follow The Rabbi). I can't help but wonder what they are thinking. I'm also convicted by their silence and lack of action. Convicted because I see my reflection in them. I wonder if silent apathy is not more painful than open rebuke.
If missional living is anything, it is forsaking not only being like the Pharisee, but also the the comfort of passivity. Throwing stones of morality isn't good enough, people need healing and hope. I have no desire to condone sin, but rather feel a burden to be an agent of transformation. For that to happen engagement is required. Transformation is not a passive experience, nor is it one way. We change as we become instruments of the change we long to see.
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
James 1:27
3 comments:
Ted, I'm trying to think through some of these things. How do I live a subservient and subversive life in a suburb? How do I flesh out the truths of the Master? How do I need to change my daily routine to see my culture? When I find out who my culture is, will I trust God to make the change through me?
Thank you for your fresh perspective.
There is such a beauty in Scripture observation. So many people, myself included, have read through that and passed over that story without ever seeing the scene. Thanks for spending the time to really see that with your heart's eyes and bring our attention to it. I, too, want to repent of the sterility of the Pharisee and the passivity of the disciple. I am learning the value of engagement throughout the day. The importance of presence. There is so much life there.
Chad,
Thanks for your comments, I look forward to hearing more of your ideas and revelations as you pursue an incarnational life style. I too am wrestling with the questions you asked. One thing that I feel God speaking to me is for me to take a more holistic approach to change, not just looking at what I do or don't do, but the patterns of my life and seeking to understand the perspective that drives those choices. Good stuff...thanks again for your comments.
Luke,
Man it's always a blessing to see you've dropped by. I enjoy and appreciate your observations as well, it's great to walk with men who choose to "see".
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