Jeremiah 15:15-21
Proper 17 (22) - Year A
Jeremiah 15:15-21
Hear these words from The Message by Eugene Peterson:
This is how God answered me:
"Take back those words, and I'll take you back.
Then you'll stand tall before me.
Use words truly and well. Don't stoop to cheap whining.
Then, but only then, you'll speak for me.
Let your words change them.
Don't change your words to suit them.
I'll turn you into a steel wall,
a thick steel wall, impregnable.
They'll attack you but won't put a dent in you
because I'm at your side, defending and delivering."
How often we have whined about the religious right. We have thought them the steel wall when they are no better than a Maginot Line (strong enough for the last battle, but simply a distraction for the future).
Too often we are found appealing to God to change things when it is our words, our life, that are to be the instruments of change.
How do we get out of our whining? By using words truly and well. This will force us into accuracy, even when it means we need to change as much as others. This will call us to evaluate the situation more carefully and always leave room for the miracle of change of heart and mind in the others (not forgetting change in ourselves) -- always ready to welcome our enemies as well as our friends.
So no more cheap whining, but clear statements about how good it is to feast on G*D's intention for creation. So no more blame, but enthusiasm for the game of life.
http://www.kairoscomotion.org/lectionary/2002/september2002.html
Jeremiah 15:15-21 or Exodus 3:1-15
Moses has strange things to tell folks from his outsider position of being both the princess's boy and a self-exiled murderer. Jeremiah has strange things to tell folks from his insider position that is being spun against by loyalist prophets.
Which strange message would you prefer to be offering in today's world?
Our understanding of the situation we are in will determine whether we play or avoid playing Moses or Jeremiah. Are you called to work from the inside or the outside? It is important to identify this so you can come to terms with your disappointments and options when your message isn't heard. In such cases it is not enough to simply switch sides and think you can do any more from the other position. If called to work inside, work inside; if called from the outside, work outside.
Most likely, which ever way you come to the issues of the day, you won't be heard (Jonah seems to be an exception and remember how disappointed he was to be heard -- as much as Moses and Jeremiah and you for not being heard). So come to grips with that and do what you do do well. It would be helpful to work in concert with other insiders or outsiders. They can help with your spiritual health issues in a world that acts as though physical health trumps everything else.
Travel the I-AM-way and persistently sell an expansive love in the face of every argument to the contrary.
http://www.kairoscomotion.org/lectionary/2005/august2005.html
Jeremiah 15:15-21 or Exodus 3:1-15
Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c or Psalm 26:1-8
Romans 12:9-21
Matthew 16:21-28
Questions can be stronger than answers. Moses turns aside toward a burning bush to ask, "Why?"
Only after this question is asked does G*D move in.
A question about who is speaking might be asked of Exodus 3:9. Does the cry of the Israelites "now" come to G*D or is this an affirmation of Moses, confirming G*D's observation of the Israelite's misery?
Even as Moses asked, "Who am I that I should go on this journey to Pharaoh's?" so does Peter deepen that with a question of Jesus, "Who are you that you should go to Pilate's?" The sign of the appropriateness of entering the halls of power will come later - Sinai and Resurrection.
Are you willing to wait confirmation, of that where you sense you should be going, until after you have gone? If so, enjoy your journey. If not, don't go.
- - -
let love be genuine
live toward a better tomorrow
do no harm
live toward a better tomorrow
hold fast to good
live toward a better tomorrow
one love added to another
leads to mutual affection
one honoring of another
adds up to more
an ardent spirit
lives toward a better tomorrow
rejoice in hope
tomorrow has begun
be patient
tomorrow has begun
persevere in prayer
tomorrow has begun
extend hospitality
live tomorrow today
bless rather than curse
live tomorrow today
live in harmony
today of all days