I sometimes marvel at Jesus' patience with the dogmatism and intolerance of the religious leaders. They argued about inconsequential matters and made people follow laws that they themselves could not keep. It is this patience of Jesus and his ability to speak truth and life into situations-- despite his anger and frustration that amazes me. His example keeps me humbly asking for more grace to live the life that he offers.
In Luke 20 the religious posers are arguing with Jesus, asking him about marriage in heaven. What is so obvious in this scene is that it's a set up. They don't even believe in heaven, the afterlife and resurrection. They're just asking these questions to trip Jesus up and Jesus sees their trivial behavior so plainly.
Let me give you a little illustration from the realm of cooking. Ask any great cook about aluminum foil and you're bound to get an opinion on which side is "best." Some swear the shiny side must always be on the outside of a baked potato, while others condemn such nonsense and emphatically claim exactly the opposite.
Meanwhile, the manufacturer stays amused and gives a good lesson in dogmatism and tolerance.
When foil is made, it is rolled. One side of the foil gets shiny because it comes in contact with the heavy roller. The other side stays dull because it never makes contact with the roller. Both sides produce the same results!
Still many a family has become divided over the "shiny side out" dogmatism. Thanksgiving celebrations have been ruined and mother-in-laws left in shambles as the debate has raged on. In the meantime the foil is left in the cupboard, and the potatoes are left to rot because young emerging cooks are afraid to risk and possibly turn the wrong side out... So sad, so sad...
Okay, perhaps I'm exaggerating a bit... But I'm sure that's how Abba looks at some of the petty arguments we get into in church life. I'm sure he looks at us, sighs, and says, "Just bake the potato!"
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4 comments:
i absolutly agree with what you are saying here. to think that we have so many disputes, sometime simply over the way we say things, must grieve God. if only we could learn to handle them in a way that is pleasing to God and beneficial to the body of Christ. sometimes i wonder if we wouldn't make a breakthrough in the way that we witness to the world and see many come to know Christ.
eric - nice imagery, two sides, both effective in their slightly shinier or duller method. Both used to cook. Maybe some cook more traditional foods - others more spicy and chic.
Peace
Brian
The really important thing is actaully how you pronounce aluminium.
Andrew Wallis (UK)
This discussion reminds me of a skit I saw years ago. It portrayed the two blind guys that Jesus healed meeting and arguing about the "proper way" to heal blindness.
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