Benediction - Scripture

Scriptural Reference:

Matthew 23:27 (NIV) 27
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean."

Luke 18:9-14 (NIV)
9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Reflection:

It's the tragedy of our World that people like physical icons. They love to venerate and worship people and images. The better and wiser they sound the higher these individuals are lifted. But just as empty as they are in real tangible truths, they are also empty when it comes to anything that is real when it comes to God.

Matthew 23:27 (NIV) 27
As in our first Bible reference we find Jesus warning against those who love the spotlight. I can mention (though for legal reasons without names) a number of people who claim to be Ministers of the Word. Yet they are as spiritual as any so called Lifestyle Guru. Spin Doctors with a catchy theme and added ego that makes them well loved by the shallow masses. The fools who lead others astray and into the depths of Hell.

There words are filled with soft unobtrusive meanings. None of them are affected by even the hint of a challenge. In most cases they speak of being accepted as you are and that there is no need to change or become uncomfortable with thoughts of Sin. In fact for them, the word Sin is not even mentioned as it creates walls or barriers to the easy kicked back one size fits all faith. It's easier to sell poison if it is packaged with a pretty label and there's no mention of the side affects. Just think of how cigarettes have been marketed for all these years. Never was there a mention that they were addictive or harmful to the health.

Luke 18:9-14 (NIV)
In the second scriptural reflection we find another form of false image. I personally remember attending an afternoon party on a fine New Years Eve Day. While there I couldn't help but become annoyed at one man who kept pontificating at how important eh was to his congregation. Using such terms as "Their Most Worshipful" over and over. Finally after not being able to distance myself without actually leaving, I decided to challenge his self image. Quietly siding up to him I waited for his next statement of importance and mentioned "Oh really, why I'm a Reverend as well.". The look of disdain on the mans face was worth the challenge alone. He then actually looked down his nose at me and asked in a painfully drawn out voice "And which Theological Institution did you attend?" As if to question someone he knew nothing of, yet was willing to judge.

I smiled and said that I was 'Ordained' on the Internet. The poor man almost fainted away with shock and disbelief. He said in a most tragic voice "Well I must have then wasted all those years I spent if that's all that has to be done these days!". My reply got me kicked out of the party...

"Yes it looks that way. Maybe you should have saved time and just checked the Internet."

I am not perfect. And my Ministry is still developing and growing. But for me the need to share the Gospel Truth is far more important then if I have an ego or can say nice words that tickle peoples ears. It will be far better for me to stand head bowed and with a contrite heart, alongside the Tax Collector. Then to waste time watching and following the Pharisee. There is more wisdom in letting God have the glory then trying to hold onto any tarnished 'Bling' we as mere mortals can create.

Prayer:

Lord, Jesus,
I bow my head in wonder,
As sad and bewildered as I am,
As lost and confused as I am,
As foolish and misguided as I am,
You still love me and support me.

May the only words I have to say,
Are your Words as found in the Gospel.
May the only life I can live openly,
Be the life you lived as an example.
May the only truth I hold forth,
Is the Truth of your Salvation.

I pray this you your name.

Amen

Religiosity
HOME SCRIPTURE POETRY	Scriptural Reference: Matthew 23:27 (NIV) 27 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean." Luke 18:9-14 (NIV) 9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Reflection: It's the tragedy of our World that people like physical icons. They love to venerate and worship people and images. The better and wiser they sound the higher these individuals are lifted. But just as empty as they are in real tangible truths, they are also empty when it comes to anything that is real when it comes to God. Matthew 23:27 (NIV) 27 As in our first Bible reference we find Jesus warning against those who love the spotlight. I can mention (though for legal reasons without names) a number of people who claim to be Ministers of the Word. Yet they are as spiritual as any so called Lifestyle Guru. Spin Doctors with a catchy theme and added ego that makes them well loved by the shallow masses. The fools who lead others astray and into the depths of Hell. There words are filled with soft unobtrusive meanings. None of them are affected by even the hint of a challenge. In most cases they speak of being accepted as you are and that there is no need to change or become uncomfortable with thoughts of Sin. In fact for them, the word Sin is not even mentioned as it creates walls or barriers to the easy kicked back one size fits all faith. It's easier to sell poison if it is packaged with a pretty label and there's no mention of the side affects. Just think of how cigarettes have been marketed for all these years. Never was there a mention that they were addictive or harmful to the health. Luke 18:9-14 (NIV) In the second scriptural reflection we find another form of false image. I personally remember attending an afternoon party on a fine New Years Eve Day. While there I couldn't help but become annoyed at one man who kept pontificating at how important eh was to his congregation. Using such terms as "Their Most Worshipful" over and over. Finally after not being able to distance myself without actually leaving, I decided to challenge his self image. Quietly siding up to him I waited for his next statement of importance and mentioned "Oh really, why I'm a Reverend as well.". The look of disdain on the mans face was worth the challenge alone. He then actually looked down his nose at me and asked in a painfully drawn out voice "And which Theological Institution did you attend?" As if to question someone he knew nothing of, yet was willing to judge. I smiled and said that I was 'Ordained' on the Internet. The poor man almost fainted away with shock and disbelief. He said in a most tragic voice "Well I must have then wasted all those years I spent if that's all that has to be done these days!". My reply got me kicked out of the party... "Yes it looks that way. Maybe you should have saved time and just checked the Internet." I am not perfect. And my Ministry is still developing and growing. But for me the need to share the Gospel Truth is far more important then if I have an ego or can say nice words that tickle peoples ears. It will be far better for me to stand head bowed and with a contrite heart, alongside the Tax Collector. Then to waste time watching and following the Pharisee. There is more wisdom in letting God have the glory then trying to hold onto any tarnished 'Bling' we as mere mortals can create. Prayer: Lord, Jesus, I bow my head in wonder, As sad and bewildered as I am, As lost and confused as I am, As foolish and misguided as I am, You still love me and support me. May the only words I have to say, Are your Words as found in the Gospel. May the only life I can live openly, Be the life you lived as an example. May the only truth I hold forth, Is the Truth of your Salvation. I pray this you your name. Amen

Religiosity