Thursday, February 17, 2011
The End
This blog is discontinued effective immediately. Its idea lives on in my consolidated lifestream danielhaas.org All posts are replicated over there.
Monday, February 14, 2011
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Today's Reading is 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.
Since today happens to be Valentine's Day it is tempting to read "love" as "eros" as in the Song of Songs. Here the Greek word is ἀγάπη (agápē). King James even tried to moralize it but translating it as charity.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
Today's Reading is 1 Corinthians 12:12-31.
Two brief observations: "Christ Has No Hands But Ours".
And: "In the church God has put all in place."
Oh, and then there is the Cartman Song Lyrics as well.
Two brief observations: "Christ Has No Hands But Ours".
And: "In the church God has put all in place."
Oh, and then there is the Cartman Song Lyrics as well.
Sermon Podcast: Yin Yang
Listen to a sermon by the Rev. Daniel Haas titled “Yin Yang” based on Matthew 5:17-26,43-48. It was delivered at Provo Community United Church of Christ on February 13th 2011.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Hosea 14:1-9
Today's Reading is Hosea 14:1-9.
Hosea once again uses strong imagery to get his message across. Today's passage is full of botanical references.
Verse 6a: "They will be alive with new growth, and beautiful like olive trees."
Verse 6b: "They will be fragrant like the cedars of Lebanon. "
Verse 7b: "They will grow crops of grain and be fruitful like a vineyard.
They will be as famous as the wine of Lebanon."
Hosea once again uses strong imagery to get his message across. Today's passage is full of botanical references.
Verse 6a: "They will be alive with new growth, and beautiful like olive trees."
Verse 6b: "They will be fragrant like the cedars of Lebanon. "
Verse 7b: "They will grow crops of grain and be fruitful like a vineyard.
They will be as famous as the wine of Lebanon."
Friday, February 11, 2011
Hosea 2:2-23
Today's Reading is Hosea 2:2-23.
Hosea is not shy in any way. Today he revolutionizes gender perceptions of God portraying YHWH as a concerned father and a protective lion mother. Male God, female Goddess? In yesterday's reading Hosea wrote about God being a betrayed husband and in 13:8 God is a mother bear - an animal!
What does your God look like?
Hosea is not shy in any way. Today he revolutionizes gender perceptions of God portraying YHWH as a concerned father and a protective lion mother. Male God, female Goddess? In yesterday's reading Hosea wrote about God being a betrayed husband and in 13:8 God is a mother bear - an animal!
What does your God look like?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Hosea 2:2-23
Today's Reading is Hosea 2:2-23.The prophet tells the story of Israel being unfaithful toward God and their relationship being happily restored. They cheated on God with Baal, a local deity which was popular at the time. Hosea reminds them remember the Exodus and how painful the desert experience was and will be: Love hurts!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Hosea 1:1-2:1
Today's Reading is Hosea 1:1-2:1.
In addition to writing and speaking messages from God, Hebrew prophets often acted out prophetic parables:
Ahijah from Shiloh
Isaiah
Jeremiah (shorts, clay jar, yoke)
Ezekiel (acts out the siege of Jerusalem, cuts his hair, as a refugee, trembling, wooden stick)
Hosea has to create difficult family situations for himself to depict the unfaithfulness of king Jerobeam II of Israel.
In addition to writing and speaking messages from God, Hebrew prophets often acted out prophetic parables:Ahijah from Shiloh
Isaiah
Jeremiah (shorts, clay jar, yoke)
Ezekiel (acts out the siege of Jerusalem, cuts his hair, as a refugee, trembling, wooden stick)
Hosea has to create difficult family situations for himself to depict the unfaithfulness of king Jerobeam II of Israel.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
John 13:21-35
Today's Reading is John 13:21-35.
During this joyous meal Jesus drops the bomb: “I am telling you the truth: one of you is going to betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. In the other gospels they don't learn who he is talking about, but ask helplessly: "Is it I, Lord?" without Jesus giving an answer.The gospel of John has a super-special disciple: "One of the disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was sitting next to Jesus."
Now it gets weird: Simon Peter motioned to him and said, “Ask him whom he is talking about.” So that disciple moved closer to Jesus' side and asked, “Who is it, Lord?” Jesus answered, “I will dip some bread in the sauce and give it to him; he is the man.” So he took a piece of bread, dipped it, and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.
Why all that ado? Why not straight-talk? Peter is the Head Apostle at the time. John is what seems to be Jesus' lover. The ultimate result is the same as in the other gospels: None of the others at the table understood why Jesus said this to him.
Even being the first of all Christians, even being super close to Jesus, does not prevent us from betraying him. When the Lord cleansed us disciples through his foot-washing that didn't last too long: Tonight's supper reminds us of our need for forgiveness over and over again.
During this joyous meal Jesus drops the bomb: “I am telling you the truth: one of you is going to betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. In the other gospels they don't learn who he is talking about, but ask helplessly: "Is it I, Lord?" without Jesus giving an answer.The gospel of John has a super-special disciple: "One of the disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was sitting next to Jesus."
Now it gets weird: Simon Peter motioned to him and said, “Ask him whom he is talking about.” So that disciple moved closer to Jesus' side and asked, “Who is it, Lord?” Jesus answered, “I will dip some bread in the sauce and give it to him; he is the man.” So he took a piece of bread, dipped it, and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.
Why all that ado? Why not straight-talk? Peter is the Head Apostle at the time. John is what seems to be Jesus' lover. The ultimate result is the same as in the other gospels: None of the others at the table understood why Jesus said this to him.
Even being the first of all Christians, even being super close to Jesus, does not prevent us from betraying him. When the Lord cleansed us disciples through his foot-washing that didn't last too long: Tonight's supper reminds us of our need for forgiveness over and over again.
Monday, February 7, 2011
John 13:1-20
Today's Reading is John 13:1-20.
Afraid of germs we teach to wash your hands before a meal, afraid of coming to God unclean a few cultures teach to wash your feet before a meal.
That is an act of purification, not cleanliness.
The entirety of his disciples is not clean, because Judas is part of them.
Each individual is not entirely clean, because we are all partly Judas.
You have hidden sins of the past and unknown sins of the future.
Foot-washing is a visible sign for an inner process of purification: In this moment I am willing to look at myself from God's perspective. It shows me that I am just human, I'm unclean, and God is ready to cleanse me today.
Afraid of germs we teach to wash your hands before a meal, afraid of coming to God unclean a few cultures teach to wash your feet before a meal.
That is an act of purification, not cleanliness.
The entirety of his disciples is not clean, because Judas is part of them.
Each individual is not entirely clean, because we are all partly Judas.
You have hidden sins of the past and unknown sins of the future.
Foot-washing is a visible sign for an inner process of purification: In this moment I am willing to look at myself from God's perspective. It shows me that I am just human, I'm unclean, and God is ready to cleanse me today.
John 3:22-36
Sunday's Reading was John 3:22-36. This one actually needs to be extended to John 4:1-3. The Gospel of John dates to the 90s. It is a relatively late and distant interpretation of Jesus Christ. John the Baptist is a distant memory surely not worthy of baptizing Jesus. To the author it is even important to stress Jesus' superiority over the Baptist by stating that Jesus won more disciples than John - he did not even baptize himself.
John 3:1-21
Saturday's Reading was John 3:1-21. I still like my sermon for Trinity Sunday 2009 titled "Spiritual Encounter" which was based on this passage.
Mark 12:28-44
Friday's Reading was Mark 12:28-44. It includes one of the most remarkable passages about financial stewardship - the widow's mite. The lesson here is: Tithing is not a good idea! There is no reason to limit oneself. The widow has by far outgiven the tithers around her as far as percentage goes. Give freely!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Sermon Podcast: God is still speaking in Utah Valley
Listen to a sermon by the Rev. Daniel Haas commemorating Scout Sunday and the 120th anniversary of Provo Community United Church of Christ. It was based on Matthew 5:13-16 and delivered February 6th 2011.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Matthew 19:13-30
Today's Reading is Matthew 19:13-30.
Verse 24 is one of those images you just can't wrap your head around unless you know where it comes from: "I repeat: it is much harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle."
Jesus again is totally in line with his fellow teachers, just that Berakhot has an elephant instead of a camel. Either way it is an aphorism applied to unthinkable thoughts. The image is really taken from everyday life.
Most city gates, like the famous Jaffa gate have a door for pedestrian traffic as opposed to cargo animals. They were called "the eye of a needle". The camel / elephant carrying you goods needs the gate open during day time. Hence they can't sneak in at night but have to wait until the gate is fully opened in the morning.
Verse 24 is one of those images you just can't wrap your head around unless you know where it comes from: "I repeat: it is much harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle."
Jesus again is totally in line with his fellow teachers, just that Berakhot has an elephant instead of a camel. Either way it is an aphorism applied to unthinkable thoughts. The image is really taken from everyday life.
Most city gates, like the famous Jaffa gate have a door for pedestrian traffic as opposed to cargo animals. They were called "the eye of a needle". The camel / elephant carrying you goods needs the gate open during day time. Hence they can't sneak in at night but have to wait until the gate is fully opened in the morning.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Deuteronomy 6:1-25
Today's Reading is Deuteronomy 6:1-25. In Israel a bus driver once told me that he prays the Shema whenever he sees an ambulance driving by. The beautiful thing about this prayer is that it contains God's name three times:
"Israel, remember this! The LORD — and the LORD alone— is our God. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength."
In English YHWH is transcribed as LORD, which in turn is a translation of Andonai, which is what is said in Hebrew avoiding to use God's name altogether. The bus driver said that by calling on God's name you make the four golden letters יהוה ascend to heaven and eventually intercept and send back the soul that is leaving the person dying in the ambulance thus saving his or her life. That sounded logical to me at the time and I have practiced it ever since. Oh, but there is one catch - you gotta recite it in Hebrew:
Sh'ma Yis-ra-eil, A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu, A-do-nai E-chad.
V'a-hav-ta eit A-do-nai E-lo-he-cha,
B'chawl l'va-v'cha,
u-v'chawl naf-sh'cha,
u-v'chawl m'o-de-cha.
"Israel, remember this! The LORD — and the LORD alone— is our God. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength."
In English YHWH is transcribed as LORD, which in turn is a translation of Andonai, which is what is said in Hebrew avoiding to use God's name altogether. The bus driver said that by calling on God's name you make the four golden letters יהוה ascend to heaven and eventually intercept and send back the soul that is leaving the person dying in the ambulance thus saving his or her life. That sounded logical to me at the time and I have practiced it ever since. Oh, but there is one catch - you gotta recite it in Hebrew:
Sh'ma Yis-ra-eil, A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu, A-do-nai E-chad.
V'a-hav-ta eit A-do-nai E-lo-he-cha,
B'chawl l'va-v'cha,
u-v'chawl naf-sh'cha,
u-v'chawl m'o-de-cha.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Leviticus 19:1-18
Today's Reading is Leviticus 19:1-18.
This chapter is central to the so-called Holiness Code. The motto is; “Be holy, because I, the LORD your God, am holy." The Hebrew word for "holiness," "kedushah" (Hebrew: קדושה) has the connotation of "separateness". So since God is separate from the world so his people are supposed to be special. There is some religious and cultural stuff listed but that is mostly common-sense or general moral practice. A couple of things really stick out though:
Verse 10: "Do not go back through your vineyard to gather the grapes that were missed or to pick up the grapes that have fallen; leave them for poor people and foreigners. I am the LORD your God."
- God's people know they were slaves in Egypt once. Hence they have a special responsibility towards their poor.
Verse 18: "love your neighbors as you love yourself."
- Asked about the most important commandment Jesus quotes this verse, echoing the teaching of the school of Hillel.
This chapter is central to the so-called Holiness Code. The motto is; “Be holy, because I, the LORD your God, am holy." The Hebrew word for "holiness," "kedushah" (Hebrew: קדושה) has the connotation of "separateness". So since God is separate from the world so his people are supposed to be special. There is some religious and cultural stuff listed but that is mostly common-sense or general moral practice. A couple of things really stick out though:
Verse 10: "Do not go back through your vineyard to gather the grapes that were missed or to pick up the grapes that have fallen; leave them for poor people and foreigners. I am the LORD your God."
- God's people know they were slaves in Egypt once. Hence they have a special responsibility towards their poor.
Verse 18: "love your neighbors as you love yourself."
- Asked about the most important commandment Jesus quotes this verse, echoing the teaching of the school of Hillel.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Acts 28:11-31
Today's Reading is Acts 28:11-31.
Paul got mixed reactions teaching the Jewish authorities in Rome. His reaction? - He was pissed. And Paul concluded: “You are to know, then, that God's message of salvation has been sent to the Gentiles. They will listen!”
Duh! If you were a minority of only 10% of the population you depend on the coherence of your religious/ethnic group. Yes, the broad majority of people, at least being secure about their cultural identity is much more receptive for different religious influence.
Explore the meeting of two ancient cultures, Roman and Jewish, in this walk of Rome’s ghetto.
Paul got mixed reactions teaching the Jewish authorities in Rome. His reaction? - He was pissed. And Paul concluded: “You are to know, then, that God's message of salvation has been sent to the Gentiles. They will listen!”
Duh! If you were a minority of only 10% of the population you depend on the coherence of your religious/ethnic group. Yes, the broad majority of people, at least being secure about their cultural identity is much more receptive for different religious influence.
Explore the meeting of two ancient cultures, Roman and Jewish, in this walk of Rome’s ghetto.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Acts 27:39-28:10
Today's Reading is Acts 27:39-28:10.
This is another milestone of early church history: Publius' conversion led to Malta being the first Christian nation in the West. Here is how the orthodox history of Malta is told. That is a pretty place.
This is another milestone of early church history: Publius' conversion led to Malta being the first Christian nation in the West. Here is how the orthodox history of Malta is told. That is a pretty place.
Sermon Podcast: Reality Check, Part II
Listen to a sermon by the Rev. Daniel Haas titled "Reality Check, Part II" based on Matthew 4:23-5:12. It was delivered at Provo Community United Church of Christ on January 30th 2011. Also you might want to check out Part I.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Acts 27:13-38
Today's Reading is Acts 27:13-38. It is one of those great stories of men of God managing a voyage on the water.
Paul stands in the tradition of even greater people:
Noah and his Ark and Jesus calming the storm come to mind.
They all make a point: You are not alone - God has your back!
Paul stands in the tradition of even greater people:
Noah and his Ark and Jesus calming the storm come to mind.
They all make a point: You are not alone - God has your back!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Acts 26:19-27:12
Today's Reading is Acts 26:19-27:12.
The end is near: That is the end of the book of Acts and Paul's career.
After Paul basically preaching to the authorities he invokes his rights as a Roman citizen. And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to the Emperor.”
So with this man we have an example of someone bridging cultural gaps: Pharisee and Roman at the same time. Paul is totally embedded in 1st century Judaism. Paul is able to preach at the Areopagus in Athens so that people of Greek upbringing can relate to it.
Paul describes it beautifully in his own words: "Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized — whoever ..."
The end is near: That is the end of the book of Acts and Paul's career.
After Paul basically preaching to the authorities he invokes his rights as a Roman citizen. And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to the Emperor.”
So with this man we have an example of someone bridging cultural gaps: Pharisee and Roman at the same time. Paul is totally embedded in 1st century Judaism. Paul is able to preach at the Areopagus in Athens so that people of Greek upbringing can relate to it.
Paul describes it beautifully in his own words: "Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized — whoever ..."
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Acts 26:1-18
Today' Reading is Acts 26:1-18.
This is nothing but the third account of Paul's conversion in the book of Acts. Please refer to my reflection of the first account in Acts 9:1-25.
This is nothing but the third account of Paul's conversion in the book of Acts. Please refer to my reflection of the first account in Acts 9:1-25.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Acts 9:26-43
Today's Reading is Acts 9:26-43.
After Paul's conversion he went to Jerusalem and tried to join the disciples. Well that didn't work out too well. This little scene is a wonderful reminder of what the early church had to go through: Growing pains!
The Apostles were used to being good Jews, following rabbi Joshua.
Now that the second temple is destroyed Judaism as a whole undergoes a major crisis and this little sect of Jesus people has to find its own identity. The Apostles under Peter's leadership minister in Jerusalem basically sticking within their comfort zone. Paul pushes the boundaries towards opening the early church to the Roman culture. In this first encounter after his conversion he is flat out rejected. This whole conflict is not resolved until the Council of Jerusalem.
After Paul's conversion he went to Jerusalem and tried to join the disciples. Well that didn't work out too well. This little scene is a wonderful reminder of what the early church had to go through: Growing pains!
The Apostles were used to being good Jews, following rabbi Joshua.
Now that the second temple is destroyed Judaism as a whole undergoes a major crisis and this little sect of Jesus people has to find its own identity. The Apostles under Peter's leadership minister in Jerusalem basically sticking within their comfort zone. Paul pushes the boundaries towards opening the early church to the Roman culture. In this first encounter after his conversion he is flat out rejected. This whole conflict is not resolved until the Council of Jerusalem.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Acts 9:1-25
Yesterday's Reading was Acts 9:1-25. It is one account of Paul's conversion.
Paul himself writes about it on three occasions in his letters:
1 Corinthians 9:1
Intention: My ministry is legit!
1 Corinthians 15:3-8
Intention: My ministry is legit!
Galatians 1:11-16
Intention: My ministry is legit!
Now the book of Acts has three accounts of it as well:
Acts 9:1-25
Intention: People, come and see the light!
Acts 22:6-21
Intention: People, come and see the light!
Acts 26:12-18
Intention: People, come and see the light!
Paul's own accounts a very brief. They don't have a story line to them, they are merely arguments for the legitimacy of his position. The book of Acts on the other hand uses the idea of Paul's conversion as an example of how faith can turn a person around. The dramatic images of light have inspired many to see the light.
Paul himself writes about it on three occasions in his letters:
1 Corinthians 9:1
Intention: My ministry is legit!
1 Corinthians 15:3-8
Intention: My ministry is legit!
Galatians 1:11-16
Intention: My ministry is legit!
Now the book of Acts has three accounts of it as well:
Acts 9:1-25
Intention: People, come and see the light!
Acts 22:6-21
Intention: People, come and see the light!
Acts 26:12-18
Intention: People, come and see the light!
Paul's own accounts a very brief. They don't have a story line to them, they are merely arguments for the legitimacy of his position. The book of Acts on the other hand uses the idea of Paul's conversion as an example of how faith can turn a person around. The dramatic images of light have inspired many to see the light.
Acts 8:26-40
Monday's Reading was Acts 8:26-40.
It nicely ties together what was going on during the weekend:
Saturday was about kicking out the gnostic tradition.
Sunday was about unity in the body of Christ.
Now the story of the Ethiopian treasurer is a tribute to the rich contributions the Coptic tradition has made to Christianity.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
John 17:1-26
Today's Reading is John 17:1-26.
Today is also the Sunday of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Hence the natural focus is on the most famous phrase from Jesus' high priestly prayer - verse 21: "I pray that they may all be one."
One beautiful symbol reflecting this verse is the symbol of the United Church of Christ. It comprises a crown, cross and orb enclosed within a double oval bearing the name of the church and the prayer of Jesus, "That they may all be one" (John 17:21). It is based on an ancient Christian symbol called the "Cross of Victory" or the "Cross Triumphant." The crown symbolizes the sovereignty of Christ. The cross recalls the suffering of Christ—his arms outstretched on the wood of the cross—for the salvation of humanity. The orb, divided into three parts, reminds us of Jesus' command to be his "witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). The verse from Scripture reflects our historic commitment to the restoration of unity among the separated churches of Jesus Christ.
Today is also the Sunday of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Hence the natural focus is on the most famous phrase from Jesus' high priestly prayer - verse 21: "I pray that they may all be one."
One beautiful symbol reflecting this verse is the symbol of the United Church of Christ. It comprises a crown, cross and orb enclosed within a double oval bearing the name of the church and the prayer of Jesus, "That they may all be one" (John 17:21). It is based on an ancient Christian symbol called the "Cross of Victory" or the "Cross Triumphant." The crown symbolizes the sovereignty of Christ. The cross recalls the suffering of Christ—his arms outstretched on the wood of the cross—for the salvation of humanity. The orb, divided into three parts, reminds us of Jesus' command to be his "witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). The verse from Scripture reflects our historic commitment to the restoration of unity among the separated churches of Jesus Christ.
Sermon Podcast: Called Together
Listen to a sermon by the Rev. Daniel Haas titled “Called Together” based on Matthew 4:12-22. It was delivered at Provo Community United Church of Christ on January 23rd 2011.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Acts 8:4-25
Today's passage is Acts 8:4-25. We are introduced to Simon Magus (Greek Σίμων ὁ μάγος), also known as Simon the Sorcerer and Simon of Gitta. The book of Acts is about the early church shaping in structure and theology. Simon represents a gnostic sect that is discredited in this story. Also it is the myth of origin for the crime of Simony. Whenever a movement forms it has to set certain boundaries. Here are two of them.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Matthew 18:6-20
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Matthew 17:24-18:5
Today's Reading is Matthew 17:24-18:5.
Since Matthew mainly draws from three sources: Mark, Q and special material, I want to focus on the latter today. The author of the Gospel has cameo appearances in his own works. We know he is totally familiar with the fishermen community of Galilee. Today "Matthew" introduces us to the pride of an industry he loves. The story of the coin in the fish's mouth is a myth of origin advertising the Sea of Galilee's signature "St. Peter's fish":
Since Matthew mainly draws from three sources: Mark, Q and special material, I want to focus on the latter today. The author of the Gospel has cameo appearances in his own works. We know he is totally familiar with the fishermen community of Galilee. Today "Matthew" introduces us to the pride of an industry he loves. The story of the coin in the fish's mouth is a myth of origin advertising the Sea of Galilee's signature "St. Peter's fish":
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Matthew 17:1-23
Today's Reading is Matthew 17:1-23 - the Transfiguration of Jesus.
That is a rather strange scene that obviously has something to do with Jesus' identity and authority. The oldest account is to be found in Mark 9. The Gospel of Mark is known for being the origin of the Messianic Secret.
Now here is why the Transfiguration is important and what it does:
Mark allows the Messiah to go public from here on out. The scene is followed by Exorcising a boy with many witnesses to Jesus' power. Now the world can see Jesus as Lord.
That is a rather strange scene that obviously has something to do with Jesus' identity and authority. The oldest account is to be found in Mark 9. The Gospel of Mark is known for being the origin of the Messianic Secret.
Now here is why the Transfiguration is important and what it does:
Mark allows the Messiah to go public from here on out. The scene is followed by Exorcising a boy with many witnesses to Jesus' power. Now the world can see Jesus as Lord.
Matthew 16:1-28
Yesterday's Reading was Matthew 16:1-28.
To me it raises two interesting issues:
First, who is Peter?
Jesus calling Simon the rock still leaves him an unlikely symbol of stability. While he was one of the first disciples called and served as the spokesman for the group, Peter is also the exemplar of "little faith" in Matthew 14, will soon have Jesus say to him, "Get behind me, Satan," and will eventually deny Jesus three times. In light of the Easter event, then, Peter became an exemplar of the forgiven sinner.
Second, how about binding and loosing?
The saying is not a new one, but a paraphrase of Matthew 18:18 where it is applied to all of Jesus' disciples. Basically he gives them the same authority that rabbis have, in virtue of their ordination, the power of deciding disputes relating to the Law.
To me it raises two interesting issues:
First, who is Peter?
Jesus calling Simon the rock still leaves him an unlikely symbol of stability. While he was one of the first disciples called and served as the spokesman for the group, Peter is also the exemplar of "little faith" in Matthew 14, will soon have Jesus say to him, "Get behind me, Satan," and will eventually deny Jesus three times. In light of the Easter event, then, Peter became an exemplar of the forgiven sinner.
Second, how about binding and loosing?
The saying is not a new one, but a paraphrase of Matthew 18:18 where it is applied to all of Jesus' disciples. Basically he gives them the same authority that rabbis have, in virtue of their ordination, the power of deciding disputes relating to the Law.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Matthew 11:20-30
Today's Reading Matthew 11:20-30 is all about the towns where Jesus had performed most of his miracles. There is two pairs that stand out:
Chorazin and Bethsaida are part of the Holy Land. Jesus would have reason to expect more acceptance there than anywhere else. Not so! His ministry is mostly rejected among his own.
Tyre and Sidon are Lebanese towns. Back then and still nowadays that has meant: enemy's country! But Jesus seems to be content with the people's attitude there. Very interesting how Jesus' expectations are not met.
His message is one that is supposed to take away the burden of religious duty:
"For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light." One should think the message of unconditional love could easily be accepted. Well, what do you know.
Chorazin and Bethsaida are part of the Holy Land. Jesus would have reason to expect more acceptance there than anywhere else. Not so! His ministry is mostly rejected among his own.
Tyre and Sidon are Lebanese towns. Back then and still nowadays that has meant: enemy's country! But Jesus seems to be content with the people's attitude there. Very interesting how Jesus' expectations are not met.
His message is one that is supposed to take away the burden of religious duty:
"For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light." One should think the message of unconditional love could easily be accepted. Well, what do you know.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Sermon Podcast: Possibilities Unfolding
Listen to a sermon by the Rev. Daniel Haas titled “Possibilities Unfolding” based on Matthew 3:13-17. It was delivered at Provo Community United Church of Christ on January 16th 2011.
Matthew 11:1-19
In today's reading Matthew 11:1-19 Jesus gives a sobering overview of how people react to God's word: You won't listen anyway!
LOOK: There have been all these prophets of old from Isaiah to John and you wouldn't listen. Whether they preach joy or doom. It doesn't matter you. God has tried it all and nothing makes sense: “We played wedding music for you, but you wouldn't dance! We sang funeral songs, but you wouldn't cry!” That's what church work feels like at times. People rejected John, eventually decapitated him. People rejected Jesus, eventually crucified him. That's how messengers of the good news are received.
BUT: All that does not matter, because "God's wisdom (...) is shown to be true by its results.” Good is gonna prevail in the end, whether we like it or not.
LOOK: There have been all these prophets of old from Isaiah to John and you wouldn't listen. Whether they preach joy or doom. It doesn't matter you. God has tried it all and nothing makes sense: “We played wedding music for you, but you wouldn't dance! We sang funeral songs, but you wouldn't cry!” That's what church work feels like at times. People rejected John, eventually decapitated him. People rejected Jesus, eventually crucified him. That's how messengers of the good news are received.
BUT: All that does not matter, because "God's wisdom (...) is shown to be true by its results.” Good is gonna prevail in the end, whether we like it or not.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Matthew 10:26-42
Today's passage Matthew 10:26-42 starts: "So do not be afraid of people. Whatever is now covered up will be uncovered, and every secret will be made known."
Information about the upcoming birth of the Messiah have leaked. Commenter Kim quotes Karl Barth's stance against all secret policies and secret diplomacy. Jesus is God's own WikiLeaks and the one truth that leaks over and over again is: There is no reason to be afraid!
Back in June 2008 I preached about the evangelical aspect of this passage under the title "Spread the Love".
Friday, January 14, 2011
Matthew 10:1-25
Today's passage is Matthew 10:1-25.
Verses 16-20 are Matthew's pep-talk for the members of his congregation. They are not Jesus' words and not directed at the people around him. It's a leader encouraging his group to hang in there. Discipleship is one of the main issues in the Gospel according to Matthew. That is what makes it applicable to any time and situation. A strong witness is required. Imagine Luther standing before the Diet of Worms:
Verses 16-20 are Matthew's pep-talk for the members of his congregation. They are not Jesus' words and not directed at the people around him. It's a leader encouraging his group to hang in there. Discipleship is one of the main issues in the Gospel according to Matthew. That is what makes it applicable to any time and situation. A strong witness is required. Imagine Luther standing before the Diet of Worms:
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Matthew 9:18-38
Today's reading is Matthew 9:18-38.
Three things I found noteworthy:
1. There is so much need for healing in the world.
2. Jesus can't do it all by himself, but needs us to help him.
3. It makes sense to scrutinize miracles. The Pharisees were critical for good reason with so many nut-jobs all over the place claiming to heal in the name of Jesus. Sounds familiar, doesn't it?
Three things I found noteworthy:
1. There is so much need for healing in the world.
2. Jesus can't do it all by himself, but needs us to help him.
3. It makes sense to scrutinize miracles. The Pharisees were critical for good reason with so many nut-jobs all over the place claiming to heal in the name of Jesus. Sounds familiar, doesn't it?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Matthew 9:1-17
Today's passage Matthew 9:1-17 is a perfect makeover of Mark 2:1-22. That is not surprising since Matthew draws a good deal of his material from Mark:
One major difference is striking though: Mark calls the tax-collector "Levi" whereas Matthew inserts himself into the story. Alfred Hitchcock famously followed this example.
At this point in Jesus' ministry, disputes commence:
Verse 3: Then some teachers of the Law said to themselves, “This man is speaking blasphemy!” These scribes judge Jesus without even talking to him.
Verse 11: Some Pharisees saw this and asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such people?” These Pharisees engage in a real conversation with Jesus and his disciples, because he was certainly close if not even part of their tradition.
One major difference is striking though: Mark calls the tax-collector "Levi" whereas Matthew inserts himself into the story. Alfred Hitchcock famously followed this example.
At this point in Jesus' ministry, disputes commence:
Verse 3: Then some teachers of the Law said to themselves, “This man is speaking blasphemy!” These scribes judge Jesus without even talking to him.
Verse 11: Some Pharisees saw this and asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such people?” These Pharisees engage in a real conversation with Jesus and his disciples, because he was certainly close if not even part of their tradition.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Matthew 8:18-34
There will be two posts today, because I missed yesterday's reading Matthew 8:18-34.
Matthew is still working on making sure his audience gets the message that with the coming of Jesus, the kingdom of God has come: “What kind of man is this?” they said. “Even the winds and the waves obey him!” It's pretty much like in the beginning.
Matthew is also still working on making sure his audience gets the message that Jesus is faithful to the Jewish tradition: Gadara is in the Decapolis still - where the gentiles live. That's why there is pigs in this story. Not only does Jesus cast out demons but he also disposes of a non-kosher herd of pigs, killing two birds with one stone.
Matthew is still working on making sure his audience gets the message that with the coming of Jesus, the kingdom of God has come: “What kind of man is this?” they said. “Even the winds and the waves obey him!” It's pretty much like in the beginning.
Matthew is also still working on making sure his audience gets the message that Jesus is faithful to the Jewish tradition: Gadara is in the Decapolis still - where the gentiles live. That's why there is pigs in this story. Not only does Jesus cast out demons but he also disposes of a non-kosher herd of pigs, killing two birds with one stone.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Matthew 8:1-17
Today's passage Matthew 8:1-17 has three healing stories:
1. The Leper
2. The Centurion
3. Peter’s mother-in-law
1. The Healing of the Leper is interesting because Jesus tells the man to get the healing on the record: Go to the religious authorities and have your life restored. Even this radical preacher-healer is highly interested in playing by the rules of the Jewish tradition. This way the former Leper can get his life back, not just get rid of his disease.
2. The Centurion is one of those instances where Jesus crosses a line that used to be unthinkable: extending God's healing touch to an enemy of God's people. Love your enemy is so much more radical than love your neighbor.
3. The third healing is a good insight for my Catholic friends: Peter is considered to be the first Bishop of Rome, or as you would say Pope. Now he had a mother-in-law. That means he was married. So the first Pope was married. Which is no surprise because clerical celibacy was not decided on until the 4th century. Nothing sacred about it.
1. The Leper
2. The Centurion
3. Peter’s mother-in-law
1. The Healing of the Leper is interesting because Jesus tells the man to get the healing on the record: Go to the religious authorities and have your life restored. Even this radical preacher-healer is highly interested in playing by the rules of the Jewish tradition. This way the former Leper can get his life back, not just get rid of his disease.
2. The Centurion is one of those instances where Jesus crosses a line that used to be unthinkable: extending God's healing touch to an enemy of God's people. Love your enemy is so much more radical than love your neighbor.
3. The third healing is a good insight for my Catholic friends: Peter is considered to be the first Bishop of Rome, or as you would say Pope. Now he had a mother-in-law. That means he was married. So the first Pope was married. Which is no surprise because clerical celibacy was not decided on until the 4th century. Nothing sacred about it.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Matthew 4:12-25
Today's story is Matthew 4:12-25.
Jesus walks in the footsteps of John the Baptist. Interestingly enough we do not hear of Jesus ever baptizing anyone. Obviously Baptism is not all that important to Jesus. He does continue John's preaching but he runs away from Nazareth to Capernaum. That is exactly what his disciples will be doing once he is arrested and killed.
At the lake running into his first two disciples strange things happen: Why would they without the sign of a doubt forfeit their livelihood and give up their families? Jesus asks them to give up their jobs and not provide for their families anymore. That is not a preacher encouraging decent behavior - he's a radical. Family values - none. Work ethic - none. Kingdom of heaven - everything!
And then the story sounds pretty much like the story of a pop star with groupies and everything. So Jesus continues John's ministry just a whole lot more successful. All of a sudden something amazing happens: "Large crowds followed him from Galilee and the Ten Towns, from Jerusalem, Judea, and the land on the other side of the Jordan." Jesus' ministry gains traction not only in northern Israel but also the Judean south. Jesus reuniting the kingdom of Israel and Judah for the first time since King David.
Even more amazing is the fact that people from the Decapolis join him. Jesus ministers to non-Jews, pagans, heathens, Romans. Unthinkable in his day and age. John would not have approved. That is a radical message of inclusion: Those strangers, foreigners, enemies, people that look and speak different from us, God's chosen people, they should be included in the kingdom of heaven, even with their views of sexuality? - YES!
Jesus walks in the footsteps of John the Baptist. Interestingly enough we do not hear of Jesus ever baptizing anyone. Obviously Baptism is not all that important to Jesus. He does continue John's preaching but he runs away from Nazareth to Capernaum. That is exactly what his disciples will be doing once he is arrested and killed.
At the lake running into his first two disciples strange things happen: Why would they without the sign of a doubt forfeit their livelihood and give up their families? Jesus asks them to give up their jobs and not provide for their families anymore. That is not a preacher encouraging decent behavior - he's a radical. Family values - none. Work ethic - none. Kingdom of heaven - everything!
And then the story sounds pretty much like the story of a pop star with groupies and everything. So Jesus continues John's ministry just a whole lot more successful. All of a sudden something amazing happens: "Large crowds followed him from Galilee and the Ten Towns, from Jerusalem, Judea, and the land on the other side of the Jordan." Jesus' ministry gains traction not only in northern Israel but also the Judean south. Jesus reuniting the kingdom of Israel and Judah for the first time since King David.
Even more amazing is the fact that people from the Decapolis join him. Jesus ministers to non-Jews, pagans, heathens, Romans. Unthinkable in his day and age. John would not have approved. That is a radical message of inclusion: Those strangers, foreigners, enemies, people that look and speak different from us, God's chosen people, they should be included in the kingdom of heaven, even with their views of sexuality? - YES!
Sermon Podcast: The Boy Genius
Listen to a sermon by the Rev. Daniel Haas titled “The Boy Genius” based on Luke 2:41-52. It was delivered at Provo Community United Church of Christ on January 9th 2011.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Matthew 3:1-17
Today's Reading is Matthew 3:1-17
During Jesus' time there were many many preachers calling for repentance like John. In every day and age you have people that are expecting the end of time to come soon so they need to join Isaiah in his call. Jesus comes to end that. He is the final revelation. (Barmen 1) With his appearance God has said everything and showed everything. Jesus tells John: “Let it be so for now. For in this way we shall do all that God requires.” Jesus sharing our common lot, repenting on our behalf, paying for our sins, that is all it requires. The baptism of John is one of repentance which is no longer necessary in Christ Jesus. A Christian baptism is there to "remind you and assure you that Christ's one sacrifice on the cross is for you personally". Then a voice said from heaven, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased.” in Christ that is true for all of us as well - no John necessary.
During Jesus' time there were many many preachers calling for repentance like John. In every day and age you have people that are expecting the end of time to come soon so they need to join Isaiah in his call. Jesus comes to end that. He is the final revelation. (Barmen 1) With his appearance God has said everything and showed everything. Jesus tells John: “Let it be so for now. For in this way we shall do all that God requires.” Jesus sharing our common lot, repenting on our behalf, paying for our sins, that is all it requires. The baptism of John is one of repentance which is no longer necessary in Christ Jesus. A Christian baptism is there to "remind you and assure you that Christ's one sacrifice on the cross is for you personally". Then a voice said from heaven, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased.” in Christ that is true for all of us as well - no John necessary.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Matthew 2:1-15
Find today's passage here. The Sunday after Christmas I preached about Matthew 2:13-23 asking: Now What? That reflection applies to today's verses as well. I used PARDeS to dig even deeper into the different aspects of this piece. Interesting stuff.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Matthew 1:1-25
Find today's passage here. Since I just preached about it a couple of weeks ago, may I refer you to the sermon titled "Love".
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Romans 10:5-17
Today's Reading is Romans 10:5-17.
Verses 5-8 remind us to not focus on a distant future or fate or a place up in heaven or down in hell but to only look and live right here, right now. Jesus said the same thing in his sermon on the mount: "So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings." (Matthew 6:34)
Verse 12 makes clear that God's salvation is for everyone, no exceptions. A modern-day version of "Jews and Gentiles" would include people of all races, gender identities and faith traditions. Radical inclusion is the only option for a faith community truely based in God's extravagant love. Once you start to reject certain people, this is what you get:
Verse 17 has been the sad basis for one of the silliest exclusions churches have erected: It was held that the hearing-impaired could not be saved because they were not able to acoustically perceive the good news. Our little human minds cannot even begin to grasp the all-encompassing love of God: No exceptions!
Verses 5-8 remind us to not focus on a distant future or fate or a place up in heaven or down in hell but to only look and live right here, right now. Jesus said the same thing in his sermon on the mount: "So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings." (Matthew 6:34)
Verse 12 makes clear that God's salvation is for everyone, no exceptions. A modern-day version of "Jews and Gentiles" would include people of all races, gender identities and faith traditions. Radical inclusion is the only option for a faith community truely based in God's extravagant love. Once you start to reject certain people, this is what you get:
Verse 17 has been the sad basis for one of the silliest exclusions churches have erected: It was held that the hearing-impaired could not be saved because they were not able to acoustically perceive the good news. Our little human minds cannot even begin to grasp the all-encompassing love of God: No exceptions!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Romans 6:1-23
Today's chapter is Romans 6. Here one can find the core of Paul's theologia crucis. There is no celebration of the great human mind or our capability to create our own destiny but quite the opposite: Think of yourselves as dead (Verse 11). It's all about acknowledging you're lost - and for that matter found. It's all about acknowledging you're dead - and for that matter resurrected already. Take on Christ's death, pretty much like Jesus describes it in Mark 8:31-38. His resurrection has already happened for you!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Romans 5:1-21
Today's Passage is Romans 5:1-21
Verse 1 brings us right back to the fact that we are saved by faith alone.
Verses 3-4 reminds me of a sermon I preached on May 30th 2010: Peace with God. It is about the exercise aspect of the Gospel: Kids practicing their endurance and a friend of mine getting ready for the Iron Man.
Verse 16 stresses that we are saved without deserving it: We are not able to earn, add or take away from salvation. It is freely given. Good news!
Verse 20 has a logic that has blown great minds: The bigger our sin the bigger God's grace. Martin Luther is known for his down-to-earth quotes. Here are some very good one based on our verse:
"A happy fart never comes from a miserable ass."(Uncommon Travel Germany)
"You did not burp, you did not fart, didn't you like the meal."(Guardian)
"Sin boldly!" (WikiQuote)
Verse 1 brings us right back to the fact that we are saved by faith alone.
Verses 3-4 reminds me of a sermon I preached on May 30th 2010: Peace with God. It is about the exercise aspect of the Gospel: Kids practicing their endurance and a friend of mine getting ready for the Iron Man.
Verse 16 stresses that we are saved without deserving it: We are not able to earn, add or take away from salvation. It is freely given. Good news!
Verse 20 has a logic that has blown great minds: The bigger our sin the bigger God's grace. Martin Luther is known for his down-to-earth quotes. Here are some very good one based on our verse:
"A happy fart never comes from a miserable ass."(Uncommon Travel Germany)
"You did not burp, you did not fart, didn't you like the meal."(Guardian)
"Sin boldly!" (WikiQuote)
Sermon Podcast: Reality Check, Part I
Listen to a sermon by the Rev. Daniel Haas commemorating Epiphany based on John 1:1-18. It was delivered at Provo Community United Church of Christ on January 2nd 2011.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Romans 1:1-17
It is still not final whether I am really gonna use this blog for the journey or my profile over at YouVersion where I have posted today's reflection on Romans 1:1-17:
Verse 16 is a reminder that God's covenant is first and foremost with God's chosen people of Israel. Us Goyim, especially the Roman sort, come as a secondary addition to God's first love. God's one and only covenant is extended to include even us.
Verse 17 is a reference to Habakkuk 2:4 and helped shape the Reformation concept of sola fide.
Verse 16 is a reminder that God's covenant is first and foremost with God's chosen people of Israel. Us Goyim, especially the Roman sort, come as a secondary addition to God's first love. God's one and only covenant is extended to include even us.
Verse 17 is a reference to Habakkuk 2:4 and helped shape the Reformation concept of sola fide.
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