Decisions, decisions. How we handle regular faith decisions along life's journey is indicative of how we will handle the big ones when they land on our plate. The story of Ruth and Naomi, and Jesus' ambiguous answer to the scribe provide great insights.
There are little decisions and big decisions, but how we handle them reveals a pattern of behavior and a manner of engagement. Treat them seriously and honestly, or regard them tentatively and falsely, that is how the big decisions will likely get handled, too.
In the story of Naomi and Gentile daughter-in-law Ruth, matters of faith suddenly appear in the story to influence the outcome of a big decision. Should she stay or should she go? Naomi makes it clear that her future is very uncertain, and acknowledges her belief that somehow God is against her, having lost her husband and both sons to death in just 10 years. Naomi dissuades Orpah from following her, but for Ruth, Naomi pulls out the faith card. That helps Ruth make her big decision.
In Mark, Jesus encounters a curious scribe or teacher of the Law who has appreciated Jesus's answer to the questions posed first by Pharisees and then the Sadducees. The teacher asks his own question about the greatest commandment in the Torah-Law.
Jesus's answer brings the teacher to complete agreement with Jesus's response to which he adds his own supportive argument.
Jesus is impressed and tells him, "You are not far from the Kingdom." Of course, "not far" is not "there" or "on the way there." It begs a few questions. You'll have to watch the sermon video below to get some answers about the decisions made and decisions left untouched.
There are little decisions and big decisions, but how we handle them reveals a pattern of behavior and a manner of engagement. Treat them seriously and honestly, or regard them tentatively and falsely, that is how the big decisions will likely get handled, too.
In the story of Naomi and Gentile daughter-in-law Ruth, matters of faith suddenly appear in the story to influence the outcome of a big decision. Should she stay or should she go? Naomi makes it clear that her future is very uncertain, and acknowledges her belief that somehow God is against her, having lost her husband and both sons to death in just 10 years. Naomi dissuades Orpah from following her, but for Ruth, Naomi pulls out the faith card. That helps Ruth make her big decision.
In Mark, Jesus encounters a curious scribe or teacher of the Law who has appreciated Jesus's answer to the questions posed first by Pharisees and then the Sadducees. The teacher asks his own question about the greatest commandment in the Torah-Law.
Jesus's answer brings the teacher to complete agreement with Jesus's response to which he adds his own supportive argument.
Jesus is impressed and tells him, "You are not far from the Kingdom." Of course, "not far" is not "there" or "on the way there." It begs a few questions. You'll have to watch the sermon video below to get some answers about the decisions made and decisions left untouched.
| 11-04-18-should_i_stay_or_go.mp3 |
| 11-04-18-ff-answers.pdf |
| 11-04-18-should_i_stay_or_should_i_go.pdf |