The Good Word

This is what I'm presenting Sunday during church. Our worship director and pastor have been intentional about having scripture presented and read during each service. In addition to bringing Truth, it provides a, sometimes creative, way to read scripture.

Sometimes there is simply one reader, sometimes four, sometimes children recite or there is a congregational response.

This Sunday, I'm reading from The Message (not my favorite version of the inspired Word of God...) and it's a pretty tough word to hear. Last night I had a quick rehearsal with our pastor and worship director and the overall consensus was- and I'll willingly admit- that I sound angsty and edgy. Too edgy, too "in your face." I think the words themselves will convict enough that I don't need to add my own emphasis.

So, instead of hollering "Sinners!! We're all sinners" at the top of my lungs, I'm imagining myself sharing this with a young child, or a youth, or my little brother--- who could learn from all the mistakes I've made. I want so badly for him to recognize Truth for Truth and believe even when it's not easy, and especially when it's unexplainable.

It's a hard passage to hear and absorb but it does ultimately bring hope. That's the real message here: Hope. It's not meant to condemn.

Luke 6:37-45

Listen to the words of our Savior, as recorded in Luke's gospel

Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults- unless, of course, you want the same treatment.

Don't condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang.

Be easy on people; you find life alot easier. Give away your life; you'll find life give back, BUT not merely given back- given back with bonus and blessing. Giving- not getting- is the way.

Generosity begets generosity.

He quoted a Proverb, "Can a blind man guide a blind man?" Wouldn't they both end up in the ditch?

An apprentice doesn't lecture the master.

The point is to be careful who you follow as your teacher.

It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own.

Do you have the nerve to say, "Let me wash your face for you" when your own face is distorted by contempt?

It's this "I-know-better-than-you" mentality again, playing a "holier-than-thou" part instead of just living your own part.

Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.

You don't get wormy apples of a healthy tree, nor good apples off a diseased tree. The health of the apple tells the health of the tree. You must begin with your own life-giving lives. It's who you are not what you say and do that counts. Your true being brims over into true words and deeds.

The Word of the Lord