This is my first month of being at the office in Doddington. I am a deacon in the C of E. In a year, Lord willing, I am going to be a priest in the C of E.
What is theology?
My theology is relational. I think that the more we talk to Jesus about our theology, the better it gets.
In His day, the Pharisees, scholars, priests, law-keepers — they were not silly men either. They knew their Scriptures well. However, Jesus’ explanation of Scripture is what matters, not theirs. Jesus became the walking Scripture, if you will. He showed that it spoke of Him, and not just rules, rules, rules, and more rules.
And rules and relationship with a living person are always going to be two different things.
Rules are great when the person is absent. Then we at least know, in broad strokes, what the person wants from us. A living person, however, is a whole different story. Especially if that person is Jesus.
He breaks all our static understandings of things.
The Good Samaritan is the guy whom we avoid, yet he shows mercy. Three more years are given to the tree that we thought needed to be uprooted. again, mercy is extended. The Prodigal is accepted with wide arms back into God’s all-encompassing embrace. A splurge-type mercy.
It is different.
We — and I include myself here — often side with the disciples:
“Do you want us to call down fire from heaven like Elijah?” (wrong)
“May that never happen to you, Lord!” (Get behind me…)
“Why such a waste? Better sell that and feed the poor…” (Leave her alone…)
Jesus asks us, with Peter, to put our swords back. He rebukes us, with Peter, and goes steadfastly towards Calvary — the place of suffering and victory over evil — and, while on that route, allows the woman to splurge: to anoint His feet with precious nard.
What a lesson.
I am asking myself: would I splurge anything like that for my Jesus? Only with the approval of my wife?
I am already a waster of money, time, and resources. Maybe one day I will learn.
For now, I just want to walk in the forest and soak in God’s presence.
Jesus, it is so lonely without You.