Tag: troubles

God’s Rule in an Unruly World

Rob Woodrum4 Comments

rabbisurfMost of you know, I’m a cartoonist who is serving as a pastor until the Lord fixes that. I’ve drawn a graphic novel for the web called “Rabbi Encounters”. You might enjoy reading chapter five, “Surf” (click the title to go there). It’s my rendition of the events that we’ll be reading this Sunday as we continue our study of Matthew – 14:22-36.

I believe this is an account of something that really happened. I also believe this actual event can read as a parable – a metaphor for a life of following Jesus.

The disciples follow Jesus’ instructions to get in the boat and go. Obeying Jesus, they find themselves caught in a storm and being (literally) tormented by the waves. What metaphor can you see in that? How does this correspond with your own life of faith? What can be learned?

When Jesus shows up the disciples are terrified. Why? To your knowledge, has anything like this happened before in the Bible, where someone has walked on water? Do you think any of the disciples expected to see Jesus out there? In what ways can you see a parallel of this in your own expectations about God and what He’s up to?

What do you think, was Peter right or wrong to ask Jesus to command him to walk on the water? Scholars seem to be divided about it. Do you think his lack of faith began when he had to have proof that it was really Jesus, or was it a bold move of faith to claim participation in the miracle?

When Peter is focused on the rising surf, he begins to sink. The lessons there are obvious. Something else to think about is: what was Jesus’ first response (not words necessarily) to Peter’s predicament? How does his response encourage you when you remember times where you’ve had “little faith”?

Those are just some things to consider before Sunday. What I’d really like you to do is read this whole section and read it as metaphor – use your imagination. What is the boat, the water, the storm, the destination? What can those be portraying to us about life and faith and most importantly, Jesus?

Hope to see you this Sunday!

Transcending the Troubles

Rob Woodrum1 Comment

Does it sometimes feel as though, in your Christian journey, you take a few steps forward only to get buffeted by some trial or tribulation which seems to set you back? Do you ever struggle, thinking that maybe you’re not doing this right, that you shouldn’t have so many troubles now that you’re a Christian?

We’re going to be reading Acts 12:1-25 this Sunday in our ongoing study of the Ragamuffin Revolution, the book of Acts.

Luke has been developing this story along a regular beat – a rhythm of the gospel advancing and the gospel being opposed. We left chapter 11 on a high note of a new, gentile church who is maturing and demonstrating the values of God’s kingdom, only to walk into chapter 12 and find an increased and deadly persecution.

A mistake is made sometimes, when people give their lives to Christ. An assumption develops that things should go smoothly now, now that I’m on “God’s side”. There are some presentations of doctrine that actually seek to reinforce that idea; that God’s intent is to lead us into a trouble-free life of wealth and prosperity and if we have enough faith, God will grant it to us.

That’s a lovely notion…but counter to the Bible’s explicit statements and implicit narrative. It’s pretty clear that we never really knew we had troubles until we started following this Jesus. The early church experienced that. Trouble happens – it comes from kings and chains and iron gates – it comes in bills and doctor’s reports and a culture’s growing hostility.

What is our response to this? Fatalism? Shrug and say “oh well, everything is awful and there’s nothing we can do about it.”? What did the church in Jerusalem do when Peter was put in prison? What do you think they were praying for, given their reaction at the end of the story? How do you think prayer affects things? Do you find yourself viewing prayer as a first response or a last resort?

Herod had James executed for being faithful to God. How does this end for Herod? Who has the last word (v24)? What does that tell us about the troubles of this fallen world? How can we be encouraged to transcend our troubles from this account in Acts 12?

Hope to see you Sunday!

*by the way – Josephus, the ancient Jewish historian, also records the death of Herod: Antiquities 19.8.2 343-361  – it’s an interesting parallel to the Biblical narrative.