Truth or Fact

Luke 10

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 

30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.v 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denariie and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 

What is truth today?

Is it your truth that matters most?

 Is it my truth?

Is it the truth that other want us to believe that matters?

So much of life has been turned upside down. In a world with no limits how can even the world keep its own shape? We become lost in a floating cosmos unbound by rules other than how we feel at this moment. I may decide to be rigid today. I may be flexible. But in the end it is my choice.

Incredibly some people believe that the story of the Good Samaritan is a factual account of something that really happened. They have become so frightened of really listening to what the bible says that they see every word of the bible as fact. Lost and frightened in today's world where anything goes they turn the Bible into a rock. A lifejacket in a world of sin. In doing so they actually become a just as much a part of the problem as those who would completely deny the bible. In either denying the bible or idolising it we close our eyes to what it really is.  It is a picture, a song, a poem, a prophecy and it is alive. It resonates with the parts of us that refuse to be dominated by what other people tell us. This is the sad misrepresentation of the bible in the world today. It is not a text book on the history of the  universe. It actually is the greatest story ever told- the story of Gods love for His creation.

Within this picture we see Jesus applying a story to reveal a truth. The story of the kindness of the hated Samaritian and the hypocrisy of the religious Jews paints a picture which allows us to draw our own conclusions about what Jesus was saying. I cannot write what Jesus wants you to understand from this story. Reading it and thinking about it allows you to put yourself in the story and allows you to experience it for yourself.

For myself I see how easily I could become one of the religious leaders, appalled by presuming that this beggar was somehow less human than me. I can identify with the victim as in my worst moments how many so called friends draw alongside to help or walk on by in case their hands are dirtied. I can identify with the Samaritan as he feels led to help the poor abandoned man in the gutter. In doing so I can see how much Jesus understands me and the conflicts I face in how I deal with others. Rather than being force fed fact I am allowed to experience truth revealed. 

Brokenness

I would say that it has been a long time weakness of mine that I trust in my own strength in many situations. Some might even say that I am prone to a bit of arrogance or preachiness. In error I might have disagreed in the past.

As I say goodbye to 2013 I reflect on what I have been learning in life and through my studies and can safely say that this part of myself is being challenged more deeply than any other year. Like that song "Slow Fade" by Casting Crowns I have been foolish enough to think that I am standing when I should have been watching where I was stepping.

Not for nothing is the gate to eternal life described as being narrow.

All of those warning to guard our hearts and our tongues and to be careful whose footsteps we follow and where our treasure lies. Those are not just warning for others. They are warnings for me and you.

As I shared with a friend a week or two ago 2013 has been a year of refining for me. My weaknesses have been tested. My resolve tried. If there was an aspect of life where I could be found wanting it has been examined. This Christmas has been a time of reflection and reordering. I arrive at 2014 with a better understanding of what really matters in life and how that affects my spiritual life.

The first half of 2013 was about stress and change. I am sad to say that the second half of 2013 was all about business. I lost track of the journey towards Christ which is the central focus of all that is worthwhile in life. Pouring myself into earthly things my soul stopped soaring with joy at the touch of the Spirit and became dry and cold.

Why do I feel safe in speaking about this in such a public way? Perhaps it is because this is God's work in me and I want to give testimony to His love and patience and kindness. I could easily say that ministry is not for me as a I am not perfect enough or strong enough. I have seen enough of what ministry is to understand that no-one is. Who can possibly endure the difficulties of ministry without being truly reliant on someone other than themselves?

My strength matters little.

      His grace is sufficient.

I approach 2014 having spent a year being tested and broken. This year I intend to allow myself to be carried when I can no longer walk. To continue with silent resolve when abandoned. In everything to follow Jesus more closely and reflect His glory and strength and life giving love.