In Luke’s Gospel, Luke was writing after carefully researching the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth for the explicit purpose providing a consecutive order of events so that Theophilus would know the “exact truth” of the things he was taught; this goal is clearly stated in the prologue (Luke 1:1-4 NASB). In his writing, Luke recorded many parables, which are extended similes that are easy to remember. Of these, perhaps one of the most renowned is the parable of the Good Samaritan, which is located in Luke 10 just after the sending out and joyful return of the 72.
It is imperative to be considerate of the immediate context of the parable; v25-37 records Jesus communicating to an expert in the Law who, “stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ (NASB, v25).” Interestingly, after being questioned by Jesus, the lawyer gives a correct answer; he appropriately responds to his own question with scripture (Deut 6:5; Lev 19:18). Darrell Bock comments, “The lawyer is confused, even though his answer is correct, because he still thinks that eternal life is earned rather than received in the context of a love relationship with God.” However, as we soon learn, just because the Pharisee transmitted the right reply didn’t mean that his heart and life had been transformed to be right before God. (Luke, 197)
In His brilliance, Jesus exposed a profound dimension of the heart by telling the famous parable. Grant R. Osborne discusses the provocative dynamic of this teaching device by noting that parables communicate in such a way that is, “indirect and demands that the hearer react. It does not appeal to the mind as much as the whole person.” (Hermeneutical Spiral, 293) (more…)
Let me peel off some armor and get just a bit vulnerable, being a father is changing me.
As a new dad, I’m getting new eyes. I realize that my old view of God as a Father was beta and bland. What I have always believed to be true is now becoming much more dynamic, encompassing, and real.
This heightened awareness is like the difference between someone claiming to know that water is wet vs. experientially knowing water by jumping into the cold and powerful waters of Lake Michigan. Unlike merely affirming a proposition or two, being immersed in the lake will instantly intrude all of your senses and make you chilled and short of breath…
God is our Father. Not an abusive, impossible to please, poor communicating fool. He is not the folly that we see all too often, He is the best of what it can mean to be dad.
He’s a wise and patient counselor. He’s a powerful and protective leader. He’s righteous and appropriately intimidating. He doesn’t worry about being unpopular – He’s got a spine. He provides and delivers on everything. A consuming fire … basically a cosmic BA, if you will.
And even though He’s the Lion, He’s also the Lamb.
The text says we should call Him “Abba,” which is sort of like affectionately saying “my dear daddy.” A thick Biblical understanding of the term calls to mind the pure and gentle, intimate and relational, fond and tender, familiar and confident, and gracious love between parent and child.
Since 8 weeks old, Violet has been seriously paying attention to and enjoying her books; thank all of you who bought her one! We have enjoyed the literature, which has focused on things like the color of certain objects, the noises animals make, and counting. My baby knows fire trucks are red and that doggies say, “woof!” Awesome.
As far as literacy goes, we’re off to a good start indeed! Yet, my goal is to move her on to refereed scientific journals & existential philosophy by her second birthday…there’s nothing cuter than a toddler quoting Nietzsche!
10 goals for this new year, some are more concrete than others. Anyway, I’m asking all of you to keep me accountable. Seriously do this. Send a random email, ask me in person, send a messenger pigeon, whatever it takes – hold me to this.
1. Find full time employment, even if that means moving
2. Completely deactivate facebook for 1 month…we’ll be friends again, I promise
3. a) Call my mom more often and b) work smarter, not harder; managing time more effectively
4. a) Work out 4 times a week and b) get more sleep
5. Kiss my wife 5 times every day
6. Trust God recklessly (gulp.)
7. Spend “enough” time (According to Dev) with my wife & daughter (i.e. squeeze a date night in every week, no matter what)
8. a) Consistently chew with my mouth closed and b) wear tighter jeans
9. Challenge & empower other men to live a better story
10. a) Spend at least 5 minutes a day praying for other people and b) share Jesus more often
Early June means another year has been wrapped up for my favorite teacher. I’ve always been so impressed with her integrity and skill, but perhaps the most appropriate measure of a teacher is the impact she has made on her students who will miss her:
(yes, I just took a picture…the check book says I can’t have a scanner)
Well, I’m coming up on another year married to my best friend, I think that means we’re in it for the ‘long haul’…and oh, what a coincidence — “The Long Haul” is the name of a slick little short that I just stumbled upon; made with over 4,000 still pictures. Enjoy!
As a new dad, I’m getting new eyes. I realize that my old view of God as a Father was beta and bland. What I have always believed to be true is now becoming much more dynamic, encompassing, and real.
