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Matthew 16: 13-20 contradictions and confusions
Hi, the world of Western New York is reopening and our lives are - once again changing. I did go on vacation for 9 days. “Go”, well, I went approximately 15 miles from the end of my driveway. Very nice to get away and wonderful to be back home. I have missed sharing with you and look forward to continuing with a once a week devotion or Sunday thought.
The scripture reading today caused the disciples some confusion. Peter had the right answer to Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I, the Son of Man, am?”. It revealed and confirmed to the disciples that Jesus was “the Christ, the son of the living God”. Then Jesus the Christ commanded the disciples not to tell anyone! Why? In God’s own time, all became clear to Jesus’ followers. They needed the resurrection in order to understand that the power of the cross had been broken. The Messiah (Jesus) hadn’t come to free Israel from the rule of Rome, but to free all creation from the grip of eternal death.
Since the first century has the Christian church faced a culture as confused and confusing as ours?
Anyone confused like I am regarding the medical world? Does it seem to you that one study is always negating the finds of the previous study? Stock market recommendations, economist’s predictions, are equally confusing. It feels like we are listening to the classic Abbot and Costello vaudeville routine “Who’s On First?”
Who’s on first??
In the classic comic dialogue the all-knowing Abbot knew there’s at least a base of unshakeable knowledge that isn’t clear to the confused Costello. Abbot KNOWS that the NAMES of some of this confusing ball-team’s players are “Who,” “What,” Where,” and “I don’t know.” The completely confused Costello, not aware of these odd names, is absolutely lost - baffled beyond belief, by the seemingly disconnected script given to him by his partner.
Who’s on first? What’s on second? Where’s on third? I don’t know is playing short stop. But poor Costello doesn’t know what in the world is going on.
Could this be how the disciples felt when Jesus asked the question, “Who do you say that I, the Son of Man, am?” Peter spoke out as spokesman for the disciples. They had plenty of time to visit among themselves and discuss all the lessons and experiences they had shared in the walking ministry of Jesus. Good answer, Peter, but don’t tell anyone!! In God’s time. Disciples were confused.
It’s hard to wait for God’s own good time. We can’t comprehend the violations and violence that break our hearts. We’re confounded and confused, enraged and revolted by the hatred and fear that surrounds our world. It’s as if there’s a haze we are struggling to see through causing us to be confused, not able to see clearly the aspect of our lives:
We confuse “good” with “good at”;
We confuse downsizing with upgrading;
We confuse sex with love;
We confuse “more” with happiness;
We confuse stuff with success;
We confuse quiet with content.
Yet we know the real truth, “in God’s time” as we share the statement of faith.
THE APOSTLES’ CREED*, TRADITIONAL VERSION:
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried;* the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic** church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
** universal
*The Apostles’ Creed is the affirmation of faith most widely used by United Methodists. It derives its name from its use in the Christian church from as early as A.D. 150 and the early belief that it was used by the apostles. Beginning in the third century, this creed was used at baptisms by the Roman Catholic Church.
Pastor Dorothy Hotchkiss of Webster’s Crossing UMC and Groveland Federated Parish.
dhotch2@frontiernet.net 585/406-7030 cell/text
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