July 2007 Clothesline

Greetings to all on 2 JUL 2007

Word for the Day
Midrash - To search out (Hebrew), Jewish tradition of reading that views the Bible as one side of a conversation, started by God, and open to ongoing conversation and argument. [1]

Quote for the Day
There is a real point to saying that in religious matters nothing fails like success. These types of movements touch the human heart very deeply and serve profound human needs. Because of this, they soon attract many who do not even want the fire of the founder - they do not really understand it. But they do need and like the light and the warmth it provides. Eventually, however, and without consciously intending to do so, they extinguish the very fire that provides the light and warmth, or it simply dies out from lack of being tended. [2]

Website for the Day
http://www.keithbrenton.blogspot.com/
Keith is a minister in Little Rock AR

Thought for the Day
The Jewish midrash developed after the destruction of the temple in 70 C.E. One midrashic technique consists of selecting two seemingly unrelated passages that are brought together to make a point, often by posing a question that encourages, or even demands, debate. A midrash requires “close attention, playful imagination, deep reverence, and the courage to continually turn toward the words that trouble us.” [3] The article today will attempt to illustrate a midrash based on Exodus 3 - 4 and Luke 24.32. Unfortunately, this format does not allow the element of discussion and disagreement.

In the third chapter of Exodus, we find Moses’ encounter with the burning bush. Little does he realize the price for this momentary indiscretion of curiosity. By the second time God would have called my name, I would have either been near the end of a 100 yard dash or too petrified to move. I guess Moses was the latter of the two since he responds with “Here I am.” [EXO 3.4] And so begins the adventures of Moses and Aaron, the progenitors of our modern super hero and sidekick. Moses’ mission, which he reluctantly chose to accept, was to lead his people out of bondage in Egypt and into the promised land. His ministry was to be their mediator along the way.

Luke records the only account of the walk to Emmaus. The setting is the day of the resurrection after the talmidim (disciples) have discovered the empty tomb. Cleopas and another disciple encounter a stranger who feigns ignorance of the recent events. The irony is that as they inform him of Jesus, he turns the conversation around and unfolds the word for them. In particular, notice verse 32, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to the scriptures?” Reflect on the imagery of fire and connect this story with the fiery bush to which Moses was drawn. Are we drawn to the fire? Do we have a fire that burns within us? Leonard Sweet observed that we should all have a ministry and a mission. [4] Our ministry is inwardly focused towards other Christians, while our mission is outwardly focused. Remember Moses’ mission and ministry?

Now, I will pose another question for you and me. Is ministry and mission an imperative or an option? Is it expected of the clergy but not a necessity for the lay people? Moses’ response is echoed by Isaiah when he said, “Here am I! Send me.” [ISA 6.8] What is your mission? What is your ministry?

We are familiar with Moses being a type (precursor) of Jesus. Now consider extending that to each of us. After all, we are his emissaries. God told Moses that he would be with him and he is still with us today. [EXO 3.12 w/ MAT 28.20] The fire that could not be extinguished by the execution stake was passed along to the talmidim and spread like wildfire across the nations. Jesus not only endured the Passion, but he had a passion for the “harassed and helpless.” [MAT 9.36] What is your passion?

May God Bless
Mike Toole
Lori Moores, ed.

1. Judith Kunst, The Burning Word, Paraclete Press, Brewster MA, 2006, p.4

2. Dallas Willard, www.dwillard.org/articles/printable.asp?artid=96, found on 15 June 2007

3. Kunst, op. cit. p.8

4. Leonard Sweet, Message given at ZoeGroup regional conference at Monterey church of Christ, Lubbock TX, March 2, 2007