Scandlous!

Lately, reading through the gospels, I have been amazed at just how scandlous Jesus was!

Castigating the 'religious right' (ie. Pharisees, scribes, scholars), giving 'kingdom gifts' (grace, healing, deliverance, life) away to 'pagans' (Mark 7:24-30) and prostitues and con men, and ignoring the 'rules and standards' of the 'holiness church' crowd.

No wonder they got so upset with him.

He wouldn't speak out against the 'evils' of society, wouldn't join a 'coalition for morality', didn't criticise the corrupt government, didn't try to influence the courts or parliment to get laws changed or to establish a biblical definition of marriage (Rome sure could have used one!). He seemed more interested in hanging out with children and scoundrels than respectable and important people - and then dared to claim he was God! I mean, come on, would God hang out with dockworkers, bartenders, and floosies, and ignore the local ministerial gathering?

Sometimes I think if Jesus came to town he would likely blast us evangelical, conservative, holiness people with a few 'woe unto yous' and then spend most of his time at the local biker bash or the beach playing beach volleyball with the kids.

Scary isn't it?

Risk of faith

One day in a crowd of people a lady with a bleeding problem grabbed hold of the fringe on Jesus robe, fully believing his power would meet her need. It was a risky thing to do, because in her condition it was unlawful for her to touch him. She knew if she got caught she would be condemned and ostracised and his ministry would be compromised. (ie. he would become unclean because of her association with him.)

When Jesus forces her to identify herself, I am sure she was afraid of condemnation, maybe even angry rejection and a 'religious lecture' about the law. No wonder she wanted to keep her risky act of faith a secret.

But Jesus responds by commending her and blessing her. [Message - Live well, live blessed!] Amazing!

In the church we must always reward and commend 'risks of faith.' When people come who might tarnish our reputation by their conditions (sins, embarassing behaviours, lack of status, money, education, etc.) we must welcome them like Jesus did, and commend their risky faith (they are desperate for Jesus to do something in their lives.)

Can we do it? Do we dare to take a risk of faith and believe God will be pleased with us when we welcome and bless the 'outcasts' and those with embarassing 'conditions?'