Preference Requested for James and John
in Martin Luther:
Biblia, die Ganze Heilige Schrift Alten und Neuen Testaments, /
verteutschet durch Doctor Martin Luther . . .
Hebrews 5:1–10
Obedience to Whom?
Obedience is not a word
We’re apt to throw around with praise,
Unless some Christian, misinformed,
Thinks women still should spend their days
In service to their married man.
They use, as Christian “evidence,”
A view in scripture that proclaims,
To God, our Lord’s obedience.
Good grief! This text says he obeyed,
But thus, we’re called to do the same—
Obey the one who gave his all,
And follow he whom we proclaim!
Obedience to love’s the rule,
Not to authority, or man;
This is the news that pastors ought
To preach as gospel—and God’s plan.
Scott L. Barton
Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
+ + +
Mark 10:35–45 and Job 38:1–7 (34–41)
Perception Turned Right on Its Head
They thought, perhaps, that they might sit,
One on the left, one on the right,
Which would the best positions be
To serve him, in that long, good night.
But he reminded them he lived
To serve—as well, when he was dead,
Which made them scratch their heads, while their
Perception turned right on its head!
It wasn't his to grant, which meant
He couldn't even start to say
Just what some life beyond could be,
That he, to them, might then portray.
It's like our cat, who looks to me
And must think that I know it all;
He doesn't have a clue about
The things by which I am in thrall.
Thus Job, when daring to complain,
Out from the whirlwind heard the voice
Of one who understood it all,
And, in the end, made Job rejoice:
The point's to know that you are loved,
It doesn’t matter one bit how,
Or what might happen up ahead;
Just shout for joy. For love. Right now.
Scott L. Barton
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and
said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he
said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him,
“Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.”
But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to
drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized
with?” They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I
drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will
be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant,
but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus
called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they
recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants
over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among
you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be
slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to
give his life a ransom for many.”
* * *
Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind:
“Who is this that darkens counsel
by words without knowledge?
Gird up your loins like a man,
I will question you, and you shall declare to me.
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
On what were its bases sunk,
or who laid its cornerstone
when the morning stars sang together
and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?
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