Jesus did not Speak English
You saw that title correctly. Jesus did not speak English. He spoke ARAMAIC. In fact, the title on his cross was not written in a language he used in daily life. Please be aware that the thoughts expressed herein are my PERSONAL thoughts. I have a favorite Quote that refocuses the ministry to which God has called me please read and listen with your heart to this:
“Jesus wasn’t crucified in a cathedral between 2 candles, but on a cross between 2 thieves; at a crossroad so cosmopolitan they wrote it in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek; the kind of place where cynics tell jokes, criminals curse, and soldiers gamble. And the righteous run! That's not just where he died, but why.”
George MacLeod shared that quote to say that Jesus came in to a messy world to redeem a messy people, people who are always coming from different places on their way to different places. Today I want focus your attention on the fact that Jesus’ title was in three languages, and NOT the one he spoke most his physical life. Notice that there is in that moment of deep depravity on the human spirit a sense of the binding together of the three prominent cultures present in Jerusalem. They could have written in Latin, but some would have missed the meaning, they could have done the same in Greek or Hebrew, but again the same thing. Even in that moment when God completed the work needed for redemption, there was an understanding in God’s enemies that communicating effectively was more important than communicating officially.
Nashville and Davidson County is in the middle of early voting on an English Only amendment to our charter. There are lot’s of practical reasons to defeat this – with us loosing up to $200 Million in funding for needed services just so that some people can throw their weight around, jobs lost due to corporations not appreciating this, to increased taxes because the $200 Million impacts us all. Yet, my primary goal today is to communicate to you what I feel the heart of God is in regards to this process.
God did not wake someone up one day and say I want English to be the only language used by the government of Nashville and Davidson County. No people with good intentions, but misdirected steps from outside our city came calling and funded this marvelous waste of money, and potential to cost millions more. They have not heard the voice of God or the Prophets in Scripture telling them that they are welcome the stranger, or alien, and treat them well – loving them as we love ourselves.
What I know about this amendment is that it is NOT about love. It is about fear and intolerance. Also, let’s be frank this mostly directed at the Hispanic communities and is being guided and focused by Older White Straight Men. It preys on the smallest of ideas and greatest of fears in people. I expect better of people, especially because God expects better of us.
This week I pray that you go vote in early voting. I pray that you stand on the welcome that God has given you. I pray that you look beyond fear to FAITH. But most of all I pray you remember that JESUS DID NOT SPEAK ENGLISH!
Blessings,
Pastor Greg
“Jesus wasn’t crucified in a cathedral between 2 candles, but on a cross between 2 thieves; at a crossroad so cosmopolitan they wrote it in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek; the kind of place where cynics tell jokes, criminals curse, and soldiers gamble. And the righteous run! That's not just where he died, but why.”
George MacLeod shared that quote to say that Jesus came in to a messy world to redeem a messy people, people who are always coming from different places on their way to different places. Today I want focus your attention on the fact that Jesus’ title was in three languages, and NOT the one he spoke most his physical life. Notice that there is in that moment of deep depravity on the human spirit a sense of the binding together of the three prominent cultures present in Jerusalem. They could have written in Latin, but some would have missed the meaning, they could have done the same in Greek or Hebrew, but again the same thing. Even in that moment when God completed the work needed for redemption, there was an understanding in God’s enemies that communicating effectively was more important than communicating officially.
Nashville and Davidson County is in the middle of early voting on an English Only amendment to our charter. There are lot’s of practical reasons to defeat this – with us loosing up to $200 Million in funding for needed services just so that some people can throw their weight around, jobs lost due to corporations not appreciating this, to increased taxes because the $200 Million impacts us all. Yet, my primary goal today is to communicate to you what I feel the heart of God is in regards to this process.
God did not wake someone up one day and say I want English to be the only language used by the government of Nashville and Davidson County. No people with good intentions, but misdirected steps from outside our city came calling and funded this marvelous waste of money, and potential to cost millions more. They have not heard the voice of God or the Prophets in Scripture telling them that they are welcome the stranger, or alien, and treat them well – loving them as we love ourselves.
What I know about this amendment is that it is NOT about love. It is about fear and intolerance. Also, let’s be frank this mostly directed at the Hispanic communities and is being guided and focused by Older White Straight Men. It preys on the smallest of ideas and greatest of fears in people. I expect better of people, especially because God expects better of us.
This week I pray that you go vote in early voting. I pray that you stand on the welcome that God has given you. I pray that you look beyond fear to FAITH. But most of all I pray you remember that JESUS DID NOT SPEAK ENGLISH!
Blessings,
Pastor Greg
posted by Covenant of the Cross at
10:52 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home