Five Paradoxes of Luke 10 …. Many Lessons for Life
What is a paradox?
” a statement that seems to contradict itself and yet expresses a valid truth or principle. “ Warren Wiersbe
From Websters’
1: a tenet contrary to received opinion or common opinion
2 a : a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true b : a self-contradictory statement that at first seems true c : an argument that apparently derives self-contradictory conclusions by valid deduction from acceptable premises
3: one (as a person, situation, or action) having seemingly contradictory qualities or phases
A piece of a jigsaw puzzle where the coloring of the piece doesn’t give a clue to it’s location—Michelle Detterick
How would you answer the question?
Do any paradoxes come to your mind from the Scripture?
Mine: It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.
It is a "great paradox in Christianity that it makes humility the avenue to glory." Read Mark 9:35 The first definition of paradox would put all of Christianity as a paradox. Living in 24/7 fits definition 3. My prayer and Share group is studying through Mark and using Be Diligent Stay on Path by Wiersbe as our guide. We are up to Mark 10 and the title from the book is of the Chapter: The Servant’s Paradoxes Of course we first have to decide who’s the servant? It’s us, folks!
Questions to wrangle with:
Do we really think the Bible applies to us?
Can it be seen in our actions and known in our character?
Do we view ourselves as God’s servants?
What are the implications of being a servant?
As I See it, through my windshield of my life, understanding a paradox of Scripture comes in stages. Getting into my truck on January 4th, I took the following pictures as it defrosted. They increased my understanding of the term paradox. It was my view or understanding of what I was looking at through the windshield that changed, not the scenery itself. The truth of the paradox is unchanging but our understanding of it can increase. We may just need to sit still a bit longer, that is not in a cold pick-up but the place of communing with God.
The pictures represent:
Photo 1: People who are Pharisees, those who are pushing Jesus away.
Photo 2: Crowds who followed and disciples in public places, “seekers.”
Photo 3: Disciples in private, pursuers of intimacy with the Lord.
When I am not pursuing intimacy with the Lord, or stuck in the two-year-old’s phase of “I can do it on my own, I am living in picture 1.If we are trying to grow spiritually “on our own” or without learning the Word and ways of God, it is impossible. We are stuck, living in picture #1 settling for the muddled, while the clear view of #3 is available.
Paradox 1- The Two Shall Become One
The Law meant to protect and preserve God’s way of love had been twisted by man to suit his whim and ease the restrictions of the Law. Jesus answer and Heart message challenged the common ways of thinking of that day (and ours) and went against the flow of tradition. Read and discuss Deuteronomy 24:1-4.
What is the commonly held thought about divorce in “society?” Sally-blow at the mall interview type answer would be ”as long as it’s good.” How about from Pauline in the pew? Unfortunately, it may be the same as Sally but with an addendum of “you’ve given it a try!” And WWJSay? Well, quite a bit and definitely not the going thought of 2011 view in America and elsewhere. Your vows are not only to each other but include God. God is included in your relationship with one another. That doesn’t always mean you will always have smooth sailing but God will enable us to stay in the boat (not bail out) and for the boat to stay afloat.
Lessons: Divorce is painful. Immensely painful. God is the Great Physician and Healer of our wounds, including those that cut to our core. Accept His forgiveness and salve for your soul.
Support the “one-ness” of your marriage and that of others, especially those of your children. Be proactive in support, doing nothing to divide and do everything you can to increase their special one-ness. Pray. Support your prayers through your actions.
Recognize the role of a “helpmeet” changes through the chapters of a marriage. Determine to be a helpmeet to your spouse in your current chapter, not yesterday’s or tomorrow’s.
Hugs from Mimi
