The Walk: What if God was one of us?*

Friday, July 06, 2007

What if God was one of us?*

“When the earthquake hits, or the tsunami inundates, or the twin towers ignite, you can see and hear the secret satisfaction of the faithful. Gleefully they strike up: ‘You see, this is what happens when you don’t listen to us!’ With an unctuous smile they offer a redemption that is not theirs to bestow and, when questioned, put on a menacing scowl that says, ‘Oh, so you reject our offer of paradise? Well, in that case we have quite another fate in store for you.’” from god is not Great

I was reading a review for a book titled god is not GREAT and found this quote. It makes my heart sad for those who have learned of God from the words of ignorant narrow minded christians. Of course, this christian seems to be the one they choose to speak the mind of Christians everywhere on Larry King. ugh...

I've seen Jesus work in my life this year through one who many would think the most unlikely candidates and I am thankful for them. We are all the same and yet we have separated ourselves from the world, the very world where Jesus walked and ate with those we would talk about.God have mercy on us when we have every religious book and can quote scripture but miss the very one who Jesus would want us to see.

Matthew 23:5,13
5 “Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels. 6 And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the synagogues. 7 They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi.’
13 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either.

Matthew 5:1-1o

1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying:
3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

*From "What if God Was One of Us" by Joan Osborne

6 comment(s):

Bev, hmmm what another terrific post..

By Dina, at 8:32 AM

Bev - I agree with your sentiment, but actually, Max Lucado is one of the most frequently chosen Christians to appear on Larry King!

By Cheryl, at 2:49 PM

I once bought Joan Osbourne's whole CD from the cheapie bin because I like that song so much ("One of Us"). Every other song on there was horrible. I wish she'd have waited until she'd come up with a whole CD of good songs; she might still be recording.

By Cole, at 5:47 AM

O, I am OBVIOUSLY going to agree with this post - Christians are at least PARTIALLY responsible for how Christ is perceived in the world. I do think that Christ and His message of love and compassion will always be subversive and revolutionary, and draw a great deal of criticism - but the unfortunate reality is that the quote you've cited in your first paragraph is all too true.

Here's to the unlikelies!

By Scott, at 7:29 AM

It's so cringeworthy when "Christians" say stuff like that, or stand on street corners with placards proclaiming what God hates. Shame we can't drown them out proclaiming what God loves (which is strikingly similar to what we think he hates).

By gracie, at 5:04 PM

dina...love that you drop by from Hawaii..

Cheryl..welcome and yes, I had heard Max had been on..didn't get to see it.

Cole...man, I always wondered what happened to her.

scott.."the unlikelies"..clever

gracie..i love your word "cringeworthy" you writer you!

By Beverly, at 7:29 PM