#claus westermann

[crownofcompassion]

New Post has been published on Crown of Compassion

New Post has been published on https://www.crownofcompassion.org/2019/09/26/surface-for-air-god-waits-until-im-able/

Surface for air - God waits until I'm able

“God has waited patiently with me in the midst of my anger and questions, faithful and unchanging.  He waits until I’m able to surface for air, waits to help me see glimpses of goodness.”- Aubrey Sampson

“God does not punish those who remonstrate or rise up against him; rather, he gives sustenance to those who hunger and water to those who thirst. . . .  The lament of those who suffer is heard by God — even though in desperation their lament is turned against God, even though it is an accusation against God.”- Claus Westermann

Aubrey Sampson concludes Chapter 5 of The Louder Song as she observes that is doesn’t really matter if you:

hit the wall in lament

can’t attain enough clarity to react in a super positive way

lament in a perfect, orderly way

embarrass yourself

Consequently, Aubrey asserts, you get to feel what you feel.  As a result, you feel no pressure to transcend the moment as you lament.  Instead, in lament you experience freedom to express yourself honestly with God and yourself about the shaky ground you walk on.  Until you feel God’s steady hand holding you.  And, neither your identity — nor God’s — has shifted.

Finally, Aubrey describes one thing shd’e like to burn onto your hurting heart:

“Even though you suffer from this awful thing — no matter how truly terrible it may be — and even though you may not be able to surface for air right now, God has not changed.  He is utterly faithful, and you are utterly loved. . . . .  simply and profoundly because you are the object of God’s fixed delight and affection.  Even when you hit walls, even at your messiest, you are his beautiful one.”

Today’s question:  What emotions do you feel when God waits for you to surface for air?  Please share.

Tomorrow’s blog: “Painful circumstances – imprecatory laments”

[crownofcompassion]

New Post has been published on Crown of Compassion

New Post has been published on https://www.crownofcompassion.org/2019/08/11/a-commission-the-blessing-of-peace/

A commission - the blessing of peace

“In the context of a commission, the blessing of peace isn’t incidental direction.  It’s not the icing on the proverbial cake of ministry in the world.  Blessing is part of the way Jesus’ followers reflect his character and embody his presence.”- Tina Boesch

When he [Jesus] had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them.  While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.”- Luke 24:50-51 (NIV)

Tina Boesch concludes Chapter 7 of Given as she relates that many early Christian artists depict Jesus in the act of blessing.  Most noteworthy, as the disciples glimpsed Jesus as He ascended to heaven, He was in the act of blessing them.

In Luke’s description of Jesus’ ascension, we translate the Greek word eulogein as ‘bless.’  However, Tina points out, in the classical sense eulogein presents a much broader application.  Thus, in this context, it means to praise or speak well of someone.  Yet, in the New Testament it’s only used in the classical Greek sense once (Romans 16:18).  In all other uses, the Hebrew concept berakah – a vital power essential to life – stands behind the word.

Thus, in the Gospels, the word bless doesn’t just mean to speak well of someone.  In addition, it means to call God’s grace upon someone.  Writing in Blessing in the Bible, Claus Westermann explains the historical context for Jesus’ blessing during the Ascension.  It parallels a traditional blessing given at parting:

“The one who gives the blessing imports a power that remains with those he leaves behind, and this power maintains the ties between those who are separated from each other.  The specific meaning in this special situation where the Lord parts from his community lies in the fact that it is this crucified and risen Lord who is leaving his blessing and his peace behind with his community. . .  by bestowing his blessing he is leaving power with them.”

Today’s question: In the context of a commission, how do you reflect Jesus’ character and embody His presence?  Please share.

Tomorrow’s blog: “The rule of reciprocity – two applications”

[twinkubus]

"What happens when an encounter with beauty goes beyond the bounds which ought not to be overstepped?"

--C. Westermann, Commentary on Gen 6:1-4

[wisdomfish]

A theology of Relationships

The creation of humans includes the living space (the garden), the means of life (the fruit of the garden), the occupation or work (cultivate and preserve), and the community (man and woman) and, as a medium of the community, language. This complex understanding of the creation of human life has largely been overlooked....(It) is a matter-in the relationship to God as well-of people in all their relationships.....living space, nourishment, work, and the social realm.

Claus Westermann, Elements of Old Testament Theology, pg. 95