JUDAS ISCARIOT

As we continue to progress through Matthew 26, we come to this diabolical act of Judas Iscariot in the betrayal of Jesus.  Some interesting facts about Judas:
1.      He appears last in every list of the disciples except Acts where he is not mentioned.

2.      Some biblical descriptions of Judas are: betrayer, devil, son of perdition, someone that would have been better not to have been born.

3.      Ironically his name (Judas) means, “Jehovah leads”.

4.      His surname Iscariot tells the region he was from Kerioth-hezron (Joshua 15:25), a small town in the south of Judea.  Interestingly, he is the only disciple not to come from Galilee.

5.      His father’s name is Simon (John 6:71).

Scripture and/or church history records each of the disciples being martyred for their faith in Jesus except Judas who committed suicide (Matthew 27:5; Acts 18:1). 
Matthew 26:14-16 has some distinctive features about the plot of Judas to betray Jesus that the other gospels do not emphasize.
A.      Luke and John emphasize the devil’s control over Judas led him to do this (Luke 22:3; John 6:70; 13:2, 27)

B.      Mark emphasizes how the chief priests were proactive in offering him money to betray Jesus (Mark 14:10-11).

C.      Only Matthew stresses Judas own sinful activity was the sole reason.  He is the proactive one (Matthew 26:14-15).

1.      He went to the chief priests.

2.      Only Matthew has Judas initiating the plan by asking for money-“what will you give me if I deliver Him to you?”

3.      Only Matthew specifies the amount of money paid.



Judas is an example of opportunity lost and how the way to a black heart is through the bank account.  It is not an accident that the gospel writers tell the story of Judas immediately following Mary’s extravagant gift.  He sin so blinds him that he is oblivious to the fact that he would be incensed by the waste of a year’s wage, but then go ahead and betray Jesus for barely a third of that amount.

Soup Night

I start off each soup season (see above for previous details) with the winner from the previous year.  Again to acquire classic status, the soup must score a 20.5 or higher.  In the dozen years of soup rating, I have never had a soup score a 24 or 25 (which is perfect).  So I am still waiting for the ultimate.
The soup that was the winner last year that I started off with this year was a Spinach Risotto soup.  It scored a 21 on the scale.  If you don’t want to cook the risotto, you could substitute with couscous.
Here is the recipe (this particular recipe serves four, I always double it at least because I am usually serving around 15).
1.5 pounds of fresh spinach
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 fresh red chili, seeded and minced
Half to three quarters cup of risotto rice
1.25 quarts of chicken or vegetable stock
(While the recipe does not call for it-I add chopped Italian sausage-for a serving of four, I would cook 2 to 3 Italian sausages then add at the end)
Salt and pepper to taste
4 tablespoons of grated Pecorino cheese to serve (Romano would work)
Step 1-Wash and then chop spinach
Step 2-Heat oil in large soup pot.  Add the onion, garlic, and chili and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on low heat.  Stir in the rice until well coated.  Pour in the stock and bring to a boil.  In a separate skillet, cook Italian sausage (if you are going to use it).
Step 3-Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.  Add the spinach and sausage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes longer, until rice is tender.  Season with salt and pepper.  Serve with Pecorino cheese.  (We always have hot loaves of bread on hand as well).

BONO AND BILL HYBELS PART TWO

Resuming Part two from Tuesday

What I am Reading

A book I read a number of months ago was David Crump’s “Knocking on Heaven’s Doors”.  It was a book for my colloquium on prayer.  The book is highly recommended for those who desire an exegetical (rather than a mere devotional) analysis of the prayers of Scripture.  Crump is stellar for taking many of the prayers mentioned in the New Testament and highlighting their context both historical and with a particular bent toward petitionary praying.  He takes to task many of the common misunderstandings and misinterpretations of the prayers of the New Testament.  By placing them in their proper context (which is what I think Crump succeeds in doing) he puts prayer back in the hands of God’s grace rather than the perfunctory daily task of the check list syndrome thus making God an idol.
I would not recommend this book to the average layman due to Crump’s highly technical analysis simply because they may get lost in data and the book will do more harm than good.  And some may accuse Crump’s intentional bent toward “exegetical praying” as not being led by the Spirit in prayer (urges, promptings, impressions, etc).  However this book is well suited for anyone who wants to take a slow and deliberate walk through New Testament passages regarding prayer and understand them in their proper setting to understand why people prayed they way they did, and what were there requests.

BONO AND BILL HYBELS INTERVIEW PART 1

I am a U2 fan.  I have been since the “Joshua Tree”.  I won’t get into the heated debate whether or not they are Christians (at least the three members that claim to be).  Bono is the ultimate showman on stage, and his work in Africa is admirable.  But here is an interview with Bill Hybels that should at least cause us to consider the importance of Jesus teachings. 
I would disagree with Bono on the specific recipients of Matthew 25. Bono (like many) thinks Jesus words at the judgment generally applies to everyone who has a physical need (and that is addressed in other passages) whereas I think the “least of these brothers of mine” has to do with God’s people that are being neglected and persecuted by unbelievers.  I think the tempting application of Bono’s and others interpretation is works righteousness, but in the context of Matthew 25 Jesus simply articulates a truth that John will later echo in the body of Christ.  “A man that says I love God, but hates his brother is a liar and the truth is not in Him.”
However, I do think Bono at times does hit on the truth in a clear way in this interview.  

Women in Matthew

We are the midst of Matthew 26 on Sunday mornings, and I am once again struck how the Bible (Matthew at least) elevates women.  I grow tired of hearing contemporary culture (and sadly some religious scholars) claim that Scripture is archaic in its view of women.  Some claim that the Bible actually demeans and restricts women, but nothing further could be true.
Consider the first individual Matthew mentions as a messenger of the Incarnation-Mary, the mother of Jesus (Matthew 1:18).  Who were the first messengers of the Resurrection? Three women.  And in Matthew 26:6-12, who was it in Jesus final week who becomes a worshipper of the Crucifixion?  Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus.
As a complimentarian, I see how Jesus uses women in unique ways paradoxically in features that my egalitarian friends limit women’s roles all the while accusing us complimentarians of doing.

Nuts and Bolts

I have some friends that have been getting good publicity of late.  Jason Lisk, my childhood best friend, is a regular contributor for  (the Big Lead).  The Big Lead is a national website/sports blog that is sort of like TMZ meets Sportscenter.  The site is very secular (so brace yourself), but Jason is an impeccable writer.  I was joking with him the other day, how a guy that can give his opinion in print can get paid a modest salary. 

Speaking of good writers, Tony Felich, a pastor friend of mine, was featured in an article a few months ago regarding being a handicap hunter. I won’t go into all the details, but Tony had a severe injury playing soccer and a subsequent surgery.  He is a passionate hunter and wouldn’t let his injury stifle him from his love.

HEIDELBERG CATECHISM SET TO RAP

For those that are catechizing children (like me), this is a creative way to memorize the Heidelberg Catechism.

Update on Southern

Wie geht es Ihrien in Deutsch?  Nicht besonders gut

I began a class in German to complete my fourth research language for my PhD.  I started the class, but dropped it after two weeks.  The longer I remained in the class, it became evident to me it was an oral course rather than a reading/translation course which is what I need.  After the second day of class, my German instructor (who is German) was asking me questions in the mother tongue.  I knew I wouldn’t survive.  So I am reading German texts and waiting for my next step-either to test out of German or take a theological German reading course later in the year. Mach’s gut Deutsch.

AUGUSTINE AND ALLEGORY PREACHING

One of my seminar presentations from last fall was Augustine’s view of the Psalms: Christus Finis. Augustine was a master of allegory particularly in the psalms.  Many modern preachers today that have been filled with the literal only model would shudder at some of the truths that Augustine writes on.  I am not suggesting that Augustine serve as our model of preaching, but I think his style needs to be rescued from obscurity.  I firmly believe many conservative evangelical preachers would do well to learn from Augustine in preaching.  Here is a sentence from his Enarrationes in Psalmos that continually impressed me, “The plenitude and end of the law and of all sacred Scriptures is the love of a Being which is to be enjoyed and of a being that can share enjoyment with us.”  He also described Scripture as the “face of God…for now.”  I love that line

Valentine's Day

I must admit that I am a quiet John Denver fan.  Most people my age and younger will use this to further verify that I am not with the times.  But in terms of certain musical genres and hits, John Denver did indeed rule the day.  “Leaving on a Jet Plane”, “Sunshine on my Shoulders” “Rocky Mountain High” “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” “Take Me Home Country Roads” and “Calypso” are all hits.  But Denver’s greatest hit, in terms of longest running as number one on the charts was “Annie’s Song” which was written to his wife during one of the rough patches of their marriage.  As often is the case, fantasy is better than reality.  The song endured in beauty while Denver’s marriage to Annie (the whole point of the song) did not survive. 

As so on Valentine’s day, I go back to the vault to express to my love what Denver penned in his song.  It becomes truer and deeper with each passing day.  Much love.

Soup Night

Each year from October through March, Anita and I open our home most Thursday evenings to a group of people (usually people in their twenties) for soup, fellowship, games, and time in the word.  This night has been affectionately known as “Soup Night”.  Anita and I started this tradition the year we were married (1997) and have been practicing ever since.  Basically how it works is that I fix a different soup each week.  I ask each individual to vote using a “whisk system”.  The soup can get a maximum of 5 points-1 for look, 1 for smell, 3 for taste.  I average all the scores by five (there were five people the first year when we developed this insane system).  If the soup gets a score of 20.5 or higher it becomes a classic.  If it gets a score of 10-20, it may be made again, but no guarantees.  A 10 or below score it goes in the bin never to be heard from again.  Through the years I have made hundreds of soups, and it has been entertaining each week to anticipate people’s reaction and anticipations.  One year I made a soup that was so awful, the spoon literally stood vertically on its own.  Another year the soup was so intoxicating that one taster swore he smelled it from the street.  Esau has nothing on him.  It is an enjoyable time.  I will in the coming months give you the soup, recipe, and score from the previous week’s soup.

Luther on Good Works

“O it is a living, busy, active, mighty thing, this faith.  It is impossible for it not to be doing good works incessantly.  It does not ask whether good works are to be done, but before the question is asked, it has already done them, and is constantly doing them.  Whoever does not do such works, however, is an unbeliever.”

What I am Reading

Among other books, I am reading Ron Chernow’s Washington: A Life.  I am about halfway through it, and it is much better than many of the modern biographies of Washington that I have read.  I am a sucker for American history, but most particularly of the colonial period.  These people overcame and endured so much for our country that I never grow tired of reading it.  Much of what is in the book thus far, I have read before so it isn’t illuminating of new material, and I still prefer Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton to any other biography I have ever read, but readers will not be disappointed if you are looking for a good solid commentary on the American Revolution particularly through the eyes of Washington.

HEALTHY DISCUSSION ON END TIMES

The following is a link to one of the best roundtable discussions on eschatology I have heard in many, many years.  Usually eschatology resorts to name calling and caricatures, and typically highlights minor points that Scripture does not amplify.  But this discussion with four guys that have three variant viewpoints ends I think where it ought to-on the priority and magnificence of the gospel.  If only people from all eschatological viewpoints followed their example.  It is a little over two hours, so enjoy!

ORDINATION

Last month at Calvary we ordained three men as an elder and deacons.  I am constantly encouraged by the wise godly service of these men.  They could complain; they could be doing other things less stressful and more leisurely, but they love God and His church.  Having godly leaders particularly a plurality of the right elders is both smart and safe-for the church, for the pastor, for the elders, and for the gospel.  I have often said where leadership goes the church will follow for good or bad.  I simply could not do the things I do without these men.  I realize why Paul ensured that the churches he established were elder led before he left them, and I understand why he wrote the things he did to these men whom he loved dearly.  Calvary is a healthier fellowship because of these men, and the gospel is clearly displayed in their devotion and service to Christ’s body.

Nuts and Bolts

The discussion continues with a post I had last November on flying concerts, and my pick was Simple Minds, “Don’t You Forget about Me”.  It seems some people had strong opinions otherwise.  Many of my trolls gave me a earful that Pink’s Glitter in the Air at the Grammys   was not on the list.  I must say that her performance in terms of choreography was supreme, and she clearly is in physical shape to hit the notes in those positions.  I won’t link the site due to her rather scantily dress, but that aside it is an amazing performance. 

Over the holidays, I did take in a movie, which is rare for me.  I average a movie about twice a year.  The Voyage of Dawn Treader.  The kid who played Eustace was a superb actor, and I thought represented the character well.  Of course, the effects were stellar.  The waterfall scene where Reepicheep goes to Aslan’s Land was probably the most explicit Christian narrative in the film and was moving but they did leave out significant lines. 

The movie did drag on at times, and failed to be as detailed with the actual passage as the book, but that is to be expected.  The filmmakers I thought took some liberties with Lucy’s obsession with her and her sister’s looks than Lewis did.  All in all, I preferred it over Prince Caspian, but not as much as the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.  I think diehard Lewis fans while critiquing some portions of the film will be moderately pleased.

FREDERICK DALE BRUNER

As previously mentioned, Frederick Dale Bruner has been a favorite author of mine through my series in Matthew.  Writing on Matthew 24-25, Bruner comments:

“No matter how zealous our hearts or exciting our worship services “lord, lord’ everyday fidelity to a household is the main preparation for the Lord.  At the last judgment, the zealous ones “ask”, but they do not receive; they “seek” but they do not find; they “knock” but there is no opening.  The Christian life is not just the initial thrill of a conversion, nor is it the series of thrills in praise services with their wonderful music; the Christian life is often dog-day service to households, in season and out, with or without ecstasy, in the simple determination to give faithful and creative service to others, with the correct sense that one day we will give an account of service to a Lord who will either be thrilled or repelled. “

Update on Southern

 For ten grueling days, I lived in Louisville as part of my PhD process.  I won’t go into all the details and embarrass my new found friends, but the trip was humiliating and exhilarating; draining and filling.  Most of my days commenced at eight in the morning and ended around eight that night with a few breaks in between.  I did get Sunday off to attend worship in a local church and take in the sights of downtown Louisville.  I was in two seminars and one colloquium.  I presented four papers; two of which were major presentations.  I thought I presented well, but in one seminar, I was the first to present in a seminar made up of predominantly third year seminar students.  Not getting all my questions answered before presenting added to the frustration.  The response by some of the students was brutal but ultimately helpful.  I will say this about my experience.  It is not for the thin skinned and faint of heart.  It is easy to take comments about your work personally, but you can’t.  If I took all my high school, college, seminary work and rolled them into one, they wouldn’t hold a candle to the grueling labor of this PhD work.  You never get a break.  I have pre-course assignments, post-course assignments, actual seminar presentations, and it all runs together.  There have been a hundred times that I have asked myself, “Now why am I doing this again?”  It has been extremely edifying.  It certainly has refined my life in ways I would never have anticipated.  I could not pursue this without my gracious wife, understanding (most of the time) kids, elders, and church family.  You guys are the best.

Welcome Back

Contrary to what many of you have thought, I have not been vacationing in Madagascar living on a diet of fire ants.  I came back from Louisville the first of December and have been a recluse since.  While I have been at ease living the monastic life, my eight faithful readers have inquired about my blog activity.  Welcome Back