Have you ever wondered what it meant when the writers of Scripture used the term "knew" like in Genesis 4:1; 1 Samuel 1:19; or Matthew 1:25? In this context it is speaking to a sexual intimacy but I want to stretch this a little further and suggest that "knowing" another, sexual intercourse aside, is exactly what God wants for us and the communities that we inhabit. This vernacular of "knowing" is how I understand foreknowledge when it is spoken of in the NT- "God fore-loved us before the foundation of the earth." I think all of us can agree that there is a bond that happens between 2 individuals when they are honest and vulnerable with one another- within the context of these verses we could use the word naked. I think that there is something to all of this that we all may know but may not realize- I am walking into this realization myself- that is this: because of Jesus' death we have been reconciled back to God, we do not need a high priest to offer up a sacrifice for our sins now because Jesus was the high priest who became the spot less lamb that justified us despite our sin. We can know God directly because of Jesus. Most of the time when I read someone's religious views on facebook it says something to the effect of "its not a religion, its a relationship" and I agree. So if we use this relationship between God and man (which is the definition of theology) to model the rest of our relationships, how then should we model our relationships, which are intended to be a reflection of the triune love of God? I think most of my failed relationships have been the product of someone who isn't being honest. Please do not assume that because I write this blog that I am always forthcoming with my emotions and feelings. I try ...
The reason I pose the question is because I realize how scared we all are. We all have baggage and we are all scared of what people will think of us if that baggage is made known. This isn't intended to be directed at any certain type of person- it is intended for all people. If you are completely open with our hearts- great. But, if someone is open with you about their heart- guard it! It has been my growing conviction that when people expose their baggage to me it only amplifies the love and affection I previously had for them. Remember we are called to humble ourselves, serve others, and associate with the lowly! I want to love and be loved; I believe this is what God made us for. Sorry, Chris Tomlin! (not really)
This is an encouragement to remember that God knows us and we are to know God. We are to bear his image. Maybe we can work towards being vulnerable with one another, thereby, bonding together! I just know that there is something to be learned from all of this.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’-Jesus (Matthew 7:21-23)
WARNING: You may not like what you find ... love them anyways. If you can't do it in love, don't do it! God, I need to hear that as much as anyone!
Seth
Nothing wise to add, but I agree. Vulnerability is hard, and for some of us, more so than others. There are good explanations, I think, to not be naturally vulnerable, but I envy those who trust so easily, who give. It's easy to get...passive, to get mired in the discontent that withholding trust can cause. Then again, maybe that's just called 'bitter!'
ReplyDeleteAlso, I really think withholding should have one 'h' but Google tells me differently.
It is very hard. I don't want to lead people into this mindset that says "ill spill the beans right out of the gate" ( Lord knows that that sort of openness can lead to manipulation) but rather, Id like to encourage others to be more intentional with their time, affection, and words. I feel like people want to trust others and be open but people don't typically produce a persona that invites another to say "hey, I feel as if I could trust this person" ... or better yet "that person can trust me" Thanks for your comment, (insert fictional cartoon character name that has yet to be determined and thus assigned)
ReplyDeleteYeah, trust... trust is hard, too. (Vague enough?)
ReplyDeleteYou keep making me think, and you have my all-important permission to stay 'Seth' (without being called the fictional cartoon character you were perhaps born/chosen at random to play).