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Wednesday 3rd Week OT
The Institute
January 27, 2016
NOT ENOUGH DEPTH! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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Sometimes you will hear even bright people
dismiss Jesus’ teachings and the images he uses as “too simple and not having
depth”
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They would rather read something with more
“meat,” taking longer to digest
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Well, Jesus’ simple teaching carries the punch
that can make us breathless
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His words are deceptively simple so that he can
reach anyone who is reading them, whether that be a child or a multiple PhD who
knows many languages
THE CHALLENGE +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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The challenge comes not in the simple image of a
“sower and seed” but with the meaning and application of those simple images
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See — the word of God — is sown in our hearts
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But translating the significance of the kind of
heart the person has will, in large measure, account for whether the words have
any effect
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The issue is not simply about reading scripture
or the words
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It is also taking and giving the time and
attention to reflect on exactly what Jesus is saying
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What kind of heart I have will determine whether
I accept Jesus’ teaching or merely rush over it
APPLICATION TO PRIEST
& RELIGIOUS +++++++++++++
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If you take the question of vows of religious or
annual promises of diocesan clergy, how we listen to one another in community
or as a presbyterate around our bishop …
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How we take the time to understand where the
other is coming from will determine if we actually hear what is being said and
the message given
CONCLUSION
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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We’ve heard it said: “You’ve been through the Gospel, but the Gospel hasn’t been through
you”
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And this is one reason why the Gospel can never
become “old news”
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If it has become “old news” or “we’ve heard
this same parable before” we have either not been truly listening or “It hasn’t been applied well to our own
lives!”
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