The Readings teach us that experiences of Jesus /Holy Spirit open our spiritual eyes so we can see things our minds cannot grasp. Bartimaeus, Paul and Job all heard the voice of God and were able to understand things they could not figure out in their heads. This is why there is a disconnect between those who have experienced Jesus / Holy Spirit and those who have not.
1. Jobs tormenters show us how foolish we are
The Book goes on and on with misguided pious advice from his friends:
· Used in Pastoral Care courses to teach us what not to do
· Assumed Job had sinned and was being punished
· Advised him to repent
· Were tone deaf to what was going on – Job was being tested
· Job models a man of deep faith in God who cannot be shaken
2. Paul is also trying to explain Jesus intellectually
He is babbling on and on intellectually about Jesus being like Melchizedek the great High Priest who was made a priest forever:
· His audience is the Hebrews, so he is trying to connect Jesus to Hebrew history – not so good for us
· Good example of being relevant to your audience
· Starts where they are and tries to link them to Jesus as being like Melchizedek, living forever and able to intercede for their sins.
· I found verses 10 – 12 where Paul quotes Jeremiah 31.31-34 much more helpful
· Prophecy of a New Covenant – “I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts.”
· “They will not need teaching” – scary for over educated professional clergy
· Helps us understand why the loss of experiences of the Holy Spirit and intellectualization of clergy has led to a weaker, irrelevant church and massive decline in Faith
· Helps us understand why the Alpha Course, Cursillo and the recovery of Jesus healing and deliverance ministry is the best way forward for the Church.
3. We all need our eyes opened like Bartimaeus
Bartimaeus had heard of Jesus and His healing miracles. This proved Jesus was authentic as the Son of God and who he needed to help him.
· Bartimaeus dropped everything and ran to Jesus
· He took a risk he could run into a tree or person on the way
· There was no way back for him to his cloak if Jesus failed him – he was all in
· Cloak / cloths are your identity in Jungian Analysis
· Jesus opens his eyes and commends his Faith
· Both his physical and spiritual eyes are opened
Our spiritual life depends on Holy Spirit as the continuing presence of Jesus, continuing to open our spiritual eyes as we read scripture, pray and wrestle with the challenges of life
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