How the tensions and application issues of scriptural texts underline the importance of inclusive, ecumenical communal efforts to approach sanctifying interpretations.
The rereading of some lesson materials revealed new colors post discussion of several books (especially the one wondering, "Why Jephthah had to make such vow? Could there be anything else coming out his house? Was he expecting an ox? 😅📖), and this previously had caused pained chuckle and mild migraine for me, having read previously that he vowed after "The Spirit of the LORD was upon (him)" (Judges 11:29).🤫
It's amazing how Christians today skip the digesting & critisizing of ancient tribal narratives, written far after the actual event (most likely a flashback made in "godly" period of Israel's monarchy) to serve a purpose of making certain (theological) points 🕎. Nowadays, with half eyes opened, we often embrace the reading as is, as a "manual book" on how they understand the works of The Spirit, how they should approach God & people.💬
"And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom WE gave no such commandment: ...
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, AND TO US, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.."
Acts 15:23-24, 28 (KJV)
While I won't make this time a widened discussion on historical apostolic authority, my point is:
It's better to have the Spirit-inspired take on current burning issues rather than maintaining interpretations that's seemingly spiritual but hold little regards for mercy, grace, justice, life, and salvation. It's better to humbly repentant later for being too emotional, inclusive, or progressive, than to approach the texts with the same rigidity ⛔ which disabled the scribes & priests to acknowledge the Messiah when they actually had the privilege to see Him face to face.
These are times when people including the Church is tempted toward polarization, the "progressive" are mocked, as well as the "universalists" and the "conservatives", everywhere you turn theological "stray bullets" are to be expected and cautioned. Many have forgotten that our privilege being citizen of the Kingdom is purposed for "good" works prepared by God Himself. Are we zealously attacking opposing camps without considering that wisdom belongs to God?
To be Spirit-filled believers in ישוע Jesus is to be faithful disciples of the Word📖🕊️✝️ (orthodoxy) who are open for "progressiveness" (ortho-patos) so that the dicotomy of spiritual & secular living is dedicated toward elimination (ortho-praxis). Sooner or later one would come to the realization than any other motives for exegesis fall secondary to the sincere drive for christlikeness and sanctification.
I therefore won't deny the drive in this typical season of my life to challenge the interpretive lens that are hegemonic, discriminative, and oppresive. The lens once stuck with a hot glue to my eyelids. So let's continue the reality checks.
Whenever we're faced with endless claims and searches of that "one true church" in the criticism of all others we should remember the lessons of biblical figures. Gideon, later known as Jarubaal, won miraculously but later strayed and succumbed to narcism, his descendants were involved in bitter deadly quarrels. Samson was showing God's presence in military victories, later was overthrown by his own lusts. The best of the major judges was (I believe) Barack, decided wisely by letting a woman of God, the prophetess and judge דבורה Deborah to take charge (and literally charging the oppresive darkness), if you observe, so many female godly characters ended up in better manner than their male colleges. (another consideration to rethink ministerial equality?😉)
And should we revisit Solomon? A great name many scholars believed to most likely be mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 6:29 due to his older years' repentance after a lifelong of compromising and apostasy. Solomon was probably the greatest human figure viewed by religious eyes, but the spiritual eyes would respond with a resounding "amen" to Jesus who says that the eccentric "nobody" whose life ended "tragically" too soon, John the Baptist is in fact the greatest person ever being born.
None of us can claim "spiritual security" from joining any congregation, having Pastor so and so as a mentor, having certain theological liniency, etc, the list can go on forever. At the end of the day, in Revelation 4, the twenty-four elders will be throwing their crowns and worship before the throne of the only One who saves, ישועתה ליהוה "Salvation belongs to the LORD" (Jonah 2:9). We then find comfort and refuge in Christ alone and in that perpetual note, share the joy of salvation and the journey, the sanctifying interpretations (and applications) as co-heirs, siblings in The Kingdom, sons and daughters of The Most High.
