Reflections
Thoughts about living a more beautiful story.
How partying might make you more like Jesus
“A glutton and a wine bibber.” That’s how Jesus’ critics described him. What does this suggest about Jesus’ eating and drinking habits? Well, when was the last time you called someone with a runner’s body a glutton? Isn’t it possible Jesus enjoyed food - maybe a little too much at times - and just might even have had a few extra pounds around his waist?
And when was the last time you called someone a wine bibber who was a teetotaler? Well you probably have never used the term wine bibber but I looked it up and the Greek word for that literally means “one who drinks wine” and the derisive meaning attached to it was one who REALLY LIKES drinking wine. In other words, “a wino” as one Bible dictionary says.
Quit burying your doubts
I would read things, particularly in the Old Testament, that just seemed morally wrong. There were descriptions of God seemingly bumbling forward, just trying things out as the human race developed. There were places God seemed immoral in how he treated individuals and groups of people. And the notion of God sending people to suffer tormenting pain for eternity just did not seem morally good, and I was sure God was morally good. Such places in the Bible made me question all sorts of things. The temptation to gloss over the questions and doubts was strong.
But there’s a great story in Luke chapter 7 that helped me see a healthier way forward.
My story of following Jesus toward a more beautiful story since the 1980s, with evolving and expanding views of the love of God in and out of pastoral ministry.
Want to jumpstart your own journey? These books, podcasts, and individuals have guided me toward a more beautiful story and could help you too.