Is it literal? Is it figurative? We all know that the Bible contains both literal and figurative stories, but we can seriously disagree on which is which and how to interpret them all. As we study scripture we have to make a decision as to how to interpret each story. But can we hold them tightly enough that we do not lose the inspiration? And can we hold them loosely enough that as our understanding grows we do not find ourselves having to chuck everything? It is a tricky balance.
In the reading from Amos, we enter an interaction between God and the prophet. God is using an ordinary thing – a basket of summer fruit – to represent something much greater. The basket of fruit becomes a sign, perhaps the sign of the end of a season. Through the mundane God speaks to the prophet’s heart of divine things.
In Matthew the Pharisees and Sadducees come and want a sign. It doesn’t seem an unreasonable request considering the history of God’s use of signs to make his will known. Jesus answers them with a simple saying about the weather, his version of, “Red sky at morning, sailors take warning, red sky at night sailor’s delight.” Then he tells them of the “sign of Jonah”, perhaps the three days in the tomb and then to be restored. He offers no interpretation and the Jonah sign will not be known until his resurrection.
Then there is the one so many of us fall for, thinking that what is being revealed has something to do with what we were talking about. The disciples are talking about bread; Jesus is stewing over the Pharisees and Sadducees. He is not responding to his disciples, but they think he is.
Today you will be involved in the world of signs and portents. They may be as easy to read as the morning sky or as confusing as Jesus’ sayings about yeast. Your day may bring you welcome news or news as unwelcome as Jesus discussing his death. No matter the day, remember the way. Pick up your cross and follow the King!
In the reading from Amos, we enter an interaction between God and the prophet. God is using an ordinary thing – a basket of summer fruit – to represent something much greater. The basket of fruit becomes a sign, perhaps the sign of the end of a season. Through the mundane God speaks to the prophet’s heart of divine things.
In Matthew the Pharisees and Sadducees come and want a sign. It doesn’t seem an unreasonable request considering the history of God’s use of signs to make his will known. Jesus answers them with a simple saying about the weather, his version of, “Red sky at morning, sailors take warning, red sky at night sailor’s delight.” Then he tells them of the “sign of Jonah”, perhaps the three days in the tomb and then to be restored. He offers no interpretation and the Jonah sign will not be known until his resurrection.
Then there is the one so many of us fall for, thinking that what is being revealed has something to do with what we were talking about. The disciples are talking about bread; Jesus is stewing over the Pharisees and Sadducees. He is not responding to his disciples, but they think he is.
Today you will be involved in the world of signs and portents. They may be as easy to read as the morning sky or as confusing as Jesus’ sayings about yeast. Your day may bring you welcome news or news as unwelcome as Jesus discussing his death. No matter the day, remember the way. Pick up your cross and follow the King!
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