Why choose Galilee? - a time for everything

NORSK
It is still Easter – at least in the orthodox part of the world. We are still in Jerusalem, and when I began the journey up to Jerusalem, I asked the question “What is the most special aspect of Jerusalem?”

Yesterday the angel asked the women to tell the disciples that Jesus

“…is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him…” Matthew 28:7

Why Galilee? Jesus had spent much time there, and I do not think it was accidental that he wanted to meet there again. When John the Baptist was imprisoned Matthew writes that Jesus “withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum” He also writes that this was a fulfillment of one of the prophecies of Isaiah (1) who called the area “Galilee of the Gentiles” (2). In other words, an area which was inhabited by people from several nations in addition to Jews.

There may be several reasons why Jesus would meet them there after the resurrection. He had once more a limited period of 40 days to "repair" any misunderstanding and to make them ready to receive the Holy Spirit. Because Galilee was a good distance away from the center of power, it was likely that they could work undisturbed there. The distance between Jerusalem and Capernaum is app 130 km.

Still, I like to think that it was even more important for Jesus to remind his disciples that the gospel applies to all nations. It is easier to do where 'Gentiles' live.

Therefore, even in the first message given after the resurrection, there is an element of guidance and teaching. They should be prepared for a new ‘module’ of teaching - it is a time for everything.

‘Manna’ for today:

A time to reaffirm the mission and the foundation of the mission

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(1) Isa 9:1-2
(2) Matt 4:12-15
(3) The area around the Sea of Galilee
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity'
 Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost.

What is the most special aspect of Jerusalem?

NORSK
Yesterday I started on the trek ‘up to Jerusalem’ as a preparation for Easter.
Actually, all the reflections for this period could have been linked to Jerusalem's unique position as the most important religious capital of the world. 

If the question in today's headline was given in a survey, I would not be surprised if the uniqueness as religious capital would receive the majority vote. 

Still, I want to focus on something else; however, I cannot claim to sit with the correct answer, if there is correct answer to the question. 

I remember very well the strong impression Psalm 87 made on me when I was preparing my messages for a tent-campaign in Lyngdal in the early 90s. The Psalm has only seven small verses, but I think it contains an important prophecy about the new birth:

And of Zion it is said:
“Each person was born in it,
but the one who will establish it is the Most High.”
Psalm 87:5

I think this is the most special aspect of Jerusalem. That was the reason why Jesus had to go up to Jerusalem. It was there that the foundation for the new birth had to be laid. The next few days I will try post reflections to substantiate this claim.

‘Manna’ for today:

I have never been in Jerusalem, but I was born there! (1)

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(1) May be you will make the same claim when you have read the entire Psalm:

God’s foundation is set on the holy mountains.
2 The Lord loves Zion’s gates
more than all of Jacob’s houses combined.
3 Glorious things are said about you,
the city of God! Selah
4 I count Rahab and Babel among those who know me;
also Philistia and Tyre, along with Cush—
each of these was born there.
5 And of Zion it is said:
“Each person was born in it,
but the one who will establish it is the Most High.”
6 The Lord makes a record as he registers the peoples:
“Each one was born there.” Selah
7 And while they dance, people sing:
“The source of my life comes from you.” 

Psalm 87

...towards a goal

NORSK
When I last Friday concluded the study of the letters to Timothy, the final reflection was about 'ending on the right note' - which is the same as ending up where you intended to go. Paul was very target focused in his mentoring of Timothy and ensured that his disciple developed good habits to achieve the goals of the mission (1).

To be target focused is an important trait whatever we want to achieve. Some years back, I spent forty days reflecting on Rick Warren's book "Purpose driven life" (2) on this blog. The book confirms how important it is to live for a purpose and set goals. I have also repeatedly expressed my excitement of Eugene Peterson's definition of discipleship as 'Long Obedience in the same direction' (3). I become more and more convinced that it is an ingenious definition, and it confirms the value of having clear goals.

Jesus knew the purpose of his life, and he knew that the most important goal of his mission would take place in Jerusalem:

Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled.”
Luke 18:31

Luke also described the reaction of the disciples in this way: “The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.” v 34 (3). Nevertheless, they followed the master because he knew where he was going. This truth highlights the importance of knowing his will and goals.

‘Manna’ for today:

It is God’s will and goals that are important

PS My intent is to continue on the road to Jerusalem in preparation for Easter
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(1) See e.g. “It is about lifestyle” and “Journey of Renewal”
(2) The series starts with the entry "The next 40 days" – only available in English through google translate.


(3) See the reflection 'Long obedience in the same direction' – only available in English through google translate.
(4) It is this kind of verses which makes the Bible trustworthy for me - see “How blessed humanly ...”