Seven Pages a Day: Good News! Paul Chills

If you're new to this blog, for Lent I've decided to read the entire New Testament in 40 days. That means I have to read seven pages a day, which is not as easy a task as it seems. It's a little like eating a 2 lb box of Godiva chocolates every half hour. Not an idea to which I'm wholly opposed, but you can imagine the gastric challenges that might follow.

Well, it's the same with reading big chunks of the Bible quickly.  It's a lot to digest.  It could give you spiritual cramps.

Since last I wrote, I've read seven more letters by Paul. Here are seven brief “book reports” based on them. I bet Jesus gave himself an ulcer worrying about some of the things Paul wrote in his earlier letters. But I have to say, in the end God manages to pull a rabbit out of his hat. Paul finally chills.

Paul had his blind spots, especially regarding homosexuality and the role of women. Unfortunately, his ideas have been taken out of context and used to hurt a great many people. Someday this will change. Until then, we can still appreciate Paul for being an example of the Good News. We are transformed by the people with whom we associate. Paul was transformed by his long, close relationship with God in Christ.

Second Corinthians: “Who’s Your Daddy?” If First Corinthians was about breaking up, this letter is about making up. The Corinthians kicked him to the curb for some glitzy, high-priced evangelists, and now they’re sorry. Paul’s got a thing or two to say about the Joel Osteens of his day. Most of all, he wants to be remembered for who he really is—their father in the faith. You may not like Paul, but if you ever thought he was a wuss, read 2Cor.11: 16-33. Wow! This letter leaves you longing for a sequel.

Galatians: “One Life to Live.” Okay, don’t tell on me, but I used to believe in reincarnation. Well, not really believed in it, but toyed with the possibility. I have a remarkably vivid imagination, so it’s not hard to do. I finally abandoned it, and when I read Galatians, I’m reminded why. When it comes down to it, Paul says, you have to choose. Are you going to cultivate your deification by your own efforts (over one or many lifetimes) or receive it through grace?

Ephesians: “What Happened to Paul?” This letter is filled with advice regarding relationships. Don’t be angry with each other. Care for each other. Serve each other. Obey your parents. Be tender towards your children. It’s a welcome change in tone from the earlier letters to the Romans and Corinthians. You get the sense something rigid in Paul has finally softened. We don’t know what caused the change, but a clue seems to be hidden in the gorgeous words of Ephesians 3:14-20.

Philippians: “The Radiant Letter.” This letter practically glows with all that is “true, noble, right, pure, lovely and honorable”(Phil 4: 8). Although he claims he hasn’t reached the finish line, it’s clear to see Christ has made his home in Paul, and he’s not the same man who started out full of fanatic zeal years before. This letter is by far my favorite. Just reading it will fill your heart with joy and peace.

Colossians: “It's Always Something.” This time it’s a teaching that you have to worship certain spiritual rulers and authorities to get into heaven. So Paul is back to defending the purity of faith from contamination by stuff that makes you go, “Huh?” It may seem picky, picky, picky. But if you read between the lines, it has a lot to say about the difference between faith and superstition, and the dangers of seeking spiritual highs.

First & Second Thessalonians: “He’s Coming Back” & “No, Really. He’s Coming Back.” Apart from some brief comments on Christian conduct and the like, Paul is mainly concerned with correcting the readers’notions regarding the Second Coming of Christ. He reassures them it’s going to happen, and not to worry—they haven’t missed it. Seriously, do you really think you could miss the Second Coming? I mean, aren't the fireworks supposed to be, like, awesome?  Well, apparently the Thessalonians thought they had. These letters are a tad boring, and they'll tempt you to waste all kinds of time trying to figure out the identity of the Wicked One.

As for the Wicked One, your choices are numerous.  After all, it’s the election season.