C is for Conversation

Pentecost took old language (Parthian, Medean, Elamite and so on) and made it say new things ("the mighty works of God.") A similar wonder takes place in the pages which follow. Old languages like Australian, American, even the Greek of The Letter to the Hebrews are made to say new things. Once severe words like "discipline" and "obedience" suddenly come across as Good Cheer. Just when you thought there was no better sounding word than "home," it starts sounding even better. Language, too, undergoes Crossing. Listen.

The Rev. Dr. Michael C. Hoy, president of the board of The Crossings Community, went to Australia last year at the invitation of our Crossings companions Down Under. One of the gifts he took them was a "crossing" of Hebrews 12:1-13. I have asked Michael's sidekick from graduate school days, The Rev. Dr. Steven C. Kuhl, now pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, to ask Hoy what he (and The Letter to the Hebrews) said to the Aussies. We're invited to eavesdrop. (What Michael and Steve tell each other about their wives and kids is not confidential.) First, the text.

rwb

    1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

    3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation which addresses you as children?--
"My child, do not regard lightly the
discipline of the Lord,
nor lose courage when you are
punished by him.
For the Lord disciplines those
whom he loves, and chastises
every child whom he receives ."
New GodSpeak
    7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as children, for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all children share, then you are illegitimate and not his children. Besides this, we have had human parents to discipline us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time at their pleasure, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant; later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

    12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. (Hebrews 12:1-13)

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