“Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened down, and I will give you rest.” [Jesus]

Sorry for my unscheduled hiatus from Tuesday Afternoon the past two weeks. Ministry in India completely monopolized my attention. And yet, to be over there and among some of the greatest servants of people is nothing less than inspiring. I have used the phrase “that’s a first-world problem” on myself more than once since returning.

And now, by the verse above I am reminding myself (and you) that Jesus is the Lord of our rest.

Exhaustion is not a fruit of the Spirit.
Busyness is not a spiritual discipline.
“Running on Empty” is not a hymn of the Church.

A calling to rest…for all of us.

Physically: Jesus modeled that by often getting away to solitary place away from all of the hubbub.

Spiritually: He invites us to set aside our striving to earn God’s favor through all kinds of religious duties and simply rest in his gracious acceptance and sacrificial love.

Feel-good stories
Legendary Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar underwent successful liver transplant surgery on Monday. “Hey, I’m out and I’m feeling good,” Kosar said in a video from his bed at University Hospitals after surgery.

Here’s the statement from University Hospitals: “We are thankful to Mr. Kosar for trusting us with his healthcare needs. “Our doctors, nurses and caregivers will do everything in our power to support his journey toward recovery. The entire UH team has grown fond of Bernie and we are astonished by the indomitable spirit Browns fans have known and loved for decades.

“As with all organ donations, we are humbled and awed by the generosity of the donor and their family. Due to confidentiality laws, we cannot provide additional details about the donor.”

And here is the “rest of the story.” The tender words of a grieving mother who is proud of her 21-year-old son who donated the liver that saved Kosar’s life.

“Tell us something good that happened recently.” Students from a middle school in Monroe, Ohio were urged by a sign and a microphone in the hallway to share their good news.

Advent reading challenge
What are you doing for Advent? Are you reading a special devotional or lighting candles as a household during the season? Maybe the kids are opening a window of the Advent calendar each day to see the surprise behind each door.

Here is an idea if you need one. Gradually and meditatively, read through Luke 1. Did you know that it is the LONGEST chapter in the entire Bible? It ought to be, as it introduces The Greatest Story Ever Told. Then read half of Luke 2.

Here is how you do it: Start reading on December 1. And then finish on Christmas Eve. That is 24 days. (You didn’t know I was a math whiz, did you?) In that span, you will read Luke 1 through Luke 2:20 three times. Each time in a different version of the Bible. (And why not alternate from quite literal translations the first time through [ESV, NASB, KJV] to more dynamic equivalent translations the second time [NIV, CSB, NLT] to good paraphrases the third time through [The Message, The Living Bible, CEV]?)

Here are your eight readings. (8 x 3 = 24! Math!)

1. Luke 1:1–25 5. Luke 1:57–67

2. Luke 1:26–38 6. Luke 1:68–80

3. Luke 1:39–45 7. Luke 2:1–7

4. Luke 1:46–56 8. Luke 2:8–20

Is 41 the new 6-7?
Okay, firstly, I don’t completely understand the meaning and origin of this new popular phrase, “6-7.” (Does anyone?) But now I am hearing that “41” (literally “forty-one”) is closing in fast as 6-7’s replacement. Or at least it is described as much by this teacher and self-proclaimed “student translator.”

My three vices
Watches
In a day where watches are unfortunately being replaced by smart phones and other uncouth alternatives to the timeless timepiece, here are some new award-winning watches. (You can get me any one of these and that would be fine.)

Pens
Fountain pens are more popular than ever. But that is not all good news. Cheap knockoffs are flooding the market of these classy pens. The phony-baloney fountain pens (no judgment here, I promise 🙂 are attracting new waves of buyers and users (which isn’t so bad).

Cars
Having recently returned from India, I was reminded again how much Indian drivers love and use their car horn. And now I read of a humorous new law that is being pursued. The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways in India recently announced his intention to introduce legislation that would mandate that car horns must derive their sounds from Indian musical instruments. Now that I want to see (or actually, hear).

Bible translations
I often get asked which translation of the Bible I most prefer. Without being too elusive, I tend to vary my answer on the purpose of the reading (in-depth study or devotional or general overview or “lectio divina,” etc.). If you must know, among my favorite English translations are the CSB, NIV, NRSV, ESV, and NLT.

What’s the difference between them? In the seminary Greek class I am teaching, we are discussing the task and art of translating the New Testament. The most significant way the translations differ is by the degree to which words in the original language are specifically connected to individual English words. Because of the nature of language, sometimes a very literal, word-for-word translation is good. But sometimes a thought-for-thought rendering is better. Good translations are a balance of those two practices, as described on this chart.

Our Tuesday Afternoon prayer
“Lord, I do not know what lies ahead for me this day, but you know. I leave all things in your hands and place myself at your disposal. Do for me as you know best. Help me prosper in all I do. Give me success if it is your will. But, if you know that crosses and disappointments are better for me, teach me to also accept them from you, bear them humbly and cheerfully, and to say, “Father, not my will, but yours be done.” God, keep me happy as I serve you. Keep my conscience clear. Let me do nothing, say nothing, desire nothing contrary to your will. Give me a thankful spirit. I praise you for all you have given me, and for all that you have not given me. Amen.”
[Bishop Ashton Oxenden, 1808–1892]