Today I'm posting a timely review of
'God's Favorite Place on Earth' by Frank Viola
in light of his insights on Christ's Ascension
and the effects it can have on our own life as Christ followers.
The Day of Christ's Ascension to Heaven
culminated 40 days of witness to His earthly presence
following His Resurrection.
Witnessed by His disciples and followers.
Verified by two heavenly messengers after His Ascension.
How does this affect our lives today?
A book of
comfort. A book of challenge.
I had never
realized the amount of time Jesus spent in Bethany prior to reading
Viola’s newest release, God’s Favorite Place.
Viola presents a good case for Jesus’ attachment to the people and the
place that captured his favour. People
who welcomed and received Christ, providing hospitality, honour, friendship and love. All responses we are encouraged to offer as
our own Bethany invitation to Christ.
To move past
performance mentality of serving as exemplified by Martha at our initial
glimpse into this home in Bethany. To
pursue relational living with the Lord as seen in Mary ‘s response. Casting aside gender and cultural restraints
to be who she is called to be, Mary leaves propriety to wholeheartedly invest
herself, her time, her efforts for the worth that is Christ. A worth that increased in her relational
pursuit, culminating in the ointment poured upon the object of her affection,
her heart’s desire, her Lord. Viola would
that we recognize Mary’s ‘waste’ and make it our own. Recognize that what religion and religious of
our day consider service or ministry is
often the real ‘waste’ when worship is
God’s heart cry for his friends to follow...
This
particular point also spoke to a recent conversation on property ownership
vs
communal living where all things are shared.
Christ never suggested personal property ownership was sinful. Mary’s fragrant offering was hers to give,
revealing a heart of generosity. She
owned the perfume; the perfume, valuable as it undeniably was, did not own
her. There’s the heart of the
issue. For the rich young ruler, his
personally owned property owned his heart.
Thus, Jesus’ solution to his particular issue wasn’t a wholesale
solution or command to every follower.
We’re called to have Mary hearts of worth and worship toward our
Saviour, whatever our financial situation.
A beautifully novelized telling from Lazarus, brother of Mary and Martha, of their times
spent with their friend, Yeshua Jesus.
Insights gained from those times, his own death and resurrection
foretelling Christ’s own. The deathbed
counsel of his so-called friends reminiscent of Job’s counsellors; definitely
some sin in there somewhere Lazarus! Or some lack of Christ’s abilities or
heart toward you. How common to the
religious minded to confront and affront another, all, supposedly, in service to
Christ.
But not in the truth of Christ's Spirit of Love and Compassion.
Mercy that fails not.
Thought provoking and life changing challenges from Viola, if allowed to search
and cleanse our own heart; to move us toward becoming a Bethany that welcomes
and creates sanctuary for Christ and His nature to become our self-image.
Rich with
narrative, scripture background to each chapter, and
practical applications
such as our position in prayer.
Beggars coming
before God?
Or from the place of
ascendancy provided through Christ’s ascension?
Are we seated with Christ in heavenly places?
Or still lacking boldness to enter God's throne of Grace
through the completed work of Christ in His death, resurrection and
Ascension?
A book to inspirit new perspectives in living
out the Bethany experience as well as invitation to make our churches Bethany communities
that welcome and promote Christ in relation and reality.
Highly
recommended for those who are pursuing more than religious form and function,
those
who desire to live an ascendant life,
or those who are curious.
published May 1. 2013 by David C Cook
208 pages pb and ebook
*David C Cook provided me an ebook copy to read and review without obligation.
Thank you for the opportunity.
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