Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World
Day 232 – Week 34 - Magic
Scripture focus: It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time:…magic-show religion…Galatians 5:19 and 20 The Message
Peterson’s translation of this phrase is exceedingly interesting! In both the NIV and King James Version – this word is translated “witchcraft”. The Greek word used is pharmakeia – meaning medicines or drugs that inhibit a person’s personality or change his behavior.
According to Rick Renner, in his book Sparkling Gems From the Greek, July 16th study, we need some historical context to understand this text. Before Jesus came on the scene, paganism was the ruling religion of the Roman Empire. One of the common features of their religious rituals was the use of mind-altering drugs. Worshipers gathered in pagan temples in search of relief from their suffering. The priests would give them a mix of drugs and wine, sending them home with the hope that tomorrow would be better. Of course, it was not. But those visitors would return – again and again – because the concoction gave them respite for awhile. (Sound familiar?)
Paul suggests that one obvious kind of life that develops out of trying to get our own way all the time is a desire for relief without a serious commitment to restoration. We want a magic pill. We want transformation without personal sacrifice. We want others to treat us well without having to think about how we treat others. We want to do well in life and experience success, without having to ask the hard questions about how we’re really doing in terms of living well. We want life to be easy. Anyone who offers a simple solution and a quick fix is selling magic – not movement towards the good life. Renner goes on to suggest that this word refers to “the flesh’s attempts to avoid being confronted and changed”. When I first looked at The Message translation, I wondered how in the world Peterson managed to come up with “magic-show religion” – but I think I understand it after reading Renner’s description of pharmakeia.
My friend Mike Thompson often encourages others to not give up five minutes before the miracle. Miracles happen. But they are not the same thing as magic-show religion. Mike’s life is a testimony to the benefits of forsaking all pharmakeia in the pursuit (sometimes painful) of an authentic life – a place where we come to discover our true, God-created identity. May you too find your life in Christ and discover yourself in the process!
Recommended reading: Esther 5, 6 in the morning; Esther 7 and 1 Corinthians 12
Scripture focus: It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time:…magic-show religion…Galatians 5:19 and 20 The Message
Peterson’s translation of this phrase is exceedingly interesting! In both the NIV and King James Version – this word is translated “witchcraft”. The Greek word used is pharmakeia – meaning medicines or drugs that inhibit a person’s personality or change his behavior.
According to Rick Renner, in his book Sparkling Gems From the Greek, July 16th study, we need some historical context to understand this text. Before Jesus came on the scene, paganism was the ruling religion of the Roman Empire. One of the common features of their religious rituals was the use of mind-altering drugs. Worshipers gathered in pagan temples in search of relief from their suffering. The priests would give them a mix of drugs and wine, sending them home with the hope that tomorrow would be better. Of course, it was not. But those visitors would return – again and again – because the concoction gave them respite for awhile. (Sound familiar?)
Paul suggests that one obvious kind of life that develops out of trying to get our own way all the time is a desire for relief without a serious commitment to restoration. We want a magic pill. We want transformation without personal sacrifice. We want others to treat us well without having to think about how we treat others. We want to do well in life and experience success, without having to ask the hard questions about how we’re really doing in terms of living well. We want life to be easy. Anyone who offers a simple solution and a quick fix is selling magic – not movement towards the good life. Renner goes on to suggest that this word refers to “the flesh’s attempts to avoid being confronted and changed”. When I first looked at The Message translation, I wondered how in the world Peterson managed to come up with “magic-show religion” – but I think I understand it after reading Renner’s description of pharmakeia.
My friend Mike Thompson often encourages others to not give up five minutes before the miracle. Miracles happen. But they are not the same thing as magic-show religion. Mike’s life is a testimony to the benefits of forsaking all pharmakeia in the pursuit (sometimes painful) of an authentic life – a place where we come to discover our true, God-created identity. May you too find your life in Christ and discover yourself in the process!
Recommended reading: Esther 5, 6 in the morning; Esther 7 and 1 Corinthians 12
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