(Wednesday)
We had been in the car a few hours when Bill broke the silence with something that obviously had been on his mind for a time. “Trip-trap, trip-trap. What story is that?” My husband’s brain can come up with some interesting questions. Such queries are usually asked when I’m trapped in the car with him and have no means of escape. “If you mean trippity-trop, that’s from the Three Billy Goats Gruff,” I replied. Dissatisfied with my answer, he declared the phrase was trip-trap. The ensuing conversation about a children’s story was spirited, and we giggled through our playful argument. Did I have the wrong tale? Was it an ogre or a troll under that bridge? What sound do goats actually make when crossing a bridge?
Several minutes of time gave up their lives to that conversation, and as it turns out, we were both correct. We had the right story, it was a troll, and the sound of goat hooves depends on who is telling the story. Having Googled ourselves into a satisfactory understanding, we settled back for a comfortable and quiet ride; and I patiently waited for the next abstract question to surface.
Knowing and telling stories is a wonderful practice filled with imagery which allows our minds to focus on life-truths. At first glance, the billy goat story is about the consequences of greed. As in all good stories, though, there is more to discover. What if the troll represents something within us that fights against our best selves? We all have trolls in our lives keeping us from crossing over to the greener grasses. Trolls can show up as self-doubt, fear, temptation, and any number of other barriers.
Jesus is no stranger to trolls. The Gospel of Matthew weaves a fascinating story that takes place just before Jesus begins his ministry. As he enters into the wilderness to empty himself, fast, pray and prepare for his upcoming journey, Jesus encounters the greatest troll of all. We know the story. Wilderness, fasting, temptation, Satan and ultimate triumph are a few of the primary characters in the narrative. Even the potential for greed is found as Satan offers Jesus three distinct methods to prosper apart from God’s true story. Yet here, as in the goat tale, there is something more to discover.
At first Jesus is offered an answer to his hunger. “Come on, Jesus, you haven’t eaten in over a month. You have the ability to turn these stones into food; what’s the harm in a little bread?” Jesus’ response is a quote from scripture: “Bread isn’t the key to survival. You have to depend on God.” Moving along – trippity-trop.
Next is the enticement to prove who he is. “You think you are really the Son of God? Jump from this magnificent Temple height and prove it. I know scripture as well as you do, and the text says that God will send his angels so you won’t even stub your toe. If you think you are all that, then show me.” Jesus quotes scripture right back with a simple: “Don’t test God.” Continuing forward – trippity-trop.
Finally, Satan opens Jesus’ eyes to view all the kingdoms of the world and all they have to offer.
Satan: “All this is mine to give as I see fit. Just align with me, and it’s all yours.”
Jesus: “Back off, you old troll. I am headed straight for my Father and greener pastures.”
At this point, Satan gets bumped right off the bridge and into the water while Jesus launches into his ministry journey. Trip. Trap. Done.
I love how Bill’s silly questions inspire my brain to engage in the exploration of truth. I love how even trolls cannot keep Jesus from his appointed work. Mostly, I love how ultimate triumph is just across any bridge I encounter – even ones guarded by trolls. May I spend my Lenten days avoiding trolls and seeking the beautiful meadows of God’s love.
Thwarting trolls,
Pastor Beth
PRAYER FROM PROVERBS 30
O Lord my God, all your words are tried and true; a shield for those of us who take refuge in you. Help me, Lord, to never add to your words. I do not want you to correct me and show me to be a liar. Instead I ask two things of you before I die: please keep fraud and lies far from me! Also, only give to me the food I need rather than offering me poverty or wealth. I never want to feel full and deny you, but want only to depend on you for all my days. Amen.
KEY VERSES FROM TODAY’S SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 77 – With your mighty arm you redeemed your people; redeemed the children of Jacob and Joseph.
Proverbs 30 – All God’s words are tried and true; a shield for those who take refuge in him.
Matthew 4 – Jesus responded, “Go away, Satan, because it’s written, You will worship the Lord your God and serve only him.”
For today’s full scripture readings, click here… https://www.divinestreet.org/lent-scripture.html
For a fun video of the Three Billy Goats Gruff story, click here… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9jEwK0Bfk0
We had been in the car a few hours when Bill broke the silence with something that obviously had been on his mind for a time. “Trip-trap, trip-trap. What story is that?” My husband’s brain can come up with some interesting questions. Such queries are usually asked when I’m trapped in the car with him and have no means of escape. “If you mean trippity-trop, that’s from the Three Billy Goats Gruff,” I replied. Dissatisfied with my answer, he declared the phrase was trip-trap. The ensuing conversation about a children’s story was spirited, and we giggled through our playful argument. Did I have the wrong tale? Was it an ogre or a troll under that bridge? What sound do goats actually make when crossing a bridge?
Several minutes of time gave up their lives to that conversation, and as it turns out, we were both correct. We had the right story, it was a troll, and the sound of goat hooves depends on who is telling the story. Having Googled ourselves into a satisfactory understanding, we settled back for a comfortable and quiet ride; and I patiently waited for the next abstract question to surface.
Knowing and telling stories is a wonderful practice filled with imagery which allows our minds to focus on life-truths. At first glance, the billy goat story is about the consequences of greed. As in all good stories, though, there is more to discover. What if the troll represents something within us that fights against our best selves? We all have trolls in our lives keeping us from crossing over to the greener grasses. Trolls can show up as self-doubt, fear, temptation, and any number of other barriers.
Jesus is no stranger to trolls. The Gospel of Matthew weaves a fascinating story that takes place just before Jesus begins his ministry. As he enters into the wilderness to empty himself, fast, pray and prepare for his upcoming journey, Jesus encounters the greatest troll of all. We know the story. Wilderness, fasting, temptation, Satan and ultimate triumph are a few of the primary characters in the narrative. Even the potential for greed is found as Satan offers Jesus three distinct methods to prosper apart from God’s true story. Yet here, as in the goat tale, there is something more to discover.
At first Jesus is offered an answer to his hunger. “Come on, Jesus, you haven’t eaten in over a month. You have the ability to turn these stones into food; what’s the harm in a little bread?” Jesus’ response is a quote from scripture: “Bread isn’t the key to survival. You have to depend on God.” Moving along – trippity-trop.
Next is the enticement to prove who he is. “You think you are really the Son of God? Jump from this magnificent Temple height and prove it. I know scripture as well as you do, and the text says that God will send his angels so you won’t even stub your toe. If you think you are all that, then show me.” Jesus quotes scripture right back with a simple: “Don’t test God.” Continuing forward – trippity-trop.
Finally, Satan opens Jesus’ eyes to view all the kingdoms of the world and all they have to offer.
Satan: “All this is mine to give as I see fit. Just align with me, and it’s all yours.”
Jesus: “Back off, you old troll. I am headed straight for my Father and greener pastures.”
At this point, Satan gets bumped right off the bridge and into the water while Jesus launches into his ministry journey. Trip. Trap. Done.
I love how Bill’s silly questions inspire my brain to engage in the exploration of truth. I love how even trolls cannot keep Jesus from his appointed work. Mostly, I love how ultimate triumph is just across any bridge I encounter – even ones guarded by trolls. May I spend my Lenten days avoiding trolls and seeking the beautiful meadows of God’s love.
Thwarting trolls,
Pastor Beth
PRAYER FROM PROVERBS 30
O Lord my God, all your words are tried and true; a shield for those of us who take refuge in you. Help me, Lord, to never add to your words. I do not want you to correct me and show me to be a liar. Instead I ask two things of you before I die: please keep fraud and lies far from me! Also, only give to me the food I need rather than offering me poverty or wealth. I never want to feel full and deny you, but want only to depend on you for all my days. Amen.
KEY VERSES FROM TODAY’S SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 77 – With your mighty arm you redeemed your people; redeemed the children of Jacob and Joseph.
Proverbs 30 – All God’s words are tried and true; a shield for those who take refuge in him.
Matthew 4 – Jesus responded, “Go away, Satan, because it’s written, You will worship the Lord your God and serve only him.”
For today’s full scripture readings, click here… https://www.divinestreet.org/lent-scripture.html
For a fun video of the Three Billy Goats Gruff story, click here… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9jEwK0Bfk0