Here at DBO we rigorously follow the rules of English writing, including:
- Always avoid the apt art of alliteration.
- The passive voice is to be avoided.
- Prepositions are not words to end sentences with.
- It is proper to never split an infinitive.
- Never be redundant, repetitive, pleonastic, or use more words than necessary.
I fear I'm breaking this last rule in today's post because, yes, I wanted to tell you -- again! -- what a great time I had at the gym today even though I know you are sick and tired of hearing about it.
Hmm. Maybe I'm becoming senile in my old age. That said, there are hundreds of reasons people like to hang out at the gym:
Accountability. Your gym rat friends are waiting for you to show up. Don't let them down.Meeting people. If you're into that sort of thing.
People watching. From old to young and perfect to imperfect bodies, it's all there.
It never rains. I'm much better at working out when I can avoid exercising in bad weather.
Machines. This includes something as simple as a pull up bar.
Sauna. I haven't used it yet but hey, it's a new year right?
Pool. I find swimming really boring. Plus the racoon eyes you get from wearing goggles! But if you do triathlons, it's something you pretty much have to do. Thankfully, the pool is heated.
See? You're totally bored. I knew it. So on to some comments about my Bible time this morning.
Having arrived at Bo's I opened my Bible again to Mark's Gospel. As I was reading the Greek of Mark 2:15, I noticed an interesting construction.
Here Mark uses two words for "reclining":
- katakeimai
- sunanakeimai
Each word has a "keimai" part (sit, or recline), but with different prefixes attached to it. Remember the rule about redundancy I listed above? To me it sounds redundant to say that as Jesus was reclining at table, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining at table with Jesus and his disciples." But maybe the first verb does not mean simply "recline" here. The verb can also refer to being idle or enjoying a time of relaxation. I think Mark might want us to see Jesus as "chillaxing" in Levi's house when a dinner party broke out.
Synonyms for "chillax" might be:
- relax
- take it easy
- take time off
- enjoy life
- chill out
- unwind
- kick back
- decompress
- calm down
According to Dave's Standard Version, the verse would read:
"And so it was, as Jesus was chillaxing in Levi's house, many tax collectors and sinners began reclining at the dinner table with Jesus and his disciples."
Just a thought ....
Oh, I almost forgot. While driving to Bo's this morning I listened to a message by Alistair Begg on the Great Commission of Matt. 28:18-20.
He mentioned in passing that his church's purpose statement is based on this passage and reads as follows:
"Our purpose is to see unbelieving people become committed followers of Jesus Christ."
Wow. That just about says it all. I said to myself, "Dave, why is it you've never come up with a purpose statement for your teaching ministry?" So I jotted this one down. See if you like it:
"My purpose is to see Greek students become faithful expositors of God's word."
You see, it's not only a privilege to receive the Christian faith. It is a duty to transmit it faithfully. Frankly, I look at myself as a link between two generations. 62 years ago I received the faith. Now I must also pass it on. The torch of truth must be transmitted "to faithful men who will be competent to teach others too." The glory of teaching Greek is that it is a link in the living chain that stretches unbroken back to Jesus Christ himself. What a privilege! What a responsibility! So, I will go to work on Mondays with this purpose in mind. For a church that has no Bible is a church that has no Christ.
Ok. I'm done for now. I think I'll chillax a little before preparing something to eat.