Hallowe'en
All Hallow's Eve
Samhain
By whatever name you call today, it is a day of many aspects.
Children glory in the chocolate (Skittles, I have been informed today, are NOT appropriate for Hallowe'en candy).
In the church, it is the day before we reflect on those who have died this past year.
To many, it is the beginning of the holiday season.
For me, I relish the entirety of it. But my favorite is this poem from
The Grey King by Susan Cooper, part of the Dark is Rising series
On the day of the Dead, when the year too dies,
Must the youngest open the oldest hills
through the door of the birds, where the breeze breaks.
There fire shall fly from the raven boy,
And the silver eyes that see the wind,
And the Light shall have the harp of gold.
Blessings on your Hallowe'en.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
October 30
OT -- Lamentations 2:20-3:66
Several images in this scripture passage that I have seen elsewhere:
vs. 15 "He has filled me with bitter herbs and sated me with gall." This was also part of the crucifixion scene. The Roman soldiers offered Jesus gall -- vinegar or soured wine mixed with an opiate.
vs 24 "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him" is also in Psalm 119,
"great is your faithfulness"
Okay, this one had me singing the hymn so I had to find a great rendition of that:
Click here if your email does not support YouTube.
But the phrase that really had me thinking and thinking about the vast sweep of scripture was vs 49-50 and vs 57
"My eyes will flow unceasingly, without relief, until the Lord looks down from heaven and sees...You came near when I called you, and you said, 'Do not fear'."
Remember in Exodus at the beginning and it says that years have passed and a pharaoh is on the throne 'who knew Joseph not' and God heard the cries of his people as they groaned under oppression?
My question to that is, why did he wait for all those years? I admit, I probably should have thought about that in January when we read those passages but I didn't.
Does the evil generation have to pass away before God will step in and save? And in Exodus, it wasn't because they were evil, just a convenient tool for the pharaoh.
And then we have those 400 years between the prophets and the New Testament. Lots, lots happened in Israel during that time. Ugly, ugly things. But our Bible is silent on that. And when we read the Apocrypha (another year, another study), that doesn't exactly satisfy either.
The silences bother me especially when Jeremiah says 'I called you and you came near'. Where was He?
And isn't this the age old cry? Where were You when....?
And of course, Psalm 102 has answers:
vs/ 2 Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress.
Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly.
We all want answers and we want them RIGHT NOW. Nothing has changed and I am one of billions asking God 'when, where and how come?'
Just another in a long parade of folks.
Several images in this scripture passage that I have seen elsewhere:
vs. 15 "He has filled me with bitter herbs and sated me with gall." This was also part of the crucifixion scene. The Roman soldiers offered Jesus gall -- vinegar or soured wine mixed with an opiate.
vs 24 "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him" is also in Psalm 119,
"great is your faithfulness"
Okay, this one had me singing the hymn so I had to find a great rendition of that:
Click here if your email does not support YouTube.
But the phrase that really had me thinking and thinking about the vast sweep of scripture was vs 49-50 and vs 57
"My eyes will flow unceasingly, without relief, until the Lord looks down from heaven and sees...You came near when I called you, and you said, 'Do not fear'."
Remember in Exodus at the beginning and it says that years have passed and a pharaoh is on the throne 'who knew Joseph not' and God heard the cries of his people as they groaned under oppression?
My question to that is, why did he wait for all those years? I admit, I probably should have thought about that in January when we read those passages but I didn't.
Does the evil generation have to pass away before God will step in and save? And in Exodus, it wasn't because they were evil, just a convenient tool for the pharaoh.
And then we have those 400 years between the prophets and the New Testament. Lots, lots happened in Israel during that time. Ugly, ugly things. But our Bible is silent on that. And when we read the Apocrypha (another year, another study), that doesn't exactly satisfy either.
The silences bother me especially when Jeremiah says 'I called you and you came near'. Where was He?
And isn't this the age old cry? Where were You when....?
And of course, Psalm 102 has answers:
vs/ 2 Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress.
Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly.
We all want answers and we want them RIGHT NOW. Nothing has changed and I am one of billions asking God 'when, where and how come?'
Just another in a long parade of folks.
Monday, October 29, 2012
October 29
OT -- Lamentations
Supposedly composed by Jeremiah, [sigh], this book is a series of five poems, [also, sigh] composed in an acrostic style. Acrostic means using the first letter of either a word or the alphabet. In this case, it is the Hebrew alphabet.
The poems were written immediately after the sack of Jerusalem by Nebuchadezzer and are sad the max degree.
Lots and lots of imagery for Jerusalem being the Daughter of God, the Virgin Daughter, or the Daughter of Zion.
NT -- The Letter of Philemon
Apparently, Onesimus was a slave who ran away and ended up with Paul. Paul convinced Onesimus to return and wrote the letter to appeal for the forgiveness of debt and anger. Paul's reasons are that Philemon and Apphia owe Paul their lives (spiritual, at least) and since Onesimus has somehow 'saved' Paul, Paul is calling the debt.
This shows a very human side of Paul as I get the feeling that he is almost begging Philemon to be kind to Onesimus.
I certainly hope the letter was successful.
And finally, the Proverb "Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down" had much to say to me.
I always want to get in that last little word. The final dig. And I certainly can run my mouth with the best of them, often offering choice bits just to prove my point. If there is a way, my mouth will get me into trouble.
Supposedly composed by Jeremiah, [sigh], this book is a series of five poems, [also, sigh] composed in an acrostic style. Acrostic means using the first letter of either a word or the alphabet. In this case, it is the Hebrew alphabet.
The poems were written immediately after the sack of Jerusalem by Nebuchadezzer and are sad the max degree.
Lots and lots of imagery for Jerusalem being the Daughter of God, the Virgin Daughter, or the Daughter of Zion.
NT -- The Letter of Philemon
Apparently, Onesimus was a slave who ran away and ended up with Paul. Paul convinced Onesimus to return and wrote the letter to appeal for the forgiveness of debt and anger. Paul's reasons are that Philemon and Apphia owe Paul their lives (spiritual, at least) and since Onesimus has somehow 'saved' Paul, Paul is calling the debt.
This shows a very human side of Paul as I get the feeling that he is almost begging Philemon to be kind to Onesimus.
I certainly hope the letter was successful.
And finally, the Proverb "Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down" had much to say to me.
I always want to get in that last little word. The final dig. And I certainly can run my mouth with the best of them, often offering choice bits just to prove my point. If there is a way, my mouth will get me into trouble.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
October 28
OT -- Jeremiah 51:54-52:34
And so we come to the end of Jeremiah. Depressing right to the end. I am trying to think what I have learned from reading this section of scripture and I hope that I don't sound too heretical when I say -- I am never going to read this book again.
And when I look in my heart and ask why? it comes down to this: no God I know would behave that way to an entire group of people. The Babylonians and the Assyrians before them were stronger than the Israelites. Plain and simple. It was not the wickedness of the people or the king. It was their lack of military might and accoutrements. To hear Jeremiah, it was the dual worship. And that certainly earns condemnation. But not destruction.
Plenty of rabbis and rabbinic students in Auschwitz. Lots of secular Jews too. That was not the work of God, speaking destruction on the ones who had drifted away and ate bacon with their latkes. It was a tyrannical man who had an incredible war machine behind him.
Same with Assyria and Babylon.
Psalm 100:1-5
It is fitting that I read this psalm after I have read the end of Jeremiah.
"For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations."
And so we come to the end of Jeremiah. Depressing right to the end. I am trying to think what I have learned from reading this section of scripture and I hope that I don't sound too heretical when I say -- I am never going to read this book again.
And when I look in my heart and ask why? it comes down to this: no God I know would behave that way to an entire group of people. The Babylonians and the Assyrians before them were stronger than the Israelites. Plain and simple. It was not the wickedness of the people or the king. It was their lack of military might and accoutrements. To hear Jeremiah, it was the dual worship. And that certainly earns condemnation. But not destruction.
Plenty of rabbis and rabbinic students in Auschwitz. Lots of secular Jews too. That was not the work of God, speaking destruction on the ones who had drifted away and ate bacon with their latkes. It was a tyrannical man who had an incredible war machine behind him.
Same with Assyria and Babylon.
Psalm 100:1-5
It is fitting that I read this psalm after I have read the end of Jeremiah.
"For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations."
Saturday, October 27, 2012
October 27
OT -- Jeremiah 51:1-53
Verse 9 is in quotations. I wonder who he is quoting? The original quotes means that J is quoting from God but my Bible has an additional set of quote marks. Sorry, but Cole is currently working on SAT grammar and this is one of the things that frequently appears on the SAT, apparently.
This is where a Rashi commentary would be mighty handy.
NT -- Titus 2:1-15
One of Paul's infamous slavery passages that previous generations used to justify enslavement is found in vs. 9-10. In the past, I would just have dismissed these verses as "just part of the times that Paul was living in". But recently, a rather negative email pointed out that the Bible is the "literal Word of God". And Presbyterian rhetoric is that the Bible is the "Inspired Word of God". If this is so, where is the condemnation of slavery? Or did God intend for there to be slavery and if so, then the Civil War justifiers were right?
It's a tricky slope there if 'most of the Bible' is 'literal' or if 'most of the Bible is inspired'. Well, what parts aren't?
I know, I know, I am being harsh tonight. Certainly, there is a back story to this letter that we do not know, any more than we get the whole 'don't turn around when you plow oxen (you don't plow a straight line) bit in Matthew' because let's face it, I haven't spend a great deal of time with oxen and I probably am the most farm-based of all of us.
But that is the very reason WHY I would like the commentary on these passages. ALL of the Jewish scriptures have the sages arguing and fussing over every little detail. What it meant, who it referenced, why it was in this place rather than that. If you start parsing New Testament scripture that way, all the sudden, you are a heretic. I personally would LOVE to hear what Augustine had to say about Titus. And Pope John III. I might even like to hear what Martin Luther had to say and I really, really would love to hear what Martin Luther King, Sr. thought about this passage. Not Jr, Sr.
Maybe that will be my task for the next great Bible study I do. To gather up those commentaries and paste them around passages that are really troublesome to me.
For now, I will just have to go with the words that Paul wrote to Titus' older women "be self-controlled and pure, be busy at home, be kind, and be subject to my husband." Well, I bombed on most of those. But there is always tomorrow.
Grace and Peace to each of you.
Verse 9 is in quotations. I wonder who he is quoting? The original quotes means that J is quoting from God but my Bible has an additional set of quote marks. Sorry, but Cole is currently working on SAT grammar and this is one of the things that frequently appears on the SAT, apparently.
This is where a Rashi commentary would be mighty handy.
NT -- Titus 2:1-15
One of Paul's infamous slavery passages that previous generations used to justify enslavement is found in vs. 9-10. In the past, I would just have dismissed these verses as "just part of the times that Paul was living in". But recently, a rather negative email pointed out that the Bible is the "literal Word of God". And Presbyterian rhetoric is that the Bible is the "Inspired Word of God". If this is so, where is the condemnation of slavery? Or did God intend for there to be slavery and if so, then the Civil War justifiers were right?
It's a tricky slope there if 'most of the Bible' is 'literal' or if 'most of the Bible is inspired'. Well, what parts aren't?
I know, I know, I am being harsh tonight. Certainly, there is a back story to this letter that we do not know, any more than we get the whole 'don't turn around when you plow oxen (you don't plow a straight line) bit in Matthew' because let's face it, I haven't spend a great deal of time with oxen and I probably am the most farm-based of all of us.
But that is the very reason WHY I would like the commentary on these passages. ALL of the Jewish scriptures have the sages arguing and fussing over every little detail. What it meant, who it referenced, why it was in this place rather than that. If you start parsing New Testament scripture that way, all the sudden, you are a heretic. I personally would LOVE to hear what Augustine had to say about Titus. And Pope John III. I might even like to hear what Martin Luther had to say and I really, really would love to hear what Martin Luther King, Sr. thought about this passage. Not Jr, Sr.
Maybe that will be my task for the next great Bible study I do. To gather up those commentaries and paste them around passages that are really troublesome to me.
For now, I will just have to go with the words that Paul wrote to Titus' older women "be self-controlled and pure, be busy at home, be kind, and be subject to my husband." Well, I bombed on most of those. But there is always tomorrow.
Grace and Peace to each of you.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
October 26
NT -- Titus 1:1-16
Wow, Paul really hops right in with his condemnations here! I feel like I missed a page!
You have to love his whole elder speech. I just want to point out that I can name 10 really awesome men right off the top of my head who have one or more children who are a problem. And mostly because the kid is a problem though sometimes I do think the man or his wife have some blame. And almost always, these men have other children who are totally in line.
My dad for one. He has Debbie and Alfred, then there is me.
He definitely would not have fit into Paul's elder category because I was a total idiot.
Then there are men who have totally awesome children who are totally in the jerk category themselves.
It is awfully, awfully hard to think of a single man who is wonderful and who has all great children who toe the line.
Maybe that is the point. An elder should be uber special. Except, church is populated by folks who are not. This is a problem. And I don't know about you, but I really, really do not want to be 'rebuked' although I have to say, I probably could stand a good one, every now and then.
I am definitely going to have to think on this one.
Wow, Paul really hops right in with his condemnations here! I feel like I missed a page!
You have to love his whole elder speech. I just want to point out that I can name 10 really awesome men right off the top of my head who have one or more children who are a problem. And mostly because the kid is a problem though sometimes I do think the man or his wife have some blame. And almost always, these men have other children who are totally in line.
My dad for one. He has Debbie and Alfred, then there is me.
He definitely would not have fit into Paul's elder category because I was a total idiot.
Then there are men who have totally awesome children who are totally in the jerk category themselves.
It is awfully, awfully hard to think of a single man who is wonderful and who has all great children who toe the line.
Maybe that is the point. An elder should be uber special. Except, church is populated by folks who are not. This is a problem. And I don't know about you, but I really, really do not want to be 'rebuked' although I have to say, I probably could stand a good one, every now and then.
I am definitely going to have to think on this one.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
October 25
NT -- 2 Timothy 4:1-22
And so the letters to Timothy end, almost with a sad, wistful note. It almost breaks my heart to read the list of those who have deserted Paul, until, that is, that I remember that *I* desert Paul almost every time I read him. He is a very hard man to read; I can't imagine what he must have been like as a live human being. He comes across as extremely harsh.
But the little note about bringing his scrolls and his cloak!!
I hope he did get them.
Proverbs 26:9-12
"As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly."
Yes, one of the grosser proverbs but it doesn't come without a challenge. Why does a dog eat his own vomit? Howler does. Totally disgusting.
Here is a partial answer from Sarah's Dogs:
"Why do dogs eat vomit? There is actually no definitive answer. Although it was considered that this obnoxious behavior stemmed from the practice of regurgitating food. Dogs in the wild live in packs. They hunt together and assist in feeding and caring for the young. Dogs in the wild would feed on the prey after the kill. When the dogs return to the den they would regurgitate the partially digested food to feed the young. Additionally, eating vomit and feces has something to do with hiding the traces of a dog’s presence from predators. After thousands of years of domestication, these habits still kick in. Domesticated dogs still regurgitate food to feed the puppies. Dogs are less discriminating with what they put in their mouth. No matter how well fed the dog is it would still forage food from the trash can every chance it could get. It is said that humans and canines are about 90% similar in genetics. The 10% would probably account for the difference in our choices of food. The insects, the dead animals, the feces and the vomit that are relished by the dogs are repulsive to humans."
Regardless, Solomon and I both agree -- eating your own vomit is a disgusting, foolish behavior but one that is repeated over and over again. Keep that in mind the next time you reach for that 3rd cookie or 2nd helping of potato chips.
And so the letters to Timothy end, almost with a sad, wistful note. It almost breaks my heart to read the list of those who have deserted Paul, until, that is, that I remember that *I* desert Paul almost every time I read him. He is a very hard man to read; I can't imagine what he must have been like as a live human being. He comes across as extremely harsh.
But the little note about bringing his scrolls and his cloak!!
I hope he did get them.
Proverbs 26:9-12
"As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly."
Yes, one of the grosser proverbs but it doesn't come without a challenge. Why does a dog eat his own vomit? Howler does. Totally disgusting.
Here is a partial answer from Sarah's Dogs:
"Why do dogs eat vomit? There is actually no definitive answer. Although it was considered that this obnoxious behavior stemmed from the practice of regurgitating food. Dogs in the wild live in packs. They hunt together and assist in feeding and caring for the young. Dogs in the wild would feed on the prey after the kill. When the dogs return to the den they would regurgitate the partially digested food to feed the young. Additionally, eating vomit and feces has something to do with hiding the traces of a dog’s presence from predators. After thousands of years of domestication, these habits still kick in. Domesticated dogs still regurgitate food to feed the puppies. Dogs are less discriminating with what they put in their mouth. No matter how well fed the dog is it would still forage food from the trash can every chance it could get. It is said that humans and canines are about 90% similar in genetics. The 10% would probably account for the difference in our choices of food. The insects, the dead animals, the feces and the vomit that are relished by the dogs are repulsive to humans."
Regardless, Solomon and I both agree -- eating your own vomit is a disgusting, foolish behavior but one that is repeated over and over again. Keep that in mind the next time you reach for that 3rd cookie or 2nd helping of potato chips.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
October 24
Proverbs 26:6-8
"Like cutting off one's feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool. Like a lame man's legs that hang limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool."
Okay, I know that Proverbs is all about the message and to make a point, the comparisons are frequently stretched. But this one?
Surely, surely a fool is not worth cutting off your feet? That was certain death in OT times. If you didn't die from the infection and/or the blood loss, you would starve to death since you couldn't produce. Cripples begged and that was it.
-sending a message by a fool
-a proverb in the mouth of a fool
-giving honor to a fool
All three of these equaled death and destruction.
So what is a fool? Now?
Dictionary.com defines fool as:
1.a silly or stupid person; a person who lacks judgment or sense.
2.a professional jester, formerly kept by a person of royal or noble rank for amusement: the court fool.
3.a person who has been tricked or deceived into appearing or acting silly or stupid: to make a fool of someone.
4.an ardent enthusiast who cannot resist an opportunity to indulge an enthusiasm (usually preceded by a present participle): He's just a dancing fool.
5.a weak-minded or idiotic person.
What about then?
This is from Worldwide Bible
"term is given a much stronger meaning in the Old Testament. The fool is a godless, and immoral person (cf. Ps. 14:1; Prov. 9:13-18; 14:9). He is a wicked reprobate, destitute of spirituality. Further, and most significantly, many of the translators see the epithet, “You fool!” as implying a curse. Rotherham’s New Testament has, “You cursed fool” [i.e. ‘You damned fool!’].” And the Twentieth Century New Testament paraphrases, “Whoever calls down curses upon him.” The Living Bible paraphrase has, “And if you curse him...”
Out of hateful and malicious anger, one individual is sitting in judgment on another (in effect, taking the place of God) and calling down eternal destruction on the object of his hateful wrath. This bears little relation to our current use of the word, referring to someone lacking in common sense who does something silly. In the Jewish culture, branding someone a fool was close to murder. It reflected an arrogant and hateful attitude calling for immediate correction (vs. 23-24). "
Okay, so it really was a much bigger deal to be a 'fool' in Jesus' or the OT times. So, how do we relate this proverb to our lives?
I am thinking of this proverb this way. See what you think.
When I read something -- either in the newspaper, on the web or in a book from someone who knows a little but not a lot or has overwhelming biases or is just plain stupid -- and I take in their message, I have handed myself and ability to to think myself over to them. Foolish or not.
When I listen to someone on the radio, on tv, in the pulpit, on a street corner, and their views which may or may not be accurate, valid or even thoughtful, I have handed myself and my ability to manuver myself over to them. Foolish or not.
When I elevate men and women to a place of worship either because they are powerful, beautiful, have fame or fortune, I have handed myself and my abiltiy to recognize true honor and nobilty to them. Foolish or not.
You have to be careful what you read, what you listen to and who you honor.
Grace, peace and serenity to you.
"Like cutting off one's feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool. Like a lame man's legs that hang limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool."
Okay, I know that Proverbs is all about the message and to make a point, the comparisons are frequently stretched. But this one?
Surely, surely a fool is not worth cutting off your feet? That was certain death in OT times. If you didn't die from the infection and/or the blood loss, you would starve to death since you couldn't produce. Cripples begged and that was it.
-sending a message by a fool
-a proverb in the mouth of a fool
-giving honor to a fool
All three of these equaled death and destruction.
So what is a fool? Now?
Dictionary.com defines fool as:
1.a silly or stupid person; a person who lacks judgment or sense.
2.a professional jester, formerly kept by a person of royal or noble rank for amusement: the court fool.
3.a person who has been tricked or deceived into appearing or acting silly or stupid: to make a fool of someone.
4.an ardent enthusiast who cannot resist an opportunity to indulge an enthusiasm (usually preceded by a present participle): He's just a dancing fool.
5.a weak-minded or idiotic person.
What about then?
This is from Worldwide Bible
"term is given a much stronger meaning in the Old Testament. The fool is a godless, and immoral person (cf. Ps. 14:1; Prov. 9:13-18; 14:9). He is a wicked reprobate, destitute of spirituality. Further, and most significantly, many of the translators see the epithet, “You fool!” as implying a curse. Rotherham’s New Testament has, “You cursed fool” [i.e. ‘You damned fool!’].” And the Twentieth Century New Testament paraphrases, “Whoever calls down curses upon him.” The Living Bible paraphrase has, “And if you curse him...”
Out of hateful and malicious anger, one individual is sitting in judgment on another (in effect, taking the place of God) and calling down eternal destruction on the object of his hateful wrath. This bears little relation to our current use of the word, referring to someone lacking in common sense who does something silly. In the Jewish culture, branding someone a fool was close to murder. It reflected an arrogant and hateful attitude calling for immediate correction (vs. 23-24). "
Okay, so it really was a much bigger deal to be a 'fool' in Jesus' or the OT times. So, how do we relate this proverb to our lives?
I am thinking of this proverb this way. See what you think.
When I read something -- either in the newspaper, on the web or in a book from someone who knows a little but not a lot or has overwhelming biases or is just plain stupid -- and I take in their message, I have handed myself and ability to to think myself over to them. Foolish or not.
When I listen to someone on the radio, on tv, in the pulpit, on a street corner, and their views which may or may not be accurate, valid or even thoughtful, I have handed myself and my ability to manuver myself over to them. Foolish or not.
When I elevate men and women to a place of worship either because they are powerful, beautiful, have fame or fortune, I have handed myself and my abiltiy to recognize true honor and nobilty to them. Foolish or not.
You have to be careful what you read, what you listen to and who you honor.
Grace, peace and serenity to you.
Monday, October 22, 2012
October 24
The Psalm today --93 -- is one where God is portrayed as a mighty king. "Robed in majesty", "armed with strength".
And it is easy to see God as a king. He certainly has power beyond our comprehension, is able to cause us to live or die, is worthy of gold and silver and bowing and scraping.
For me, what is harder is to see God as a human being. I have always struggled with that whole concept of 'divine made flesh'. Years ago, I simply put that whole question aside and moved on. I just considered that it was a mystery and I would never understand so I just had to accept.
Except, I didn't.
And I knew I didn't, I just really pretended to accept it. The question still rankles and still annoys me, mostly at the most inconvenient time.
Saturday was one of those times.
After my market, I was walking to my truck and I was beat. It had been a busy, busy market day with lots of tasting and I really had to work for my sales. My left knee has been bothering me for a while and it was really hurting. I didn't think I was in the greatest of moods to begin with and then when I got to the parking deck, there was a lady putting flyers on windshields. A big pet peeve of mine.
And they were not nice ones either. All about how a certain politician was going to hell because he killed babies by allowing abortion. I took her flyer off, walked to the trash can and put it there. As I was pulling out, she tried to give me another. I said, not exactly politely, I am afraid... no, thank you. She then proceeded to ask me if I knew Jesus and would he approve of me. I doubt it at that particular moment. I drove away before I could do more harm to myself. She, I think, is already a lost cause.
Or is she?
Because if God is a king, He does have the right to elevate her and crush me. Or vice versa. Or crush us both, which is more my thoughts at this particular moment.
It is tempting for me to think that Jesus is somehow my buddy. We can go for tea. Chat a bit about the Falcons' chances on Sunday. Relate our days. Grump a bit about our spouses (Don for me, the church for him).
I have a hard time imagining that God would do that. For one thing, does God get grumpy or does He just go from happy as a lark with David to spitting mad with Jeremiah? And you have to admit, if you read the Jeremiah 42:1-44:23 passage, He is right mad at those wayward Israelites. They just won't do right. And are we any better than they are? Somehow, with our current lives, I think not.
And it is easy to see God as a king. He certainly has power beyond our comprehension, is able to cause us to live or die, is worthy of gold and silver and bowing and scraping.
For me, what is harder is to see God as a human being. I have always struggled with that whole concept of 'divine made flesh'. Years ago, I simply put that whole question aside and moved on. I just considered that it was a mystery and I would never understand so I just had to accept.
Except, I didn't.
And I knew I didn't, I just really pretended to accept it. The question still rankles and still annoys me, mostly at the most inconvenient time.
Saturday was one of those times.
After my market, I was walking to my truck and I was beat. It had been a busy, busy market day with lots of tasting and I really had to work for my sales. My left knee has been bothering me for a while and it was really hurting. I didn't think I was in the greatest of moods to begin with and then when I got to the parking deck, there was a lady putting flyers on windshields. A big pet peeve of mine.
And they were not nice ones either. All about how a certain politician was going to hell because he killed babies by allowing abortion. I took her flyer off, walked to the trash can and put it there. As I was pulling out, she tried to give me another. I said, not exactly politely, I am afraid... no, thank you. She then proceeded to ask me if I knew Jesus and would he approve of me. I doubt it at that particular moment. I drove away before I could do more harm to myself. She, I think, is already a lost cause.
Or is she?
Because if God is a king, He does have the right to elevate her and crush me. Or vice versa. Or crush us both, which is more my thoughts at this particular moment.
It is tempting for me to think that Jesus is somehow my buddy. We can go for tea. Chat a bit about the Falcons' chances on Sunday. Relate our days. Grump a bit about our spouses (Don for me, the church for him).
I have a hard time imagining that God would do that. For one thing, does God get grumpy or does He just go from happy as a lark with David to spitting mad with Jeremiah? And you have to admit, if you read the Jeremiah 42:1-44:23 passage, He is right mad at those wayward Israelites. They just won't do right. And are we any better than they are? Somehow, with our current lives, I think not.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
October 22
OT -- Jeremiah 39:1-41:18
This part of Jeremiah makes me really sad. We know that the Assyrians took Israel and that Babylon took Judah. We read in Kings and again in Chronicles how wicked the vast majority of kings were. We read in Isaiah how hard Isaiah tried to sway Ahaz and the king of Judah over to God's way and how unsuccessful Isaiah was.
But Jeremiah gives it to us in intimate, graphic detail. Unsentimental detail.
I, myself, have a hard time with watching your children die, poking eyes out, being slaughtered as you come to bring tribute in a world/culture that is dying.
I have just finished reading (actually, listening to) Dies the Fire by S M Stirling. It is an apocalyptic world story (I cannot escape these -- after all, I live with Cole) and the saddest part of the whole story was how quickly society devolved into hurting one another. There was no pulling together to make it through the collapse. There is something to be said for being armed, to the teeth and not just with guns.
This was Jeremiah's world after the wall was breached. The one appointed in charge by Nebuchadnezzar seemed to be a decent guy -- he gave Jeremiah the choice as to where to go and be -- but within months, he was slaughtered and all the rest with him, leaving Ishmael (could the name be indicative?) in charge.
NT -- 2 Timothy 1:1-18
Here are two versions of the same song:
Both are by the same singer -- Eric Clapton. Both are the same lyrics, both the same tune.
What is different?
Well, for one, 20 years separate the two versions. Several marriages, including one to the girl he wrote Layla for (George Harrison's wife at the time), a couple of kids, the death of one, drugs, alcohol, the ins and outs of fame.
2nd Timothy is a lot like Layla.
It is the same singer/writer -- Paul. It is the same message/lyrics/music -- Jesus Christ has saved us and called us to live a holy life.
It is even roughly the same time -- 15-17 years if Acts is accurate.
The message is the same but the singer/writer has lived through some pretty tough times that would stun the strongest.
It is no wonder that he sounds a little depressed and a little downhearted. vs 15 "you know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygellus and Hermongenes."
Poor Paul. This letter has much to teach those of us who are edging or are already there at the tail end of life.
Psalm 91
This is my friend Nancy's favorite psalm and one that she gave both daughters when they went away to sleepover camp for the first time.
I do love the imagery of being covered by His feathers.
This part of Jeremiah makes me really sad. We know that the Assyrians took Israel and that Babylon took Judah. We read in Kings and again in Chronicles how wicked the vast majority of kings were. We read in Isaiah how hard Isaiah tried to sway Ahaz and the king of Judah over to God's way and how unsuccessful Isaiah was.
But Jeremiah gives it to us in intimate, graphic detail. Unsentimental detail.
I, myself, have a hard time with watching your children die, poking eyes out, being slaughtered as you come to bring tribute in a world/culture that is dying.
I have just finished reading (actually, listening to) Dies the Fire by S M Stirling. It is an apocalyptic world story (I cannot escape these -- after all, I live with Cole) and the saddest part of the whole story was how quickly society devolved into hurting one another. There was no pulling together to make it through the collapse. There is something to be said for being armed, to the teeth and not just with guns.
This was Jeremiah's world after the wall was breached. The one appointed in charge by Nebuchadnezzar seemed to be a decent guy -- he gave Jeremiah the choice as to where to go and be -- but within months, he was slaughtered and all the rest with him, leaving Ishmael (could the name be indicative?) in charge.
NT -- 2 Timothy 1:1-18
Here are two versions of the same song:
Both are by the same singer -- Eric Clapton. Both are the same lyrics, both the same tune.
What is different?
Well, for one, 20 years separate the two versions. Several marriages, including one to the girl he wrote Layla for (George Harrison's wife at the time), a couple of kids, the death of one, drugs, alcohol, the ins and outs of fame.
2nd Timothy is a lot like Layla.
It is the same singer/writer -- Paul. It is the same message/lyrics/music -- Jesus Christ has saved us and called us to live a holy life.
It is even roughly the same time -- 15-17 years if Acts is accurate.
The message is the same but the singer/writer has lived through some pretty tough times that would stun the strongest.
It is no wonder that he sounds a little depressed and a little downhearted. vs 15 "you know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygellus and Hermongenes."
Poor Paul. This letter has much to teach those of us who are edging or are already there at the tail end of life.
Psalm 91
This is my friend Nancy's favorite psalm and one that she gave both daughters when they went away to sleepover camp for the first time.
I do love the imagery of being covered by His feathers.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
October 21
NT -- 1st Timothy 6:1-21
vs 9-10 "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
A few observations about these two verses.
1. I had no idea that Paul said this. I thought Jesus did.
2. I knew about the 'love of money' part but not the quantifier 'a root'. Meaning that loving money is only one root of evil rather than the underlying cause of ALL evil.
3. It is the desire to get rich that causes the ruin, not the actual having of the money.
So that makes me ponder, just when does it stop being a healthy desire to be comfortable and able to take care of those you love and those that need help to being a Root?
I could make the case that it is only when it is an OVERWHELMING desire, but I am not sure that even stupid little conceits in the name of getting richer are okay. On the other hand, money is a clear motivator and in some cases, the only reason to get up and get out of bed.
In my adult life, I have been both flush with cash and have counted pennies for bread at the grocery store. Both were times of great agitation but the counting pennies was the worst. Does that make me fall into Paul's Evil camp?
I am unclear about my relationship to money and function best when I have a clear, defined budget and stick to it. Extra money makes me do stupid things and not having money to pay the deductible on Cole's surgery would totally throw me down Jeremiah's muddy cistern.
And so I claim for myself the wish I have for each of you "Grace and peace be with you".
vs 9-10 "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
A few observations about these two verses.
1. I had no idea that Paul said this. I thought Jesus did.
2. I knew about the 'love of money' part but not the quantifier 'a root'. Meaning that loving money is only one root of evil rather than the underlying cause of ALL evil.
3. It is the desire to get rich that causes the ruin, not the actual having of the money.
So that makes me ponder, just when does it stop being a healthy desire to be comfortable and able to take care of those you love and those that need help to being a Root?
I could make the case that it is only when it is an OVERWHELMING desire, but I am not sure that even stupid little conceits in the name of getting richer are okay. On the other hand, money is a clear motivator and in some cases, the only reason to get up and get out of bed.
In my adult life, I have been both flush with cash and have counted pennies for bread at the grocery store. Both were times of great agitation but the counting pennies was the worst. Does that make me fall into Paul's Evil camp?
I am unclear about my relationship to money and function best when I have a clear, defined budget and stick to it. Extra money makes me do stupid things and not having money to pay the deductible on Cole's surgery would totally throw me down Jeremiah's muddy cistern.
And so I claim for myself the wish I have for each of you "Grace and peace be with you".
Friday, October 19, 2012
October 20
OT -- Jeremiah 35:1-36:32
Having read in the commentary that Jeremiah's original scroll was burnt, I thought I was prepared. But when it actually happened, I felt utterly sick.
In today's world, we have AutoSave on our computers. Cole actually writes his papers on my computer, emails a copy to himself and then prints them out at school. That way, he is never without a copy.
But when I came through school, whiteout had just been invented and we still used carbon paper.
Once, when I was in the tenth grade, I had a horrible English teacher who ADORED Huckleberry Finn. She read all sorts of stuff into the story and to this day, I cannot read the book without thinking ill thoughts about her. She assigned a term paper about Huck Finn. I wrote 2. One which I knew was the one she wanted with all the literary nonsense and allusion crap and the other a distinctly negative critique of Mark Twain's critics with all their 'insights' into his writing.
I had typed both of them; my brother came into my room and was proofreading them. When he realized what I had done, he ripped up the negative one and proceeded to yell at me about how I knew what she wanted and I should do it and quit being such a jerk. In my world, there were no copies. Cole and Matthew do not understand what Alfred did because they've never had to rewrite, much less re-type on a manual typewriter with no backspace correction.
So, I can really sympathize with Jeremiah. The work he and Baruch put into that scroll. It is mind-boggling. And even if you re-write, there is always the stuff that you either a)left out or b)didn't explain as well as you did on your first brilliant attempt.
Proverbs 25:25-27
Yesterday we had the proverb about the man who is better off living on the corner of the roof instead of with a woman who is quarrelsome. This is the second or third time for that one.
Today, we have another one about eating too much honey. Now, I ask you, how much honey can you eat? I have a distinct sweet tooth. But really, two spoonfuls of honey and I think I am going to be ill. There must be some back story on this proverb. After all, we don't have a proverb about eating too much bread or meat. Why honey?
Having read in the commentary that Jeremiah's original scroll was burnt, I thought I was prepared. But when it actually happened, I felt utterly sick.
In today's world, we have AutoSave on our computers. Cole actually writes his papers on my computer, emails a copy to himself and then prints them out at school. That way, he is never without a copy.
But when I came through school, whiteout had just been invented and we still used carbon paper.
Once, when I was in the tenth grade, I had a horrible English teacher who ADORED Huckleberry Finn. She read all sorts of stuff into the story and to this day, I cannot read the book without thinking ill thoughts about her. She assigned a term paper about Huck Finn. I wrote 2. One which I knew was the one she wanted with all the literary nonsense and allusion crap and the other a distinctly negative critique of Mark Twain's critics with all their 'insights' into his writing.
I had typed both of them; my brother came into my room and was proofreading them. When he realized what I had done, he ripped up the negative one and proceeded to yell at me about how I knew what she wanted and I should do it and quit being such a jerk. In my world, there were no copies. Cole and Matthew do not understand what Alfred did because they've never had to rewrite, much less re-type on a manual typewriter with no backspace correction.
So, I can really sympathize with Jeremiah. The work he and Baruch put into that scroll. It is mind-boggling. And even if you re-write, there is always the stuff that you either a)left out or b)didn't explain as well as you did on your first brilliant attempt.
Proverbs 25:25-27
Yesterday we had the proverb about the man who is better off living on the corner of the roof instead of with a woman who is quarrelsome. This is the second or third time for that one.
Today, we have another one about eating too much honey. Now, I ask you, how much honey can you eat? I have a distinct sweet tooth. But really, two spoonfuls of honey and I think I am going to be ill. There must be some back story on this proverb. After all, we don't have a proverb about eating too much bread or meat. Why honey?
Thursday, October 18, 2012
October 19
OT -- Jeremiah 33:1-34:22
What I have been pondering today is why Jeremiah, Mr. Doom and Gloom, felt the need to prophesy hope to the folks in Judah. It wasn't as if Jeremiah was a court favorite -- he never seemed to mind that he was in stocks, imprisoned, confined -- but he keeps repeating over and over again that God will redeem the people of Judah. Not anytime soon, mind you, but He WILL redeem them.
So, how would this have been hopeful to the folks who were listening to him? They wouldn't see redemption, their children wouldn't, possibly not even grandchildren. Why even bother with the hope?
It might interest you to know that my old friend, the sage Rashi has little to say about Jeremiah. Click here if you want to read some of it online. I was hopeful that he would illuminate me on this subject.
In looking at my study Bible, the commentary on chapter 29 says this:
"Does the Lord know the plans for us, too?
Yes, but it is important to observe the context in which these particular promises were given before assuming that they are personally addressed to us. These promises come to the discouraged and disillusioned exiles in Babylon in a letter written by the prophet Jeremiah. this letter served as a reality check to help the people from Judah face the fact that they would not be returning home any time soon. though their captivity was due to their own sins, the Lord graciously called them to repent and seek him despite their predicament. The Lord encouraged them by declaring that he knew the plans he had for them: prosperity instead of harm, plus hope and a future.
Believers today my be encouraged by this verse, especially in difficult times, because God does not forget his people despite appearances to the contrary."
I guess in the long run, Babylon was the Hope. The Jews certainly prospered there. Much of the Bible was codified and written and the system for teaching Jewish boys (the synagogue) was developed there. While some did return when Cyrus the Persian allowed them to go back to Judah, most did not.
I also think the lesson in Jeremiah, for me, tonight, is that you HAVE to include hope or what is the point?
What I have been pondering today is why Jeremiah, Mr. Doom and Gloom, felt the need to prophesy hope to the folks in Judah. It wasn't as if Jeremiah was a court favorite -- he never seemed to mind that he was in stocks, imprisoned, confined -- but he keeps repeating over and over again that God will redeem the people of Judah. Not anytime soon, mind you, but He WILL redeem them.
So, how would this have been hopeful to the folks who were listening to him? They wouldn't see redemption, their children wouldn't, possibly not even grandchildren. Why even bother with the hope?
It might interest you to know that my old friend, the sage Rashi has little to say about Jeremiah. Click here if you want to read some of it online. I was hopeful that he would illuminate me on this subject.
In looking at my study Bible, the commentary on chapter 29 says this:
"Does the Lord know the plans for us, too?
Yes, but it is important to observe the context in which these particular promises were given before assuming that they are personally addressed to us. These promises come to the discouraged and disillusioned exiles in Babylon in a letter written by the prophet Jeremiah. this letter served as a reality check to help the people from Judah face the fact that they would not be returning home any time soon. though their captivity was due to their own sins, the Lord graciously called them to repent and seek him despite their predicament. The Lord encouraged them by declaring that he knew the plans he had for them: prosperity instead of harm, plus hope and a future.
Believers today my be encouraged by this verse, especially in difficult times, because God does not forget his people despite appearances to the contrary."
I guess in the long run, Babylon was the Hope. The Jews certainly prospered there. Much of the Bible was codified and written and the system for teaching Jewish boys (the synagogue) was developed there. While some did return when Cyrus the Persian allowed them to go back to Judah, most did not.
I also think the lesson in Jeremiah, for me, tonight, is that you HAVE to include hope or what is the point?
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
October 17
NT -- 1st Timothy 2:1-15
Just when I thought I despised Paul less than I used to, I bump into vs. 14 "And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner."
Dude, you make me sick. My Bible (and it was translated from the same Septuagint that Paul's would have been) says this about that stupid piece of fruit: Genesis 3:6 "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, WHO WAS WITH HER, and he ate it." (Capitals, mine.)
The dumb *ss Adam knew where she had gotten the fruit, he knew he wasn't supposed to eat it, he had the same choice she did at the same time she did. Either a)he had no control over his wife and her misdeeds b)he was stupid and had forgotten what God had said or c)HE WANTED IT TOO. Me, I am going for c.
Oh, Eve did bad. Oh yes she did. But Adam was right there and he did it too. If Paul is going to classify Eve as a sinner, then Adam should get the full frontal assault as well. And then men should only be redeemable if THEY have children.
This probably was not the best scripture for me to read tonight, home late from a market with a really scary day ahead of me for tomorrow. Some of what is on the list -- furnace repairman coming, my washing machine is finally, totally, and gratefully DEAD and I have to go a buy a new one, a scary appointment and the list goes on.
Paul. I know he is beloved but he gets on my nerves.
Just when I thought I despised Paul less than I used to, I bump into vs. 14 "And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner."
Dude, you make me sick. My Bible (and it was translated from the same Septuagint that Paul's would have been) says this about that stupid piece of fruit: Genesis 3:6 "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, WHO WAS WITH HER, and he ate it." (Capitals, mine.)
The dumb *ss Adam knew where she had gotten the fruit, he knew he wasn't supposed to eat it, he had the same choice she did at the same time she did. Either a)he had no control over his wife and her misdeeds b)he was stupid and had forgotten what God had said or c)HE WANTED IT TOO. Me, I am going for c.
Oh, Eve did bad. Oh yes she did. But Adam was right there and he did it too. If Paul is going to classify Eve as a sinner, then Adam should get the full frontal assault as well. And then men should only be redeemable if THEY have children.
This probably was not the best scripture for me to read tonight, home late from a market with a really scary day ahead of me for tomorrow. Some of what is on the list -- furnace repairman coming, my washing machine is finally, totally, and gratefully DEAD and I have to go a buy a new one, a scary appointment and the list goes on.
Paul. I know he is beloved but he gets on my nerves.
Monday, October 15, 2012
October 16
NT -- 1 Timothy 1:1-20
Timothy is one of the Pastoral Letters of Paul. Paul left him behind in Ephesus to "command certain men not to teach false doctrines". Wow. Big job for anyone much less a young man. And our passage today ends with the statement that Paul has already handed over 'to Satan'!!! Hymenaeus and Alexander. Don't mess with Paul.
I thought it was interesting that Paul, the very persona of rules, would say that laws are not given for the righteous but for the lawbreakers.
Which led me to think about how *I* feel about rules and laws. I freely admit that I break a law willfully and might I say, skillfully, several times a day. I speed. 55 drives me crazy on 400 and 285.
But other than that, I really, really like rules. I like knowing where my boundaries are and how close or how far I am from the bull's eye. Both bad and good.
I like checklists and I like definitives. I really don't like the whole 'it's about faith' thing. I like knowing where I stand. Mostly because for me, the faith thing is up and down. And I get that.
For Paul, everything was about the faith.
Check out this cool resource on the book of 1st timothy.
Proverbs 25:17
Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house -- too much of you, and he will hate you.
OOOOH! True words of wisdom.
Timothy is one of the Pastoral Letters of Paul. Paul left him behind in Ephesus to "command certain men not to teach false doctrines". Wow. Big job for anyone much less a young man. And our passage today ends with the statement that Paul has already handed over 'to Satan'!!! Hymenaeus and Alexander. Don't mess with Paul.
I thought it was interesting that Paul, the very persona of rules, would say that laws are not given for the righteous but for the lawbreakers.
Which led me to think about how *I* feel about rules and laws. I freely admit that I break a law willfully and might I say, skillfully, several times a day. I speed. 55 drives me crazy on 400 and 285.
But other than that, I really, really like rules. I like knowing where my boundaries are and how close or how far I am from the bull's eye. Both bad and good.
I like checklists and I like definitives. I really don't like the whole 'it's about faith' thing. I like knowing where I stand. Mostly because for me, the faith thing is up and down. And I get that.
For Paul, everything was about the faith.
Check out this cool resource on the book of 1st timothy.
Proverbs 25:17
Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house -- too much of you, and he will hate you.
OOOOH! True words of wisdom.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
October 15
2 Thessalonians ends with the lovely injunction that has been used by everyone since Ulysses, 'if you don't expect to work, don't expect to eat'. Paul even goes one further -- he not only expected to work, he expected to be preaching and teaching in the time when he wasn't working. Only from the Colossians did he accept help.
This can be so taken to extremes but it is a good motto to live by.
I also love that Paul finished the letter 'in his own hand' so that the Thessalonians would know what letters were from him and which were faked. Clearly, there were a lot of letters circulating around.
There are questions as to whether Paul wrote 2nd Thessalonians or not. I have no idea. It would be so much easier in my life if I just accepted things as the way they are given to me instead of questioning so much.
Here are two websites that offer opposing view points with the first being Paul didn't write it and the second being he did.
Paul didn't write 2nd Thessalonians
Paul did write 2nd Thessalonians
Just passing on information, folks. Don't shoot the messenger or the questioner.
Psalm 85
Another of the 'wilderness' psalms. The people are being oppressed and put upon and the psalmist is asking if God will ever relinquish the torment.
And that is an arresting question to ask when you are in the middle of the weeds. Every time I am there, it seems I forget that God has lifted me up from the past debacles. Oh, I am not unscathed, but I have been supported. This is one reason that I normally keep a journal. I find it so helpful/painful to go back and reread this things when I am past the problem or in the middle of another.
One of the things I am working on personally is to take the time to assess before I jump right in. I am not known for that character quality. Even our Proverb speaks to the righteousness of taking stock -- just how much honey does one need?
I hope that this is a blessed week for you and yours. Stay in the Word and lets keep plugging along.
This can be so taken to extremes but it is a good motto to live by.
I also love that Paul finished the letter 'in his own hand' so that the Thessalonians would know what letters were from him and which were faked. Clearly, there were a lot of letters circulating around.
There are questions as to whether Paul wrote 2nd Thessalonians or not. I have no idea. It would be so much easier in my life if I just accepted things as the way they are given to me instead of questioning so much.
Here are two websites that offer opposing view points with the first being Paul didn't write it and the second being he did.
Paul didn't write 2nd Thessalonians
Paul did write 2nd Thessalonians
Just passing on information, folks. Don't shoot the messenger or the questioner.
Psalm 85
Another of the 'wilderness' psalms. The people are being oppressed and put upon and the psalmist is asking if God will ever relinquish the torment.
And that is an arresting question to ask when you are in the middle of the weeds. Every time I am there, it seems I forget that God has lifted me up from the past debacles. Oh, I am not unscathed, but I have been supported. This is one reason that I normally keep a journal. I find it so helpful/painful to go back and reread this things when I am past the problem or in the middle of another.
One of the things I am working on personally is to take the time to assess before I jump right in. I am not known for that character quality. Even our Proverb speaks to the righteousness of taking stock -- just how much honey does one need?
I hope that this is a blessed week for you and yours. Stay in the Word and lets keep plugging along.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
October 14
OT -- Jeremiah 23:21-25:38
In vs 25, Jeremiah speaks of the false prophets 'having a dream'. I wish Jeremiah would have elaborated on how HE knew God was talking to him instead of merely saying, "the word came to Jeremiah". Well, how did it come? And how did Jeremiah know it was from the Lord and not 'just a dream'.
I have had some rather powerful dreams and dreams that have made me change course. While I don't thing they were prophesies, I do think that sometimes that is how the Holy Spirit works within in us to turn our paths.
So, how do you know the difference between Jeremiah's 'word from God' and a 'dream'? After all, other prophets and patriarchs did receive prophesies and words from God in their dreams.
Sticky business, this, trying to decide if it is from God or just too much pasta.
NT -- 2nd Thessalonians 2:1-17
We come to the first of the problems that Paul's Thessalonians were facing. Apparently, someone had written a letter in Paul's name saying that Jesus had already come and gone and they were left behind. No, Paul says, we have to wait for the awful endtimes. And THEY haven't come yet.
Psalm 84
Here is a rather unique version of this psalm. We sing this alot at Mt Vernon in the contemporary service.
Click here if your email does not display YouTube.
May you have a Sabbath of grace, beauty and light.
In vs 25, Jeremiah speaks of the false prophets 'having a dream'. I wish Jeremiah would have elaborated on how HE knew God was talking to him instead of merely saying, "the word came to Jeremiah". Well, how did it come? And how did Jeremiah know it was from the Lord and not 'just a dream'.
I have had some rather powerful dreams and dreams that have made me change course. While I don't thing they were prophesies, I do think that sometimes that is how the Holy Spirit works within in us to turn our paths.
So, how do you know the difference between Jeremiah's 'word from God' and a 'dream'? After all, other prophets and patriarchs did receive prophesies and words from God in their dreams.
Sticky business, this, trying to decide if it is from God or just too much pasta.
NT -- 2nd Thessalonians 2:1-17
We come to the first of the problems that Paul's Thessalonians were facing. Apparently, someone had written a letter in Paul's name saying that Jesus had already come and gone and they were left behind. No, Paul says, we have to wait for the awful endtimes. And THEY haven't come yet.
Psalm 84
Here is a rather unique version of this psalm. We sing this alot at Mt Vernon in the contemporary service.
Click here if your email does not display YouTube.
May you have a Sabbath of grace, beauty and light.
Friday, October 12, 2012
October 13
OT -- Jeremiah 22:1-23:20
I put the question "why is Jeremiah so long" to Google. And it gave me a great commentary on the Book of Jeremiah. Please go read it. It answered so many questions I have about Jeremiah -- some of which you might have as well. For one -- I was so confused about the time. It seemed that at one point the city is falling and Jeremiah is talking to the last king; in today's scripture, he is talking to Josiah.
The answer? Jeremiah is not written in a a time bound manner. It was a book of his reminices, one that he actually had to write twice as a king burnt it, and he basically wrote down the prophecies as he remembered them.
But we have so very far to go and with such awful, awful images.
I am trying to press on.
NT -- 2nd Thessalonians 1:1-12
A new letter to what appears to be Paul's 'oh favored one' in his list of churches. My Bible commentary notes that while Paul talks of the Thessalonians' persecution, he is not talking about the persecution that will shortly take his life. Basically, this was just social ostracism and probably some yammering from the locals.
I put the question "why is Jeremiah so long" to Google. And it gave me a great commentary on the Book of Jeremiah. Please go read it. It answered so many questions I have about Jeremiah -- some of which you might have as well. For one -- I was so confused about the time. It seemed that at one point the city is falling and Jeremiah is talking to the last king; in today's scripture, he is talking to Josiah.
The answer? Jeremiah is not written in a a time bound manner. It was a book of his reminices, one that he actually had to write twice as a king burnt it, and he basically wrote down the prophecies as he remembered them.
But we have so very far to go and with such awful, awful images.
I am trying to press on.
NT -- 2nd Thessalonians 1:1-12
A new letter to what appears to be Paul's 'oh favored one' in his list of churches. My Bible commentary notes that while Paul talks of the Thessalonians' persecution, he is not talking about the persecution that will shortly take his life. Basically, this was just social ostracism and probably some yammering from the locals.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
October 12
NT -- 1st Thessalonians 5:4-28
"You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness."
Friends, those are some powerful words. I don't know about you but I am afraid of the dark. Part of it comes from walking around the block at 5 AM most mornings with my trusted dog, Howler. It is dark in my neighborhood in places and with some vacant lots, a few abandoned houses, noises are scary. We've never come across a person who meant us harm but we have encountered a few snakes and several coyotes. You usually can smell the coyotes before/if you see them.
But a real part of me is scared of the dark because of what it hides -- i.e. bad people.
When Cole was born, I got really scared thinking about how I would get both my children out if someone came in the house. It didn't help matters that Don was traveling a lot then and Matthew seldom slept through the night so I was really sleep deprived. It got so bad that I quit sleeping entirely unless Don was home. My mother noticed and when I told her what was going on, she told me to come to the house, get Nathan's aluminum baseball bat and put it just under my bed. Then when someone came in the house, I should kill them. She was matter of fact about it. I believed her, got the bat, and started to sleep again.
But I don't watch scary movies and I don't want to read about house break-ins and I really don't want to hear about how bad people are to one another.
Paul says we are people of the light. We are supposed to act like that. Not cower, and for goodness sake, not doing behavior that is inappropriate to light filled spaces.
It comforts me that God has claimed me for his daylight child.
What doesn't comfort me is our OT reading -- Jeremiah 19:1-21:14
Bad, bad things were going to happen to the people of Judah and Jeremiah knew it.
But in all fairness, the people of Judah were not acting as if they were people of the light. And they knew it.
The Psalmist also speaks to this -- but on the reverse side. It is like WE want other to get their punishment but when WE stray, we don't want God to do that to us?
Maybe the prophets give me the shivers because I DO know when I am not walking in the light.
Much to think about today.
"You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness."
Friends, those are some powerful words. I don't know about you but I am afraid of the dark. Part of it comes from walking around the block at 5 AM most mornings with my trusted dog, Howler. It is dark in my neighborhood in places and with some vacant lots, a few abandoned houses, noises are scary. We've never come across a person who meant us harm but we have encountered a few snakes and several coyotes. You usually can smell the coyotes before/if you see them.
But a real part of me is scared of the dark because of what it hides -- i.e. bad people.
When Cole was born, I got really scared thinking about how I would get both my children out if someone came in the house. It didn't help matters that Don was traveling a lot then and Matthew seldom slept through the night so I was really sleep deprived. It got so bad that I quit sleeping entirely unless Don was home. My mother noticed and when I told her what was going on, she told me to come to the house, get Nathan's aluminum baseball bat and put it just under my bed. Then when someone came in the house, I should kill them. She was matter of fact about it. I believed her, got the bat, and started to sleep again.
But I don't watch scary movies and I don't want to read about house break-ins and I really don't want to hear about how bad people are to one another.
Paul says we are people of the light. We are supposed to act like that. Not cower, and for goodness sake, not doing behavior that is inappropriate to light filled spaces.
It comforts me that God has claimed me for his daylight child.
What doesn't comfort me is our OT reading -- Jeremiah 19:1-21:14
Bad, bad things were going to happen to the people of Judah and Jeremiah knew it.
But in all fairness, the people of Judah were not acting as if they were people of the light. And they knew it.
The Psalmist also speaks to this -- but on the reverse side. It is like WE want other to get their punishment but when WE stray, we don't want God to do that to us?
Maybe the prophets give me the shivers because I DO know when I am not walking in the light.
Much to think about today.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
October 11
This is an interesting date -- 10-11-12.
NT -- 1st Thessalonians 4:1-5:3
In 1st century AD, people were quite interested in numerology and specific dates and times and numbers. Names were assigned numbers and meaning and could be either lucky or unlucky as the case might be.
But it was the end of times -- the amount of time left that consumed so many people especially the early Christians. They fully expected Jesus to come at any moment and that would be it! And they looked for signs and portents.
Omens and prophesies abounded.
I, myself, spend little to no time, wondering and looking for signs that the end is near. For once, I am with Paul, "mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." vs 11
But I have to admit, living like Jesus would show up in an hour makes a lot of silly stuff I do (worrying about what's for dinner) sort of stupid. I mean, you just get on with it, make dinner from what's in the pantry or refrigerator and move on.
I can tell that there is a certain faction in the Thessalonian group that wants to quit MAKING dinner. That, you cannot do. We do not know when Jesus is coming so we just have to keep plugging along, scheduling the furnace cleanup, getting the kitty his rabies shot, and loving those around us as best we can.
And the dead people certainly aren't going to miss out like someone in Thessalonica clearly thought. As for me, I believe Jesus' words to the thief on the cross (bear in mind that Matthew hadn't been written yet) "today you will be with me in paradise"
May we meet one day in Paradise.
NT -- 1st Thessalonians 4:1-5:3
In 1st century AD, people were quite interested in numerology and specific dates and times and numbers. Names were assigned numbers and meaning and could be either lucky or unlucky as the case might be.
But it was the end of times -- the amount of time left that consumed so many people especially the early Christians. They fully expected Jesus to come at any moment and that would be it! And they looked for signs and portents.
Omens and prophesies abounded.
I, myself, spend little to no time, wondering and looking for signs that the end is near. For once, I am with Paul, "mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." vs 11
But I have to admit, living like Jesus would show up in an hour makes a lot of silly stuff I do (worrying about what's for dinner) sort of stupid. I mean, you just get on with it, make dinner from what's in the pantry or refrigerator and move on.
I can tell that there is a certain faction in the Thessalonian group that wants to quit MAKING dinner. That, you cannot do. We do not know when Jesus is coming so we just have to keep plugging along, scheduling the furnace cleanup, getting the kitty his rabies shot, and loving those around us as best we can.
And the dead people certainly aren't going to miss out like someone in Thessalonica clearly thought. As for me, I believe Jesus' words to the thief on the cross (bear in mind that Matthew hadn't been written yet) "today you will be with me in paradise"
May we meet one day in Paradise.
Monday, October 8, 2012
October 9
NT -- 1st Thessalonians 1:1-2:9
Never read this one either...
I do love the name Thessalonica.
And I decided to read this one differently than I normally do. I have read no commentary and done no research on where, when or why. I am just going to read it fresh -- well, as fresh as I can based on my anti-Paul bias which I admit is smaller than when we started. It does, however, still exist.
At first glance, I have the impression that Paul is really pressing home the point that he never was a 'burden', never 'covered up greed', and worked 'night and day'. And for that, I think more is coming along that line.
I do think it is interesting that the folks in Thessalonica got not only the gospel but also the Holy Spirit. Sounds like some of Paul's converts got the gospel but not the power.
Proverbs 24:30-34
Now, these are true words, at least as far as the weeds in Georgia! Even this time of year, you have to be diligent in the pulling and removal, otherwise those weeds will take over. Growing food is really hard work and I am ever grateful that I only supply part of my food. It is a massive undertaking to feed 4 plus 2 pets plus livestock.
I can totally see the point.
Never read this one either...
I do love the name Thessalonica.
And I decided to read this one differently than I normally do. I have read no commentary and done no research on where, when or why. I am just going to read it fresh -- well, as fresh as I can based on my anti-Paul bias which I admit is smaller than when we started. It does, however, still exist.
At first glance, I have the impression that Paul is really pressing home the point that he never was a 'burden', never 'covered up greed', and worked 'night and day'. And for that, I think more is coming along that line.
I do think it is interesting that the folks in Thessalonica got not only the gospel but also the Holy Spirit. Sounds like some of Paul's converts got the gospel but not the power.
Proverbs 24:30-34
Now, these are true words, at least as far as the weeds in Georgia! Even this time of year, you have to be diligent in the pulling and removal, otherwise those weeds will take over. Growing food is really hard work and I am ever grateful that I only supply part of my food. It is a massive undertaking to feed 4 plus 2 pets plus livestock.
I can totally see the point.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
October 8
NT -- Colossians 3:18-4:18
This part of the scripture contains my favorite part of Paul's letters -- the instructions to his friends, colleagues, and other correspondents. One of the ones mentioned is "Luke, the doctor". Is this why we know Luke was a doctor?
Can I just say, I LOVE the internet? No sooner had I asked the above question before I was typing into Google. And look what I came up with!!!
Click here to read this fascinating biography and step by step argument for Luke.
But back to the subject at hand -- Colossians.
Yes, this section does mention the husband/wife, slave/master, child/parent relationships. But I have less problem with this than you might think. Both sides have a responsibility. The problems I do have with this passage have to do with the way PEOPLE use them to dominate others, something Paul would not have appreciated.
And so, we close Colossians and will pick up tomorrow with Thessalonians. Just in passing, wouldn't you have like to read the letter Paul wrote to the Laodiceans?
This part of the scripture contains my favorite part of Paul's letters -- the instructions to his friends, colleagues, and other correspondents. One of the ones mentioned is "Luke, the doctor". Is this why we know Luke was a doctor?
Can I just say, I LOVE the internet? No sooner had I asked the above question before I was typing into Google. And look what I came up with!!!
Click here to read this fascinating biography and step by step argument for Luke.
But back to the subject at hand -- Colossians.
Yes, this section does mention the husband/wife, slave/master, child/parent relationships. But I have less problem with this than you might think. Both sides have a responsibility. The problems I do have with this passage have to do with the way PEOPLE use them to dominate others, something Paul would not have appreciated.
And so, we close Colossians and will pick up tomorrow with Thessalonians. Just in passing, wouldn't you have like to read the letter Paul wrote to the Laodiceans?
Saturday, October 6, 2012
October 7
OT -- Jeremiah 8:8-9:26
Really, really awful stuff.
I was discussing what I was reading with another Bible scholar who is very conservative in her faith beliefs. Her approach to the prophets was not doom and gloom and that God was not vindictive. It was that God was a RIGHTEOUS being and He had had enough of the terrible crimes that His people had committed against Him.
Just another thought.
As for me, I find Jeremiah to be another hard slog and terrible, terrible condemnation of a group of people. And maybe there was no one who was at least of 'normal' unrighteousness. But I have to think that there was. Which is why I find this whole section so disturbing. What about you?
NT -- Colossians 3:1-17
Oh, here is a list to counteract the prophets. And Paul says that salvation is an INDIVIDUAL choice. Not a corporate. So even if the world is crashing down because the king was bad, WE still have the choice to behave like Christ would have us behave:
with compassion, kindness, humility (my big problem....), gentleness and patience.
And over it all is supposed to be -- not duty or because it is a checklist -- LOVE.
This is a nice section and one I badly needed to hear.
Proverbs 24:27
Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.
Solomon,speaking like the farmer he is. Don't have your crops in the ground in the right time? You will go hungry and probably die. You are not likely to die of exposure in Israel.
Really, really awful stuff.
I was discussing what I was reading with another Bible scholar who is very conservative in her faith beliefs. Her approach to the prophets was not doom and gloom and that God was not vindictive. It was that God was a RIGHTEOUS being and He had had enough of the terrible crimes that His people had committed against Him.
Just another thought.
As for me, I find Jeremiah to be another hard slog and terrible, terrible condemnation of a group of people. And maybe there was no one who was at least of 'normal' unrighteousness. But I have to think that there was. Which is why I find this whole section so disturbing. What about you?
NT -- Colossians 3:1-17
Oh, here is a list to counteract the prophets. And Paul says that salvation is an INDIVIDUAL choice. Not a corporate. So even if the world is crashing down because the king was bad, WE still have the choice to behave like Christ would have us behave:
with compassion, kindness, humility (my big problem....), gentleness and patience.
And over it all is supposed to be -- not duty or because it is a checklist -- LOVE.
This is a nice section and one I badly needed to hear.
Proverbs 24:27
Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.
Solomon,speaking like the farmer he is. Don't have your crops in the ground in the right time? You will go hungry and probably die. You are not likely to die of exposure in Israel.
Friday, October 5, 2012
October 6
OT -- Jeremiah 6:15-8:7
It is tough for me to be reading Jeremiah this time of year.
I miss my brother Nathan so badly in late September-October. I am not sure why -- but this time of year is always tough for me -- tougher even than August with his birthday and death day.
I think it is because of the incredible beauty we have in Atlanta during this time. The leaves here are simply stunning and the weather is usually gorgeous. Why that makes me miss Nathan, I have no idea. And I don't buy the whole 'it's dying time for the plants' mantra. In Atlanta, we plant grass in October! Nothing really dies here.
Jeremiah must have been in that same October mood. He swings violently from absolute LOATHING of the people of Judah to deep, wrenching, almost sobbing poetry begging them to return to the Lord. It is almost like he was told to tell them one thing -- straighten up and do it right smart or I'm bringing the hammer down but in his heart he felt differently -- insanely, desperately wanting the people's hearts to change.
And we know from Bible history that they DID not change and so it is like looking at the folks who tried over and over and over again to prevent World War II. It was just not possible.
And maybe that is one of the reasons why we read Jeremiah. There are so many, many times in my life where I have resisted change. Sometimes because the change was bad; others just because I liked the status quo. And yes, I have had prophets show up in my life from time to time and I was not nice to them any more than the people of Judah were nice to Jeremiah. I did not want to hear that what I was doing was evil, wrong or just plain bad for me.
It's tempting to laugh them off. To refuse to listen. All of which I have done, usually to my detriment.
Which makes the fall so much harder. Because then, I have the whole 'I told you sos' to listen to as well as the actual fall.
For me, the trouble always is -- who is the Jeremiah and who is just a know-it-all busybody?
Friends, on this gorgeous Fall weekend, I wish you peace and serenity. And if you are missing someone, may our Lord's comforting arms surround you.
It is tough for me to be reading Jeremiah this time of year.
I miss my brother Nathan so badly in late September-October. I am not sure why -- but this time of year is always tough for me -- tougher even than August with his birthday and death day.
I think it is because of the incredible beauty we have in Atlanta during this time. The leaves here are simply stunning and the weather is usually gorgeous. Why that makes me miss Nathan, I have no idea. And I don't buy the whole 'it's dying time for the plants' mantra. In Atlanta, we plant grass in October! Nothing really dies here.
Jeremiah must have been in that same October mood. He swings violently from absolute LOATHING of the people of Judah to deep, wrenching, almost sobbing poetry begging them to return to the Lord. It is almost like he was told to tell them one thing -- straighten up and do it right smart or I'm bringing the hammer down but in his heart he felt differently -- insanely, desperately wanting the people's hearts to change.
And we know from Bible history that they DID not change and so it is like looking at the folks who tried over and over and over again to prevent World War II. It was just not possible.
And maybe that is one of the reasons why we read Jeremiah. There are so many, many times in my life where I have resisted change. Sometimes because the change was bad; others just because I liked the status quo. And yes, I have had prophets show up in my life from time to time and I was not nice to them any more than the people of Judah were nice to Jeremiah. I did not want to hear that what I was doing was evil, wrong or just plain bad for me.
It's tempting to laugh them off. To refuse to listen. All of which I have done, usually to my detriment.
Which makes the fall so much harder. Because then, I have the whole 'I told you sos' to listen to as well as the actual fall.
For me, the trouble always is -- who is the Jeremiah and who is just a know-it-all busybody?
Friends, on this gorgeous Fall weekend, I wish you peace and serenity. And if you are missing someone, may our Lord's comforting arms surround you.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
October 4
OT -- Jeremiah 2:31-4:18
This is a fabulous website on Jeremiah. Click here before you read today's scripture.
40 years is a very long time to be a prophet. It is also a very long time to be alive in a world where virtually everything is falling apart around you. I hope I can have a little compassion for the man as I read his awful, awful condemnations of Judah.
NT -- Colossians 1:1-20
We start a new letter today. It is considered a Pauline letter and it was written to the Christians in Colossae. Paul had not visited the church when he wrote this letter so this is not a church he started or knows everyone involved. It will have a different tone from the previous letters due to this fact. However, Paul is intent on making sure the gospel PAUL preaches is the one that the Colossians adhere to.
Proverbs 24:21-22
Fear the Lord and the king and do not join in with rebellions.
Well, you can certainly advise the young-uns but don't count on swaying them.
Rebellions seem to be populated with youth.
This is a fabulous website on Jeremiah. Click here before you read today's scripture.
40 years is a very long time to be a prophet. It is also a very long time to be alive in a world where virtually everything is falling apart around you. I hope I can have a little compassion for the man as I read his awful, awful condemnations of Judah.
NT -- Colossians 1:1-20
We start a new letter today. It is considered a Pauline letter and it was written to the Christians in Colossae. Paul had not visited the church when he wrote this letter so this is not a church he started or knows everyone involved. It will have a different tone from the previous letters due to this fact. However, Paul is intent on making sure the gospel PAUL preaches is the one that the Colossians adhere to.
Proverbs 24:21-22
Fear the Lord and the king and do not join in with rebellions.
Well, you can certainly advise the young-uns but don't count on swaying them.
Rebellions seem to be populated with youth.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
October 3
OT -- Jeremiah 1:1-2:30
Well, I had 3 different people today comment about Isaiah and how much they disliked, feared, or refused to read it again. To all, I said, rather blithely I am afraid, well, it is a good thing that we are finished and now we can weep with Jeremiah. Except that Jeremiah just starts just like Isaiah ended. Full of awful word pictures -- barefooted sluts just hanging around waiting for the male to come around is a rather ooky picture in my world -- and condemnation for how far the Children of Israel have strayed.
And so, I am going to take my own medicine.
I have re-downloaded the Walter Brueggemann podcast that discusses the prophets.
Click here to download it or listen to it.
We need to know WHY these books were written and who they were aimed at.
And yes, I am rather dispirited that what we get at Christmas time is all lovely and light from Isaiah and my favorite passage in the Bible is from Isaiah -- 43:1-2 "Fear not, for I have called you by name and you are MINE." but the book as a whole is scary, threatening and gruesome.
so, let's all take a step backward, reassess why these books are in the Bible -- after all, we will be spending the remainder of our year with them -- and then jump back in.
NT -- Philippians 4:1-23
The letter ends with such grace and gratitude for all the gifts the Philippians have given him over the years. But it also has a stern rebuke for Euodia and Syntyche and whatever their fight is about. I would hate to have been these two formidable ladies whose sole remembrance down through the centuries is that they were going at it with each other.
And I also stumbled across Father Tim of Mitford fame's favorite Bible verse: 4:13 -- "I can do everything through him who gives me strength". Jan Karon has a new novel about Father Tim out. I am saving it to read when I am done with this study.
Proverbs 24:17-20
Do not gloat when your enemy stumbles... or the Lord will see and turn his wrath away from him.
Maybe we should send the political combatants this proverb.
Grace and peace to you.
Well, I had 3 different people today comment about Isaiah and how much they disliked, feared, or refused to read it again. To all, I said, rather blithely I am afraid, well, it is a good thing that we are finished and now we can weep with Jeremiah. Except that Jeremiah just starts just like Isaiah ended. Full of awful word pictures -- barefooted sluts just hanging around waiting for the male to come around is a rather ooky picture in my world -- and condemnation for how far the Children of Israel have strayed.
And so, I am going to take my own medicine.
I have re-downloaded the Walter Brueggemann podcast that discusses the prophets.
Click here to download it or listen to it.
We need to know WHY these books were written and who they were aimed at.
And yes, I am rather dispirited that what we get at Christmas time is all lovely and light from Isaiah and my favorite passage in the Bible is from Isaiah -- 43:1-2 "Fear not, for I have called you by name and you are MINE." but the book as a whole is scary, threatening and gruesome.
so, let's all take a step backward, reassess why these books are in the Bible -- after all, we will be spending the remainder of our year with them -- and then jump back in.
NT -- Philippians 4:1-23
The letter ends with such grace and gratitude for all the gifts the Philippians have given him over the years. But it also has a stern rebuke for Euodia and Syntyche and whatever their fight is about. I would hate to have been these two formidable ladies whose sole remembrance down through the centuries is that they were going at it with each other.
And I also stumbled across Father Tim of Mitford fame's favorite Bible verse: 4:13 -- "I can do everything through him who gives me strength". Jan Karon has a new novel about Father Tim out. I am saving it to read when I am done with this study.
Proverbs 24:17-20
Do not gloat when your enemy stumbles... or the Lord will see and turn his wrath away from him.
Maybe we should send the political combatants this proverb.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, October 1, 2012
October 2
OT -- Isaiah 66:1-24
Wow, the book ends on a really gruesome note and almost in the middle of a thought. And I know I sound like a broken record but does the last line not sound like zombies? "And they will go out and look upon the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; their worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind." Yuck. I definitely do not want to be in that camp.
I was curious as to why we have all this detailed instructions in the Mosaic section of the Bible regarding sacrifices and then we get to Isaiah and he totally disapproves.
Now, I have heard the arguments that sacrifices should be done with a clean heart and that is why the Jews were exiled 9-- they had no clean hearts among them.
But surely, this was also true during Moses' time, after all, Moses had 2 dudes smote for just touching the rails of the altar.
And I am fairly certain, based on the newspaper yesterday, that hearts have not changed now either. We still have greed, murder, jealousy, hatred and dishonor.
We don't even pretend to sacrifice.
I posed my questions to google and got some very interesting responses. Just a disclaimer -- normally I poke through folks' website and background info before I link to it. Tonight, I am doing about six million things while waiting on Don to call saying he has touched down from visiting his parents in Illinois. Before you go believing anything, you might want to check THEIR references and resources. Already, I can tell you I disagree with the Jewish rabbi-- Isaiah was NOT written by one man.
The Christian doctrine is that Moses did indeed command sacrifice. Once, Solomon sacrificed 10,000 bulls at one time. This was after he had killed all his brothers and the remnant of Saul's family, finished the Temple and built two ginormous palaces -- one for himself, one for Pharaoh's daughter, his wife. The sacrifice was not a guilt offering, it was in joy. Just saying -- 10,000 dead bulls, heck 10,000 live bulls don't smell so good...
However, by Isaiah's time, the people (read, the KINGS) hearts were unclean and God was not pleased with the sacrifice. Therefore, God, through Isaiah, asked for no more sacrifices.
Click here if you want more information.
The Jewish doctrine is somewhat different and speaks much more to today's actions. The purpose of the sacrifice, originally and in Isaiah time, was to honor God. The Jews that were doing the sacrificing were also worshiping idols. This does NOT honor God. Therefore, the sacrifices were not acceptable. God asks us to reduce our sin while increasing our good works. The rabbi also gives a brief biography of Isaiah.
Click here if you want more information.
I am not sure I agree with either position.
NT -- Philippians 3:4b-21
Paul gives his biographical history here. But not by his highborn Jewish birth does Paul consider himself rich. It is by the death of Jesus that he considers himself rich. And while he does not consider himself perfect, he does consider himself mature in his faith and exhorts those who are also mature to live that way.
Proverbs 24:15-16
Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a righteous man's house, do not raid his dwelling place; for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again but the wicked are brought down by calamity.
Well, in my world, folks are brought down by lack of planning. Take my chicken house, for example. I have 35 baby chickens. 19 of them are eating chicken and they grow at amazing rates. I have affectionately named them velociraptors and they deserve it.
They currently live in the broken down chicken shed in an enclosed pen.
It rained today. A lot. there is only the most rudimentary roof on this shed with several tarps over it. Did I mention that it rained A LOT.
Wet baby chickens.
Now, I knew yesterday it was going to rain. But failure to plan. Or maybe, failure to execute a plan and I ended up with wet baby chickens.
It is currently raining right now and so I will continue to have wet baby chickens.
Now, these little guys are a month old. They can handle a day of rain. But that is not always the case and I need to get busy, fix a more appropriate place for them to live and do a better job planning for the rain that will eventually come.
One of my blogs that is about the end of all things had a post today regarding planning. Click here to read it.
I hope you are out of the rain, literally and figuratively, and in the Word.
Wow, the book ends on a really gruesome note and almost in the middle of a thought. And I know I sound like a broken record but does the last line not sound like zombies? "And they will go out and look upon the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; their worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind." Yuck. I definitely do not want to be in that camp.
I was curious as to why we have all this detailed instructions in the Mosaic section of the Bible regarding sacrifices and then we get to Isaiah and he totally disapproves.
Now, I have heard the arguments that sacrifices should be done with a clean heart and that is why the Jews were exiled 9-- they had no clean hearts among them.
But surely, this was also true during Moses' time, after all, Moses had 2 dudes smote for just touching the rails of the altar.
And I am fairly certain, based on the newspaper yesterday, that hearts have not changed now either. We still have greed, murder, jealousy, hatred and dishonor.
We don't even pretend to sacrifice.
I posed my questions to google and got some very interesting responses. Just a disclaimer -- normally I poke through folks' website and background info before I link to it. Tonight, I am doing about six million things while waiting on Don to call saying he has touched down from visiting his parents in Illinois. Before you go believing anything, you might want to check THEIR references and resources. Already, I can tell you I disagree with the Jewish rabbi-- Isaiah was NOT written by one man.
The Christian doctrine is that Moses did indeed command sacrifice. Once, Solomon sacrificed 10,000 bulls at one time. This was after he had killed all his brothers and the remnant of Saul's family, finished the Temple and built two ginormous palaces -- one for himself, one for Pharaoh's daughter, his wife. The sacrifice was not a guilt offering, it was in joy. Just saying -- 10,000 dead bulls, heck 10,000 live bulls don't smell so good...
However, by Isaiah's time, the people (read, the KINGS) hearts were unclean and God was not pleased with the sacrifice. Therefore, God, through Isaiah, asked for no more sacrifices.
Click here if you want more information.
The Jewish doctrine is somewhat different and speaks much more to today's actions. The purpose of the sacrifice, originally and in Isaiah time, was to honor God. The Jews that were doing the sacrificing were also worshiping idols. This does NOT honor God. Therefore, the sacrifices were not acceptable. God asks us to reduce our sin while increasing our good works. The rabbi also gives a brief biography of Isaiah.
Click here if you want more information.
I am not sure I agree with either position.
NT -- Philippians 3:4b-21
Paul gives his biographical history here. But not by his highborn Jewish birth does Paul consider himself rich. It is by the death of Jesus that he considers himself rich. And while he does not consider himself perfect, he does consider himself mature in his faith and exhorts those who are also mature to live that way.
Proverbs 24:15-16
Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a righteous man's house, do not raid his dwelling place; for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again but the wicked are brought down by calamity.
Well, in my world, folks are brought down by lack of planning. Take my chicken house, for example. I have 35 baby chickens. 19 of them are eating chicken and they grow at amazing rates. I have affectionately named them velociraptors and they deserve it.
They currently live in the broken down chicken shed in an enclosed pen.
It rained today. A lot. there is only the most rudimentary roof on this shed with several tarps over it. Did I mention that it rained A LOT.
Wet baby chickens.
Now, I knew yesterday it was going to rain. But failure to plan. Or maybe, failure to execute a plan and I ended up with wet baby chickens.
It is currently raining right now and so I will continue to have wet baby chickens.
Now, these little guys are a month old. They can handle a day of rain. But that is not always the case and I need to get busy, fix a more appropriate place for them to live and do a better job planning for the rain that will eventually come.
One of my blogs that is about the end of all things had a post today regarding planning. Click here to read it.
I hope you are out of the rain, literally and figuratively, and in the Word.
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