Psalm 120
We have finally moved onto a new psalm and don't you love the last two verses: Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am a man of peace but when I speak, they are for war.
Years ago, before the first Gulf War, I was working for HomeBanc Mortgage Co as a loan processor. I was passionately anti-war. My co-workers knew this and we had a lot of discussions about why I felt like that and why they felt differently. The night before the invasion was a night that we had a company wide sales meeting at the main office. Pat, the man who ran the company, knew how I felt and he asked me to pray. And I did. I think that may have been the very first time I ever prayed out loud in a non-church setting.
Minutes later, someone came in an announced that we had invaded and it, of course, was all over CNN with its smart-bombs and rolling tanks. The folks around me cheered.
At that moment, I felt just like the psalmist did.
Years have gone by -- I think 20??? and I am no longer passionately pacifist. More jaded, more cynical, with less of the ability to not want to strike back with a sharp blow. I have seen the picture of raped and disemboweled children, women, men. I have encountered (thankfully not often and not personally) true evil.
I wish I could still stand with the psalmist.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
November 30
The final day of November. We have completed 11/12 of the Bible. I have learned so much. I hope you have as well.
OT -- Daniel 7
This starts the apocalyptic part of Daniel. Apocalytic literature is characterized by massive imagery, cryptic puzzles and underlying messages, and fanciful beasts that represent various things.
In this case, here is what Rashi has to say about our beasts today:
"resembling a bear: This represents the kingdom of Persia, which will reign after Babylon, who eats and drinks like a bear and is enwrapped in flesh like a bear.
resembling a bear: It is spelled לְדֹב [without a “vav,”] like דִיבָא, the Aramaic for זְאֵב, a wolf, for the kingdom of Persia was also called a wolf, as it is said: (Jer. 5:6): “Therefore a lion smote them, a wolf of the deserts spoils them.”
and it stood to one side: and it stood to one side, indicating that when the kingdom of Babylon terminates, Persia will wait one year, when Media will reign.
and there were three ribs in its mouth: Aram. וּתְלָת עִלָעִין בְּפֻמַּהּ, three ribs. Our Sages explained that three provinces were constantly rebelling against it [i.e., Persia] and making peace with it; sometimes it would swallow them and sometimes spit them out. That is the meaning of “in its mouth between its teeth,” sometimes outside its teeth, sometimes inside (Kid. 72a), but I say that the three עִלָעִין are three kings who will rise from Persia: Cyrus, Ahasuerus, and Darius who built the Temple."
"four wings… four heads: They are the four rulers to whom Alexander of Macedon allotted his kingdom at his death, as is written in the book of Joseph ben Gurion (Book 3, ch. 14), for this third beast is the kingdom of Antiochus, and it is called נָמֵר because it issued decrees upon Israel [which were] spotted (מְנֻמָּרוֹת) and varied one from the other."
This is why most scholars think that the book of Daniel was not written until the 160 BCE during the time of the Maccabees.
Also, apocalytic literature was very prevalent in the 2nd century BCE and almost non-existant in the time of Daniel.
Which brings me to the point of why Daniel was written at all.
Daniel is a book of steadfastness. Clearly, the character of Daniel is a real hero. A vital and active man who had many, many stories told about him. Ezekiel references him. Yes, that question was answered. A true head honcho in the Babylonian and then the Persian empires.
Unlike other heroes in Bibleland (think Samson, Gideon), Daniel doesn't question. Daniel doesn't swerve. He stays true to God, doesn't ask for signs or special treatment (keep your gifts, Belshazzar!)and God is praised.
Imagine if you were in Jerusalem 170 BCE and dealing with the whole Antiochus Epiphany IV mess. He butchered pigs on the altar of the rebuilt temple! Circumcised men were not allowed to participate in civic life.
You need a hero. One who has been under duress and still kept the faith. Hence the book of Daniel.
Proverbs 28:23-24
He who robs his father or mother and says 'it is not wrong' -- he is partner to him who destroys.
Some proverbs hit closer to home than other. I grew up with someone who stole from his parents. This is an awful tragedy in a home.
Grace and peace to each of you.
OT -- Daniel 7
This starts the apocalyptic part of Daniel. Apocalytic literature is characterized by massive imagery, cryptic puzzles and underlying messages, and fanciful beasts that represent various things.
In this case, here is what Rashi has to say about our beasts today:
"resembling a bear: This represents the kingdom of Persia, which will reign after Babylon, who eats and drinks like a bear and is enwrapped in flesh like a bear.
resembling a bear: It is spelled לְדֹב [without a “vav,”] like דִיבָא, the Aramaic for זְאֵב, a wolf, for the kingdom of Persia was also called a wolf, as it is said: (Jer. 5:6): “Therefore a lion smote them, a wolf of the deserts spoils them.”
and it stood to one side: and it stood to one side, indicating that when the kingdom of Babylon terminates, Persia will wait one year, when Media will reign.
and there were three ribs in its mouth: Aram. וּתְלָת עִלָעִין בְּפֻמַּהּ, three ribs. Our Sages explained that three provinces were constantly rebelling against it [i.e., Persia] and making peace with it; sometimes it would swallow them and sometimes spit them out. That is the meaning of “in its mouth between its teeth,” sometimes outside its teeth, sometimes inside (Kid. 72a), but I say that the three עִלָעִין are three kings who will rise from Persia: Cyrus, Ahasuerus, and Darius who built the Temple."
"four wings… four heads: They are the four rulers to whom Alexander of Macedon allotted his kingdom at his death, as is written in the book of Joseph ben Gurion (Book 3, ch. 14), for this third beast is the kingdom of Antiochus, and it is called נָמֵר because it issued decrees upon Israel [which were] spotted (מְנֻמָּרוֹת) and varied one from the other."
This is why most scholars think that the book of Daniel was not written until the 160 BCE during the time of the Maccabees.
Also, apocalytic literature was very prevalent in the 2nd century BCE and almost non-existant in the time of Daniel.
Which brings me to the point of why Daniel was written at all.
Daniel is a book of steadfastness. Clearly, the character of Daniel is a real hero. A vital and active man who had many, many stories told about him. Ezekiel references him. Yes, that question was answered. A true head honcho in the Babylonian and then the Persian empires.
Unlike other heroes in Bibleland (think Samson, Gideon), Daniel doesn't question. Daniel doesn't swerve. He stays true to God, doesn't ask for signs or special treatment (keep your gifts, Belshazzar!)and God is praised.
Imagine if you were in Jerusalem 170 BCE and dealing with the whole Antiochus Epiphany IV mess. He butchered pigs on the altar of the rebuilt temple! Circumcised men were not allowed to participate in civic life.
You need a hero. One who has been under duress and still kept the faith. Hence the book of Daniel.
Proverbs 28:23-24
He who robs his father or mother and says 'it is not wrong' -- he is partner to him who destroys.
Some proverbs hit closer to home than other. I grew up with someone who stole from his parents. This is an awful tragedy in a home.
Grace and peace to each of you.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
November 29
NT -- 2 Peter 3:1-18
What a great section of scripture!
As a people that are closing in on the uber date of December 12, 2012 and the 'end' of time according to the Mayans and since I hang around so many 'dooms-dayers', this comes as a reassuring piece.
Truthfully, I don't want to know that the end is coming. I would rather enjoy life in all its beauty, weirdness, trouble and strife right up to the very end. When I know that bad things are coming, it tends to paralyse me. Maybe (and I know folks like this)it galvanizes others into action. Me, I tend to retreat to my little cave and quit making phone calls.
Peter says we don't know. Nor, should we care. We are called to live life faithfully, regardless of when or if the end should come in our lifetimes. And to ignore the ones who say the end is near or we are crazy to behave good when there is so much to be gained from being bad.
I like this philosophy and am striving to live up to it.
What a great section of scripture!
As a people that are closing in on the uber date of December 12, 2012 and the 'end' of time according to the Mayans and since I hang around so many 'dooms-dayers', this comes as a reassuring piece.
Truthfully, I don't want to know that the end is coming. I would rather enjoy life in all its beauty, weirdness, trouble and strife right up to the very end. When I know that bad things are coming, it tends to paralyse me. Maybe (and I know folks like this)it galvanizes others into action. Me, I tend to retreat to my little cave and quit making phone calls.
Peter says we don't know. Nor, should we care. We are called to live life faithfully, regardless of when or if the end should come in our lifetimes. And to ignore the ones who say the end is near or we are crazy to behave good when there is so much to be gained from being bad.
I like this philosophy and am striving to live up to it.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
November 28
OT -- Daniel 5
This is the story of the writing on the wall. When I looked this chapter up in my online Tanakh, there is very little commentary by Rashi. Rashi considers Daniel not a prophet but 'scriptures' like Psalms, Proverbs, Job and Ruth. There is quite a lot in the first couple of chapters and loads in the apocalyptic sections but almost none in this one.
And I wondered why? It is a fairly straightforward story -- a son, watching his father be deposed, is still wicked and desecrates sacred objects from another religion. As the old story books say 'God will get you for that' and He did. But why only the hand? And why only the 4 words? And how come the queen knew about Daniel but the king didn't? I have lots of unanswered questions about this story and would have appreciated commentary, Rashi!
Okay, I know that it is futile to argue with someone who has been dead for 950 years. But one thing that this year long study has shown me and shown me well is how very, very little I know about the Bible. It would be pathetic if I let it.
Instead, I am just going to keep plugging along, even through the parts that I absolutely loathe. I guess those parts have just as much to teach me as the 'good' stuff.
This is the story of the writing on the wall. When I looked this chapter up in my online Tanakh, there is very little commentary by Rashi. Rashi considers Daniel not a prophet but 'scriptures' like Psalms, Proverbs, Job and Ruth. There is quite a lot in the first couple of chapters and loads in the apocalyptic sections but almost none in this one.
And I wondered why? It is a fairly straightforward story -- a son, watching his father be deposed, is still wicked and desecrates sacred objects from another religion. As the old story books say 'God will get you for that' and He did. But why only the hand? And why only the 4 words? And how come the queen knew about Daniel but the king didn't? I have lots of unanswered questions about this story and would have appreciated commentary, Rashi!
Okay, I know that it is futile to argue with someone who has been dead for 950 years. But one thing that this year long study has shown me and shown me well is how very, very little I know about the Bible. It would be pathetic if I let it.
Instead, I am just going to keep plugging along, even through the parts that I absolutely loathe. I guess those parts have just as much to teach me as the 'good' stuff.
Monday, November 26, 2012
November 27
OT -- Daniel 4:1-37
Another dream from Nebuchadnezzar but this one is told from the King's point of view. Again, Daniel interprets the dream. This time, the one struck down is N. And the end result is that he praises God and recognizes the power and majesty of the Lord.
I like this one. I like the imagery of Babylon being a great and powerful city where there is fruit for everyone. I recognize that I am not supposed to feel empathy or sympathy for N or the Babylonians but they have so very much to admire.
The Babylonians were renown for their mathematics, astronomy and law code. Because of their position in the Middle East and their water sources, Babylon was the greenest part and fed an enormous amount of tradesmen, city officials, soldiers and artisans.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.
The 7 day week came from Babylon. Much of our writing comes from Babylon. The Torah and Tankh were primarily codified in Babylon.
However, their religions were a big conflict with the Jews. The Babylonians primarily worshipped Marduk and then the king. Marduk was also head of the pantheon of gods. Idols and temple worship were a common practice. To assimilate into Babylonian culture would mean renouncing the one God, ruler of the universe idea.
Daniel, while he has been placed in a high position, does not assimilate. This is one of the morals of this book. He does not shy away from telling N that he is doomed unless he confesses to the true God.
These stories were meant to inspire the Maccabees to hold fast during the besiegement of Jerusalem in the the 160s.
Another dream from Nebuchadnezzar but this one is told from the King's point of view. Again, Daniel interprets the dream. This time, the one struck down is N. And the end result is that he praises God and recognizes the power and majesty of the Lord.
I like this one. I like the imagery of Babylon being a great and powerful city where there is fruit for everyone. I recognize that I am not supposed to feel empathy or sympathy for N or the Babylonians but they have so very much to admire.
The Babylonians were renown for their mathematics, astronomy and law code. Because of their position in the Middle East and their water sources, Babylon was the greenest part and fed an enormous amount of tradesmen, city officials, soldiers and artisans.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.
However, their religions were a big conflict with the Jews. The Babylonians primarily worshipped Marduk and then the king. Marduk was also head of the pantheon of gods. Idols and temple worship were a common practice. To assimilate into Babylonian culture would mean renouncing the one God, ruler of the universe idea.
Daniel, while he has been placed in a high position, does not assimilate. This is one of the morals of this book. He does not shy away from telling N that he is doomed unless he confesses to the true God.
These stories were meant to inspire the Maccabees to hold fast during the besiegement of Jerusalem in the the 160s.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
November 26
Hey!! I passed 6000 views today! Thanks for all your reading, viewing, and passing the blog along to others. I also appreciate your comments and emails. Thanks for keeping my nose to the Biblical grindstone. Almost done! 35 more days!
OT-- Daniel 1:1-3:30
Sorry, I did not read my scripture yesterday due to the chicken harvest, the mistletoe hunt and my market. But, you have to read the first chapter of ANY Bible book, especially Daniel.
Vs. 1:21 says that Daniel was in Nebuchadnezzar's service until the first year of Cyrus' reign which makes Daniel be in the king's service for all 70 years of the exile. An amazingly long life for a youth captured with Jerusalem.
God gave Daniel and his buddies special talents. In Daniel's case, the ability to intepret dreams and visions 'of all kinds'. This is a very rare talent indeed. In Daniel's case, he didn't even need to be told the dream to interpret it.
The book of Daniel contains several stories that we tell our children -- Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego in the fiery furnace, Daniel in the lions den and the writings on the wall. However, there is also a large apocalyptic part of Daniel which is not part of normal Bible readings. It is these apocalyptic parts that scholars think date to 161 BCE making it the most recent of the OT books. Based on the way the book is laid out, it is clear that there were several stories of the hero Daniel who is named in the Book of Ezekiel. They were compiled and then the apocalyptic stories were added during the time of the Maccabean Revolt.
What are we to learn from Daniel? Steadfastness. The ability to do a good job even when you are not in ideal situations. The ability to remain faithful even when besieged.
Looking forward to a great read.
OT-- Daniel 1:1-3:30
Sorry, I did not read my scripture yesterday due to the chicken harvest, the mistletoe hunt and my market. But, you have to read the first chapter of ANY Bible book, especially Daniel.
Vs. 1:21 says that Daniel was in Nebuchadnezzar's service until the first year of Cyrus' reign which makes Daniel be in the king's service for all 70 years of the exile. An amazingly long life for a youth captured with Jerusalem.
God gave Daniel and his buddies special talents. In Daniel's case, the ability to intepret dreams and visions 'of all kinds'. This is a very rare talent indeed. In Daniel's case, he didn't even need to be told the dream to interpret it.
The book of Daniel contains several stories that we tell our children -- Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego in the fiery furnace, Daniel in the lions den and the writings on the wall. However, there is also a large apocalyptic part of Daniel which is not part of normal Bible readings. It is these apocalyptic parts that scholars think date to 161 BCE making it the most recent of the OT books. Based on the way the book is laid out, it is clear that there were several stories of the hero Daniel who is named in the Book of Ezekiel. They were compiled and then the apocalyptic stories were added during the time of the Maccabean Revolt.
What are we to learn from Daniel? Steadfastness. The ability to do a good job even when you are not in ideal situations. The ability to remain faithful even when besieged.
Looking forward to a great read.
Friday, November 23, 2012
November 24
OT -- Psalm 119:49-64
VS 57-64 begin with 'you are my portion'. When I think of portion, I think of food. Forgive the imagery, but if a portion of food is nourishment for your body -- the right amount for your vitamin, mineral, fat, carbohydrate and protein mix, then a portion of God is the right amount for your spiritual body.
Since I was in high school, I have struggled with my weight so I know all about portions, both correct and too much. Is God the same way? Or can you have 'too much' God?
This section of scripture concludes with another favorite line of the psalmist: The earth is filled with your love, O Lord; teach me your decrees.
Well, reading the paper this morning, I would have to conclude that the earth IS NOT filled with God's love. Instead, it is filled with Black Friday Shopping. Which is why two verses earlier: At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.
Not to go shopping.
As we enter into the frenzy of the holiday season, please remember to ground yourself in the Word. After all, God is the reason for the season.
Grace to each of you and traveling mercies.
VS 57-64 begin with 'you are my portion'. When I think of portion, I think of food. Forgive the imagery, but if a portion of food is nourishment for your body -- the right amount for your vitamin, mineral, fat, carbohydrate and protein mix, then a portion of God is the right amount for your spiritual body.
Since I was in high school, I have struggled with my weight so I know all about portions, both correct and too much. Is God the same way? Or can you have 'too much' God?
This section of scripture concludes with another favorite line of the psalmist: The earth is filled with your love, O Lord; teach me your decrees.
Well, reading the paper this morning, I would have to conclude that the earth IS NOT filled with God's love. Instead, it is filled with Black Friday Shopping. Which is why two verses earlier: At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.
Not to go shopping.
As we enter into the frenzy of the holiday season, please remember to ground yourself in the Word. After all, God is the reason for the season.
Grace to each of you and traveling mercies.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
November 23
Psalm 119
This is the longest psalm in our Bible. It is an acrostic, using the letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
The legend is that David used this psalm to teach Solomon to read and understand the word of the Lord. It is a nice legend but probably not true.
What is great about this psalm is the whole concept of using a whole alphabet to praise and glorify God. And for that, I will give it high marks.
Proverbs 28:11
A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.
Discernment. Dictionary.com says discernment means :the ability to judge well.
Not just to judge but to judge well.
And then in lies the rub with between the two men -- the rich man has wealth to cloud his judgment while the poor man does not.
This defies current thinking that poor people are poor because they have no education or have made bad choices or have had bad judgment.
In Biblical times, if you were poor, it was mostly because your parents were poor. This is true today.
In Biblical times, if your parents were educated, you were educated. This is also true today.
Is it really possible to want to get out of poverty and make the right choices especially if you are 15, 16 years old?
Is the proverb wrong or is our thinking wrong?
Skip to minute 17 of this video:
Click here if your email does not support YouTube
God bless you.
This is the longest psalm in our Bible. It is an acrostic, using the letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
The legend is that David used this psalm to teach Solomon to read and understand the word of the Lord. It is a nice legend but probably not true.
What is great about this psalm is the whole concept of using a whole alphabet to praise and glorify God. And for that, I will give it high marks.
Proverbs 28:11
A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.
Discernment. Dictionary.com says discernment means :the ability to judge well.
Not just to judge but to judge well.
And then in lies the rub with between the two men -- the rich man has wealth to cloud his judgment while the poor man does not.
This defies current thinking that poor people are poor because they have no education or have made bad choices or have had bad judgment.
In Biblical times, if you were poor, it was mostly because your parents were poor. This is true today.
In Biblical times, if your parents were educated, you were educated. This is also true today.
Is it really possible to want to get out of poverty and make the right choices especially if you are 15, 16 years old?
Is the proverb wrong or is our thinking wrong?
Skip to minute 17 of this video:
Click here if your email does not support YouTube
God bless you.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
November 22
NT -- 1 Peter 1:1-12
We begin the letters of Peter today. We are also studying these letters in Presbyterian Women but I have been unimpressed with the study guide thus far.
The apostle Peter wrote these letters himself and if we were reading these in the original Greek, we would see the vast differences between his word choice, style and grammar vs. those who wrote for Paul. Peter was clearly the less educated.
That being said, he uses the same convoluted writing style as Paul which has sentences with multiple clauses, loads of appositives and other stuff, which can be very confusing. My Bible teacher long ago, said that when you don't understand Peter, try to find the simple subject and the simple verb of each sentence and string them along.
To try this, look at vs 3:
"In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of the Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade -- kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."
Whew!!
Simple subject: he (God)
Simple predicate: has given us new birth
The base line of that whole jumble is that God has given us a new life. And what an incredible gift that is.
Now, I know, the other stuff is important. But the bottom line to Peter is that God has saved us. Glory be!
Next time you find your eyes glazing over with the wordiness, try it.
And since this is Thanksgiving Day in the USA, I would like to thank each of you for your readership. It has kept me on track in the Word, and let's just say -- staying focused is mighty hard for me, especially over a year period.
Grace and Peace to you and yours.
We begin the letters of Peter today. We are also studying these letters in Presbyterian Women but I have been unimpressed with the study guide thus far.
The apostle Peter wrote these letters himself and if we were reading these in the original Greek, we would see the vast differences between his word choice, style and grammar vs. those who wrote for Paul. Peter was clearly the less educated.
That being said, he uses the same convoluted writing style as Paul which has sentences with multiple clauses, loads of appositives and other stuff, which can be very confusing. My Bible teacher long ago, said that when you don't understand Peter, try to find the simple subject and the simple verb of each sentence and string them along.
To try this, look at vs 3:
"In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of the Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade -- kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."
Whew!!
Simple subject: he (God)
Simple predicate: has given us new birth
The base line of that whole jumble is that God has given us a new life. And what an incredible gift that is.
Now, I know, the other stuff is important. But the bottom line to Peter is that God has saved us. Glory be!
Next time you find your eyes glazing over with the wordiness, try it.
And since this is Thanksgiving Day in the USA, I would like to thank each of you for your readership. It has kept me on track in the Word, and let's just say -- staying focused is mighty hard for me, especially over a year period.
Grace and Peace to you and yours.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
November 21
OT -- Ezekiel 42:1-43:27
This whole section on the measurements of the temple -- the various gates, porticoes, porches etc -- is taken from 2 Kings. It was meant as a reminder that once men had built the temple and it had immediately been desecrated. Now, God was going to build it and it would be pure.
You can see, reading Ezekiel, why Paul would use the whole imagery of Jesus' being our temple. Yes, the temple was rebuilt and grandly although not as lovely as Solomon's temple. But even that Temple was filled with sin and degradation -- the scene where Jesus drives the moneychangers from the Temple is one of the 7 stories that is in all 4 Gospels. Clearly made a deep, deep impression.
In order to have a pure, holy Temple, well, you need a pure, holy space. And that is only inhabited by pure, holy people, i.e. Jesus.
NT -- James 5:1-20
Many, many times I have heard vs. 12-16. As a matter of fact, it was the NT scripture for Joe B's sermon this past Sunday. Click here if you want to watch it. One of his best yet. To skip straight to the sermon, it is at minute 12.
But back to the scripture. What really interests me is the preceding verses -- 1-11. Full of condemnation of the rich taking advantage on the poor. Gosh, I am getting it at every turn, first from Proverbs yesterday, now this.
Maybe this is a nice way for God to say -- quit my proverbial worrying about money and get on with the business of helping others.
It's juxataposition with the whole 'pray for whatever is happening' in your life is why it struck me this evening.
This is one of the fascinating things that I have found reading the scriptures this year. There are so many favorite quotes and passages that have been lifted straight out of context.
And so many harsh passages that we, who are so incredibly blessed to be Americans, don't want to hear or heed.
Bad enough with the rich young ruler, we definitely don't want the wham over the top of the head by James.
This whole section on the measurements of the temple -- the various gates, porticoes, porches etc -- is taken from 2 Kings. It was meant as a reminder that once men had built the temple and it had immediately been desecrated. Now, God was going to build it and it would be pure.
You can see, reading Ezekiel, why Paul would use the whole imagery of Jesus' being our temple. Yes, the temple was rebuilt and grandly although not as lovely as Solomon's temple. But even that Temple was filled with sin and degradation -- the scene where Jesus drives the moneychangers from the Temple is one of the 7 stories that is in all 4 Gospels. Clearly made a deep, deep impression.
In order to have a pure, holy Temple, well, you need a pure, holy space. And that is only inhabited by pure, holy people, i.e. Jesus.
NT -- James 5:1-20
Many, many times I have heard vs. 12-16. As a matter of fact, it was the NT scripture for Joe B's sermon this past Sunday. Click here if you want to watch it. One of his best yet. To skip straight to the sermon, it is at minute 12.
But back to the scripture. What really interests me is the preceding verses -- 1-11. Full of condemnation of the rich taking advantage on the poor. Gosh, I am getting it at every turn, first from Proverbs yesterday, now this.
Maybe this is a nice way for God to say -- quit my proverbial worrying about money and get on with the business of helping others.
It's juxataposition with the whole 'pray for whatever is happening' in your life is why it struck me this evening.
This is one of the fascinating things that I have found reading the scriptures this year. There are so many favorite quotes and passages that have been lifted straight out of context.
And so many harsh passages that we, who are so incredibly blessed to be Americans, don't want to hear or heed.
Bad enough with the rich young ruler, we definitely don't want the wham over the top of the head by James.
Monday, November 19, 2012
November 20
Proverbs 28:3-5
A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.
Okay, I have written and re-written this blog post 4 times. I am not sure why I am having a hard time with this because I believe passionately in helping the poor. I have only been penniless for one period in my life but it left an indelible scar on me and I never want to go back to that again. In my twisted karma viewpoint, I think I see helping the poor will prevent that and maybe it will.
But the vast majority of the folks that I have encountered aren't gaming the system. They are just struggling to get by.
Take a phone conversation that I had today with a couple in Louisiana. Their rent on their little government housing unit is 530 a month. When they called me, their power had just been turned off for non-payment and they had received a notice from the property manager who had been letting them pay a little at the time, usually weekly, that they were behind several hundred dollars. I could hear a little one in the background, an adult male and the shaky female that I was talking to.
She didn't think she owed the money but she couldn't find her money order stubs in the dark and she just didn't know what to do. I tried to help but because they had been paying a little and a little and a little, without the stubs I just couldn't help them piece together the money picture. It made me really sad to hear how frightened she was. And I couldn't help her.
It makes me sad and sometimes mad that we live in a country where people have a hard time making ends meet. And I realize that some of that is the people's choices have led to this situation. But there are usually babies and children involved and they didn't have the choice.
I realize I sound like a bleeding heart liberal commie pinko nut (a quote from a recent email from a 'fan'). And sometimes I am. Sometimes I think everyone should require birth control injections to go to high school and we should do whatever we have to do to get folks graduated and into a trade.
Other times, I am firmly in the 'you made your bed and your choices and now you and your kids have to live with the consequences'.
I just wish that there were other options.
A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.
Okay, I have written and re-written this blog post 4 times. I am not sure why I am having a hard time with this because I believe passionately in helping the poor. I have only been penniless for one period in my life but it left an indelible scar on me and I never want to go back to that again. In my twisted karma viewpoint, I think I see helping the poor will prevent that and maybe it will.
But the vast majority of the folks that I have encountered aren't gaming the system. They are just struggling to get by.
Take a phone conversation that I had today with a couple in Louisiana. Their rent on their little government housing unit is 530 a month. When they called me, their power had just been turned off for non-payment and they had received a notice from the property manager who had been letting them pay a little at the time, usually weekly, that they were behind several hundred dollars. I could hear a little one in the background, an adult male and the shaky female that I was talking to.
She didn't think she owed the money but she couldn't find her money order stubs in the dark and she just didn't know what to do. I tried to help but because they had been paying a little and a little and a little, without the stubs I just couldn't help them piece together the money picture. It made me really sad to hear how frightened she was. And I couldn't help her.
It makes me sad and sometimes mad that we live in a country where people have a hard time making ends meet. And I realize that some of that is the people's choices have led to this situation. But there are usually babies and children involved and they didn't have the choice.
I realize I sound like a bleeding heart liberal commie pinko nut (a quote from a recent email from a 'fan'). And sometimes I am. Sometimes I think everyone should require birth control injections to go to high school and we should do whatever we have to do to get folks graduated and into a trade.
Other times, I am firmly in the 'you made your bed and your choices and now you and your kids have to live with the consequences'.
I just wish that there were other options.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
November 19
NT -- James 2:18-3:18
"Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers because you know that we who teach will be judge more strictly."
I have found this to be true. I have also found that I have become more, not less critical, of bad teachers. This, I really have to watch.
Both of my sons have had excellent teachers, good teachers, so-so and thankfully, a few rotten ones.
Both of them have one rotten one right now. And in both cases, it is their English teacher.
Here is where James would be proud of me. I have held my tongue about both of them.
For one thing, these teachers are not MY teachers. They are Matthew and Cole's. *I* do not have to sit in their class and *I* am not sure just how much is a personality disorder and how much is just plain bad teaching.
Truthfully, it has been fun watching Cole handle this situation. He has matured enough to not take it personally and work as hard as he needs to work to maintain his B which in any other class would give him an A. The very fact that he can distinguish between a good teacher and bad one gives me tremendous hope for the future.
That being said, I still rail against her arbitrariness and harshness when it is sooo not needed, especially since Jr year is so critical. But not to Cole.
As for myself, yes, I am judged fairly regularly for my weaknesses and statements as a Bible teacher. I don't pretend to know it all (especially since I am still using an 8 year old's Jewish commentary for the OT) but what I do know, I know. And I am afraid that here, my mouth gets me into the poison land. When people are wrong or they claim I am wrong, I seldom shut up. This is not a good thing to do in most situations and I really need to work on it more.
Psalm 118
It is funny how relevant 3000 year old scriptures can be.
This afternoon, in a blue mood due to some bad news, I sat on my back porch, watching the pterodactyls in their last evening outside, and I asked God to send me peace because I was afraid. I can't say he did because I realized that it was time to jump up and fix dinner but once over, I sat down to my scripture and here it was:
In my anguish I cried to the Lord,
and he answered by setting me free.
The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid.
vs. 5-6a
Friends, that is some mighty good news. Oh, it didn't take away the problem. It is still there, still looming large. But I am no longer afraid. And I don't know about you but fear always gets in the way of good judgment.
The fact that I asked for help and there it was in my scripture reading for the day fills me with tremendous hope for the future.
May God set you free from whatever you are afraid of.
"Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers because you know that we who teach will be judge more strictly."
I have found this to be true. I have also found that I have become more, not less critical, of bad teachers. This, I really have to watch.
Both of my sons have had excellent teachers, good teachers, so-so and thankfully, a few rotten ones.
Both of them have one rotten one right now. And in both cases, it is their English teacher.
Here is where James would be proud of me. I have held my tongue about both of them.
For one thing, these teachers are not MY teachers. They are Matthew and Cole's. *I* do not have to sit in their class and *I* am not sure just how much is a personality disorder and how much is just plain bad teaching.
Truthfully, it has been fun watching Cole handle this situation. He has matured enough to not take it personally and work as hard as he needs to work to maintain his B which in any other class would give him an A. The very fact that he can distinguish between a good teacher and bad one gives me tremendous hope for the future.
That being said, I still rail against her arbitrariness and harshness when it is sooo not needed, especially since Jr year is so critical. But not to Cole.
As for myself, yes, I am judged fairly regularly for my weaknesses and statements as a Bible teacher. I don't pretend to know it all (especially since I am still using an 8 year old's Jewish commentary for the OT) but what I do know, I know. And I am afraid that here, my mouth gets me into the poison land. When people are wrong or they claim I am wrong, I seldom shut up. This is not a good thing to do in most situations and I really need to work on it more.
Psalm 118
It is funny how relevant 3000 year old scriptures can be.
This afternoon, in a blue mood due to some bad news, I sat on my back porch, watching the pterodactyls in their last evening outside, and I asked God to send me peace because I was afraid. I can't say he did because I realized that it was time to jump up and fix dinner but once over, I sat down to my scripture and here it was:
In my anguish I cried to the Lord,
and he answered by setting me free.
The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid.
vs. 5-6a
Friends, that is some mighty good news. Oh, it didn't take away the problem. It is still there, still looming large. But I am no longer afraid. And I don't know about you but fear always gets in the way of good judgment.
The fact that I asked for help and there it was in my scripture reading for the day fills me with tremendous hope for the future.
May God set you free from whatever you are afraid of.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
November 18
NT -- James 1:19-2:17
vs. 26:If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
Well, that X's me out then. My mouth continually gets me in trouble. Think , think, think before you speak, Sylvia. It just seems to happen at the worst possible times.
And then, of course, there is the whole cussing problem of which I just will say, I could and should do much better.
This passage also contains a favorite one of mine.
vs. 17 Faith, by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
I went to a funeral today of a lovely, lovely lady. She was 94 and a member of my Sunday School class. Can I say, this? Yes, I will. Her funeral was as lovely as she was.
She had stipulated that she wanted it to last no more than 30 minutes. And that's all it did. Ron preached a mighty fine funeral sermon and as one who has heard 20 or so funeral sermons that he has preached (I am on the bereavement committee and help with the receptions afterwards), it always amazes me that each one is so different.
Her music minister from her former church came and sang -- Amazing Grace and How Great thou Art. Unbelievable.
After a funeral at Mt Vernon, the ladies of the church offer a reception for the family to greet friends. It is one the the nicest things we do, I think, and not just because I work on this committee. It just provides a nice time to visit and speak.
Anyway, the committee was told to expect 35. There were over a hundred people at that funeral.
And why?
Because my sweet lady had always evidenced her strong, strong faith. Quiet, sure of herself and her actions, she continued to study her Bible and come to Sunday School. She never argued. If she spoke, it was sincere, to the point, and always thoughtful. No rambling for her, thank you.
In her youth, she had taught school and Sunday School, herself. As an elderly person, she continued to read devotions and ponder meaning, often using 2 translations to help her understand.
She tried hard not to be troublesome to family, friends and her church. I would say she more than succeeded. She will be sorely missed.
This is a Christian model to emulate. This is a woman to aspire to.
This is faith in action, word, deeds, and thought. James will like having her in his classroom.
Peace and Serenity to each of you.
vs. 26:If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
Well, that X's me out then. My mouth continually gets me in trouble. Think , think, think before you speak, Sylvia. It just seems to happen at the worst possible times.
And then, of course, there is the whole cussing problem of which I just will say, I could and should do much better.
This passage also contains a favorite one of mine.
vs. 17 Faith, by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
I went to a funeral today of a lovely, lovely lady. She was 94 and a member of my Sunday School class. Can I say, this? Yes, I will. Her funeral was as lovely as she was.
She had stipulated that she wanted it to last no more than 30 minutes. And that's all it did. Ron preached a mighty fine funeral sermon and as one who has heard 20 or so funeral sermons that he has preached (I am on the bereavement committee and help with the receptions afterwards), it always amazes me that each one is so different.
Her music minister from her former church came and sang -- Amazing Grace and How Great thou Art. Unbelievable.
After a funeral at Mt Vernon, the ladies of the church offer a reception for the family to greet friends. It is one the the nicest things we do, I think, and not just because I work on this committee. It just provides a nice time to visit and speak.
Anyway, the committee was told to expect 35. There were over a hundred people at that funeral.
And why?
Because my sweet lady had always evidenced her strong, strong faith. Quiet, sure of herself and her actions, she continued to study her Bible and come to Sunday School. She never argued. If she spoke, it was sincere, to the point, and always thoughtful. No rambling for her, thank you.
In her youth, she had taught school and Sunday School, herself. As an elderly person, she continued to read devotions and ponder meaning, often using 2 translations to help her understand.
She tried hard not to be troublesome to family, friends and her church. I would say she more than succeeded. She will be sorely missed.
This is a Christian model to emulate. This is a woman to aspire to.
This is faith in action, word, deeds, and thought. James will like having her in his classroom.
Peace and Serenity to each of you.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
November 17
NT -- James 1:1-18
Praise the Lord, we made it through Paul's letters!
Today we start James and I refer you to a post made by Inside Nancy's Noodle to open the doors of this book to us.
Click here, then come back.
When Nancy wrote that, much was still remaining of the Presidential race. Now, it is over and the muttering is still going on.
I stand next to this woman at one of my markets and all she wants to talk about is the direct coverup of the problems in Libya.
One of my coworkers has a nephew who sent her an email saying that the David Petraeus affair(s) were part of a Marxist plot.
On my Facebook, there are people on both sides of the political debate calling the other side names and claiming that each are illegitimate or unpatriotic.
I want all of this to stop.
I want to believe that the officials I have helped to elect are doing the best they know how to do to steer this massive ship.
I want to read in the paper and listen on the radio to stuff that is actually TRUE and not half-truths, suppositions and in some cases, outright lies.
If I look at each of those 2 statements through the lens of James, he would point out that the only one who dispenses wisdom is **God** (are you surprised?)and that is who we should be going to for help.
My job is to stand to the side of the mud and try to get as little on me as possible. I suspect that, once again, my mouth will get me in trouble with James.
Praise the Lord, we made it through Paul's letters!
Today we start James and I refer you to a post made by Inside Nancy's Noodle to open the doors of this book to us.
Click here, then come back.
When Nancy wrote that, much was still remaining of the Presidential race. Now, it is over and the muttering is still going on.
I stand next to this woman at one of my markets and all she wants to talk about is the direct coverup of the problems in Libya.
One of my coworkers has a nephew who sent her an email saying that the David Petraeus affair(s) were part of a Marxist plot.
On my Facebook, there are people on both sides of the political debate calling the other side names and claiming that each are illegitimate or unpatriotic.
I want all of this to stop.
I want to believe that the officials I have helped to elect are doing the best they know how to do to steer this massive ship.
I want to read in the paper and listen on the radio to stuff that is actually TRUE and not half-truths, suppositions and in some cases, outright lies.
If I look at each of those 2 statements through the lens of James, he would point out that the only one who dispenses wisdom is **God** (are you surprised?)and that is who we should be going to for help.
My job is to stand to the side of the mud and try to get as little on me as possible. I suspect that, once again, my mouth will get me in trouble with James.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
November 16
Ezekiel 33:1-34:31
The whole sheep discourse made me realize just how much of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel that Jesus used and taught. The Good Shepherd is a direct reference to this passage in 34 and should be read before any teaching on The Good Shepherd of Jesus. As a matter of fact, I am teaching Sunday School this Sunday. I think I will use this....
Hebrews 13:1-25
This part of scripture contains the verse 'Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained strangers'.
This is one of the key verses that Dorothy Day used to transform her life. She is now up for canonization from the Roman Catholic Church.
She certainly made her mark in creating 'houses of hospitality' for the poor and indigent in large cities. Later, her crusade for pacifism and her socialist/communist bent earned her criticsm but she never relented in the work for peace and justice for all especially the lower classes.
In our day, we are taught to fear strangers. I would no more bring someone home with me to dinner than I would invite Martha Stewart. It just isn't done. And if you listen to the radio, with good reason.
That led me to think about ways that I DO entertain strangers and I have to grant -- there aren't many. So, this is clearly an area that I need to work on and pronto!
What about you?
The whole sheep discourse made me realize just how much of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel that Jesus used and taught. The Good Shepherd is a direct reference to this passage in 34 and should be read before any teaching on The Good Shepherd of Jesus. As a matter of fact, I am teaching Sunday School this Sunday. I think I will use this....
Hebrews 13:1-25
This part of scripture contains the verse 'Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained strangers'.
This is one of the key verses that Dorothy Day used to transform her life. She is now up for canonization from the Roman Catholic Church.
She certainly made her mark in creating 'houses of hospitality' for the poor and indigent in large cities. Later, her crusade for pacifism and her socialist/communist bent earned her criticsm but she never relented in the work for peace and justice for all especially the lower classes.
In our day, we are taught to fear strangers. I would no more bring someone home with me to dinner than I would invite Martha Stewart. It just isn't done. And if you listen to the radio, with good reason.
That led me to think about ways that I DO entertain strangers and I have to grant -- there aren't many. So, this is clearly an area that I need to work on and pronto!
What about you?
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
November 14
NT -- Hebrews 11:32-12:13
So very, very much in this section of scripture that I really relate to.
I love the whole imagery of the great cloud of witnesses. I have several really awesome people that have already died that I regard as true spiritual guides and the fact that they are still with me, encouraging me and hopefully helping me make the right decisions is a powerful one.
I have heard the verses 12:1-2 referred to as the "Resign as the Master of Universe" pitch. We really aren't in control and any false assumptions that we are in control usually meet with poor results.
But the one that hits me right where I need it to is verse 12:7 "Endure hardship as a discipline; God is treating you like a son."
Forgive the garden imagery but this is true in the garden as well.
If you start tomato plants inside and do not simulate harsh conditions, when the tomato plant goes out, it will wither and die. You actually have to swish the plant back and forth every day in order to prevent this. It develops resistance and fibers in the stem.
This is true in my life as well. Oh, I know I don't feel that way at the time and have an amazing ability to gripe and grumble, but after the crisis is passed, I am generally the stronger for it.
But not this strong:
Proverbs 27:17
An iron sharpens iron, so man sharpens another.
So very, very much in this section of scripture that I really relate to.
I love the whole imagery of the great cloud of witnesses. I have several really awesome people that have already died that I regard as true spiritual guides and the fact that they are still with me, encouraging me and hopefully helping me make the right decisions is a powerful one.
I have heard the verses 12:1-2 referred to as the "Resign as the Master of Universe" pitch. We really aren't in control and any false assumptions that we are in control usually meet with poor results.
But the one that hits me right where I need it to is verse 12:7 "Endure hardship as a discipline; God is treating you like a son."
Forgive the garden imagery but this is true in the garden as well.
If you start tomato plants inside and do not simulate harsh conditions, when the tomato plant goes out, it will wither and die. You actually have to swish the plant back and forth every day in order to prevent this. It develops resistance and fibers in the stem.
This is true in my life as well. Oh, I know I don't feel that way at the time and have an amazing ability to gripe and grumble, but after the crisis is passed, I am generally the stronger for it.
But not this strong:
Proverbs 27:17
An iron sharpens iron, so man sharpens another.
Monday, November 12, 2012
November 13
OT -- Ezekiel 27:1-28:26
An interesting tidbit -- vs 28:3 "Are you wiser than Daniel? Is no secret hidden from you?"
Is this the Daniel of the book? My study Bible and Rashi are silent on this verse. The timing is correct for the man, of course, since Ezekiel is prophesying after the young, rich, educated have been taken to Nebuchadnezzar's court but prior to N's death. But not the book of Daniel in the Bible. Those stories were codified and written in approximately 168 BCE. An interesting sideline.
Otherwise, more of the same doom and gloom for all the little nations around Judah.
NT -- Hebrews 11:17-31
Still keeping on with the 'by faith' stories and I have to admit, he picked some of my favorites. As a note -- vs. 23 "By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict." This is referring to the fact that Moses was born circumcised. But since that is Paul's big hangup, he doesn't actually mention WHY Moses was known as no ordinary child.
How do I know this?
Exodus 2:2 says that when Jocebed (Moses' mother) saw him, she saw that he was good. This is a euphemism for circumcised per Rashi.
An interesting tidbit -- vs 28:3 "Are you wiser than Daniel? Is no secret hidden from you?"
Is this the Daniel of the book? My study Bible and Rashi are silent on this verse. The timing is correct for the man, of course, since Ezekiel is prophesying after the young, rich, educated have been taken to Nebuchadnezzar's court but prior to N's death. But not the book of Daniel in the Bible. Those stories were codified and written in approximately 168 BCE. An interesting sideline.
Otherwise, more of the same doom and gloom for all the little nations around Judah.
NT -- Hebrews 11:17-31
Still keeping on with the 'by faith' stories and I have to admit, he picked some of my favorites. As a note -- vs. 23 "By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict." This is referring to the fact that Moses was born circumcised. But since that is Paul's big hangup, he doesn't actually mention WHY Moses was known as no ordinary child.
How do I know this?
Exodus 2:2 says that when Jocebed (Moses' mother) saw him, she saw that he was good. This is a euphemism for circumcised per Rashi.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
November 12
NT -- Hebrews 11:1-6
This is the 'by faith' section of the letter. Paul picks out Genesis heros who did what they were told to do even though they couldn't see the end result nor use reason to say, "this is the right thing to do".
Martin Luther King, Jr. said this:
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
Certainly, this is a motivating pitch for me who loves to see the whole plan, the whole end result. And rarely in my life does that happen!
Paul's conclusion is that with God as your lead man, you don't have to see the whole plan nor should you question the plan. It is what it is. When God says go, you should go.
Proverbs 27:14
If a man blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.
Maybe I had better keep my singing to sotto voce when the sunrise moves me....
As we come ever closer to the hustle and bustle of holiday season, I challenge you to remain steadfast in your studies and keep going.
38 days until Christmas
This is the 'by faith' section of the letter. Paul picks out Genesis heros who did what they were told to do even though they couldn't see the end result nor use reason to say, "this is the right thing to do".
Martin Luther King, Jr. said this:
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
Certainly, this is a motivating pitch for me who loves to see the whole plan, the whole end result. And rarely in my life does that happen!
Paul's conclusion is that with God as your lead man, you don't have to see the whole plan nor should you question the plan. It is what it is. When God says go, you should go.
Proverbs 27:14
If a man blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.
Maybe I had better keep my singing to sotto voce when the sunrise moves me....
As we come ever closer to the hustle and bustle of holiday season, I challenge you to remain steadfast in your studies and keep going.
38 days until Christmas
Saturday, November 10, 2012
November 11
Ezekiel 23:1-49
A totally gross passage.
Ezekiel likens Israel and Judah to 2 prostitutes and I am sorry to say but it is extremely graphic. It is very hard to focus on Bible stuff when the scripture is talking about donkey parts and horse 'emissions'. Let me just leave it at that.
Psalm 109:1-31
Vs. 26 "Help me O Lord my God; save me in accordance with your love."
What a miraculous phrase. 'in accordance with your love'. Earlier in this psalm, the psalmist is saying the most ugly and nasty things about his enemies. And then he turns around and asks God to save 'him'. Actually, what the psalmist wants is for GOD to do the awful, nasty things to his enemies.
What is particularly powerful to me is that the psalmist makes no apologies for what he asks for and boldly states what and where he wants, even yucky stuff.
And I think, he expects God to do it!
Something to think about when we have great big emotions that are too large or powerful for us to handle. God certainly can much better than say -- a tire or a window or a spouse. Dump it on Him.
A totally gross passage.
Ezekiel likens Israel and Judah to 2 prostitutes and I am sorry to say but it is extremely graphic. It is very hard to focus on Bible stuff when the scripture is talking about donkey parts and horse 'emissions'. Let me just leave it at that.
Psalm 109:1-31
Vs. 26 "Help me O Lord my God; save me in accordance with your love."
What a miraculous phrase. 'in accordance with your love'. Earlier in this psalm, the psalmist is saying the most ugly and nasty things about his enemies. And then he turns around and asks God to save 'him'. Actually, what the psalmist wants is for GOD to do the awful, nasty things to his enemies.
What is particularly powerful to me is that the psalmist makes no apologies for what he asks for and boldly states what and where he wants, even yucky stuff.
And I think, he expects God to do it!
Something to think about when we have great big emotions that are too large or powerful for us to handle. God certainly can much better than say -- a tire or a window or a spouse. Dump it on Him.
Friday, November 9, 2012
November 10
Psalm 108:1-13
Because of the way my life plays out, I see lots of dawns, very few sunsets. Some mornings as I am walking Howler and see that magnificent sunrise, I know exactly how the psalmist feels -- "My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn."
Don't worry if you live in my neighborhood -- I don't sing loud but some mornings I DO sing, it is that glorious.
And I wonder why humans find that glorious -- all those different colors and textures of what is an ever changing sky. But we do and it is not infrequent that people standing in line at my RaceTrac buying coffee will comment on what a beautiful sky it was that morning. Is it any wonder that ancient man assumed it was a god who made the sun rise and set with his chariot of fire?
Proverbs 27:12
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
I watched an episode of the West Wing last night that had this little story in it:
A man falls down in a hole and cannot get out.
A priest walks by and hears the man yelling for help. He looks in the hole, writes a prayer on a piece of paper, tosses it in and walks on by.
A doctor walks by and hears the man begging for help. He looks in the hole, writes out a prescription for painkillers, tosses it in and walks on by.
A young woman walks by and hears the man sobbing. She jumps down in the hole. Why did you do that, asks the man. Now we are both in the hole. The young woman answers, ah, but I have been here before and I know the way out.
The way out. If you don't know it, you need to stop what you are doing and find someone that does. And in order to do that, you have to speak up and about your problem.
Grace to each of you.
Because of the way my life plays out, I see lots of dawns, very few sunsets. Some mornings as I am walking Howler and see that magnificent sunrise, I know exactly how the psalmist feels -- "My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn."
Don't worry if you live in my neighborhood -- I don't sing loud but some mornings I DO sing, it is that glorious.
And I wonder why humans find that glorious -- all those different colors and textures of what is an ever changing sky. But we do and it is not infrequent that people standing in line at my RaceTrac buying coffee will comment on what a beautiful sky it was that morning. Is it any wonder that ancient man assumed it was a god who made the sun rise and set with his chariot of fire?
Proverbs 27:12
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
I watched an episode of the West Wing last night that had this little story in it:
A man falls down in a hole and cannot get out.
A priest walks by and hears the man yelling for help. He looks in the hole, writes a prayer on a piece of paper, tosses it in and walks on by.
A doctor walks by and hears the man begging for help. He looks in the hole, writes out a prescription for painkillers, tosses it in and walks on by.
A young woman walks by and hears the man sobbing. She jumps down in the hole. Why did you do that, asks the man. Now we are both in the hole. The young woman answers, ah, but I have been here before and I know the way out.
The way out. If you don't know it, you need to stop what you are doing and find someone that does. And in order to do that, you have to speak up and about your problem.
Grace to each of you.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
November 9
OT -- Ezekiel 20:1-49
Dang it. Back to the 'your fathers sinned so I am going to punish you and your children.' Just when I thought it was safe to come out of hiding.
The big deal with Ezekiel seems to be idol worshiping (as my friend Milt says all the time -- God will get you for that!) and not keeping the Sabbath. Hey, always important to know which rules are the 'biggies' and which ones you can bend on.
All kidding aside, Ezekiel seems to be some sort of oracle for the people of his time as they come to consult with him. And then as an aside, he speaks to God and says 'they think I speak in parables'. I guess no one liked listening to him then either.
Psalm 107:1-43
Look at vs 25-30. Doesn't that sound like Jesus' calming the storm that has his disciples all shook up?
25 For he (God) spoke and stirred up a tempest
that lifted high the waves.
26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;
in their peril their courage melted away.
27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards;
they were at their wits’ end.
28 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.
29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea[b] were hushed.
30 They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.
Just in case you are having the same issues I am with our current selections of readings, please stick with it. We are almost through. Surely, these writing have meaning and sustenance for us even if we don't know it yet.
Dang it. Back to the 'your fathers sinned so I am going to punish you and your children.' Just when I thought it was safe to come out of hiding.
The big deal with Ezekiel seems to be idol worshiping (as my friend Milt says all the time -- God will get you for that!) and not keeping the Sabbath. Hey, always important to know which rules are the 'biggies' and which ones you can bend on.
All kidding aside, Ezekiel seems to be some sort of oracle for the people of his time as they come to consult with him. And then as an aside, he speaks to God and says 'they think I speak in parables'. I guess no one liked listening to him then either.
Psalm 107:1-43
Look at vs 25-30. Doesn't that sound like Jesus' calming the storm that has his disciples all shook up?
25 For he (God) spoke and stirred up a tempest
that lifted high the waves.
26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;
in their peril their courage melted away.
27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards;
they were at their wits’ end.
28 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.
29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea[b] were hushed.
30 They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.
Just in case you are having the same issues I am with our current selections of readings, please stick with it. We are almost through. Surely, these writing have meaning and sustenance for us even if we don't know it yet.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
November 8
OT -- Ezekiel 18:1-19:14
What an interesting passage in Ezekiel! I haven't ever read anything else previous to this in the OT that has this particular theology.
The basics of Judaism are this: Sins committed by the father extend to the 7th generation while righteousness extends to the seventh generation as well but only if the succeeding generations follow the commandments.
Ezekiel says that this is not true. If a father sins and sins grievously, he will be killed. If the son sees how wicked his father is and does not follow in his footsteps, he will not be killed. If a man is righteous, he will live. If his son is evil, the son will die. Individual redemption. Really, quite different from the rest of the prophets who condemned the whole population, lock, stock and barrel.
Now, there are pros and cons of both sides.
But since my first reaction is to favor the individual versus the masses, I have been playing devil's advocate with myself over this one.
So, here goes:
If there is individual redemption and you have a really awful father, what kind of example do you have?
In the business world where I hover, many of our contacts think absolutely nothing of lying. What if that was the example you had as a child? It would be awfully hard to break that habit and that mold.
And to the community at large, if you are a bad person, doesn't the community suffer when your business implodes or you take advantage of the weak?
This is going to take some thought on my part.
Proverbs 27:10
I understand the first part -- "Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father" but have no idea on the second part "do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you -- better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away."
Anyone out there have any ideas?
My study Bible is silent on this one.
What an interesting passage in Ezekiel! I haven't ever read anything else previous to this in the OT that has this particular theology.
The basics of Judaism are this: Sins committed by the father extend to the 7th generation while righteousness extends to the seventh generation as well but only if the succeeding generations follow the commandments.
Ezekiel says that this is not true. If a father sins and sins grievously, he will be killed. If the son sees how wicked his father is and does not follow in his footsteps, he will not be killed. If a man is righteous, he will live. If his son is evil, the son will die. Individual redemption. Really, quite different from the rest of the prophets who condemned the whole population, lock, stock and barrel.
Now, there are pros and cons of both sides.
But since my first reaction is to favor the individual versus the masses, I have been playing devil's advocate with myself over this one.
So, here goes:
If there is individual redemption and you have a really awful father, what kind of example do you have?
In the business world where I hover, many of our contacts think absolutely nothing of lying. What if that was the example you had as a child? It would be awfully hard to break that habit and that mold.
And to the community at large, if you are a bad person, doesn't the community suffer when your business implodes or you take advantage of the weak?
This is going to take some thought on my part.
Proverbs 27:10
I understand the first part -- "Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father" but have no idea on the second part "do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you -- better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away."
Anyone out there have any ideas?
My study Bible is silent on this one.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
November 7
It is Election Night at 8:20 pm as I write this. The networks have already called Georgia for Mitt Romney as expected. This has been a turbulent election with harsh words and feelings on all sides. I am sure that we will not settle our differences with the elections. And for that, I am sorry.
Sorry because we have so much that needs working on and fixing and so much time and energy is spent trying to beat the 'other side'.
This isn't the first election that had ugliness and downright deception and it won't be the last. When there are people and power at stake, the motto of 'whatever it takes to win' is always in play.
As flawed as our system is, it is the best one around. I am proud to be an American and I am proud of participating in the election. '
Tonight, both sides will pray that their 'man' wins. I hope all of us will pray that whoever wins, will be guided by God to bring us through to the other side.
Much love, peace, and serenity to us all.
Sorry because we have so much that needs working on and fixing and so much time and energy is spent trying to beat the 'other side'.
This isn't the first election that had ugliness and downright deception and it won't be the last. When there are people and power at stake, the motto of 'whatever it takes to win' is always in play.
As flawed as our system is, it is the best one around. I am proud to be an American and I am proud of participating in the election. '
Tonight, both sides will pray that their 'man' wins. I hope all of us will pray that whoever wins, will be guided by God to bring us through to the other side.
Much love, peace, and serenity to us all.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
November 5
The whole argument in today's scripture in Hebrews is why Jesus can be referred to as a "High Priest". By Jesus' lineage, he was NOT a Levite and thus not qualified for the priesthood. Jesus is a descendant of Judah. The argument of the author is that others, in specific Melchizedek, had received the tribute.
In case you have forgotten, there is quite an argument among the sages about who Melchizedek was. Rashi says that he was Shem, the son of Noah. And by the numbers, he certainly could be. Plus, Noah had blessed Shem to be a priest. Also, where Abraham met him to deliver his tribute is where Jerusalem would eventually be and that was in Shem's territory.
That would also make Abraham, Shem's great something grandson. And I guess you are supposed to take care of him.
A very interesting proposition and one that Paul certainly would have known about since Rashi was quoting Hillel, the greatest rabbi (other than Jesus) ever and Paul's teacher.
This is setting up the foundation for this entire letter as to why Jesus matters to Jews, the audience for this letter.
I spent yesterday afternoon and night on a hike to a lovely little inn at Amicalola Falls, GA, The Hike Inn. It was our church retreat and I am so proud of all of us for making that 5 mile hike in. We left before everyone else to get Matthew back to Atlanta so he could go back to school so I hope that everyone made it OUT.
Being up there and seeing how hard they have worked to make it sustainable but comfortable makes me a little ashamed of how little I do to make the world a better place. I resolve to do better.
In my babystep mode, Don and I have agreed to recycle paper and glass. It is harder than it looks since my garbage man allows you to separate the recycles but then doesn't recycle them as there is no money in them. Fortunately, there is an enormous recycle place just north of here and I am going to try and go once a week and then pop over to the Big Trees Preserve for a hike. I am afraid the hike bug has bitten.
Grace and Peace and a great week to each of you.
And if you are an American, GO VOTE.
In case you have forgotten, there is quite an argument among the sages about who Melchizedek was. Rashi says that he was Shem, the son of Noah. And by the numbers, he certainly could be. Plus, Noah had blessed Shem to be a priest. Also, where Abraham met him to deliver his tribute is where Jerusalem would eventually be and that was in Shem's territory.
That would also make Abraham, Shem's great something grandson. And I guess you are supposed to take care of him.
A very interesting proposition and one that Paul certainly would have known about since Rashi was quoting Hillel, the greatest rabbi (other than Jesus) ever and Paul's teacher.
This is setting up the foundation for this entire letter as to why Jesus matters to Jews, the audience for this letter.
I spent yesterday afternoon and night on a hike to a lovely little inn at Amicalola Falls, GA, The Hike Inn. It was our church retreat and I am so proud of all of us for making that 5 mile hike in. We left before everyone else to get Matthew back to Atlanta so he could go back to school so I hope that everyone made it OUT.
Being up there and seeing how hard they have worked to make it sustainable but comfortable makes me a little ashamed of how little I do to make the world a better place. I resolve to do better.
In my babystep mode, Don and I have agreed to recycle paper and glass. It is harder than it looks since my garbage man allows you to separate the recycles but then doesn't recycle them as there is no money in them. Fortunately, there is an enormous recycle place just north of here and I am going to try and go once a week and then pop over to the Big Trees Preserve for a hike. I am afraid the hike bug has bitten.
Grace and Peace and a great week to each of you.
And if you are an American, GO VOTE.
Friday, November 2, 2012
November 2
OT -- Ezekiel 3:16-6:14
If I thought Jeremiah was bad, I had no idea about Ezekiel. Don't you just love how we only read/study/learn the 'good' parts of the prophets.
I don't think I have ever heard the 'bake with human excrement' side. And truthfully, I am just glad I didn't.
My knowledge of Ezekiel was the visitation of the wheel a.k.a alien visitation and the dry bones arising. That's it. I probably should have stuck to those.
Psalm 104:24-35
A continuation of yesterday's jumbled up pronouns but this part is a little clearer. Again we have God as the sustainer but also as the death knell in the second person. And then the psalmist ends with back to the 'He" as praise is given.
*** We are 5/6 of the way through. 2 months left. I am afraid to say it, but I think these texts are probably the hardest ones as we are stuck in the prophets in the OT, have more letters from Paul, Peter, James and John and then we have Revelation.
You have probably heard the phrase 'gird up your loins'. My friend who is Scottish says this means to tuck all the edges of your kilt in tight as you are fixin' to go into the brambles. This is an apt description of what we have ahead.
So, rather than be scared, I am trying to think positively about what I have learned over the past 10 months.
Here are a few things:
I learned that Joseph was a politician who ended up making the Pharaoh a very,very wealthy man.
I learned that while the Children of Israel were in the desert for 40 years, they weren't moving every day. If Exodus and Numbers tell the complete tale, they moved 7 times.
I learned about Rashi and the rabbis' commentary.
I learned that the reason the Children of Israel finally moved into the Promised Land was because their source of water, Miriam, died. (Along with all the others of her generation except for Joshua, Caleb and the other spy whose name has escaped me.)
I learned not to take the scriptures at face value. There usually is a back story and if you don't know it, you miss a lot.
I learned that so many, many of our watch phrases came from places that if you quote the surrounding scripture passages, you won't get the comforting feeling you have always gotten.
And so many, many other things.
What about you? What have you learned and/or wished you hadn't known?
I am grateful I started this study in January and grateful that I have kept plugging along even though the going has been quite tough here lately.
And that is why I am keeping on.
If you have dropped out of the scriptures, well, maybe this isn't the best place to pop back into but what the heck, suffer with the rest of us.
Much love and peace to each of you.
If I thought Jeremiah was bad, I had no idea about Ezekiel. Don't you just love how we only read/study/learn the 'good' parts of the prophets.
I don't think I have ever heard the 'bake with human excrement' side. And truthfully, I am just glad I didn't.
My knowledge of Ezekiel was the visitation of the wheel a.k.a alien visitation and the dry bones arising. That's it. I probably should have stuck to those.
Psalm 104:24-35
A continuation of yesterday's jumbled up pronouns but this part is a little clearer. Again we have God as the sustainer but also as the death knell in the second person. And then the psalmist ends with back to the 'He" as praise is given.
*** We are 5/6 of the way through. 2 months left. I am afraid to say it, but I think these texts are probably the hardest ones as we are stuck in the prophets in the OT, have more letters from Paul, Peter, James and John and then we have Revelation.
You have probably heard the phrase 'gird up your loins'. My friend who is Scottish says this means to tuck all the edges of your kilt in tight as you are fixin' to go into the brambles. This is an apt description of what we have ahead.
So, rather than be scared, I am trying to think positively about what I have learned over the past 10 months.
Here are a few things:
I learned that Joseph was a politician who ended up making the Pharaoh a very,very wealthy man.
I learned that while the Children of Israel were in the desert for 40 years, they weren't moving every day. If Exodus and Numbers tell the complete tale, they moved 7 times.
I learned about Rashi and the rabbis' commentary.
I learned that the reason the Children of Israel finally moved into the Promised Land was because their source of water, Miriam, died. (Along with all the others of her generation except for Joshua, Caleb and the other spy whose name has escaped me.)
I learned not to take the scriptures at face value. There usually is a back story and if you don't know it, you miss a lot.
I learned that so many, many of our watch phrases came from places that if you quote the surrounding scripture passages, you won't get the comforting feeling you have always gotten.
And so many, many other things.
What about you? What have you learned and/or wished you hadn't known?
I am grateful I started this study in January and grateful that I have kept plugging along even though the going has been quite tough here lately.
And that is why I am keeping on.
If you have dropped out of the scriptures, well, maybe this isn't the best place to pop back into but what the heck, suffer with the rest of us.
Much love and peace to each of you.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
November 1
OT -- Ezekiel 1:1-3:15
What an incredible word picture of God descending to Ezekiel! And I love how God keeps referring to Ezekiel as 'son of man'. As if he could be something else?
And I would sit on my bottom for many days as well if something lifted me up and plunked me down a long way from where I was.
Ezekiel must have been scared out of his wits.
Of course, this is the classic VBS song about him.
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Psalm 104:1-23
Does it drive you crazy when the pronouns change from You to He? It totally confuses me and then I have to start again and try to figure out who and what the psalmist is talking about.
In case you are in the same boat, here is what I figured out:
The psalmist is trying to praise God, first as a king, then as a creator, then as sustainer. He begins each stanza directing it at God -- thus the You and then goes on to explain to the psalmist' audience what God is/has done -- thus the He.
This is probably a translation issue between the Hebrew/Greek/English.
The psalmist would not have passed my sixth grade English teacher, Mrs. Robinson, but then again, I very nearly didn't either.
Grace to each of you as you begin your weekend.
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