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.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
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.
Click here if your email doesn't support YouTube.
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.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
October 31
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.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)