Chapters 4-6 The people Israel bring the ark of the covenant to a battle and are defeated then the ark is captured. When the Philistines have the ark the scripture says "the hand of the Lord" or "the hand of God" is at work against them. The ark is returned.
Lots of questions arise. Was God not with the Israelites in battle? Was this war of their own making? Were they trusting in a thing, the ark, and not in God?
Maybe this story is to remind us not to put our trust in things. Also maybe it is to remind us not to make gods (idols) out of even things we call holy. Maybe we are reminded that we should listen to God's voice before venturing into new territory.
Chapters 7-13
Samuel administered justice for Israel. When he gets older his sons Joel and Abijah are to judge, but they "did not follow in his ways, but turned aside after gain; they took bribes and perverted justice." 8.3 The people decide they want a king like other nations. God warns the people of the ways of kings 8.11-18. God warns them not to seek a king, but to follow the LORD. The people persist and God gives Samuel permission. Saul is selected by God and anointed by Samuel to be king. God puts a new heart and a new spirit in Saul. Samuel warns the people that even though they have a king, their allegiance to and faith should be in God. Saul takes on the authority of a priest and offers the burnt sacrifice. When Samuel arrives he says,
"You have done foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God..... The LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever, but now your kingdom will not continue; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart..." 13.13-14.
During these readings I kept thinking. When people listen to God, follow God, and obey God's word, good happens. When people don't listen to God, pervert God ways, and do whatever is against God's word, bad happens. This is the theology that the book of Job argued against. Is there another way to look at God blessing with good and God cursing with bad? Can we assume that when people listen to God, follow God, and obey God's word that is a blessed-good way of living even if it doesn't bring wealth and success. Can we say that not listening to God, perverting God ways, and doing whatever is against God's word is a cursed-bad way of living even if it brings earthly wealth and success. Maybe the blessing and the cursing is in the living in a right relationship with God and not in the receiving of special advantage or gift of any form on earth.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Acts 28:1-31, Romans 1-4
Acts ends interestingly. Paul is in Rome under house arrest, but never stops sharing the good news. Paul dies in Rome, but the book of Acts doesn't end with that message. Acts end with "He lived there two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with boldness and without hindrance."
We who are free to go and come as we please, might pray that the Spirit engage us in proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with boldness and without hindrance.
The letter to the Romans is Paul's letter of introduction. Unlike other Pauline letters it is not to a community of faith he planted. Paul plans to go to Spain and desires to stop in Rome, although he eventually arrives under arrest. He writes a letter to share his theology with the followers of the way in Rome.
Throughout this letter Paul teaches a theology of salvation by faith. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith, as it is written, 'The one who is righteous will live by faith.'" 1.16-17
Paul writes about judging others in chapter 2. He makes clear that when we judge others, we will be judged by God also. His case against judging is to try to help the two factions of followers, the Jews and nonJews, to understand God's salvation is for all. "For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith..... For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works.... " 3.22b-25, 28.
Paul uses the story of Abraham and Sarah as an example of justification by faith. Paul says that "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." 4.3 (which he repeats in 4.5, 6, 9, 10, 11) Paul declares this happened before circumcision and before the giving of the law of Moses. Paul's asserts then that salvation "depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all..."4.16 His proof is that righteousness came to Abraham who in "hoping against hope, he believed" 4.18a Abrahan lived believing in what God promised and therefore we also should live by that same faith in God's new promise.
We who are free to go and come as we please, might pray that the Spirit engage us in proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with boldness and without hindrance.
The letter to the Romans is Paul's letter of introduction. Unlike other Pauline letters it is not to a community of faith he planted. Paul plans to go to Spain and desires to stop in Rome, although he eventually arrives under arrest. He writes a letter to share his theology with the followers of the way in Rome.
Throughout this letter Paul teaches a theology of salvation by faith. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith, as it is written, 'The one who is righteous will live by faith.'" 1.16-17
Paul writes about judging others in chapter 2. He makes clear that when we judge others, we will be judged by God also. His case against judging is to try to help the two factions of followers, the Jews and nonJews, to understand God's salvation is for all. "For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith..... For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works.... " 3.22b-25, 28.
Paul uses the story of Abraham and Sarah as an example of justification by faith. Paul says that "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." 4.3 (which he repeats in 4.5, 6, 9, 10, 11) Paul declares this happened before circumcision and before the giving of the law of Moses. Paul's asserts then that salvation "depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all..."4.16 His proof is that righteousness came to Abraham who in "hoping against hope, he believed" 4.18a Abrahan lived believing in what God promised and therefore we also should live by that same faith in God's new promise.
Psalms 52-58
Given the current times, these passages spoke to me.
The righteous will see, and fear, and will laugh at the evildoer, saying, "See the one who would not take refuge in God, but trusted in abundant riches, and sought refuge in wealth." 52.6-7
I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. I will thank you forever, because of what you have done. In the presence of the faithful I will proclaim your name, for it is good. 52.8b-9
Fools say in their hearts, "There is no God," 53.1a
Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. 55.22
O Most High, when I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid; what can flesh do to me? 56.3-4
In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, in God I trust, I am not afraid, What can a mere mortal do to me? 56.10-11
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by. 57.1
Throughout these Psalms we read of difficult times and circumstances, but always the Psalmists trusts in God. We can learn from these.
The righteous will see, and fear, and will laugh at the evildoer, saying, "See the one who would not take refuge in God, but trusted in abundant riches, and sought refuge in wealth." 52.6-7
I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. I will thank you forever, because of what you have done. In the presence of the faithful I will proclaim your name, for it is good. 52.8b-9
Fools say in their hearts, "There is no God," 53.1a
Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. 55.22
O Most High, when I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid; what can flesh do to me? 56.3-4
In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, in God I trust, I am not afraid, What can a mere mortal do to me? 56.10-11
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by. 57.1
Throughout these Psalms we read of difficult times and circumstances, but always the Psalmists trusts in God. We can learn from these.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Psalm 45-51, I Samuel 1-3
How can you top the words of the Psalms. These are my favorite quotes.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its water roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult...........Be still, and know that I am God! Psalm 46: 1-3, 10a
Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God withloud songs of joy. Psalm 47:1
Do not be afraid when some become rich, when the wealth of their houses increase. For when they die they will carry nothing away; their wealth will not go down ater them. Psalm 49:16-17
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. Psalm 50:14-15
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.....Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.....O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise...The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise....Psalm 51: 1-2, 10, 15, 17
I Samuel 1-3
Two prayers by one woman begin the books of Samuel. Hannah pours out her soul to God that she might have a son. Then when she bears a child she again pours out her soul to God. In the first chapter her petition is the cry of a woman lost, but in chapter 2 it is the joyous cry of one who knows God's greatness. I wonder how many of us have cried out like Hannah in times of trouble, but forgotten to praise God in times of thanksgiving. How many of us have asked God's blessing with a promise, but not followed through. Hannah asked God for a son and then willingly gave Eli to the Lord at the temple. Her prayer and response to God's gift gives us all pause as to how we pray and respond to God.
In chapter three we read the call of Eli. Sometimes we don't recognize God's call without the help of others. Just like Eli needed Samuel to let him know it was God calling. Sometimes we we do recognize God's voice and answer, but what God wants is difficult for us to do just like Eli being asked to proclaim something that will make the 'ears of anyone who hears of it tingle.' 3.11. God's call and God's work are not for the meek and timid nor are they for the powerful and professional. God's work is for those whom God calls and who willingly answer. The old sayings are God doesn't call the qualified, but qualifies the called; God doesn't ask if you are able, but asks you to be available. The stories of Hannah and Eli show us how God calls each of us to participate in God's story.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its water roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult...........Be still, and know that I am God! Psalm 46: 1-3, 10a
Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God withloud songs of joy. Psalm 47:1
Do not be afraid when some become rich, when the wealth of their houses increase. For when they die they will carry nothing away; their wealth will not go down ater them. Psalm 49:16-17
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. Psalm 50:14-15
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.....Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.....O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise...The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise....Psalm 51: 1-2, 10, 15, 17
I Samuel 1-3
Two prayers by one woman begin the books of Samuel. Hannah pours out her soul to God that she might have a son. Then when she bears a child she again pours out her soul to God. In the first chapter her petition is the cry of a woman lost, but in chapter 2 it is the joyous cry of one who knows God's greatness. I wonder how many of us have cried out like Hannah in times of trouble, but forgotten to praise God in times of thanksgiving. How many of us have asked God's blessing with a promise, but not followed through. Hannah asked God for a son and then willingly gave Eli to the Lord at the temple. Her prayer and response to God's gift gives us all pause as to how we pray and respond to God.
In chapter three we read the call of Eli. Sometimes we don't recognize God's call without the help of others. Just like Eli needed Samuel to let him know it was God calling. Sometimes we we do recognize God's voice and answer, but what God wants is difficult for us to do just like Eli being asked to proclaim something that will make the 'ears of anyone who hears of it tingle.' 3.11. God's call and God's work are not for the meek and timid nor are they for the powerful and professional. God's work is for those whom God calls and who willingly answer. The old sayings are God doesn't call the qualified, but qualifies the called; God doesn't ask if you are able, but asks you to be available. The stories of Hannah and Eli show us how God calls each of us to participate in God's story.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Judges 20-21 and Ruth 1-4
For me Judges 19-21 covers one of the most horrific and confusiong stories in the Bible. Sacrifice the wife to save the husband. Cut her dead body into pieces to get the tribes to fight for justice. Then civil war against the tribe of Benjamin. Weeping and praying that fighting is required for justice. When Israel triumphs, they give virgins and promote kidnapping of young girls to satisfy the needs of the surviving men of the tribe of Benjamin. The only sense comes in the last sentence of the book of Judges which has been written several times in the book. "In those days there was no king in Israel; all the people did what was right in their own eyes." These stories may reflect what happened, but may in reality not reflect what God desires. As I look at these scriptures through the lens of Christ, I question how love, mercy, and justice is protrayed. Would Jesus approve or disapprove? The answer for me is that these stories tell us how far from God humans will wonder, how horrible people can be when they do 'what right in their own eyes.' Maybe this book serves as an example of the ways we should not act and as a warning to live a life acceptable to God.
Ruth is a wonderful story of family dynamics in a positive way. The mother-in-law who accepts the love of a daughter-in-law and helps her fit into strange new customs. A daughter-in-law who leaves the known to go to the unknown. Ruth states "Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people; and your God my God." Complete love and trust bind these women together. Trusting in the God of Naomi's people turns their sadness into joy. Because the rules of society have changed since Biblical times some of the story is lost to modern understanding without careful contextual reading, but the respect for each other and for Boaz the kinsman serve as examples even today. We are introduced to gleaning, the intentional practice of leaving part of crop in the field for the poor, and the practice of redeeming of family & property by the next of kin. In the New Interpreter's Bible the commentary states that the words "redeem" and "redeemer" are used 20 times in the 85 verses of the book. I find this interesting because Ruth, this Moabite outsider, is the mother of Obed, who fathers Jesse, who fathers King David, which is the lineage of our Redeemer Jesus. This story is set in Bethlehem where Jesus' birth stories are set. The Holy Redeemer comes from a line which breathes redemption and acceptance of all people. Insiders and outsiders, poor and rich, trust and faithfulness, fill this story of redemption that is part of the ancestry of Jesus.
Ruth is a wonderful story of family dynamics in a positive way. The mother-in-law who accepts the love of a daughter-in-law and helps her fit into strange new customs. A daughter-in-law who leaves the known to go to the unknown. Ruth states "Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people; and your God my God." Complete love and trust bind these women together. Trusting in the God of Naomi's people turns their sadness into joy. Because the rules of society have changed since Biblical times some of the story is lost to modern understanding without careful contextual reading, but the respect for each other and for Boaz the kinsman serve as examples even today. We are introduced to gleaning, the intentional practice of leaving part of crop in the field for the poor, and the practice of redeeming of family & property by the next of kin. In the New Interpreter's Bible the commentary states that the words "redeem" and "redeemer" are used 20 times in the 85 verses of the book. I find this interesting because Ruth, this Moabite outsider, is the mother of Obed, who fathers Jesse, who fathers King David, which is the lineage of our Redeemer Jesus. This story is set in Bethlehem where Jesus' birth stories are set. The Holy Redeemer comes from a line which breathes redemption and acceptance of all people. Insiders and outsiders, poor and rich, trust and faithfulness, fill this story of redemption that is part of the ancestry of Jesus.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Week of May 16-22
The readings for this week are: Acts 23:23-27:44, Judges 19-20, Ruth 1-4, 1 Samuel 1-3, and Psalm 45-51
Friday, May 14, 2010
Acts 19:1- 23:22
These chapters in Acts are filled with stories of Paul's travels. In chapter 19 Paul is in Ephesus. First Paul is doing fine sharing the gospel, then he gets the silversmiths upset. They are losing money, because Paul tells people that 'gods made with hands are not gods' 19.26 Good teaching then and now. A riot ensues and Paul leaves town.
In chapter 20 there is a great story about Eutychus in Troas. Eutychus is a young man who attends a meeting with Paul. Eutychus is sitting in the window and Paul continues to talk for a long time. Poor Eutychus falls out the window and appears dead. I can not help wondering how many young people are put to sleep or become dead tired in worship or church meetings. Fortunately for Eutychus, Paul revives him, but Paul goes right back to teaching. There are so many lessons in this story. Don't make sermons too long or atleast not really boring. Be aware of your young listeners if their eyes glaze over. Watch out that the young people don't fall out of church because of what is happening in church. Don't have meetings go too long that people fall asleep. The story is worth reading and pondering what the 21st cent. church learn from it.
Paul talks and writes about his calling and the joy of telling the message of Jesus. He reminds us of Jesus' words, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' Given the context of Paul's words, I wonder if Paul is telling the listener it is more blessed to give the message of Jesus to others than to just receive it?
Chapter 21 Paul declares, 'I am ready not only to be bound but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.' His companions pray, 'The Lord's will be done." Praying God's will be done can be releasing. Praying God's will be done can be difficult. For me not only do I need to let go and pray God's will be done, but pray that God provide me the grace to accept it.
Chapter 22-23 finds Paul in trouble with the Sadduces, Pharisees, and other Jewish leaders. God reminds him to "Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jeruslem, so you must bear witness also in Rome." We like Paul need to remember that God will always protect us if we are doing God's work.
In chapter 20 there is a great story about Eutychus in Troas. Eutychus is a young man who attends a meeting with Paul. Eutychus is sitting in the window and Paul continues to talk for a long time. Poor Eutychus falls out the window and appears dead. I can not help wondering how many young people are put to sleep or become dead tired in worship or church meetings. Fortunately for Eutychus, Paul revives him, but Paul goes right back to teaching. There are so many lessons in this story. Don't make sermons too long or atleast not really boring. Be aware of your young listeners if their eyes glaze over. Watch out that the young people don't fall out of church because of what is happening in church. Don't have meetings go too long that people fall asleep. The story is worth reading and pondering what the 21st cent. church learn from it.
Paul talks and writes about his calling and the joy of telling the message of Jesus. He reminds us of Jesus' words, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' Given the context of Paul's words, I wonder if Paul is telling the listener it is more blessed to give the message of Jesus to others than to just receive it?
Chapter 21 Paul declares, 'I am ready not only to be bound but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.' His companions pray, 'The Lord's will be done." Praying God's will be done can be releasing. Praying God's will be done can be difficult. For me not only do I need to let go and pray God's will be done, but pray that God provide me the grace to accept it.
Chapter 22-23 finds Paul in trouble with the Sadduces, Pharisees, and other Jewish leaders. God reminds him to "Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jeruslem, so you must bear witness also in Rome." We like Paul need to remember that God will always protect us if we are doing God's work.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Judges 10-19
The book of Judges is hard to read for this follower of Jesus. The stories are disturbing: the sacrifice of a daughter by her father chapter 11; the raping of a concubine who dies, is cut into twelve pieces and the parts sent to the twelve tribes chapter 19; and Samson's story chapters 13-16 filled with seduction, murder, revenge, sabotage, torture and lust. I just wonder is this what God wanted or a reporting of what happened. When there was no earthly ruler and the people did what was evil in the sight of the LORD. 10.6 are the reports in Judges what God did want and part of what was evil in the sight of God?
God is given credit for much violence, but is that the evil the people choose to do and then said it was God's will? The book of Judges leaves many unanswered questions. What is good and what is evil? What does God asked for us to do and what do we do of our own accord then blame God? Can God turn the evil people do into good?
The one interesting quote for me was 10.13-14 God is speaking to the Israelites, 'Yet you have abandoned me and worshiped other gods; therefore I will deliver you no more. Go and cry to the gods whom you have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your distress.' Even now we worship other gods: money, status, possessions, isms of all kinds. When we are in trouble can any of these gods save us. Sometimes they are the very source of our distress. From Judges, we are reminded to worship God only. It is the LORD who can save us, comfort us, and give us peace. No other thing on earth or in the heavens can deliver us from our problems. Often our problems are caused by chasing after other gods.
Maybe the lesson from Judges this week is to seek God and to worship God only. Maybe in doing this we will not be the cause of problems for ourselves and others.
God is given credit for much violence, but is that the evil the people choose to do and then said it was God's will? The book of Judges leaves many unanswered questions. What is good and what is evil? What does God asked for us to do and what do we do of our own accord then blame God? Can God turn the evil people do into good?
The one interesting quote for me was 10.13-14 God is speaking to the Israelites, 'Yet you have abandoned me and worshiped other gods; therefore I will deliver you no more. Go and cry to the gods whom you have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your distress.' Even now we worship other gods: money, status, possessions, isms of all kinds. When we are in trouble can any of these gods save us. Sometimes they are the very source of our distress. From Judges, we are reminded to worship God only. It is the LORD who can save us, comfort us, and give us peace. No other thing on earth or in the heavens can deliver us from our problems. Often our problems are caused by chasing after other gods.
Maybe the lesson from Judges this week is to seek God and to worship God only. Maybe in doing this we will not be the cause of problems for ourselves and others.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Job 39-42
In Chapter 39, God continues to question Job by asking where was Job when everything was created. Is it by Job's wisdom or by Job's command that creation exists?
Chapter 40 begins with God saying, "Shall a fault finder contend with the Almighty? Anyone who argues with God must answer." So Job answers by saying he realizes he is insignificant compared with God and he will listen to what God has to say. God continues to declare that God is supreme above all creation.
This conversation is interesting, but what is the answer for us. Does the book of Job tells us that it is okay to be angry with God, God can handle our anger. Does it tell us that we can be angry with God, but know that God's ways we may never understand. Is the lesson that to know God is to be in conversation with God during our difficult times?
The best part of Job for me is 42:1-6. Then Job answered the LORD: "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things to wonderful for me, which I did not know. 'Hear, and I will speak; I will question: I will question you, and you declare to me.' I heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
Job, who knew God only by what had been told him, now has a personal relationship with God. God is no longer just a thought or idea, but God is now real to Job. It is also interesting that throughout scripture when someone has an aha experience of God, they also clearly see how small they are and how flawed they are. Maybe that is a lesson from Job, we can in all circumstances open ourselves to be in relationship with God and that to know God is to see ourselves through God's eyes.
From 42: 7-17 God is also not happy with the friends who were only helpful when they were silent. We might learn from God's reaction that rather than speaking for God and trying to explain why something happens, we should practice being present and listening to the one hurting. Job fortunes are restored. Job also has more children and his daughters are to receive an inheritance. Yea, Job, in his experience with God he see sons and daughters are equal.
Chapter 40 begins with God saying, "Shall a fault finder contend with the Almighty? Anyone who argues with God must answer." So Job answers by saying he realizes he is insignificant compared with God and he will listen to what God has to say. God continues to declare that God is supreme above all creation.
This conversation is interesting, but what is the answer for us. Does the book of Job tells us that it is okay to be angry with God, God can handle our anger. Does it tell us that we can be angry with God, but know that God's ways we may never understand. Is the lesson that to know God is to be in conversation with God during our difficult times?
The best part of Job for me is 42:1-6. Then Job answered the LORD: "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things to wonderful for me, which I did not know. 'Hear, and I will speak; I will question: I will question you, and you declare to me.' I heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
Job, who knew God only by what had been told him, now has a personal relationship with God. God is no longer just a thought or idea, but God is now real to Job. It is also interesting that throughout scripture when someone has an aha experience of God, they also clearly see how small they are and how flawed they are. Maybe that is a lesson from Job, we can in all circumstances open ourselves to be in relationship with God and that to know God is to see ourselves through God's eyes.
From 42: 7-17 God is also not happy with the friends who were only helpful when they were silent. We might learn from God's reaction that rather than speaking for God and trying to explain why something happens, we should practice being present and listening to the one hurting. Job fortunes are restored. Job also has more children and his daughters are to receive an inheritance. Yea, Job, in his experience with God he see sons and daughters are equal.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Week May 9-15 Readings
This week readings are Acts 19-23:22, Judges 10-19, Job 39-42, and Psalm 42-44
The Psalms speak so much to the human condition and our relationship with God.
These are the verses which spoke loudest to me from our readings.
42:1-2 As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?
42:11 and 43: 5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again priase him, my help and my God.
44:23-26 Rouse yourself! Why do you sleep, O Lord? Awake, do not cast us off forever! Why do you hide your face? Why do you forget our affliction and oppression? For we sink down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground. Rise up, come to our help, Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love.
The Psalms speak so much to the human condition and our relationship with God.
These are the verses which spoke loudest to me from our readings.
42:1-2 As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?
42:11 and 43: 5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again priase him, my help and my God.
44:23-26 Rouse yourself! Why do you sleep, O Lord? Awake, do not cast us off forever! Why do you hide your face? Why do you forget our affliction and oppression? For we sink down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground. Rise up, come to our help, Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Acts 15-18
If people think they are in a church where disagreements abound, they need to read Acts. The early leaders find themselves in theological and organizational debates. We should be thankful that in chapter 15, they decided that we can be followers of Jesus without following Jewish law. Big step theologically 15.11 "we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will." and also a big step in polity, man are no longer required to be circumcized.
Paul and Barnabus part ways over a disput about John Mark. Each take off with other traveling partners as early circuit riders returning to they home churches they started.
In chapter 16 entire households 16.15 and entire familes 16.33 are baptized on the faith of one person. As Methodists we baptize infants and children based on the faith of the parents and congregation, believing that God works in the life of the child until they can profess for themselves. It appears that happened in the early years of the church.
Paul used every opportunity to share the gospel. At all times even in jail or in Athens with the unknown god, Paul finds way to proclaim the good news.
As a woman it was exciting to read the part women played in the growth of the early church. In chapter 18 we read about Priscilla and Aquilla. Interesting she is named first. Interesting they minister as a team. Interesting that they have to improve a man's theology.
The Acts of the Apostles really helps us see the length, breadth, and depth of God's Spirit working through the lives of people to grow the church. Reading these stories challenge my belief of what faithful living looks like. What do you think?
Paul and Barnabus part ways over a disput about John Mark. Each take off with other traveling partners as early circuit riders returning to they home churches they started.
In chapter 16 entire households 16.15 and entire familes 16.33 are baptized on the faith of one person. As Methodists we baptize infants and children based on the faith of the parents and congregation, believing that God works in the life of the child until they can profess for themselves. It appears that happened in the early years of the church.
Paul used every opportunity to share the gospel. At all times even in jail or in Athens with the unknown god, Paul finds way to proclaim the good news.
As a woman it was exciting to read the part women played in the growth of the early church. In chapter 18 we read about Priscilla and Aquilla. Interesting she is named first. Interesting they minister as a team. Interesting that they have to improve a man's theology.
The Acts of the Apostles really helps us see the length, breadth, and depth of God's Spirit working through the lives of people to grow the church. Reading these stories challenge my belief of what faithful living looks like. What do you think?
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Joshua 23-24, Judges 1-9, Job 32-38
Joshua 23-24: Joshua continually warns the people of Israel not to promise something to God and not do it. It seems that Joshua realizes the people are fickled. 24:15 Joshua says "now if you are unwilling to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve.....but as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." The people promise to serve God and Joshua warns them not to break the covenant with God. As a pastor and a member of the church who has made promises in worship, I can relate to Joshua. How many people have in front of God and the congregation made the promise to support the church with their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness, yet do not followed through? How many have promised to love the LORD, but put others interests first? Do we as God's people take our words and relationship with God so lightly? Joshua is warning us also choose whom you will serve; make your lives match your words.
Judges 1-9: The book of Judges is a warning of what happens when people do whatever they want. The people of Israel have entered the promised land both peacefully and violently. Once they settle, "they would relapse and behave worse than their ancestors, following other gods, worshiping them and bowing down to them." What we read is people experiencing the consequences of doing wrong and not worshiping God only. During the times of the judges there was peace, when they followed their own ways turmoil and persecution. I found the parable in 9:7-15 to be quite interesting. What I read into the parable is we called to be what God created us to be. God has given each of us unique gifts and talents and abilities. God has designed each of us to bear fruit for the Kingdom, to do less is to be less than what God created.
Job 32-28: Elihu, a young man, gets into the dialogue. He criticizes both Job and Job's friends saying they both are mistaken. He informs them and us that age doesn't necessarily make us wise, but the breath of God within us. He does state that justice and judgment are in God's hands. 34:11 "for according to their deeds he will repay them and according to their ways he will make it befall them." Does this statement agree with the Christian message of salvation through faith in Jesus? Is salvation a gift or will we be judged according to our deeds? Finally is chapter 38, God begins to talk. God speaks by questioning Job, who has been questioning God all this time. I wonder are there questions God has for each of us that we are too busy talking to hear? Today might be a good day to stop and listen.
Judges 1-9: The book of Judges is a warning of what happens when people do whatever they want. The people of Israel have entered the promised land both peacefully and violently. Once they settle, "they would relapse and behave worse than their ancestors, following other gods, worshiping them and bowing down to them." What we read is people experiencing the consequences of doing wrong and not worshiping God only. During the times of the judges there was peace, when they followed their own ways turmoil and persecution. I found the parable in 9:7-15 to be quite interesting. What I read into the parable is we called to be what God created us to be. God has given each of us unique gifts and talents and abilities. God has designed each of us to bear fruit for the Kingdom, to do less is to be less than what God created.
Job 32-28: Elihu, a young man, gets into the dialogue. He criticizes both Job and Job's friends saying they both are mistaken. He informs them and us that age doesn't necessarily make us wise, but the breath of God within us. He does state that justice and judgment are in God's hands. 34:11 "for according to their deeds he will repay them and according to their ways he will make it befall them." Does this statement agree with the Christian message of salvation through faith in Jesus? Is salvation a gift or will we be judged according to our deeds? Finally is chapter 38, God begins to talk. God speaks by questioning Job, who has been questioning God all this time. I wonder are there questions God has for each of us that we are too busy talking to hear? Today might be a good day to stop and listen.
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