Mark 8:22-Mark 12: 27
2 Samuel 20-24
1 Kings 1-3
Hosea 1:1-7:2
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
2 Samuel 13-19
Chapter 13 is the story of lust, rape, and revenge. Often David's response to others is perplexing. He does nothing to a son, Amnon, who has raped a half sister, Tamar. It is Absalon another son who seeks revenge and has Amnon murdered. Absalon flees in fear of David's reaction.
In chapter 14 David is tricked into allowing Absalom to return to Jerusalem. (reminds me of David being tricked into seeking forgiveness after having Bathsheba's husband Uriah killed). After two more years David forgives Absalom.
David finds himself in conflict, he leaves Jerusalem, but difficulties follow him. His reign is being tested by Absalon and others. David's past must be faced head on. David's army and Absalon's army face each other in battle. Absalom's hair is caught in a branch and David's leader Joab with others kill him. When David hears his grief is great. Maybe if David's love for his daughter had been as deep and he had shown concern for her while providing consequences to Amnon for his actions, David would not have lost two sons.
The Bible is filled with stories that cause us to ponder family relations, loyalty, sin and repentence, actions and consequences. David's story is not a simple one nor often one not to be admired, but God used David to do great things. There is hope for all of us.
In chapter 14 David is tricked into allowing Absalom to return to Jerusalem. (reminds me of David being tricked into seeking forgiveness after having Bathsheba's husband Uriah killed). After two more years David forgives Absalom.
David finds himself in conflict, he leaves Jerusalem, but difficulties follow him. His reign is being tested by Absalon and others. David's past must be faced head on. David's army and Absalon's army face each other in battle. Absalom's hair is caught in a branch and David's leader Joab with others kill him. When David hears his grief is great. Maybe if David's love for his daughter had been as deep and he had shown concern for her while providing consequences to Amnon for his actions, David would not have lost two sons.
The Bible is filled with stories that cause us to ponder family relations, loyalty, sin and repentence, actions and consequences. David's story is not a simple one nor often one not to be admired, but God used David to do great things. There is hope for all of us.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Mark and Daniel
Mark 5:1-8:21
Jesus heals a man of demons. I wonder what the demons are we have. Not little creatures but anything which prevents us from being close to God and from being the whole person God would have us be. To what do we surrender our lives rather than giving our lives to God?
When the women with the hemorrhages touched Jesus' cloak not only is she physically healed but Mark states that Jesus was "aware that power have gone forth from him." I remember this phrase when I think of ministers and care givers. Caring for others, ministering to others does require power. Jesus recognized this and often went off to pray by himself to be renewed. Those of us with jobs that require us to give of body, mind, and spirit for others, need to go off by ourselves to pray and be renewed. We can not give what we do not have.
In Nazareth, even Jesus is rejected. We who fear rejection will never be all that God wants us to be if we give into the fear of rejection. How interesting that in Mark, Jesus sends out the twelve right after he has been rejected. Maybe there is a lesson for us to learn, that rejection is part of sharing the good news.
Feeding the five thousand is truly a story of faith and doubt. Send them away to get food is the disciples first thought, but Jesus says you feed them. But we don't have enough money is their second thought and Jesus says what do you have. Jesus takes what they have, blesses it and then gives it to the disciples to share with the people. It was sufficient with leftovers. I wonder how many of us react the same way, I don't have enough money to share, I don't have enough......... to share, but when willing to share God provides enough for the recipient and us. If only we believe and respond, God provides all things.
Jesus scolds the Pharisees about making decisions of faith based on what is convenient or good for them. How often do we in this modern age do the same? We have opportunities that we choose over God and the church. We don't seek justice if it doesn't directly hurt us. Have Christians become the Pharisees of this age?
We also read the feeding of the four thousand. How interesting first the disciples' faith is tested with fellow Jews and now with non-Jews. The stories are similar with excuses, blessing, and then the disciples having to distribute, to share with others. Jesus often teaches be example as well as words. Not surprising the disciples often need more than one try to understand.
Do we believe God is able or do we need more experiences or teachings to accept all that God can do?
Daniel
The second half of Daniel is a collection of apocalyptic visions. Apocalyptic ism is a belief in two ages, the present and the time to come. In the future time God will intervene in history and overcome all evil. Then God will reign in the perfect, eternal time. The books of Daniel and Revelation are literary styles with apocalyptic visions. Because this style includes visions and a specific theological lens, it is open for interpretation. I recommend using a Bible with commentary, but remember the commentary is an interpretation, God can speak to each of us through this living word. As an example my commentary says that the traditional interpretation of Daniel 7:13-14 was a reference to the Messiah, but now scholars think it is referring either to the Jews or an angel. When I read those words I can see a vision for the people at the time and I can see a vision of Christ. What do you see?
In chapter 9 Daniel prays for and about the people. Confession and supplication. "We do not present our supplication before you on the ground of our righteousness, but on the ground of your great mercies. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, listen and act and do not delay!" 9: 18b-19
These are words we should all confess. We do not pray because of who we are, but because of who God is.
Daniel concludes with a belief in the resurrection.
Jesus heals a man of demons. I wonder what the demons are we have. Not little creatures but anything which prevents us from being close to God and from being the whole person God would have us be. To what do we surrender our lives rather than giving our lives to God?
When the women with the hemorrhages touched Jesus' cloak not only is she physically healed but Mark states that Jesus was "aware that power have gone forth from him." I remember this phrase when I think of ministers and care givers. Caring for others, ministering to others does require power. Jesus recognized this and often went off to pray by himself to be renewed. Those of us with jobs that require us to give of body, mind, and spirit for others, need to go off by ourselves to pray and be renewed. We can not give what we do not have.
In Nazareth, even Jesus is rejected. We who fear rejection will never be all that God wants us to be if we give into the fear of rejection. How interesting that in Mark, Jesus sends out the twelve right after he has been rejected. Maybe there is a lesson for us to learn, that rejection is part of sharing the good news.
Feeding the five thousand is truly a story of faith and doubt. Send them away to get food is the disciples first thought, but Jesus says you feed them. But we don't have enough money is their second thought and Jesus says what do you have. Jesus takes what they have, blesses it and then gives it to the disciples to share with the people. It was sufficient with leftovers. I wonder how many of us react the same way, I don't have enough money to share, I don't have enough......... to share, but when willing to share God provides enough for the recipient and us. If only we believe and respond, God provides all things.
Jesus scolds the Pharisees about making decisions of faith based on what is convenient or good for them. How often do we in this modern age do the same? We have opportunities that we choose over God and the church. We don't seek justice if it doesn't directly hurt us. Have Christians become the Pharisees of this age?
We also read the feeding of the four thousand. How interesting first the disciples' faith is tested with fellow Jews and now with non-Jews. The stories are similar with excuses, blessing, and then the disciples having to distribute, to share with others. Jesus often teaches be example as well as words. Not surprising the disciples often need more than one try to understand.
Do we believe God is able or do we need more experiences or teachings to accept all that God can do?
Daniel
The second half of Daniel is a collection of apocalyptic visions. Apocalyptic ism is a belief in two ages, the present and the time to come. In the future time God will intervene in history and overcome all evil. Then God will reign in the perfect, eternal time. The books of Daniel and Revelation are literary styles with apocalyptic visions. Because this style includes visions and a specific theological lens, it is open for interpretation. I recommend using a Bible with commentary, but remember the commentary is an interpretation, God can speak to each of us through this living word. As an example my commentary says that the traditional interpretation of Daniel 7:13-14 was a reference to the Messiah, but now scholars think it is referring either to the Jews or an angel. When I read those words I can see a vision for the people at the time and I can see a vision of Christ. What do you see?
In chapter 9 Daniel prays for and about the people. Confession and supplication. "We do not present our supplication before you on the ground of our righteousness, but on the ground of your great mercies. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, listen and act and do not delay!" 9: 18b-19
These are words we should all confess. We do not pray because of who we are, but because of who God is.
Daniel concludes with a belief in the resurrection.
readings for June 20-26 and June 27-July 3
Mark 5:1-8:21; 2 Samuel 13-19; Daniel 7-12
Mark 8:22-12:44; 2 Samuel 20-24 and 1 Kings 1-3; Hosea 1:1- 7:2
Mark 8:22-12:44; 2 Samuel 20-24 and 1 Kings 1-3; Hosea 1:1- 7:2
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Psalm 66-72
Just a few of the verses that spoke to me. I think it is good when the Psalmist starts with personal concern, but always ends with praise for and trust in God. When we can surrender to God this way, it fills our lives with joy. When we have eyes to see all that God is doing, it fill our lips with praise.
Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise. Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds!" 66.1-2a
Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me. 66.20
Let the peoples praise you, O God, let all the peoples praise you. 67. 3 and 5
Father of orphans and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God gives the desolate a home to live in; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious live in a parched land. 68.5-6
Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. 68.19
But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me. With your faithful help rescue me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters. 69. 13-14
I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. This will please the LORD more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs. Let the oppressed see it and be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive. 69. 30-32
Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you. Let those who love your salvation say evermore, "God is great." 70.4
Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel. For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth. 71.4-5
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may his glory fill the whole earth. Amen and amen 72. 18-19
Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise. Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds!" 66.1-2a
Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me. 66.20
Let the peoples praise you, O God, let all the peoples praise you. 67. 3 and 5
Father of orphans and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God gives the desolate a home to live in; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious live in a parched land. 68.5-6
Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. 68.19
But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me. With your faithful help rescue me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters. 69. 13-14
I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. This will please the LORD more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs. Let the oppressed see it and be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive. 69. 30-32
Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you. Let those who love your salvation say evermore, "God is great." 70.4
Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel. For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth. 71.4-5
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may his glory fill the whole earth. Amen and amen 72. 18-19
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Romans 4:1-11:24
In Romans Paul struggles with great theological issues.
Chapt. 5 Paul states we are justified by faith alone. We have faith in the grace received by the obedience of Jesus, who lived, died, and was resurrected so that all may receive forgiveness.
Chapt. 6 Resurrection is being raised to never die again. Christ also died to sin "so that you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus." 6.11
"now that you have been freed from sin and enslaved to God, the advantage you get is sanctification. The end is eternal life."6.22
Chap. 8 Paul talks about living in Christ. "To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." 8.6 "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption." 8.14-15 Paul continues to talk about the relationship between God and people. God's love is greater than our sin and confusion. "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs to deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." 8.26-27 "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." 8.38-39
"So it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God who shows mercy." 9.16
In Chapt. 10 Paul reminds us how important our part in sharing God's story is. For God wants all to be saved, but how can that happen without someone sharing Christ with them. We have been given an important job and need to participate in God's work for all people.
Paul begins Chapt. 11 with the question that always arises about Jews being saved. "has God rejected his people? By no means." 11.1 But Paul continues to assert that even Jews are no longer saved by the law. "But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace would no longer be grace." 11.6 He asserts that the Jews rejection of Jesus is part of God's plan of salvation for all people and reconciliation of the world. "I want you to understand this mystery: a hardening has come upon part of Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved." 11.25b-26
Paul ends with a wonderful affirmation of God:
"O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways.....For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen" 11.33,36
Reading Paul requires times and rereading. Although he can be challenging, he always ends with praise for God which reminds me of the Psalms. I'm glad for the punctuation marks of modern English which helps a little in the reading, but wonder how much the modern reader misses. Paul being the good Pharisee practiced debate with an issue which causes what may appear to be rambling, but like me I think Paul practices thinking on paper and out loud.
Chapt. 5 Paul states we are justified by faith alone. We have faith in the grace received by the obedience of Jesus, who lived, died, and was resurrected so that all may receive forgiveness.
Chapt. 6 Resurrection is being raised to never die again. Christ also died to sin "so that you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus." 6.11
"now that you have been freed from sin and enslaved to God, the advantage you get is sanctification. The end is eternal life."6.22
Chap. 8 Paul talks about living in Christ. "To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." 8.6 "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption." 8.14-15 Paul continues to talk about the relationship between God and people. God's love is greater than our sin and confusion. "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs to deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." 8.26-27 "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." 8.38-39
"So it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God who shows mercy." 9.16
In Chapt. 10 Paul reminds us how important our part in sharing God's story is. For God wants all to be saved, but how can that happen without someone sharing Christ with them. We have been given an important job and need to participate in God's work for all people.
Paul begins Chapt. 11 with the question that always arises about Jews being saved. "has God rejected his people? By no means." 11.1 But Paul continues to assert that even Jews are no longer saved by the law. "But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace would no longer be grace." 11.6 He asserts that the Jews rejection of Jesus is part of God's plan of salvation for all people and reconciliation of the world. "I want you to understand this mystery: a hardening has come upon part of Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved." 11.25b-26
Paul ends with a wonderful affirmation of God:
"O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways.....For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen" 11.33,36
Reading Paul requires times and rereading. Although he can be challenging, he always ends with praise for God which reminds me of the Psalms. I'm glad for the punctuation marks of modern English which helps a little in the reading, but wonder how much the modern reader misses. Paul being the good Pharisee practiced debate with an issue which causes what may appear to be rambling, but like me I think Paul practices thinking on paper and out loud.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Psalm 58-65
Some of these Psalms are filled with images of conflict, enemies, and defeat, but all the Psalms this week declare hope in God.
My favorite quotes are:
But I will sing of your might; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been a fortress for me and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love. 59.16-17
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint. 61.1-2
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken. 62.1-2, 5-6
Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord. For you repay to all according to their work. 62.11-12
O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. 63. 1-2
Happy are those whom you choose and bring near to live in your courts. We shall be satified with the goodness of your house, your holy temple. 65.4
My favorite quotes are:
But I will sing of your might; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been a fortress for me and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love. 59.16-17
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint. 61.1-2
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken. 62.1-2, 5-6
Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord. For you repay to all according to their work. 62.11-12
O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. 63. 1-2
Happy are those whom you choose and bring near to live in your courts. We shall be satified with the goodness of your house, your holy temple. 65.4
1 Samuel 14-20
Saul has disobeyed God by gathering the spoils from wars. Samuel the prophet says these words, "Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Surely to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is no less a sin than divination, and stubbornness is like iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king." 15.22-23 I was struck by Samuel's teaching that obedience is greater than any offering we can bring to God. How often have people tried to buy forgiveness with money and things? If this passage is true, God prefers our living to be in agreement with God's teachings.
The calling and anointing of David to replace Saul reminds us that God does not always pick the one we would choose. "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." 16. 7 How often do we pick by outward appearance? Do we make judgments of intelligience, likeability, abilities, and success based on what we see with our eyes? God has a better way.
The story of David killing Goliath is worth remembering. It is not just a story of the weak overcoming the strong, but of faith overcoming fear. It is a story of God using the least likely to advance the salvation story. We, too, are often invited to participate in God's mighty work on earth. When it may not seem possible through our own strength, it is possible when God works through us then faith overcomes fear.
'Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely' is a phrase that continues to be seen in Biblical stories. Saul does not want to lose power. He is jealous of David and his popularity. Saul plots David's death several times. Both Saul and David try to use Jonathan. Saul wants him to kill David and David wants Jonathan to plead with his father, Saul, for David's life. Jonathan can not change his father's plans so warns David. They seal their friendship with a blessing and prayer. Jonathan decided to side with God's chosen than with family. Jonathan sets an example for us: Love of God always comes before love of others, even family.
The calling and anointing of David to replace Saul reminds us that God does not always pick the one we would choose. "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." 16. 7 How often do we pick by outward appearance? Do we make judgments of intelligience, likeability, abilities, and success based on what we see with our eyes? God has a better way.
The story of David killing Goliath is worth remembering. It is not just a story of the weak overcoming the strong, but of faith overcoming fear. It is a story of God using the least likely to advance the salvation story. We, too, are often invited to participate in God's mighty work on earth. When it may not seem possible through our own strength, it is possible when God works through us then faith overcomes fear.
'Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely' is a phrase that continues to be seen in Biblical stories. Saul does not want to lose power. He is jealous of David and his popularity. Saul plots David's death several times. Both Saul and David try to use Jonathan. Saul wants him to kill David and David wants Jonathan to plead with his father, Saul, for David's life. Jonathan can not change his father's plans so warns David. They seal their friendship with a blessing and prayer. Jonathan decided to side with God's chosen than with family. Jonathan sets an example for us: Love of God always comes before love of others, even family.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Sunday May 30 to Saturday June 5
Scripture readings for this week are Romans 5:1-11:24; Psalm 59-65; 1 Samuel 14-20
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