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.
Monday, May 17, 2010
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?
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