Monday, May 31, 2010
Jordan - Nahum 1
God is a fluffy God today. A big peaceful person in the sky who helps in times of need. Nothing like the Zeus like figure of Nahum 1 who is raining lightning bolts down on Nineveh. Does God just get more credit back then? You do hear about those crazy people who think certain wars and acts were ordained by God because God is angry at us for such and such. Was Nahum crazy? If I lived in his time, would I have believed that God was seeking vengeance on Nineveh just as Micah thought God was punishing Israel?
Patient Power
"God's powerful, but it's a patient power."
Can you imagine watching your son be tortured on a cross? You could do something about it, but you patiently wait, knowing that it will be worth it...for humankind.
In church yesterday, we heard that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us.
This whole process is worth it too.
Because of Christ's sacrifice, we know that God is someone we can trust, "a hiding place in tough times".
Judah and Nineveh will both be judged, but God's people are encouraged to "Worship and recommit to God!"
Although judgment is sure, forgiveness is possible.
Can you imagine watching your son be tortured on a cross? You could do something about it, but you patiently wait, knowing that it will be worth it...for humankind.
In church yesterday, we heard that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us.
This whole process is worth it too.
Because of Christ's sacrifice, we know that God is someone we can trust, "a hiding place in tough times".
Judah and Nineveh will both be judged, but God's people are encouraged to "Worship and recommit to God!"
Although judgment is sure, forgiveness is possible.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Jordan - Micah 7
"...when I fall, I shall rise..." (v. 8)As a Dad, I know what it is like to forgive in practically the same breath as discipline. I'll give David a timeout and then give him a hug and a kiss when I let him get up and go back to playing. Micah knows that God is the perfect Father. Israel is a pain, the kids are running amok and they are getting the ultimate timeout. But God "does not retain his anger forever" and he will turn His face to Israel again.
It is empowering to know that when you are down, or if you mess up, you can hop right back up again. You will still be in God's favor regardless of the past. But this grace, is what allows us to go out and sin boldly. God knows that if we live in our comfort zone, we'll get nowhere.
Micah 6
As I read late last night I was struck by two verses. Verse 2-3 Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the Lord, and you enduring foundations of the earth; for the Lord has a controversy with his people and he will contend with Israel. O my people, what have I done to your? In what have I wearied you?
When I read this I just thought Wow!, God must have been pretty tired of Israel and all their complaints, their sins and their persistence in trying to find their own path instead of following God's path. I also thought that this is probably how God is feeling today. Isn't he tired of humans ruining his creation, killing his people and following their own paths?
God's path is not an easy one, we will have to make sacrifices and leave some people behind but isn't the reason we are here to show glory to God? I was talking with a very intelligent man yesterday and he stated; Faith is not an easy journey, when things are tough you know that you are actively engaged in your Faith. These words were both comforting and troubling. I have to admit that I am tired. There are days when I just want to give up and leave it all behind, but I don't because I know in the end it will make a difference and what I am doing is right. I may not always do it in the right way but I am trying to follow where God is leading me.
Verse 6 He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God. Not an easy task but we can have the assurance that God forgives us when we stumble and he will be there to pick us back up and help us to go on.
Guilty as charged
"Where is the god who can compare with you—wiping the slate clean of guilt?"
There is a confession and forgiveness in our hymnal where the pastor first confesses to the church and they forgive him, then the church confesses to the pastor and receives forgiveness. I need that.
I had a really rough week and an intense dream last night. I was trying to get out of some crime/misdeed/shortcoming and my brother, Michael, finally sat me down and talked me through it. I said, "I'm just going to tell the judge the story and see how it all plays out."
The trouble with being a public figure like a pastor or President of the United States is that you have to be accountable to God AND all the people. From very early in Obama's presidency, it seemed like he couldn't do anything right. America has a long history. Rome wasn't built in a day. Our country didn't get to where it is overnight. Neither did our church.
This morning, I will be confessing. Please forgive me. I know God will.
There is a confession and forgiveness in our hymnal where the pastor first confesses to the church and they forgive him, then the church confesses to the pastor and receives forgiveness. I need that.
I had a really rough week and an intense dream last night. I was trying to get out of some crime/misdeed/shortcoming and my brother, Michael, finally sat me down and talked me through it. I said, "I'm just going to tell the judge the story and see how it all plays out."
The trouble with being a public figure like a pastor or President of the United States is that you have to be accountable to God AND all the people. From very early in Obama's presidency, it seemed like he couldn't do anything right. America has a long history. Rome wasn't built in a day. Our country didn't get to where it is overnight. Neither did our church.
This morning, I will be confessing. Please forgive me. I know God will.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
What God is looking for
"It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don't take yourself too seriously—take God seriously."
Do justice.
Love kindness.
Walk humbly.
Needs-oriented evangelism.
Loving relationships.
Passionate Spirituality.
Oftentimes, I'm so justice-minded for starving children around the world, I forget about loving my sisters and brothers in Christ right in front of me. I get busy doing the work of the church that I don't readily embrace the people who are the church.
As a congregation, we're working primarily on the third, while trying to launch into the first.
Barbara made a comment at our NCD Team meeting that really spoke to me, "Prayer starts everything."
Do we want to have a healthy growing church? Let's pray about it.
One of the areas I'm most excited about is Christian Ed: Sunday School and Bible Study. In today's reading, we hear, "Keep all God's salvation stories fresh and present."
This blog has helped me do that. You have given these stories more meaning for me. Let's stir up that hunger for Scripture in our children and youth.
Do justice.
Love kindness.
Walk humbly.
Needs-oriented evangelism.
Loving relationships.
Passionate Spirituality.
Oftentimes, I'm so justice-minded for starving children around the world, I forget about loving my sisters and brothers in Christ right in front of me. I get busy doing the work of the church that I don't readily embrace the people who are the church.
As a congregation, we're working primarily on the third, while trying to launch into the first.
Barbara made a comment at our NCD Team meeting that really spoke to me, "Prayer starts everything."
Do we want to have a healthy growing church? Let's pray about it.
One of the areas I'm most excited about is Christian Ed: Sunday School and Bible Study. In today's reading, we hear, "Keep all God's salvation stories fresh and present."
This blog has helped me do that. You have given these stories more meaning for me. Let's stir up that hunger for Scripture in our children and youth.
Kelly - Micah 6
Of the 3 things that God requires of me, I must admit that I struggle most with "love kindness." It's one of those things I've learned about myself since watching some of my own character flaws develop in my children.
I can certainly be kind, but it isn't my natural state. When the checkout lane is moving too slowly because of some chatting clerks or an old woman paying with pennies, I'm usually one of the first to show annoyance. I can get very snippy and focus on my own incovenience above all else.
All 3 encompass our whole lives, but the hardest for me is the daily little times when I encounter someone. It's the small stuff that trips me up in my walk with God - and I need to start sweating the small stuff.
I can certainly be kind, but it isn't my natural state. When the checkout lane is moving too slowly because of some chatting clerks or an old woman paying with pennies, I'm usually one of the first to show annoyance. I can get very snippy and focus on my own incovenience above all else.
All 3 encompass our whole lives, but the hardest for me is the daily little times when I encounter someone. It's the small stuff that trips me up in my walk with God - and I need to start sweating the small stuff.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Jordan - Micah 5
"..and you shall bow down no more to the works of your hands." (v. 13)As a church, Faith does some great things. Our congregation is brimming with good character and despite our current budget shortfalls, we are one of the healthiest congregations in the synod. There is a sense of joy when you talk with people, others light up when they hear about your successes and they show concern when you are feeling down. We are a good group of people and we should be proud of our church, our people and what we bring to the community.
But, Micah reminds us that we did not come to this success of our own doing. In the book that the Natural Church Development (NCD) team is reading called "The 3 Colors of Your Spirituality," sin is defined as "withdrawal from God, possibly even when expressing our spirituality."
Passionate Spirituality is our lowest quality characteristic.
This makes me think, are we, as a church, giving God all of the glory for what we have accomplished and will accomplish? Have we, in some ways, withdrawn from God in that we are bowing down to the works of our hands? There is zero possibility that our church on a rock exists solely because of us. Yes, we are free to be happy and amazed at our blessings and this should motivate us to do more. Because this is God's work, our hands. Have you thanked God today?
Kelly - Micah 5
It's easier to understand the views of the Pharisees and the Sadduccees of the NT when you read these promises of the Messiah in their own context. I've become so used to hearing about the promised Messiah during Advent that I've forgotten that these promises were made in times of real war and real killing and real conquering.
The Messiah of my prayers and worship is real, but so much of what he gives me is intangible - "forgiveness" "mercy" "compassion". All nice and necessary, but not the foundation of Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs. The Messiah that Micah promises will come and fight the slaughtering invaders. This Messiah offers safety and a very concrete peace. This Messiah will help a mother protect her sons from the oncoming chariots.
But even here we begin to see a bit of the wry humor of the Bible. This great protector is a shepherd (v.4). The great and powerful David was a shepherd. But even with that history, it is strange to be promised a shepherd. Can you imagine any nation today facing the oncoming army of the US or China, or the unpredictable NKorea or Iran, and in the face of that invasion reassuring its people that they would be saved by a great "Advertising Executive" or "Computer Programmer"? Either one could be very useful in modern battle, but it's not the image of a protector I want. Same goes for the shepherd. Could be very useful protector in that society - but not who I want coming to my rescue.
The Messiah of my prayers and worship is real, but so much of what he gives me is intangible - "forgiveness" "mercy" "compassion". All nice and necessary, but not the foundation of Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs. The Messiah that Micah promises will come and fight the slaughtering invaders. This Messiah offers safety and a very concrete peace. This Messiah will help a mother protect her sons from the oncoming chariots.
But even here we begin to see a bit of the wry humor of the Bible. This great protector is a shepherd (v.4). The great and powerful David was a shepherd. But even with that history, it is strange to be promised a shepherd. Can you imagine any nation today facing the oncoming army of the US or China, or the unpredictable NKorea or Iran, and in the face of that invasion reassuring its people that they would be saved by a great "Advertising Executive" or "Computer Programmer"? Either one could be very useful in modern battle, but it's not the image of a protector I want. Same goes for the shepherd. Could be very useful protector in that society - but not who I want coming to my rescue.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The Making of God's People
If we wanted our children to be people of God, to really have a faith that will make a difference in their lives, how would we do that?
In the Message, the above title marks Micah 4: The Making of God's People. Here's what I underlined in my Bible:
"People will stream to God's mountain. He will teach us how to live. He'll establish justice. We'll trade in our swords for shovels, our spears for rakes and hoes."
This is where it gets interesting. Even though "Nations will quit fighting each other"..."Meanwhile, all the other people live however they wish."
Faith will always be counter-cultural.
"But we live honoring God. The glory that once was will be again. God will give us new life again. He'll redeem us."
And finally, the clincher, "This is the making of God's people, that they are wheat being threshed, gold being refined."
Life is going to be hard, but with God and each other, we'll make it through. It's a process we don't ultimately understand, nor can we ever in this life, but it's one worth going through. It gives life (and death) meaning.
Sue, I know you and Paul are hurting. We are with you.
In the Message, the above title marks Micah 4: The Making of God's People. Here's what I underlined in my Bible:
"People will stream to God's mountain. He will teach us how to live. He'll establish justice. We'll trade in our swords for shovels, our spears for rakes and hoes."
This is where it gets interesting. Even though "Nations will quit fighting each other"..."Meanwhile, all the other people live however they wish."
Faith will always be counter-cultural.
"But we live honoring God. The glory that once was will be again. God will give us new life again. He'll redeem us."
And finally, the clincher, "This is the making of God's people, that they are wheat being threshed, gold being refined."
Life is going to be hard, but with God and each other, we'll make it through. It's a process we don't ultimately understand, nor can we ever in this life, but it's one worth going through. It gives life (and death) meaning.
Sue, I know you and Paul are hurting. We are with you.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Jordan - Micah 3
You hear a lot today about political polls. Elected officials are perpetually running for office. It might be 4 years until the next election, but everything counts and to screw up at one point and the media will ride it until the public loses interest.
But since the beginning, leaders have always been in the hot seat and pressure causes people to do strange things, like lie, or stretch the truth a bit. Even other prophets who profit (hmm, didn't mean the word play) from making leaders feel good about their decisions by proclaiming that God is on the side of these leaders who "who cry 'Peace' when they have something to eat, but declare war against those who put nothing into their mouths." (v. 5) Yeah, we do have some sketchy leaders in the U.S., but not nearly this bad. Can you imagine if a politician openly went to war against the poor and homeless in America? Our world is not without this sort of injustice, take a look at what is happening in Sudan and Darfur. Where are the prophets in those places?
But since the beginning, leaders have always been in the hot seat and pressure causes people to do strange things, like lie, or stretch the truth a bit. Even other prophets who profit (hmm, didn't mean the word play) from making leaders feel good about their decisions by proclaiming that God is on the side of these leaders who "who cry 'Peace' when they have something to eat, but declare war against those who put nothing into their mouths." (v. 5) Yeah, we do have some sketchy leaders in the U.S., but not nearly this bad. Can you imagine if a politician openly went to war against the poor and homeless in America? Our world is not without this sort of injustice, take a look at what is happening in Sudan and Darfur. Where are the prophets in those places?
Kelly - Micah 3
Wow - I know that it takes some general hubris to be a prophet, but Micah seems to be going a little over the edge here. "The false prophets say this, but I am filled with power and the Spirit of the Lord." I find him quite obnoxious in this chapter.
So how are we to speak the word of the Lord in our world? Paul and Peter both came off as know-it-alls, too, from time to time. We are called to be humble before God, but does that mean we are humble before those we present our message to?
Some of my response to my own questions comes out of my history living in Texas. There are certainly many people in Texas who are not shy about sharing their faith. But the conversations get very one-sided. It's a speech, not a discussion. I think this is why I'm so turned off by over-confident sharers of the gospel. When you declare the good news to those around you, you're simply declaring. And not listening to what needs people have that are met by God.
We live in a world full of declarations. McDonalds declares I deserve a break today. Dunkin Donuts delcares that America runs on Dunkin. And over 20 companies declare that they're the best at taking care of my data and media needs.
Declaring that Jesus Saves will only get us so far - no matter how true it may be. I believe that a prophet in our world needs to begin by listening and loving.
So how are we to speak the word of the Lord in our world? Paul and Peter both came off as know-it-alls, too, from time to time. We are called to be humble before God, but does that mean we are humble before those we present our message to?
Some of my response to my own questions comes out of my history living in Texas. There are certainly many people in Texas who are not shy about sharing their faith. But the conversations get very one-sided. It's a speech, not a discussion. I think this is why I'm so turned off by over-confident sharers of the gospel. When you declare the good news to those around you, you're simply declaring. And not listening to what needs people have that are met by God.
We live in a world full of declarations. McDonalds declares I deserve a break today. Dunkin Donuts delcares that America runs on Dunkin. And over 20 companies declare that they're the best at taking care of my data and media needs.
Declaring that Jesus Saves will only get us so far - no matter how true it may be. I believe that a prophet in our world needs to begin by listening and loving.
Micah
The first 2 chapters have not spoken to me about anything in particular. The 1st chapter was a bit confusing, previous knowledge would have been helpful. The 2nd chapter I read through twice and still didn't really get anything from it. That's why I love the blog, after reading Jordan and Kelly's blog I got an idea about the meaning of the reading.
Over arching everything this week has been the sudden death of our friend Steve. Steve was one of Paul's oldest and dearest friends. As Paul states every story from his teenage years begins with Steve. Most stories end up with the two of them getting into some sort of trouble!
For many years Steve has been driving an 18 wheeler and living in CA. We saw him every year or so when he was out visiting his parents. The lack of contact did not diminish their friendship in the least.
Wrapping our heads around his death has been a struggle. He was only 51, (Paul will be 50 in Feb). We found out yesterday that they are ruling it a heart attack. I keep thinking about the fact that he was alone with no one to help him. I wonder if he knew what was happening or was it instantanious? It seems like such a senseless death and we ask ourselves why did this have to happen? We know there are no real answers and we just have to accept it and move on. That's the challenge.
I think that it is similar to our Faith. We put all our trust in God and try to let him lead us. He knows the plan he has for us we just need to allow him to help us follow that plan. We don't always go where he wants but he is patient and always there to pick us up if we make a mistake.
Things may not go the way we want but we have to trust that God's plan is the right one.
I am so thankful for my Faith and the people in my life who love and support me and help me through difficult times. I am also very thankful for my FAITH family and the love and acceptance I find there.
Matthew, just saw your message on picking the next set of books. Will get on that.
Over arching everything this week has been the sudden death of our friend Steve. Steve was one of Paul's oldest and dearest friends. As Paul states every story from his teenage years begins with Steve. Most stories end up with the two of them getting into some sort of trouble!
For many years Steve has been driving an 18 wheeler and living in CA. We saw him every year or so when he was out visiting his parents. The lack of contact did not diminish their friendship in the least.
Wrapping our heads around his death has been a struggle. He was only 51, (Paul will be 50 in Feb). We found out yesterday that they are ruling it a heart attack. I keep thinking about the fact that he was alone with no one to help him. I wonder if he knew what was happening or was it instantanious? It seems like such a senseless death and we ask ourselves why did this have to happen? We know there are no real answers and we just have to accept it and move on. That's the challenge.
I think that it is similar to our Faith. We put all our trust in God and try to let him lead us. He knows the plan he has for us we just need to allow him to help us follow that plan. We don't always go where he wants but he is patient and always there to pick us up if we make a mistake.
Things may not go the way we want but we have to trust that God's plan is the right one.
I am so thankful for my Faith and the people in my life who love and support me and help me through difficult times. I am also very thankful for my FAITH family and the love and acceptance I find there.
Matthew, just saw your message on picking the next set of books. Will get on that.
Who's to blame?
The preachers, false prophets, judges, and leaders take a beating today. Any of us privileged to be in leadership at Faith need to be especially careful of what we are modeling (love, unity, forgiveness, etc).
The reason I beat Kelly to the punch today is that I need to be at Children's Hospital in Boston at 7 am to pray with Jaime Mavilia and her boyfriend, Dylan. We celebrated with Jaime on Saturday after she completed her 5-6 year journey through college. Now she is having her 4th and final back surgery.
Please pray for her now.
The reason I beat Kelly to the punch today is that I need to be at Children's Hospital in Boston at 7 am to pray with Jaime Mavilia and her boyfriend, Dylan. We celebrated with Jaime on Saturday after she completed her 5-6 year journey through college. Now she is having her 4th and final back surgery.
Please pray for her now.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Jordan - Micah 2
My family said good-bye to my Aunt Johanna today. She died of ALS at 80 years old. Aunt Johanna wrote the funeral service that we had for her today and she told the pastor that she wanted the focus of her funeral to be Jesus, the Savior, not herself. The pastor did a great job with the sermon. What he said was that while ALS is a horrible disease, God made us to live, not to die and that we can live most fully with God. What I appreciated most about this when I read Micah 2 today is that you can preach about seeing the world through rose colored glasses, or you can preach about living joyfully with God.
In context, Micah is writing to people who are having their land stolen and their friends and neighbors killed. My Aunt was looking towards a death where her body is stolen from her while her mind is still fully functional. Things are scary. But to tell people that things will be fine doesn't help anything and no one is comforted. But claiming the Lord to be your Savior and shepherd allows one to live knowing that things may be difficult and you might not make it through, but a new Jerusalem awaits.
In context, Micah is writing to people who are having their land stolen and their friends and neighbors killed. My Aunt was looking towards a death where her body is stolen from her while her mind is still fully functional. Things are scary. But to tell people that things will be fine doesn't help anything and no one is comforted. But claiming the Lord to be your Savior and shepherd allows one to live knowing that things may be difficult and you might not make it through, but a new Jerusalem awaits.
Kelly - Micah 2
Coveting leads to problems. It's easy to read this chapter and think of "them." "They" have big houses. "They" go out to eat all the time. "They" can afford to buy more than 1 pair of jeans at a time.
But the truth is I have it pretty darn good. My children don't have everything they want, but they have everything they need and plenty of privileges. And I'm certainly just as guilty of coveting more as the kiddos are. There are days when I could write a really really really long letter to Santa (worst tradition ever - institutionalized coveting at a time when we're supposed to focus on giving).
God does not like coveting. A commandment against it. And multiple warnings here from Micah.
But the truth is I have it pretty darn good. My children don't have everything they want, but they have everything they need and plenty of privileges. And I'm certainly just as guilty of coveting more as the kiddos are. There are days when I could write a really really really long letter to Santa (worst tradition ever - institutionalized coveting at a time when we're supposed to focus on giving).
God does not like coveting. A commandment against it. And multiple warnings here from Micah.
What kind of preacher did you want?
"If someone showed up with a good smile and glib tongue and told lies from morning to night—'I'll preach sermons that will tell you how you can get anything you want from God: More money, the best wines...you name it'—you'd hire him on the spot as your preacher!"
Is that true?
Faith wanted a pastor who could draw spiritual gifts out of the members, who could enliven the youth and their families, and inspire outreach in the community.
If we are focused on this mission, the going will be rough. Discipleship has always been. I can't wait until Saturday's reading, where the Lord tells us what is required of us. Are we up to the task?
Can we unite together as a family and take this on? It's only the most important thing we'll do in our lives: follow God and allow him to do his work through us. This is the kingdom and it is unfolding.
Is that true?
Faith wanted a pastor who could draw spiritual gifts out of the members, who could enliven the youth and their families, and inspire outreach in the community.
If we are focused on this mission, the going will be rough. Discipleship has always been. I can't wait until Saturday's reading, where the Lord tells us what is required of us. Are we up to the task?
Can we unite together as a family and take this on? It's only the most important thing we'll do in our lives: follow God and allow him to do his work through us. This is the kingdom and it is unfolding.
Monday, May 24, 2010
God or power?
"I am God, your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of a life of slavery. No other gods, only me. No carved gods of any size, shape, or form of anything whatever, whether of things that fly or walk or swim. Don't bow down to them and don't serve them because I am God, your God, and I'm a most jealous God, punishing the children for any sins their parents pass on to them to the third, and yes, even to the fourth generation of those who hate me. But I'm unswervingly loyal to the thousands who love me and keep my commandments."
Wouldn't you want to be in on that 1,000th generation deal?
The charge against God's people, "You led the daughter of Zion into trusting not God but chariots."
Other than caring for widows and orphans, the Old Testament is littered with this command from God, "Worship me, not gods that you can control."
When we follow God intently, give and sacrifice in such a way that we need to trust in God for daily bread, we are left to rely on the Holy and Life Giving Spirit to keep us going, to give us the words we ought to say, the strength to serve in the ways we're called. A life of faith truly embraced is hard.
But having mountains crumble around you is no picnic either.
Wouldn't you want to be in on that 1,000th generation deal?
The charge against God's people, "You led the daughter of Zion into trusting not God but chariots."
Other than caring for widows and orphans, the Old Testament is littered with this command from God, "Worship me, not gods that you can control."
When we follow God intently, give and sacrifice in such a way that we need to trust in God for daily bread, we are left to rely on the Holy and Life Giving Spirit to keep us going, to give us the words we ought to say, the strength to serve in the ways we're called. A life of faith truly embraced is hard.
But having mountains crumble around you is no picnic either.
Jordan - Micah 1
"Hear, you peoples, all of you; listen, O earth, and all that is in it; and let God be a witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple." (v. 2)So you sit there, in the courtroom, the accused. The trial has been a toss up so far and the jury isn't convinced either way as the prosecution makes its case. They call their next witness. "Your Honor, for our next witness, the prosecution would like to present, God." Yeah, ok, its over. You might as well change your plea to guilty.
I guess jumping into the middle of history, its hard to know what Micah is yelling about. I do know that Assyrian Empire is taking over (722ish BC) and wiping out many of these cities in Israel and Judah, but what are people doing in these cities that has Micah proclaiming that they are being punished by God? Samaria is one of the first places to be called out, so I checked it out a little more. My Bible on references it in the index once before Micah and thats in 1 Kings 16:24-34. Samaria was a hill that kill Omri bought for two talents of silver and then built a city on it (870ish BC?). Verses 25-26 say this about Omri:
"Omri did what was evil in the sight of the Lord; he did more evil than all who were before him. For he walked in all the way of Jeroboam son of Nebat, and in the sins that he caused Israel to commit, provoking the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger by their idols."Well, 150 years have passed since Omri, but I guess these places are still with their false gods. Whether it be golden images or money and power. Micah is shouting from the crumbling mountain tops to cut it out!
Kelly - Micah 1
Good choice, Jordan! looking forward to the next few weeks...
Today's reading seemed to intertwine itself with current ecological issues very quickly in my mind. Micah is relatively poor and lives on the frontier edge of Judah. From there he has a first-hand view of the growing threat of nearby Assyria and the impending disaster. God's wrath is coming towards Judah because of Judah's own sin.
In our world, our own sin is leading to the "mountains melting" and the "waters rushing." And while all of the recent earthquakes seem to have no reason at all, they certainly have led to the "valleys being filled with stones." And it is the relatively poor people on the frontiers who are seeing the most and suffering first.
While I'm not directly responsible for the oil spill in the gulf, I do contribute to the demand for oil that causes companies to drill and seek ever greater profits. And while I use less oil than my Expedition-driving neighbor, I use more than about 85% of other people on this planet.
Is God only seeking justice through the natural consequences of our own actions? Or does God hold me accountable for more than that?
Today's reading seemed to intertwine itself with current ecological issues very quickly in my mind. Micah is relatively poor and lives on the frontier edge of Judah. From there he has a first-hand view of the growing threat of nearby Assyria and the impending disaster. God's wrath is coming towards Judah because of Judah's own sin.
In our world, our own sin is leading to the "mountains melting" and the "waters rushing." And while all of the recent earthquakes seem to have no reason at all, they certainly have led to the "valleys being filled with stones." And it is the relatively poor people on the frontiers who are seeing the most and suffering first.
While I'm not directly responsible for the oil spill in the gulf, I do contribute to the demand for oil that causes companies to drill and seek ever greater profits. And while I use less oil than my Expedition-driving neighbor, I use more than about 85% of other people on this planet.
Is God only seeking justice through the natural consequences of our own actions? Or does God hold me accountable for more than that?
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Confirmation
That Joseph is gone within a chapter of his father's death is confirmation that this story was really about God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Our lone male Confirmand today didn't really want me using his middle name: Jacob. He said, "Doesn't it mean cheater?!?"
He knows the story. I pray that all of our youth come to know God personally. Please pray for these 4 today:
Matt
Miranda
Kristina
Kelsey
Our lone male Confirmand today didn't really want me using his middle name: Jacob. He said, "Doesn't it mean cheater?!?"
He knows the story. I pray that all of our youth come to know God personally. Please pray for these 4 today:
Matt
Miranda
Kristina
Kelsey
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Death
Jordan, thanks for picking out the next little set of books. We'll actually start on Monday morning and finish up in two and a half weeks.
Sue, can you select the book(s) after that?
Kelly, I think the reason Joseph wanted his father to bless his sons is that he knew the end was near. Neither Heidi nor I have lost a parent, but today would have been Poocher's 14th birthday. For the month or two after her death, it felt like we had lost a child. The pain still lingers at times.
Our lives have shifted. We're getting older and we're all grown up now, but it feels like we still need family sometimes (and always will). Please be that family to us when we're not with our own. The pasta dinner/talent show was great last night. The open arms welcome after our time away was refreshing.
We're starting to form a mutual ministry team, which is just what it sounds like. As we minister to Faith, these representatives from Faith minister to us. We're looking for folks that are connected to the church and good listeners. Originally, it was supposed to be the call committee, but half of them have multiple leadership responsibilities (like Jordan). E-mail me with ideas. Janet Waters has already agreed to serve.
Sue, can you select the book(s) after that?
Kelly, I think the reason Joseph wanted his father to bless his sons is that he knew the end was near. Neither Heidi nor I have lost a parent, but today would have been Poocher's 14th birthday. For the month or two after her death, it felt like we had lost a child. The pain still lingers at times.
Our lives have shifted. We're getting older and we're all grown up now, but it feels like we still need family sometimes (and always will). Please be that family to us when we're not with our own. The pasta dinner/talent show was great last night. The open arms welcome after our time away was refreshing.
We're starting to form a mutual ministry team, which is just what it sounds like. As we minister to Faith, these representatives from Faith minister to us. We're looking for folks that are connected to the church and good listeners. Originally, it was supposed to be the call committee, but half of them have multiple leadership responsibilities (like Jordan). E-mail me with ideas. Janet Waters has already agreed to serve.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Jordan - Genesis 48 and the next Book(s)
Was the custom of the time to give the firstborn the double portion at the time of the blessing or was the tradition to perpetuate that myth and then pull a fast one on the firstborn more often than not? Perhaps this family was just a little odder than most, but doesn't it seem that each of these blessings are a bit of curveball?
Anyway, I've got a little curveball. Instead of picking the next book in our journey, I thought I would pick a little collection of short books from the prophets (you know, make us feel like we are flying through this big book!) and we'll start the first on Tuesday:
Anyway, I've got a little curveball. Instead of picking the next book in our journey, I thought I would pick a little collection of short books from the prophets (you know, make us feel like we are flying through this big book!) and we'll start the first on Tuesday:
Micah {7 chapters}: Left to ourselves, we turn God into an object. Micah, the last of the 8th century BC prophets (including Isaiah, Hosea, and Amos), was a master of metaphor. He was charged with keeping people alive to God and alert to listening to his voice.
Nahum {3 chapters}: God's characteristic way of working is in quietness and through prayer. If we are conditioned to respond to noise and size, we will miss God's word and action. In the 7th century BC, Assyria had the whole world terrorized, appearing invincible. Nahum's task was to free Israel from Assyrian paralysis to believe in and pray to a sovereign God.
Habakkuk {3 chapters}: Most prophets speak God's word to us. Habakkuk speaks our word to God. He articulates our puzzled attempts to make sense of things and faces God with our disappointment in him. In the 7th century BC, God was going to use Babylon, a godless nation, to bring his judgment on his own people. It didn't make sense. Habakkuk waits, listens, and prays, eventually realizing that he needs to believe and trust in God.
Zephaniah {3 chapters}: As humans, we are determined to find a religion that gives us an inside track with God, but leaves us free to deal with other people however we like. The root of the solid spiritual life is embedded in a relationship between people and God. We live in a vast world of interconnectedness, the connections have consequences, and all of the consequences come together in God on Judgment Day. Zephaniah reminds us of this reckoning.
Haggai {2 chapters}: There doesn't seem to be any connection between places of worship and the belief and behavior of the people who assemble in them. In noticing this, it is not uncommon for us to dismiss the buildings themselves. Haggai's single task was to get God's people to rebuild his temple, which had been destroyed seventy years earlier.
Blessed be the 2nd born
Jacob says to Joseph, "I'm adopting your two sons who were born to you here in Egypt before I joined you; they have equal status with Reuben and Simeon."
Ephraim ahead of Manasseh.
Joseph ahead of his older brothers.
Rachel ahead of Leah.
Jacob ahead of Esau.
Isaac ahead of Ishmael.
The only one that does fit is the 11th born being elevated to the top status. Benjamin should have been the one this story is about.
Because his mom is Leah, Simeon gets the shaft. Levi, the 3rd born, is the head of the priests. Moses, Aaron, and Miriam come from that line. Judah, the 4th born, continues the lineage of Jesus.
Where a pattern has emerged, this story about 12 brothers who become 12 tribes doesn't seem to have any rhyme or reason as to who gets blessed more and who gets blessed less.
Any blessing we receive is for one purpose. See Genesis 12.
Ephraim ahead of Manasseh.
Joseph ahead of his older brothers.
Rachel ahead of Leah.
Jacob ahead of Esau.
Isaac ahead of Ishmael.
The only one that does fit is the 11th born being elevated to the top status. Benjamin should have been the one this story is about.
Because his mom is Leah, Simeon gets the shaft. Levi, the 3rd born, is the head of the priests. Moses, Aaron, and Miriam come from that line. Judah, the 4th born, continues the lineage of Jesus.
Where a pattern has emerged, this story about 12 brothers who become 12 tribes doesn't seem to have any rhyme or reason as to who gets blessed more and who gets blessed less.
Any blessing we receive is for one purpose. See Genesis 12.
Kelly - Genesis 48
This is one of those points in scripture where the situation doesn't register to me on the first reading. I'm used to Israel being the most important person in the story, so the significance of this blessing isn't something I question.
But I don't think Joseph's sons saw it that way. Although they seem to be rather small in the story (sitting on his knees), they probably questioned what was going on. From their point of view, they lived their lives as Joseph's sons - who was second only to Pharaoh in the land. Their dad was powerful and rich, and their futures tied to that strength. But here their father brings them to be blessed and "adopted" by an old man who had little to no power in the land, and who had run out of food in the famine and had to relocate his clan into Egypt. He was a foreigner and a despised shepherd. I don't believe it seemed like that great of a deal to them.
What's surprising, too, is that Joseph still esteems his father. His own power and wealth hasn't kept him from wanting the blessings of the old man for his sons.
It is an interesting story of faith. And of remembering what's important despite the way the social hierarchy appears.
But I don't think Joseph's sons saw it that way. Although they seem to be rather small in the story (sitting on his knees), they probably questioned what was going on. From their point of view, they lived their lives as Joseph's sons - who was second only to Pharaoh in the land. Their dad was powerful and rich, and their futures tied to that strength. But here their father brings them to be blessed and "adopted" by an old man who had little to no power in the land, and who had run out of food in the famine and had to relocate his clan into Egypt. He was a foreigner and a despised shepherd. I don't believe it seemed like that great of a deal to them.
What's surprising, too, is that Joseph still esteems his father. His own power and wealth hasn't kept him from wanting the blessings of the old man for his sons.
It is an interesting story of faith. And of remembering what's important despite the way the social hierarchy appears.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Jordan - Genesis 47
"They said, 'You have saved our lives; may it please my lord , we will be slaves to Pharaoh.'" (47:25)The people are so grateful for food that they have given up everything to Pharaoh. How awful. You don't remember this from the Sunday School stories of Joseph. Yes, they are alive, and I guess there must be other governments that let their people starve, but I agree with Kelly, wasn't there a better way? What about food stamps? I wrote a few days ago that you aren't a servant unless you claim to be one and the whole people of Egypt claim to be servants. Are people so quick to give up their freedom?
Give Caesar what is his...
In Luke 20, we read this interaction between Jesus and those who were trying to trick him into breaking the law:
Tricksters: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?
Jesus: Show me a coin. Now, this engraving, who does it look like and what does it say?
Tricksters: Caesar.
Jesus: Then give Caesar what is his and give God what is his.
So the blanket tax Joseph and Pharaoh came up with was 20%?
Why did God only ask for 10%?
Why do only 2/3rds of pastors tithe?
Why does the average Lutheran give 2% to church and charity?
Or is this really a teaching about the importance of living below your means, both as individuals and as a church, so that we can give generously to those in need?
Tricksters: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?
Jesus: Show me a coin. Now, this engraving, who does it look like and what does it say?
Tricksters: Caesar.
Jesus: Then give Caesar what is his and give God what is his.
So the blanket tax Joseph and Pharaoh came up with was 20%?
Why did God only ask for 10%?
Why do only 2/3rds of pastors tithe?
Why does the average Lutheran give 2% to church and charity?
Or is this really a teaching about the importance of living below your means, both as individuals and as a church, so that we can give generously to those in need?
Kelly - Genesis 47
I must say that Joseph seems rather harsh in this chapter. He had stored up all the grain from the land for 7 years - in order that the people may make it thru the famine. It had sounded like a plan for the good of society as a whole - a type of social welfare system. There was so much food that he was selling it to traders from Canaan (or at least to his brothers, perhaps not to travelers in general).
Now, as the famine nears its end, he distributes the food to the people, but at the expense of all their money, livestock, and land. The people survive the famine, but end up in bondage to Pharaoh. I must admit, it's not the image of this social program I usually think of. Joseph and Pharaoh seem harsh and cruel, profiting from the warning that God had given them.
Now, as the famine nears its end, he distributes the food to the people, but at the expense of all their money, livestock, and land. The people survive the famine, but end up in bondage to Pharaoh. I must admit, it's not the image of this social program I usually think of. Joseph and Pharaoh seem harsh and cruel, profiting from the warning that God had given them.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Jordan - Proverbs 46
Ah Goshen. After Matthew's post and Kelly's comment, I started to think about Goshen a little more. Israel's people will live in Goshen in Pharaoh's favor, sometime later, this is the place where they are enslaved, but Goshen offers them protection during the plagues.
And then, I read chapter 46 and I thought it was even more interesting that they do not live in Egypt with Pharaoh because "shepherds are abhorrent to the Egyptians" (v 34). Shepherds! The people of God get the perfect location because they are shepherds. Why are shepherds such a common theme in the Bible? They are both the chosen and the outcasts, the first and the last.
And then, I read chapter 46 and I thought it was even more interesting that they do not live in Egypt with Pharaoh because "shepherds are abhorrent to the Egyptians" (v 34). Shepherds! The people of God get the perfect location because they are shepherds. Why are shepherds such a common theme in the Bible? They are both the chosen and the outcasts, the first and the last.
Family
After seeing Joseph reunited with his father, the prodigal son story popped into my head. It made me think of my own family, so many miles away. How often will I see them? Will they come here too? So far my dad and Heidi's mom have made the trip.
Brothers and sisters in Christ have been our family over the years. Our first repeat visitor will be next weekend...a gal we met in Illinois. She was family to us there.
For those of you who have family nearby, be thankful. But more than that, can you be our family and understand when we are gone for a few weeks to see them?
Brothers and sisters in Christ have been our family over the years. Our first repeat visitor will be next weekend...a gal we met in Illinois. She was family to us there.
For those of you who have family nearby, be thankful. But more than that, can you be our family and understand when we are gone for a few weeks to see them?
Forgiveness
I am amazed and awed by the forgiveness that Joseph gives to his brothers. After all they sold him, wanted to kill him yet when he sees them again he just forgives them with no negotiation, no having to be pursuaded. The brothers I think are pretty amazed also. I wonder if they forgave themselves?
Do we show forgiveness to others as Joseph did? This has not been my experience. People hold on to anger and hold gudges against someone who wronged them. I've said it before I think forgiveness is one of the hardest things to give. I know I'm not good at it. I also think that along with forgiveness is feelings of resentment toward someone who has wronged you even if it is just perception of being wronged.
Will we ever live like people of God and give forgiveness as he does? Maybe we don't have it in us and that's why we have Jesus. If we remember his sacrifice and the forgiveness he gives us maybe we can show the same to our fellow human beings.
Do we show forgiveness to others as Joseph did? This has not been my experience. People hold on to anger and hold gudges against someone who wronged them. I've said it before I think forgiveness is one of the hardest things to give. I know I'm not good at it. I also think that along with forgiveness is feelings of resentment toward someone who has wronged you even if it is just perception of being wronged.
Will we ever live like people of God and give forgiveness as he does? Maybe we don't have it in us and that's why we have Jesus. If we remember his sacrifice and the forgiveness he gives us maybe we can show the same to our fellow human beings.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Kelly - Genesis 45
As the brothers leave to go and fetch their father, Joseph tells them "Don't quarrel on the way!" How human is that? You've just been saved from the coming years of famine, offered the best of what Egypt has to offer, been through a tough family reunion, and are bringing good news to your dad. And yet, any 11 people together will manage to quarrel, to delay.
Even when we're offered all the joy God has to give, we quarrel. Even when we've got a purposeful journey ahead of us, we delay. The church is no different. We are creatures of entropy and do not like to move. We are also prone to quarrelling.
Where 2 or 3 are gathered, God is in our presence. Which is a really good thing, since it takes 2 or 3 to start a life-long grudgematch. I don't think we'll ever see a community of Christ, or of any sort, that call follow the command "Don't quarrel on the way." The challenge is to love each other through the quarrels, to trust in God to hold us together.
Even when we're offered all the joy God has to give, we quarrel. Even when we've got a purposeful journey ahead of us, we delay. The church is no different. We are creatures of entropy and do not like to move. We are also prone to quarrelling.
Where 2 or 3 are gathered, God is in our presence. Which is a really good thing, since it takes 2 or 3 to start a life-long grudgematch. I don't think we'll ever see a community of Christ, or of any sort, that call follow the command "Don't quarrel on the way." The challenge is to love each other through the quarrels, to trust in God to hold us together.
Goshen
Of all the things to grab me today: one word, a place name, Goshen.
After Joseph has died in Genesis 50 and everyone forgets about him, the Israelites were enslaved for 430 years. You end up hearing a refrain during the 10 plagues Moses brings on the land right before the exodus.
"I'll set Goshen where my people live aside as a sanctuary—no flies in Goshen."
"The hail hit hard all over Egypt. Everything exposed was smashed. Except for Goshen where the Israelites lived; there was no hail in Goshen."
"Thick darkness descended on the land of Egypt for three days. Nobody could see anybody. For three days no one could so much as move. Except for the Israelites: they had light where they were living."
Can you imagine that type of provision/protection?
God provides daily bread for us and protects us, just maybe not in such a dramatic/obvious fashion. We are God's people as much as the Israelites. Can we live our lives of faith and sacrifice with as much confidence and trust as they did?
After Joseph has died in Genesis 50 and everyone forgets about him, the Israelites were enslaved for 430 years. You end up hearing a refrain during the 10 plagues Moses brings on the land right before the exodus.
"I'll set Goshen where my people live aside as a sanctuary—no flies in Goshen."
"The hail hit hard all over Egypt. Everything exposed was smashed. Except for Goshen where the Israelites lived; there was no hail in Goshen."
"Thick darkness descended on the land of Egypt for three days. Nobody could see anybody. For three days no one could so much as move. Except for the Israelites: they had light where they were living."
Can you imagine that type of provision/protection?
God provides daily bread for us and protects us, just maybe not in such a dramatic/obvious fashion. We are God's people as much as the Israelites. Can we live our lives of faith and sacrifice with as much confidence and trust as they did?
Monday, May 17, 2010
Jordan - Genesis 44
Joseph claims to practice divination, I am not sure why, but to this end his medium is a silver cup. He hides it in Benjamin's bag and then accuses his brothers of stealing. In this act, his brothers break down. They tear their clothes and when Judah speaks to Joseph about servitude, the words appear less formal than they did during their last visit. They are from the heart. I am sure the brothers are bewildered by how this Egyptian is both holding them up and knocking them down in the same breath.
To be called a servant causes a natural egotistical reaction. Joseph is sold to slavery and serves the prison master, but he never sees himself as a servant (nor should he). To be called a servant, doesn't make you one. On the other hand, claiming to be a servant is the ultimate state of humility. Judah's words seem different here, they feel different. These are the same guys that sold Joseph into slavery. Judah sleeps with prostitutes and then hypocritically almost had his daughter-in-law burned. But here, he is humble and you almost believe him he feels that he is Joseph's servant.
Jesus came to serve, not to be served. We talk about that all the time on Sunday. We even (used to) sing Simeon's Song at the end of the service about "let your servant go in peace," but I don't think any of us really feel humbled to be servants to our neighbors or to God. Yes, we do good things and those things should not be taken lightly, but would I wash a neighbor's feet? Would I take the place of a brother/sister who felt was unjustly punished? Or does the word "serve" only go as far as "Welcome to McDonald's, how can we serve you?"
To be called a servant causes a natural egotistical reaction. Joseph is sold to slavery and serves the prison master, but he never sees himself as a servant (nor should he). To be called a servant, doesn't make you one. On the other hand, claiming to be a servant is the ultimate state of humility. Judah's words seem different here, they feel different. These are the same guys that sold Joseph into slavery. Judah sleeps with prostitutes and then hypocritically almost had his daughter-in-law burned. But here, he is humble and you almost believe him he feels that he is Joseph's servant.
Jesus came to serve, not to be served. We talk about that all the time on Sunday. We even (used to) sing Simeon's Song at the end of the service about "let your servant go in peace," but I don't think any of us really feel humbled to be servants to our neighbors or to God. Yes, we do good things and those things should not be taken lightly, but would I wash a neighbor's feet? Would I take the place of a brother/sister who felt was unjustly punished? Or does the word "serve" only go as far as "Welcome to McDonald's, how can we serve you?"
Represent!
Judah impresses me here. He is a man of integrity. Before they left for Egypt, he told his father, "I'll take full responsibility for Benjamin's safety; it's my life on the line for his."
When the rubber hits the road, Judah steps up again, "I got my father to release the boy to show him to you by promising, 'If I don't bring him back, I'll stand condemned before you, Father, all my life.'"
It's one thing to say, like Reuben, "You can kill my sons if I don't bring yours back." It's a whole nother to put your own life on the line. I can respect Judah, even after that whole Tamar thing.
That's what I love about a life of faith lived out in a healthy church. Our God is a God of second chances. We are forgiven Sabbath day by Sabbath day. We can start over where things have gone wrong. We can walk into the future redeemed and whole.
When the rubber hits the road, Judah steps up again, "I got my father to release the boy to show him to you by promising, 'If I don't bring him back, I'll stand condemned before you, Father, all my life.'"
It's one thing to say, like Reuben, "You can kill my sons if I don't bring yours back." It's a whole nother to put your own life on the line. I can respect Judah, even after that whole Tamar thing.
That's what I love about a life of faith lived out in a healthy church. Our God is a God of second chances. We are forgiven Sabbath day by Sabbath day. We can start over where things have gone wrong. We can walk into the future redeemed and whole.
Kelly - Genesis 44
Joseph's silver cup was the one he used for divination?! Was this something he said to keep the brothers from understanding that his God was their God? Or was it true? Was Joseph lying about his faith in God, or had his faith in God become corrupted by the local religious practices? I'm not impressed by either possible answer.
It's easier to "be with God," as the ealier chapters in this story put it, when you have nothing to lose. It's easier to be faithful when you're in prison or enslaved. Power complicates things. The story has stopped telling us that God was with Joseph - and has instead started telling us how Joseph himself manipulated events for his own revenge and his own reunions....God is not the primary actor in this story at this point.
And this leads me back to one of my old dilemmas - my desire to have control over my own story. Walking the line of both having free will and pleasing God is still so difficult for me.
It's easier to "be with God," as the ealier chapters in this story put it, when you have nothing to lose. It's easier to be faithful when you're in prison or enslaved. Power complicates things. The story has stopped telling us that God was with Joseph - and has instead started telling us how Joseph himself manipulated events for his own revenge and his own reunions....God is not the primary actor in this story at this point.
And this leads me back to one of my old dilemmas - my desire to have control over my own story. Walking the line of both having free will and pleasing God is still so difficult for me.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Jordan - Genesis 43
So, Simeon is holed up in an Egyptian prison while his brothers and father eat up what they bought from Egypt. Thats got to be a miserable deal. I wonder if Simeon was one of Joseph's antagonists and whether he was treated ok during the time that his brothers and father left him there. I don't get it. For the sake of Benjamin, they leave Simeon there until they run out of food. The story gets happier though as the brothers eat together (as much as Egyptians and Hebrew could eat together).
On a different note, today's service was awesome. Basil is an amazing guy and his voice was just great. That was the first time I had heard a spiritual in our sanctuary and it gave me the chills. What an awesome witness! Healing Rain!
On a different note, today's service was awesome. Basil is an amazing guy and his voice was just great. That was the first time I had heard a spiritual in our sanctuary and it gave me the chills. What an awesome witness! Healing Rain!
Thematic
I love how our 2nd oldest Scripture in the Bible, a story from the early church, a visitor to Faith, and our daily lives can intertwine in such a way to teach us a timeless truth: dreams and visions matter. God is moving in our midst and we are privileged to be in on the action. Thanks for being a part of the family!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Kelly - Genesis 42
Joseph's tears caught my attention today. I originally read them as I suppose most people do....that he was overcome with emotion at seeing his brothers - glad to see them and touched at their words about him and perhaps even Reuben's concern.
But as I think about them in more depth, I find them much more complicated. If you ever catch me in tears, there's about a 90% chance that my dominant emotion is anger. It complicates life tremendously when you cry when you're angry. When I cry, people usually want to help - to take care of me - which really does nothing but increase my anger and frustration. And I certainly can't blame those who are trying to care for me....but it's the dead-wrong reaction to the emotion I'm feeling.
And I don't think this reaction is as rare as it seems. We cry when we're sad - but much sorrow has ties to feelings of anger. We're angry at the injustices that bring about such sorrow, we're angry at God, we're angry at our helplessness in these situations.
With this in mind, re-reading the chapter brings more to Joseph's tears. He was certainly angry enough with his brothers to make them jump through hoops. And could be angry at Reuben for his obnoxious "I told you so" that didn't keep him from being sold into slavery.
But he also returned their silver - gave them food without price, though he knew the family was able to afford it. They had earned silver coins by selling him. No relationship is ever one-dimensional.
But as I think about them in more depth, I find them much more complicated. If you ever catch me in tears, there's about a 90% chance that my dominant emotion is anger. It complicates life tremendously when you cry when you're angry. When I cry, people usually want to help - to take care of me - which really does nothing but increase my anger and frustration. And I certainly can't blame those who are trying to care for me....but it's the dead-wrong reaction to the emotion I'm feeling.
And I don't think this reaction is as rare as it seems. We cry when we're sad - but much sorrow has ties to feelings of anger. We're angry at the injustices that bring about such sorrow, we're angry at God, we're angry at our helplessness in these situations.
With this in mind, re-reading the chapter brings more to Joseph's tears. He was certainly angry enough with his brothers to make them jump through hoops. And could be angry at Reuben for his obnoxious "I told you so" that didn't keep him from being sold into slavery.
But he also returned their silver - gave them food without price, though he knew the family was able to afford it. They had earned silver coins by selling him. No relationship is ever one-dimensional.
Favoritism
God shows no partiality, but clearly Jacob does, "My son will not go down with you. His brother is dead and he is all I have left." Reuben puts his two sons on the line to recover Simeon, but Jacob acts like Joseph and Benjamin are the only two sons he has.
Maybe you can pick favorites in a culture where you have two wives and two maids. Echoing what Jordan has already said, I can't pick which of my kids I love more. I tell them that there are only two people in the world I love more than them: Jesus and Heidi.
Our love from God is to be for all, not just the people we like best.
Please attend our 10 am worship service tomorrow. A couple of Boston radio stations are going to be spotlighting our ministry at Faith. The one hour program will be aired on May 23rd.
Maybe you can pick favorites in a culture where you have two wives and two maids. Echoing what Jordan has already said, I can't pick which of my kids I love more. I tell them that there are only two people in the world I love more than them: Jesus and Heidi.
Our love from God is to be for all, not just the people we like best.
Please attend our 10 am worship service tomorrow. A couple of Boston radio stations are going to be spotlighting our ministry at Faith. The one hour program will be aired on May 23rd.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Double take
"The fact that Pharaoh dreamed the same dream twice emphasizes God's determination to do this and do it soon."
Is that the reason Joseph had two dreams that meant the same thing?
I especially like the naming of his second child, Ephraim, as this type of thing just happened in my life, "God has prospered me in the land of my sorrow."
From now on, his sons are almost exclusively referred to as Ephraim and Manasseh, continuing the trend of emphasizing the second born over the first. Is this foreshadowing the dominant kingdom teaching that "the last shall be first"?
Is that the reason Joseph had two dreams that meant the same thing?
I especially like the naming of his second child, Ephraim, as this type of thing just happened in my life, "God has prospered me in the land of my sorrow."
From now on, his sons are almost exclusively referred to as Ephraim and Manasseh, continuing the trend of emphasizing the second born over the first. Is this foreshadowing the dominant kingdom teaching that "the last shall be first"?
Kelly - Genesis 41
Okay - I've been fighting it for the past few chapters and I've just got to get it out of my system. I simply cannot read this chapter without hearing the Elvis-impersonation songs from the musical. I'm always a big fan of Elvis impersonators - but it does make more in-depth reading of this chapter difficult.
V. 16 - "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires."
Whoa - that takes some serious daring! I know that Joseph sets himself up in this chapter as a man with some bravado in asserting a good position for himself and getting himself out of jail. But....to stake everything on what God will or will not do is downright reckless.
I trust in God's ability, but not always in God's timing or willingness to act on my timetable. I would love to be able to tell someone that "God will give you the answer" - but sometimes I think God intentionally remains silent. Sometimes we don't listen, sure. But sometimes God remains silent.
Joseph staked everything on God's willingness to give answers. Perhaps he also staked everything on the intimacy of his relationship with God - on the fact that "God was with him." Perhaps he staked everything on God's willingness to act because he had some inside knowledge on the topic.
I don't know if I'm deeply impressed with such a close relationship or if I'm extremely annoyed that Jospeh would dare to announce what God will or will not do.
V. 16 - "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires."
Whoa - that takes some serious daring! I know that Joseph sets himself up in this chapter as a man with some bravado in asserting a good position for himself and getting himself out of jail. But....to stake everything on what God will or will not do is downright reckless.
I trust in God's ability, but not always in God's timing or willingness to act on my timetable. I would love to be able to tell someone that "God will give you the answer" - but sometimes I think God intentionally remains silent. Sometimes we don't listen, sure. But sometimes God remains silent.
Joseph staked everything on God's willingness to give answers. Perhaps he also staked everything on the intimacy of his relationship with God - on the fact that "God was with him." Perhaps he staked everything on God's willingness to act because he had some inside knowledge on the topic.
I don't know if I'm deeply impressed with such a close relationship or if I'm extremely annoyed that Jospeh would dare to announce what God will or will not do.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Jordan - Genesis 40
So the butcher, the baker and candlestick maker get on the bad side of the Pharaoh and end up in jail. Apparently these guys are dreamers and consult Joseph for an interpretation. The poor baker ends up on the short end of the stick (literally) and you gotta wonder how he felt after he heard his fate!
I've never had any life changing dreams or dreams that I felt were telling me something. Erin, though, is funny, she never remembers her dreams. The only dream she has remembered while we have been together had something to do with a toaster. Nothing happened with the toaster mind you, it was just there. Try to interpret that Joseph!
I've never had any life changing dreams or dreams that I felt were telling me something. Erin, though, is funny, she never remembers her dreams. The only dream she has remembered while we have been together had something to do with a toaster. Nothing happened with the toaster mind you, it was just there. Try to interpret that Joseph!
Is there an interpreter in the house?
40 days into Easter. Today is the ascension of our Lord. For the next ten days, the disciples were without Jesus or his Spirit. How frightening. The gap between Good Friday and Easter Sunday seemed unbearable.
We're three chapters into the Joseph story and dreams come up again. Luckily (or unluckily as it were), the cup bearer and the baker have Joseph to interpret their dreams for them.
When we were going through the transition from MN to MA, I had lots of interesting dreams that needed interpretation. I met a pastor named Gretchen from the synod we were serving in who could interpret dreams. She was dead on. It was uncanny and totally from God. He led us here, especially through dreams.
Some exciting news! Malachi had his first day of preschool today. I was dropping Adi off and the teacher asked if he would like to stay too. He did...all day. Wow.
We're three chapters into the Joseph story and dreams come up again. Luckily (or unluckily as it were), the cup bearer and the baker have Joseph to interpret their dreams for them.
When we were going through the transition from MN to MA, I had lots of interesting dreams that needed interpretation. I met a pastor named Gretchen from the synod we were serving in who could interpret dreams. She was dead on. It was uncanny and totally from God. He led us here, especially through dreams.
Some exciting news! Malachi had his first day of preschool today. I was dropping Adi off and the teacher asked if he would like to stay too. He did...all day. Wow.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Jordan - Genesis 39
I appreciate that this chapter is in stark contrast to the last. In chapter 38, I didn't have much to say because it was rather raw and one of those stories that drips more with culture than the Word. Chapter 39 is the opposite. It speaks of a God who is with Joseph, but in an abstract way which is something I can relate to more than than the God that is physically or audibly present in the previous chapters of Genesis.
Yes, the "God was with him" might be the author's interpretation of success and prosperity, but it is hard to argue with the fact that Joseph must have had a bit of "luck." But, my feeling is that God wasn't with Joseph to make him rich, God was with him to keep him from gettin dead. This world was dangerous and being rich or being in charge kept you safe. The same goes for poor countries today, the more power you have, the more likely you are to survive. It was very important in God's plan to keep these promised ones alive.
Equally important to God's plan is part 2 of this Book. There, God's Son, with no earthly possessions teaches that those who have little will have a lot in the Kingdom of God.
If you have two coats...
Considering his history, if I was Joseph, I'd stop wearing coats all together.
After being sold into slavery, Joseph lands in Potiphar's house, who is one of the Pharaoh's higher ups.
"As it turned out, God was with Joseph and things went very well with him. His master recognized that God was with him, saw that God was working for good in everything he did."
Joseph's life of "success" has plenty of ups and downs. After being seduced by his master's wife, he was thrown into jail.
"But there in jail God was still with Joseph: He reached out in kindness to him; he put him on good terms with the head jailer. The head jailer put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners—he ended up managing the whole operation. The head jailer gave Joseph free rein, never even checked on him, because God was with him; whatever he did God made sure it worked out for the best."
My top 3 spiritual gifts are leadership, administration, and faith. My life verse is Romans 8:28, "All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose." I can relate to Joseph.
At Confirmation on Monday night, we talked about the uncertainty of life. We also brainstormed what we can be certain about in regard to God:
#1. He loves us.
#2. He is with us.
That's it and it's enough.
After being sold into slavery, Joseph lands in Potiphar's house, who is one of the Pharaoh's higher ups.
"As it turned out, God was with Joseph and things went very well with him. His master recognized that God was with him, saw that God was working for good in everything he did."
Joseph's life of "success" has plenty of ups and downs. After being seduced by his master's wife, he was thrown into jail.
"But there in jail God was still with Joseph: He reached out in kindness to him; he put him on good terms with the head jailer. The head jailer put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners—he ended up managing the whole operation. The head jailer gave Joseph free rein, never even checked on him, because God was with him; whatever he did God made sure it worked out for the best."
My top 3 spiritual gifts are leadership, administration, and faith. My life verse is Romans 8:28, "All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose." I can relate to Joseph.
At Confirmation on Monday night, we talked about the uncertainty of life. We also brainstormed what we can be certain about in regard to God:
#1. He loves us.
#2. He is with us.
That's it and it's enough.
Kelly - Genesis 39
One part of today's reading troubles me....it keeps repeating "The Lord was with Joseph and gave him success."
It certainly works well in this story, but the relationship between faith and success never seems so straightforward in this world. Many people who are faithful to God and the "the Lord is with" suffer because of it. Many who are hugely successful are immoral twerps.
However much Calvin may have wanted faith and success to be linked, they just aren't.
And though the Lord is certainly capable of granting success, I find it much more likely that Joseph was successful because he was a highly educated slave used to managing large households and great wealth. He came from generations of wealthy Hebrews. Compared to other slaves that were available in Potiphar's household, I would expect someone with Joseph's past to be more capable than the others at household, and jail, management.
It certainly works well in this story, but the relationship between faith and success never seems so straightforward in this world. Many people who are faithful to God and the "the Lord is with" suffer because of it. Many who are hugely successful are immoral twerps.
However much Calvin may have wanted faith and success to be linked, they just aren't.
And though the Lord is certainly capable of granting success, I find it much more likely that Joseph was successful because he was a highly educated slave used to managing large households and great wealth. He came from generations of wealthy Hebrews. Compared to other slaves that were available in Potiphar's household, I would expect someone with Joseph's past to be more capable than the others at household, and jail, management.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Jordan - Genesis 38
Where does one go with these chapters in the Bible? Its crazy that this is the line of David. To think if Tamar had not been smart enough to take Judah's signet, cord and staff then she would have been burned.
And now for something completely different...
Genesis is all about the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Yesterday, we shifted to Joseph's story, although the lineage of Jesus goes through Judah. Joseph's 2nd dream is about the sun and moon and eleven stars bowing down to him. Jacob's reprimand: "What's with all this dreaming? Am I and your mother and your brothers all supposed to bow down to you?"
Isn't Rachel gone? She died in Genesis 35, giving birth to Benjamin. Benjamin is obviously there, represented by the 11th star.
At the end of chapter 37, Joseph has landed in Potiphar's house. Today we read about Tamar. Take a moment and flip to Matthew 1. If you go 15 generations into God's story, you'll find 4 women mentioned:
"The family tree of Jesus Christ, David's son, Abraham's son:
Abraham had Isaac,
Isaac had Jacob,
Jacob had Judah and his brothers,
Judah had Perez and Zerah (the mother was Tamar),
Perez had Hezron,
Hezron had Aram,
Aram had Amminadab,
Amminadab had Nahshon,
Nahshon had Salmon,
Salmon had Boaz (his mother was Rahab),
Boaz had Obed (Ruth was the mother),
Obed had Jesse,
Jesse had David,
and David became king.
David had Solomon (Uriah's wife was the mother)..."
Tamar is the first. Each of the women are foreigners or prostitutes. And Jesus comes from this line. Perez is another example of God blessing the one without the bright red thread around his hand.
Hope for all us 2nd born children...
Isn't Rachel gone? She died in Genesis 35, giving birth to Benjamin. Benjamin is obviously there, represented by the 11th star.
At the end of chapter 37, Joseph has landed in Potiphar's house. Today we read about Tamar. Take a moment and flip to Matthew 1. If you go 15 generations into God's story, you'll find 4 women mentioned:
"The family tree of Jesus Christ, David's son, Abraham's son:
Abraham had Isaac,
Isaac had Jacob,
Jacob had Judah and his brothers,
Judah had Perez and Zerah (the mother was Tamar),
Perez had Hezron,
Hezron had Aram,
Aram had Amminadab,
Amminadab had Nahshon,
Nahshon had Salmon,
Salmon had Boaz (his mother was Rahab),
Boaz had Obed (Ruth was the mother),
Obed had Jesse,
Jesse had David,
and David became king.
David had Solomon (Uriah's wife was the mother)..."
Tamar is the first. Each of the women are foreigners or prostitutes. And Jesus comes from this line. Perez is another example of God blessing the one without the bright red thread around his hand.
Hope for all us 2nd born children...
Kelly - Genesis 38
Not much to say here - except that this is one of those stories I always forget exists. Another example of being sneaky, another example of marrying "outsiders", another example of brother against brother.
As I read it, I see more insight about economic security systems and cultural interactions than I can find of personal meaning. I can appreciate this story, but have a hard time relating to it or finding deeper meaning for my life.
As I read it, I see more insight about economic security systems and cultural interactions than I can find of personal meaning. I can appreciate this story, but have a hard time relating to it or finding deeper meaning for my life.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Jordan - Genesis 37
Oh Joseph, what a silly little kid. I can't imagine ever telling my brothers and sisters that I had a dream that they all bowed down to me. They probably wouldn't throw me into a pit or sell me to the Catholics, but they certainly wouldn't appreciate my big head. Lucky for Joseph, Reuben has a bit of sense and keeps the other brothers from killing him.
God favored Able and Jacob favors Joseph and nothing good comes from either. As a father, I wonder about the future and for some reason favoring one kid over another. Maybe David cures cancer and James is in a garage band. Or maybe James pitches in the major leagues and David is still carrying a lunchbox with animals. Its not something I actually worry about, but you wonder as a dad because you always hear those stories where one kid just doesn't feel as special as the other.
God favored Able and Jacob favors Joseph and nothing good comes from either. As a father, I wonder about the future and for some reason favoring one kid over another. Maybe David cures cancer and James is in a garage band. Or maybe James pitches in the major leagues and David is still carrying a lunchbox with animals. Its not something I actually worry about, but you wonder as a dad because you always hear those stories where one kid just doesn't feel as special as the other.
37
I have told youth for the past 15 years that my favorite number is 37...for a very biblical reason. I'll give you two weeks to figure it out.
You'll find a hint in Genesis 30 (think 30 Hour Famine).
I can say no more or I'll give it away completely.
You'll find a hint in Genesis 30 (think 30 Hour Famine).
I can say no more or I'll give it away completely.
Kelly - Genesis 37
So when did we stop looking at dreams as a potential view to the future?
Is it all Freud's fault that dreams have stopped being about the world at large and all about our own psyche? In that view, Joseph's dream isn't about what was going to happen, but rather about his interpretation of the way things were. And who could fault him for thinking the world bowed down to him the way his father treated him?
Does God still talk through dreams and we have lost the ability to listen? Or does God now speak to us in ways that we hear? Or both - does God always speak in a multitude of ways, but our human selves, locked in culture, only hear in a select few ways?
Is it all Freud's fault that dreams have stopped being about the world at large and all about our own psyche? In that view, Joseph's dream isn't about what was going to happen, but rather about his interpretation of the way things were. And who could fault him for thinking the world bowed down to him the way his father treated him?
Does God still talk through dreams and we have lost the ability to listen? Or does God now speak to us in ways that we hear? Or both - does God always speak in a multitude of ways, but our human selves, locked in culture, only hear in a select few ways?
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Kelly - Genesis 35
Rachel died in childbirth on the way to Bethlehem. Mary certainly knew this story - I wonder how it affected how she felt on that journey.
I'm also struck by how little is made of Reuben's actions in comparison to Dinah's in the previous chapter. Dinah nearly married a man of a different religion and the entire town gets slaughtered as a result. Reuben sleeps with his brother's mother and all we get is "Israel heard of it." Even allowing for class distinctions and the role of the eldest son - this action is creepy and the reation is understated.
I'm also struck by how little is made of Reuben's actions in comparison to Dinah's in the previous chapter. Dinah nearly married a man of a different religion and the entire town gets slaughtered as a result. Reuben sleeps with his brother's mother and all we get is "Israel heard of it." Even allowing for class distinctions and the role of the eldest son - this action is creepy and the reation is understated.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Kelly - Genesis 34
Certainly one of the more interesting stories of Genesis! And again, competely colored by my reading of The Red Tent.
What strikes me today, though, is the role that racial purity plays in the story. Throughout the Old Testament there's a tension between keeping the descendents of Abraham pure and separate from the surrounding peoples (as when Isaac's wife is procured from among his own kin) and accepting the role of foreigners in the land (as in the book of Ruth). This story is very strongly about keeping separate from the people around them.
We do the same things....sometimes we're about being apart from this world - Christians are different with different values than the world around us - and sometimes we're about assimilating this culture into our Christian life. This tension plays out in the way I raise my children, in the ways we approach visitors to the church and the neighborhood around us, and in the political discourse on TV.
We are the people of God - we are different. As a professor I had once stated - "You shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you Odd." But we are also called to be in the world - a light to the nations, the salt of the earth. It's a difficult tightrope to walk.
What strikes me today, though, is the role that racial purity plays in the story. Throughout the Old Testament there's a tension between keeping the descendents of Abraham pure and separate from the surrounding peoples (as when Isaac's wife is procured from among his own kin) and accepting the role of foreigners in the land (as in the book of Ruth). This story is very strongly about keeping separate from the people around them.
We do the same things....sometimes we're about being apart from this world - Christians are different with different values than the world around us - and sometimes we're about assimilating this culture into our Christian life. This tension plays out in the way I raise my children, in the ways we approach visitors to the church and the neighborhood around us, and in the political discourse on TV.
We are the people of God - we are different. As a professor I had once stated - "You shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you Odd." But we are also called to be in the world - a light to the nations, the salt of the earth. It's a difficult tightrope to walk.
Jordan - Genesis 33
When my brothers and I get together, its like we were never apart. We share the same humor and tell the same stories. Nothing is better than hanging out with people who know you better than you know yourself! That isn't true for all siblings. I am certainly blessed with an awesome family.
To echo Sue and Kelly, Jacob and Esau are a different story. What starts off in this chapter like the story of the Prodigal Brother again leaves a strange taste in my mouth when Jacob ditches Esau. At first, you think Jacob is genuinely excited to see his brother, and perhaps he was, but the kicker is him saying that looking at Esau is like looking into the face of God. Because, of course, Jacob has looked into the face of God. And yet, an hour or so later, Jacob sneaks off again. Granted, God did tell him to go a certain way, but you would think that maybe he would at least ask Esau to join him or visit him or something.
On a side note, I am off for a couple days with the family to go see the in-laws in upstate New York. I will blog again on Sunday or Monday.
To echo Sue and Kelly, Jacob and Esau are a different story. What starts off in this chapter like the story of the Prodigal Brother again leaves a strange taste in my mouth when Jacob ditches Esau. At first, you think Jacob is genuinely excited to see his brother, and perhaps he was, but the kicker is him saying that looking at Esau is like looking into the face of God. Because, of course, Jacob has looked into the face of God. And yet, an hour or so later, Jacob sneaks off again. Granted, God did tell him to go a certain way, but you would think that maybe he would at least ask Esau to join him or visit him or something.
On a side note, I am off for a couple days with the family to go see the in-laws in upstate New York. I will blog again on Sunday or Monday.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Jealousy
I'm still here! I haven't had much to say about the readings lately. They are such familiar stories they have not been speaking to me. The one thing I do wonder about is the amount of jealousy in these readings. Everyone seems to be out to get someone else. Where is the love?
I wonder about this because in these chapters God is present to these people. He speaks to them and makes great promises to them yet they don't seem to appreciate what he does for them. They are worried about what they are not getting. I guess it's human nature.
I think the lesson I hear from these chapters is not to want something you don't have. Don't covet your neighbors posessions! We are all truly blessed in our own way we just need to see our blessings and appreciate them.
I wonder about this because in these chapters God is present to these people. He speaks to them and makes great promises to them yet they don't seem to appreciate what he does for them. They are worried about what they are not getting. I guess it's human nature.
I think the lesson I hear from these chapters is not to want something you don't have. Don't covet your neighbors posessions! We are all truly blessed in our own way we just need to see our blessings and appreciate them.
Kelly - Genesis 33
I don't trust Jacob in this passage - and I'm not sure what to make of his actions at all.
I admit that he was afraid - but he refers to himself as Esau's servant and calls him "my lord" - which is strange after Genesis makes such a big deal out of how Esau will be Jacob's servant, as revealed in Isaac's blessing. And rather than follow his brother to Seir, he settles in Succoth - why bother lying to Esau on this issue? Why not just tell him he was planning on settling nearby in Succoth?
Watching Jacob in action is a bit like watching a chess match. I can't figure out what he's up to or why. Sometimes his motives make sense (like the fear he has returning to his brother or even his scheming for blessings/birthrights/flocks). But in passages like this one I can't figure out if he's acting out of fear, or plotting something new, truly conciliatory towards his brother...or what?
I admit that he was afraid - but he refers to himself as Esau's servant and calls him "my lord" - which is strange after Genesis makes such a big deal out of how Esau will be Jacob's servant, as revealed in Isaac's blessing. And rather than follow his brother to Seir, he settles in Succoth - why bother lying to Esau on this issue? Why not just tell him he was planning on settling nearby in Succoth?
Watching Jacob in action is a bit like watching a chess match. I can't figure out what he's up to or why. Sometimes his motives make sense (like the fear he has returning to his brother or even his scheming for blessings/birthrights/flocks). But in passages like this one I can't figure out if he's acting out of fear, or plotting something new, truly conciliatory towards his brother...or what?
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Kelly - Genesis 32
I spent most of today thinking over this chapter - it's dense, but I've also studied it and talked about it so much that it borders on being trite in my mind. It's always hard to find new meaning in those passages I've known so well.
I think the biggest part of my day was spent thinking about all the ways I've encountered God when I needed to - or failed to encounter God when I wanted to.
God came to Jacob/Israel in a wrestling match. I've certainly wrestled with God - in fact, that's probably the best description of my faith life at this point in time. It certainly isn't a lack of faith - but struggles for control, times of submission, and spurts of anger and rebellion are all rolled into one prolonged encounter.
I've also known God as peaceful comforter, as Forgiver, as the One who bestows blessings, as the One who has expectations of me, as intellectual puzzle (I must confess, my favorite and most comfortable place for God in my life). I have known God as absent - or as making me wait when I wanted some immediate response and direction.
But I also realize that through all of this, I do not know God very well as One to be Feared. The God of the Pillar of Fire is rather foreign to me - as I think to most people in our time and culture. I'm always afraid to say that I wish I knew more of this side of God (because I'm afraid of how God might teach that lesson), but I think there's something lacking in my faith because of this way of not understanding God.
I think the biggest part of my day was spent thinking about all the ways I've encountered God when I needed to - or failed to encounter God when I wanted to.
God came to Jacob/Israel in a wrestling match. I've certainly wrestled with God - in fact, that's probably the best description of my faith life at this point in time. It certainly isn't a lack of faith - but struggles for control, times of submission, and spurts of anger and rebellion are all rolled into one prolonged encounter.
I've also known God as peaceful comforter, as Forgiver, as the One who bestows blessings, as the One who has expectations of me, as intellectual puzzle (I must confess, my favorite and most comfortable place for God in my life). I have known God as absent - or as making me wait when I wanted some immediate response and direction.
But I also realize that through all of this, I do not know God very well as One to be Feared. The God of the Pillar of Fire is rather foreign to me - as I think to most people in our time and culture. I'm always afraid to say that I wish I knew more of this side of God (because I'm afraid of how God might teach that lesson), but I think there's something lacking in my faith because of this way of not understanding God.
Jordan - Genesis 32
What a great chapter, so many things going on here it is hard to find a place to start. First, in verses 9-12, Jacob prays to God and it almost sounds like an odd cross between Psalm 23 and the Lord's Prayer. At least, that is what I thought of as I imagined a man in the middle of nowhere with his entire family and people who feared his that his brother's anger would turn to violence. As if to say "God, I walk in fear, but deliver me from what evil might be before me, thy rod and thy staff, please comfort me. You, oh God, lead me down the right path, right? You promised goodness and mercy all the days of my life. Forgive me my sins and convince my brother to do likewise!"
God responds with a wrestling match. As only God would, its probably the last thing that Jacob expected. But Jacob had doubts of God's promise, so what better way to get his undivided attention than by dividing his leg from his hip. Jacob holds on to God and "prevails" and is named Israel. Sort of in parallel to how the Israelites hold on to God over the centuries and prevail.
One note that my Lutheran Study Bible points out in this chapter is the a "key Lutheran theological principle is: The finite is capable of the infinite." I had never heard that principle before although to be a Christian you truly have to believe it. We need to believe that our little selves in this giant world can make differences that transcend time. Our eternal life would be that much sweeter. Jacob wrestles God and prevails and his story is still being told. How has God wrestled with you?
God responds with a wrestling match. As only God would, its probably the last thing that Jacob expected. But Jacob had doubts of God's promise, so what better way to get his undivided attention than by dividing his leg from his hip. Jacob holds on to God and "prevails" and is named Israel. Sort of in parallel to how the Israelites hold on to God over the centuries and prevail.
One note that my Lutheran Study Bible points out in this chapter is the a "key Lutheran theological principle is: The finite is capable of the infinite." I had never heard that principle before although to be a Christian you truly have to believe it. We need to believe that our little selves in this giant world can make differences that transcend time. Our eternal life would be that much sweeter. Jacob wrestles God and prevails and his story is still being told. How has God wrestled with you?
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Kelly - Genesis 31
This chapter uses 3 names for God - two of which are new to me.
1. The God of Bethel - the only time I can think of where God is specifically tied to a place (until the building of the temple). Perhaps Jacob meant something like "the God I met at Bethel" - but I still find this title for God a little strange. I've always thought that tying God to a specific place led to more trouble than not - but it is a very human thing to do. There are certainly a number of people who have spent generations at Faith Lutheran - and separating their love for place from their love of God is a little sticky sometimes. And the importance of a location is key in all the wars that have taken place (and continue to take place) over the land of Israel for the past several thousand years.
I've lived in enough places and attended enough churches over the past 30 years that this doesn't play the same role in my life. But there are places in my memory where God has made a difference in my life. When I have returned to them, though, they have been different. Perhaps the places have changed, perhaps my memory has embellished - but that doesn't change what they are in my faith life.
2. The God of Abraham - Nothing new here.
3. The Fear of Isaac - This is strange. I'm not used to equating God with Fear - especially as a name - but I can accept it. What I don't quite see is why Isaac is singled out as the one who fears God. Perhaps this begins when his father almost sacrificed him on an altar in obedience to God. Perhaps Jacob invokes this fear in his own self-preservation. He had cheated Isaac out of his blessing - and refers to Isaac's need to fear God in order that his own status is strengthened and assured.
1. The God of Bethel - the only time I can think of where God is specifically tied to a place (until the building of the temple). Perhaps Jacob meant something like "the God I met at Bethel" - but I still find this title for God a little strange. I've always thought that tying God to a specific place led to more trouble than not - but it is a very human thing to do. There are certainly a number of people who have spent generations at Faith Lutheran - and separating their love for place from their love of God is a little sticky sometimes. And the importance of a location is key in all the wars that have taken place (and continue to take place) over the land of Israel for the past several thousand years.
I've lived in enough places and attended enough churches over the past 30 years that this doesn't play the same role in my life. But there are places in my memory where God has made a difference in my life. When I have returned to them, though, they have been different. Perhaps the places have changed, perhaps my memory has embellished - but that doesn't change what they are in my faith life.
2. The God of Abraham - Nothing new here.
3. The Fear of Isaac - This is strange. I'm not used to equating God with Fear - especially as a name - but I can accept it. What I don't quite see is why Isaac is singled out as the one who fears God. Perhaps this begins when his father almost sacrificed him on an altar in obedience to God. Perhaps Jacob invokes this fear in his own self-preservation. He had cheated Isaac out of his blessing - and refers to Isaac's need to fear God in order that his own status is strengthened and assured.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Kelly - Genesis 30
I know we've talked about the meaning behind names before - and how that continues today. But, really - I think it's a bit of a stretch to attribute some of these meanings to the names of the tribes. I wouldn't mind being named "honor" (Zebulun), but to be called "my hire" after a night of bargaining fertility-inducing mandrakes (Issachar) is a little weird. I think the attempts of the later authors to explain why the tribes are named the way they are may have stretched a bit far in some of these cases.
"Kelly" was chosen simply because it went well with my previous name "O'Neill" - But names are have always been more important in Marcus's family. Rose is named after Marcus's grandmother. And Marcus and his dad both have the middle name "Christian", so Rose's middle name is Christina. Benjamin was named after the 12th son of Jacob. And his middle name is Neill - since I have no brothers (but it's not like we were really afraid of the name O'Neill dying out - any more than Hansen is likely to). Strangely, I've spent my entire life with basic last names that are constantly misspelled.
As an aside, most people in New England have read The Red Tent by now, but if you haven't, I HIGHLY recommend it. It's the story of what might have happened to Dinah. By Anita Diamant.
"Kelly" was chosen simply because it went well with my previous name "O'Neill" - But names are have always been more important in Marcus's family. Rose is named after Marcus's grandmother. And Marcus and his dad both have the middle name "Christian", so Rose's middle name is Christina. Benjamin was named after the 12th son of Jacob. And his middle name is Neill - since I have no brothers (but it's not like we were really afraid of the name O'Neill dying out - any more than Hansen is likely to). Strangely, I've spent my entire life with basic last names that are constantly misspelled.
As an aside, most people in New England have read The Red Tent by now, but if you haven't, I HIGHLY recommend it. It's the story of what might have happened to Dinah. By Anita Diamant.
Jordan - Genesis 30
So the twelve sons of Jacob are born and named. A strange competition between two sisters to see who can conceive more sons. Then, when all is said and done, Jacob leaves and gets the better half of the flock by manipulating Laban. I'm tellin you, there are some great genes in this family!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Jordan - Genesis 29
Karma is the idea that your actions have direct or indirect consequences. Jacob steals his brother's blessing by imitating him and taking advantage of his old, poor-sighted father. Laban tricks Jacob into marrying his eldest daughter by sneaking Leah in on his wedding night with Rachel. (How in the world Jacob doesn't realize this is beyond me.) Its Esau's sweet revenge if you think about it from Jacob's perspective.
However, poor Leah is stuck with a "husband" who never wanted to be with her. Interestingly, the retribution is for her to conceive sons. The same gender that put her in this ridiculous situation. What a world!
However, poor Leah is stuck with a "husband" who never wanted to be with her. Interestingly, the retribution is for her to conceive sons. The same gender that put her in this ridiculous situation. What a world!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Jordan - Genesis 28
"You only get what you give" is a song by the New Radicals and jumped into my head when I read chapter 28. But as soon as I thought of it, I realized it was wrong. God already gave us the world and gave us his Son to die for our sins.
Maybe the New Radicals had it backwards. Should it be, "you only give what you get?" Give 10% only because you received 100%. But that doesn't really sound right either. And yet, Jacob basically says that he will give if he receives what God has promised. But what really makes people give? Is it because they feel rich, or thankful, or is there something else that drives people to give back to God?
Maybe the New Radicals had it backwards. Should it be, "you only give what you get?" Give 10% only because you received 100%. But that doesn't really sound right either. And yet, Jacob basically says that he will give if he receives what God has promised. But what really makes people give? Is it because they feel rich, or thankful, or is there something else that drives people to give back to God?
A tenth
In our last three verses today, Jacob vows, "If God stands by me and protects me on this journey on which I'm setting out, keeps me in food and clothing, and brings me back in one piece to my father's house, this God will be my God. Everything you give me, I'll return a tenth to you."
After hearing stories of pastors and their members sacrificially giving 15-30% of their incomes for God's work in the church and the world, now more than ever I believe that, as core members of Faith, we ought to strive toward that Old Testament standard. What could God do with our gifts if we all went shoulder to shoulder and sacrificially gave?
Does God stand by us? Does he protect us on this journey of faith? Does he keep us in food and clothing (and so much more)? Does he draw us to his house and send us forth in peace to love and serve him?
He's certainly kept up his part of the deal in our lives. Will we?
After hearing stories of pastors and their members sacrificially giving 15-30% of their incomes for God's work in the church and the world, now more than ever I believe that, as core members of Faith, we ought to strive toward that Old Testament standard. What could God do with our gifts if we all went shoulder to shoulder and sacrificially gave?
Does God stand by us? Does he protect us on this journey of faith? Does he keep us in food and clothing (and so much more)? Does he draw us to his house and send us forth in peace to love and serve him?
He's certainly kept up his part of the deal in our lives. Will we?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
