" . . . so it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ." Philippians Ch.1, vs. 13
Have you ever known anyone who is in prison?
How about arrested? At a public supper here in Dennysville recently, in honor of a retiring deputy sheriff, the Master of Ceremonies asked those whom he had ever arrested to stand up, and good portion of the room did so.
Paul also knew what it was like to be arrested, and imprisoned--and not just once! He wrote his famous Epistle to the Philippians from prison in Rome. Unlike his first house arrest, when he was able to live in a rented house for two years, as Luke tells us, and "welcome all those who came to him," (Acts Ch. 28, vs. 30,) this time he was locked up, under constant surveillance, and wearing chains.
What is it like to be in prison? It's not called doing time for nothing. If we, as Christians, are to remember those in prison "as though in prison with them," (Hebrews Ch. 13, vs. 3,) we need to have some idea of what it is like. We are all hemmed in by circumstances beyond our control, whether there are bars and walls or not. Mark Twain has one of his characters declare:
"I wish I wasn't cramped and kept down and fettered with poverty. . . . Oh, it is a fearful thing to be poor."
What is it that imprison you and me, and what can we do about it? Are we really as helpless as we feel?
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul lets us into the mind of a prisoner, giving us a glimpse of his own mind. Despite the reality of chains and guards, God was still at work:
"But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ . . ."
Then there was the trickle down effect:
"and most of the brethren in the Lord having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear." Philippian Ch. 1., vs. 12, 13, 14.
Who wants to go to prison? How do we respond to the limitations and restrictions that the changes and chances of this fleeting world cast upon us?
What lessons, if any, does Paul have to teach us about being "in prison"?
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Snakes
"They will take up snakes, and if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them." Mark Ch. 16, vs. 18.
Do you like snakes?
To call someone a snake is to imply he is deceptive, slippery, and liable to strike without warning.
Perhaps we have the serpent in the Garden of Eden to thank for that. Would Eve have responded so receptively to Satan's suggestion--'Go ahead, take a bite, it won't hurt you'-- if she what she saw was so repulsive?
The consequences for that first disobedience fell not only on Adam and Eve, but on the serpent, also, suggesting a kind of metamorphosis:
"Upon your belly you shall go,
and dust you shall eat all the days of your life." Genesis Ch. 3, vs. 14
However beguiling the original form of the serpent, it became something detestable:
"God said to the serpent, 'Because you have done this,
cursed are you above all cattle, and all wild animals.'
How can anyone snuggle up to a snake, except, perhaps, with extreme caution.?
Yet here, in Mark's Gospel, we find even this old Enemy is no longer a deadly threat to those who have place their trust in Jesus. Mark quotes Him in chapter 16, verses 17 and 18, saying:
" In my Name they will cast out demons,
they will speak in new tongues,
they will pick up serpents,
and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them;
they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover"
Remarkable! So remarkable, in fact, that some scholars have considered them improbable, and concluded the Gospel after verse 8, before the account of the Resurrection.
Or is Mark telling us, in his breathless, straightforward style, that, as believers, we need not worry, for sin has been crushed at its fountainhead by Jesus Himself, on the Cross? As God said to the serpent in the Garden of Eden:
"He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."
We can safely leave the handling of serpents to snake charmers, and other who feel called to do so.
But rest assured, the Ancient Serpent has been dealt with, Death has lost its sting, and there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Tread carefully, but do not fear. Snakes will not hurt you.
Do you like snakes?
To call someone a snake is to imply he is deceptive, slippery, and liable to strike without warning.
Perhaps we have the serpent in the Garden of Eden to thank for that. Would Eve have responded so receptively to Satan's suggestion--'Go ahead, take a bite, it won't hurt you'-- if she what she saw was so repulsive?
The consequences for that first disobedience fell not only on Adam and Eve, but on the serpent, also, suggesting a kind of metamorphosis:
"Upon your belly you shall go,
and dust you shall eat all the days of your life." Genesis Ch. 3, vs. 14
However beguiling the original form of the serpent, it became something detestable:
"God said to the serpent, 'Because you have done this,
cursed are you above all cattle, and all wild animals.'
How can anyone snuggle up to a snake, except, perhaps, with extreme caution.?
Yet here, in Mark's Gospel, we find even this old Enemy is no longer a deadly threat to those who have place their trust in Jesus. Mark quotes Him in chapter 16, verses 17 and 18, saying:
" In my Name they will cast out demons,
they will speak in new tongues,
they will pick up serpents,
and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them;
they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover"
Remarkable! So remarkable, in fact, that some scholars have considered them improbable, and concluded the Gospel after verse 8, before the account of the Resurrection.
Or is Mark telling us, in his breathless, straightforward style, that, as believers, we need not worry, for sin has been crushed at its fountainhead by Jesus Himself, on the Cross? As God said to the serpent in the Garden of Eden:
"He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."
We can safely leave the handling of serpents to snake charmers, and other who feel called to do so.
But rest assured, the Ancient Serpent has been dealt with, Death has lost its sting, and there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Tread carefully, but do not fear. Snakes will not hurt you.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Stubby-Fingers
"And immediately they left their nets and followed Him." Mark Ch. 1, vs. 18.
The nickname Stubby-Fingers was attributed to Mark, the Evangelist, from the earliest days of the Church. Why? The ancient world loved using such short forms, just as we do. Like "old Copper-Guts" or "Golden-Tongued," it didn't really refer to physical features so much as an unusual or defining personal characteristic.
In Mark's case, we know from his gospel, that he liked to write things down as he heard them. One of his favorites words, used over and over again, is "immediately"--at least six time in first chapter alone. Count them! In this earnest, breathless style, Mark recorded the details of Jesus' ministry as he heard them from Paul, and Peter, and those who had seen Him. Compared with the other gospel writers, Mark's manner of speech is simple, declarative, and sometimes a little clipped, like a reporter who wants to get out the facts of the matter.
What do we know about him? From the beginning he was identified as John Mark, the nephew of Barnabas, and described in the Book of Acts, Ch. 13, as accompanying his uncle and Paul on their first missionary journey, only to loose heart and return home in the middle of their travels. Later, we find him reconciled to Paul, who wrote to Timothy from his prison cell in Rome, "Bring Mark with you, for I find him a useful assistant." 2 Timothy Ch. 4, vs. 12.
Younger than the twelve Apostles, tradition places him in Rome during Peter's ministry and imprisonment, and eventual execution. It is reasonable to suppose that his Gospel records what he heard from him.
Mark also gives us a tantalizing glimpse of what happened the night Jesus was betrayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. He reports the very words of Jesus' agonizing prayer, "Lord, not my will, but Thine be done." With all the other disciples asleep, who would have heard that, except for his comment that "a certain young man followed Him, with nothing on but a linen cloth. They tried to seize him, but he slipped out of the linen cloth and ran away naked." Ch. 14, vs. 51-52. A breathless and unforgettable incident, noted in none of the other gospels.
Could this be Mark, giving us a glimpse of himself, as a curious teenager, following from the upper room in his nightshirt and watching from the shadows, and when surprised and grabbed, wriggling out of it and running home naked?
No wonder he was out of breath! Under those circumstances, wouldn't you run home too? Immediately? Stubby-Fingers!
QUESTION: In each chapter, how many times can you count the use of the word "immediately"? Report your result by clicking on the comment button below, and entering the chapter and number. It's easy! Note: different versions may yield slightly different results, as the word for "immediately" , or euthus in the original Greek, is sometimes rendered ""directly" or "straightway", or in some other way.
Go ahead and pick a chapter, any chapter, and try it!
The nickname Stubby-Fingers was attributed to Mark, the Evangelist, from the earliest days of the Church. Why? The ancient world loved using such short forms, just as we do. Like "old Copper-Guts" or "Golden-Tongued," it didn't really refer to physical features so much as an unusual or defining personal characteristic.
In Mark's case, we know from his gospel, that he liked to write things down as he heard them. One of his favorites words, used over and over again, is "immediately"--at least six time in first chapter alone. Count them! In this earnest, breathless style, Mark recorded the details of Jesus' ministry as he heard them from Paul, and Peter, and those who had seen Him. Compared with the other gospel writers, Mark's manner of speech is simple, declarative, and sometimes a little clipped, like a reporter who wants to get out the facts of the matter.
What do we know about him? From the beginning he was identified as John Mark, the nephew of Barnabas, and described in the Book of Acts, Ch. 13, as accompanying his uncle and Paul on their first missionary journey, only to loose heart and return home in the middle of their travels. Later, we find him reconciled to Paul, who wrote to Timothy from his prison cell in Rome, "Bring Mark with you, for I find him a useful assistant." 2 Timothy Ch. 4, vs. 12.
Younger than the twelve Apostles, tradition places him in Rome during Peter's ministry and imprisonment, and eventual execution. It is reasonable to suppose that his Gospel records what he heard from him.
Mark also gives us a tantalizing glimpse of what happened the night Jesus was betrayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. He reports the very words of Jesus' agonizing prayer, "Lord, not my will, but Thine be done." With all the other disciples asleep, who would have heard that, except for his comment that "a certain young man followed Him, with nothing on but a linen cloth. They tried to seize him, but he slipped out of the linen cloth and ran away naked." Ch. 14, vs. 51-52. A breathless and unforgettable incident, noted in none of the other gospels.
Could this be Mark, giving us a glimpse of himself, as a curious teenager, following from the upper room in his nightshirt and watching from the shadows, and when surprised and grabbed, wriggling out of it and running home naked?
No wonder he was out of breath! Under those circumstances, wouldn't you run home too? Immediately? Stubby-Fingers!
QUESTION: In each chapter, how many times can you count the use of the word "immediately"? Report your result by clicking on the comment button below, and entering the chapter and number. It's easy! Note: different versions may yield slightly different results, as the word for "immediately" , or euthus in the original Greek, is sometimes rendered ""directly" or "straightway", or in some other way.
Go ahead and pick a chapter, any chapter, and try it!
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
A Fresh Start
"For the strong arm of the wicked shall be broken,
but the Lord upholds the righteous." Psalm 37, vs. 17
Does the prescription of punishment for the wicked and rewards for the righteous seem a little too simplistic to you? Does is sound like a superficial seal of approval that covers over the murkiness of our human existence?
Consider the first chapters of the Book of Kings. While King David lay dying his sons are squaring off over his throne, and everyone has a score to settle. How can justice be done?
Then King David ordered them to place Solomon on his own mule, the Presidential limousine of its day, to take him to Gihon. "There let Zadoc the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him King over Israel. . . .And people shouted 'Long live King Solomon!'... so that the earth split with the noise." I Kings Ch. 1, vs. 34 & 40.
On hearing the noise, Adonijah, and all those with him, realized the game was up; they had overplayed their hand. At the moment of their triumph, tasting victory, they were swept away utterly.
Does this seem murky to you? From our perspective, our own lives often appear so, and our choices are like logs in a jam. Reading the Book of Kings, however, we can see that God's purposes are worked out through it all. As we become familiar with the personalities of the Bible, and their circumstances, the mists begin to clear, revealing God's hand upon them: the strong arm of the wicked being broken, and those who trust in the righteousness of God, being upheld.
It means a fresh start for everyone, ourselves included.
Does that seem simple to you?
but the Lord upholds the righteous." Psalm 37, vs. 17
Does the prescription of punishment for the wicked and rewards for the righteous seem a little too simplistic to you? Does is sound like a superficial seal of approval that covers over the murkiness of our human existence?
Consider the first chapters of the Book of Kings. While King David lay dying his sons are squaring off over his throne, and everyone has a score to settle. How can justice be done?
- The eldest son, Adonijah, claims the crown, and has invited everyone to his inaugural banquet.
- Among his supporters are the high priest Abiathar, like our Secretary of State, and Joab, acting as the Secretary of Defense, as well as all the top bureaucrats;
- David, however, had promised the throne to Solomon, his younger son by another marriage, and has the help of only two religious leaders with one lesser official, and the members of his royal bodyguard, the equivalent of our Secret Service.
Then King David ordered them to place Solomon on his own mule, the Presidential limousine of its day, to take him to Gihon. "There let Zadoc the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him King over Israel. . . .And people shouted 'Long live King Solomon!'... so that the earth split with the noise." I Kings Ch. 1, vs. 34 & 40.
On hearing the noise, Adonijah, and all those with him, realized the game was up; they had overplayed their hand. At the moment of their triumph, tasting victory, they were swept away utterly.
- Adonijah, double minded to the end, loses his life,
- Joab, steeped in the blood of innocent men, is executed,
- Abaithar is banished for life.
Does this seem murky to you? From our perspective, our own lives often appear so, and our choices are like logs in a jam. Reading the Book of Kings, however, we can see that God's purposes are worked out through it all. As we become familiar with the personalities of the Bible, and their circumstances, the mists begin to clear, revealing God's hand upon them: the strong arm of the wicked being broken, and those who trust in the righteousness of God, being upheld.
It means a fresh start for everyone, ourselves included.
Does that seem simple to you?
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Mining Underground in Job Chapter 28
I know it was a little while back when we read this, but I was fascinated by the description of mining for metals and jewels which is given in this chapter for a people who lived several thousand years ago. Without modern tools of any sort these people dug deep and dangerously for a living to bring, gold, silver, iron, copper and jewels such as sapphires, rubies, onyx and topaz to the surface. The passage tells of cutting shafts and digging tunnels into the "farthest reaches and blackest darkness" in places unknown. Quite a task in those days I am sure!
But Job concludes that wisdom is priceless compared with gold and jewels. "The price of wisdom is beyond rubies" (Job 28:18)
But Job concludes that wisdom is priceless compared with gold and jewels. "The price of wisdom is beyond rubies" (Job 28:18)
Readings June 2-8
We have all Old Testament readings this week. Leviticus means "relating to the Levites" because much of it pertains to God's instructions for worship in the tabernacle by priests who were sons of Aaron assisted by men from the tribe of Levi. It gives the laws and regulations for worship but it also includes instructions about ceremonial cleanness, moral laws, and holy days, the sabbath year and the Year of Jubilee. Much of it is obviously written for an ancient society very different from ours but the key thought of Leviticus is holiness. God has come down and made his dwelling in the tabernacle amongst his people Israel and his people are to respond by being holy, set apart for service for his purposes and glory and to be separated from sin. Leviticus tells the people how to be holy. In fact Chapters 17-26 are often called the 'Holiness Code' giving many instructions for holy living.
Chapters 11-15 are all about purity, ceremonial cleanness giving instructions on what is clean and unclean. Chapter 16 is about the annual Day of Atonement. An important day when the sins of the Israelites are dealt with by both sacrifice and sending a goat off into the wilderness taking all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites with it. The origin of the scapegoat!
Leviticus can be a tough read but contains many interesting items and it is referred to many times in the New Testament particularly in the book of Hebrews which tells us about Christ as our High Priest.
Ecclesiastes is our second book and it is one of the Wisdom books. It is the musings of "the Teacher" on the meaning of life, is life worthwhile? Most of the pleasures of the world are explored and found meaningless. There is that wonderful passage in chapter 3 where there is "a time for everything."
There is only one Psalm this week, Psalm 35, and it is a cry to God for help in distress.
There is so much we can learn in the Old Testament but it sometimes takes a little more digging than in the New Testament.
2 Leviticus 11 Ecclesiastes 2 Leviticus 12-13
3 Leviticus 14 Ecclesiastes 3 Leviticus 15
4 Leviticus 16 Ecclesiastes 4 Leviticus 17-18
5 Leviticus 19 Ecclesiastes 5 Leviticus 20
6 Leviticus 21 Ecclesiastes 6 Leviticus 22
7 Leviticus 23 Ecclesiastes 7 Leviticus 24
8 Leviticus 25 Ecclesiastes 8 Leviticus 26 Psalm 35
Chapters 11-15 are all about purity, ceremonial cleanness giving instructions on what is clean and unclean. Chapter 16 is about the annual Day of Atonement. An important day when the sins of the Israelites are dealt with by both sacrifice and sending a goat off into the wilderness taking all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites with it. The origin of the scapegoat!
Leviticus can be a tough read but contains many interesting items and it is referred to many times in the New Testament particularly in the book of Hebrews which tells us about Christ as our High Priest.
Ecclesiastes is our second book and it is one of the Wisdom books. It is the musings of "the Teacher" on the meaning of life, is life worthwhile? Most of the pleasures of the world are explored and found meaningless. There is that wonderful passage in chapter 3 where there is "a time for everything."
There is only one Psalm this week, Psalm 35, and it is a cry to God for help in distress.
There is so much we can learn in the Old Testament but it sometimes takes a little more digging than in the New Testament.
2 Leviticus 11 Ecclesiastes 2 Leviticus 12-13
3 Leviticus 14 Ecclesiastes 3 Leviticus 15
4 Leviticus 16 Ecclesiastes 4 Leviticus 17-18
5 Leviticus 19 Ecclesiastes 5 Leviticus 20
6 Leviticus 21 Ecclesiastes 6 Leviticus 22
7 Leviticus 23 Ecclesiastes 7 Leviticus 24
8 Leviticus 25 Ecclesiastes 8 Leviticus 26 Psalm 35
Monday, June 2, 2014
Why a Priest?
What is priest, and why do we need one?
This is the question that the Book of Leviticus sets out to answer, beginning in Chapter 1, verse 2:
"When any man of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring them from the herd or from the flock."
What then? You can't exactly place an animal on an offering plate. The offerings required of ancient Israel were not money, but agricultural produce, perhaps a cow or bull, a sheep, a dove, or grain and oil. But it must be the best available, God says to Moses, "without blemish," the choicest example.
As a burnt offering, it was to be immolated, reduced to ashes, and used up.
Wouldn't it be a strange thing if the cash on an average collection plate in a church were to be thrown onto a bonfire and incinerated? What a waste! All those checks and bills and change. It would be like throwing away the work of our hands!
What is the point? Leviticus continues:
"He shall offer it at the tent of the meeting, that he many be accepted before the Lord."
The purpose is made even clearer in the symbolic laying of his hand upon the creature's head: "and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him." vss. 3 and 4. It is offering to atone for his sin.
But how can an unacceptable, sinful human being approach the perfection of the presence of God?
The creature, whatever it might be, is to be killed, " and the sons of Aaron, the priests shall present the blood, and throw it round about against the altar that is at the door of the tent of meeting." It was an unforgettable, unmistakable scene. "And the priest shall offer the whole, and burn it upon the altar, it is a burnt offering, an offering by fire, a pleasing odor to the Lord." vss. 5 & 13, --a kind of holy barbeque.
A priest provides the necessary connection between man and God, is a link, or a great bridge, (in Latin "Pontifex Maximus,") between us and our Maker, re-connecting earth to heaven, the sinful to the sinless. Without a priest, how could we do it?
Let's think about this as we explore the Book of Leviticus together.
This is the question that the Book of Leviticus sets out to answer, beginning in Chapter 1, verse 2:
"When any man of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring them from the herd or from the flock."
What then? You can't exactly place an animal on an offering plate. The offerings required of ancient Israel were not money, but agricultural produce, perhaps a cow or bull, a sheep, a dove, or grain and oil. But it must be the best available, God says to Moses, "without blemish," the choicest example.
As a burnt offering, it was to be immolated, reduced to ashes, and used up.
Wouldn't it be a strange thing if the cash on an average collection plate in a church were to be thrown onto a bonfire and incinerated? What a waste! All those checks and bills and change. It would be like throwing away the work of our hands!
What is the point? Leviticus continues:
"He shall offer it at the tent of the meeting, that he many be accepted before the Lord."
The purpose is made even clearer in the symbolic laying of his hand upon the creature's head: "and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him." vss. 3 and 4. It is offering to atone for his sin.
But how can an unacceptable, sinful human being approach the perfection of the presence of God?
The creature, whatever it might be, is to be killed, " and the sons of Aaron, the priests shall present the blood, and throw it round about against the altar that is at the door of the tent of meeting." It was an unforgettable, unmistakable scene. "And the priest shall offer the whole, and burn it upon the altar, it is a burnt offering, an offering by fire, a pleasing odor to the Lord." vss. 5 & 13, --a kind of holy barbeque.
A priest provides the necessary connection between man and God, is a link, or a great bridge, (in Latin "Pontifex Maximus,") between us and our Maker, re-connecting earth to heaven, the sinful to the sinless. Without a priest, how could we do it?
Let's think about this as we explore the Book of Leviticus together.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Reflections from the fog
This morning, as I began to read chapter 39 in Job, I couldn't help but think of spring coming to Washington County after the long and hard winter. Granted, I don't have wild goats and unicorns cavorting on my lawn, but we have seen the geese fly north and are now watching leaves burst forth and spread themselves to catch rays from the occasional sun. (You guessed correctly; it's foggy in Jonesport today!) We try to see who will be the first to hear the "peep frogs" entertain us with a nightly chorus, and who will see the first robin. In times like these I think of Genesis and the creation story--"...and God saw that it was good."
As I read the chapter from Leviticus concerning several types of offerings, all I could think of was that it would be impossible for me to get this right. At some point, I would be "in a fog." Even if I had made these sacrifices dozens of times, I guarantee I would sooner or later make a mistake and in doing so, dishonor God. And that would not be my intention.
Job has been in a similar place...he has not intended to dishonor God in any way. He doesn't think he has, and yet, all this hardship has come upon him.
So here I sit with my cup of coffee, thinking of you reading these same passages. What does this all mean to you? I have been trying to make connections between the chapters, trying to make meaning for myself, and I find myself thanking God for this earth, the birds and animals, and the ocean at the foot of my lawn. I also thank God for promises...though it is impossible for me to get things "right" all of the time, though hardships will come my way, God's love and forgiveness and mercy and grace cover me. Unlike the fog, they will never disappear.
As I read the chapter from Leviticus concerning several types of offerings, all I could think of was that it would be impossible for me to get this right. At some point, I would be "in a fog." Even if I had made these sacrifices dozens of times, I guarantee I would sooner or later make a mistake and in doing so, dishonor God. And that would not be my intention.
Job has been in a similar place...he has not intended to dishonor God in any way. He doesn't think he has, and yet, all this hardship has come upon him.
So here I sit with my cup of coffee, thinking of you reading these same passages. What does this all mean to you? I have been trying to make connections between the chapters, trying to make meaning for myself, and I find myself thanking God for this earth, the birds and animals, and the ocean at the foot of my lawn. I also thank God for promises...though it is impossible for me to get things "right" all of the time, though hardships will come my way, God's love and forgiveness and mercy and grace cover me. Unlike the fog, they will never disappear.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Not Ashamed
"In you, O Lord, I have put my trust,
O let me never be ashamed." Psalm 31, vs. 1.
What a strange thing to read in a Psalm! Are you ashamed of God? (Perhaps before Him, on account of our stumbling into sin, but that is a another matter.) Why should the Psalmist ask God "Never let me be ashamed of trusting you"?
How often have you stepped out in faith, confident in the assurance that God answers prayer, and will not let you down, only to feel disappointed?
This was certainly Job's experience.
It was also Paul's experience: "We were so utterly, unbearably crushed," he wrote to the Corinthians, "that we despaired of life itself." 2 Corinthians, Ch. 1, vs. 8.
It was also the experience of Jesus on the Cross, when he uttered these words:
"My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" Mark, Ch. 15, vs. 34.
In bearing the sins of the whole world, the sinless for the sinful, He actually endured the complete and utter separation from God the Father that we sometimes anticipate in our anxious, agonizing, faltering moments, yet never truly have to know. Underline that word never.
Jesus has been there, and done that, for us.
As a character in a modern novel says to a friend who feels God has forsaken him: 'That may seem to happen, but it never happens. But never, never, does it happen."
The final words belong to the end of Psalm 31, vs. 24:
" Be strong, let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the Lord."
And you will not be ashamed.
O let me never be ashamed." Psalm 31, vs. 1.
What a strange thing to read in a Psalm! Are you ashamed of God? (Perhaps before Him, on account of our stumbling into sin, but that is a another matter.) Why should the Psalmist ask God "Never let me be ashamed of trusting you"?
How often have you stepped out in faith, confident in the assurance that God answers prayer, and will not let you down, only to feel disappointed?
This was certainly Job's experience.
It was also Paul's experience: "We were so utterly, unbearably crushed," he wrote to the Corinthians, "that we despaired of life itself." 2 Corinthians, Ch. 1, vs. 8.
It was also the experience of Jesus on the Cross, when he uttered these words:
"My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" Mark, Ch. 15, vs. 34.
In bearing the sins of the whole world, the sinless for the sinful, He actually endured the complete and utter separation from God the Father that we sometimes anticipate in our anxious, agonizing, faltering moments, yet never truly have to know. Underline that word never.
Jesus has been there, and done that, for us.
As a character in a modern novel says to a friend who feels God has forsaken him: 'That may seem to happen, but it never happens. But never, never, does it happen."
The final words belong to the end of Psalm 31, vs. 24:
" Be strong, let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the Lord."
And you will not be ashamed.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Readings May 19-25
This week we continue with our readings from the book of Job. Job's three 'comforters' maintain their attacks on Job and his integrity giving their supposed wisdom to him. Job replies each time defending himself and questioning God at times through a second and third cycle of speeches. I was struck by the striking resemblance Psalm 31 bears to the afflictions Job is suffering. Do we too trust the Lord to deliver us amidst the difficulties of life? 'Be strong and take heart all you who hope in the Lord.' (Psalm 31:24)
Our Psalm readings also cover praise (33), a song of praise (30), a testimony to God's gracious forgiveness (32) and instruction on godly wisdom (34). The psalms are a wonderful kaleidoscope of different types and themes.
Finally we return to the Torah, the Law, with the book of Leviticus. This can be a bit heavy going as much is not directly applicable to our worship or lives nowadays. But do persevere as there are many good nuggets of knowledge and wisdom in there. The first two chapters cover the burnt offering for atonement of sin and the grain offering which recognizes God's goodness and provision for us.
19 Job 13 Psalm 30 Job 14
20 Job 15 Psalm 31 Job 16
21 Job 17 Psalm 32 Job 18-19
22 Job 20 Psalm 33 Job 21
23 Job 22 Psalm 34 Job 23-24
24 Job 25-26 Leviticus 1 Job 27
25 Job 28 Leviticus 2 Job 29
Our Psalm readings also cover praise (33), a song of praise (30), a testimony to God's gracious forgiveness (32) and instruction on godly wisdom (34). The psalms are a wonderful kaleidoscope of different types and themes.
Finally we return to the Torah, the Law, with the book of Leviticus. This can be a bit heavy going as much is not directly applicable to our worship or lives nowadays. But do persevere as there are many good nuggets of knowledge and wisdom in there. The first two chapters cover the burnt offering for atonement of sin and the grain offering which recognizes God's goodness and provision for us.
19 Job 13 Psalm 30 Job 14
20 Job 15 Psalm 31 Job 16
21 Job 17 Psalm 32 Job 18-19
22 Job 20 Psalm 33 Job 21
23 Job 22 Psalm 34 Job 23-24
24 Job 25-26 Leviticus 1 Job 27
25 Job 28 Leviticus 2 Job 29
Readings May 12-18
I have realized I missed a week! Just goes to show pastors are not infallible. (I think you knew that already!) Anyway as I know a few people are maybe behind (I was until this week) I will still add my comments.
This week brought us to the end of the book of 2 Samuel with the last four chapters which are all bringing the reign of King David to an end. There is David's song of praise in Chapter 22 which may seem familiar because it is repeated in Psalm 18 which we have already read! David's last words are recorded in Chapter 23 although his death does not appear in this book but we await that in our reading of 1 Kings.
We also finish Acts with the final chapters there telling of Paul's trials in Caesarea on the coast of the Mediterranean about 60 miles from Jerusalem. From there we travel with Paul all the way by sea to Rome. So Acts tells the story of how the good news of the kingdom of God makes its way from Jerusalem, the spiritual capital of the Jewish world, in Acts 1 (v3) all the way to Rome the political capital of the Roman Empire in Acts 28. It finishes with Paul boldly preaching the kingdom of God at the heart of the biggest political kingdom in the world at that time! Where Caesar is normally proclaimed as lord, Paul teaches about another lord the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 28:31).
We now have a break from the New Testament daily reading for a while. Why? Because there are only 260 NT chapters in the Bible - not enough for one each day. So we need a double portion of Old Testament readings at times!
Job is the next book we read in the OT and it is a remarkable ancient story. Read the blog post by Phyllis entitled 'Job's Comfort' and the excellent comment attached to that post to get a flavor of the book.
The Psalms are a wonderful resource for all aspects of life we go through and the psalms this week are no exception. Enjoy and meditate!
12 2 Samuel 21 Acts 25 (26*) 2 Samuel 22
13 2 Samuel 23 Acts 27 2 Samuel 24
14 Job 1 Acts 28 Job 2-3
15 Job 4 Psalm 26 Job 5
16 Job 6 Psalm 27 Job 7-8
17 Job 9 Psalm 28 Job 10
18 Job 11 Psalm 29 Job 12
* We read Acts 26 in January but you may wish to read it again for continuity.
This week brought us to the end of the book of 2 Samuel with the last four chapters which are all bringing the reign of King David to an end. There is David's song of praise in Chapter 22 which may seem familiar because it is repeated in Psalm 18 which we have already read! David's last words are recorded in Chapter 23 although his death does not appear in this book but we await that in our reading of 1 Kings.
We also finish Acts with the final chapters there telling of Paul's trials in Caesarea on the coast of the Mediterranean about 60 miles from Jerusalem. From there we travel with Paul all the way by sea to Rome. So Acts tells the story of how the good news of the kingdom of God makes its way from Jerusalem, the spiritual capital of the Jewish world, in Acts 1 (v3) all the way to Rome the political capital of the Roman Empire in Acts 28. It finishes with Paul boldly preaching the kingdom of God at the heart of the biggest political kingdom in the world at that time! Where Caesar is normally proclaimed as lord, Paul teaches about another lord the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 28:31).
We now have a break from the New Testament daily reading for a while. Why? Because there are only 260 NT chapters in the Bible - not enough for one each day. So we need a double portion of Old Testament readings at times!
Job is the next book we read in the OT and it is a remarkable ancient story. Read the blog post by Phyllis entitled 'Job's Comfort' and the excellent comment attached to that post to get a flavor of the book.
The Psalms are a wonderful resource for all aspects of life we go through and the psalms this week are no exception. Enjoy and meditate!
12 2 Samuel 21 Acts 25 (26*) 2 Samuel 22
13 2 Samuel 23 Acts 27 2 Samuel 24
14 Job 1 Acts 28 Job 2-3
15 Job 4 Psalm 26 Job 5
16 Job 6 Psalm 27 Job 7-8
17 Job 9 Psalm 28 Job 10
18 Job 11 Psalm 29 Job 12
* We read Acts 26 in January but you may wish to read it again for continuity.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Job's Comfort
This week we have been reading the
story of Job. Like many through the ages, I have come to Job
for comfort during my darkest days. In times gone by, I have risen at
dawn to read this story. [In fact, it seems as though I can feel
the cool sand of the lakeshore on my bare feet and hear the soft
lapping of early morning waves and the beginnings of birdsong as I open my
Bible today.] At other times, I have read this story in the dark of night
when my house was silent and still. In my old paperback Bible, the pages
of the book of Job are a mess...pencil notes, tear stains...you probably know
what I mean. My "relationship" with the book has felt
so deeply personal that I have wondered all week "What will
I, what can I write about Job?" Deep breath...
In two of the three chapters for today's reading, Job speaks...he is without hope; he feels as if his own destruction would be better than the emotional and physical pain he is experiencing; he wants to understand; he feels as though he has a target on his back. He is all of us. While we may not have lived the same losses that Job has lived, in our heart of hearts, we all have lived his despair. In times like these, we begin to question our faith, our mortality, our relationships, ...our God. "Why me?" we might ask, "Why Job?"
Often, in times like these, the words of friends offer no comfort to us. Sometimes they don't even make sense. They cannot penetrate our sadness. So it is with Job. No matter how well-intentioned Job's friends may be, and I often wonder about even that, their words do not do the trick. Bildad, in chapter eight, may be trying to make sense of the situation, but he does not comfort Job. Offering comfort, being comforted are not always easy for us.
After living through these chapters with Job this morning, my comfort came from Psalm 27. I know we are just beginning this journey with Job...more lies ahead, but I would like to think that, when he is on the other side of this trial, he, too, will find comfort in Psalm 27.
In two of the three chapters for today's reading, Job speaks...he is without hope; he feels as if his own destruction would be better than the emotional and physical pain he is experiencing; he wants to understand; he feels as though he has a target on his back. He is all of us. While we may not have lived the same losses that Job has lived, in our heart of hearts, we all have lived his despair. In times like these, we begin to question our faith, our mortality, our relationships, ...our God. "Why me?" we might ask, "Why Job?"
Often, in times like these, the words of friends offer no comfort to us. Sometimes they don't even make sense. They cannot penetrate our sadness. So it is with Job. No matter how well-intentioned Job's friends may be, and I often wonder about even that, their words do not do the trick. Bildad, in chapter eight, may be trying to make sense of the situation, but he does not comfort Job. Offering comfort, being comforted are not always easy for us.
After living through these chapters with Job this morning, my comfort came from Psalm 27. I know we are just beginning this journey with Job...more lies ahead, but I would like to think that, when he is on the other side of this trial, he, too, will find comfort in Psalm 27.
Friday, May 9, 2014
An Admission
I must admit that there have been days since we began this journey in January that I have read the daily passages just to get them done. There! I said it. I'm not proud of that admission, but at least it's out in the open. I must do better than that.
Last week at the Congregational Christian Council of Maine spring meeting, we looked at several issues with these questions in mind: What did you like? What surprised you? What challenged you? What did you learn? This morning as I read of difficulties that both David and Paul are experiencing, I thought of those questions. Might they be good guidelines for us to use as we work our way to next December? Because what we bring to this blog is so different from person to person, the answers to those questions will also be different, but none of them can be wrong. Sharing will be hard sometimes...but I think we can do it!
So, here I go...I liked Acts 20:8 "And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together." I can imagine this little band of followers seeking the way together into the dark hours of the night. I can imagine their conversations, their questions, and their discussions. Notice I am omitting the scene that happened from Paul's "long preaching."
I am surprised at David's flight before Absalom. The King David we have been reading about was ready for battle most of the time; his behavior here makes me stop and think. I am challenged, and this isn't a very theological answer, mind you, by the catalog of names and places in Acts. Will I have to know these people, these cities, to understand something later or am I just reading the itinerary of Paul's trip?
What did I learn? I come from these readings with a view that sees a human side of David and Paul...both are "leaving;" both experience loss. David is preparing for the wilderness; Paul is preparing to sail. How will God be with them in the days ahead? How can I use their situations to help me as a pastor, a daughter, and a mom?
I plan to write these four questions on my reading list; may they be a reminder to me as I read and listen. I hope they help you.
Last week at the Congregational Christian Council of Maine spring meeting, we looked at several issues with these questions in mind: What did you like? What surprised you? What challenged you? What did you learn? This morning as I read of difficulties that both David and Paul are experiencing, I thought of those questions. Might they be good guidelines for us to use as we work our way to next December? Because what we bring to this blog is so different from person to person, the answers to those questions will also be different, but none of them can be wrong. Sharing will be hard sometimes...but I think we can do it!
So, here I go...I liked Acts 20:8 "And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together." I can imagine this little band of followers seeking the way together into the dark hours of the night. I can imagine their conversations, their questions, and their discussions. Notice I am omitting the scene that happened from Paul's "long preaching."
I am surprised at David's flight before Absalom. The King David we have been reading about was ready for battle most of the time; his behavior here makes me stop and think. I am challenged, and this isn't a very theological answer, mind you, by the catalog of names and places in Acts. Will I have to know these people, these cities, to understand something later or am I just reading the itinerary of Paul's trip?
What did I learn? I come from these readings with a view that sees a human side of David and Paul...both are "leaving;" both experience loss. David is preparing for the wilderness; Paul is preparing to sail. How will God be with them in the days ahead? How can I use their situations to help me as a pastor, a daughter, and a mom?
I plan to write these four questions on my reading list; may they be a reminder to me as I read and listen. I hope they help you.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Readings May 5-11
This week we have only two books. In the Old Testament we continue with 2 Samuel and David's kingship. David extends his kingdom and consolidates his rule but there are still quite a few bumps in the road. David gets caught out in an adulterous affair with Bathsheba and arranges for her husband to be killed. Yet God is watching and uses the prophet Nathan to confront him with his sin. Also David's son Absalom rebels against him and forces him to flee for a time and again later there is Sheba's rebellion. All is not plain sailing for the king after God's own heart! He made quite a few mistakes but still God did not reject him. That should be comforting for us. We do not have to be perfect but if we sin we still need to repent and ask for God's forgiveness.
In Acts we read about Paul and his co-workers travelling to Macedonia and Greece. He debates with the philosophers in Athens and goes on to establish the church in Corinth. Then on to Ephesus where he gets caught up in a riot (not a quiet life for Paul!) Then he revisits many of his churches again. Never a dull moment for Paul. I like the story in Acts 20 about the young man who fell asleep listening to Paul's sermon and falls out the window! It is nice to know even the Apostle Paul can preach someone to sleep! The story has a happy ending though as he is prayed for by Paul and he comes back alive!
5 2 Samuel 6 Acts 16 2 Samuel 7
6 2 Samuel 8 Acts 17 2 Samuel 9-10
7 2 Samuel 11 Acts 18 2 Samuel 12
8 2 Samuel 13 Acts 19 2 Samuel 14
9 2 Samuel 15 Acts 20 2 Samuel 16
10 2 Samuel 17 Acts 21(22-23*) 2 Samuel 18
11 2 Samuel 19 Acts 24 2 Samuel 20
* We read Acts 22 and 23 in January but you may wish to read them again for continuity.
In Acts we read about Paul and his co-workers travelling to Macedonia and Greece. He debates with the philosophers in Athens and goes on to establish the church in Corinth. Then on to Ephesus where he gets caught up in a riot (not a quiet life for Paul!) Then he revisits many of his churches again. Never a dull moment for Paul. I like the story in Acts 20 about the young man who fell asleep listening to Paul's sermon and falls out the window! It is nice to know even the Apostle Paul can preach someone to sleep! The story has a happy ending though as he is prayed for by Paul and he comes back alive!
5 2 Samuel 6 Acts 16 2 Samuel 7
6 2 Samuel 8 Acts 17 2 Samuel 9-10
7 2 Samuel 11 Acts 18 2 Samuel 12
8 2 Samuel 13 Acts 19 2 Samuel 14
9 2 Samuel 15 Acts 20 2 Samuel 16
10 2 Samuel 17 Acts 21(22-23*) 2 Samuel 18
11 2 Samuel 19 Acts 24 2 Samuel 20
* We read Acts 22 and 23 in January but you may wish to read them again for continuity.
Friday, May 2, 2014
Seeking God's Heart
As I read the 1 Samuel chapters for today, the last part of 30:6 seemed to beckon. David and his companions are in the midst of great grief at the loss of their wives and children in the burning and looting of Ziklag. They speak of stoning David...they are grieved to their very souls. "...but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God."
In Acts 13, today's New Testament passage, Paul stands in the synagogue at Antioch and tells the story. When he speaks of the Lord's raising David, he uses the Lord's voice: "I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will."
We know that David will face trials and temptations in his future, and he won't always make choices favorable to God. That is the stuff of another post. Right now, I want to think of those two verses spoken of David weaving their way through the fabric of the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament. Encouraging ourselves in the Lord...seeking after God's own heart...
As Easter people, we know the Good News. Do we use that to encourage ourselves in the Lord? It's easy to get discouraged; it's easy to be overwhelmed. Do we seek God's heart? Do we remember Easter? I am not a "Pollyanna. " I can only imagine the grief David and his followers are experiencing in 1 Samuel and the difficulties the early church is wading through, but I do believe that if we encourage ourselves in the Lord and seek after God's own heart, we'll be two steps closer to what God wants of us and for us...Acts 13:52.
In Acts 13, today's New Testament passage, Paul stands in the synagogue at Antioch and tells the story. When he speaks of the Lord's raising David, he uses the Lord's voice: "I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will."
We know that David will face trials and temptations in his future, and he won't always make choices favorable to God. That is the stuff of another post. Right now, I want to think of those two verses spoken of David weaving their way through the fabric of the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament. Encouraging ourselves in the Lord...seeking after God's own heart...
As Easter people, we know the Good News. Do we use that to encourage ourselves in the Lord? It's easy to get discouraged; it's easy to be overwhelmed. Do we seek God's heart? Do we remember Easter? I am not a "Pollyanna. " I can only imagine the grief David and his followers are experiencing in 1 Samuel and the difficulties the early church is wading through, but I do believe that if we encourage ourselves in the Lord and seek after God's own heart, we'll be two steps closer to what God wants of us and for us...Acts 13:52.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Readings April 28-May 4
We are into May this week! Where has the time gone. Four months of the year have passed already. Some facts - at the end of this week you will have read 402 chapters! Just over a third of the way through the Bible! You will have completed 18 of the 66 books of the Bible and be partway through 3 other books. So keep going!
We complete the book of 1 Samuel this week with the sad demise of Saul who seemed to promise so much but seemed to try to do things in his own strength instead of God's. David spares Saul's life when he could have killed him and taken the kingship by force. Then at the end of the book Saul is defeated and takes his own life.
In 2 Samuel David is crowned king of Judah but continues at war with the remains of Saul's household and after several sorry tales of murder and betrayal eventually David becomes king of all Israel.
In Acts we have the wonderful story of Philip meeting the Ethiopian eunuch in the desert which is followed swiftly by the Damascus Road experience of Saul (later changing his name to Paul). Then there is in chapter 10 the story of how God convinced Peter that the church was meant to include not just the Jews but the Gentiles as well. A pivotal point in the history of the church and the world which is cemented at the Council of Jerusalem in chapter 15! The church continues to grow and Paul sets off on his first missionary journey with Barnabas in chapter 13 (and incidentally they fall out with each other in chapter 15! Not everything is plain sailing in the early church!)
28 1 Samuel 22 Acts 8 (9*) 1 Samuel 23
We complete the book of 1 Samuel this week with the sad demise of Saul who seemed to promise so much but seemed to try to do things in his own strength instead of God's. David spares Saul's life when he could have killed him and taken the kingship by force. Then at the end of the book Saul is defeated and takes his own life.
In 2 Samuel David is crowned king of Judah but continues at war with the remains of Saul's household and after several sorry tales of murder and betrayal eventually David becomes king of all Israel.
In Acts we have the wonderful story of Philip meeting the Ethiopian eunuch in the desert which is followed swiftly by the Damascus Road experience of Saul (later changing his name to Paul). Then there is in chapter 10 the story of how God convinced Peter that the church was meant to include not just the Jews but the Gentiles as well. A pivotal point in the history of the church and the world which is cemented at the Council of Jerusalem in chapter 15! The church continues to grow and Paul sets off on his first missionary journey with Barnabas in chapter 13 (and incidentally they fall out with each other in chapter 15! Not everything is plain sailing in the early church!)
28 1 Samuel 22 Acts 8 (9*) 1 Samuel 23
29 1 Samuel 24 Acts 10 1 Samuel 25
30 1 Samuel 26 Acts 11 1
Samuel 27 Psalm 25
1 1
Samuel 28 Acts 12 1
Samuel 29
2 1
Samuel 30 Acts 13 1
Samuel 31
3 2
Samuel 1 Acts
14 2
Samuel 2
4 2
Samuel 3 Acts
15 2
Samuel 4-5
* We read Acts 9 in January but you may wish to read it again for continuity.
Friday, April 25, 2014
"...the Lord looketh on the heart"
One of the themes we have discussed in Bible study here at SMCC is the intention of the heart. As I read our chapter assignment for today, I was reminded of those discussions.
God chooses Samuel to anoint another while Saul is yet alive. God has chosen well in Samuel; Samuel steps out to fulfill his commission despite the danger that lurks for him. At one point, Samuel is sure the chosen of the Lord stands before him...Eliab...but Samuel himself is reminded by God that God looks not on outward appearance but "on the heart." Samuel waits. Eliab is not the one.
The text in Luke shows us the example of Ananias and Sapphira who appear to be godly followers, but who have indeed been dishonest. Peter names Ananias's heart as the place where the trick was conceived...a place that Satan now fills. This husband and wife meet a bad end when God looks on their hearts.
Later in the chapter, as we read of the actions of Peter and the apostles, of the high priest and the chief priests, and even of the Pharisee Gamaliel, we get a good idea of what might be going on in each of their hearts.
All of these examples...all of these intentions...make me stop and think. How much effort do we spend on improving what the world sees of us? How much effort do we put into what God sees?
What is the intention of our hearts today?
God chooses Samuel to anoint another while Saul is yet alive. God has chosen well in Samuel; Samuel steps out to fulfill his commission despite the danger that lurks for him. At one point, Samuel is sure the chosen of the Lord stands before him...Eliab...but Samuel himself is reminded by God that God looks not on outward appearance but "on the heart." Samuel waits. Eliab is not the one.
The text in Luke shows us the example of Ananias and Sapphira who appear to be godly followers, but who have indeed been dishonest. Peter names Ananias's heart as the place where the trick was conceived...a place that Satan now fills. This husband and wife meet a bad end when God looks on their hearts.
Later in the chapter, as we read of the actions of Peter and the apostles, of the high priest and the chief priests, and even of the Pharisee Gamaliel, we get a good idea of what might be going on in each of their hearts.
All of these examples...all of these intentions...make me stop and think. How much effort do we spend on improving what the world sees of us? How much effort do we put into what God sees?
What is the intention of our hearts today?
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Readings April 21-27
We start an exciting new book in the New Testament this week, the Acts of the Apostles. It is the story of the founding and growth of the church after Jesus' resurrection and ascension into heaven. Chapter 2 is pivotal as it tells us about the Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost which empowered them for service. Peter and John feature in the early chapters leading up to the stoning of Stephen, who was the first to die for his faith. Following Christ can be costly!
In the Old Testament in 1st Samuel the people of Israel insist on having a king like all the other nations, even after being told he will oppress them and they will become his slaves. Saul is the first king but things don't turn out well and he is rejected by God. David is chosen instead and anointed by Samuel. In chapter 17 there is the classic Sunday School tale of David and Goliath - stirring stuff! Also look out for the fine story of friendship between Jonathan, Saul's son, and David.
Psalm 23 is included this week - what a wonderful psalm which has brought comfort and help to untold multitudes. But don't miss out on Psalm 24 an equally wonderful psalm about the Lord taking his rightful place as King.
21 1 Samuel 8 Acts 1 1 Samuel 9
In the Old Testament in 1st Samuel the people of Israel insist on having a king like all the other nations, even after being told he will oppress them and they will become his slaves. Saul is the first king but things don't turn out well and he is rejected by God. David is chosen instead and anointed by Samuel. In chapter 17 there is the classic Sunday School tale of David and Goliath - stirring stuff! Also look out for the fine story of friendship between Jonathan, Saul's son, and David.
Psalm 23 is included this week - what a wonderful psalm which has brought comfort and help to untold multitudes. But don't miss out on Psalm 24 an equally wonderful psalm about the Lord taking his rightful place as King.
21 1 Samuel 8 Acts 1 1 Samuel 9
22 1 Samuel 10 Acts 2 1 Samuel 11 Psalm 23
23 1 Samuel 12 Acts 3 1 Samuel 13
24 1 Samuel 14 Acts 4 1 Samuel 15
25 1 Samuel 16 Acts 5 1 Samuel 17
26 1 Samuel 18 Acts 6 1 Samuel 19 Psalm 24
27 1 Samuel 20 Acts 7 1 Samuel 21
Monday, April 21, 2014
What Stone?
"But on the first day of the week, at early dawn they went to the tomb, taking the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body." Luke Ch. 24, vs. 1-2.
Imagine the scene. A handful of women from a defeated, spiritless group of disciples, going early in the morning to perform the last simple rites for the body of One they had loved and followed. The sun had only begun to touch the treetops, and penetrate the long shadows of night that lingered into early day.
Mark tells us what happened next:
" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back--it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them: "Do not be amazed, you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, He is not here, see the place where they laid him." Mark Ch. 16. vs. 4-6.
Which all raises several questions:
What stone was rolled away?
-The door to an empty tomb, or the door to their understanding?
Why was it rolled away?
-So someone could get out, or so they could go in?
What did they find?
- Why, nothing. What was there to find?
Questions Easter answers.
As the angel told them:
"He is not here, he has risen, as he said." Matthew Ch. 28. vs. 6.
Happy Easter, everyone!
Imagine the scene. A handful of women from a defeated, spiritless group of disciples, going early in the morning to perform the last simple rites for the body of One they had loved and followed. The sun had only begun to touch the treetops, and penetrate the long shadows of night that lingered into early day.
Mark tells us what happened next:
" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back--it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them: "Do not be amazed, you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, He is not here, see the place where they laid him." Mark Ch. 16. vs. 4-6.
Which all raises several questions:
What stone was rolled away?
-The door to an empty tomb, or the door to their understanding?
Why was it rolled away?
-So someone could get out, or so they could go in?
What did they find?
- Why, nothing. What was there to find?
Questions Easter answers.
As the angel told them:
"He is not here, he has risen, as he said." Matthew Ch. 28. vs. 6.
Happy Easter, everyone!
Friday, April 18, 2014
These days of the Triduum are the most solemn, and yet the most filled with God's love, of any group of days we experience in the life of the church. At Sawyer Memorial, we begin the Triduum with a Maundy Thursday service that includes a Pedilavium (foot-washing) and Holy Communion and ends with Tenebrae, a service of shadows. Today, Good Friday, the church will be open for those who wish to keep vigil. Tomorrow will be a day of stillness as much as it can be. Sunday, we will begin joyful Easter services at 5:30 am at the Marina. On that day, we will share a breakfast and offer our regular 9:30 worship service as well. We will have spent a significant amount of time together, and we will be exhausted yet exhilarated.
Practicing all of these events helps us live the joy of Easter morning with much greater understanding than we would have if we simply moved from the joy of Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the joy of his Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
That being said, Psalm 22 is part of the reading for today. Both Matthew and Mark record the words of verse 1 as being spoken by Jesus from the cross. I would ask you today, this day of all days, to read the rest of the psalm. How many Good Fridays have I thought about only verse 1 without getting to verse 22? Was Jesus once again teaching and preaching, training and guiding...even from his own pain and despair? Was Jesus asking us to remember the rest of the Psalm?
I am glad that Psalm 22 was one of my readings today, but, as a continuation to the rest of this story, I can tell you that I will not wait until April 22 to read Psalm 23; I must read it Easter Sunday morning. What a fit ending to the Triduum...a renewed appreciation of God's love!
Practicing all of these events helps us live the joy of Easter morning with much greater understanding than we would have if we simply moved from the joy of Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the joy of his Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
That being said, Psalm 22 is part of the reading for today. Both Matthew and Mark record the words of verse 1 as being spoken by Jesus from the cross. I would ask you today, this day of all days, to read the rest of the psalm. How many Good Fridays have I thought about only verse 1 without getting to verse 22? Was Jesus once again teaching and preaching, training and guiding...even from his own pain and despair? Was Jesus asking us to remember the rest of the Psalm?
I am glad that Psalm 22 was one of my readings today, but, as a continuation to the rest of this story, I can tell you that I will not wait until April 22 to read Psalm 23; I must read it Easter Sunday morning. What a fit ending to the Triduum...a renewed appreciation of God's love!
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