June 22, 2009
Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 11-12 and Ephesians 6
Some of you might not have noticed this, but I have been completely skipping the Old Testament readings. That is because it is 1 Chronicles, and who really wants to read about who begat who anyway?
I can honestly say that every year I skim through the Chronicles. I treat them like its stuff on the editing floor of my favorite movie. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to have the additional footage of my favorite scenes, but in the end, the scenes were edited down for a reason.
I mean, do I really need to hear the story of how David refused to drink water that his soldiers bought for him, again? In all honesty, it sounds like a story that some celebrity would tell about another celebrity on a late-night talk show. Except instead of saying: “wow, those guys are just like me” or “wow, those guys are exactly like me”, the audience is saying: “Hmm. So you were thirsty, your men bought you water, and you didn’t drink it. I mean, it was there, you might as well drink it. Now you’re just going to have to find a drinking fountain someplace.”
Yeah, there are parts of the Bible that I just can’t relate to, which is why I started Irreverent Reverence in the first place.
So now that we’ve started reading the book of Ephesians, there is a lot of stuff that sadly, most people can’t relate to. Stuff like: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
Man, I don’t even know what that even means!
Still, I want to be at the point where I not only understand it, but I live it. Ha ha ha!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Yes, you are your brother's keeper!
June 21, 2009
Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 9-10 and Galatians 6
Yeah, we all know what Cain said after Abel was killed. “Am I my brother’s keeper”. In other words, he was telling God: “hey, I don’t know. He’s his own man, I’m not the boss of him.”
Of course, God already knew the answer, and if there is one thing the Bible says about Christians is that we are our brother’s keeper. The Bible says that if a Christian is caught sinning, then whoever is spiritual should restore him, gently.
This is very different to some Christian behavior that I have seen before. I think we all know the stories of the Jim Bakkers and Jerry Falwells, who committed adultery and were sometimes ostracized by other Christians.
I’ve seen it happen time and time again. A Christian is caught with sinful behavior, and then all these defense mechanisms get in the way. Soon, there is damage control, and the Christian sinner comes forth, usually giving a prepared statement. From there, all the renewed sinner’s friends take sides. Some go to the side of judgment, saying: “you should have known better, you now have no place amongst us.” Then the other side goes to the side of mercy and says: “Come back to us, brother”.
To be honest, I’m not certain what is the best attitude to handle situations like these, other than preventing them from starting. Of course, there is no such thing as an ideal situation, is there?
In fact, there may come a time when I screw up, big time. In fact, the whole reason that I became a Christian is because I was screwed up, big time. True, I have been redeemed, but if I ever want to be unredeemed, a life of sin is always there. Who will be there for me then? Will all my Christian friends just tell me to get out, or will they accept me back?
I remember when DC Talk wrote a song called “What if I Stumble”. I remember treating this song with harsh tones, saying: “well, don’t”.
The truth is that we do carry each other. It’s hard to believe that when I have problems, my Christian brothers are often the last people that I go to. I don’t go to secular people, because I’m supposed to be a Christian to them.
Why is it that we have to be seen as invincible to other Christians? Can we shed that stupid guise of us having everything all together. Can we wear a sign that says “imperfect”. If we look silly, then I am willing to take that chance.
Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 9-10 and Galatians 6
Yeah, we all know what Cain said after Abel was killed. “Am I my brother’s keeper”. In other words, he was telling God: “hey, I don’t know. He’s his own man, I’m not the boss of him.”
Of course, God already knew the answer, and if there is one thing the Bible says about Christians is that we are our brother’s keeper. The Bible says that if a Christian is caught sinning, then whoever is spiritual should restore him, gently.
This is very different to some Christian behavior that I have seen before. I think we all know the stories of the Jim Bakkers and Jerry Falwells, who committed adultery and were sometimes ostracized by other Christians.
I’ve seen it happen time and time again. A Christian is caught with sinful behavior, and then all these defense mechanisms get in the way. Soon, there is damage control, and the Christian sinner comes forth, usually giving a prepared statement. From there, all the renewed sinner’s friends take sides. Some go to the side of judgment, saying: “you should have known better, you now have no place amongst us.” Then the other side goes to the side of mercy and says: “Come back to us, brother”.
To be honest, I’m not certain what is the best attitude to handle situations like these, other than preventing them from starting. Of course, there is no such thing as an ideal situation, is there?
In fact, there may come a time when I screw up, big time. In fact, the whole reason that I became a Christian is because I was screwed up, big time. True, I have been redeemed, but if I ever want to be unredeemed, a life of sin is always there. Who will be there for me then? Will all my Christian friends just tell me to get out, or will they accept me back?
I remember when DC Talk wrote a song called “What if I Stumble”. I remember treating this song with harsh tones, saying: “well, don’t”.
The truth is that we do carry each other. It’s hard to believe that when I have problems, my Christian brothers are often the last people that I go to. I don’t go to secular people, because I’m supposed to be a Christian to them.
Why is it that we have to be seen as invincible to other Christians? Can we shed that stupid guise of us having everything all together. Can we wear a sign that says “imperfect”. If we look silly, then I am willing to take that chance.
Living by the Spirit
June 20, 2009
Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 7-8 and Galatians 5
Oh yeah, I just love titling my entries with some vague title that sounds really spiritual. I mean, I titled this one the most vague and spiritual one I could think of.
Of course, it seems that one of those vague and spiritual phrases that gets thrown around by Christians so very often is actually in the Bible.
So what does it mean to live by the Spirit? Easy, you get the Spirit to take control of you, and it works you like a puppet. No, it never is that simple. I swear, I’ve heard so many people who say they are or know someone who is “possessed by the devil”, but I’ve just not heard of anyone ever being “possessed by God”. Man, I guess only the devil has the power to take our freewill, right? (I am being sarcastic.)
The truth is that it is quite easy to live by the Spirit, which requires us to simply be willing to surrender our freewill. I suppose that I could get into issues of being baptized by the Holy Spirit, but that will lead me to all sorts of fights amongst denominations. I mean, why put a bunch of bees in a bag and shake it?
The truth is we can always count on the Holy Spirit helping us to keep us out of trouble. There is a whole list of stuff after it that should be avoided because they are really sinful. The issue is not avoid them, but to live by the Spirit and you simple won’t do those things. This is always true.
Sometimes the best way to stop a bad habit is to simply start a new one. Instead of concentrating on quitting, you start something new that overflows the void left.
About a month ago, I realized that I still was doing with some really sick sins in my life. I couldn’t avoid it, and repented big time. I believe that I am out of the dark tunnel, but it was a habit that was stopped not by quitting old behavior, but taking on a new behavior.
Since then, I haven’t been perfect, but I can see a way to develop the fruit of the Spirit that is listed in the positive list.
In fact, if you do live by the Spirit, then you don’t have to worry about the law. Chances are that you will be following it in every sense of the word. The law is there to show us that we are doing wrong, but shouldn’t that point us to something right?
Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 7-8 and Galatians 5
Oh yeah, I just love titling my entries with some vague title that sounds really spiritual. I mean, I titled this one the most vague and spiritual one I could think of.
Of course, it seems that one of those vague and spiritual phrases that gets thrown around by Christians so very often is actually in the Bible.
So what does it mean to live by the Spirit? Easy, you get the Spirit to take control of you, and it works you like a puppet. No, it never is that simple. I swear, I’ve heard so many people who say they are or know someone who is “possessed by the devil”, but I’ve just not heard of anyone ever being “possessed by God”. Man, I guess only the devil has the power to take our freewill, right? (I am being sarcastic.)
The truth is that it is quite easy to live by the Spirit, which requires us to simply be willing to surrender our freewill. I suppose that I could get into issues of being baptized by the Holy Spirit, but that will lead me to all sorts of fights amongst denominations. I mean, why put a bunch of bees in a bag and shake it?
The truth is we can always count on the Holy Spirit helping us to keep us out of trouble. There is a whole list of stuff after it that should be avoided because they are really sinful. The issue is not avoid them, but to live by the Spirit and you simple won’t do those things. This is always true.
Sometimes the best way to stop a bad habit is to simply start a new one. Instead of concentrating on quitting, you start something new that overflows the void left.
About a month ago, I realized that I still was doing with some really sick sins in my life. I couldn’t avoid it, and repented big time. I believe that I am out of the dark tunnel, but it was a habit that was stopped not by quitting old behavior, but taking on a new behavior.
Since then, I haven’t been perfect, but I can see a way to develop the fruit of the Spirit that is listed in the positive list.
In fact, if you do live by the Spirit, then you don’t have to worry about the law. Chances are that you will be following it in every sense of the word. The law is there to show us that we are doing wrong, but shouldn’t that point us to something right?
Waiting for an Inheritance
June 19, 2009
Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 5-6 and Galatians 4
In the reading of Galatians, Paul starts out with an odd observation. He states that as long as the heir to an estate is a child, then the child is pretty much the same status as a slave.
After all, it is the child who is receiving an inheritance has to obey his or her parents. Is it any wonder why the prodigal son wanted his inheritance up front? At this stage, it would not be good for any child to receive the inheritance, because it would mean that their parents are dead.
And what parents, before they are teenagers what their parents dead? Right now, I have a few children, and I am fortunate to be at an age where my kids will tell me “I love you” without being first told it by me. The only reason that I want to live is because I know my kids need me.
Here’s the deal with receiving an inheritance. You may get lands or money, but someone has to die for it. If you respect the relative who left you the money, you will not be cheering when they die.
Yet here is the thing, in order to receive our heavenly inheritance, someone has to die. Now, the issue is: how are we going to deal with that? Sometimes I think it is interesting all the praise we give God for dying for us, and then turned around and ignore the fact that crucifixion hurts.
How should we treat that? Well, have you ever had someone do you a big favor? Chances are, if they gave it out of a heart of love, he or she does not want any restitution. However, it wouldn’t heart to give a little bit of thanks now and then.
In fact, the comparison between someone who hasn’t received the inheritance and not received is like Hagar and Sarah. Hagar was the surrogate parent who carried Ishmael, but it was Sarah who carried Isaac, the child of promise.
We are not the child born of a slave, or one by a mother. This is the difference between the inheritor and what may eventually become property.
The issue is that we need to realize why we have been set free to be the inheritor. Granted, I hate the way it had to happen, with Christ dying, but it really is part of the process of being a citizen of heaven. It wouldn’t hurt to give a “thank you” to Jesus every once in a while.
Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 5-6 and Galatians 4
In the reading of Galatians, Paul starts out with an odd observation. He states that as long as the heir to an estate is a child, then the child is pretty much the same status as a slave.
After all, it is the child who is receiving an inheritance has to obey his or her parents. Is it any wonder why the prodigal son wanted his inheritance up front? At this stage, it would not be good for any child to receive the inheritance, because it would mean that their parents are dead.
And what parents, before they are teenagers what their parents dead? Right now, I have a few children, and I am fortunate to be at an age where my kids will tell me “I love you” without being first told it by me. The only reason that I want to live is because I know my kids need me.
Here’s the deal with receiving an inheritance. You may get lands or money, but someone has to die for it. If you respect the relative who left you the money, you will not be cheering when they die.
Yet here is the thing, in order to receive our heavenly inheritance, someone has to die. Now, the issue is: how are we going to deal with that? Sometimes I think it is interesting all the praise we give God for dying for us, and then turned around and ignore the fact that crucifixion hurts.
How should we treat that? Well, have you ever had someone do you a big favor? Chances are, if they gave it out of a heart of love, he or she does not want any restitution. However, it wouldn’t heart to give a little bit of thanks now and then.
In fact, the comparison between someone who hasn’t received the inheritance and not received is like Hagar and Sarah. Hagar was the surrogate parent who carried Ishmael, but it was Sarah who carried Isaac, the child of promise.
We are not the child born of a slave, or one by a mother. This is the difference between the inheritor and what may eventually become property.
The issue is that we need to realize why we have been set free to be the inheritor. Granted, I hate the way it had to happen, with Christ dying, but it really is part of the process of being a citizen of heaven. It wouldn’t hurt to give a “thank you” to Jesus every once in a while.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
God the Warrior
June 18, 2009
Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 3-4 and Psalms 35-36
Even though it isn’t my favorite of the three films, I like the ending of Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Much of the second film is a lot of boring scenes until the last part, the awesome battle of Helm’s Deep.
I love in the end when the army is completely surrounded, and there is absolutely no hope. Then Aragorn remembers that Gandalf will be coming on “the sunrise of the fifth day”, and so he and the king ride out to meet the army.
Then Gandalf appears on the hillside, with an army at his side, and goes up against the armies of darkness. Good guys win, and the conclusion is nothing short of epic. Gandalf appears like we see the Second Coming, in a long beard, staff, and flowing white robe.
Many of us have had problems where we would want God to come as some giant warrior and fight for us. Note the words in Psalm 35: “Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler;
arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, I am your salvation."
Of course, we all know that God isn’t some attack dog that we can sic on whatever problems that we see fit. I’m sure that if we had our choice, God would be attacking everything that we would face.
Can you imagine that when we get a parking ticket? Lord, take out that meter maid! It’s pretty easy to pray to God when there is some serious army of darkness heading your way, but I have never been in a position where that has happened.
However, I’ve been in a position where I’ve had a parking ticket. Yeah, I don’t have the epic Lord of the Rings lifestyle that I read about, but I do have a life. A life that involves a lot of paychecks, groceries, and bills. Man, what I wouldn’t give to have God just attack all of that.
However, I am assuming that my life, seemingly mundane, is there for a reason. So if God doesn’t want to do the whole warrior thing, that’s fine by me. Then again, how do I know that God isn’t fighting for me, at all times. Yes, for all I know, God fights for me like Aragorn, and I’m the one who is being protected all through it.
Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 3-4 and Psalms 35-36
Even though it isn’t my favorite of the three films, I like the ending of Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Much of the second film is a lot of boring scenes until the last part, the awesome battle of Helm’s Deep.
I love in the end when the army is completely surrounded, and there is absolutely no hope. Then Aragorn remembers that Gandalf will be coming on “the sunrise of the fifth day”, and so he and the king ride out to meet the army.
Then Gandalf appears on the hillside, with an army at his side, and goes up against the armies of darkness. Good guys win, and the conclusion is nothing short of epic. Gandalf appears like we see the Second Coming, in a long beard, staff, and flowing white robe.
Many of us have had problems where we would want God to come as some giant warrior and fight for us. Note the words in Psalm 35: “Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler;
arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, I am your salvation."
Of course, we all know that God isn’t some attack dog that we can sic on whatever problems that we see fit. I’m sure that if we had our choice, God would be attacking everything that we would face.
Can you imagine that when we get a parking ticket? Lord, take out that meter maid! It’s pretty easy to pray to God when there is some serious army of darkness heading your way, but I have never been in a position where that has happened.
However, I’ve been in a position where I’ve had a parking ticket. Yeah, I don’t have the epic Lord of the Rings lifestyle that I read about, but I do have a life. A life that involves a lot of paychecks, groceries, and bills. Man, what I wouldn’t give to have God just attack all of that.
However, I am assuming that my life, seemingly mundane, is there for a reason. So if God doesn’t want to do the whole warrior thing, that’s fine by me. Then again, how do I know that God isn’t fighting for me, at all times. Yes, for all I know, God fights for me like Aragorn, and I’m the one who is being protected all through it.
In God We Trust
June 17, 2009
Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 1-2 and Psalms 33-34
Okay, you know from that title what I’m probably going to do next. I’m probably going to talk about how all of our money says this, but most Americans don’t truly trust in the Lord for money or anything else for that matter.
Generally, illustrations like these are used in those sermons where preachers go on and on about how America has so fallen away from its Christian values that the forefathers “clearly intended” in the Constitution. I’ve always wondered if all of these speeches come from an era where Beaver Cleaver lived, a fictional era of America’s history in the forties and fifties where everyone was prosperous because we all went to church.
Perhaps those who took Psalm 33:12 seriously: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance”. It is nice that our money does say that, but the dollar bill also has that strange eye and pyramid thing that doesn’t mean anything to me. If you would like to bring up that whole Illuminati thing up, save it for some other time. Those secret governments are so secret, that they don’t even know about it.
Still, God is very faithful in delivering us, isn’t he. This is especially true of David when he was escaping form Abimelech. As I recall, David escaped by pretending he was insane.
I always wondered how he pulled that off. Did he do a Jack Nicholson Joker or a Heath Ledger Joker. You know, one was hamming it up crazy and the other actually won an Oscar for acting crazy.
I guess it took a lot of drooling, or some sort of weird crazy talk. I will have to admit that I’m not really proud of David for escaping Abimelech that way. It wasn’t that the man who “had slain his ten thousands” fought his way out.
Still, you have to admire how God takes care of those who trust in Him, and something tells me that David had to trust in the Lord in order to get through Abimelech’s land. So playing insane was part of God’s plan, more or less.
This is almost in stark contrast to Psalm 34:11-13 which says: “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.” Hard to believe that the one who wants us to do right would approve of a plan of acting insane.
Well, like the country music song says: “A little bit of crazy’s all right”.
Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 1-2 and Psalms 33-34
Okay, you know from that title what I’m probably going to do next. I’m probably going to talk about how all of our money says this, but most Americans don’t truly trust in the Lord for money or anything else for that matter.
Generally, illustrations like these are used in those sermons where preachers go on and on about how America has so fallen away from its Christian values that the forefathers “clearly intended” in the Constitution. I’ve always wondered if all of these speeches come from an era where Beaver Cleaver lived, a fictional era of America’s history in the forties and fifties where everyone was prosperous because we all went to church.
Perhaps those who took Psalm 33:12 seriously: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance”. It is nice that our money does say that, but the dollar bill also has that strange eye and pyramid thing that doesn’t mean anything to me. If you would like to bring up that whole Illuminati thing up, save it for some other time. Those secret governments are so secret, that they don’t even know about it.
Still, God is very faithful in delivering us, isn’t he. This is especially true of David when he was escaping form Abimelech. As I recall, David escaped by pretending he was insane.
I always wondered how he pulled that off. Did he do a Jack Nicholson Joker or a Heath Ledger Joker. You know, one was hamming it up crazy and the other actually won an Oscar for acting crazy.
I guess it took a lot of drooling, or some sort of weird crazy talk. I will have to admit that I’m not really proud of David for escaping Abimelech that way. It wasn’t that the man who “had slain his ten thousands” fought his way out.
Still, you have to admire how God takes care of those who trust in Him, and something tells me that David had to trust in the Lord in order to get through Abimelech’s land. So playing insane was part of God’s plan, more or less.
This is almost in stark contrast to Psalm 34:11-13 which says: “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.” Hard to believe that the one who wants us to do right would approve of a plan of acting insane.
Well, like the country music song says: “A little bit of crazy’s all right”.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Jehoiachin's Special Treatment
June 16, 2009
Today's Reading: 2 Kings 24-25 and Galatians 3
It would appear that the second book of Kings has ended with a terrible tragedy. The Babylonians invaded the nation of Israel and took it over. In four days, Israel had no food to eat. I have no idea what it is like to live under an invading army, but I usually don’t hear any nice stories coming out of World War II Europe.
You usually hear about the stories like in Schindler’s List, where people have to do morally questionable things just to survive.
This reminds me of the time in Israel when the land was invaded. At the time, Jehoiakim reigned, and he did bad things. I mentioned yesterday about how Josiah was a good guy who probably postponed the fall of Israel, but Jehoiakim probably helped bring it on.
Jehoiakim was relieved by Jehoiachin, who was only 18 years at the time. He was dragged to captivity, and then Zedekiah became king.
What is interesting is the treatments of Jehoiachin versus Zedekiah. Zedekiah had his sons killed in front of him, and then they put out his eyes. Yeah, that was the last thing he ever saw. Sick, isn’t it?
However, Jehoiachin was treated much differently. He was released from his captivity, and then was invited to eat regularly with the ruling king.
Man, which king do you want to be? I suppose this is the classic Christian duality going on here. This is where we say: “do you want eternal bliss of heaven, or torment of hell?” I never did like the black and white view of the world, even if the afterlife seems to be that way.
The issue is what did Jehoiachin do for the Babylonians to deserve such special treatment? Probably nothing, if you want to know the truth. I don’t know if Jehoiachin was more willing to give up certain valuables than the others.
The reading in Galatians talks about how the world is a prisoner of sin, much like the nation after Babylon took over. Then the odd thing is that Paul talks about how we are prisoners of the law, and “locked up until faith should be revealed”.
Technically, we should all be cut down by sin, and then again, we should all be cutoff by the law. However, grace is the one thing that can set us apart, make us stand out. I suppose it was grace that allowed Jehoiachin to have his comfortable prison, while Zedekiah pretty much rotted.
Like I said, completely random. However, random isn’t what is on God’s mind when we give ourselves to him. We all get the special treatment there. Sure, we may not be at the king’s table, but we will eventually end up at God’s table.
Today's Reading: 2 Kings 24-25 and Galatians 3
It would appear that the second book of Kings has ended with a terrible tragedy. The Babylonians invaded the nation of Israel and took it over. In four days, Israel had no food to eat. I have no idea what it is like to live under an invading army, but I usually don’t hear any nice stories coming out of World War II Europe.
You usually hear about the stories like in Schindler’s List, where people have to do morally questionable things just to survive.
This reminds me of the time in Israel when the land was invaded. At the time, Jehoiakim reigned, and he did bad things. I mentioned yesterday about how Josiah was a good guy who probably postponed the fall of Israel, but Jehoiakim probably helped bring it on.
Jehoiakim was relieved by Jehoiachin, who was only 18 years at the time. He was dragged to captivity, and then Zedekiah became king.
What is interesting is the treatments of Jehoiachin versus Zedekiah. Zedekiah had his sons killed in front of him, and then they put out his eyes. Yeah, that was the last thing he ever saw. Sick, isn’t it?
However, Jehoiachin was treated much differently. He was released from his captivity, and then was invited to eat regularly with the ruling king.
Man, which king do you want to be? I suppose this is the classic Christian duality going on here. This is where we say: “do you want eternal bliss of heaven, or torment of hell?” I never did like the black and white view of the world, even if the afterlife seems to be that way.
The issue is what did Jehoiachin do for the Babylonians to deserve such special treatment? Probably nothing, if you want to know the truth. I don’t know if Jehoiachin was more willing to give up certain valuables than the others.
The reading in Galatians talks about how the world is a prisoner of sin, much like the nation after Babylon took over. Then the odd thing is that Paul talks about how we are prisoners of the law, and “locked up until faith should be revealed”.
Technically, we should all be cut down by sin, and then again, we should all be cutoff by the law. However, grace is the one thing that can set us apart, make us stand out. I suppose it was grace that allowed Jehoiachin to have his comfortable prison, while Zedekiah pretty much rotted.
Like I said, completely random. However, random isn’t what is on God’s mind when we give ourselves to him. We all get the special treatment there. Sure, we may not be at the king’s table, but we will eventually end up at God’s table.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Josiah’s Repentance
June 15, 2009
Today's Reading: 2 Kings 22-23 and Galatians 2
I have always admired Josiah, a goodly king in the Bible who I am surprised is not mentioned in more sermons. Generally, messages of repentance inconveniently leave this man out.
Usually, we hear the stories of those who don’t repent and have some really bad things happen to them. Generally, we usually don’t hear about it when someone gets it right. Josiah was one of those rare ones who did what the Lord asked, precisely when he was convicted of it.
It all started during some renovation of the Temple, when Hilkiah the priest discovers a book of the Law in the midst of things. When they read the book, they discover that they have been doing everything wrong.
And so the king decided to change the law so they wouldn’t have to listen to the old book. Oddly enough, the king actually did the right thing and decided to repent. In fact, it has to be one of the biggest repentance sessions that I have ever seen! Not only does he repent of his own sins, but he gets the entire nation involved.
Of course, he doesn’t “do good for goodness sake”. It takes a prophet to tell him that “if you don’t do this, there’s going to be disaster”. However, it wasn’t like there was any external motivation like someone holding a sword to his throat saying: “turn or burn”.
Indeed, most of Josiah’s motivation to change is internal. Not only that, he wasn’t one of those people that says that he or she will repent, and does nothing. He was active about it, and I believe that the entire nation of Israel was saved because of it. Don’t get me wrong, the nation was doomed, but repentance has a way of putting off the judgment of the Lord.
Still, how many people do you know that repent right away when you tell them they need to change? Usually they go through stages, like grief. It starts off with the denial stage, then the bargaining stage. If you’re lucky, your sinner will hit acceptance, but that is no guarantee that repentance will occur.
Imagine if we were all like Josiah, and we repented at the first time someone told us that we needed to change. Just think of all the preachers who would be happy, because all the people in their congregation wouldn’t be thinking about how soon they can get out for lunch. They will rush out of church and actually apply all these sermons they listen to.
Today's Reading: 2 Kings 22-23 and Galatians 2
I have always admired Josiah, a goodly king in the Bible who I am surprised is not mentioned in more sermons. Generally, messages of repentance inconveniently leave this man out.
Usually, we hear the stories of those who don’t repent and have some really bad things happen to them. Generally, we usually don’t hear about it when someone gets it right. Josiah was one of those rare ones who did what the Lord asked, precisely when he was convicted of it.
It all started during some renovation of the Temple, when Hilkiah the priest discovers a book of the Law in the midst of things. When they read the book, they discover that they have been doing everything wrong.
And so the king decided to change the law so they wouldn’t have to listen to the old book. Oddly enough, the king actually did the right thing and decided to repent. In fact, it has to be one of the biggest repentance sessions that I have ever seen! Not only does he repent of his own sins, but he gets the entire nation involved.
Of course, he doesn’t “do good for goodness sake”. It takes a prophet to tell him that “if you don’t do this, there’s going to be disaster”. However, it wasn’t like there was any external motivation like someone holding a sword to his throat saying: “turn or burn”.
Indeed, most of Josiah’s motivation to change is internal. Not only that, he wasn’t one of those people that says that he or she will repent, and does nothing. He was active about it, and I believe that the entire nation of Israel was saved because of it. Don’t get me wrong, the nation was doomed, but repentance has a way of putting off the judgment of the Lord.
Still, how many people do you know that repent right away when you tell them they need to change? Usually they go through stages, like grief. It starts off with the denial stage, then the bargaining stage. If you’re lucky, your sinner will hit acceptance, but that is no guarantee that repentance will occur.
Imagine if we were all like Josiah, and we repented at the first time someone told us that we needed to change. Just think of all the preachers who would be happy, because all the people in their congregation wouldn’t be thinking about how soon they can get out for lunch. They will rush out of church and actually apply all these sermons they listen to.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Peace in our Lifetime
June 14, 2009
Today's Reading: 2 Kings 20-21 and Galatians 1
You have to admire Hezekiah for the way he lived. He must have been one of those guys that probably prayed a lot and believed in it even more. So when he is about to die, he receives some very good news: he will live, for about fifteen more years.
He even gets a sign. The sun goes back ten steps. I would imagine that God moved the sun in an erratic manner like in the days of Joshua.
So not only does the guy get a rare extension on his life, but he actually knows when he is going to die. I don’t know anyone who has that kind of condition going on. Now, you think that would give Hezekiah a new lease on life, and he would go and do all sorts of good things to fill up those next decade and a half.
Instead, he sort of screws it up. I mean, he doesn’t really completely screw it up by worshipping Baal or anything, but he does invite people from Babylon to see the Royal Treasury. I would imagine this would be like the president of the United States inviting the leader of some country that harbors terrorists into places that most Americans can’t get to.
Isaiah is there to warn him that he screwed up. He then warns him that soon Babylon is going to bring a word of hurt on the country. However, he tells him that he will not experience this now, but in a future after he is gone.
Hezekiah’s reaction is not one of shock, but rather relief. He says: “The word of the Lord you have spoken is good, will there not be peace and security in my lifetime”.
I can’t help but think that this is one of the most selfish things that I have ever heard. However, this really is how much of us live. Most of us will save up for our own retirement, and perhaps our children’s college funds.
Unlike Hezekiah, we don’t know when our huge crisis will come. I’m not certain if we will ever see a global economic crisis, or some sort of worldwide disaster in our lives. However, if I ever found out that the worst will be far past me, I couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.
However, the bad stuff will come. Shouldn’t I see fit to prepare all of my friends and family to get through whatever tough times come ahead? Can’t we think beyond our own generation?
Today's Reading: 2 Kings 20-21 and Galatians 1
You have to admire Hezekiah for the way he lived. He must have been one of those guys that probably prayed a lot and believed in it even more. So when he is about to die, he receives some very good news: he will live, for about fifteen more years.
He even gets a sign. The sun goes back ten steps. I would imagine that God moved the sun in an erratic manner like in the days of Joshua.
So not only does the guy get a rare extension on his life, but he actually knows when he is going to die. I don’t know anyone who has that kind of condition going on. Now, you think that would give Hezekiah a new lease on life, and he would go and do all sorts of good things to fill up those next decade and a half.
Instead, he sort of screws it up. I mean, he doesn’t really completely screw it up by worshipping Baal or anything, but he does invite people from Babylon to see the Royal Treasury. I would imagine this would be like the president of the United States inviting the leader of some country that harbors terrorists into places that most Americans can’t get to.
Isaiah is there to warn him that he screwed up. He then warns him that soon Babylon is going to bring a word of hurt on the country. However, he tells him that he will not experience this now, but in a future after he is gone.
Hezekiah’s reaction is not one of shock, but rather relief. He says: “The word of the Lord you have spoken is good, will there not be peace and security in my lifetime”.
I can’t help but think that this is one of the most selfish things that I have ever heard. However, this really is how much of us live. Most of us will save up for our own retirement, and perhaps our children’s college funds.
Unlike Hezekiah, we don’t know when our huge crisis will come. I’m not certain if we will ever see a global economic crisis, or some sort of worldwide disaster in our lives. However, if I ever found out that the worst will be far past me, I couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.
However, the bad stuff will come. Shouldn’t I see fit to prepare all of my friends and family to get through whatever tough times come ahead? Can’t we think beyond our own generation?
The Test
June 13, 2009
Today's Reading: 2 Kings 17-19 and 2 Corinthians 13
Paul uses the word “test” a lot in 2 Corinthians 13. I think we as human beings hate the idea of it. Some people still have dreams that they are back in college or high school, and there is a test that he or she hasn’t studied for. Of course, we all know the necessity of tests. How are we going to know if something works, and can work again, unless we test it out.
As Paul says: “And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.”
Tests are always something that we need, but never want. The thing is, I think we all know that life is all one big test. Now, you can believe in Jesus Christ can get a certain A plus, or you can trust in your own works and hope for the best. I don’t know how to get the A without accepting Jesus death on the cross, but I know some great ways to cataclysmically fail.
For example, you could indulge in as much sins as possible, and worship something that you know not to be true. Israel was failing terribly, as instead of bowing down to their God, they went with the Baals and other gods that were strictly forbidden. They even worshiped the bronze snake that Moses had made. I can’t help but think that if Moses was alive, he would come out with that huge “God rod” and say: “what the hey, it’s not meant to be worshipped”
It would be like taking the SAT and making drawings with the ovals. Of course, life is not just one big test, but death is just the final! On the way there are quizzes, midterms, the unusual paper, and a pop quiz. So it is odd that Hezekiah knew what to do when Shalmaneser attacked.
He immediately prays to the Lord, and there doesn’t seem to be an answer right away. It was the right thing to do, and God probably rewarded him for his faithfulness by sending massive amounts of deliverance.
Of course, there is no guarantee that any reward will occur when a correct answer is given. However, as perfection is hard to achieve, it is completely tough to get it right every time.
However, celebrate when a test comes back with a big old A and put it on the fridge. Don’t you think Israel did after their deliverance.
Today's Reading: 2 Kings 17-19 and 2 Corinthians 13
Paul uses the word “test” a lot in 2 Corinthians 13. I think we as human beings hate the idea of it. Some people still have dreams that they are back in college or high school, and there is a test that he or she hasn’t studied for. Of course, we all know the necessity of tests. How are we going to know if something works, and can work again, unless we test it out.
As Paul says: “And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.”
Tests are always something that we need, but never want. The thing is, I think we all know that life is all one big test. Now, you can believe in Jesus Christ can get a certain A plus, or you can trust in your own works and hope for the best. I don’t know how to get the A without accepting Jesus death on the cross, but I know some great ways to cataclysmically fail.
For example, you could indulge in as much sins as possible, and worship something that you know not to be true. Israel was failing terribly, as instead of bowing down to their God, they went with the Baals and other gods that were strictly forbidden. They even worshiped the bronze snake that Moses had made. I can’t help but think that if Moses was alive, he would come out with that huge “God rod” and say: “what the hey, it’s not meant to be worshipped”
It would be like taking the SAT and making drawings with the ovals. Of course, life is not just one big test, but death is just the final! On the way there are quizzes, midterms, the unusual paper, and a pop quiz. So it is odd that Hezekiah knew what to do when Shalmaneser attacked.
He immediately prays to the Lord, and there doesn’t seem to be an answer right away. It was the right thing to do, and God probably rewarded him for his faithfulness by sending massive amounts of deliverance.
Of course, there is no guarantee that any reward will occur when a correct answer is given. However, as perfection is hard to achieve, it is completely tough to get it right every time.
However, celebrate when a test comes back with a big old A and put it on the fridge. Don’t you think Israel did after their deliverance.
Friday, July 3, 2009
The Thorn
June 12, 2009
Today's Reading: 2 Kings 15-16 and 2 Corinthians 12
I’ve actually been ignoring the readings in 2 Corinthians lately. Part of it is because the readings in the books of Kings are a lot more exciting than the letters from Paul, which is a real shame. Today, I am going to talk about 2 Corinthians because 2 Kings was a little boring.
As it is, the reading in 2 Corinthians 12 is one of my favorites as Paul talks about the thorn. I don’t believe that biblical historians have ever revealed what is this thorn that Paul talks about, but apparently it was some “messenger of Satan, to torment him”. Some have speculated that Paul was afflicted by some disease, but maybe he was tempted by something.
It reminds me of the movie A Beautiful Mind. If you haven’t seen it, then I am going to spoil the ending of it. It is one of those movies where you should not know much about it before you see it.
Supposedly, it is based on a true story of John Nash, a brilliant mathematician who was plagued with schizophrenia. He had hallucinations that involved a roommate that didn’t existed, and the most disturbing was a man from the DOD who told John that there was a Russian atomic bomb hidden in the United States.
Of course, the movie doesn’t reveal that John’s roommate and DOD handler are delusions until the middle of the movie. By that time, the audience had believed they were real and it comes as a total twist.
The good news is that John does eventually get over his schizophrenia, but only in the sense that he is able to function daily. In fact, he becomes a college professor, but he has to learn to not speak to his imaginary friends.
Eventually, John Nash works win a Nobel Prize. At the end of the movie, after receiving his accolade, he sees his imaginary friends once again. His wife senses that there is a problem, and asks what is wrong. His response: “nothing at all”.
John Nash had to choose to ignore these visions of his, even though the world said he was one of the most smartest man on the planet.
Sometimes a Christian can be tempted time and time again by the same thing, and it apparently never quits. The truth is, that trial or temptation has to be there to show that we are made of stronger stuff. In other words, that thorn is needed, and necessary. This is why it stays, for now.
Today's Reading: 2 Kings 15-16 and 2 Corinthians 12
I’ve actually been ignoring the readings in 2 Corinthians lately. Part of it is because the readings in the books of Kings are a lot more exciting than the letters from Paul, which is a real shame. Today, I am going to talk about 2 Corinthians because 2 Kings was a little boring.
As it is, the reading in 2 Corinthians 12 is one of my favorites as Paul talks about the thorn. I don’t believe that biblical historians have ever revealed what is this thorn that Paul talks about, but apparently it was some “messenger of Satan, to torment him”. Some have speculated that Paul was afflicted by some disease, but maybe he was tempted by something.
It reminds me of the movie A Beautiful Mind. If you haven’t seen it, then I am going to spoil the ending of it. It is one of those movies where you should not know much about it before you see it.
Supposedly, it is based on a true story of John Nash, a brilliant mathematician who was plagued with schizophrenia. He had hallucinations that involved a roommate that didn’t existed, and the most disturbing was a man from the DOD who told John that there was a Russian atomic bomb hidden in the United States.
Of course, the movie doesn’t reveal that John’s roommate and DOD handler are delusions until the middle of the movie. By that time, the audience had believed they were real and it comes as a total twist.
The good news is that John does eventually get over his schizophrenia, but only in the sense that he is able to function daily. In fact, he becomes a college professor, but he has to learn to not speak to his imaginary friends.
Eventually, John Nash works win a Nobel Prize. At the end of the movie, after receiving his accolade, he sees his imaginary friends once again. His wife senses that there is a problem, and asks what is wrong. His response: “nothing at all”.
John Nash had to choose to ignore these visions of his, even though the world said he was one of the most smartest man on the planet.
Sometimes a Christian can be tempted time and time again by the same thing, and it apparently never quits. The truth is, that trial or temptation has to be there to show that we are made of stronger stuff. In other words, that thorn is needed, and necessary. This is why it stays, for now.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
It’s Not Fair!
June 11, 2009
Today's Reading: 2 Kings 13-14 and Psalms 31-32
I thought I would do a little retelling of what happened on the day of Elisha’s death.
Jehoash: Hey, Elisha, how are you doing?
Elisha: I’m dying, sire.
Jehoash: Shouldn’t a whirlwind be coming for you, or something?
Elisha: Everybody always says that. Your father, your father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!
Jehoash: Isn’t that my line?
Elisha: Yeah, but when I said it, it made sense.
Jehoash: Yeah, I didn’t think that made much sense, either.
Elisha: Get a bow and some arrows.
Jehoash: What? Are you going to shoot someone?
Elisha: I will…unless…you…get…those…bow and arrows.
Jehoash: It’s all right, I keep a spare underneath your mattress.
Elisha: I thought the bed was lumpy. Take the bow in your hands.
Jehoash: No problem. You want me to shoot you? Is this what this is about?
(Elisha puts his hands on the king’s hands.)
Elisha: Open the east window.
Jehosah: But I’ve got this bow in my hands.
Elisha: Put down the bow, and open the east window.
Jehoash: Okay, fine. It’s open, now what?
Elisha: Shoot!
Jehoash: Shoot? What? What did I do wrong?
Elisha: No, shoot an arrow, out the window.
Jehoash: What, seriously? What if I hit someone?
Elisha: Just shoot, God says so!
(Jehoash shoots his arrow out the window.)
Elisha: The Lord’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram! You will complete destroy the Arameans at Aphek.
Jehoash: Oh, sweet!
Elisha: Now, take the arrows.
Jehoash: No problem, where do I shoot them?
Elisha: Strike the ground.
Jehoash: I don’t really get it, but I’ll do it. In fact, I’ll do it three times. That will do it!
Elisha: No!
Jehoash: Dude, don’t get ticked off, man.
Elisha: You should have struck the ground five or six times, then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.
Jehoash: What? You didn’t tell me that’s what I was doing! Man, if you had, I would have smacked them until there was nothing left! That is so no fair.
Elisha: Life’s not fair.
Jehoash: Oh, that’s original. Elisha? Elisha! Seriously, you are going to die with a cliché on your lips? Your master dies in a whirlwind, and you do that. You’re a real piece of work, you know that? Seriously.
Isn’t this true? If Elisha had told the king what the Lord was doing, surely he would have done what the Lord would have wanted. The issue is, life isn’t really fair sometimes, and you pay consequences that you didn’t really intend to have.
That is life. We make our choices, but we can’t choose what happens as a result of them. And yes, it is not fair. I’ll leave it at that.
Today's Reading: 2 Kings 13-14 and Psalms 31-32
I thought I would do a little retelling of what happened on the day of Elisha’s death.
Jehoash: Hey, Elisha, how are you doing?
Elisha: I’m dying, sire.
Jehoash: Shouldn’t a whirlwind be coming for you, or something?
Elisha: Everybody always says that. Your father, your father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!
Jehoash: Isn’t that my line?
Elisha: Yeah, but when I said it, it made sense.
Jehoash: Yeah, I didn’t think that made much sense, either.
Elisha: Get a bow and some arrows.
Jehoash: What? Are you going to shoot someone?
Elisha: I will…unless…you…get…those…bow and arrows.
Jehoash: It’s all right, I keep a spare underneath your mattress.
Elisha: I thought the bed was lumpy. Take the bow in your hands.
Jehoash: No problem. You want me to shoot you? Is this what this is about?
(Elisha puts his hands on the king’s hands.)
Elisha: Open the east window.
Jehosah: But I’ve got this bow in my hands.
Elisha: Put down the bow, and open the east window.
Jehoash: Okay, fine. It’s open, now what?
Elisha: Shoot!
Jehoash: Shoot? What? What did I do wrong?
Elisha: No, shoot an arrow, out the window.
Jehoash: What, seriously? What if I hit someone?
Elisha: Just shoot, God says so!
(Jehoash shoots his arrow out the window.)
Elisha: The Lord’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram! You will complete destroy the Arameans at Aphek.
Jehoash: Oh, sweet!
Elisha: Now, take the arrows.
Jehoash: No problem, where do I shoot them?
Elisha: Strike the ground.
Jehoash: I don’t really get it, but I’ll do it. In fact, I’ll do it three times. That will do it!
Elisha: No!
Jehoash: Dude, don’t get ticked off, man.
Elisha: You should have struck the ground five or six times, then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.
Jehoash: What? You didn’t tell me that’s what I was doing! Man, if you had, I would have smacked them until there was nothing left! That is so no fair.
Elisha: Life’s not fair.
Jehoash: Oh, that’s original. Elisha? Elisha! Seriously, you are going to die with a cliché on your lips? Your master dies in a whirlwind, and you do that. You’re a real piece of work, you know that? Seriously.
Isn’t this true? If Elisha had told the king what the Lord was doing, surely he would have done what the Lord would have wanted. The issue is, life isn’t really fair sometimes, and you pay consequences that you didn’t really intend to have.
That is life. We make our choices, but we can’t choose what happens as a result of them. And yes, it is not fair. I’ll leave it at that.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Not in the Cards
June 10, 2009
Today's Reading: 2 Kings 11-12 and Psalms 29-30
Have you ever watched a movie or read a book and saw something that didn’t seem to add up, and it was a little too convenient to the plotline. For example, there is a character that everyone says is dead, and then he or she shows up conveniently when he or she is needed?
In fact, I have begun a simple rule of thumb when I am watching a movie that says: unless you see someone die, that person is not dead. Sometimes it seems like a character is dead, as in shot in the stomach, and then the character shows up and does something extremely heroic, maybe as their last act. Think of the end of Ice Age when Diego the saber-toothed tiger shows up alive despite the fact he appeared to die in the previous scene.
This is what happened when all the relatives of Ahab were being killed. We hear in the last chapter that they are all dead, and then suddenly, there is this Joash guy who is miraculously alive.
At that point, I almost said: “no way, they were all dead”. I wouldn’t buy this explanation if I saw it in some movie, and yet the Bible expects me to take it on faith. Maybe reading books and watching too many movies is just not good to your spiritual health.
Now you want to know something even sillier? God tends to turn around things in his plotline of life that have no foreshadowing to them. In the dramatic biz, they call that “dues ex machine” where godly characters are lowered by mechanical pulleys and then they work out the main characters’ problems instead of them working it out.
The truth is that God is the one who can turn “our wailing into dancing, removing sackcloth and clothed with joy”. Just last week, I was feeling sorry for myself, and now I have at least one opportunity this week.
I believe that I have already covered this topic the other day, and it is weird that I am covering it again. But God has a way of turning things around that probably shouldn’t be turned around. He tends to twist the plot a way a movie or book would not, and make it so a loser wins and a winner loses.
No, this is the God that makes stuff happen that isn’t really made to happen a certain way.
Today's Reading: 2 Kings 11-12 and Psalms 29-30
Have you ever watched a movie or read a book and saw something that didn’t seem to add up, and it was a little too convenient to the plotline. For example, there is a character that everyone says is dead, and then he or she shows up conveniently when he or she is needed?
In fact, I have begun a simple rule of thumb when I am watching a movie that says: unless you see someone die, that person is not dead. Sometimes it seems like a character is dead, as in shot in the stomach, and then the character shows up and does something extremely heroic, maybe as their last act. Think of the end of Ice Age when Diego the saber-toothed tiger shows up alive despite the fact he appeared to die in the previous scene.
This is what happened when all the relatives of Ahab were being killed. We hear in the last chapter that they are all dead, and then suddenly, there is this Joash guy who is miraculously alive.
At that point, I almost said: “no way, they were all dead”. I wouldn’t buy this explanation if I saw it in some movie, and yet the Bible expects me to take it on faith. Maybe reading books and watching too many movies is just not good to your spiritual health.
Now you want to know something even sillier? God tends to turn around things in his plotline of life that have no foreshadowing to them. In the dramatic biz, they call that “dues ex machine” where godly characters are lowered by mechanical pulleys and then they work out the main characters’ problems instead of them working it out.
The truth is that God is the one who can turn “our wailing into dancing, removing sackcloth and clothed with joy”. Just last week, I was feeling sorry for myself, and now I have at least one opportunity this week.
I believe that I have already covered this topic the other day, and it is weird that I am covering it again. But God has a way of turning things around that probably shouldn’t be turned around. He tends to twist the plot a way a movie or book would not, and make it so a loser wins and a winner loses.
No, this is the God that makes stuff happen that isn’t really made to happen a certain way.
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