The internet is cool. Right now I'm at a Holiday Inn in Kitchener, and they provide wireless internet access to their guests. So, I can read and then make my notes all at once.
Well, I did it. Malachi. I've finished the entire Old Testament. I read Malachi many times before, and have heard it quoted too many times to be counted regarding tithing. I am pleased to say that I do not struggle with tithing. My parents taught me from when I was a child, and I have seen the fruit of tithing. God has always been faithful to me financially, and my wife and I have never been without. Our bills get paid and we have stuff left over to live.
I don't agree with the whole "Prosperity Gospel" school of thought. A lot of people teach that Christians should be rich, and while God uses them in many ways, I don't particularly think that all Christians should be rich. What I mean by rich is that we should drive BMWs and live in big houses and all that. Right in Malachi it states again that we need to be taking care of the poor, so I don't see me hoarding up money being able to balance itself with the fact that there are still poor people.
But I'm not sure if my opinion is just for me or for all Christians. I really would like to buy a Dodge Magnum. It would be easily $40,000, with crazy gas consumption. I can't justify a purchase like that when a Civic or some other small car can get me around just find. Mind you, I like new cars, and some might disagree with buying new when you can get a used car for cheaper.
Malachi spends more time telling the priests what they are doing wrong then talking about tithing. I don't hear much preaching on that. Essentially, it boils down to them not doing what they said they would do (1:14).
And so, like so many of the other books that I have read, a couple verses / thoughts stand out to me:
3:5 - "I'm now on my way to judge you. And I will quickly condemn all who practice witchcraft or cheat in marriage or tell lies in court or rob workers of their pay or mistreat widows and orphans or steal the property of foreigners or refuse to respect me." And then the end of 3:7 - "But if you return to me, I will return to you."
God wants us to follow him, and here in Malachi he tells his people that he is sending his messenger and then he will come. His messenger "will lead children and parents to love each other more, so that when I come, I won't bring doom to the land" (4:6). God doesn't want to condemn, but the people brought it on themselves. All they had to do was give God their money, and take care of each other. If they did that, he'd be pleased.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Monday, March 20, 2006
Zechariah
Well, Zechariah is my kind of prophet. Not only does God give him visions, but he also sends someone along to interpret. In each vision, Zechariah gets to see it, then ask the accompanying angel what it means. Why?
I think it is summed in the sentiment of 7:7 - "My message today is the same one I commanded the earlier prophets to speak to Jerusalem and its villages when they were prosperous, and when all of Judah, including the Southern Desert and the hill country, was filled with people."
They didn't get it. God sent all sorts of signs and messages, and his people still disobeyed. This time, he gives the message and to make it idiot-proof, has an angel standing by to tell Zechariah what it means.
And if 7:7 weren't enough, then there's the message: 7:8-9 - "So once again, I, the LORD All-Powerful, tell you, "See that justice is done and be kind and merciful to one another! Don't mistreat widows or orphans or foreigners or anyone who is poor, and stop making plans to hurt each other." Widows and orphans. How many times did God have to tell them?
I was at a funeral on Saturday. One of my pastors and I were talking about a previous guest speaker at church who pastors in Quebec. The Quebec church is growing and making a difference in its' community. My pastor told me that the Quebec pastor was told one piece of advice by a mentor when he started in ministry, and that everything else would fall into place. "Take care of the poor!" He said it like it was some huge revelation. Take care of the poor. How is it that we've read the Bible through and through, we've created Bible Colleges and Seminaries, built mega-churches and TV ministries, and we've missed it? Take care of the poor. It's all over Scripture. Why did I not see that before?
I'm about to get into the New Testament. That's all Jesus did - hung out with the disenfranchised. Why are churches (maybe not all of them) so pristine and clean? Ok, so maybe I need therapy.
Zechariah goes on to share a promise of prosperity for Israel and Judah and to tell of the One to come in humility who will rule with mercy and justice. Then there will be peace.
I think it is summed in the sentiment of 7:7 - "My message today is the same one I commanded the earlier prophets to speak to Jerusalem and its villages when they were prosperous, and when all of Judah, including the Southern Desert and the hill country, was filled with people."
They didn't get it. God sent all sorts of signs and messages, and his people still disobeyed. This time, he gives the message and to make it idiot-proof, has an angel standing by to tell Zechariah what it means.
And if 7:7 weren't enough, then there's the message: 7:8-9 - "So once again, I, the LORD All-Powerful, tell you, "See that justice is done and be kind and merciful to one another! Don't mistreat widows or orphans or foreigners or anyone who is poor, and stop making plans to hurt each other." Widows and orphans. How many times did God have to tell them?
I was at a funeral on Saturday. One of my pastors and I were talking about a previous guest speaker at church who pastors in Quebec. The Quebec church is growing and making a difference in its' community. My pastor told me that the Quebec pastor was told one piece of advice by a mentor when he started in ministry, and that everything else would fall into place. "Take care of the poor!" He said it like it was some huge revelation. Take care of the poor. How is it that we've read the Bible through and through, we've created Bible Colleges and Seminaries, built mega-churches and TV ministries, and we've missed it? Take care of the poor. It's all over Scripture. Why did I not see that before?
I'm about to get into the New Testament. That's all Jesus did - hung out with the disenfranchised. Why are churches (maybe not all of them) so pristine and clean? Ok, so maybe I need therapy.
Zechariah goes on to share a promise of prosperity for Israel and Judah and to tell of the One to come in humility who will rule with mercy and justice. Then there will be peace.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Haggai
I read Haggai through twice yesterday morning to try and see how it might apply to me. My pastor taught us that's how we need to read - asking the question: What is it saying to me?
Haggai, in short, shared his message after Israel was in exile, under King Darius. Haggai's message was to the people to stop focusing on their houses and start focusing on rebuilding the temple. 1:2-5 - "You say this isn't the right time to build a temple for me. But is it right for you to live in expensive houses, while my temple is a pile of ruins?"
What is it saying to me? I don't think I need to be giving money to building at the church, nor am I spending a lot on my house. For me, I think it is about priorities in general. At that time, God's presence lived at the temple, and he wanted his people to come back to him. Their lack of attention on the temple was indicative of their focus on themselves, not on God.
In my case, tonnes of things call my attention away from God. Problems at work. My and my wife's work schedule. The need for sleep. A plasma TV. OK, I'm not sure that the plasma TV is taking my attention away from God, but I really want one, and haven't had the release (or money, for that matter) to buy one.
I try hard to focus on what's important: God, family, work. But often it becomes work first, then I'm too tired to do anything else. Thank God for his grace. I know it's not a good excuse, but in the midst of my messed up priorities he still allows me opportunities to experience his presence and grow closer to him. Like Israel, my success has everything to do with God and little to do with me.
Haggai, in short, shared his message after Israel was in exile, under King Darius. Haggai's message was to the people to stop focusing on their houses and start focusing on rebuilding the temple. 1:2-5 - "You say this isn't the right time to build a temple for me. But is it right for you to live in expensive houses, while my temple is a pile of ruins?"
What is it saying to me? I don't think I need to be giving money to building at the church, nor am I spending a lot on my house. For me, I think it is about priorities in general. At that time, God's presence lived at the temple, and he wanted his people to come back to him. Their lack of attention on the temple was indicative of their focus on themselves, not on God.
In my case, tonnes of things call my attention away from God. Problems at work. My and my wife's work schedule. The need for sleep. A plasma TV. OK, I'm not sure that the plasma TV is taking my attention away from God, but I really want one, and haven't had the release (or money, for that matter) to buy one.
I try hard to focus on what's important: God, family, work. But often it becomes work first, then I'm too tired to do anything else. Thank God for his grace. I know it's not a good excuse, but in the midst of my messed up priorities he still allows me opportunities to experience his presence and grow closer to him. Like Israel, my success has everything to do with God and little to do with me.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Zephaniah
More judgement. God promises to destroy the world (Israel?), then says "If you humbly obey the Lord, then come and worship him. If you do right and are humble, perhaps you will be safe on that day when the Lord turns loose in his anger" (2:3).
Then, God states the punishment on the countries that were against Israel,a nd in some cases says "then my people who survive will take the land." He knows thta even after Israel is destroyed, some people will have turned back to him. They will be his people. 3:20 - "I will lead you home, and with your own eyes you will see me bless you with all you once owned."
Then, God states the punishment on the countries that were against Israel,a nd in some cases says "then my people who survive will take the land." He knows thta even after Israel is destroyed, some people will have turned back to him. They will be his people. 3:20 - "I will lead you home, and with your own eyes you will see me bless you with all you once owned."
Habakkuk
This is a conversation between Habakkuk and God. Habakkuk complains about the violence and injustice in Israel, God says he's sending the Babylonians to destroy Israel and punish it, then Habukkuk takes issue with a country like Babylon executing judgement on Israel. God then says Babylon will be punished later.
A key statement that stands out for me is 2:3 & 4 - "You can trust what I say about the future. It may take a long time, but keep on waiting - it will happen. I, the Lord, refuse to accept anyone who is proud. Only those who live by faith are acceptable to me."
Habukkuk ends his writing with praise: "But I will still celebrate becasue the Lord God saves me. The Lord gives me strength." (3:18-19). Then, he writes a note to the music director, tellign him to use stringed instruments. He was so confident in his statements that he encourages it to be sung about.
A key statement that stands out for me is 2:3 & 4 - "You can trust what I say about the future. It may take a long time, but keep on waiting - it will happen. I, the Lord, refuse to accept anyone who is proud. Only those who live by faith are acceptable to me."
Habukkuk ends his writing with praise: "But I will still celebrate becasue the Lord God saves me. The Lord gives me strength." (3:18-19). Then, he writes a note to the music director, tellign him to use stringed instruments. He was so confident in his statements that he encourages it to be sung about.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Nahum
Nahum says that he wrote his message down, not that he proclaimed it. His message likely was about 80 years after Jonah (according to the editors of my Bible) and he was writing about judgement on Ninevah. So God gave Ninevah a chance, forgave them, but here they are again. This time there is no chance for forgiveness. They're dead.
And in the midst he declares his promise to Israel: "Judah and Israel are like trees with branches broken by their enemies. But the LORD is going to restore their power and glory."
And in the midst he declares his promise to Israel: "Judah and Israel are like trees with branches broken by their enemies. But the LORD is going to restore their power and glory."
Micah
Jonah was a short read, and I had some time this morning, so I opted toread Micah and Nahum as well. Micah's message was well before the exile. The one theme I noticed more than others was his emphasis on injustice in Isreal and Judah. The justice system seemed to be corrupt, its participants using it for their benefit.
Micah said the same of the prophets and priests - that they preached nice messages as long as they were taken care of.
The verse that has always stuck out for me in Micah is 6:8 - "The LORD God has told us what is right and what he demands: 'See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God.'" This passage makes more sense to me when I read it in a context of a corrupt justice system. As leaders, there is a responsibility to ensure justice is done. I don't think this means enforcement on others, as much as it is praciticing it themselves.
Micah said the same of the prophets and priests - that they preached nice messages as long as they were taken care of.
The verse that has always stuck out for me in Micah is 6:8 - "The LORD God has told us what is right and what he demands: 'See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God.'" This passage makes more sense to me when I read it in a context of a corrupt justice system. As leaders, there is a responsibility to ensure justice is done. I don't think this means enforcement on others, as much as it is praciticing it themselves.
Jonah
My pastor did a series on Jonah a few weeks ago. Every story I heard about Jonah before focused on his disobedience and gettign thrown off the boat and being swallowed by a big fish. The sermon series went through the entire four chapters. 1. Jonay disobeys; 2. Jonah gets swallowed by a fish and repents; 3. Jonah does what God asked him and preaches to Ninevah - they repent; 4. Jonah gets mad that God forgives Ninevah.
So, he disobeys, realizes he's an idiot for disoebeying, finally obeys and then gets ticked off because he never wanted to do it in the first place. I can relate.
And the end of the book doesn't resolve Jonah's situation. Jonah's ticked off, and the end is simply God "justifying" to Jonah why he is concerned abotu Ninevah. There are lessons here about how we respond to God, but it seems the biggest lesson is how God uses unmerciful people to enact his mercy.
So, he disobeys, realizes he's an idiot for disoebeying, finally obeys and then gets ticked off because he never wanted to do it in the first place. I can relate.
And the end of the book doesn't resolve Jonah's situation. Jonah's ticked off, and the end is simply God "justifying" to Jonah why he is concerned abotu Ninevah. There are lessons here about how we respond to God, but it seems the biggest lesson is how God uses unmerciful people to enact his mercy.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Obadiah
Obadiah, according to www.gotquestions.org, was written between 848 and 840 B.C., which puts him between or in the midst of Elijah and Elisha. According to a resource in the back of my Bible, he was a contemporay of those prophets after Israel's exile. What to belive, the editors at the Bible Society or the Internet?
Obadiah's message was to Edom. Essentially, he was sharing a message from God that was judging Edom for not helping Israel in it's time of struggle. God shares his promise that Israel will one day rulle over other nations, including Edom. There's really not much else for me to say, except that it's the shortest book in the Old Testament.
Obadiah's message was to Edom. Essentially, he was sharing a message from God that was judging Edom for not helping Israel in it's time of struggle. God shares his promise that Israel will one day rulle over other nations, including Edom. There's really not much else for me to say, except that it's the shortest book in the Old Testament.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Amos
After a while, the judgement message gets a bit old. I wonder if what has been written in the messages of the prophets are only portions of the full message, highlights, if you would. Even if it isn't, it's amazing that God was so diligent in trying to get his people to turn back to him & that his people were so persistent in not turning back.
Amos was around before the exile and starts by announcing God's judgement on a bunch of countries, leading up to Judah and Israel. One country was Phoenicia. A few years ago we did a Mediterranean cruise. The first stop was Tunisia. In Tunisia, we toured the Phoenician ruins. Not much left to indicate there were people there - some floors, a few walls, and a skeleton. As a matter of fact, there is not much left of any of the countries Amos listed in the first chapter.
God says in 9:9, "At my command, all of you will be sifted like grain. Israelites who remain fatihful will be scattered among the nations." Today, there are Jewish people all over the world. They've existed without a country until a few decades ago, and they are all over the place.
Once I get past the repetitive message of judgement, I see glimmers of hope and promise. 5:4 - "Israel, turn back to me and you will live." 9:14 - "I'll make Israel prosper again."
I read this and I wonder "Why didn't they get it?" Then I'm reminded of other places where God says he hardened their hearts and has made his people unresponsive to his voice. Is that the case here? And then there's the piece that is common in almost every book - how they treated the poor and needy. Amos goes a bit further and speaks against those who got rich off the backs of the poor.
Money and sex. Those seem to be the two downfalls of Israel as I reflect back on what i've read so far. Sounds familiar.
Amos was around before the exile and starts by announcing God's judgement on a bunch of countries, leading up to Judah and Israel. One country was Phoenicia. A few years ago we did a Mediterranean cruise. The first stop was Tunisia. In Tunisia, we toured the Phoenician ruins. Not much left to indicate there were people there - some floors, a few walls, and a skeleton. As a matter of fact, there is not much left of any of the countries Amos listed in the first chapter.
God says in 9:9, "At my command, all of you will be sifted like grain. Israelites who remain fatihful will be scattered among the nations." Today, there are Jewish people all over the world. They've existed without a country until a few decades ago, and they are all over the place.
Once I get past the repetitive message of judgement, I see glimmers of hope and promise. 5:4 - "Israel, turn back to me and you will live." 9:14 - "I'll make Israel prosper again."
I read this and I wonder "Why didn't they get it?" Then I'm reminded of other places where God says he hardened their hearts and has made his people unresponsive to his voice. Is that the case here? And then there's the piece that is common in almost every book - how they treated the poor and needy. Amos goes a bit further and speaks against those who got rich off the backs of the poor.
Money and sex. Those seem to be the two downfalls of Israel as I reflect back on what i've read so far. Sounds familiar.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Joel
Unlike the other prophets, Joel doesn't say who was King when he gave this message. According to www.gotquestions.org, (thank you Google!) it was between 835 and 800 BC, which would have put him with King Joash.
Joel starts off describing an "army" of locusts sent by God to destroy Judah for their sin. The images clearly present it as war and an attack. Joel then states that they cannot fight with regular weapons, but that the way to fight back, or defend themselves, is to turn back to God with broken hearts (2:13). God says: "I am merciful, kind and caring. I don't easily lose my temper, and I don't like to punish."
Joel does not acknowledge whether or not the the people turned back to God (we know they did not turn back permanently), but in 2:18, Joel says: "The Lord was deeply concerned about his land and had pity on his people." Then, in answer to their prayers, he made some promises. First, he promised to satisfy their needs (2:19); second, to defend their reputation (2:19); third, to rid them of the army of locusts that attacked and send them off to rot in the desert (2:20); fourth, he will restore what the locusts destroyed (2:25).
God then makes more promises that seem to apply to his people centuries later. I'm not a big prophesy buff, and in all my studies and learning in church, this next piece is applied to the church, beginning with Acts 2. Joel 2:28-29 -- "Later, I will give my Spirit to everyone. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will have dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will even give my Spirit to my servants, both men and women." The passage goes on to speak of judgment on those who persecuted God's people and that he will protect and restore them.
At this point, I'm not as concerned about the intended audience for the outpouring and the judgment. Instead, I'm struck by a couple other things.
1. Sincere repentance is what God wants from us. Judah was not encouraged to invent a bug spray to get rid of the locusts. If they repented, God will take care of them.
2. God will accomplish what he promised. He promised to turn his people back to him, to restore the damage caused by his judgment, and to bless even more.
3. "I will even give my Spirit to my servants, both men and women." God envisioned a future where he would give his Spirit to both men and women. I guess he was depicting how freely he wanted to bless his people, because in Joel's day, it would have been just to men. Why is it that we limit God? On Israel Houghton's new CD, he sings a song entitled "Take the limits off." It is written as if God were singing it, asking us to take the limits off him that we put on him. We expect him to work one way, but he wants to do blow away our expectations.
My brother-in-law was stuck in Toronto on Friday evening due to his flights from the Ivory Coast getting re-routed all over the map. We went to the "Outback," ate huge steaks, and talked about what God was doing in his life and he encouraged me as well. Simply put, God wants to do so more much than what we expect him to do. He had two words more me, and I think it applies to the church as a whole - "Get Ready."
Bring it on.
Joel starts off describing an "army" of locusts sent by God to destroy Judah for their sin. The images clearly present it as war and an attack. Joel then states that they cannot fight with regular weapons, but that the way to fight back, or defend themselves, is to turn back to God with broken hearts (2:13). God says: "I am merciful, kind and caring. I don't easily lose my temper, and I don't like to punish."
Joel does not acknowledge whether or not the the people turned back to God (we know they did not turn back permanently), but in 2:18, Joel says: "The Lord was deeply concerned about his land and had pity on his people." Then, in answer to their prayers, he made some promises. First, he promised to satisfy their needs (2:19); second, to defend their reputation (2:19); third, to rid them of the army of locusts that attacked and send them off to rot in the desert (2:20); fourth, he will restore what the locusts destroyed (2:25).
God then makes more promises that seem to apply to his people centuries later. I'm not a big prophesy buff, and in all my studies and learning in church, this next piece is applied to the church, beginning with Acts 2. Joel 2:28-29 -- "Later, I will give my Spirit to everyone. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will have dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will even give my Spirit to my servants, both men and women." The passage goes on to speak of judgment on those who persecuted God's people and that he will protect and restore them.
At this point, I'm not as concerned about the intended audience for the outpouring and the judgment. Instead, I'm struck by a couple other things.
1. Sincere repentance is what God wants from us. Judah was not encouraged to invent a bug spray to get rid of the locusts. If they repented, God will take care of them.
2. God will accomplish what he promised. He promised to turn his people back to him, to restore the damage caused by his judgment, and to bless even more.
3. "I will even give my Spirit to my servants, both men and women." God envisioned a future where he would give his Spirit to both men and women. I guess he was depicting how freely he wanted to bless his people, because in Joel's day, it would have been just to men. Why is it that we limit God? On Israel Houghton's new CD, he sings a song entitled "Take the limits off." It is written as if God were singing it, asking us to take the limits off him that we put on him. We expect him to work one way, but he wants to do blow away our expectations.
My brother-in-law was stuck in Toronto on Friday evening due to his flights from the Ivory Coast getting re-routed all over the map. We went to the "Outback," ate huge steaks, and talked about what God was doing in his life and he encouraged me as well. Simply put, God wants to do so more much than what we expect him to do. He had two words more me, and I think it applies to the church as a whole - "Get Ready."
Bring it on.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Hosea
Hosea and his message were around well before Judah's exile, during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, which means he was a contemporary of Isaiah. God really was trying to get his message through, given he had two prophets speaking for him during the same time.
Hosea's life was a role play. God told him to marry someone, who would seem to be unfaithful, to represent Israel's unfaithfulness to God. Even her children were named to represent messages from God - "Jezreel" represented imminent punishment, "Lo-Ruhamah" represented God withdrawing his mercy and "Lo-Ammi" represented Israel not being his.
The message, of course, we've heard before. The priests are not following God and are abusing their positions. Israel is proud. But in the midst, we see glimpses of what God wants from us. 6:6 - "I'd rather for you to be faithful and know me than to offer sacrifices." 12:6 - "So return to your God. Patiently trust him and show love and justice."
Hosea was a different prophet, with different methods, saying the same thing to Israel - God desperately wanted to be in relationship with them. All they had to do was turn from their ways and turn to him.
Hosea's life was a role play. God told him to marry someone, who would seem to be unfaithful, to represent Israel's unfaithfulness to God. Even her children were named to represent messages from God - "Jezreel" represented imminent punishment, "Lo-Ruhamah" represented God withdrawing his mercy and "Lo-Ammi" represented Israel not being his.
The message, of course, we've heard before. The priests are not following God and are abusing their positions. Israel is proud. But in the midst, we see glimpses of what God wants from us. 6:6 - "I'd rather for you to be faithful and know me than to offer sacrifices." 12:6 - "So return to your God. Patiently trust him and show love and justice."
Hosea was a different prophet, with different methods, saying the same thing to Israel - God desperately wanted to be in relationship with them. All they had to do was turn from their ways and turn to him.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Daniel
Yesterday morning I arrived at my appointment at Denny's 45 minutes early. I brought along my Bible, anticipating the extra time, and cracked open Daniel in the parking lot. I'm not sure about how the order of books were determined in the Bible. Daniel was around before Ezekiel, accroding to the reference point of King Jehoiakim (Ezekiel's reference was Jehoiachin, who was after Jehoiakin). Ezekiel used a person names Daniel as an illustration, so it might be this Daniel.
Daniel was in Babylon durign the reign of King Nebuchadnezzer, King Belshazzer, King Darius and even King Cyrus. Specific examples are given as to how God had Daniel rise to prominent positions and showed His glory, even while in exile under their reigns. God made Daniel wise, and he and three others were protected because they obeyed God. I recalled promises God made that I read several books ago, that even in the land of their enemies, after they would be exiled, He would not forget the promise He made to them. It's neat to see that being fulfilled here.
The first half of Daniel is a narrative. The last half consists of Daniel's dreams and visions he had during the various kingships. Each vision was written with the explanation, but the explanation is as cryptic as the dream itself (in my mind). I find it odd that a couple of times God told Daniel not to tell anyone his dreams and visions, yet here I am reading about them. Then, in 12:9, it says "Daniel, go about your business, because the meanign of this message will remain secret until the end of time." That made me not feel so bad about not understanding it.
I think the thing that stands out in my mind after reflecting on Daniel is captured in these two passages:
2:21 - "You control human events - you give rulers their power and take it away, and you are the source of wisdom and knowledge."
4:17b - "It will show to all who live that God Most High controls all kingdoms and chooses for their rulers persons of humble birth."
God was calling the shots in Babylon. It seems that they were more receptive to his directioon than his own people. Then, the last verse contains God's promise to Daniel. "So, Daniel, be faithful unto the end! You will rest, and at the end of time, you will rise from death to receive your reward."
Daniel was in Babylon durign the reign of King Nebuchadnezzer, King Belshazzer, King Darius and even King Cyrus. Specific examples are given as to how God had Daniel rise to prominent positions and showed His glory, even while in exile under their reigns. God made Daniel wise, and he and three others were protected because they obeyed God. I recalled promises God made that I read several books ago, that even in the land of their enemies, after they would be exiled, He would not forget the promise He made to them. It's neat to see that being fulfilled here.
The first half of Daniel is a narrative. The last half consists of Daniel's dreams and visions he had during the various kingships. Each vision was written with the explanation, but the explanation is as cryptic as the dream itself (in my mind). I find it odd that a couple of times God told Daniel not to tell anyone his dreams and visions, yet here I am reading about them. Then, in 12:9, it says "Daniel, go about your business, because the meanign of this message will remain secret until the end of time." That made me not feel so bad about not understanding it.
I think the thing that stands out in my mind after reflecting on Daniel is captured in these two passages:
2:21 - "You control human events - you give rulers their power and take it away, and you are the source of wisdom and knowledge."
4:17b - "It will show to all who live that God Most High controls all kingdoms and chooses for their rulers persons of humble birth."
God was calling the shots in Babylon. It seems that they were more receptive to his directioon than his own people. Then, the last verse contains God's promise to Daniel. "So, Daniel, be faithful unto the end! You will rest, and at the end of time, you will rise from death to receive your reward."
Monday, February 20, 2006
Ezekiel
I had to help out with audio at church yesterday - both services. The youth were away on a retreat, and the regular sound guy was gone, as was the person that typically subbed in for him. Before church on Sunday morning, I decided that I could either spend the time between the services reading Ezekiel or going to see a movie. Ezekiel won.
Yesterday morning our pastor shared from James and his application was about how to do your own personal Bible Study. Essentially, what I'm doing here, reading a book at a time, goes against his suggested method of going sentence by sentence and meditating on what it means to me.
Then, last night, the youth arrived back. The youth pastor had some of them share their experience at the retreat. Their testimonies became a first hand illustration to me of how Ezekiel must have felt. God did something real in their lives, and they could not find words to express it. And I know that God spoke to me last summer and started me on this trek; although it might not make sense to others, I know I'm reading the way I need to read it.
Ezekial gets right into it. All of his visions, messages and experience here takes place after Israel had been taken away to Babylon. Each of his 'episodes' begin with a reference to time after King Jehoiachin was led away to Bablyon as prisoner. They are not necessarily listed chronologically, but neither was Jeremiah. Why start now? That said, the narrative ended for me in a chronological sense a few books ago. I find myself referencing Kings and Chronicles to get back in the time period and get my head in the right place.
God spoke to Ezekiel in some seriously, crazy visions and in direct messages. The visions were such that Ezekiel said "I saw what looked like..." He couldn't even articulate for sure what he saw, I guess because he had not seen anything like it before. I mean, four creatures, each with four faces (human, lion, bull and eagle) on each side of their head and wings. And a wheel that moved in every direction without turning? At the end of his first recorded vision, he says "I realized I was seeing the brightness of the the Lord's glory!" Seemingly inexplicable.
God's direct messages were also extreme. He had Ezekiel act things out, role play, so that Israel might see it and understand. On of the first such incidents had Ezekiel lying on his left side for 390 days, then switching to his right side for 40 days. In some cases, Ezekiel explained what he was doing.
Ezekiel is full of messages of doom, not just to Israel, but also to other countries that had not supported, or even attacked or made fun of, Israel. God gave Ezekiel a huge and lengthy message for Egypt. Also, God used extreme images of sexual promiscuity to explain how Israel had turned from him.
Pockets of promise and encouragement are also contained within it. If someone turns from their sin and worships the Lord, they will be forgiven. Children will not be punished for their parents sins, if they personally turn from sinning. On the flip side, if a person was righteous, but turned to sin, they would be punished. God states here more than once (i.e., 18:23) that he does not like seeing the wicked die, but would rather see them turn to him.
The visions and places God takes Ezekiel are really something else: dead, dried bones coming back to life, the four creatures, the man made of fire, shepherds and sheep and the vision of the future temple. Ezekiel was toured around the new temple. His tour guide had a 'measuring stick.' He records in very clear detail what he saw. It was perfect. Squares. I never appreciated the first vision Ezekiel had of the four creatures with four faces each. This morning as I think about it, I see the theme carried over - four equal beings at the beginning, then a temple constructed as a square - four equal measurements used throughout. This must have been the picture of a perfect temple for Ezekiel. God revelation of himself to Ezekiel mirrored the building - perfect. At least, that's what I'm seeing.
A few times God reiterates his promise to bring Israel back together. He also refers to how they treated the poor, the widows and orphans to illustrate had bad they were as a society, all common themes that have struck me as I've been reading.
My pastor told me it took him two years to get through Ezekiel. I read it in a couple hours. I'm sure I've missed things, and I'll get them later when I come back to Ezekiel. However, the picture of a perfect God, who is willing to forgive people who have sinned against him an wants to be in realtionship with his people, who will not renege on his promise, who wants to take care of the poor and needy and who will ultimately ensure his original promise will be carried out, well, that's a lot to take in for now.
Yesterday morning our pastor shared from James and his application was about how to do your own personal Bible Study. Essentially, what I'm doing here, reading a book at a time, goes against his suggested method of going sentence by sentence and meditating on what it means to me.
Then, last night, the youth arrived back. The youth pastor had some of them share their experience at the retreat. Their testimonies became a first hand illustration to me of how Ezekiel must have felt. God did something real in their lives, and they could not find words to express it. And I know that God spoke to me last summer and started me on this trek; although it might not make sense to others, I know I'm reading the way I need to read it.
Ezekial gets right into it. All of his visions, messages and experience here takes place after Israel had been taken away to Babylon. Each of his 'episodes' begin with a reference to time after King Jehoiachin was led away to Bablyon as prisoner. They are not necessarily listed chronologically, but neither was Jeremiah. Why start now? That said, the narrative ended for me in a chronological sense a few books ago. I find myself referencing Kings and Chronicles to get back in the time period and get my head in the right place.
God spoke to Ezekiel in some seriously, crazy visions and in direct messages. The visions were such that Ezekiel said "I saw what looked like..." He couldn't even articulate for sure what he saw, I guess because he had not seen anything like it before. I mean, four creatures, each with four faces (human, lion, bull and eagle) on each side of their head and wings. And a wheel that moved in every direction without turning? At the end of his first recorded vision, he says "I realized I was seeing the brightness of the the Lord's glory!" Seemingly inexplicable.
God's direct messages were also extreme. He had Ezekiel act things out, role play, so that Israel might see it and understand. On of the first such incidents had Ezekiel lying on his left side for 390 days, then switching to his right side for 40 days. In some cases, Ezekiel explained what he was doing.
Ezekiel is full of messages of doom, not just to Israel, but also to other countries that had not supported, or even attacked or made fun of, Israel. God gave Ezekiel a huge and lengthy message for Egypt. Also, God used extreme images of sexual promiscuity to explain how Israel had turned from him.
Pockets of promise and encouragement are also contained within it. If someone turns from their sin and worships the Lord, they will be forgiven. Children will not be punished for their parents sins, if they personally turn from sinning. On the flip side, if a person was righteous, but turned to sin, they would be punished. God states here more than once (i.e., 18:23) that he does not like seeing the wicked die, but would rather see them turn to him.
The visions and places God takes Ezekiel are really something else: dead, dried bones coming back to life, the four creatures, the man made of fire, shepherds and sheep and the vision of the future temple. Ezekiel was toured around the new temple. His tour guide had a 'measuring stick.' He records in very clear detail what he saw. It was perfect. Squares. I never appreciated the first vision Ezekiel had of the four creatures with four faces each. This morning as I think about it, I see the theme carried over - four equal beings at the beginning, then a temple constructed as a square - four equal measurements used throughout. This must have been the picture of a perfect temple for Ezekiel. God revelation of himself to Ezekiel mirrored the building - perfect. At least, that's what I'm seeing.
A few times God reiterates his promise to bring Israel back together. He also refers to how they treated the poor, the widows and orphans to illustrate had bad they were as a society, all common themes that have struck me as I've been reading.
My pastor told me it took him two years to get through Ezekiel. I read it in a couple hours. I'm sure I've missed things, and I'll get them later when I come back to Ezekiel. However, the picture of a perfect God, who is willing to forgive people who have sinned against him an wants to be in realtionship with his people, who will not renege on his promise, who wants to take care of the poor and needy and who will ultimately ensure his original promise will be carried out, well, that's a lot to take in for now.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Lamentations
I didn't do too bad. I was hoping to get to Lamentations before the end of January - it's only February 5. The title "Lamentations" gives away the book - it's the writer is lamenting, or mourning, the collapse of Israel. It's onle five chapters, so I think I'll just note the texts I highlighted as I read.
2:14 - "Your prophets deceived you with false visions and lying messages-- they should have warned you to leave your sins and be saved from disaster." Jeremiah also told Israel that were believing lies, that he wished he could have been bringing good news, but there was no good news. They were disobedient, and this was the consequence.
2:17 - "The LORD has done everything that he had planned and threatened long ago." They shouldn't be surprised.
2:18 - "Don't ever lose hope or let your tears stop."
3:17 - "I cannot find peace or remember happiness."
3:21-40: "Then I remember something that fills me with hope. The LORD's kindness never fails! If he had not been merciful, we would have been destroyed. zthe LORD can always be trusted to show mercy each morning. Deep in my heart I say, 'The LORD is all I need; I can depend on him!' The LORD is kind to everyone who trusts and obeys him. It is good to wait patiently for the LORD to save us. When we are young, it is good to struggle hard and to sit silently alone, if this is what the LORD intends. Being rubbed in the dirt can teach us a lesson; we can also learn from insults and hard knocks. The Lord won't always reject us! He causes a lot of suffering, but he also has pity because of his great love. The Lord doesn't enjoy sending grief or pain. Don't trample prisoners under your feet or cheat anyone out of what is rightfully theirs. God Most High sees everything, and he knows when you refuse to give someone a fair trial. No one can do anything without the Lord's approval. Good and bad each happen at the command
of God Most High. We're still alive! We shouldn't complain when we are being punished for our sins. Instead, we should think about the way we are living, and turn back to the LORD. "
4:22 - "The people of Zion have paid for their sins, and the Lord will soon let them return home."
5:19-22 "You will rule forever, LORD! You are King for all time. Why have you forgotten us
for so long? Bring us back to you! Give us a fresh start. Or do you despise us so much that you don't want us?"
In the midst of despair, there is hope. But, even with hope and a knowledge of God's faithfulness, it is sometimes a challenge to imagine a positive outcome in the midst of the despiar.
2:14 - "Your prophets deceived you with false visions and lying messages-- they should have warned you to leave your sins and be saved from disaster." Jeremiah also told Israel that were believing lies, that he wished he could have been bringing good news, but there was no good news. They were disobedient, and this was the consequence.
2:17 - "The LORD has done everything that he had planned and threatened long ago." They shouldn't be surprised.
2:18 - "Don't ever lose hope or let your tears stop."
3:17 - "I cannot find peace or remember happiness."
3:21-40: "Then I remember something that fills me with hope. The LORD's kindness never fails! If he had not been merciful, we would have been destroyed. zthe LORD can always be trusted to show mercy each morning. Deep in my heart I say, 'The LORD is all I need; I can depend on him!' The LORD is kind to everyone who trusts and obeys him. It is good to wait patiently for the LORD to save us. When we are young, it is good to struggle hard and to sit silently alone, if this is what the LORD intends. Being rubbed in the dirt can teach us a lesson; we can also learn from insults and hard knocks. The Lord won't always reject us! He causes a lot of suffering, but he also has pity because of his great love. The Lord doesn't enjoy sending grief or pain. Don't trample prisoners under your feet or cheat anyone out of what is rightfully theirs. God Most High sees everything, and he knows when you refuse to give someone a fair trial. No one can do anything without the Lord's approval. Good and bad each happen at the command
of God Most High. We're still alive! We shouldn't complain when we are being punished for our sins. Instead, we should think about the way we are living, and turn back to the LORD. "
4:22 - "The people of Zion have paid for their sins, and the Lord will soon let them return home."
5:19-22 "You will rule forever, LORD! You are King for all time. Why have you forgotten us
for so long? Bring us back to you! Give us a fresh start. Or do you despise us so much that you don't want us?"
In the midst of despair, there is hope. But, even with hope and a knowledge of God's faithfulness, it is sometimes a challenge to imagine a positive outcome in the midst of the despiar.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Jeremiah
It's pretty bad. When I started this trek, I was gung ho, knocking off a couple books in a short amount of time. Now it seems to take me a month to get up the nerve to tackle a single book. My goal is to get to (& through!) Lamentations before the end of January.
I finished Jeremiah yesterday morning before I went to work (I started it Sunday). I was caught a bit off guard once I got into it, as Jeremiah jumps all over the place as he is telling his story, moving backwards and forwards in time, sort of like a Tarantino movie. Nonetheless, God was using Jeremiah to try and get a message through the skulls of His people. Same message -- sin, I punish; worship me, I bless. The rub here is that King Manessah messed it up so bad, that Israel was doomed to exile, even though they had a few more Kings left in them (15:4).
God chose Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon to take down Judah. Other prophets of Israel were preaching peace and properity, but Jeremiah regularly disagreed with them, saying they had not received their message from God, though often he wished they had. Jeremiah told the people that it was God's will to send them to Babylon. Later on, God says that he will punish Babylon for what they did to Judah, which, as you can imagine, boggles me, since God had Babylon do the work. Some of the stuff He does really does not make sense to me, but it's all rooted in His deep love for and promise to His people.
And the promise here is the same as I've read before: 29:10-14 -- "After Babylonia has been the strongest nation for seventy years, I will be kind and bring you back to Jerusalem, just as I have promised. I will bless you with a future filled with hope--a future of success, not of suffering. You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers. You will worship me with all your heart, and I will be with you and accept your worship. Then I will gather you from all the nations where I scattered you, and you will return to Jerusalem."
God goes on to say in the next few paragraphs that His people take comfort in the fact that He is sending prophets even in Babylon to share His message, but that he did that in their own land and they did not listen. I've always thought Jeremiah was a book of judgement, but it's really a testament of God's patience (you fall down, you get up - 8:4). He geniunely believes that His people will one day get it, in spite of their track record. If it was me, I would have given up. But God is the definition of patience.
And in the midst of it all, I see another message - orphans, widows and the poor - how they are treated are indicative a society's standing with God. If a society takes care of them, then God favours them; if not, then not.
Yesterday a new goverment was elected in Canada. I've heard many opinions by some people in the Christian world that we need to get Christians in public office and "take our country back for God." I'm not sure I agree - I think we need to be careful that we don't abdicate our responsibility as a church to the government. However, Canada has pretty good programs and systems to help the poor, widows and orphans. It's not great, but it's pretty good. I'd like to think that all is not lost and that God still has some patience left in Him for us.
I finished Jeremiah yesterday morning before I went to work (I started it Sunday). I was caught a bit off guard once I got into it, as Jeremiah jumps all over the place as he is telling his story, moving backwards and forwards in time, sort of like a Tarantino movie. Nonetheless, God was using Jeremiah to try and get a message through the skulls of His people. Same message -- sin, I punish; worship me, I bless. The rub here is that King Manessah messed it up so bad, that Israel was doomed to exile, even though they had a few more Kings left in them (15:4).
God chose Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon to take down Judah. Other prophets of Israel were preaching peace and properity, but Jeremiah regularly disagreed with them, saying they had not received their message from God, though often he wished they had. Jeremiah told the people that it was God's will to send them to Babylon. Later on, God says that he will punish Babylon for what they did to Judah, which, as you can imagine, boggles me, since God had Babylon do the work. Some of the stuff He does really does not make sense to me, but it's all rooted in His deep love for and promise to His people.
And the promise here is the same as I've read before: 29:10-14 -- "After Babylonia has been the strongest nation for seventy years, I will be kind and bring you back to Jerusalem, just as I have promised. I will bless you with a future filled with hope--a future of success, not of suffering. You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers. You will worship me with all your heart, and I will be with you and accept your worship. Then I will gather you from all the nations where I scattered you, and you will return to Jerusalem."
God goes on to say in the next few paragraphs that His people take comfort in the fact that He is sending prophets even in Babylon to share His message, but that he did that in their own land and they did not listen. I've always thought Jeremiah was a book of judgement, but it's really a testament of God's patience (you fall down, you get up - 8:4). He geniunely believes that His people will one day get it, in spite of their track record. If it was me, I would have given up. But God is the definition of patience.
And in the midst of it all, I see another message - orphans, widows and the poor - how they are treated are indicative a society's standing with God. If a society takes care of them, then God favours them; if not, then not.
Yesterday a new goverment was elected in Canada. I've heard many opinions by some people in the Christian world that we need to get Christians in public office and "take our country back for God." I'm not sure I agree - I think we need to be careful that we don't abdicate our responsibility as a church to the government. However, Canada has pretty good programs and systems to help the poor, widows and orphans. It's not great, but it's pretty good. I'd like to think that all is not lost and that God still has some patience left in Him for us.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Isaiah
One of the challenges with reading a book like this in one sitting is that throughout the reading, I'm thinking of clever stuff to say in reflection on what I've read. Then, I have to get past that so to not let the message and content of what I'm reading get lost on me.
The benefit, on the other hand, is that I see thigns that I had not seen before. For example, in Is. 6, Isaiah states "I'll go, Send me." He states this almost directly after having an encounter with God that helped him see his own sinfulness. Fast forward to Is. 59:15b-16 - "When the Lord that justice had disappeared, he became very displeased. It disgusted him even more to learn that no one would do a thing about it."
For me, I see these two statements as sort of a parenthesis to the entire message of Isaiah. God waslooking for someone to send a message, and Isaiah said yes. Isaiah was used by God not because he was special or holy, but because he was willing. that's it.
I find it interesting that throughout what I've read so far, an key indicator of a society's sin is how it treats widows, orphans and those in need (Is. 1:16-17). Then, as a society is made whole and becomes more like God, it defends the helpless, the widows, their families and those in need.
I have to say I wasn't looking forward to reading Isaiah. I was anitcipating poetry and imagery. It wasn't so bad. Isaiah starts out saying that his message was during the kingships of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. Much of his message is judgement on Judah for doing wrong. Some is historical and quite a bit (mostly at the end) is God's promise of blessing, if they obey.
There are quite a few glimpses of jesus throughout the book, but again, most of it is towards the end. I am confused by a couple of things: in Is. 6, God says to make the people stubborn so they do not understand; don't let them be healed. In Is. 37, God says to Sennacherib: "And you don't even know that I alone am the one who decided that you would do these things." This is referrignt ot he evils he did. Then, in Is. 63, Isaiah asks: "Why did you make us turn away from you, our Lord? Why did you make us want to disobey you?" A couple times throughout the book, God stated that he did things because of who he is (48:11). Later, in 55:9, God says, "Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours." So, I guess it's okay that I don't get it.
There is much to say about idols as well. My favourite, though, makes it terribly simple in 57:13: "Ask your idols to save you when you are in trouble. Be careful though - it takes only a faint breath to blow them over." Go God!
But throughout the judgetment, there is hope. It shines through. Even in the midst of the punishment, there is the promise of Jesus and God's commitment: "I won't forget you" (44:21). When his people are whole in in right relationship with him, there will be peace and justice. The poor and needy will be taken care of. God describes what right worship is: "The people I treasure most are the humble - they depend only on me and tremble when I speak" (66:2). Is. 58 describes it in more detail - injustice, abuse, hunger, nakedness and homelessness no longer exists. God's light will shine.
And it's funny, because in the next chapter, God says "all you think about is sin." But in the midst of that, there is hope.
I thought Isaiah was going to be filled with things I didn't understand. There was a little bit of that, but I think I got the main message loud and clear. It's the same message God was declaring almost right after creation, that if his people obey him, they will live and prosper; if they disobey, they will die (sometimes very creatively). But even then, God will not forget the promise he made to his people, and he will take the onus of making the relationship right.
The benefit, on the other hand, is that I see thigns that I had not seen before. For example, in Is. 6, Isaiah states "I'll go, Send me." He states this almost directly after having an encounter with God that helped him see his own sinfulness. Fast forward to Is. 59:15b-16 - "When the Lord that justice had disappeared, he became very displeased. It disgusted him even more to learn that no one would do a thing about it."
For me, I see these two statements as sort of a parenthesis to the entire message of Isaiah. God waslooking for someone to send a message, and Isaiah said yes. Isaiah was used by God not because he was special or holy, but because he was willing. that's it.
I find it interesting that throughout what I've read so far, an key indicator of a society's sin is how it treats widows, orphans and those in need (Is. 1:16-17). Then, as a society is made whole and becomes more like God, it defends the helpless, the widows, their families and those in need.
I have to say I wasn't looking forward to reading Isaiah. I was anitcipating poetry and imagery. It wasn't so bad. Isaiah starts out saying that his message was during the kingships of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. Much of his message is judgement on Judah for doing wrong. Some is historical and quite a bit (mostly at the end) is God's promise of blessing, if they obey.
There are quite a few glimpses of jesus throughout the book, but again, most of it is towards the end. I am confused by a couple of things: in Is. 6, God says to make the people stubborn so they do not understand; don't let them be healed. In Is. 37, God says to Sennacherib: "And you don't even know that I alone am the one who decided that you would do these things." This is referrignt ot he evils he did. Then, in Is. 63, Isaiah asks: "Why did you make us turn away from you, our Lord? Why did you make us want to disobey you?" A couple times throughout the book, God stated that he did things because of who he is (48:11). Later, in 55:9, God says, "Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours." So, I guess it's okay that I don't get it.
There is much to say about idols as well. My favourite, though, makes it terribly simple in 57:13: "Ask your idols to save you when you are in trouble. Be careful though - it takes only a faint breath to blow them over." Go God!
But throughout the judgetment, there is hope. It shines through. Even in the midst of the punishment, there is the promise of Jesus and God's commitment: "I won't forget you" (44:21). When his people are whole in in right relationship with him, there will be peace and justice. The poor and needy will be taken care of. God describes what right worship is: "The people I treasure most are the humble - they depend only on me and tremble when I speak" (66:2). Is. 58 describes it in more detail - injustice, abuse, hunger, nakedness and homelessness no longer exists. God's light will shine.
And it's funny, because in the next chapter, God says "all you think about is sin." But in the midst of that, there is hope.
I thought Isaiah was going to be filled with things I didn't understand. There was a little bit of that, but I think I got the main message loud and clear. It's the same message God was declaring almost right after creation, that if his people obey him, they will live and prosper; if they disobey, they will die (sometimes very creatively). But even then, God will not forget the promise he made to his people, and he will take the onus of making the relationship right.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Song of Songs
I know I should, but I don't get it. It's a love story. A man and a woman, with some friends making comments throughout.
I've read in some comments that it typifies the love between Christ and the church. I don't see it. It simply looks like two lovers being romantic.
I never really enjoyed poetry. The narratives are easier. Yet, I'm now headed into the Prophets, so I'd better get used to it.
I've read in some comments that it typifies the love between Christ and the church. I don't see it. It simply looks like two lovers being romantic.
I never really enjoyed poetry. The narratives are easier. Yet, I'm now headed into the Prophets, so I'd better get used to it.
Friday, November 11, 2005
Ecclesiastes
Right now I'm away from home at a work conference in Orillia, near Casino Rama (that piece isn't relevant, but it's interesting). Yesterday morning before all the sessions began and before breakfast (with all the bacon I could eat), I found a comfortable chair in one of the buildings and opened Ecclesiastes.
I must admit, I read Ecclesiastes from the CEV before I started this trek through the Bible. I love this book. I'm not sure why - it might be because the writer seems undecided. Clearly he (I assume it's Solomon) is thinking out loud, letting the reader see through a window to his soul. Here is a man who is loaded ($), famous and wiser than anyone who has lived and he's trying to figure life out. Over and over again he says that when it all comes down, we should enjoy life, enjoy eating and drinking, and work hard. We can't take it with us and when we die - it's over.
I don't think the point of Ecclesiastes is the afterlife. It seems to me the writer was focused on life, not after life. I'm reminded of Bon Jovi's song - "I don't want to live forever, I just want to live while I'm alive." This is keeping with John 10:10, in which Jesus says he wants to let us live life to the full.
There are tonnes of snippets of wisdom spread through this book: it's better to be wise than anything else, enjoy life, keep your promises, don't make promises to quickly, don't forget that our lives are mortal, don't debate too much before acting, it's good for a nation (how about a company?) when the leaders are mature, and so many more.
But then, the writer stops his thinking and ends the book by saying "Respect and obey God. This is what life is all about." I don't think that is meant to negate all the other advice he gave (I used to think that); rather, I think he realized that it underpins all the other advice he gave. First, and and during, respect and obey God in life and while we are alive, be wise about it, and be sure to live.
I must admit, I read Ecclesiastes from the CEV before I started this trek through the Bible. I love this book. I'm not sure why - it might be because the writer seems undecided. Clearly he (I assume it's Solomon) is thinking out loud, letting the reader see through a window to his soul. Here is a man who is loaded ($), famous and wiser than anyone who has lived and he's trying to figure life out. Over and over again he says that when it all comes down, we should enjoy life, enjoy eating and drinking, and work hard. We can't take it with us and when we die - it's over.
I don't think the point of Ecclesiastes is the afterlife. It seems to me the writer was focused on life, not after life. I'm reminded of Bon Jovi's song - "I don't want to live forever, I just want to live while I'm alive." This is keeping with John 10:10, in which Jesus says he wants to let us live life to the full.
There are tonnes of snippets of wisdom spread through this book: it's better to be wise than anything else, enjoy life, keep your promises, don't make promises to quickly, don't forget that our lives are mortal, don't debate too much before acting, it's good for a nation (how about a company?) when the leaders are mature, and so many more.
But then, the writer stops his thinking and ends the book by saying "Respect and obey God. This is what life is all about." I don't think that is meant to negate all the other advice he gave (I used to think that); rather, I think he realized that it underpins all the other advice he gave. First, and and during, respect and obey God in life and while we are alive, be wise about it, and be sure to live.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Proverbs
Wow. I have never read Proverbs in one sitting before. There is quite a few themes throughout it 31 chapters that I had not noticed before, mainly because I read it in portions.
What did I learn? Solomon was really smart and really wise. True wisdom starts with respecting and honouring God. Humility good, pride bad. Don't talk too much or be too opinionated. Listen a lot. Accept, even invite, correction, instruction and opportunities to learn. Be fair and just. Look out for the poor, widows, helpless and homeless. Watch what you think. Getting rich quick is bad. Don't seek after money. Don't say (or think) "I'm all that!" Be content. A good wife is a gift from God; a bad wife, not so much - I have a great wife! Be honest. Don't be a fool (see ch. 26). Be patient and gentle. Don't gossip. Pride bad (yes, I know I said that already, but it's really bad!). Seek after wisdom.
I highlighted something on pretty much every page of this book, short of just highlighting everything. Of course, as I started, I was judging other people I know by the measure Solomon was writing about. As I got further into it, I realized again I need to be judging myself by these standards and dealing with my own shortcomings. I can try to instruct or correct others, but they must have a heart-change in order to receive it. Besides, according to Proverbs, it's better to listen than to speak. If I work at that (I tend to talk a lot), then maybe I can grow and help others grow at the same time.
I think the secret to a happy life is contained within this book.
What did I learn? Solomon was really smart and really wise. True wisdom starts with respecting and honouring God. Humility good, pride bad. Don't talk too much or be too opinionated. Listen a lot. Accept, even invite, correction, instruction and opportunities to learn. Be fair and just. Look out for the poor, widows, helpless and homeless. Watch what you think. Getting rich quick is bad. Don't seek after money. Don't say (or think) "I'm all that!" Be content. A good wife is a gift from God; a bad wife, not so much - I have a great wife! Be honest. Don't be a fool (see ch. 26). Be patient and gentle. Don't gossip. Pride bad (yes, I know I said that already, but it's really bad!). Seek after wisdom.
I highlighted something on pretty much every page of this book, short of just highlighting everything. Of course, as I started, I was judging other people I know by the measure Solomon was writing about. As I got further into it, I realized again I need to be judging myself by these standards and dealing with my own shortcomings. I can try to instruct or correct others, but they must have a heart-change in order to receive it. Besides, according to Proverbs, it's better to listen than to speak. If I work at that (I tend to talk a lot), then maybe I can grow and help others grow at the same time.
I think the secret to a happy life is contained within this book.
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