21. Matthew 8:23-34
In the history of the NFL there have been many quarterbacks who have been known to come through in the clutch. Dan Marino, John Elway, Tom Brady, Rodger Stabauch, Joe Theisman have all led their teams to victory with a game winning drive in the final minutes of games. But no one is more famous for being calm under pressure than Joe Montana.
For example here is an excerpt from a column on ESPN.com by Larry Schwartz describing the demeanor of Montana:
He possessed an almost mystical calmness in the midst of chaos, especially with the game on the line in the fourth quarter. While others saw turmoil and danger after the snap, Montana saw order and opportunity. He was Joe Cool, the unflappable king of the comeback.
Take the 1989 Super Bowl against the Cincinnati Bengals. The San Francisco 49ers were down by three points with 3:20 left when Montana spotted -- no, not an open receiver -- but a personality. "There, in the stands, standing near the exit ramp," Montana said to tackle Harris Barton. "Isn't that John Candy?" And then he led the 49ers 92 yards, throwing for the winning touchdown with 34 seconds left. This was one of Montana's 31 fourth-quarters comeback in the NFL.
I like to think that I am cool under pressure, but not like Montana. I do posses the ability to make decisions with 35 students asking questions and parents on the phone in the middle of a youth ministry event, with everyone waiting while my computer goes haywire, but there are no 300 lb linemen trying to break my legs.
While Montana was arguably the best NFL quarterback under pressure ever, even he might have cracked under the circumstances Jesus endures in Matthew chapter 8. After a full day of dealing with crowds, healing sick people, and even turning people away Jesus and His disciples finally get into a boat for a relaxing sail. Exhausted, Jesus falls asleep. He is awakened by His frantic friends. "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" Have you ever been awaken by something or someone frantic? I have and it makes me frantic. If my children wake up in the middle of the night sick, Bonnie jumps into action and my heart is racing and I'm confused and rattled. Not Jesus, awaken from sleep He rebukes His disciples, then rebukes the wind and waves. And then peace. Calm. I can almost see Jesus immediately laying back down with a 'Don't wake me again for something silly!' look on his face, then falling back to sleep.
In the midst of trouble, calm. When the storms arise, peace. When all looks bad, serenity. I am not so cool under pressure, but it sure is reassuring to look across the huddle and see my quarterback, Jesus, in complete control.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
first importance
20. Matthew 8:14-22
What do you have to do today? Most of us get up, get ready for work, say good-bye to our families. We get to work, look at our to-do list, prioritize our tasks. We say hello to our co-workers. Maybe there is a big presentation or project to do. Maybe there are a hundred things that must be done this week to keep you on pace with your job's requirements. Maybe for you there is a test, or paper to write. Maybe you have signed up for a club or sports team and there is practice today. Maybe there is a big game this week.
It could be that things are in a little more downward place for you. You found out that a relative is sick, or worse you could be preparing for a funeral. Maybe you are reeling from the end of a relationship. Maybe you drove to work today wondering if you should stay married, if it is really worth it. If you are like me then you are wondering why your wife just won't understand the importance of 42 inches of plasma high-definition.
With all these things going on have we done the one thing that must be accomplished today? The one thing that we must do everyday? Have you followed Jesus today? Let me make it more personal. Have I counted the cost of being a disciple of Christ? May I follow and walk with Jesus today as a matter of first importance. Today and every day.
What do you have to do today? Most of us get up, get ready for work, say good-bye to our families. We get to work, look at our to-do list, prioritize our tasks. We say hello to our co-workers. Maybe there is a big presentation or project to do. Maybe there are a hundred things that must be done this week to keep you on pace with your job's requirements. Maybe for you there is a test, or paper to write. Maybe you have signed up for a club or sports team and there is practice today. Maybe there is a big game this week.
It could be that things are in a little more downward place for you. You found out that a relative is sick, or worse you could be preparing for a funeral. Maybe you are reeling from the end of a relationship. Maybe you drove to work today wondering if you should stay married, if it is really worth it. If you are like me then you are wondering why your wife just won't understand the importance of 42 inches of plasma high-definition.
With all these things going on have we done the one thing that must be accomplished today? The one thing that we must do everyday? Have you followed Jesus today? Let me make it more personal. Have I counted the cost of being a disciple of Christ? May I follow and walk with Jesus today as a matter of first importance. Today and every day.
Monday, January 28, 2008
zaphenath-paneah
19. Genesis 41
Have you ever noticed that when God changes someone's circumstances or gives them a new direction He changes their name? It happened to Abram who became Abraham after God promised him a son and a blessing. It happened to Sarai when she too was blessed with this promised son and she became Sarah. It happened to Jacob after he wrestled with God he was given a blessing and a new name, Israel. And it happened to Joseph after he was rescued from the prisons of Egypt the Pharaoh gave him the Egyptian name Zaphenath-Paneah and put him in charge of preparations for the looming famine.
It also happened in the New Testament. Saul, the Jewish zealot became Paul the apostle some time after his conversion to Christianity. Time and time again when God changes someone's circumstances or gives them a new direction He changes their name.
I was given the name David by my parents when I was born, but when I was baptized at the age of nine my name was changed. My circumstance was changed, I was given a new direction and God changed my name. God calls me by my new name, Christian, or like-Christ.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
interesting
16. Acts 9:20-43
There are a couple interesting things in this passage to me.
First is Barnabas. Here is a guy who takes a chance on someone. Saul, who is the same guy that approved the stoning of Stephen a couple chapters back, has now become a Christian. As you can imagine the Christians in that area are skeptical of trusting Saul for fear that he could be trying to trick them and put them into prison or worse. At one point Saul had to be lowered in a basket over the wall around the city of Damascus so that the Jews would not kill him. Saul is caught in the middle. The Jews are after him to kill him because he is preaching about Jesus and the Christians are scared to help him for fear of his previous reputation. So, in steps Barnabas. Barnabas takes Saul and brought him to the apostles, tells them his story, and convinces them that he is legit. I wonder what would have happened to Saul if Barnabas had not stood up for him. Remember that Barnabas was mentioned in Acts 4 as one who sold some property and gave the money to the Church. And his name means 'Son of Encouragement.' Nice name. Matches his heart. My name would probably mean something like 'Son of Skepticism.' I would like to be more like Barnabas, more encouraging, more open to what God is doing. When is the last time I took a chance on someone?
The second thing that strikes me in this passage is a simple phrase about a woman named Dorcus. The text simply says, "In Joppa there was a woman named Dorcus who was always doing good and helping the poor." I think it is interesting that Luke connects 'doing good' with 'helping the poor.' There are tons of things that could have come next, but the one thing he mentions in association with doing good is helping the poor. Not helping her family. Not cooking for church dinners. Not being a youth sponsor. Not driving the carpool. Not being a cub scout leader. Not volunteering at the nursing home. Not adopting a highway. There is only one thing mentioned in association with doing good and that is helping the poor.
Interesting.
There are a couple interesting things in this passage to me.
First is Barnabas. Here is a guy who takes a chance on someone. Saul, who is the same guy that approved the stoning of Stephen a couple chapters back, has now become a Christian. As you can imagine the Christians in that area are skeptical of trusting Saul for fear that he could be trying to trick them and put them into prison or worse. At one point Saul had to be lowered in a basket over the wall around the city of Damascus so that the Jews would not kill him. Saul is caught in the middle. The Jews are after him to kill him because he is preaching about Jesus and the Christians are scared to help him for fear of his previous reputation. So, in steps Barnabas. Barnabas takes Saul and brought him to the apostles, tells them his story, and convinces them that he is legit. I wonder what would have happened to Saul if Barnabas had not stood up for him. Remember that Barnabas was mentioned in Acts 4 as one who sold some property and gave the money to the Church. And his name means 'Son of Encouragement.' Nice name. Matches his heart. My name would probably mean something like 'Son of Skepticism.' I would like to be more like Barnabas, more encouraging, more open to what God is doing. When is the last time I took a chance on someone?
The second thing that strikes me in this passage is a simple phrase about a woman named Dorcus. The text simply says, "In Joppa there was a woman named Dorcus who was always doing good and helping the poor." I think it is interesting that Luke connects 'doing good' with 'helping the poor.' There are tons of things that could have come next, but the one thing he mentions in association with doing good is helping the poor. Not helping her family. Not cooking for church dinners. Not being a youth sponsor. Not driving the carpool. Not being a cub scout leader. Not volunteering at the nursing home. Not adopting a highway. There is only one thing mentioned in association with doing good and that is helping the poor.
Interesting.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
even when it hurts
15. Psalm 15
Our society these days seems to have a difficult time keeping its word. Nowhere is it more evident than in the arena of politics. It seems like every candidate changes his or her mind on a regular basis not based on conviction, but on what is most likely to win more votes. Along with that is the insistence that they have not changed. I think it would be refreshing to have a candidate who could admit that they have changed their mind, that they see things differently, and can admit when they have made a mistake.
But before we go too far in condemning politicians we should do a little self-evaluation. Do we ever go back on our word? Am I guilty of telling my girls that I will be home to tuck them in and then allow something else to preempt that promise? Do I always fulfill my oath to Bonnie to love, cherish and keep her as long as we both shall live? Am I guilty of breaking my word to God when I choose to disobey Him? I guess before I ride into town on my high-horse I should consider where I need to get down from that horse and onto my knees and in humility ask God to forgive me where I have broken my promises to Him, to my family, and to others.
Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He who keeps his oath even when it hurts. Psalm 15:1&4b
Our society these days seems to have a difficult time keeping its word. Nowhere is it more evident than in the arena of politics. It seems like every candidate changes his or her mind on a regular basis not based on conviction, but on what is most likely to win more votes. Along with that is the insistence that they have not changed. I think it would be refreshing to have a candidate who could admit that they have changed their mind, that they see things differently, and can admit when they have made a mistake.
But before we go too far in condemning politicians we should do a little self-evaluation. Do we ever go back on our word? Am I guilty of telling my girls that I will be home to tuck them in and then allow something else to preempt that promise? Do I always fulfill my oath to Bonnie to love, cherish and keep her as long as we both shall live? Am I guilty of breaking my word to God when I choose to disobey Him? I guess before I ride into town on my high-horse I should consider where I need to get down from that horse and onto my knees and in humility ask God to forgive me where I have broken my promises to Him, to my family, and to others.
Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He who keeps his oath even when it hurts. Psalm 15:1&4b
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
120 years
This week a couple people have asked me about a passage from Genesis 6, so I though it would be good to go back and post concerning this passage.
The end of Genesis 5 introduces us to Noah and chapter 6 begins the story of Noah, his family and the flood. The chapter begins with this passage:
1 When men began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them, 2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. 3 Then the LORD said, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years."
The question that was posed to me this week was about the 120 years mentioned in verse 3, but to understand that let's get a little insight into the first part of this passage. There are a lot of different ideas about who the sons of God and the daughters of men are. I believe that the more traditional Hebrew rabbinical view of this passage makes the most sense. The Hebrew Tanach text translates the phrase sons of God as sons of nobles. A Jewish person reading this text would recognize the daughters who were beautiful or from the Tenach text daughters who were beautifying themselves as ones who were adorned to enter the marriage canopy or chuppah. (HOO-pah)
A chuppah is a canopy traditionally used in Jewish weddings. It consists of a cloth or sheet stretched or supported over four poles, and is sometimes carried by attendants to the ceremony's location. A chuppah symbolizes the home the couple will build together.
So it was becoming common for the sons of nobles to force their way into wedding preparations and have relations with a bride as she was getting ready for her wedding. It reminds me of the beginning of the movie Braveheart where the English soldiers would demand that every bride spend her wedding night with the captain of the guards. Mel Gibson's character refused to go along and his bride was killed, starting the Scottish revolution and eventually ending England's tyranny. (that's the movie version, I don't know if that is historically accurate) I can't think of a more offensive thing that could happen to a bride, a groom and their families during the celebration of their wedding. Verse 5 says:
The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.
Our text goes on to say that God is fed up with such behavior and predicts that the time is coming when He will no longer contend with men. In other words He is saying, "Your days are numbered!"
So the question then is how many days until God keeps His promise? Answer: "his days will be a hundred and twenty years." What is going to happen in 120 years? Answer: 120 years until the flood. 120 years until God will no longer put up with such irreverent and godless people. 120 years until God will destroy everyone on earth except for Noah and his family. Why Noah? Because "Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God." (see earlier post "walk this way")
The end of Genesis 5 introduces us to Noah and chapter 6 begins the story of Noah, his family and the flood. The chapter begins with this passage:
1 When men began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them, 2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. 3 Then the LORD said, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years."
The question that was posed to me this week was about the 120 years mentioned in verse 3, but to understand that let's get a little insight into the first part of this passage. There are a lot of different ideas about who the sons of God and the daughters of men are. I believe that the more traditional Hebrew rabbinical view of this passage makes the most sense. The Hebrew Tanach text translates the phrase sons of God as sons of nobles. A Jewish person reading this text would recognize the daughters who were beautiful or from the Tenach text daughters who were beautifying themselves as ones who were adorned to enter the marriage canopy or chuppah. (HOO-pah)
A chuppah is a canopy traditionally used in Jewish weddings. It consists of a cloth or sheet stretched or supported over four poles, and is sometimes carried by attendants to the ceremony's location. A chuppah symbolizes the home the couple will build together.
So it was becoming common for the sons of nobles to force their way into wedding preparations and have relations with a bride as she was getting ready for her wedding. It reminds me of the beginning of the movie Braveheart where the English soldiers would demand that every bride spend her wedding night with the captain of the guards. Mel Gibson's character refused to go along and his bride was killed, starting the Scottish revolution and eventually ending England's tyranny. (that's the movie version, I don't know if that is historically accurate) I can't think of a more offensive thing that could happen to a bride, a groom and their families during the celebration of their wedding. Verse 5 says:
The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.
Our text goes on to say that God is fed up with such behavior and predicts that the time is coming when He will no longer contend with men. In other words He is saying, "Your days are numbered!"
So the question then is how many days until God keeps His promise? Answer: "his days will be a hundred and twenty years." What is going to happen in 120 years? Answer: 120 years until the flood. 120 years until God will no longer put up with such irreverent and godless people. 120 years until God will destroy everyone on earth except for Noah and his family. Why Noah? Because "Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God." (see earlier post "walk this way")
Monday, January 21, 2008
the real deal
13. Acts 8:1-25
A over a decade ago, when I was much younger, I would frequently go out to a local playground and play basketball in the warm months. Sometimes if the day was really nice there would be close to a hundred guys out playing at these courts and it could take an hour or more just waiting to play. It was like this one day when I went out and after watching for more than an hour I picked up on who were some of the better players. These guys were big and fast and could jump out of the gym, if we had actually been in one. There was a lot of talking and a few nose to nose confrontations maybe a couple shoves here and there, all in all a very typical day on the playground. There were a couple guys who were sorta controlling things either because they were very good players or could talk louder than anyone else. Their teams kept playing uncontested until this one guy showed up.
The first thing I noticed is that this guy didn't wait to play, when he walked up someone just walked off the court and let him take their spot. This guy was not very tall, maybe 6'0" or 6'1" at the most, but the first time he touched the ball he came right down the lane and over several much bigger guys dunked the ball with two hands. Now I was curious, "Who is this guy?" "Bubba-chuck." That's what they kept calling him. "Bubba-chuck." I still don't know what that means exactly, but I did finally realize that this guy was Allen Iverson. I even played on the same team with "Bubba-chuck." Later I realized that I could have been an NBA player because I was able to do the same things as his teammates in the NBA which is pass him the ball and watch him shoot. Anyway, ever since that day I have been an Iverson fan. I mean seeing him in person I realized that there are some people who pretend to be good and then there is the real deal. Believe me Iverson, whether you like him or not, is the real deal.
Acts chapter 8 has a similar cast. Simon the Sorcerer was well known in Samaria for his amazing magic tricks. He even had some people convinced that he had some divine power. Until the real deal showed up. Philip the evangelist came through town and did some real miracles. Philip displayed the power of God to the people of Samaria. For the first time these people witnessed the real deal and they were amazed. And they never looked at Simon the same again. It is hard to be impressed with a pretty good magician when you see the true power of God.
May we not be impressed with the two-bit hucksters that our culture elevates, but only with the true power of God.
A over a decade ago, when I was much younger, I would frequently go out to a local playground and play basketball in the warm months. Sometimes if the day was really nice there would be close to a hundred guys out playing at these courts and it could take an hour or more just waiting to play. It was like this one day when I went out and after watching for more than an hour I picked up on who were some of the better players. These guys were big and fast and could jump out of the gym, if we had actually been in one. There was a lot of talking and a few nose to nose confrontations maybe a couple shoves here and there, all in all a very typical day on the playground. There were a couple guys who were sorta controlling things either because they were very good players or could talk louder than anyone else. Their teams kept playing uncontested until this one guy showed up.
The first thing I noticed is that this guy didn't wait to play, when he walked up someone just walked off the court and let him take their spot. This guy was not very tall, maybe 6'0" or 6'1" at the most, but the first time he touched the ball he came right down the lane and over several much bigger guys dunked the ball with two hands. Now I was curious, "Who is this guy?" "Bubba-chuck." That's what they kept calling him. "Bubba-chuck." I still don't know what that means exactly, but I did finally realize that this guy was Allen Iverson. I even played on the same team with "Bubba-chuck." Later I realized that I could have been an NBA player because I was able to do the same things as his teammates in the NBA which is pass him the ball and watch him shoot. Anyway, ever since that day I have been an Iverson fan. I mean seeing him in person I realized that there are some people who pretend to be good and then there is the real deal. Believe me Iverson, whether you like him or not, is the real deal.
Acts chapter 8 has a similar cast. Simon the Sorcerer was well known in Samaria for his amazing magic tricks. He even had some people convinced that he had some divine power. Until the real deal showed up. Philip the evangelist came through town and did some real miracles. Philip displayed the power of God to the people of Samaria. For the first time these people witnessed the real deal and they were amazed. And they never looked at Simon the same again. It is hard to be impressed with a pretty good magician when you see the true power of God.
May we not be impressed with the two-bit hucksters that our culture elevates, but only with the true power of God.
Daily reading for the week of: January 20
13. Matthew 5:33–48
Acts 8:1–25
Psalm 13
Genesis 31
14. Matthew 6:1–15
Acts 8:26–40
Psalm 14
Genesis 32, 33
15. Matthew 6:16–24
Acts 9:1–19
Psalm 15
Genesis 34, 35
16. Matthew 6:25–34
Acts 9:20–43
Psalm 16
Genesis 36
17. Matthew 7:1–14
Acts 10:1–23
Psalm 17
Genesis 37, 38
18. Matthew 7:15–29
Acts 10:24–48
Psalm 18:1–24
Genesis 39, 40
Acts 8:1–25
Psalm 13
Genesis 31
14. Matthew 6:1–15
Acts 8:26–40
Psalm 14
Genesis 32, 33
15. Matthew 6:16–24
Acts 9:1–19
Psalm 15
Genesis 34, 35
16. Matthew 6:25–34
Acts 9:20–43
Psalm 16
Genesis 36
17. Matthew 7:1–14
Acts 10:1–23
Psalm 17
Genesis 37, 38
18. Matthew 7:15–29
Acts 10:24–48
Psalm 18:1–24
Genesis 39, 40
Friday, January 18, 2008
new format
I changed the format of this space. It seemed a little hard to read the other way. Not that anyone was reading this except for Bonnie when I made her look at it.
If you are looking at this, make a comment so I will know whether anyone is reading this. Thanks.
blackout
11. Matthew 5:13-20; Acts 7:1-38
During the early 40's my grandparents moved to Newport News, Virginia. Like many people from rural North Carolina my grandfather took a job at the Newport News Shipyard where he studied in the Shipyard apprentice school and learned the trade of welding. Having lived in Newport News for over a decade, I love to hear how different things were a half-century ago here on the Virginia Peninsula. My grandparents tell how they rented a room from a nice couple down on Huntington Avenue near the Shipyard and it was during this time that my grandmother became pregnant with her first child, my mother. My grandmother tells how she would spend her day at home keeping house while my grandfather went to work. But on December 7, 1941 everything changed. That Sunday morning Japanese war planes attacked the U.S. fleet at Pearl Harbor.
All of a sudden the world changed for all Americans. This one act by the Japanese pulled 'the sleeping giant' into WWII. Very soon after that my grandparents went back home to Pike Road, NC. In Newport News the city prepared for war. There were practice air raid drills and blackouts. Europe was used to the drills, but this was new for the U.S.
In Britain for example, the British government imposed a total blackout during the war. Every person had to make sure they did not provide any lights that would give any clues to German pilots that they were passing over cities. All houses had to use thick black curtains or blackout paint to stop any light from showing through their windows. Shop keepers not only had to blackout their windows, but also had to provide means for customers to enter and leave without showing any light.
Jesus in Matthew 5 describes what it means to be a Christ-follower by using this imagery. He says, "a city on a hill cannot be hidden." Stephen in Acts 7 is an example of a shining light in this world as he is interrogated before the religious teachers. I wonder how many of us are living like Stephen and how many of us are living in 'blackout' conditions in this world. Afraid that we might be noticed. Afraid the enemy might see our position. Afraid of the consequences that might happen if we let our light shine. We'll see tomorrow what consequences befall Stephen, so before we get too gung-ho we must also consider the outcome if we do choose to let our light shine.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
happy
10. Matthew 5:1-12
Matthew chapter five begins Jesus 'Sermon on the Mount.' Jesus seeing the crowds following him goes up on the side of a mountain, sits down and begins to teach. He starts with a series of sorta-encouraging proverbs that we call the 'Beatitudes.' I say sorta-encouraging because they include terms like 'poor' and 'mourn,' 'meek' and 'hunger.' The word translated 'blessed' in most english translations is the Greek word makarios which means 'fortunate' or 'lucky' or even 'happy.' Happy to be poor, meek, mourning and hungry? The end of this passage Jesus even says that we should be makarios, or happy when we are persecuted. Why? Because we are then in good company. Like those great prophets from the Old Testament.
We should be happy when we face trials, and persecution because through them we are connected to those great prophets who endured the same in the name of God. Happy because we can walk the same soil as these holy forefathers. Happy to be a part of and connected to this same kingdom. Happy.
Matthew chapter five begins Jesus 'Sermon on the Mount.' Jesus seeing the crowds following him goes up on the side of a mountain, sits down and begins to teach. He starts with a series of sorta-encouraging proverbs that we call the 'Beatitudes.' I say sorta-encouraging because they include terms like 'poor' and 'mourn,' 'meek' and 'hunger.' The word translated 'blessed' in most english translations is the Greek word makarios which means 'fortunate' or 'lucky' or even 'happy.' Happy to be poor, meek, mourning and hungry? The end of this passage Jesus even says that we should be makarios, or happy when we are persecuted. Why? Because we are then in good company. Like those great prophets from the Old Testament.
We should be happy when we face trials, and persecution because through them we are connected to those great prophets who endured the same in the name of God. Happy because we can walk the same soil as these holy forefathers. Happy to be a part of and connected to this same kingdom. Happy.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
mitzvah
9. Genesis 24
Verses 1-4 says:
Abraham was now old and well advanced in years, and the LORD had blessed him in every way. He said to the chief servant in his household, the one in charge of all that he had, "Put your hand under my thigh. I want you to swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I am living, but will go to my country and my own relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac."
"Put your hand under my thigh." What? That sounds more like a 70's dance move than a biblical reference, but there it is in black and white. So, I did a little research.
We know from the rest of the passage that this was some sort of oath. Abraham was asking his servant to promise to go and find his only son Isaac a wife, not from the Canaanites, but from Abraham's own family and from Abraham's own country. When someone is asked to take an oath typically they put their hand on something sacred. The Jewish custom was similar to our custom of putting our hand on the Bible and swearing an oath to tell the truth. The Jewish oath would be taken while putting one's hand on a Torah scroll or small black leather cubes containing parchment scrolls inscribed with the Shema and other biblical passages called Tefflin. The placing of one's hand on a man's thigh was essentially the same in the Jewish community. What they were saying is, "I swear on mitzvah" that I am telling the truth. Mitzvah which literally means "commandment" was the name for the 613 Divine commandments given in the Torah, or first 5 books of the Old Testament. The word mitzvah stems from the root tzavta, which means attachment. These commandments were intended to form a bond or attachment between God who gave the commandments and the ones who obeyed them. The first of these commandments was given to Abraham in Genesis chapter 17, it is the Covenant of Circumcision. To the man who had fulfilled this commandment, one that was fulfilled with pain, it was sacred and meaningful. So Abraham asks his trusted servant, one who was in charge of all he had, to swear on mitzvah and to put his hand on Abraham's thigh close to the place where that first, painful, sacred, meaningful and spiritual command was fulfilled through circumcision. This was to bring to the attention of the servant just how serious Abraham was about what he was asking him to do. This was not a do you think you could try to, maybe, if it's not too much trouble type asking. Rather a deeply meaningful request which asked for the deepest commitment from this servant.
Verse 9 reads:
So the servant put his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham and swore an oath to him concerning this matter.
So he agrees. He swears on mitzvah. The most holy commitment to fulfill his master's wishes.
May we relish the attachment to our God and His commands, the mitzvah between creator and creation, the bond between us and our God.
Verses 1-4 says:
Abraham was now old and well advanced in years, and the LORD had blessed him in every way. He said to the chief servant in his household, the one in charge of all that he had, "Put your hand under my thigh. I want you to swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I am living, but will go to my country and my own relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac."
"Put your hand under my thigh." What? That sounds more like a 70's dance move than a biblical reference, but there it is in black and white. So, I did a little research.
We know from the rest of the passage that this was some sort of oath. Abraham was asking his servant to promise to go and find his only son Isaac a wife, not from the Canaanites, but from Abraham's own family and from Abraham's own country. When someone is asked to take an oath typically they put their hand on something sacred. The Jewish custom was similar to our custom of putting our hand on the Bible and swearing an oath to tell the truth. The Jewish oath would be taken while putting one's hand on a Torah scroll or small black leather cubes containing parchment scrolls inscribed with the Shema and other biblical passages called Tefflin. The placing of one's hand on a man's thigh was essentially the same in the Jewish community. What they were saying is, "I swear on mitzvah" that I am telling the truth. Mitzvah which literally means "commandment" was the name for the 613 Divine commandments given in the Torah, or first 5 books of the Old Testament. The word mitzvah stems from the root tzavta, which means attachment. These commandments were intended to form a bond or attachment between God who gave the commandments and the ones who obeyed them. The first of these commandments was given to Abraham in Genesis chapter 17, it is the Covenant of Circumcision. To the man who had fulfilled this commandment, one that was fulfilled with pain, it was sacred and meaningful. So Abraham asks his trusted servant, one who was in charge of all he had, to swear on mitzvah and to put his hand on Abraham's thigh close to the place where that first, painful, sacred, meaningful and spiritual command was fulfilled through circumcision. This was to bring to the attention of the servant just how serious Abraham was about what he was asking him to do. This was not a do you think you could try to, maybe, if it's not too much trouble type asking. Rather a deeply meaningful request which asked for the deepest commitment from this servant.
Verse 9 reads:
So the servant put his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham and swore an oath to him concerning this matter.
So he agrees. He swears on mitzvah. The most holy commitment to fulfill his master's wishes.
May we relish the attachment to our God and His commands, the mitzvah between creator and creation, the bond between us and our God.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
how majestic
8. Psalm 8
Last night as I was making my way home, I crossed the James River on the M&M bridge. As I looked to the west over the river there was a fantastic sunset just about to close out the day. I guess everyone feels this way about where they live, but I have a real affinity for this part of eastern Virginia.
I love the Atlantic ocean on a warm day in June. I love the azaleas and the blooming Japanese cherry trees in early spring. I love that the whole area shuts down when we get a couple inches of snow. I love the crisp air and colors of leaves in the fall. I love to leave the window open in the spring so I can see the Dogwood blooms as I wake up. I love when it is time to clean off the porch so we can have dinner there. I love when I have to bundle up just to go out and start my car. I love to smell the river when I go out on a summer night. I love to hear the birds sing and the squirrels playing. I love to smell the burning of a fireplace during the cold days of winter. I love to see a carrier coming home to Hampton Roads. I love to play golf until eight o'clock in July. But the thing I love the most is seeing the sun setting over the James River. Every time I see or hear or smell the things of this creation my heart sings this Psalm:
"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!"
Last night as I was making my way home, I crossed the James River on the M&M bridge. As I looked to the west over the river there was a fantastic sunset just about to close out the day. I guess everyone feels this way about where they live, but I have a real affinity for this part of eastern Virginia.
I love the Atlantic ocean on a warm day in June. I love the azaleas and the blooming Japanese cherry trees in early spring. I love that the whole area shuts down when we get a couple inches of snow. I love the crisp air and colors of leaves in the fall. I love to leave the window open in the spring so I can see the Dogwood blooms as I wake up. I love when it is time to clean off the porch so we can have dinner there. I love when I have to bundle up just to go out and start my car. I love to smell the river when I go out on a summer night. I love to hear the birds sing and the squirrels playing. I love to smell the burning of a fireplace during the cold days of winter. I love to see a carrier coming home to Hampton Roads. I love to play golf until eight o'clock in July. But the thing I love the most is seeing the sun setting over the James River. Every time I see or hear or smell the things of this creation my heart sings this Psalm:
"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!"
Monday, January 14, 2008
be aware - keep your eyes open
7. Matthew 4:1-11
Just after Jesus' baptism signifying the beginning of his public ministry and just before he begins to preach and call his disciples, he has this encounter with the devil. Finding Jesus in a weakened state after fasting for forty days the devil tempts Jesus to abuse the power he has to take care of his own needs. He is first tempted to relieve his hunger by turning stones into bread. Second, he is tempted to show his power by jumping off the highest point of the temple for all to see. And thirdly he is tempted to worship one other than God by bowing down to the devil. Each time Jesus is tempted he rebukes Satan by quoting the word of God. 1 John chapter 2 describes the ways that we are tempted in this world.
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world --- the lust of the flesh, the lust of his eyes, and the boasting of what he has and does --- comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:15-17
There is a parallel between 1 John 2 and the temptation of Jesus. 1. Turn these stones into bread. (lust of the flesh) 2. Show your power to these people. (the boastful pride of life) 3. Look at these kingdoms I can give you. (lust of the eyes) The same categories of temptation happened in the garden to Eve as well. 1. Satan says, "did God really say, 'you must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" (boastful pride of life) 2. Satan says, "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good from evil." (lust of the flesh to be like God) 3. Then she saw that the fruit was good for food and pleasing to the eye. (lust of the eyes)
Make no mistake that the devil knows how to tempt. He knows what makes us tick. He knows to attack us through the things we desire the most, the lust of the flesh, the lust of our eyes, and the boasting of what we have and do. I also think it is interesting that Satan chose to tempt Jesus just as he was beginning his ministry. So we too should expect to be tempted just as we are about to do great things for God.
May we guard our hearts and our eyes from lust and pride as we do the will of God in this world.
Just after Jesus' baptism signifying the beginning of his public ministry and just before he begins to preach and call his disciples, he has this encounter with the devil. Finding Jesus in a weakened state after fasting for forty days the devil tempts Jesus to abuse the power he has to take care of his own needs. He is first tempted to relieve his hunger by turning stones into bread. Second, he is tempted to show his power by jumping off the highest point of the temple for all to see. And thirdly he is tempted to worship one other than God by bowing down to the devil. Each time Jesus is tempted he rebukes Satan by quoting the word of God. 1 John chapter 2 describes the ways that we are tempted in this world.
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world --- the lust of the flesh, the lust of his eyes, and the boasting of what he has and does --- comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:15-17
There is a parallel between 1 John 2 and the temptation of Jesus. 1. Turn these stones into bread. (lust of the flesh) 2. Show your power to these people. (the boastful pride of life) 3. Look at these kingdoms I can give you. (lust of the eyes) The same categories of temptation happened in the garden to Eve as well. 1. Satan says, "did God really say, 'you must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" (boastful pride of life) 2. Satan says, "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good from evil." (lust of the flesh to be like God) 3. Then she saw that the fruit was good for food and pleasing to the eye. (lust of the eyes)
Make no mistake that the devil knows how to tempt. He knows what makes us tick. He knows to attack us through the things we desire the most, the lust of the flesh, the lust of our eyes, and the boasting of what we have and do. I also think it is interesting that Satan chose to tempt Jesus just as he was beginning his ministry. So we too should expect to be tempted just as we are about to do great things for God.
May we guard our hearts and our eyes from lust and pride as we do the will of God in this world.
Daily reading for the week of: January 13
7. Matthew 4:1–11
Acts 4:23–37
Psalm 7
Genesis 18—20
8. Matthew 4:12–17
Acts 5:1–16
Psalm 8
Genesis 21—23
9. Matthew 4:18–25
Acts 5:17–42
Psalm 9
Genesis 24
10. Matthew 5:1–12
Acts 6
Psalm 10
Genesis 25, 26
11. Matthew 5:13–20
Acts 7:1–38
Psalm 11
Genesis 27, 28
12. Matthew 5:21–32
Acts 7:39–60
Psalm 12
Genesis 29, 30
Acts 4:23–37
Psalm 7
Genesis 18—20
8. Matthew 4:12–17
Acts 5:1–16
Psalm 8
Genesis 21—23
9. Matthew 4:18–25
Acts 5:17–42
Psalm 9
Genesis 24
10. Matthew 5:1–12
Acts 6
Psalm 10
Genesis 25, 26
11. Matthew 5:13–20
Acts 7:1–38
Psalm 11
Genesis 27, 28
12. Matthew 5:21–32
Acts 7:39–60
Psalm 12
Genesis 29, 30
Daily reading for the week of: January 6
1. Matthew 1:1–17
Acts 1:1–11
Psalm 1
Genesis 1, 2
2. Matthew 1:18–25
Acts 1:12–26
Psalm 2
Genesis 3, 4
3. Matthew 2:1–12
Acts 2:1–21
Psalm 3
Genesis 5—8
4. Matthew 2:13–23
Acts 2:22–47
Psalm 4
Genesis 9—11
5. Matthew 3:1–12
Acts 3
Psalm 5
Genesis 12—14
6. Matthew 3:13–17
Acts 4:1–22
Psalm 6
Genesis 15—17
Acts 1:1–11
Psalm 1
Genesis 1, 2
2. Matthew 1:18–25
Acts 1:12–26
Psalm 2
Genesis 3, 4
3. Matthew 2:1–12
Acts 2:1–21
Psalm 3
Genesis 5—8
4. Matthew 2:13–23
Acts 2:22–47
Psalm 4
Genesis 9—11
5. Matthew 3:1–12
Acts 3
Psalm 5
Genesis 12—14
6. Matthew 3:13–17
Acts 4:1–22
Psalm 6
Genesis 15—17
Thursday, January 10, 2008
walk this way
4. Genesis 5-8
Chapter 5 verse 24 reads,
"Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away."
What a great verse. Its one of those verses that you sorta do a double-take when you read it. First of all, I love the idea of Enoch 'walking with God.' Have you ever walked with someone who was smaller than you? Sometimes Bonnie gives me a hard time because I have the tendency to pull the girls along when we are walking somewhere. I'm walking normal grown-up size steps and the girls are running and still being pulled along. I wonder if God ever feels like that with most of us. We rarely walk in step with God, He always has to change His cadence to match us. I think, and this is my inference, that with Enoch God finally found one who walked with Him naturally. I think that God enjoyed it so much that He decided to have Enoch with Him all the time and took him to be with Him. The verse says that 'he was no more.' What a way to go. He didn't stop breathing. He wasn't hit by a chariot. He wasn't eaten by a wildebeest. No sickness. No pain. He just 'was no more.' Because he walked with God. Because he was in step with God.
May we all walk with God and everyday may we cause God to change His steps less.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
confirmation
2. Matthew 1:18-25
Joseph has always amazed me. He comes home one day and finds out that his fiance is pregnant. Most guys would go ballistic. Most of us would want to expose Mary to public disgrace. I mean he knew that he was not the father, but his girl was going to have a baby, someone's baby. Matthew 1:19 says that because Joseph was a righteous man he had in mind to divorce her quietly and did not want to expose her to public disgrace. We would take our case to Maury Povich or Jerry Springer. Not Joseph. He was righteous. He had in mind to divorce her quietly. The next verse says that God appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him Mary's side of the story; that the baby conceived in her was from God. Confirmation.
Do you think Joseph ever doubted? Do you think Joseph ever wondered if he just imagined that dream? How long did it take Joseph until he was really comfortable with the situation? Luke chapter 2 says that Caesar issued a decree that a census should be taken and everyone was to travel to the town where their family was from. Any Jewish person would know that prophecy had predicted the Messiah would be born in the town of David. Bethlehem. I wonder at what point Joseph made the connection that this baby would be born in the town where it was predicted that the Messiah would be born. Whenever the lightbulb went off. Confirmation.
Confirmation, one of the nuances of God's grace which brings peace.
Joseph has always amazed me. He comes home one day and finds out that his fiance is pregnant. Most guys would go ballistic. Most of us would want to expose Mary to public disgrace. I mean he knew that he was not the father, but his girl was going to have a baby, someone's baby. Matthew 1:19 says that because Joseph was a righteous man he had in mind to divorce her quietly and did not want to expose her to public disgrace. We would take our case to Maury Povich or Jerry Springer. Not Joseph. He was righteous. He had in mind to divorce her quietly. The next verse says that God appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him Mary's side of the story; that the baby conceived in her was from God. Confirmation.
Do you think Joseph ever doubted? Do you think Joseph ever wondered if he just imagined that dream? How long did it take Joseph until he was really comfortable with the situation? Luke chapter 2 says that Caesar issued a decree that a census should be taken and everyone was to travel to the town where their family was from. Any Jewish person would know that prophecy had predicted the Messiah would be born in the town of David. Bethlehem. I wonder at what point Joseph made the connection that this baby would be born in the town where it was predicted that the Messiah would be born. Whenever the lightbulb went off. Confirmation.
Confirmation, one of the nuances of God's grace which brings peace.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
like a willow
1. Psalm 1
Our first day of readings includes a great encouragement from Psalms. The psalmist contrasts the person who walks with the wicked and stands in the way of sinners and sits in the seat of mockers with the one who delights in the law of the Lord and spends time in that Law everyday. The person who spends time in the Word of God is like a tree planted by streams of water. The wicked are blown around like the dead part of plants when the wind blows.
People who know a lot about plants and trees know that there are certain trees that cannot be planted in certain areas. I really like weeping willow trees, you know the ones that droop over to the ground? They are beautiful. The experts say that you shouldn't plant those near your home because their root system will dig down into the ground and into your septic system and plumbing. So the only place they should be planted is near the edge of a lake or stream where they can grow their roots down toward the body of water. Their root system naturally seeks out water with veracity so intense that it will mess up plumbing, break up sidewalks, or anything to get to water.
May God give us the same intensity for Him and His word this year as we dig down into this living water. Like a willow.
Our first day of readings includes a great encouragement from Psalms. The psalmist contrasts the person who walks with the wicked and stands in the way of sinners and sits in the seat of mockers with the one who delights in the law of the Lord and spends time in that Law everyday. The person who spends time in the Word of God is like a tree planted by streams of water. The wicked are blown around like the dead part of plants when the wind blows.
People who know a lot about plants and trees know that there are certain trees that cannot be planted in certain areas. I really like weeping willow trees, you know the ones that droop over to the ground? They are beautiful. The experts say that you shouldn't plant those near your home because their root system will dig down into the ground and into your septic system and plumbing. So the only place they should be planted is near the edge of a lake or stream where they can grow their roots down toward the body of water. Their root system naturally seeks out water with veracity so intense that it will mess up plumbing, break up sidewalks, or anything to get to water.
May God give us the same intensity for Him and His word this year as we dig down into this living water. Like a willow.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
2008 Bible Reading
For those of you who are looking for the Bible reading plan. I will be using the weekly Bible readings from the Lookout periodical. http://www.lookoutmag.com/ I will be using the 2007 plan until they update the dates, but it is essentially the same for this year just off by a day. http://www.lookoutmag.com/pdfs/BRP_2007.pdf
I will post comments everyday from one of the scriptures and if some of you will post back, then we will have a great year of reading and discussing the scriptures together. And there is some accountablility for me if there is someone going through this with me.
I will be trying to post something everyday so keep checking back.
I will post comments everyday from one of the scriptures and if some of you will post back, then we will have a great year of reading and discussing the scriptures together. And there is some accountablility for me if there is someone going through this with me.
I will be trying to post something everyday so keep checking back.
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