January 31st, Exodus 39-40
How would you or I feel if we had tangible proof of God's presence every day of our life. A cloud in my back yard by day, and a fire at night. I imagine from day to day I might feel different about it. Smoke and fire are not real personal in nature. My mind flashes to episodes of Lost and their reaction to a traveling batch of smoke.
God has a history of wanting to be with His people. A deist view of God would not be interested in the number of ways the Bible has let us know about God's interaction with his creation. God came to Adam and Eve to meet with them in the garden. The Israelites saw the presence of God every day. Jesus came to earth and was "God with us." Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit would come and for those who follow Jesus, God almighty would dwell with us individually.
The human race seems more interesting in the chase. We chase dreams, goals, men/women. Every action movie has to have a chase scene in it to be worth a lick. Why the obsession with the chase? A Rich Mullins song reminds me of the opposite being of more value when it comes to God and his pursuit of us...
There's a wideness in God's mercy, I cannot find in my own
And He keeps His fire burning, To melt this heart of stone
Keeps me aching with a yearning, Keeps me glad to have been caught
In the reckless raging fury, That they call the love of God
Why all the running? Why all the validating from people, power, and money? Why all the shell games, camouflage, cursing God for not feeling His presence while running from it? It's obvious that God pursues his creation. We're better of caught.
P.S. the fifth definition of fury in the dictionary is: a frenzy of being inspired. A famous G.K. Chesterton quote that Rich wove into one of his songs, "The Furious Love of God."
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Ex 36-38 Gold Rush
January 30th, Exodus 36-38
Imagine a building program for a church where leaders had to say thanks for your generosity, but we have so much gold, silver, and building material we don't need anymore. That's a good day.
Imagine craftsman. Now imagine craftsman inspired by God. "Every craftsman in whom the Lord had put skill and intelligence to know how to do any work..." Exodus 36 If you could imagine the most spectacular painting, building, carving... these were the people to build God's dwelling. If you have some time take a look at some artist's rendition of the Tabernacle.
Remember where all this building material came from. As they were leaving Egypt households were giving away their gold, silver to the Israelites. God has a way of providing for his people. How could a group of slaves possess such an incredible amount. Did you read the list of building materials at the end.
Gold: 29 Talents(talent equals 75 pounds) 29x75=2175 pounds x 16oz in a pound =34,800oz +292 more ounces(Shekels) =35092 x$1663(today's spot price for gold) = $58,357,996
Silver: I'll spare you the details, however over $3.1 million in current value
Bronze: Not a dream car, but a pretty nice one
Lessons for today: Make your pastor ask the congregation to hold back on the giving...offering God our very best is best, becoming a craftsman with what God has provided us...God's provides for you and I in unexpected ways. When your slave owner throws you gold, God must be up to something.
Imagine a building program for a church where leaders had to say thanks for your generosity, but we have so much gold, silver, and building material we don't need anymore. That's a good day.
Imagine craftsman. Now imagine craftsman inspired by God. "Every craftsman in whom the Lord had put skill and intelligence to know how to do any work..." Exodus 36 If you could imagine the most spectacular painting, building, carving... these were the people to build God's dwelling. If you have some time take a look at some artist's rendition of the Tabernacle.
Remember where all this building material came from. As they were leaving Egypt households were giving away their gold, silver to the Israelites. God has a way of providing for his people. How could a group of slaves possess such an incredible amount. Did you read the list of building materials at the end.
Gold: 29 Talents(talent equals 75 pounds) 29x75=2175 pounds x 16oz in a pound =34,800oz +292 more ounces(Shekels) =35092 x$1663(today's spot price for gold) = $58,357,996
Silver: I'll spare you the details, however over $3.1 million in current value
Bronze: Not a dream car, but a pretty nice one
Lessons for today: Make your pastor ask the congregation to hold back on the giving...offering God our very best is best, becoming a craftsman with what God has provided us...God's provides for you and I in unexpected ways. When your slave owner throws you gold, God must be up to something.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Ex 33-35 The Shining, not like the movie...
January 29th, Exodus 33-35
Here's the great things happening in this story with these people(who aren't much different than you or I):
1. When God tells them to leave but that he is not going with them, they finally have the sense that this would be bad and Moses asks for a different plan. Asking God for help!!!
2. When Moses meets with God at the meeting place, a cloud rests on the entrance. Everyone goes to their door of their own tent and worships. People know God is meeting with their leader and they worship as they watch!
3. A replayed theme but God wants to bless His people, just don't worship other gods. So clear yet so difficult.
4. Giving to God is a joy!
Finally the fun part of the story today is this deal about Moses skin condition. After chillin' with God for forty days, Moses face was visibly different. Shining and glowing such that people were intimidated by it. Part of the story is where God hides Moses in a rock outcropping and allows him to see just the back of Himself. It reminds me of the lady who touches Jesus robe in the crowd. Jesus says, "Hold everything, someone just touched me, I felt power go out from me."
Just a touch, just a glimpse would make make my face look different (insert joke here), heal my sickness, bring Jesus as a dinner guest to my home tonight(Zacchaeus) and the presence of God in my life would change me in such a way that my friends and family would see it.
If you've witnessed Christ's work in someone would you let them know that this week. I see the shine, the healing, the evidence of God working in your life. Tell them how much your blessed by it!!
Here's the great things happening in this story with these people(who aren't much different than you or I):
1. When God tells them to leave but that he is not going with them, they finally have the sense that this would be bad and Moses asks for a different plan. Asking God for help!!!
2. When Moses meets with God at the meeting place, a cloud rests on the entrance. Everyone goes to their door of their own tent and worships. People know God is meeting with their leader and they worship as they watch!
3. A replayed theme but God wants to bless His people, just don't worship other gods. So clear yet so difficult.
4. Giving to God is a joy!
Finally the fun part of the story today is this deal about Moses skin condition. After chillin' with God for forty days, Moses face was visibly different. Shining and glowing such that people were intimidated by it. Part of the story is where God hides Moses in a rock outcropping and allows him to see just the back of Himself. It reminds me of the lady who touches Jesus robe in the crowd. Jesus says, "Hold everything, someone just touched me, I felt power go out from me."
Just a touch, just a glimpse would make make my face look different (insert joke here), heal my sickness, bring Jesus as a dinner guest to my home tonight(Zacchaeus) and the presence of God in my life would change me in such a way that my friends and family would see it.
If you've witnessed Christ's work in someone would you let them know that this week. I see the shine, the healing, the evidence of God working in your life. Tell them how much your blessed by it!!
Monday, January 28, 2013
Ex 30-32 Faith, Failures, and a Future
January 28th, Exodus 30-32
Two things today: 1. It's always a challenge to read about something that God asks of us that I know I don't do very well. Sabbath, one day set aside to rest, do nothing, honor the Lord. No work projects around the house, no endless errands, hobbies that really are work to some degree etc... People back in the day didn't have 2-4 weeks paid vacation. They had to stay sane on a weekly basis. I've long felt like I need to learn how to work hard for 6 days, do nothing on one, and whatever doesn't get done maybe didn't need to. Building margin into life, time and place for God. A one day staycation every week.
2. A couple of lines out of Aaron's story about the golden calf offers an insight into our delusions. Exodus 32:4 "He received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden calf. And they said, These are your gods o Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt." (Funny I thought it was the great I AM who brought them up out of Egypt). Aaron has a memory problem!
The second line is in contrast to the one stated above, later in the story after getting busted...Exodus 32:24 So I said to them, Let any who have gold take it off. So they gave it to me, and I threw it in the fire, and out came this calf."
So which one is it Aaron, did you form it with a tool, or did this calf just come out of the fire. Did you make this with intent or was this a miraculous intervention by God almighty(calf falling out of crucible of molten gold?!?!?!?) My old Police questioning gets fired up!! We say a lot of funny things when we're trying to disperse our guilt.
Aaron is learning some lessons on leadership, they're all learning lessons about faith when we can't see, Moses pleads for God to relent on His anger, which is stepping into uncharted territory as well. Speaking of uncharted territory I need a consistent Sabbath. We all have some room to learn and grow, may this and every year of our life be just that.
Two things today: 1. It's always a challenge to read about something that God asks of us that I know I don't do very well. Sabbath, one day set aside to rest, do nothing, honor the Lord. No work projects around the house, no endless errands, hobbies that really are work to some degree etc... People back in the day didn't have 2-4 weeks paid vacation. They had to stay sane on a weekly basis. I've long felt like I need to learn how to work hard for 6 days, do nothing on one, and whatever doesn't get done maybe didn't need to. Building margin into life, time and place for God. A one day staycation every week.
2. A couple of lines out of Aaron's story about the golden calf offers an insight into our delusions. Exodus 32:4 "He received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden calf. And they said, These are your gods o Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt." (Funny I thought it was the great I AM who brought them up out of Egypt). Aaron has a memory problem!
The second line is in contrast to the one stated above, later in the story after getting busted...Exodus 32:24 So I said to them, Let any who have gold take it off. So they gave it to me, and I threw it in the fire, and out came this calf."
So which one is it Aaron, did you form it with a tool, or did this calf just come out of the fire. Did you make this with intent or was this a miraculous intervention by God almighty(calf falling out of crucible of molten gold?!?!?!?) My old Police questioning gets fired up!! We say a lot of funny things when we're trying to disperse our guilt.
Aaron is learning some lessons on leadership, they're all learning lessons about faith when we can't see, Moses pleads for God to relent on His anger, which is stepping into uncharted territory as well. Speaking of uncharted territory I need a consistent Sabbath. We all have some room to learn and grow, may this and every year of our life be just that.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Ex 28-29 ZZ Top Got Some Things Right
January 27th, Exodus 28-29
Last night we got to play dress-up. My daughter's and I went to the Father/Daughter Ball here in our town. Like everyone else, we looked good!! Girl's were crazy for their sharp dressed man! ( and vice versa) Sitting here reading about Aaron's priestly garments, it's a little overwhelming. I don't know that I could wear that to church without some serious security, heavily armed. Any church got a million dollars laying around to buy some new preaching clothes for your pastor??
Chapter 29 reminds me why I'm glad we live in the New Testament era. God places a lot of requirements on what seems to be the minutia of detail. It seems like a very large checklist needs to be created, (don't forget the blood on the big toe of the right foot). While it's obvious that a set of instructions like these are not for our day there is one thing that is obvious, God's standard for doing things right, doing things his way is very high. Paying closer attention to God would probably mean a few of the details of my life would look a little different. This new year has been a great time for me to start paying a little more attention and I can see it paying off in the choices of my time, money and how I view times like last night with my daughters.
When you start walking God's way, there is a new perspective that comes over you. You see things in ways you never saw them before. Not only is it a blessing for you, but everyone around you. Dressing our best in our hearts, dedicating ourselves to a level of workmanship that makes something new and spectacular!
Last night we got to play dress-up. My daughter's and I went to the Father/Daughter Ball here in our town. Like everyone else, we looked good!! Girl's were crazy for their sharp dressed man! ( and vice versa) Sitting here reading about Aaron's priestly garments, it's a little overwhelming. I don't know that I could wear that to church without some serious security, heavily armed. Any church got a million dollars laying around to buy some new preaching clothes for your pastor??
Chapter 29 reminds me why I'm glad we live in the New Testament era. God places a lot of requirements on what seems to be the minutia of detail. It seems like a very large checklist needs to be created, (don't forget the blood on the big toe of the right foot). While it's obvious that a set of instructions like these are not for our day there is one thing that is obvious, God's standard for doing things right, doing things his way is very high. Paying closer attention to God would probably mean a few of the details of my life would look a little different. This new year has been a great time for me to start paying a little more attention and I can see it paying off in the choices of my time, money and how I view times like last night with my daughters.
When you start walking God's way, there is a new perspective that comes over you. You see things in ways you never saw them before. Not only is it a blessing for you, but everyone around you. Dressing our best in our hearts, dedicating ourselves to a level of workmanship that makes something new and spectacular!
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Ex 25-27 A Sanctuary: Details That Create Beauty
January 26th, Exodus 25-27
Exodus 25:8 "Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst." In the following details, this details might be missed by us. God seeks out His people. You and I and everyone else.
This passage also bears witness to the same thing we see in creation. God cares about the details. I think of orchids and and many details have been carefully thought out out. The beauty that resides in flecks and stripes and contrast of colors. It says in Genesis that God made the trees beautiful. God could have just made things functional, but he went to the finest of details to make things spectacular.
As God is laying out the specifics on His home here on earth there are a lot of details. To be honest it's easy for me to gloss over them. I don't plan on building this, I can excuse myself from being immersed in the details. But then I think of all the craftsman who might find the wood, pound the gold, pour the mold, carve the details, make a dish, bowl, spoon or ring. I imagine an attempt on their part to create beautiful carvings. A ring is not just a ring, it's a work of art as it should be.
I think of the spectacular nature of this building made for God. Purple and blue curtains, with brass, silver, and gold everywhere.It's a place of awe, a place of beauty, a place where each details adds to the layer of wonder.
I think of our day. I think that God now finds a dwelling place in our hearts. Like the craftsman in days gone by, I pray that my life would grow more and more to be filled with the treasures that only a Craftsman can create. That this temple, even as it gets older and begins to crack and crumble, that the sum of my thoughts and actions would reveal a beauty, majesty of Christ alive inside. Not just a couple of pieces of nice furniture, but each detail, as an honor to the builder of all good things.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Ex 22-24 Widows, Orphans, Strangers, Poor
January 25th, Exodus 22-24
The heading for the blog I type in has a setting for normal. A drop down list has it as one of several options. Today's text could be a list of the same. Prior to this point in history God never laid out his expectations in such a full manner for all of society. Two things I see as the rules of society are unfolded by God...1. How concerned God is about matters of justice. 2. How often people say God is unjust.
It's clear from these chapters that our interactions with one another matter to God and when one wrongs another there is a price to be paid. Many of the laws revolve around stealing property, other gods, and social justice. In the week of honoring Dr Martin Luther King, it seems fitting. It becomes evident that God is looking out for those who could be lost and abused in society. The widows, orphans, strangers, and the poor are even spoken of as the people God defends. Oppressing them puts one in a position of God standing against you.
In any group of people (nations, families, business, social groups) there are people who exert power in those systems, and people who have that power enacted upon them. When things go wrong in those systems people in power use their power for their own end. People without power are forced to grovel, complain or be beaten down, living in a world of injustice. When things go right, people in power are willing to give up some of their strength for the benefit of those who need help(communisim forces it, a right heart offers it willingly thus the drastic difference). An interesting insight into systems is that people in power are generally delusional about how just things are in the system. People without power are keenly aware of justice issues, their awareness means survival.
This justice issue will come up many times as we move into the prophets later. The ways that powerful people abuse their power is astounding, but not surprising. How about you and I. Like Bruce Almighty do we use our strength just for ourselves, or are we choosing the way expressed in Exodus?
The heading for the blog I type in has a setting for normal. A drop down list has it as one of several options. Today's text could be a list of the same. Prior to this point in history God never laid out his expectations in such a full manner for all of society. Two things I see as the rules of society are unfolded by God...1. How concerned God is about matters of justice. 2. How often people say God is unjust.
It's clear from these chapters that our interactions with one another matter to God and when one wrongs another there is a price to be paid. Many of the laws revolve around stealing property, other gods, and social justice. In the week of honoring Dr Martin Luther King, it seems fitting. It becomes evident that God is looking out for those who could be lost and abused in society. The widows, orphans, strangers, and the poor are even spoken of as the people God defends. Oppressing them puts one in a position of God standing against you.
In any group of people (nations, families, business, social groups) there are people who exert power in those systems, and people who have that power enacted upon them. When things go wrong in those systems people in power use their power for their own end. People without power are forced to grovel, complain or be beaten down, living in a world of injustice. When things go right, people in power are willing to give up some of their strength for the benefit of those who need help(communisim forces it, a right heart offers it willingly thus the drastic difference). An interesting insight into systems is that people in power are generally delusional about how just things are in the system. People without power are keenly aware of justice issues, their awareness means survival.
This justice issue will come up many times as we move into the prophets later. The ways that powerful people abuse their power is astounding, but not surprising. How about you and I. Like Bruce Almighty do we use our strength just for ourselves, or are we choosing the way expressed in Exodus?
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Ex 19-21 More than a Law
January 23rd, Exodus 19-21
When I was a kid we used to get chocolate Easter bunnies for...well...Easter. They used to be solid chocolate, chocolate through and through. Then someone decided they could make a lot more money if the bunnies were hollow. Same size bunny, half the chocolate. for those transition years, I felt ripped off.
There is the same truth I try to get across to people when it comes to understanding God. Whatever God is, he is that through and through. There is no top layer to God that has some inner qualities that are different. That's not always true for us. For us it's more of a struggle, I can be nice(chocolaty) on the outside and very different on the inside.
How does that matter with today's famous 10 Commandments? When God decides the 10 Commandments they are an opportunity for us to catch a glimpse of God. They are not random rules God just decided on. It wasn't a coin flip: Heads (murder, adultery, stealing bad), Tails (murder, adultery, stealing good). God is letting us know something very important that goes to the very core of who he is, that needs to go to the very core of who we are.
1.No other god is useful to you, only Me 2. Giving allegiance to another god is pointless 3. My name is more than a name, it is powerful and to use it vainly is to misunderstand something important 4. I'm omnipotent and took a day off, why don't you 5. Authority matters(Christ obeyed His Father) honor it becuase that's how things work in the trinity 6. Life is valuable, you have no right to take it 7. To the core of My Being I would never cheat on you 8. There is no emptiness inside of Me that would cause me to take from you 9. Truth permeates everything about me 10. Contentment is who I Am and comes solely through Me
As God expresses His rules for His people. There is so much more to learn than just the list of rules. As we begin to live in obedience to those rules things will become different to the core of us as well...by the grace of God and the power of the Spirit.
When I was a kid we used to get chocolate Easter bunnies for...well...Easter. They used to be solid chocolate, chocolate through and through. Then someone decided they could make a lot more money if the bunnies were hollow. Same size bunny, half the chocolate. for those transition years, I felt ripped off.
There is the same truth I try to get across to people when it comes to understanding God. Whatever God is, he is that through and through. There is no top layer to God that has some inner qualities that are different. That's not always true for us. For us it's more of a struggle, I can be nice(chocolaty) on the outside and very different on the inside.
How does that matter with today's famous 10 Commandments? When God decides the 10 Commandments they are an opportunity for us to catch a glimpse of God. They are not random rules God just decided on. It wasn't a coin flip: Heads (murder, adultery, stealing bad), Tails (murder, adultery, stealing good). God is letting us know something very important that goes to the very core of who he is, that needs to go to the very core of who we are.
1.No other god is useful to you, only Me 2. Giving allegiance to another god is pointless 3. My name is more than a name, it is powerful and to use it vainly is to misunderstand something important 4. I'm omnipotent and took a day off, why don't you 5. Authority matters(Christ obeyed His Father) honor it becuase that's how things work in the trinity 6. Life is valuable, you have no right to take it 7. To the core of My Being I would never cheat on you 8. There is no emptiness inside of Me that would cause me to take from you 9. Truth permeates everything about me 10. Contentment is who I Am and comes solely through Me
As God expresses His rules for His people. There is so much more to learn than just the list of rules. As we begin to live in obedience to those rules things will become different to the core of us as well...by the grace of God and the power of the Spirit.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Ex 16-18 Author, Critic....Really
January 23rd, Exodus 16-18
I heard it again on the radio. The introduction of a guest. Part of introducing a guest is to let you know what they do for a living. It gives us a context to know what we're about to hear. Numerous times lately I hear people being introduced as "John Smith: Author and Critic." I understand author, but is "Critic" now a job title?
Moses knew a few with the same job title."It was better in Egypt(maybe they forgot about their sons being murdered) where we had meat in our pots. Did you bring us out here to die?" "Hey... pass the water" This is all an extension of yesterday. When do people learn to ask God, trust in him, say thanks. Author is actually a difficult job, Critic: anyone can do that!
Monastic living has identified grumbling as a top problem to community life. St Benedict is famous for saying, "Send two stout monks to explain the matter to him." The issue here is not difference of opinion, the issue is the manner in which it's presented. "We have a real need for food and water here. Moses can you ask God to help us?" This is a different question than "Hey idiot, are you trying to kill us?" Let's work on "Author and People of Faith."
And by the way, Chapter 17: God wins. Chapter 18: Your in-laws might have great advice so don't write them off just because they are your in-laws. New job titles for us...
Author-People of Faith-Witness of God's Power- Learner.
Dump the "Critic" for one of the above!!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Ex 13-15 I Need a New Instinct!!
January 22nd, Exodus 13-15
God performs all of these miracles to get people out of Egypt, but fear has this funny way of creeping into our lives and overruling what we know. The Egyptians are coming and the response... "Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the desert." I too am no stranger to sarcasm and generally can recognize it 10 out of a possible 10 times.
Instincts are strong and fear causes a lack of clarity. The new instinct could have been faith, it could have been... "Hey everyone remember all of those things God did to get us out of Egypt, I bet he could provide another miracle. Hey Moses ask God!!" My prayer for us is that our instinct of faith that draws us to God in difficulty would be more strong than the fear that lives in us that rises to the top very quickly in the circumstance of life. Lord let our knee-jerk reaction to life be to trust you and call on you. God takes care of his people, God watches out for you and I.
The song of Moses. We have a song to sing. A song about the hand, majesty, and steadfast love of God. I pray that our corporate times of singing in church would come from a fresh interaction with God that moves our heart to sing and proclaim
"I will sing unto the Lord for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider thrown into the sea! The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation: this is my God and I will praise him, my father's God and I will exalt him." Exodus 15:1-2
Training to have a new instinct of faith and singing with great enthusiasm while we witness the hand of God!!!
God performs all of these miracles to get people out of Egypt, but fear has this funny way of creeping into our lives and overruling what we know. The Egyptians are coming and the response... "Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the desert." I too am no stranger to sarcasm and generally can recognize it 10 out of a possible 10 times.
Instincts are strong and fear causes a lack of clarity. The new instinct could have been faith, it could have been... "Hey everyone remember all of those things God did to get us out of Egypt, I bet he could provide another miracle. Hey Moses ask God!!" My prayer for us is that our instinct of faith that draws us to God in difficulty would be more strong than the fear that lives in us that rises to the top very quickly in the circumstance of life. Lord let our knee-jerk reaction to life be to trust you and call on you. God takes care of his people, God watches out for you and I.
The song of Moses. We have a song to sing. A song about the hand, majesty, and steadfast love of God. I pray that our corporate times of singing in church would come from a fresh interaction with God that moves our heart to sing and proclaim
"I will sing unto the Lord for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider thrown into the sea! The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation: this is my God and I will praise him, my father's God and I will exalt him." Exodus 15:1-2
Training to have a new instinct of faith and singing with great enthusiasm while we witness the hand of God!!!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Ex 10-12 Hard Questions, Answers Anyone
January 21st, Exodus 10-12
This passage represents some questions regarding God's will, hard hearts, and holding people accountable. These growing plagues upon the land of Egypt are a result of God hardening Pharaoh's heart. Plagues aside, here's the question...If my heart is hard because God made it hard, does he then judge me for having a hard heart? If God causes something, am I to be eternally condemned because of it?
The other idea is that God is hardening Pharaoh's heart to create a situation that is a demonstration of His might. The world is about the glory of God and He can use various means for that to be expressed. The greater good of God's glory is a goal in this story, as is said "a remembrance for your children and grandchildren." The death of all the firstborn, with God passing over his people because of their obedience to His instruction is something to be remembered for generations. Probably more humbling and awe inspiring than salvation from frogs, flies, or fleas(OK gnats, but fleas had the "f").
Back on track... in talking about salvation with people we move towards discussion about responsibility. We're responsible for our sin so we need a savior. I agree with that, but it's stories like this with Pharaoh that make me wonder a little. Who are we to resist God's will? And if God hardens my heart, am I responsible?
In the end I think I have a good answer, but just for fun and the sake of your musing, I'll hold that on this side of this post. Got any responses, I'd love to hear them.
This passage represents some questions regarding God's will, hard hearts, and holding people accountable. These growing plagues upon the land of Egypt are a result of God hardening Pharaoh's heart. Plagues aside, here's the question...If my heart is hard because God made it hard, does he then judge me for having a hard heart? If God causes something, am I to be eternally condemned because of it?
The other idea is that God is hardening Pharaoh's heart to create a situation that is a demonstration of His might. The world is about the glory of God and He can use various means for that to be expressed. The greater good of God's glory is a goal in this story, as is said "a remembrance for your children and grandchildren." The death of all the firstborn, with God passing over his people because of their obedience to His instruction is something to be remembered for generations. Probably more humbling and awe inspiring than salvation from frogs, flies, or fleas(OK gnats, but fleas had the "f").
Back on track... in talking about salvation with people we move towards discussion about responsibility. We're responsible for our sin so we need a savior. I agree with that, but it's stories like this with Pharaoh that make me wonder a little. Who are we to resist God's will? And if God hardens my heart, am I responsible?
In the end I think I have a good answer, but just for fun and the sake of your musing, I'll hold that on this side of this post. Got any responses, I'd love to hear them.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Ex 7-9 Letting Go Gives a Better Grip
January 20th, Exodus 7-9
This story of Pharaoh reminds me of a David Crowder song "Foreverandever Etc..." The last line of the pre-chorus and the first two lines of the chorus say...
Letting go gives a better grip. I'm finding everything I'll ever need, By giving up, gaining everything.
When your in a position of power, how do you hold onto that power. Whatever power we do have is like having power over sand. The more you try to grip sand the more it flows out of your hand, it's another one of the ironies of life. Pharaoh is wanting full control and the tighter he's holding on the more he's losing it.
In this case he's going to lose it anyway because it is what the Lord wills. Similar to times in our life when God is going to have His way. We can fight it and feel like we're losing everything, or we can let go and be gripped by God instead of doing all the gripping.
When you and I are gripped by God we don't have to act so desperate. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, Blessed be the name of the Lord. -Job I'm finding everything I ever needed by giving up, holding everything with an open palm, thanking God for what's in my hand in this moment. When God chooses to replace what's in the palm of my hand with another situation, again I'll say thanks, not grip onto it, trying to make it mine. Doing my best to honor God with what's been given me (see life of Joseph) and not attempt to squeeze it to death in my fear, or failure to acknowledge God and His will (see life of Pharaoh).
Fear and control...good luck, falling into the hands of Him who is sovereign over all...a better grip.
This story of Pharaoh reminds me of a David Crowder song "Foreverandever Etc..." The last line of the pre-chorus and the first two lines of the chorus say...
Letting go gives a better grip. I'm finding everything I'll ever need, By giving up, gaining everything.
When your in a position of power, how do you hold onto that power. Whatever power we do have is like having power over sand. The more you try to grip sand the more it flows out of your hand, it's another one of the ironies of life. Pharaoh is wanting full control and the tighter he's holding on the more he's losing it.
In this case he's going to lose it anyway because it is what the Lord wills. Similar to times in our life when God is going to have His way. We can fight it and feel like we're losing everything, or we can let go and be gripped by God instead of doing all the gripping.
When you and I are gripped by God we don't have to act so desperate. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, Blessed be the name of the Lord. -Job I'm finding everything I ever needed by giving up, holding everything with an open palm, thanking God for what's in my hand in this moment. When God chooses to replace what's in the palm of my hand with another situation, again I'll say thanks, not grip onto it, trying to make it mine. Doing my best to honor God with what's been given me (see life of Joseph) and not attempt to squeeze it to death in my fear, or failure to acknowledge God and His will (see life of Pharaoh).
Fear and control...good luck, falling into the hands of Him who is sovereign over all...a better grip.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Ex 4-6 Overwhelmed by Leadership
January 19th, Exodus 4-6
We think we want to know what God's will is for our life. D.L. Moody said you actually don't want to know. Moody said if you knew what God's will was for your life you'd never do it. What God invites us to is so overwhelming we don't want to participate, take Moses and his future...
God gives you couple of cools signs to perform to Pharaoh...that's about where the fun part ends. Next go to the most powerful nation in the world and demand anything from them. Take your family into the storm with you. Leadership lesson 101... make all of the people you are about to lead hate you with the whole brick/straw debacle. The people he was called to save are now cursing him for Pharaoh's new work order.
A moment like this would make me wonder when the whole snake/staff and leprous hand/pocket tricks were supposed to be used. I moved my family here for this!!!!
BUT...Genesis 6:1 "But the Lord said to Moses, Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of the land."
God continues chapter 6 with his promises to his people and the hearing of their cries and the redemption that will come. Finally a promise about a new land and all God wants them to possess.
Moses feels the same thing you and I feel in the midst of leadership. It says the people were not listening to Moses because of a broken spirit and harsh slavery. Why would Pharaoh listen to me? In the midst of our leading sometimes, it seems no one is listening. But leadership is about bringing the flock to a new pasture, bringing a child to a new behavior, bringing a group of people to see all that God intends. I pray that we would grow in our ability to lead, to face challenges and not shrink back, to breath life into situations around us.
Grace, Peace, Strength, Courage for the Journey.
We think we want to know what God's will is for our life. D.L. Moody said you actually don't want to know. Moody said if you knew what God's will was for your life you'd never do it. What God invites us to is so overwhelming we don't want to participate, take Moses and his future...
God gives you couple of cools signs to perform to Pharaoh...that's about where the fun part ends. Next go to the most powerful nation in the world and demand anything from them. Take your family into the storm with you. Leadership lesson 101... make all of the people you are about to lead hate you with the whole brick/straw debacle. The people he was called to save are now cursing him for Pharaoh's new work order.
A moment like this would make me wonder when the whole snake/staff and leprous hand/pocket tricks were supposed to be used. I moved my family here for this!!!!
BUT...Genesis 6:1 "But the Lord said to Moses, Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of the land."
God continues chapter 6 with his promises to his people and the hearing of their cries and the redemption that will come. Finally a promise about a new land and all God wants them to possess.
Moses feels the same thing you and I feel in the midst of leadership. It says the people were not listening to Moses because of a broken spirit and harsh slavery. Why would Pharaoh listen to me? In the midst of our leading sometimes, it seems no one is listening. But leadership is about bringing the flock to a new pasture, bringing a child to a new behavior, bringing a group of people to see all that God intends. I pray that we would grow in our ability to lead, to face challenges and not shrink back, to breath life into situations around us.
Grace, Peace, Strength, Courage for the Journey.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Ex 1-3 It's Complicated
January 18th, Exodus 1-3
Like the book before, Exodus starts out at warp speed with events.In the middle of the heartache is a young man growing up with signs of God's hand all over and yet conflicted about loyalties. Who am I, where is my place in this world. On a very bad day Moses decides to murder an Egyptian. What Moses thought was going to be help turns into more confusion about identity. A story repeated in all of our lives.
Like our lives, fleeing becomes the best option, running from our lives is easier than dealing with it. Then in the midst of everyday life, God shows up and the chaos increases.
After reading all of this a few times this morning, I can help but feel the difference between the chaos, confusion, and conflicted character Moses and God. When Moses asks God for some authority by which he would go do what's being asked, here's what God says...
Exodus 3:13-15 13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.[c] This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”15 God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord,[d] the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’“This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.
I want to celebrate this morning that our story of life is different than God's story. In the midst of the highs and lows of my life there is an I AM. An I AM that is not, I was, I might, I'm going to be. Just like Moses, God calls us to go minister to situations of instability, the rock for my life is not me becoming more stable by myself, rather becoming stable because I'm rooted in the one WHO IS, the I AM.
The confusion of our life's identity, finds hope and a home in the heart of God. That's my prayer for us all.
Like the book before, Exodus starts out at warp speed with events.In the middle of the heartache is a young man growing up with signs of God's hand all over and yet conflicted about loyalties. Who am I, where is my place in this world. On a very bad day Moses decides to murder an Egyptian. What Moses thought was going to be help turns into more confusion about identity. A story repeated in all of our lives.
Like our lives, fleeing becomes the best option, running from our lives is easier than dealing with it. Then in the midst of everyday life, God shows up and the chaos increases.
After reading all of this a few times this morning, I can help but feel the difference between the chaos, confusion, and conflicted character Moses and God. When Moses asks God for some authority by which he would go do what's being asked, here's what God says...
Exodus 3:13-15 13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.[c] This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”15 God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord,[d] the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’“This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.
I want to celebrate this morning that our story of life is different than God's story. In the midst of the highs and lows of my life there is an I AM. An I AM that is not, I was, I might, I'm going to be. Just like Moses, God calls us to go minister to situations of instability, the rock for my life is not me becoming more stable by myself, rather becoming stable because I'm rooted in the one WHO IS, the I AM.
The confusion of our life's identity, finds hope and a home in the heart of God. That's my prayer for us all.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Gen 48-50 Great Endings
January 17th, Genesis 48-50
These last chapters of Genesis are like the end to a good tear-jerker of a movie. The story begins to end with Jacob blessing two of the brothers. The part of the story where Joseph tries to alter the blessing and just have it go to the oldest is interesting. In the end, father-knows-best (thank you very much son). From my vantage point it all seems like a really cool moment of blessing for everyone. Jacob was part of stealing a blessing from his brother, but this feels more like a blessing for all.
Chapter 49 is the spoken proclamation of blessing for each of his sons. In it I witness a great awareness that a father has for his children. In it I sense a rich moment of intimacy and pray that when I am on my deathbed I would really know my family that well. As great as I feel about this moment and the knowledge of an earthly father doing it well, I am overwhelmed by the thought of our Heavenly Father who knows us even better and the great privilege it is to be carried by the one who knows our name, collects our tears, and has our image on the palm of his hand.
Chapter 50 speaks of a grand solemn moment for honoring life. The nations witness the burial and the impact of a family line on millions of people. All of this interrupted by the fear of brothers. Brothers who think their father's death is now opportunity for Joseph to get his revenge. And again a moment of forgiveness. A moment where I wonder how I would react if the people who brought me the most harm in my life, combined with me having absolute power to do with them as I wish... what would I do?
Praise God for a great role model for us. Life and hope always has more value than grudges and revenge. The jealousy of some brothers saved the lives of millions, and the grace and mercy of God come through the hands of the victim. May it be so for us as well.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Gen 46-47 Packing Lite
January 16th, Genesis 46-47
Many of you know that a new growing edge for for me is learning how to live with "less" rather than the typical "more." Buy more shelves so I can store more. Exercise more so I can eat more.A restlessness always seeking to acquire and failing to appreciate. Then the acquisition of much holds a requirement of maintenance that fails to keep pace. Acquiring a new plant is more fun than weeding the garden. I've excused myself from weeding for a long time in many areas of life. And just like the weeds that suck energy from healthy plants, I am discovering the many ways that the life Christ has for me has been lessened one small bit at a time.
I say all of that in relation to the story today because of one word that caught my attention. SOJOURN
Sojourn has to do with a temporary stay. It reminds me of the plains indians we studied growing up in Kansas. When this journey of life is mobile, one has to reduce their belonging to what they need. To not gather more than is needed. Like the manna we will soon read about. Not living in want, but knowing what is actual verses what is excess. The excess is a burden, and yet considered by many to be a sign of success.
Most of what I own will end up in a landfill someday and much is not useful for my sojourn here. My daily bread doesn't require as big a pantry and freezer as we own and shelving units are piling up in my garage, empty, like they should have been.
I want to continue this sojourn with the weight of the yoke and burden Christ promised... easy and light.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Gen 43-45 God's Will
January 15th, Genesis 43-45
It's a question that gets asked over and over again. It might be worded different, asked for individual or corporate reasons, but in the end the question goes something like, what is God's will for......? Joseph says to his brothers,
"so it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharoah, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land." Genesis 45:8
Joseph is speaking this line to ease the pain, embarrassment, and fear his brothers felt in the midst of facing their own personal failure. Praise God that in the midst of some of our evil intent, God can use it to make his will come to life.
This thing of God's will can become something that seems to paralyze people sometimes. In an effort to find some perfect God ordained situation we wonder in regards to job's, schools, a spouse, a place to live whether or not that thing is God's will for us. Let me make it a little easier on you.
God will for my life, yours, and everyone around us is that we be Holy. In all of the God's will questions we ask, it seems to be the last one we seek. If God wants you or I in a certain place in a certain time he can provide a bunch of jealous brothers who will sell you to Egypt. In the mean time God's desire for my life today, regardless of any of the circumstances, is to be Holy. If we find ourselves seeking to honor our Lord regardless of circumstance, I have no doubt we will be called upon to be a blessing to many. 10 or Millions is not important, simply a blessing to many.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Gen 41-42 Forgiveness
January 14 Gen 41-42
Imagine your dreams fulfilled. The thing you said years ago is now being fleshed out in real time in front of you. In Joseph's case, it's as conflicted a moment as there could be. The story played out is a story of betrayal, loss, abandonment and lies. As the victim you now have power over the perpetrators of your story. The dream has come true and the stars are bowing to one star just like the dream.
Joseph has done several years(at least 7) of processing his whole life. That God was able to bring him to his current position through a lot of heartache, but life is different now...better. In the midst of better, what happens to Joseph is the same thing that enters your life and mine. History comes back to us in our minds or in person and it calls for a response. Will Joseph seek revenge on his brothers or will forgiveness be the option chosen. I feel like I would need time to decide that. Maybe that's why Joseph puts all these requirements together. All I know is that life comes at you fast and when everything has seemed to take a turn for the better, sometimes surprises step in and reveal to us things on the inside that are not taken care of inside of us. It's only in these quick turn of events when you can see what's going on in our hearts.
Forgiveness is one attribute that we need to learn. It's at the heart of God's story of reconciliation with us. It's the story of God's expectation of us with others, "Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
I pray that we could drop our swords today and everyday with those for whom forgiveness has been an obstacle. May we be inspired by our Lord who not only forgave us, but also paid the price. Learning to sometimes pay the price that we feel others owe. A tall order indeed. Forgive, forgive, forgive.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Gen 38-40 Worship While I'm Waiting
January 13th Genesis 38-40
The lyrics of "While I'm Waiting" express this story of Joseph in Egypt quite well. In the midst of waiting on God to alter the circumstances of life, how will you and I hold ourselves.
I will move ahead, bold and confident, Taking every step in obedience, While I'm waiting
I will serve You, While I'm waiting
I will worship , While I'm waiting
I will not faint, I'll be running the race , Even while I wait
To not faint, to not grow weary of doing the right thing, even when the circumstances all around feel like God has not been at work. I've certainly been there and the difficulty is rooted in our need for a choice of the will to choose worship and not bitterness while I wait. Choose serving others instead of serving myself because I "deserve" something while I wait. To learn the truth spoken in Isaiah about walking and not fainting.
Who are we when circumstances mount against us. In a world that is unfair, God is worthy of our worship regardless. " Though he slay me, yet will I love Him. -Job
The lyrics of "While I'm Waiting" express this story of Joseph in Egypt quite well. In the midst of waiting on God to alter the circumstances of life, how will you and I hold ourselves.
I will move ahead, bold and confident, Taking every step in obedience, While I'm waiting
I will serve You, While I'm waiting
I will worship , While I'm waiting
I will not faint, I'll be running the race , Even while I wait
To not faint, to not grow weary of doing the right thing, even when the circumstances all around feel like God has not been at work. I've certainly been there and the difficulty is rooted in our need for a choice of the will to choose worship and not bitterness while I wait. Choose serving others instead of serving myself because I "deserve" something while I wait. To learn the truth spoken in Isaiah about walking and not fainting.
Who are we when circumstances mount against us. In a world that is unfair, God is worthy of our worship regardless. " Though he slay me, yet will I love Him. -Job
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Gen 35-37 How to irritate your siblings
Jan 12th, Genesis 35-37
Of all the tasks in the world that are super easy, one of the easiest is to irritate your siblings. It's amazing how easy it is to find the buttons of another and push them relentlessly. Joseph was an irritation to his brothers. Being favored by his father was the beginning. But when people treat you poorly, you begin to just do things to irritate them in order to get the reaction you always get anyway. Since they never treat you well, why not make them treat you badly with intention. Negative attention is better than no attention right?? Welcome to dysfunction!!
Joseph didn't mind being hated for his dreams. His brothers thought they were just another good excuse to hate him. Even his dad thought they were a little much. Nobody knew how much truth they contained or that God himself was the source. Joseph's brother wanted him out. Joseph was said to be sold for 20 shekels of silver. That is the modern day equal of $240. Usually when you do these conversions and think about inflation the worth is impressive. This seems to be the other way. Joseph was sold for .24. Joseph was on clearance and his brothers hated him so much they just wanted him gone.
Here's my conclusion for today. God is at work revealing his plans to us in subtle and not so subtle ways. Listening is an acquired skill, one that would serve us well.
Of all the tasks in the world that are super easy, one of the easiest is to irritate your siblings. It's amazing how easy it is to find the buttons of another and push them relentlessly. Joseph was an irritation to his brothers. Being favored by his father was the beginning. But when people treat you poorly, you begin to just do things to irritate them in order to get the reaction you always get anyway. Since they never treat you well, why not make them treat you badly with intention. Negative attention is better than no attention right?? Welcome to dysfunction!!
Joseph didn't mind being hated for his dreams. His brothers thought they were just another good excuse to hate him. Even his dad thought they were a little much. Nobody knew how much truth they contained or that God himself was the source. Joseph's brother wanted him out. Joseph was said to be sold for 20 shekels of silver. That is the modern day equal of $240. Usually when you do these conversions and think about inflation the worth is impressive. This seems to be the other way. Joseph was sold for .24. Joseph was on clearance and his brothers hated him so much they just wanted him gone.
Here's my conclusion for today. God is at work revealing his plans to us in subtle and not so subtle ways. Listening is an acquired skill, one that would serve us well.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Gen 32-34 WWF: A Wrestlers World
Jan 11th Genesis 32-34
There's a whole lot of wrestling going on. Wrestling with the past: how will my brother respond? No small question and Jacob has a lot to lose.
Wrestling with God. I think anyone who wrestles with God will walk away with a limp. Until you have one you'll walk with some misplaced arrogance that will be anything but a blessing to people around. Better a limp from God than being undefeated with others.
Wrestling with the future. The world can step into ours and rape our sister, literally or figuratively or both. With no justice system at their disposal they acted different than we would. Genesis 34:23 demonstrates Hamor and Shechem actual intent and it's anything but benevolent.
Maybe you have some good wrestling stories. Maybe you need some? We all should have one with God. When you come up limping, you'll know you are getting somewhere.
There's a whole lot of wrestling going on. Wrestling with the past: how will my brother respond? No small question and Jacob has a lot to lose.
Wrestling with God. I think anyone who wrestles with God will walk away with a limp. Until you have one you'll walk with some misplaced arrogance that will be anything but a blessing to people around. Better a limp from God than being undefeated with others.
Wrestling with the future. The world can step into ours and rape our sister, literally or figuratively or both. With no justice system at their disposal they acted different than we would. Genesis 34:23 demonstrates Hamor and Shechem actual intent and it's anything but benevolent.
Maybe you have some good wrestling stories. Maybe you need some? We all should have one with God. When you come up limping, you'll know you are getting somewhere.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Gen 30-31 Sex, Breeding, Power Plays
Jan 10th Genesis 30-31
Our quest for power over one another one is as common a theme as any in the story of humanity. Like so much in life, the argument over the mandrakes is not really about mandrakes. It's about the right to say I'm better than you because I've had more ...(in this case) children. Why are we on this quest to proclaim our superiority? In a cruel twist of irony, those chasing superiority the hardest are simply revealing an inner inferiority that generally has the curtain drawn back at an unfortunate time.
Speaking of inferiority, Laban is our role model in these chapters. Abusing the good nature of Jacob, Laban lies, swindols, sets up obstacles and generally makes everything be about his well-being. Jacob's genius breeding plan reminds me of Jesus encouragement for us to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
Jacob realizes games are being played and decides to use the knowledge he has gained over the years to play his own game. The game: have the white goats become the weakest and the herd of striped, spotted and black goats become the strongest. When it comes time to play the game, the ones who are near to and interested in honoring God are the ones to whom God grants wisdom and success. Laban could have done things right and there could have been two equal herds. Sometimes in our sin we wonder why things aren't working out so well. We shouldn't wonder.
As with all things, sometimes it's time to go. Jacob decides to take what he has earned in the last 20 years and go back to his family. Laban utters the words that frustrate us as we watch delusional people. "All that you see is mine." In Jacob's mind it's like "all that you see is the promised wage of 20 years of work." Thank you very much. Because of God's invervention, Laban gets it.
Again God in the story brings success. Let's become regulars at inviting God into our lives. For Him to produce what He can produce. Thanking Him for the wisdom He gives.
Our quest for power over one another one is as common a theme as any in the story of humanity. Like so much in life, the argument over the mandrakes is not really about mandrakes. It's about the right to say I'm better than you because I've had more ...(in this case) children. Why are we on this quest to proclaim our superiority? In a cruel twist of irony, those chasing superiority the hardest are simply revealing an inner inferiority that generally has the curtain drawn back at an unfortunate time.
Speaking of inferiority, Laban is our role model in these chapters. Abusing the good nature of Jacob, Laban lies, swindols, sets up obstacles and generally makes everything be about his well-being. Jacob's genius breeding plan reminds me of Jesus encouragement for us to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
Jacob realizes games are being played and decides to use the knowledge he has gained over the years to play his own game. The game: have the white goats become the weakest and the herd of striped, spotted and black goats become the strongest. When it comes time to play the game, the ones who are near to and interested in honoring God are the ones to whom God grants wisdom and success. Laban could have done things right and there could have been two equal herds. Sometimes in our sin we wonder why things aren't working out so well. We shouldn't wonder.
As with all things, sometimes it's time to go. Jacob decides to take what he has earned in the last 20 years and go back to his family. Laban utters the words that frustrate us as we watch delusional people. "All that you see is mine." In Jacob's mind it's like "all that you see is the promised wage of 20 years of work." Thank you very much. Because of God's invervention, Laban gets it.
Again God in the story brings success. Let's become regulars at inviting God into our lives. For Him to produce what He can produce. Thanking Him for the wisdom He gives.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Genesis 27-29 Ethical Dilemmas
Sometimes in life there is a way that God asks of us. There is no doubt as to what God's intent is. Sometimes the gray has various shades and we are left to figure some things out.
Dietrich Bonehoeffer (Pastor in Germany during WWII) was left with the ethical question of being part of a murderous plot against Hitler. When do I subject myself to the rule of authority established here on earth and when do I seek to kill an authority who is evil incarnate. No easy answers.
The picture here depicts the deception of Isaac. Rebekah has known for a long time that God's blessing rests on Jacob. While pregnant (Genesis 25:23) she was told that two nations were in her womb and that the younger would rule over the older. On the one hand this pictures feels wrong because of the deception we know is going on. On the other hand, Rebekah knows God's desire in these matters and maybe there is a reason for Isaac's blindness in a point in his life when he is ready to pronounce his blessing.
Our lives offer the same difficulty.My suggestion... when it's obvious what God wants from us we need to follow his will. When it's not so obvious, it's time to draw near to the Lord and seek Him and His way. More often than not we all know what we "ought" to do. Sometimes life is not so easy.
Following and Honoring Him
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Gen 25-26 All in the Family
Jan 8th Genesis 25-26
Here's what I like in this story. Rebekah comes to a point of "Why is this happening to me." then it says she went to the Lord. The response of being overwhelmed in life is to invite God into it with us. God gives her instruction that certainly has impact on choices made later, namely, of your two sons the older will serve the younger.
I like how Isaac solved his problem with work. Instead of a long lament about the Philistines filling in the wells, he just digs them up. Then when all of this finally works out he calls on God and says thanks. It's not a grand story, and yet it is. When simple day to day things go right, let's rejoice.
Some lessons to learn from others failures. Don't trade off what's valuable for a single meal and then resent it later. Don't repeat what your father has taught you when it dishonors God. Don't revise history to try and make yourself look better( 26:29 "we always treated you well when we sent you away) Does filling in our wells(our way of sustaining ourselves) seem peaceful to you??
My prayer for us this day is that we would more and more learn to include God in our lives, going to him in difficulty, praising him for blessing and being content in what is often a simple day gone well. I pray that's yours!!
Monday, January 7, 2013
Gen 22-24 Wholly Before Holy
Pictures say 1000 words and this is one of those stories where an artist conception adds a lot. I can think about this story in the text, but to see some of the paintings of this scene over the years is really intense. This is Rembrandt's depiction of this scene.
Growing up in the church has deadened the impact of this story. I accept it as just another story. For my friends who have not grown up in the church, this story makes absolutely no sense to them. Sometimes I wonder how you even explain this story to people
Thinking about it this morning, a seemingly parallel story came to mind. The story of the Rich Young Ruler in the gospels. In it someone comes to Jesus and desires to know what else he has to do to inherit eternal life. The zinger at the end is to sell all you have and give it to the poor.
In the end the issue isn't about money, it's about giving wholly so that we can become Holy. In the end the Young Ruler walked away sad, because he knew he would not give it up.
Abraham has learned to walk in obedience to God and stands in stark contrast to the young man in the gospel of Mark. Maybe the young man could have had the same blessing pronounced over Abraham in Genesis 22:15-18. Faith comes before blessing and wholly comes before Holy.
I am like either of these gentlemen. There are things that keep me from being wholly committed to my Father in Heaven and thus from experiencing a full sense of Holy. I know part of my journey into a deeper faith this year is letting go of things I value more than God. Creating space in my heart so God can fill it with Himself. The soap bubbles replaced with God almighty.
Other items of interest: Good baby name book, I like the brothers Uz and Buz. I appreciate the respect that Abraham's neighbors had for him in finding a proper burial for his wife Sarah. Also, Abraham's respect for them, funny how that tends to be a two way street. I must of read the story about Isaac and Rebekah when I was starting to date girls in High School. I remember all the "if they say this" kind of scenarios. Classic!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Gen 19-21 That's Normal to You???
Jan 6th, Genesis 19-21
For all of us there are things that are so normal to us, we never question it. Systems set up for themselves standard norms of behavior that no one questions, standards that live in absolute acceptance. If you ever wondered about God seemingly being angry in the OT, Genesis 19 tells us about a standard, normal, accepted practice in Sodom, here it is...
"You have male "out of town" house guests. All the men from youngest to oldest arrive at your door with the intent of all having sex with them." This is normal. When you had family over for Christmas, did several hundred men show up expecting sex with your dad, brother, nephews? As repulsive and over the top crazy as that sounds, this was the normal, accepted, standard practice. It's so normal everyone shows up and doesn't question it. So normal that Lot doesn't want them sleeping in the city square as was their plan, but invites them to his home. A home that was defended by God striking men with blindness so they couldn't find the door.
Abraham talked God down to 10 righteous being the number that would save Sodom and Gomorrah. When you understand what normal behavior was for them, you can see how far man had strayed from righteousness. God's judgement is rooted in evil being so normal it makes people sick(think holocaust).
Genesis 20: It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. This is the second time Abraham allows fear to force him into a lie rather than trust God for protection. Telling a leader that his wife was his sister to escape trouble. Abraham needs a new normal. Our system needs a new normal. Abraham needs to learn to trust God when fear could rule his world.
Just a side note about my frustration with American Church culture. Our norm is about keeping our children(and ourselves) safe. Our norm should be for us to be in places that require faith and places that require faith are generally places where we are tempted to be afraid. Lives of faith aren't built in safety. God is my refuge, fortress, shield!!! Amen to that!!!!
Lord, allow us to find ourselves in circumstances that develop a life of faith. May our normal, standard practices be pleasing to you!!
For all of us there are things that are so normal to us, we never question it. Systems set up for themselves standard norms of behavior that no one questions, standards that live in absolute acceptance. If you ever wondered about God seemingly being angry in the OT, Genesis 19 tells us about a standard, normal, accepted practice in Sodom, here it is...
"You have male "out of town" house guests. All the men from youngest to oldest arrive at your door with the intent of all having sex with them." This is normal. When you had family over for Christmas, did several hundred men show up expecting sex with your dad, brother, nephews? As repulsive and over the top crazy as that sounds, this was the normal, accepted, standard practice. It's so normal everyone shows up and doesn't question it. So normal that Lot doesn't want them sleeping in the city square as was their plan, but invites them to his home. A home that was defended by God striking men with blindness so they couldn't find the door.
Abraham talked God down to 10 righteous being the number that would save Sodom and Gomorrah. When you understand what normal behavior was for them, you can see how far man had strayed from righteousness. God's judgement is rooted in evil being so normal it makes people sick(think holocaust).
Genesis 20: It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. This is the second time Abraham allows fear to force him into a lie rather than trust God for protection. Telling a leader that his wife was his sister to escape trouble. Abraham needs a new normal. Our system needs a new normal. Abraham needs to learn to trust God when fear could rule his world.
Just a side note about my frustration with American Church culture. Our norm is about keeping our children(and ourselves) safe. Our norm should be for us to be in places that require faith and places that require faith are generally places where we are tempted to be afraid. Lives of faith aren't built in safety. God is my refuge, fortress, shield!!! Amen to that!!!!
Lord, allow us to find ourselves in circumstances that develop a life of faith. May our normal, standard practices be pleasing to you!!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Gen 16-18 God's not as Worried as I am...I'll go ahead and fix it.
Jan 5th, Genesis 16-18
Notice how God takes several thousand years to work out his plan. Maybe it's one of the benefits of eternally existing. There's no pressure of time. I only have 80 years. If God promised me I'd be a great nation, I'd need some land and some kids. As the commercial says "I WANT IT NOW!"
Chapter 16 is classic human behavior. A need, followed by a realization, lack of faith, a plan excluding God, plan works, resentment, rejection, chaos in the home. Too often it's plan A, and often it is the way that prompts people to question God.
Chapter 17 I notice God doesn't clear this issue up anytime soon. Four years is the span between chapters. That's a long time to resent the people you live with. God still has a plan, it still includes the people of promise, and it includes the unexpected. God will fulfill His thing, His way and what God wants from his people is to consistently be a people who ask and live in faith, rather than prescribe to God and wonder how this got offtrack.
Other items of note: Glad I got circumcised before I could remember anything!!! There is rich blessing waiting for God to fulfill His plan. Being close to God and witnessing His power is more grand than doing my own thing. Prayers to God can be bold, never telling Him what to do, just asking(Genesis 18:22-33).
God is fulfilling His plan in your life today. Don't fight it, just join with it and Him.
Working With God, This and Every Day...
Notice how God takes several thousand years to work out his plan. Maybe it's one of the benefits of eternally existing. There's no pressure of time. I only have 80 years. If God promised me I'd be a great nation, I'd need some land and some kids. As the commercial says "I WANT IT NOW!"
Chapter 16 is classic human behavior. A need, followed by a realization, lack of faith, a plan excluding God, plan works, resentment, rejection, chaos in the home. Too often it's plan A, and often it is the way that prompts people to question God.
Chapter 17 I notice God doesn't clear this issue up anytime soon. Four years is the span between chapters. That's a long time to resent the people you live with. God still has a plan, it still includes the people of promise, and it includes the unexpected. God will fulfill His thing, His way and what God wants from his people is to consistently be a people who ask and live in faith, rather than prescribe to God and wonder how this got offtrack.
Other items of note: Glad I got circumcised before I could remember anything!!! There is rich blessing waiting for God to fulfill His plan. Being close to God and witnessing His power is more grand than doing my own thing. Prayers to God can be bold, never telling Him what to do, just asking(Genesis 18:22-33).
God is fulfilling His plan in your life today. Don't fight it, just join with it and Him.
Working With God, This and Every Day...
Friday, January 4, 2013
Gen 12-15 4000 Years Later...
January 4th Genesis 12-15
Great things are birthed in obscurity. The great idea has an incubation period. Sometimes we see the fulfillment of the idea and imagine it to have always been that way. 4000 years after today's passage we are where we are, but it all started with one man and a Promise.
Yesterday, God saw a nation that he wanted to confuse and scatter, because all they wanted was notoriety for themselves. It's not that God does want to bless people, it's just that he chooses people with the right heart and the right intent.
"I will make of you a great nation and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you the families of the earth shall be blessed." God to Abram- Genesis 12:2-3
I marvel at these first pioneers who placed their faith in God. They have no advantage of the proven track record of God interacting with His people like we do. Sometimes in life I have to lean into the proven faithfulness of God. A great cloud of witnesses that proclaim, God knows my name, catches my tears, and in Genesis 15:13-16 knows the next 400 hundred years(and more) of history.
All of what we know today is rooted in a promise long, long ago. In an age where promises don't always mean much, there is a promise that comes from God, that seeks to bear fruit in us. Fruit that bears fruit, that bears fruit. I pray you've found a home in a promise that is 4000 years old and as fresh and inspiring as it ever was.
Great things are birthed in obscurity. The great idea has an incubation period. Sometimes we see the fulfillment of the idea and imagine it to have always been that way. 4000 years after today's passage we are where we are, but it all started with one man and a Promise.
Yesterday, God saw a nation that he wanted to confuse and scatter, because all they wanted was notoriety for themselves. It's not that God does want to bless people, it's just that he chooses people with the right heart and the right intent.
"I will make of you a great nation and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you the families of the earth shall be blessed." God to Abram- Genesis 12:2-3
I marvel at these first pioneers who placed their faith in God. They have no advantage of the proven track record of God interacting with His people like we do. Sometimes in life I have to lean into the proven faithfulness of God. A great cloud of witnesses that proclaim, God knows my name, catches my tears, and in Genesis 15:13-16 knows the next 400 hundred years(and more) of history.
All of what we know today is rooted in a promise long, long ago. In an age where promises don't always mean much, there is a promise that comes from God, that seeks to bear fruit in us. Fruit that bears fruit, that bears fruit. I pray you've found a home in a promise that is 4000 years old and as fresh and inspiring as it ever was.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Gen 8-11 Noah: Hero then naked, drunk, cursing...
Jan 3rd, Genesis 8-11,
Two in one. A hero of the story in one moment. Living in faith, building a ginormous boat while all his neighbors mock him(you've seen Evan almighty?!). A man of faith and that faith was credited to him as righteousness. But as with many of our favorite Bible characters, the story isn't doctored up to protect them from revealing their faults as well.
Noah planted a vineyard(which means...several years later) made wine, got drunk, fell asleep naked in his tent. The curious part of the story is the son who sees his father naked and recruits his brothers to help cover up dad's mess. Noah ends up cursing the first son. Prior to today I always thought it seemed okay, but today I wonder if Noah's curse is just another in a line of bad decisions like drunk, naked, cursing.
How much of life(yours and mine) is rooted in faith(building Arks and other things that don't make sense to people) and how much is rooted in self(out of control, cursing others/life/circumstances.
Chapter 11, the story of towers built to impress ourselves is thwarted by God, but acts of faith are blessed. The history of the Bible is filled with both stories, so is my life, and I guess yours is too. By the grace of God may our acts of faith increase and the moments of honoring the Lord become more frequent.
Living God's Way Today
Two in one. A hero of the story in one moment. Living in faith, building a ginormous boat while all his neighbors mock him(you've seen Evan almighty?!). A man of faith and that faith was credited to him as righteousness. But as with many of our favorite Bible characters, the story isn't doctored up to protect them from revealing their faults as well.
Noah planted a vineyard(which means...several years later) made wine, got drunk, fell asleep naked in his tent. The curious part of the story is the son who sees his father naked and recruits his brothers to help cover up dad's mess. Noah ends up cursing the first son. Prior to today I always thought it seemed okay, but today I wonder if Noah's curse is just another in a line of bad decisions like drunk, naked, cursing.
How much of life(yours and mine) is rooted in faith(building Arks and other things that don't make sense to people) and how much is rooted in self(out of control, cursing others/life/circumstances.
Chapter 11, the story of towers built to impress ourselves is thwarted by God, but acts of faith are blessed. The history of the Bible is filled with both stories, so is my life, and I guess yours is too. By the grace of God may our acts of faith increase and the moments of honoring the Lord become more frequent.
Living God's Way Today
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Gen 4-7 Majority Rules...
Jan 2, Genesis 4-7
The system we live in provides great sway in how we see things. The idea of majority rule, taking a vote, higher number wins is how we decide things. Today we see Cain and Able's sacrifice. One honors the Lord, one does not. Masses of people honors themselves, one does not. A key verse for me this morning was Genesis 6:5
"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."
In the majority rule world of Noah the story goes on to say that Noah found favor in the eyes of God. God interacting with his creation, noticing, inviting, instructing, providing, sustaining Noah. This is the God who invites us. Majority rule is not as important as righteousness.
My prayer today is that my offerings, actions, thoughts, would be seen by my Father as righteous and the pain brought to my Father would not be provided by me. I know what it's like when my children bring me heartache or joy.
Thank you Lord for the way you see and are aware of hearts that do and don't belong to you. Thanks for the witness of those who have honored you. Grant me the strength, patience, wisdom and courage to be different than the majority. Amen!!
The system we live in provides great sway in how we see things. The idea of majority rule, taking a vote, higher number wins is how we decide things. Today we see Cain and Able's sacrifice. One honors the Lord, one does not. Masses of people honors themselves, one does not. A key verse for me this morning was Genesis 6:5
"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."
In the majority rule world of Noah the story goes on to say that Noah found favor in the eyes of God. God interacting with his creation, noticing, inviting, instructing, providing, sustaining Noah. This is the God who invites us. Majority rule is not as important as righteousness.
My prayer today is that my offerings, actions, thoughts, would be seen by my Father as righteous and the pain brought to my Father would not be provided by me. I know what it's like when my children bring me heartache or joy.
Thank you Lord for the way you see and are aware of hearts that do and don't belong to you. Thanks for the witness of those who have honored you. Grant me the strength, patience, wisdom and courage to be different than the majority. Amen!!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Genesis 1-3
Jan 1,
In the new year we are working to read through the Bible. The plan we are reading goes straight from beginning to end at the pace of 3-4 chapters per day. I am using the plan put out by Olive Tree. You can download it to your phone, tablet or PC and we'd love to have you join us.
Gen 1-3 One of the things I wish I could do, is learn about God from scratch. To read the Bible this year and learn a prgression of things as they get revealed about God. We have so many filters in place it is hard to do, but a fresh view of God is in order for us all. One thing I notice is that God proclaims his creation good, that God intentionally makes things beautiful(yes that means you Leah(she's my wife)).
I notice people have the same excuses they've always had, but what I really enjoy is after all of that is that God seeks out his people even when they fail. He makes clothes for them after their failed attempt.
I also notice that God's instructions are to be taken seriously. Because of our sin, mosquitos and lions need blood, work is hard and giving birth is a drag(for the moment).
Discipline and love, and a world filled with good and beautiful and sinful things. It's a good start to a great story.
Join us tomorrow Gen 4-7
In the new year we are working to read through the Bible. The plan we are reading goes straight from beginning to end at the pace of 3-4 chapters per day. I am using the plan put out by Olive Tree. You can download it to your phone, tablet or PC and we'd love to have you join us.
Gen 1-3 One of the things I wish I could do, is learn about God from scratch. To read the Bible this year and learn a prgression of things as they get revealed about God. We have so many filters in place it is hard to do, but a fresh view of God is in order for us all. One thing I notice is that God proclaims his creation good, that God intentionally makes things beautiful(yes that means you Leah(she's my wife)).
I notice people have the same excuses they've always had, but what I really enjoy is after all of that is that God seeks out his people even when they fail. He makes clothes for them after their failed attempt.
I also notice that God's instructions are to be taken seriously. Because of our sin, mosquitos and lions need blood, work is hard and giving birth is a drag(for the moment).
Discipline and love, and a world filled with good and beautiful and sinful things. It's a good start to a great story.
Join us tomorrow Gen 4-7
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