Love the LORD Your God
1 These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2 so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. 3 Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you.
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. [a] 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
10 When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, 11 houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, 12 be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
13 Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. 14 Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; 15 for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land. 16 Do not test the LORD your God as you did at Massah. 17 Be sure to keep the commands of the LORD your God and the stipulations and decrees he has given you. 18 Do what is right and good in the LORD's sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers, 19 thrusting out all your enemies before you, as the LORD said.
20 In the future, when your son asks you, "What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the LORD our God has commanded you?" 21 tell him: "We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 Before our eyes the LORD sent miraculous signs and wonders—great and terrible—upon Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household. 23 But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land that he promised on oath to our forefathers. 24 The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. 25 And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness."
Footnotes:
Deuteronomy 6:4 Or The LORD our God is one LORD; or The LORD is our God, the LORD is one ; or The LORD is our God, the LORD alone
Words, phrases that stuck out:
*** ...be careful to obey so that it may go well with you..."; verse 3: Although this is just an English translation of an ancient language, I first of all noticed the may in there...not a will. I think that is important. Regardless, this entire passage is a statement telling us that, "God isn't stupid, and knows the best way to tackle life." And while following God and his commands certainly doesn't promise and easy life, it does make things go better in general. I mean, think about if you never lied. Sure, you may get out of some nice "perks" in life, but wouldn't you be seen as a trustworthy person? Wouldn't relationships be less strained in general? By seeking to follow the commands of God, there is now way that it can't improve our lives (and lives of others around us) on so many levels...
*** Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.; verse 7: If we truly love God with our every being, seeking to obey him at all times, doesn't it make sense that we'd want to impress this upon our children, training them to do the same? I need to remember that everything is an opportunity to speak about the Lord to my son...and thus I need to look for opportunities to talk to him about God, about my motivations, my reasons to sacrifice, etc., hoping and praying that one day he will trust in Christ's saving grace for himself.
*** ...be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.; verse 12: Oh, how easily I forget... The Lord has done so much for me, has shown me his might in awesome ways, has changed my very being...so how come I just mindlessly walk through life as often as I do? Each of us need to ask God to show us the times we easily/conveniently forget all he's done, forget who he is, and repent. Because...
*** ...the Lord your God...is a jealous God...; verse 15: This is a quality of god we don't usually think about. I mean, if god is so Good, so Loving, so "Other" and Holy...how on earth could he have an emotion like jealousy? Well, while those attributes I listed (and countless others) are so true of our Lord, jealousy is an emotion he has. Why? Well, he created us...loves us, and all he asks is for love in return. But what do we do? We flee. We lie. We worship other gods and idols. If my wife were to say she loved me (and, in reality, did love me), but seemed to be more interested in shopping, in a hobby, or in other friends than me, well, I'd have to admit, I'd be a bit jealous. I think our struggle is that since God is, well, God, he could never have a "human" emotion like jealousy...could he? According to this passage...yes...and honestly, if I am humble and selfless, given all he's done for me, he has every right to be...
Questions for me:
Do I truly realize that, "God knows best", and that while some commands may be tough, or "no fun", or could be risky...that he knows what's up and by following them, life will improve?
How am I passing on a godly legacy to my child? Is it something I even think about? Are there areas of my life I (still) need to give up in surrender for the sake of my kid and his spiritual growth?
How quickly and easily do I forget about all God has done? Are there steps I can take, with God's help and prompting, that can help me remember him all the more?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Great Song
I have liked this song for some time...but lately the lyrics are so "me", so encouraging, etc. It is by the (mostly) 80s band The Call. Their style is what I'd call "Simple Minds-meets-80s/version of U2, from an American standpoint" (as those other bands are Scottish and Irish, respectively). At any rate, I have recently discovered much more of their catalog...and man, I dig it. Powerful, poetic, honest lyrics (by lead vocalist Michael Been) from a spiritual, Christian perspective. Not lots (if any) direct "Jesus" quotes, but you don't have to go far to realize the Truth Been writes from... If you go hunting for The Call's music (out of curiosity), I recommend the Restored album most of all, but selections from Into the Woods and Let the Day Begin are also great. There are other albums (both earlier and later) that I have yet to discover...but I hope to.
I will let the lyrics speak for themselves...
The Call I Still Believe (Great Design) Lyrics (by Michael Been):
I been in a cave
For forty days
Only a spark
To light my way
I wanna give out
I wanna give in
This is our crime
This is our sin
But I still believe
I still believe
Through the pain
And the grief
Through the lives
Through the storms
Through the cries
And through the wars
Oh, I still believe
Flat on my back
Out at sea
Hopin' these waves
Don't cover me
I'm turned and tossed
Upon the waves
When the darkness comes
I feel the grave
But I still believe
I still believe
Through the cold
And through heat
Through the rain
And through the tears
Through the crowds
And through the cheers
Oh, I still believe
I'll march this road
I'll climb this hill
Upon on my knees
if I have to
I'll take my place
Up on this stage
I'll wait 'til the
end of time
for you like
everybody else
I'm out on my own
Walkin' the streets
Look at the faces
That I meet
I feel like I
Like I want to go
home
What do I feel
What do I know
But I still believe
I still believe
Through the shame
And through the grief
Through the heartache
Through the tears
Through the waiting
Through the years
For people like us
In places like this
We need all the hope
That we can get
Oh, I still believe
I will let the lyrics speak for themselves...
The Call I Still Believe (Great Design) Lyrics (by Michael Been):
I been in a cave
For forty days
Only a spark
To light my way
I wanna give out
I wanna give in
This is our crime
This is our sin
But I still believe
I still believe
Through the pain
And the grief
Through the lives
Through the storms
Through the cries
And through the wars
Oh, I still believe
Flat on my back
Out at sea
Hopin' these waves
Don't cover me
I'm turned and tossed
Upon the waves
When the darkness comes
I feel the grave
But I still believe
I still believe
Through the cold
And through heat
Through the rain
And through the tears
Through the crowds
And through the cheers
Oh, I still believe
I'll march this road
I'll climb this hill
Upon on my knees
if I have to
I'll take my place
Up on this stage
I'll wait 'til the
end of time
for you like
everybody else
I'm out on my own
Walkin' the streets
Look at the faces
That I meet
I feel like I
Like I want to go
home
What do I feel
What do I know
But I still believe
I still believe
Through the shame
And through the grief
Through the heartache
Through the tears
Through the waiting
Through the years
For people like us
In places like this
We need all the hope
That we can get
Oh, I still believe
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Responsibilities//Titus 2:1-15
A quick note: I have been publishing what could best be described as my "scriptural journaling" lately, just titling each post based on the "Pondering _______ _:_-_"-model. For some reason, in my random nature, I feel like giving each a title from now on (and I may even go back and re-title old ones) to just preface a theme I see in the passage...
Titus 2
What Must Be Taught to Various Groups
1You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. 2Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
3Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
6Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
9Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
11For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
15These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
Words/phrases that stuck out:
*** All the "self-control" statements (various verses): I think so much of our problem with sin is that we too easily allow it to creep in. We say, "I just couldn't help it!" I believe the quest for true self-control is a journey that lasts our entire life (just see how even older folks are encouraged to have it in this passage), but how often is it something we don't even seek? We just go, "Oh well, I'm a sinner, I can't help it, I'm just going to do it again later sometime so what's the point in stopping?" What a cop out. And I cop out all the time... But, I hope that at least in my life, I realize the need and importance of self-control, and how many struggles flow out of our inability to have restraint.
*** ...sound doctrine.; verse 1: People argue day-and-night as to what doctrine is truly "sound", or is good, right, and essential for those who belong to Jesus. We humans just struggle with thinking we have it all figured out, and draw lots of lines in the sand. Are "lines" important, is sound doctrine/right theology important? With great humility, YES. Lots of slippery slopes, heresies, etc., have resulted from people seeking to figure out God and how he works (or the flip-side: letting it all be such a "free-for-all" that there is NO doctrine at all...), but I still think all followers of Christ need to seek some "essentials". One recommendation is to explore some of the historic creeds, like the Apostle's (http://www.reformed.org/documents/index.html?mainframe=http://www.reformed.org/documents/apostles_creed.html) or Nicene (http://www.reformed.org/documents/index.html?mainframe=http://www.reformed.org/documents/nicene.html). Basically, I think at the very least, the statements in credal documents like these are essential to Christian belief. Beyond that, however, we need to tread with care. Are there doctrines that even need to be explored further (and even some from these creeds that go deeper?)? Absolutely! But, we need to tread with humility, admitting that various -ologies and -isms, no matter how godly the writers, are still from human hands...and thus we have to be at peace with the mystery that ultimately is God...
*** ...worthy of respect...; verse 2: Talking specifically of the responsibilities older men have in being an example to younger generations, being one that is respected by others is huge. Many factors surely go into deciding if respect is truly "worthy" or not, and good lists of qualities can be found throughout the Bible. This is a trait I need to prayerfully seek, though, despite some of it's abstract-ness. We all know people from older generations that feel like they are "deserved" respect...but their lives and legacies certainly make giving respect difficult.
*** ...train...; verse 4: As in, "training others". We all need to look at our example, legacy, character, etc., from a training of younger generations standpoint. Sadly, many do not have this focus. As I walk among those younger than I (and I spend most of my time with teens and my son, a preschooler), I need to prayerfully consider my actions and attitudes in a proactive light, always asking, "How can who I am in action, attitude, etc., train others so they can be closer to their creator?"
*** ...soundness of speech that cannot be condemned...; verse 8: This one is tough. I know that too often I, "speak before thinking", and as comedian Brian Regan once said, my thoughts are sadly, "Oh no, words are coming out!" And you can't take words back. I am grateful that an answered prayer of mine has been an increased awareness of the words I say (and even the tone sometimes when the actual words may be "ok", but how I say them is not beneficial...), but I certainly have much to learn. Ask my wife, family, or friends (especially "old friends"), and they'll certainly tell you that one trait of mine that is often unfortunate is a history of speaking without thinking... Sometimes it has resulted in humorous stories (at my expense), but it has certainly hurt others as well. And speech like that is worthy of being condemned by others. I need to continually seek to let my words be thoughtful, encouraging, loving, and above all worthy of one calling himself a Christian...as the last thing I want is my words to play a role in someone not having faith...
*** ...in every way they will make the teaching about God our savior attractive.; verse 10: Our attitudes, actions, speech, etc., all boil down to this: Is who I am pointing others to Christ? That should both encourage me (and give me great purpose)...and at the same time, scare me to death...
*** Do not let anyone despise you.; verse 15: By now, I don't think I have much else to write about this. Essentially, if I can be a person that holistically "bleeds Christ" in all things I do, this should result in not being despised...now, I know that the Gospel can be offensive to some (aka the notion that we are sinners/not inherently "good"; that our actions mean squat when it comes to God's ultimate favor, that Jesus' death was an atonement for all that, and that unless we realize/accept that and thus commit ourselves to Him, we are lost...), but if I can still "be" someone that strives to be more like Jesus (as both a response of gratitude to him saving me, and as God continues the process known as sanctification in my life), loving people as they are, serving them, etc... hopefully being despised wouldn't occur.
Questions for me:
Am I seeking to have self-control? Am I making excuses for not having self-control?
Do I know what I believe, and what I need to believe? Am I allowing my life to flow from these beliefs? Are these beliefs rooted in sound doctrine?
Am I a person worthy of respect? Is who I am, how I act, how I talk, how I treat others, etc., drawing people toward Christ...or repelling them from him?
Titus 2
What Must Be Taught to Various Groups
1You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. 2Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
3Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
6Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
9Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
11For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
15These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
Words/phrases that stuck out:
*** All the "self-control" statements (various verses): I think so much of our problem with sin is that we too easily allow it to creep in. We say, "I just couldn't help it!" I believe the quest for true self-control is a journey that lasts our entire life (just see how even older folks are encouraged to have it in this passage), but how often is it something we don't even seek? We just go, "Oh well, I'm a sinner, I can't help it, I'm just going to do it again later sometime so what's the point in stopping?" What a cop out. And I cop out all the time... But, I hope that at least in my life, I realize the need and importance of self-control, and how many struggles flow out of our inability to have restraint.
*** ...sound doctrine.; verse 1: People argue day-and-night as to what doctrine is truly "sound", or is good, right, and essential for those who belong to Jesus. We humans just struggle with thinking we have it all figured out, and draw lots of lines in the sand. Are "lines" important, is sound doctrine/right theology important? With great humility, YES. Lots of slippery slopes, heresies, etc., have resulted from people seeking to figure out God and how he works (or the flip-side: letting it all be such a "free-for-all" that there is NO doctrine at all...), but I still think all followers of Christ need to seek some "essentials". One recommendation is to explore some of the historic creeds, like the Apostle's (http://www.reformed.org/documents/index.html?mainframe=http://www.reformed.org/documents/apostles_creed.html) or Nicene (http://www.reformed.org/documents/index.html?mainframe=http://www.reformed.org/documents/nicene.html). Basically, I think at the very least, the statements in credal documents like these are essential to Christian belief. Beyond that, however, we need to tread with care. Are there doctrines that even need to be explored further (and even some from these creeds that go deeper?)? Absolutely! But, we need to tread with humility, admitting that various -ologies and -isms, no matter how godly the writers, are still from human hands...and thus we have to be at peace with the mystery that ultimately is God...
*** ...worthy of respect...; verse 2: Talking specifically of the responsibilities older men have in being an example to younger generations, being one that is respected by others is huge. Many factors surely go into deciding if respect is truly "worthy" or not, and good lists of qualities can be found throughout the Bible. This is a trait I need to prayerfully seek, though, despite some of it's abstract-ness. We all know people from older generations that feel like they are "deserved" respect...but their lives and legacies certainly make giving respect difficult.
*** ...train...; verse 4: As in, "training others". We all need to look at our example, legacy, character, etc., from a training of younger generations standpoint. Sadly, many do not have this focus. As I walk among those younger than I (and I spend most of my time with teens and my son, a preschooler), I need to prayerfully consider my actions and attitudes in a proactive light, always asking, "How can who I am in action, attitude, etc., train others so they can be closer to their creator?"
*** ...soundness of speech that cannot be condemned...; verse 8: This one is tough. I know that too often I, "speak before thinking", and as comedian Brian Regan once said, my thoughts are sadly, "Oh no, words are coming out!" And you can't take words back. I am grateful that an answered prayer of mine has been an increased awareness of the words I say (and even the tone sometimes when the actual words may be "ok", but how I say them is not beneficial...), but I certainly have much to learn. Ask my wife, family, or friends (especially "old friends"), and they'll certainly tell you that one trait of mine that is often unfortunate is a history of speaking without thinking... Sometimes it has resulted in humorous stories (at my expense), but it has certainly hurt others as well. And speech like that is worthy of being condemned by others. I need to continually seek to let my words be thoughtful, encouraging, loving, and above all worthy of one calling himself a Christian...as the last thing I want is my words to play a role in someone not having faith...
*** ...in every way they will make the teaching about God our savior attractive.; verse 10: Our attitudes, actions, speech, etc., all boil down to this: Is who I am pointing others to Christ? That should both encourage me (and give me great purpose)...and at the same time, scare me to death...
*** Do not let anyone despise you.; verse 15: By now, I don't think I have much else to write about this. Essentially, if I can be a person that holistically "bleeds Christ" in all things I do, this should result in not being despised...now, I know that the Gospel can be offensive to some (aka the notion that we are sinners/not inherently "good"; that our actions mean squat when it comes to God's ultimate favor, that Jesus' death was an atonement for all that, and that unless we realize/accept that and thus commit ourselves to Him, we are lost...), but if I can still "be" someone that strives to be more like Jesus (as both a response of gratitude to him saving me, and as God continues the process known as sanctification in my life), loving people as they are, serving them, etc... hopefully being despised wouldn't occur.
Questions for me:
Am I seeking to have self-control? Am I making excuses for not having self-control?
Do I know what I believe, and what I need to believe? Am I allowing my life to flow from these beliefs? Are these beliefs rooted in sound doctrine?
Am I a person worthy of respect? Is who I am, how I act, how I talk, how I treat others, etc., drawing people toward Christ...or repelling them from him?
Friday, December 5, 2008
Hmmmm (aka, wondering "why")
I'm not going to go into detail here, but if you read this, would you pray for my family right now? Prayers for patience, clarity, peace, wisdom, etc. all sound about right.
Sometimes it is so tough to deal with hardships/testing (haha, I recently wrote this: http://haphazardangus.blogspot.com/2008/12/pondering-hebrews-121-13.html, need to really remember it now). Right now, we just found something out that isn't what we had hoped. Frustration, questioning has ensued. Past issues and emotions resulting from them have come back. Peace and forgiveness is needed. But it's hard...
So, I am going to read my "pondering Hebrews" post again...pray for strength, etc. I also need to find ways to ecourage Missy (wife) in all this. I'm not fired up, but she is REALLY struggling with it...
Sometimes it is so tough to deal with hardships/testing (haha, I recently wrote this: http://haphazardangus.blogspot.com/2008/12/pondering-hebrews-121-13.html, need to really remember it now). Right now, we just found something out that isn't what we had hoped. Frustration, questioning has ensued. Past issues and emotions resulting from them have come back. Peace and forgiveness is needed. But it's hard...
So, I am going to read my "pondering Hebrews" post again...pray for strength, etc. I also need to find ways to ecourage Missy (wife) in all this. I'm not fired up, but she is REALLY struggling with it...
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Pondering Genesis 22:1-19
Abraham Tested 1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied.
2 Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."
3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you."
6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, 7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?"
"Yes, my son?" Abraham replied.
"The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"
8 Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together.
9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied.
12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."
13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram [a] caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."
15 The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring [b] all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."
19 Then Abraham returned to his servants, and they set off together for Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in Beersheba.
Footnotes:
Genesis 22:13 Many manuscripts of the Masoretic Text, Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint and Syriac; most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text a ram behind him
Genesis 22:18 Or seed
Words, phrases that stuck out:
*** "only son" (verse 2) and "third day" (verse 4): It is so cool how God foreshadowed the sacrifice of Jesus, his only son, and on the third day, no less, hundreds of years before it actually happened. To me, this is just one of MANY examples from the Old Testament where the Cross is described, where God used similar circumstances surrounding Christ to make covenants, to bring salvation, etc. Amazing.
*** Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.; verse 10: Dang. First, this sentence is so powerful, it is it's own entire verse. It also makes me think of a discussion from my high school youth group (yes, I can remember those days on occasion), where the adult leading our discussion group talked about this passage, and how if God asked him to kill one of his kids, he'd basically say, "Hell no, God! I won't do it!" While I appreciated his honesty (and forcefulness...sorry if the "hell no" offends...), I always thought it was, while honest, an amazing lack of faith. Then I had a kid...and understood his initial thoughts all the more...
Honestly, I don't know what I would do. Oh, sure, I "hope" I would do whatever God would ask...but dang. I do think this passage has more to say to us than just "killing our kid" though. I believe at the core it is a test to see how far I would be willing to sacrifice for the sake of God's glory...I selfishly hope it would never be the sacrifice of my son, but now I can at least appreciate a smidgen of what God the Father went through when Jesus was killed... But, let's continue to ponder the concept of being "willing". Am I willing to sacrifice things, whether material or abstract, should God ask? I know a story, for example, of a couple (that will remain anonymous...and they aren't who told me...they have no idea) who felt so called by God to be able to give more generously to their church and mission...that they decided to sell their "dream home" (that had only been lived in for like 6 months) and downsize so they could give more to their church. What an example of obedience! Can you imagine the war going on in their hearts? "But, we just moved in! It's our dream house! We already give a lot!" You also need to know, their church isn't one of those kinda freaky, televangelist-led, "give us/me more money so God can move (and pastor can get a sweet home(s))"-type places. No, it is a missional, not-self-seeking, impactful, progressive community of faith. Could I do the same? Would you?
*** "Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."; verse 12: See above for commentary on this one...I underlined it this morning, then after writing about verse 10, realize that I already explained my thoughts...
*** ...The LORD Will Provide.; verse 14: First, what a great statement of faith, not that God might provide, but will provide. But, this was actually a place, almost a signpost for Abraham and others to remember how God provided, and would again. It is very similar to the concept of the Ebenezer, something built to remember the Lord, his ways, promises, etc., that one can look back on and be encouraged and have hope (aka, certainty).
Questions for me:
How far is the limit of what I'm willing to sacrifice for God? What holds me back? Fear? Possible ridicule? Risks (even if only "possible")?
Are there "monuments", images, etc., in my life that I can return to and be reminded of God's promises, provision, etc.?
"Here I am," he replied.
2 Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."
3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you."
6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, 7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?"
"Yes, my son?" Abraham replied.
"The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"
8 Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together.
9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied.
12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."
13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram [a] caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."
15 The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring [b] all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."
19 Then Abraham returned to his servants, and they set off together for Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in Beersheba.
Footnotes:
Genesis 22:13 Many manuscripts of the Masoretic Text, Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint and Syriac; most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text a ram behind him
Genesis 22:18 Or seed
Words, phrases that stuck out:
*** "only son" (verse 2) and "third day" (verse 4): It is so cool how God foreshadowed the sacrifice of Jesus, his only son, and on the third day, no less, hundreds of years before it actually happened. To me, this is just one of MANY examples from the Old Testament where the Cross is described, where God used similar circumstances surrounding Christ to make covenants, to bring salvation, etc. Amazing.
*** Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.; verse 10: Dang. First, this sentence is so powerful, it is it's own entire verse. It also makes me think of a discussion from my high school youth group (yes, I can remember those days on occasion), where the adult leading our discussion group talked about this passage, and how if God asked him to kill one of his kids, he'd basically say, "Hell no, God! I won't do it!" While I appreciated his honesty (and forcefulness...sorry if the "hell no" offends...), I always thought it was, while honest, an amazing lack of faith. Then I had a kid...and understood his initial thoughts all the more...
Honestly, I don't know what I would do. Oh, sure, I "hope" I would do whatever God would ask...but dang. I do think this passage has more to say to us than just "killing our kid" though. I believe at the core it is a test to see how far I would be willing to sacrifice for the sake of God's glory...I selfishly hope it would never be the sacrifice of my son, but now I can at least appreciate a smidgen of what God the Father went through when Jesus was killed... But, let's continue to ponder the concept of being "willing". Am I willing to sacrifice things, whether material or abstract, should God ask? I know a story, for example, of a couple (that will remain anonymous...and they aren't who told me...they have no idea) who felt so called by God to be able to give more generously to their church and mission...that they decided to sell their "dream home" (that had only been lived in for like 6 months) and downsize so they could give more to their church. What an example of obedience! Can you imagine the war going on in their hearts? "But, we just moved in! It's our dream house! We already give a lot!" You also need to know, their church isn't one of those kinda freaky, televangelist-led, "give us/me more money so God can move (and pastor can get a sweet home(s))"-type places. No, it is a missional, not-self-seeking, impactful, progressive community of faith. Could I do the same? Would you?
*** "Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."; verse 12: See above for commentary on this one...I underlined it this morning, then after writing about verse 10, realize that I already explained my thoughts...
*** ...The LORD Will Provide.; verse 14: First, what a great statement of faith, not that God might provide, but will provide. But, this was actually a place, almost a signpost for Abraham and others to remember how God provided, and would again. It is very similar to the concept of the Ebenezer, something built to remember the Lord, his ways, promises, etc., that one can look back on and be encouraged and have hope (aka, certainty).
Questions for me:
How far is the limit of what I'm willing to sacrifice for God? What holds me back? Fear? Possible ridicule? Risks (even if only "possible")?
Are there "monuments", images, etc., in my life that I can return to and be reminded of God's promises, provision, etc.?
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Pondering Hebrews 12:1-13
God Disciplines His Sons
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."[a]
7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13"Make level paths for your feet,"[b] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
Footnotes:
Hebrews 12:6 Prov. 3:11,12
Hebrews 12:13 Prov. 4:26
Words, phrases that stuck out to me:
*** ...sin that so easily entangles,; verse 1: I especially am drawn to the word entangle. When I get tangled up in something, I am stuck. I will probably fall, may even get injured. Do I view sin as something that has that effect on me? I hope so, but surely not enough. Sin so easily and readily creeps in to our lives when we aren't in constant focus on our savior...usually without us realizing it. Oh sure, we can go out and boldly do stupid things, but often in those cases there were "little entanglements" that led to an attitude where we could so easily rationalize the destructive, splitting-from-God behavior. The tough thing to do is truly be aware of the little vines that seem inconsequential, but as they creep up our legs, get stronger, slow us down, and ultimately, make us fall on our face...
*** Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,; verse 2: This, while seeming to be a typical "church answer" (you know, "read the bible! pray more! JESUS!"), is how we don't get entangled. But how? First, by KNOWING that Jesus is the author of our faith. Think about that... He wrote it. Not just a "part of the story, one of many stories"...he is who birthed it. Christ has been involved intimately from the beginning of all things. HOLY COW! Also, the word perfecter. Jesus is who does the perfecting, NOT us. We struggle soooooo mightily with that one, relying on our own experience, intellect, personality, etc. We think, "If I just grit my teeth and fight through this, I will get better..." No. That will always fail. But by seeking and allowing Jesus to perfect us, praying for help, change, etc., and releasing it to him, it happens. I know from experience. I know it is hard for others to realize someone else's experience of knowing God, but there have been times I truly asked God to change me...and then allowed him to by remembering my prayer, by reminding myself, and ultimately, by "releasing" it, trusting that God would do it...and I could look back later and see how my heart was different.
*** "...the Lord disciplines those he loves..."; verse 6: That word, discipline, shows up a lot in this passage. And I suspect none of us like it one bit, haha. No really, how many "like" the notion that we can be disciplined by God? That things are allowed to occur in our life, so we can grow stronger from them (despite the pain involved)?
*** Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons.; verse 7: First, when things aren't going our ways, we need to not wonder, "Where are you, God? Why are you doing this to me?", and instead ponder how God may "tweak" us during that time, all for HIS glory (and oh, to have his glory be our primary purpose in ALL things...so hard to do...). Also, I am encouraged by knowing that he is doing it because he views me as his son. This has such new meaning as I am now a parent. I HATE having to discipline Jackson, and I'm not talking about just the inconvenience; I hate the fact that I have to "get on him", or give a swat (yes, on occasion), or send to time-out. But, I also know that I am trying to train him in God's ways...and while it is no fun, for either of us, it is because I am bonkers about my boy and want him to be the best man he can. To know that God thinks the same of me, in the midst of hardship and discipline...wow.
*** ...god disciplines us for good, that we may share in his holiness.; verse 10: Much like the above "pondering", our discipline is Good (notice the capital "G") and is so we may share in his holiness. That is huge. God actually wants us to experience HIS holiness...
*** ...strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet..."; verse 12, spilling into 13: Because of all just read and pondered...I need to allow for strengthening and healing. LET God do those things. Be willing to take the necessary steps. For when I am weak, that is when God really shines through... http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=54&chapter=12&verse=10&version=31&context=verse
Where am I getting all tangled up? Are there some little, annoying things creeping in that I may miss, and need to deal with? Are there some big things that need to get CHOPPED? Am I allowing Jesus to perfect me? Do I look to him in all things?
Do I blame God for hardship? If I am...how is that affecting how I approach my life, others, and God himself?
Where am I being disciplined? Where have I been disciplined by God in the past? Do I seek God, seek change, etc., in the midst of discipline and hardship, or am I bitter?
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."[a]
7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13"Make level paths for your feet,"[b] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
Footnotes:
Hebrews 12:6 Prov. 3:11,12
Hebrews 12:13 Prov. 4:26
Words, phrases that stuck out to me:
*** ...sin that so easily entangles,; verse 1: I especially am drawn to the word entangle. When I get tangled up in something, I am stuck. I will probably fall, may even get injured. Do I view sin as something that has that effect on me? I hope so, but surely not enough. Sin so easily and readily creeps in to our lives when we aren't in constant focus on our savior...usually without us realizing it. Oh sure, we can go out and boldly do stupid things, but often in those cases there were "little entanglements" that led to an attitude where we could so easily rationalize the destructive, splitting-from-God behavior. The tough thing to do is truly be aware of the little vines that seem inconsequential, but as they creep up our legs, get stronger, slow us down, and ultimately, make us fall on our face...
*** Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,; verse 2: This, while seeming to be a typical "church answer" (you know, "read the bible! pray more! JESUS!"), is how we don't get entangled. But how? First, by KNOWING that Jesus is the author of our faith. Think about that... He wrote it. Not just a "part of the story, one of many stories"...he is who birthed it. Christ has been involved intimately from the beginning of all things. HOLY COW! Also, the word perfecter. Jesus is who does the perfecting, NOT us. We struggle soooooo mightily with that one, relying on our own experience, intellect, personality, etc. We think, "If I just grit my teeth and fight through this, I will get better..." No. That will always fail. But by seeking and allowing Jesus to perfect us, praying for help, change, etc., and releasing it to him, it happens. I know from experience. I know it is hard for others to realize someone else's experience of knowing God, but there have been times I truly asked God to change me...and then allowed him to by remembering my prayer, by reminding myself, and ultimately, by "releasing" it, trusting that God would do it...and I could look back later and see how my heart was different.
*** "...the Lord disciplines those he loves..."; verse 6: That word, discipline, shows up a lot in this passage. And I suspect none of us like it one bit, haha. No really, how many "like" the notion that we can be disciplined by God? That things are allowed to occur in our life, so we can grow stronger from them (despite the pain involved)?
*** Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons.; verse 7: First, when things aren't going our ways, we need to not wonder, "Where are you, God? Why are you doing this to me?", and instead ponder how God may "tweak" us during that time, all for HIS glory (and oh, to have his glory be our primary purpose in ALL things...so hard to do...). Also, I am encouraged by knowing that he is doing it because he views me as his son. This has such new meaning as I am now a parent. I HATE having to discipline Jackson, and I'm not talking about just the inconvenience; I hate the fact that I have to "get on him", or give a swat (yes, on occasion), or send to time-out. But, I also know that I am trying to train him in God's ways...and while it is no fun, for either of us, it is because I am bonkers about my boy and want him to be the best man he can. To know that God thinks the same of me, in the midst of hardship and discipline...wow.
*** ...god disciplines us for good, that we may share in his holiness.; verse 10: Much like the above "pondering", our discipline is Good (notice the capital "G") and is so we may share in his holiness. That is huge. God actually wants us to experience HIS holiness...
*** ...strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet..."; verse 12, spilling into 13: Because of all just read and pondered...I need to allow for strengthening and healing. LET God do those things. Be willing to take the necessary steps. For when I am weak, that is when God really shines through... http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=54&chapter=12&verse=10&version=31&context=verse
Where am I getting all tangled up? Are there some little, annoying things creeping in that I may miss, and need to deal with? Are there some big things that need to get CHOPPED? Am I allowing Jesus to perfect me? Do I look to him in all things?
Do I blame God for hardship? If I am...how is that affecting how I approach my life, others, and God himself?
Where am I being disciplined? Where have I been disciplined by God in the past? Do I seek God, seek change, etc., in the midst of discipline and hardship, or am I bitter?
Monday, December 1, 2008
December...already?
Wow. December 2008 is upon us. One part of life that I've noticed that is a BIG change from my younger years is that life simply "moves" faster. I remember back in my school years that time seemed to drag. A school year seemed like an eternity. Christmas always seemed like eons ago. Going over to a friend's house after school, from say 3:30-5 pm, seemed like plenty of time to play, explore, etc. Visiting grandparents from Friday night (always arriving during the news) until Sunday lunch, with only one "real day" (Saturday) to play, run around town, etc., still seemed like a decently long trip.
No more.
Holidays from multiple years run together, and I often place my memories from them in the wrong year. Along those lines, instead of, say, Christmas seeming so long ago, it is more like, "My goodness...it's time again? Seems like it just happened!" As far as trips go, I just got back from a Tuesday-Saturday visit with my family in Kingwood, and when Saturday arrived, I was shocked it was already time to drive back to Weatherford. And we had been there parts of five days! When we do visit someone for just a couple days, it seems like a flash, almost "not worth" such a short trip...why? It didn't use to be that way...
Have I really been out of college for ELEVEN years? Those memories are still so vivid... And I can't believe I've been married over seven years. I vividly remember Missy and I just dating...and now seven years!? Wow. I can't believe we've been in Weatherford 4 1/2 years. We were in Houston only three, but for some reason, that time seemed to take longer. How come? And maybe most shocking of all, I can't believe we've had Jackson for 4 1/2 years... Forget the fact that I still can't believe he's FOUR (when he's closing in on FIVE), It's just amazing to see pics of him as a baby and go, "My goodness...that really doesn't seem that long ago." And, listening to parents of older kids, it doesn't get any slower. The old adage of, "One day, you wake up and they are leaving home," is surely true. And I'm not always looking forward to that fact...not due to fear, but more selfishly wanting more "time"!
It isn't all bad. Life moving fast does have it's perks. Holidays DO come quicker, and I love this time of year, even if it gets hectic. And I can't wait to see what our little family will become as the years go by...and I know the wait won't seem as long. Being patient also becomes easier, as having to wait for things that may be a year down the road doesn't seem like such an eternity...
So here's to life going by, in all it's excitement, wonder, unknown, joy, hope...
No more.
Holidays from multiple years run together, and I often place my memories from them in the wrong year. Along those lines, instead of, say, Christmas seeming so long ago, it is more like, "My goodness...it's time again? Seems like it just happened!" As far as trips go, I just got back from a Tuesday-Saturday visit with my family in Kingwood, and when Saturday arrived, I was shocked it was already time to drive back to Weatherford. And we had been there parts of five days! When we do visit someone for just a couple days, it seems like a flash, almost "not worth" such a short trip...why? It didn't use to be that way...
Have I really been out of college for ELEVEN years? Those memories are still so vivid... And I can't believe I've been married over seven years. I vividly remember Missy and I just dating...and now seven years!? Wow. I can't believe we've been in Weatherford 4 1/2 years. We were in Houston only three, but for some reason, that time seemed to take longer. How come? And maybe most shocking of all, I can't believe we've had Jackson for 4 1/2 years... Forget the fact that I still can't believe he's FOUR (when he's closing in on FIVE), It's just amazing to see pics of him as a baby and go, "My goodness...that really doesn't seem that long ago." And, listening to parents of older kids, it doesn't get any slower. The old adage of, "One day, you wake up and they are leaving home," is surely true. And I'm not always looking forward to that fact...not due to fear, but more selfishly wanting more "time"!
It isn't all bad. Life moving fast does have it's perks. Holidays DO come quicker, and I love this time of year, even if it gets hectic. And I can't wait to see what our little family will become as the years go by...and I know the wait won't seem as long. Being patient also becomes easier, as having to wait for things that may be a year down the road doesn't seem like such an eternity...
So here's to life going by, in all it's excitement, wonder, unknown, joy, hope...
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