Friday, 27 December 2013 ~ Roxie

Friday's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Revelation 21; Zechariah 9, 10

Today's scripture focus is Psalm 1

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.  Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.  Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.  For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

I must apologize for my forgetfulness. I only realized after noon today (Saturday), that it WAS Saturday and my Friday to post had slipped away without my noticing.

I will not apologize, however, for my love of poetry; my love of word pictures and comparisons, of which this Psalm is packed FULL!!!

Just read the first line again…see it in your mind:

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. Walk, stand, sit. Each of us does these things daily. These are ordinary things, mundane things, things done without much thought for the majority of us, anyway. Blessed are those who do not allow the ordinariness of life to to bring them down to the level of those who gossip and complain and mock - sinful distractions from true delight. Blessed are those who can look past negative distractions to find delight in the law of the LORD…

Now I don't want to get into a big debate about what it means that the law was abolished by Jesus' death and resurrection. My heart, when thinking upon the law of the LORD understands it best when hearing the reply of Jesus as found in Matthew 22:36-40:

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (emphasis mine)

"…and on his law he meditates day and night"

Love. We are to meditate on love day and night.

Why, then, is it so easy to sink into the darkness, into the negativity that surrounds us in life even when we are surrounded by love? Why does the darkness distract so easily when the beauty of love shines so brightly?

How I long to be as the one this Psalm describes:

"He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers."

…like a tree planted by streams of water. Deep rooted with multiple streams of nourishing, life-giving water, ever ready to refresh and renew; strong branches reaching up to the sunshine, towards the warmth that quickens the leaves and the buds to produce fruit. Fruit that comes in season-not too early and not late, but at just the right time, when all is in readiness to produce the most healthy, nutritious, flavourful, beautiful fruit. And leaves that do not wither.

The trees needs are always met…and always met right on time.

Whatever he does prospers. We do not often see the effects of many of the things we do. We have no idea that the littlest smile, the kind gesture, letting someone go ahead in the grocery line can impact another person in ways that the Holy Spirit can use. We may never know how God will use our tiniest acts of love to grow His kingdom, to make it thrive. Prosperity may not mean a big house, a large family, multiple cars or lack of financial, physical, emotional or spiritual struggles…maybe prosperity is an attitude that seeks out holiness and righteousness over all other hopes, desires and wants.

…not so the wicked whose idea of prosperity is power and wealth, material things that are abundant on this earth. They are not rooted in the love of the law that brings life. No. They are like chaff that the wind blows away. They are the garbage that the farmers don't want; worthless because no one wants to buy chaff with their grain because in it are no nutrients, nothing that will make anything grow or become stronger or better and so very easily blown away…just dust that clogs noses and throats and lungs making breathing difficult and painful.

The wicked will not stand in judgement…cannot stand. Cannot lift their faces under the weight of their own sinfulness. The mere presence of righteousness will be intolerable to them.

But the righteous will assemble and will stand, for God watches over the way of the righteous. Almighty God, the First and the Last, All Powerful, Commander of the angel armies knows the way of the righteous…is with us every step we take whether through dark times or times when the sun shines from every angle.

"But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold." (Job 23:10)

When He has tested us, may we also come forth as gold. May we dig deep our roots into the living truth of His Word, grow strong and bear beautiful fruit all in the proper season as He has prepared for each of us with gracious and compassionate Love.

Monday's scripture focus: Psalm 2

Saturday's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Zechariah 11, 12

Friday, 13 December 2013 ~ Roxie

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Revelation 11, Obadiah

Today's scripture focus is Luke 23:44-46

44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon,45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”[a] When he had said this, he breathed his last.

For three hours, Jesus, wrists and ankles pierced through by coarse spikes of metal, hung on   a cross of wood, alternately shifting his weight from his feet to his wrists, exchanging the pain of one position for the breathlessness of the other. 

For three hours, Jesus listened to the mocking of not only the soldiers, but of passersby, rising in angry tones above the weeping of his mother…and of his friends. 

For three hours, Jesus stayed true to his Father's will…did he think about calling down ten thousand angels? Did he think about stilling the tongues of the mockers? Did he think about blinding the soldiers?

…and what brought about the darkness?

Depending on the translation read, the darkness may have already been casting a solemn, terrifying note upon the morning when at the stroke of noon, "the sun was darkened" (NKJV), "the sun's light failed" (ESV)…it failed. What did that look like? What did that feel like? When the sun should be shining at its very brightest in the middle of the day, it fails. Did it flicker like a lightbulb and go dark? Did it fade with the dying breath of the One who was present at the moment of light's awakening? Did it shrink into the surrounding dark of space, hiding from the agony of the Creator of all, who tied His own hands and sent His Son to suffer like the lowest of the low…this Son, "the radiance of the Sh’khinah, the very expression of God’s essence" (Hebrews 1:3a, CJB)…fading...

Then, as Jesus breathed his last breath, the very symbol of humanity's separation from God was torn in two. The 60 feet high by 30 feet wide by 4 inch thick veil that "separated the holy of holies where God dwelt from the rest of the temple where people dwelt" (Andrew Wommack Ministries) was torn in two. No could human hands have rent the perfectly woven veil from top to bottom; only God, Himself, could have done so.

Only God, Himself, could end the separation between God and humanity.  Only God, Himself, could expose the Holy place, making the dwelling place of the Most High God accessible to sin-soiled humanity. 

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19-22)

In a beautiful symbolism, a depth of meaning no priest or prophet could have ever imagined, God's plan was fulfilled…and humanity can approach the throne of GOD with confidence and full assurance of faith.

Monday's scripture focus: Luke 23:47-49

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Jonah 1,2

Friday, 29 November 2013 ~ Roxie

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Revelation 1, Daniel 9, 10

Today's scripture focus is Luke 22:39-46

39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." 41 He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. 45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 "Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."


There was a new tension in the garden; a finality to the teachings of Jesus the last few days…something was up and from what Jesus had been saying, it wasn't going to be the victory over Rome that some were hoping it would be. Too much talk of death, of blood…of remembrance.

In a solemn mood, the disciples followed Jesus to his usual place to pray. A secluded, quiet place, away from crowds, away from city noise…dark…quiet. Shrouded, this night with a sense of despair and a foreboding directive, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation". What did Jesus know that was coming? This was no vague warning that a trial to be suffered was approaching, but temptation. Temptation to which Jesus was concerned that they would succumb, fall prey.

Heavy hearted, maybe even individually introspective that each might be the Teacher's betrayer…perhaps this was the warning against temptation?? Did they try to pray? Did they remember the words of the prayer their beloved Teacher had spoken to them, murmur the sacred words under their breath as, with unsettled hearts, they ironically positioned themselves under the canopy of olive branches, the Hebrew symbol of peace, of shalom.  Eyes closing against the anguish of what was to come, uncertain as the disciples might be, only knowing that separation from the Rabbi was imminent.

"Pray that you will not fall into temptation"…maybe Jesus was not concerned only about the temptation of the disciples, but of his own. Jesus knew what was coming, what was expected of him. The Son of God, fully God and also fully human, prayed to his Papa, "if you are willing, take this cup from me." What a weight on his shoulders, the understanding of indescribable pain and humiliation to come, the inability of his closest friends to truly understand the turmoil in his heart, the betrayal by one of those dear friends…the looming tomorrows filled with doubting, unbelieving souls, whose great weight of sin would soon rest upon his shoulders.

"...not my will, but yours be done"…keep doing your will, Father God; it has gotten us this far and will carry us through…and an angel strengthened him. This time in the midst of the crisis, instead of at the end like years before in the desert. Even with added strength from heaven, the anguish does not diminish, but drives Jesus on to yet more fervent prayers. Prayer so intense that "tiny capillaries in the sweat glands...rupture (Lumpkin, 1978), thus mixing blood with perspiration" (Dave Miller). Emotional stress so great, that Jesus, the Son of God, sweat drops of blood while he prayed for the strength of will to save humanity…to save the disciples…to save me…sleepers all.

Just as the disciples closed their eyes to the troubles of the moment, I find myself longing to do the same…doing the same. Craving the oblivion of sleep, avoiding life's pain, life's sorrow, life's responsibilities…exhausted from sorrow…overwhelmed...

And then Jesus stands above the sleepers, blood streaked face from interceding on behalf of all humanity. He is willing to see God's plan through to the end…so why am I sleeping?

"Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."

Get up and pray, my friends. God is at work. He is strong enough to carry all sorrow. He is our strength to face each new day, each uncertain moment.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Monday's scripture focus: Luke 22:47-53

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Daniel 11, 12

Friday, 15 November 2013 ~ Roxie

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Peter 2; Ezekiel 29, 30

Today's scripture focus is Luke 21:25-28

And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near.

I must confess, I dreaded having a passage such as this (i.e. "end times-y) falling on my day to post a blog. This topic has initiated many a heated discussion between my husband and myself due to our differing opinions…or rather…my lack of one. Like this week…while I was supposed to be writing...

I guess I don't want to stick God in a box when it comes to how He is going to "fix" things. I don't want to expect things to happen a certain way…like the Rapture before the Tribulation or after or expecting trials and struggles to happen for only so many years or even for Jesus to come floating down on a cloud. Observing the intensity of fear I have heard many people express…yes, Christian people, I want less and less to expect anything.

This doesn't mean that I don't think that Jesus will return. This doesn't mean that I don't think that a cloud will be involved somehow. This doesn't mean that I don't think that He will bring into being a new heaven and a new earth. I just think that, for the most part, we miss the big picture…I forget about the big picture.

This passage of scripture from verse 7 to verse 28 describes things that have happened, that are happening and that will happen…and the majority of it sounds terrifying. Strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars…the nations will be in turmoil (NLT)…in anguish (NIV)…people will faint from terror (NIV).

That just doesn't sound good. And, I have to admit, I can absolutely understand why even some Christians that I know pray to not live through the time described here. Maybe that is why I have to cling to the last half of today's passage…maybe that is why I choose to not have much of an opinion of the how and the why and the what.

Because when everyone is good and  perplexed and terrified and in anguish over what is happening not only on the earth but also shaking the heavens above, then…THEN everyone will see the Son of Man coming in His Father's Shekinah glory…coming on a cloud. No one can dispute His identity any longer. Jesus is not just a teacher or a wise man or a clever speaker. Jesus. is. GOD.

This same cloud led the Israelites away from Egypt. This same cloud hovered over the mountain on which Moses conversed with God. This same cloud hovered over the Mercy Seat in the Holy of Holies. This same cloud swirled around the transfiguration of Jesus and carried him to his seat at the right hand of the Father. This same cloud is revealing the Truth to the whole earth with power and great glory.

Not only will all who doubt see, but we believers have a job to do and it has absolutely nothing to do with cowering with the rest of mankind. Jesus gave us orders, my friends, we are to stand and look up.  The Complete Jewish Bible says, "When these things start to happen, stand up and hold your heads high; because you are about to be liberated!"

Stand firm and keep up hope. The battle is already won. May we await the return of our Conquering Hero with faith and perseverance. Freedom is coming!!!

Monday's scripture focus: Luke 21:29-33

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Ezekiel 31, 32

Friday, November 1st: Luke 20:19-26 ~ Roxie

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is James 2; Song of Songs 5; Ezekiel 1,2

Today's scripture focus is Luke 20:19-26

19 The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.

20 Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be sincere. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said, so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. 21 So the spies questioned him: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 22 Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

23 He saw through their duplicity and said to them, 24 “Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?”

“Caesar’s,” they replied.

25 He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

26 They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.


..."give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's".

This often strikes a bit of a love/hate reaction in me. It is a simple concept and o so true. It is only right to give back to Caesar what is his...but what IS his? Looking at the present day parallel, we all seem to end up paying taxes, whether on our income, on our land or homes, on our clothes, food, whatever. I find myself cringing at the "extra" that is added to my receipts and wonder where all that money goes...and why I have to pay for it.

Perhaps I should, instead, remember that I am really glad to live in Canada. Though I do not always agree with the politics of this or that...I am still really glad to live in Canada. And as long as I keep paying my taxes, I have a house that I can live in; I have a yard to plant a garden in and for my dogs to run around; I have pasture for my cows to graze on; I have a school my children (if I were to be blessed with any) could attend; I have doctors and nurses to assess my boo boos and lab techs to help them out, too; I can call the police if I were to feel threatened. As long as I keep paying my taxes, all this remains available to me.

If the majority of people were to stop paying taxes (yes, I know there are some...probably many who avoid taxes one way or another), would these services, these benefits be available to me? Would I be able to stop people from killing my cows at random or stealing my land...burning my house, just because they could? Where would children be educated? Would medical personnel be willing to see me if I had nothing left to offer for their services? Would the police help me without requiring payment in advance?

Maybe it sounds silly to be rationalizing taxes on a Bible study blog, but when I read this verse...I can't help but wonder at the logic of Jesus.

..."give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's".

So the next question is: what is God's?

My normal response would be everything. I cannot ignore that truth...but then I think a little bit more deeply and remember:

Genesis 1:27 "So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."

and

Jeremiah 31:33 "But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the LORD: I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people."

Jesus asked those teachers of the law holding out that denarius, "Whose image and inscription are on it?"

Caesar has rights to all that bears his image and inscription, symbolic of his claim of ownership.

The image of God is on all of humanity and His words are inscribed on the hearts of believers. The teachers would have known the ancient texts; once again, were reminded of who they were supposed to be.

..."give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's".

It is only right and logical to give all of ourselves into God's hands every day for we are His.


Monday's scripture focus: Luke 20:27-40

 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Ezekiel 3,4

Friday 4 October 2013 ~ Roxie

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is

Today's scripture focus is Luke 16:19-31

¹⁹ “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. ²⁰ At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores ²¹ and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

²² “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. ²³ In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. ²⁴ So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’

²⁵ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. ²⁶ And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’

²⁷ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, ²⁸ for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’

²⁹ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’

³⁰ “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’

³¹ “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

This is a story that I have always found a wee bit harsh...but I have to remember that hell (or the grave or the pit or everlasting separation from God) IS harsh, whether one believes in its existence or not.

On with the parable...

This story, told by our wise Lord, begins by describing the two main characters: one, a very wealthy man, so wealthy, in fact that he would wear fine linen AND purple as his every day wear...(now I am smiling, thinking about wearing my wedding dress to feed my little herd of motherless calves) and the other so poor, so lowly, that he longed to eat scraps like the dogs of the house would eat as crumbs feel from their master's table...but was more like a scrap himself as it was the dogs who came to lick his own sores.

I find it interesting that it is not the wealthy man in this story who receives a name, but the poor man. I wonder how the Pharisees who were listening to Jesus speak reacted to this. In their minds, the wealth of the first man would have been a sign of blessing while the poverty of the other, a sure sign of sin. Yet, the poor man is called by the name of Lazarus. According to an article by Alyce McKenzie, Lazarus not only means "God helps", but "In Greek the name Lazaros has the same root consonants as the name Eliezer" which the Pharisees would have recognized the name as a fabled messenger of God who's mandate was to walk the earth and report back to God the treatment the poor, the orphans and the widows received from the wealthy. Perhaps another clever little dig by Jesus that we have lost in cultural translation?

The story continues...

Both Lazarus and the wealthy man die. Lazarus is taken by angels, no less, to heaven, right to the side of Abraham. While the wealthy man...well..."is buried". It seems quite the insult to the earthly "importance" of the man. No pomp OR circumstance. No tales of a eulogy spoken through tears and sobs of his beloved family and friends. No days long feast in honour of his life. Just buried. 

...and then we find out to where the wealthy man has gone: "Hades" which means the grave or the pit or the place of departed spirits. I know there is a huge debate among those of the faith community about the existence of hell and my intention is not to dredge up this debate (although anyone who wishes to comment on it, be my guest!). I did, however, read a very long, but interesting article by Dr. Robert A. Morey that discussed the words used in the Bible (both in the Old and New Testaments) regarding the afterlife, if anyone is interested in reading it as well. To me the words used do not matter...and even translators are human in their occasional inability to find just the right word. "Right words" aside, this parable describes a separation between the righteous and the wicked after death. Who am I to dispute the words of Jesus???

Anyway, the wealthy man is bemoaning his tormented state and worrying that the rest of his family may end up in "Hades" as he is. Looking up, he sees the poor man, Lazarus standing in the company of Abraham and he cries out for mercy, which Abraham denies. And then comes the next request that piques my interest...or maybe even my conscience. 

 ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, ²⁸ for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’

"...send Lazarus to my family..."

Send the poor man, now comforted...would the family even recognize him? Send a man, dead to that world, back to warn them of the potential torment in the afterlife??? Abraham's reply is absolutely logical to me:  ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ From birth until old age, Jews were taught about God, the Laws, the promises, the judgements. Their festivals, their daily, weekly, yearly routines centred around these things. So how did this rich man end up in Hades??? How did he wander so far from the path of righteousness?

The distractions of wealth...the comfort of wealth. It surrounds us, distracts us, pulls us away from being Jesus here on earth, lulls us into a false sense of security. Am I listening? Can we hear through all the stuff; all the constant busyness; all the incessant noise that envelops with barely perceivable voices speaking comfort, ease, superiority...and selfish aspiration?

May we look past the wealth we accumulate (maybe even learn to live with open hands) and open our eyes and ears to hear the call of the Prophets...and to see Jesus.

Monday's scripture focus:

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage:

Friday, 20 September 2013 ~ Roxie

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is

Today's scripture focus: Luke 14:15-24

¹⁵ When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.”

¹⁶ Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. ¹⁷ At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’

¹⁸ “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’

¹⁹ “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’

²⁰ “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’

²¹ “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’

²² “‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’

²³ “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. ²⁴ I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’”

Looking a little deeper into this parable has really opened my eyes to what has happened here. Call me slow, call me too distracted to think deeply...but today, today, I looked and learned!!

Like we have already read in previous posts, Jesus has been invited to eat in the home of a Pharisee. As he is sharing the meal with these highly learned men, he is teaching, often in response to questions or comments his fellow suppers have asked or made. I reread this passage after I did a little research and couldn't help but cringe when I read the opening comment made by one of these learned men:

“Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.”

This man, well versed in Scripture, is speaking, thinking about passages like Isaiah 25:6-9, which reads:

⁶ On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare
    a feast of rich food for all peoples,
a banquet of aged wine—
    the best of meats and the finest of wines.
⁷ On this mountain he will destroy
    the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
⁸     he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears
    from all faces;
he will remove his people’s disgrace
    from all the earth.
The Lord has spoken.

...and he believes that this banquet is for him and all those who follow the "law" as it has been set out by the high priests...those with whom he dines. These scholars believe their invitations have been received and, through their family lines and pious lives, they have RSVP'd. Jesus' response is highly unexpected...and, once again, a wee bit snarky (ok, a LOT) to those providing him a meal.

This "certain man", the main character in this parable, has a reason to celebrate, but it is not shared with the readers. This man follows the customs of the time and sends out an invitation, to which he receives the positive replies from those he invites. Now knowing the number of people who will be attending this celebration, the preparations begin. 

An animal is butchered; one large enough to feed the number of people who have said they would attend. Side dishes are prepared, succulent desserts baked just so. The banquet room is cleaned and decorated. The musicians tune their instruments and warm up their voices. The table is set. A servant is sent to proclaim the banquet ready so the guests will come and eat while the food is fresh and unspoiled.

And is met with excuse after excuse after excuse...all shocking insults to their friend who has invited them to celebrate with him. It is the magnitude of these insults that I never did quite understand...and makes me look a little deeper at my own responses to the invitations God makes in my life...

The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ Seriously? He bought a field, sight unseen? He didn't check into the quality of the soil? The nature of the water supply? The presence of windbreaks or fences? According to an article by Matt Slick, this would have been an utter lie. Purchase negotiations would not have even been broached without a complete inspection of the property right down to a discussion of rainfall patterns. The slave would have known this was a lie as would the master of the house who had extended the invitation.

The second said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Once again, an outright lie, not disguised even a little. According to the same article by Matt Slick, the tradition of the day would have been akin to test driving a car. The owner would have even hooked them up to a plow for anyone interested in the purchase of the team to not only see them in action, but to put their hands on the plow and feel how they work and respond. 

Another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ Well, the wedding wouldn't have been on the same day as the man would have probably been invited to the elaborate event that a wedding would have been back then. While I have trouble envisioning this as a huge insult, I know that I think with a modern brain. There have been times when my hubby and I would sigh and wish we did not have to go anywhere because we felt like we had not seen each other for a long time-me with a day job; he on the fields sometimes until midnight. Perhaps this is what this newlywed felt?? However, he would have known that if the banquet was ready, the food would spoil if no guests showed up to eat it. No fridge, no freezer and a man who slaughtered a prized, well fattened animal the right size for the number of expected guests...what wife doesn't need a night out?? To get all gussied up and feel beautiful on her proud new hubby's arm??

All too often, I find it so easy to make excuses to not take time to worship, to study, to just be with my God, my Creator, my Saviour. I know this passage is talking about avoiding accepting the invitation to salvation that God extends to each and every person...and how easily the educated and the wealthy, those who feel they already "have it all together" can reject the invitation....that is far too often me, though just as often I am poor, crippled, blind and lame.

O how grateful I am that even the blind, the crippled, the lame, the poor are invited to the banquet! How beautiful to hear the call to feasting even as I wander! How amazing it is that "there is still room"...and even more so, that the Master of the house desires for His house to be full.

Thank You, God, for Your grace...and your compassion...and your invitation. May I learn to seek Your company always.

 

Monday's scripture focus: Luke 14:25-35

 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage:

Friday, 6 September 2013 ~ Roxie

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is

Today's scripture focus is Luke 12:54-59

 
54 He said to the crowd: "When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, 'It's going to rain,' and it does. 55 And when the south wind blows, you say, 'It's going to be hot,' and it is. 56 Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time? 57 "Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right? 58 As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled to him on the way, or he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 59 I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. "


Being married to a farmer, watching the weather has become a daily practice. Watching clouds, sunsets, fog, sunshine, rain, no rain...waiting, hoping for the perfect weather to get the field work done or planning, rushing to finish the field work before the gray sheeting of rain in the distance reaches the field. 

Here Jesus gives a compliment...ok...a compliment from a farmer's or a meteorologist's perspective...on the ability the people have developed for interpreting the activity in the sky far off in the  distance, then turns it to press beyond the physicality of weather. 

"How is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time?"

How did the crowd follow Jesus from place to place, hearing His words, watching miracles...body healings, spirit cleansings, soul renewals...and not see Him? They could not see that they were living, breathing in THE Kingdom for which they were waiting so desperately, begging God to come, to bring salvation. 

How did they not knowing the King stood in front of them, smiling at them, holding their babies, laughing with their children, hearing their hurt and angst without a word being spoken. 

Then Jesus segues from meteorology into law. 

"...judge for yourselves what is right"...

Make my own decision? Step out of the crowd and choose for myself? 

Now law, I know and do not know. I know that I need to live by certain rules or my neighbours might complain, my car might get stopped and the police might take me away in handcuffs. OR, not so worst case scenario, I might get sued and taken to court. All of these things terrify me. I do not defend myself well, if at all.

Knowing that about myself, would I not want to make amends, work out a deal, beg for forgiveness before we reach the court where an appointed judge might distribute a hefty fine, community service or a jail sentence?

"...I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny."

I know that I am a law breaker. I know that I can see just a little more clearly than many of the people in  the crowd following Jesus. Is that because I have made a choice to follow Jesus? Maybe. I do know that I do not want to stand before the Judge; I definitely do not want to be turned over to "the officer"; and I know for certain that I absolutely do not have and will never have enough pennies to pay my debt.

Thank you Jesus for opening my eyes to see You and for bringing my heart to repentance that I may know Your salvation and see Your work in my life...and that You have paid my debt in full.

Monday's scripture focus: Luke 13:1-5

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage:

Friday, August 23rd

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is (sorry, I was "forbidden" access by the server; not sure why)

Today's scripture focus is Friday, August 23rd: Luke 11:29-32



29 As the crowds increased, Jesus said, "This is a wicked generation. It asks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31;The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here.

Jesus said, "This is a wicked generation."...self centred, fickle, easily distracted, noncommittal, faithless, full of doubt, hateful, condescending...and that is just me.

It asks for a miraculous sign...Oh how I ask. Everyday, I ask: "God, show me that you actually love me by...If you really loved me, I wouldn't have to...if you really give good gifts, you'd give me...

...but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. Jonah. A guy who spent three days and three nights in the belly of a big fish. You really going to do that trick again, Jesus? Slight pause...You calling us Ninevites, Jesus???? 

According to the Ancient Nineveh-Background Bible Study, "The city of Nineveh is described in Genesis 10:11 as having been founded by Nimrod, the hunter who built the tower of Babel and led the world into rebellion against God." Rebels who wanted to be their own gods or at least as powerful as God, as Strong and in control. But they couldn't. God took pity on them, confused the situation with many languages and sent them on their way...leaving them alive to repent and turn back to Him another day. 

Then comes Jonah. Spit from dark depths to bring a choice of doom or redemption to a wicked city. Hmm. Sounds familiar.

"For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation." Jesus emerged from the depths of death to offer humanity salvation. Choose God or choose eternal doom. Same offer the Ninevites received...will my answer be as fervent, as heartfelt, as true as theirs to ward off the wrath of the Almighty?

"The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here." Why is the Queen of the south, a.k.a. the Queen of Sheba mentioned in this passage? Why does she suddenly have the power of judgement over this generation? 1 Kings 10 says,

  "1 When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relation to the name of the LORD, she came to test him with hard questions. 2 Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan--with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones--she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind. 3 Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her. 4 When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, 5 the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the LORD, she was overwhelmed. 6 She said to the king, "The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. 7 But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard."

The Queen came to test Solomon and he blew her mind. His wisdom, his wealth, his power overwhelmed her. She gave to him from her own wealth...an act of peace-keeping between two monarchs, perhaps? The one deferring to the power of the other? Whatever it might have been, the Queen of Sheba had seen the power of God upon a mere human. Just imagine her disdain as she sees generation after generation refusing to recognize that "one greater than Solomon is here". Not only is He here, but He is sharing His wisdom, He is making His power known, He is turning the world as we know it upside-down...back to the way He designed it. 

The Queen of Sheba and "the men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it". And rightly so. We turn blind eyes, deaf ears to the signs, to the message that one greater than Jonah, one far greater than Solomon is here and wants to spend time, eternity, with us. 

The sign has already been given. There is no other. God has already proclaimed His love for us. God has already given the ultimate gift. His beloved Son, Jesus, died on the cross and rose again, conquering death that we may live in freedom, bathed in love, confident to enter the presence of the Almighty God knowing that He will see the blood of His Son on us and smile a welcome. 

May we all realize the humbling truth that we already have everything that we need.

Jesus alone is sufficient.



Monday's scripture focus: Luke 11:33-36

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: (sorry, again, I was "forbidden")

Friday, August 9th~Roxie

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: 2 Corinthians 10; Psalm 138; Esther 9-10

Today's scripture focus is Luke 10:21-24


21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. 22 "All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." 23 Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."

The 70 appointed messengers had just returned full of awe and joy over the power they had wielded through the name of Jesus. And Jesus' joy bubbled up as He reminded His dear friends to rejoice not in the power, but the salvation; that their "names are written in heaven". Jesus is excited that the mysteries of God had been revealed, but not to those to whom the world expected such a revelation to come.

We humans expect great and extensive knowledge and understanding to come with many years of schooling and reading and intensive thought and discussion...what child has had time for that?? What mind that focuses on the simple things in life wants to complicate their thought life with confusion??? What amazes me, is that the kingdom of God is so very contrary to what mankind thinks of as logical.

To God, the pure trust and humility of a little child is desirable (Mt 18:3-4); enemies are to be loved and prayed for (Mt 5:44); a little money can be a big offering (Luke 21:1-4); give and you will be given more (Luke 6:38); blessed are those who are poor and hungry and those who mourn (Luke 6:20-21). Blessed, He says. He doesn't tell us to wish we were older, richer, better fed, "happy"...He says we are blessed. And these are the things that are revealed to little children.

They are excited to put even pennies into the offering plate; they dance around when given a few small fish crackers; they forgive so easily the injustices done to them (I am amazed at how often a child can still smile at me as I offered them a mere popsicle after putting in an IV, drawing blood or holding them down for stitches...sorry, more nurse anecdotes). Jesus loves that Truth is revealed to those with humble, trusting hearts and, after mourning over the cities and towns that rejected His message, Jesus sees that hope is found in those who live their lives a little obliviously to the world around them in which "keeping up with the Joneses" is a time and heart consuming past time.

There is hope, though we humans still fail, there are some who still seek His faith...long to do His will, following Him as best as we can in whatever circumstances life has brought us.

"Blessed are the eyes that see what you see."

The old Testament is filled with prophets and kings who longed to see salvation come; who prayed that the promises of God would be fulfilled in their lifetime...and here it was a group of people, mostly uneducated, of lowly social status whose eyes beheld the promise fulfilled.

And the Promise rejoiced! He did not want an extravagant welcome. He did not want lavish gifts. He wants offering of our lives; the gift of our love; the pleasure of our company...our names written in the Book of Life.

And He loves us just as we are. Educated by books and classrooms or educated by life experience. Happy, struggling, mourning. Able to make any purchase we want with little thought of room in our bank account or living pay check to pay check. Jesus loves us all, saying, "Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure."

My life may not be perfect in the eyes of the world. My house may be tiny and in need of a little tlc. My car is "older" and shows rust through the paint. My hair may be graying more rapidly each day without even the achievements (or stresses) of what many people would say I need in order to have "made it"...to have a full life.

None of that matters. If I can stand before God with my heart singing, shouting, giggling, shining like that of a little child, praising Him for all the blessings that shower in abundance upon me every day, only then do I truly "have it made"...only then can I say, "yes, Lord, I see. I hear."

Monday's scripture focus: Luke 10:25-29

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Job 1,2