The Samaritian's Heresy

God's Creative Word
The Word Is Here and Now
Woman of Samaria

2 Kings 17:26-34

The Message

 ²⁶ This message was then sent back to the king of Assyria: "The people you brought in to occupy the towns of Samaria don't know what's expected of them from the god of the land, and now he's sent lions and they're killing people right and left because nobody knows what the god of the land expects of them."
 ²⁷ The king of Assyria ordered, "Send back some priests who were taken into exile from there. They can go back and live there and instruct the people in what the god of the land expects of them."
 ²⁸ One of the priests who had been exiled from Samaria came back and moved into Bethel. He taught them how to honor and worship God.
 ^29-31 But each people that Assyria had settled went ahead anyway making its own gods and setting them up in the neighborhood sex-and-religion shrines that the citizens of Samaria had left behind—a local custom-made god for each people:
   for Babylon, Succoth Benoth; for Cuthah, Nergal; for Hamath, Ashima; for Avva, Nibhaz and Tartak; for Sepharvaim, Adrammelech and Anammelech (people burned their children in sacrificial offerings to these gods!).
 ^32-33 They honored and worshiped God, but not exclusively—they also appointed all sorts of priests, regardless of qualification, to conduct a variety of rites at the local fertility shrines. They honored and worshiped God, but they also kept up their devotions to the old gods of the places they had come from.
 ^34-39 And they're still doing it, still worshiping any old god that has nostalgic appeal to them. They don't really worship God—they don't take seriously what he says regarding how to behave and what to believe, what he revealed to the children of Jacob whom he named Israel. God made a covenant with his people and ordered them, "Don't honor other gods: Don't worship them, don't serve them, don't offer sacrifices to them. Worship God, the God who delivered you from Egypt in great and personal power. Reverence and fear him. Worship him. Sacrifice to him. And only him! All the things he had written down for you, directing you in what to believe and how to behave—well, do them for as long as you live. And whatever you do, don't worship other gods! And the covenant he made with you, don't forget your part in that. And don't worship other gods! Worship God, and God only—he's the one who will save you from enemy oppression.

For Reflection 

Quite a number of years ago, I was watching a TV magazine report on weddings in Japan.  Many Japanese would plan and execute a Christian wedding ceremony (Probably in American style.)  I wasn't  that they were Christian.  They just admired the wedding style.  

How often do we don the cloak of Christianity without fulling realizing what God expects from us?  Are we worshiping the God of our parents just because it has a nostalgic appeal?  How seriously do we take the robe of Christ?  To what extend are our actions consistent with God's intentions for our lives?


After  the Christ event, truth became knowable

 

Pray

that you will wear the robes of Christianity with the full understanding of what your choice means.  Pray that all you do will reflects God's intention for your life.

Feeding the Hungry

God's Creative Word
The Word Will Be
The Bread of Life

John 6:1-15

The Message

Bread and Fish for All

 ^1-4After this, Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee (some call it Tiberias). A huge crowd followed him, attracted by the miracles they had seen him do among the sick. When he got to the other side, he climbed a hill and sat down, surrounded by his disciples. It was nearly time for the Feast of Passover, kept annually by the Jews. ^5-6When Jesus looked out and saw that a large crowd had arrived, he said to Philip, "Where can we buy bread to feed these people?" He said this to stretch Philip's faith. He already knew what he was going to do.
 ⁷Philip answered, "Two hundred silver pieces wouldn't be enough to buy bread for each person to get a piece."
 ^8-9One of the disciples—it was Andrew, brother to Simon Peter—said, "There's a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But that's a drop in the bucket for a crowd like this."
 ^10-11Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." There was a nice carpet of green grass in this place. They sat down, about five thousand of them. Then Jesus took the bread and, having given thanks, gave it to those who were seated. He did the same with the fish. All ate as much as they wanted.
 ^12-13When the people had eaten their fill, he said to his disciples, "Gather the leftovers so nothing is wasted." They went to work and filled twelve large baskets with leftovers from the five barley loaves.
 ^14-15The people realized that God was at work among them in what Jesus had just done. They said, "This is the Prophet for sure, God's Prophet right here in Galilee!" Jesus saw that in their enthusiasm, they were about to grab him and make him king, so he slipped off and went back up the mountain to be by himself.

For Reflection 

The word lives on in stories about Jesus and God's willingness to reconcile his people into his children.  This story is a microcosm of God's call.  God uses what is available.  In this case, a small boy who has fish and bread.  After prayer the meal was served. The people immediately saw Christ as the savior that was prophesied. They wanted to make him King.  While they recognized the importance of Christ they did not yet comprehend the kind of king He was to become.

God deals with us according to our humanity.  He leads us through compelling circumstance to choose Him over the seductive alternatives.  While he appeals to our body he fulfills our spirit.

After the Christ event, truth became knowable.

Pray

that you will seek out the living word of God to fill your spiritual need.  Pray that will used by God in his plan for reconciliation of all people.

The Water of Life

God's Creative Word
The Word Is Here and Now
Woman of Samaria

Revelation 22:10-17

The Message

 ^10-11The Angel continued, "Don't seal the words of the prophecy of this book; don't put it away on the shelf. Time is just about up. Let evildoers do their worst and the dirty-minded go all out in pollution, but let the righteous maintain a straight course and the holy continue on in holiness."

^12-13"Yes, I'm on my way! I'll be there soon! I'm bringing my payroll with me. I'll pay all people in full for their life's work. I'm A to Z, the First and the Final, Beginning and Conclusion.
 ^14-15"How blessed are those who wash their robes! The Tree of Life is theirs for good, and they'll walk through the gates to the City. But outside for good are the filthy curs: sorcerers, fornicators, murderers, idolaters—all who love and live lies.
 ¹⁶"I, Jesus, sent my Angel to testify to these things for the churches. I'm the Root and Branch of David, the Bright Morning Star."

 ¹⁷"Come!" say the Spirit and the Bride.
   Whoever hears, echo, "Come!"
   Is anyone thirsty? Come!
   All who will, come and drink,
   Drink freely of the Water of Life!

For Reflection 

All of human kind is welcome to participate in God's promise.  Many will hear God's invitation, but not all will listen.  People are free to choose.  No amount of legislation, threat or promise will be compelling for some to become obedient to God's will.  It seems that believers in God and disciples of Christ are bound to spread the gospel.  But in doing so, they must recognize and preserve free choice.  God offers choice not totalitarian rule.

Look to your own house. Is It a strong fortress against evil influence?  Are you doing all you can to offer God's hospitality? Are you a steadfast witness to the Resurrection?


After  the Christ event, truth became knowable.

Pray

that you will not be overwhelmed and frustrated by those who hear but do not listen.  Pray that you will be a steadfast believer and disciple.   Pray that you drink freely and offer the Water of Life to all.

Seeing but Not Seeing

God's Creative Word
The Word Is Here and Now
Healing the Blind Man

John 9:35-41

The Message

 ³⁵Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and went and found him. He asked him, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"
 ³⁶The man said, "Point him out to me, sir, so that I can believe in him."
 ³⁷Jesus said, "You're looking right at him. Don't you recognize my voice?"
 ³⁸"Master, I believe," the man said, and worshiped him. distinctions clear, so that those who have never seen will see, and those who have made a great pretense of seeing will be exposed as blind."
 ⁴⁰Some Pharisees overheard him and said, "Does that mean you're calling us blind?"
 ⁴¹Jesus said, "If you were really blind, you would be blameless, but since you claim to see everything so well, you're accountable for every fault and failure."

For Reflection 

To what extent do you believe the unbelievable?  Believing and acting in a God-centered way, contrary to conventional wisdom, is to become unbelievable.  "How could you forgive him?"  "How could you befriend her?"  "Everyone is with me on this! What is your problem?"

Some folks are blinded by culturally based righteousness.  They are blind to all but the conventionally derived assumptions about rightness.  If you can hear. If you can see. if you can choose.  You can never claim to be blameless.

After  the Christ event, truth became knowable.

Pray

that you will continue to be vigilant and be armored against cultural based rather than God-centered responses.  Pray that you will act on behalf of the truths of your faith.

Teaching the Unteachable

God's Creative Word
The Word Is Here and Now
Healing the Blind Man

John 9:24-34

The Message

 ²⁴They called the man back a second time—the man who had been blind— and told him, "Give credit to God. We know this man is an impostor."
 ²⁵He replied, "I know nothing about that one way or the other. But I know one thing for sure: I was blind . . . I now see."
 ²⁶They said, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"
 ²⁷"I've told you over and over and you haven't listened. Why do you want to hear it again? Are you so eager to become his disciples?"
 ^28-29With that they jumped all over him. "You might be a disciple of that man, but we're disciples of Moses. We know for sure that God spoke to Moses, but we have no idea where this man even comes from."
 ^30-33The man replied, "This is amazing! You claim to know nothing about him, but the fact is, he opened my eyes! It's well known that God isn't at the beck and call of sinners, but listens carefully to anyone who lives in reverence and does his will. That someone opened the eyes of a man born blind has never been heard of—ever. If this man didn't come from God, he wouldn't be able to do anything."
 ³⁴They said, "You're nothing but dirt! How dare you take that tone with us!" Then they threw him out in the street.

For Reflection 

Such arrogance!  So dedicated to the rules of righteousness.  So dedicated, in fact, that in following the traditions and the rules they violate God's intent.  Can you tell the difference when you respond from tradition instead of seeing each new challenge as an opportunity to understand?

Pray

that you will live in reverence and obedience to God's will.  Pray for the wisdom to temper your understanding of your faith with an eagerness to serve in obedience and love.

The Blind Questioning the Blind

God's Creative Word
The Word Is Here and Now
Healing the Blind Man

John 9:18-23

The Message

 ^18-19The Jews didn't believe it, didn't believe the man was blind to begin with. So they called the parents of the man now bright-eyed with sight. They asked them, "Is this your son, the one you say was born blind? So how is it that he now sees?"
 ^20-23His parents said, "We know he is our son, and we know he was born blind. But we don't know how he came to see—haven't a clue about who opened his eyes. Why don't you ask him? He's a grown man and can speak for himself." (His parents were talking like this because they were intimidated by the Jewish leaders, who had already decided that anyone who took a stand that this was the Messiah would be kicked out of the meeting place. That's why his parents said, "Ask him. He's a grown man.")

For Reflection 

How often have you heard, but not listened?  How often have you seen but not observed?  How often have you inferred incorrectly from past experience?  Christ challenges us to hear with his ears, see with his eyes and possess a wisdom that is grounded in Scripture and prayer.  How are you doing?

Pray

that you will not be blind to the truth that resides within you.  Pray that you react to each new event hearing with God's ears and seeing with God's eyes.  Pray that your faith overrides commonplace assumptions.

Light for the Journey

God's Creative Word
The Word Is Here and Now
Healing the Blind Man

Exodus 13:17-22

The Message

 ¹⁷ It so happened that after Pharaoh released the people, God didn't lead them by the road through the land of the Philistines, which was the shortest route, for God thought, "If the people encounter war, they'll change their minds and go back to Egypt."
 ¹⁸ So God led the people on the wilderness road, looping around to the Red Sea. The Israelites left Egypt in military formation.
 ¹⁹ Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the Israelites solemnly swear to do it, saying, "God will surely hold you accountable, so make sure you bring my bones from here with you."
 ^20-22 They moved on from Succoth and then camped at Etham at the edge of the wilderness. God went ahead of them in a Pillar of Cloud during the day to guide them on the way, and at night in a Pillar of Fire to give them light; thus they could travel both day and night. The Pillar of Cloud by day and the Pillar of Fire by night never left the people.

For Reflection 

God provides for the journey we take with Him.  It is some times difficult to understand when God's plan is not our plan; when the route to the Kingdom of God is not always the shortest or the quickest.  It is, however, the safest journey you will ever take.  Not the least challenging but, rather, the most effective.  Trust in the Lord.

Pray

that you will trust in God's protection.  Pray that you will trust that God's first interest is your best interest.  Pray that you have the wisdom to follow his call.

Hope for the Future

God's Creative Word
The Word Is Here and Now
Healing the Blind Man

Isaiah 29:17-21

The Message

 ^17-21And then before you know it,
   and without you having anything to do with it,
Wasted Lebanon will be transformed into lush gardens,
   and Mount Carmel reforested.
At that time the deaf will hear
   word-for-word what's been written.
After a lifetime in the dark,
   the blind will see.
The castoffs of society will be laughing and dancing in God,
   the down-and-outs shouting praise to The Holy of Israel.
For there'll be no more gangs on the street.
   Cynical scoffers will be an extinct species.
Those who never missed a chance to hurt or demean
   will never be heard of again:
Gone the people who corrupted the courts,
   gone the people who cheated the poor,
   gone the people who victimized the innocent.

For Reflection 

God has never hidden his intention for us in darkness.  He as hoped that we will have a restored familial relationship with us. He wants us to choose reconciliation.

Pray

for all those who hear Gods' overture to restore them as the children of God.  Pray that they will choose light over darkness; life over death; reconciliation over sin.

Fields Ripe for Harvest

God's Creative Word
The Word Is Here and Now
Woman of Samaria

John 4:35-42

The Message

 ^34-35Jesus said, "The food that keeps me going is that I do the will of the One who sent me, finishing the work he started. As you look around right now, wouldn't you say that in about four months it will be time to harvest? Well, I'm telling you to open your eyes and take a good look at what's right in front of you. These Samaritan fields are ripe. It's harvest time!
 ^36-38"The Harvester isn't waiting. He's taking his pay, gathering in this grain that's ripe for eternal life. Now the Sower is arm in arm with the Harvester, triumphant. That's the truth of the saying, 'This one sows, that one harvests.' I sent you to harvest a field you never worked. Without lifting a finger, you have walked in on a field worked long and hard by others."
 ^39-42Many of the Samaritans from that village committed themselves to him because of the woman's witness: "He knew all about the things I did. He knows me inside and out!" They asked him to stay on, so Jesus stayed two days. A lot more people entrusted their lives to him when they heard what he had to say. They said to the woman, "We're no longer taking this on your say-so. We've heard it for ourselves and know it for sure. He's the Savior of the world!"

For Reflection 

Christ came so that we all could live in the hollow of God's hand.  The woman of Samaria saw and heard the truth in Jesus and spread her understanding to many Samaritans.  The Samaritans responded and the people of Samaria who heard Him entrusted their lives to Him.  Again God worked miracles through an imperfect person just as he does today work through us, imperfect as we are.
YES!

After  the Christ event, truth became knowable.

Pray

That in your humility confess your shortcomings to God.  Pray that you will allow God to work through you to fulfill His mission.  Pray prayers of thanksgiving for the living Lord, Jesus Christ who is always at your side to guide you, comfort you and embolden you.

Longing for God

God's Creative Word
The Word Is Here and Now
Woman of Samaria

Psalm 42

The Message

A psalm of the sons of Korah

 ^1-3 A white-tailed deer drinks from the creek;
   I want to drink God,
      deep draughts of God.
   I'm thirsty for God-alive.
   I wonder, "Will I ever make it—
      arrive and drink in God's presence?"
   I'm on a diet of tears—
      tears for breakfast, tears for supper.
   All day long
      people knock at my door,
   Pestering,
      "Where is this God of yours?"

 ⁴ These are the things I go over and over,
      emptying out the pockets of my life.
   I was always at the head of the worshiping crowd,
      right out in front,
   Leading them all,
      eager to arrive and worship,
   Shouting praises, singing thanksgiving—
      celebrating, all of us, God's feast!

 ⁵ Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul?
      Why are you crying the blues?
   Fix my eyes on God—
      soon I'll be praising again.
   He puts a smile on my face.
      He's my God.

 ^6-8 When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse
      everything I know of you,
   From Jordan depths to Hermon heights,
      including Mount Mizar.
   Chaos calls to chaos,
      to the tune of whitewater rapids.
   Your breaking surf, your thundering breakers
      crash and crush me.
   Then God promises to love me all day,
      sing songs all through the night!
      My life is God's prayer.

 ^9-10 Sometimes I ask God, my rock-solid God,
      "Why did you let me down?
   Why am I walking around in tears,
      harassed by enemies?"
   They're out for the kill, these
      tormentors with their obscenities,
   Taunting day after day,
      "Where is this God of yours?"

 ¹¹ Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul?
      Why are you crying the blues?
   Fix my eyes on God—
      soon I'll be praising again.
   He puts a smile on my face.
      He's my God.

For Reflection 

Sometimes I ask God, Why?  Why is there so much war, so much pain, so much fear in this world?  How can your people profess faith in you and not be changed?  Why does greed and other evil seem to dominate? 

Then I realize that it is not you, but I who is to blame. I am the one who is aware of your deep desire for reconciliation.  It is I who has committed himself to obey your direction.  It is I who is obligated to follow your will obediently.  It is I.  I am responsible to effect what I can.  I am an agent for change.   It is I.


After  the Christ event, truth became knowable.

Pray

that God will cheer you on.  Pray for the wisdom to understand that you are God's agent for change.  Pray for humility and humble action. Pray that God will fix your eyes on His promise.  Pray that you never forget where God is.  Seek Him out often for his guidance, comfort and strength.

Planted by the Streams of Water

God's Creative Word
The Word Is Here and Now
Woman of Samaria

Psalm 1

The Message

   How well God must like you— you don't hang out at Sin Saloon, you don't slink along Dead-End Road,
   you don't go to Smart-Mouth College.

 ^2-3 Instead you thrill to God's Word,
      you chew on Scripture day and night.
   You're a tree replanted in Eden,
      bearing fresh fruit every month,
   Never dropping a leaf,
      always in blossom.

 ^4-5 You're not at all like the wicked,
      who are mere windblown dust—
   Without defense in court,
      unfit company for innocent people.

 ⁶ God charts the road you take. 

For Reflection 

As a disciple of Christ, how are you different?  Does your reputation match your desire for obedient discipleship?  Take stock.  Observe your actions this week.  Observe others as they react to you.

Pray

that you think about and apply Scripture to your daily life.  Pray that your discipleship bears the fruit of the tree that God has planted for you.  Pray that you will follow God's chart for your life.

Zeal for God's House

God's Creative Word
The Word Is Here and Now
Cleansing the Temple

Psalm 69:6-15

The Message

 ⁶ Don't let those who look to you in hope
   Be discouraged by what happens to me,
   Dear Lord! God of the armies!   Don't let those out looking for you
   Come to a dead end by following me—
   Please, dear God of Israel!

 ⁷ Because of you I look like an idiot,
   I walk around ashamed to show my face.

 ⁸ My brothers shun me like a bum off the street;
   My family treats me like an unwanted guest.

 ⁹ I love you more than I can say.
   Because I'm madly in love with you,
   They blame me for everything they dislike about you.

 ¹⁰ When I poured myself out in prayer and fasting,
   All it got me was more contempt.

 ¹¹ When I put on a sad face,
   They treated me like a clown.

 ¹² Now drunks and gluttons
   Make up drinking songs about me.

 ¹³ And me? I pray.
   God, it's time for a break!
   God, answer in love!
   Answer with your sure salvation!

 ¹⁴ Rescue me from the swamp,
   Don't let me go under for good,
   Pull me out of the clutch of the enemy;
   This whirlpool is sucking me down.

 ¹⁵ Don't let the swamp be my grave, the Black Hole
   Swallow me, its jaws clenched around me.

For Reflection

Many berate the dropout rate in our schools.  Having taught for about sixteen years, I have often wondered about the children we failed, those children who could not find sanctuary in school and whose only practical way to end failure was to quit.  These kids normally have not-so-great home lives, are socially rejected by the main stream, identify with others in similar situations and act (perhaps not so irrationally) to end the pain of the only part of their life they think they can control and drop out of school.

I know the Psalmist is not talking about godless people or those who find false sanctuary in gang membership or self-loathing, but I think the despair in these passages resulting from an allegiance to God is similar to the despair of children and adults too who drop out toward a spiritually unfulfilling life.  If we find ourselves outcast because of our discipleship and feel despair, just imagine those who do not have the support and sanctuary of Christ and Christian fellowship.  Without authentic God-centered unconditional sanctuary we all are vulnerable to the downward spiral of despair.

Pray

for all those who fall in despair.  Pray for those who seek sanctuary in false gods.  Pray for those who find themselves in the clutches of a death spiral.  Pray that they will find rescue from a swampy grave. Pray for God-centered paths that will interrupt the sucking action of Godless options.  Pray that those in despair find the courage to escape the whirlpools that are their lives.

The House of the Lord

God's Creative Word
The Word Is Here and Now
Cleansing the Temple

Psalm 122

The Message

A Pilgrim Song of David

 ^1-2 When they said, "Let's go to the house of God," my heart leaped for joy.
   And now we're here, O Jerusalem,
      inside Jerusalem's walls!

 ^3-5 Jerusalem, well-built city,
      built as a place for worship!
   The city to which the tribes ascend,
      all God's tribes go up to worship,
   To give thanks to the name of God—
      this is what it means to be Israel.
   Thrones for righteous judgment
      are set there, famous David-thrones.

 ^6-9 Pray for Jerusalem's peace!
      Prosperity to all you Jerusalem-lovers!
   Friendly insiders, get along!
      Hostile outsiders, keep your distance!
   For the sake of my family and friends,
      I say it again: live in peace!
   For the sake of the house of our God, God,
      I'll do my very best for you

For Reflection

Even as they approach middle age my children when they come home behave as they were children living in the sanctuary of the family.  In short, they act as though our house was their house.  Our grandchildren do the same.  It is wonderful that they feel that comfortable.  They each have a sense of belonging.

Our churches are like that.  Most all of us transients who have moved into an area have searched for a church home.  Some feel strange.  Some feel OK.  Some feel like home.  We are not all the same.  We each have different expectations for a church home.  Thank God each church has a distinct family personality so that all will find comfort in the fellowship of God.  Our strength lies not entirely in how we are the same, but rather, in how we are different from each other.  One body in Christ but, each with a unique gift.

Pray

for all the Christian churches.  Pray that they will find unique ways to fulfill the promise of God's salvation.  Pray for all Christian churches to achieve unity by working in love toward the realization of God's sanctuary for all.

Keeping the Passover

God's Creative Word
The Word Is Here and Now
Cleansing the Temple

2 Chronicles 30:1-9

The Message

 ^1-5 Then Hezekiah invited all of Israel and Judah, with personal letters to Ephraim and Manasseh, to come to The Temple of God in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover to Israel's God. The king and his officials and the congregation in Jerusalem had decided to celebrate Passover in the second month. They hadn't been able to celebrate it at the regular time because not enough of the priests were yet personally prepared and the people hadn't had time to gather in Jerusalem. Under these circumstances, the revised date was approved by both king and people and they sent out the invitation from one end of the country to the other, from Beersheba in the south to Dan in the north: "Come and celebrate the Passover to Israel's God in Jerusalem." No one living had ever celebrated it properly. ^6-9 The king gave the orders, and the couriers delivered the invitations from the king and his leaders throughout Israel and Judah. The invitation read: "O Israelites! Come back to God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, so that he can return to you who have survived the predations of the kings of Assyria. Don't repeat the sins of your ancestors who turned their backs on God, the God of their ancestors who then brought them to ruin—you can see the ruins all around you. Don't be pigheaded as your ancestors were. Clasp God's outstretched hand. Come to his Temple of holy worship, consecrated for all time. Serve God, your God. You'll no longer be in danger of his hot anger. If you come back to God, your captive relatives and children will be treated compassionately and allowed to come home. Your God is gracious and kind and won't snub you—come back and he'll welcome you with open arms."

For Reflection 

What wonderful hospitality is found in the hollow of God's hand.  He welcomes all. Unlike the attitude of the King in these passages, God's hospitality is not conditional.  He offers salvation to all over and over, time and time again.  In God's presence all are treated compassionately and welcomed warmly.  How do we invite the stranger and the friend into God's grace? 

Pray

that you will open the doors to all who are willing to attend to God's promise.  Pray that God's promise will speak to all of humankind in an authentic offer of sanctuary.  Pray that you will offer God's hospitality and sanctuary to all.

The Lord Has Chosen Zion

God's Creative Word
The Word is Here and Now
Cleansing the Temple

Psalm 132:1-14

The Message

A Pilgrim Song

 ^1-5 O God, remember David, remember all his troubles!
   And remember how he promised God,
      made a vow to the Strong God of Jacob,
   "I'm not going home,
      and I'm not going to bed,
   I'm not going to sleep,
      not even take time to rest,
   Until I find a home for God,
      a house for the Strong God of Jacob."

 ^6-7 Remember how we got the news in Ephrathah,
      learned all about it at Jaar Meadows?
   We shouted, "Let's go to the shrine dedication!
      Let's worship at God's own footstool!"

 ^8-10 Up, God, enjoy your new place of quiet repose,
      you and your mighty covenant ark;
   Get your priests all dressed up in justice;
      prompt your worshipers to sing this prayer:
   "Honor your servant David;
      don't disdain your anointed one."

 ^11-18 God gave David his word,
      he won't back out on this promise:
   "One of your sons
      I will set on your throne;
   If your sons stay true to my Covenant
      and learn to live the way I teach them,
   Their sons will continue the line—
      always a son to sit on your throne.
   Yes—I, God, chose Zion,
      the place I wanted for my shrine;
   This will always be my home;
      this is what I want, and I'm here for good.
   I'll shower blessings on the pilgrims who come here,
      and give supper to those who arrive hungry;
   I'll dress my priests in salvation clothes;
      the holy people will sing their hearts out!
   Oh, I'll make the place radiant for David!
      I'll fill it with light for my anointed!
   I'll dress his enemies in dirty rags,
      but I'll make his crown sparkle with splendor."

For Reflection 

Places of Christian worship, God's residences (so-to-speak), come in a variety of shapes, sizes and ornateness.  They range from large expansive radiant architectural masterpieces to humble store fronts and even wooded campsites.  No matter how lavish, all have one thing in common.  Each is a sign of God working to reconcile humankind to Him and through him to each other.  Why shouldn't a church be an extravagant sacrifice to our God?  Why shouldn't a church be a humble place where intimacy with God can be found?  In each place God will "...shower blessings on the pilgrims who come here, and give supper to those who arrive hungry;  I'll dress my priests in salvation clothes; the holy people will sing their hearts out!"

One Sunday after church, I was on a bike ride.  I passed a small humble wooden framed church out of which sprang the voices of an enthusiastic congregation singing praise.  One Sunday while in a conference work session I was lured into the next hotel meeting room where Christians were dressed in their finest clothes singing with guitar and drum their loud praise and holding communion.  One early Sunday morning I sat in the open air with a handful of other Christians on makeshift benches on an Atlantic beach and sang hymns in praise of God.  Wherever two or three are gathered...

 

Pray

that you will always find comfort in the fellowship of believers.  Pray that all people will find sanctuary in Holy places where God will speak to them.  Pray that our churches no matter how extravagant or humble will be a beacon for God's call and a residing place, a sanctuary, for human kind.

Building the Temple

God's Creative Word
The Word Was in the Beginning
Cleansing the Temple

1 Chronicles 28:1-10

The Message

David's Valedictory Address

 ¹ David called together all the leaders of Israel—tribal administrators, heads of various governmental operations, military commanders and captains, stewards in charge of the property and livestock belonging to the king and his sons—everyone who held responsible positions in the kingdom. ^2-7 King David stood tall and spoke: "Listen to me, my people: I fully intended to build a permanent structure for the Chest of the Covenant of God, God's footstool. But when I got ready to build it, God said to me, 'You may not build a house to honor me—you've done too much fighting—killed too many people.' God chose me out of my family to be king over Israel forever. First he chose Judah as the lead tribe, then he narrowed it down to my family, and finally he picked me from my father's sons, pleased to make me the king over all Israel. And then from all my sons—and God gave me many!—he chose my son Solomon to sit on the throne of God's rule over Israel. He went on to say, 'Your son Solomon will build my house and my courts: I have chosen him to be my royal adopted son; and I will be to him a father. I will guarantee that his kingdom will last if he continues to be as strong-minded in doing what I command and carrying out my decisions as he is doing now.'
 ⁸ "And now, in this public place, all Israel looking on and God listening in, as God's people, obey and study every last one of the commandments of your God so that you can make the most of living in this good land and pass it on intact to your children, insuring a good future.
 ^9-10 "And you, Solomon my son, get to know well your father's God; serve him with a whole heart and eager mind, for God examines every heart and sees through every motive. If you seek him, he'll make sure you find him, but if you abandon him, he'll leave you for good. Look sharp now! God has chosen you to build his holy house. Be brave, determined! And do it!"

For Reflection 

David's parting words are intended to institutionalize the faith of Abraham by building a residing place for the symbol of Israel's faith in God.  It will become a public place where God's children can focus on Him. The temple becomes a physical presence for a spiritual center, not only of Israel's faith, but also of their governance.  David ensures the continuation of the faith by  selecting a successor, Solomon, and by charging him with the completion of the temple and the shepherding of God's people.

How do we today plan the succession of our spiritual leaders, both clergy and laity?  How do we ensure that the faith will be carried on beyond our mortality?  How do you ensure the continuation of our faith in your personal lives?

Pray

that you will be vigilant in your pursuit of the Holy Spirit.  Pray that you will foster a love of Christ and a obedient commitment to God that will live beyond your years.  Pray that the Spirit which resides in you is transparent to all with whom you come in contact.

The Lord is Alive

Praise be to God.  Christ is alive.  We are forgiven.

"Father, into Your Hands"

God's Creative Word
The Word Was in the Beginning
The Living Word

Psalm 31:1-5

The Message

A David Psalm

 ^1-2I run to you, God; I run for dear life. Don't let me down!
      Take me seriously this time!
   Get down on my level and listen,
      and please—no procrastination!
   Your granite cave a hiding place,
      your high cliff aerie a place of safety.

 ^3-5 You're my cave to hide in,
      my cliff to climb.
   Be my safe leader,
      be my true mountain guide.
   Free me from hidden traps;
      I want to hide in you.
   I've put my life in your hands.
      You won't drop me,
      you'll never let me down.

For Reflection 

God has taken seriously all who feel as the psalmist, in need of a sanctuary.  The Christ event attests to the seriousness and unwavering sanctuary that God provides.  It attests to the truthfulness of God's promise to Abraham and His faith in all of humankind.  It is a warrant for our trust in Him.


After  the Christ event, truth became knowable.

Pray

that you will place as much faith in God's promise, His sanctuary, as God has placed in you to participate in the realization of His kingdom here on Earth.  Pray for the kind of trust in the living God that places your life in His hands.

Crucifixion of Jesus

God's Creative Word
The Word Was in the Beginning
The Living Word

John 19:17-25

The Message

 ^16-19Pilate caved in to their demand. He turned him over to be crucified.

The Crucifixion

   They took Jesus away. Carrying his cross, Jesus went out to the place called Skull Hill (the name in Hebrew is Golgotha), where they crucified him, and with him two others, one on each side, Jesus in the middle. Pilate wrote a sign and had it placed on the cross. It read:

   jesus the nazarene
   the king of the jews. ^20-21Many of the Jews read the sign because the place where Jesus was crucified was right next to the city. It was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The Jewish high priests objected. "Don't write," they said to Pilate, "'The King of the Jews.' Make it, 'This man said, "I am the King of the Jews."'"
 ²²Pilate said, "What I've written, I've written."
 ^23-24When they crucified him, the Roman soldiers took his clothes and divided them up four ways, to each soldier a fourth. But his robe was seamless, a single piece of weaving, so they said to each other, "Let's not tear it up. Let's throw dice to see who gets it." This confirmed the Scripture that said, "They divided up my clothes among them and threw dice for my coat." (The soldiers validated the Scriptures!)
 ^24-27While the soldiers were looking after themselves, Jesus' mother, his aunt, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene stood at the foot of the cross. Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her. He said to his mother, "Woman, here is your son." Then to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that moment the disciple accepted her as his own mother.

For Reflection 

That which had been foretold was being fulfilled, a strong sign of the truth of the Christ event.  Pilate, so close to the truth, had the last word and the Jews were upset.   Pilate declared in all of the commonly understood languages of his time, that Jesus reigned.  Jesus status was not self-proclaimed but rather declared by the law of the occupying forces.  Christ passes His heavenly responsibility and authority to Peter, "The Rock", so that he might tell the world the story of Jesus and His saving Grace.


After  the Christ event, truth became knowable.

Pray

that you will be a disciple of Christ, not just a believer.  Pray that you will act on your faith and work toward the fulfillment of God's promise.  Pray that you will be a champion of the truth and work for justice and reconciliation of humankind to God and to one another.

"We Have a Law"

God's Creative Word
The Word Was in the Beginning
The Living Word

Leviticus 24:10-16

The Message

^10-12 One day the son of an Israelite mother and an Egyptian father went out among the Israelites. A fight broke out in the camp between him and an Israelite. The son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name of God and cursed. They brought him to Moses. His mother's name was Shelomith, daughter of Dibri of the tribe of Dan. They put him in custody waiting for God's will to be revealed to them.
 ^13-16 Then God spoke to Moses: "Take the blasphemer outside the camp. Have all those who heard him place their hands on his head; then have the entire congregation stone him. Then tell the Israelites, Anyone who curses God will be held accountable; anyone who blasphemes the Name of God must be put to death. The entire congregation must stone him. It makes no difference whether he is a foreigner or a native, if he blasphemes the Name, he will be put to death.

For Reflection 

Why wasn't Jesus stoned?  After all, that was the law and surely the Jewish leaders wanted to obey the law.  The law is not always about truth and justice.  The law is about regulation and what to do about those who violate the law.  The arguments are not about truth and reconciliation.  The arguments are about definitions; what was the law that was violated? Did the accused violate it? What evidence do you bring to bear on that fact? What should be the punishment (sometimes also specified by the law)?
The Jewish leaders had no blasphemy.  They had no evidence.  They had law. They could remain pure before Passover by careful attention to the Jewish law and to the law of Rome.  Piliate's condemnation was not theirs.  But they did revel in it!

Jesus was about truth, justice and reconciliation.  These things the law could not and cannot satisfy.


After  the Christ event, truth became knowable. 

Pray

that you will treat your words as windows into God's will;  listen to the words of the world with God's ear. listen to the words of scripture; listen to God's whispered wisdom.

The Lord Has Chosen Zion

God's Creative Word
The Word is Here and Now
Cleansing the Temple

Psalm 132:1-14

The Message

A Pilgrim Song

 ^1-5 O God, remember David, remember all his troubles!
   And remember how he promised God,
      made a vow to the Strong God of Jacob,
   "I'm not going home,
      and I'm not going to bed,
   I'm not going to sleep,
      not even take time to rest,
   Until I find a home for God,
      a house for the Strong God of Jacob."

 ^6-7 Remember how we got the news in Ephrathah,
      learned all about it at Jaar Meadows?
   We shouted, "Let's go to the shrine dedication!
      Let's worship at God's own footstool!"

 ^8-10 Up, God, enjoy your new place of quiet repose,
      you and your mighty covenant ark;
   Get your priests all dressed up in justice;
      prompt your worshipers to sing this prayer:
   "Honor your servant David;
      don't disdain your anointed one."

 ^11-18 God gave David his word,
      he won't back out on this promise:
   "One of your sons
      I will set on your throne;
   If your sons stay true to my Covenant
      and learn to live the way I teach them,
   Their sons will continue the line—
      always a son to sit on your throne.
   Yes—I, God, chose Zion,
      the place I wanted for my shrine;
   This will always be my home;
      this is what I want, and I'm here for good.
   I'll shower blessings on the pilgrims who come here,
      and give supper to those who arrive hungry;
   I'll dress my priests in salvation clothes;
      the holy people will sing their hearts out!
   Oh, I'll make the place radiant for David!
      I'll fill it with light for my anointed!
   I'll dress his enemies in dirty rags,
      but I'll make his crown sparkle with splendor."

For Reflection 

Places of Christian worship, God's residences (so-to-speak), come in a variety of shapes, sizes and ornateness.  They range from large expansive radiant architectural masterpieces to humble store fronts and even wooded campsites.  No matter how lavish, all have one thing in common.  Each is a sign of God working to reconcile humankind to Him and through him to each other.  Why shouldn't a church be an extravagant sacrifice to our God?  Why shouldn't a church be a humble place where intimacy with God can be found?  In each place God will "...shower blessings on the pilgrims who come here, and give supper to those who arrive hungry;  I'll dress my priests in salvation clothes; the holy people will sing their hearts out!"

One Sunday after church, I was on a bike ride.  I passed a small humble wooden framed church out of which sprang the voices of an enthusiastic congregation singing praise.  One Sunday while in a conference work session I was lured into the next hotel meeting room where Christians were dressed in their finest clothes singing with guitar and drum their loud praise and holding communion .  One early Sunday morning I sat in the open air with a handful of other Christians on makeshift benches on an Atlantic beach and sang hymns in praise of God.  Wherever two or three are gathered...

Pray

that you will always find comfort in the fellowship of believers.  Pray that all people will find sanctuary in Holy places where God will speak to them.  Pray that our churches no matter how extravagant or humble will be a beacon for God's call and a residing place, a sanctuary, for human kind.

Judgement of Jesus

God's Creative Word
The Word Was in the Beginning
The Living Word

John 19:4-6

The Message

 ^4-5Pilate went back out again and said to them, "I present him to you, but I want you to know that I do not find him guilty of any crime." Just then Jesus came out wearing the thorn crown and purple robe.
   Pilate announced, "Here he is: the Man."
 ⁶When the high priests and police saw him, they shouted in a frenzy, "Crucify! Crucify!"
   Pilate told them, "You take him. You crucify him. I find nothing wrong with him."

For Reflection 

Politics, politics, politics.  Pilate could find no legitimate charge under Roman law with which to charge Jesus.  Yet he mocked him and gave him over to the Jewish leaders to be crucified.  These Jewish leaders were also political appointees of the Roman rule.  Perhaps, even if Pilate found Christ's message interesting, he decided to give the local leadership what they wanted.  It was of little consequence to the Roman occupation, but, if this would keep the peace, why not?  Perhaps, also, Pilate mocked Jesus with the hope that the scourging injury and crown of thorns would satisfy the accusers.  But, it was not God's plan.

Pilate's objective was to dispose of this gnat itch of a mess in the most expedient way.  He was centered on the Empire's control of the region under his charge.  From his perspective, giving Jesus over was for the greater good of the Empire.  The high priests sought the greater good of the status quo -- the protection of their positions of authority and the continuing spoils of their corruption.

What about you? To what extent is the greater good in you scheme of political decisions God-centered?

Pray

that you will approach all decisions from a God-centered perspective.  Pray that you will be able to measure commonly accepted cultural-centered assumptions of the common good with God-centered assumptions.  Pray for the wisdom to know the difference.

To Save Sinners Like Me

God's Creative Word
The Word Was in the Beginning
The Living Word

1 Timothy 1:12-17

The Message

 ^12-14I'm so grateful to Christ Jesus for making me adequate to do this work. He went out on a limb, you know, in trusting me with this ministry. The only credentials I brought to it were invective and witch hunts and arrogance. But I was treated mercifully because I didn't know what I was doing—didn't know Who I was doing it against! Grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me. And all because of Jesus.
 ^15-19Here's a word you can take to heart and depend on: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. I'm proof—Public Sinner Number One—of someone who could never have made it apart from sheer mercy. And now he shows me off—evidence of his endless patience—to those who are right on the edge of trusting him forever.

   Deep honor and bright glory
      to the King of All Time—
   One God, Immortal, Invisible,
      ever and always. Oh, yes!
I'm passing this work on to you, my son Timothy. The prophetic word that was directed to you prepared us for this. All those prayers are coming together now so you will do this well, fearless in your struggle, keeping a firm grip on your faith and on yourself. After all, this is a fight we're in.

For Reflection 

Paul to Timothy and timothy to us.  The work of Paul spreads to us.  We, sinners like Paul, accept the responsibilities of serving God obediently.  Charged to live exemplary lives, even if flawed, in service to the living God, Jesus the Christ.  In our imperfection we are perfect in Christ.  YES!

After  the Christ event, truth became knowable.

Pray

that we avoid using our human weaknesses as excuses for disobedience to God.  Pray for the wisdom and courage to follow through.  Pray that you will continue to begin each God centered day in prayer.