2 February 2016

Scripture:

• Psalm 32
• Genesis 29:1-30
• 2 Chronicles 6
• Luke 22:47-23:25

Observations:

In the psalm, we see David encouraging readers/listeners to confess their sins to God in faith, asking for his forgiveness.

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity;I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.

In these first five verses, we see David proclaiming how those who keep a clean slate before the Lord, openly bringing their sins in confession, are blessed. As an explanation, he describes the weight and agony that accompany holding on to sin and concealing our wrongdoing before God before describing the release and freedom given by God when we do come and repent.

In Genesis, we see Jacob working for Laban to marry his daughter Rachel. We also see Laban's duplicity in marrying her older sister, Leah, to him first, citing local custom.

In 2 Chronicles, we see Solomon addressing the people at the temple opening, reminding them of what God has done in the past and what let to the building of the temple. We also see him offering a (rather long) prayer to God commissioning the temple for his use. A large portion of Solomon's prayer, I find it interesting to note, deal with God interacting with Israelites and others who call on his name. Solomon is asking that those who have sinned and are experiencing punishment, if they confess their sins and seek forgiveness, be forgiven and, in some cases, their punishment brought to an end.

In Luke, we have the events leading from Jesus' betrayal and capture to Pilate handing Jesus over to the Sanhedrin to do with as they wished. What I find interesting is that the Sanhedrin, already infuriated with Jesus, found him guilty of blasphemy for calling himself God. Perhaps if they stopped to consider the scripture instead of their assumptions, they may have come to a different conclusion. Nevertheless, they did not have the power to execute Jesus, so they took him to Pilate under a contrived claim (somewhat feasible) that he was attempting to usurp Caesar, calling himself the "King of the Jews". Pilate found nothing wrong with him and sent him to Herod, who found nothing wrong with him and sent him back to Pilate, who reiterated that they saw no reason to execute him. The Sanhedrin, then basically bullied him into releasing a death row convict and putting Jesus in his place.

It's funny how it was the religious leaders who put Jesus to death. The government had very little to do with it.

Application:

Confession and forgiveness.

Too often, I merely ask God for help in managing or overcoming my sins. That's all well and good, but I need the humility that comes with confession. My pride in assuming that trying to overcome my sin means I am repentant is offensive to God. Just because I ask for help to overcome sin, doesn't mean I am contrite and repentant over it. Just because I am angry or irritated at my sin and do not desire any part of it, it doesn't mean I am repentant.

However, if I am repentant, I try to overcome my sin, ask for help, feel anger and antipathy towards my sin, and desire to be rid of it.

Remember the logical fallacy:
A --> B
B :. A

Just because the manifestations produced by a specific mindset are present, it doesn't mean the mindset itself is there.

1 February 2016

Scriptures:

• Psalm 31
• Genesis 28:10-22
• 2 Chronicles 5
• Luke 22:1-46

Observations:

The psalms are always complicated for me, as they follow the mood of the psalmist rather than engaging in a specific point, but here's what I see. The psalmist is referring to God as his refuge and is declaring that he is entrusting himself in God. He asks for grace, explaining how he feels forgotten and cast away. He asks for protection and rescue from his enemies and then concludes the psalm with three stanzas of praise to God for his goodness, faithfulness, and love, encouraging all who believe in God to love him.

In Genesis, we see God speaking to Jacob, reiterating the covenants made to Isaac and Abraham. I find Jacob's response interesting, though. In a way, it looks like he's saying, "If you'll provide for me, then I'll call you God." He does, however, commission an impromptu temple on the site where the tabernacle would be kept for many years as well as being one of the first to formally offer a 10% tithe.

In 2 Chronicles, we see the completion of the temple and the installment of the Ark of the Covenant and other tabernacle implements in the new temple. As the Ark is being placed in the temple, we see an account of a massive number of sacrifices being made and an account of the glory of God entering and filling the temple like a cloud.

In Luke, we have some more of the Passion week happenings. First we see Judas colluding with the high priests to betray Jesus. Following that, we see Passover, the last supper, the institution of communion, and Jesus' announcement that one of the disciples would betray him. Jesus then took the opportunity of a dispute to introduce the idea of humble, servant leadership to the disciples before informing Peter of his future denials of Jesus. Last, we have Jesus praying on the mount of olives.

Application:

29 January 2016

Scriptures:

• Psalm 28
• Genesis 26
• 2 Chronicles 2
• Luke 19:28-46

Observations:

The psalm today starts off as may of David's psalms do, in crying out to be seen and heard, asking not to be dragged down into judgment along with all the other nations. What stands out to me is tat, at the end of the psalm, David has an about-face in tone. Where he starts off asking for God's ear, he then exclaims that the Lord is to be blessed because the Lord hears him. David then praises him calling him his strength and shield, whom he trusts, and the shield and refuge for his people.

In Genesis, we see a long exposition about Isaac. First, we see God renewing Abraham's covenant, promising to Isaac the things that were promised to Abraham. Second, we see Isaac's interactions with Abimelech and the Philistines where he was living. Isaac had tried to pass Rebekah off as his sister, thinking he might be killed to get her (like father, like son). Abimelech scolded him for it, but didn't throw him out as pharaoh did to his father. No, the Philistines sent him out because he began to become very wealthy from his harvests and herds. So, he traveled in the area, re-digging his father's wells and coming into minor conflict over some new ones. During that time, God speaks to Isaac, confirming his promise. After all this, Abimelech approaches Isaac as he did Abraham and asks for peace between them because he can see that God is with Isaac.

In 2 Chronicles, Solomon begins work on the temple, calling upon the connections David had set before the end of his reign. We also see Solomon making this statement about the building of a temple: "But who is able to build him a house, since heaven, even highest heaven, cannot contain him?" To me, that stands out, because here, Solomon has a great image of God's magnitude. Now, what I find also to be interesting is that Solomon takes a census of the resident aliens in Israel and puts them all to work.

In Luke, we see three connected events. Jesus is entering Jerusalem for the last time and he tells his disciples to go find a specific donkey for him to ride in on. As he rides in, the people gather in praise, exclaiming praises and thanks to God. Jesus also weeps over Jerusalem, prophesying against it about its fall. Last, he heads to the temple and clears it of all the merchants and money-changers.

Application:

I think the biggest thing for me is the confidence in and reverence for God that is evident in all of these passages. That changes us, if we allow it. 

28 January 2016

Scriptures:

• Psalm 27
• Genesis 25:19-34
• 2 Chronicles 1
• Luke 18:31-19:27

Observations:

The psalm today is one proclaiming God as the psalmist's salvation and stronghold. In him, he has confidence, knowing that God's protection is more effective than any weapon or army. What the psalmist asks is to dwell in the house of the Lord, to look upon God, and to be seen and answered by God. The psalmist begs God not to turn his face away, but to teach him his way and to lead him on the straight path. He then closes with a statement of faith and conviction, knowing that God will answer.

In Genesis, we see the conception and birth of Esau and Jacob, as well as God's words to Rebekah about the two of them, how they would both become great nations and that the oldest (Esau) would serve the youngest (Jacob). That prophecy plays out in the second half of the passage in which Esau sells his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew.

In 2 Chronicles, we see the beginning of Solomon's reign. He started off really well, seeking God at the tabernacle and, when God offered anything to the new king, he responded asking for wisdom, that he would be able to rightly govern the people of Israel. So, God granted him his request and also commended him on it, lavishing on him additionally, wealth and honour. We see immediately following this conversation how God blessed Solomon and Israel with abundant wealth.

In Luke, we have a number of things happening. First, Jesus tells his disciples of his impending death (again) and the disciples don't realise what he's talking about (again). 

Second, we have Jesus healing a blind man. This altercation strikes me as a little odd. We have a beggar shouting to Jesus as he is passing by, calling him the Son of David (i.e. the Messiah) and asking Jesus to have mercy on him. The people around Jesus try and shush him, but after the second cry, Jesus waves him over and bluntly asks what he wants him to do for him. The man replies that he would like his sight back, and Jesus tells him to go, for his faith has made him well. The way I read this passage, Jesus was very blunt about the whole affair and yet, I note that, again, it was the man's faith that Jesus cited being the agent that made him well. The man had enough faith to be bold in reaching out to Jesus and to bluntly ask Jesus to heal him. There was no doubt in him that we can see. None whatsoever. I would do well to keep his example in mind.

Third, we have Jesus' interaction with Zacchaeus. The man had run ahead to try and get a glimpse of Jesus, spurred on by faith, curiosity, or maybe something else entirely. Jesus stopped and engaged directly with him, declaring that he would be dining in Zacchaeus' house that day. What stands out to me is not Zacchaeus' declarations of the good he will do as evidence of a changed life, but the crowd's grumbling at how Jesus had gone to dine with a sinner and Jesus' statement that he came to seek and save the lost.

The last passage is a parable that is seen in a couple different iterations, but it narrows down to the idea of putting to good use that which God has given to us, because God is one who demands much of us. So, we should be investing what we have been given - our wisdom, knowledge, skills, assets - to the benefit of God's kingdom, not merely laying around with the tools that have been given, lest they be taken away.

Application:

There were a couple elements that stood out from today's readings. The psalms always strike a chord with me because of their honest yearnings, beautiful language, and ability to express emotions that I can barely describe in myself. The last parable stood out, because I am starting to see that, through all my begging God for freedom from sin and a better relationship with my wife, God has been giving me the tools I need to do so. I just haven't been paying attention or using them. So, I'm beginning to pick them up, to learn how to do things God's way instead of James' way.

27 January 2016

Scriptures:

• Psalm 26
• Genesis 25:1-18
• 1 Chronicles 29:22-30
• Luke 18:1-30

Observations:

In the psalm, we see David asking the Lord for vindication, proclaiming to God how he has searched and endeavoured after him, avoiding the wicked and concerning himself with what is righteous.

In Genesis, we see the remarriage of Abraham, the death and burial of Abraham (next to Sarah, attended by Isaac & Ishmael), and the descendants of the sons of Abraham's second wife and those of Ishmael.

In 1 Chronicles, we see Solomon's coronation & David's death.

In the first parable in Luke, we see Jesus telling his followers to be persistent in their petitions to God. In the second, we see Jesus demonstrating the importance of humility before God. Following that, we see how Christ viewed children and the nature that faith should have. Last, we see Christ demanding not only obedience to God, but complete sacrifice of self, noting that it is not by the accumulation of wealth or deeds one gains access to heaven, but through God alone

Application:

Honestly, I don't see a great deal that applies to the circumstance I'm in other than to pray consistently

26 January 2016

Scriptures:

• Psalm 25
• Genesis 24
• 1 Chronicles 29:1-22
• Luke 17:11-37

Observations:

In the psalm, we see David seeking God's presence. He is entrusting himself to God, putting himself under the Lord's grace and teaching. Here, we see a calm, spiritual maturity that longs for the presence of God, as we can see in vv 16-18

"Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses.Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins."

 Okay, so David is very expressive in his tone, but the tone I get as I read this psalm is one of wise spiritual maturity that yearns for God, not quite as some distant salvation, but as a companion and teacher who has stepped away for a moment.

In Genesis, we see the finding of Rebekah, Isaac's wife. Abraham desired that Isaac not marry one of the local Canaanites, but someone from his home. So, his servant went to Abraham's home town, whereupon he prayed, asking for a specific sign to indicate Isaac's wife. God obliged and Isaac was found a wife.

In 1 Chronicles, we see David announcing what he has stored up for use in building the temple, calling for a freewill offering from many of the citizens. We also see him praying over the building of the temple, asking for God's blessing, and offering sacrifices to God numbering in the thousands.

In Luke, we see first, the healing of ten lepers, of whom only one, a Samaritan, came back to thank Jesus.
Second, we see Jesus teaching on the coming of the kingdom of God. In response to the pharisees' question, Jesus says that it sill come in a way not discernible to the eye, because the Kingdom of God is in their midst (Presumably speaking of himself). To his disciples, he elaborated on this point further, telling them to disregard those who might point to the coming of God at a particular time or place. He also says that, instead, people will be about their normal, everyday business when, suddenly, as with Noah's flood or Sodom's destruction, the Kingdom of God will come.

Application:

The kingdom of god could come at any time. Therefore, I need to be busy with the work given to me. That being said, I also want to grow in spiritual maturity, having the perspective and demeanour of David in his deep relationship with God.

25 January 2016

Scriptures:

• Psalm 24
• Genesis 23
• 1 Chronicles 28
• Luke 16:1-17:10

Observations:

In the psalm today, we see three things. First, we have an acknowledgement of God's ownership of the earth by virtue of his being its creator. Second, we see man's interaction with God. Third, we have an urging to the gates [of Jerusalem?] to look and see God, the King of Glory, and let him in.

In Genesis, we see Abraham burying his wife, Sarah. In greater detail, we see the account of his discussion with the Hittites, whose land he was passing through, attempting to find a suitable tomb for his wife. I found the Hittites' response to be very curious: "You are a prince of God among us". It reminds me somewhat of Abimelech's words regarding Abraham. It seems that, as Abraham grew closer to God, the people around him began to see God reflected in him.

In 1 Chronicles, it appears as though we have David's passing of the baton to Solomon. First, we have his exhortation to all of his servants and staff, the officials, and the military to honour God and follow his commandments, that they may pass the land on to their children. Second, we have David speaking directly to Solomon. The first thing David tells his son is to seek God and the second is his plan and groundwork for the temple, detailed even to the weight of gold to be used in the temple affects.

In Luke, I am having a somewhat difficult time understanding this first parable, the one of the dishonest manager. I understand his firing for embezzlement. I understand his reasonings for cutting his master's debtor's dues. In some ways, I understand the master's commendation for his shrewd dealing. I even understand Christ's excerpt at the end of this passage. I just don't see how they all tie together, especially when you incorporate Jesus' response to the pharisees.

Following this, there is a short blurb on divorce and adultery before moving on to the next parable, the rich man and Lazarus. In this second parable, Jesus connects our conduct with our resultant eternities, showing the importance of loving our neighbours. He also speaks about the separation and finality of heaven and hell. What's interesting to me is the rich man's pleading to send a message to his brothers, which is refused on the grounds that if they would not repent because of Moses and the prophets, why would they repent because of someone rising from the dead.

Last, we have some of Jesus' comments on temptation, faith, and the role of a servant.

Applications: