Restore us, O God;
let your face shine,
that we may be saved.
(Psalm 80:3)
Jeremiah 14:11-16:15
In a time of severe drought, they pray for help. God then tells Jeremiah, "Disaster is inevitable and deserved. Don't pray for them." Jeremiah prays for them anyway. The people acknowledge their sinfulness and ask for forgiveness. The Lord God cautioned, "Not everyone who claims to be speaking for me has been sent by me."
The prophet Jeremiah, as he often does--and not without reason, has been complaining. God has told him things are going to get worse. Jeremiah complains again, "I've said what you've told me to say, and I have suffered for it. Why won't you stop this pain?"
Does Jeremiah fear that God has deserted him, or does he fear that God won't leave him alone?
After hearing an anguished prayer by Jeremiah, the Lord tells him, "If the people return to me, I'll save them again. Keep saying what I want you to say. Your enemies will not win, for I am with you. I'm the one who can and who will save you."
1 Thessalonians 2:9-3:13
Paul praised them for embodying God's word.
The Thessalonians had heard Paul preach and had been able to discern that the source of Paul's word was God. They more than felt good about this; they also did good. As Paul put it, "God's word is at work in you believers."
He said, "You are witnesses." To test how we are doing, look at the news for today. Do you see much Kingdom of God there? If not, look at the work the church is doing (include your own self here). Could Paul see God's work in us believers?
Psalm 80:1-9
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh. Store up your might, and come to save us! Restore us, O God; let your face shine that we may be saved.
We can read this ancient prayer and deduce the circumstances under which it was first voiced. We can think of times that the people of Israel depended on the guidance of the Lord as a flock of sheep depended on their shepherd. We recognize the names of Rachel's sons. We can recall the various times in their history that they were far from their homes or the times when they were at home but that home was under attack by enemies. And, recognizing and remembering their difficulties, we can recognize and remember that in those difficulties, they turned to the Lord for rescue.
We, their descendants, can also read this ancient prayer in the midst of our own contemporary disruptions and troubles. And, we, like them, can voice our recognition of the power and concern of God. And, we, like them, can gather to ask for God's help.
"O Lord God, how long will you be angry?" this psalm asks. This lament is rather frank--the people are unhappy, their neighbors have scorn for them, their enemies are laughing at them.
They admit their despair, not pretending that things are all right. But they don't accept it as permanent. They continue to pray:
Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
In the plea for help, they remind God, "You were the one who planted us here." Of course, God knows that, but, of course, sometimes we need to remind ourselves.
"Help us," they ask, "and next time we will not turn away from you." May we continue to pray this promise, but may we also live in a way that keeps that promise.
The original hearers of this song were the people of Israel facing being overcome by the Assyrian army. They turn to the Lord, "You brought a vine out of Egypt, you planted it in a place you had prepared for it. The vine flourished. O Lord, why have you turned against your vine. Why have you broken down the walls that protected us so that just anybody could reach in and take our grapes? O God, we pray to you. Come back to us. Restore us and this time, we'll be faithful to you."
The psalmist is attributing all good and bad to the Lord. Everything that happens through human actions begins with God. We are being punished because we deserve to be. Even after our sins, we can expect God to care for us and to restore us to well-being.
The Dallas Morning News has a section, Texas Faith, that discusses matters of religion, politics, and culture. About three years ago, they took a break from politics because that week had had so many examples of human suffering large and small: Hurricane Ike affects millions. And a 17-month-old boy whose family escaped the storm in Dallas is killed in an accident. Trains collide in California, killing dozens. Suicide bombers in Yemen, Pakistan and Iraq murder innocent bystanders. The genocide in Darfur continues unabated. Etc etc etc.
Here's the panel's discussion: How faith explains suffering http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/2008/09/texas-faith-how-does-religion.html/
Proverbs 25:1-5
These are other proverbs of Solomon that the officials of King Hezekiah of Judah copied.
It is the glory of God to conceal things,
but the glory of kings is to search things out.
Like the heavens for height, like the earth for depth,
so the mind of kings is unsearchable.
Take away the dross from the silver,
and the smith has material for a vessel;
take away the wicked from the presence of the king,
and his throne will be established in righteousness.
Prayer for Today: Continue to pray Psalm 80, "Restore us, O God; let your face shine that we may be saved." Amen.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Reflection on the readings for October 9
Do not remember against us
the iniquities of our ancestors;
let your compassion come
speedily to meet us,
for we are brought very low.
(Psalm 79 :8)
Jeremiah 12:1-14:10
Jeremiah asks the Lord the question that occasionally troubles us, "Why do good things happen to bad people?" The Lord responds, "If you are losing a race with foot runners, how do you expect to compete with horses?"
The Lord then points out that the very people who claim to be so good don't really do what the Lord has asked of them. They deserve the troubles they have been in.
Yet, the Lord is going to once again going to show them compassion--but not immediately. Hard times are coming for them.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:8
Scholars believe that this letter is the oldest one that we have that was written by Paul. As such, it is the oldest piece of Christian literature that we have. For example, evidence indicates that it is dated at about 50 CE, twenty years before the Gospel of Mark would have been written.
His audience lived a long way away from Jerusalem--not only in miles. They were Greek and they were Gentile. Paul begins his letter, as was the practice of the time, with a greeting. But, he changes the greeting from what they would have been accustomed to.
The Graeco-Roman practice of the time was to begin letters with the Greek word, chairein, which meant "Greetings." Paul instead used the Greek word, charis, which sounds similar but mean "peace." This term would thus echo the term customarily used as greeting by the Jews, shalom, which meant "peace."
Thus, in his greeting, Paul has combined the traditonal Graeco-Roman form of greeting with the religious one. He's speaking to people who have accepted the faith and have been incorporated into God's family.
In verse 3, Paul expresses thanks to God for the way that the Thessalonians are living their lives. They have faith--not just an attitude, but the God-given power to do Christian work. They have love--not just an emotion, but the means by which they carry out this work. They have hope--not just optimism, but a confident expectation that God will triumph.
Hear the echo, in verses 9-10, as Paul describes the Christian experience. Because of your faith, you turned to God. Because of your love, you served God. Because of your hope, you are waiting for his Son, our rescuer.
(Note: my source for this explanation comes from The People's New Testament Commentary, by Boring and Craddock. I hope you have access to a copy yourself.)
Psalm 79:1-13
We can read this psalm and be able to put ourselves into the thoughts of those ancient people in Judah who suffered when the Babylon army invaded. "Foreigners have come in," they lament. "They have defiled the temple. They have laid Jerusalem in ruins." Both the center of worship and of government have been lost.
And lives were lost, too. So many were killed, that there weren't enough survivors left to bury them.
The lament does not stop with the listing of their losses. It includes what happens after that. Rather than wanting to support them or at least be sympathetic to them, their neighbors mock and deride.
I'm pausing to think about what would be the expected reaction by anyone to somebody else's suffering. How often do we think something like, "Well, what could you expect? After all, they really deserve what they got"?
And I'm thinking about how I feel when I suspect, or know, that onlookers are judging me. Now, since the psalm is a community lament, I should reword that to how I as an America feel when other nations mock my country for getting what they judge that we deserve. Suffering makes us feel bad. Being mocked rather than being sympathized with can make us feel worse.
What are we supposed to do when we have been hurt badly? We don't have to pretend that we like it. This psalm complains to God about what has happened and how long it has taken with no improvement in sight, "How long, O Lord? Will you be angry forever?"
The psalm suggests that it is not up to us to seek vengeance, but, rather, that we are to turn to God to take care of it for us, "Pour out your anger on them. They have laid waste to the land you have given us."
How willing are we moderns to allow God to handle the vengeance that we can so clearly see is really overdue?
In the psalm, after listing the losses of the place of worship, the capital city, much of the population, and even dignity, the lament turns to confession and request.
Proverbs 24:30-34
I passed by the field of one who was lazy,
by the vineyard of a stupid person;
and see, it was all overgrown with thorns;
the ground was covered with nettles,
and its stone wall was broken down.
Then I saw and considered it;
I looked and received instruction.
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest,
and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want like an armed warrior.
Prayer for Today: Form your prayer around these verses of Psalm 49--
the iniquities of our ancestors;
let your compassion come
speedily to meet us,
for we are brought very low.
(Psalm 79 :8)
Jeremiah 12:1-14:10
Jeremiah asks the Lord the question that occasionally troubles us, "Why do good things happen to bad people?" The Lord responds, "If you are losing a race with foot runners, how do you expect to compete with horses?"
The Lord then points out that the very people who claim to be so good don't really do what the Lord has asked of them. They deserve the troubles they have been in.
Yet, the Lord is going to once again going to show them compassion--but not immediately. Hard times are coming for them.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:8
Scholars believe that this letter is the oldest one that we have that was written by Paul. As such, it is the oldest piece of Christian literature that we have. For example, evidence indicates that it is dated at about 50 CE, twenty years before the Gospel of Mark would have been written.
His audience lived a long way away from Jerusalem--not only in miles. They were Greek and they were Gentile. Paul begins his letter, as was the practice of the time, with a greeting. But, he changes the greeting from what they would have been accustomed to.
The Graeco-Roman practice of the time was to begin letters with the Greek word, chairein, which meant "Greetings." Paul instead used the Greek word, charis, which sounds similar but mean "peace." This term would thus echo the term customarily used as greeting by the Jews, shalom, which meant "peace."
Thus, in his greeting, Paul has combined the traditonal Graeco-Roman form of greeting with the religious one. He's speaking to people who have accepted the faith and have been incorporated into God's family.
In verse 3, Paul expresses thanks to God for the way that the Thessalonians are living their lives. They have faith--not just an attitude, but the God-given power to do Christian work. They have love--not just an emotion, but the means by which they carry out this work. They have hope--not just optimism, but a confident expectation that God will triumph.
Hear the echo, in verses 9-10, as Paul describes the Christian experience. Because of your faith, you turned to God. Because of your love, you served God. Because of your hope, you are waiting for his Son, our rescuer.
(Note: my source for this explanation comes from The People's New Testament Commentary, by Boring and Craddock. I hope you have access to a copy yourself.)
Psalm 79:1-13
We can read this psalm and be able to put ourselves into the thoughts of those ancient people in Judah who suffered when the Babylon army invaded. "Foreigners have come in," they lament. "They have defiled the temple. They have laid Jerusalem in ruins." Both the center of worship and of government have been lost.
And lives were lost, too. So many were killed, that there weren't enough survivors left to bury them.
The lament does not stop with the listing of their losses. It includes what happens after that. Rather than wanting to support them or at least be sympathetic to them, their neighbors mock and deride.
I'm pausing to think about what would be the expected reaction by anyone to somebody else's suffering. How often do we think something like, "Well, what could you expect? After all, they really deserve what they got"?
And I'm thinking about how I feel when I suspect, or know, that onlookers are judging me. Now, since the psalm is a community lament, I should reword that to how I as an America feel when other nations mock my country for getting what they judge that we deserve. Suffering makes us feel bad. Being mocked rather than being sympathized with can make us feel worse.
What are we supposed to do when we have been hurt badly? We don't have to pretend that we like it. This psalm complains to God about what has happened and how long it has taken with no improvement in sight, "How long, O Lord? Will you be angry forever?"
The psalm suggests that it is not up to us to seek vengeance, but, rather, that we are to turn to God to take care of it for us, "Pour out your anger on them. They have laid waste to the land you have given us."
How willing are we moderns to allow God to handle the vengeance that we can so clearly see is really overdue?
In the psalm, after listing the losses of the place of worship, the capital city, much of the population, and even dignity, the lament turns to confession and request.
Proverbs 24:30-34
I passed by the field of one who was lazy,
by the vineyard of a stupid person;
and see, it was all overgrown with thorns;
the ground was covered with nettles,
and its stone wall was broken down.
Then I saw and considered it;
I looked and received instruction.
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest,
and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want like an armed warrior.
Prayer for Today: Form your prayer around these verses of Psalm 49--
Do not remember against us the iniquities of our ancestors;
let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low.
Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name;
deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name's sake.
We pray for help not because we deserve it, but because we need it.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Reflection on readings for October 8
With upright heart you tended us,
and guided us with skillful hand.
(adapted from Psalm 78:72)
Jeremiah 10:1-11:23
Jeremiah warns them to consider how foolishly they are spending their time, their efforts, their money. "None of that stuff can save you--or harm you. There's only one God." They didn't pay attention to his warnings.
Colossians 3:18-4:18
The letter goes on to give advice to Christians on household management. Husbands are to be in charge over wives; parents over children; masters over their slaves. Although those in charge are told to treat their subordinates fairly, it is still clear who is the boss and who is not. Elizabeth Johnson, in the Women's Bible Commentary, points out the discrepancy between this advice and the assertion in Romans 11, "God shows no partiality." If God doesn't, why should we? She suggests that this "retreat from freedom of the gospel once offered to women and slaves in order to insulate the church from its neighbors' charges that it is socially disruptive."
We modern Christians still live among non-Christians. How much of our beliefs and actions are modeled on Christ and how much on what people might think of us?
Psalm 78:56-72
Proverbs 24:28-29
Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause,
and do not deceive with your lips.
Do not say "I will do to others as they have done to me;
I will pay them back for what they have done."
Prayer for Today: O Lord, our one God, direct our attention to your will today. Guide us into how we can serve your wishes through how we choose to spend our times and money. Help us to discern what that will of yours is and how to distinguish between your wishes for us and what we think the people around us would approve of. Amen.
and guided us with skillful hand.
(adapted from Psalm 78:72)
Jeremiah 10:1-11:23
Jeremiah warns them to consider how foolishly they are spending their time, their efforts, their money. "None of that stuff can save you--or harm you. There's only one God." They didn't pay attention to his warnings.
Colossians 3:18-4:18
The letter goes on to give advice to Christians on household management. Husbands are to be in charge over wives; parents over children; masters over their slaves. Although those in charge are told to treat their subordinates fairly, it is still clear who is the boss and who is not. Elizabeth Johnson, in the Women's Bible Commentary, points out the discrepancy between this advice and the assertion in Romans 11, "God shows no partiality." If God doesn't, why should we? She suggests that this "retreat from freedom of the gospel once offered to women and slaves in order to insulate the church from its neighbors' charges that it is socially disruptive."
We modern Christians still live among non-Christians. How much of our beliefs and actions are modeled on Christ and how much on what people might think of us?
Psalm 78:56-72
Proverbs 24:28-29
Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause,
and do not deceive with your lips.
Do not say "I will do to others as they have done to me;
I will pay them back for what they have done."
Prayer for Today: O Lord, our one God, direct our attention to your will today. Guide us into how we can serve your wishes through how we choose to spend our times and money. Help us to discern what that will of yours is and how to distinguish between your wishes for us and what we think the people around us would approve of. Amen.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Reflection on the readings for October 7
Their heart was not steadfast toward you;
they were not true to your covenant.
Yet, you, being compassionate,
forgave their iniquity,
and did not destroy them;
often you restrained your anger,
and did not stir up all your wrath.
(adapted from Psalm 78:37-38)
Jeremiah 8:8-9:26
Utter corruption. God tells them their time is up. Jeremiah mourns for the people, "My joy is gone, grief is upon me, my heart is sick." They ignored his warnings, they are going to suffer, and, even though they ignored him, he is mourning what is going to befall them.
He asks if there isn't any way to save the people from destruction, "Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there?"
But, there had been balm and physicians. They just had ignored them.
God's way had been made known to them as God's way continues to be made known to us. By "God's way," I mean the way that God intends for us to go. Do we, like our predecessors, think ourselves immune from consequences of our foolish decisions and malicious deeds? And, if we admit that we aren't immune, then do we refuse medication?
Colossians 3:1-17
I'm thinking about the verb tense in verse 1, "So, if you have been raised...." Have been, not will be. Where we are now is what Paul is talking about, not what we will need to do once we get to heaven.
Your old life is over, as Paul puts it: you have died. And dying with you are those ways that are not compatible with a life in Christ:
wanting the wrong thing; for example, fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry).
doing the wrong things; for example, anger wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language
Something else that is gone with that old life is distinctions between us. How are we supposed to read this? When Paul said Barbarian, Scythian, and so on, are we supposed to read ethnic categorizations? For slave and free, are we supposed to read no hierarchical distinctions? What would our lives be like, how would we behave, if we truly lived out the Christian way?
Demonstrate compassion.
Forgive each other.
Show love.
Be peaceful.
Be thankful.
And if you do all of the above, then you could be qualified to do the next: teach and admonish each other. (I'm guessing more people who don't show compassion, forgiveness, etc. are also more likely to do the admonishing....I'm just saying.) Let us now show the world--and each other--what that coming does for Christ's followers.
Psalm 78:32-55
Irony: When they were in need, they remembered God; when they were in possession of what they needed, they forgot God. Punishment followed then even more forgiveness. Repeat.
Proverbs 24:27
Prepare your work outside,
get everything ready for you in the field;
and after that build your house.
Prayer for Today: O Lord our God, direct us to acting like true Christians. Help us to demonstrate compassion, to forgive, to show love, to be peaceful, to be thankful. Amen.
they were not true to your covenant.
Yet, you, being compassionate,
forgave their iniquity,
and did not destroy them;
often you restrained your anger,
and did not stir up all your wrath.
(adapted from Psalm 78:37-38)
Jeremiah 8:8-9:26
Utter corruption. God tells them their time is up. Jeremiah mourns for the people, "My joy is gone, grief is upon me, my heart is sick." They ignored his warnings, they are going to suffer, and, even though they ignored him, he is mourning what is going to befall them.
He asks if there isn't any way to save the people from destruction, "Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there?"
But, there had been balm and physicians. They just had ignored them.
God's way had been made known to them as God's way continues to be made known to us. By "God's way," I mean the way that God intends for us to go. Do we, like our predecessors, think ourselves immune from consequences of our foolish decisions and malicious deeds? And, if we admit that we aren't immune, then do we refuse medication?
Colossians 3:1-17
I'm thinking about the verb tense in verse 1, "So, if you have been raised...." Have been, not will be. Where we are now is what Paul is talking about, not what we will need to do once we get to heaven.
Your old life is over, as Paul puts it: you have died. And dying with you are those ways that are not compatible with a life in Christ:
wanting the wrong thing; for example, fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry).
doing the wrong things; for example, anger wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language
Something else that is gone with that old life is distinctions between us. How are we supposed to read this? When Paul said Barbarian, Scythian, and so on, are we supposed to read ethnic categorizations? For slave and free, are we supposed to read no hierarchical distinctions? What would our lives be like, how would we behave, if we truly lived out the Christian way?
Demonstrate compassion.
Forgive each other.
Show love.
Be peaceful.
Be thankful.
And if you do all of the above, then you could be qualified to do the next: teach and admonish each other. (I'm guessing more people who don't show compassion, forgiveness, etc. are also more likely to do the admonishing....I'm just saying.) Let us now show the world--and each other--what that coming does for Christ's followers.
Psalm 78:32-55
Irony: When they were in need, they remembered God; when they were in possession of what they needed, they forgot God. Punishment followed then even more forgiveness. Repeat.
Proverbs 24:27
Prepare your work outside,
get everything ready for you in the field;
and after that build your house.
Prayer for Today: O Lord our God, direct us to acting like true Christians. Help us to demonstrate compassion, to forgive, to show love, to be peaceful, to be thankful. Amen.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Reflection on the readings for October 6
Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old,
things that we have heard and known,
that our ancestors have told us.
(Psalm 78:1-3)
Jeremiah 6:16-8:7
Jeremiah proclaims that the Lord is wondering why we think that the public worship that we use to show off is in any way really worship. The enemy is coming and God is not going to stand in its way. "Preach to them," the Lord told Jeremiah. "Tell them that I will return to them if they will change their ways, if they will truly act justly with one another, if they do not oppress the alien, the orphan, or the widow, or shed innocent blood, or hurt themselves by going after other gods."
The Lord was convinced that they weren't listening and became angry. "Why won't they listen? Why do they continue to sin?"
Colossians 2:8-23
As a Jew, Paul had a visible reminder of his inclusion in God's covenant people. But, that particular requirement was not necessary for other Christians who were not also Jews. "You have a spiritual circumcision, baptism" he told them.
"When you were baptized," he told them, "you were buried with him, and you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God."
"For in him the whole fulness of deity dwells bodily, and you have come to fulness in him," Paul said.
Christ is the way that we can see God living in human form and Christ is the way we can see how humans ought to be living.
And for those times that we have already failed to live that way Paul reminds them that God has forgiven them.
Paul is cautioning that Christians don't allow themselves to be distracted by what may look good but is actually peripheral to the essence of what they should be doing, thinking, caring about. Moreover, he says not to pay attention to critics who themselves can't distinguish between shadow and substance--the core of Christianity and the patina we may exhibit instead.
From time to time, faithful Christians can somehow drift to faithfulness in something they call Christianity to someone that they call Christ. They, we, need periodically--constantly, even--to examine our beliefs and behavior in light of the actual Christ. As Paul put it:
The psalmist asks the people to listen: I will tell you things that I heard from my ancestors. I'll tell children about what the Lord can do and has done.
Not only history, not only the glorious deeds and wonders that the Lord did for them then. But also, how the Lord intended for them to respond. They are to remember the teaching and make sure that their children know about what God has done and what they are supposed to do.
What do we tell the children in our congregation about our own experiences with God? Do we notice when God notices us? How have we gotten through dangerous places? How did we know which way was the right way to go? Are our needs being satisfied?
The psalmist gives the reminder that even when the people were on their way toward the promised land, they were complaining. They wanted food. Because their life right then was not the way they had wanted it to be, they had begun to mistrust God.
They had left their homes because they trusted God's word coming through Moses. But, then, they had lost their trust.
But, they had not lost their God. Although their faithfulness weakened, God provided them with the food and water they needed to be able to continue their journey, abundant food and water.
It doesn't sound fair, and we can be grateful for that.
Proverbs 24:26
One who gives an honest answer gives a kiss on the lips.
Prayer for Today: O Lord, guide us into true worship. Turn our efforts toward acts of justice and kindness. Help us to remember the kindness that has been shown to us. Help us to tell others of your love and direction and forgiveness. Amen.
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old,
things that we have heard and known,
that our ancestors have told us.
(Psalm 78:1-3)
Jeremiah 6:16-8:7
Jeremiah proclaims that the Lord is wondering why we think that the public worship that we use to show off is in any way really worship. The enemy is coming and God is not going to stand in its way. "Preach to them," the Lord told Jeremiah. "Tell them that I will return to them if they will change their ways, if they will truly act justly with one another, if they do not oppress the alien, the orphan, or the widow, or shed innocent blood, or hurt themselves by going after other gods."
The Lord was convinced that they weren't listening and became angry. "Why won't they listen? Why do they continue to sin?"
Colossians 2:8-23
As a Jew, Paul had a visible reminder of his inclusion in God's covenant people. But, that particular requirement was not necessary for other Christians who were not also Jews. "You have a spiritual circumcision, baptism" he told them.
"When you were baptized," he told them, "you were buried with him, and you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God."
"For in him the whole fulness of deity dwells bodily, and you have come to fulness in him," Paul said.
Christ is the way that we can see God living in human form and Christ is the way we can see how humans ought to be living.
And for those times that we have already failed to live that way Paul reminds them that God has forgiven them.
Paul is cautioning that Christians don't allow themselves to be distracted by what may look good but is actually peripheral to the essence of what they should be doing, thinking, caring about. Moreover, he says not to pay attention to critics who themselves can't distinguish between shadow and substance--the core of Christianity and the patina we may exhibit instead.
From time to time, faithful Christians can somehow drift to faithfulness in something they call Christianity to someone that they call Christ. They, we, need periodically--constantly, even--to examine our beliefs and behavior in light of the actual Christ. As Paul put it:
Do not let anyone disqualify you, insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels, dwelling on visions, puffed up without cause by a human way of thinking, and not holding fast to the head, from whom the whole body, nourished and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows with a growth that is from God.Psalm 78:1-31
The psalmist asks the people to listen: I will tell you things that I heard from my ancestors. I'll tell children about what the Lord can do and has done.
Not only history, not only the glorious deeds and wonders that the Lord did for them then. But also, how the Lord intended for them to respond. They are to remember the teaching and make sure that their children know about what God has done and what they are supposed to do.
What do we tell the children in our congregation about our own experiences with God? Do we notice when God notices us? How have we gotten through dangerous places? How did we know which way was the right way to go? Are our needs being satisfied?
The psalmist gives the reminder that even when the people were on their way toward the promised land, they were complaining. They wanted food. Because their life right then was not the way they had wanted it to be, they had begun to mistrust God.
They had left their homes because they trusted God's word coming through Moses. But, then, they had lost their trust.
But, they had not lost their God. Although their faithfulness weakened, God provided them with the food and water they needed to be able to continue their journey, abundant food and water.
It doesn't sound fair, and we can be grateful for that.
Proverbs 24:26
One who gives an honest answer gives a kiss on the lips.
Prayer for Today: O Lord, guide us into true worship. Turn our efforts toward acts of justice and kindness. Help us to remember the kindness that has been shown to us. Help us to tell others of your love and direction and forgiveness. Amen.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Reflection on the readings for October 5
I cry aloud to God,
aloud to God,
"Hear me."
(adapted from Psalm 77:1)
Jeremiah 4:19-6:15
Jeremiah combines warning and judgment. Disaster is coming. It's inevitable. Everyone is taking flight. Yet, you are ignoring the warnings and devoting your attention to your pleasures.
The Lord tells Isaiah, "I''ll pardon the whole city if you can find even one person who acts justly and speaks the truth." Isaiah doesn't think there is even one. The poor don't know anything, and the rich don't care.
Destruction is inevitable. Flee.
Colossians 1:18-2:7
Tangent: I'm reading from the NRSV in which all of this is laid out in prose. Other translations present this passage as a hymn. [I suppose the difference would affect whether I read this as Paul's original ideas or Paul's reminding the Colossians of something of which they were quite aware.]
In any case, we who came after them may read these lines as references to the Trinity. I had, anyway. Then, today, I read what was to me a new idea in Ronald Allen Clark Williamson's Preaching the Letters without Dismissing the Law:
Back to the "in him all things hold together": the reconciliation came through the blood of his cross. We have been made holy and blameless and irreproachable (22).
Yet, we need to live up to the image that Christ provides for us. Paul adds "provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel that you have heard...." (23).
Paul is writing to an ancient congregation reassuring them and warning them, and his words still apply to us. Our congregations have their origin in the gospel, we are living out the image of God in our communities, we are held together by Christ, and we also need to be reminded that if our congregation begins to neglect our faith's requirements, then we will inevitably start to dissolve. Shifting from Christ to anything else would change what we would do, what we would be capable of doing.
Paul counsels, "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith...." He's writing to a congregation that has already received instruction in the way that Christ intends for us to live and has already begun to live that way.
"Be thankful for this way of living," he tells them "and don't be misled by any alternatives."
Psalm 77:1-20
Proverbs 24: 23-25
These are the sayings of the wise:
Partiality in judging is not good.
Whoever says to the wicked, "You are innocent,"
will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations;
but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
and a good blessing will come upon them.
Prayer for Today: O Lord our God, keep us faithful to your will. Keep us all faithful. Keep us together. Keep us always directed toward Christ is all we decide and all we do. Amen.
aloud to God,
"Hear me."
(adapted from Psalm 77:1)
Jeremiah 4:19-6:15
Jeremiah combines warning and judgment. Disaster is coming. It's inevitable. Everyone is taking flight. Yet, you are ignoring the warnings and devoting your attention to your pleasures.
The Lord tells Isaiah, "I''ll pardon the whole city if you can find even one person who acts justly and speaks the truth." Isaiah doesn't think there is even one. The poor don't know anything, and the rich don't care.
Destruction is inevitable. Flee.
Colossians 1:18-2:7
Tangent: I'm reading from the NRSV in which all of this is laid out in prose. Other translations present this passage as a hymn. [I suppose the difference would affect whether I read this as Paul's original ideas or Paul's reminding the Colossians of something of which they were quite aware.]
In any case, we who came after them may read these lines as references to the Trinity. I had, anyway. Then, today, I read what was to me a new idea in Ronald Allen Clark Williamson's Preaching the Letters without Dismissing the Law:
An example of a wisdom hymn or saying in Judaism regarding Woman Wisdom read, "She is a reflection of eternal light, a spotless mirror of the working of God, and an image of his goodness" (Wisdom 7:26); and Wisdom herself claims, "Before the ages, in the beginning, he created me" (Sirach 24:9)...The church expressed its faith in the language of Israel's Scriptures.According to Allen & Williamson, the term translated as "image" is in Greek, "eikon" connotes agency. Christ is the way that an invisible God can be disclosed to us. Further, as the firstborn, Christ "reveals not only God to us but humankind as well..." (15-21)
Back to the "in him all things hold together": the reconciliation came through the blood of his cross. We have been made holy and blameless and irreproachable (22).
Yet, we need to live up to the image that Christ provides for us. Paul adds "provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel that you have heard...." (23).
Paul is writing to an ancient congregation reassuring them and warning them, and his words still apply to us. Our congregations have their origin in the gospel, we are living out the image of God in our communities, we are held together by Christ, and we also need to be reminded that if our congregation begins to neglect our faith's requirements, then we will inevitably start to dissolve. Shifting from Christ to anything else would change what we would do, what we would be capable of doing.
Paul counsels, "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith...." He's writing to a congregation that has already received instruction in the way that Christ intends for us to live and has already begun to live that way.
"Be thankful for this way of living," he tells them "and don't be misled by any alternatives."
Psalm 77:1-20
Proverbs 24: 23-25
These are the sayings of the wise:
Partiality in judging is not good.
Whoever says to the wicked, "You are innocent,"
will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations;
but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
and a good blessing will come upon them.
Prayer for Today: O Lord our God, keep us faithful to your will. Keep us all faithful. Keep us together. Keep us always directed toward Christ is all we decide and all we do. Amen.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Reflection on the readings for October 4
Glorious are you,
more majestic than
the everlasting mountains.
(Psalm 76:4)
Jeremiah 2:31-4:18
The consequences of sin are dire. It's time to repent.
Colossians 1:1-17
Paul and Timothy (or perhaps other apostles writing in their names) give words to prayers of gratitude and of hope for the Colossians. As we read the prayer, we can think about our own congregations--how we originated, what gifts we exhibit and share, and what problems we face.
Paul prays that they will be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And he adds to this request the reason for it--so that they may lead lives worthy of the Lord, so that they may bear fruit in every good work.
But, he explicitly includes the recognition that wisdom and work will not preclude pain. Not preclude but means to overcome.
God has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of Christ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Psalm 76:1-12
Proverbs 24:21-22
My child, fear the Lord and the king,
and do not disobey either of them.
for disaster comes from them suddenly,
and who knows the ruin that both can bring?
Prayer for Today: O Lord, forgive for the wrongs we have committed, for the rights we never got around to doing. We ask that you fill us with your Spirit so that we can live lives worthy of you, pleasing to you. Amen.
more majestic than
the everlasting mountains.
(Psalm 76:4)
Jeremiah 2:31-4:18
The consequences of sin are dire. It's time to repent.
Colossians 1:1-17
Paul and Timothy (or perhaps other apostles writing in their names) give words to prayers of gratitude and of hope for the Colossians. As we read the prayer, we can think about our own congregations--how we originated, what gifts we exhibit and share, and what problems we face.
Paul prays that they will be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And he adds to this request the reason for it--so that they may lead lives worthy of the Lord, so that they may bear fruit in every good work.
But, he explicitly includes the recognition that wisdom and work will not preclude pain. Not preclude but means to overcome.
God has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of Christ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Psalm 76:1-12
Proverbs 24:21-22
My child, fear the Lord and the king,
and do not disobey either of them.
for disaster comes from them suddenly,
and who knows the ruin that both can bring?
Prayer for Today: O Lord, forgive for the wrongs we have committed, for the rights we never got around to doing. We ask that you fill us with your Spirit so that we can live lives worthy of you, pleasing to you. Amen.
Friday, October 3, 2014
Reflection on the readings for October 3
We give thanks to you, O God;
we give thanks; your name is near.
People tell of your wondrous deeds.
(Psalm 75:1)
Jeremiah 1:1-2:30
As we read through the book of Jeremiah, we will find themes of trauma, of disaster, of hope, and of survival. (Kathleen O'Connor, Women's Bible Commentary). Jeremiah is speaking to a particular people at a particular time. The New Interpreter's Study Bible describes the setting:
The book begins with the prophet Jeremiah telling of his call by the Lord. Jeremiah didn't think he was qualified, but the Lord informed him who could and would take care of that, and added "But you, gird up you loins; stand up and tell them everything that I command you." However, the Lord did not pretend that Jeremiah's task was going to be easy to accomplish, "They will fight against you," but reminded him "but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you to deliver you."
In chapter 2, we are presented with the Lord's word to Israel, "Why did your ancestors turn away from me? Why did they forget all that I had done for them?" We can hear the questions posed by the Lord to those people and hear them asked of us, as well.
Through the voice of Jeremiah, the Lord accuses them of a shocking substitute--they willingly gave up allegiance to the real God for a false substitute, "Why have my people forsaken me and turned to other gods? How smart is this? It would be like giving up a spring that of flowing fresh water in exchange for a cracked cistern that would leak stale water."
Philippians 4:1-23
Apparently Euodia and Syntyce were not getting along even though each of them was a loyal, hard-working church worker. Paul is asking them to get along and for the church to help them.
Then he gives directions to that congregation that are helpful to us all these centuries later.
I'm used to making a to-do list. Paul is asking us to make a to-think list. Look at verse 8. Think about these things: whatever is honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable. Think about any excellence you witness, anything worthy of praise.
If our minds are full of such thoughts, how hard can the rest be? Couldn't a church that is thinking about the items on this list be able to keep of doing the things that we have learned to do, the things that we have seen in people like Paul?
Couldn't a church that is thinking about these things be able to rejoice in the Lord?
Always rejoice. Never worry. Tell God what you want.
Are Paul's instructions realistic for you? That is, can you imagine yourself rejoicing at all times? Or, showing your gentleness to everyone? Or, perhaps, even having gentleness whether you show it or not?
Have you experienced the peace of God during a tough time in your life?
What portion of your prayers typically are expressions of joy? or even of moderate gratitude?
How does your congregation live out this passage?
Psalm 75:1-10
Proverb 24:17-20
Do not rejoice when your enemies fall
and do not let your heart be glad when they stumble,
or else the Lord will see it and be displeased,
and turn his anger from them.
Do not fret because of evildoers.
Do not envy the wicked;
for the evil have no future;
the lamp of the wicked will go out.
Prayer for Today: Sing Psalm 75.
we give thanks; your name is near.
People tell of your wondrous deeds.
(Psalm 75:1)
Jeremiah 1:1-2:30
As we read through the book of Jeremiah, we will find themes of trauma, of disaster, of hope, and of survival. (Kathleen O'Connor, Women's Bible Commentary). Jeremiah is speaking to a particular people at a particular time. The New Interpreter's Study Bible describes the setting:
The book tries to come to terms with and move beyond destruction wrought by Babylon's three invasions of Judah and its chief city...The exilic period was a time of immense theological disruption for Judah. Not only was the fabric of daily life in the community destroyed, but the symbolic world that supported life collapsed as well. Serious questions emerged from this turmoil. Did the nation's political and military collapse mean that God had forgotten the chosen people?
And Jeremiah is speaking to us, too. We may not have the Babylon army at our borders, but we do have our fears about our security in the future and our regrets about our failures in the past.
The book begins with the prophet Jeremiah telling of his call by the Lord. Jeremiah didn't think he was qualified, but the Lord informed him who could and would take care of that, and added "But you, gird up you loins; stand up and tell them everything that I command you." However, the Lord did not pretend that Jeremiah's task was going to be easy to accomplish, "They will fight against you," but reminded him "but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you to deliver you."
In chapter 2, we are presented with the Lord's word to Israel, "Why did your ancestors turn away from me? Why did they forget all that I had done for them?" We can hear the questions posed by the Lord to those people and hear them asked of us, as well.
Through the voice of Jeremiah, the Lord accuses them of a shocking substitute--they willingly gave up allegiance to the real God for a false substitute, "Why have my people forsaken me and turned to other gods? How smart is this? It would be like giving up a spring that of flowing fresh water in exchange for a cracked cistern that would leak stale water."
Philippians 4:1-23
Apparently Euodia and Syntyce were not getting along even though each of them was a loyal, hard-working church worker. Paul is asking them to get along and for the church to help them.
Then he gives directions to that congregation that are helpful to us all these centuries later.
I'm used to making a to-do list. Paul is asking us to make a to-think list. Look at verse 8. Think about these things: whatever is honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable. Think about any excellence you witness, anything worthy of praise.
If our minds are full of such thoughts, how hard can the rest be? Couldn't a church that is thinking about the items on this list be able to keep of doing the things that we have learned to do, the things that we have seen in people like Paul?
Couldn't a church that is thinking about these things be able to rejoice in the Lord?
Always rejoice. Never worry. Tell God what you want.
Are Paul's instructions realistic for you? That is, can you imagine yourself rejoicing at all times? Or, showing your gentleness to everyone? Or, perhaps, even having gentleness whether you show it or not?
Have you experienced the peace of God during a tough time in your life?
What portion of your prayers typically are expressions of joy? or even of moderate gratitude?
How does your congregation live out this passage?
Psalm 75:1-10
Proverb 24:17-20
Do not rejoice when your enemies fall
and do not let your heart be glad when they stumble,
or else the Lord will see it and be displeased,
and turn his anger from them.
Do not fret because of evildoers.
Do not envy the wicked;
for the evil have no future;
the lamp of the wicked will go out.
Prayer for Today: Sing Psalm 75.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Reflection on readings for October 2
Have regard for your covenant,
for the dark places of the land
are full of the haunts of violence.
Do not let the downtrodden be put to shame;
let the poor and needy praise your name.
Rise up, O God, plead your cause;
(Psalm 74:20-22a)
Isaiah 66:1-24
Isaiah points out that just showing up at the worship place is not sufficient. God also expects us to live the way God intends for us to live.
Patricia K. Tull, in the Women's Bible Commentary discusses the maternal imagery as Isaiah closes.
Paul in verses 4b-9 tells of what has already happened, how he got to where he is--what he has already achieved and what he now thinks about those past achievements.
In verses 10-14, he turns to the future. He looks forward toward his goal. Paul is not where he wants to be, not yet. Moreover, he is not planning to sit around idly waiting for a reward. Rather, Paul is determined to work, to press on.
The past will not hold him back. Paul is looking toward the future--straining forward to what lies ahead. I'm reminded of this week's reading from Isaiah "Do not remember the former things....I am about to do a new thing."
I am grateful to Carl R. Holladay for writing in Preaching Through the Christian Year C:
Imitate me.
Some people don't.
They don't turn out well. They think about what they want right now--not about the consequences.
We are looking forward to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Imitate me, he says.
Paul teaches by doing. Whether we realize it or not, so do we. Paul was conscious of the impact his choices in life had on those around him. Well, we should be too.
Psalm 74:1-23
Proverbs 24:15-16
Do not lie in wait like an outlaw
against the home of the righteous;
do no violence to the place
where the righteous live;
for though they fall seven times,
they will rise again;
but the wicked are overthrown by calamity.
Prayer for Today: O Lord, at times of our despair, remind us of your presence. In times of comfort, remind us of your presence and your expectations of us. Amen.
for the dark places of the land
are full of the haunts of violence.
Do not let the downtrodden be put to shame;
let the poor and needy praise your name.
Rise up, O God, plead your cause;
(Psalm 74:20-22a)
Isaiah 66:1-24
Isaiah points out that just showing up at the worship place is not sufficient. God also expects us to live the way God intends for us to live.
Patricia K. Tull, in the Women's Bible Commentary discusses the maternal imagery as Isaiah closes.
First, Jerusalem is described as giving birth to her children without suffering labour (66:7-8)....then described as providing comforting breast milk for all who rejoice in her (66:11). The the maternal metaphor drifts from the city of God, the mother of its residents: 'As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you [pl.]; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem" (66:13). This is a far cry from God's first speech in Isaiah, "I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me" (1:2). Like the changes in the vinedresser's role from chapter 5 to chapter 27, the role of God as parent is imagined differently, not as disciplinarian but as nurturer.Philippians 3:4-21
Paul in verses 4b-9 tells of what has already happened, how he got to where he is--what he has already achieved and what he now thinks about those past achievements.
In verses 10-14, he turns to the future. He looks forward toward his goal. Paul is not where he wants to be, not yet. Moreover, he is not planning to sit around idly waiting for a reward. Rather, Paul is determined to work, to press on.
The past will not hold him back. Paul is looking toward the future--straining forward to what lies ahead. I'm reminded of this week's reading from Isaiah "Do not remember the former things....I am about to do a new thing."
I am grateful to Carl R. Holladay for writing in Preaching Through the Christian Year C:
As we read these words closely, we see the nature of Paul's exchange: it was an exchange of something he actually possessed for something he might finally possess, the past for the future, past certainty for future hope. And this is what is especially instructive. As we experience loss, it is usually loss of the known, of what we own and have, whether it is our past or our possessions. As we lay all this aside for the superlative worth of Christ, we engage in a cardinal act of faith, for what we gain is a vision that is not ever fully ours until Christ makes us fully his won in the resurrection.Paul contrasts the way things are now with the way they could be. He preaches against self-asorbed, short-term thinking and acting.
Imitate me.
Some people don't.
They don't turn out well. They think about what they want right now--not about the consequences.
We are looking forward to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Imitate me, he says.
Paul teaches by doing. Whether we realize it or not, so do we. Paul was conscious of the impact his choices in life had on those around him. Well, we should be too.
Psalm 74:1-23
Proverbs 24:15-16
Do not lie in wait like an outlaw
against the home of the righteous;
do no violence to the place
where the righteous live;
for though they fall seven times,
they will rise again;
but the wicked are overthrown by calamity.
Prayer for Today: O Lord, at times of our despair, remind us of your presence. In times of comfort, remind us of your presence and your expectations of us. Amen.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Reflection on the readings for October 1
But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
to tell all your works.
(Psalm 73:28)
Isaiah 62:6-65:25
Isaiah is speaking to a people who have been overrun and devastated--vindication and salvation is coming. Jerusalem needs saving, and not only for its own sake. The salvation of Jerusalem will be a lesson for all who see it. The world we live in is not quite perfect even yet. We still need to sing of salvation and to look forward to it, as well.
As God has acted graciously on our behalf, so we too should act graciously, particularly when doing so does not seem reasonable. Radical love is what is called for. God's love is a relational love that calls forth love in return.
Now read chapter 65. After they returned home after exile, they gave mixed responses. Some gratitude, yes, but also some complaints. According to the New interpreter's Study Bible, scholars assert that God is speaking not to the returning exiles but to the ones who never left.
Of course, they had complaints too.
God is addressing these complaints.
We can infer that they are blaming God for their troubles, asking "Why didn't you do something sooner?"
God's response, "I was ready to come and to help even those who didn't bother to ask. When I held my hand out, you were too busy doing other things to notice me. How can I help anyone who doesn't accept my offer?"
Then, more ominously, God says,"I have been paying attention to you, and you will reap the consequences for your lapses."
But, even then, God holds out hope. Total destruction may have been deserved, but instead, God is promising continuing survival and relationship.
Thus says the Lord: As the wine is found in the cluster, and they say "do not destroy it, for there is a blessing in it" so I will do for my servants' sake (8).
This do-over after the exile allows these people to live in the land given to them by the Lord and in the way that the Lord has devised. They had messed up the first time, but now the Lord has given them another chance.
This isn't just history. It's a reminder to us as we acknowledge our failings and look to God for renewal and continued support.
Philippians 2:19-3:3
Paul warns the Philippians as he had the Galatians to beware those Christian missionaries that he terms dogs and evil workers.
Psalm 73:1-28
God is good to the upright--and to the rest of us, as well.
Proverbs 24:13-14
My child, eat honey, for it is good,
and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.
Know that wisdom is such to your soul;
if you find it, you will find a future,
and your hope will not be cut off.
Prayer for Today: O God, you are always ready to hear us. You are always ready to be found when we seek you. Turn our attention now to you, to speak to you, to seek you always. Amen.
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
to tell all your works.
(Psalm 73:28)
Isaiah 62:6-65:25
Isaiah is speaking to a people who have been overrun and devastated--vindication and salvation is coming. Jerusalem needs saving, and not only for its own sake. The salvation of Jerusalem will be a lesson for all who see it. The world we live in is not quite perfect even yet. We still need to sing of salvation and to look forward to it, as well.
As God has acted graciously on our behalf, so we too should act graciously, particularly when doing so does not seem reasonable. Radical love is what is called for. God's love is a relational love that calls forth love in return.
Now read chapter 65. After they returned home after exile, they gave mixed responses. Some gratitude, yes, but also some complaints. According to the New interpreter's Study Bible, scholars assert that God is speaking not to the returning exiles but to the ones who never left.
Of course, they had complaints too.
God is addressing these complaints.
We can infer that they are blaming God for their troubles, asking "Why didn't you do something sooner?"
God's response, "I was ready to come and to help even those who didn't bother to ask. When I held my hand out, you were too busy doing other things to notice me. How can I help anyone who doesn't accept my offer?"
Then, more ominously, God says,"I have been paying attention to you, and you will reap the consequences for your lapses."
But, even then, God holds out hope. Total destruction may have been deserved, but instead, God is promising continuing survival and relationship.
Thus says the Lord: As the wine is found in the cluster, and they say "do not destroy it, for there is a blessing in it" so I will do for my servants' sake (8).
This do-over after the exile allows these people to live in the land given to them by the Lord and in the way that the Lord has devised. They had messed up the first time, but now the Lord has given them another chance.
This isn't just history. It's a reminder to us as we acknowledge our failings and look to God for renewal and continued support.
Philippians 2:19-3:3
Paul warns the Philippians as he had the Galatians to beware those Christian missionaries that he terms dogs and evil workers.
Psalm 73:1-28
God is good to the upright--and to the rest of us, as well.
Proverbs 24:13-14
My child, eat honey, for it is good,
and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.
Know that wisdom is such to your soul;
if you find it, you will find a future,
and your hope will not be cut off.
Prayer for Today: O God, you are always ready to hear us. You are always ready to be found when we seek you. Turn our attention now to you, to speak to you, to seek you always. Amen.
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