Please read the whole chapter and feel free to post a reply even before you read my thoughts. If you don't have a Bible with you, you can follow this link to the passage: 1 Samuel 12
It is a little difficult for me to accept Samuel's approach to Israel at the beginning of this chapter. It seems like he is setting himself up as righteous and bragging about how good he has been. "Have I cheated you?" "Have I oppressed you?" It feels like the mistake we so often make in our dealings with friends, especially those who do not know Christ. We set ourselves up and away from them, in the seat of judgment.
But of course that is not exactly what Samuel is doing. As the chapter goes on, I realized that his words have little to do with himself, other than to clear the air for what's coming. It's just as likely that Samuel, like king David did later, could have openly confessed his wrongs first, so that the people could and would look to their own behavior. This is what it means to take the plank out of our own eye.
Samuel clears the air between he and the people, so that the real focus on the relationship between the people and God can be assessed. This is where Samuel can be an example for us. It is highly unlikely that we can point to no fault of our own, but in speaking with the non-Christian friend we can confess our lowly position. We can clear the air about our relationship and dependence on God, and show that we care as much about their relationship with Him. The word of judgment is no less, but now it is a word from God rather than only from us. And in this way forgiveness and a new like is also offered.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
1 Samuel 11
Please read the whole chapter and feel free to post a reply even before you read my thoughts. If you don't have a Bible with you, you can follow this link to the passage: 1 Samuel 11
Verse 7 "Then the dread of the LORD fell upon the people, and they came out as one man." There is of course a lot we could say about this chapter. This verse struck me as odd though. The Hebrew language does this a lot. Rather than saying they were unified it says they came out as one man, and the translation captures this well. What's sad is that they didn't stay as one man. They immediately began to point fingers at one another, "Who opposed Saul before? Let's put them to death." This is our current problem as God's people. We are not able to work in unity, so we squabble with each other over details and easily forget about the One who gives us life. We find fault with each other even in the midst of our (or rather God's) victories.
Yet, and there is always a "yet" with our Father, verse 7 doesn't just point to our constant return to disunity. "They came out as one man" has a deeper meaning for us. We know that Israel could not and would not fulfill their role as God's chosen son. But it was in Jesus as Israel reduced to one, that the law is fulfilled and the disobedience of God's people is punished. And so even as we continue to suffer the sin of disunity we know that we are found and united in the one man Jesus Christ. This is our reality in Baptism, and our reminder in the Lord's Supper. And it is part of our final hope in Christ's return.
Verse 7 "Then the dread of the LORD fell upon the people, and they came out as one man." There is of course a lot we could say about this chapter. This verse struck me as odd though. The Hebrew language does this a lot. Rather than saying they were unified it says they came out as one man, and the translation captures this well. What's sad is that they didn't stay as one man. They immediately began to point fingers at one another, "Who opposed Saul before? Let's put them to death." This is our current problem as God's people. We are not able to work in unity, so we squabble with each other over details and easily forget about the One who gives us life. We find fault with each other even in the midst of our (or rather God's) victories.
Yet, and there is always a "yet" with our Father, verse 7 doesn't just point to our constant return to disunity. "They came out as one man" has a deeper meaning for us. We know that Israel could not and would not fulfill their role as God's chosen son. But it was in Jesus as Israel reduced to one, that the law is fulfilled and the disobedience of God's people is punished. And so even as we continue to suffer the sin of disunity we know that we are found and united in the one man Jesus Christ. This is our reality in Baptism, and our reminder in the Lord's Supper. And it is part of our final hope in Christ's return.
Monday, December 8, 2008
1 Samuel 10
Please read the whole chapter and feel free to post a reply even before you read my thoughts. If you don't have a Bible with you, you can follow this link to the passage: 1 Samuel 10
Verse 6: "Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man." This is an amazing verse, that I have never noticed before. In the scheme of things, Saul's experiences seem like a brief prologue to the story of David, and yet he is not merely an aside in God's story of Salvation. He receives God's Spirit, and not just in a token way. He is changed "into another man." Now we may be skepticle about this change if we know how Saul's story ended, or we may react against the idea of becoming someone else entirely. "Wait a second God, you mean you don't just love me the way I am?" And yet, Saul's experience in a way is God's promise to us. Not to turn us into automatons, but to make us the individuals we were meant to be.
Throughout Old Testament prophecy and New Testament promise, we are told that God will give us a new heart and make us new people. In Christ we have our identity. The old sinful Adam in us is destroyed and the new man, Christ, rises from the dead. Sometimes, this causes us to scratch our heads, but sometimes, especially in our times of identity crisis, it is a strong word of hope.
Verse 6: "Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man." This is an amazing verse, that I have never noticed before. In the scheme of things, Saul's experiences seem like a brief prologue to the story of David, and yet he is not merely an aside in God's story of Salvation. He receives God's Spirit, and not just in a token way. He is changed "into another man." Now we may be skepticle about this change if we know how Saul's story ended, or we may react against the idea of becoming someone else entirely. "Wait a second God, you mean you don't just love me the way I am?" And yet, Saul's experience in a way is God's promise to us. Not to turn us into automatons, but to make us the individuals we were meant to be.
Throughout Old Testament prophecy and New Testament promise, we are told that God will give us a new heart and make us new people. In Christ we have our identity. The old sinful Adam in us is destroyed and the new man, Christ, rises from the dead. Sometimes, this causes us to scratch our heads, but sometimes, especially in our times of identity crisis, it is a strong word of hope.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
1 Samuel 9
Please read the whole chapter and feel free to post a reply even before you read my thoughts. If you don't have a Bible with you, you can follow this link to the passage: 1 Samuel 9
I reread this chapter over and over again and still seemed like a regular, mundane story. Normally I am looking for some extraordinary act or turn of phrase that communicates a deep theological truth. Ok so there is the whole thing about Saul being chosen as king. And he does make an interesting statement about being from the least of the tribes. But I guess what is the most remarkable to me is how Saul comes to Samuel in the first place. He's simply been sent on errand to fetch the lost donkeys. Imagine running to the store for milk and being told you've just been elected president. Saul is in the midst of such mundane activity, and yet God is using it for His purposes. Perhaps I should take greater stock in my mundane tasks.
I reread this chapter over and over again and still seemed like a regular, mundane story. Normally I am looking for some extraordinary act or turn of phrase that communicates a deep theological truth. Ok so there is the whole thing about Saul being chosen as king. And he does make an interesting statement about being from the least of the tribes. But I guess what is the most remarkable to me is how Saul comes to Samuel in the first place. He's simply been sent on errand to fetch the lost donkeys. Imagine running to the store for milk and being told you've just been elected president. Saul is in the midst of such mundane activity, and yet God is using it for His purposes. Perhaps I should take greater stock in my mundane tasks.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
1 Samuel 8
Please read the whole chapter and feel free to post a reply even before you read my thoughts. If you don't have a Bible with you, you can follow this link to the passage: 1 Samuel 8
At first the Israelite's request for a king seems like a practical concern. But then comes their real reason for wanting one, verse 20 "We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and go out before us and fight our battles." This is why God tells Samuel that the people are rejecting Him and not Samuel. It was Yahweh who had delivered them from Egypt, who had given them victory over their enemies, but they want a new national symbol.
Again this section is about the issue of trust. The people did not trust God enough to rely solely on Him and they wanted someone else they could rely on, a king. Of course, Samuel was right about what would happen when the people allowed themselves to be ruled by anyone other than God. And even when God came to them in Jesus Christ they were confused about what sort of king the Messiah would be. As we wait to celebrate Christ's birth it is helpful to reflect on what things we allow to rule us in this life, and give thanks that we have a king who has freed us from such unnecessary bondage.
At first the Israelite's request for a king seems like a practical concern. But then comes their real reason for wanting one, verse 20 "We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and go out before us and fight our battles." This is why God tells Samuel that the people are rejecting Him and not Samuel. It was Yahweh who had delivered them from Egypt, who had given them victory over their enemies, but they want a new national symbol.
Again this section is about the issue of trust. The people did not trust God enough to rely solely on Him and they wanted someone else they could rely on, a king. Of course, Samuel was right about what would happen when the people allowed themselves to be ruled by anyone other than God. And even when God came to them in Jesus Christ they were confused about what sort of king the Messiah would be. As we wait to celebrate Christ's birth it is helpful to reflect on what things we allow to rule us in this life, and give thanks that we have a king who has freed us from such unnecessary bondage.
Monday, November 24, 2008
1 Samuel Chapter 7
Please read the whole chapter and feel free to post a reply even before you read my thoughts. If you don't have a Bible with you, you can follow this link to the passage: 1 Samuel 7
It's pretty easy to pick on the Israelites because I don't have altars to other gods in my house. Or do I? A god is whatever you put your trust in. What have I placed my trust in besides God? My talents? My bank account? It would be easy to compile a long list. Like the Israelites I am in need of daily repentance and forgiveness. But God isn't just demanding an absence of other things. He is asking us to trust in Him. This means recognizing where our help comes from.
Notice the Israelites give up their idols, but not their weapons. God gives us our talents and every good gift. This is what we ask for when we pray for "daily bread". And this prayer recognizes the source of all good gifts. The Israelites are told to fight, but they know that their victory does not come from them. This is a difficult thing for us to remember, but it is comforting especially when the other "gods" fail us.
It's pretty easy to pick on the Israelites because I don't have altars to other gods in my house. Or do I? A god is whatever you put your trust in. What have I placed my trust in besides God? My talents? My bank account? It would be easy to compile a long list. Like the Israelites I am in need of daily repentance and forgiveness. But God isn't just demanding an absence of other things. He is asking us to trust in Him. This means recognizing where our help comes from.
Notice the Israelites give up their idols, but not their weapons. God gives us our talents and every good gift. This is what we ask for when we pray for "daily bread". And this prayer recognizes the source of all good gifts. The Israelites are told to fight, but they know that their victory does not come from them. This is a difficult thing for us to remember, but it is comforting especially when the other "gods" fail us.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
How to Post Comments
My apologies to anyone who has attempted to post a comment. The settings were only allowing members of Blogspot to post. Now you can click on the word "comment" at the bottom of each post and type in a reply as Anonymous if you do not have a google account. If you have any other problems contact me via e-mail or phone. Thanks
Monday, November 17, 2008
1 Samuel Chapter 6
Please read the whole chapter and feel free to post a reply even before you read my thoughts.
Whenever I read a passage like, "God struck down some of the men of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy to death because they had looked into the ark of the Lord" my first reaction is to think "what was so bad about that?" From our perspective it is easy to see some of God's judgments as arbitrary. Of course we cheer Him on when we agree with His justice. In either case we are placing ourselves in positions of judgment over God, never a good idea. God has no need to answer to us and we deserve no explanation for His actions. Knowing this will undoubtedly cause us to fear Him. And like the men in our passage we will ask, "Who can stand in the presence of the Lord, this holy God?" What they lacked in their curiosity they were given in God's judgment, a healthy fear of God.
Their question can lead us to two answers: the first is that no one can stand in God's presence because no one is worthy; the second is that we can stand in God's presence because we have been made worthy by the blood of Jesus. This is why Luther begins each explanation of the Ten Commandments with the words, "we should fear and love God." It is in short a recognition of God's mightiness and our smallness, coupled with the knowledge that we are dearly loved on account of Christ.
Whenever I read a passage like, "God struck down some of the men of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy to death because they had looked into the ark of the Lord" my first reaction is to think "what was so bad about that?" From our perspective it is easy to see some of God's judgments as arbitrary. Of course we cheer Him on when we agree with His justice. In either case we are placing ourselves in positions of judgment over God, never a good idea. God has no need to answer to us and we deserve no explanation for His actions. Knowing this will undoubtedly cause us to fear Him. And like the men in our passage we will ask, "Who can stand in the presence of the Lord, this holy God?" What they lacked in their curiosity they were given in God's judgment, a healthy fear of God.
Their question can lead us to two answers: the first is that no one can stand in God's presence because no one is worthy; the second is that we can stand in God's presence because we have been made worthy by the blood of Jesus. This is why Luther begins each explanation of the Ten Commandments with the words, "we should fear and love God." It is in short a recognition of God's mightiness and our smallness, coupled with the knowledge that we are dearly loved on account of Christ.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
1 Samuel Chapter 5
Please read the whole chapter and feel free to post a reply even before you read my thoughts.
The story of Dagon is one of the most amusing stories to me. It is of course comical that this statue falls on his face before the ark of God. (For those unaware, the ark of the covenant was a container that had the ten commandments in it. It contained the word of God and clearly God's presence was with it in a special way.) The story of Dagon reminds me of something that I don't often recognize. There are other powers in this world. God says that there is no other god besides Him, but in our culture we often take it further to ignore Satan and his demons. We sterilize our understanding of the spiritual. Whether Dagon was only a statue, or a demon was present with it is immaterial. God does not simply ignore it. Instead He forces it to bow to him and ultimately breaks it of it's strength. In our lives it is tempting to ignore Satan, but acting like he isn't there only helps his purpose. Instead, as God's children we recognize his limited power, and when he tempts us or tries to drive us away from God, we put him in his place.
The story of Dagon is one of the most amusing stories to me. It is of course comical that this statue falls on his face before the ark of God. (For those unaware, the ark of the covenant was a container that had the ten commandments in it. It contained the word of God and clearly God's presence was with it in a special way.) The story of Dagon reminds me of something that I don't often recognize. There are other powers in this world. God says that there is no other god besides Him, but in our culture we often take it further to ignore Satan and his demons. We sterilize our understanding of the spiritual. Whether Dagon was only a statue, or a demon was present with it is immaterial. God does not simply ignore it. Instead He forces it to bow to him and ultimately breaks it of it's strength. In our lives it is tempting to ignore Satan, but acting like he isn't there only helps his purpose. Instead, as God's children we recognize his limited power, and when he tempts us or tries to drive us away from God, we put him in his place.
Monday, November 10, 2008
1 Samuel Chapter 4
Please read the whole chapter and feel free to post a reply even before you read my thoughts.
As I was reading the first part of this chapter I was sure that God's presence would assist the Israelites. It is a theme that runs throughout the Old Testament: When Yahweh fights for you, you cannot lose. But in this instance I was surprised to see Israel defeated horribly. Of course, in this instance it was Israel and not Yahweh who decided on the course of action. In this sense, the people decided what they thought the Lord should bless rather than following His lead. This realization should not scare me toward inaction, but should give me caution in thinking that whatever I try to do will undoubtedly be blessed by God. It reminds me to take the path of the cross and not of glory, to seek God's will in humble service and prayer.
As I was reading the first part of this chapter I was sure that God's presence would assist the Israelites. It is a theme that runs throughout the Old Testament: When Yahweh fights for you, you cannot lose. But in this instance I was surprised to see Israel defeated horribly. Of course, in this instance it was Israel and not Yahweh who decided on the course of action. In this sense, the people decided what they thought the Lord should bless rather than following His lead. This realization should not scare me toward inaction, but should give me caution in thinking that whatever I try to do will undoubtedly be blessed by God. It reminds me to take the path of the cross and not of glory, to seek God's will in humble service and prayer.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
1 Samuel Chapter 3
Please read the whole chapter and feel free to post a reply even before you read my thoughts.
Verse 11 "I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle." Though I could do a more thorough study of "tingle" in Hebrew, the point that translators seem to be making is an experience of exhilaration. In other words God's action will create a mixture of fear and delight among His people. I would not expect anything less.
Verse 18 "He is the Lord (Yahweh); let him do what is good in his eyes." Eli is God's faithful servant even though he has fallen short, and he shows this by not seeking to fight against God's will. I am generally ready to take the good news from God, but I am not so ready to accept His authority when it means negative consequences for me. Knowing this informs how I speak of God's authority with non-Christians. It may not be as easy as giving Law then Gospel.
Verse 11 "I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle." Though I could do a more thorough study of "tingle" in Hebrew, the point that translators seem to be making is an experience of exhilaration. In other words God's action will create a mixture of fear and delight among His people. I would not expect anything less.
Verse 18 "He is the Lord (Yahweh); let him do what is good in his eyes." Eli is God's faithful servant even though he has fallen short, and he shows this by not seeking to fight against God's will. I am generally ready to take the good news from God, but I am not so ready to accept His authority when it means negative consequences for me. Knowing this informs how I speak of God's authority with non-Christians. It may not be as easy as giving Law then Gospel.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
1 Samuel Chapter 2
Please read the whole chapter and feel free to post a reply even before you read my thoughts.
Hannah's song reminds me both of the Psalms and of Mary's song in Luke 1. What is interesting in both Hannah and Mary's songs is that God's mercy toward them is connected with his justice against the wicked and mighty. What I often forget is that good news for some can be bad news for others. It also reminds me that I am often quick to distance God from His acts of justice. I only want to talk about the nice things He does and fail to communicate that He gives and takes away. Everything is under His control. This of course also makes Jesus work even more amazing, because God carries out His justice against His own Son, so that we might receive mercy.
Hannah's song reminds me both of the Psalms and of Mary's song in Luke 1. What is interesting in both Hannah and Mary's songs is that God's mercy toward them is connected with his justice against the wicked and mighty. What I often forget is that good news for some can be bad news for others. It also reminds me that I am often quick to distance God from His acts of justice. I only want to talk about the nice things He does and fail to communicate that He gives and takes away. Everything is under His control. This of course also makes Jesus work even more amazing, because God carries out His justice against His own Son, so that we might receive mercy.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
1 Samuel Chapter 1
Please read the whole chapter and feel free to post a reply even before you read my thoughts.
Verse 16: "Do not take your servant for a wicked woman." This makes me wonder how often I mistake people's motives, or assume wickedness when there is anguish and grief. In the Old Testament there is a common theme of women who cannot bear children, and Yahweh promises them a child and gives life. In our day what causes people to feel like outcasts and how can we approach them with God's promises?
The dedication of Samuel must have been a huge sacrifice for Hannah. She is almost like Abraham who is given Isaac and then told to kill him. My mother was sad to see me leave for college, so I can't imagine how Hannah felt letting go of her only son. Of course, God also gave up His only begotten, so He understands even more sharply than Hannah and Abraham.
What other thoughts do you have?
Verse 16: "Do not take your servant for a wicked woman." This makes me wonder how often I mistake people's motives, or assume wickedness when there is anguish and grief. In the Old Testament there is a common theme of women who cannot bear children, and Yahweh promises them a child and gives life. In our day what causes people to feel like outcasts and how can we approach them with God's promises?
The dedication of Samuel must have been a huge sacrifice for Hannah. She is almost like Abraham who is given Isaac and then told to kill him. My mother was sad to see me leave for college, so I can't imagine how Hannah felt letting go of her only son. Of course, God also gave up His only begotten, so He understands even more sharply than Hannah and Abraham.
What other thoughts do you have?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Peace Reading Begins
This blog is devoted to reading through the Bible. It has been my experience that though I would like to spend more time in the Word, I need some accountability in order for me to stay consistent. I hope this blog will assist you in this as well. This will be a small group in a sense, and I will focus on disciples who attend Peace Lutheran in Sacramento, but all are welcome to read along and join in discussion. Each post will consist of a Bible reference and some thoughts that occurred to me while reading. I do not consider this instruction time, but simply want to get a discussion going. I hope you enjoy!
Peace
Ryan
Peace
Ryan
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