Psalm 113 - Who is like the Lord our God? Nobody! Sometimes we need this reminder.
Numbers 16:41-17:13 - Notice how Moses and Aaron act as intercessors between God and the people. Christ is of course THE intercessor for us as sinners. It reminds me of Luther's discussion of the hidden verses the revealed God. If you're curious about this I can introduce you to the idea.
Luke 20:1-18 - I never realized that Jesus' challenge to them illustrates that they speak from logic and reason but not from knowledge of the truth. Jesus speaks as one who has authority because he does have authority and doesn't have to extrapolate to get close to the truth.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Easter 7 - Wednesday
Psalm 145 - Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.
Numbers 16:23-40 - My modern eyes can't help being shocked at stories like this. But it's really my problem. Why should I assume that God is not within His rights to punish rebellion?
Luke 19:29-48 - O Lord, open my eyes and my ears so that I can see and hear You. Don't allow me to be blind to Your visitation, Your work in my midst. Amen.
Numbers 16:23-40 - My modern eyes can't help being shocked at stories like this. But it's really my problem. Why should I assume that God is not within His rights to punish rebellion?
Luke 19:29-48 - O Lord, open my eyes and my ears so that I can see and hear You. Don't allow me to be blind to Your visitation, Your work in my midst. Amen.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Easter 7 - Tuesday
Psalm 116 - What shall I render to the Lord for all of His benefits to me?
Numbers 16:1-22 - Moses doesn't try to defend himself right away but falls down on his face and leaves judgment to the Lord.
Luke 19:11-28 - What is the thing Jesus is referring to when he says, "Everyone who has will be given more..."?
Numbers 16:1-22 - Moses doesn't try to defend himself right away but falls down on his face and leaves judgment to the Lord.
Luke 19:11-28 - What is the thing Jesus is referring to when he says, "Everyone who has will be given more..."?
Monday, May 25, 2009
Easter 7 - Monday
Psalm 136 - If you've ever complained about the repetitiveness of praise songs you'll have to take it up with the psalmist. I personally have made this complaint, yet repetition has its place. How many times does God have to tell us something until we "get it". What's also amazing is how the psalm describes the various ways we can see God's steadfast love. Everything from creation, to defeat of God's enemies is a sign of His love for you and me.
Numbers 14:26-45 - Not a good day for Israel. God explains how they will be punished for their rebellion, yet His promise still stands for the next generation. Though not fully fleshed out here, we see that the Gospel does not mean a lack of consequences, it means that ultimately we will not be cut off from God.
Luke 18:35-19:10 - I'm always surprised by the fact that people rebuke the blind man for crying out to Jesus. Is the rest of the crowd silently witnessing Jesus pass by? Isn't there a lot of noise and excitement over Jesus? Why don't the people want this man crying out for help? The blind man is persistent and cries out even louder. When Jesus heals him the rest of the people give praise to God. One man's shout for help, brings everyone else to praise. What or who is keeping us silent?
Numbers 14:26-45 - Not a good day for Israel. God explains how they will be punished for their rebellion, yet His promise still stands for the next generation. Though not fully fleshed out here, we see that the Gospel does not mean a lack of consequences, it means that ultimately we will not be cut off from God.
Luke 18:35-19:10 - I'm always surprised by the fact that people rebuke the blind man for crying out to Jesus. Is the rest of the crowd silently witnessing Jesus pass by? Isn't there a lot of noise and excitement over Jesus? Why don't the people want this man crying out for help? The blind man is persistent and cries out even louder. When Jesus heals him the rest of the people give praise to God. One man's shout for help, brings everyone else to praise. What or who is keeping us silent?
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Ascension Day
Ascension Day is the 40th day of Easter and marks Jesus ascension to heaven, just prior to the Spirit's coming on Pentecost. At this point Jesus has appeared to his disciples several times since his resurrection and now he prepare them to receive the Holy Spirit and go into the world with the good news of his resurrection from the dead.
Numbers 11:1-23, 31-35 - Moses' complaint to God about the people is similar to complaints I have made, and yet no different from Cain's response, "Am I my brothers' keeper?" Though God could have been angry with Moses, He instead provides an easier load through the appointing of elders. As God's people, there is wisdom for us in caring for each other and sharing the load. A those in Christ, there is special comfort in his words, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light," as Jesus takes all our burdens upon his shoulders.
Luke 17:1-19 - This whole section contains a lot of tough passages. The issue of forgiveness is never easy for us. The reminder of our unworthiness is hard to stomach. The story of the ten lepers reminds us of our lack of thanks and praise. Yet in all these examples, though our perspective should lead us to humility, repentance and faith, the main actor is still Jesus: forgiving us, calling us brothers and sisters rather than servants, healing us. Thanks be to God!
Numbers 11:1-23, 31-35 - Moses' complaint to God about the people is similar to complaints I have made, and yet no different from Cain's response, "Am I my brothers' keeper?" Though God could have been angry with Moses, He instead provides an easier load through the appointing of elders. As God's people, there is wisdom for us in caring for each other and sharing the load. A those in Christ, there is special comfort in his words, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light," as Jesus takes all our burdens upon his shoulders.
Luke 17:1-19 - This whole section contains a lot of tough passages. The issue of forgiveness is never easy for us. The reminder of our unworthiness is hard to stomach. The story of the ten lepers reminds us of our lack of thanks and praise. Yet in all these examples, though our perspective should lead us to humility, repentance and faith, the main actor is still Jesus: forgiving us, calling us brothers and sisters rather than servants, healing us. Thanks be to God!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Easter 6 - Wednesday
Psalm 118 - I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord.
Numbers 10:11-36 - Israel finally leaves Mount Sinai.
Luke 16:19-31 - Usually the focus on this passage is about justice. It's often misunderstood as a parable telling us that those who live well on earth won't receive blessing in the life to come, thus making our own work of self-poverty the means to salvation. Of course, we can also go wrong when we ignore or benefit from injustice in this life. But the real focus is on the witness to God's justice given by Jesus. The rich man asks for another sign or messenger and Jesus says that those who ignore the prophets won't even listen to one who has been raised from the dead. This is what happens when people in Jesus' day and ours demand evidence from God.
Numbers 10:11-36 - Israel finally leaves Mount Sinai.
Luke 16:19-31 - Usually the focus on this passage is about justice. It's often misunderstood as a parable telling us that those who live well on earth won't receive blessing in the life to come, thus making our own work of self-poverty the means to salvation. Of course, we can also go wrong when we ignore or benefit from injustice in this life. But the real focus is on the witness to God's justice given by Jesus. The rich man asks for another sign or messenger and Jesus says that those who ignore the prophets won't even listen to one who has been raised from the dead. This is what happens when people in Jesus' day and ours demand evidence from God.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Easter 6 - Tuesday
Psalm 116 - A witness to the goodness and mercy of God.
Numbers 9:1-23 - "You must have the same regulations for the alien and the native born" Even in the midst of God setting apart His chosen people He shows that ultimately His will is universally valid. God shows no partiality. His law is true for all, and so is His Gospel.
Luke 16:1-18 - This parable has never been an easy one to understand. Is Jesus really saying we can be dishonest with other people's possessions and that's a good thing? The only thing I can see that helps here is the commentary at the end. Jesus says you cannot serve both God and money. So perhaps the question is, who is served by the manager's shrewdness?
Numbers 9:1-23 - "You must have the same regulations for the alien and the native born" Even in the midst of God setting apart His chosen people He shows that ultimately His will is universally valid. God shows no partiality. His law is true for all, and so is His Gospel.
Luke 16:1-18 - This parable has never been an easy one to understand. Is Jesus really saying we can be dishonest with other people's possessions and that's a good thing? The only thing I can see that helps here is the commentary at the end. Jesus says you cannot serve both God and money. So perhaps the question is, who is served by the manager's shrewdness?
Friday, May 15, 2009
Easter 5 - Friday
Psalm 68 - God is powerful, just and good. When I began reading this Psalm I couldn't help thinking how so many people in our world would have a problem with God having enemies. "Can't we all just get along?" Yet, these enemies seem to be those who oppose God's justice. We're not just talking about atheists here, but those who stand in the way of goodness and mercy. The result of God scattering His enemies is seen in verses 4-6. The fatherless, widows, lonely, prisoners, all who suffer are restored by God's mighty destruction of His enemy. For you and me in Easter the greatest enemy is death, and we can rejoice in Christ's resurrection.
Leviticus 24:1-23 - How do we deal with the passage on stoning someone who blasphemes? How can we honor the words of God here and also understand it in light of God's words in Jesus?
Luke 12:54-13:17 - Jesus speaks to the idea that people who suffer deserved it because of their sin. Notice that Jesus doesn't say they didn't deserve death, but instead points out that all people need to repent and believe in him. It is easy for us to focus on other people's sin and not readily repent of our own.
Leviticus 24:1-23 - How do we deal with the passage on stoning someone who blasphemes? How can we honor the words of God here and also understand it in light of God's words in Jesus?
Luke 12:54-13:17 - Jesus speaks to the idea that people who suffer deserved it because of their sin. Notice that Jesus doesn't say they didn't deserve death, but instead points out that all people need to repent and believe in him. It is easy for us to focus on other people's sin and not readily repent of our own.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Easter 5 - Wednesday
Psalm 8 - What is man that you are mindful of him?
Leviticus 23:23-44 - This passage talks about God's people afflicting themselves. The NIV translation says "deny" and the NASB has "humble". Any thoughts?
Luke 12:35-53 - Jesus says he came to bring division not peace. How is this true? In what way can we call him Prince of Peace?
Leviticus 23:23-44 - This passage talks about God's people afflicting themselves. The NIV translation says "deny" and the NASB has "humble". Any thoughts?
Luke 12:35-53 - Jesus says he came to bring division not peace. How is this true? In what way can we call him Prince of Peace?
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Easter 5 - Tuesday
Psalm 66 - The psalmist remembers the specific acts of God as well as His general might. The story of being brought out of Egypt through the sea is recurring, and God's concrete act in the past speaks of His care for us in the present and future. What act(s) of God do we recount regularly?
Leviticus 23:1-22 - What feasts or holy days do we celebrate, and why?
Luke 12:13-34 - The parable of the rich fool shows the results of greed, but Jesus' following words speak to our question, "But we have to have something stored up, right?" Of course we won't be like this rich fool, but what about the most basic needs of life?
Leviticus 23:1-22 - What feasts or holy days do we celebrate, and why?
Luke 12:13-34 - The parable of the rich fool shows the results of greed, but Jesus' following words speak to our question, "But we have to have something stored up, right?" Of course we won't be like this rich fool, but what about the most basic needs of life?
Monday, May 11, 2009
Easter 5 - Monday
Psalm 93 - The language is beautiful in describing the awesomeness and fear of raging waters, yet God's mightiness over them.
Leviticus 21:1-24 - Again this book highlights God's holiness, and though passages like this can be difficult for some modern readers, it is interesting to note that for us God has already given the perfect sacrifice and the perfect priest, Jesus.
Luke 12:1-12 - Jesus tells them to fear the one who has authority over hell, but he also tells them not to fear because God has authority over them. Is the only thing to fear, fear itself?
Leviticus 21:1-24 - Again this book highlights God's holiness, and though passages like this can be difficult for some modern readers, it is interesting to note that for us God has already given the perfect sacrifice and the perfect priest, Jesus.
Luke 12:1-12 - Jesus tells them to fear the one who has authority over hell, but he also tells them not to fear because God has authority over them. Is the only thing to fear, fear itself?
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Easter 4 - Thursday
Psalm 47 - Two things: if you read this to yourself, try reading it again out loud, and give it some umph; also notice how the princes of the world will gather as God's people.
Leviticus 17:1-16 - The life of the flesh is in the blood
Luke 10:23-42 - When we study Scripture or join in worship are we coming to sit at Jesus feet or serve him?
Leviticus 17:1-16 - The life of the flesh is in the blood
Luke 10:23-42 - When we study Scripture or join in worship are we coming to sit at Jesus feet or serve him?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Easter 4 - Wednesday
Psalm 99 - God is holy and rules over all the earth. Verse 8 might give good discussion on God's mercy and wrath.
Leviticus 16:1-24 - It is amazing how specific God's commands are in this passage. This is often what makes Leviticus difficult for us to read, but it shows how serious sin is to God. He doesn't just snap His fingers, but makes atonement (taking sin away) intentional and meaningful.
Luke 10:1-22 - Regardless of whether people accept the message of Christ, "the kingdom of God has come near."
How does verse 16 form our understanding of people who say they like Jesus, just not his Church?
Leviticus 16:1-24 - It is amazing how specific God's commands are in this passage. This is often what makes Leviticus difficult for us to read, but it shows how serious sin is to God. He doesn't just snap His fingers, but makes atonement (taking sin away) intentional and meaningful.
Luke 10:1-22 - Regardless of whether people accept the message of Christ, "the kingdom of God has come near."
How does verse 16 form our understanding of people who say they like Jesus, just not his Church?
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Easter 4 - Tuesday
Psalm 98 - All creation sings praise for God's salvation, with every instrument at their disposal.
Leviticus 10:1-20 - God's holiness is not a trivial thing. In reading this passage consider keeping silent for a time following verse 3.
Luke 9:37-62 - Quite a bit going on in this reading. In most cases people are confused about the kingdom and what it means to follow Jesus. Feel free to ask questions.
Leviticus 10:1-20 - God's holiness is not a trivial thing. In reading this passage consider keeping silent for a time following verse 3.
Luke 9:37-62 - Quite a bit going on in this reading. In most cases people are confused about the kingdom and what it means to follow Jesus. Feel free to ask questions.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Revamping the Peacereading
I have to apologize to anyone who has been attempting to follow this blog. Easter season came upon me and I have deglected this reading. I have decided to come at it with a different approach. I will now follow a daily lectionary, which means three separate readings, that will cover a wider array of Scripture. I will also keep my comments/questions shorter. I hope you enjoy the new format.
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