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Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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A Healthy Fear

Reading: Proverbs 14

‭Proverbs 14:22 – “Don’t those who plan evil go astray? Those who plan good receive loyalty and faithfulness.”

Today’s key verse summarizes the overarching idea of Proverbs. The goal of Solomon and other sages who contributed to this book was to teach naive young men how to walk faithfully with God. To ignore this wisdom is to turn away from God, to “go astray,” to choose death.

The naive have and will always exist. Therefore Proverbs will be ever relevant. The naive think they know it all but can also fall prey to believing anything. Their sphere of thinking is fairly small, usually centered on self. Common sense is in short supply. All of this can lead to lurching forward in awkward ways. The inward focus can lead to things like “despising” those with needs. With wisdom and maturity brings a thoughtfulness to one’s steps, words, and actions. One begins to see beyond self. Care and concern for others becomes a new reality.

As one gains wisdom and maturity, one also begins to understand the heart. Wisdom brings an understanding of our own heart and of the hearts of others. One grasps and grapples with joy and sorrow, happiness and distress. Empathy develops. We read, “Wisdom resides in an understanding heart.” One moves from considering to prioritizing other over self.

Wisdom eventually leads to a revrent fear of the Lord. This guides one’s choices, words, actions. One chooses integrity over the “crooked path.” One develops a strong confidence and trust in God’s care for us and for our families. Wisdom and a healthy fear of the Lord draws us close to the “fountain of life.” There we are guided to seek a continual walk in God’s will and way. May this be our path and our choice.

Prayer: Lord God, on this journey of life we mature in many ways: physically, emotionally, relationally, vocationally, spiritually. All tend to come with age and experience. We can be a part of the process or we can just go with the flow of life. As your disciples, guide us to engage the process, to invest in our lives, especially in our faith. Rooted deeply in you we find strength, compassion, empathy, love. In you we find meaning and purpose. Draw us deeper and deeper into you, fountain of life. Amen.


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Seek Wisdom Like Silver

Readings: Proverbs 1 and 2

‭Proverbs 2:10-11 – “Wisdom will enter your mind, and knowledge will fill you with delight. Discretion will guard you; understanding will protect you.”

As we delve into Proverbs we begin with the “why.” The purpose of Proverbs is to teach us wisdom and discipline. The advice contained herein can make the naive mature, the young knowledgeable. Ultimately wisdom leads to the fear of the Lord. This isn’t a fear of spiders or heights. It is a holy reverence for God, a deep respect and awareness of God’s might.

Lady wisdom begins speaking in 1:20. She is a personification of God’s wisdom, an old-school version of the Holy Spirit perhaps. Lady wisdom calls out to the naive, to the mockers, to the fools. But they reject and ignore her. They will not receive her spirit. So she’ll laugh at them when disaster and distress and oppression come. Tis, after all, “the fruit of their way.” But those who do listen and who do obey, they “will dwell securely.”

In chapter 2 Solomon speaks to his son. This could be to an actual son, it might just be to all “sons.” Solomon’s wisdom along with lady wisdom’s – these are to be sought like silver. This is because if one lives with integrity, God will bless you with “ability.” If one is blameless, God will be your shield. In verses 10-11 we read, “Wisdom will enter your mind, and knowledge will fill you with delight. Discretion will guard you; understanding will protect you.” Wisdom will rescue one from evil. It will rescue one from the “mysterious woman” too – the woman who has forgotten her covenants with God and with her husband. Her path leads to death. Those who walk with integrity, they will “dwell in the land.”

Prayer: Lord God, pour out your wisdom upon us. Open our hearts and minds as we delve into your word. Guide us to store away those nuggets that will lead us to walk your path. Guard us from evil. Keep the tempter far away. Amen!


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For Me. For Us. For You.

Readings: Psalms 113-118

‭Psalm 118:6 – “The LORD is for me — I won’t be afraid. What can anyone do to me?”

Today’s six Psalms are known as the “Egyptian Hallelujah.” These words of praise were recited each year at the Passover meal. Psalms 113 and 114 were recited before the meal. These Psalms celebrate God’s actions on behalf of the poor and needy and on behalf of Israel during the exodus. Psalm 113 exalts the God who lifts up the poor, who raises the needy, who brings the barren woman the joy of motherhood. These words echo “Hannah’s Song” from 1st Samuel 2 where God acted on behalf of the faithful. Psalm 114 remembers the parting of the sea and river, the bringing of water from the rocks – more signs of God’s faithful love.

After eating the Passover meal, Psalms 115 through 118 would be recited. Although lost in translation, Psalms 115 and 118 were originally written and spoken as call-and-response liturgy. Psalm 115 lifts up God’s power and might, contrasting God with worthless idols who “have mouths, but they can’t speak.” God is Israel’s “strength and shield.” 115 closes with blessings to all. Psalm 116 is a celebration of an individual’s rescue, reminding Israel that God is a personal God too. Because of God’s deliverance the individual will “lift up the cup of salvation… will keep the promises” made to God. Psalm 117 lifts up God’s strong love.

The Hallelujah closes with Psalm 118. The setting is an individual coming to the temple to give thanks to God. This Psalm calls Israel, the priests, and all who honor the Lord to declare, “God’s faithful love lasts forever!” Because of their experience with this in the exodus, the psalmist writes, “The LORD is for me — I won’t be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” God was faithful. God is faithful. God will be faithful. What is to fear?

Verses 22 and 27 are often connected to Jesus – the stone rejected, the light that shined, the offering led to the new altar, the cross. These are echoes found in the ever expanding story of God’s love, reflections on the final Passover lamb.

Prayer: Lord God, today’s words celebrate your presence with your people. Just as you rescued and delivered, just as you provided and made a way, do so for us in our lives too, O God. We seek to walk in your strong and faithful love, a love that lasts forever. Thank you, Lord, for your love. Amen.


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An Extension

Readings: Psalms 108-112

‭Psalm 111:3 – “God’s deeds are majestic and glorious. God’s righteousness stands forever.”

Psalms 108 and 109 seek God’s presence in the struggles against enemies. Psalm 108 begins with praise to God. The psalmist’s “unwavering heart” will make music for all people, proclaiming God’s faithful love. The Psalm celebrates God choosing Gilead, Manasseh… and rejecting Moab, Edom… Yet the writer turns in verse 11, asking the familiar question: Where are you, God? The psalmist asks for God’s help because “human help is worthless.” Psalm 109 seeks God’s help too – just on a personal level. Verses 6-19 detail the “hateful words” spoken by the enemies. From a place of weakness the psalmist begs God to shame and disgrace his or her enemies.

Psalm 110 speaks of kingship. It invites God’s presence with the king, allowing the “mighty scepter” to reach far. The psalmist calls to mind God’s “solemn pledge” to establish the kings. The Psalm closes with a reminder that God’s justice will reign.

Psalms 111 and 112 are similar. They praise God’s work and the workings of a righteous life. There is a parallel here. In Psalm 111 the psalmist praises God’s works as magnificent, majestic, and glorious. God’s righteousness, mercy, and compassion are celebrated. God’s handiwork is honesty and justice. God brings redemption. It closes proverbially: “Fear of the Lord is where wisdom begins.” Psalm 112 echoes these traits of God. The people of God are to be an extension of God. We are to be righteous and generous, merciful and compassionate. In the end, then, we too will see our enemies’ defeat. Death and pain and oppression and struggle will be no more. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, your presence is what we need. Whether beset by enemies or praising your glorious reign, we need your presence. On the stormy days and on the days of joy and peace, be present to us, O God. Guide us to walk and live faithfully, shining your love onto and into the world. Amen.


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God’s Unfolding Love

Readings: Psalms 54-56

‭Psalm 56:3-4 – “Whenever I’m afraid, I put my trust in you… I trust in God; I won’t be afraid. What can mere flesh do to me?”

Our three Psalms today focus on rescue from enemies. In Psalm 54 it is the proud who have come up against the psalmist. In Psalm 55 it is first in the words of the wicked and then of a friend that has brought “fear and trembling” upon the psalmist. And Psalm 56 there are “so many enemies” that bring misery upon the life of the psalmist. In all three Psalms we find requests to “bring disaster,” to “let death devastate my enemies,” and to bring them down “in wrath.”

At times we feel attacked. It can be with words and/or actions. We can feel our hearts pounding. We can wish to “fly away and rest.” We’ve experienced a friend turning on us. It hurts – bad. We can connect to the emotions running through these passages. As the attack or abuse continues and continues, we too can near the prayers that are rained down on the psalmist’s “enemies.” We can want God to wipe them out so that our hurt goes away. Or… we can punch back, hitting them harder, seeking to end the situation by our own hand or words.

In these Psalms we see again and again a trust in God. It wavers at times, as evidenced in the key verse above. Fear is the antidote to trust and vice versa. Fear can play all kinds of games – buckling our trust, leading us to wish ill on our enemies, tempting us towards revenge. Today, though, my thoughts are drawn to the gospels. My heart is drawn to words that speak of loving our enemies, of blessing those who curse us. As the story of God’s love continues to unfold and as it is more deeply revealed in Jesus Christ, may our faith and trust grow as we really live into the psalmist’s reality check: “What can mere flesh do to me?”

Prayer: Lord God, as we read and work our way through your word, help us to keep in mind the overarching story of your love for all of humankind. May this big story and its revelation in Jesus counter our human tendencies towards hate, revenge, and other forms of evil. Help us not to fear but to instead trust in your bigger, better plan for our lives and for your world. Amen.


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The First Steps

Readings: Psalms 25-28

‭Psalm 25:10 – “All the LORD’s paths are loving and faithful for those who keep his covenant and laws.”

Photo credit: David Brook Martin

Psalm 25 is a prayer for forgiveness and protection. The psalmist’s declaration of trust is followed by a request to prevent any shame from coming their way. The psalmist edges up to asking God for forgiveness – don’t remember my sins. Verse 10 sums up the psalmist’s belief and what they hold to be true: “All the LORD’s paths are loving and faithful for those who keep his covenant and laws.” If one is faithful, one experiences God’s love. That is the hope. Closing the Psalm, because he or she looks to the Lord, well then, God should forgive their sin and end their suffering. Save me God – because I seek you.

The next Psalm declares the author’s innocence. There are echoes of the book of Job in Psalm 26. Give me justice, God, because I have integrity. Examine me, God, because I’m innocent. I don’t spend time with the wicked. No, I love being in your presence, God. So save me! As was the case with Job, we too feel injustice when good people suffer – especially when it is us.

Psalm 27 is a song of hope during suffering. There is a trust in God’s light and salvation. It is a trust that counters fear. Again the psalmist seeks to be in God’s presence. There God will shelter us, will hide us, and will set our feet high upon a solid rock, above the storms of life. The Psalm closes with a “sure faith” that he or she will experience God’s goodness. In our storms, may this be our hope and our trust.

We close today’s readings with a petition that God would hear and respond. Psalm 28 begins by saying “don’t refuse to hear me” because “you are my rock.” Today I read this and other parts of these Psalms as transactional. I too can treat God that way at times. Returning to the text, a request is made to give the wicked what they deserve. This too would bring relief to the psalmist. The Psalm closes with a declaration of hope, trust, and rejoicing.

Throughout these four Psalms there is a common theme. We must be faithful to and connected to God if we desire for God to hear and respond to our prayers. While this is true, it pre-supposes a relationship as the first step. I am also struck today by the lack of introspection, confession, and repentance. These are essential elements – steps – for a healthy relationship with God. May we take these first steps today. It is where our relationship with God begins anew each day. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, you’ve created us in your image, designed us to live in a relationship with you. We can sense this connection, this call. But we are not always faithful. We stray and we fall short. Have patience. Build our trust and faith. Guide our steps. Order them according to your heart. Bless us as we seek to walk daily with you. Amen.


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“Justice”

Readings: Job 22 through Job 31

‭Job 23:10 – “Surely he knows my way; when he tests me, I will emerge as gold.”

Eliphaz begins by listing Job’s sins. He is speculating about what Job could have done. He again encourages Job to confess and repent. Then God will again be Job’s “prized possession.” Job responds, declaring his innocence, desiring an audience with God. He then noted an absence of justice in the world. Wicked people move boundary stones and take the poor as collateral, “but God assigns no blame.” The wicked simply go on living and in the end, like everyone else, they die. Bildad then surrenders to this hopelessness too, calling humans and their children “worms… grubs.”

Job’s final speech to his friends runs from chapters 26-31. He does begin by acknowledging God’s “thunderous power.” In response to Bildad’s surrender, Job states that his lips won’t utter wicked words or deceit. He then returns to God, the source of true wisdom, the one who alone understands this wisdom. Job says the closest we can get to the wisdom of God is to fear the Lord. Job then reviews his former status and good deeds. This was how he lived out “justice” – caring for the needy, giving good advice to those who sought it. And now they all mock him.

Chapter 31 is Job’s closing argument. He is laying out proof of his innocence. He did not commit adultery. He did not receive others. He did not abuse his slaves. He did not ignore the needy. He did not worship gold or any other idol. He did not rejoice over his foes’ ruin. Job closes this list with a verbal signature. He wants his accuser (who he thinks is God) to write an indictment. An indictment is coming next. It’s not from God, though. That is yet to come.

Prayer: Lord God, you are indeed the source of all power and wisdom. You are far above us and our ways. We seek, as Job did, to follow your commands. We strive to avoid wickedness and sin too. In moments and seasons of trial, Lord, empower us through the Holy Spirit’s presence within us. Lead us to dive deep into that reservoir. Amen.


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One Problem

Readings: Job 1, Job 2, Job 3, Job 4, Job 5

Job 1:21 – “The LORD has given; the LORD has taken; bless the LORD’s name.”

Photo credit: Marek Pospisil

We begin Job today. Whereas in Esther there was a threat of suffering that prompted action, in Job the suffering comes – in one huge jolt. Both Esther and Job “argue” against the universally held belief of the time: obey God and be blessed, disobey God and be punished.

As Job begins the narrator makes a very important statement for us to hold to as we read this book: Job is honest and full of integrity; he fears God and avoids evil. Job is so righteous, in fact, he makes sacrifices just in case his children have sinned. Because Job is righteous, in ancient thoughts, he should not suffer. But suffer he does! At the hands of the Adversary, Job loses all his livestock, his servants, and all 10 children. This would lead a lesser man to curse God. Not Job. He says, “The LORD has given; the LORD has taken; bless the LORD’s name.” Job too operates, at least for now, under the blessing and punishment paradigm.

To further test Job’s faith the Adversary receives permission to afflict Job’s health. Severe sores cover his whole body. Job’s wife – who has also experienced this rush of loss and who knows herself to be innocent of sin – encourages Job to just curse God and die. Why fight it? But Job responds much the same way: how can one accept good from God but not bad from God as well? Again the paradigm.

Job’s three friends arrive. Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar sit with Job for seven days. They too look at Job in his present state and assume that he is a great sinner. Why else would this happen to him? Job speaks first, rueing the day he was born. In the religious thinking of the day, there was no concept yet of an afterlife. The greatest gift of God was life itself. Job wishes that he had never received this gift. This is an indication of Job’s struggle to understand what is happening to him.

Eliphaz responds. He sees Job as a sinner who needs to repent. This drives all that he says. If one “plows sin” then one “sows trouble.” He encourages Job to put his case to God. He reminds Job that God wants to forgive and will bind up and heal. One problem: Job is sinless. What case can he possibly bring before God?

Prayer: Lord God, what wrestling we begin today! Suffering and loss continue to be a part of our lives and our world. Questions continue to abound! As we walk with Job, his friends, with you, help us to gain understanding and insight into who you really are: not the cause but the one who walks with us. Amen.


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Saul’s Warning Signs

Readings: 1st Samuel 8, 1st Samuel 9, 1st Samuel 10, 1st Samuel 11, 1st Samuel 12, 1st Samuel 13

1st Samuel 8:7 – “Comply with the people’s request… because they haven’t rejected you. No, they’ve rejected me as king over them.”

Photo credit: Falaq Lazuardi

Today we transition with Israel from judges to kings. Samuel is the last judge and Saul is the first king. Problems with leadership continues to derail things. Samuel’s sons are just as evil as Eli’s were. The people see this as the writing on the wall and they ask Samuel to appoint them a king. Although Samuel knows it is a bad idea, here is God’s response: “Comply with the people’s request… because they haven’t rejected you. No, they’ve rejected me as king over them.” Samuel then explains how a king will exploit them and they still want a king – “so that we can be like all the other nations.”

Saul has a “chance” encounter with Samuel. Here we first see Saul’s insecurity – “smallest tribe… smallest family.” Samuel anoints him in private and prophesies three encounters. All come true. Next Samuel calls all of Israel together at Mizpah. Saul is selected by lot. Except he is hiding. Saul is presented as a king but some people question the choice. Saul then leads Israel to victory over the Ammonites. The naysayers are remembered and the people want to kill them. Saul chooses mercy instead. It is a day of victory. The next day all of Israel gathers to make Saul their king.

Samuel then warns the people. Obey the Lord and it will go well with you. Disobey and feel the Lord’s hand against you. He encourages them to fear the Lord and to serve God faithfully. Our passage closes with a story of impatience. Saul has Jonathan attack the Philistines, who respond in force. Fear leads to soldiers deserting and Saul takes matters into his own hands, sacrificing the well-being offering himself. Samuel arrives just then and asks, “What have you done?” Saul’s days are now numbered. God will seek a new king – “a man following the Lord’s own heart.”

Prayer: Lord God, what familiar foes – insecurity, doubt, fear, impatience. Saul is not alone in these battles. It’s in the hearts of Israel, it is in our hearts. Grant us an abiding faith, a resolute heart, a trusting spirit. Lord, teach us your ways, instill in us your heart. Amen.


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Imperfect But Usable

Readings: Joshua 6, Joshua 7, Joshua 8

Joshua 6:38 – “Don’t be angry with me… Please let me make just one more test.”

Today’s chapters focus on Gideon. In Gideon we see faithfulness to God right alongside his battles with doubt, fear, anger, and pride. We experience these things in our walks of faith. Like Gideon, we want to obey God, but often stumble over our own will and ways. More than anything, though, in these chapters we see that God can use Gideon’s flaws to ultimately work out God’s plans for Israel. God can and will do the same for you and for me.

The people have sinned and God allows the Midianites to cruelly oppress Israel. They cry out. God sends a prophet who reminds them, “You have not obeyed me.” Then God’s messenger calls Gideon. He is reluctant. He has excuses. He tries God’s patience. At one point Gideon says to God, “Don’t be angry with me… Please let me make just one more test.” God works through all of his tests. Satisfied for now, Gideon calls for an army. Yet fear persists. God allows him to overhear a dream which restored his courage. God then tests Gideon, whittling his army of 32,000 down to 300. Credit must go to God. Pride rises up in Gideon as he gives the battle cry: “For God and for Gideon.” Following a wild plan of God, similar to Jericho, victory is won. God’s plan is complete. Yet Gideon chooses to pursue the enemy kings.

In Gideon’s pursuit he asks the people of Succoth and Penuel for bread. They deny Gideon and his army any bread. He threatens them. Soon he captures these two enemy kings and executes them – revenge for killing Israelites. He returns to Succoth and Penuel, exacting violent revenge here too. Pride and anger rule in his heart. Yet when asked later to be Israel’s ruler, he states, “The Lord rules over you.” Apparently he is not part of this “you” though as he collects gold earrings and makes a priestly vest. This trap leads straight to idolatry and the continuing downward spiral of Israel. More on that tomorrow.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to learn both from the good and the bad that we see in Gideon. Help us to be faithful and to follow your plans. Help us to see, though, when it becomes about us and our plans. Keep us from the perils of sin. Guide us to walk in your ways. Amen.