pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Through It All

Readings: 2nd Chronicles 33, 2nd Chronicles 34, 2nd Chronicles 35, 2nd Chronicles 36

2nd Chronicles 34:2 – “He did what was right in the LORD’s eyes… not deviating from it even a bit to the right or left.”

Today we begin with Manasseh. The first part of his long reign is as evil as could be. He leads Judah to do great evil in God’s eyes. He is captured and hauled off to Babylon. There he repents and submits himself fully to God. Returned to Judah, he removes pagan worship and serves the Lord. Manasseh dies and gives way to Amon. He is so evil he’s killed by his own officials after just two years.

Josiah reigns for 31 years. Right away he has Judah purified of idol worship and he repairs the temple and its system. The priest Hilkiah finds the instruction scroll and it is read to Josiah. He tears his clothing, realizing that God must be furious. Josiah renews the covenant and celebrates the Passover. Josiah then interferes in Neco’s war, despite God sending the Egyptians to war. Josiah is injured and dies. Jehoahaz rules for three months and then is removed by the Egyptian king.

Jehoiakim and Jehoachin reign next. Both do evil in God’s eyes. The Assyrians come during Jehoiakim’s reign, conquering Judah. Hezekiah is appointed as a puppet king. He does evil. He ignores Jeremiah. He rebels against King Nebuchadnezzar. Assyria levels all of Jerusalem and hauls almost everything and everyone off into exile in Babylon.

Chronicles ends with two bright spots. Because of the exile, the land will lie fallow. This healing fulfills the words of Jeremiah. A new power emerges in the world scene: Persia. King Cyrus receives a word from God: build the temple in Jerusalem. Cyrus orders the followers of God to go back home. God is at work once again.

Prayer: Lord God, through the ups and downs, through the good and the bad, through it all – you remain present to the people of God. You do the same with us. Your love and faithfulness knows no bounds. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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A Twisted Tale!

Readings: Genesis 25:19-34, Genesis 26, Genesis 27, Genesis 28:1-9

Genesis 27:27: “So he came close and kissed him. When Isaac smelled the scent of his clothes, he blessed him.”

Continuing with the rest of chapter 25 today, Jacob and Esau are about to be born. The violent fighting in the womb leads Rebekah to seek the Lord. God reveals to her two truths: the twins will be two nations and the older will serve the younger. This revelation drives the story going forward. Esau loves the outdoors, Jacob the indoors. Esau is loved by Isaac, Jacob by Rebekah. As the chapter ends, the heel-grabber takes advantage of Esau’s hunger, stealing the birthright for some stew. Esau is short-sighted. Jacob is calculating.

In chapter 26 a famine forces a move. Once in Gerar, Isaac lies about Rebekah: “She’s my sister.” Same lie, one generation later. King Abimelech discovers the rouse and prevents any curses. God blessed Isaac and the Philistines get very jealous, forcing Isaac to move away. There’s some fighting over wells but finally Isaac finds space and good water – signs of God’s blessing. Abimelech realizes this and comes and makes a treaty with Isaac.

Isaac has grown old as chapter 27 begins. As death nears, it is time to bless Esau, the oldest and his favorite. Going against cultural norms, Isaac invites only Esau to the blessing. But Rebekah overhears and schemes to steal the blessing for Jacob. Or is she just trying to make sure God’s revelation comes true…? The planning and execution are thorough – food, animal skins, clothing. It all works only after Isaac smells “Esau.” In verse 27 we read, “So he came close and kissed him. When Isaac smelled the scent of his clothes, he blessed him.” Afterwards, both Esau and Isaac are furious. Esau plots to murder Jacob. In response, Rebekah tricks Isaac into sending Jacob away to find a wife from their kin. In spite, Esau married yet another Canaanite woman, this time it is Ishmael’s daughter.

What a twisted tale we weave! Lies, deception, theft, anger, revenge. Or… is it all just God’s plan working itself out?… Before we dismiss these evil actions, let us realize that we too can go down these roads (or make similar evil choices.) As was the case long ago, in the midst of poor choices and evil actions God can and will work to accomplish God’s plans. For this unending grace and love that we too experience, we say thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, as it was with our ancestors, so it is with us. These evil traits displayed long ago are certainly alive and well in our world and even in our lives. Lord, first help us to see this in ourselves. Then bend us towards the good. Give us the patience to trust into your plans. Grant us the courage to be grace and love when others are unkind to or are deceitful with us. Lead us in the way that we should go. Amen.