pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: idolatry


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A Plan Unfolding

Reading: Luke 1:68-75

Luke 1:69-70 – “He [God] has raised up a mighty savior… just as he said through the mouths of his holy prophets long ago.”

By nature we are social beings. We were created by God to be in community. While each of us enjoys some solitude from time to time, we crave human interaction. A large part of this involves expressing ourselves, our thoughts, our emotions. The average person does this mainly through speaking about 10,000 words a day. Imagine being silent for a few days. For me that would soon begin to feel like a heavy weight. What would that feel like for you? Now, imagine being silent for nine months.

As we turn to Luke 1:68 today, Zechariah begins to speak for the first time in nine months. He had been struck mute by God about 840,000 words ago. Zechariah did not believe the angel Gabriel when he told the old priest that was having a son. The angel told him that his son would “bring many Israelites back to the Lord.” What news to share! But he cannot. After all of this silence, what are Zechariah’s first words?

Zechariah first announces that the words of the prophets from long ago have been fulfilled. A Savior has been born! The priest turned prophet tells the people that God has remembered the covenant and will rescue Israel “from the power of our enemies.” Recalling the times in exile and in the wilderness, those enemies were mostly within – selfishness, greed, idolatry. As we continue tomorrow, Zechariah will next speak of the role that his son, John the baptizer, will play in God’s unfolding plan. The unfolding plan continues today. You and I are a part of that plan.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for remembering your covenant and setting in motion the redemption of all of creation. Thank you for sending the one filled with the spirit of Elijah to prepare hearts to receive your son, the Savior. Lord, fill us with the Spirit’s power, using us today to call people to change hearts and lives. Use us to call people to the Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.


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Doing “What Is Right”

Reading: 2nd Thessalonians 3:11-13

2nd Thessalonians 3:13 – “We command and encourage such people to work quietly and put their own food on the table.”

As we add a few more verses to yesterday’s reading we continue with Paul’s charge to live a disciplined life. Some in these churches are not doing so. This is frustrating those who are doing so. This scenario is present in our churches today. At this time, some who are fully able to work are choosing not to. Paul is not addressing those who are incapable of working, those with physical and/or mental limitations. This becomes clear as we press on.

In the second part of verse 11 Paul identifies “meddling” as a key issue. Other translations use the term “busybody.” Because these folks are choosing not to work, instead only taking from the community’s pool of resources, they have lots of time to get into other people’s business. This is not healthy for the individual or for the faith community. Gossip is likely the key form of meddling. Paul then states, “We command and encourage such people to work quietly and put their own food on the table.” Stay in your lane, don’t meddle in other people’s lives, help put food on the common table. The apostle encourages them all to do “what is right.”

There might be another layer to Paul’s words. There often is in scripture. Paul might also be talking about faith practices. In this arena, to be disciplined would include daily study and prayer, regular communal worship, fasting… Maybe some in the churches aren’t “working” at these practices. Maybe then the food they are lacking is spiritual food for their souls. Maybe some are dabbling in pagan worship or other forms of idolatry. And, maybe like some today, maybe some are just showing up now and then on a Sunday morning, tapping into the gifts of community occasionally instead of regularly. In each of these cases, they are treating their faith to a starvation diet. This is not healthy either.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us to encourage one another – in living life and in practicing our faith. Through words and acts of love, use us to draw others back into community, back to faith. And keep us disciplined ourselves, Lord, ever growing closer to you and to one another. Amen.


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Live Righteously, Even When…

Reading: Habakkuk 2:1-4

Habakkuk 2:3 – “There is still a vision for the appointed time; it testifies to the end; it does not deceive.”

Photo credit: Rainier Ridao

In the remainder of Habakkuk 1, God responds to Habakkuk’s complaint about justice being warped. This response does not ease the prophet’s level of lament and concern over the current situation. In fact, it heightens the prophet’s angst. Habakkuk really questions how a good God could use an evil foreign nation to end the injustice and idolatry of Judah.

Turning to chapter 2 today Habakkuk declares, “I will take my post.” Using the familiar image of a watchman, the prophet lets God know that he will stand guard, keeping watch, listening for God, seeking God’s next response. There is a resolve here, built upon a trust in God. Habakkuk expects God to answer. Considering that God’s last response was the opposite of helpful, this resolve is remarkable.

Starting in verse 2, God does respond. So true are God’s words, God instructs the prophet to clearly write this vision to come on a stone tablet. In verse 3 we read, “There is still a vision for the appointed time; it testifies to the end; it does not deceive.” God has a plan. The plan will unfold in God’s time, according to God’s will, way, and purpose. The plan has an end-game nature to it and God has a 10,000 foot picture to the plan. This is God’s word, therefore it will not deceive.

God then reminds Habakkuk that some (most?) people desire “truly audacious” things. There will be these folks in this present age. But the righteous, God says, they “will live honestly.” They will trust in God as they wait upon God’s word. They will live righteously, assured of God’s plans and purposes, even when they are not yet clear. May this too be our walk of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, in moments of lament, in times of suffering or angst, it can be hard to wait upon you. Patience and trust can be elusive. When we find ourselves there, Lord speak into our hearts and minds. Through the Holy Spirit, build our trust, bolster our faith, deepen our resolve. Thank you for your faithfulness, O God. Amen.


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Make Some Noise

Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4

Habakkuk 1:2 – “Lord, how long will I call for help and you not listen?”

We begin the week with two days in Habakkuk. Today we begin in chapter 1, where the prophet brings his complaint before God. In verse 2 we read, “Lord, how long will I call for help and you not listen?” The wicked Babylonians are growing in power and are moving in Judah’s direction. The prophet sees the injustice and idolatry prevalent in Judah. The prophet questions the collision course that seems to have been set in motion by God. In light of all this, the prophet asks the “How long…?” question.

Living in the last years of Judah’s existence before defeat and exile, Habakkuk sees a lot of injustice in the land. The wealthy and powerful have turned from God and the Law. They are causing harm to God’s faithful, to those trying to live righteously. This creates the violence, strife, and anguish that the prophet names. To Habakkuk, this warping of justice us not right. God must act.

Habakkuk offers us a model, a way to address injustice in our time. In our world today there is surely injustice. As just one example, some children are living in war zones and others are living in places of great poverty. Both lack the basics needed for daily life as God intends it to be: food, shelter, water, health care, education. Often those in power dismiss the injustices done to these suffering innocents as collateral damage or as the price to pay for some “greater good.” Habakkuk saw the injustice in his land and he cried out to God, getting God’s attention, asking God to do something about the injustices. May we too make some noise today, joining a long line of saints who have stood for what is right and just. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, we do not have to look far or for too long to see injustice in our world. Lord, yes, move our hearts and lips to action, calling on you to act, calling out those who cause injustice. And, God, move our hands and feet to action when we can be a part of the answer to our prayers and cries against injustice. Amen.


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God Who Is Near

Reading: Acts 17:22-28

Acts 17:27-28 – “In fact, God isn’t far away from any of us. In God we live, move, and exist.”

In Acts 17 Paul acclimates himself to Athens, walking around, observing, listening. Eventually he engages in conversation. Unfortunately his speaking leads to being taken into custody. Paul is brought before the council. Fortunately these men are part of the crowd who “spend their time doing nothing but talking about or listening to the newest thing.” Taking his opportunity, Paul addresses the council and those gathered on Mars Hill.

Paul begin by acknowledging their very religious nature, commending them for this. He then notes that while walking around, looking at all of their objects of worship (idols,) he found one that read, “To an unknown god.” Because he is connecting to who and what the Athenians are and believe in, he can then speak words that might resonate. Establishing this positive connection, Paul introduces his “new thing.”

This “unknown god” Paul says, let me tell you about him. Paul says this to the council just as we could say it to anyone seeking God, whether they know it or not. Paul declares his God to be the maker of all creation. Countering their idolatry indirectly, he states that his God doesn’t live in temples and isn’t made by human hands. His God is far above humans in this sense but this God also created people to reach out, to seek and find him. Paul’s God is a God of relationship. Continuing this line of thinking, Paul adds, “In fact, God isn’t far away from any of us. In God we live, move, and exist.” Paul’s God – and our God – wants to know us and to be known by us. This God who dwells in our hearts, this God of relationship, this God loves us and all of creation. May this be the God that we know and follow, that we reflect to the world.

Prayer: Lord God, give us eyes to observe, minds to consider, ears to listen, and lips to speak. Use us as you used Paul, to meet folks where they are at, to connect to them personally, just as you seek to do with us. Use us to connect seekers to you, the one true God. Amen.


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Even Then

Reading: Hosea 1:7-11

Hosea 1:10 – “In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ it will be said to them, ‘Children of the living God.'”

Hosea is a prophet to the northern kingdom , to Israel. He is the only such prophet with a book in the Bible. As Hosea speaks God’s word, Israel is in its last days. Their pride and idolatry are the causes of the coming downfall. Judah, the southern kingdom, isn’t too far behind. But Judah is currently more faithful than Israel.

While God’s compassion for Israel is gone, the prophet tells them, “I will have compassion on the house of Judah.” To relate this, it would be like living in the North during the Civil War and hearing God say, ‘I will bless the South.’ God goes on, through Hosea, to tell Israel that God will save Judah. The sweeping tidal wave called Babylon will only pour in over Israel.

We then read that Hosea’s wife Gomer will have a third child. This one is named “Not My People.” And God declares, “I am not your God.” While this sounds really bad, and it is, this is not the end of the story. In verse 10, God through Hosea says, “In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ it will be said to them, ‘Children of the living God.'” And not only that! Israel and Judah will be reunited under “one head.” God’s plan has a beautiful conclusion, just as our story does. But for now Israel has some difficult refining to go through. Such is the case for us at times too.

Prayer: Lord God, there are and will be times when we wander down a wayward road. There are times when we must make you want to walk away from us. Who could blame you? But even then, even then O God, you love us through the darkness, calling us back to the light. You offer the grace that leads to mercy and forgiveness. What a wonderful God you are. Thank you. Amen.


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To the Test

Reading: Daniel 1-3

Daniel 2:47 – “No doubt about it: your God is God of gods, Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries.”

Photo credit: Nadine Shaabana

As the book of Daniel begins, Babylon’s king attacks Jerusalem. Although the city does not fall, God hands over Judah’s king. In addition, they took into exile some men who were good-looking, skilled, intelligent, and capable. These men were to be trained as officials in Babylon’s government. Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. The last three will be known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Daniel will also receive a Babylonian name, but he will be known as “Daniel” throughout the book.

The first test comes around food. In training they are to eat the king’s food and to drink his wine. This would defile them. Daniel works out a test period, eating and drinking only vegetables and water. In the end they are healthier. God also blessed them with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. When have you been in a position to eat or drink something that would “defile” you? What insights or strength do you gain from their example?

The second test comes around a dream. In a rage, the king declares that the sages must not only interpret his dream, but they must also tell him the dream. No one can do the impossible. All sages are to be executed, including the four. Daniel secures a brief respite and gathers his friends. They seek help from God. God responds to their trust and faith, allowing Daniel to tell and interpret the dream, doing the impossible. The king is very impressed, declaring, “No doubt about it: your God is God of gods, Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries.” When has your trust or faith in God helped another to see God’s power and might at work?

The third test comes around idolatry. King Nebuchadnezzar builds a 90 foot statue and orders everybody to worship it. He has forgotten what he just said about God. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse – initially and then when before the king. They boldly declare their allegiance to God alone. Thrown into the fiery furnace, they not only survive but emerge totally unaffected by the flames. This time the king offers words of praise to God. God is working on his heart. How can you stand apart from or even against the things this world idolizes, leading others to praise God?

Prayer: Lord God, our faith is often put to the test. We must decide daily if we will choose to honor you, to trust you, to stand up to be counted as yours. Give us the strength to face these challenges that call us to risk for you. Help us to walk in your will and according to your ways, bringing you praise, honor, and glory. Amen.


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Ends with Hope

Reading: Ezekiel 6-11

Ezekiel 11:19a – “I will give them a single heart, and I will put a new spirit in them.”

Chapter 6 addresses the consequences of Judah’s idolatry outside the temple. God will slay most of these idol worshippers. Some will escape and go into exile. God was “crushed” by the people’s “roving hearts.” They will fall by sword, famine, and plague. Chapter 7 continues this story line. God will judge Judah according to her ways. God won’t shed a tear, won’t show any pity. Those outside Jerusalem will die by the sword. Those inside will die by plague and famine. “Violent intruders” will defile the temple. Then Judah “will know that I am the Lord,” declares God.

Chapters 8-11 contain Ezekiel’s “Temple Vision.” God’s glory is in the temple as his virtual tour begins. Ezekiel is shown “terribly detestable practices” – a huge idol, 70 elders worshipping engravings on the wall, women worshipping a Babylonian god, men bowing to the sun. God then calls the “guardians of the city.” One of the six, the one in linen, is sent out to mark the foreheads of the faithful. The others follow along behind, killing all without the mark. They begin in the sanctuary and move outward from there. Ezekiel questions the depth of the violence. God is holding them accountable.

The guardian in linen is then sent out with fire from the temple chariot. He scatters fire about, burning down the city. The chariot rises up and moves to the threshold of the temple. God’s glory is on the chariot throne. There is a final confrontation with some evil and wicked men. God declares that they will die by the sword. And then God offers hope.

The exiles will be gathered back. God says, “I will give them a single heart, and I will put a new spirit in them.” Israel will be obedient. God will be their God. Then the chariot leaves, flying east towards Babylon. The vision ends and Ezekiel tells the exiles all that God has shown him. The story ends with hope. Our story does too. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you are almighty and all-powerful. You are just and righteous. Just as you held Judah accountable, so too do you hold us accountable. So God, create in each of us a single heart, a heart fully aligned with you. Pour your Spirit into our hearts, leading and guiding us to walk faithfully with you. Be our God. Make us into your people. 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.


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Don’t Be Afraid

Readings: Joshua 7, Joshua 8, Joshua 9, Joshua 10, Joshua 11

Joshua 10:8 – “Don’t be afraid of them. I have given them into your power. Not a single one of them can stand up against you.”

In today’s readings we see the results of obedience and of disobedience. In chapter 7 the sin of one affects the many. But Achan’s is not the only disobedience. Israel goes up against Ai without consulting God. Because of a resounding defeat, Israel’s hearts “melted.” Joshua and the elders turn to God. God says, “Get up!” Following God’s guidance, Achan is found out and punished. God then directs the battle against Ai, leading to victory. In verse 24 we read what will become a familiar refrain: “without mercy.” Joshua and Israel then bring offerings. The commandments are written in the large stones and then recited to the people.

In chapter 9 the Gibeonites trick Israel into a treaty. Again God is not consulted. This leaves Israel stuck: break their oath or break a command of God? An alliance of five kings (or was it God?) provides a solution. They attack the Gibeonites, trying to recapture a strategic location. God tells Joshua, “Don’t be afraid of them. I have given them into your power. Not a single one of them can stand up against you.” Israel is victorious. Again and again we read “wiped out”… “no survivors” in the battle accounts.

Joshua then turns his attention to the north. In chapter 11 the northern kings join together against Israel. Their army is “as numerous as the sands in the seashore.” Again God says to Joshua, “Don’t be afraid…” And again Israel wins victory after victory. Lastly the Anakim are removed from the Promised Land. At the end of chapter 11, after what was really a lengthy military campaign, we read, “Then the land had a rest from war.”

As we read these words that speak again and again of violence, we need to keep in mind that these words are not 100% literal. Canaanites remain in the land. Their military power is broken but their power of influence is far from “wiped out.” The Canaanites will continue to dwell amongst Israel, leading to intermarriage, idolatry, and future conflicts.

Prayer: Lord God, we see today how obedience leads to good. Disobedience does not end well. We see both on the personal and communal levels. We will see how the influences of the world, if allowed to dwell in our hearts, will lead to disobedience. As people and as communities of faith, draw us to obedience and to relationship with you. Amen.