pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Israel


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Edges

Reading: Luke 2

Luke 2:46-47 – “He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and putting questions to them. Everyone who heard him was amazed by his understanding and his answers.”

Luke 2 holds the stories of Jesus’ birth and childhood. We read of journeys, mangers, angels, and shepherds. We read of Simeon and Anna. And we read of young Jesus is the temple.

Luke begins chapter two with Caesar declaring a tax census. Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem. While there, Mary gives birth, wraps Jesus snuggly, and lays him in a manger. An angel appears to shepherds and announces “good news… wonderful, joyous news for all people.” The shepherds go and see Jesus, share their story, and return to the fields praising God.

Jesus’ birth rituals are then completed: circumcision, naming, ritual cleansing, presentation to God, and an offering is given. Simeon and Anna recognize Jesus. Simeon declares Jesus “salvation… revelation to the Gentiles… glory to Israel.” He also warns of the hard realities of Jesus’ ministry. Anna praises Jesus as “the redemption of Israel.”

We then fast-forward 12 years. The family went to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Traveling home, Mary and Joseph discover Jesus is missing. They return to Jerusalem and search for three days. Finally they find him in the temple. We read, “He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and putting questions to them. Everyone who heard him was amazed by his understanding and his answers.” After being scolded by Mary, Jesus basically says, ‘Where else would I be?’ The Spirit is upon Jesus and he finds favor with God and with people. May the Spirit be upon you and me!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the beautiful stories of Jesus. They read almost like a novel. Yet within the stories are edges. There is no room in a home for Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. You go to the low of the low to announce the wonderful news. In Simeon and Anna you recall the deep longing, the prolonged waiting for the Christ. You are a God of the edges. Your son Jesus is a Savior for the edges. May we be people that minister on the edges. Amen.


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Not Far

Reading: Mark 10:46-12:34

Mark 12:14 – “Teacher, we know that you’re genuine and you don’t worry about what people think. You don’t show favoritism but teach God’s way as it really is.”

Blind Bartimaeus sits beside the road as Jesus passes by. He shouts, “Jesus, Son of David, show me mercy!” Shushed by the crowd, he shouts louder. Today, who is crying out to Jesus that we are trying to shush? Seeing him as worthy, Jesus heals him. Going on, Jesus enters Jerusalem, triumphally riding on a colt as people shout, “Hosanna”! In Mark, Jesus looks around the temple and goes to Bethany.

On the way back to the temple, Jesus curses a fruitless fig tree – symbolic of the temple. Returning to the temple, Jesus clears it of all connected to their fruitless sacrifices. These rituals are not reflected in changed hearts and lives. Coming back into the city Jesus had encouraged the disciples to have faith in God. He told them, “Whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you will receive it, and it will be so for you.” Faith and belief leads to fruit.

The religious leaders question Jesus’ authority. He traps them in a question about John the Baptist’s authority, revealing their lack of faith in God. Jesus then tells the parable of the tenants, taking full aim at these religious leaders. The vineyard represents Israel and they are the tenants. These tenants abused and/or killed this sent to collect fruit. Soon the son was sent. They kill him, claiming the inheritance. Prophet after prophet and then finally Jesus was sent to Israel. Destruction is promised for these tenants. The stone rejected will become the cornerstone.

After a couple of attempts to trap Jesus using the hot topics of paying taxes, divorce, and resurrection, a legal expert asks Jesus a real question. He recognizes truth in the flattering words spoken earlier: “Teacher, we know that you’re genuine and you don’t worry about what people think. You don’t show favoritism but teach God’s way as it really is.” He deeply appreciates Jesus’ answer about loving God with all our being and loving our neighbors as self. The expert correctly deems these two commands “much more important than all kinds of… offerings and sacrifices.” Yes, faith in God demonstrated through love lived out – these matter more than anything. With a faith like this, we too won’t be far from God’s kingdom.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us to a faith that is alive and active, bearing fruit for your kingdom as we seek to bring your love to bear upon our world. Open our ears to the cries of those in need. Open our hearts to respond as Jesus would’ve. Draw us closer and closer to your kingdom – here and now, one day in your divine presence. Amen.


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Much Lament

Reading: Ezekiel 27-32

Ezekiel 28:18 – “Therefore, I will bring fire from your midst. When it has consumed you, I will turn you into dust on the earth.”

Photo credit: Greg Rakozy

Most of chapters 27 and 28 are a lament for Tyre. Tyre had it all: beauty, trade, allies, wealth, abundance. Until God took it all away. Their prince was arrogant, saying, “I am God, I rule the seas!” God conceded that his wisdom and discernment were great, making him rich and powerful. But the claim, the pride – too much. Because the prince exalted himself, God declared, “Therefore, I will bring fire from your midst. When it has consumed you, I will turn you into dust on the earth.” At the end of chapter 28 we find a prophecy against Sidon. There will be a plague followed by the sword. Into this land, God will gather Israel. There they will build houses, will plant vineyards, and will live in safety.

Chapters 29-32 bring judgment against Egypt. God will set hooks in the great crocodile, flinging it onto open ground. Egypt is condemned as a “flimsy crutch” that splintered or broke in times of need. Because Pharaoh also claimed divinity – he created and owned the Nile, God will make Egypt an utter ruin – the most ruined place anywhere. God will one day regather Egypt, but it will remain lowly. Nebuchadnezzar will conquer Egypt and carry off its wealth – “wages for his army.”

In chapter 31 God compares Egypt to Assyria – the tallest of trees. There was no equal to Assyria in Eden, God’s garden. And yet Assyria fell, going down to the underworld. Assyria’s allies went along too. Elam and Edom and Sidon are there too – laid among the uncircumcised, those slain by the sword. Many arrogant and evil nations will come to a bitter end. Much Lament will be shared.

Prayer: Lord God, open our ears today to these warnings against being arrogant and greedy and selfish. When we get to thinking we’re king of the roost, remind us that we’re not. Humble us, bring us down to where we should be. Guide us to walk in your will and way. Amen.


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Charges and Judgments

Reading: Ezekiel 22-26

Ezekiel 22:30 – “I looked for anyone to repair the wall and stand in the gap for me on behalf of the land… But I couldn’t find anyone.”

Photo credit: Jametlene Reskp

We begin with chapter 22, where God brings charges against Jerusalem and then closes with a lament, revealing the heart of God. The charges are a summary of how Judah broke each of the Ten Commandments. God will scatter them and refine them like silver in the process. The chapter ends with this lament: “I looked for anyone to repair the wall and stand in the gap for me on behalf of the land… But I couldn’t find anyone.”

Chapter 23 contains an allegory of two sisters. It is the story of Israel and Judah, God’s people who prostituted themselves with multiple foreign powers and their idols, one after the other. The younger sister, Judah, proceeded to outdo the older sister, Israel. Instead of learning from her sister’s wayward ways, she amplified them. God turned both sisters lovers against them, pouring out God’s wrath upon them.

There are two parts to chapter 24. In the first part Judah is compared to a corroded pot. It will be heated so hot that its corrosion will be consumed. Judah will not be cleansed until God’s wrath has fully burned. In the second part, Ezekiel’s wife dies as a part of a sign act. God directs him not to mourn in any way. He follows instructions. So thorough will be Judah’s defeat that they too will walk around in stunned silence, unable to even grieve.

Chapters 25 and 26 contain oracles or judgments about Judah’s neighbors: Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, and Tyre. Ammon and Moab took great delight in Judah’s downfall. Edom joyfully took part in Jerusalem’s destruction. The Philistines exacted revenge for past defeats and losses. All but Edom “will know that I am the Lord.” Our reading closes with the judgment of Tyre. They too ridiculed Judah (and God) at her downfall. The people around Tyre will shudder in terror at what befalls Tyre, who will “disappear” as God leads them “down into the pit.” Such will be the fate of all who oppose the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, our innate selfishness is on full display today. We continue to struggle with want and greed, with lust and desires, with idolatry and disobedience. We are not all that different than Oholah and Oholibah, than Moab or Philistia. We too deserve your wrath. We too should be refined like silver. Instead, you brought grace in the form of your son. Today, Lord God, we thank you that we stand on this side of the cross, where love was poured out instead of wrath. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.


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A Sad Saga – Then and Now

Reading: Jeremiah 1-4

Jeremiah 3:11 – “Then the LORD said to me: Unfaithful Israel is less guilty than disloyal Judah.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Jeremiah begins with context. He ministered to Judah in the years that led up to the exile. The prophet has been claimed since the womb. Even so he tried to evade the call: I’m too young. God says, no, you’ll go where I send you and you’ll say what I tell you. And, don’t be afraid. Prepare for battle, but don’t fear, I’ll be with you. Judah’s sins are laid out. They’ve abandoned God, they worship idols, they think they can save themselves.

In chapter 2 God longs for what could have been. Israel followed God in the wilderness and entered the land of plenty. But they turned away, rebelled, chose Baal over God. Israel forsook the living water and dug wells for themselves – ones that failed, ones that couldn’t hold water. And even though they became skilled at sinning and even though their clothes were stained with the blood of the poor, they still claimed innocence before God.

In response God declared that the prostitute could not return to God. That would be illegal. Jeremiah invites Judah to look at Israel. Her sins led her into exile. Israel has ignored God and received “divorce papers.” Even with this warning and Israel’s example, Judah continued to walk in sin. God declared, “Unfaithful Israel is less guilty than disloyal Judah.”

In chapter 4 God offers mercy to Israel, inviting them to return, to get rid of their idols, to choose truth, justice, and righteousness. God invites Judah to break up the rocky soil of their hard hearts, to dedicate themselves to the Lord. They too refuse. Jeremiah then foresees the coming devastation, recalling the state of earth before the creation. The earth will grieve and heaven will grow dark with sadness. But God won’t change the plan. Desolation is coming. And even then, even with this news, Judah still gets all decked out, looking for another lover, seeking to find help on their own. Sadly, this “lover” will be the one who seeks and takes their life.

Prayer: Lord God, what a sad saga we read today. What a tough road Jeremiah had to walk. What a clear choice Judah had before them. And, alas, things are the same today. We have a clear choice: life through you or death by the ways of the world. The Spirit joins your word and your son’s example. And we can still rebel, still be faithless. Lord have mercy. Lord, strengthen us for the battle. Enrich the soil of our hearts. Walk with us, O God. Amen.


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A Holy Sabbath

Reading: Isaiah 56-59

Isaiah 58:2 – “They seek me day after day… like a nation that acted righteously, that didn’t abandon their God.”

Today and tomorrow we read Third Isaiah. As is the case throughout all of Isaiah, the focus remains on justice and righteousness. In today’s readings these key faith practices center on keeping the Sabbath holy. This holy day, kept once a week, had the power to keep the Israelites connected to God in a way that would be reflected out into how they lived their lives the rest of the week. The Sabbath retains this power yet today.

Chapter 56 begins with an invitation to keep the Sabbath. The invite goes even to those “outsiders” – to the eunuchs and to the immigrants. These too will join others who keep the Sabbath holy, coming one day to God’s holy mountain. This open, honest, and welcoming invitation stands in stark contrast to the condemnation offered around Israel’s unholy Sabbath practices: “They seek me day after day… like a nation that acted righteously, that didn’t abandon their God.”

Isaiah turns next to a condemnation of the leaders. They have “monstrous appetites” and “every last one [is] greedy for profit.” These lead to the displeasing Sabbath fast described at the start of chapter 58. The leaders oppress their workers (probably making them work on the Sabbath) and they quarrel and brawl on the holy day. God asks, “Is this what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?” Umm… no.

This behavior alienates them from God. It obscures their vision. Because it is inwardly focused, it blinds them to the injustice and oppression that they are practicing. Chapter 59 details this as well as adding that God will intervene, one day choosing to redeem Israel.

In chapter 58:6-14 Isaiah lays out the Sabbath fast that pleases the Lord our God. It is a day to remove yokes and to stand against oppression. It is a day to care for the hungry, the homeless, the naked. To practice justice and righteousness – that is keeping the Sabbath holy. Then, the Lord says, “Your light will shine in the darkness” and then “you will take delight in the Lord.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, we see once again the choice to be made: justice and righteousness or injustice and oppression. You clearly call us to choose justice and righteousness. This begins with how we treat the Sabbath, a day to be set aside for you, not for self. It is a day to reflect your love and concern for all people. Lord, lead and guide us to be holy Sabbath-keepers. And may the evidence of this sacred practice flow out through our daily lives, shining light into darkness. Amen.


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Higher Than Our Ways

Reading: Isaiah 52:13-55:13

Isaiah 54:7 – “For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great mercy I will bring you back.”

Photo credit: Kate Remmer

Today, as we conclude Second Isaiah, we begin with the fourth Servant Song. The servant grew up quietly. He was not one to behold, nor did he draw attention to himself. In time he was despised and avoided, his words piercing the soul. He suffered with and was familiar with the sick, the outcast, the lonely. He bore our sins and was pierced because of our rebellions. By these wounds we are healed. An unjust ruling led to his death but “after his deep anguish he will see the light.” On the third day he arose, returning to his “share with the great.

Chapter 54 speaks of Israel’s restoration. A nation that has become barren will “burst out” to the left and right. God will partner with Israel to rebuild the nation. In verse 7 we read, “For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great mercy I will bring you back.” These days are like the days of Noah. The punishment is ended. The new restart begins. Israel will be founded on righteousness, oppression will not come near. The new generation will be “disciples of the Lord.”

The themes of joy and restoration continue in chapter 55. In my Bible it is titled “An Invitation to the Feast.” There is water for the thirsty and food for the hungry. The invitation is also to “listen, and you will live.” God will make an “everlasting covenant.” God also invites the wicked to abandon their ways. The God who is “generous with forgiveness” wants to have mercy on them. Yes, God’s ways are higher than our ways. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, what hope and promise, both for your children then and for your children now. You went to great lengths to take in flesh and to suffer and pay for our transgressions. That spirit continues as you invite all to come to the table of grace, to feast on your generous mercy. Your words lead and guide us, they teach and instruct us. They do not return empty. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Rule with Justice and Righteousness

Reading: Isaiah 13-16

‭Isaiah 14:1 – “The LORD will have compassion on Jacob, will again choose Israel, and will give them rest in their own land.”

Our readings for today and tomorrow contain mostly oracles against the nations surrounding or occupying Judah/Israel. We do find hope sprinkled in these verses too. For example, tucked in the middle of the oracle against Babylon and her king, we find: “The LORD will have compassion on Jacob, will again choose Israel, and will give them rest in their own land.”

Chapters 13-14 detail the fall of Babylon. Isaiah makes it clear that God is “mustering an army for battle.” God will raise up the Medes to make Babylon like “Sodom and Gomorrah.” A restored Israel will then taunt the broken king of Babylon. The underworld will wait restlessly for this king. His final rest will be on “a bed of maggots” under a “blanket of worms.” His arrogance and pride will be laid low. God will also cut off all of his offspring too.

Before an oracle against Philistia, we read, “I will break Assyria in my land… and remove its yoke from my people.” The Philistines are not so blessed. They rebelled against Assyria, yes, but a new viper will come from the north.

Chapters 15-16 hold an oracle against Moab. They will be devastated and humiliated. In verse 2 we read, “Every head is shaved, every beard cut off.” The waters will be full of blood. In three years Moab’s remnant will be “few and feeble.” Amidst this sadness and loss we also find hope, mercy, compassion. Isaiah’s heart “cries out for Moab.” God invites Judah to “consider carefully, act justly.” Judah is told to hide the outcasts and fugitives. Isaiah also speaks of the time when the oppressor is gone, of a time when one will rule with justice and righteousness from the throne of David. This too is our ultimate hope. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you continue to oppose leaders and nations that bring evil and oppression upon this world. You oppose us when we do the same. Instead, Lord, use us to create the kingdom of justice and righteousness that Isaiah spoke of today. Then you will be with us, walking amongst us in Spirit and power. Amen.


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I’m here… Send me.

Reading: Isaiah 5-7

‭Isaiah 6:8 – “’Whom should I send, and who will go for us?’”… “‘I’m here; send me.'”

Isaiah 5 begins with God’s lament over Israel and Judah. They were planted as a vineyard in a land flowing with milk and honey. God cleared the nations before them, built a kingdom, ordered their living. But they turned rotten, choosing idols and other evils over God. So God removed the hedge of protection and allowed the vineyard to be trampled. God expected justice and righteousness but got bloodshed and distress.

Blame and judgment are given to the greedy, to the gluttons, to the cheaters, to the prideful, and to the oppressors. God extended a hand against them, a warning sign, but their evil persisted. So God called a nation from far away – “hurrying, swiftly they come!” Arrows sharpened, swords drawn, roaring like a lion, darkness comes.

Chapter 6 shifts everything as Isaiah finds himself in heaven. God is high and exalted. Winged creatures sing of God’s glory and holiness. Isaiah suddenly realizes that he is a sinner in God’s presence. A winged creature touches his unclean lips with a coal from the altar, purifying him. God asks aloud, “Whom should I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah responds, “I’m here; send me.” But God says to him, they won’t hear, they won’t see. Isaiah asks, “How long?” Sadly, until all lies in ruin and the people are in exile in a foreign land.

We find the beginning of this story in chapter 7. Aram and Israel unite against the approaching Assyrians. Judah refuses to join them, so they attack Jerusalem. This fails. God tells King Ahaz not to fear. They’re just “smoking torches” who will soon fall – before son born “Immanuel” learns to tell good from evil. Israel will fall and Judah will have a scary and powerful new neighbor.

Prayer: Lord God, how easily we see ourselves in these chapters. You have good plans for us and you make a way but we often fall off the path. We choose evil over good. We fall into sin yet you call us again and again to step into your grace, to be restored and made new again. You invite us into mission and service. Sometimes we do go willingly but often times we are fearful or selfish. You promise to be with us and to go with us. Help us to more regularly declare, “I’m here; send me.” Amen.


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Bring Us Home

Readings: Psalms 105-107

‭Psalm 105:4-5 – “Pursue the LORD and his strength; seek his face always! Remember the wondrous works he has done.”

Psalms 105 and 106 close our Book 4 by recounting Israel’s history. The story begins with the covenant and it runs through to the oppression experienced in the Promised Land. Psalm 105 begins with the covenant made with Abraham and carried over to Isaac, Jacob, and Israel. God protected their small number, eventually sending Joseph then the whole family to Egypt, where they became numerous. After oppression there, God sent Moses and Aaron and the ten plagues. God led them out, guiding by cloud, providing food and water. Finally God gave them the Promised Land, a place where they could “keep his law and observe his instructions.”

Psalm 106 gives an accounting of the people’s struggles with obedience. It recounts the rebellions at the sea, at stops in the desert, and at the foot of Sinai, where they made the golden calf. The psalmist highlights Moses’ saving intercession. Then the psalmist speaks of more rebellion and testing, of idol worship and child sacrifice. Oppression came from an angry God. Soon so too did compassion. The Psalm closes with a plea: “Lord our God, save us! Gather us back together.” Bring us home from this place of exile.

Psalm 107 begins Book 5 with some examples of how God does just that. Gathered from the four directions, the psalmist tells of four groups or types of redeemed people. These cases are generic, allowing us many ways to see how God redeems and can redeem. God redeems those who wander, those who are in gloom and darkness, those who sin, and those who face storms. We all find ourselves in each situation at times. In those times may we remember the God who turns deserts into streams, the God who raises up the needy. May we call on this God, trusting in God’s redeeming and restoring salvation.

Prayer: Lord God, you alone can rescue and you alone can save. You desire to lead and guide us, to teach us your ways. Soften our stubborn hearts and curb our selfish desires, God, so that we can learn and obey. Correct us when we sin, comfort us when we suffer, save us from all that life can bring. Water our dryness, satisfy our hunger. Walk daily with us, O Lord. Amen.