pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: obedience


by Leave a comment

Antidotes

Readings: 1st Kings 1, 1st Kings 2, 1st Kings 3, 1st Kings 4

1st Kings 2:3 – “Guard what is owed to the LORD your God, walking in his ways and observing his laws… commands… judgments… testimonies.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

As 1st Kings opens David is failing. A beautiful young woman, Abishag, is brought in to care for David. Sensing an opportunity, Adonijah gathers support from Joab the general and Abiathar the priest and declares himself king. Nathan and Bathsheba respond quickly to establish Solomon as the king. David makes it happen. Adonijah’s support disappears.

David then speaks to Solomon. He instructs him to be strong. He then instructs him to be faithful, saying, “Guard what is owed to the LORD your God, walking in his ways and observing his laws… commands… judgments… testimonies.” Obey God and it will go well. Oh, and by the way, take care of Joab and Shimei. David then dies and Solomon follows orders. Adonijah asks to marry Abishag. This potential power move costs him his life as Benaiah murders him. Abiathar is then banished from the priesthood and from Jerusalem. Eli’s family is now fully removed. Joab dies next, also at Benaiah’s hands. Shimei is placed under house arrest. After two years he breaks his pledge and also pays with his life.

In chapter 3 God comes to Solomon in a dream and says, “Ask whatever you wish.” After remembering God’s loyalty and kindness to his father, Solomon acknowledges that he is young, inexperienced, and doesn’t know it all. So he asks God for a discerning mind to govern well. God is pleased. Solomon will be abundantly wise. Plus he will have fame and riches. And a very long life – if he is obedient to God. Solomon’s wisdom is demonstrated in the case of the two prostitutes. News of his wisdom grows and spreads.

Chapter 4 marks the high point of Solomon’s reign. His administration is vast. The population explodes and life is good. They eat, drink, and celebrate and there is peace. Abundance is the word of the day. It is also the other edge of the sword. It can lead to dangerous places. It can be a trap for us as well. Humility and obedience to God are the antidotes.

Prayer: Lord God, things are going great for Solomon – if one overlooks the murder and revenge and the accumulation of great overabundance. We know the dangers and trappings of these things. Yet we can also struggle with them. So, Lord, guide us by the power of your Holy Spirit; keep our focus on you and on walking in your ways. Help us to be strong and to be faithful. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Samuel Grieves Saul

Readings: 1st Samuel 14, 1st Samuel 15

1st Samuel 15:22 – “Does the LORD want entirely burned offerings and sacrifices as much as obedience to the LORD?”

What a contrast we find between Saul and his son Jonathan. In the battle with the Philistines, Jonathan looks to God for guidance and he trusts in God’s presence for the victory. The Philistines invite battle, indicating God has handed them over. Saul’s scouts notice the panic in the Philistines’ camp. His initial reaction is to seek God’s guidance. But when the panic increases, Saul tells the priest, “Withdraw your hand.” Saul decides on his own to engage in battle. He makes the troops swear a foolish pledge heading into battle.

Inadvertently, Jonathan breaks the pledge. When told of it, he astutely notes that his father’s pledge has “brought trouble on the land.” Because of this pledge, the battle will be less than complete. The exhausted troops sin by eating meat with blood in it. Saul acts to stop this sin. He now wants to continue the fight. This time he is prompted to ask God. God is silent. Sensing God is angry, Saul senses what he thinks is sin. Lots are cast and the lot falls to Jonathan. Saul pledges to follow through – Jonathan must die! But the troops intervene, rescuing Jonathan from Saul’s folly.

Samuel then comes to Saul and shares God’s direction with him. Saul is to attack the Amalekites and to place them under the ban. This means to totally destroy everything. Victory is won but disobedience is present too. King Agag and the best sheep, cattle, and everything else of value is kept. Saul tells Samuel he followed God’s directions. Samuel asks then why he hears the bleeding of sheep. Saul makes excuses. Samuel asks, “Does the LORD want entirely burned offerings and sacrifices as much as obedience to the LORD?” Samuel informs Saul that God has rejected him as king. Saul knows he has sinned. Samuel and Saul return to their homes after worshipping God. Samuel grieves over the man he will never see again.

Prayer: Lord God, where and when do I try to offer rivers of oil and piles of offerings instead of surrendering my heart fully to you? When and where do I try do for you instead of simply being present to you? By the power of your Holy Spirit teach me obedience and reverence over doing and striving. Draw me to your heart, welcome me into your presence. Amen.


by Leave a comment

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.


by Leave a comment

This Happened So That…

Readings: Joshua 4, Joshua 5, Joshua 6

Joshua 4:24 – “This happened so that all the earth’s peoples might know that the LORD’s power is great and that you may always revere the LORD.”

Photo credit: David Clode

After Israel crosses over, 12 stones are gathered from where the priests carrying the ark stood. Joshua then sets up 12 other stones right there as a memorial marker. As the priests and ark exit the riverbed, the water starts to flow again. Soldiers from the tribes of Reuben and Gad, plus the half tribe of Manasseh go before Israel in battle formation. Joshua then sets up the 12 stones at Gilgal. When children ask about the stones, parents will tell the story of the miraculous crossing. This crossing has instilled fear in the hearts of the Amorite and Canaanite kings.

Joshua, following God’s command, then circumcises all the males. Those born in the desert had not yet been marked as belonging to the Lord. Israel then celebrates the Passover. In these two rituals they are reclaiming their identity as the holy people of God. Readied as a nation, Joshua next meets the commander of God’s heavenly armies. Sandals come off, bookending Moses’ “holy ground” moment with God. Instructions are given for the battle of Jericho. Israel’s army and the ark will march around the city once for six days. On the seventh day they will march around Jericho seven times. All of this is done in silence. After the seventh circling on the seventh day, the trumpets will sound and the people will shout… and the walls will come tumbling down. This strategy is to test Israel’s faith and trust and obedience to God.

All goes as planned and Jericho falls. The gold, silver, bronze, and iron are holy to the Lord and are to go into the temple treasury. All else – save Rahab and her family – all else is wiped out “without mercy.” Joshua pronounces a curse on anyone who rebuilds Jericho. What great victory the Lord has brought to Israel! Like the crossing, there is the same “why” – “This happened so that all the earth’s peoples might know that the LORD’s power is great and that you may always revere the LORD.”

Prayer: Lord God, what moments of faith and obedience, what experiences of your power and might! What faith and identity building times these were for Israel. Lord, help us to claim these as part of our faith story too. And, God, help us to claim and to see and to keep our own faith moments in our hearts. May these faith encounters build up and encourage who we are in you. And, like Israel, guide us to tell these stories of faith, encouraging others who are on the journey with us. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Wonderful Things

Readings: Joshua 1, Joshua 2, Joshua 3

Joshua 3:5 – “Make yourselves holy! Tomorrow the LORD will do wonderful things among you.”

Photo credit: John Towner

The book of Joshua begins with God’s direction and encouragement. Israel is to get ready to cross the Jordan. God encourages Joshua, telling him “no one will be able to stand up against you.” God encourages him to be “brave and strong.” And then God tells him to obey all of the Law, to recite it always. Why? “Then you will accomplish…” Faith and obedience will be required.

Joshua reaffirms the Transjordan tribes’ commitment to lead into the Promised Land and into battle. They pledge their support to Joshua and his leadership. Spies are sent into the land. They end up at a prostitute’s house. The king of Jericho hears about it and tells Rahab to send out the spies. Instead she lies, sending the king’s men on a wild good chase. Rahab then acknowledges the people’s fear of Israel and expresses her faith in Israel’s God. She seeks and receives assurance that she and her family will be spared. Rahab lowers the spies to safety. A red cord in the window will be a sign for death to pass over her home – like the red blood in Egypt. Rahab demonstrates the faith, initiative, and resolve needed to conquer the Promised Land.

In chapter 3 the Jordan is crossed. The river is at flood stage. Yet as the priests carrying the ark step into the river, dry ground is created. The people cross over, witnessing the “wonderful things” that Joshua has promised to a holy people. God goes before and the people follow. God makes a way once again. As we step forward as God leads, may we also trust fully in our God who always goes before.

Prayer: Lord God, in today’s readings there is a new sense of trust, of faith, of confidence in you. Joshua embodies this and it translates into the people’s lives. Use us today as you used Joshua – as pillars of faith and trust in your power and might. May these things seep into the lives of those we encounter today. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Filled with Wisdom and Spirit

Readings: Deuteronomy 31, Deuteronomy 32, Deuteronomy 33, Deuteronomy 34

Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong! Be fearless! Don’t be afraid and don’t be scared by your enemies, because the LORD your God is the one who marches with you.”

Today, on the 50th day of our plan to read through the Bible in a year, we close out the book of Deuteronomy. This is the close of the Torah, or the Law. Moses has been the central character and the driving force. We have been walking with Moses since day 16. That’s just over 200 pages in my Bible!

In chapter 31 Moses announces his death. Joshua is commissioned to lead next. The words above, spoken over and to Joshua, will guide his life and his leadership. Moses then stipulates that the Instructions (the Law) must be kept by the covenant chest and must be read every seven years so that all Israel will hear it and learn it. God then foretells the downfall of Israel. This couldn’t have been a surprise to Moses – he’s walked long with this stubborn and rebellious people.

God then commissions Moses to speak a poem to all of Israel. It is a witness against them, a warning to be remembered, taught, and heeded. Poetry is the format – it is both memorable and memorizable. Memory is key to obedience. The poem is part history, part promise of God’s mercy and compassion.

Moses then speaks from his own heart as he offers a blessing to Israel. In chapter 33 Moses gives blessings to almost all of the tribes and to all of Israel. The blessings are material and militaristic with some about faithfulness and God’s continued presence. This feels like a fitting end to Moses instruction of Israel.

Moses then climbs the mountain and sees the whole land that Israel will possess. Although still healthy and vigorous, Moses dies and is buried by God. The people mourn. Joshua is filled with Moses’ wisdom and spirit. He is ready to lead. To close, a poignant note from John Wesley’s commentary on Moses’ death: “God’s servants must die, that they may rest from their labors, receive their recompense, and make room for others.” So it is in the great cloud of witness and in the kingdom of God.

Prayer: Lord God, what a life of faith Moses led. He was not perfect but he was an exemplary model of faith and trust. May we too walk faithfully, teaching by word and example, raising others up, passing along the faith. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Theological Concerns

Readings: Deuteronomy 17, Deuteronomy 18, Deuteronomy 19, Deuteronomy 20

Deuteronomy 18:15 – “The LORD your God will raise up a prophet like me from your community… He’s the one you must listen to.”

Chapter 17 deals with a variety of topics: capital punishment, legal disputes, and future kings. In capital punishment cases, multiple witnesses are necessary. If these cases or other legal disputes are too hard, they are to be brought to the priests and judges in the city God will choose. These decisions must be followed exactly. Then God gives guidelines for future kings. They will be different from other earthly kings – not too many horses or wives. And they will personally make a copy of the Law that they must read daily. God’s theological concern is for a theocracy.

Chapter 18 ensures that the basic needs of the Levites are cared for. It lays out what portions of what offerings belong to the priests. This chapter concludes with God’s concern about future religious leaders. God says, “The LORD your God will raise up a prophet like me from your community… He’s the one you must listen to.” Of all the voices that can speak into people’s lives, God’s prophet is the one that they need to listen to.

As we turn to chapters 19 and 20 the underlying focus shifts to the sixth of the Ten Commandments: do not kill. Chapter 19 focuses mostly on the cities of refuge. Three are to be established in the Promised Land. They are places for those who “kill a neighbor accidentally.” These cuties will prevent the shedding of more innocent blood. The end of the chapter, “life for life, eye for eye…” also limits revenge. The punishment must fit the crime.

Chapter 20 deals with a theological concern too – the command not to kill during times of war. The chapter begins with the priest’s role to remind the troops that God goes before them and that God will fight for them. Then it defines the official’s role next. Permissions are given to leave the battle front. Then we get two sets of guidelines for war in the Promised Land and for war outside the Promised Land. Close to home, no peace terms are offered, and all living things are killed. This is all about the theological threat of idolatry. “The ban” removes even the possibility of influences that could lead to the sin of idolatry.

Prayer: Lord God, there are many ways that we can honor those who are older and those in power. They all involve justice, integrity, and obedience to you. Guide us in these situations and also teach us how to be people in these places. We see that these same principles apply to our living in community. Lead us here too. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Total, Complete, Unfailing Love

Readings: Deuteronomy 5, Deuteronomy 6, Deuteronomy 7, Deuteronomy 8

Deuteronomy 6:5 – “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your being, and all your strength.”

Our readings today begin with Moses’ call to remember what God said on Mount Horeb. He then reviews this by reiterating the Ten Commandments. Moses is doing so because he will spend most of the next 20 chapters unpacking these ten rules to live by. From here Moses moves to “the great commandment” in chapter 6. In verse 5 we read it: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your being, and all your strength.” In many ways this sums up the first four of the 10 Commandments. Moses goes on to show just how all-encompassing this command is to be for faithful living. Tell your children, talk about it all the time, write it on the places that you’ll see often – make this the central tenet of your faith and your life.

This is then followed up with a warning against arrogance. All the cities and houses, all the wells and orchards – you didn’t do this. God gave it to you. A similar warning comes in chapter 8 too. God must have known we’d struggle with pride, ego, vanity… Love God, not self.

Moses/God commands the Israelites to teach their children their communal history and then to teach them the Law. Begin with the why and then move to the how to live faithfully in response to God’s love and care and provision. We shift next to how to deal with foreign worship. First, don’t enter into covenants with and don’t intermarry with the Canaanites. Destroy their idols, altars, poles, and sacred stones. The Lord is the only true God. Remember and live this and God will bless them in every way possible. In every way.

Chapter 8 is a reminder chapter, a why chapter. Remember God gave you manna and taught you that you don’t live by physical bread alone. Remember that God trooped you through the desert for 40 years and that your clothes didn’t wear out. Remember all that has happened to you as you stand on the edge of the Promised Land. This remembering will allow Israel to move forward in obedience and faithfulness. May we too remember often what the Lord our God has done for us. And may it lead us forward in obedience and faithfulness.

Prayer: Lord God, what rich and deep and powerful reminders today of your total and complete and unfailing love and care for your people. At times you are the shield about us and at times you are the love that enfolds us. What an awesome God we love and serve. All the power and glory are yours! Amen.


by Leave a comment

Building God’s Dwelling

Readings: Exodus 35, Exodus 36, Exodus 37, Exodus 38, Exodus 39, Exodus 40

Exodus 40:33-34 – “When Moses had finished all the work, the cloud covered the meeting tent and the LORD’s glorious presence filled the dwelling.”

Photo credit: Kyle Johnson

Today’s six chapters cover the construction of the tabernacle. To accomplish this monumental task God and Moses call for a free will offering. So great is the generosity of the people that Moses finally has to say, “Stop!” In total the people brought 2,200 pounds of gold, 7,500 pounds of silver, and 5,300 pounds of copper/bronze – not to mention the cloth, yarn, gemstones, wood, spices… The census was taken. 603,500 men give their half shekel to the sanctuary of God.

Leaders are appointed and the work begins. Men and women contribute. It is a community effort. This project is like a lot of church projects. Generous hearts and willing hands are needed. As it was then so it is now: the people are the heart and soul of the community of faith. The work is done exactly as the Lord has commanded in Exodus 25-31. Every detail is done exactly as the Lord desired. What an example of obedience and attention to detail. In this way it reflects the creation story.

The work is done and the tabernacle is erected. Everything finds its place and the priests are blessed. Moses blesses the people for their work just as God blessed creation when that task was completed. In verses 33-34 of chapter 40 we read, “When Moses had finished all the work, the cloud covered the meeting tent and the LORD’s glorious presence filled the dwelling.” Exactly one year after Israel was delivered from Egypt, the tabernacle is finished and God’s presence comes to dwell among the people. This is the fullest expression of God’s presence in the Old Testament. It expresses God’s desire to be with all people. This desire continues today. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you were present in and through this magnificent process. You opened hearts and hands to give and serve. Through this your glory was revealed. Continue to be present in and through us, O God. Continue to open our hearts and hands in service to you, O Lord Almighty. In and through us may your glory be revealed! Amen.


by Leave a comment

Connection, Belonging, Faith

Readings: Genesis 21, Genesis 22, Genesis 23

Genesis 22:7 – “Isaac said, ‘Here is the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the entirely burned offering?’”

Chapter 21 brings a shift in the family dynamics. Sarah gives birth to Isaac. Her laughter of doubt and shame turns to the laughter of joy and celebration. As Isaac grows so too does the tension over the inheritance. This leads to Hagar and Ishmael being sent away. God assures Abraham of their future too, so he is able to send his firstborn son away. Death soon feels near and Hagar and Ishmael cry out to God. Once again God sees her and hears their cries. God promises to make him into a “great nation.” The chapter closes with Abraham making a treaty with Abimelech. This secures water rights for an immigrant living in a foreign land. This reality comes up again in chapter 23.

In chapter 22 God tests Abraham. He is instructed to sacrifice Isaac – his one and only son, again in a place that God will reveal. Showing radical obedience once more, Abraham rises early, chops the wood, and heads out – the fire, the knife, and also Isaac in tow. Leaving the two servants behind, Abraham says to them, “The boy and I will walk up there, worship, and then come back to you.” Carrying the wood himself and seeing the fire, Isaac asks, “But where is the lamb for the entirely burned offering?” Abraham’s response – “God will see to it” – demonstrates his faith. Going so far as to raise the knife over Isaac then demonstrates his trust. God intervenes, providing a ram. Then God reiterates the covenant promise of many, many descendants.

Sarah dies at the beginning of chapter 23. After grieving for her, Abraham goes to the Hittites – the locals – to buy land to bury Sarah. He is at their mercy. Abraham is a temporary immigrant. After some culturally necessary back and forth, he buys land at a very high price. It provides a burial space and it begins a social relationship with the Hittites. To a small degree, they have now become “family.” There is connection and there is belonging, something we all need.

Prayer: Lord God, as the story progresses we see that you do not change. You are faithful, you provide, you are grace. Abraham experiences all of these things again and again as he walks faithfully and obediently with you. Encourage and guide us as we seek to walk this same walk. As we do, Lord, bless us too with your care, your provision, your grace. Amen.