pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: war


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So It Will Be with Us

Reading: Matthew 24-25

Matthew 24:46 – “Happy are those servants whom the master finds fulfilling their responsibilities when he comes.”

Chapter 24 is almost all about the signs of Jesus’ return. The end of chapter 24 and most of chapter 25 is about being ready or prepared for that day. Chapter 25 closes with the consequences of our decisions and actions leading up to that day. The conversation begins outside the temple, where Jesus predicts its destruction. This leads the disciples to ask about the end times when Jesus will return in glory.

Jesus says there will be many things that will happen. There will be false prophets and false christs. There will be war, famine, earthquakes, great suffering, and persecution. Many will fall away. Then the sun and moon will go dark and the planets will shake. Christ will come on the clouds in great splendor and power. The angels will gather the chosen ones. Jesus then reminds us that no one knows the day or hour. It will come upon the earth just as the flood came upon the people of Noah’s day. The message is clear: stay alert, always be prepared for the day.

From 24:45 through 25:30 we find three parables that describe what it looks like to be alert and prepared. In the first parable we read, “Happy are those servants whom the master finds fulfilling their responsibilities when he comes.” The bad or unfaithful servants will be cut to pieces and thrown into hell when the master returns unexpectedly. In the second parable the wise bridesmaids had plenty of oil (faith.) They will enter the wedding (heaven) when the late groom (Christ) arrives. The door will be closed. The foolish or unprepared will hear, “I don’t know you” when they try to get in. In the third parable the faithful who have put their gifts to work will hear, “Come, celebrate with me.” The lazy and evil will be thrown into the “furthest darkness.”

We close with the parable of the sheep and the goats. This summarizes the results of how one lived. The sheep lived for others, feeding the hungry, visiting the prisoners, welcoming the strangers. They did so in the name of Christ. Eternal life is their final reward. The goats ignored the hungry… Their final reward is eternal punishment. So it will be with us.

Prayer: Lord God, how we live day by day matters. Keep us faithful in the small things, attending to all that you place before us, using the gifts and blessings you have given us to bring your kingdom to fruition. Amen.


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Consequences of Choices

Reading: Jeremiah 39-45

Jeremiah 40:2-3 – “The LORD your God declared that a great disaster would overtake this place. Now the LORD has made it happen.”

Our reading begins with the fall of Jerusalem. After a siege that lasts about a year and a half, the Babylonians conquer the city. Zedekiah tries to escape but is caught. His officials and children are slaughtered before him. He is then blinded and taken into exile. The palace and houses are burned down. The walls come down. All but the poorest (and a few who are in hiding) are taken into exile.

Jeremiah is rescued. He is known by Nebuchadnezzar. He sends the captain of the special guard to find Jeremiah. Once he does, he says to Jeremiah: “The LORD your God declared that a great disaster would overtake this place. Now the LORD has made it happen.” Jeremiah is respected by the Babylonians. He’s given the choice to stay or to go. He chooses to stay, living under the care of Gedaliah, the Babylonian appointee. Most of the Judeans left in the land rally around him. Johanan, an army officer, warns Gedaliah of a plot. He ignores this warning – to his own peril. Ishmael and his men murder Gedaliah and flee with some prisoners.

Johanan hears of the murder and he rescues the captives. Ishmael and eight men escape to Ammon. Johanan and the remaining Judeans fear what Babylon will do in response to Gedaliah’s murder. They ask Jeremiah to inquire of the Lord: should we stay or go? After ten days, God tells them to stay put. God will build them up and will protect them from the king of Babylon. They are warned: refuse to listen, go to Egypt, and the war they fear and the famine they dread will strike them in Egypt. They accuse Jeremiah of lying. Baruch put him up to it!

Jeremiah warns them of the consequences of their choice to go to Egypt. He reminds them of their past sins and of the consequences of those sins. Jeremiah and Baruch are hauled off to Egypt. Once there, Jeremiah builds a stone platform in front of Pharaoh’s palace, declaring that Nebuchadnezzar will place his throne there. The people remain stubborn and disobedient. The hand of death is coming.

Prayer: Lord God, how can your people run to you, asking for guidance, only to turn against your response. But wait. We do that too. We allow fear and insecurity to drive our decisions now and then. Lord, build up our faith, guiding us to listen to your guidance, choosing life over death. Amen.


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God Will Teach Them

Reading: Jeremiah 13-16

Jeremiah 13:11 – “Just as a linen undergarment clings to the body, so I created the people of Israel and Judah to cling to me.”

Photo credit: Kenny Eliason

Our reading today begins with an illustration. Jeremiah buys, wears, and then buries an undergarment in the Euphrates River (in Babylon.) He digs it up and it is ruined, just like the people of God will be. God laments, “Just as a linen undergarment clings to the body, so I created the people of Israel and Judah to cling to me.” Because of their sin and disobedience, God will not have pity or compassion or mercy. They will be “dragged off to exile” and God will “scatter you like straw.”

Drought comes. It initially gets their attention. The people acknowledge their sin but then accuse God of being absent. God responds by telling Jeremiah not to pray for them. And God won’t accept their fast or their offerings. God will send war, famine, and disease. Brief attention is given to the false prophets. Yes, God says, they too will die – and their families. Chapter 14 closes with another attempt by the people. Yes, we’ve sinned. Yes, we’re sinning. But don’t reject us, don’t break your covenant. There is no repentance, no intent to turn from their sins.

God is so upset that God declares that even if Moses and Samuel came and interceded for the people, God still wouldn’t listen. God’s hand is set against Judah. The widows will “outnumber the sand.” In 15:10 Jeremiah laments his treatment. God asks, “Haven’t I taken care of you?” Jeremiah declares his love for God’s word. God offers to take him back – if he is faithful. God then promises to rescue and protect Jeremiah.

In chapter 16 God tells Jeremiah not to marry or to have children. That’s how bad it will be. The people are accused of being worse than their ancestors. Even so, in verses 14 and 15 we find hope. One day God will bring them home. But first they will be paid back double for their sins. God will teach them. “They will understand that I am the Lord,” declares God. Yes they will.

Prayer: Lord God, sin and disobedience break your heart. They create separation between who we are being and who we are meant to be. Teach us too, O Lord, how to walk faithfully and obediently. Guard us from sin. Plant your word in our hearts, enabling us to shine your love out into the world. Amen.


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God Is Our Hope

Reading: Isaiah 1-4

‭Isaiah 3:8-9 – “Yes, Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen… like Sodom, they display their sins in public.”

Today we begin with the prophets. Isaiah kicks off almost six weeks with the five “major” prophets. The original Isaiah ministered in the southern kingdom of Judah during the reigns of Ahaz and Hezekiah. Chapters 1-39, known as First Isaiah, were written around 700 BCE. Second and Third Isaiah pick up around 545 BCE. Today, in chapters 1-4, we find both judgment and hope. This balance is typical of the whole book of Isaiah.

Chapter 1 begins by detailing Judah’s sin and disobedience. They have turned their backs against God. They have endured beatings yet remain unfaithful. There are frequent references to Sodom and Gomorrah, two cities utterly destroyed by God because of their great sin. God is also disgusted by their sacrifices – just going through the motions! In verses 16-17 Judah is invited to change her ways, to do good instead. To do so will bring blessing. To continue walking in disobedience will bring sword and fire.

Chapter 2 begins with a hopeful vision of their possible future. This picks up again in chapter 4. Zion will be lifted up high and war will be no more. Zion will be called holy. Instruction will flow from her and nations will stream to her.

In between this hope we find the sins of Judah. The land is “filled with idols.” Pride and arrogance is rampant, especially amongst the leaders. A day is coming, says Isaiah, when all will suffer as the poor and needy currently are. God asks, “How dare you crush my people and grind the faces of the poor?” Sadly, this behavior continues today. Yet hope also persists. God is still in control. There is still a plan. God is our hope.

Prayer: Lord God, the battle continues on: obedience or disobedience, good or evil? In our lives we so need you. The powers and temptations of this world remain great. Idols and the lures of wealth and power ever pull at us. God, strengthen us with your Spirit. Hold us in your love. Amen.


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The Lord Gave…

Readings: 1st Chronicles 17, 1st Chronicles 18, 1st Chronicles 19, 1st Chronicles 20, 1st Chronicles 21, 1st Chronicles 22:1

1st Chronicles 18:14 – “David ruled over all Israel and maintained justice and righteousness for all his people.”

Photo credit: Patrick Schneider

As we continue in 1st Chronicles we read mostly familiar stories. They maintain the core content of what we read back in 2nd Samuel. But the chronicler also makes changes and he or she omits content, always for a purpose. In general, the chronicler elevates the good side of David while downplaying or even omitting content that portrays David’s sinful side.

We begin today’s readings with the story of David’s desire to build God a house. Instead, God says David’s house will be built into a dynasty. David’s son will build the temple and God will love him always. There is no mention of the human rod that God will use to discipline Solomon and other future disobedient kings.

Several wars and battles come next. Some are engagements that Israel initiated and others are defensive in nature. These battles secure David’s borders far in all directions. We often read this about the victories that the Lord gave David: “The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.” God was with David in other ways too. The Lord gave him the desire and ability to lead well. In 18:14 we read, “David ruled over all Israel and maintained justice and righteousness for all his people.” David is a good king. During this time of war, in 2nd Samuel we find the story of Bathsheba…

In chapter 21 a “heavenly adversary” tempts David into taking a census. This is a prideful act. Written 200 years after the exile, Judaism has developed a concept of the “satan.” This concept was not even a thought when 2nd Samuel was written – near the end of David’s life. God is justly offended by the census and offers David a choice of three punishments. David chooses the plague because God’s hand may show mercy. 70,000 die. As the plague nears Jerusalem, at Ornan’s threshing floor, God stays the messenger’s sword. David, not knowing this, offers up his own life for the lives of “these sheep.” David shows the same mercy God has shown. The Lord gave David a heart after God’s own heart. He is led to buy Ornan’s threshing floor and there sacrifices an offering upon the altar that he built. The messenger’s sword is sheathed. This place will be the site of the temple Solomon will build.

Prayer: Lord God, you generously gave to David – strength, guidance, wisdom, mercy, compassion. Lord, give us these same gifts as well so that we may honor you with the faithful living of our lives. Give us the desire to love you with our whole hearts. Amen.


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With and Without

Readings: 1st Kings 20, 1st Kings 21, 1st Kings 22

1st Kings 20:13 – “Do you see that great army? Today I am handing it over to you. Then you will know that I am the LORD.”

Photo credit: Einar Storsul

Today’s readings center on war between Israel and Aram. Ben-hadad leads a huge army and makes demands of Ahab. After giving in to the first, Ahab refuses the next demand. God sends a prophet to Ahab, saying, “Do you see that great army? Today I am handing it over to you. Then you will know that I am the LORD.” District officials lead Israel to victory this day. Ahab sees what walking with God looks like. Warfare resumes the next spring. Again, the prophet brings basically the same words of assurance. A great victory is won. But Ahab is merciful to Ben-hadad, being disobedient to God. Another prophet reveals that it will now be Ahab’s life for Ben-hadad’s life. Walking without God has its consequences.

Upset and irritated, Ahab goes home. He tries to get something new to feel better. Been there? But Naboth refuses to sell his family inheritance. Ahab pouts. Jezreel notices and takes matters into her own hands. Through a sham trial she arranges Naboth’s death. While inspecting his new vineyard, Ahab is visited by Elijah. God condemns Ahab and Jezreel. In response, though, Ahab mourns and fasts. Because of this, disaster will fall in the next king.

There is again war with Aram. Ahab invites Jehoshaphat to fight alongside him. Prophets are consulted. A false spirit gives bad information. Sensing something is wrong, Jehoshaphat asks for another prophet. In the end, Micaiah reveals that soon Israel will be like sheep without a shepherd. Then, in spite of disguising himself, a “random” arrow hits Ahab. He dies. Israel and Judah retreat.

Jehoshaphat continues to rule in Judah, walking with God. Ahaziah, Ahab’s son, rules in Israel, walking without God. This angers the Lord. His story concludes tomorrow as we turn to 2nd Kings.

Prayer: Lord God, what a profound difference we find when we choose to walk with you. Spirit of God, help us when we are weak and tempted. Guide us to God’s heart and to walking with God. Amen.


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Unrest Around Every Corner

Readings: 2nd Samuel 20, 2nd Samuel 21, 2nd Samuel 22, 2nd Samuel 23, 2nd Samuel 24

2nd Samuel 22:31 – “God! His way is perfect; the LORD’s word is tried and true. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.”

Trouble begins our reading and makes frequent appearances throughout. Sheba tries to lead Israel away from David. Only one clan joins his revolt. In the pursuit, Joab kills Amasa, eliminating a rival. In the end, Sheba is beheaded by the people of Abel. Next a famine falls upon the land. It is connected to Saul’s treachery against the Gibeonites. David inquires of the Lord, who sends him to them. The price to fix this wrong is set at seven sons of Saul. They are offered up by the Gibeonites as the blood price for Saul’s sin. Rizpah, the mother of two of the seven, mourns day and night for months, keeping guard over their bodies. This moves David. He reburied Saul and Jonathan in the ancestral grave of Saul’s family.

War and battles with the Philistines continues to be the norm. After a close call David is told he will never go into battle again. This is one hint that chapters 21-24 were written or at least take place before Absalom’s rebellion. David offers a Psalm of praise in chapter 22. God is his rock, fortress, rescuer, salvation. God hears his cries. God rewards David’s righteousness and integrity. God shows faithful love to God’s anointed. He then offers some “last words” about covenant and dynasty.

Then there is a list of David’s warriors along with some of their feats. Then 2nd Samuel closes with another sin and its consequences. A census is ordered. Joab questions this. David overrules him. Pride is at play in David’s heart. After the census David feels guilty and he repents. The prophet Gad is sent to David with three choices of consequences. David chooses the plague, trusting God’s mercy over what human hands might do. After 70,000 die, David cries out and God relents. Gad instructs David to buy a threshing floor at the place the plague stopped. He does so, building an altar and offering sacrifices. The plague ends. Yet unrest lies just around the next corner as we turn to 1st Kings tomorrow.

Prayer: Lord God, unrest and turmoil and violence continue to be the norm. This feels like our world today. Yet here and there your love and goodness poke through – in a mother’s love, in your mercy, in David’s faithfulness. In the midst of the trials and sufferings of our world, remind us again and again of your love, mercy, and goodness. And, Lord, use us as conduits of these things in our world too, reminding others of your presence here with us. Amen.


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Faithful to God

Readings: 2nd Samuel 8, 2nd Samuel 9, 2nd Samuel 10

2nd Samuel 8:15 – “David ruled over all Israel and maintained justice and righteousness for all his people.”

Photo credit: Emma Gossett

Turning to chapters 8-10, David continues to solidify his kingdom. He defeats the Philistines, Moabites, and Zobah. They bring him tribute. A king from Hamath sends his son with silver, gold, and bronze – a form of tribute. God gives David “victory wherever he went.” In return, in verse 8:15 we read, “David ruled over all Israel and maintained justice and righteousness for all his people.”

In chapter 9 we see the tender side of David. In a way, this is an expression of his grief over Jonathan. David locates Mephibosheth, the only surviving son of Jonathan. For most new kings, eliminating the former king’s offspring was a priority. But in this case, David brings him to the palace, buys back all the family land, tasks Ziba with working the land, and makes Mephibosheth like his own son. He will eat at the king’s table for the rest of his life.

In the next chapter Nahash dies. He is the king who took in a fleeing David, giving him Ziklag as a place to live. David sends messengers with condolences, but Hanun, the son, doubts David’s sincerity. He humiliates the messengers and sends them back home. War is on. Joab and his brother Abishai lead Israel against the Ammonites and Arameans. Trusting that God is with them, Israel wins two great victories. God is with David in all that he does. David has been faithful to God. It is as it should be.

Prayer: Lord God, in our daily lives, lead and guide us to follow you and to honor you in all that we do. Guide us to seek justice and to be righteous. Lead us to care well for those in need. Keep us faithful to you alone. Amen.


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Lines Drawn

Readings: 2nd Samuel 1, 2nd Samuel 2, 2nd Samuel 3, 2nd Samuel 4

2nd Samuel 3:1 – “The war… was long and drawn out. David kept getting stronger, while Saul’s house kept getting weaker.”

The story of 1st Samuel continues into 2nd Samuel. News of Saul’s and Jonathan’s deaths reach David. The bearer of the news is dishonest in his account. He thinks it will bring him a reward. Instead, he pays for it with his life. David and all of Judah mourn the losses of Saul and Jonathan through a song that honors them. God leads David to move to Hebron. There the tribe of Judah gathers and anoints David king.

Ishbosheth, with Abner’s help, rules the rest of Israel from Mahanaim. Abner then leads Israel’s troops out to battle David’s troops, led by Joab. They meet at the pool of Gibeon and agree to send out 12 men each. They simultaneously kill each other. It is a sign of what is to come. The armies battle. Asahel, Joab’s brother, pursues Abner. Trying to end the pursuit, Abner accidentally kills Asahel. Finally, Abner asks Joab how long will brothers kill brothers. This ends the battle for now. It is just the beginning. In 3:1 we read, “The war… was long and drawn out. David kept getting stronger, while Saul’s house kept getting weaker.”

We then learn that six sons are born to David at Hebron – by six different wives. Meanwhile, Ishbosheth angers Abner and he decides to now side with David. After meeting with David, Joab murders Abner, getting revenge for Asahel’s death. David condemns this evil act. David and Judah then mourn Abner’s death. Next we learn of Rechab and Baanah assassinating Ishbosheth, bringing his head to David, looking for some personal reward. David, however, condemns this evil act too. These two men pay for the righteous Ishbosheth’s blood with their lives. David clearly draws the line against revenge and assassination. These evil things will have no place in his kingdom – for now.

Prayer: Lord God, we see in David a man that leads mostly well as he consolidates power. He seeks your guidance. He honors the dead. He calls out and punishes evil, even when it benefits him. And he has six sons by six wives and adds Michal back into the mix too. Lord, guide us to know right from wrong, good from evil. And help us to resist those temptations that we struggle with along the way. Amen.


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The Battle Is God’s

Readings: 1st Samuel 16, 1st Samuel 17

1st Samuel 17:46 – “Then the whole world will know that there is a God on Israel’s side.”

Photo credit: Familyschaffner

God sends a grieving Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint Israel’s next king. He brings a heifer as a sort of guise – does it ever get sacrificed? Jesse has six sons pass before Samuel. Right from the start, Samuel thinks this is the one, but God corrects him. Humans see what’s visible to the eyes but God “sees into the heart.” None present are chosen so Samuel asks, “Is that all of your boys?” No. David is brought in from tending the sheep. God says, “That’s the one. Go anoint him.” And God’s Spirit comes up on David right then.

An evil spirit begins to torment Saul. Is that because David has been anointed? Music was thought to calm such spirits. David is known as a skilled musician. He becomes part of Saul’s court, playing the lyre to sooth Saul’s demons. But the time for war comes. The Philistines and the Israelites face off. But instead of army versus army, the Philistines send out their champion, Goliath. This nine foot tall behemoth challenges the Israelites morning and night to send someone out to fight. They cower in fear for 40 days. It’s been a while so Jesse sends David to check on his brothers. David overhears Goliath and asks, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine….insulting the army of the living God?” David sees the battle from a different perspective right away. Soon he is facing Goliath with a staff, a sling, and five stones. David declares to Goliath that God will hand him over to David, adding, “Then the whole world will know that there is a God on Israel’s side.” David slays Goliath and the whole world knows.

When we take the same faith into our battles, trusting that the battle is God’s, not ours, then the world will see the power of God at work once again. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, we can be tempted to think, “with just a sling and a stone.” But we forget the important detail. You see the heart. You guide the stone. David’s heart was filled with love for you and with trust in you. Make that our hearts too, O Lord. Fill us with a sure faith and a trusting love when the giants come our way. Lead us to walk forward in faith, knowing that you still move in our world. Amen.