Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
There's an adage which goes:
There are two beasts who live inside you, one is good and one is evil. The good beast is responsible for all the life-sharing love around you, and feeds on that love. The evil, in same manner, lives on and breeds all that is evil. Only one of those beasts will live through you; the one you let live is the one you feed.
Daniel's vision tell's of four beasts who rise from the sea. These four beasts all represent one of the kingdoms in and around Israel, all of whom either did, was, or will be influential in some way in the lives of the Israelites.
Each of the beasts represents how Daniel characterizes these kingdoms as animals, albeit composites of animals. Winged lions represent strong courage with quick-rising power, the bear represents strict and unemotional cruelty. There are many places you can go to see what each animal represents, so I won't list them here, nor will I cause you to tear your hair out by reading a long commentary. All I want to say is that Daniel 7 is a retelling of Daniel 2 with the difference being that instead of talking about the politics of the 4 kingdoms, Daniel 7 talks about their moralities.
As we read through Daniel 7 and have the vision interpreted for us we see that the one beast who is fed the most does indeed become the one that lives in the end. I don't want to spoil the read for you, so I won't give away the ending here. Suffice it to say it might not be the animal you're expecting.
The focus for today is what beasts you have living within you. What are you feeding and how much are you feeding it? Unfortunately only you truly know if your words and actions are a true representation of what lives within you.
If you say you care about the poor, sick, and hungry and help out at your local shelter with all the great groups you belong to, only to bypass that elderly man hunched over on the sidewalk because he's dirty and stink when you're by yourself, well...
If you say you believe in equality for all and attend rallies that promote those beliefs, only to vote for government officials who make laws that go against those beliefs, well....
If you say you are a Christian and go to church every Sunday and join every church group that exists, only to never share your faith with those who disagree with you because you don't want to upset them, well...
The beast you let live is the one you feed the most, not the one you take for a walk around the neighborhood.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Monday, October 28, 2013
The Double-Edged Sword
Psalm 149
Talk about a tale of two cities. This Psalm had me thinking about all the wonderful things God does for us, then, right about the middle of it, I wasd invited to also "let the high praises of God be in [my throat] and two-edged swords in [my hand]." What follows this declaration is the hope that through God we can bind, execute, and punish our enemies.
What!? It's no wonder I get confused sometimes about what God is asking us to do. Are we to love our enemies, or defeat our enemies?
As I read commentaries on today's Psalm I found one which made mention that the request for vengeance with a double-edged sword is a hope for the future. This commentary said that it was most likely swords did not have two-edges in the days this Psalm was written, so the mention of a double-edged sword was a "dream", if you will, of a future weapon that will not only allow the people of Israel to protect themselves, but to also defeat any enemies which threaten their way of life.
The commentary goes on to say that the Psalmist's design was "not to proceed under the influence of private resentment, [but] to throw a rein over passion." What this commentator is saying is although the Psalm is calling for violence, it isn't the way of God's people to be violent, rather to live for justice.
The Psalm is saying that the people of God are not a violent people, but neither should we allow injustice to go unchecked. The sword is not a literal sword, but an instrument which allows for God's people to fight against the powers of government and a corrupt religion to ensure all people live in a land filled with songs and dance. Wielding this sword allows us to say, "Come into God's loving arms" to invite people into God's love, while at the same time saying, "God's arms hold you at length" in order to protect those who need protection.
One might say that this kind of talk is similar to talking out of both sides of your mouth. To which I would simply say that such is the way of a double-edged sword.
Talk about a tale of two cities. This Psalm had me thinking about all the wonderful things God does for us, then, right about the middle of it, I wasd invited to also "let the high praises of God be in [my throat] and two-edged swords in [my hand]." What follows this declaration is the hope that through God we can bind, execute, and punish our enemies.
What!? It's no wonder I get confused sometimes about what God is asking us to do. Are we to love our enemies, or defeat our enemies?
As I read commentaries on today's Psalm I found one which made mention that the request for vengeance with a double-edged sword is a hope for the future. This commentary said that it was most likely swords did not have two-edges in the days this Psalm was written, so the mention of a double-edged sword was a "dream", if you will, of a future weapon that will not only allow the people of Israel to protect themselves, but to also defeat any enemies which threaten their way of life.
The commentary goes on to say that the Psalmist's design was "not to proceed under the influence of private resentment, [but] to throw a rein over passion." What this commentator is saying is although the Psalm is calling for violence, it isn't the way of God's people to be violent, rather to live for justice.
The Psalm is saying that the people of God are not a violent people, but neither should we allow injustice to go unchecked. The sword is not a literal sword, but an instrument which allows for God's people to fight against the powers of government and a corrupt religion to ensure all people live in a land filled with songs and dance. Wielding this sword allows us to say, "Come into God's loving arms" to invite people into God's love, while at the same time saying, "God's arms hold you at length" in order to protect those who need protection.
One might say that this kind of talk is similar to talking out of both sides of your mouth. To which I would simply say that such is the way of a double-edged sword.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Friday Finding
A couple of quotes to say thank you.
Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your
appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return.
Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you.
Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it. – Ralph Marston
The laughs mean more to me than the adoration. If two girls
walk up to me and one says 'you're cute', I'll say thank you, but I appreciate
it much more when the other one says 'you make me laugh so much'. – Michael J.
Fox
None of us got to where we are alone. Whether the assistance
we received was obvious or subtle, acknowledging someone's help is a big part
of understanding the importance of saying thank you.
– Harvey Mackay
I've gotten books published. I've met famous people that are
very nice. I look back and I say, 'Wow. Thank you, God, for giving me this
gift. And thank you for helping me to keep going.'– Mattie Stepanek
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Regarding
Luke 18:9-14
Once again a passage that is fairly well-known to me is read anew. I've heard this parable many times and each time I've heard it it's been as a lesson in humility. In just about every sermon, bible discussion group, or passing conversation on this parable it's been generally accepted that one should not shout at the top of one's lungs in order to bring attention to one's self. Instead, we are to simply admit we are sinners and pray that God forgives us.
It wasn't until the past few years I've been directed to note that the Pharisee is pointing fingers at people who are "not like" him. Sinners such as thieves and adulterers are lumped together as people who the Pharisee is thankful to not be like. The Pharisee even says he's happy to not be like the tax collector with which he is being compared.
The tax-collector, on the other hand, simply admits to his sins and asks for forgiveness. I don't know about you, but I like the example of the tax collector better.
The first sentence in this passage spoke out to me today. Jesus tells this parable to "some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt." I practically stopped reading the passage once those words settled in as I asked myself what I think of myself and others.
There was a time in my life when my faith taught me that we need to be better than those who sin. Boys who go to the movies with girls were sinners. Girls who danced with boys were sinners. Only sinners questioned the authoritativeness of God's word as it pertained to exactly who sinners were. And, believe it or not, it was possible to not be a sinner as long as you rebuked every idea outside of the ones the "official" church of Jesus taught.
We were taught to not be like "them" and instead we should stand on the mountain top and thank God we are not sinners - as long as we were humble about it.
In the years that followed, I discovered I was indeed a sinner and no matter how hard I tried I would always be one. However, I also discovered that being a sinner isn't the end all I was taught it was. In fact, knowing I am, and will always be, a sinner was just the beginning. That realization gave me permission to let go of the hate I had for myself and my sinning-ness, Instead I found that I now had permission to let God work in and through me as a sinner to let others know God is at our side, walking with us on our path, no matter what.
There is no race to win, there is no love to be earned, there is no reason to doubt myself because God has always been and will always be with me. It is in this realization I have grown past looking at others with contempt. It is in this understanding of God's love, as taught to me through my relationship with Christ, that I am now able to accept God's love for me.
This passage asks us to take an honest look at how we regard others as much as how we regard our self. As Christians we are being taught that we are all sinners, and through God's love we will be justified, or set as equals, to those around us.
Once again a passage that is fairly well-known to me is read anew. I've heard this parable many times and each time I've heard it it's been as a lesson in humility. In just about every sermon, bible discussion group, or passing conversation on this parable it's been generally accepted that one should not shout at the top of one's lungs in order to bring attention to one's self. Instead, we are to simply admit we are sinners and pray that God forgives us.
It wasn't until the past few years I've been directed to note that the Pharisee is pointing fingers at people who are "not like" him. Sinners such as thieves and adulterers are lumped together as people who the Pharisee is thankful to not be like. The Pharisee even says he's happy to not be like the tax collector with which he is being compared.
The tax-collector, on the other hand, simply admits to his sins and asks for forgiveness. I don't know about you, but I like the example of the tax collector better.
The first sentence in this passage spoke out to me today. Jesus tells this parable to "some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt." I practically stopped reading the passage once those words settled in as I asked myself what I think of myself and others.
There was a time in my life when my faith taught me that we need to be better than those who sin. Boys who go to the movies with girls were sinners. Girls who danced with boys were sinners. Only sinners questioned the authoritativeness of God's word as it pertained to exactly who sinners were. And, believe it or not, it was possible to not be a sinner as long as you rebuked every idea outside of the ones the "official" church of Jesus taught.
We were taught to not be like "them" and instead we should stand on the mountain top and thank God we are not sinners - as long as we were humble about it.
In the years that followed, I discovered I was indeed a sinner and no matter how hard I tried I would always be one. However, I also discovered that being a sinner isn't the end all I was taught it was. In fact, knowing I am, and will always be, a sinner was just the beginning. That realization gave me permission to let go of the hate I had for myself and my sinning-ness, Instead I found that I now had permission to let God work in and through me as a sinner to let others know God is at our side, walking with us on our path, no matter what.
There is no race to win, there is no love to be earned, there is no reason to doubt myself because God has always been and will always be with me. It is in this realization I have grown past looking at others with contempt. It is in this understanding of God's love, as taught to me through my relationship with Christ, that I am now able to accept God's love for me.
This passage asks us to take an honest look at how we regard others as much as how we regard our self. As Christians we are being taught that we are all sinners, and through God's love we will be justified, or set as equals, to those around us.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Libating In My Youth
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
I will be the first to admit that I made very bad decisions in my youth. I will also be the first to say that I wouldn't change a thing about those decisions I made, mostly because they've made me who I am today. Also, changing any of those decisions would have altered the path I was on enough so that it might be possible I would be in a different place in my life. I am very happy with who I am and where I am and can't imagine being anywhere or anyone else.
After reading today's passage a great memory about the rituals of my past came to mind; a ritual I had almost forgotten. If you'll allow it I want to tell you a story which best symbolizes this ritual.
As a senior in high school, not too far away from graduating, a group of my friends and I went to the library. Mind you, "going to the library" meant more than going to a building filled with books to study. It meant we were going to see if we could acquire alcohol and drink a little, not too much as it was a school night.
We were a respectable group of young men and didn't like lying to our parents, so when we told them we were going to the library, we actually did. I would usually drive and after a trip to the liquor store, where we were usually successful in buying a bottle of cheap wine, we would all ride together to the local community college's library parking lot.
The first thing we would always do after opening the bottle was to pour a little out and say the words, "For our brothers and sisters not with us tonight." This simple act, done with sincere reverence, somehow brought all of our friends together with us in that time and space. It was as though while only 2 or 3 of us were gathered, our entire community was with us.
This ritual continued throughout my youth and into adulthood. As I was finally able to quit the addictions which held me prisoner, I somehow still found a way to continue the ritual of libating; the ritual of pouring out a part of that which I was involved so as to include all of the people who were not there. The major difference between now and then is that what I pour out does not come from a bottle, but from my heart. I now choose to share my love with everyone.
Today's passage is found at the end of 2 Timothy. In this reading we are invited to hear Paul's voice remind us that as his life ends, he can rest in the knowledge that he did his best in being a vassal for Christ. The author of this letter shows Paul as someone who has had his heart, soul, and mind - that which is the vassal he has become - emptied in the hope that through his teachings, Paul's followers will do their best to do the same.
As Christians we are called to give everything we have in order to bring God's vision of a world filled with unconditional acceptance while ensuring that all people are taken care of. We should find as many ways as possible to guarantee that those who have been pushed to the outsides of society are once again brought in. My friends, we are asked to pour out just a little of what you have to include those who are not there.
As you pour it out, remember that all of your brothers and sisters are right there with you.
I will be the first to admit that I made very bad decisions in my youth. I will also be the first to say that I wouldn't change a thing about those decisions I made, mostly because they've made me who I am today. Also, changing any of those decisions would have altered the path I was on enough so that it might be possible I would be in a different place in my life. I am very happy with who I am and where I am and can't imagine being anywhere or anyone else.
After reading today's passage a great memory about the rituals of my past came to mind; a ritual I had almost forgotten. If you'll allow it I want to tell you a story which best symbolizes this ritual.
As a senior in high school, not too far away from graduating, a group of my friends and I went to the library. Mind you, "going to the library" meant more than going to a building filled with books to study. It meant we were going to see if we could acquire alcohol and drink a little, not too much as it was a school night.
We were a respectable group of young men and didn't like lying to our parents, so when we told them we were going to the library, we actually did. I would usually drive and after a trip to the liquor store, where we were usually successful in buying a bottle of cheap wine, we would all ride together to the local community college's library parking lot.
The first thing we would always do after opening the bottle was to pour a little out and say the words, "For our brothers and sisters not with us tonight." This simple act, done with sincere reverence, somehow brought all of our friends together with us in that time and space. It was as though while only 2 or 3 of us were gathered, our entire community was with us.
This ritual continued throughout my youth and into adulthood. As I was finally able to quit the addictions which held me prisoner, I somehow still found a way to continue the ritual of libating; the ritual of pouring out a part of that which I was involved so as to include all of the people who were not there. The major difference between now and then is that what I pour out does not come from a bottle, but from my heart. I now choose to share my love with everyone.
Today's passage is found at the end of 2 Timothy. In this reading we are invited to hear Paul's voice remind us that as his life ends, he can rest in the knowledge that he did his best in being a vassal for Christ. The author of this letter shows Paul as someone who has had his heart, soul, and mind - that which is the vassal he has become - emptied in the hope that through his teachings, Paul's followers will do their best to do the same.
As Christians we are called to give everything we have in order to bring God's vision of a world filled with unconditional acceptance while ensuring that all people are taken care of. We should find as many ways as possible to guarantee that those who have been pushed to the outsides of society are once again brought in. My friends, we are asked to pour out just a little of what you have to include those who are not there.
As you pour it out, remember that all of your brothers and sisters are right there with you.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Prophesies Of Old
Joel 2:23-32
I'm currently reading an interesting and challenging book. "Living the Questions: The Wisdom of Progressive Christianity" by Felten and Procter-Murphy is interesting in that it tells stories which hold my attention. It's a challenging book because it does exactly that; it challenges me. So far it has challenged my belief on many biblical understandings, especially as they pertain to Christianity.
Is the birth narrative necessary in order for me to believe Jesus is a divine presence? Why do the writings of Paul have glaringly varied voices? Is the resurrection of Christ a physical one and does it matter?
Yes, very challenging, and very interesting.
Yesterday I began the chapter on social justice. It not only mentioned how Jesus was an absolute champion of social justice, but that he also followed in the footsteps of other great prophets. Hosea, Habakkuk, Amos, Micah, Jeremiah, and the others all spoke out against the social injustices of their day, something Jesus did very well himself.
The prophets made it known that those who are in charge and using the laws of religion to divide and separate people are making things really bad for themselves and the people of God. The prophets point out that the message of God is not to live in a rules and reward system, but to provide for those who have less than they need to survive.
The widows, orphans, sick, imprisoned, and others who have been outcast by a hierarchical society are being lifted up and pointed out by these prophets in order for the church and government leaders to see them for who they are - children of God who are in need of unconditional acceptance.
By now you should know I'm a word guy. I like to know the meaning of words. If we look up the meaning of prophesy in today's dictionaries we will see it defined as foretelling the future. However, when we look at the Hebrew meaning as used in the Hebrew Bible we will see that it means to be under the influence of a divine spirit while speaking out against false prophets.
What happened to the meaning of that word between its original use and today is only a mystery. Somehow we've taken the prophets as someone who spoke out against false teachings of God's vision to someone who can tell the future. Somehow we've taken the words of the prophets in saying, "If you keep going the way you're going, things are going to be bad, really bad" to, "I predict that in the future things will get bad."
Maybe it's time we begin to listen to the prophets of today in the same way the Israelites were supposed to listen to the prophets of old. There are a lot of people telling us that if we don't change our ways things are going to get bad. Climate change, sexual orientation equality, care for the poor, the ability to afford a home, the ability to afford basic health care, and so much more are being lifted up and pointed out by so many prophets. It's a sad statement to have to say that those voices are being drowned out by the voices who say none of those things, none of them, are a part of God's plan according to God's word.
God's word is one of love, real, true, non-judgmental, all-accepting, take care of those who need taking care of, reach out to those who are suffering, love. Anything less is exactly what the prophets are warning us against.
I'm currently reading an interesting and challenging book. "Living the Questions: The Wisdom of Progressive Christianity" by Felten and Procter-Murphy is interesting in that it tells stories which hold my attention. It's a challenging book because it does exactly that; it challenges me. So far it has challenged my belief on many biblical understandings, especially as they pertain to Christianity.
Is the birth narrative necessary in order for me to believe Jesus is a divine presence? Why do the writings of Paul have glaringly varied voices? Is the resurrection of Christ a physical one and does it matter?
Yes, very challenging, and very interesting.
Yesterday I began the chapter on social justice. It not only mentioned how Jesus was an absolute champion of social justice, but that he also followed in the footsteps of other great prophets. Hosea, Habakkuk, Amos, Micah, Jeremiah, and the others all spoke out against the social injustices of their day, something Jesus did very well himself.
The prophets made it known that those who are in charge and using the laws of religion to divide and separate people are making things really bad for themselves and the people of God. The prophets point out that the message of God is not to live in a rules and reward system, but to provide for those who have less than they need to survive.
The widows, orphans, sick, imprisoned, and others who have been outcast by a hierarchical society are being lifted up and pointed out by these prophets in order for the church and government leaders to see them for who they are - children of God who are in need of unconditional acceptance.
By now you should know I'm a word guy. I like to know the meaning of words. If we look up the meaning of prophesy in today's dictionaries we will see it defined as foretelling the future. However, when we look at the Hebrew meaning as used in the Hebrew Bible we will see that it means to be under the influence of a divine spirit while speaking out against false prophets.
What happened to the meaning of that word between its original use and today is only a mystery. Somehow we've taken the prophets as someone who spoke out against false teachings of God's vision to someone who can tell the future. Somehow we've taken the words of the prophets in saying, "If you keep going the way you're going, things are going to be bad, really bad" to, "I predict that in the future things will get bad."
Maybe it's time we begin to listen to the prophets of today in the same way the Israelites were supposed to listen to the prophets of old. There are a lot of people telling us that if we don't change our ways things are going to get bad. Climate change, sexual orientation equality, care for the poor, the ability to afford a home, the ability to afford basic health care, and so much more are being lifted up and pointed out by so many prophets. It's a sad statement to have to say that those voices are being drowned out by the voices who say none of those things, none of them, are a part of God's plan according to God's word.
God's word is one of love, real, true, non-judgmental, all-accepting, take care of those who need taking care of, reach out to those who are suffering, love. Anything less is exactly what the prophets are warning us against.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Doing Thanks
Psalm 65
The other day, while looking for a card to congratulate a soon-to-be mom, I was appalled to see that Christmas cards were already for sale. I couldn't believe my eyes, but right there, next to the cards in celebration of birthdays and printed words of condolences, were cards welcoming the Holiday Season.
My initial reaction was one of exasperation. I said to my wife, "It's bad enough we begin seeing Christmas trees in the big-box stores and commercials on TV advertising lay away deals for the holidays, but now the greeting card companies are getting a 3-month start."
She quietly replied, "Well, at least they're letting us thank God for God's gift earlier and earlier each year." I'm so glad she's my wife.
Thanking God is something I think we don't do enough of. Sure, we say thank you every time we pray. We say thank you whenever something goes very well for us or for our loved ones. But, in all honesty, we don't give thanks to God as often as we should.
The first part of verse 5 jumped out at me from today's reading. "By awesome deeds you answer us" says to me that God is a God that does for us, not just says to us; God is a God who acts, not just talks. Why then, do we think God deserves anything less from us.
The challenge as a Christian is to do more than say thank you when gratitude is to be given. As a follower of Christ I think we would want to do things for others, whether or not they ask for it. As for me, I don't think that I really do thanks as much as I could, and I certainly don't do thanks as much as I say it.
You see, in a way my wife was absolutely correct. God gave us the ultimate gift of Jesus and it's time now, more than ever, to start showing our thanks. Today is a good day as any to start living thankfulness.
The other day, while looking for a card to congratulate a soon-to-be mom, I was appalled to see that Christmas cards were already for sale. I couldn't believe my eyes, but right there, next to the cards in celebration of birthdays and printed words of condolences, were cards welcoming the Holiday Season.
My initial reaction was one of exasperation. I said to my wife, "It's bad enough we begin seeing Christmas trees in the big-box stores and commercials on TV advertising lay away deals for the holidays, but now the greeting card companies are getting a 3-month start."
She quietly replied, "Well, at least they're letting us thank God for God's gift earlier and earlier each year." I'm so glad she's my wife.
Thanking God is something I think we don't do enough of. Sure, we say thank you every time we pray. We say thank you whenever something goes very well for us or for our loved ones. But, in all honesty, we don't give thanks to God as often as we should.
The first part of verse 5 jumped out at me from today's reading. "By awesome deeds you answer us" says to me that God is a God that does for us, not just says to us; God is a God who acts, not just talks. Why then, do we think God deserves anything less from us.
The challenge as a Christian is to do more than say thank you when gratitude is to be given. As a follower of Christ I think we would want to do things for others, whether or not they ask for it. As for me, I don't think that I really do thanks as much as I could, and I certainly don't do thanks as much as I say it.
You see, in a way my wife was absolutely correct. God gave us the ultimate gift of Jesus and it's time now, more than ever, to start showing our thanks. Today is a good day as any to start living thankfulness.
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