Texts:
2 Kings 10 to 12
Ephesians 5
Kings:
Boy am I glad I'm not a son of Ahab. Jehu embarks on a serious cleansing program--killing any descendants of Ahab and murdering all of the prophets of Ba'al.
And in the other half of the country, a seven year old takes the throne. This passage would be a bad stewardship text. The priests are given money for repairs, but don't make the repairs.
Ephesians:
In this whole "wives be subject to your husbands" text, people who want to keep women "in their place" only quote the first half of the argument. The writer of Ephesians writes a very balanced argument. Yes, wives should be subject to their husbands, but husbands should love their wives as they love their own bodies. This was a very counter-cultural message at the time it was written.
October 29, 2009
Texts:
2 Kings 8 and 9
Psalms 62 and 63
This passage from Kings might be easier to read with a map open. Remember that this book is telling the stories of the Kings of Israel (northern kingdom) and the Kings of Judah (southern kingdom). There is overlap between them at times. Aram is today in Syria. Edom is today in Jordan.
And the death of Jezebel is yet another reminder of the dangers of consorting with foreign women. I would love to hear Jezebel's story told by her own people. It is too bad we only have her story preserved by her enemies because she clearly was politically astute--she was on the scene long after Ahab is dead and gone.
2 Kings 8 and 9
Psalms 62 and 63
This passage from Kings might be easier to read with a map open. Remember that this book is telling the stories of the Kings of Israel (northern kingdom) and the Kings of Judah (southern kingdom). There is overlap between them at times. Aram is today in Syria. Edom is today in Jordan.
And the death of Jezebel is yet another reminder of the dangers of consorting with foreign women. I would love to hear Jezebel's story told by her own people. It is too bad we only have her story preserved by her enemies because she clearly was politically astute--she was on the scene long after Ahab is dead and gone.
October 28, 2009
Texts:
2 Kings 6 and 7
Ephesians 4
Kings:
In a very "Obi Wan Kenobi" moment, Elisha sends the Arameans off--"this is not the droid, I mean city, you seek". I had never noticed that before. But I love the clarity of vision Elisha seeks for his servant, allowing him to see the surrounding host of angels protecting them from the army. Have there been times when that veil has lifted and you have seen the Divine presence more clearly?
But then the story gets dark. The Arameans surround Samaria until the people run out of food and are killing children to eat. The King of Israel decides to kill Elisha (since the messenger seems to be easier to punish than God is). Deliverance comes, but not for the King. This passage seems to be about patience to me. And I'm too impatient to appreciate that.
Ephesians:
At least this text isn't about patience. But it is about being kind, and not being snarky and mean spirited. Alas. And it has gorgeous language for the life to which we are to aspire. Which verse in this chapter really speaks to you today?
2 Kings 6 and 7
Ephesians 4
Kings:
In a very "Obi Wan Kenobi" moment, Elisha sends the Arameans off--"this is not the droid, I mean city, you seek". I had never noticed that before. But I love the clarity of vision Elisha seeks for his servant, allowing him to see the surrounding host of angels protecting them from the army. Have there been times when that veil has lifted and you have seen the Divine presence more clearly?
But then the story gets dark. The Arameans surround Samaria until the people run out of food and are killing children to eat. The King of Israel decides to kill Elisha (since the messenger seems to be easier to punish than God is). Deliverance comes, but not for the King. This passage seems to be about patience to me. And I'm too impatient to appreciate that.
Ephesians:
At least this text isn't about patience. But it is about being kind, and not being snarky and mean spirited. Alas. And it has gorgeous language for the life to which we are to aspire. Which verse in this chapter really speaks to you today?
October 27, 2009
Texts:
2 Kings 4 and 5
Ephesians 3
Kings:
Do you see similarities between the stories of Elijah and Elisha? If so, why do you think that is?
This passage also has the story of Naaman. He's a commander of Syria. He has leprosy. And he listens to a Hebrew slave girl and seeks a cure from Elisha. The question the slave girl asks Naaman, when he complains that his cure is too simple, is a question for us as well.
"Father, if the prophet had commanded you to do something difficult, would you not have done it? How much more, when all he said to you was, “Wash, and be clean”?’
What are the simple things we could be doing, but aren't?
2 Kings 4 and 5
Ephesians 3
Kings:
Do you see similarities between the stories of Elijah and Elisha? If so, why do you think that is?
This passage also has the story of Naaman. He's a commander of Syria. He has leprosy. And he listens to a Hebrew slave girl and seeks a cure from Elisha. The question the slave girl asks Naaman, when he complains that his cure is too simple, is a question for us as well.
"Father, if the prophet had commanded you to do something difficult, would you not have done it? How much more, when all he said to you was, “Wash, and be clean”?’
What are the simple things we could be doing, but aren't?
October 26, 2009
Texts:
2 Kings 1 to 3
Ephesians 2
Kings:
If you needed more reminders about why not to worship false Gods, here's another one. Let this be a reminder to us as well. If the Kings of Israel couldn't keep that command straight, how arrogant are we to think we can?
The King then decides to use might and Elijah calls down consuming fire to meet all of his armies.
Elisha inherits, literally and metaphorically, the mantle of Elijah. What are the mantles you have inherited? How heavy are they on your shoulders?
And this is one of my favorite passages concerning youth ministry. Elisha is walking down the road and a bunch of teenagers start making rude comments "go away baldhead". So, when you have unruly teenagers, just quote scripture to them:
"When he turned round and saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. Then two she-bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys. 25From there he went on to Mount Carmel, and then returned to Samaria." (2 Kings 2:24 and 25)
Ephesians:
Remember Ephesians is exalted worship language. All of this "lifted up to the high places" language is slightly different than Paul's other letters. It seems to reflect a later development of the church's understanding of worship.
2 Kings 1 to 3
Ephesians 2
Kings:
If you needed more reminders about why not to worship false Gods, here's another one. Let this be a reminder to us as well. If the Kings of Israel couldn't keep that command straight, how arrogant are we to think we can?
The King then decides to use might and Elijah calls down consuming fire to meet all of his armies.
Elisha inherits, literally and metaphorically, the mantle of Elijah. What are the mantles you have inherited? How heavy are they on your shoulders?
And this is one of my favorite passages concerning youth ministry. Elisha is walking down the road and a bunch of teenagers start making rude comments "go away baldhead". So, when you have unruly teenagers, just quote scripture to them:
"When he turned round and saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. Then two she-bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys. 25From there he went on to Mount Carmel, and then returned to Samaria." (2 Kings 2:24 and 25)
Ephesians:
Remember Ephesians is exalted worship language. All of this "lifted up to the high places" language is slightly different than Paul's other letters. It seems to reflect a later development of the church's understanding of worship.
October 25, 2009
Texts:
1 Kings 22
Psalms 60 and 61
Kings:
This is a great text. Micaiah, son of Imlah, is a prophet who won't give the king the answer they want. It brings up the idea of God putting lies in the mouths of the prophets to get the will of God accomplished. What do you think of this?
1 Kings 22
Psalms 60 and 61
Kings:
This is a great text. Micaiah, son of Imlah, is a prophet who won't give the king the answer they want. It brings up the idea of God putting lies in the mouths of the prophets to get the will of God accomplished. What do you think of this?
October 24, 2009
Texts:
1 Kings 20 and 21
Ephesians 1
Kings:
Notice the contrast between the first 34 verses of chapter 20 and the end of it. You can see the sources being mixed together--both pro-Ahab and anti-Ahab writing.
To appreciate chapter 21, you have to look back to earlier readings and remember how important the ancestral lands were. Your family, within your clan inherited a particular piece of real estate. And Ahab wants to take Naboth's vineyard. Ahab and Jezebel just don't seem to understand why Naboth doesn't want to sell. Their violation of Naboth's life and property is worthy of a prophetic intervention!
Ephesians:
While this letter is in Paul's name, and clearly seems to be written by someone familiar with Paul's theology, many scholars do not feel Paul wrote this letter. Here are a few reasons why.
1. The Greek vocabulary is different, or the words are the same but used differently than Paul's other letters.
2. This letter seems to be about worship, about how the church behaves. It seems to reflect a later development of the church than Paul's time (when "church" still meant groups of people meeting in houses).
3. Baptismal imagery is different as well. See if you can notice the difference between Galatians/Romans and Ephesians.
1 Kings 20 and 21
Ephesians 1
Kings:
Notice the contrast between the first 34 verses of chapter 20 and the end of it. You can see the sources being mixed together--both pro-Ahab and anti-Ahab writing.
To appreciate chapter 21, you have to look back to earlier readings and remember how important the ancestral lands were. Your family, within your clan inherited a particular piece of real estate. And Ahab wants to take Naboth's vineyard. Ahab and Jezebel just don't seem to understand why Naboth doesn't want to sell. Their violation of Naboth's life and property is worthy of a prophetic intervention!
Ephesians:
While this letter is in Paul's name, and clearly seems to be written by someone familiar with Paul's theology, many scholars do not feel Paul wrote this letter. Here are a few reasons why.
1. The Greek vocabulary is different, or the words are the same but used differently than Paul's other letters.
2. This letter seems to be about worship, about how the church behaves. It seems to reflect a later development of the church than Paul's time (when "church" still meant groups of people meeting in houses).
3. Baptismal imagery is different as well. See if you can notice the difference between Galatians/Romans and Ephesians.
October 23, 2009
Texts:
1 Kings 18 and 19
Galatians 6
Kings:
These are some of the best stories in the entire Bible. Seriously.
How can you not love Elijah? He does a complete smackdown on the prophets of Ba'al. He hears God in the silence. Love him.
He's also mildly grouchy and cantankerous.
Awesome.
Galatians:
And Paul is in rare form as well. Right up to the end of this rather bruising letter, he is speaking with every ounce of his passion to a church he loves and cares for and for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to which he has given his life. How can we live our lives with as much passion?
1 Kings 18 and 19
Galatians 6
Kings:
These are some of the best stories in the entire Bible. Seriously.
How can you not love Elijah? He does a complete smackdown on the prophets of Ba'al. He hears God in the silence. Love him.
He's also mildly grouchy and cantankerous.
Awesome.
Galatians:
And Paul is in rare form as well. Right up to the end of this rather bruising letter, he is speaking with every ounce of his passion to a church he loves and cares for and for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to which he has given his life. How can we live our lives with as much passion?
October 22, 2009
Texts:
1 Kings 16 and 17
Psalms 58 and 59
Kings:
Have you picked up yet on the pattern? "So and so became King, he led the people into sin, God removed him...."
What do you think the authors of Kings want you to understand about the Kings of Israel and Judah?
1 Kings 16 and 17
Psalms 58 and 59
Kings:
Have you picked up yet on the pattern? "So and so became King, he led the people into sin, God removed him...."
What do you think the authors of Kings want you to understand about the Kings of Israel and Judah?
October 21, 2009
Texts:
1 Kings 14 and 15
Galatians 5
Sorry about the typo in the booklet. Today's reading is Galatians 5.
1 Kings 14 and 15
Galatians 5
Sorry about the typo in the booklet. Today's reading is Galatians 5.
October 18, 2009
Texts:
1 Kings 8 and 9
Psalms 56 and 57
Kings:
It is hard for us to imagine, I think, the celebration involved in bringing the ark of the covenant "home at last". After hundreds of years of traveling as the people traveled, God finally has a home. The significance of Jerusalem as God's HQ can not be underestimated, I don't think. And, again, notice that David's name is still being used to establish legitimacy in Solomon's reign.
What do you make of 8:27? "But will God, indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built!"
Most scholars see this as an indication that by the time this history is being written down, Solomon's temple has already been destroyed.
There are a number of instructions for God to "hear in heaven and act" and then "hear in heaven and forgive".
By 8:46, you can hear indications of exile. "so that they are carried away captive to the land of the enemy, far off or near, yet if they come to their senses in the land to which they have been taken...."
And Solomon is given clear warning, as well, in 9:6-9 about what will happen if he sins.
1 Kings 8 and 9
Psalms 56 and 57
Kings:
It is hard for us to imagine, I think, the celebration involved in bringing the ark of the covenant "home at last". After hundreds of years of traveling as the people traveled, God finally has a home. The significance of Jerusalem as God's HQ can not be underestimated, I don't think. And, again, notice that David's name is still being used to establish legitimacy in Solomon's reign.
What do you make of 8:27? "But will God, indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built!"
Most scholars see this as an indication that by the time this history is being written down, Solomon's temple has already been destroyed.
There are a number of instructions for God to "hear in heaven and act" and then "hear in heaven and forgive".
By 8:46, you can hear indications of exile. "so that they are carried away captive to the land of the enemy, far off or near, yet if they come to their senses in the land to which they have been taken...."
And Solomon is given clear warning, as well, in 9:6-9 about what will happen if he sins.
October 17, 2009
Texts:
1 Kings 6-7
Galatians 2
Kings:
If the dates are right, the temple would have been started in 960 BCE. The question with the dates is that scholars don't really think the Exodus would have taken place as early as 480 years earlier than that 960 date. Remember the Egyptian courts are better documented, historically, than most Israelite history.
The temple would have been 90 feet by 30 feet, and 50 feet tall.
The palace took almost twice as long to build and nearly twice as big.
Discuss.
Notice, again, the conditional language of God's relationship. "IF you will walk in my statutes....THEN I will establish my promise...."
What does that mean to you?
Galatians:
Paul is building his case to justify his authority to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Galatians shouldn't be fooled by people who say they're speaking for Jerusalem, because Jerusalm authorized Paul to preach!
This section also makes clear that the story Paul tells of his own life is different than the story told about his life in Acts. In Acts, he and Peter get along just fine. Here, "I opposed him to his face" (2:11).
The other fun fact in this chapter is in the translation of verse 2:16. NRSV has it as "Yet we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ..." That translation is fine, but here is a slightly different translation, just as legitimate as far as the Greek is concerned, but see if it changes the reading for you: "Yet we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith of Jesus Christ..."
This preposition can just as easily be translated either way. Which one do you prefer? Why?
1 Kings 6-7
Galatians 2
Kings:
If the dates are right, the temple would have been started in 960 BCE. The question with the dates is that scholars don't really think the Exodus would have taken place as early as 480 years earlier than that 960 date. Remember the Egyptian courts are better documented, historically, than most Israelite history.
The temple would have been 90 feet by 30 feet, and 50 feet tall.
The palace took almost twice as long to build and nearly twice as big.
Discuss.
Notice, again, the conditional language of God's relationship. "IF you will walk in my statutes....THEN I will establish my promise...."
What does that mean to you?
Galatians:
Paul is building his case to justify his authority to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Galatians shouldn't be fooled by people who say they're speaking for Jerusalem, because Jerusalm authorized Paul to preach!
This section also makes clear that the story Paul tells of his own life is different than the story told about his life in Acts. In Acts, he and Peter get along just fine. Here, "I opposed him to his face" (2:11).
The other fun fact in this chapter is in the translation of verse 2:16. NRSV has it as "Yet we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ..." That translation is fine, but here is a slightly different translation, just as legitimate as far as the Greek is concerned, but see if it changes the reading for you: "Yet we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith of Jesus Christ..."
This preposition can just as easily be translated either way. Which one do you prefer? Why?
October 16, 2009
Texts:
1 Kings 3-5
Galatians 1
Kings:
The message from Samuel--that neither God's steadfast love nor the sword would never depart from David's house continued to play out in Kings. But by chapter 3, Solomon is king. What do you think of the portrait being painted here of Solomon by the Deuteronomistic Historian? Why do you think he talks about Solomon this way?
Galatians:
I love this letter! Paul is annoyed over many things and you get a sense of that in this letter. People have come along after him and are preaching a "different gospel". Paul is annoyed by these people who are trying to undo his work in Galatia. Paul had preached a message of radical grace, acceptance, and love, and these guys come in and say, "yes, what Paul said is nice, but you still have to be circumcised and follow the laws of Judaism".
Paul is also annoyed with the Galatians for seeming to fall for these "circumcisers". And, as we've seen before, Paul makes clear from just where, his authority and the gospel he preaches come from. And it is NOT from the church in Jerusalem. It is from God himself.
Have you ever had to write a letter to someone you love and yet with whom you were very angry? How do you think Paul does here?
1 Kings 3-5
Galatians 1
Kings:
The message from Samuel--that neither God's steadfast love nor the sword would never depart from David's house continued to play out in Kings. But by chapter 3, Solomon is king. What do you think of the portrait being painted here of Solomon by the Deuteronomistic Historian? Why do you think he talks about Solomon this way?
Galatians:
I love this letter! Paul is annoyed over many things and you get a sense of that in this letter. People have come along after him and are preaching a "different gospel". Paul is annoyed by these people who are trying to undo his work in Galatia. Paul had preached a message of radical grace, acceptance, and love, and these guys come in and say, "yes, what Paul said is nice, but you still have to be circumcised and follow the laws of Judaism".
Paul is also annoyed with the Galatians for seeming to fall for these "circumcisers". And, as we've seen before, Paul makes clear from just where, his authority and the gospel he preaches come from. And it is NOT from the church in Jerusalem. It is from God himself.
Have you ever had to write a letter to someone you love and yet with whom you were very angry? How do you think Paul does here?
October 15, 2009
Texts:
1 Kings 1-2
Psalm 55
Welcome to First Kings! Originally, 1st and 2nd Kings were one text, as was 1st and 2nd Samuel.
In any case, they are compilations of many sources over time to tell the story of Israel, and to tell that story with a particular emphasis--how did the moral and religious failure of the leaders of Israel lead to a loss of national unity (and the division into Israel and Judah), autonomy, and identity.
These books come from the tradition of the Deuteronomistic writers.
Psalms:
The psalms are often easier for me to appreciate if I imagine the scenario in the life of the Psalmist that led to the writing of each psalm.
What was going on in his life that he said these things?
What is the psalm I would write based on what is going on in my life right now?
Is there a time when this psalm described a situation in my life?
1 Kings 1-2
Psalm 55
Welcome to First Kings! Originally, 1st and 2nd Kings were one text, as was 1st and 2nd Samuel.
In any case, they are compilations of many sources over time to tell the story of Israel, and to tell that story with a particular emphasis--how did the moral and religious failure of the leaders of Israel lead to a loss of national unity (and the division into Israel and Judah), autonomy, and identity.
These books come from the tradition of the Deuteronomistic writers.
Psalms:
The psalms are often easier for me to appreciate if I imagine the scenario in the life of the Psalmist that led to the writing of each psalm.
What was going on in his life that he said these things?
What is the psalm I would write based on what is going on in my life right now?
Is there a time when this psalm described a situation in my life?
October 13, 2009
Texts:
2 Samuel 21-22
2 Corinthians 12
Samuel:
David is not a 21st Century Protestant. Drought is on the land because of the sins of the now dead Saul. To appease God and bring the rains, David agrees to kill seven of Saul's grandchildren. While this makes no sense to us today in our context, it is connected to a world view that is still in effect in parts of the Middle East. The concepts of "honor" and "shame" are mutually exclusive. You either bring honor upon your entire family, or you bring shame. Have you read about "honor killings" in the Middle East?
Can you think of any examples of similar behavior in our own country?
In chapter 22, there is a reprint of Psalm 18. Compare the two. David was both a psalmist and a military strategist.
Corinthians:
Note that Paul is not a 21st Century Protestant either. He is a 1st Century Jewish Mystic. This chapter is not a metaphor. It is his world view and describes his experience. In verse 2, when he says "I know a person in Christ who was caught up to the third heaven..." he is talking about himself.
His near constant theme of strength through weakness and wisdom through foolishness is evident here as well. And the Cross event is the paradigm for our lives.
2 Samuel 21-22
2 Corinthians 12
Samuel:
David is not a 21st Century Protestant. Drought is on the land because of the sins of the now dead Saul. To appease God and bring the rains, David agrees to kill seven of Saul's grandchildren. While this makes no sense to us today in our context, it is connected to a world view that is still in effect in parts of the Middle East. The concepts of "honor" and "shame" are mutually exclusive. You either bring honor upon your entire family, or you bring shame. Have you read about "honor killings" in the Middle East?
Can you think of any examples of similar behavior in our own country?
In chapter 22, there is a reprint of Psalm 18. Compare the two. David was both a psalmist and a military strategist.
Corinthians:
Note that Paul is not a 21st Century Protestant either. He is a 1st Century Jewish Mystic. This chapter is not a metaphor. It is his world view and describes his experience. In verse 2, when he says "I know a person in Christ who was caught up to the third heaven..." he is talking about himself.
His near constant theme of strength through weakness and wisdom through foolishness is evident here as well. And the Cross event is the paradigm for our lives.
October 12, 2009
Texts:
2 Samuel 19-20
2 Corinthians 11
Samuel:
Chapter 19 makes clear that grief is a luxury that kings can't afford. And this section also makes it clear that re-establishing authority for David was a crucial and a difficult task.
Corinthians:
The "super apostles" seem to be back. The leaders who followed after Paul and apparently preached "a different gospel" drive Paul absolutely nuts! He even acknowledges that he "is talking like a madman" (v 23)
He has nothing nice to say about them. And he'll use any rhetorical trick he can come up with to make his point.
Who are the "super apostles" today that drive you nuts?
2 Samuel 19-20
2 Corinthians 11
Samuel:
Chapter 19 makes clear that grief is a luxury that kings can't afford. And this section also makes it clear that re-establishing authority for David was a crucial and a difficult task.
Corinthians:
The "super apostles" seem to be back. The leaders who followed after Paul and apparently preached "a different gospel" drive Paul absolutely nuts! He even acknowledges that he "is talking like a madman" (v 23)
He has nothing nice to say about them. And he'll use any rhetorical trick he can come up with to make his point.
Who are the "super apostles" today that drive you nuts?
October 11, 2009
Texts:
2 Samuel 17-18
Psalms 52, 53, 54
Samuel:
In the continuing battle of David vs. Pretenders for the Throne, note that David is also not responsible for the death of Absalom. He wasn't responsible for the death of Saul either (see the end of 1 Sam).
Psalms:
Note the similarities of Psalm 53 with Psalm 14. And does it sound like Job or what?
2 Samuel 17-18
Psalms 52, 53, 54
Samuel:
In the continuing battle of David vs. Pretenders for the Throne, note that David is also not responsible for the death of Absalom. He wasn't responsible for the death of Saul either (see the end of 1 Sam).
Psalms:
Note the similarities of Psalm 53 with Psalm 14. And does it sound like Job or what?
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