Texts:
2 Chronicles 35 and 36
Acts 21
Acts:
Notice the idea of martyrdom. Paul's people want him to stay away from Jerusalem so that he won't be killed. Paul, on the other hand, seems almost eager to die a martyr's death. There's no easy answer for me in all of this. Yes, I do hope I would be willing to die for the gospel. But I do not hope to die for the gospel. I hope to live long enough to be able to proclaim the gospel.
The gospel does take us into dangerous places. Or it should.
November 26, 2009
Texts:
2 Chronicles 26-28
Acts 18
Acts:
The narrative has been building to this--Paul leaving behind the Jewish community to head out to minister to the Gentiles.
But notice Priscilla and Aquilla at the end of this chapter. They are a married couple who follow Jesus and who help correct someone's understanding of the faith. The writer of Acts seemed to have no problem with women teaching men.
2 Chronicles 26-28
Acts 18
Acts:
The narrative has been building to this--Paul leaving behind the Jewish community to head out to minister to the Gentiles.
But notice Priscilla and Aquilla at the end of this chapter. They are a married couple who follow Jesus and who help correct someone's understanding of the faith. The writer of Acts seemed to have no problem with women teaching men.
November 25, 2009
Texts:
2 Chronicles 24-25
Psalm 74
Psalm:
This psalm is a "maskil". The word seems to be a musical term, attributed to David. Meaning seems unclear or disputed. It might describe how the psalm is to be sung.
2 Chronicles 24-25
Psalm 74
Psalm:
This psalm is a "maskil". The word seems to be a musical term, attributed to David. Meaning seems unclear or disputed. It might describe how the psalm is to be sung.
November 24, 2009
Texts:
2 Chronicles 21-23
Acts 17
Chronicles:
When the Bible talks about 'high places', it is usually a reference to a temple to an idol or false god.
Acts:
Paul is arguing with everyone here. It seems to convince some people, but most of them seem to just get angry.
St Francis said, "preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words." I love that quote because it reminds me that it isn't just what I say (or argue) that will proclaim the gospel. I am of the opinion that the living of our lives says more about what we believe than just our words do. But Paul clearly approaches the gospel task differently. While his life does reflect what he believes, he's not going to sit around and wait for you to observe him. He's going to walk right into your synagogue and let you know what he thinks.
What do you think we Presbyterians can learn from Paul here?
2 Chronicles 21-23
Acts 17
Chronicles:
When the Bible talks about 'high places', it is usually a reference to a temple to an idol or false god.
Acts:
Paul is arguing with everyone here. It seems to convince some people, but most of them seem to just get angry.
St Francis said, "preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words." I love that quote because it reminds me that it isn't just what I say (or argue) that will proclaim the gospel. I am of the opinion that the living of our lives says more about what we believe than just our words do. But Paul clearly approaches the gospel task differently. While his life does reflect what he believes, he's not going to sit around and wait for you to observe him. He's going to walk right into your synagogue and let you know what he thinks.
What do you think we Presbyterians can learn from Paul here?
November 21, 2009
Texts:
Psalm 73
2 Chronicles 13-15
Psalm:
This psalm is a reminder of the problems that come with comfort. Where do you see yourself in this psalm?
Chronicles:
Hey, look! Another good king! Let's hear it for King Asa!
Psalm 73
2 Chronicles 13-15
Psalm:
This psalm is a reminder of the problems that come with comfort. Where do you see yourself in this psalm?
Chronicles:
Hey, look! Another good king! Let's hear it for King Asa!
November 20, 2009
Texts:
2 Chronicles 10-12
Acts 14
Chronicles:
Moral of today's text--listen to the advice of your elders! Let's make guesses about which generation wrote this text, shall we.
And this text is also another reminder that marriage being defined as between one man and one woman is not the only biblical standard. Polygamy was practiced and supported, at least by the kings of Israel and Judah.
Acts:
Paul is stoned by his own people for his work for the gospel. Their preaching and healing leads people to call them Gods and it seems that no words from Paul will change their mind. Who do we insist to be gods, even after they remind us that they are human?
2 Chronicles 10-12
Acts 14
Chronicles:
Moral of today's text--listen to the advice of your elders! Let's make guesses about which generation wrote this text, shall we.
And this text is also another reminder that marriage being defined as between one man and one woman is not the only biblical standard. Polygamy was practiced and supported, at least by the kings of Israel and Judah.
Acts:
Paul is stoned by his own people for his work for the gospel. Their preaching and healing leads people to call them Gods and it seems that no words from Paul will change their mind. Who do we insist to be gods, even after they remind us that they are human?
November 19, 2009
Texts:
2 Chronicles 8 and 9
Acts 13
Chronicles:
Solomon's wisdom and success are writ large in this text, but it is hard for me to read about his golden shields, etc, and not think, "I bet we could have made some better decisions with our money, Solomon." I recognize that I could make better decisions with my money too, but how do we discern when the gold we're spending glorifies God or when it glorifies our own egos?
Acts:
The Bar-Jesus story is a little confusing. His name means "son of Jesus". Presumably not son of our Jesus, but of some other guy named Jesus. The confusion is in saying the translation of his name is Elymas. Because it isn't. Not sure what's up with the text here.
But I digress.
What do you think of their tactics to bring joy to the Gentiles while angering the establishment? What would be a modern equivalent?
2 Chronicles 8 and 9
Acts 13
Chronicles:
Solomon's wisdom and success are writ large in this text, but it is hard for me to read about his golden shields, etc, and not think, "I bet we could have made some better decisions with our money, Solomon." I recognize that I could make better decisions with my money too, but how do we discern when the gold we're spending glorifies God or when it glorifies our own egos?
Acts:
The Bar-Jesus story is a little confusing. His name means "son of Jesus". Presumably not son of our Jesus, but of some other guy named Jesus. The confusion is in saying the translation of his name is Elymas. Because it isn't. Not sure what's up with the text here.
But I digress.
What do you think of their tactics to bring joy to the Gentiles while angering the establishment? What would be a modern equivalent?
November 18, 2009
Texts:
2 Chronicles 6 and 7
Psalm 72
Chronicles:
It is interesting, as we prepare for Advent and the coming of Immanuel, "God with us", to read this prayer from Solomon:
‘But will God indeed reside with mortals on earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built! 19Have regard to your servant’s prayer and his plea, O Lord my God, heeding the cry and the prayer that your servant prays to you. 20May your eyes be open day and night towards this house, the place where you promised to set your name, and may you heed the prayer that your servant prays towards this place. 21And hear the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray towards this place; may you hear from heaven your dwelling-place; hear and forgive.'
What does it mean for God to reside with mortals on earth?
2 Chronicles 6 and 7
Psalm 72
Chronicles:
It is interesting, as we prepare for Advent and the coming of Immanuel, "God with us", to read this prayer from Solomon:
‘But will God indeed reside with mortals on earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built! 19Have regard to your servant’s prayer and his plea, O Lord my God, heeding the cry and the prayer that your servant prays to you. 20May your eyes be open day and night towards this house, the place where you promised to set your name, and may you heed the prayer that your servant prays towards this place. 21And hear the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray towards this place; may you hear from heaven your dwelling-place; hear and forgive.'
What does it mean for God to reside with mortals on earth?
November 17, 2009
Texts:
2 Chronicles 3-5
Acts 12
Chronicles:
There are lots of websites that will tell you exactly what the temple looked like, but the archaeological record is not as clear. They have found evidence of human activity at the site from the time, but the remains of the temple are gone.
One thing that was different in Solomon's temple than in any of the other temples of its day, is that it didn't house an idol. There wasn't a statue of God. It housed the ark, but not an image of God. It was pretty counter cultural to have a god you couldn't "see".
Acts:
While this chapter is usually known for Peter's release from prison, I noticed the death of Herod at the end. It says that the people, after he addressed them, were saying he had the voice of God and not a mortal. And since he hadn't given glory to God, he was struck down, eaten by worms, and died.
Interestingly, the contemporary (but non-Christian) historian Josephus records his death in a similar manner.
"After Passover in 44, Agrippa went to Caesarea, where he had games performed in honor of Claudius. In the midst of his elation Agrippa saw an owl perched over his head. During his imprisonment by Tiberius a similar omen had been interpreted as portending his speedy release, with the warning that should he behold the same sight again, he would die within five days. He was immediately smitten with violent pains, scolded his friends for flattering him and accepted his imminent death. He experienced heart pains and a pain in his abdomen, and died after five days." (Josephus, Antiquitates Judaicae xix. 345-350 (Chapter 8 para 2))
2 Chronicles 3-5
Acts 12
Chronicles:
There are lots of websites that will tell you exactly what the temple looked like, but the archaeological record is not as clear. They have found evidence of human activity at the site from the time, but the remains of the temple are gone.
One thing that was different in Solomon's temple than in any of the other temples of its day, is that it didn't house an idol. There wasn't a statue of God. It housed the ark, but not an image of God. It was pretty counter cultural to have a god you couldn't "see".
Acts:
While this chapter is usually known for Peter's release from prison, I noticed the death of Herod at the end. It says that the people, after he addressed them, were saying he had the voice of God and not a mortal. And since he hadn't given glory to God, he was struck down, eaten by worms, and died.
Interestingly, the contemporary (but non-Christian) historian Josephus records his death in a similar manner.
"After Passover in 44, Agrippa went to Caesarea, where he had games performed in honor of Claudius. In the midst of his elation Agrippa saw an owl perched over his head. During his imprisonment by Tiberius a similar omen had been interpreted as portending his speedy release, with the warning that should he behold the same sight again, he would die within five days. He was immediately smitten with violent pains, scolded his friends for flattering him and accepted his imminent death. He experienced heart pains and a pain in his abdomen, and died after five days." (Josephus, Antiquitates Judaicae xix. 345-350 (Chapter 8 para 2))
November 16, 2009
Texts:
2 Chronicles 1 and 2
Acts 11
Chronicles:
The wisdom of Solomon is told in much less detail here. Why do you think that is?
Acts:
Peter, now convinced, has to make the case to the rest of the early leaders about how people can join the covenant without being circumcised and following the law.
This chapter also makes reference to the first use of the term "Christian".
What does it mean to you to be called "Christian"?
2 Chronicles 1 and 2
Acts 11
Chronicles:
The wisdom of Solomon is told in much less detail here. Why do you think that is?
Acts:
Peter, now convinced, has to make the case to the rest of the early leaders about how people can join the covenant without being circumcised and following the law.
This chapter also makes reference to the first use of the term "Christian".
What does it mean to you to be called "Christian"?
November 15, 2009
Texts:
1 Chronicles 28 and 29
Psalms 70 and 71
Chronicles:
Here is more Chronicler "remembering" of history that has yet to be reported--namely that David didn't just choose Solomon to be king and set aside materials for the building of the temple, but that he also drew up the blueprints, hired all of the staff, and worked with the interior designer.
I'm not arguing it didn't happen this way, but it is certainly not the same story told in Kings. As Dire Straits once said, "if two men say they're Jesus, one of them must be wrong."
Psalms:
Sometime, when reading the psalms, I wonder if the people who wrote them (the person who wrote them?) expected people to be reading them as scripture years down the road. They feel too personal, somehow. More like something you would find in someone's diary or journal. Especially when they say things like "don't let my enemies succeed." "Let my accusers be put to shame".
1 Chronicles 28 and 29
Psalms 70 and 71
Chronicles:
Here is more Chronicler "remembering" of history that has yet to be reported--namely that David didn't just choose Solomon to be king and set aside materials for the building of the temple, but that he also drew up the blueprints, hired all of the staff, and worked with the interior designer.
I'm not arguing it didn't happen this way, but it is certainly not the same story told in Kings. As Dire Straits once said, "if two men say they're Jesus, one of them must be wrong."
Psalms:
Sometime, when reading the psalms, I wonder if the people who wrote them (the person who wrote them?) expected people to be reading them as scripture years down the road. They feel too personal, somehow. More like something you would find in someone's diary or journal. Especially when they say things like "don't let my enemies succeed." "Let my accusers be put to shame".
November 14, 2009
Texts:
1 Chronicles 24-27
Acts 10
Acts:
Cornelius was a "God fearer". This means he worshipped God, but had not yet converted to Judaism and been circumcised.
This passage is an important one. Don't underestimate the difficulty the early church had in figuring out how to balance the tension of obeying the laws they had received from Moses so many generations ago, and how to obey Jesus' commands to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. How were these new converts going to "fit" with the traditional Jewish followers of Jesus?
1 Chronicles 24-27
Acts 10
Acts:
Cornelius was a "God fearer". This means he worshipped God, but had not yet converted to Judaism and been circumcised.
This passage is an important one. Don't underestimate the difficulty the early church had in figuring out how to balance the tension of obeying the laws they had received from Moses so many generations ago, and how to obey Jesus' commands to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. How were these new converts going to "fit" with the traditional Jewish followers of Jesus?
November 13, 2009
Texts:
1 Chronicles 22-23
Acts 9
Chronicles:
Boy, was that a different succession narrative than I remember reading earlier in Kings....
The chronicler, it seems, believed that David was such an important figure in Israel's history that his blessing on Solomon was important to highlight and his support of Solomon's building project needed to be mentioned.
Acts:
Remember, this story of Saul/Paul's conversion is not exactly as Paul tells it.
How would you feel if you had been persecuted by Saul, if you had fled your home so you would not be arrested by him, and then he shows up and starts preaching the good news of Jesus? Would you trust him? What would it take for Saul to be trusted?
The whole arc of his ministry seems to be toward building that trust so he can proclaim the gospel.
1 Chronicles 22-23
Acts 9
Chronicles:
Boy, was that a different succession narrative than I remember reading earlier in Kings....
The chronicler, it seems, believed that David was such an important figure in Israel's history that his blessing on Solomon was important to highlight and his support of Solomon's building project needed to be mentioned.
Acts:
Remember, this story of Saul/Paul's conversion is not exactly as Paul tells it.
How would you feel if you had been persecuted by Saul, if you had fled your home so you would not be arrested by him, and then he shows up and starts preaching the good news of Jesus? Would you trust him? What would it take for Saul to be trusted?
The whole arc of his ministry seems to be toward building that trust so he can proclaim the gospel.
November 12, 2009
Texts:
1 Chronicles 19-21
Psalm 69
Psalm:
My prayer for the day from verse 6:
Do not let those who hope in you be put to shame because of me,
O Lord God of hosts;
do not let those who seek you be dishonoured because of me,
O God of Israel.
1 Chronicles 19-21
Psalm 69
Psalm:
My prayer for the day from verse 6:
Do not let those who hope in you be put to shame because of me,
O Lord God of hosts;
do not let those who seek you be dishonoured because of me,
O God of Israel.
November 11, 2009
Texts:
1 Chronicles 17 and 18
Acts 8
Chronicles:
The story of David is complicated, but this chapter (other than all of the military conquests) shows David at his best. Humble, thankful, and praising God. What is the story of you at your best?
Acts:
What does the story of the Ethiopian eunuch say to you about the church's call in the world?
1 Chronicles 17 and 18
Acts 8
Chronicles:
The story of David is complicated, but this chapter (other than all of the military conquests) shows David at his best. Humble, thankful, and praising God. What is the story of you at your best?
Acts:
What does the story of the Ethiopian eunuch say to you about the church's call in the world?
November 10, 2009
Texts:
1 Chronicles 15 and 16
Acts 7
Chronicles:
In 16:23-27, David sings this:
23Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Tell of his salvation from day to day.
24Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples.
25For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be revered above all gods.
26For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
27Honour and majesty are before him;
strength and joy are in his place.
What do you think this says about the job of the church?
Acts:
How do you think Stephen does summing up the tradition?
1 Chronicles 15 and 16
Acts 7
Chronicles:
In 16:23-27, David sings this:
23Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Tell of his salvation from day to day.
24Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples.
25For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be revered above all gods.
26For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
27Honour and majesty are before him;
strength and joy are in his place.
What do you think this says about the job of the church?
Acts:
How do you think Stephen does summing up the tradition?
November 9, 2009
Texts:
1 Chronicles 11 to 14
Acts 6
Chronicles:
At the end of chapter 13 is an interesting story about the ark of the covenant. It tells us that a man named Uzzah put out his hand to stabilize the ark because the oxen had shaken it. God's anger was kindled against Uzzah for touching the ark, and he died right there. This story is also told in 2 Sam 6:6-8.
David is annoyed with God (and who wouldn't be?--the guy was trying to be helpful, right?) and names the spot PerezUzzah or "breach of Uzzah". And then David refuses to take the ark with him. If God kills Uzzah, then how much trouble is it worth to travel with it? You can see David's point. But the family who was willing to take care of the ark is blessed.
A few things occur to me about this.
1. We can't understand God.
2. Being around God is dangerous.
3. Being around God is also a source of blessing.
Acts:
The early church was messy, just like ours. That is always comforting to me, somehow. The Hebrew Christians and the Greek Christians had a tough time coming together, but they did. In a culture that tries to keep us apart, I read this passage and say a cheer.
My prayer today is that the church will truly seek to hear the complaints of the "others" (whoever they may be) and listen to the people with whom we disagree. Let's leave our stereotypes at the door and trust that in the presence of the Holy Spirit, our conversations may lead us to places we've yet to reach on our own. Amen.
1 Chronicles 11 to 14
Acts 6
Chronicles:
At the end of chapter 13 is an interesting story about the ark of the covenant. It tells us that a man named Uzzah put out his hand to stabilize the ark because the oxen had shaken it. God's anger was kindled against Uzzah for touching the ark, and he died right there. This story is also told in 2 Sam 6:6-8.
David is annoyed with God (and who wouldn't be?--the guy was trying to be helpful, right?) and names the spot PerezUzzah or "breach of Uzzah". And then David refuses to take the ark with him. If God kills Uzzah, then how much trouble is it worth to travel with it? You can see David's point. But the family who was willing to take care of the ark is blessed.
A few things occur to me about this.
1. We can't understand God.
2. Being around God is dangerous.
3. Being around God is also a source of blessing.
Acts:
The early church was messy, just like ours. That is always comforting to me, somehow. The Hebrew Christians and the Greek Christians had a tough time coming together, but they did. In a culture that tries to keep us apart, I read this passage and say a cheer.
My prayer today is that the church will truly seek to hear the complaints of the "others" (whoever they may be) and listen to the people with whom we disagree. Let's leave our stereotypes at the door and trust that in the presence of the Holy Spirit, our conversations may lead us to places we've yet to reach on our own. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
