Texts:
Leviticus 19 and 20
Psalm 23 and 24
Leviticus:
Perhaps I should have read chapter 19 before taking Elliott to see Harry Potter today. "Do not turn to mediums or wizards; do not seek them out, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God." (19:31) I think this is THE main verse that keeps people from reading Harry Potter (and other similar books). But I wonder how many of those same people pay attention to the rest of the chapter?
It isn't the Ten Commandments, exactly, but it brings them to mind. And it expands upon them with some helpful (and perhaps not so helpful) instructions. There are issues of justice for people, fairness in business, safety in exploring new foods.
And I'm not exactly sure what kind of practices were going on that required chapter 20. Really? Did these rules need to be spelled out? Because you don't need to make rules against behaviors that people aren't exhibiting. You don't put up signs in the kitchen saying, "don't leave dirty dishes on the counter" unless people are leaving dirty dishes on the counter.
Psalms:
The 23rd psalm is so familiar for so many people. If that is true for you, ask God to show you something new as you read it. Is there a verse or phrase that is particularly true for you today?
July 22, 2009
Texts:
Leviticus 17 and 18
Romans 10
Leviticus:
I wish chapter 17 had occurred earlier in the book, because it helped me understand the deal with the blood all over the sacrifices. Life is in the blood. That makes it sacred. So, on one level, it seems sort of weird to use something so sacred in your sacrifices (if it is so sacred, why isn't God vegetarian?). On another level, I get it. The stakes are higher. When you kill an animal and take its life, you better be intentional about it.
What do you think?
In chapter 18, it seems pretty clear that nakedness is frowned upon. But I wonder if the extreme degree of modesty in this chapter has fed into the shame that so many people feel about their bodies? In the garden, Adam and Eve were naked before the fall. There was no rule against nakedness then. Wonder how/if the difference is related to the fall.
And what do you think about the connection the writers make between human sinfulness and the "defilement of the land"? It seems as if our behavior, whether or not the earth is directly impacted, affects the land.
Romans:
This chapter really needs to be read with chapter 11, so keep them in tension. This chapter says that "if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved".
This is important--our lives should have a response to the gift of grace we've been given. But if grace (which makes an appearance in chapter 11) is removed, then salvation becomes about what we do. Notice that Paul says that when you have FAITH in the heart and are JUSTIFIED, and then you confess with your mouth and are saved. So justification (which is God's job, not ours) is what prompts our confession of faith.
We don't confess our faith and then God decides to save us. We confess our faith AFTER God justifies us.
You can totally disagree with me on this. But that's how I read Paul.
Leviticus 17 and 18
Romans 10
Leviticus:
I wish chapter 17 had occurred earlier in the book, because it helped me understand the deal with the blood all over the sacrifices. Life is in the blood. That makes it sacred. So, on one level, it seems sort of weird to use something so sacred in your sacrifices (if it is so sacred, why isn't God vegetarian?). On another level, I get it. The stakes are higher. When you kill an animal and take its life, you better be intentional about it.
What do you think?
In chapter 18, it seems pretty clear that nakedness is frowned upon. But I wonder if the extreme degree of modesty in this chapter has fed into the shame that so many people feel about their bodies? In the garden, Adam and Eve were naked before the fall. There was no rule against nakedness then. Wonder how/if the difference is related to the fall.
And what do you think about the connection the writers make between human sinfulness and the "defilement of the land"? It seems as if our behavior, whether or not the earth is directly impacted, affects the land.
Romans:
This chapter really needs to be read with chapter 11, so keep them in tension. This chapter says that "if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved".
This is important--our lives should have a response to the gift of grace we've been given. But if grace (which makes an appearance in chapter 11) is removed, then salvation becomes about what we do. Notice that Paul says that when you have FAITH in the heart and are JUSTIFIED, and then you confess with your mouth and are saved. So justification (which is God's job, not ours) is what prompts our confession of faith.
We don't confess our faith and then God decides to save us. We confess our faith AFTER God justifies us.
You can totally disagree with me on this. But that's how I read Paul.
July 21, 2009
Texts:
Leviticus 15 and 16
Romans 9
Leviticus:
All I have to say about chapter 15 is "gross".
Chapter 16, however, is the origination of the word "scapegoat". It now means an innocent person who is blamed for the crimes or sins of others. This painting is by William Holman Hunt from 1854.
Leviticus 16 is also where the Jewish Holy Day of Yom Kippur. On the Day of Atonement, the community comes together to confess their sins and seek God's redemption.
Here's an interesting tidbit. The word "atonement" was created by William Tyndale in the 1500's because he realized there was not a good translation for the Hebrew word "Kippur". Atonement is actually the combination of the words "at" and "one". So, to "atone" is to become "at one" with God.
Romans:
This is a difficult chapter. Paul makes a rhetorical decision toward full disclosure here. He acknowledges that it is difficult to predict who God's favor lands on. It seems very "Job" like. Does the creation have the right to question the creator?
I think we do. And I think we have the right to question Paul here. Remember, I love Paul. The previous chapter is one of my favorites in all of scripture. But I'll question both Paul and God about the idea that God is capricious.
I try not to lose fact of the bigger argument Paul is in the midst of, however. He wants to make it clear that "works" do not have saving power. If God has, for God's own crazy reasons, invited the gentiles (which also means "the nations") to join in the Covenant, it is NOT an indictment of Judaism. It is God showing favor on people who have not only NOT tried to earn it, but who didn't even know God's favor was there to earn.
Leviticus 15 and 16
Romans 9
Leviticus:
All I have to say about chapter 15 is "gross".
Chapter 16, however, is the origination of the word "scapegoat". It now means an innocent person who is blamed for the crimes or sins of others. This painting is by William Holman Hunt from 1854.
Leviticus 16 is also where the Jewish Holy Day of Yom Kippur. On the Day of Atonement, the community comes together to confess their sins and seek God's redemption.
Here's an interesting tidbit. The word "atonement" was created by William Tyndale in the 1500's because he realized there was not a good translation for the Hebrew word "Kippur". Atonement is actually the combination of the words "at" and "one". So, to "atone" is to become "at one" with God.
Romans:
This is a difficult chapter. Paul makes a rhetorical decision toward full disclosure here. He acknowledges that it is difficult to predict who God's favor lands on. It seems very "Job" like. Does the creation have the right to question the creator?
I think we do. And I think we have the right to question Paul here. Remember, I love Paul. The previous chapter is one of my favorites in all of scripture. But I'll question both Paul and God about the idea that God is capricious.
I try not to lose fact of the bigger argument Paul is in the midst of, however. He wants to make it clear that "works" do not have saving power. If God has, for God's own crazy reasons, invited the gentiles (which also means "the nations") to join in the Covenant, it is NOT an indictment of Judaism. It is God showing favor on people who have not only NOT tried to earn it, but who didn't even know God's favor was there to earn.
July 20, 2009
Leviticus 13 and 14
Romans 8
Leviticus:
Here's the picture I mentioned Sunday at the Year of the Bible discussion. This is a picture from Capernaum. See the tabernacle on wheels?
What did you think of the medical advice for the skin rashes, scabs and boils? Would you go see the priest for medical treatment? How do you read those sections in light of the health of the community? Do you think it helped?
In terms of the sacrifices, remember this section when we get to Advent. Mary and Joseph will come to the temple to make similar sacrifices. And now you can understand why "2 turtle doves" is in the 12 days of Christmas song.
Romans:
This is my favorite chapter of my favorite Pauline letter. From beginning to end.
I like it on a visceral level, I'm sure, because I'm an adopted child. So the image of being adopted into God's family is one that works for me on many levels. But the constant reminder of grace and love that works as a drumbeat through this letter reaches a pinnacle here.
What do you notice about this chapter?
Romans 8
Leviticus:
Here's the picture I mentioned Sunday at the Year of the Bible discussion. This is a picture from Capernaum. See the tabernacle on wheels?What did you think of the medical advice for the skin rashes, scabs and boils? Would you go see the priest for medical treatment? How do you read those sections in light of the health of the community? Do you think it helped?
In terms of the sacrifices, remember this section when we get to Advent. Mary and Joseph will come to the temple to make similar sacrifices. And now you can understand why "2 turtle doves" is in the 12 days of Christmas song.
Romans:
This is my favorite chapter of my favorite Pauline letter. From beginning to end.
I like it on a visceral level, I'm sure, because I'm an adopted child. So the image of being adopted into God's family is one that works for me on many levels. But the constant reminder of grace and love that works as a drumbeat through this letter reaches a pinnacle here.
What do you notice about this chapter?
July 19, 2009
Texts:
Leviticus 10 to 12
Psalm 22
Leviticus:
I'll be preaching on this text today, so check back after the sermon and leave your thoughts.
Psalm:
This psalm loans its imagery to the crucifixion stories of Jesus.
If you were used to hearing psalm 22, and then read the crucifixion stories for the first time, what do you think the connection might mean to you?
Especially in light of this final line:
"They will come and tell about his saving deeds;
they will tell a future generation what he has accomplished."
Leviticus 10 to 12
Psalm 22
Leviticus:
I'll be preaching on this text today, so check back after the sermon and leave your thoughts.
Psalm:
This psalm loans its imagery to the crucifixion stories of Jesus.
If you were used to hearing psalm 22, and then read the crucifixion stories for the first time, what do you think the connection might mean to you?
Especially in light of this final line:
"They will come and tell about his saving deeds;
they will tell a future generation what he has accomplished."
July 18, 2009
Texts:
Leviticus 8 and 9
Romans 7
Leviticus:
Holiness in Leviticus "trickles down". God is Holy. God calls us to be Holy as God is Holy. But there is a big difference between God and humanity. The priesthood becomes the mediator between us and God. Read the ordination and consecration of Aaron and his sons in this light. They are becoming holier in order to help us also become holy.
"Holiness" is an odd concept to us, I think. We tend to think "holy" or "saint" and an image of Mother Teresa comes to mind. Yet holiness is something intended for all of us. It means being set apart to serve God.
Romans:
To build up his argument that living under God's righteousness through grace (as opposed to through the Law) is really the better way, Paul points out that even if we KNOW what is right, even if we WILL to do what is right, even if we have EVERY intention to do what is right, we don't. We are imperfect people. We are sinners. For Paul, sin is not a list of behaviors. Any behaviors that Paul may list are more likely to be consequences of sin. Sin is any turning away from God. Paul sees it most often in idolatry.
It isn't popular in most Presbyterian circles to talk about being sinners (some people have even requested that we do away with the Prayer of Confession), but the reality is "I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do." (7:19)
Having faith (or belief) in the righteousness of God does not mean that we stop being sinners. It means that we stop thinking we can fix it all ourselves. It means we choose to rely on God's grace rather than our own devices.
The Prayer of Confession in worship shouldn't make us feel depressed. It should make us feel grateful, relieved, hopeful. If that prayer is difficult for you, try to let go of what our culture means when they talk about "sin" and try to hold on to Paul's firm conviction that God is for us!
Leviticus 8 and 9
Romans 7
Leviticus:
Holiness in Leviticus "trickles down". God is Holy. God calls us to be Holy as God is Holy. But there is a big difference between God and humanity. The priesthood becomes the mediator between us and God. Read the ordination and consecration of Aaron and his sons in this light. They are becoming holier in order to help us also become holy.
"Holiness" is an odd concept to us, I think. We tend to think "holy" or "saint" and an image of Mother Teresa comes to mind. Yet holiness is something intended for all of us. It means being set apart to serve God.
Romans:
To build up his argument that living under God's righteousness through grace (as opposed to through the Law) is really the better way, Paul points out that even if we KNOW what is right, even if we WILL to do what is right, even if we have EVERY intention to do what is right, we don't. We are imperfect people. We are sinners. For Paul, sin is not a list of behaviors. Any behaviors that Paul may list are more likely to be consequences of sin. Sin is any turning away from God. Paul sees it most often in idolatry.
It isn't popular in most Presbyterian circles to talk about being sinners (some people have even requested that we do away with the Prayer of Confession), but the reality is "I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do." (7:19)
Having faith (or belief) in the righteousness of God does not mean that we stop being sinners. It means that we stop thinking we can fix it all ourselves. It means we choose to rely on God's grace rather than our own devices.
The Prayer of Confession in worship shouldn't make us feel depressed. It should make us feel grateful, relieved, hopeful. If that prayer is difficult for you, try to let go of what our culture means when they talk about "sin" and try to hold on to Paul's firm conviction that God is for us!
July 17, 2009
Texts:
Leviticus 6 and 7
Romans 6
Leviticus:
The fire burning on the altar must be kept burning. at all times.
Think about the work involved there. Constant tending and maintenance. No vacation days. No nights off.
Is there any part of your faith practices that are like that? Are there any fires you keep burning all the time? How about your Year of the Bible readings? Are you taking your Bible on vacation with you?
Romans:
Remember, Paul is trying to help Jewish Christians, who have lived under the Law, to understand how Gentile Christians, who have never lived under the law, experience God's righteousness. He is trying to break through their understandings to have a radically new relationship with God.
Our salvation has occurred because we have faith in the righteousness of God. Note that for Paul, "salvation" doesn't only mean "I have accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior" as it does for many Christians today. Salvation is God's act for ALL of creation. And when Paul talks about having "faith", it doesn't mean prescribing to a set of beliefs or doctrine. Faith (the word in Greek is also the word "belief" or "trust") is being loyal to God. It means declaring that God is the one God and to that God we give our trust, our loyalty, our faith.
By being baptized into Christ's baptism, we are showing our loyalty and our intention to be God's own people for the world.
It isn't about salvation only at the end of time. It is salvation right here, right now. God's reign has begun (but is not complete) in the particular life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Leviticus 6 and 7
Romans 6
Leviticus:
The fire burning on the altar must be kept burning. at all times.
Think about the work involved there. Constant tending and maintenance. No vacation days. No nights off.
Is there any part of your faith practices that are like that? Are there any fires you keep burning all the time? How about your Year of the Bible readings? Are you taking your Bible on vacation with you?
Romans:
Remember, Paul is trying to help Jewish Christians, who have lived under the Law, to understand how Gentile Christians, who have never lived under the law, experience God's righteousness. He is trying to break through their understandings to have a radically new relationship with God.
Our salvation has occurred because we have faith in the righteousness of God. Note that for Paul, "salvation" doesn't only mean "I have accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior" as it does for many Christians today. Salvation is God's act for ALL of creation. And when Paul talks about having "faith", it doesn't mean prescribing to a set of beliefs or doctrine. Faith (the word in Greek is also the word "belief" or "trust") is being loyal to God. It means declaring that God is the one God and to that God we give our trust, our loyalty, our faith.
By being baptized into Christ's baptism, we are showing our loyalty and our intention to be God's own people for the world.
It isn't about salvation only at the end of time. It is salvation right here, right now. God's reign has begun (but is not complete) in the particular life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
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