Texts:
Numbers 15 and 16
Luke 1:39-80
Numbers:
Did anyone notice in 15:15 when the Lord said, "you and the alien shall be alike before the Lord"?
On one hand, it suggests that people living among the Hebrew people should follow their customs and practices. On the other hand, however, it suggests that all people are alike in God's eyes. The implications of expecting people to follow your rules are that they then receive the same 'benefits' from God that you do.
Do we really want people to do as we do? Do we really want to share our blessings?
Then in vs. 32, there's a story of a man who was violating the Sabbath by collecting sticks. And he was stoned to DEATH. Perhaps we should all consider our Sabbath observance a little more closely.
Chapter 16 is an important one. Remember when I talked about different views of holiness in the Hebrew scriptures? Leviticus was all about "trickle down" holiness--God is holy, then the priests, and then we get our holiness from the priests. The story of Korah is perhaps the earliest "reformation" attempt in the church. He argued that everyone was holy and that the priests weren't so special. Judging by what happens to Korah and his followers, you can tell that the author of Numbers agrees with Leviticus about Korah's understanding of holiness. There's no "priesthood of all believers" in Numbers or Leviticus!
Luke
This continuation of the story of John the baptist gives us the story of his father Zechariah. When Zechariah had not believed the angel Gabriel, he was struck mute. But after John's birth, he names the child John, as directed by the angel, and gets his voice back. Immediately he prophesies.
Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt silenced, either literally or metaphorically? When you got your voice back, how did it feel?
Aug 1, 2009
Texts:
Numbers 10 and 11
Luke 1:1-38
Pastor Marci is away. Julie is filling in.
Numbers 10- 11: Now we get to the meat of Numbers, literally. They are leaving Sinai and starting their trek through the desert. The people complain that they have no meat to eat. (As a side note, I found this odd since we just read 9 chapters about animal sacrifice. Surely, they had some meat if they had livestock to offer to God. Maybe Marci wants to help me out here?)
Anyway, the people complain about Moses and he has a great whine session with God where he tells the Lord he does not want to be all these peoples nurse maid (It really sounded like something I would say). And God sends quail for the people to eat. It seems like a nice gesture but appears to be a bit of a trap because they all got sick. It says "While the meat was still between their teeth the Lord burned with anger against them and caused a plague."
My footnotes suggest that only those who complained about the type of meat God sent were sick because they were ungrateful.
Luke 1:1-38: The beginning of Luke foretells the birth of John the Baptist. John is described as being a path cutter for a greater good. Luke wants to be very clear that John was only meant to pave the way for the Messiah later on, and that he is in no way the actual Messiah.
Way back when I was in Bible college we studied John the Baptist and discussed why Luke emphasises so much that he was only "preparing the way". At the time the Gospels were written there may have been some disagreement among people as to who was actually the Messiah, John or Jesus. Luke very clearly tells us that it is Jesus who is the son of God and was in his mother's womb (see tomorrows reading for more on this.)
Numbers 10 and 11
Luke 1:1-38
Pastor Marci is away. Julie is filling in.
Numbers 10- 11: Now we get to the meat of Numbers, literally. They are leaving Sinai and starting their trek through the desert. The people complain that they have no meat to eat. (As a side note, I found this odd since we just read 9 chapters about animal sacrifice. Surely, they had some meat if they had livestock to offer to God. Maybe Marci wants to help me out here?)
Anyway, the people complain about Moses and he has a great whine session with God where he tells the Lord he does not want to be all these peoples nurse maid (It really sounded like something I would say). And God sends quail for the people to eat. It seems like a nice gesture but appears to be a bit of a trap because they all got sick. It says "While the meat was still between their teeth the Lord burned with anger against them and caused a plague."
My footnotes suggest that only those who complained about the type of meat God sent were sick because they were ungrateful.
Luke 1:1-38: The beginning of Luke foretells the birth of John the Baptist. John is described as being a path cutter for a greater good. Luke wants to be very clear that John was only meant to pave the way for the Messiah later on, and that he is in no way the actual Messiah.
Way back when I was in Bible college we studied John the Baptist and discussed why Luke emphasises so much that he was only "preparing the way". At the time the Gospels were written there may have been some disagreement among people as to who was actually the Messiah, John or Jesus. Luke very clearly tells us that it is Jesus who is the son of God and was in his mother's womb (see tomorrows reading for more on this.)
July 30, 2009
Texts:
Numbers 6 and 7
Psalm 26 and 27
Pastor Marci is away. Julie has Hi-jacked her blog.
Numbers 6: The Nazirites were a group of people involved in separation or consecration for a specific period of special devotion to God, and sometimes for life. Being a Nazirite meant total devotion to God, above and beyond the other Israelites.
Numbers 7: Not much to say except 12 long days of sacrifices. A representative of each of the 12 tribes presents their offering to the Lord.
Psalm 26: David's prayer for mercy to save him from the death of the wicked.
Psalm 27: David's triumphantly confident prayer to deliver him from those who conspire against him.
Numbers 6 and 7
Psalm 26 and 27
Pastor Marci is away. Julie has Hi-jacked her blog.
Numbers 6: The Nazirites were a group of people involved in separation or consecration for a specific period of special devotion to God, and sometimes for life. Being a Nazirite meant total devotion to God, above and beyond the other Israelites.
Numbers 7: Not much to say except 12 long days of sacrifices. A representative of each of the 12 tribes presents their offering to the Lord.
Psalm 26: David's prayer for mercy to save him from the death of the wicked.
Psalm 27: David's triumphantly confident prayer to deliver him from those who conspire against him.
July 29, 2009
Texts:
Numbers 4 and 5
Romans 15
Pastor Marci is away. Julie hi-jacked her blog.
Numbers 4: Is more census taking and counting males. The reading is dry until chapter 5, and then it gets interesting. There is a rather barbaric ritual, described in detail, of how a jealous husband can deal with a wife he suspects, but can't prove, has been unfaithful. I wanted more information on this particular practice so I looked it up on Wikipedia and didn't find much.
I was specifically looking for what this "bitter water" was that the Priest would have the woman drink, but I did not find it.
Romans 15: Is all about being in a community. Paul understood that it takes different talents and strengths for a community to strive and he is encouraging the early church to embrace differences rather than judge. He is putting out the call for service and unity.
Numbers 4 and 5
Romans 15
Pastor Marci is away. Julie hi-jacked her blog.
Numbers 4: Is more census taking and counting males. The reading is dry until chapter 5, and then it gets interesting. There is a rather barbaric ritual, described in detail, of how a jealous husband can deal with a wife he suspects, but can't prove, has been unfaithful. I wanted more information on this particular practice so I looked it up on Wikipedia and didn't find much.
I was specifically looking for what this "bitter water" was that the Priest would have the woman drink, but I did not find it.
Romans 15: Is all about being in a community. Paul understood that it takes different talents and strengths for a community to strive and he is encouraging the early church to embrace differences rather than judge. He is putting out the call for service and unity.
July 28, 2009
Texts:
Numbers 2 and 3
Romans 14
Numbers 2 and 3
Romans 14
Pastor Marci is away. Julie has hijacked her blog again.
So our reward for finishing the long and, at times, painful book of Leviticus is that we now get to read the 2nd most boring book of the Bible. NUMBERS!
The English name of the book comes from the Greek translation and is based on the census list in chapter 1. The Hebrew title of the book "Bemidbar" means, "In the desert", which is more accurate of it's contents than Numbers is.
Chapters 2&3 take us through the red tape and organizing of the tribes. It can be a bit dry, but hang in there, it gets better.
Romans 14: What a great chapter! Paul is urging members of the church not to judge each other. He is speaking on their dietary differences (remember the Jews had food restrictions that the gentiles did not) but it works for us in this day and age too. I am going to type verse 3 and 4. The words I leave out are "eat" and "abstain" but I want you to put your own words in there, what ever pops into your mind.
"Those who __ must not despise those who ___, and those who ___ must not pass judgment on those who ___; for God has welcomed them. Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another?"
Does anyone want to share their words they filled in with, or thoughts it provoked?
July 25, 2009
Texts:
Leviticus 23 and 24
Romans 12
Leviticus:
I keep noticing that Sabbath gets worked into a lot of instructions in these passages. Sabbath, the idea of taking one day a week, set aside from work and labor, is still something we talk about. But when was the last time you took a sabbath? When was the last time you didn't check your email? When was the last time you didn't do laundry on your day off? How often do we really rest?
Romans:
This chapter is another reminder that Paul was familiar with these Levitical holiness codes. "Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."(12:1)
By joining into the family of God, we become sanctified, or holy. This doesn't mean we stop being human beings who make mistakes. It does mean, however, that we should look at our lives differently. For Paul, our lives are "new creations". We are transformed. And this chapter is a manual of how transformed people live and get along with each other.
What do you notice in this chapter that you like and think we should emphasize more? Or what do you have problems with?
Leviticus 23 and 24
Romans 12
Leviticus:
I keep noticing that Sabbath gets worked into a lot of instructions in these passages. Sabbath, the idea of taking one day a week, set aside from work and labor, is still something we talk about. But when was the last time you took a sabbath? When was the last time you didn't check your email? When was the last time you didn't do laundry on your day off? How often do we really rest?
Romans:
This chapter is another reminder that Paul was familiar with these Levitical holiness codes. "Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."(12:1)
By joining into the family of God, we become sanctified, or holy. This doesn't mean we stop being human beings who make mistakes. It does mean, however, that we should look at our lives differently. For Paul, our lives are "new creations". We are transformed. And this chapter is a manual of how transformed people live and get along with each other.
What do you notice in this chapter that you like and think we should emphasize more? Or what do you have problems with?
July 24, 2009
Texts:
Leviticus 21 and 22
Romans 11
Leviticus:
This chapter should serve as a reminder that even though Leviticus is Scripture, it reflects cultural norms of the time it was written, and its understandings of people who are physically disabled should NOT be supported today.
The ancient understanding of holiness, and the sense that only "perfect" people could approach the altar as priests is different than we understand it to be today.
Romans:
Paul has been used throughout history to justify anti-semitism. And, if you don't follow his argument carefully, you could see how that could happen.
But Paul's argument is really saying that we should all have humility in our relationship with God. That we should not think more highly of ourselves or less highly of others. That the Law is the root to which we have been grafted into the family of God.
Leviticus 21 and 22
Romans 11
Leviticus:
This chapter should serve as a reminder that even though Leviticus is Scripture, it reflects cultural norms of the time it was written, and its understandings of people who are physically disabled should NOT be supported today.
The ancient understanding of holiness, and the sense that only "perfect" people could approach the altar as priests is different than we understand it to be today.
Romans:
Paul has been used throughout history to justify anti-semitism. And, if you don't follow his argument carefully, you could see how that could happen.
But Paul's argument is really saying that we should all have humility in our relationship with God. That we should not think more highly of ourselves or less highly of others. That the Law is the root to which we have been grafted into the family of God.
July 23, 2009
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?
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.
July 16, 2009
Texts:
Leviticus 4 and 5
Psalms 20 and 21
Leviticus:
Reading the Levitical instructions, and how to obey the Law, worry me. How would one remember all of those laws? I think I'd be making a lot of sacrifices to cover for unintentional commandment violations. Think about these laws in light of our readings of Romans. Paul says that if you live under the Law, then you are subject to the Law.
How do you read these Leviticus passages differently in light of Romans?
Psalms:
There is a clear connection in these psalms between God's favor and military victories.
I would like to think that today we don't still see God's favor through our military victories. But do we? Should we?
How can these psalms be of comfort to people who have not experienced victory?
Leviticus 4 and 5
Psalms 20 and 21
Leviticus:
Reading the Levitical instructions, and how to obey the Law, worry me. How would one remember all of those laws? I think I'd be making a lot of sacrifices to cover for unintentional commandment violations. Think about these laws in light of our readings of Romans. Paul says that if you live under the Law, then you are subject to the Law.
How do you read these Leviticus passages differently in light of Romans?
Psalms:
There is a clear connection in these psalms between God's favor and military victories.
I would like to think that today we don't still see God's favor through our military victories. But do we? Should we?
How can these psalms be of comfort to people who have not experienced victory?
July 15, 2009
Texts:
Leviticus 1-3
Romans 5
Leviticus:
Welcome to the priest's manual for how to conduct worship in early Judaism.
Why do you think the specificity of the directions was needed? Helpful?
Consider the word "offering" as it weaves its way through the text. Offerings are gifts. They aren't dues. They aren't bills to be paid. Offerings are gifts to the Lord.
What are you offering to God?
Romans:
The word that kept rising up as I read this chapter was "gift". As far as Paul is concerned, our life in Christ is a gift.
What is the appropriate response to a gift?
What did your mother teach you to do when you receive gifts?
I suspect your mother taught you to say thanks. To show your appreciation. To write a note. To live in gratitude for the gift.
I suspect your mother did NOT tell you to offer cash reimbursement to the person who gave you the gift. "Thank you so much for the new socks. Here's $10 to cover your costs." Or, in terms of our faith--"thank you, God, for the gift of life eternal. I'm now going to go and earn that gift on my own."
Consider your life in Christ as a gift. How can you say "thank you" to God for that gift?
Leviticus 1-3
Romans 5
Leviticus:
Welcome to the priest's manual for how to conduct worship in early Judaism.
Why do you think the specificity of the directions was needed? Helpful?
Consider the word "offering" as it weaves its way through the text. Offerings are gifts. They aren't dues. They aren't bills to be paid. Offerings are gifts to the Lord.
What are you offering to God?
Romans:
The word that kept rising up as I read this chapter was "gift". As far as Paul is concerned, our life in Christ is a gift.
What is the appropriate response to a gift?
What did your mother teach you to do when you receive gifts?
I suspect your mother taught you to say thanks. To show your appreciation. To write a note. To live in gratitude for the gift.
I suspect your mother did NOT tell you to offer cash reimbursement to the person who gave you the gift. "Thank you so much for the new socks. Here's $10 to cover your costs." Or, in terms of our faith--"thank you, God, for the gift of life eternal. I'm now going to go and earn that gift on my own."
Consider your life in Christ as a gift. How can you say "thank you" to God for that gift?
July 14, 2009
Texts:
Exodus 39 and 40
Romans 4
Exodus:
Do you ever wish God's presence were clearly visible? If the "cloud" was over the tent of meeting, the Israelites knew not to travel. When the cloud lifted, they moved on. Seems simple. But I suspect that God's visible presence would ultimately freak me out.
Would you welcome, or be worried by, a visible presence of God?
Romans:
In this next chapter of Paul's argument, he is addressing people who say that our relationship with God is justified by adoption into the covenant through circumcision and the law and the covenant.
While Paul's language can sound difficult to our ears, he is actually a gifted rhetorician. He is well trained in the ancient models of rhetoric and uses them to great effect. To his detractors, who appear to be using scripture to support their arguments, Paul does the same thing. He goes back to Abraham and makes the point that God gave Abraham his blessing BEFORE the Law and BEFORE the Covenant (and Circumcision).
In a similar way, Jesus--not the Law or the Covenant--become the future hope of Abraham.
I love Paul. Genius.
Exodus 39 and 40
Romans 4
Exodus:
Do you ever wish God's presence were clearly visible? If the "cloud" was over the tent of meeting, the Israelites knew not to travel. When the cloud lifted, they moved on. Seems simple. But I suspect that God's visible presence would ultimately freak me out.
Would you welcome, or be worried by, a visible presence of God?
Romans:
In this next chapter of Paul's argument, he is addressing people who say that our relationship with God is justified by adoption into the covenant through circumcision and the law and the covenant.
While Paul's language can sound difficult to our ears, he is actually a gifted rhetorician. He is well trained in the ancient models of rhetoric and uses them to great effect. To his detractors, who appear to be using scripture to support their arguments, Paul does the same thing. He goes back to Abraham and makes the point that God gave Abraham his blessing BEFORE the Law and BEFORE the Covenant (and Circumcision).
In a similar way, Jesus--not the Law or the Covenant--become the future hope of Abraham.
I love Paul. Genius.
July 13, 2009
Texts:
Exodus 37-38
Romans 3
Exodus:
What if the Stewardship and Finance Committee came to you when they were planning the budget and said, "we need some solid gold lampstands and new robes for the pastor that are made out of finest linen, woven with 24 karat gold, purple and scarlet threads. The hooks for the mini-blinds need to be silver and we need to buy some bronze door knobs."
How would that go over?
Where do you think the Israelites got all of that money? Even if you don't know the conversions, it is apparent that a LOT of shekels were spent. One commentator estimated 3.75 tons of silver and 2.5 tons of bronze.
On what is our congregation willing to spend our shekels? On what should we spend our shekels?
Romans:
In this chapter of Paul's carefully crafted argument, he shows that the Old Testament is NOT invalid because of Christ. Judaism the tradition in which Paul grew up and should still be respected. But (you knew there was a "but"), if you subject yourself to the Law, you are under the judgment of the Law. For "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (3:23).
Keep with Paul. He takes the entire book to build his argument, and we do him a dis-service if we try to pull out just a few verses.
Exodus 37-38
Romans 3
Exodus:
What if the Stewardship and Finance Committee came to you when they were planning the budget and said, "we need some solid gold lampstands and new robes for the pastor that are made out of finest linen, woven with 24 karat gold, purple and scarlet threads. The hooks for the mini-blinds need to be silver and we need to buy some bronze door knobs."
How would that go over?
Where do you think the Israelites got all of that money? Even if you don't know the conversions, it is apparent that a LOT of shekels were spent. One commentator estimated 3.75 tons of silver and 2.5 tons of bronze.
On what is our congregation willing to spend our shekels? On what should we spend our shekels?
Romans:
In this chapter of Paul's carefully crafted argument, he shows that the Old Testament is NOT invalid because of Christ. Judaism the tradition in which Paul grew up and should still be respected. But (you knew there was a "but"), if you subject yourself to the Law, you are under the judgment of the Law. For "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (3:23).
Keep with Paul. He takes the entire book to build his argument, and we do him a dis-service if we try to pull out just a few verses.
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