Devotion.al

Tag: love

  • In the Meantime

    Exodus 28:39–29:9; Exodus 32:1–21; Romans 5:1–11 (read online ⧉)
     
    The pomp, display, , pageantry (and ) that surrounds the elevation of a cardinal (or, per rule, any Roman Catholic male) to the position of pope is pretty amazing and can be quite stirring. It should not be lost on anyone that there are “liturgical” steps that are followed for every pope.

    The Old Testament is filled with many “liturgical” steps itself, particularly for the priests. Aaron was going to be anointed and appointed High Priest of the entire nation of Israel. His sons would also receive the same. For a people that escaped and left Egypt through the miraculous works of God, this should have been a sure personal coup for Aaron.

    God was talking to Moses about this, in the meantime, Aaron was definitely acting as a high priest, just not of God. One could even see a foreshadow of the priests (High and other) during the time Jesus. No courage of conviction (or perhaps no real conviction) when confronted by the people.

    Aaron’s place as Moses’ second (we always have to keep in mind that Aaron was the mouthpiece of Moses) couldn’t be ignored. The people are too impatient to (What’s waiting 40 days in comparison to 430 years?) and are quick to abandon their God and their leader.

    That whole thunder on a mountain, pillar of smoke by day, pillar of by night, annihilation of the world’s biggest army,…meh, too much time. And then, eventually, there was a new nation, a bunch of prophets, exile, return,…and silence for another 400 years.

    Another 400 year period of silence, then John the Baptist showed up. The time of silence was over. Jesus, the Son of God, walked on the Earth…

    …in the meantime, people lived. People died. People sinned, and sinned, and sinned. Jesus died.

    It was “finished” on the cross that day. Jesus Christ died for people who were sinning right up to that very moment, and Jesus Christ died for all those who sinned afterward.
    Aaron’s call had very little to do with Aaron, and everything to do with God. Jesus’ death on the cross had little to do with us, and everything to do with God.

    That last sentence probably jarred you a bit. We are taught (and the Scriptures state, such as this passage in Romans) that God died for our sins. Yet, in many respects, God died to be true to God’s self…self-sacrificing love for . In other words, while our sins were the trigger, God’s very nature was the reason.

    O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people; Grant that when we his voice we may know him who calls us each by , and follow where he leads; who, with you and the , lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. [BCP]

    1) In the case of Aaron and us, God is doing something great for us, while we are often doing something against God. What does that tell us about God and ourselves?

    2) Why is it critical to understand that Jesus Christ died for all sins through all time?

    3) How does Romans 5:1 relate to Aaron’s consecration?

  • Commandments and Following

    Deuteronomy 4:3–9; Mark 12:28–34 (read online ⧉)

    Imagine walking around and loudly announcing that ALL of God’s commandments are . How long before people would denounce you and unfriend you? Even those who might believe similarly to you might distance themselves.

    This part of Moses’ to the Israelites is definitely part of a “ra-ra” kind of speech. Our God is great! Only our God is actually with us! Only our God listens to us! Only our God gives us righteous rules to follow!
    Only our God!

    It’s not that God has changed, and really not that this was intended to be a ra-ra speech. Moses was indeed trying to invigorate the people before he died. Moses wanted to make sure they started out well. From a cultural , the Israelites were going into another god’s domain. Culturally that would mean they are the weaker party…and they are entering for battle. Moses was telling them that God was with them regardless of country (many of the gods were territory based). God was saying, I am with you.

    Perhaps not quite the same as Moses’ speech, talked about the Great Commandments. The reality is, though, that we the Lord our God because of the very pieces that are part of this ra-ra speech. The righteous statues are part of the Second Great Commandment.

    , , and , eternal God, unchanging and ever loving, we thank you for the Great Commandments that lead us into the heart of who you are. Amen.

    Questions

    1) How does the triumphal pieces of Moses’ speech guide you in regards to the Great Commandments?
    2) In what ways do you think the Old Testament laws apply to today, and in what ways do you think they don’t?
    3) What is important about Deuteronomy 4:9, and how does that apply to today?

  • Seeing Nothing or Something

    Joel 2:27–32; Acts 10:1–16 (read online ⧉)

    Visions. In our current culture, visions are portrayed as “mystical” to the point of being unbelievable. We now have organizational vision statements which, if we’re honest, seem to be about as unbelievable as the visions that we think are part of fantasy and magic. Yes, that’s probably a bit cynical. Vision statements have grown into a business. An organization will often hire consultants whose entire job is to help an organization develop a vision statement. Too often, though, the vision statement is merely a placard that hangs on a wall and is part of an email signature.

    Visions are not a small thing. So, this is not something you might necessarily want. Many of the Old Testament prophets were not particularly pleased with their visions. There are those today who claim that they have visions from God…did you just snicker or doubt? You probably did. If you didn’t, you’re one of the rare ones.

    Visions haven’t ended. We in the Western Developed nations have just turned them into dreams and targets of psychoanalysis and psychiatry. Our hardened hearts and closed minds are no longer as receptive to God’s moving in our lives.

    Those that are of a more mystical bent are often decried or sneered at. There are certain circles that cannot seem to either understand nor be graceful toward those that are mystically-inclined. In places where faith is questionable, and jobs are technical (engineering, programming, general technology, manufacturing) this is especially true.

    The good side of that is that we are less susceptible to being deceived (in that area, at least). The bad side is that we cast aside something that God has used (and continues to use elsewhere) to draw people to him, them, form them, and especially chide them.

    Cornelius and Peter each had visions of the same coming event (in general). The result of both their visions was that the (i.e., non-Jews) would receive (quite dramatically) the Spirit, and Peter would begin to understand that when Jesus said the whole world…he meant it.

    This is not to say we should expect (or even want) visions. In many respects, what often comes with such visions is far more than many of us can bear. As notes in 1 Corinthians 12–13, no matter how great the (or vision), without it is worthless. Yet, we should not disparage nor deny God’s gifts that are beyond our comprehension.

    God, you are infinite; we are finite. To fully comprehend you is beyond us. Help us to not put you in our box of , whether it be of feelings, , or science. May we keep our “boxes” open to what you want to do in our lives. Amen.

    1) Have you ever had an experience that you would call “mystical”? What about it makes it mystical?

    2) If someone, whom you otherwise respected and/or loved, shared with you a vision they had, how would you ? Would you try to process it with them? How?

    3) If you had a vision, who would you tell? What is the first thing you would do? Why?

  • Worship Space

    Exodus 35:21–36:7; 1 Chronicles 28:9–21; 2 Kings 12:4–16 (read online ⧉)

    When things to , well, they probably won’t return to the past normal. In fact, who knows what the new normal will look like. Will places such as churches have to remodel to meet the new “physical separation” expectation? Really. While we may return to the building this year, there will likely be an extended expectation of physical separation. There are some people who already have a 6-foot bubble of separation (or larger) and are looking to everyone being like them (truly).

    The of us will also need to adapt. Grocery stores that currently have aisles designed (on purpose) to keep as much of the product in your eyesight as possible may have a cultural impetus to remodel. How this will affect tight spaces such as the arena in Everett (where one gets to watch hockey, for example) or the baseball fields or the football fields, or the gyms of schools, and so on. All these spaces originally designed to fit the maximum number of people in the smallest amount of space may very well find themselves having to change their maximized seating to fit the new reality (our knees will be grateful).

    The church will have to adapt, too. Not just Generations, but the whole concept of church, too. The facility we have, for example, was going to start to get some major work done. Some of it has moved forward. Most of it (obviously) stopped. Now what? Do we remove every other pew? Do we hand 6-foot rulers? Does it matter anymore?

    Here’s the harsh reality, the churches will likely be empty for a long time. It isn’t that everyone got used to meeting online (though it will that for some). It won’t be because people got used to having a mostly free Sunday (though that will be the case for some). It will because people will have become trained through fear (back to that, again) to avoid public places and tight gatherings. The culture may well have trained many of our people to stay away.

    There is no doubt that renewal and remodeling often revitalize and a church. People are attracted (understandably) to something that is obviously growing (why numbers are often more important than spiritual growth). When the building is changed to reduce the number of people who can participate at a time, rather than increase, what then?

    Now, the church is not a/the building. However, a sense of place creates a sense of identity. The Israelites gave large amounts until it was no longer needed. In Exodus, it almost seems, “Stop! No more! We have no place to put it!” The Israelites laid claim to “their” temple. Yes, it was God’s. It was also core to their identity.

    Like many of us, we don’t recognize how a physical building becomes part of who we are. It may actually explain why people connect to certain places (including church buildings) and not others. What also is of concern is what happens to spaces when they are changed (for no matter the reason), and how people will .

    Space deeply affects our and fellowship, too. How people fill a space affects behaviors and responses, too. All of the outpouring of support to our churches would be great, and the plans that are made will be the best we are able. In the end, it is the people…it is you…that will make the difference in the new church in the new space…that was the old church in the old space. Be ready!

    Prayer

    God, you have gifted us the ability to not fear in the face of such uncertainty. Strengthen our faith and resolve to face the world as it is and to present your love and grace to the world. Amen.

    1) When you imagine the “perfect” church space, what is it like?

    2) Before all of this, did you sit in the middle, the back, or even (dare we say) the front of a church? Do you think where you sit and with whom you might sit (other than your immediate ) might change?

    3) How does a church building you? If you think it doesn’t, go back to question 1.

  • Holy Night

    Holy Night

    29 April 2020 Devotional

    Genesis 1:1–19; Genesis 22:17–18; Psalm 134 (read online ⧉)

    I try to settle, but I just pass through
    A rain dog, gypsy
    A wandering Jew
    All those homes were not ours
    Then I slept one night
    In Abraham’s field
    And dreamt there was no moon
    The night he died
    Counting stars

    from The Orphan by the Newsboys

    One of the interesting conflicts in the Scriptures is the human tendency to the dark (because of bad people and wild animals). Yet, on the other hand, God did not make the dark to be bad. God called it good.

    We want to conquer the darkness. As our cities become fuller (or at least were pre-COVID), the “ pollution” was significant. If Abraham was, for example, a homeless person in Seattle, there would be very few stars to count. It wouldn’t be much of a .

    If you’ve had any experience away from cities, you’ll understand the magnificence of God’s night sky as created. If you’ve been someplace really remote on a moonless night (i.e., “new moon”), it is even more spectacular.

    As the “church” aged, the simplicity of day=good and night=bad developed into a theology that happened in the day, especially in the morning to go with the day or morning star (the sun being a symbol of Jesus). Modern churches did develop night worship to a degree, but it has been far and away diminished in comparison to daytime worship.

    The psalmist’s very short homage to the night workers at the House of God brings to point the many people behind the scenes of churches, schools, hospitals, and many institutions that do not get the recognition for they are behind the scenes. The night workers at the House of God were not any less important than the ones assigned in the day. It was just that they were not as visible. Did they get the accolades? Probably not. Did they fulfill their calling? Yes. Without them, worship couldn’t happen during the day. The night was just as essential to daytime worship as those who were there during the day.

    There is one thing that the night can bring us that day often doesn’t…stillness. Under the night sky, there is often a greater willingness to just (or lay down) and stare at the jewels that God placed in the heavens. In that place of stillness and of sparkling jewels, God can in that still small voice…and we might actually hear.

    Prayer

    God, through the , Jesus, you made the moon and the stars, and all the heavenly bodies. Help us to recognize your glory and love in them. May your Spirit guide us today to stop and just gaze in wonder at what you have made. Amen.

    Questions

    1) What do you think of when gazing at the stars? What is the strongest memory you have of the night sky?

    2) Who are some of the people behind the scenes that you can think of, that glorify God by their humble and hidden service?

    3) We often call on people to be humble. On the other hand, there is often this desire to have a superstar leader who is charismatic and often needs some lessons in . How do we get to this point?

  • Wholesome Speech

    Wholesome Speech

    Leviticus 19:11–18; 2 Corinthians 12:19–21; 1 Peter 2:1–5 (read online ⧉)

    Slander is one of the biggest things that divide people whether it be in families, churches, the , the world. Slander can be small things, it can be large things. The reality is that it often hurts the innocent and the guilty the same. Slander and gossip can be very destructive. However, while we often focus on the person who is being slandered or gossiped about, we often miss the larger picture.

    Let’s take any leader. If you heard them slandering or gossiping about someone else, it should make you pause. If they are willing to say that about a person who isn’t present, what are they saying about you when you are not present? Slander and gossip can undermine leadership, discipleship, relationship, and most of all love.

    This does not mean that we cannot vent or our struggles or feelings regarding another person. That can be bad, too. What we share about needs to be considered carefully. Often we don’t carefully and prayerfully consider what we say about others. It is when we react with our responses that the greatest damage can occur. In our anger or pain, we often attribute characteristics to others that are more a reflection of our feelings than the other person.

    In fact, there is no simple way to do any of this. relationships are often a struggle. While we struggle to relate to one another, we are hurt by one another, and hurt one another. Some of the pains we experience and have yet to identify or process will come out in ways we do not understand or anticipate. Celebrate Recovery (a 12-step Christian recovery program) has a great and very useful saying for when we deal with other people:

    “Hurt people, hurt people.”

    It is simple. If we think about it, though, we can see the truth in it. Humankind has fallen from God’s intent. Out of our , and as a consequence of the sins of others, we hurt that which bears God’s image…each other.

    Prayer

    God, you show such , , and with us your wayward children. Thank you for the gift of , giving us a way to overcome our frailties that does not depend on us. Holy Spirit, sharpen and heal us into a Christlike image that seeks to restore and heal others and ourselves. Amen.

    Questions

    1) Can you think of a time when you believe someone slandered you or gossiped about you? What was that like?

    2) What is wholesome speech? What should the characteristics of wholesome speech be? What should the end results of wholesome speech be?

    3) How do you heal relationships torn apart by gossip or slander?

  • At His Word

    At His Word

    Psalm 19; Proverbs 1:1–8; Romans 15:4–13 (read online ⧉)

    When you read the , are you reading words or are you reading the Word?

    If you have been a for any length of time you know what the “right” answer is. That doesn’t mean that for you it is the true answer. Many people read the Bible because it is the “right” thing to do, or they’ve developed habits (which is good, too).

    The saddest situation is those that read the Bible but have lost the joy and wonder with reading. If you’ve never had any joy or wonder, then the opening question applies. If you’ve lost the joy and wonder…it might be time to pause and reflect.

    There are a lot of ways and methods and suggestions on how to read the Scriptures. It’s not that they don’t matter, they aren’t the first step. You need to know your reason for reading the Scriptures. One could say that the most you get out of it will be based on what you put into it. Yet, that really doesn’t fit with the Scriptures, at least not as a whole. What you might get out of Deuteronomy will likely be different then you get out of the Psalms which will be different than Proverbs.

    The closest description one can probably use regarding all of the Scriptures (other than “the Word of God”) is a letter. Yes, it is a very long love letter. It also is filled with many hard things. We look around us, and the world is much the same. It is filled with beauty and love. It is filled with darkness.

    There are a few absolutes in the Scriptures about the Scriptures. The psalmist writes about the instructions. Solomon writes about God’s wisdom. Paul talks about how the past speaks to the now and the .

    , somehow you are the Word of God and so are the Scriptures we have been given. Thank you for this , for it shows us time and time again the unfathomableness of God. Spirit, guide as we read the Word. Help us to see the ‘s love written to us. Amen

    1) What is your favorite book of the Bible (if it is a Psalm, which one)? Why? How does it tell you about God, and about you?

    2) How would you describe the Scriptures to another believer? How would describe them to a non-believer?

    3) If you were stuck on an island (or in your house), would the bible be enough for you? Would it be sufficient?

  • Watching Rest

    Watching Rest

    Genesis 1:26–31; Exodus 23:27–30; Leviticus 26:34–35; 2 Chronicles 36:15–21 (read online ⧉)

    We are all very much aware that humanity is not the sole living creature that God created. Many of us have had experiences in wilderness areas and national parks. grew up “on the land” where neighbors were a long way off, and wild animals would often be present or intrude.

    Depending on where you live now, there are probably a few dogs that bark and birds that chirp. You might be one of those who live near wetlands (quite the common thing around here) and are serenaded by frogs at night. There is that occasional spider that draws a scream, or the annoying mosquito followed by many claps to kill it. We are surrounded by other creatures that we disregard, are oblivious to, or dismissive of.

    Sometimes, just like the Promised Land, our lands need a from us. It has been very interesting to watch the wildlife spread out in the National Parks. San Francisco is having coyotes on the streets. In our area, these may not seem all that significant, as we are still somewhat close to open lands, however, even here the signs of God’s other creatures are making themselves known.

    Most of us are separated from the land these days. Farmers will tell you to rotate the crops. Certainly, in areas on the east side of the Cascades, they will let a field go fallow for a year, every 7 years, just as the Scriptures say. The land needs rest, just as much as people.COVID-19 stay-at-home orders still aren’t that old (though it may feel like it). The wilds are quickly coming back. This means that much of the post-apocalyptic stories and movies have it wrong. It doesn’t take years for nature to come back. Nature moves back in very quickly. It also tells us how the busyness of our lives may not only be detrimental to ourselves, it might be detrimental to the rest of God’s , too. The same Creation that we are responsible for.

    , we see the way the ‘s Creation is responding to our absence. Help us to look at the lives we will be returning to post-COVID, and see how rest and rhythm can be reintroduced into our lives so that we are better able to the hope and of Jesus that he demonstrated through his and his . Amen.

    Questions

    1) Have you seen any change in the creatures around you? If not, have you even been paying attention to them?

    2) Why might other creatures be a mirror to us in how we live our lives for others and for God?

    3) What is one positive thing that you have learned about yourself (including any new practices) during the COVID-19 that you want to take with you to the other side of COVID-19? What will you do to make sure it happens?