Tag: respect

What’s The Matter?

Numbers 3:44–48; Numbers 18:20; Deuteronomy 10:8–9; 1 Peter 2:3–10

Inheritance wars have long been a genre of popular fiction. Whether the fights were over business or titles of nobility or who will take over the family criminal enterprise. Sometimes, battles are fought over who gets what, or who got the most. That last one may even destroy family ties as one person feels loved least or loved most.

In the agricultural world, inheritance what truly critical, as which land (or how much of it) could mean success or death, with success often being just making it to the next season.

The Levites were given cities and surrounding land, but that land and city was always within the domain of another tribe. In some respects, we can view them as embassies. Due to agreements and treaties, the land within an embassy is treated as if it belongs to the ambassadorial country.

However, the embassy being another country is a matter of treaty. It is not absolute. The perpetual tension of an embassy is that it can be revoked. In fact, “breaking off” of diplomatic relations usually went along with embassies being closed. The land of that “country” returned to the holding of the host country.

Upon the entrance to the Promised Land, the immediate response was fulfillment. In other words, there wasn’t an issue with the Levites and the allocations.

God was the inheritance of the Levites. That’s a pretty big inheritance. When the people, however, don’t respect or love God and thus don’t bring the first fruits or monetary replacement, then what?

From a modern perspective, it seems that the goal was for the Levites (certainly of the Temple service) to be sustained by the faithful sacrifice. The extended purpose of the Levitical cities was to guard against a people who forgot about God. At the Levites would have food.

Did the Levites fulfill God’s intent for them? It would seem not, but to put all (or even most) of the blame on them would deny others’ choices.

A number of years ago, I heard a quip, “Christianity is one generation away from vanishing.” In many respects, this is a true statement. If the faith is not passed down, it will not survive outside of the work of God. The same could be said of the Levites of the Jews.

In many respects, what the Levites experienced (and continue to) is what Christians should expect, too. Now, this is not because we aren’t good enough sharing the Word of God. It’s not that we’re bad about talking about the love of God (though there are many loud people who are awful at it).

We really need help at living it out well. This is the muddle, though. We think we are. We might even be. The world, however, doesn’t see it that way.

※Questions※

1) Do you think the world is more or less correct that we Christians (as a whole) do not live out the Christian life of love?

2) Do you think the Priesthood of all Believers (1 Peter 2:3–10) is equivalent to the Levites? Why or why not? If yes, what does that mean for you?

3) Levites’ primary purpose was the work of the Temple. Families taught the faith. Today, our “priests” (pastors) seem to be expected to be the only teachers. What can the Levites’ place teach us about pastors and families in regards to faith and discipleship?

※Prayer※

Father, you called a certain people to facilitate relationship between you and your chosen people. Help us to be facilitators of your dream for the world to reconcile itself to you. Amen.

2020-09-29
3 Greats

Luke 11:9–13; 1 Corinthians 12:31–14:1

It’s a little presumptuous to talk about Christmas. However, it is likely that Christmas will be very interesting this year. Either the traveling will breakout to overwhelm the system (which is suffering from abandonment, at this point), or everyone will stay home. Regardless, children will still eagerly await to see what the wrapped presents contain.

Parents don’t wait for Christmas to give gifts, or even until birthdays. Often the unthought present is a favorite meal or just a hug on a bad day. Little gifts of love are generally just lived out. We actually don’t think of them…and that’s a good thing.

Love is the best four-letter word. It is also one of the most confusing words. When Paul uses it here, it is a deep affection and respect. In other words, looking to the benefit of the other.

His famous words are often used in wedding ceremonies. It’s not wrong (For, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…” 2 Tim 3:16). It’s just part of a bigger picture.

Paul’s real focus is the “greater” gifts: faith, hope, love. In the context of these words, though, it is about the spiritual gifts given to the people of God. Going back to Jesus’ words, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” (Luke 11:13)

Our constant focus on love (though worthwhile) misses the point Paul is trying to make. The three greater gifts are what make the spiritual gifts powerful and effective.

Great! You can argue a fish into believing it’s allergic to water! You obviously don’t love it.

Fantastic! You know the Scriptures and the original languages! You have lost all hope with your knowledge.

Wonderful! You are a talented medical worker through whom bodies thought gone can heal. You have left the soul (including your own) to wither and die.

What should be the most interesting thing here is that Paul brings up three (faith, hope, love) and only speaks of one (love). Paul felt, it seems, that faith and hope were sufficient on their own, and needed no further explanation. Love, however, needed something more.

In an era where “faith” and “hope” seem to be faded (if not gone) in the wider culture, and love has generally become a saccharine-sweet noxious feeling that is stuck in a romantic byway, the church (that is, you) must relearn, regain, reteach, and rejoice in the 3 greatest gifts: faith, hope, love.

※Prayer※

Lord, may we not take the lesser or greater gifts for granted. May we actually use them for your glory and to fulfill your will for our lives. Amen.

2020-09-16
Wicks Asmoldering

Isaiah 7:1–9; Philippians 4:4–9

Ahaz received encouraging words from God through Jeremiah. Jeremiah, often called the weeping prophet, was not exactly known for positive words. Ahaz, not altogether faithful, received a positive message.

In many respects, Christians in the United States are like Ahaz. Far too many are lukewarm. They think they do “enough”.

Ahaz wanted enough of God to be safe, at the moment. Over the long-haul, however, Ahaz wasn’t so faithful, and in fact, destroyed much of the temple to worship another God.

In the passage from Isaiah, the two powers fighting over Jerusalem (the ones that terrified Ahaz and the rest of Jerusalem) were called smoldering wicks. This was not a phrase of respect. There was plenty of smoke (blustering) from the two, but no fire (power).

Ahaz took it for the moment, but he, like the rest of us, was overwhelmed by his immediate surroundings. His faith was not based on the sureness of God’s faithful love. His faith was rocked to and fro by the strongest winds.

Whether it is political parties, the media, social networks, rumors, the latest social fad, Christians are just as likely as others to listen and follow the blowing smoke. In times like these, looking to Christ FIRST before a particular thought stream must be our first response.

The fractures in US society in particular, but even the rest of the world, has come into focus with simultaneous events. There, sadly, has often been an immediate response based on our political beliefs or any other biases that we each have. And we all have them.

The most saddening part is how this affects our Christian witness. When we respond to the social waves rather than to Christ, we diminish Christ. Even worse, by our actions, we say that Jesus Christ is less than a smoldering wick.

※Prayer※

Lord, help us keep the peace that surpasses all understanding. As the powers of the world try to influence us to follow them, rather than you, may you, Holy Spirit, keep us firmly grounded in the faithful love of God. Amen.

※Questions※

1) Who (more than one) are the smoldering wicks of today?

2) When we follow people as they want, who are we showing the world (and ourselves) who we really have forefront in our hearts and thoughts?

3) How does being lukewarm allow for listening to the “smoking wicks” rather than Jesus?

2020-07-13
How We Live

Galatians 3:1–9; Galatians 5:16–18; James 2:18–26 (read online ⧉)

Is it faith or works? What saves you? That’s a pretty important question.

From a historical Jewish perspective, it was works. The entire sacrificial system seemed to be about works. This meant that from their perspective, salvation (and the Messiah) would only come through perfectly performing the Law.

Christians tend toward the faith side. In fact, while Martin Luther struggled with this exact passage in James. He wanted to toss out the book of James because it seemed contrary to grace. Martin Luther chose to respect the “doctors” of the church and kept the book of James even in the first Lutheran bible.

As the doctors of the church discerned that James was an inspired book of the Bible, we cannot ignore it, either. Nor should we fall into an extreme view of works.

Martin Luther struggled with how the Christian life was often lived out among Roman Catholics. They would perform acts (such as penance) without change. He saw a conflict there. It was a significant point to Luther as during his monastic years he was known for returning back to his confessor moments after he left due to some errant thought that might be a sin.

Imagine living that way! The reality is that many Christians did and do live that way. This even among those who would hold Roman Catholicism as a bad way to live, especially in Evangelical circles. The constant weight of guilt kills hearts and souls!

Most of James’ concerns were with consistency between espoused faith (what we say) and a lived-out faith (what we do). In James’ time, some believed that they could have faith, but that works were unimportant. The private faith was what mattered. The public faith was nice, but not necessary.

Paul, however, was concerned with people trying to be like the Jews, and doing all these “things” to get their salvation. He drove the point with grace, not works. Paul’s constant push on it often causes the church, as a whole, to put it first (which it is) and only (which it isn’t).

James didn’t want people to emulate the Jews, he wanted them to live out their faith. Live like your faith means something and has transformed you. Paul didn’t want actless Christians. In his letters, there was quite a lot about behavior. Works (or faith lived out) were important to Paul, too.

For both Paul and James, works were lived out as a response to God’s grace and movement in the lives of believers. Works were what got you saved. Works are a result of you being saved.

※Prayer※

Lord, by grace you have called us into your family. By grace, we are called Childen of God. By grace, let us act like it. Amen.

※Questions※

1) What acts show the world that you are saved? How do they do so?

2) If a person does not display (via acts) a so-called Christian life, are they saved? Why or why not?

3) How do you balance question 1 and question 2?

2020-06-15
Flawed and Honored Vessels

Psalm 107:1–16; Exodus 15:22–27; Hebrews 3:1–6 (read online ⧉)

Water is essential to survival. Not having water was a death sentence. What made the waters of Marah too bitter to drink can only be guessed. It would have been horrible to be thirsty (3 days in the desert) and find the saving source of water undrinkable.

They had just experienced God doing a miracle by saving them from the Egyptians. Yet, here they were, 3 days later, complaining. There is a reasonable question, “what shall we drink?” However, it seems that it didn’t start there. It started with complaining.Much of Moses’ journey with the Israelites seemed to involve the Israelites complaining. They complained against God. They complained against Aaron. They complained against Moses. As their cultural history developed, Moses (rightfully) was granted a position of significance. The religion developed a hearty respect for God’s rescuing prophet. The first generation complained. The succeeding generations honored.

By the time of Jesus, Moses was just below God in some ways. Not that they worshipped Moses, but that he was used as the measuring rod of the faithful servant of God. In Luke 16:29, we read, “they have Moses and the prophets….” Moses is raised above the other prophets, even above King David, a man after God’s own heart. The writer of Hebrews resets things, by raising up Jesus as the Son of God, not “just” a servant (as Moses was).

The writer of Hebrews was incorporating Jewish understanding of God and faith (including Moses’ role) into a fuller understanding of who Jesus Christ should be to faithful Jews.As Paul did regarding we being the temple dwelling of God, the writer of Hebrews says that Jesus Christ is building us into his house. The author of Hebrews equates us, amazingly, to Moses. Both (all) were houses built by God.

1) Have you ever compared yourself to another, and said, “I could never be like that?”

2) Have you ever heard someone praise another a lot and think, “how can I measure up to this?”

3) What are your thoughts on being a house made by God, and being made just as you are, flaws and all?

2020-03-22
Looking for Light or Dark?

Jeremiah 30:12–22; John 12:36–43; Psalm 105:1-11 (read online ⧉)

The people of Israel were in turmoil. Their kings changed allegiances to the bigger powers on the world stage. They were in the middle of two warring empires. They were devastated by war and taxes. Today’s passage in Jeremiah starts as a summary of the pain Israel is feeling. The pain is the self-inflicted consequence of walking away from God.

By no means did God want the Israelites to suffer, yet sometimes the best lessons are the hard ones. Despite their pain, God did not want them to despair. God promised restoration, a magnificent restoration, of children, self-rule, and respect.

Many people walk far away from God, ways that we may never understand. They could have done (or be doing) things that make no sense from a logical, emotional, moral, or spiritual point of view. Just as the Israelites were blind, so are so many people today. Just like the Israelites, they do not realize that they cannot see.

Jesus called on his followers to believe in the light. Belief in the light was expected to be transformative. Jesus’ followers would become children of light. Yet, even in Jesus’ day, even with the miracles, people did not believe.

1) Is there someone in your life that you feel is not walking in the light? Will you commit to pray for that person?

2) Is there something in your life that you don’t want to be in the light? Will you bring that to a trusted person to confess? If you do not have a person that you trust, pray that God will bring you such a trusted person into your life.

2020-03-11
Smite Me or Hug Me

2 Kings 17:34–41, Psalm 27 (read online ⧉)

This passage in 2 Kings is a little odd. To make sense in English, fear is not used in a manner consistent with the Hebrew. In the opening (v34) and closing (v41) verses, fear is actually a descriptor (adjective) of the Israelites. In the rest of the verses, “fear” is something you act out. Now, the trouble is that fear has many layers to it. Another way to think of this passage is, “The Israelites did not fear, honor, or respect God enough to solely obey God’s ways, disregarding the covenants made between God and their ancestors. Instead, Israelites feared the false gods of other nations and tribes that did not rescue them mightily and definitively from slavery in the land of Egypt. They feared those gods and viewed them as being at least equal to God. While they feared God, they did not honor or respect God exclusively as they were called to do.” This is not a perfect translation. It isn’t even really a good one. It does help to better understand what is going one when fear was involved.

Fearing God as the punishing master was never the point. While obedience was required, it was to be out of devotion, admiration, awe, and love. This is one of those cultural pieces that often get lost for us, especially when using the word fear. The other one is the perception of many believers that God is capricious and vicious. What is truly sad is that the gods of the surrounding nations were truly capricious and vicious. How God ended up being cast in that light is a peculiarity of human nature.

We know that by this point that the descendants of Israel had walked away from God in their hearts if not solely in their actions. This is an important concept to understand as when we read Psalm 27 we get a completely different image of God. If one was truly afraid, why would one view God as a protector? In addition, the psalmist says that his heart will not be afraid. So, fearing (as in terror) God is not a solid image of God.

Where does this come from? Sure, some of it comes from the Israelites. However, much of it comes from Christianity. There are many old (centuries) and new sermons that abused the concept of fearing (awe) God, turning it into something truly terrifying. You may be one of those who was terrified by sermons delivering a concept of an angry God who was looking for some reason to smite you.

1) Why would fear and awe get confused? How do you differentiate them when it comes to God?

2) Why is the concept of overly fearing other gods still relevant today?

2020-02-09
The Aha Pilgrimage

1 Kings 10:23–24, Isaiah 60:1–6, Micah 4:1–5, Matthew 2:1–12, Revelation 21:22–24 (read online ⧉)

People approaching another country’s king with respect, almost as a pilgrimage, was not uncommon. We read the passages and often are lacking the context that kingdoms would often send delegations to a new leader, just to set a good basis for future relationships. They would travel long miles to do so. Sometimes it’s even questionable if it was “worth it”. Part of it was to gather information, but much of it really was to build relations. When you didn’t know who would be your next enemy, it was wise to plant positive seeds of the relationship as far as one could. The other part of this was also a showing of strength and wealth. If such-and-such a country could send this much and this person (usually a person of theoretical importance), then perhaps currying favor was smart.

The Queen of Sheba visiting Solomon was a little outside the norm. According to the writer(s) of Kings, it seemed pretty natural, for the whole world wanted to talk to Solomon. While it was normal to send delegations, the author(s) of Kings seems to be emphasizing it, almost as if there was something far greater at work.

The concept of people coming to Israel because of what God was doing was by no means new. And the writer(s) of Kings knew it. However, what was a “nice” thing, became an important piece of the prophetic narrative in regards to exile. Isaiah and Micah both indicate that the nations will come to Israel. It takes on a deeper role than just earthly kingdoms. The spiritual aspect was implicit in this vision. It was a calling of Israel to its role…a light to the world.

When Jesus was born, there was no great fanfare in the larger world. Sure, some shepherds saw and heard some angels, but they were only shepherds. The so-called wise and powerful of Israel certainly didn’t care for some poor child born during the census, especially since the child’s importance was only witnessed by some (dirty, disgusting, untrustworthy, worthless) shepherds. And, really, what does it matter that some crazy prophet and prophetess announced Jesus, or any of the crazy story about some old priest (Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist). The so-called wise and powerful received, just like in days of old, dignitaries from foreign places. It echoed the “glory days” of Solomon. They probably celebrated their seeming rising importance.

Yet, these dignitaries weren’t looking for this particular court of man. Instead, they were looking for the “court” of the new king. The witness these dignitaries followed was a star! They didn’t receive a notice of a new king by messenger, they looked to a star! This is another piece of the story. The nation from and for whom the Messiah would come didn’t even notice. In many respects, this was the first case of reverse evangelism, where the ones that missionaries used to send people to, now send people back to restore the faith.

1) When it comes to the word “epiphany”, who had it? The Israelites, the Romans, the foreigners?

2) Epiphany is supposedly proof that Jesus calls non-Israelites (i.e., non-Jews) to him. Do you think the story of the Magi shows that? Is so, how? If not, why not?

3) If Christians are the Jews and powerful people in the story of Epiphany, who are the Magi? What might these Magi have to show us what it means to be followers of Jesus?

2020-01-06
Burning Jealousy

Genesis 37:3–11, 1 Samuel 16:1–13, 1 Samuel 17:12–29, Proverbs 14:30

Unrighteous jealousy is very much a human feeling. Joseph’s brothers were, without question, jealous of Joseph. Their father was—in many respects—the initiator of their jealousy, for he treated Joseph differently than them. He even had a special robe made for him. It is not unreasonable to look at the robe as a foreshadowing of the royal station that Joseph would get. It was completely inappropriate for the contest of being the 2nd youngest to be so elevated, yet he was.

As the Proverb said, the brothers’ jealousy corrupted them down to their bones. Their brother was condemned to slavery (they thought). Yes, they didn’t kill them, but that doesn’t excuse the fact that it was their first thought. Then, in a capstone to their jealousy, they put blood on the “royal” coat and deceived their father. It was an act of respect in regard to their father’s place in their lives. Mostly, however, it was an act of cruelty. They were able to get back at their father, too.

Unlike Joseph’s dreams, with Joseph sharing them, David’s anointing was external. The holy man and (last) judge of Israel, Samuel, anointed David. David really had nothing to do with it, other than obeying his father (Jesse) and submitting to the anointing. We can see later on, though, that the brothers weren’t responding well to their brother. Eliab, the de facto leader of David’s brothers, spoke poorly to David. We can see by David’s response that this is not a new thing. Yes, in many respects this is the reality of siblings. On the other hand, the Scriptures often highlight the important things, implying that Eliab’s jab was more than sibling rivalry.

The jealousy that seeks to elevate oneself at the cost of another rots human relationships “to the bone.” Jealousy is the sign of an unbalanced relationship.

1) Why is focusing on the jealousy within families so important? What lessons can we learn from it?

2) Unrighteous jealousy usually involves taking from others. When have you seen this? What have you done, if you could, to resolve the situation?

3) Usually all parties involved in a jealousy situation are affected/harmed. Why do you think the jealous person will often work against their self?

2019-10-21
Binding Ties

1 Samuel 2:12–17, 1 Samuel 2:22–36, Matthew 10:16–23, Ephesians 6:10–20

Who or what are the dark powers that Paul talks about in Ephesians? Perhaps they are the family members that oppose believers. Perhaps they are the family members the “dress up” in righteous clothing and whose behavior is unrighteous.

Eli’s sons Phinehas and Hophni are the second set of “pastor’s” kids in the Scriptures (the first were Aaron’s sons) who went off the deep end. Their lack of respect for others’ sacrifices was bad just on an interpersonal level. It was a form of bullying. Was there a penalty? Yes, but that doesn’t really improve the results. How many people were scarred toward the priesthood? How many became reluctant attendees because of their behavior? This can only be thought of through conjecture. Just based on human behavior, it seems likely that the behavior of Eli’s sons caused a ripple effect of unseen damage. For cultural, societal, and religious reasons people would still go, for the cost of not going could result in ostracization.

What kind of opposition was Jesus expecting? Families kicking out believers. Families turning in believers. Family gatherings devolving into religious arguments and divisions. Even Jesus’ own family was divided until at least after his death.

The dark powers really are the sin of humankind. Yes, there are dark supernatural powers and influences. Sadly, however, humanity has enough darkness inside itself that outside influence is often not required to make a mess of things. Jealousy, envy, hatred are in many respect the true dark power of humanity. Along with pride, humanity will often do many things which appear to be contrary to the concept of humanity.

Within families, the excesses often seem to be magnified. While we often think about the awkward family reunion, sometimes we find it in other “families”, whether they be fraternal orders, unions, clubs, church, Homeowners Associations, or whatever. There are always powers that work to separate the ties that bind us together.

1) What have you experienced that tests the bonds of your relationships with others?

2) Do you have a tendency to look at yourself or at others first when there is a problem?

3) What is the strongest tendency you have that pushes others away from you? What is the strongest tendency you have that draws others to you?

2019-10-15