I'm so glad this year starts in Romans and not Genesis! Powerful starting out words from Paul. In chpt 1, I was trying to figure if this letter was to the Jews or Gentiles. We just read yesterday, the conclusion of 2011, that the Jews in Rome hadn't heard squat about the "Good News" Acts 28:23
But, Rom 2 sounds like the letter went to both Jews and Gentiles - so I'm going with that assumption - - glad too, as it applies today to anyone who might pick up the book; believers and unbelievers.
Paul was set apart, commissioned. Not this is an interesting thought. Looking toward my next move in life, does God have one direct path for me, or does is He glad to work with the option that I choose? Is it different for different people? Paul, Moses, Jonah - they all were commissioned; but apart from those commissioned people, how does it work? Thoughts?
I love 1:9 - - totally Paulish with "I serve Him with my whole being, preaching the good news of salvation through Christ" we sure saw that in our December Acts read-through!! Hee hee -- 1:9, Paul didn't exactly get the "safe" trip to Rome he'd prayed for, but he did make it on to Roman terra firma, even though he experienced a storm, ship wreck, and deadly snake bite, not to mention the soldiers wanting to execute him along the way.
Paul comes into relationships with humility. Even though he is the commissioned one by God, even though he's been trained by the best of the best (both human and divine training), he still reaches out to his "flock" for encouragement (1:12) "We can help each other and be encouraged by our mutual faith in Christ"
Yesterday I heard a sermon down in Vancouver -- and if I could distill it into one sentence, it would be this: It's not about bad vs. good; it's about proud vs. humble. I see this concept coming out in the end of 1 and chpt. 2.
We're all bad - all have sinned; some in outward acts, easy to define, some in inward acts or judging others. God can work with the humble -- those willing to admit, those ready to abandon self and trust Him. But, the proud have no hope - - He can't help those determined to make it on their own, to glorify themselves, to figure out the best path on their own.
2:29 "A true Israelite is one who is praiseworthy in the eyes of God, not in the eyes of men" So many times we read this way of life when studying Jesus, and how He refused to put His trust in men.
I was thinking this a.m. as I was out in the glorious sun, running a new route & seeing the blue sky that I was glad we were starting in Genesis at Creation for the new year...and then I found out it was Romans! Ha ha, just the opposite of you Linda.
One thought I was thinking as I ran ties in to your commissioning question Linda. God needs people in every vocation & in every status of life. That's how He reaches people, but our lives, by our stories - how He's changed us & how He continues to change us. We're living Bible studies. So might stand out & get published or be an upfront person, but we're all commissioned to be living oracles for people to study. Not all the people that heard Jesus say the Great Commission in Matt 28:20 were ever mentioned again in the Bible. And what of Matthias who took Judas' place. Never hear of him again, but he was definitely chosen. So we all are vital to the body of Christ. Some parts just get more recognition.
I too noticed about Paul saying how we can encourage each other thru sharing our common faith. There is something invigorating about sharing Bible truths with each other & encouraging one another. Whether you're the teacher or the student...once you're sharing, it doesn't matter, because sharing involves give & take. Talking AND listening on both sides. If you come away from a good spiritual encounter & don't feel blessed, maybe you should ask yourself, were you just doing one of those things or both?
Paul spends a lot of time telling them to live out what they believe. I see that as a great struggle in Christiandom nowadays. We "know" the truth intellectually, maybe have heard it our whole lives. But we're not living it out. We might act it out now & again. But it goes back to the living Bible Studies that we should be. If Christ is in us & He is the Hope of Glory. Then shouldn't we be living, hopeful, Bible studies? Shouldn't our lives give others hope that there is Something, Someone better? Shouldn't our lives give them a desire to know Someone that is making our lives better...daily?
Genesis 1 is filled with creative JOY! (1:1) "The earth began by an act of God". Now days, when we here it was an "act of God" we're talking about disaster; but that's really not how God acts - - He's filled with bringing good things into His domain. Satan has turned the words about God against Him.
1:17 God arranged the way these lights should be and placed them in the sky to brighten the earth -- can't you see Him arranging and placing, like putting pictures up; making sure their the right height for the best viewing -- making sure their straight -- putting different sizes where they look the most pleasing! God is an artist - He's THE artist!
I like this comment: 1:22 God blessed the birds and fish, saying . . . fill the bodies of water with life and the air with song! I love how he makes each little piece of his creation beautiful (like the water and the air) so that everywhere we look -- it reminds us of our artist God!
1:27 "So they created two human beings, a male and a female, equal but with different functions, to reflect the unity of the Godhead" I'd never thought of a marriage as an illustration of the Godhead! cool
2:2 Thoughtful Creator - knowing we'd run ourselves ragged - "He blessed the seventh day and set it apart as a day of spiritual refreshment and JOY, a memorial of creation" Again - who wouldn't want a day for spiritual refreshment and Joy -- these are two aspects of our lives that we tend to stuff down into the depths of "when I get around to it" and God hands us the opportunity every week!!
OK -- sorry I'm so quoty -- but listen to how intimate this version makes 2:7 (here's a God that holds us in His hands) "When god created man, He used clay to mold his body (can you picture that?) then through man's nose (see how close He came? He wasn't just calling out creative words from His throne), He blew life into the clay, and the clay became a living human being"
I'm going to leave the comments on the rest for you guys -- I have a lot I underlined, but I'm hoping to hear your comments on the fall.
O wait -- one more comment -- can't help it, I just never thought of this! 3:21 "Adam must sacrifice the lamb as a symbol of the One who would come and die in their place. God then took the lamb's skin to cover Adam and Evens nakedness" I just never thought of it, that that lamb had to die for Adam and Eve's protection from the elements and for the covering to hide their nakedness (shame) What an amazing illustration that the Lamb has to die, and that is our only hope for protection from sin and for covering our shame - - there's probably more to this illustration, but that really struck me this morning. What a gift, I don't want to take that gift for granted.
I like reading thru paraphrases because of different perspectives like what you shared Linda. I was thinking what God killed to cover them was a cow or buffalo, something big like that. Hadn't thought about it being a lamb. Interesting if it was though.
I was thinking as I read thru creation of how God takes care in planning everything out for us. How His timing in creating man was after everything was in place for him to enjoy it. God could have created everything in one day, but in doing it on separate days He left us an example of temperance. Don't rush thru things, enjoy your work, take time to "smell the roses" as we say. Don't work until your worn out & beat down.
Also I thought of God's timing in our lives. We're (I'm) impatient & want what we (I) want right now. But if I live open handed, abandoned (trusting Him, not me) to God & His will, then what I NEED will come exactly when I NEED it, not before. The Lord is my Shepherd, I will not be in want of anything I NEED.
God didn't create Eve until Adam realized his need of a mate. But God was thinking of him all along...Adam just hadn't thought of it. Very interesting. Again, timing.
The first sin part...well, I see a lot of different things, God's desire for relationship, His firm discipline, His love in providing & protecting the sinner, etc. But what spoke to me most this a.m. was the 1st part of the reading. Because I'm learning the waiting, trusting, living open-handed part.
Read Genesis last yr, but am getting new truths out of it this yr. We grow and we learn.
The first part of Gen 1 has God doing a lot of dividing and separating and setting boundaries. He's bringing order out of chaos--- I think that phrase "order out of chaos" is going to be huge in the last days when the antichrist comes to power. I believe that's why the antichrist will come to power because of his ability to bring order out of the end time chaos.
Gen 1:26---This is an extremely important verse because this is where God gives us our authority and dominion over all the earth. My favorite decree is---"Satan, you will not take root in the ground that God has given me."
In Gen.1:27--Is God talking about creating male and female in the Garden of Eden only? Or is He creating people in other civilizations outside of the Garden of Eden? (The wives of Adam and Eve's sons had to come from somewhere) I'm not sure.
In Genesis 2:24--a man leaves his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife. I once married a mama's boy. I finally told him that he could be his mama's son, or he could be my husband---but he couldn't be both. He had to choose. Fortunately he made the right decision.
In Gen 3--Satan comes to Eve and says--Really? You can't eat from the tree of Good and Evil in the center of the garden? Really?
Satan was able to get Eve to focus on the one thing she didn't have. God gave her the whole Garden with an abundance of trees to use. But Satan causes Eve to focus on that ONE tree.
Satan is still using this deception today. One of his favorite tactics is to cause us to focus on what we DON'T have. He whispers things to us---like "you can sing better than Julie, so why don't you get to lead worship like she does? God's not being fair to you." or Joe shouldn't have gotten that promotion----that promotion should have gone to you---you deserve it more than he does---you're more faithful to God than Joe is." Satan is always whispering to us, still trying to deceive us.
Good points Sherrie. Glad you're able to join us again.
I was thinking today of all the people who crossed the Jordan. Weren't there at least 1 million of the Israelites? That would have taken a long time. The priests stayed standing in the river for that whole time. Maybe the whole day, 8-12 hrs? And the Ark stayed on their shoulders the whole time too. It doesn't say anything about being relieved halfway thru. God kept them & gave them strength to do that.
Maybe it's something no one notices, but they did it & God kept them standing the whole time. So He'll give me strength I need to carry out my daily duties as well. No one might notice, but God says to do everything to our best ability & like we're doing it for Him & He'll honor that.
Joshua got a lot of encouragement from God to have "strength of heart". Then the people said the same thing to him. It's definitely helpful when as a leader, you know your people are behind you. We shouldn't be forgetful to encourage our leaders or each other when we have the opportunity. Sometimes, it's like water on a desert, very desperately needed but it doesn't seem like it from outward appearances.
Rahab recognizes the God of Israel even though she is not in a line of work that God approves of. Today we would tend to judge her by that & maybe not spend the time telling her about God. You never know the heart of people & what they are ready for. Be open to listen to God's voice telling you who to talk to & what to say. We can't see all the prep work God has been doing in them.
Speaking of prep work, God had already made sure the people of Canaan had heard about His miracles & how He was taking care of His people. They were petrified of Israel. Again, we have no clue how God is preparing our future steps. We just need to be willing to go & do as He says.
Moses spent time alone with God & so did Joshua. If I don't spend time with God before each day begins, how will I know what I'm supposed to say/do in each situation? How will I know to even listen when stuff happens? It's just important for me to give my day to God 1st thing & then that helps me remember to give things to Him again throughout the day.
Love the stuff both of you brought out; and Sher -- you're so right -- God bringing order out of chaos!
God's promise to Joshua -- I've memorized 1:9, as it gives me courage -- but 1:8 shows how it's all possible to be strong and to have courage, and not to give up. "Keep your eyes on me and desire me with all your heart. Also -- keep reading what Moses wrote . . . don't forget it!" The word is our safeguard when we question ourselves or we question God -- we gotta keep studying Him, watching Him, and desiring Him!!
3:5 - - Even though Joushua is a respected leader, he continues to point the people to God as the leader - - appreciate the leadership not going to his head; a very easy trap.
3:9 there is an illustration here about God parting our waters, our tough times, and giving us a way through it -- we might get muddy, or -- He might provide a 20 mile path. Notice, He had them cross when the river was at its highest -- the spring rains; when it seemed the least possible. This kept them realizing that it was ONLY by God that this miracle was possible (similar to Lazarus being dead 3 days) 4:24 "the Lord did this so everyone will know how great He is and will always respect Him!
Find a rock (4:5) Let's not forget to think back on the miracles God has performed and share them. Testimony is powerful. All the people watched the conclusion of the miracle 4:12. I like that, they didn't just enjoy the first part of the miracle, but kept watching through the conclusion!
Moses got a bush when he was a shepherd, Joshua got a soldier when he was a commander. God meets us where we are:)
Hmmm Linda, your thoughts, tied into our reading today in Psalms. At least for me they did. I was thinking about 1:1,2. How the company we keep either helps us grow spiritually or hinders us. I've been noticing some things in my own life & just wanting to keep the growing going, not digress & have to go back over the same ground again.
The tree by the water is an illustration to me of me staying close by the Water of Life. That way I am nourished & continue to grow. I develop at the right time & am able to give of my time & abilities. I'm able to give the fruits of the Spirit that is in me. It's interesting that as a leaf dies, it curls up into itself. When it is alive, it is open & shows it's God-given beauty/design for all to see.
Once again, that concept of living opened & abandoned to God vs closed & protecting (feeble attempt) myself.
I'll leave 2 for others to comment on. 1 gives me a lot to contemplate.
O man -- great pic of a shriveled, curled up leaf Chris! and the tree is planted by that stream -- it's not moving; wind, rain - you name it, it remains by that river. I wish I was as stubborn as a tree!!!
Mine says bearing fruit in season and keeping its leaves in times of drought. The fruit is a blessing, the shade is a blessing. So, if you're planting by the river, it's not just so you can absorb and be blessed; it's so you can absorb, be blessed, and then turn and BLESS. In other words -- it's not about me (gotta keep reminding myself of that!!)
2:4 The Lord of heaven is amused at their feeble attempts to escape His sovereignty! I've thought of that before -- we think we're so smart and clever or powerful; pooh! We're nothings - just tiny specks on this tiny speck of an earth (thinking back to the Louie G. talk I heard last year.
The Father gave the Son the earth to rule -- His kingdom and eternal inheritance. (vs 7,8) Sometimes I think that God was forced into saving us, but not so -- He chose to save us, He's the King! Through this whole "saving" process - He was totally in control of His mission (humans were NOT in control) Just amazing!
Hey -- I just noticed that Psalms follows us all year long; we read it from week one clear through week fifty-two! That's pretty neat:)
Right on with receiving the blessing & passing it on. The more we give, the more we receive to give. Hmmm, that makes me think. And it's the tree by the Living Water that is able to give, to bless others. So many things there.
So Job today. I remember a point you brought out last year Linda, about Job worshiping when all the disaster came to him. Not whining (like me) but worshiping. Sounds like that involves submission, surrender, abandonment, etc. He had open hands. He received with gratefulness & lost it all still trusting & surrendered - open hearted.
I was thinking his wife knew what would happen if he complained against God because she said "curse God & die". So she believed in God, but her heart was closed by the tragedy. Who knows if Job's reaction & faith eventually brought her around. He had 10 more kids later & I'm assuming it was the same wife.
I think I'm more like her in my reaction to tragedy. I close up, react in fear. But I think that is also based on our relationship with God. Job had a strong one, she didn't. I know I didn't in my past so my reaction to events in my past is probably normal. Why would you worship/trust/surrender to Someone you don't know?
As for Job's 3 friends, they started off with such promise! The just sat with him & said nothing, which is usually the best thing to do when someone is in such pain. But then they blew it in the rest of the book because they opened their mouth. And so it begins....
Yeah! I was going to stick up for Job's friends also when I read that they looked him up at the city dump; he was all full of sores and puss, yet they stayed with him 7 days -- sleeeping at the dump with him. That does show loyalty (although, maybe it's a cultural thing) and they pitied him -- Job had changed a LOT; from the weathiest man in the East to sitting at the dump, scraping his sores - - and the hardest part for me to grasp; loosing all of your children.
I think that Job's wife was feeling that grief of loosing her kids. I'm thinking she was blaming Job for the loss as in, "if you have such a close relationship with God -- then why did He let me kids die" I can just hear echoes of that from all parts of the world.
But we see the bigger picture here - how kind of God to pull that curtain back and show us a picture of the accuser that hates us. How understanding of a God to show us who is causing pain, and why sometimes it must be allowed; and a glimpse of the final outcome (victory - maybe not here, but in God's end world plans)
I like the picture of Job praying for his kids each day in 1:5 - - no doubt he prayed for their protection too; so Job had to hang on to God with faith.
Job prayed and sanctified his children thinking this would protect them. But Satan is a wily one and got in there and killed them anyway. This is classic warfare. We need to practice the spirit of discernment so we can know the ways of the devil.
I think the reaction of Job's wife is normal. She was the one who bore these children that were taken---she had the greater investment.
Job's friends didn't speak a word after the tragedy. They saw that his suffering was too great. I've experienced tragedy many times. There are always people who will come and want to get in there and fix things for you when you've experienced something traumatic. They usually have no idea what you're facing. But it makes them feel better to do something. They usually make things worse----especially Christians. It's been my experience that when you're facing trauma---a non Christian is a much better friend to have. They don't pretend to have all the answers.
I have been following along with all of your comments and insights, just havent had time to post anything until today. I have found so much to think about with all you have all said.
I was remembering that I really didnt like Job last year. I have decided that I am going to reread this book with an open mind. Of course more significantly is the fact that I am at a different place spiritually. I am hoping this will allow me to get more out of it this time.
Two things today, 1:21 struck me. Job is praising God even through all that has happened. That is really hard to do in the middle of the storm. Unlike Job, to this point, I have not had an easy life and while I would like to believe that I have trusted God everytime and that it was my faith carrying me through, I am sure that is not true. I am a no-nonsense, straight-forward person. I tend to not only believe but practice a "suck-it-up and deal with it" type of attitude. But I also know that I have many many times taken or tried to take the reins out of Gods hand. That attitude has served me well and will continue to do so, but only if I let go, surrender and trust God. So, that got me to thinking about how God expects us to react. He desires that relationship with us, but once it is established...He EXPECTS us to turn to Him. He has very high expectations of us. I have to wonder how often I have disappointed Him, by not just trusting Him and relying on my faith.
Secondly was 1:22 "In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God." Sin by blaming God, really? I spent some time thinking about that one, because I never really considered blaming God to be a sin. But then 2 things occurred to me. One, of course its a sin. God expects our trust, we blame Him and we just proved we dont trust Him. (not a nice thought). But interestingly enough the other thing that occurred to me was it starts a cycle. We blame God --> we stop trusting God --> we get disillusioned --> we turn from God... and sometimes we dont come back. The more I thought about it, the more it made realize the sins we commit, the things God tells us not to do, all come back to trusting God and staying with Him. And He EXPECTS us to trust Him, to rely on Him, to believe in Him and His promises!
Hey Juli! You made me think of one of my sisters with the sin/blame/stop trusting/leaving God. It is an easy cycle to start. Good warning for the rest of us.
I think we all thought about Job's wife & her anguish of losing her kids. I wonder if men would have thought about it that way if they were blogging with us.
Is it just me or does it seem like Friday there's always a ton to read? Friday is my short morning too so I will have to read the rest tonight.
So C1 10-15 makes me think of our feeble attempts at worship here on earth. What is it like in heaven? Also, the sad part, that we "worship" but we're hiding sin, we're not doing what we know is right. We're selfish, full of hatred for each other, judging each other, talking about each other, not standing up for truth because it's not convenient, to name a few things. We take the pure truth of God & make it gray so that we can do as we please..rationalize it away because it doesn't fit with our agenda or desires of our hearts. The old adage "if it feels good do it" or "if it tastes good eat it, drink it", et al. We're not using our brains. God says our hands are full of blood v15. But yet we act like we're so righteous & put on the pious, religious show. Seems like we should be doing more soul-searching, opening our hearts to the pure, unadulterated Truth in the Word of God. How is my life measuring up to IT, to Him, not to the people around me.
All our acts/services that are "dedicated" to God, are they really? Are they maybe just things to assuage our consciences? Are we really trying to come closer to God by climbing higher or are we trying to water God down to us? (v22)
Micah 6:8 is good counsel & over & over again as we read thru last year the theme of sticking up for widows, the fatherless & those that are considered castaways by society is brought up. It's throughout this 1st chapter & I only made it thru 2 this a.m.
Can I really ask God to search my heart as in Ps 139:24? Do I already know what He's gonna find & do I really want to be white as snow, or am I still trying to stay in the pink...not blood red, of course not! But then pink is not God's white righteousness & I am lost.
Thank goodness for v18, 19. The call to come & think it through (which I'm doing in writing), turn, be willing & obey & God will make me clean, lead me & teach me to live open, abandoned to Him.
Now how am I supposed to read 4 more chapters when I have all THAT to process? :-)
Had to stop and think about pink -- our sins as scarlet, he washes us white; but if we cling to some of those sins -- we can't get pure white - -
in 1:5 I hear God crying out; it is amazing that he has such a heart for us after we have rebelled (1:2) we don't know him and don't WANT to understand 1:3) But HE cries out for US - - it SHOULD be the other way around.
God is tired of all our ritual sacrifices (worsihp) 1:12 Who told you the more animals you drag in and sacrifice, the more I'll do for you? It's one more picture of us trying to manipulate God with our works -- really? who DO we think we are, trying to manipulate God?? 1:14 The way you worship has become a heavy weight on me. That is sad sad - - What he really wants is our heart -- open and abandoned, ready to follow wherever He leads.
I liked the call to come too Chris -- He wants to talk (I guess that's why we're going through the Bible this year, right?)
1:24 "I have no choice but to defend Myself and discipline you. This to me says that there is no other option than to destroy evil; but God does everything He can to call us out of evil first (that's what Isaiah is all about!)
2:2-3 talks about God's plan to bring His saving grace to all nations. It's not just about Israel. "If Israel fulfills the Lord's plan, people from everywhere will say "Come, let's go to Jerusalem"
2:22"Stop putting your confidence in men who have no more lasting power in them than the breath in their nostrils. Why put your trust in them? I'm sure that Jesus read this verse and thought of it while walking on the earth -- we'd do well to remember it too!
3:1-3 seems to talk about the things that men put their confidence in, while 3:18-23 seems to talk about the things that women put their confidence in. Again, whoever you are -- put your trust in God
In 5 -- another word picture of how we disappoint God after He has invested SO much in us; we're the vineyard that flopped, the garden that shriveled:(
I appreciated your thoughts on worship and how we muddy it with our self-centeredness -- then we get a picture of GOD'S sanctuary in 6 -- and Isaiah cries out in his unholiness and unworthiness; if we could catch of glimpse of God as Isaiah did -- it would quickly put everything into perspective I think!! Taking God for granted or lessening who he is seems to be the way of us:(
Let's end on a positive tho: 6:13 "the time for a new beginning will come to the remnant of my people, for the HOly Seed will be the strength of the remnant of Israel" I'm thinking this is the promise of the Messiah -- I wonder what Jesus thought when He first read this?
I read the rest of Isaiah last night but didn't find anything really to add to your comments Linda. Just had to contemplate for a moment though the scene of God's glory filling the temple & Isaiah being completely overwhelmed & even terrified at the thought that he was in the presence of pure Holiness - & still alive. I would have expected to be killed at any moment as well. But in experiencing the mercy of God & then hearing God asking for help - "who will go for us?", I can see why he volunteered so quickly. Mercy revealed leads to mercy shown, same with love. Or at least if the heart is really converted it should.
For today I was thinking of Joseph. I think of every marriage as an arranged marriage & loveless back then with few exceptions. But when Joseph found out Mary was pregnant, he didn't want to hurt her publicly, he wanted to make it as easy as possible on her. That tells me that he actually loved her in some way.
That's gotta be a hard blow to find out the virgin you're gonna marry is pregnant with someone else's kid! But Joseph was a man of God as he not only listened (no arguing recorded) but he obeyed too!
Every time he was instructed by God to do something he did it. Must have been encouraging to hear the angel tell Joseph to go to Egypt until you hear from me again. You don't always get that. So you wonder how long you're supposed to stay in one place or do something. But here, he's given specific instructions.
1:17 -- God's perfect timing; once again the #7 comes into play - - 14 generations, 14 generations, 14 generations!! I wonder who first discovered the 14 symmetry of God's plan!
Can you imagine Joseph hearing that Mary's baby would save people from their sins? I wonder if Joseph made the connection with "Emmanuel, God with us" Since this was an angel talking to him, he must have been in total awe.
Those astronomers (wise men) were very open to other religions. They must have studied the Jewish writings, even though they weren't Jews. Numbers 24:19 A star will come out of Jacob -- how did they connect that with a baby king?
God must have started the wise men out 2 years earlier -- that's a long time to be traveling; it's interesting how God puts things into play way prior to the actual event that might make a difference in your life! And God knew what Herod's response would be (similar to how he knew Pharough would react in Moses day - - maybe a clue to hardened his heart -- it's more a predictions of how an earthling would respond)
For some reason, I can't get it in my mind that Bethlehem is just 5 miles from Jerusalem (1 1/4 turns around Lake Sac) Always seems like it should be about 20 miles apart or so. The short distance relates to how quickly things happened with the Wisemen/Joseph's warning/Herod's decree -- good thing Joseph obeyed immediately.
Did you notice that just in the first 2 chapters that 5 different prophecies were mentioned to be fulfilled? And that of course doesnt include the ones not mentioned specifically by Matthew. Just knowing in the beginning of the first Gospel that God's promises are true is heartening.
What struck me was how obedient Joseph was...i mean really. He obeys, every time, without argument, without question. What must it be like to have that kind of faith in God!?! There are instances in the OT where an angel visits and the visitee argues... I find Joseph's faith humbling.
I was thinking about the wise men, and J2B actually. What if you really were a traveller on the road and stopped for a meal with their camp. What kind of witness was that to the Jews they met on the way. Herod's closed heart is so sad, as I have people like that in my life.
As for the distance between Jerusalem and Bethlehem I was realizing that 5 miles on foot is still only an hour to 2 hr trip. Those roman soldiers Herod sent probably had horses... So within 30-60 minutes...close timing, indeed! More proof of God's promises!
I'm so glad this year starts in Romans and not Genesis! Powerful starting out words from Paul. In chpt 1, I was trying to figure if this letter was to the Jews or Gentiles. We just read yesterday, the conclusion of 2011, that the Jews in Rome hadn't heard squat about the "Good News" Acts 28:23
ReplyDeleteBut, Rom 2 sounds like the letter went to both Jews and Gentiles - so I'm going with that assumption - - glad too, as it applies today to anyone who might pick up the book; believers and unbelievers.
Paul was set apart, commissioned. Not this is an interesting thought. Looking toward my next move in life, does God have one direct path for me, or does is He glad to work with the option that I choose? Is it different for different people? Paul, Moses, Jonah - they all were commissioned; but apart from those commissioned people, how does it work? Thoughts?
I love 1:9 - - totally Paulish with "I serve Him with my whole being, preaching the good news of salvation through Christ" we sure saw that in our December Acts read-through!! Hee hee -- 1:9, Paul didn't exactly get the "safe" trip to Rome he'd prayed for, but he did make it on to Roman terra firma, even though he experienced a storm, ship wreck, and deadly snake bite, not to mention the soldiers wanting to execute him along the way.
Paul comes into relationships with humility. Even though he is the commissioned one by God, even though he's been trained by the best of the best (both human and divine training), he still reaches out to his "flock" for encouragement (1:12) "We can help each other and be encouraged by our mutual faith in Christ"
Yesterday I heard a sermon down in Vancouver -- and if I could distill it into one sentence, it would be this: It's not about bad vs. good; it's about proud vs. humble. I see this concept coming out in the end of 1 and chpt. 2.
We're all bad - all have sinned; some in outward acts, easy to define, some in inward acts or judging others. God can work with the humble -- those willing to admit, those ready to abandon self and trust Him. But, the proud have no hope - - He can't help those determined to make it on their own, to glorify themselves, to figure out the best path on their own.
2:29 "A true Israelite is one who is praiseworthy in the eyes of God, not in the eyes of men" So many times we read this way of life when studying Jesus, and how He refused to put His trust in men.
I was thinking this a.m. as I was out in the glorious sun, running a new route & seeing the blue sky that I was glad we were starting in Genesis at Creation for the new year...and then I found out it was Romans! Ha ha, just the opposite of you Linda.
ReplyDeleteOne thought I was thinking as I ran ties in to your commissioning question Linda. God needs people in every vocation & in every status of life. That's how He reaches people, but our lives, by our stories - how He's changed us & how He continues to change us. We're living Bible studies. So might stand out & get published or be an upfront person, but we're all commissioned to be living oracles for people to study. Not all the people that heard Jesus say the Great Commission in Matt 28:20 were ever mentioned again in the Bible. And what of Matthias who took Judas' place. Never hear of him again, but he was definitely chosen. So we all are vital to the body of Christ. Some parts just get more recognition.
I too noticed about Paul saying how we can encourage each other thru sharing our common faith. There is something invigorating about sharing Bible truths with each other & encouraging one another. Whether you're the teacher or the student...once you're sharing, it doesn't matter, because sharing involves give & take. Talking AND listening on both sides. If you come away from a good spiritual encounter & don't feel blessed, maybe you should ask yourself, were you just doing one of those things or both?
Paul spends a lot of time telling them to live out what they believe. I see that as a great struggle in Christiandom nowadays. We "know" the truth intellectually, maybe have heard it our whole lives. But we're not living it out. We might act it out now & again. But it goes back to the living Bible Studies that we should be. If Christ is in us & He is the Hope of Glory. Then shouldn't we be living, hopeful, Bible studies? Shouldn't our lives give others hope that there is Something, Someone better? Shouldn't our lives give them a desire to know Someone that is making our lives better...daily?
Genesis 1 is filled with creative JOY! (1:1) "The earth began by an act of God". Now days, when we here it was an "act of God" we're talking about disaster; but that's really not how God acts - - He's filled with bringing good things into His domain. Satan has turned the words about God against Him.
ReplyDelete1:17 God arranged the way these lights should be and placed them in the sky to brighten the earth -- can't you see Him arranging and placing, like putting pictures up; making sure their the right height for the best viewing -- making sure their straight -- putting different sizes where they look the most pleasing! God is an artist - He's THE artist!
I like this comment: 1:22 God blessed the birds and fish, saying . . . fill the bodies of water with life and the air with song! I love how he makes each little piece of his creation beautiful (like the water and the air) so that everywhere we look -- it reminds us of our artist God!
1:27 "So they created two human beings, a male and a female, equal but with different functions, to reflect the unity of the Godhead" I'd never thought of a marriage as an illustration of the Godhead! cool
2:2 Thoughtful Creator - knowing we'd run ourselves ragged - "He blessed the seventh day and set it apart as a day of spiritual refreshment and JOY, a memorial of creation" Again - who wouldn't want a day for spiritual refreshment and Joy -- these are two aspects of our lives that we tend to stuff down into the depths of "when I get around to it" and God hands us the opportunity every week!!
OK -- sorry I'm so quoty -- but listen to how intimate this version makes 2:7 (here's a God that holds us in His hands) "When god created man, He used clay to mold his body (can you picture that?) then through man's nose (see how close He came? He wasn't just calling out creative words from His throne), He blew life into the clay, and the clay became a living human being"
I'm going to leave the comments on the rest for you guys -- I have a lot I underlined, but I'm hoping to hear your comments on the fall.
O wait -- one more comment -- can't help it, I just never thought of this! 3:21 "Adam must sacrifice the lamb as a symbol of the One who would come and die in their place. God then took the lamb's skin to cover Adam and Evens nakedness" I just never thought of it, that that lamb had to die for Adam and Eve's protection from the elements and for the covering to hide their nakedness (shame) What an amazing illustration that the Lamb has to die, and that is our only hope for protection from sin and for covering our shame - - there's probably more to this illustration, but that really struck me this morning. What a gift, I don't want to take that gift for granted.
ReplyDeleteI like reading thru paraphrases because of different perspectives like what you shared Linda. I was thinking what God killed to cover them was a cow or buffalo, something big like that. Hadn't thought about it being a lamb. Interesting if it was though.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking as I read thru creation of how God takes care in planning everything out for us. How His timing in creating man was after everything was in place for him to enjoy it. God could have created everything in one day, but in doing it on separate days He left us an example of temperance. Don't rush thru things, enjoy your work, take time to "smell the roses" as we say. Don't work until your worn out & beat down.
Also I thought of God's timing in our lives. We're (I'm) impatient & want what we (I) want right now. But if I live open handed, abandoned (trusting Him, not me) to God & His will, then what I NEED will come exactly when I NEED it, not before. The Lord is my Shepherd, I will not be in want of anything I NEED.
God didn't create Eve until Adam realized his need of a mate. But God was thinking of him all along...Adam just hadn't thought of it. Very interesting. Again, timing.
The first sin part...well, I see a lot of different things, God's desire for relationship, His firm discipline, His love in providing & protecting the sinner, etc. But what spoke to me most this a.m. was the 1st part of the reading. Because I'm learning the waiting, trusting, living open-handed part.
Read Genesis last yr, but am getting new truths out of it this yr. We grow and we learn.
ReplyDeleteThe first part of Gen 1 has God doing a lot of dividing and separating and setting boundaries. He's bringing order out of chaos---
I think that phrase "order out of chaos" is going to be huge in the last days when the antichrist comes to power. I believe that's why the antichrist will come to power because of his ability to bring order out of the end time chaos.
Gen 1:26---This is an extremely important verse because this is where God gives us our authority and dominion over all the earth.
My favorite decree is---"Satan, you will not take root in the ground that God has given me."
In Gen.1:27--Is God talking about creating male and female in the Garden of Eden only? Or is He creating people in other civilizations outside of the Garden of Eden? (The wives of Adam and Eve's sons had to come from somewhere) I'm not sure.
In Genesis 2:24--a man leaves his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife. I once married a mama's boy. I finally told him that he could be his mama's son, or he could be my husband---but he couldn't be both. He had to choose. Fortunately he made the right decision.
In Gen 3--Satan comes to Eve and says--Really? You can't eat from the tree of Good and Evil in the center of the garden? Really?
Satan was able to get Eve to focus on the one thing she didn't have. God gave her the whole Garden with an abundance of trees to use. But Satan causes Eve to focus on that ONE tree.
Satan is still using this deception today. One of his favorite tactics is to cause us to focus on what we DON'T have.
He whispers things to us---like
"you can sing better than Julie, so why don't you get to lead worship like she does? God's not being fair to you." or Joe shouldn't have gotten that promotion----that promotion should have gone to you---you deserve it more than he does---you're more faithful to God than Joe is." Satan is always whispering to us, still trying to deceive us.
Good points Sherrie. Glad you're able to join us again.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking today of all the people who crossed the Jordan. Weren't there at least 1 million of the Israelites? That would have taken a long time. The priests stayed standing in the river for that whole time. Maybe the whole day, 8-12 hrs? And the Ark stayed on their shoulders the whole time too. It doesn't say anything about being relieved halfway thru. God kept them & gave them strength to do that.
Maybe it's something no one notices, but they did it & God kept them standing the whole time. So He'll give me strength I need to carry out my daily duties as well. No one might notice, but God says to do everything to our best ability & like we're doing it for Him & He'll honor that.
Joshua got a lot of encouragement from God to have "strength of heart". Then the people said the same thing to him. It's definitely helpful when as a leader, you know your people are behind you. We shouldn't be forgetful to encourage our leaders or each other when we have the opportunity. Sometimes, it's like water on a desert, very desperately needed but it doesn't seem like it from outward appearances.
Rahab recognizes the God of Israel even though she is not in a line of work that God approves of. Today we would tend to judge her by that & maybe not spend the time telling her about God. You never know the heart of people & what they are ready for. Be open to listen to God's voice telling you who to talk to & what to say. We can't see all the prep work God has been doing in them.
Speaking of prep work, God had already made sure the people of Canaan had heard about His miracles & how He was taking care of His people. They were petrified of Israel. Again, we have no clue how God is preparing our future steps. We just need to be willing to go & do as He says.
Moses spent time alone with God & so did Joshua. If I don't spend time with God before each day begins, how will I know what I'm supposed to say/do in each situation? How will I know to even listen when stuff happens? It's just important for me to give my day to God 1st thing & then that helps me remember to give things to Him again throughout the day.
Love the stuff both of you brought out; and Sher -- you're so right -- God bringing order out of chaos!
ReplyDeleteGod's promise to Joshua -- I've memorized 1:9, as it gives me courage -- but 1:8 shows how it's all possible to be strong and to have courage, and not to give up. "Keep your eyes on me and desire me with all your heart. Also -- keep reading what Moses wrote . . . don't forget it!" The word is our safeguard when we question ourselves or we question God -- we gotta keep studying Him, watching Him, and desiring Him!!
3:5 - - Even though Joushua is a respected leader, he continues to point the people to God as the leader - - appreciate the leadership not going to his head; a very easy trap.
3:9 there is an illustration here about God parting our waters, our tough times, and giving us a way through it -- we might get muddy, or -- He might provide a 20 mile path. Notice, He had them cross when the river was at its highest -- the spring rains; when it seemed the least possible. This kept them realizing that it was ONLY by God that this miracle was possible (similar to Lazarus being dead 3 days) 4:24 "the Lord did this so everyone will know how great He is and will always respect Him!
Find a rock (4:5) Let's not forget to think back on the miracles God has performed and share them. Testimony is powerful. All the people watched the conclusion of the miracle 4:12. I like that, they didn't just enjoy the first part of the miracle, but kept watching through the conclusion!
Moses got a bush when he was a shepherd, Joshua got a soldier when he was a commander. God meets us where we are:)
Hmmm Linda, your thoughts, tied into our reading today in Psalms. At least for me they did. I was thinking about 1:1,2. How the company we keep either helps us grow spiritually or hinders us. I've been noticing some things in my own life & just wanting to keep the growing going, not digress & have to go back over the same ground again.
ReplyDeleteThe tree by the water is an illustration to me of me staying close by the Water of Life. That way I am nourished & continue to grow. I develop at the right time & am able to give of my time & abilities. I'm able to give the fruits of the Spirit that is in me. It's interesting that as a leaf dies, it curls up into itself. When it is alive, it is open & shows it's God-given beauty/design for all to see.
Once again, that concept of living opened & abandoned to God vs closed & protecting (feeble attempt) myself.
I'll leave 2 for others to comment on. 1 gives me a lot to contemplate.
O man -- great pic of a shriveled, curled up leaf Chris! and the tree is planted by that stream -- it's not moving; wind, rain - you name it, it remains by that river. I wish I was as stubborn as a tree!!!
ReplyDeleteMine says bearing fruit in season and keeping its leaves in times of drought. The fruit is a blessing, the shade is a blessing. So, if you're planting by the river, it's not just so you can absorb and be blessed; it's so you can absorb, be blessed, and then turn and BLESS. In other words -- it's not about me (gotta keep reminding myself of that!!)
2:4 The Lord of heaven is amused at their feeble attempts to escape His sovereignty! I've thought of that before -- we think we're so smart and clever or powerful; pooh! We're nothings - just tiny specks on this tiny speck of an earth (thinking back to the Louie G. talk I heard last year.
The Father gave the Son the earth to rule -- His kingdom and eternal inheritance. (vs 7,8) Sometimes I think that God was forced into saving us, but not so -- He chose to save us, He's the King! Through this whole "saving" process - He was totally in control of His mission (humans were NOT in control) Just amazing!
Hey -- I just noticed that Psalms follows us all year long; we read it from week one clear through week fifty-two! That's pretty neat:)
Right on with receiving the blessing & passing it on. The more we give, the more we receive to give. Hmmm, that makes me think. And it's the tree by the Living Water that is able to give, to bless others. So many things there.
ReplyDeleteSo Job today. I remember a point you brought out last year Linda, about Job worshiping when all the disaster came to him. Not whining (like me) but worshiping. Sounds like that involves submission, surrender, abandonment, etc. He had open hands. He received with gratefulness & lost it all still trusting & surrendered - open hearted.
I was thinking his wife knew what would happen if he complained against God because she said "curse God & die". So she believed in God, but her heart was closed by the tragedy. Who knows if Job's reaction & faith eventually brought her around. He had 10 more kids later & I'm assuming it was the same wife.
I think I'm more like her in my reaction to tragedy. I close up, react in fear. But I think that is also based on our relationship with God. Job had a strong one, she didn't. I know I didn't in my past so my reaction to events in my past is probably normal. Why would you worship/trust/surrender to Someone you don't know?
As for Job's 3 friends, they started off with such promise! The just sat with him & said nothing, which is usually the best thing to do when someone is in such pain. But then they blew it in the rest of the book because they opened their mouth. And so it begins....
Yeah! I was going to stick up for Job's friends also when I read that they looked him up at the city dump; he was all full of sores and puss, yet they stayed with him 7 days -- sleeeping at the dump with him. That does show loyalty (although, maybe it's a cultural thing) and they pitied him -- Job had changed a LOT; from the weathiest man in the East to sitting at the dump, scraping his sores - - and the hardest part for me to grasp; loosing all of your children.
ReplyDeleteI think that Job's wife was feeling that grief of loosing her kids. I'm thinking she was blaming Job for the loss as in, "if you have such a close relationship with God -- then why did He let me kids die" I can just hear echoes of that from all parts of the world.
But we see the bigger picture here - how kind of God to pull that curtain back and show us a picture of the accuser that hates us. How understanding of a God to show us who is causing pain, and why sometimes it must be allowed; and a glimpse of the final outcome (victory - maybe not here, but in God's end world plans)
I like the picture of Job praying for his kids each day in 1:5 - - no doubt he prayed for their protection too; so Job had to hang on to God with faith.
Job prayed and sanctified his children thinking this would protect them. But Satan is a wily one and got in there and killed them anyway. This is classic warfare. We need to practice the spirit of discernment so we can know the ways of the devil.
ReplyDeleteI think the reaction of Job's wife is normal. She was the one who bore these children that were taken---she had the greater investment.
Job's friends didn't speak a word after the tragedy. They saw that his suffering was too great. I've experienced tragedy many times. There are always people who will come and want to get in there and fix things for you when you've experienced something traumatic. They usually have no idea what you're facing. But it makes them feel better to do something. They usually make things worse----especially Christians. It's been my experience that when you're facing trauma---a non Christian is a much better friend to have. They don't pretend to have all the answers.
Hey Everyone!
ReplyDeleteI have been following along with all of your comments and insights, just havent had time to post anything until today. I have found so much to think about with all you have all said.
I was remembering that I really didnt like Job last year. I have decided that I am going to reread this book with an open mind. Of course more significantly is the fact that I am at a different place spiritually. I am hoping this will allow me to get more out of it this time.
Two things today, 1:21 struck me. Job is praising God even through all that has happened. That is really hard to do in the middle of the storm. Unlike Job, to this point, I have not had an easy life and while I would like to believe that I have trusted God everytime and that it was my faith carrying me through, I am sure that is not true. I am a no-nonsense, straight-forward person. I tend to not only believe but practice a "suck-it-up and deal with it" type of attitude. But I also know that I have many many times taken or tried to take the reins out of Gods hand. That attitude has served me well and will continue to do so, but only if I let go, surrender and trust God. So, that got me to
thinking about how God expects us to react. He desires that relationship with us, but once it is established...He EXPECTS us to turn to Him. He has very high expectations of us. I have to wonder how often I have disappointed Him, by not just trusting Him and relying on my faith.
Secondly was 1:22 "In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God." Sin by blaming God, really? I spent some time thinking about that one, because I never really considered blaming God to be a sin. But then 2 things occurred to me. One, of course its a sin. God expects our trust, we blame Him and we just proved we dont trust Him. (not a nice thought). But interestingly enough the other thing that occurred to me was it starts a cycle. We blame God --> we stop trusting God --> we get disillusioned --> we turn from God... and sometimes we dont come back. The more I thought about it, the more it made realize the sins we commit, the things God tells us not to do, all come back to trusting God and staying with Him. And He EXPECTS us to trust Him, to rely on Him, to believe in Him and His promises!
Just my thoughts...
Welcome back Juli!! I noticed that too about the blame God/sin angle!! Had me thinking as well - I'm glad you processed that with me!!
ReplyDeleteHey Juli! You made me think of one of my sisters with the sin/blame/stop trusting/leaving God. It is an easy cycle to start. Good warning for the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteI think we all thought about Job's wife & her anguish of losing her kids. I wonder if men would have thought about it that way if they were blogging with us.
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ReplyDeleteIs it just me or does it seem like Friday there's always a ton to read? Friday is my short morning too so I will have to read the rest tonight.
ReplyDeleteSo C1 10-15 makes me think of our feeble attempts at worship here on earth. What is it like in heaven? Also, the sad part, that we "worship" but we're hiding sin, we're not doing what we know is right. We're selfish, full of hatred for each other, judging each other, talking about each other, not standing up for truth because it's not convenient, to name a few things. We take the pure truth of God & make it gray so that we can do as we please..rationalize it away because it doesn't fit with our agenda or desires of our hearts.
The old adage "if it feels good do it" or "if it tastes good eat it, drink it", et al. We're not using our brains. God says our hands are full of blood v15. But yet we act like we're so righteous & put on the pious, religious show. Seems like we should be doing more soul-searching, opening our hearts to the pure, unadulterated Truth in the Word of God. How is my life measuring up to IT, to Him, not to the people around me.
All our acts/services that are "dedicated" to God, are they really? Are they maybe just things to assuage our consciences? Are we really trying to come closer to God by climbing higher or are we trying to water God down to us? (v22)
Micah 6:8 is good counsel & over & over again as we read thru last year the theme of sticking up for widows, the fatherless & those that are considered castaways by society is brought up. It's throughout this 1st chapter & I only made it thru 2 this a.m.
Can I really ask God to search my heart as in Ps 139:24? Do I already know what He's gonna find & do I really want to be white as snow, or am I still trying to stay in the pink...not blood red, of course not! But then pink is not God's white righteousness & I am lost.
Thank goodness for v18, 19. The call to come & think it through (which I'm doing in writing), turn, be willing & obey & God will make me clean, lead me & teach me to live open, abandoned to Him.
Now how am I supposed to read 4 more chapters when I have all THAT to process? :-)
Had to stop and think about pink -- our sins as scarlet, he washes us white; but if we cling to some of those sins -- we can't get pure white - -
ReplyDeletein 1:5 I hear God crying out; it is amazing that he has such a heart for us after we have rebelled (1:2) we don't know him and don't WANT to understand 1:3) But HE cries out for US - - it SHOULD be the other way around.
God is tired of all our ritual sacrifices (worsihp) 1:12 Who told you the more animals you drag in and sacrifice, the more I'll do for you? It's one more picture of us trying to manipulate God with our works -- really? who DO we think we are, trying to manipulate God?? 1:14 The way you worship has become a heavy weight on me. That is sad sad - - What he really wants is our heart -- open and abandoned, ready to follow wherever He leads.
I liked the call to come too Chris -- He wants to talk (I guess that's why we're going through the Bible this year, right?)
1:24 "I have no choice but to defend Myself and discipline you. This to me says that there is no other option than to destroy evil; but God does everything He can to call us out of evil first (that's what Isaiah is all about!)
2:2-3 talks about God's plan to bring His saving grace to all nations. It's not just about Israel. "If Israel fulfills the Lord's plan, people from everywhere will say "Come, let's go to Jerusalem"
2:22"Stop putting your confidence in men who have no more lasting power in them than the breath in their nostrils. Why put your trust in them? I'm sure that Jesus read this verse and thought of it while walking on the earth -- we'd do well to remember it too!
3:1-3 seems to talk about the things that men put their confidence in, while 3:18-23 seems to talk about the things that women put their confidence in. Again, whoever you are -- put your trust in God
In 5 -- another word picture of how we disappoint God after He has invested SO much in us; we're the vineyard that flopped, the garden that shriveled:(
I appreciated your thoughts on worship and how we muddy it with our self-centeredness -- then we get a picture of GOD'S sanctuary in 6 -- and Isaiah cries out in his unholiness and unworthiness; if we could catch of glimpse of God as Isaiah did -- it would quickly put everything into perspective I think!! Taking God for granted or lessening who he is seems to be the way of us:(
Let's end on a positive tho: 6:13 "the time for a new beginning will come to the remnant of my people, for the HOly Seed will be the strength of the remnant of Israel" I'm thinking this is the promise of the Messiah -- I wonder what Jesus thought when He first read this?
I read the rest of Isaiah last night but didn't find anything really to add to your comments Linda. Just had to contemplate for a moment though the scene of God's glory filling the temple & Isaiah being completely overwhelmed & even terrified at the thought that he was in the presence of pure Holiness - & still alive. I would have expected to be killed at any moment as well. But in experiencing the mercy of God & then hearing God asking for help - "who will go for us?", I can see why he volunteered so quickly. Mercy revealed leads to mercy shown, same with love. Or at least if the heart is really converted it should.
ReplyDeleteFor today I was thinking of Joseph. I think of every marriage as an arranged marriage & loveless back then with few exceptions. But when Joseph found out Mary was pregnant, he didn't want to hurt her publicly, he wanted to make it as easy as possible on her. That tells me that he actually loved her in some way.
That's gotta be a hard blow to find out the virgin you're gonna marry is pregnant with someone else's kid! But Joseph was a man of God as he not only listened (no arguing recorded) but he obeyed too!
Every time he was instructed by God to do something he did it. Must have been encouraging to hear the angel tell Joseph to go to Egypt until you hear from me again. You don't always get that. So you wonder how long you're supposed to stay in one place or do something. But here, he's given specific instructions.
1:17 -- God's perfect timing; once again the #7 comes into play - - 14 generations, 14 generations, 14 generations!! I wonder who first discovered the 14 symmetry of God's plan!
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine Joseph hearing that Mary's baby would save people from their sins? I wonder if Joseph made the connection with "Emmanuel, God with us" Since this was an angel talking to him, he must have been in total awe.
Those astronomers (wise men) were very open to other religions. They must have studied the Jewish writings, even though they weren't Jews. Numbers 24:19 A star will come out of Jacob -- how did they connect that with a baby king?
God must have started the wise men out 2 years earlier -- that's a long time to be traveling; it's interesting how God puts things into play way prior to the actual event that might make a difference in your life! And God knew what Herod's response would be (similar to how he knew Pharough would react in Moses day - - maybe a clue to hardened his heart -- it's more a predictions of how an earthling would respond)
For some reason, I can't get it in my mind that Bethlehem is just 5 miles from Jerusalem (1 1/4 turns around Lake Sac) Always seems like it should be about 20 miles apart or so. The short distance relates to how quickly things happened with the Wisemen/Joseph's warning/Herod's decree -- good thing Joseph obeyed immediately.
Did you notice that just in the first 2 chapters that 5 different prophecies were mentioned to be fulfilled? And that of course doesnt include the ones not mentioned specifically by Matthew. Just knowing in the beginning of the first Gospel that God's promises are true is heartening.
ReplyDeleteWhat struck me was how obedient Joseph was...i mean really. He obeys, every time, without argument, without question. What must it be like to have that kind of faith in God!?! There are instances in the OT where an angel visits and the visitee argues... I find Joseph's faith humbling.
I was thinking about the wise men, and J2B actually. What if you really were a traveller on the road and stopped for a meal with their camp. What kind of witness was that to the Jews they met on the way. Herod's closed heart is so sad, as I have people like that in my life.
As for the distance between Jerusalem and Bethlehem I was realizing that 5 miles on foot is still only an hour to 2 hr trip. Those roman soldiers Herod sent probably had horses... So within 30-60 minutes...close timing, indeed! More proof of God's promises!
Yeah Juli,
ReplyDeleteGod certainly picked a wonderful couple to be the mom and dad of His son -- what an honor:)