God's restorative justice, His redeeming justice. I just like those terms in today's reading. We are works in progress. And thank You Lord for not measuring my progress with Your's or anyone else's for that matter. Thank You for growing me in Your Will & in Your timing.
I know that Roman's has a lot in it; but I always find my mind wandering as I wade through Paul's arguments! What I got out of it today is that our part is faith; and based on our faith, belief, trust of who God IS (not what He does) God will respond with the free gift of grace.
The purpose of the law according to 3:20 is to expose the true nature of sin.
I liked the restorative justice too -- in the end, because of who HE is; all those injustices that we experience on this earth will be righted -- will be redeemed!
Yeah, my mind wandered as well as Paul went back & forth. God uses all types.
In Genesis today I was looking at the ages of the guys & when they had kids. After Adam they had them at under 100 yrs old, mere kids in that day. And then Jared has one at 162! I wonder if they kept asking him when he'd settle down & have a family since it was almost 100 from the age his father had started a family. I wonder if they put the pressure on like family members & friends do today. Everyone has their own interpretation of normalacy & what it looks like.
Where did Noah go once in the ark to get some space & quiet time? They were 40 days without sun? Yuck! And all the rain? Double yuck! But since it was something new to them, I wonder if it was more of an adventure than a dread of ANOTHER day of rain! Blah.
It's pretty bad now, I can't imagine how it could be worse & yet back then, God was sorry He ever created man. How tragic!
I read in JC as well today & it was applicable (when isn't it?). "As you keep your focus on Me, I form you into the one I desire you to be. Your part is to yield to My creative work in you, neither resisting it nor trying to speed it up. Enjoy the temp of a God-breathed life by letting Me set the pace. Hold My hand in childlike trust, and the way before you will pen up step by step." p26
Applying that to Noah, I wonder if he ever wanted to speed things up & get out of the ark. I know I would have. But after 120 of building it & listening to God, maybe he was holding God's hand & waiting for each step to be made plain. Someday, I will get there too.
I liken Noah in the Ark to my time in Boot Camp. Shoved into one big room with 59 other women. Not always fun(okay never fun) but rewarding in the end. The lessons I learned in that tight space were life long. I remember spending time resting my helmet on the dirt, staring and watching the ants go by my face - this was quality alone time with God, even though someone was right next to me.
Yeah - I like that thought neither resisting or trying to speed it up; another reminder that God moves "in just the right time"
Comment on Gen 4 from the Voice "every parent knows the risks and rewards of bringing forth the next generation" and sure enough - if Cain didn't go down a road that horrified his parents. God's warning of "sin is crouching at the door, ready to pounce on you! You must master it before it masters you" that sin for Cain was jealousy - - "left unattended, it consumes him." So what can cain do to master it? What can I do? Push out the unholy thoughts and ask God to fill my thoughts with His thoughts, His ways -- fill my mind with songs and scripture -- replace the evil with the good; easier said than done for sure -- but I think that's our part. I think many times our emotions will follow our choices . . . what does that statement mean to you?
5:1, 2 "He made them in HIs own likeness. He created them male and female" Reminds me of the SHACK where the trinity is both male and female. I always think of God as male -- but putting vs 1 and 2 together -- I'm not so sure I can put God in a box like that!
I was thinking about how OLD everybody was before Noah -- I mean, our country's a little more than 200 years old -- and they lived 900+ years! Hard for me to grasp (medicare would never have survived this long with that life span!)
Enoch had such a close and intimate relationship with God . . . I wonder what that looked like -- I wonder if they talked.
Lamech seems to have prophesied about Noah in verse 29 "someone who will bring relief from our work and painful toil" do you suppose he's talking about Noah -- or maybe it's Jesus coming through the lineage?
That got me too Chris in verse 6-7 "At that point God's heart broke, and He regretted having ever made man in the first place" How many times have world events broken God's heart. Sometimes I think of God as very stoical -- watching it all happen, but putting up with our nonsense, knowing how it will all end. But no! God's heart brakes watching the pain and the hurt we go through. And his love for the loyal "there was one person whom the Lord could not let go of -- Noah" It's like God knew that Noah would do "everything the Eternal One asked him to do" (7:5)
I was wondering if going "into the ark" was an illustration of anything in the last days -- if we hide ourselves from the storm by going "into the care of God" I don't know -- kicked it around.
They wouldn't have had medicare - they relied more on God then Government. I love all your thoughts, but I wonder if time was the same then as we calculate it today. They didn't go by our calendar system. I think of God's heart breaking everytime I make a wrong choice or when I see someone else doing the same thing. I feel that he is crying for and with us. How great He must be to love all so deeply.
Yes, I definitely feel we have a choice to make as to what we allow our minds to dwell on. It's a constant choice too.
The reading in Joshua today was another reminder that although we can wage physical war i.e., choose to have friends, activities, etc., that help us, not distract us from God, we also need to take time with Him. What does He want me to do in this situation? With these people? In this place?
Joshua didn't do that with the Gibeonites & it costs them. I always pay the price when I don't talk to Him about every little thing. Sometimes, it's so "obvious" that I don't ask Him. But I've found that God doesn't follow the "obvious" path. I tend to make decisions based on what I see, my experience, etc. He makes decisions based on a much bigger picture & with full knowledge.
Sometimes I wish he would follow the obvious path but in the end I'm glad He didn't. I loved that he led the way for Joshua to succeed. His OPORD (operational order) was cool. Very covert! I think God is amazing. How he can plan things so clearly. I would have been thinking, We are going to do what??? and then after singing the wall will fall right???? How?? Joshua had great faith.
O! good reminder Chris -- every little thing!! But you know what, I was pretty impressed with those Gibeonites -- it sounds like they were a big city with strong warriors (10:2) but they humbled themselves and admitted that the Eternal One was the True God and was all-powerful. That had to make God smile to see their faith in His power. Anyway -- another example of God working to make good come out of bad, or disobedience or lack of trust from His people --
I love the picture of God hurling big hailstones at the Amorites -- sums up quite a picture, doesn't it? (I wonder if the angels got involved too)
"Sun stand still" this command was given after Joshua consulted with the Eternal One. It was a sign to all the warriors -- wonder if the sun did a hasty retreat to the West after the fighting was done!!
10:25 "There's nothing to be afraid of here. Be strong and courageous because the Eternal will do . . . " I love the courage of Joshua -- always always directing the glory, the honor to God -- always turning the victory celebration to Him.
and the final conclusion verse 42 "Joshua was able to do and capture and defeat all these people and all their kings for one simple reason: the Eternal God of Israel fought for Israel. Let there be no mistake -- if we have victories in our lives today, this week, this year -- it'll be for one simple reason: the Eternal God is fighting for us.
I did like how the Gibeonites acknowledge the One True God. I wonder if it was out of fear or reverence. Probably a mix.
Ps 3:3 has David praising God for his blessings in the middle of his flight from Jerusalem. He's expressing full confidence in God even though the circumstances he's in are visually the opposite. I wonder if he also was thinking of his sins & part of the praise was thanks that it wasn't what he really deserved. Both of those are really good thoughts for me to keep in mind.
I really loved 4:8 "Tonight I will sleep securely on a bed of peace because I trust You, You alone..." Many times the last 2 days I have had to say aloud "I trust You Jesus, You are my Shepherd & give me all I need, all I require". Having Jesus with me does give me that peace that transcends circumstances. I have not tossed & turned because of them, I have slept deeply & well....albeit short.
5:8 "lead me in the path of Your righteousness amidst those who wish me harm; make Your way clear to me." Even though there are people I interact with who have no regard for God & make fun of those who do, I can be led. Again, so important to know God's voice to my heart so I recognize the way out quickly.
There was more, but I will stop there & leave some for the rest of you to comment on.
Psalm 5:3 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
I read this verse and thought Wow! that is what I do. Then I thought, no it isn't. I get up pray basically the same thing everyday...bless my kids, help me have a great day etc. I don't ever wait for a response. In fact most of the time I am trying to force myself to stay in the prayer. My mind is racing with that days activities already. I fight to pray, to clear my mind for Him. I really need to figure out how to be with God in that moment so that nothing else matters but Him. I want to "come into his house with reverence" I want to hear His answer.
"You, Eternal One, wrap around me like an impenetrable shield" (I am safe from the burning arrows of criticism, the fiery darts of jealousy, the burning embers of hatred - - I am safe in His shield. (3:3)
"You give me glory and lift my eyes up to the heavens" If I look at others, or look at myself -- I will be discouraged; but if I lift my eyes, keep looking up - there is hope! (3:3)
"I was hopelessly surrounded, and You rescued me" How like God -- it seems impossible; I'm surrounded by evil, by sin -- it's seeping into my soul - but what is impossible for me is SO very possible for Him (4:1)
"Think long, think hard. When you are angry, don't let it carry you into sin. When night comes in calm be silent" (4:4) Once it's out of your mouth - you can't take it back - - in calm be silent; hmmmm that's way more tough than gritting my teeth and being silent - - guess I just need to lift my eyes for that calmness . . .
"From this day forward, offer to God the right sacrifice from a heart made right by God" and here is the "heart" of the matter. It's not the perfect on the outward look sacrifice, it's a from a heart that does justly, loves mercy, and walks humbly with Him.
YEAH for the bed of peace! I underlined THAT!
5:9 "Their words cannot be trusted; they are destructive to their cores" reminds me of how Jesus did not put his trust in man - - good advice; I need to find my advice, my hope, my path in Him.
My translation had a comment that Eliphaz's response to Job was trying to encourage him that his problems weren't going to last very long. I don't see that. Plus, having your kids killed is NOT a temporary thing.
The thought of reading these 3 windbags warped views of God & general theology again is draining. Sort of like listening some "intellectual Christians" who talk in circles with no active relationship with God. It is all based on a one-time experience.
Sheri - I just read your post on Psalms; yeah! me too! I want to develop a patient, calm heart when I come before Him -- and it's tricky because the world, the days activities are shouting at me, yelling in my ears! I relate!
I'm thinking I'm glad I didn't live in Job's day -- everyone, Job included, took a simple thought and stretched it for miles. Job could have said in chpt 3 "I wish I had never been born" but instead, he took a whole chapter to say that.
and yeah -- here we go with the 3 windbags, as you say Chris -- I was glad that Eliphaz seemed to affirm Job for his past (verse 3 and 4) but we all know what's coming - Job'll get his feet knocked out from under him soon -- bate and switch or stab in the back - you're choice.
Humanity has the idea that if they are in charge; all will be well -- wars are man's attempt to conquer and squelch all opponents, to control.
3 times in Is 7-11 God talks about the baby, the boy that will come, that will rule fairly, that will bring eternal peace -- God's plan. Man can plot and plan and war and oppress and conquer - but in the end, it all boils down to that baby with the message of God's power, God's way of "do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with your God" That is what is good - that is what will last.
Good point! I find more & more that I need to get out of my world & live in His world. His is reality, mine is futile & frustrating.
The reading in Matthew today reminded me of something I read last night. "...what I believe isn't what I say I believe, what I believe is what I do"
Jesus lived among sinners that had to constantly grate against His perfect, loving character. He met them where they are, healed them, talked kindly & honestly to them & showed them a better plan, a better way. That's why people followed Him.
He wasn't really popular to those who didn't realize they needed a change. Who were confident in themselves. He was popular & sought out by those who realized their hopelessness, their weakness, their need of Someone to save them.
It really isn't that different today. Kinda comes back to that old questions of "what will you do with Jesus?" What is He to you?
John wore the "clothes of an outcast, a rebel" He didn't let anything (fancy clothes or fancy place) get in the way to the stern but exciting message -- people were really drawn by their need (as you say Chris -- they realized their hopelessness.
"the Annointed One, whose way John comes to prepare, will call humanity away from comfort and status (comments from the Voice) He will call His followers to challenge their assumptions and the things they take for granted" That is what I want - to have my assumptions challenged - - growing up we're filled with assumptions that are hard to shake - - so glad I have friends going through the Bible with me to bounce stuff off of.
when John asked "Why" should I baptize you (Jesus), Jesus replied "It will be right, true, and faithful to God's chosen path" So -- a lot of times, I may not understand why - - but if it appears to be the path God lays out, like John, I need to go forward even when it doesn't make sense.
What a JOY it must have been for Jesus to hear from His Father. I wonder if this was the first time? After 30 years -- to hear from HIM and know that love and approval.
The Spirit then led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the devil. This fits in with James 1:4 "So hold on and let your faith be tested, because as it survives and matures, your character will mature as well and you will become even more steadfast" I believe Jesus showed us that -- as he fasted, prayed, headed into the faith-challenging temptations, He emerged stronger, more steadfast, more confident. The gift of pain.
I agree that We need to choose God's path - sometimes it's hard to decide which path is His. So, I love that the scripture showed us that Jesus needed a clear mind so he fasted and prayed before he took on temptation. Trying to remember to do this with every decision, instead of just jumping in feet first, is difficult
God's restorative justice, His redeeming justice. I just like those terms in today's reading. We are works in progress. And thank You Lord for not measuring my progress with Your's or anyone else's for that matter. Thank You for growing me in Your Will & in Your timing.
ReplyDeleteI know that Roman's has a lot in it; but I always find my mind wandering as I wade through Paul's arguments! What I got out of it today is that our part is faith; and based on our faith, belief, trust of who God IS (not what He does) God will respond with the free gift of grace.
ReplyDeleteThe purpose of the law according to 3:20 is to expose the true nature of sin.
I liked the restorative justice too -- in the end, because of who HE is; all those injustices that we experience on this earth will be righted -- will be redeemed!
Yeah, my mind wandered as well as Paul went back & forth. God uses all types.
ReplyDeleteIn Genesis today I was looking at the ages of the guys & when they had kids. After Adam they had them at under 100 yrs old, mere kids in that day. And then Jared has one at 162! I wonder if they kept asking him when he'd settle down & have a family since it was almost 100 from the age his father had started a family. I wonder if they put the pressure on like family members & friends do today. Everyone has their own interpretation of normalacy & what it looks like.
Where did Noah go once in the ark to get some space & quiet time? They were 40 days without sun? Yuck! And all the rain? Double yuck! But since it was something new to them, I wonder if it was more of an adventure than a dread of ANOTHER day of rain! Blah.
It's pretty bad now, I can't imagine how it could be worse & yet back then, God was sorry He ever created man. How tragic!
I read in JC as well today & it was applicable (when isn't it?). "As you keep your focus on Me, I form you into the one I desire you to be. Your part is to yield to My creative work in you, neither resisting it nor trying to speed it up. Enjoy the temp of a God-breathed life by letting Me set the pace. Hold My hand in childlike trust, and the way before you will pen up step by step." p26
Applying that to Noah, I wonder if he ever wanted to speed things up & get out of the ark. I know I would have. But after 120 of building it & listening to God, maybe he was holding God's hand & waiting for each step to be made plain. Someday, I will get there too.
I liken Noah in the Ark to my time in Boot Camp. Shoved into one big room with 59 other women. Not always fun(okay never fun) but rewarding in the end. The lessons I learned in that tight space were life long. I remember spending time resting my helmet on the dirt, staring and watching the ants go by my face - this was quality alone time with God, even though someone was right next to me.
DeleteYeah - I like that thought neither resisting or trying to speed it up; another reminder that God moves "in just the right time"
ReplyDeleteComment on Gen 4 from the Voice "every parent knows the risks and rewards of bringing forth the next generation" and sure enough - if Cain didn't go down a road that horrified his parents. God's warning of "sin is crouching at the door, ready to pounce on you! You must master it before it masters you" that sin for Cain was jealousy - - "left unattended, it consumes him." So what can cain do to master it? What can I do? Push out the unholy thoughts and ask God to fill my thoughts with His thoughts, His ways -- fill my mind with songs and scripture -- replace the evil with the good; easier said than done for sure -- but I think that's our part. I think many times our emotions will follow our choices . . . what does that statement mean to you?
5:1, 2 "He made them in HIs own likeness. He created them male and female" Reminds me of the SHACK where the trinity is both male and female. I always think of God as male -- but putting vs 1 and 2 together -- I'm not so sure I can put God in a box like that!
I was thinking about how OLD everybody was before Noah -- I mean, our country's a little more than 200 years old -- and they lived 900+ years! Hard for me to grasp (medicare would never have survived this long with that life span!)
Enoch had such a close and intimate relationship with God . . . I wonder what that looked like -- I wonder if they talked.
Lamech seems to have prophesied about Noah in verse 29 "someone who will bring relief from our work and painful toil" do you suppose he's talking about Noah -- or maybe it's Jesus coming through the lineage?
That got me too Chris in verse 6-7 "At that point God's heart broke, and He regretted having ever made man in the first place" How many times have world events broken God's heart. Sometimes I think of God as very stoical -- watching it all happen, but putting up with our nonsense, knowing how it will all end. But no! God's heart brakes watching the pain and the hurt we go through. And his love for the loyal "there was one person whom the Lord could not let go of -- Noah" It's like God knew that Noah would do "everything the Eternal One asked him to do" (7:5)
I was wondering if going "into the ark" was an illustration of anything in the last days -- if we hide ourselves from the storm by going "into the care of God" I don't know -- kicked it around.
They wouldn't have had medicare - they relied more on God then Government.
DeleteI love all your thoughts, but I wonder if time was the same then as we calculate it today. They didn't go by our calendar system.
I think of God's heart breaking everytime I make a wrong choice or when I see someone else doing the same thing. I feel that he is crying for and with us. How great He must be to love all so deeply.
Yes, I definitely feel we have a choice to make as to what we allow our minds to dwell on. It's a constant choice too.
ReplyDeleteThe reading in Joshua today was another reminder that although we can wage physical war i.e., choose to have friends, activities, etc., that help us, not distract us from God, we also need to take time with Him. What does He want me to do in this situation? With these people? In this place?
Joshua didn't do that with the Gibeonites & it costs them. I always pay the price when I don't talk to Him about every little thing. Sometimes, it's so "obvious" that I don't ask Him. But I've found that God doesn't follow the "obvious" path. I tend to make decisions based on what I see, my experience, etc. He makes decisions based on a much bigger picture & with full knowledge.
Sometimes I wish he would follow the obvious path but in the end I'm glad He didn't. I loved that he led the way for Joshua to succeed. His OPORD (operational order) was cool. Very covert! I think God is amazing. How he can plan things so clearly. I would have been thinking, We are going to do what??? and then after singing the wall will fall right???? How?? Joshua had great faith.
DeleteO! good reminder Chris -- every little thing!! But you know what, I was pretty impressed with those Gibeonites -- it sounds like they were a big city with strong warriors (10:2) but they humbled themselves and admitted that the Eternal One was the True God and was all-powerful. That had to make God smile to see their faith in His power. Anyway -- another example of God working to make good come out of bad, or disobedience or lack of trust from His people --
ReplyDeleteI love the picture of God hurling big hailstones at the Amorites -- sums up quite a picture, doesn't it? (I wonder if the angels got involved too)
"Sun stand still" this command was given after Joshua consulted with the Eternal One. It was a sign to all the warriors -- wonder if the sun did a hasty retreat to the West after the fighting was done!!
10:25 "There's nothing to be afraid of here. Be strong and courageous because the Eternal will do . . . " I love the courage of Joshua -- always always directing the glory, the honor to God -- always turning the victory celebration to Him.
and the final conclusion verse 42 "Joshua was able to do and capture and defeat all these people and all their kings for one simple reason: the Eternal God of Israel fought for Israel. Let there be no mistake -- if we have victories in our lives today, this week, this year -- it'll be for one simple reason: the Eternal God is fighting for us.
I did like how the Gibeonites acknowledge the One True God. I wonder if it was out of fear or reverence. Probably a mix.
ReplyDeletePs 3:3 has David praising God for his blessings in the middle of his flight from Jerusalem. He's expressing full confidence in God even though the circumstances he's in are visually the opposite. I wonder if he also was thinking of his sins & part of the praise was thanks that it wasn't what he really deserved. Both of those are really good thoughts for me to keep in mind.
I really loved 4:8 "Tonight I will sleep securely on a bed of peace because I trust You, You alone..." Many times the last 2 days I have had to say aloud "I trust You Jesus, You are my Shepherd & give me all I need, all I require". Having Jesus with me does give me that peace that transcends circumstances. I have not tossed & turned because of them, I have slept deeply & well....albeit short.
5:8 "lead me in the path of Your righteousness amidst those who wish me harm; make Your way clear to me." Even though there are people I interact with who have no regard for God & make fun of those who do, I can be led. Again, so important to know God's voice to my heart so I recognize the way out quickly.
There was more, but I will stop there & leave some for the rest of you to comment on.
Psalm 5:3 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
ReplyDeleteI read this verse and thought Wow! that is what I do. Then I thought, no it isn't. I get up pray basically the same thing everyday...bless my kids, help me have a great day etc. I don't ever wait for a response. In fact most of the time I am trying to force myself to stay in the prayer. My mind is racing with that days activities already. I fight to pray, to clear my mind for Him. I really need to figure out how to be with God in that moment so that nothing else matters but Him. I want to "come into his house with reverence" I want to hear His answer.
I'm with you here. I believe that as we wait for His response, we are really showing we're committed to developing this relationship.
Delete"You, Eternal One, wrap around me like an impenetrable shield" (I am safe from the burning arrows of criticism, the fiery darts of jealousy, the burning embers of hatred - - I am safe in His shield. (3:3)
ReplyDelete"You give me glory and lift my eyes up to the heavens" If I look at others, or look at myself -- I will be discouraged; but if I lift my eyes, keep looking up - there is hope! (3:3)
"I was hopelessly surrounded, and You rescued me" How like God -- it seems impossible; I'm surrounded by evil, by sin -- it's seeping into my soul - but what is impossible for me is SO very possible for Him (4:1)
"Think long, think hard. When you are angry, don't let it carry you into sin. When night comes in calm be silent" (4:4) Once it's out of your mouth - you can't take it back - - in calm be silent; hmmmm that's way more tough than gritting my teeth and being silent - - guess I just need to lift my eyes for that calmness . . .
"From this day forward, offer to God the right sacrifice from a heart made right by God" and here is the "heart" of the matter. It's not the perfect on the outward look sacrifice, it's a from a heart that does justly, loves mercy, and walks humbly with Him.
YEAH for the bed of peace! I underlined THAT!
5:9 "Their words cannot be trusted; they are destructive to their cores" reminds me of how Jesus did not put his trust in man - - good advice; I need to find my advice, my hope, my path in Him.
Thank you for these reminders. It was good for me to read these at the end of a long day.
DeleteMy translation had a comment that Eliphaz's response to Job was trying to encourage him that his problems weren't going to last very long. I don't see that. Plus, having your kids killed is NOT a temporary thing.
ReplyDeleteThe thought of reading these 3 windbags warped views of God & general theology again is draining. Sort of like listening some "intellectual Christians" who talk in circles with no active relationship with God. It is all based on a one-time experience.
Sheri - I just read your post on Psalms; yeah! me too! I want to develop a patient, calm heart when I come before Him -- and it's tricky because the world, the days activities are shouting at me, yelling in my ears! I relate!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking I'm glad I didn't live in Job's day -- everyone, Job included, took a simple thought and stretched it for miles. Job could have said in chpt 3 "I wish I had never been born" but instead, he took a whole chapter to say that.
and yeah -- here we go with the 3 windbags, as you say Chris -- I was glad that Eliphaz seemed to affirm Job for his past (verse 3 and 4) but we all know what's coming - Job'll get his feet knocked out from under him soon -- bate and switch or stab in the back - you're choice.
On to DJ
Humanity has the idea that if they are in charge; all will be well -- wars are man's attempt to conquer and squelch all opponents, to control.
ReplyDelete3 times in Is 7-11 God talks about the baby, the boy that will come, that will rule fairly, that will bring eternal peace -- God's plan. Man can plot and plan and war and oppress and conquer - but in the end, it all boils down to that baby with the message of God's power, God's way of "do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with your God" That is what is good - that is what will last.
Good point! I find more & more that I need to get out of my world & live in His world. His is reality, mine is futile & frustrating.
ReplyDeleteThe reading in Matthew today reminded me of something I read last night. "...what I believe isn't what I say I believe, what I believe is what I do"
Jesus lived among sinners that had to constantly grate against His perfect, loving character. He met them where they are, healed them, talked kindly & honestly to them & showed them a better plan, a better way. That's why people followed Him.
He wasn't really popular to those who didn't realize they needed a change. Who were confident in themselves. He was popular & sought out by those who realized their hopelessness, their weakness, their need of Someone to save them.
It really isn't that different today. Kinda comes back to that old questions of "what will you do with Jesus?" What is He to you?
John wore the "clothes of an outcast, a rebel" He didn't let anything (fancy clothes or fancy place) get in the way to the stern but exciting message -- people were really drawn by their need (as you say Chris -- they realized their hopelessness.
ReplyDelete"the Annointed One, whose way John comes to prepare, will call humanity away from comfort and status (comments from the Voice) He will call His followers to challenge their assumptions and the things they take for granted" That is what I want - to have my assumptions challenged - - growing up we're filled with assumptions that are hard to shake - - so glad I have friends going through the Bible with me to bounce stuff off of.
when John asked "Why" should I baptize you (Jesus), Jesus replied "It will be right, true, and faithful to God's chosen path" So -- a lot of times, I may not understand why - - but if it appears to be the path God lays out, like John, I need to go forward even when it doesn't make sense.
What a JOY it must have been for Jesus to hear from His Father. I wonder if this was the first time? After 30 years -- to hear from HIM and know that love and approval.
The Spirit then led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the devil. This fits in with James 1:4 "So hold on and let your faith be tested, because as it survives and matures, your character will mature as well and you will become even more steadfast" I believe Jesus showed us that -- as he fasted, prayed, headed into the faith-challenging temptations, He emerged stronger, more steadfast, more confident. The gift of pain.
I agree that We need to choose God's path - sometimes it's hard to decide which path is His. So, I love that the scripture showed us that Jesus needed a clear mind so he fasted and prayed before he took on temptation. Trying to remember to do this with every decision, instead of just jumping in feet first, is difficult
ReplyDelete