I read Romans 11 & 12 since I did 13, 14 last week. I am also grateful, as you mentioned last week, about being grafted in as in outsider.
That should, you'd think, keep me from being prideful. Paul hits that pitfall again in 12 when he talks about thinking we're better than others, or smarter than they are (v16).
If I am staying in His Presence, then my mind will be renewed and that will fall away. As I wander from Him, I start thinking "I can do this", or that I have more wisdom, intelligence than others. Why can't they see how much smarter I am? Why can't they do it my way? And therein lies the problem. I start thinking about me and my own little world and it's not about me. It's about the bigger picture; it's about Him. His ways are definitely not my ways (thankfully). I just want to stay grateful and content. Not pushing at the fence boundaries He has set up to help/protect me. Be happy in His pasture.
Wow! Today's reading spoke loud and clear to me. I have been doing my two week Annual training at Ft. Lewis. As the Commander of my battalion I have to try to stay nuetral on all topics. Everyday we meet at the chow hall for lunch and the topics have been; women in combat, abortion (parental notification), gays in the military, and liberal vs. conservative politics. Romans 13 - says "be subject to governing authority"...Yuk! This is getting more and more difficult for me to want to do. But then I read 3-"for rulers hold no terror for those who do right", this calms me a little. I just fear that soon we will have to choose to do "wrong" in the eyes of the governing authority in order to do what is "right" for the Lord. I keep reading and I just want to skip the part about paying taxes until God makes it clear with the words honor and respect. Two great words that will work for me while sitting at a table full of american soldiers. These scriptures, especially 13:10 "love does no harm to a neighbor" as well as all of chapter 14 help remind me that my political opinion is just that an opinion. God loved everyone, no matter thier sin or righteousness. It is not my right to judge if a homosexual can be in the military, or a women can be a ranger or a green beret, or if a woman can have an abortion (this one is hard for me to even digest), but to love my neighbor no matter what they do is what God is teaching me. He doesn't tell me I have to vote for those things - but arguing about them and putting others down because of thier choice is just as wrong. 14:13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I pray today, that I won't be a stumbling block for anyone trying to come to Christ, I want to be an example.
Whew! Romans 13/14 is all about the S word: submission!
First of all - submit to authority; and this was written in a Roman dominated culture where the dominated cultures had no rights - - pretty bold, but as Paul says, when you do the right thing, you have nothing to be worried about; yet Paul was martyred - as was Jesus and a host of others; so obviously the peace he's talking about is spiritual / emotional peace - worth more in my book than physical -- yet, even tho I intellectually say that - I work so hard to survive and avoid physical pain!
Sheri - your comments on submission takes it from Rome 2,000 years ago right down to present day application -- I really appreciated reading that, and I struggle with that tension too. "Love my neighbor no matter what they do" People can always tell if you care about them, or you're judging them.
vs 5 "Submission is not optional; it's required!"
I like this in vs 14 "wrap yourselves in the Lord Jesus"
OK -- Romans 14 is all about judging -- it's just not our place; and Chris the author's comment on 14 reminded me of what you talked about this morning, "personal freedom must always give way to corporate responsibility" you put it this way, "I start thinking about me and my own little world and it's not about me. It's about the bigger picture; it's about Him" and - - I think 14 indicates it's also about the people around us. I've got a lot of growing to do -- life's a journey! I can only take the next step "wrapped in Jesus"
Thank you ladies for reminding me about 13/14. Submission ties into what I read in JC this a.m. as well. "Instead of trying to direct Me to do this and that, seek to attune yourself to what I am already doing." p.48 Definitely puts a different twist on my prayers.
Speaking of submission, Rebekkah was dealing with it as well. I put myself in her place that morning as she got up. She had no clue (that we know of) that her life was about to radically change by the end of the day.
We can't see our future (thankfully). Sometimes, other's actions change our "plans" or ultimate direction in life. Did she get irked, like I would, that I had no say in the matter? I realize that was their culture back then (which irks me), but she wasn't going to be able to email, snail mail or ever see her family again. Family was a lot bigger deal back then, than it is now. A ton of unknowns were being thrown at her and she rolled with the punches. That was submission and trust in God. I suppose the culture played into it as well.
So I guess my thought today is, will I open my eyes to see what God is already doing and being grateful for His working or will I ask Him to do what I want for me. Guess it goes back to big picture vs little picture. Very good stuff for me to re-orient myself this morning.
Ishmael was at odds with all of his relatives - - not a very rich legacy. I wonder if he was a cantancerous old man . . .
Isaac and Rebekah married at 40 and conceived 20 years later; so she was 60, her mother-in-law was 90 (although Sarah was dead at this time), I'm thinking Isaac must have encouraged her with this thought month after month!
Esau treated his valuable birthright contemptuously - - - until it came right down to what he was loosing - the blessing, the honor, the authority. But I'm thinking how many of us humans do the very same thing day after day; treating our birthright contemptuously - - and, then the actual day of blessing will come . . .
A LOT of dishonest dealings going on in these chapters -- and always, it leads to heart-ache; integrity is so very important - - why did Abraham's family miss that thought? But then -- how many ways do I also shade the truth - - - Lord, today -- help me to be filled with YOUR integrity.
Just read your post Chris -- along with rolling with the punches; she also watered a LOT of thristy camels -- I'm not sure I would have made that offer either. So she had a willing heart, and a servant's heart.
And I was just thinking -- her dishonesty about Jacob's hairy arms (he HAD to have felt foolish), true - she should have waited for God's solution for this (Sarah should have waited for God's solution as well) -- but she was acting on the promise -- so her downfall was impatience (take the lesson Linda)
Interesting picture of Gideon "spanking" the leaders of that one village with desert thistle's & briars. Had to be embarrassing for them. Probably really good for the soldiers to see themselves justified.
Not a lot out of this for me today. Fighting makes me tired & sad.
Beware of the Ephraimites; these are people who never show up to help, and then when something is accomplished - they complain about it. Don't get trapped in their lives and complaints - stay focused on what God calls you to do:)
Couple of things about the Gideon fight; one is -- even as the strong leader - he was afraid when God said, ok - it's time! But God had compassion to give Gid the courage he needed to be strong through the dream.
I also love the equipment they fought with -- a pitcher/torch in one hand, a trumpet in the other -- that leaves no possible way that they could defend themselves other than trust in God -- no hand on the sword, no holding the shield -- just pure trust.
I also liked that when Gideon heard the dream - his first task was to worship; not -- ok men, we've got this - let's go; but to pause and worship;
When the people put away the foreign gods and returned to the Eternal -- "He could not bear to witness their suffering" a little window of words into God's love and heart for man.
Jephthah was the outcast -- God loves the outcasts; and it is refreshing to hear of a judge that stays faithful to his word, faithful to God --
You amaze me at how you can pick stuff out when it does not speak to me. Thank you for your insights.
Ps 18 sounded a bit to me like Job's friends in a couple places. If you're innocent, God responds, but if you're guilty, He doesn't. Then again, God did say that in Deut. as well. If you obey Me, I will bless you; if you don't, your enemies will be victorious. Just makes me think, we need to listen very closely to God before we open our mouths to "encourage or instruct hurting people". If God is silent when I ask Him, then I should be silent as well and just listen.
I can tell by reading 18 that David is on a high, has had a huge victory and he is very grateful to God.
I also tie in 20:6 with that "I don't fear; I'm confident that help will come to the one anointed by the Eternal." When, is up to God, as even David had to wait and run for a while.
19 is one of my go-to psalms. It's very complete for me. Praising God, learning through the obviousness of nature. Then it it humble and teachable, recognizing where true wisdom and help come from.
v13 "As I am Your servant, protect me from my bent toward pride and keep sin from ruling my life." This is my prayer today.
YEAH Wednesday!!! I thought about the metaphors in 18:2 -- the strong-hold, the tall-walled tower. When troubles surround me, God puts me up in the tower -- He fights, I watch from up in my strong-hold. He puts the horn to His lips and calls in His army to fight for little old me!! The arrows of the enemy fly, their swords are slashing, but HE is my strong shield -- I am protected by my Eternal.
Why? verse 19 says that "He set me down in a safe place; He saved me to HIS delight; (me???) He took JOY in ME. " That is very humbling -- I don't deserve His protection, His love, His attention in my eyes; but praise God - he finds value in me through His eyes -- He even finds JOY in a relationship with me - - - reminds me of Ephesians 1!
vers 35 "supporting me with YOur strong right hand, and it makes me strong" I was thinking about how a coach will sometimes help out just a bit in a work-out routine, what a difference that extra help can make when you're trying to lift a heavy weight. We feel good about what "we" did -- couldn't do it alone, but together "we" did it.
I appreciate the value placed on God's word in chpt 19. So we have both books (nature and the word) lifted up in 19:)
Loved the real-life wording in 20:1 "May the Eternal's answer find you, come to rescue you, when you desperately cling to the end of your rope" picture yourself at the END of the rope -- not the middle, you're at the end - no more threads of jute past where you're holding on -- there's either going to be a rescue or a disaster . . . .
Go Job! He finally tells his "comforters" to shut up! Calls out their lies. It's just done so nicely, you almost miss it. I like how Voice puts the word "seem" in 13:5 "Would that you were totally silent. At least that would make you seem wise."
Job just appeals to God. He may have to listen to their dribble for 20+ more chapters, but I think he just turns them out. His discourse is directed to God now.
When we hit low and realize that man has either let us down or nothing to offer that will truly bring relief, we finally go to the only Source that can heal and change our circumstances. Job is doing just that.
Why is it always the low that turns our path to God? I think Job was there all along from how the book starts out, but just thinking about us in general now.
Yes -- Job is "eagerly" wanting to argue -- as long as the false peace exists; no answers or solutions are possible (very true for us as well) and Job points out that God knows every secret of his life AND his friends vs 9-10
Hee hee -- I like that "seem" word too - bit of sarcasm coming through there:)
Job probably is a let's find out what the problem is and fix it guy -- vs 23 "How many counts do You have against me? How many sins must I account for" as in, God - tell me what I can do -- I'm eager to know, I'm eager to repent, I'm eager to change whatever is wrong!
Job 14:4 reminds me of the song, Nothing but the Blood
I high lighted 14:10-12, 20-21 thinking, ah -- more texts that support when you die, you rest/sleep until He comes again -- then came verse 22 which added didn't fit "He (man that has died I think) knows only this: His body feels agony and his soul grieves." Looked it up in a couple of other versions -- NLT seemed a bit more clear - - trying to figure out if this verse back tracks to before death -
I liked the comments in the Voice about how Hezekiah and Isaiah had a close relationship - you don't always get that in leadership and counsel:)
The stars fall - the sky rolled up like scroll - sounds end-timish
What a welcome break 35 is -- stuck in between Edom's doom and the Assyrian/Babylonian hassels
Imagine the wilderness whooping for joy! Love that! God stengethening those with feeble hands, who are week-kneed and weary - hey! That's all of us! Then the Messiah passage.
Here's a line l like: the thristy ground will drink deep from refreshing springs; ALL of us are thirsty for hope, for healing, for JOY!
AND THEN - on to the national debates. Rabshakeh really doesn't know who he's dealing with when he talks so blasphemosly about God in verse 7 and then in verse 11 -- really? what lies "Your God, the Eternal, sent me" Good old Rab will eat those words!
and yes -- to their credit, the people kept their mouths shut -- it only takes one fearful person to stir up a problem. But the ALL kept their mouths shut - - they must have really respected Hez.
Hezekiah's responses remind me of Jeremiah "If my people humble themselves and pray" I wonder if he had access to those words as he dealt with Assyria. Just love the word picture of Hez spreading out the letter before God -- I need to spread more of my problems, concerns and fears out before God -- and then Hez's proclamation "You alone are god. Only You are supreme" Just saying those words out loud must have brought conviction -- sometimes we have to speak the words to drown out the fears.
In 3 years life will be normal again. I wonder if back then they had the "I want it now" mentality that our world now holds. ooor -- if they were simply grateful to know that the future held hope.
I like how God gave the sign about the healing -- I'm guessing to make sure that everyone realized the healing was NO coincidence. Lots of signs going on back then -- but he gave US signs as well in Mat 24.
Squashed figs -- gotta remember that! Just read yesterday that eating figs was one of the healthiest things you can do! I'm not a big fig person -- but maybe I can adapt!!!
"These events occur about 2 centuries after Isaiah's death in the land of exile - Babylon". Just saying -- our country is a little over 2 centuries old. We have a warped view of time I think!
I'm going to comment on maybe a weird part of the reading today.
18:9 - "And if your eye always focuses on things that cause you to sin, then pull your eye out and throw it away. It is better for you to see the kingdom of life with one eye than to see the fires of hell with perfect sight."
A lot of times we justify our choices by saying that we need to know how to combat this or that. We need to be aware of what's out there, etc. Why? So we can defend ourselves. But that's not our job.
Here, Jesus says very clearly, that it's better to concentrate on having Kingdom thinking than it is to know well the details of the enemy. God has promised His HS to instruct us on what to say when put in a position to witness for Him.
Besides, if I really believe He is my Shepherd, then it is His responsibility to defend me. I don't recall sheep ever doing drills and recruiting their own elite combat unit to protect themselves. Satan will come at us from all angles. If we try to keep our eyes open on every possible angle, we will fail. If we keep ourselves in the Presence of God and focus on Him only, then we will stand because of that Presence.
One is stressful, one is peaceful as His Presence is the very essence of Peace. I want to choose to stay in His Presence, enjoying communion with Him and letting Him fight for me, let Him defend me.
I am soooo like Jesus disciples in the early part of their Journey -- this line in vs 7 "Jesus -- who was, by this time, used to His disciples being plagued by fear -- touched them." How very very compassionate. He didn't roll His eyes, He didn't sigh, He didn't turn His back and count to 10 -- He touched them and extended encouragement.
I was also wondering why He didn't want them to tell until after He had risen. I was thinking -- maybe it would have been a huge encouragement during the crucifixion phase - - but at that point, they were so down, they wouldn't have trusted their own senses I guess; whereas after the resurrection -- it would have added to the possibility, the reality that He really was Who He said He was.
We are so arrogant that we tend not to forgive our peers -- yet a KING would forgive us.
A new thought for me -- and this was brought out in the comments on adultery. The divorce has already happened when adultery takes place -- it's just a public recognition of that divorce. And -- when someone is dropped from church membership -- that disconnect has already happened due to their choices, it's just a public recognition of that disconnect. That puts a different light on church discipline -- it's more like church recognition of what's already happened.
I read Romans 11 & 12 since I did 13, 14 last week. I am also grateful, as you mentioned last week, about being grafted in as in outsider.
ReplyDeleteThat should, you'd think, keep me from being prideful. Paul hits that pitfall again in 12 when he talks about thinking we're better than others, or smarter than they are (v16).
If I am staying in His Presence, then my mind will be renewed and that will fall away. As I wander from Him, I start thinking "I can do this", or that I have more wisdom, intelligence than others. Why can't they see how much smarter I am? Why can't they do it my way? And therein lies the problem. I start thinking about me and my own little world and it's not about me. It's about the bigger picture; it's about Him. His ways are definitely not my ways (thankfully).
I just want to stay grateful and content. Not pushing at the fence boundaries He has set up to help/protect me. Be happy in His pasture.
Yep, it's a theme.
Wow! Today's reading spoke loud and clear to me. I have been doing my two week Annual training at Ft. Lewis. As the Commander of my battalion I have to try to stay nuetral on all topics. Everyday we meet at the chow hall for lunch and the topics have been; women in combat, abortion (parental notification), gays in the military, and liberal vs. conservative politics. Romans 13 - says "be subject to governing authority"...Yuk! This is getting more and more difficult for me to want to do. But then I read 3-"for rulers hold no terror for those who do right", this calms me a little. I just fear that soon we will have to choose to do "wrong" in the eyes of the governing authority in order to do what is "right" for the Lord. I keep reading and I just want to skip the part about paying taxes until God makes it clear with the words honor and respect. Two great words that will work for me while sitting at a table full of american soldiers. These scriptures, especially 13:10 "love does no harm to a neighbor" as well as all of chapter 14 help remind me that my political opinion is just that an opinion. God loved everyone, no matter thier sin or righteousness. It is not my right to judge if a homosexual can be in the military, or a women can be a ranger or a green beret, or if a woman can have an abortion (this one is hard for me to even digest), but to love my neighbor no matter what they do is what God is teaching me. He doesn't tell me I have to vote for those things - but arguing about them and putting others down because of thier choice is just as wrong. 14:13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I pray today, that I won't be a stumbling block for anyone trying to come to Christ, I want to be an example.
ReplyDeleteWhew! Romans 13/14 is all about the S word: submission!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all - submit to authority; and this was written in a Roman dominated culture where the dominated cultures had no rights - - pretty bold, but as Paul says, when you do the right thing, you have nothing to be worried about; yet Paul was martyred - as was Jesus and a host of others; so obviously the peace he's talking about is spiritual / emotional peace - worth more in my book than physical -- yet, even tho I intellectually say that - I work so hard to survive and avoid physical pain!
Sheri - your comments on submission takes it from Rome 2,000 years ago right down to present day application -- I really appreciated reading that, and I struggle with that tension too. "Love my neighbor no matter what they do" People can always tell if you care about them, or you're judging them.
vs 5 "Submission is not optional; it's required!"
I like this in vs 14 "wrap yourselves in the Lord Jesus"
OK -- Romans 14 is all about judging -- it's just not our place; and Chris the author's comment on 14 reminded me of what you talked about this morning, "personal freedom must always give way to corporate responsibility" you put it this way, "I start thinking about me and my own little world and it's not about me. It's about the bigger picture; it's about Him" and - - I think 14 indicates it's also about the people around us. I've got a lot of growing to do -- life's a journey! I can only take the next step "wrapped in Jesus"
Thank you ladies for reminding me about 13/14. Submission ties into what I read in JC this a.m. as well. "Instead of trying to direct Me to do this and that, seek to attune yourself to what I am already doing." p.48 Definitely puts a different twist on my prayers.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of submission, Rebekkah was dealing with it as well. I put myself in her place that morning as she got up. She had no clue (that we know of) that her life was about to radically change by the end of the day.
We can't see our future (thankfully). Sometimes, other's actions change our "plans" or ultimate direction in life. Did she get irked, like I would, that I had no say in the matter? I realize that was their culture back then (which irks me), but she wasn't going to be able to email, snail mail or ever see her family again. Family was a lot bigger deal back then, than it is now. A ton of unknowns were being thrown at her and she rolled with the punches. That was submission and trust in God. I suppose the culture played into it as well.
So I guess my thought today is, will I open my eyes to see what God is already doing and being grateful for His working or will I ask Him to do what I want for me. Guess it goes back to big picture vs little picture. Very good stuff for me to re-orient myself this morning.
Ishmael was at odds with all of his relatives - - not a very rich legacy. I wonder if he was a cantancerous old man . . .
ReplyDeleteIsaac and Rebekah married at 40 and conceived 20 years later; so she was 60, her mother-in-law was 90 (although Sarah was dead at this time), I'm thinking Isaac must have encouraged her with this thought month after month!
Esau treated his valuable birthright contemptuously - - - until it came right down to what he was loosing - the blessing, the honor, the authority. But I'm thinking how many of us humans do the very same thing day after day; treating our birthright contemptuously - - and, then the actual day of blessing will come . . .
A LOT of dishonest dealings going on in these chapters -- and always, it leads to heart-ache; integrity is so very important - - why did Abraham's family miss that thought? But then -- how many ways do I also shade the truth - - - Lord, today -- help me to be filled with YOUR integrity.
Just read your post Chris -- along with rolling with the punches; she also watered a LOT of thristy camels -- I'm not sure I would have made that offer either. So she had a willing heart, and a servant's heart.
ReplyDeleteAnd I was just thinking -- her dishonesty about Jacob's hairy arms (he HAD to have felt foolish), true - she should have waited for God's solution for this (Sarah should have waited for God's solution as well) -- but she was acting on the promise -- so her downfall was impatience (take the lesson Linda)
Interesting picture of Gideon "spanking" the leaders of that one village with desert thistle's & briars. Had to be embarrassing for them. Probably really good for the soldiers to see themselves justified.
ReplyDeleteNot a lot out of this for me today. Fighting makes me tired & sad.
Beware of the Ephraimites; these are people who never show up to help, and then when something is accomplished - they complain about it. Don't get trapped in their lives and complaints - stay focused on what God calls you to do:)
ReplyDeleteCouple of things about the Gideon fight; one is -- even as the strong leader - he was afraid when God said, ok - it's time! But God had compassion to give Gid the courage he needed to be strong through the dream.
I also love the equipment they fought with -- a pitcher/torch in one hand, a trumpet in the other -- that leaves no possible way that they could defend themselves other than trust in God -- no hand on the sword, no holding the shield -- just pure trust.
I also liked that when Gideon heard the dream - his first task was to worship; not -- ok men, we've got this - let's go; but to pause and worship;
When the people put away the foreign gods and returned to the Eternal -- "He could not bear to witness their suffering" a little window of words into God's love and heart for man.
Jephthah was the outcast -- God loves the outcasts; and it is refreshing to hear of a judge that stays faithful to his word, faithful to God --
You amaze me at how you can pick stuff out when it does not speak to me. Thank you for your insights.
ReplyDeletePs 18 sounded a bit to me like Job's friends in a couple places. If you're innocent, God responds, but if you're guilty, He doesn't. Then again, God did say that in Deut. as well. If you obey Me, I will bless you; if you don't, your enemies will be victorious. Just makes me think, we need to listen very closely to God before we open our mouths to "encourage or instruct hurting people". If God is silent when I ask Him, then I should be silent as well and just listen.
I can tell by reading 18 that David is on a high, has had a huge victory and he is very grateful to God.
I also tie in 20:6 with that "I don't fear; I'm confident that help will come to the one anointed by the Eternal." When, is up to God, as even David had to wait and run for a while.
19 is one of my go-to psalms. It's very complete for me. Praising God, learning through the obviousness of nature. Then it it humble and teachable, recognizing where true wisdom and help come from.
v13 "As I am Your servant, protect me from my bent toward pride and keep sin from ruling my life." This is my prayer today.
YEAH Wednesday!!! I thought about the metaphors in 18:2 -- the strong-hold, the tall-walled tower. When troubles surround me, God puts me up in the tower -- He fights, I watch from up in my strong-hold. He puts the horn to His lips and calls in His army to fight for little old me!! The arrows of the enemy fly, their swords are slashing, but HE is my strong shield -- I am protected by my Eternal.
ReplyDeleteWhy? verse 19 says that "He set me down in a safe place; He saved me to HIS delight; (me???) He took JOY in ME. " That is very humbling -- I don't deserve His protection, His love, His attention in my eyes; but praise God - he finds value in me through His eyes -- He even finds JOY in a relationship with me - - - reminds me of Ephesians 1!
vers 35 "supporting me with YOur strong right hand, and it makes me strong" I was thinking about how a coach will sometimes help out just a bit in a work-out routine, what a difference that extra help can make when you're trying to lift a heavy weight. We feel good about what "we" did -- couldn't do it alone, but together "we" did it.
I appreciate the value placed on God's word in chpt 19. So we have both books (nature and the word) lifted up in 19:)
Loved the real-life wording in 20:1 "May the Eternal's answer find you, come to rescue you, when you desperately cling to the end of your rope" picture yourself at the END of the rope -- not the middle, you're at the end - no more threads of jute past where you're holding on -- there's either going to be a rescue or a disaster . . . .
Go Job! He finally tells his "comforters" to shut up! Calls out their lies. It's just done so nicely, you almost miss it. I like how Voice puts the word "seem" in 13:5 "Would that you were totally silent. At least that would make you seem wise."
ReplyDeleteJob just appeals to God. He may have to listen to their dribble for 20+ more chapters, but I think he just turns them out. His discourse is directed to God now.
When we hit low and realize that man has either let us down or nothing to offer that will truly bring relief, we finally go to the only Source that can heal and change our circumstances. Job is doing just that.
Why is it always the low that turns our path to God? I think Job was there all along from how the book starts out, but just thinking about us in general now.
Yes -- Job is "eagerly" wanting to argue -- as long as the false peace exists; no answers or solutions are possible (very true for us as well) and Job points out that God knows every secret of his life AND his friends vs 9-10
ReplyDeleteHee hee -- I like that "seem" word too - bit of sarcasm coming through there:)
Job probably is a let's find out what the problem is and fix it guy -- vs 23 "How many counts do You have against me? How many sins must I account for" as in, God - tell me what I can do -- I'm eager to know, I'm eager to repent, I'm eager to change whatever is wrong!
Job 14:4 reminds me of the song, Nothing but the Blood
I high lighted 14:10-12, 20-21 thinking, ah -- more texts that support when you die, you rest/sleep until He comes again -- then came verse 22 which added didn't fit "He (man that has died I think) knows only this: His body feels agony and his soul grieves." Looked it up in a couple of other versions -- NLT seemed a bit more clear - - trying to figure out if this verse back tracks to before death -
I liked the comments in the Voice about how Hezekiah and Isaiah had a close relationship - you don't always get that in leadership and counsel:)
ReplyDeleteThe stars fall - the sky rolled up like scroll - sounds end-timish
What a welcome break 35 is -- stuck in between Edom's doom and the Assyrian/Babylonian hassels
Imagine the wilderness whooping for joy! Love that! God stengethening those with feeble hands, who are week-kneed and weary - hey! That's all of us! Then the Messiah passage.
Here's a line l like: the thristy ground will drink deep from refreshing springs; ALL of us are thirsty for hope, for healing, for JOY!
AND THEN - on to the national debates. Rabshakeh really doesn't know who he's dealing with when he talks so blasphemosly about God in verse 7 and then in verse 11 -- really? what lies "Your God, the Eternal, sent me" Good old Rab will eat those words!
and yes -- to their credit, the people kept their mouths shut -- it only takes one fearful person to stir up a problem. But the ALL kept their mouths shut - - they must have really respected Hez.
Hezekiah's responses remind me of Jeremiah "If my people humble themselves and pray" I wonder if he had access to those words as he dealt with Assyria. Just love the word picture of Hez spreading out the letter before God -- I need to spread more of my problems, concerns and fears out before God -- and then Hez's proclamation "You alone are god. Only You are supreme" Just saying those words out loud must have brought conviction -- sometimes we have to speak the words to drown out the fears.
In 3 years life will be normal again. I wonder if back then they had the "I want it now" mentality that our world now holds. ooor -- if they were simply grateful to know that the future held hope.
I like how God gave the sign about the healing -- I'm guessing to make sure that everyone realized the healing was NO coincidence. Lots of signs going on back then -- but he gave US signs as well in Mat 24.
Squashed figs -- gotta remember that! Just read yesterday that eating figs was one of the healthiest things you can do! I'm not a big fig person -- but maybe I can adapt!!!
"These events occur about 2 centuries after Isaiah's death in the land of exile - Babylon". Just saying -- our country is a little over 2 centuries old. We have a warped view of time I think!
I'm going to comment on maybe a weird part of the reading today.
ReplyDelete18:9 - "And if your eye always focuses on things that cause you to sin, then pull your eye out and throw it away. It is better for you to see the kingdom of life with one eye than to see the fires of hell with perfect sight."
A lot of times we justify our choices by saying that we need to know how to combat this or that. We need to be aware of what's out there, etc. Why? So we can defend ourselves. But that's not our job.
Here, Jesus says very clearly, that it's better to concentrate on having Kingdom thinking than it is to know well the details of the enemy. God has promised His HS to instruct us on what to say when put in a position to witness for Him.
Besides, if I really believe He is my Shepherd, then it is His responsibility to defend me. I don't recall sheep ever doing drills and recruiting their own elite combat unit to protect themselves. Satan will come at us from all angles. If we try to keep our eyes open on every possible angle, we will fail. If we keep ourselves in the Presence of God and focus on Him only, then we will stand because of that Presence.
One is stressful, one is peaceful as His Presence is the very essence of Peace. I want to choose to stay in His Presence, enjoying communion with Him and letting Him fight for me, let Him defend me.
I am soooo like Jesus disciples in the early part of their Journey -- this line in vs 7 "Jesus -- who was, by this time, used to His disciples being plagued by fear -- touched them." How very very compassionate. He didn't roll His eyes, He didn't sigh, He didn't turn His back and count to 10 -- He touched them and extended encouragement.
ReplyDeleteI was also wondering why He didn't want them to tell until after He had risen. I was thinking -- maybe it would have been a huge encouragement during the crucifixion phase - - but at that point, they were so down, they wouldn't have trusted their own senses I guess; whereas after the resurrection -- it would have added to the possibility, the reality that He really was Who He said He was.
We are so arrogant that we tend not to forgive our peers -- yet a KING would forgive us.
A new thought for me -- and this was brought out in the comments on adultery. The divorce has already happened when adultery takes place -- it's just a public recognition of that divorce. And -- when someone is dropped from church membership -- that disconnect has already happened due to their choices, it's just a public recognition of that disconnect. That puts a different light on church discipline -- it's more like church recognition of what's already happened.