Today's Reading: Joshua 22-24
From bricks and slavery
to manna and freedom
We choose the LORD
From fear and death
to dancing and life
We choose the LORD
From impurity and bitterness
to holiness and rejoicing
We choose the LORD
From double-mindedness and faithlessness
to covenant and obedience
We choose the LORD
From discord and selfishness
to community and shalom
We choose the LORD
From wanderings and wilderness
to boundaries and promised land
We choose the LORD
LORD, you have chosen us
Now we choose you.
May we dwell in your love.
May we dwell in your peace.
May we dwell in your refuge.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Day 87: Our Holy City of Refuge
Today's Reading: Joshua 19-21
I am fascinated by the concept of cities of refuge, a safe hiding place for those who have committed an unintentional yet horrible sin--manslaughter. The Hebrew word translated "refuge" gets it roots in the concept of "deformed" or "handicapped," the sorry state of all humanity. Each one of us under the power of sin carries "dysfunction" around with us daily--unintentionally, I might add.
Six cities (6 being the number meaning less than God or perfection, the day humans were created) were set aside. Each city name carries an insight into the understanding of refuge.
Kadesh--a place of sanctification
Shechem--a place where the burden is "shouldered," where people have your "back"
Kiriath-arba--city of the "fourth," the number of creation
Bezer--"remote fortress"
Ramoth--"stone heap," reminiscent of stones dropped and judgment withheld
Golan--"their captivity, their rejoicing"
You see, legally, a blood kin could avenge the death due to the compensatory code: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a life for a life. But the LORD devised an option for the sinner--flee to the city of refuge, stand before the judges and state your case. Sounds a lot like the spiritual discipline of confession where we flee to the righteousness of Christ, stand before him and confess, "I am a sinner." The city of refuge must take the one fleeing in to the city, give him or her a place of refuge and allow that person a dwelling place. The Psalmist (in Psalm 32) calls God "my hiding place."
The one causing the accidental death must stay "captive" in the city, captive in a place of safety, until the death of the High Priest. Hebrews 5 speaks of Jesus being our High Priest who "deals with us gently." His death set all the captives free from the punishment of death.
As we enter Holy Week, let us rejoice in the one who took us in, gave us a place of refuge and sets us free by his death.
There is a Balm in Gilead.
Steal away to Jesus.
I am fascinated by the concept of cities of refuge, a safe hiding place for those who have committed an unintentional yet horrible sin--manslaughter. The Hebrew word translated "refuge" gets it roots in the concept of "deformed" or "handicapped," the sorry state of all humanity. Each one of us under the power of sin carries "dysfunction" around with us daily--unintentionally, I might add.
Six cities (6 being the number meaning less than God or perfection, the day humans were created) were set aside. Each city name carries an insight into the understanding of refuge.
Kadesh--a place of sanctification
Shechem--a place where the burden is "shouldered," where people have your "back"
Kiriath-arba--city of the "fourth," the number of creation
Bezer--"remote fortress"
Ramoth--"stone heap," reminiscent of stones dropped and judgment withheld
Golan--"their captivity, their rejoicing"
You see, legally, a blood kin could avenge the death due to the compensatory code: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a life for a life. But the LORD devised an option for the sinner--flee to the city of refuge, stand before the judges and state your case. Sounds a lot like the spiritual discipline of confession where we flee to the righteousness of Christ, stand before him and confess, "I am a sinner." The city of refuge must take the one fleeing in to the city, give him or her a place of refuge and allow that person a dwelling place. The Psalmist (in Psalm 32) calls God "my hiding place."
The one causing the accidental death must stay "captive" in the city, captive in a place of safety, until the death of the High Priest. Hebrews 5 speaks of Jesus being our High Priest who "deals with us gently." His death set all the captives free from the punishment of death.
As we enter Holy Week, let us rejoice in the one who took us in, gave us a place of refuge and sets us free by his death.
There is a Balm in Gilead.
Steal away to Jesus.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Day 86: Land
Today's Reading: Joshua 16-18
One can inherit a lot of things: money, paintings, furniture, and a bunch of old "stuff." I consider myself fortunate. My inheritance from my parents was land. Money can be spent, paintings lose their charm, furniture crumble and the old "stuff" might end up at the local Goodwill, but land is land. It remains.
Today, as with previous chapters, there is much talk of inheritance and land. When one has land, one can sustain one's self. Crops can be grown and cattle can graze. Trees can be planted and fruit harvested. Homes can be built. Children can have space to run and play.
The land described in today's passage is the most argued over land today. People are dying and killing over the land issue. Three "siblings," three religious groups, from the same father, Abraham, are arguing over their inheritance. In modern culture, there seems to be no one to arbitrate the argument, though many are trying.
One of Joshua's jobs was to make sure there was land apportioned appropriately--enough land to sustain a tribe of people. Much of scripture is the telling of the boundaries of the land which has been claimed by, robbed by and promised to the sons and daughters of Israel.
Promised land...an interesting phrase.
Land promised to the Israelites; a kingdom dreamed of by those who follow Christ. Isn't it interesting that the inheritance God gives is land? Land created and sustained by God's hand.
This weekend has been a good one to be digging in the dirt, to be tilling the land. Many find comfort and satisfaction in this very old and very sustaining use of time.
Let us give thanks to God today for the land all around us--for the land we own, the land we share and the promised land of eternity.
One can inherit a lot of things: money, paintings, furniture, and a bunch of old "stuff." I consider myself fortunate. My inheritance from my parents was land. Money can be spent, paintings lose their charm, furniture crumble and the old "stuff" might end up at the local Goodwill, but land is land. It remains.
Today, as with previous chapters, there is much talk of inheritance and land. When one has land, one can sustain one's self. Crops can be grown and cattle can graze. Trees can be planted and fruit harvested. Homes can be built. Children can have space to run and play.
The land described in today's passage is the most argued over land today. People are dying and killing over the land issue. Three "siblings," three religious groups, from the same father, Abraham, are arguing over their inheritance. In modern culture, there seems to be no one to arbitrate the argument, though many are trying.
One of Joshua's jobs was to make sure there was land apportioned appropriately--enough land to sustain a tribe of people. Much of scripture is the telling of the boundaries of the land which has been claimed by, robbed by and promised to the sons and daughters of Israel.
Promised land...an interesting phrase.
Land promised to the Israelites; a kingdom dreamed of by those who follow Christ. Isn't it interesting that the inheritance God gives is land? Land created and sustained by God's hand.
This weekend has been a good one to be digging in the dirt, to be tilling the land. Many find comfort and satisfaction in this very old and very sustaining use of time.
Let us give thanks to God today for the land all around us--for the land we own, the land we share and the promised land of eternity.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Day 85: You are old...
Today's Reading: Joshua 12-15
Joshua and Caleb were the two men who carried the history of Israel in their very beings. They were the only two Israelites who actually lived in the midst of the slavery of Egypt, witnessed the devastation of the plagues, waited in their homes during the passover, crossed the Red Sea, wandered in the wilderness, ate the manna, lived through the testings, spied out the land, crossed the Jordan, fought at Jericho and settled in the Promised Land.
What a life they had!
Our reading today begins with the LORD telling Joshua, "You are old, and yet, there is so much more to do." (paraphrase of Joshua 13: 1)
I had a birthday this week, and though I am in my 50's, there are days when I feel the advancement of the years in my body. Many of us, as we move into our "golden years," look forward to retirement years of ease. We hope to have time, finally, to do what we want to do, without the pressures of work or the responsibilities of raising a family. But as we age, we must remember there is still so much more to do.
In the church, it is important for the older members to pass the torch to the younger members, to make space for the new generation, to mentor them in leadership. But there is no excuse for sitting around and using age as the reason for inactivity in the kingdom of God.
We might become old, but there is always so much more to do. Our goal as we age should be to labor in the fields of the LORD until we breathe our last breath.
As I visit the elderly in my church, I hear many complaints of bones aching and brains misfiring. The flesh does wither and weaken, for sure. But our hearts and spirits should be thriving with wisdom and hope for the future kingdom of our LORD.
This past week, I had the joy of listening to an 80+ year old from my church share her excitement about her Sunday School class of 12-14 year olds. She delighted in their growing ability to talk theologically and expanding commitment to discipleship with Jesus. She thanked me over and over for "allowing" her to teach this group of young people. Amazing...
I thanked her for her commitment to the kingdom!
The call upon her life has been the call upon Peter's life: Feed my lambs, Feed my sheep.
I want to be like her "when I grow up." I want it to be said of me, "she might be old, but she has so much more to do and give for her LORD."
In the movie, O Brother, Where art thou? I was introduced to an old bluegrass song performed by the Peasall Sisters. Today, it is my theme song.
Joshua and Caleb were the two men who carried the history of Israel in their very beings. They were the only two Israelites who actually lived in the midst of the slavery of Egypt, witnessed the devastation of the plagues, waited in their homes during the passover, crossed the Red Sea, wandered in the wilderness, ate the manna, lived through the testings, spied out the land, crossed the Jordan, fought at Jericho and settled in the Promised Land.
What a life they had!
Our reading today begins with the LORD telling Joshua, "You are old, and yet, there is so much more to do." (paraphrase of Joshua 13: 1)
I had a birthday this week, and though I am in my 50's, there are days when I feel the advancement of the years in my body. Many of us, as we move into our "golden years," look forward to retirement years of ease. We hope to have time, finally, to do what we want to do, without the pressures of work or the responsibilities of raising a family. But as we age, we must remember there is still so much more to do.
In the church, it is important for the older members to pass the torch to the younger members, to make space for the new generation, to mentor them in leadership. But there is no excuse for sitting around and using age as the reason for inactivity in the kingdom of God.
We might become old, but there is always so much more to do. Our goal as we age should be to labor in the fields of the LORD until we breathe our last breath.
As I visit the elderly in my church, I hear many complaints of bones aching and brains misfiring. The flesh does wither and weaken, for sure. But our hearts and spirits should be thriving with wisdom and hope for the future kingdom of our LORD.
This past week, I had the joy of listening to an 80+ year old from my church share her excitement about her Sunday School class of 12-14 year olds. She delighted in their growing ability to talk theologically and expanding commitment to discipleship with Jesus. She thanked me over and over for "allowing" her to teach this group of young people. Amazing...
I thanked her for her commitment to the kingdom!
The call upon her life has been the call upon Peter's life: Feed my lambs, Feed my sheep.
I want to be like her "when I grow up." I want it to be said of me, "she might be old, but she has so much more to do and give for her LORD."
In the movie, O Brother, Where art thou? I was introduced to an old bluegrass song performed by the Peasall Sisters. Today, it is my theme song.
In the highways in the hedges
In the highways in the hedges
In the highways in the hedges
I'll be somewhere a workin for my Lord
I'll be somewhere a workin
I'll be somewhere a workin
I'll be somewhere a workin
I'll be somewhere a workin for my Lord
When he calls me I will answer
When he calls me I will answer
When he calls me I will answer
I'll be somewhere a workin for my Lord
In the highways in the hedges
In the highways in the hedges
In the highways in the hedges
I'll be somewhere a workin for my Lord
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Day 84: Looks can be deceiving
Today's Reading: Joshua 9-11
The evening of December 6, 1941, US military personnel stationed at Pearl Harbor were operating in "peace time" mode. Sailors were sitting in incredible vessels harbored with the rest of the US fleet. The sun and sands of the islands made a perfect setting for young men and women to be enjoying themselves. Life was good. The military personnel felt safe and secure. Little did they know, the enemy was on the way to attack at a vulnerable place--their complacency and ease.
Living in the grace of the LORD is a wonderful thing. Life goes along well with God's guidance and we have a tendency to relax. We are not as vigilant.
In 1 Peter 5:8 we read these words of warning:
In today's passage, Joshua and the Israelites are known by their world as the ones with whom God dwells. The Canaanite communities know of the Israelites' presence in their midst. They've heard the stories how the Israelites' God has delivered the Hebrew people.
While Joshua and the Israelites are enjoying this fame, a "lion" is lurking and plotting in the bushes to trick them, to devour them.
A caravan arrives, appearing to have journeyed a long distance. Bread is moldy. Sandals and clothing are patched and worn. Sacks are worn out and wineskins are dry and cracked.
With human eyes, the Israelites make a judgment about the impossibility of threat from these people and thus, decide to make a peace treaty with them. Though at first they ask the right questions, they make the decision by appearances, by what the eye can see.
There is one line in the passage today that highlights their crucial mistake:
Once again, the life of faith teeters on the this principle. Just how dependent on God are we willing to be? When everything looks clear cut, do we need to ask God? This passage tells us, looks can be deceiving. The opportunity might look great. The future might seem fabulous! The risk might seem low. But who knows what is really happening?
Only God knows the hearts of people and the future. Only God knows the full truth of a situation. We must never forget, there are people and spirits "lurking around", out to deceive us. Our sight must be totally dependent upon the LORD vision.
This works both ways. Some opportunity that looks fabulous might be disastrous. Some situation that does not look at all promising might hold the most incredible future.
Once the mistake was made and recognized, Joshua remained righteous. He kept his promise to the deceivers, but also put a boundary around them; he controlled their ability to effect the progress of his people.
Each story has something to teach us. Today, may our awareness be heightened. May we not jump at opportunities which seem fabulous without consulting God first. May it never be said of us, they were deceived because they did not inquire of the LORD.
Be Thou, my vision, O LORD of my heart.
The evening of December 6, 1941, US military personnel stationed at Pearl Harbor were operating in "peace time" mode. Sailors were sitting in incredible vessels harbored with the rest of the US fleet. The sun and sands of the islands made a perfect setting for young men and women to be enjoying themselves. Life was good. The military personnel felt safe and secure. Little did they know, the enemy was on the way to attack at a vulnerable place--their complacency and ease.
Living in the grace of the LORD is a wonderful thing. Life goes along well with God's guidance and we have a tendency to relax. We are not as vigilant.
In 1 Peter 5:8 we read these words of warning:
"Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour."
In today's passage, Joshua and the Israelites are known by their world as the ones with whom God dwells. The Canaanite communities know of the Israelites' presence in their midst. They've heard the stories how the Israelites' God has delivered the Hebrew people.
While Joshua and the Israelites are enjoying this fame, a "lion" is lurking and plotting in the bushes to trick them, to devour them.
A caravan arrives, appearing to have journeyed a long distance. Bread is moldy. Sandals and clothing are patched and worn. Sacks are worn out and wineskins are dry and cracked.
With human eyes, the Israelites make a judgment about the impossibility of threat from these people and thus, decide to make a peace treaty with them. Though at first they ask the right questions, they make the decision by appearances, by what the eye can see.
There is one line in the passage today that highlights their crucial mistake:
"(They) did not inquire of the LORD."Joshua 9:14
Once again, the life of faith teeters on the this principle. Just how dependent on God are we willing to be? When everything looks clear cut, do we need to ask God? This passage tells us, looks can be deceiving. The opportunity might look great. The future might seem fabulous! The risk might seem low. But who knows what is really happening?
Only God knows the hearts of people and the future. Only God knows the full truth of a situation. We must never forget, there are people and spirits "lurking around", out to deceive us. Our sight must be totally dependent upon the LORD vision.
This works both ways. Some opportunity that looks fabulous might be disastrous. Some situation that does not look at all promising might hold the most incredible future.
Once the mistake was made and recognized, Joshua remained righteous. He kept his promise to the deceivers, but also put a boundary around them; he controlled their ability to effect the progress of his people.
Each story has something to teach us. Today, may our awareness be heightened. May we not jump at opportunities which seem fabulous without consulting God first. May it never be said of us, they were deceived because they did not inquire of the LORD.
Be Thou, my vision, O LORD of my heart.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Day 83: Whose side is God on?
Today's Reading: Joshua 5-8
There is a question asked frequently during times of political debate and war: "Whose side is God on?" Both sides have people praying to protect and advance their troops. With whom does God side?
Each side presumes God is on their side, for their cause.
In today's scripture, Joshua asks a man with a drawn sword, "Are you for us or for our adversaries?"
The man reveals himself as the captain of the host/army of the LORD. He basically says, "I'm not a side taker; I am one who follows the commands and leads the army of the LORD."
So we ask the wrong question. This should not surprise us. It seems we find ourselves in the good company of Adam and Eve, Job, Noah, Joseph and Moses. They too at one time or another were focusing on the wrong question, the wrong issue.
The right question is "Who is on the LORD's side?"
There is an old hymn in some dusty and worn out hymnals on some hidden away church shelves. The famous hymnist, Frances Ridley Havergal, wrote these words:
The next time we pray for our country, let us remember our loyalty and ask the proper question.
There is a question asked frequently during times of political debate and war: "Whose side is God on?" Both sides have people praying to protect and advance their troops. With whom does God side?
Each side presumes God is on their side, for their cause.
In today's scripture, Joshua asks a man with a drawn sword, "Are you for us or for our adversaries?"
The man reveals himself as the captain of the host/army of the LORD. He basically says, "I'm not a side taker; I am one who follows the commands and leads the army of the LORD."
So we ask the wrong question. This should not surprise us. It seems we find ourselves in the good company of Adam and Eve, Job, Noah, Joseph and Moses. They too at one time or another were focusing on the wrong question, the wrong issue.
The right question is "Who is on the LORD's side?"
There is an old hymn in some dusty and worn out hymnals on some hidden away church shelves. The famous hymnist, Frances Ridley Havergal, wrote these words:
Who is on the Lord’s side? Who will serve the King?
Who will be His helpers, other lives to bring?
Who will leave the world’s side? Who will face the foe?
Who is on the Lord’s side? Who for Him will go?
By Thy call of mercy, by Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side—Savior, we are Thine!
Not for weight of glory, nor for crown and palm,
Enter we the army, raise the warrior psalm;
But for love that claimeth lives for whom He died:
He whom Jesus nameth must be on His side.
By Thy love constraining, by Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side—Savior, we are Thine!
Jesus, Thou hast bought us, not with gold or gem,
But with Thine own life blood, for Thy diadem;
With Thy blessing filling each who comes to Thee,
Thou hast made us willing, Thou hast made us free.
By Thy grand redemption, by Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side—Savior, we are Thine!
Fierce may be the conflict, strong may be the foe,
But the King’s own army none can overthrow;
’Round His standard ranging, victory is secure,
For His truth unchanging makes the triumph sure.
Joyfully enlisting, by Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side—Savior, we are Thine!
Chosen to be soldiers, in an alien land,
Chosen, called, and faithful, for our Captain’s band,
In the service royal, let us not grow cold;
Let us be right loyal, noble, true and bold.
Master, Thou wilt keep us, by Thy grace divine,
Always on the Lord’s side—Savior, always Thine!
The next time we pray for our country, let us remember our loyalty and ask the proper question.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Day 82: Bet Shawnee Khoot
Today's Reading: Joshua 1-4
There are some surprising stories in the Bible. These are the stories where, as you are reading along, you think, "Did I just read what I thought I read?"
Today, we have the tribes of Israel pledging allegiance to their new leader with words like, "All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go." These words in and of themselves are shocking, but the words that follow really make me scratch my head. "Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you."
Have they been in the same story I've been reading all these last 40+ days? I surely have not seem much "obedience in all things." Have you?
Then, Joshua sends out a scouting group; and where do they lodge for the night? Not the Best Western. They lodge with a known prostitute. Can you imagine sending the leaders of your church on a journey and finding out later that they stayed at a cat house!
These stories are really shocking. I find that I read along, read along, and because I've heard them so many times, I sometimes miss the irony; the shocking, naked truths so blatantly expressed.
And don't you love the "deal" between the harlot and the spies? The Israelites allow the harlot to lie for them, they promise to save the harlot and whomever she can get in her home, and vow their lives to her if she hangs a scarlet cord out her window. Talk about intrigue. This reminds me of a James Bond film.
The red light district now has a red cord hanging out the window. It would have had to have been some sort of signal unnoticed by the rest of the visitors to the house of ill repute. It was a house of women. The cord could have been a menstrual cloth, soaked in blood.
The house of the scarlet cord--bet shawnee khoot.
The theological images run rampant in this story. The lowest and most outcast of society become the heroes of the story. People gather under a roof to be saved from the angel of death. Red/blood is the signal of salvation.
In this story we hear the echos of stories past and yet to come. Sounds a little like the ark story---salvation to all under one roof. Sounds like Passover all over again---red blood markings to signal the messengers of death to avoid anyone within the walls of this home. Sounds like the tabernacle sanctuary where scarlet curtains hung representing the sacrifices. Sounds like baptism---you shall be saved; you and your household by the blood of the lamb. Sounds like most of Jesus' stories where those outside the faith community in positions of disdain become the ones who act faithfully and are lifted up as examples.
So who are you in this story?
Are you the James Bond spies, chosen as the leaders of the church on a dangerous mission?
Are you the outcast "harlot?"
Are you someone who hears death is looming and so you run to a house for sanctuary?
Are you in the Bet Shawnee Khoot?
There are some surprising stories in the Bible. These are the stories where, as you are reading along, you think, "Did I just read what I thought I read?"
Today, we have the tribes of Israel pledging allegiance to their new leader with words like, "All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go." These words in and of themselves are shocking, but the words that follow really make me scratch my head. "Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you."
Have they been in the same story I've been reading all these last 40+ days? I surely have not seem much "obedience in all things." Have you?
Then, Joshua sends out a scouting group; and where do they lodge for the night? Not the Best Western. They lodge with a known prostitute. Can you imagine sending the leaders of your church on a journey and finding out later that they stayed at a cat house!
These stories are really shocking. I find that I read along, read along, and because I've heard them so many times, I sometimes miss the irony; the shocking, naked truths so blatantly expressed.
And don't you love the "deal" between the harlot and the spies? The Israelites allow the harlot to lie for them, they promise to save the harlot and whomever she can get in her home, and vow their lives to her if she hangs a scarlet cord out her window. Talk about intrigue. This reminds me of a James Bond film.
The red light district now has a red cord hanging out the window. It would have had to have been some sort of signal unnoticed by the rest of the visitors to the house of ill repute. It was a house of women. The cord could have been a menstrual cloth, soaked in blood.
The house of the scarlet cord--bet shawnee khoot.
The theological images run rampant in this story. The lowest and most outcast of society become the heroes of the story. People gather under a roof to be saved from the angel of death. Red/blood is the signal of salvation.
In this story we hear the echos of stories past and yet to come. Sounds a little like the ark story---salvation to all under one roof. Sounds like Passover all over again---red blood markings to signal the messengers of death to avoid anyone within the walls of this home. Sounds like the tabernacle sanctuary where scarlet curtains hung representing the sacrifices. Sounds like baptism---you shall be saved; you and your household by the blood of the lamb. Sounds like most of Jesus' stories where those outside the faith community in positions of disdain become the ones who act faithfully and are lifted up as examples.
So who are you in this story?
Are you the James Bond spies, chosen as the leaders of the church on a dangerous mission?
Are you the outcast "harlot?"
Are you someone who hears death is looming and so you run to a house for sanctuary?
Are you in the Bet Shawnee Khoot?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)