Listen to what the LORD says:
"Stand up, plead your case before the mountains;
let the hills hear what you have to say.
Hear, O mountains, the LORD'S accusation;
listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth.
For the LORD has a case against his people;
he is lodging a charge against Israel.
"My people, what have I done to you?
How have I burdened you? Answer me.
I brought you up out of Egypt
and redeemed you from the land of slavery.
I sent Moses to lead you,
also Aaron and Miriam.
My people, remember
what Balak king of Moab counseled
and what Balaam son of Beor answered.
Remember [your journey] from Shittim to Gilgal,
that you may know the righteous acts of the LORD."
"With what shall I come before the LORD
and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God."
Notice that God makes reference to the Exodus and the crossing of the Jordan River.
What is the primary complaint that God has against his people?
What does God want from his people?
How can remembering the Exodus (and the crossing of the Jordan) help the people understand what God desires?
What does it mean to "act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God"?
How does this passage apply to us?
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Rejecting Cords of Human Kindness
Hosea 11
"When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.
But the more I called Israel,
the further they went from me.
They sacrificed to the Baals
and they burned incense to images.
It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms;
but they did not realize
it was I who healed them.
I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love;
I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them.
"Will they not return to Egypt
and will not Assyria rule over them because they refuse to repent?
Swords will flash in their cities,
will destroy the bars of their gates and put an end to their plans.
My people are determined to turn from me. Even if they call to the Most High, he will by no means exalt them.
"How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim?
My heart is changed within me;
all my compassion is aroused.
I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim.
For I am God, and not man—
the Holy One among you.
I will not come in wrath.
They will follow the LORD?
he will roar like a lion.
When he roars,
his children will come trembling from the west.
They will come trembling
like birds from Egypt,
like doves from Assyria.
I will settle them in their homes," declares the LORD.
Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, the house of Israel with deceit. And Judah is unruly against God, even against the faithful Holy One.
Questions:
1. What is the primary complaint that God has against his people?
2. How does God characterize his relationship with his people?
3. How have the people rejected God’s "cords of human kindness," his "ties of love"?
4. What internal struggle does God reveal in this passage?
5. How does this passage apply to us?
"When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.
But the more I called Israel,
the further they went from me.
They sacrificed to the Baals
and they burned incense to images.
It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms;
but they did not realize
it was I who healed them.
I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love;
I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them.
"Will they not return to Egypt
and will not Assyria rule over them because they refuse to repent?
Swords will flash in their cities,
will destroy the bars of their gates and put an end to their plans.
My people are determined to turn from me. Even if they call to the Most High, he will by no means exalt them.
"How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim?
My heart is changed within me;
all my compassion is aroused.
I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim.
For I am God, and not man—
the Holy One among you.
I will not come in wrath.
They will follow the LORD?
he will roar like a lion.
When he roars,
his children will come trembling from the west.
They will come trembling
like birds from Egypt,
like doves from Assyria.
I will settle them in their homes," declares the LORD.
Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, the house of Israel with deceit. And Judah is unruly against God, even against the faithful Holy One.
Questions:
1. What is the primary complaint that God has against his people?
2. How does God characterize his relationship with his people?
3. How have the people rejected God’s "cords of human kindness," his "ties of love"?
4. What internal struggle does God reveal in this passage?
5. How does this passage apply to us?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Another Exodus - Another Call to Remember
Joshua 4:4-7 & 21-24
So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, and said to them, "Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you.
In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."
He said to the Israelites, "In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the LORD your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The LORD your God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God."
Take the time to read all of Joshua 4, along with chapter 3. This will help you better understand the context of the words we will examine. The book of Joshua describes the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land; this is after 40 years of wilderness wandering.
What is the nature of the memorial that Joshua asks the men to make?
What are they to do? Why?
Why is God concerned with telling the Story from one generation to another?
How does the Exodus story get tied to the crossing of the Jordan?
In what ways do we tell the Story to our children?
So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, and said to them, "Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you.
In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."
He said to the Israelites, "In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the LORD your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The LORD your God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God."
Take the time to read all of Joshua 4, along with chapter 3. This will help you better understand the context of the words we will examine. The book of Joshua describes the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land; this is after 40 years of wilderness wandering.
What is the nature of the memorial that Joshua asks the men to make?
What are they to do? Why?
Why is God concerned with telling the Story from one generation to another?
How does the Exodus story get tied to the crossing of the Jordan?
In what ways do we tell the Story to our children?
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Remembering the Basics
Deuteronomy 26:5-11
Then you shall declare before the LORD your God: "My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down into Egypt with a few people and lived there and became a great nation, powerful and numerous.
But the Egyptians mistreated us and made us suffer, putting us to hard labor. Then we cried out to the LORD, the God of our fathers, and the LORD heard our voice and saw our misery, toil and oppression. So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with miraculous signs and wonders.
He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey; and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, O LORD, have given me."
Place the basket before the LORD your God and bow down before him. And you and the Levites and the aliens among you shall rejoice in all the good things the LORD your God has given to you and your household.
Please take the time to read all of Deuteronomy 26. This will help you better understand the context of the words we will examine. Note that these words are spoken in the context of how to give back to the Lord.
What story is remembered/recited as the offering is made?
Why?
What kind of response does the story require? See verse 10.
How does the Exodus story affect our worship today?
Then you shall declare before the LORD your God: "My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down into Egypt with a few people and lived there and became a great nation, powerful and numerous.
But the Egyptians mistreated us and made us suffer, putting us to hard labor. Then we cried out to the LORD, the God of our fathers, and the LORD heard our voice and saw our misery, toil and oppression. So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with miraculous signs and wonders.
He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey; and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, O LORD, have given me."
Place the basket before the LORD your God and bow down before him. And you and the Levites and the aliens among you shall rejoice in all the good things the LORD your God has given to you and your household.
Please take the time to read all of Deuteronomy 26. This will help you better understand the context of the words we will examine. Note that these words are spoken in the context of how to give back to the Lord.
What story is remembered/recited as the offering is made?
Why?
What kind of response does the story require? See verse 10.
How does the Exodus story affect our worship today?
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Journeying Back to the Exodus Story
Acts 7:20-36
"At that time Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child. For three months he was cared for in his father’s house. When he was placed outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.
"When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his fellow Israelites. He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defense and avenged him by killing the Egyptian. Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not. The next day Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them by saying, ‘Men, you are brothers; why do you want to hurt each other?’
"But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us? Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’ When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons.
"After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to look more closely, he heard the Lord’s voice: ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look.
"Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals; the place where you are standing is holy ground. I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’
"This is the same Moses whom they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. He led them out of Egypt and did wonders and miraculous signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and for forty years in the desert."
Take the time to read beyond our selected text. To better understand the context please read Acts 6:8 - 7:60. As Stephen defends himself he helps us enter the Exodus Story. The story is found originally in Exodus 12-14.
How does Stephen describe Moses?
How did God work through the misunderstanding/disappointment Moses experienced with his fellow Israelites?
Find a quiet place and try imagining the burning bush experience (see Exodus 3).
What has God seen and heard?
What does God want Moses to do?
"At that time Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child. For three months he was cared for in his father’s house. When he was placed outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.
"When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his fellow Israelites. He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defense and avenged him by killing the Egyptian. Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not. The next day Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them by saying, ‘Men, you are brothers; why do you want to hurt each other?’
"But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us? Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’ When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons.
"After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to look more closely, he heard the Lord’s voice: ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look.
"Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals; the place where you are standing is holy ground. I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’
"This is the same Moses whom they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. He led them out of Egypt and did wonders and miraculous signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and for forty years in the desert."
Take the time to read beyond our selected text. To better understand the context please read Acts 6:8 - 7:60. As Stephen defends himself he helps us enter the Exodus Story. The story is found originally in Exodus 12-14.
How does Stephen describe Moses?
How did God work through the misunderstanding/disappointment Moses experienced with his fellow Israelites?
Find a quiet place and try imagining the burning bush experience (see Exodus 3).
What has God seen and heard?
What does God want Moses to do?
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Christmas 2008
You know the old exchange?
Are you working hard?
No, I'm hardly working.
Well, I usually fall into the former category, but his week it will be the latter.
I have a few things I have to do (and don't mind doing), but for the most part I am going to try spend time with my family.
I will probably do a few posts here, but I am not even sure about that.
Are you working hard?
No, I'm hardly working.
Well, I usually fall into the former category, but his week it will be the latter.
I have a few things I have to do (and don't mind doing), but for the most part I am going to try spend time with my family.
I will probably do a few posts here, but I am not even sure about that.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Jesus and Children
Mark 10:13-16
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
Why were people bringing their children to Jesus?
Why were the disciples upset?
How are we to become like children?
What do you think it means that Jesus "blessed" the children?
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
Why were people bringing their children to Jesus?
Why were the disciples upset?
How are we to become like children?
What do you think it means that Jesus "blessed" the children?
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Laodicea
Revelation 3:14-22
"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
What is the overall point of this passage? How would you summarize it in a sentence or two?
How does Jesus describe himself?
For what does Jesus commend this church?
What does Jesus have against this church?
What promise does he provide?
How do you think this letter applies to our church?
"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
What is the overall point of this passage? How would you summarize it in a sentence or two?
How does Jesus describe himself?
For what does Jesus commend this church?
What does Jesus have against this church?
What promise does he provide?
How do you think this letter applies to our church?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
