Jesus Says, "Don't Get Caught with Your Pants Down"

Hello, again! Glad you stopped by today!


Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Mon, Apr 27: What does Samuel call upon the Lord to send down that made all the people stand in awe of the Lord and of Samuel? (I Sam 12)
1 Samuel 12:18 18 Then Samuel called upon the LORD, and that same day the LORD sent thunder and rain. So all the people stood in awe of the LORD and of Samuel.

And here's the question of the day:
Tues, Apr 28: What did Saul do that grieved God and Samuel so much? (I Sam 15)


And here's the reflection of the day:
Today, I've decided to tackle Mark 13, the kind of chapter that creates a multitude of emotions in Christians (and even in non-Christians, if they stop to think about such things). Any time our thoughts turn toward "the end"--whether it's the end of the world or just the end of our individual lives--we are filled with both fear and excitement: fear because we don't exactly to know what "the end" is going to be like and excitement because what we do know about heaven sounds like paradise. These are the things we think about when we attend funerals and celebrate the anniversary of the passing of a loved one and even when we experience a new birth. Most of us would probably be surprised at just how often we consider "the end."

For all this thinking about "end of days" (again either the end of the world or just our own personal end), we seem to have lost the sense of watchfulness that Mark talks about at the end of this chapter. Jesus cautions us to be watchful, but that was two millennia ago. Do we still have to be watchful today?

Pheme Perkins, author of the Mark commentary in the New International Bible Commentary series, uses the following illustration in terms of watchfulness:

". . . many Christians today assume that the word about watchfulness has no significance for them. Yet we all know that human life is fleeting. A young man was murdered on the streets of a large city merely for asking some youths why they were verbally tormenting an elderly man. The young man’s fiancée discovers that her whole world has dissolved. Fortunately, the last words they had exchanged concerned love and their hopes for the future. A young woman went to pick up her infant from his nap and discovered that he had died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Unfortunately, her last interaction with the baby had been one of anger and frustration over the child’s fussing and crying. Both women are in terrible pain. They have been stripped of what they love most in the whole world. But the young mother has to face the nagging regret that she did not show her baby the love she feels for him in the last hours she spent with him. On a personal level, such stories remind us that we should be watchful as Christians."

Jesus says, "Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come." It's true, we do not know when "that day" will come, nor do we know when "our day" will come.

Now, you may think this is a rather macabre topic of discussion. But it doesn't have to be. This kind of conversation is more about how we choose to LIVE, than what it will be like to die. Look at it from this angle: what better way to evaluate how well we are pleasing God by living as His faithful disciples, then to consider more carefully our words and actions in every situation?

May I make a suggestion? Early Christians practiced a spiritual discipline called "examen." It is a time, at the end of the day, when they assessed how their behavior of the day (from the time your foot hits the floor in the AM til they were tucked at night) and whether it reflected positively or negatively what is expected of all Christians. It's a very helpful practice in watchfulness. Once one is in the habit of reviewing and evaluating one's day in light of God's commandments, one is better able to follow God's commandments as the time goes by.

Perkins remarks, "Being a faithful Christian does not just 'happen' like crabgrass or dandelions popping up in the lawn. It requires the care, attention, and cultivation of an expert gardener." I would say that being "watchful" doesn't just happen like crabgrass or dandelions either. Faithfulness and watchfulness come with intentionality and steadiness.

Jesus cautions us to be "Be alert! Be on guard." But I don't think He means He wants us to always be looking to the sky for a sign of the end of days. He just doesn't want us, as the saying goes, to get caught with our pants down, when He comes again. Just love your God, love your neighbor, and spread the Good News. Focus on these things, and you'll be fine, whenever the end might come!

Have a splendid day!
Allison

Asta la vista, Samuel?

Good morning! Those darn birds were back again this morning, cheeping and chirping away MUCH earlier than they should be, so I was up early again. However, since I did NOT get my nap yesterday, it was early to bed and early to rise for me. (Even though it wasn't "early to bed, early to blog"!) Here we go!


Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Sun, Apr 26 What was the condition Nahash the Ammonite wanted to put on the treaty with Jabesh Gilead? (I Sam 11)
1 Samuel 11:2 2 But Nahash the Ammonite replied, "I will make a treaty with you only on the condition that I gouge out the right eye of every one of you and so bring disgrace on all Israel." (I TOLD YOU IT WAS GROSS!)

And here's the question of the day:
Mon, Apr 27: What does Samuel call upon the Lord to send down that made all the people stand in awe of the Lord and of Samuel? (I Sam 12)


And here's the reflection of the day:
Samuel's speech, in I Samuel 12, kind of sounds like a farewell speech, doesn't it? He gathers the people of Israel to him and notes that they will soon have a king instead of a prophet guiding them. He is "old and gray" (v 2). They affirm that he has "not cheated or oppressed us" (v 4). He recounts for them the "evidence before the Lord as to all the righteous acts performed by the Lord for you and your fathers" ( v 7). Sounds like it's Samuel saying, "Asta la vista, baby" to the Israelites.

But it's not really his goodbye. Later on in the chapter, Samuel lets them know this isn't the last time they'll hear from him: "As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right" (v 23). He will continue to pray for them; he will continue to speak God's words to them and teach them what is good and right.

He knows that times, they are a-changing. Things will be different now that Israel will have a king. His role is changing. This speech is not his farewell speech; it is a transition speech. Israel is on the cusp of something new and Samuel knows that nothing will ever be the same.

And like so many of us, Samuel seems a little suspicious of change because he cautions Israel, "24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 25 Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away." Samuel is not totally opposed to doing things in a new way; he just has concerns that Israel is pinning all its hopes and dreams on a king, rather than on God.

What a great reminder Samuel has for the church today! Because membership has been in decline in a lot of mainline denominations, churches are trying new things, finding new ways to reach new people with the good news. And doing things in a new way always creates concern and suspicion in the minds of some people. Concern and suspicion are not always bad; they keep us honest in new endeavors: is our new thing faithful? are we putting all our hopes in the new things we are doing instead of in God?

We haven't heard the last of Samuel yet. (After all, there is a 2 Samuel!) But let us keep his caution in the backs of our minds, in new things as well as old things. God should always be the focus and priority of our lives and worship!

Have a splendid day!
Allison

The Divine Baggage Handler, Sunday Sermon

I think I would rather be woken up by an alarm clock than by the chirping of the birds. Isn't that ridiculous?! I slept with the windows open last night and woke up much earlier than I wanted to because of all the squawking and cheeping. (I love onomatopoeia!) Grr.

At any rate, here are the latest Q&As and the sermon I'll be preaching in a few hours. Hope you have a great time at worship this morning!

Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Sat, Apr 25 Where did Jesus go once he entered Jerusalem? What did he do there? (Mark 11)
Mark 11:11 1 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

And here's the question of the day:
Sun, Apr 26 What was the condition Nahash the Ammonite wanted to put on the treaty with Jabesh Gilead? (I Sam 11) (THE ANSWER IS PRETTY GROSS!)


And here's the Sunday Sermon:
The Divine Baggage Handler

PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Let us pray: Gracious God, shine the light of your Spirit upon us as we hear these words of Scripture read and proclaimed. Reveal your saving presence in these words, and lead us further down the path of faith. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: 1 Samuel 10:17-24
17 Samuel summoned the people of Israel to the LORD at Mizpah 18 and said to them, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I brought Israel up out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the power of Egypt and all the kingdoms that oppressed you.'

19 But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all your calamities and distresses. And you have said, 'No, set a king over us.' So now present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans."

20 When Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, the tribe of Benjamin was chosen. 21 Then he brought forward the tribe of Benjamin, clan by clan, and Matri's clan was chosen. Finally Saul son of Kish was chosen.

But when they looked for him, he was not to be found. 22 So they inquired further of the LORD, "Has the man come here yet?" And the LORD said, "Yes, he has hidden himself among the baggage."

23 They ran and brought him out, and as he stood among the people he was a head taller than any of the others. 24 Samuel said to all the people, "Do you see the man the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people." Then the people shouted, "Long live the king!"

The grass withers and the flower fades but the Word of the Lord endures forever, Amen.

INTRODUCTION
Israel has come a long way. They started out as a scraggly band of men and women, struggling to figure out how to live out their faith in God. They have been in slavery and been set free. They have been lost in the wilderness and God guided them through it. Now, they have entered the Promised Land and are ready to settle down. And part of settling down involves establishing a government and electing some leaders to help them get organized.

So, the Israelites think about all the other nations they have come into contact with and what kind of government they have. The Israelites decide they want to be like everybody else; they want a king.

However, God is not real keen on this decision; God would prefer that Israel continue to be guided by prophets like Moses, back in the good old days, and, more recently, prophets like Samuel, whom we are reading about today. Prophets are God’s spokespersons so of course God would prefer a prophet to be their leader.

But that’s not what the people want. They want a king. So, God decides, a king they shall have, but the king will be of God’s own choosing.

Samuel gathers all the tribes of Israel together and begins to sort through the possible candidates. He finally settles on the tribe of Benjamin, the clan of Matri, and the son of Kish, named Saul.

The first king of Israel is named . . . Saul is ready to be crowned, and . . . no one can find him. The crowd gathered there begins to buzz—“Where did he go?” they ask. “He was just here a minute ago. What happened?” Saul, the first king of Israel, is hiding in the baggage.

#1
I never really wanted to be a pastor. I was happy hiding in the baggage, like Saul. Hiding in the baggage is easy to do. It’s not exactly comfortable to hide in the baggage, but it’s safe because you think no one will notice you.

I enjoyed hiding in the baggage: I always went to church, was always involved as a participant, but never really was a leader of anything. Being a pastor was the last thing I was thinking about in high school and college. I was safe and secure, hidden in the baggage, just doing my own thing, flying below the radar.

Then my Samuel came along. Actually, I had a bunch of Samuels in my life. And these Samuels started volunteering me for things that I could not do while I was still hiding in the baggage.

So, just like Saul was trying to keep his head down and not get noticed by the Israelites who were searching for a king, I kept my head down and avoided making eye contact. But God found Saul hiding in the baggage, and He found me there too.

And you want to know why I was hiding in the baggage? The very same reason I think Saul was hiding in the baggage. The same reason I think ALL of us spend our fair share hiding in the baggage. And that reason is FEAR. We hide in the baggage because we are AFRAID of what might happen if we come out of hiding.

I was terrified of the responsibility of being a pastor, of trying to a pastor to people who have been a Christian longer than I have even been alive, and believe it or not, I was TERRIFIED of speaking in front of people. When I used to sit in the pews, preaching a sermon seemed like the most painful thing to do—and sometimes the most painful thing to listen to. Why would I want to be the one up front boring people on a Sunday morning?!

My Samuels were calling my name, but fear kept me hiding in the baggage. And for a while, I was safe. But God pointed out Saul’s hiding place in the baggage to all the Israelites who had gathered, and He pointed out mine too.

#2
It seems to me that, on this bright and beautiful Sunday morning, you are either a Samuel or a Saul.

If you are a Samuel, you are a helper of God, looking for new leaders for God’s people. You are looking for talents in people that have yet to be discovered. You are trying to match the gifts you see in people with places they can serve in the church. If you are a Samuel, you are a prayerful person who has already found your niche in the church. And now you want to help others find the place where they fit in too.

If you are a Saul, then you are probably still hiding amongst the suitcases and backpacks. You are uncertain and hesitant, keeping your head down and hoping no one asks you to do anything. You have plenty of gifts and skills and talents, but you’re not sure how those fit in the church. Maybe you’re not even sure you want to be that much a part of the church. But you have a Samuel who is calling your name and depending on you, and you have a God who is ready to help you stand up, head and shoulders above the crowd just like Saul.

Samuel and Saul both had their marching orders from God. Neither one had an easy time with those marching orders either. Speaking for God is a dangerous thing to do, especially when people don’t want to hear some of the more harsh things God has to say to us. Samuel’s job isn’t easy. And it’s not easy to stand up like Saul did and accept the job God was offering to him. Being the king of Israel—the FIRST king of Israel—was something Saul was clueless about, yet he was able to put aside his fear, and crawl out of his hiding place among the baggage.

I’m willing to bet that you all fit into one of these two categories: you’re either a Samuel or you’re a Saul. One is not better or easier than the other; both are necessary for God’s work to be accomplished here on earth. I’m not gonna tell you which category you belong in; that’s for you and God to decide. I AM, however, going to tell you that you belong to one of those categories and God has a job just for you for you to do.

CONCLUSION
Our God is a Divine baggage handler—He stands on the runway, tossing suitcases into the plane and He finds the Sauls who are trying to hide away. The church is actually full of baggage searches—God is always on the lookout for people with the gifts to serve. And God is intent on finding especially those who are hiding in the baggage.

And when fear begins to hold us back because we think we aren’t smart enough or a good enough speaker, God reminds us that He doesn’t call those who are equipped; God equips those whom He calls.

Thanks be to God, the Divine Baggage Handler, who calls all of us out of hiding and gives us all that we need to serve Him faithfully.

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

BENEDICTION
Another one of God’s prophets gives us this reassurance: God tells Isaiah, and us, “I have chosen you and not cast you off; do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” (Isa 41:9b-10).

If you are a Samuel, look around for someone to encourage. If you are a Saul, gird up your loins and get out of the baggage. God has work for all of us to do.

And go, in peace, to love and serve the Lord, in the name of the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.


I'm already looking forward to my Sunday afternoon nap. Darn birds. . .
Allison

Computer Malfunction

Well, all in all, I haven't been very disciplined this week, have I? The main problem has been a computer malfunction wherein my laptop is no longer recognizing my wireless card. And then there was the beautiful weather and that spectacular Penguins game. . . time just got away from me. But I'm back on-line now (thanks for my IT person [aka my mom]) and determined to get back on track now. So, let's get down it.


Here's the question and answer from Wednesday:
Weds, Apr 22 What kind of event does Psalm 45 celebrate?
A wedding


Thursday's question and answer:
Thurs, Apr 23 What does the voice that came from the cloud say during the Transfiguration? (Mark 9)
Mark 9:7 Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"

Friday's question and answer:
Fri, Apr 24 The priests and diviners told the Philistines to return the ark to the Israelites along with “five gold __________ and five gold ___________” (I Sam 6)
1 Samuel 6:4-5 4 The Philistines asked, "What guilt offering should we send to him?" They replied, "Five gold tumors and five gold rats, according to the number of the Philistine rulers, because the same plague has struck both you and your rulers. 5 Make models of the tumors and of the rats that are destroying the country, and pay honor to Israel's god. Perhaps he will lift his hand from you and your gods and your land.
(ewww)

And, lastly, today's question:
Sat, Apr 25 Where did Jesus go once he entered Jerusalem? What did he do there? (Mark 11)

I'll be back tomorrow morning for a reflection! Go Penguins! And keep your fingers crossed for the Steelers and the draft!
Allison

Ugh . .

. . . I've succumbed to the cold that everyone around me seems to be getting. So, I'm going to take some medicine and go back to bed. Until I resurface, here are the questions/answers from this week so far.

Here's the question and answer from Monday:
Mon, Apr 20 What happened, in those days when Israel had no king? (Judges 21)
Judges 21:25 25 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.

Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Tues, Apr 21 Why did Ruth find such favor in the eyes of Boaz? (Ruth 2)
Ruth 2:11-12 11 Boaz replied, "I've been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband-- how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. 12 May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."

And here's the question of the day:
Weds, Apr 22 What kind of event does Psalm 45 celebrate?

*sniff* I'll see if I can get my brain working later today to do a reflection. . .
Allison

Jerusalem Syndrome

I'm ba-ack! Though South Carolina was nice, it's good to be home again and in my own bed. I don't seem to sleep very well away from home. So, though I drove for 11 hours constantly blowing my nose, there's no time for a sick day, although maybe I can sneak in a nap this afternoon. . . Anyway, back to business.

Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Sun, Apr 19 How many Benjamites were killed when God (and the Israelites) struck them down? (Judges 20)
Judges 20:35 The LORD defeated Benjamin before Israel, and on that day the Israelites struck down 25,100 Benjamites, all armed with swords.

And here's the question of the day:
Mon, Apr 20 What happened, in those days when Israel had no king? (Judges 21)


And here's the reflection of the day:
There are a lot of angles from which to come at Mark 7. At least, Lamar Williamson, Jr has come up with a number of angles in his commentary on Mark (Interpretation series). Instead of going through a couple of them, I'm going to focus on one that was new to me.

In verse one, Williamson points out, the people opposing Jesus (the Pharisees and teachers of the law) came "from Jerusalem." Jerusalem is the center of the opposition to Jesus. Jerusalem is where Jesus goes to be tried, found guilty, and crucified.

Those who "came from Jerusalem" were trying to protect the "tradition of the elders" and maintaining appearances. They would not tolerate any break with tradition OR innovation within the tradition. But Jesus balks against this rigidity, claiming as Isaiah did, that though the Pharisees honor God with their lips, "their hearts are far from Me."

This is the "Jerusalem syndrome," as Williamson calls it. "In every religious community, there are some who 'come from Jerusalem'" and these tendencies lurk inside each one of us (Williamson, 136). Each time we read this passage, it calls us to consider in what way each one of us might be suffering from "Jerusalem syndrome."

Look inside yourself. Do you have any symptoms of the Jerusalem syndrome--places where you honor God with your lips but your hearts are far away from God? I know I do. It's time to confess and to realize that we need to hold on to the commands of God and let go of the traditions of humans (v 9).

Allison

Sunday

Last day of vacation for me, which means MANY hours in the car traveling home. I'll see you back here Monday morning to get back to Qs&As AND reflecting. It may not be bright and early, but I'll be here eventually. . .

Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Sat, Apr 18 When Jesus sends the disciples out, how many does he send together? (Mark 6)
Mark 6:7 7 Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.

And here's the question of the day:
Sun, Apr 19 How many Benjamites were killed when God (and the Israelites) struck them down? (Judges 20)


Have a great day!

Saturday

Hello, again! Thanks for stopping by. I'm still on vacation, so no reflection today, just the Qs&As.

Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Fri, Apr 17 Where was Delilah from? (Judges 16)
Judges 16:4 4 Some time later, he fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah.
**Hmm, as I re-read this Q&A, I think I read it wrong. It seems that's where she WAS, not where she was FROM. Sorry about that.

And here's the question of the day:
Sat, Apr 18 When Jesus sends the disciples out, how many does he send together? (Mark 6)

Friday

Good morning!

Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Thurs, Apr 16 What was Jesus doing in the boat when the storm blew up suddenly? (Mark 4)
Mark 4:38 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion.

And here's the question of the day:
Fri, Apr 17 Where was Delilah from? (Judges 16)


The sun is shining in here! Hope the weather wherever you are is equally nice!
Allison

On Vacation

Hello, friends! No good excuse for skipping the blog yesterday. I just got lazy! Sorry. . .

I'm also on vacation Thursday through Sunday. So, I'll schedule the next couple days posts with the questions and answers but I'm not going to reflect.


Here's the question and answer from Tuesday:
Tues, Apr 14 What did God do when the Israelites disobeyed him? (Judges 10)
Judges 10:6-8 And because the Israelites forsook the LORD and no longer served him, 7 he became angry with them. He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites, 8 who that year shattered and crushed them.

And the question and answer from Wednesday:
Weds, Apr 15 Psalm 42 says, “Why are you downcast, O my soul?” Have you ever felt that way? How did you respond?
There's no right or wrong answer to this question.

And today's question of the day:
Thurs, Apr 16 What was Jesus doing in the storm when the storm blew up suddenly? (Mark 4)

Mark's Big Secret

Hello! I hoped you had a blessed Resurrection Sunday! Let's not waste any time. Since I took a little sabbath from blogging yesterday, I'll catch you up on all the qs and as. . .


Here's the question and answer from Sunday:
Sun, Apr 12 Who does the angel of the Lord appear to in Judges 6?
Judges 6:11 The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites.

Here's the question and answer from Monday:
Mon, Apr 13 At whose house does Jesus have dinner with many tax collectors and sinners? (Mark 2)
Mark 2:15 15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.

And here's the question of the day:
Tues, Apr 14 What did God do when the Israelites disobeyed him? (Judges 10)


And here's the reflection of the day:
Mark has a big secret in Mark 3. Well, that's not wholly true. It's Jesus who has the secret, but it doesn't seem to be much of a secret. In fact, demons and spirits keep blurting it out whenever Jesus comes near. Jesus quickly shushes them, giving "them strict orders not to tell who he was."

The secret is just what the evil spirits claim: "You are the Son of God." Which is totally true and EXACTLY what Jesus is trying to convince the disciples of! So, why keep it a secret? Especially now, when all the crowds are eagerly following him, straining and pushing to get closer to his healing power. The stage is set for the big revelation. But Jesus continues to shush them.

Students and scholars of Mark call this the "messianic secret." Mark, as a gospel writer, likes to communicate on two levels: at the narrative level, "characters in the story interact within an assumed framework of relationships, attitudes, and knowledge that becomes evident as the plot unfolds" (Lamar Williamson, Jr, Mark, Interpretation Commentary series).

The second level is the interaction between the writer and the READER--that's us. For example, Mark 1:1 says, "The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God." So, the reader knows who Jesus is, but it has not yet been revealed to the disciples and followers of Jesus Christ. In this level of communication, Mark enjoys using ambiguity, irony, paradox and lots of other literary devices we English majors love but drive others crazy!

So, this "messianic secret" is a little bit of irony (that is, the demons knowing who Jesus is even when the disciples don't). For Mark, Jesus cannot truly be known outside of the context of his passion, death, and resurrection, which Mark has gotten to yet. So to reveal Jesus' identity before he tells the whole story is do jump to the punchline before you've finished setting up the joke.

This "messianic" secret will keep popping up throughout the book. Keep your eyes peeled for those. Also, be on the lookout for other clues pointing toward Jesus' Passion, death, and resurrection. Mark drops a lot of hints along the way; we just have to notice them. (For example, Mark 3:6 says, "Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.")

So, is this a secret to keep or a secret to share? Perhaps that is the greatest irony of all--this is a secret Jesus wants us to share with everyone!!
Allison

Christ is risen!

He is risen indeed! Happy Easter! I hope you have a wonderful time at whatever worship service you attend today.


Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Sat, Apr 11 What Old Testament does the gospel of Mark quote in the first chapter? (Mark 1)
Mark 1:2 2 It is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way"--

And here's the question of the day:
Sun, Apr 12 Who does the angel of the Lord appear to in Judges 6?


Psalms 93
1 The LORD is king, he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed, he is girded with strength.
He has established the world; it shall never be moved;
2 your throne is established from of old;
you are from everlasting.
3 The floods have lifted up, O LORD,
the floods have lifted up their voice;
the floods lift up their roaring.
4 More majestic than the thunders of mighty waters,
more majestic than the waves of the sea,
majestic on high is the LORD!
5 Your decrees are very sure;
holiness befits your house,
O LORD, forevermore.

Luke 24:13-35
13Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16but their eyes were kept from recognizing him.

17And he said to them, "What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?" They stood still, looking sad. 18Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?" 19He asked them, "What things?"

They replied, "The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him."

25Then he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?" 27Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

28As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29But they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over." So he went in to stay with them.

30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight.

32They said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?" 33That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together.
34They were saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!" 35Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Holy Saturday

Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Fri, Apr 10 Who is the next to be in charge once Joshua dies? (Judg 1)
Judges 1:2 The LORD answered, "Judah is to go; I have given the land into their hands."

Question of the day:
Sat, Apr 11 What Old Testament does the gospel of Mark quote in the first chapter? (Mark 1)


Readings for Holy Saturday

Psalm 43
1 Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause
against an ungodly people;
from those who are deceitful and unjust
deliver me!
2 For you are the God in whom I take refuge;
why have you cast me off?
Why must I walk about mournfully
because of the oppression of the enemy?
3 O send out your light and your truth;
let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
and to your dwelling.
4 Then I will go to the altar of God,
to God my exceeding joy;
and I will praise you with the harp,
O God, my God.
5 Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my help and my God.

Hebrews 4:1-16
1 Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest is still open, let us take care that none of you should seem to have failed to reach it. 2 For indeed the good news came to us just as to them; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. 3 For we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, "As in my anger I swore, 'They shall not enter my rest'", though his works were finished at the foundation of the world. 4 For in one place it speaks about the seventh day as follows: "And God rested on the seventh day from all his works." 5 And again in this place it says, "They shall not enter my rest."

6 Since therefore it remains open for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 again he sets a certain day - "today" - saying through David much later, in the words already quoted, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."

8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not speak later about another day. 9 So then, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; 10 for those who enter God's rest also cease from their labors as God did from his. 11 Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through such disobedience as theirs.

12 Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.

14 Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.


I hope you "approach the throne of grace with boldness tomorrow" as we celebrate the resurrection!
Allison

Good Friday

It's Holy Week, so I'm going to depart from our normal Year of the Bible topics for my reflection. Like I did for Maundy Thursday, I'm including the Good Friday story for us to think and reflect on. But first, here are the qs and as.

Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Thurs, Apr 9 Why was all that was written in the past recorded in Scripture? (Rom 15)
Romans 15:4 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

And here's the question of the day:
Fri, Apr 10 Who is the next to be in charge once Joshua dies? (Judg 1)


GOOD FRIDAY
(Mark 14:43-50) 3 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.

44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard." 45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Rabbi!" and kissed him.

46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 48 "Am I leading a rebellion," said Jesus, "that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled."

50 Then everyone deserted him and fled.

(Mark 14:43-50) 3 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.

44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard." 45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Rabbi!" and kissed him.

46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 48 "Am I leading a rebellion," said Jesus, "that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled."

50 Then everyone deserted him and fled.


(Mark 14:53-65) 53 They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law came together.

54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire. 55 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56 Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. 57 Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: 58 "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this man-made temple and in three days will build another, not made by man.'"

59 Yet even then their testimony did not agree. 60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?" 61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.

Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" 62 "I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."

63 The high priest tore his clothes. "Why do we need any more witnesses?" he asked. 64 "You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?" They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65 Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, "Prophesy!" And the guards took him and beat him.

(Mark 14:66-72) 66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. "You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus," she said. 68 But he denied it. "I don't know or understand what you're talking about," he said, and went out into the entryway.

69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them." 70 Again he denied it.

After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean." 71 He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about."

72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept.

(Mark 14:66-72) 66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. "You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus," she said. 68 But he denied it. "I don't know or understand what you're talking about," he said, and went out into the entryway.

69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them." 70 Again he denied it.

After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean." 71 He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about."

72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept.

(Mark 15:1-15) 1 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.

2 "Are you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate. "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. 3 The chief priests accused him of many things. 4 So again Pilate asked him, "Aren't you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of." 5 But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.

6 Now it was the custom at the Feast to release a prisoner whom the people requested. 7 A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. 8 The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did. 9 "Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate, 10 knowing it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him.

11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead. 12 "What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?" Pilate asked them.

13 "Crucify him!" they shouted. 14 "Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!" 15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

(Mark 15:16-20) 16 The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. 17 They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. 18 And they began to call out to him, "Hail, king of the Jews!"

19 Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

(Mark 15:21-27) 21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. 22 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull).

23 Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. 25 It was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. 27 They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left.

(Mark 15:29-39) 29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross and save yourself!"

31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! 32 Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

33 At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"-- which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, he's calling Elijah." 36 One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down," he said.

37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. 38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"

(Mark 15:29-39) 29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross and save yourself!"

31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! 32 Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

33 At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"-- which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, he's calling Elijah." 36 One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down," he said.

37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. 38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"

(Mark 15:40 – 46) 40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.

42 It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body.

44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.

Maundy Thursday

MAUNDY THURSDAY

(Mark 14:1-9) 1 Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some sly way to arrest Jesus and kill him. 2 "But not during the Feast," they said, "or the people may riot."

3 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume? 5 It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor."
And they rebuked her harshly.

6 "Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8 She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9 I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

(Mark 14:10-25) 10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. 11 They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

12 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus' disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?" 13 So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 Say to the owner of the house he enters, 'The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 15 He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there."

16 The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. 17 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me-- one who is eating with me."

19 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, "Surely not I?" 20 "It is one of the Twelve," he replied, "one who dips bread into the bowl with me. 21 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born."

22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body." 23 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them. 25 "I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God."

Ambiguity

Well, it's Maundy Thursday. I hope you will be able to visit a local congregation this evening!

Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Weds, Apr 8 Why was there so much fuss and commotion when the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an altar when they returned to their side of the Jordan River? (Josh 22)
Joshua 22:16 6 "The whole assembly of the LORD says: 'How could you break faith with the God of Israel like this? How could you turn away from the LORD and build yourselves an altar in rebellion against him now? Joshua 22:29 29 "Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD and turn away from him today by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings and sacrifices, other than the altar of the LORD our God that stands before his tabernacle." Joshua 22:34 34 And the Reubenites and the Gadites gave the altar this name: A Witness Between Us that the LORD is God.

And here's the question of the day:
Thurs, Apr 9 Why was all that was written in the past recorded in Scripture? (Rom 15)


And here's the reflection of the day:
If I was going to choose one word to describe Psalm 39, I would choose "ambiguity." There is a blatant tension in this whole psalm--a tension between silence and speech and between hope and despair. The psalmist is worn down and desperate, yet clings to hope.

Taken all together, it might seem that the psalmist resigns himself to the futility of living. However, Psalm 39 should be read as a profession of faith; a statement of persevering in hope in what seems like a hopeless world.

Certainly we are each a finite creature, "a mere phantom" hustling and bustling about, seemingly living in vain. But our lowly status as "phantoms" does not mean that we are without significance in the grand scheme of things. This Psalmist continues to speak to God and for God; he is a partner WITH God in his mission and ministry.

And the psalmist speaks his way into hope. He doesn't just give up and throw in the towel when life becomes difficult. He persists in speaking to and for God and finds himself, amazing, still with hope to hold on to.

Psalm 39 is an excellent model for those who struggle, who may even feel ignored or abandoned by God. It is a model for clinging to the faith, as one walks through the valley of the shadow of death or job loss or divorce or debt or whatever the difficult circumstances might be for you.

It's not a Psalm I have considered in light of Holy Week, but could not the words of this psalm be the words of Jesus' disciples during those long three days?

"My hope is in you. . . . Hear my prayer, O Lord, listen to my cry for help. . . ."

Persevere in the faith!
Allison

Oh, it's Wednesday again...

...and that means I only have time to post questions for now. I'll be back later (hopefully) to blog later today!

Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Tues, Apr 7 What group complained to Joshua that they were too numerous for the one allotment and one portion of inheritance? (Josh 17)
Joshua 17:14 14 The people of Joseph said to Joshua, "Why have you given us only one allotment and one portion for an inheritance? We are a numerous people and the LORD has blessed us abundantly."

And here's the question of the day:
Weds, Apr 8 Why was there so much fuss and commotion when the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an altar when they returned to their side of the Jordan River? (Josh 22)

See you soon!
Allison

Hidden Theology

Hello! Glad you stopped by today!

Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Mon, Apr 6 What is the continuing debt that should always remain outstanding? (Rom 13)
Romans 13:8 8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

And here's the question of the day:
Tues, Apr 7 What group complained to Joshua that they were too numerous for the one allotment and one portion of inheritance? (Josh 17)

And here's the reflection of the day:
I hope you have managed to prop your eyelids open as you have been reading through these latest chapters in Joshua. You've probably just been skipping over his lists of tribes and territories. On the surface, it's not very stimulating reading. (However, if you're having trouble sleeping at night, Joshua 13-22 make for some good put-you-to-sleep material!)

BUT. . . I have discovered, through Creach's commentary on Joshua (in the Interpretation series) that there is some meaning, some theology hidden inside all these lists.

Creach acknowledges that these chapters (13-22) are "seldom appreciated" but have an "very important" theological role in the book of Joshua (p 97). You'll notice that, as Joshua divides up Canaan, ALL of the tribes received land as their inheritance. The land didn't go to just a "privileged few;" instead, land was distributed with a concern toward their identity as a covenant community (p 98).

In a covenant community, all parties are equals, with no one party being greater or less than another, though they do vary in size. Land possession provided structure for Israel's new life in the Promised Land. Each tribe had its own tract of land given to them for the purposes of being an inheritance, something passed down from one generation to another. This is "a sign of relationship to the covenant-making God" (p 98).

Now, it does seem that the Jordan River becomes a definitive border between the Israelite (clean) and non-Israelite (unclean) territories. However, if you remember, some of the tribes wished to settle east of the Jordan. Does that make them unclean, unable to participate in Israel's worship?

By no means, as Paul would say! This section of Joshua pays particular attention to Israelites on BOTH sides of the river. Creach phrases is this way: "In the end there is a judgment for unity. Whether east or west of the Jordan, the most important mark of inclusion in the cultic community is the confession of the Lord as the only God, not the land the people occupy" (p 98).

And he concludes, "Given that emphasis, the church today, with its constant infighting over the nature of purity and questions of who is or is not fit to minister or be part of the community, should pay heed to this often overlooked portion of Joshua" (p 98).

It seems to me that Dr. Creach has hit upon a bit of wisdom. As long as Christ is the center of the church, the center will hold. The chaos may rise to alarming heights as people argue and debate, but as long as we all hold Christ as the center, it will hold.

Any time I start to worry about the state of the church--and the possible disintegration of it--I am reminded of the arrogance of humanity to assume that we have the power to destroy (or, for that matter, to SAVE) the church, which is the Body of Christ. If we are to believe the song and if we are to say that God really does have "the whole world in his hands," then it is but foolishness for us to think that we are in control of the Body of Christ--that whether it survives or not is really within our power.

Certainly, we do have a part to play in building up, and not tearing down, the Body of Christ, but far be it for us to assume that God has placed the church--the very Bride of Christ--solely into our sinful and very fallible hands. Do not let your heart be troubled.

Allison

PS Check out this Youtube video featuring "He's Got the World" and ukuleles!

And So It Begins

Holy Week, that is--the blessing and bane of every pastor! I got a little distracted with the Maundy Thursday service writing this AM; hence why it's now the PM and I'm just getting to the blog. Oops.

Brief sidenote: just looked out the window and saw snowflakes! Just between you and me, I'm a winter fan, not a popular confession in my neck of the woods. I'm actually hoping to see the ground coated tomorrow morning! Shhh. Don't tell anyone!

Now, let's get down to business.

Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Sun, Apr 5 Psalm 38 is traditionally that to be written by David, but what other biblical person (or people) can you imagine saying these words?
There's no right or wrong answer for this. I just want you to try to think about all the biblical folks we've come across so far and see if you can remember a particular instance when he or she might say the words along the lines of Psalm 38. Just trying to help some of this stuff to stick in our minds!!

And here's the question of the day:
Mon, Apr 6 What is the continuing debt that should always remain outstanding? (Rom 13)


I hope you don't mind, but I think I'll skip the reflection for right now. I'm in a groove with worship planning and don't want to stop. If I have the time, I'll stop back later and post something.

Thanks for understanding!
Allison

Sunday Sermon 04.05.09

PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Let us pray: Gracious God, shine the light of your Spirit upon us as we hear these words of Scripture read and proclaimed. Reveal your saving presence in these words, and lead us further down the path of faith. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Mark 11:1-11
1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.'"

4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, "What are you doing, untying that colt?" 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go.

7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields.

9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" 10 "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" "Hosanna in the highest!"

11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

The grass withers and the flower fades but the Word of the Lord endures forever, Amen.


It was a busy day along the road to Jerusalem. It was almost time for the Passover celebration, and most able-bodied families from the country side around the town had set out on their annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The road to Jerusalem was crowded with adults and children and animals, all moving toward the giant walls surrounding the city.

The crowds were headed to the Temple to celebrate the Passover and the Feast of the Unleavened Bread. All these years later, faithful families still made the trip to Jerusalem to celebrate what God had done, and continues to do, for them.

Many generations ago, their ancestors had been enslaved in Egypt by a Pharaoh who was afraid of their ancestors. He was afraid they would rise up against him because they were so numerous. So the Pharaoh forced them to work all day long in the hot sun, making bricks out of mud and hay.

Moses, the leader of the slaves, made many attempts to convince Pharaoh to let his people go, but Pharaoh stubbornly refused. God began to send plagues down on the Egyptians, while sparing the Israelites. Frogs and boils and locusts—all meant to change Pharaoh’s mind. But still he refused.

Then God sent the final plague—the death of the first born. Moses warned the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and to smear its blood on their doorways so that the angel of the Lord would PASS OVER their houses as they took away the first born of the Egyptians.

Overwhelmed by grief at the loss of his own son, the Pharaoh set the Israelites free. God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, parted the Red Sea, and guided his people through their wilderness wandering—as a pillar of smoke by day and a pillar of fire by night—and brought them into to the Promised Land.

It was the most important time of their lives, even if it had had happened so long ago. Their ancestors who were there had died long ago. But the story of what they saw lived on through the generations, handed down from parent to child. And that was why they were on the road today: to tell the story one more time. They were heading toward Jerusalem to celebrate what God had done for them in the past and also what God is doing in the present.

But there was a little disturbance in the road up ahead. They were still pretty far from Jerusalem, but from one of the villages along the road, came a man, riding on a donkey. The crowd around him were taking their coats off and placing them on the ground for the donkey to walk on. They were cutting off palm branches and waving them in the air. As the man on the donkey passed, they threw the palms down on the ground too.

It was strange; the man on the donkey didn’t say anything. He didn’t wave or call out to the crowd. He simply looked at them as the donkey slowly walked along the road to Jerusalem. He didn’t look happy to be the center of attention. In fact, he looked a little sad, like he really didn’t want to be making this trip to Jerusalem for the Passover.

There were some other men with him, but they were hanging back, like they were uncertain of what was going on or embarrassed to be there with him. They stayed some distance behind the man on the donkey, slowly making their way behind him to the temple at Jerusalem.

The crowds knew something was going on. Something big was about to happen.

As the man on the donkey passed, the crowds began to yell. They cried out, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” They threw down their coats and their palm branches and cried out, “Hosanna! Deliver us!” “Hosanna! Save us.” “Hosanna! Save me!”

Who was this man? Was he the Messiah? Was he the Savior? He looked so ordinary. He didn’t look like a messiah or a savior. He looked like an ordinary pilgrim, on his way to Jerusalem, just like the rest of them.

“Hosanna!” they continued to cry. “Save us,” they pleaded with the man on the donkey. But he just kept his eyes straight ahead and kept moving toward Jerusalem.

Today is Palm Sunday. This morning we have also seen the palms being waved and we have watched the parade go by. Just like the crowd, we have watched the man on the donkey walk by and we have also said, “Hosanna! Deliver us! Save us!”

When we see the Savior, we can’t help but ask for deliverance. When we say “hosanna” we are asking God to save us. But save us from what? What is the prayer in your heart when you ask God to “save” you?[1]
Save me from anger. Save me from depression.
Save me from hopelessness. Save me from debt.
Save me from the fighting. Save me from bitterness.
Save me from loneliness. Save me from my fears.

In the middle of this little parade, watching our Savior make his way to the cross, we can’t help but pray. We can’t help but to cry out for what we are most vulnerable to as it bubbles to the surface. We pray that somehow God would take the broken places inside of us and make us whole.

Because that is what Holy Week is all about: what God had to do in order to save us. Holy Week is not pretty; it is not pleasant. What happens in this week shows just how sinful humanity was and is and always will be. And yet it also shows us just how much God loves us.

What better way to begin Holy Week than by asking God, from the deep and honest places inside of us, to save us?

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

[1] http://day1.org/1240-save_us

Happy Palm Sunday! Hmm, something about that seems a little ironic, don't you think? I'm posting the question stuff now and, through the magic of Blogger, the sermon is scheduled to be posted at noon.

Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Sat, Apr 4 How did Joshua and the Israelites conquer the city of Ai? (Josh 8)
Joshua 8:19 As soon as he did this, the men in the ambush rose quickly from their position and rushed forward. They entered the city and captured it and quickly set it on fire.

And here's the question of the day:
Sun, Apr 5 Psalm 38 is traditionally that to be written by David, but what other biblical person (or people) can you imagine saying these words?
There's no right or wrong answer for this. I just want you to try to think about all the biblical folks we've come across so far and see if you can remember a particular instance when he or she might say the words along the lines of Psalm 38. Just trying to help some of this stuff to stick in our minds!!


Stay tuned for the sermon, posting in a little bit!
Allison

Salvation By Trickery

Hello, sunshine! Glad you stopped by to check in on the 2009 Year of the Bible blog. The sun is bright, but I hear the wind howling away.

The sprint through Holy Week is about to begin. If you're not already planning on it, I encourage you to attend worship tomorrow for Palm (Passion) Sunday in your local congregation. We are about to celebrate the greatest miracle the world has even seen: resurrection!

No time to waste; we all have lots of things to do today. Let's get down to business. . .

Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Fri, Apr 3 To whom does God show kindness? To whom does God show sternness? (Rom 11)
Sat: Joshua 8:19 19 As soon as he did this, the men in the ambush rose quickly from their position and rushed forward. They entered the city and captured it and quickly set it on fire.

And here's the question of the day:
Sat, Apr 4 How did Joshua and the Israelites conquer the city of Ai? (Josh 8)


And here's the reflection of the day:
In the today's reading from Josh 9, we hear the story of the Gibeonites who, also anticipating Israel's march toward their cities, decide it is time to be pro-active. They create a ruse, tricking the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them. Once the Israelites discover the ruse, they are forced to NOT do what the Lord has commanded them (called "the ban"), which is to conquer all the people living in the Promised Land.


If you remember in the story of Rahab in Josh 2, a very unlikely woman puts herself in the position to be able to bargain with the Israelite spies in order to save her family from certain death. She had heard the Israelites were on the move in Jericho's direction and acted swiftly and cunningly.

Salvation by trickery strikes again.

It seems that the author of Joshua has some admiration for the underdogs in these stories, don't you think? In these stories of tricks and ruses, we see the echoes of Jacob and Joseph and Tamar, other Old Testament figures who also gained notoriety through their devious ways.

But what about us? Do we admire these folks for their ingenuity, "glad to see them gain salvation, even by dishonest means?" (Creach, Joshua, p. 88). OR, do we see them like those sneaky vineyard workers, who were hired at the end of the day and earned as much as those who have been working all day long? (Mt 20:1-16)? Are we glad for them or are does it seem like they are receiving something they do not deserve?

Scholars debate whether what Rahab and the Gibeonites received was safety or salvation. For our interpretive purposes, let's assume we're talking about salvation.

In which case, we must remember that no one deserves or earns God's grace. . . that is a gift which He freely bestowed "while we were still sinners," to borrow from Romans 5.

This story is "good news" for those who feel like they don't fit the "church mold." It is an illustration that God's love is far bigger than we usually give Him credit for.

Have a great day!
Allison

Second-Guessing God

G'morning to you! (Or afternoon, or evening, or middle of the night or whenever it is that you are reading this.)

I'm glad you're hear. Let's get started.


Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Thurs, Apr 2 What did the Israelites (finally) stop eating after coming into the Promised Land? (Josh 5)
Joshua 5:11-12 11 The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain. 12 The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate of the produce of Canaan.

And here's the question of the day:
Fri, Apr 3 To whom does God show kindness? To whom does God show sternness? (Rom 11)

And here's the reflection of the day:
It's back to Romans today, chapter 11 to be exact. Romans is a very complicated book, one that people study for years and years and years and still only scratch its surfaces.

For the purposes of this blog, an in-depth analysis is not possible. As I was reading through NT Wright's commentary on Romans, he includes the following point: "At the heart of Romans 9-11 there lies the humility that recognizes God as God and does not try to second-guess or criticize what God has planned and done."

We live in the "after-glow" of the Enlightenment--a period of time in the 1700s where REASON was the primary source of authority. Since that time, at least in the Western World, reason has ruled. We (or rather, most of us) base our lives on that which is logical and calculated.

We have been taught to allow reason to infiltrate each part of our lives, helping us with the organization and administration of life together, even within the church. Don't get me wrong--life would be absolute chaos if we didn't have logic and reason. Reason is good, in moderation, of course.

Reason unchecked leads us to question everything and everyone. Reason unchecked leads us to challenge everything--to push every limit. As Wright says, historically reason "put God in the dock and declared that such a being either does not exist or, if he/she/it does, they disapprove of his/her/its actions." For a while, then, humans left God on the margins, deeming Him irrational and left "for those who feel they need it" (Wright).

Paul wishes neither to completely embrace nor entirely reject reason. He simply wishes to convey that there is a time to use reason to ask the hard questions, even the hard questions of faith, which he does so much of here in Romans. Paul's writings always bear the undeniable mark of logical and complex arguments.

But there is also a time to recognize, like Job and so many others, "that God's answer are, for the best of reasons, final" (Wright). There is great humility in NOT second-guessing God. If God is the Creator, then we are the creatures. If God is holy, then we are most certainly not.

We may not always like God's answers to our prayers, but what arrogance (and ungratefulness) we display when we second-guess God! I'm not saying I haven't done this myself; I'm just saying I know my ego is out of control when I begin to second-guess God.

Here's to a little more humility in my life and in yours!
Allison

"Here comes the sun. . ."

Yeah for a sunny Thursday!


Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Weds, Apr 1 Where does the salvation of the righteous come from? (Ps 37)
Psalm 37:39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

And here's the question of the day:
Thurs, Apr 2 What did the Israelites (finally) stop eating after coming into the Promised Land? (Josh 5)


And here's the reflection of the day:
In the reading from Joshua 4, we see Joshua--the new, young punk who has replaced the wise and seasoned Moses--beginning to emerge at Israel's new leader. What God does for the Israelites as they cross the Jordan River is both to increase their reverence for Him AS WELL AS to "exalt Joshua in the sight of all Israel" so that they would revere "him all the days of his life, just as they had revered Moses" (4:14).

The most interesting part (in my opinion) of this passage is the stones that each representative of the 12 tribes are supposed to carry to the camp and set them up as a memorial of how the waters of the river Jordan ceased so that the Ark of the Covenant and the Israelites passed by. It is to serve as a reminder--an object that a child might ask a parent about.

What sorts of memorials do you have hanging around your house? What sorts of things do kids (or even grown ups) ask about when they see them?

In my house, there's lots of clutter to look at--some meaningful clutter (like the cross on the wall given to me by the leader of a trip to Greece or the small statue of a Vietnamese woman from a friend who served as a missionary in Vietnam) and some meaningless clutter (that I really should just get rid of one of these days).

How do you remember the tremendous things God has done in your life? How do you keep those things in the forefront of your mind? How do you keep from forgetting God's faithfulness to you?

That is what the Israelites were most concerned with--or maybe what God was most concerned for the Israelites about: that they not forget WHO they are and WHOSE they are. Hence, the importance of the Exodus story which we hear repeated over and over again, and things like this stone memorial. These are the things which are meant to endure for generations, stories to be handed down from parent to child.

That's how to keep the faith alive--passing down the stories. That was a main concern of Deuteronomy and is a similar concern of Joshua. And it is a concern of Jerome Creach, who dedicated his commentary on Joshua to his own children.

How do you keep the story alive?

Allison

Sunny Wednesday Part 2

Wow! "Here comes the sun, do-do-do-do. . . "

Went into the church (basement) for Bible Study and a meeting and came out to sun, not rain!

Reflection of the Day:
Rahab (Josh 2) has to be one of the most fascinating characters we have come across so far in the Year of the Bible. She may be one of the most fascinating characters in all of the Bible.

We had a lively discussion at Bible Study about this passage, including all the, uh, shall we say sexual innuendo that fills this passage. But that's not what I wanted to talk about here.

I wonder how we Christians (and Jews too) feel having Rahab as such a heroine of the faith. She is known for her cunning and wit, her powers of deception and misdirection. Not the usual characteristics that biblical characters are lauded for, right?

Yet Hebrews includes her in the "Faith Hall of Fame" in chapter 11 and James calls her righteous "for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction" (James 2:25). Rahab is even included in Jesus' genealogy in Matthew 1.

Another fascinating aspect of her character, as we read in Joshua 2, is something Jerome Creach points out in his commentary on Joshua. Creach points out the similarities between "the wife of noble character" (Prov 31:10ff) and Rahab the prostitute, particularly in the details of the crimson thread and flax on the roof (presumably used for making clothes for her household in both cases).

Though Rahab uses rather unorthodox means, at the heart of her intent is to provide for her family, to ensure their deliverance in the face of the invading Israelites. I can't say that I blame her.

Allison

Soggy Wednesday Part 1

As always, another busy Wednesday on tap for me. I'll post the questions now and the reflection a little later today. Take care of yourself on this soggy Wednesday.

Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Tues, Mar 31 Why was Joshua, son of Nun, filled with the spirit of wisdom? (Dt 34)
Deuteronomy 34:9 Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the LORD had commanded Moses.

And here's the question of the day:
Weds, Apr 1 Where does the salvation of the righteous come from? (Ps 37)