Taking a Break

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Wednesdays are busy, busy, busy! So, let's get to it!

Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Tues, Feb. 24- What are the appointed festivals of the Lord, which you to proclaim as sacred assemblies?
Leviticus 23: The Sabbath, The Passover and Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Festival of Weeks, Festival of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and The Festival of Tabernacles.

And here's the question of the day:
Weds, Feb. 25- How many years is the Year of Jubilee?


And here's the reflection of the day:
Let's say we take a break from both Acts and Leviticus. I really like how the Psalms are sprinkled throughout the schedule of readings. Psalms are such wonderful examples of prayers. Next time you need to write a prayer but aren't sure where to start, read through the Psalms and pick out phrases that are appropriate. The Psalms are a textbook for learning how to write your own prayers.

For example, Psalm 25 is a model of prayer and of living. So much these days our lives are focused on instant gratification and "me-me-me"-ness. It begins with an offering of his life to God, illustrating dependence on God and finding security and refuge in God--"To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust." The psalmist is not praying in order to get what he wants; instead, he is content to seek God's ways and paths.

The psalmist's prayer clearly reflects his knowledge of Israel's story, from Exodus 32-34, recalling God's faithfulness "from of old" (v 6). The psalmist is contemplating his current situation through the lens of God's faithfulness. Psalm 25, then, is both a prayer and a testimony to God's character. Even though he is currently in a tough spot, he has confidence in God's enduring faithfulness and provision--"Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you" (v 19).

It seems appropriate that this Psalm is on our schedule for today--Ash Wednesday. It is traditionally used during both Advent and Lent. The psalmist's humble posture of penitence is clearly appropriate for the Christian church as we begin the journey toward Easter. The hope that assures us during Advent is the same hope which carries us through the painful Passion to the resurrection.

Actually, Psalm 25 seems to be appropriate for any season. Dependence on God is necessary at all times in all seasons of life.


Allison

It's Friday!!

Good morning! The sun is shining and the weekend is close enough that you can smell it. Enjoy it!


Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Thurs, Jan. 22: When Jesus asks, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” what are the disciples’ answers? Who does Jesus say he is? (Matt 16)
Matthew 16:14 14 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
Matthew 16:16 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

And here's today's question of the day:
Fri, Jan. 23: What did Joseph try to do as Israel was blessing his sons Ephraim and Manasseh? (Gen 48)


And here's the reflection of the day:
Another Kind of Test
Testing seems to be the theme of the week in our readings, doesn't it? But here we find a different kind of test. In this text, the Pharisees and Sadducees "came to Jesus and tested him" (Mt 16:1).

Now, it is proper for God to test us--in order to build up our faith. And the Bible tells us it is proper to test prophets in order to determine if they are true prophets or false prophets.

But, WE are not to put God to the test. Over and over again, the Bible warns us about putting God to the test. You should remember earlier in Matthew reading about Satan tempting Jesus in the desert. Tempting is the same as testing. And in that case, Jesus cites Deut. 6:16, saying, "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah."

But no one is to test God. By testing Jesus, the Pharisees and Sadducees are exposing their own lack of faith. Here the Pharisees and Sadducees are taking on the role of Satan; they are acting as an opponent of Jesus. As one commentary I read said they are, "seeking the heavenly ratification of his ministry that would render faith unnecessary" (Matthew, Interpretation, p 183.)

The disciples are warned against sign-seeking like the Pharisees and Sadducees. It seems that seeking a sign is similar to lacking faith, the chapter's theme which is reflected in the disciples' anxiety about not having enough bread. Jesus reminds them of how he has provided in the past, yet they still worry.

Instead of demanding signs, Jesus tells them they must remember. The disciples have seen the evidence for themselves--they have personal experience with God's provision. The disciples must REMEMBER God's provision and let that memory erase their anxieties.

Something for us think about today. . . do we remember God's provision or do our anxieties erase our memories?

Have a splendid day!
Allison