Day 74: 1 Chronicles 6–10; Hosea 1–4; Hebrews 1–4
Unless I read closely the genealogies in 1 Chronicles, I would not have understood that Joab, King David's chief military commander was also his nephew, the son of his sister Zeruiarh (1 Chr. 2:13-16). I also would have missed bits of history not told anywhere else. For instance "the prayer of Jabez" was an obscure little passage from which Bruce Wilkinson made a small fortune with his book on the topic of seeking God's blessing in order to glorify God (1 Chr. 4:10).
Most distressing about these genealogies is that they seem incomplete or even contradictory to what the narrative texts reveal. For instance where is Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, son of Saul? He's not in the lineage. Jonathan is show as having only one son, Meri-baal. If I kept to my weakness and not studied harder I would be left with that impression.
Interestingly enough, Meri-baal the same man as Mephibosheth. Saul's son Ishbosheth who loses in his fight against David to control the kingdom is listed as Esh-baal. According to the Encyclopedia Brittanica because the name "Baal" was associated with the pagan deity, later chroniclers changed the names of these men to something more acceptable. Each man's name associated with "baal" was turned to "bosheth" which means "shame."
I admit I read ahead a bit today up through 1 Chr. 12. I also got a refresher on Saul and David, but very brief like a "Greatest Hits" album gives you the highlights of a musician's career. A detail or two is new in these passages. Like men from the house of Saul, his own relatives defected to join David (1 Chr. 12:1-2). And some of his mighty men were Benjaminites formerly loyal to Saul (1 Chr. 12:16-18).
I note also that Naphtali's genealogy has only four sons listed and then it stops. We are left to guess as to why. It is my guess the tribes family records did not survive the Assyrian invasion and exile. This actually confirms for me the authenticity of these texts. There is doctoring to tell history in a way that meets the needs of those writing at the time, but there is also a transparency that reveals the compilers of this genealogical record are presenting the information as best they have it. It's not complete or perfect, but it is an attempt to show their roots and their tribal histories in brief. It seems very human, weakness and all.
The prophet Hosea's oracles and story are recorded in his boo the first of the twelve minor prophets. They are called minor because their recorded works have much less material the 4 major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel). Hosea is famous for marrying a prostitute named Gomer as a way of speaking to Judah and Israel's unfaithfulness to Yahweh. She keeps running away, but Hosea keeps bringing her back into his home. God is faithful to his unfaithful bride nation.
"The word of the LORD that came to Hosea son of Beeri during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and of Jeroboam son of Joash, king of Israel (Hos. 1:1)."
We are used to the confrontational rhetoric of the prophet by now. In the prophetic style Hosea has three children through Gomer, Jezreel (representative of the house of Jehu whom God is going to eliminate), No Compassion (Lo-ruhamah), and Not My People (Lo-ammi), each named as a way to confront Israel's unfaithfulness.
And then the tone tenders as God promises restoration.
"And the Judeans and the Israelites
will be gathered together.
They will appoint for themselves a single ruler,
and go up from the land.
For the day of Jezreel will be great.
Call your brothers: My People
and your sisters: Compassion." (Hos. 1:11-2:1)
One of the most compelling parts of Hosea's oracle is Hos. 4:11-14. The example of the men of Israel and their promiscuity leads their daughters and daughter-in-laws to do the same. Why should the men be surprised when their daughters play the prostitute when they have not set an example of sexual purity?
While channel flipping I came across Jerry Springer whose guest was a 23 year old stripper who turned lesbian as a result of her experiences with other erotic dancers. So on national daytime television she and her roommate showered together for the audience in erotic embrace. The audience cheered and applauded wildly.
The word of the prophet warns,
"Promiscuity, wine, and new wine
take away [one's] understanding.
People without discernment are doomed. (Hos. 4:11, 14b)
Paul also warned Timothy,
"...difficult times will come in the last days. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the form of religion but denying its power. Avoid these people!" (2 Tim. 3:1-5)
It seems to me that a growing portion of our society has "lost all sense" and given themselves over to sensuality.
"They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them and because of the hardness of their hearts. They became callous and gave themselves over to promiscuity for the practice of every kind of impurity with a desire for more and more (Eph. 4:18-19)
The writer of Hebrews lays out his case for Christ before the Jewish people to accept the salvation that comes through Him. For He is "the radiance of His glory, the exact expression of His nature (Heb. 1:3)."
By the time of the sermon (this does not have the form of an epistle or letter), the Jews thought of the Law of Moses having been delivered through angels. There is plenty of texts where "the angel of the Lord" relays a message to one whom God is calling. The thought is that no one can see or talk to God for God is holy. It would mean death. So God sends angelic messengers to spare them. Still the angels are awe inspiring and often elicit a fearful reaction. That's why the angels often say first, "fear not." Some even held to a tradition of worshiping angels (Col. 2:18).
The writer (his or her identity lost to history) wants Hebrews to turn away from glorifying angels and pay attention to Christ, the Son of God who is superior to angels. We get the first glimmers of Hebrew infatuation with angelic beings in Daniel which was written at a time of great persecution under Antiochus the IV, a Greek ruler. The critical view is that the Babylonian exile period was used by the writer to speak to the current oppression. Daniel is the newest book in the Old Testament and the only one written in Greek. Gabriel and Michael are introduced, princes in the spiritual realm. They forecast the future in dreams for Daniel. Later Hebrew texts would give great stories of angels and their adventures fighting demons (princes of darkness) like Lucifer, a name for the devil never mentioned in the Bible, but well known.
Now if the law delivered through angels was binding, then how much more the covenant through God's own son (Heb. 2:1-4)? This is a reasonable argument, if you can accept Jesus as God's Son. The argument then turns to the suffering of Jesus, a most compelling discourse about Jesus' humanity. Not only is Jesus the exact expression of God's nature, but He is also human in every way (Heb. 2:14-15, 17-18).
Not only that, he is superior to Moses. If Moses was a faithful servant of God, how much more should the Son of God be honored? And if those who heard the law and did not heed it, but fell in the desert, how much more those who hear the good news of the gospel and do not believe it? Unbelief will lead to the same fate. "They will never enter My rest (Psa, 95:11; Heb. 4:5)."
I find in these readings today a sense that all God has been doing in Judah and Israel has lead up to Jesus conquering sin in his own body and destroying the one who has the power of death...the devil (Heb. 2:14-15). If Old Testament history teaches us anything it is that we humans are weak and prone to idolatry. We are prone to placing created things ahead of the creator, whether that be good things like family, food or entertainment...or whether that be promiscuity and other evils in our flesh. Until we respond in faith to the good news we will remain restless and prone to sin. But God has opened our eyes to this fact through His dealings with Israel. For Israel's weaknesses are the same as all humanity's weaknesses. And through this chosen people who struggle to keep the law, comes One who fulfills the law, Jesus Christ. And He destroys the power sin has on us through the cross and overpowers Death in His resurrection. This victory is shared with all who believe.
My weakness is His strength. "For whenever I am weak, then I am strong (2 Cor. 12:10)."
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Begattin'
Day 73: 1 Chronicles 1–5; Daniel 7–12; Philemon
The bible has undoubtedly boring lists to wade through at time...boring at least to the casual observer. For instance genealogies are lengthy and can be difficult to keep a reader's attention. 1 Chronicles contains lots of genealogies. So and so begot so and so who begot so and so and so on and son on.
The first of my ancestors to America was Anton and Barbara Theuring (later spelled Tyring). They moved to Indiana in the 1840's from Southwest Germany, an area called Bavaria or the Palatinate. It was fertile rheinland. They were farmers and herders. In Europe there was in the middle 19th century great turmoil because of the nationalistic movement sweeping the continent. Land owners were conscripting their serfs to fight wars against centralizing government troops. Millions fled Europe to come to America for a fresh start.
My son's name is Anthony Tyring. He has the same name as our ancestor who came across the Atlantic Ocean to give his sons a chance. Anton and Barbara is buried in the St. Matthew's United Church of Christ cemetery in Lynnville, Indiana. My son and I have stood over their graves. There is deep meaning and some gratitude knowing this genealogy.
Perhaps, as those who like a wild olive branch have been grafted into the cultivated vine, we Gentile Christians might honor the deep meaning of these lists of names, what they mean to the Jews (Rom. 11:17-24). Consider what they mean to the King of the Jews, Jesus of Nazareth. Our significance is not derived from whom we are descendant. It is to whom we belong forever...The Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
It is true that Paul spoke against genealogies, but this was for those who neglect the call to good works in favor of endless debate (1 Tim. 1:4; Tit 3:9). Perhaps we can appreciate that it is through the people of Israel who record their genesis in Adam, who call themselves "children of Abraham," and who look forward to a son of David to lead a messianic age where God's reign lasts forever, that we know God and His Son Jesus and have eternal life (Jn. 17:3).
The meaning of our worth is in the fact that God loves us and gave up His son for us. But there is so much to celebrate in our relatives, both those by blood and those by the blood of Christ. For instance Paul celebrates with Timothy the faith he has which was also in Timothy's mother Eunice and grandmother Lois (2 Tim. 1:4-5). My mother and father both shaped my faith. Mom prayed with me at my bedside every night for most of my childhood. I did the same for my children. My dad loved to sing the hymns. To this day, singing the faith is always a blessing to me. Sometimes I can hear my father voice in my heart of hearts. He went on to be with the Lord in 2004.
But there are those in the church who have also shaped my faith. I had professors in seminary who mothered and fathered me. I had close kinship with fellow students and colleagues in ministry. The relationship's intimacy and trust is such that I can call them "brothers."
Paul felt this way about Onesimus, runaway slave. Paul write his owner Philemon about him.
I wanted to keep him (Onesimus) with me, so that in my imprisonment for the gospel he might serve me in your place. But I didn't want to do anything without your consent, so that your good deed might not be out of obligation, but of your own free will. For perhaps this is why he was separated [from you] for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave—as a dearly loved brother. This is especially so to me, but even more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord (Phm. 1:13-16).
Paul later refers to Philemon as a brother in the letter to appeal to his Christian love and the meaning of their relationship as fellow disciples of Jesus. We are all forgiven and called to forgiving others. Paul wants Philemon to forgive the runaway slave Onesimus, receiving not on the basis of his crime, but on the basis of their mutual status as forgiven sinners in Christ.
Daniel writes of wild dreams and visions with terrifying beasts who represent nations...nations who cam from people who came from their fathers and their fathers before them. 1 Chronicles notes at times when an individual became a people. Amalek is the father of the Amalekites. Jacob called Israel is the father of all Israel and Judah.
The prophetic visions tell of wicked kings who will rule the world and lead the people into worship, none of their fathers did (Dan. 11:38). But Daniel trusts and prays fervently to the God of his fathers (Dan. 2:23). Daniel knows his fathers because of genealogies and the stories told from one generation to the next sharing all of God's mighty acts of salvation among them.
In one vision Daniel records that, "books were opened." These books were opened in the heavenly court in which the Ancient of Days (perhaps the Father of all Time - God) was surrounded by countless thousands and tens of thousands. Those who are listed in the book will escape the coming wrath of God on all evildoers (Dan. 12:1-3).
When it comes to lists, that book is the one I want to be listed in. Through the gift of grace in Christ, I and all who believe in His salvation, will be.
The bible has undoubtedly boring lists to wade through at time...boring at least to the casual observer. For instance genealogies are lengthy and can be difficult to keep a reader's attention. 1 Chronicles contains lots of genealogies. So and so begot so and so who begot so and so and so on and son on.
The first of my ancestors to America was Anton and Barbara Theuring (later spelled Tyring). They moved to Indiana in the 1840's from Southwest Germany, an area called Bavaria or the Palatinate. It was fertile rheinland. They were farmers and herders. In Europe there was in the middle 19th century great turmoil because of the nationalistic movement sweeping the continent. Land owners were conscripting their serfs to fight wars against centralizing government troops. Millions fled Europe to come to America for a fresh start.
My son's name is Anthony Tyring. He has the same name as our ancestor who came across the Atlantic Ocean to give his sons a chance. Anton and Barbara is buried in the St. Matthew's United Church of Christ cemetery in Lynnville, Indiana. My son and I have stood over their graves. There is deep meaning and some gratitude knowing this genealogy.
Perhaps, as those who like a wild olive branch have been grafted into the cultivated vine, we Gentile Christians might honor the deep meaning of these lists of names, what they mean to the Jews (Rom. 11:17-24). Consider what they mean to the King of the Jews, Jesus of Nazareth. Our significance is not derived from whom we are descendant. It is to whom we belong forever...The Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
It is true that Paul spoke against genealogies, but this was for those who neglect the call to good works in favor of endless debate (1 Tim. 1:4; Tit 3:9). Perhaps we can appreciate that it is through the people of Israel who record their genesis in Adam, who call themselves "children of Abraham," and who look forward to a son of David to lead a messianic age where God's reign lasts forever, that we know God and His Son Jesus and have eternal life (Jn. 17:3).
The meaning of our worth is in the fact that God loves us and gave up His son for us. But there is so much to celebrate in our relatives, both those by blood and those by the blood of Christ. For instance Paul celebrates with Timothy the faith he has which was also in Timothy's mother Eunice and grandmother Lois (2 Tim. 1:4-5). My mother and father both shaped my faith. Mom prayed with me at my bedside every night for most of my childhood. I did the same for my children. My dad loved to sing the hymns. To this day, singing the faith is always a blessing to me. Sometimes I can hear my father voice in my heart of hearts. He went on to be with the Lord in 2004.
But there are those in the church who have also shaped my faith. I had professors in seminary who mothered and fathered me. I had close kinship with fellow students and colleagues in ministry. The relationship's intimacy and trust is such that I can call them "brothers."
Paul felt this way about Onesimus, runaway slave. Paul write his owner Philemon about him.
I wanted to keep him (Onesimus) with me, so that in my imprisonment for the gospel he might serve me in your place. But I didn't want to do anything without your consent, so that your good deed might not be out of obligation, but of your own free will. For perhaps this is why he was separated [from you] for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave—as a dearly loved brother. This is especially so to me, but even more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord (Phm. 1:13-16).
Paul later refers to Philemon as a brother in the letter to appeal to his Christian love and the meaning of their relationship as fellow disciples of Jesus. We are all forgiven and called to forgiving others. Paul wants Philemon to forgive the runaway slave Onesimus, receiving not on the basis of his crime, but on the basis of their mutual status as forgiven sinners in Christ.
Daniel writes of wild dreams and visions with terrifying beasts who represent nations...nations who cam from people who came from their fathers and their fathers before them. 1 Chronicles notes at times when an individual became a people. Amalek is the father of the Amalekites. Jacob called Israel is the father of all Israel and Judah.
The prophetic visions tell of wicked kings who will rule the world and lead the people into worship, none of their fathers did (Dan. 11:38). But Daniel trusts and prays fervently to the God of his fathers (Dan. 2:23). Daniel knows his fathers because of genealogies and the stories told from one generation to the next sharing all of God's mighty acts of salvation among them.
In one vision Daniel records that, "books were opened." These books were opened in the heavenly court in which the Ancient of Days (perhaps the Father of all Time - God) was surrounded by countless thousands and tens of thousands. Those who are listed in the book will escape the coming wrath of God on all evildoers (Dan. 12:1-3).
When it comes to lists, that book is the one I want to be listed in. Through the gift of grace in Christ, I and all who believe in His salvation, will be.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
The Bigger They Are...
Day 72: 2 Kings 21–25; Daniel 1–6; Titus 1-3
Just when you think it can't get any worse...it did. Manasseh succeeds the good king Hezekiah, but he does more evil than all the kings before him! "
He (Manasseh) made his son pass through the fire, practiced witchcraft and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did a great amount of evil in the LORD's sight, provoking [Him] (2 Kg. 21:6)
Amon took over after his father Manasseh died. He was just as bad and was killed by conspirators. The people killed the conspirators and made Josiah, Amon's son the next king.
Josiah was a good king like Hezekiah before him, perhaps even better.
Josiah ordered the repair of the temple. While is was being repaired, The workers found the book of the law. It had been lost to the kings of Judah. Josiah sat and wept, tearing his clothes in great anguish when he heard of all the words of the covenant. No wonder Judah suffered. They had angered Yahweh and not kept His covenant.
He lead sweeping reforms, tearing down all the pagan shrines, including the one in Bethel with the golden calf Jeroboam had erected. He destroyed all the high places and the giant furnace for child sacrifice call Topheth located in the Hinnom Valley. He slew the priests of Baal and the other pagan priests., He completely cleansed Israel of pagan shrines and public practices were outlawed.
Josiah called a holy assembly of all Jerusalem and all the elders of the nation. King Josiah read them all the words of the covenant. And all the people agreed tot he covenant. They held the greatest Passover celebration anyone could ever remember. Not since the time of the judges was so sweet a fellowship (2 Kg. 23:22).
Josiah went up against Pharaoh Neco and died at Megiddo. Jehoahaz replaced his father Josiah as king of Judah, but Neco imprisoned him. Pharaoh made Eliakim (renamed Jehoiakim) king of Judah. But Jehoiakim was made a vassal to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon when he came to power. His son Jehoiachin was deported to Babylon and imprisoned. Nebuchadnezzar made Mattaniah (renamed Zedekiah) king in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem fell under Zedekiah and he was taken to Babylon in chains. His sons were executed before his eyes and then the Babylonians blinded Zedekiah so that his horror would be the last thing he ever would see.
All these kings fell because of Manasseh's sin. God had had enough. The temple was destroyed and all Jerusalem sacked and burned.
The folly had begun with King Hezekiah showing off Jerusalem's wealth. The pride preceded the fall, so to speak. And so ends 2nd Kings with Jerusalem in ruin. But there's a glimmer of hope. Jehoiachin is released from prison by the new king of Babylon. From him comes the son of David who will lead the exiles back home to rebuild Jerusalem.
I began reading the prophet Daniel today. He was groomed for three years to serve as a wise man in Nebuchadnezzar's court. The king wanted "young men without any physical defect, good-looking, suitable for instruction in all wisdom, knowledgeable, perceptive, and capable of serving in the king's palace (Dan. 1:4)." It would seem to the modern reader that Nebuchadnezzar had a sexual appetite for boys, but that is not the case. It was custom of Ancient societies to tutored boys of 15 in a school setting to pass along the culture values. For the Israelites to have men among them who were taught about Babylon and to speak their language would help in assimilating the population.
Nebuchadnezzar soon found that God was with Daniel and the other Israelites. These early chapters of Daniel have Sunday School stories. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who are thrown into the fiery furnace because they refuse to worship a gold statue of Nebuchadnezzar. They survive miraculously unsinged! Daniel is thrown in the lions den for praying to Yahweh when it was against the law to do so. He too is miraculously rescued. Daniel interprets dreams and visions, just like Joseph did for Pharaoh in Egypt. He is made a high ranking official and trusted by the king.
Nebuchadnezzer boasts his great wealth and revels in his "majestic glory." He considers himself a god. But Yahweh subjugates him making him insane in a moment. He eats grass like cow and sleeps out in the open. Not until Nebuchadnezzar recognizes "that the Most High (God of Israel) is ruler over the kingdom of men, and He gives it to anyone He wants (Dan 4:32b)."
Nebuchadnezzar does acknowledge God after his humiliation. He writes,
"Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt, and glorify the King of heaven, because all His works are true and His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride (Dan. 4:37)."
Belshazzer replaces Nebuchadnezzar as king of Babylon. He holds a party and decided to bring out the sacred cups and bowls from the temple in Jerusalem that Nebuchadnezzar had taken, He and all his guests drink wine from them. During the party an human hand suddenly and wrote on the wall.
MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN
No one knows what it could mean. The king is terrified and all his nobles unnerved by the vent. So the queen suggests to give Daniel a call. Daniel does indeed interpret. Belshazzer's reign is coming to an end. God has weighed Belshazzer in the scales and found him wanting. The Persians are coming.
Belshazzer was killed that very night by Darius the Mede. King Darius rules in his place.
God is the shaper of nations. He decides who will rule and who He can use for His purposes. But the old adage is true: the bigger they are the harder they fall. Nebuchadnezzar had an enormous empire then suddenly he was a babbling grass eating idiot. Humility before the true king of kings is required to lead a nation. Too much pride leads to poor decisions and the poverty of the nation.
Paul writes another pastor on the Island of Crete, Titus. Much of what he writes is a condensed version of the letters to Timothy. There are people who argue over worthless myths and legends and are become worthless themselves. Paul wants Titus to be diligent about meeting this threat to the church. Good works is what the people should be focused on, not battles over words. Paul tells Titus to warn a divisive person once and again a second time. After that reject them knowing that they are perverse and self-condemned.
In the church there are circles of bible believing Christians who spend all their time studying and teaching and impressing one another with what they know. They are fantastic bible trivia contestants. But are they doing any good for those who have physical needs? Do they become arrogant and see themselves as great defenders of the faith against heresy?
Beware how high you think you have climbed. Dear Icarus learned tragically that to fly too high on false wings is death. The wax melts near the sun. All hypocrisy and false righteousness melts too near to the light of the living God. That is why Titus is encouraged to remember that he too was "once foolish, disobedient, deceived, captives of various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another (Tit. 3:3)."
By recognizing one's own fallible nature and sinful mistakes and selfish thinking, one can serve others in humility and "not arrogant, not quick tempered, not addicted to wine, not a bully, not greedy for money, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, holding to the faithful message as taught...(Tit. 1:7b-9a)."
Lord, let the lessons learned by kings in Israel, Judah, Babylon teach me to be humble before you and trust you have a handle of the political world. Help me to humble myself before you and others remembering my salvation from sin and offering the same to all who will listen. Amen.
Just when you think it can't get any worse...it did. Manasseh succeeds the good king Hezekiah, but he does more evil than all the kings before him! "
He (Manasseh) made his son pass through the fire, practiced witchcraft and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did a great amount of evil in the LORD's sight, provoking [Him] (2 Kg. 21:6)
Amon took over after his father Manasseh died. He was just as bad and was killed by conspirators. The people killed the conspirators and made Josiah, Amon's son the next king.
Josiah was a good king like Hezekiah before him, perhaps even better.
Josiah ordered the repair of the temple. While is was being repaired, The workers found the book of the law. It had been lost to the kings of Judah. Josiah sat and wept, tearing his clothes in great anguish when he heard of all the words of the covenant. No wonder Judah suffered. They had angered Yahweh and not kept His covenant.
He lead sweeping reforms, tearing down all the pagan shrines, including the one in Bethel with the golden calf Jeroboam had erected. He destroyed all the high places and the giant furnace for child sacrifice call Topheth located in the Hinnom Valley. He slew the priests of Baal and the other pagan priests., He completely cleansed Israel of pagan shrines and public practices were outlawed.
Josiah called a holy assembly of all Jerusalem and all the elders of the nation. King Josiah read them all the words of the covenant. And all the people agreed tot he covenant. They held the greatest Passover celebration anyone could ever remember. Not since the time of the judges was so sweet a fellowship (2 Kg. 23:22).
Josiah went up against Pharaoh Neco and died at Megiddo. Jehoahaz replaced his father Josiah as king of Judah, but Neco imprisoned him. Pharaoh made Eliakim (renamed Jehoiakim) king of Judah. But Jehoiakim was made a vassal to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon when he came to power. His son Jehoiachin was deported to Babylon and imprisoned. Nebuchadnezzar made Mattaniah (renamed Zedekiah) king in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem fell under Zedekiah and he was taken to Babylon in chains. His sons were executed before his eyes and then the Babylonians blinded Zedekiah so that his horror would be the last thing he ever would see.
All these kings fell because of Manasseh's sin. God had had enough. The temple was destroyed and all Jerusalem sacked and burned.
The folly had begun with King Hezekiah showing off Jerusalem's wealth. The pride preceded the fall, so to speak. And so ends 2nd Kings with Jerusalem in ruin. But there's a glimmer of hope. Jehoiachin is released from prison by the new king of Babylon. From him comes the son of David who will lead the exiles back home to rebuild Jerusalem.
I began reading the prophet Daniel today. He was groomed for three years to serve as a wise man in Nebuchadnezzar's court. The king wanted "young men without any physical defect, good-looking, suitable for instruction in all wisdom, knowledgeable, perceptive, and capable of serving in the king's palace (Dan. 1:4)." It would seem to the modern reader that Nebuchadnezzar had a sexual appetite for boys, but that is not the case. It was custom of Ancient societies to tutored boys of 15 in a school setting to pass along the culture values. For the Israelites to have men among them who were taught about Babylon and to speak their language would help in assimilating the population.
Nebuchadnezzar soon found that God was with Daniel and the other Israelites. These early chapters of Daniel have Sunday School stories. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who are thrown into the fiery furnace because they refuse to worship a gold statue of Nebuchadnezzar. They survive miraculously unsinged! Daniel is thrown in the lions den for praying to Yahweh when it was against the law to do so. He too is miraculously rescued. Daniel interprets dreams and visions, just like Joseph did for Pharaoh in Egypt. He is made a high ranking official and trusted by the king.
Nebuchadnezzer boasts his great wealth and revels in his "majestic glory." He considers himself a god. But Yahweh subjugates him making him insane in a moment. He eats grass like cow and sleeps out in the open. Not until Nebuchadnezzar recognizes "that the Most High (God of Israel) is ruler over the kingdom of men, and He gives it to anyone He wants (Dan 4:32b)."
Nebuchadnezzar does acknowledge God after his humiliation. He writes,
"Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt, and glorify the King of heaven, because all His works are true and His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride (Dan. 4:37)."
Belshazzer replaces Nebuchadnezzar as king of Babylon. He holds a party and decided to bring out the sacred cups and bowls from the temple in Jerusalem that Nebuchadnezzar had taken, He and all his guests drink wine from them. During the party an human hand suddenly and wrote on the wall.
MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN
No one knows what it could mean. The king is terrified and all his nobles unnerved by the vent. So the queen suggests to give Daniel a call. Daniel does indeed interpret. Belshazzer's reign is coming to an end. God has weighed Belshazzer in the scales and found him wanting. The Persians are coming.
Belshazzer was killed that very night by Darius the Mede. King Darius rules in his place.
God is the shaper of nations. He decides who will rule and who He can use for His purposes. But the old adage is true: the bigger they are the harder they fall. Nebuchadnezzar had an enormous empire then suddenly he was a babbling grass eating idiot. Humility before the true king of kings is required to lead a nation. Too much pride leads to poor decisions and the poverty of the nation.
Paul writes another pastor on the Island of Crete, Titus. Much of what he writes is a condensed version of the letters to Timothy. There are people who argue over worthless myths and legends and are become worthless themselves. Paul wants Titus to be diligent about meeting this threat to the church. Good works is what the people should be focused on, not battles over words. Paul tells Titus to warn a divisive person once and again a second time. After that reject them knowing that they are perverse and self-condemned.
In the church there are circles of bible believing Christians who spend all their time studying and teaching and impressing one another with what they know. They are fantastic bible trivia contestants. But are they doing any good for those who have physical needs? Do they become arrogant and see themselves as great defenders of the faith against heresy?
Beware how high you think you have climbed. Dear Icarus learned tragically that to fly too high on false wings is death. The wax melts near the sun. All hypocrisy and false righteousness melts too near to the light of the living God. That is why Titus is encouraged to remember that he too was "once foolish, disobedient, deceived, captives of various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another (Tit. 3:3)."
By recognizing one's own fallible nature and sinful mistakes and selfish thinking, one can serve others in humility and "not arrogant, not quick tempered, not addicted to wine, not a bully, not greedy for money, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, holding to the faithful message as taught...(Tit. 1:7b-9a)."
Lord, let the lessons learned by kings in Israel, Judah, Babylon teach me to be humble before you and trust you have a handle of the political world. Help me to humble myself before you and others remembering my salvation from sin and offering the same to all who will listen. Amen.
Short Memory
Day 71: 2 Kings 16-20; Ezekiel 43-48; 2 Timothy 3-4
Ahaz succeeded Jotham in Jerusalem. His sin was the greatest yet. He sacrificed his son to a pagan god by burning him in the furnace belly of the idol. In order to please King Tiglath-pileser of Assyria, Ahaz built a pagan altar and placed it in the temple moving Yahweh’s altar aside to make room for the altar for the god to the Assyrian nation.
In Israel to the north, Hoshea rebelled against the Assyrians. So Shalmaneser, King of Assyria (this is later after Tiglath-pileser) defeats all Israel’s defenses and takes them off into exile. He imports foreigners to the region, a common practice intended to wipe out the remembrance of the conquered nation and more quickly facilitate subjugation to the new authority.
The writer of 2 Kings takes time to remind the reader as to why Israel, part of God’s chosen, suffered such defeat. It was because they rebelled and did not keep the covenant even after centuries of warning.
Hezekiah is a bright spot in Judah’s line of kings up to this point. The writer tells us when the kings are bad for they did not do what is right as David did. And when they are good we are told that they still failed to remove the high places where the people are worshiping pagan gods with their rituals and sacrifices. But Hezekiah does not fail. He does everything as David did (2 Kg. 18:3)…except commit adultery and murder (Bathsheba/Uriah). God is with Hezekiah and curbs the threat of the Assyrian invasion with encouragement through the prophet Isaiah.
Hezekiah shows us what a righteous king is like. He humbles himself before the altar of Yahweh and intercedes for his nation. When he is sick and dying, he begs for mercy and God hears Hezekiah and extends his life another 15 years.
Sadly, Hezekiah was a bit naïve. He was given gifts from the Babylonians when they had heard he was sick. He shows great hospitality by showing the Babylonian ambassadors all his treasures in the palace. Bad idea! This leads to war in later generations as prophesied by Isaiah (2 Kg. 20:16-18).
The sad fate of Israel in contrast to Yahweh’s protection on the kingdom of Hezekiah illustrates powerfully the source of blessing and curse. Those who obey the Lord’s covenant are under His blessing. Those who do not are handed over to enemies, plague and peril, with always a spared remnant to start over again, to be restored to covenant faithfulness and blessing.
Ezekiel continues to write of the restoration of Jerusalem. Accompanying his vision of a new temple was a new priesthood and Levites as servants to the temple. There are also descriptions of the New Jerusalem. These images will resurface when John of Patmos reveals his vision of the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven (Rev. 21:1-23). There are instructions to the princes of Jerusalem to practice justice and not take the people’s property for themselves. It is cheating them from their inheritance from the Lord. There is an assigning of portions of land to the 12 tribes, similar to Joshua’s work as Yahweh’s executor. There are instructions on consecration, festival, sacrifices and Passover.
Imagine how much joy was given to the exiled Hebrews to hear the prophet’s words when they had been so long removed from the land and the temple. Some were born in Babylon who had only heard about Jerusalem, but had never seen it or worshiped there. They went to bed a little less heavy hearted and they dreamed of the day all this would come true.
God told Ezekiel to tell the people the name of the new city will be known as “Yahweh is There.”
It is a beautiful vision with a river coming from under the threshold of the altar running southward, gaining depth and strength and making the salt sea fresh and the desert regions fertile with trees that bear fruit every month and the leaves are used for healing. The same river appears in John of Patmos’ Revelation (Rev. 22:1-5).
Paul prophesies to Timothy that in the last days before Jesus Christ returns, the great day of the Lord, there will be an increase in evil (2 Tim. 4:1-5). Timothy must hold fast to his faith and all he has learned (2 Tim. 3:14). Even if proclaiming the gospel brings persecution and suffering, Paul urges Timothy to continue to preach the truth, rebuking, correcting and encouraging the church with patience (2 Tim. 4:2). The time is coming when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but will instead gather teachers who will tell them what they want to hear. Timothy must stay focused and alert, enduring hardship and working as an evangelist in order to fulfill his ministry calling.
History has a way of repeating itself. Humanity has a short memory. With all our historical research and with books filling libraries all over the face of the land, more being written every year, one would think we’d have a firm grasp on where we’ve been as a people. We would learn from our mistakes and live forward with wisdom.
I remember in the 1980’s the United Methodist Church educating its membership on the problem with state lotteries and gambling. We were encouraged to vote against the lottery referendum. We were told this would only be the beginning. It would open the door to horse tracks and casinos and the crime and the poverty such things breed. Not 20 years later everything the church had warned, based on history, has come true. Our state government is broke. Our education system is struggling. Prostitutes are flown in from Las Vegas for weekends to schmooze high rollers at Ohio River casinos. Will we ever learn?
And yet there is hope. For whenever a nation falls, God is actively reclaiming and restoring what He intends in the aftermath. Our calling is to build communities that reflect the values and characteristics of the kingdom of God. Little pockets where the church is proclaiming the gospel will find fruitfulness and blessing, healing and refreshment the year round, while all around is desert and desolation. And the grace that flows from these communities will make that which is dead, alive again. For while our mortal memories may be short, God does not forget His promises.
Friday, May 20, 2011
For My Name
Day 70: 2 Kings 11–15; Ezekiel 37–42; 2 Timothy 1–2
The roll of kings continues.
In Judah a wicked Queen Athaliah took the throne after she heard that Jehu had killed her son King Ahaziah. She killed all his brothers and sons. She intended to wipe out all the competition and rule Judah. Her grandson, Joash, was saved from her wicked greed by Ahaziah’s sister, Jehosheba by hiding the boy at the temple. When the time was right the priest Jehoiada anointed Joash king and Queen Athaliah was executed.
Joash under the coaching of the priest Jehoiada reformed Israel and tore down Baal’s temple, repaired the temple and begun the tradition of a chest for donations for the temple to be placed by the altar at the entrance to the temple. When the Arameans attack Jerusalem Joash gives away all the gold and silver consecrated things from the temple and palace in order to appease his enemies. Joash was murdered by his servants.
Amaziah, Joash’s son took the throne. He went up against Israel in battle and was taken captive to Samaria. When king Jehoash died, Amaziah was released and lived another 15 years, but he too was assassinated by men from Jerusalem. His son Azariah (Uzziah) took the throne in Judah.
Uzziah did right, but not completely. He did not put a stop to the idolatry practiced by the people. Uzziah was stricken with leprosy. Jotham succeeded him. He rules 16 years, is a decent king, but not perfect. He has to deal with attacks from Aram and Israel both.
In Israel, the 10 tribes to the north, Jehu dies and is succeeded by Jehoahaz. He is a bad king leading the people in idolatry like many before him.
“Hazael king of Aram oppressed Israel throughout the reign of Jehoahaz, but the LORD was gracious to them and had compassion on them and turned toward them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He was not willing to destroy them. Even now He has not banished them from His presence (2 Kg 13:22-23).”
Jehoahaz was succeeded by his son Jehoash. Elisha the prophet died of a sickness during his reign, but before he died he prophesied to Jehoash that God would deliver Israel from the Arameans three times. Jehoash defeats a challenge from King Amaziah of Judah and takes him captive to Samaria. Jehoahaz was succeeded by his son Jeroboam II. He is succeeded by his son Zechariah. All these kings are unfaithful to Yahweh.
Zechariah was the fourth generation from Jehu who executed God’s design to eliminate the house of Ahab. Shallum murdered Zechariah and ended the Jehuite dynasty at just the time God had said.
Shallum last a month and was killed by Menahem who then became king. His son Pekahiah lasted two years and was assassinated by his officer Pekah. The Assyrians under Tiglath-pileser took much of Israel’s territory, a sign of things to come for this rebellious kingdom. Hoshea, son of the former King Elah, son of King Baasha, leads a conspiracy and killed Pekah and assumed the throne of Israel.
The one constant in this list is that Israel’s kings are bad and Judah’s kings are sometimes good, but mostly bad or at least not too bright. If it weren’t for God’s choice to save them because of his promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, they would be erased by their enemies. His compassion and grace to them saves them.
Ezekiel tells of the restoration of fallen Jerusalem. The Israelites weep that they are like dry bones and cut off from God. God gives Ezekiel a vision of a valley of dry bones and tells him to prophesy to the bones. They come together, connect with new tendons and flesh and skin and the Spirit is breathed into them and they rise. So God promises to open the graves of Israel’s dead and raise them so they will know that Yahweh is God.
Ezekiel then describes a vision for a new temple. It is symmetry and majesty. The message is hopeful because the Lord is doing this for His name. God promises to bring the exiles back and to defeat their enemies all around them. By doing so the nations will all know that He is Yahweh.
“I will make My holy name known among My people Israel and will no longer allow it to be profaned. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.” (Ezk. 39:7)
God has a reputation to uphold among the nations because He wants the many nations of the world to know and revere Him. When they do they all will know life through obedience to His right ways. God longs to bring shalom (wholeness) to the world. But look at all the bloodshed and violence getting to peace! God uses the violence to work His peaceful purposes, to reveal Himself to the world through His dealings with Israel and her enemies. Kings rise and fall, but the Holy One remains constant.
Paul writes his final letter from his prison in Rome. He will be executed in the same year that Timothy receives his mentor’s encouragement. Paul tells Timothy to suffer for the gospel and without shame knowing that he will reap reward for his dedication and obedience.
Paul tells him plainly, “Keep in mind Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David, according to my gospel (2 Tim. 2:8).” Only with this single-minded commitment can Timothy hope to gently correct the people in the church who enjoy debates over words, over whether the resurrection has already come (2 Tim. 2:18). Timothy will suffer for the gospel, but it is by “relying on the power of God (2 Tim. 1:8).”
God “has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began (2 Tim. 1:9).”
In essence God’s purpose in calling the church to holiness is the same work He did through Israel. We are called to “righteousness, faith, love and peace (2 Tim. 2:22).”
For His namesake, God continues to call all the world into holy community where righteousness is at home. The world is far from what God desires, yet God does not abandon this great work. I, for one, am deeply grateful. For if God were to lose patience with me I would have perished long ago. But because God is gracious and compassionate remember the prayers of my youth and the prayers of my mother and father and my church family, I was delivered from my sins. If it were for my effort, I would not be alive.
God has a purpose for us and a grace to give us, if we will learn to live by it, to accomplish all He desires for us. Not for our glory, but for His name.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The Role We Play
Day 69: 2 Kings 6–10; Ezekiel 31–36; 1 Timothy 4–6
I am in the home stretch! I have only 20 days left and I will have accomplished what I set out to do...read the entire bible in 90 days. Others have done this before and in even less time, but I have really enjoyed this challenge. Because others are reading my thoughts recorded here, i feel like I am accomplishing something good for God and for them. I am thankful.
Shakespeare said something like "all the world is a stage and we are the players." The actual quote comes from As You Like It Act 2, scene 7, 139–143 and is spoken by the character Jacques
"All the world's a stage,
The first act is infancy, the last is senility. But what of this who never reach old age and that second childhood? In the harsh world of the ancient near east people died young all the time. Like the continuing saga of blood and treachery in the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah, kings die, young and old. Prophets live to a ripe old age and never taste death while less fortunate ones are killed by the sword or lions or mobs.
Many would look at all this drama and death as meaningless. In fact one of the chief objections to faith in the loving God revealed in Christ is that there is so much senseless suffering in the world. But as I read these stories I find myself beginning to see that all lives have their part to play, No matter if a life gets written about in a book, God sees, God cares, God loves and God judges.
We are the players on the stage and God is directing. Some players take direction better than others. Some parts are bigger than others, but every part contributes to the whole production.
Elisha is proving that his ministry is double strength to that of Elijah's by the wonders God wroughts through him. He causes an axe head to float up from the bottom of the river. He hears the plans of the enemy without being anywhere near them. He calls down angels on chariots of fire to fight for him and for Israel. His role is to show that there is a God in Israel, contrary to how the idolatrous kings may behave.
Jehu is anointed as king to carry out God's designs to bring Ahab's house to an end. These chapters are filled with death and treachery. Jehu kills Joram and the king of Judah Ahaziah (son of Jehoram). During this period Judah's kings were marrying daughters from the line of Omri/Ahab. Their alliance made them military partners. He has Jezebel thrown out a palace window to her death. Dogs eat her leaving only a skull, feet and the palms of her hands. She will be scattered about the fields in the form of dog feces, a fulfilment of Elijah's prophecy against her in response to the murder of Naboth. Because of Jehu's military prowess, he convinces the elders of Samarai who are charged with caring for King Joram's 70 sons to decapitate each one of them. The heads are delivered in two baskets and piles on either side of the the city gates of Jezreel as a warning and a sign. God is ending the house of Ahab as promised. Then Jehu kills all the elders formerly loyal to the house of Ahab. He killed all the king's servants in Samaria. The role of all these dead is to be a sign to others that God will execute punishment on those whose sin becomes a stench in His nostrils.
Finally Jehu commands all prophets of Baal to attend a sacrifice at the temple of Baal pretending to worship the pagan deity. They kill everyone, pull the temple down on top of the bodies of the pagan priests and turn the the ruin into a latrine! Jehu is not completely loyal to Yahweh. He keeps the golden calf shrines at Dan and Bethel. Still God blesses Jehu with a four generation dynasty for his service to Yahweh in snuffing out the house of Ahab. It's clear Jehu's role is to be a tool of justice in the hands of Yahweh. He is not a good man. He is brutal and violent, but God uses him for His purposes. Kings are supposed to lead the people in a just society. God has shown through His law what justice requires, but when kings for His chosen ignore His law, Yahweh acts to depose the guilty rulers. Kings in Israel play the role of bad king and become a sign when we meet their doom. Good kings are blessed and they too communicate that God's blessings are with the obedient king who honors God and keeps His covenant.
Ezekiel prophesies against the priests of Jerusalem who are supposed to be shepherds to the people, feeding and looking after them. Instead they feed themselves. We learn what the role of a priest from Ezekiel chapter 34.
"You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bandaged the injured, brought back the strays, or sought the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty (Ezk 34:4).
Since Jerusalem's priests are not playing the role of the good shepherd, God Himself will shepherd His people. Like a good shepherd Yahweh...
Paul encourages Timothy in his role as pastor to the church in Ephesus.
"...you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. Do not neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Be conscientious about yourself and your teaching; persevere in these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers (1 Tim 4:12-16)."
A pastor's role is a lot like the priests with the exception that he does not offer sacrifices. The sacrifice has already been given. Jesus Christ is the once and for all sacrificial offering.
Timothy is to exhort older men as if he were gently encouraging his own father with regard. He is to maintain "all propriety" when exhorting young women. Treat older women like his own mother and young men like his brothers.
He is to provide for widows who are truly in need and not busybodies or ones who should be relying upon their remaining family. Families who don't care for the needs of their own are worse than unbelievers (1 Tim. 5:8).
Each church is like a little kingdom with pastors and lay leadership play the roles of priest, prophet and king. They are to help create a community that reflects the character of Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Ands each member is to obediently contribute to this very effort, for such communities change the world and make it more and more like heaven just like a pinch of yeast rises the whole batch of dough.
We all have a part to play as Christians. We are to witness to the gospel with our words and deeds. The question is will you accept direction from the Director?
Raise the curtain! Raise the lights! Let the show begin!
I am in the home stretch! I have only 20 days left and I will have accomplished what I set out to do...read the entire bible in 90 days. Others have done this before and in even less time, but I have really enjoyed this challenge. Because others are reading my thoughts recorded here, i feel like I am accomplishing something good for God and for them. I am thankful.
Shakespeare said something like "all the world is a stage and we are the players." The actual quote comes from As You Like It Act 2, scene 7, 139–143 and is spoken by the character Jacques
"All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages."
Many would look at all this drama and death as meaningless. In fact one of the chief objections to faith in the loving God revealed in Christ is that there is so much senseless suffering in the world. But as I read these stories I find myself beginning to see that all lives have their part to play, No matter if a life gets written about in a book, God sees, God cares, God loves and God judges.
We are the players on the stage and God is directing. Some players take direction better than others. Some parts are bigger than others, but every part contributes to the whole production.
Elisha is proving that his ministry is double strength to that of Elijah's by the wonders God wroughts through him. He causes an axe head to float up from the bottom of the river. He hears the plans of the enemy without being anywhere near them. He calls down angels on chariots of fire to fight for him and for Israel. His role is to show that there is a God in Israel, contrary to how the idolatrous kings may behave.
Jehu is anointed as king to carry out God's designs to bring Ahab's house to an end. These chapters are filled with death and treachery. Jehu kills Joram and the king of Judah Ahaziah (son of Jehoram). During this period Judah's kings were marrying daughters from the line of Omri/Ahab. Their alliance made them military partners. He has Jezebel thrown out a palace window to her death. Dogs eat her leaving only a skull, feet and the palms of her hands. She will be scattered about the fields in the form of dog feces, a fulfilment of Elijah's prophecy against her in response to the murder of Naboth. Because of Jehu's military prowess, he convinces the elders of Samarai who are charged with caring for King Joram's 70 sons to decapitate each one of them. The heads are delivered in two baskets and piles on either side of the the city gates of Jezreel as a warning and a sign. God is ending the house of Ahab as promised. Then Jehu kills all the elders formerly loyal to the house of Ahab. He killed all the king's servants in Samaria. The role of all these dead is to be a sign to others that God will execute punishment on those whose sin becomes a stench in His nostrils.
Finally Jehu commands all prophets of Baal to attend a sacrifice at the temple of Baal pretending to worship the pagan deity. They kill everyone, pull the temple down on top of the bodies of the pagan priests and turn the the ruin into a latrine! Jehu is not completely loyal to Yahweh. He keeps the golden calf shrines at Dan and Bethel. Still God blesses Jehu with a four generation dynasty for his service to Yahweh in snuffing out the house of Ahab. It's clear Jehu's role is to be a tool of justice in the hands of Yahweh. He is not a good man. He is brutal and violent, but God uses him for His purposes. Kings are supposed to lead the people in a just society. God has shown through His law what justice requires, but when kings for His chosen ignore His law, Yahweh acts to depose the guilty rulers. Kings in Israel play the role of bad king and become a sign when we meet their doom. Good kings are blessed and they too communicate that God's blessings are with the obedient king who honors God and keeps His covenant.
Ezekiel prophesies against the priests of Jerusalem who are supposed to be shepherds to the people, feeding and looking after them. Instead they feed themselves. We learn what the role of a priest from Ezekiel chapter 34.
"You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bandaged the injured, brought back the strays, or sought the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty (Ezk 34:4).
Since Jerusalem's priests are not playing the role of the good shepherd, God Himself will shepherd His people. Like a good shepherd Yahweh...
- looks for his sheep (Priest tries to bring the wayward back into the fold)
- rescues them from all the places where they have been scattered (exiled)
- tends them with good pasture (justice)
- Separates the rams who bully the weaker sheep (wealthy and oppressive Israelites)
- Protects from wild animals (enemy nations)
Paul encourages Timothy in his role as pastor to the church in Ephesus.
"...you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. Do not neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Be conscientious about yourself and your teaching; persevere in these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers (1 Tim 4:12-16)."
A pastor's role is a lot like the priests with the exception that he does not offer sacrifices. The sacrifice has already been given. Jesus Christ is the once and for all sacrificial offering.
Timothy is to exhort older men as if he were gently encouraging his own father with regard. He is to maintain "all propriety" when exhorting young women. Treat older women like his own mother and young men like his brothers.
He is to provide for widows who are truly in need and not busybodies or ones who should be relying upon their remaining family. Families who don't care for the needs of their own are worse than unbelievers (1 Tim. 5:8).
Each church is like a little kingdom with pastors and lay leadership play the roles of priest, prophet and king. They are to help create a community that reflects the character of Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Ands each member is to obediently contribute to this very effort, for such communities change the world and make it more and more like heaven just like a pinch of yeast rises the whole batch of dough.
We all have a part to play as Christians. We are to witness to the gospel with our words and deeds. The question is will you accept direction from the Director?
Raise the curtain! Raise the lights! Let the show begin!
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