An obstacle the Jews faced during the rebuilding of the temple [Ezra 4]
Synopsis:
After Persia defeated the Babylonians, King Cyrus started allowing some of the Jewish captives to return home to Jerusalem. Upon return, they began rebuilding the Jewish community, including the altar, temple, and walls. The Jews encountered resistance and distrust from the inhabitants that existed in their homeland, while the Jews were in exile. According to the book of Ezra, during the building of the temple, some adversaries wrote a letter to the current king of Persia, Artaxerxes, warning him of the dangers surrounding allowing the Jews to rebuild their autonomy. Artaxerxes ordered the work to cease, and it remained so until King Darius’ reign.
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#1 (4:1-3) Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the returned exiles were building a temple to the LORD, the God of Israel, they approached [them] and said to them, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God as you do, and we have been sacrificing to him ever since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria who brought us here.”
Here, the writer claims that they are adversaries, so we assume their intentions were not genuine. However, without the intentions being known, the case could be made for sincerity on the part of the preexisting inhabitants. It appears as though they were brought to that land while in captivity under Assyrian rule, so they have gone from being subjects of one power to subjects of another, with no identity of their own. If they thought the Jews were rebuilding in anticipation of revolting against Persia, they could wish to help in hopes of staking claim to an autonomous homeland. Separate groups that share a commonality can unify while fighting a mutual outside enemy.
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#2 (4:3) … "You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we alone will build to the LORD, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us."
Since the Jews did see the locals as insincere adversaries they did not want them involved in their reconstruction at all. If they let enemies get involved, trouble could have risen in any facet of the undertaking. If we hope to be successful in a task, we need to guard against our adversaries participating in the job. Even if their intentions are true, valuable energy is displaced by second guessing their true intentions, instead of full attention to the task at hand.
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#3 (4:4-5,12) Then the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah and made them afraid to build and bribed counselors against them to frustrate their purpose… … "Be it known to the king that the Jews who came up from you to us have gone to Jerusalem. They are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city."
Here, the locals have proven their true nature. Regardless of their original intent, the result of rejection was total betrayal and sabotage. If they truly hoped for the Jews success, any support would have proven to the Jews that they were honorable people. A person’s true character is often revealed when things do not go their way.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
June 15, 2010
One account of the story of Jesus walking on water [Matthew 14:22-33]
Synopsis:
Jesus just finished spending the day teaching, healing, and fellowshipping with a huge crowd of people, at the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Needing a little quiet time to unwind after the tiring day, Jesus sent his disciples out in a boat across the sea and withdrew to the mountains to pray. In the middle of the night, Jesus decided to join his disciples by walking out to meet them. Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, asked if he could get out of the boat and join Jesus by walking on the water. Peter started walking, but lost faith and began to sink. Jesus reached out and helped Peter back into the boat.
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1# (14:23) And after [Jesus] had dismissed the crowds, he went up o the mountain by himself to pray.
Here, Jesus takes some time to be alone after ministering to a huge crowd of people all day. We don’t have much detail about the event, other than he went to go pray. When we have been going and going, tending to the needs of others, it’s good to take a small amount of time for one’s self, to rest and reflect on things. This could be just refreshing enough to endure more time tending to others later.
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#2 (14:26) But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear.
Here, the disciples see a figure coming across the sea, but never think to attribute the vision to Jesus walking on the water. Because they didn’t understand who Jesus was and what God is capable of, their minds quickly jumped to first thing they could think of and became afraid of the unknown. When we’re caught off-guard by seeing something unexpected, we often jump to unusual conclusions instead of realizing the obvious.
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#3 (14:29-31) He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Here, Peter has enough faith to step out of the boat, onto the water. He understood the power of Jesus, from God, was enabling him to walk on water, however, once he realized his situation, he doubted the power… the very power that was allowing him to walk on water. Because he doubted, he began to sink. When we’re in the midst of action, losing faith in the ability for the action to be carried out will have a direct, adverse effect on the chance of positive outcome.
Synopsis:
Jesus just finished spending the day teaching, healing, and fellowshipping with a huge crowd of people, at the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Needing a little quiet time to unwind after the tiring day, Jesus sent his disciples out in a boat across the sea and withdrew to the mountains to pray. In the middle of the night, Jesus decided to join his disciples by walking out to meet them. Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, asked if he could get out of the boat and join Jesus by walking on the water. Peter started walking, but lost faith and began to sink. Jesus reached out and helped Peter back into the boat.
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1# (14:23) And after [Jesus] had dismissed the crowds, he went up o the mountain by himself to pray.
Here, Jesus takes some time to be alone after ministering to a huge crowd of people all day. We don’t have much detail about the event, other than he went to go pray. When we have been going and going, tending to the needs of others, it’s good to take a small amount of time for one’s self, to rest and reflect on things. This could be just refreshing enough to endure more time tending to others later.
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#2 (14:26) But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear.
Here, the disciples see a figure coming across the sea, but never think to attribute the vision to Jesus walking on the water. Because they didn’t understand who Jesus was and what God is capable of, their minds quickly jumped to first thing they could think of and became afraid of the unknown. When we’re caught off-guard by seeing something unexpected, we often jump to unusual conclusions instead of realizing the obvious.
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#3 (14:29-31) He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Here, Peter has enough faith to step out of the boat, onto the water. He understood the power of Jesus, from God, was enabling him to walk on water, however, once he realized his situation, he doubted the power… the very power that was allowing him to walk on water. Because he doubted, he began to sink. When we’re in the midst of action, losing faith in the ability for the action to be carried out will have a direct, adverse effect on the chance of positive outcome.
Monday, June 14, 2010
June 14, 2010
The story of how Joseph gained his power in Egypt [Genesis 41]
Synopsis:
A Hebrew, named Joseph, had been sold into Egyptian slavery by his brothers. While in captivity, Joseph demonstrated some talent in being able to interpret dreams. The Pharaoh begins having a reoccurring dream that was causing some anxiety for the ruler. Word gets around and, before long, Joseph is brought in to interpret Pharaoh’s dream. The theory is that God was revealing a plan to bring seven years of abundance to all the land, followed by seven years of famine. The pharaoh has faith in Joseph’s interpretation and places him in power over all of Egypt, subject only to the throne.
While in power, Joseph orders that grain be stored during the years of abundance, so they could survive the years of famine. The prophetic dream proves to be true, putting Egypt in a greater position of power, by being the only source for grain in all the land. This secures Joseph’s power in Egypt.
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#1 (41:39-40) Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command.”
Here, Joseph has impressed the Pharaoh by interpreting his dream, and then followed up with a course of action for dealing with the approaching crisis. Joseph demonstrated great leadership skill to the highest in command, in Egypt. The sign of a good leader is one that uses wisdom to discern the best course of action, followed by an ability to execute that plan.
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#2 (41:47,49,53-54) During the seven plentiful years the earth produced abundantly, and he gathered up all the food of these seven years… And Joseph stored up grain in great abundance, like the sand of the sea, until he ceased to measure it, for it could not be measured. …The seven years of plenty that occurred in the land of Egypt came to an end, and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. There was famine in all land, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.
Here, Joseph prepared for the time of famine by storing up grain in the time of abundance. Joseph was prepared for the hard time that was to come. Life will not always be in abundance. We should prepare for times in our life when maintaining a comparable quality of life would be more difficult.
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#3 (41:50-52) Before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph. Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore them to him. Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh. “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house.” The name of the second he called Ephraim, “For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”
Here, Joseph is remembering the hostility and hatred that his own family showed him by selling him into slavery. He’s reflecting on his captivity in Egypt, and the affliction of bondage. Even still, Joseph can celebrate the birth of his children, by understanding the possiblity of hope and joy. Regardless of our suffering, hope, joy, and cause for celebration can be found in any circumstance.
Synopsis:
A Hebrew, named Joseph, had been sold into Egyptian slavery by his brothers. While in captivity, Joseph demonstrated some talent in being able to interpret dreams. The Pharaoh begins having a reoccurring dream that was causing some anxiety for the ruler. Word gets around and, before long, Joseph is brought in to interpret Pharaoh’s dream. The theory is that God was revealing a plan to bring seven years of abundance to all the land, followed by seven years of famine. The pharaoh has faith in Joseph’s interpretation and places him in power over all of Egypt, subject only to the throne.
While in power, Joseph orders that grain be stored during the years of abundance, so they could survive the years of famine. The prophetic dream proves to be true, putting Egypt in a greater position of power, by being the only source for grain in all the land. This secures Joseph’s power in Egypt.
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#1 (41:39-40) Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command.”
Here, Joseph has impressed the Pharaoh by interpreting his dream, and then followed up with a course of action for dealing with the approaching crisis. Joseph demonstrated great leadership skill to the highest in command, in Egypt. The sign of a good leader is one that uses wisdom to discern the best course of action, followed by an ability to execute that plan.
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#2 (41:47,49,53-54) During the seven plentiful years the earth produced abundantly, and he gathered up all the food of these seven years… And Joseph stored up grain in great abundance, like the sand of the sea, until he ceased to measure it, for it could not be measured. …The seven years of plenty that occurred in the land of Egypt came to an end, and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. There was famine in all land, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.
Here, Joseph prepared for the time of famine by storing up grain in the time of abundance. Joseph was prepared for the hard time that was to come. Life will not always be in abundance. We should prepare for times in our life when maintaining a comparable quality of life would be more difficult.
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#3 (41:50-52) Before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph. Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore them to him. Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh. “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house.” The name of the second he called Ephraim, “For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”
Here, Joseph is remembering the hostility and hatred that his own family showed him by selling him into slavery. He’s reflecting on his captivity in Egypt, and the affliction of bondage. Even still, Joseph can celebrate the birth of his children, by understanding the possiblity of hope and joy. Regardless of our suffering, hope, joy, and cause for celebration can be found in any circumstance.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
June 13, 2010
A portion of a letter from Paul to the church in Corinth [1 Corinthians 2]
Synopsis:
Schisms were forming in the church in Corinth, due to a lack of focus in its mission. The cultural diversity of Corinth was being echoed within the church body, robbing it of its unique identity. Paul’s letter addresses many of the issues dividing the church and asks for unity in spirit, despite individuality. This portion of the letter attempts to clarify the identity of the church, while describing the common bond of wisdom in the spirit. Regardless of the theological divisions inside the church, Paul illustrates this shared quality, in contrast to the many opposing influences.
#1 (2:6-7) Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.
Here, among other things, Paul is creating a distinction between traditional wisdom and infinite wisdom. This proposes that, just as traditional wisdom reflects a higher order of understanding than simple knowledge, infinite wisdom transcends the traditional, by eliminating all traces of subjective influence caused by a finite perspective. While wisdom attempts to respect the impact of knowledge, as it relates to perceived life, our perception is always subject to the finite quality of our being.
#2 (2:11-12) For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.
Here, Paul is using a common truth that no one knows anyone else's thoughts, except that person, to explain the same truth about knowing God’s thoughts. Even if two people, identical in quality or any other manner, exists, their thoughts would be colored differently by unique experiences, regardless of the subtlety. This depiction of spirit, as it relates to God, enables a better articulation of the difference between an ability to know God’s thoughts and the gift of a spirit that knows God’s thoughts. As we strive for wisdom, no one has foreknowledge of which will be enduring wisdom, only the understanding that by seeking enduring wisdom, enduring wisdom will, in fact, be achieved during the course of human events.
#3 (2:14) The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
Here, Paul is pointing out the predicament of belief, by a person that does not believe. Someone that does not believe in things of the spirit will not accept things of the spirit to prove things of the spirit.
Synopsis:
Schisms were forming in the church in Corinth, due to a lack of focus in its mission. The cultural diversity of Corinth was being echoed within the church body, robbing it of its unique identity. Paul’s letter addresses many of the issues dividing the church and asks for unity in spirit, despite individuality. This portion of the letter attempts to clarify the identity of the church, while describing the common bond of wisdom in the spirit. Regardless of the theological divisions inside the church, Paul illustrates this shared quality, in contrast to the many opposing influences.
#1 (2:6-7) Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.
Here, among other things, Paul is creating a distinction between traditional wisdom and infinite wisdom. This proposes that, just as traditional wisdom reflects a higher order of understanding than simple knowledge, infinite wisdom transcends the traditional, by eliminating all traces of subjective influence caused by a finite perspective. While wisdom attempts to respect the impact of knowledge, as it relates to perceived life, our perception is always subject to the finite quality of our being.
#2 (2:11-12) For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.
Here, Paul is using a common truth that no one knows anyone else's thoughts, except that person, to explain the same truth about knowing God’s thoughts. Even if two people, identical in quality or any other manner, exists, their thoughts would be colored differently by unique experiences, regardless of the subtlety. This depiction of spirit, as it relates to God, enables a better articulation of the difference between an ability to know God’s thoughts and the gift of a spirit that knows God’s thoughts. As we strive for wisdom, no one has foreknowledge of which will be enduring wisdom, only the understanding that by seeking enduring wisdom, enduring wisdom will, in fact, be achieved during the course of human events.
#3 (2:14) The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
Here, Paul is pointing out the predicament of belief, by a person that does not believe. Someone that does not believe in things of the spirit will not accept things of the spirit to prove things of the spirit.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
June 12, 2010
The story of David and Goliath [1 Samuel 17]
Synopsis:
Israel was at war with the Philistines, with battle lines forming on opposing hillsides. A huge Philistine champion, named Goliath, left the ranks to mock and taunt the Israelites, offering the challenge of a single fight with one Israelite to decide the fate of the battle. Goliath's bravado and physical stature demoralized Israel.
No one wanted to take the challenge, except a young boy named David. King Saul, of Israel, reluctantly sends David to meet Goliath. Goliath mocked the boy and started toward David. David puts a stone in a sling and launches it at Goliath, striking him on the forehead. Goliath falls to the ground, and David cuts off his head. The Philistines run away in fear, with the Israelites giving chase.
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#1 (17:8,10) [Goliath] stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, "Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine... ...I defy the ranks of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together."
Here, Goliath's pride in his size causes him to step out from behind the protection of the Philistine line, maintaining the defense of only a single shield-bearer. The Israelite's reaction gives a clue to the process of how Goliath's pride was bolstered throughout his life. Pride in something material in nature can be artificially built-up to the point of seeming impervious to destruction. If left uncontrolled, the source of one's pride could become the source of one's downfall.
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#2 (17:24,51) All the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were much afraid... ...When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.
Here, fear grips Israel and the Philistines because of the actions of two men. The fear causes a shift from an objective perspective to one that is subject to the immediate isolated circumstance. Each army is defeated by the fear, without even fighting the battle. Fear can cause us to flounder in self-defeat and lose touch with an objective perspective.
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#3 (17:50) So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David.
Here, David is at a distinct physical disadvantage. David is no match for Goliath's size, for hand to hand combat. A resourceful David, instead, uses his skill with a sling to gain the advantage of projectile warfare, allowing him to circumvent Goliath's gross physical advantage. We should exploit our strengths, while guarding our weaknesses, if we intend to be successful.
Synopsis:
Israel was at war with the Philistines, with battle lines forming on opposing hillsides. A huge Philistine champion, named Goliath, left the ranks to mock and taunt the Israelites, offering the challenge of a single fight with one Israelite to decide the fate of the battle. Goliath's bravado and physical stature demoralized Israel.
No one wanted to take the challenge, except a young boy named David. King Saul, of Israel, reluctantly sends David to meet Goliath. Goliath mocked the boy and started toward David. David puts a stone in a sling and launches it at Goliath, striking him on the forehead. Goliath falls to the ground, and David cuts off his head. The Philistines run away in fear, with the Israelites giving chase.
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#1 (17:8,10) [Goliath] stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, "Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine... ...I defy the ranks of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together."
Here, Goliath's pride in his size causes him to step out from behind the protection of the Philistine line, maintaining the defense of only a single shield-bearer. The Israelite's reaction gives a clue to the process of how Goliath's pride was bolstered throughout his life. Pride in something material in nature can be artificially built-up to the point of seeming impervious to destruction. If left uncontrolled, the source of one's pride could become the source of one's downfall.
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#2 (17:24,51) All the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were much afraid... ...When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.
Here, fear grips Israel and the Philistines because of the actions of two men. The fear causes a shift from an objective perspective to one that is subject to the immediate isolated circumstance. Each army is defeated by the fear, without even fighting the battle. Fear can cause us to flounder in self-defeat and lose touch with an objective perspective.
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#3 (17:50) So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David.
Here, David is at a distinct physical disadvantage. David is no match for Goliath's size, for hand to hand combat. A resourceful David, instead, uses his skill with a sling to gain the advantage of projectile warfare, allowing him to circumvent Goliath's gross physical advantage. We should exploit our strengths, while guarding our weaknesses, if we intend to be successful.
Friday, June 11, 2010
June 11, 2010
The story of Jesus healing a man with a withered hand. [Mark 3:1-6]
Synopsis:
Jesus went into the synagogue on the Sabbath. The Pharisees were watching to see if Jesus broke the law by doing work on the sabbath, healing a man's hand. Jesus asked them a provocative question about the sabbath and then healed the man's hand. The Pharisees got mad and started plotting how to destroy Jesus.
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#1 (3:4) And [Jesus] said to them, "Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?" But they were silent.
Here, Jesus is questioning the purpose of the law. Laws are designed for the good of a society. So, a law prohibiting "do-gooding" makes no sense. Perhaps a response from the Pharisees could have altered the outcome, but their intentions were not to do good. We should use wisdom when we decide the course of our actions, instead of merely upholding ritual. I'm not dismissing the need of a sabbath, just a law that causes unnecessary harm.
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#2 {3:2,6) And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him... The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how do destroy him.
Here, the group in power sees a potential threat on the horizon. As far as the people are concerned, they were the keepers of God's Word. They were specifically empowered so that His love and mercy would be revealed, and an outsider was causing a stir. People in power attempt to preserve their power. If the thirst for that power is great enough, the ends could justify any possible means.
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#3 (3:5) ...he stretched it out, and his hand was restored.
Here Jesus healed the man's hand. We don't know much detail about the hand, the affliction, or the healing process. Our bodies heal. Sometimes medicine is needed. Sometimes rest and time is needed. Sometimes our bodies just get better with no current explanation.
Synopsis:
Jesus went into the synagogue on the Sabbath. The Pharisees were watching to see if Jesus broke the law by doing work on the sabbath, healing a man's hand. Jesus asked them a provocative question about the sabbath and then healed the man's hand. The Pharisees got mad and started plotting how to destroy Jesus.
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#1 (3:4) And [Jesus] said to them, "Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?" But they were silent.
Here, Jesus is questioning the purpose of the law. Laws are designed for the good of a society. So, a law prohibiting "do-gooding" makes no sense. Perhaps a response from the Pharisees could have altered the outcome, but their intentions were not to do good. We should use wisdom when we decide the course of our actions, instead of merely upholding ritual. I'm not dismissing the need of a sabbath, just a law that causes unnecessary harm.
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#2 {3:2,6) And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him... The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how do destroy him.
Here, the group in power sees a potential threat on the horizon. As far as the people are concerned, they were the keepers of God's Word. They were specifically empowered so that His love and mercy would be revealed, and an outsider was causing a stir. People in power attempt to preserve their power. If the thirst for that power is great enough, the ends could justify any possible means.
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#3 (3:5) ...he stretched it out, and his hand was restored.
Here Jesus healed the man's hand. We don't know much detail about the hand, the affliction, or the healing process. Our bodies heal. Sometimes medicine is needed. Sometimes rest and time is needed. Sometimes our bodies just get better with no current explanation.
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