Genesis 29 & 30 Reflections
Genesis 29 and 30 has a barrage of activity. A lot of the activity deals with how the family of Jacob is built. I struggle with the fact of how it was OK to have multiple woman/wives/mates and bare multiple children. I never have and never will agree with having multiple wives, but from what you see so far in the Old Testament, having multiple wives was a normal occurrence. What did strike me, but may not be in context of what I read, Genesis 29 and 30 didn't seem to have a profound message from what I was getting out of the reading, again, what struck me was the passion Jacob held for Rachel and what he was willing to do to get her. Genesis 29:18 18 And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter,...SEVEN YEARS. I could not even imagine hearing of someone in this day and age of doing such a thing. Sadly, I even forgot to call my future father in law at the time to ask for his daughters hand in marriage. Not that this is any excuse, but we had been dating seven years before we finally got married, SEVEN YEARS. Is this a coincidence to what I read today in the Old Testament? Unless anyone would consider the seven years Laura and I dated as work, I think it was just a crossing of two separate paths. It does seem, more and more, people tend to fall in love a lot quicker or tend to not put too much work and effort into their relationships before they decide to get married. I am not saying that a couple could not be happily married if they followed any or all of the things I have listed above. The only thing I find beautiful in today's reading, is the sacrifice Jacob puts into his life in order to be with the one he loves. If only we all could experience that love in one way or another. Dear God, your love for us is strong. I ask that you bless the lives of those who are in love, and that you fill their hearts with the love and grace that makes up your perfect existence...Amen.
Questions for follow up:
Q - Rachel was the daughter of Laban who was the son of Nahor. Genesis 29:6 6..., behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep. Was it normal for a woman in that time to be a caretaker for sheep, cattle, or any live stock?
Q - I have noticed now that a lot of the marriages that are written in the Bible were made up of cousins marrying cousins. Is this a normal thing? Why is this looked so down up today then?
Matthew 10:1 - 23 Reflections
Matthew 10 is full of insight and meaning. We are introduced to all 12 of Jesus deciples, we are shown the power Jesus gives, we are shown how we should go forth and preach. What stood out for me was Matthew 10:20 - 22 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. 21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth till the end shall be saved. As Christians, it seems as if we already have one strike against us in our society today. We have faith and beliefs in Jesus Christ, and many do not understand us. Today, it might not be like it states in the above mentioned versus, where we will be put to death, but we are reidiculed by others within our society. Even other Christians have questioned me on wy I would even do what I'm doing with journaling my way through the Bible. We are not only tested day by day on the tempatations and the sins of this world, but we are also tested on our faith day by day through questions and hate to our faith and beliefs. I say to us all, stay strong. Our faith that we are tested on every day is the same faith that will save us eternally. Let others ridicule us, let others speak down to us, because the glory we seak is not of this place, but of heaven. Remember, Jesus sermon on the mountain, Matthew 5:10 - 11 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for rightiousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsley for my sake. We will be persecuted. We will be hated, we will be not understood, we will be lashed out against, but I say to you, our reward is much better in the end than any earthly reward. God's speed, love and grace be with us all...Amen
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Genesis 27,28 * Matthew 9:1-17 * Psalm 9
Genesis 27 & 28 Reflections
In yesterdays reading, I read how Esau and Jacob would be individuals and siblings that would not get along too well. Genesis 25:22 - 23 22 And the children struggled together within her, and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the LORD. 23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of the people shall be separated from thy bowels, and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. At first glance, I thought Jacob was deceitful in the way in which he receives the blessing from God and from Isaac. Jacob and his mother lay out the plan, where Jacob pretends to be Esau. Thinking they were clever in their ways, they do not realize the LORD foretold something like this would have to happen. Finally, in Genesis 27:28 - 29 God's previous words come into play. 28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine. 29 Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mothers sons bow down to thee: cursed be everyone that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee. As deceitful as this may seem at first glance, we must remember this is an important pivotal point inn our faith's history. The people and the nations of Jacob, will end up being the very people Moses will be asked to free from slavery in Egypt.
Questions for follow up:
Q - Genesis 28:22 22 And this stone, which I will have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee. Is this the first mention of giving a tenth of what is made to God? Is this verse used as a pillar towards giving a tenth, tithing?
Matthew 9:18 - 38 Reflections
Matthew 9:18 - 38 continues showing the miracles that are done by Jesus Christ. Because I am so familiar with the stories of Jesus, when I first read Matthew 9:24, I was disappointed with the way people were accepting Him and His miracles. Matthew 24 24 He said unto them, Give place for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But, as I thought about it more, I wonder what I would think if Jesus would have walked up to me during the funeral of my deceased friends or relatives, and said to me, why are you mourning, the one you are morning for is not dead, but is alive? Would the faith I have in Him keep me from laughing? Even more, what if I hadn't known of Jesus at all, again, could I keep myself from laughing? Sometimes I think we have lost faith in the true miracles we could see everyday, if only we stopped laughing and saw the miracles for what they are, blessings from God. So, I ask God to live in my heart everyday. That He open my eyes to the miracles he performs everyday. And maybe, instead of laughing, I will be blessed enough to see the works of our Lord God
Psalm 9:1-10 Reflections
There are two places within this Psalm that inclined me to write. The first was Psalm 9:6 - 10 6 O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them. 7 But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. 8 And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. 9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. 10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. There are many times in my life where I have been approached by individuals that ask for proof of my faith. Show me something that would allow me to understand you and your faith, and maybe I'll give God a chance. First of all, faith would not be faith if I had to show and explain for every detail of why I believe in God and His son Jesus Christ. The thing is, these versus of Psalm 9 give me comfort and pride in the fact that the truths and faiths of God have lived on for centuries. No matter who doesn't believe me, no matter who will try to destroy my faith in God, no matter how many times people try to beat God out of my heart, I know that according to Psalm 9:7 7 But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. So, I say, stay strong, and know that your faith and the structure of your beliefs has lived and will live on forever. There is no need for scientific proof or proof of miracles to prove to anybody your faith. Praise be to God...Amen.
The second part of Psalm 9 that caught my eye was at the beginning, Psalm 9:1 - 2 1 I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. I pray and it gives me hope, that the journey I am on will lend itself to experiences that will bring my mind and heart closer to God. Jesus speaks to his disciples saying, Love thy God with all thy heart, soul, and mind. I say this now, we have a wonderful maker in God. He truly is our LORD and savior. My meditations and praises are done now in joy. I thirst to read and think about God, and I have only begun this journey. Today is March 23, a day of celebrating the Resurrection of our savior Jesus Christ. Give God thanks and praise for the sacrifice of his one and only child. May we all be filled with the Holy Spirit and shout to the heavens praise to our God and thanks for the saving grace he sent to us.
- Truly, through thought, word and deed, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will be you Lord God, and your son Jesus Christ...Amen.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
In San Francisco
All -
Everyone that has checked in to my journey, I thank you for your prayers and support. I have experienced things so far that I didn't think I would, and it has been wonderful.
I am going to be in San Francisco for the week of March 23 - March 28. I will continue with my journey, but it will be by a written journal for this week. I will try and get everything typed into my blog upon my return.
Again, thanks for your prayers and support.
God Bless you all,
Joshua Gamradt
Everyone that has checked in to my journey, I thank you for your prayers and support. I have experienced things so far that I didn't think I would, and it has been wonderful.
I am going to be in San Francisco for the week of March 23 - March 28. I will continue with my journey, but it will be by a written journal for this week. I will try and get everything typed into my blog upon my return.
Again, thanks for your prayers and support.
God Bless you all,
Joshua Gamradt
Genesis 25,26 * Matthew 9:1-17 * Psalm 8
Genesis 25, 26 Reflections
I almost got through all of Genesis 25 and 26 thinking I was not going to have an inspiration, but only questions. As I read Genesis 26:26 - 31, I found some inspiration hiding in those versus. I read how Abimelech, king of Gerar, Ahuzzath, a friend of Abimelech, and Phichol, the chief captain of Abimelech's army, went to see Isaac. Isaac says in Genesis 26:27 27 And Isaac said unto them, Wherefore come ye to me, seeing ye hate me, and have sent me away from you? I gathered from this text that Abimelech and his kingdom was in some way an enemy of Isaac's and vise-versa. Regardless of their status with each other, the LORD is with Isaac and this is apparently obvious to Abimelech, and he would like to have an oath of peace between himself and Isaac. Although enemies, the light of the Lord shines through again, and even if they were once not friends, they now can eat and drink together, because of the relationship Isaac has with God. Regardless of who I may not get along with on this earth, it is my part to let my love of the Lord shine through in all that I do, so anybody and everybody can see that the Lord is with me. If I continue to walk down the path of God and keep his laws and repent every day, just maybe it will be a source of inspiration to others.
Thank you dear God for the relationship you have set between You and I. I ask that you continue to walk with me down this journey of life, and that you shine your grace and forgiveness in the way I live my life, so that it be an inspiration to all I meet. I pray this in Your name dear God, and Your son Jesus Christ...Amen
Questions to follow up:
Q - "...and he gave up the Ghost and died." This is stated twice in Genesis 25. This is a unique style of writing compared to what I have already read. Why is it so different?
Q - Genesis 20:1 - 7 Abraham asks Sarah to say she is his sister so Abimelech, king of Gerar, in which Abimelech sent for Sarah and took her. Genesis 26:6 - 11 Now Isaac tells the same king of Gerar, Abimelech, the same thing his father did, saying Rebekah was his sister. There are now two stories where Abraham says that Sarah is his sister, and now there is a third and very similar story where Isaac says Rebekah is his sister. What is the significance of these stories?
Matthew 9:1 - 17 Reflections
There are many messages which are revealed to me in only half of Matthew 9. The text that affected me the most what Matthew 9:10 - 13. Everywhere Jesus goes, the people he meets and the individuals he cures are not all perfect people. The miracles of God and the saving grace given to us through the death of his son Jesus Christ is not set aside just for people whom are perfect. Jesus shows us that it is not just other Christians we should surround ourselves with, but we should surround ourselves with people we may not think fit into our earthly society. Every single person on this earth has a chance to become inheritors of eternal life. If you know the way, we must not just share it with other Christians we must spread the news of God and his son to those who truly need it. Jesus says in Matthew 9:12 - 13 12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. 13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Again, we are not to hide behind our Christian faith and say that we are perfect, because these are not the type of people Jesus was coming to so. These are not the type of people who are meek or portray the qualities that Jesus speaks about on the sermon on the mountain. Everyday, we must know of our sins and recognize them as sins. We must repent, because we know we are not perfect, and that it is the death of Jesus Christ that is our saving grace.
Note: Number 5 of the 12 disciples is chosen. Matthew, a man seen sitting at the receipt of custom.
Psalm 8 Reflections
Psalm 3:3 3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained. Have you ever looked up at the stars and stared in wonderment at their beauty. Have you ever looked at a sunset and watched it's amazing glow on the horizon? Have you ever experienced the joy having your own child born into this world? I have not had the joy to experience all of the above, but there are many things on this earth that I have. There are many times in my life when I sit and look at the wonderful scenery and experiences God has laid out for us. People tend to try and disprove God by saying science is the opposite of God and science is the explanation for all these things. Funny when I think about it really, because science would not be a form of study if it was not for God. There are many times in the bible in which God uses science to control nature to do things that it would not normally do. Sometimes there were things that could be explained by science, but the miracle had to do with the timing of when it happened. God works in miraculous and mysterious ways. I love it.
- Through thought, word, and deed, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will be You Lord God, and Your son Jesus Christ...Amen
I almost got through all of Genesis 25 and 26 thinking I was not going to have an inspiration, but only questions. As I read Genesis 26:26 - 31, I found some inspiration hiding in those versus. I read how Abimelech, king of Gerar, Ahuzzath, a friend of Abimelech, and Phichol, the chief captain of Abimelech's army, went to see Isaac. Isaac says in Genesis 26:27 27 And Isaac said unto them, Wherefore come ye to me, seeing ye hate me, and have sent me away from you? I gathered from this text that Abimelech and his kingdom was in some way an enemy of Isaac's and vise-versa. Regardless of their status with each other, the LORD is with Isaac and this is apparently obvious to Abimelech, and he would like to have an oath of peace between himself and Isaac. Although enemies, the light of the Lord shines through again, and even if they were once not friends, they now can eat and drink together, because of the relationship Isaac has with God. Regardless of who I may not get along with on this earth, it is my part to let my love of the Lord shine through in all that I do, so anybody and everybody can see that the Lord is with me. If I continue to walk down the path of God and keep his laws and repent every day, just maybe it will be a source of inspiration to others.
Thank you dear God for the relationship you have set between You and I. I ask that you continue to walk with me down this journey of life, and that you shine your grace and forgiveness in the way I live my life, so that it be an inspiration to all I meet. I pray this in Your name dear God, and Your son Jesus Christ...Amen
Questions to follow up:
Q - "...and he gave up the Ghost and died." This is stated twice in Genesis 25. This is a unique style of writing compared to what I have already read. Why is it so different?
Q - Genesis 20:1 - 7 Abraham asks Sarah to say she is his sister so Abimelech, king of Gerar, in which Abimelech sent for Sarah and took her. Genesis 26:6 - 11 Now Isaac tells the same king of Gerar, Abimelech, the same thing his father did, saying Rebekah was his sister. There are now two stories where Abraham says that Sarah is his sister, and now there is a third and very similar story where Isaac says Rebekah is his sister. What is the significance of these stories?
Matthew 9:1 - 17 Reflections
There are many messages which are revealed to me in only half of Matthew 9. The text that affected me the most what Matthew 9:10 - 13. Everywhere Jesus goes, the people he meets and the individuals he cures are not all perfect people. The miracles of God and the saving grace given to us through the death of his son Jesus Christ is not set aside just for people whom are perfect. Jesus shows us that it is not just other Christians we should surround ourselves with, but we should surround ourselves with people we may not think fit into our earthly society. Every single person on this earth has a chance to become inheritors of eternal life. If you know the way, we must not just share it with other Christians we must spread the news of God and his son to those who truly need it. Jesus says in Matthew 9:12 - 13 12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. 13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Again, we are not to hide behind our Christian faith and say that we are perfect, because these are not the type of people Jesus was coming to so. These are not the type of people who are meek or portray the qualities that Jesus speaks about on the sermon on the mountain. Everyday, we must know of our sins and recognize them as sins. We must repent, because we know we are not perfect, and that it is the death of Jesus Christ that is our saving grace.
Note: Number 5 of the 12 disciples is chosen. Matthew, a man seen sitting at the receipt of custom.
Psalm 8 Reflections
Psalm 3:3 3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained. Have you ever looked up at the stars and stared in wonderment at their beauty. Have you ever looked at a sunset and watched it's amazing glow on the horizon? Have you ever experienced the joy having your own child born into this world? I have not had the joy to experience all of the above, but there are many things on this earth that I have. There are many times in my life when I sit and look at the wonderful scenery and experiences God has laid out for us. People tend to try and disprove God by saying science is the opposite of God and science is the explanation for all these things. Funny when I think about it really, because science would not be a form of study if it was not for God. There are many times in the bible in which God uses science to control nature to do things that it would not normally do. Sometimes there were things that could be explained by science, but the miracle had to do with the timing of when it happened. God works in miraculous and mysterious ways. I love it.
- Through thought, word, and deed, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will be You Lord God, and Your son Jesus Christ...Amen
Friday, March 21, 2008
Genesis 22,23,24 * Matthew 8 * Psalm 7:10-17
Genesis 22, 23, 24 Reflections
Genesis 22 tells the well known story of Abraham being tested by God, in asking Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac. It kept on running through my mind, why would God test Abraham in such a way. I have this feeling, if God came up to a parent today, and asked us to sacrifice our one and only child, we would probably do as Sarah did when God told her she was going to conceive a child at the age of ninety, laugh. I can hear it now, are you crazy, why would You, my loving God, asking me to do such as thing. But, I also started thinking about all the little things that God asks us to sacrifice, and we still have a hard time conforming to even that. Daily meditation (It takes too long,) Prayer to God (I don't know how,) Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy (I'm too tired,) or tithing (How can I afford to take care of my family and tithe at the same time? All the while, we find that storage is one of the most profitable businesses in the United States. We have too much stuff.) I do not say these things to make people feel bad or to put blame on others. I am a victim to every single one of the things I have listed above. Daily meditation (I'm reading The Bourne Identity, I do not have time right now,) Prayer to God (I'm sooooo hungry, I just want to eat or He already knows what I need, I'll just thank Him later,) Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy (...I'm too tired,) and tithing (We are so young, we need to get established first.) I have come up with the same excuses. I am excited though. God has revealed Himself to me. He has opened my heart, and revealed Himself in the words I read everyday. Daily meditation has become addictive for me. Reading and writing in this journal has allowed God back into my daily life. Prayer has found its way into all of the situations in my life. God may know what I am thinking, but I now feel if I confide in God with my thanks and requests, I hear and know what I am thinking too. Even if I can not make it to Mount Olivet to praise God with fellow Christians, I still take the time to meditate on God's word, reflect and give thanks for the blessings He has provided, and rest as He did, but rest in the light of the Lord. I still need to work on tithing, but I now pray to God to reveal His answers to me. God has revealed in this powerful story to me, the need for me to reflect on the sacrifices I do today that He asks of me, and strive to offer more of myself up to God.
As I read Genesis 23, 24, I found myself looking through the eyes of the servant that was sent by Abraham to find a wife for his son Isaac. Throughout the story, I witness how the servant is revealed more and more to the God of his master. Abraham chooses his eldest servant, and asks the servant to put his hand on Abraham's thigh to make an oath to not retrieve a wife from the Canaanites, but would find a wife from the homeland of Abraham. Right away the servant does not put complete trust in Abraham and his god, God. The servant tells Abraham, there is no way I will get a woman to follow me back here to be the wife of Isaac, and Abraham responds by telling him in summary, look at me when I tell you, the same god that has showered me with blessings is the same god that is the LORD God of heaven, this is the same god that has spoken to me and swore unto me and has provided for me all of my life. He will be with you on your journey. Abraham proceeds to tell his servant signs that will let him know that God is with him. As you read on, the servant is exposed more and more to the trust Abraham has in God and the love God has for Abraham, because the signs he was told to look for start happening to him right in front of his face. After all the events occur, the surprise is shown in the details of his account in Genesis 24:42 - 49.
42 And I come this day unto the well, and said, O LORD of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper my way which I go: 43 Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink; 44 And she say to me, Both drink thou, and I will also draw from thy camels: let the same be the woman whom the LORD hath appointed out for my master's son. 45 And before I had done speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down unto the well, and drew water: and I said unto her, Let me drink, I pray thee. 46 And she made haste, and let down her pitcher from her shoulder, and said, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: so I drank, and she made the camels drink also. 47 And I asked her, and said, Whose daughter art thou? And she said, the daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milcah bare unto him: and I put the earring upon her face, and the bracelets upon her hands. 48 And I bowed down my head, and worshipped the LORD, and blessed the LORD God of my master Abraham, which had led me in the right way to take my master's brother's daughter unto his son. 49 And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or the left.
As I read the text again, I could not help be imagine and hear the voice of the servant in a rambling surprised voice exclaiming everything as it was laid out to him. This journey began as a journey to retrieve as wife for his masters son. The journey ended as a journey of faith and trust in his masters god. The servant bows down his head, worships God, and gives blessings to God for all that he has experienced.
As I travel down this journey of mine. I find myself more and more reading the Bible through the eyes of the servant. I have always had a strong faith and relationship with God. But as I read on, I find God revealing Himself to me in ways I never saw before. I thank God for his friendship, companionship, love, blessing and trust. And, I ask that He continue to walk with me on this journey and reveal Himself not only to me, but to whomever finds comfort in the writings He inspires through me.
Questions for follow up:
Q - Abraham says in Genesis 23:2 - 3 2 And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh. 3 And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth,... What is the historical significance of swearing to the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth by placing a persons hand on someone else's thigh?
Q - Why does Abraham not want the servant to get a wife for Isaac from the Canaanites? Did I miss an earlier account of God asking Abraham not to do so? Is there a major significance as to why Isaac is chosen a wife from Abraham's homeland?
Q - Genesis 24:67 67 And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death
It doesn't tell us that Isaac had a traditional wedding, but that he "took" Rebekah, and she became his wife. What would have been the tradition in those days?
Matthew 8 Reflections
Matthew 8 takes on a lot of the same meaning as the Old Testament reading for today, Genesis 22 - 24. Jesus has now finished the sermon on the mountain, where a great number of people came to hear him. Of those people, where the disciples Jesus picked up a long the way. In many ways, the disciples were still in the same boat as the servant in the story from Genesis. The big differences in the experience the disciples are having versus the servant is, the disciples are walking with God in the flesh. Jesus walks and performs many miracles. He cleanses a leper, He heals palsy, commands fever away from Peter's mother-in-law, and casts out demons. The story that everyone remembers was the calming of the storm, Matthew 8:23 - 27 23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him? We are shown the limited amount of faith that Jesus current disciples hold for their new master. I have a feeling, as I continue reading, I will see the eyes of Jesus disciples being opened more and more to the power of God and His son Jesus Christ. What a wonderment it would have been.
Psalm 7:10 - 17 Reflections
I have been bothered by my Psalm readings for the past few days. I continually read through the mouth of David, how he perceives God will judge the unrighteous. There are some similarities between the messages in the book of Psalm and the messages Jesus provides us about the unrighteous. Where the similarities end for me, is I perceive David justifying the death of the unrighteous on earth, where Jesus speaks of eternal death. I will continue to ask God to reveal Himself to me in the book of Psalm.
Questions for follow up:
Q - Am I reading to far between the lines, or are these similar questions that many Christians come up with about the book of Psalm?
- Through faith, word, and deed, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will be you Lord God and your son Jesus Christ...Amen
Genesis 22 tells the well known story of Abraham being tested by God, in asking Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac. It kept on running through my mind, why would God test Abraham in such a way. I have this feeling, if God came up to a parent today, and asked us to sacrifice our one and only child, we would probably do as Sarah did when God told her she was going to conceive a child at the age of ninety, laugh. I can hear it now, are you crazy, why would You, my loving God, asking me to do such as thing. But, I also started thinking about all the little things that God asks us to sacrifice, and we still have a hard time conforming to even that. Daily meditation (It takes too long,) Prayer to God (I don't know how,) Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy (I'm too tired,) or tithing (How can I afford to take care of my family and tithe at the same time? All the while, we find that storage is one of the most profitable businesses in the United States. We have too much stuff.) I do not say these things to make people feel bad or to put blame on others. I am a victim to every single one of the things I have listed above. Daily meditation (I'm reading The Bourne Identity, I do not have time right now,) Prayer to God (I'm sooooo hungry, I just want to eat or He already knows what I need, I'll just thank Him later,) Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy (...I'm too tired,) and tithing (We are so young, we need to get established first.) I have come up with the same excuses. I am excited though. God has revealed Himself to me. He has opened my heart, and revealed Himself in the words I read everyday. Daily meditation has become addictive for me. Reading and writing in this journal has allowed God back into my daily life. Prayer has found its way into all of the situations in my life. God may know what I am thinking, but I now feel if I confide in God with my thanks and requests, I hear and know what I am thinking too. Even if I can not make it to Mount Olivet to praise God with fellow Christians, I still take the time to meditate on God's word, reflect and give thanks for the blessings He has provided, and rest as He did, but rest in the light of the Lord. I still need to work on tithing, but I now pray to God to reveal His answers to me. God has revealed in this powerful story to me, the need for me to reflect on the sacrifices I do today that He asks of me, and strive to offer more of myself up to God.
As I read Genesis 23, 24, I found myself looking through the eyes of the servant that was sent by Abraham to find a wife for his son Isaac. Throughout the story, I witness how the servant is revealed more and more to the God of his master. Abraham chooses his eldest servant, and asks the servant to put his hand on Abraham's thigh to make an oath to not retrieve a wife from the Canaanites, but would find a wife from the homeland of Abraham. Right away the servant does not put complete trust in Abraham and his god, God. The servant tells Abraham, there is no way I will get a woman to follow me back here to be the wife of Isaac, and Abraham responds by telling him in summary, look at me when I tell you, the same god that has showered me with blessings is the same god that is the LORD God of heaven, this is the same god that has spoken to me and swore unto me and has provided for me all of my life. He will be with you on your journey. Abraham proceeds to tell his servant signs that will let him know that God is with him. As you read on, the servant is exposed more and more to the trust Abraham has in God and the love God has for Abraham, because the signs he was told to look for start happening to him right in front of his face. After all the events occur, the surprise is shown in the details of his account in Genesis 24:42 - 49.
42 And I come this day unto the well, and said, O LORD of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper my way which I go: 43 Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink; 44 And she say to me, Both drink thou, and I will also draw from thy camels: let the same be the woman whom the LORD hath appointed out for my master's son. 45 And before I had done speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down unto the well, and drew water: and I said unto her, Let me drink, I pray thee. 46 And she made haste, and let down her pitcher from her shoulder, and said, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: so I drank, and she made the camels drink also. 47 And I asked her, and said, Whose daughter art thou? And she said, the daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milcah bare unto him: and I put the earring upon her face, and the bracelets upon her hands. 48 And I bowed down my head, and worshipped the LORD, and blessed the LORD God of my master Abraham, which had led me in the right way to take my master's brother's daughter unto his son. 49 And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or the left.
As I read the text again, I could not help be imagine and hear the voice of the servant in a rambling surprised voice exclaiming everything as it was laid out to him. This journey began as a journey to retrieve as wife for his masters son. The journey ended as a journey of faith and trust in his masters god. The servant bows down his head, worships God, and gives blessings to God for all that he has experienced.
As I travel down this journey of mine. I find myself more and more reading the Bible through the eyes of the servant. I have always had a strong faith and relationship with God. But as I read on, I find God revealing Himself to me in ways I never saw before. I thank God for his friendship, companionship, love, blessing and trust. And, I ask that He continue to walk with me on this journey and reveal Himself not only to me, but to whomever finds comfort in the writings He inspires through me.
Questions for follow up:
Q - Abraham says in Genesis 23:2 - 3 2 And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh. 3 And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth,... What is the historical significance of swearing to the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth by placing a persons hand on someone else's thigh?
Q - Why does Abraham not want the servant to get a wife for Isaac from the Canaanites? Did I miss an earlier account of God asking Abraham not to do so? Is there a major significance as to why Isaac is chosen a wife from Abraham's homeland?
Q - Genesis 24:67 67 And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death
It doesn't tell us that Isaac had a traditional wedding, but that he "took" Rebekah, and she became his wife. What would have been the tradition in those days?
Matthew 8 Reflections
Matthew 8 takes on a lot of the same meaning as the Old Testament reading for today, Genesis 22 - 24. Jesus has now finished the sermon on the mountain, where a great number of people came to hear him. Of those people, where the disciples Jesus picked up a long the way. In many ways, the disciples were still in the same boat as the servant in the story from Genesis. The big differences in the experience the disciples are having versus the servant is, the disciples are walking with God in the flesh. Jesus walks and performs many miracles. He cleanses a leper, He heals palsy, commands fever away from Peter's mother-in-law, and casts out demons. The story that everyone remembers was the calming of the storm, Matthew 8:23 - 27 23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him? We are shown the limited amount of faith that Jesus current disciples hold for their new master. I have a feeling, as I continue reading, I will see the eyes of Jesus disciples being opened more and more to the power of God and His son Jesus Christ. What a wonderment it would have been.
Psalm 7:10 - 17 Reflections
I have been bothered by my Psalm readings for the past few days. I continually read through the mouth of David, how he perceives God will judge the unrighteous. There are some similarities between the messages in the book of Psalm and the messages Jesus provides us about the unrighteous. Where the similarities end for me, is I perceive David justifying the death of the unrighteous on earth, where Jesus speaks of eternal death. I will continue to ask God to reveal Himself to me in the book of Psalm.
Questions for follow up:
Q - Am I reading to far between the lines, or are these similar questions that many Christians come up with about the book of Psalm?
- Through faith, word, and deed, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will be you Lord God and your son Jesus Christ...Amen
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Genesis 19,20,21 * Matthew 6,7 * Psalm 7 1-9
Genesis 19, 20, 21 Reflections
There were a few stories reflected in Genesis 19 - 22. Out of everything I have read so far, I have been the most confused with today's readings. God said he would never kill man again, when he states in Genesis 21 21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savor; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. In Genesis 19, God, using two angels, destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, by showering the city with brimstone and fire, Genesis 19:24 24 Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven. I understand out God is a just God, but, it seems like He contradicts Himself in this story line. In light of my puzzlement, the light at the end of the reading for today, is the miracle brought to Abraham and Sarah with the birth of their son Isaac. It was still a surprise to Sarah, which shows how much of a miracle it really was. Genesis 21: 6 - 7 shows the surprise still in Sarah's heart, 6 And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me. 7 And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age. We are continuously introduced to blessing upon blessing brought to the individuals whom put their trust in God.
Questions to follow up:
Q - Why does God contradict Himself when He brakes his promise of not cursing the ground again, because of man's sake?
Q - Genesis 20 parallels a similar story earlier in Genesis, Genesis 12:10 - 20. What are the possibilities that Abraham would have went through the same situation twice in one lifetime? Is there another explanation for this parallel?
Matthew 6, 7 Reflections
Today's reading made me realize how meek we must truly be. In yesterday's reading, Jesus says to us, 48 By ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Jesus provides us with all of the characteristics to help us live and work towards a perfect life. But, he also tells us in Matthew 6:1 1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. We must not live behind the title of being a Christian, and be showy about trying to live a perfect life. We should not boast about all of the things we do positive every day. We must also understand we must pray to God and meditate on his word everyday. We must renew our baptism everyday and ask that we be filled with the Holy Spirit and we again walk down the path of righteousness.
Psalm 7: 1 - 7 Reflections
The words spoken in Psalm 7 are beautifully written, but I had a hard time following the meaning behind them.
Questions to follow up:
Q - What was the context behind Psalm 7: 1 - 7?
There were a few stories reflected in Genesis 19 - 22. Out of everything I have read so far, I have been the most confused with today's readings. God said he would never kill man again, when he states in Genesis 21 21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savor; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. In Genesis 19, God, using two angels, destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, by showering the city with brimstone and fire, Genesis 19:24 24 Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven. I understand out God is a just God, but, it seems like He contradicts Himself in this story line. In light of my puzzlement, the light at the end of the reading for today, is the miracle brought to Abraham and Sarah with the birth of their son Isaac. It was still a surprise to Sarah, which shows how much of a miracle it really was. Genesis 21: 6 - 7 shows the surprise still in Sarah's heart, 6 And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me. 7 And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age. We are continuously introduced to blessing upon blessing brought to the individuals whom put their trust in God.
Questions to follow up:
Q - Why does God contradict Himself when He brakes his promise of not cursing the ground again, because of man's sake?
Q - Genesis 20 parallels a similar story earlier in Genesis, Genesis 12:10 - 20. What are the possibilities that Abraham would have went through the same situation twice in one lifetime? Is there another explanation for this parallel?
Matthew 6, 7 Reflections
Today's reading made me realize how meek we must truly be. In yesterday's reading, Jesus says to us, 48 By ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Jesus provides us with all of the characteristics to help us live and work towards a perfect life. But, he also tells us in Matthew 6:1 1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. We must not live behind the title of being a Christian, and be showy about trying to live a perfect life. We should not boast about all of the things we do positive every day. We must also understand we must pray to God and meditate on his word everyday. We must renew our baptism everyday and ask that we be filled with the Holy Spirit and we again walk down the path of righteousness.
Psalm 7: 1 - 7 Reflections
The words spoken in Psalm 7 are beautifully written, but I had a hard time following the meaning behind them.
Questions to follow up:
Q - What was the context behind Psalm 7: 1 - 7?
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Genesis 15,16,17,18 * Matthew 5:27-48 * Psalm 6
Genesis 15, 16, 17, 18 & Matthew 5:27-48 Reflections
Although it has only been a week, I find myself seeing things I have never seen before. Truly, praying to God to open my ears and asking that He speak to me through His words, has been eye opening. Apparently in my excitement, I read all of Matthew 5, instead of breaking it out the way I was suppose to. I don't really find it to be a problem, since Matthew 5 had soooooo much to tell me. Yesterday, I commented on a questions that was given asking, "I am wondering, concerning the sermon on the mount, what you would do with Matthew 5:48 48 Be perfect therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Its a phrase I struggle to respond to faithfully. I continued my reading for today, starting in Genesis 15 - 18, and was astonished at what God was providing me in the details. It might not be this ground breaking answer that everyone may be looking for, but what was presented to me was awesome in itself. While the question from yesterday was still on my mind, I turned the page of the Bible to Genesis 17. Genesis 17:1 reads as this, 1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. After reading text that was written way before Jesus Christ was born, I could not help but see the parallel from Genesis 17:1 and Matthew 5:48. Again, Matthew 5:48 reads as this 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. What is it to be perfect? I looked up perfect on http://www.dictionary.com/. Perfect, stated as a verb (used with an Object,) is defined as the following; 1: To bring nearer to perfection; improve, and 2: To make fully skilled. In the words of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provides us with a list of characteristics that, if lived by, should bring us nearer to perfection. By looking at the words of God and of Jesus Christ, they continually give us important information that gives us glimpses into what perfection is and how acting in certain ways on this earth bring you closer to perfection. Use these words as structure to your life, understanding that we do not have the ability ourselves to be perfect. Continually ask God to work with you through the Holy Spirit to open your heart to the characteristics that can be applied to your daily life.
Although it has only been a week, I find myself seeing things I have never seen before. Truly, praying to God to open my ears and asking that He speak to me through His words, has been eye opening. Apparently in my excitement, I read all of Matthew 5, instead of breaking it out the way I was suppose to. I don't really find it to be a problem, since Matthew 5 had soooooo much to tell me. Yesterday, I commented on a questions that was given asking, "I am wondering, concerning the sermon on the mount, what you would do with Matthew 5:48 48 Be perfect therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Its a phrase I struggle to respond to faithfully. I continued my reading for today, starting in Genesis 15 - 18, and was astonished at what God was providing me in the details. It might not be this ground breaking answer that everyone may be looking for, but what was presented to me was awesome in itself. While the question from yesterday was still on my mind, I turned the page of the Bible to Genesis 17. Genesis 17:1 reads as this, 1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. After reading text that was written way before Jesus Christ was born, I could not help but see the parallel from Genesis 17:1 and Matthew 5:48. Again, Matthew 5:48 reads as this 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. What is it to be perfect? I looked up perfect on http://www.dictionary.com/. Perfect, stated as a verb (used with an Object,) is defined as the following; 1: To bring nearer to perfection; improve, and 2: To make fully skilled. In the words of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provides us with a list of characteristics that, if lived by, should bring us nearer to perfection. By looking at the words of God and of Jesus Christ, they continually give us important information that gives us glimpses into what perfection is and how acting in certain ways on this earth bring you closer to perfection. Use these words as structure to your life, understanding that we do not have the ability ourselves to be perfect. Continually ask God to work with you through the Holy Spirit to open your heart to the characteristics that can be applied to your daily life.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Genesis 12, 13, 14 * Matthew 5 * Psalm 5
Genesis 12, 13, 14 Reflections
Today’s Old Testament reading did not leave a large impact on me today. It seems like it was written as a good lesson and introduction into the type of life Abram (Abraham) would have led.
Questions to follow up:
It seems as if Moses must have written this part of Genesis after
Q - Does it seem as if Moses wrote Genesis while reflecting back on years gone past?
Matthew 5 Reflections
The Beatitudes, what was the intent, what do they all mean to us as Christians and non-Christians, what happens if we do not follow any one of the criteria Jesus talks about in his sermon on the mountain? Reading the Beatitudes, Matthew 5, you find yourself in a state of shock. You find yourself in awe and in a certain way scared. Matthew 5:19 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. At first glance, you would think Jesus’ words are telling us no one will be able to make it into heaven. Honestly, many Christians live their lives thinking of themselves as less sinful than others, and tend to point out the flaws of other individuals. We say, but, I have never committed adultery,…Matthew 5:28 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her committed adultery with her already in his heart. Matthew 5:31 – 32 31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
We say, but, I have never killed…Matthew 5:22 22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. We say, but, I am right in wanting deathly justice if I lose someone to murder…Matthew 5:38 – 39 38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. We say, but, I do not live my life unjustly hating someone or these people of this faith, I have good reasons too…Matthew 5:43 – 44 43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 4 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
As Christians, we are no more perfect than the adulterer, murderer, homosexual, or any other stereotype we conjure up. I have at one time or another fallen victim to my sinful heart and committed adultery and murder and probably many more sins. I will not hide behind my Christian persona and pretend as if I am perfect. But take a light heart, because Jesus knows we are not perfect. He may list in the Beatitudes some characteristics of individuals who will inherit the kingdom of heaven, and it may scare us when we first read his sermon, but Jesus wholeheartedly knows everyone of us have fallen under the sinful bus of one of the sins Jesus has listed in the Beatitudes. Remember from a previous reading, Genesis 8:21 21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savor; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth, neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. Jesus knew of our imperfections before he was even born. He knew we were all sinful, before he came down to this earth as human flesh. Because of imperfections, because of our sinful selves, because of the wickedness in our heart, God sent his son Jesus Christ to earth to teach, counsel, die, and save us from eternal death. I say, be not afraid, be open hearted to God and Jesus Christ of your sinful self. Recognize that you are no more perfect than anyone else. Do not point the finger at others and condemn them to eternal death, point the finger at yourself and ask God for guidance to forgiveness. On the day in which Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, was born, we were all given a view into God’s love for us, and a chance to turn away from our sinful self and be baptized with the Holy Spirit and receives God’s covenant with us and spend eternity with Him paradise, heaven.
Questions to follow up:
Q - This is purely a question; I am wondering, concerning the sermon on the mount, what you would do with Matthew 5:48 48 Be perfect therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Its a phrase I struggle to respond to faithfully. - Pastor Jason from Faith Lutheran
As I give my opinion, the true answer can be found in opening your ears and heart to God. Easier said than done, right? It is hard when you have fellow Christians and or non-Christians come to you with difficult questions, we always answer with a question first, have you prayed about it? Have you opened your ears and heart to God? As I reflect on Matthew 5:48, my first approach was to practice what I wrote in my journal concerning my Psalm 5 Refelections: Psalm 5:1 - 3 1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. 2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my Kng, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. 3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. It is useful to meditate on certain versus, but sometimes, the answers to a verse can be found in the collective word of God. As I reflected on the answer to this questions, God brings me to other areas within His word. Luke 10:26 - 29 26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? 27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. 28 And he said unto him, Thou has answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. 29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? With these versus from Luke 10, I find the sermon on the mount to be summarized perfectly, and the answer to your question a little clearer. And, who is thy neighbor? According to Merriam-Webster's dictionary, a neighbor is defined as the following: 1: One living or located near another, and 2: FELLOW MAN. We see Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist, Jew, Hindu, Muslim, straight, gay, Hispanic, African American, prostitute, child molester, murderer, and the list could go on and on, as separated. But, there are two VERY important things that all these have in common. One, they all are our neighbors. All of those that fall under different religions, sects, beliefs, stereotypes, ethnicities, and law breakers are our neighbors, no matter who they are, what they do, or what they have done, does not change this fact. Because Catholics, Lutherans and Baptists hold different interpretations, we all point fingers and condemn one another, because we are "different." Christians point at Jews and Muslims, and because they are a world away from our thoughts and beliefs, they are condemned by us, and we do not include them in our larger family, and we do not treat them with the respect or love that the Beatitudes teach us to do to thy neighbor. Before the end of Matthew 5, Jesus says, "And if ye salute your brethren only, what do yea more than others? do not even the publicans so?" We are not justified in pointing fingers, having hateful thoughts, lusting after another, or thinking someone condemned, just because everyone does it. We must put all of our stereotypes, differences, and prejudices aside, and treat everyone with respect and love, and apply forgiveness to all of our neighbors. "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father." Do not be like everyone else and choose when you follow the laws that are stated within the Beatitudes. All of God's law, or the law written in the Beatitudes on the mountain, are summarized with, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all they mind: and thy neighbor as thyself." Because Catholics, Lutherans, and Baptists hold different interpretations, we all point fingers and condemn one another, because we judge each other as "different." Christians point at Jews and Muslims, and because they are a world away from out thoughts and beliefs, they are condemned by us, and we do include them in our larger family, and we do not treat them as our neighbors. Because a black person talks different, acts different, looks different, we condemn them to a lower status within our society and a lower status with God. Is this how you would like to be treated, do you think the laws and message given to us in books like Matthew and the Beatitudes should be practices towards others, because they are different? These people are our fellow man. Even those that do harm against us, they are still our neighbor. We owe thy neighbor the same love we expect in return, because our perfect Father would. Remember, Jesus showed respect and love to even those who ridiculed Him and put Him to death. Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." Matthew 5:44 44 But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you. All these are characteristics that make up our perfect Father. Like everything we do, we should strive to be perfect as our Father. It is the times we know that we are not perfect, that we seek the forgiveness from our perfect Father, and He will be just and loving to us. Therefore, strive to be perfect, even as our Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Psalm 5 Reflections
Psalm 5 started off like a joyous symphony, but the middle stands out as a dark play. When I read the first part of Psalm 5, I could not help but find joy in the way David reaches out to God. Psalm 5:1 – 3 1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. 2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. 3 My vooice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. These words are great instructions on how to start and end your day. Meditate on God’s word; ask that he fills your heart and mind with the knowledge of Him, that you become a disciple to His calling. Always direct your prayers to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. He is always listening, and He will always be there.
As I read the second part, it confuses me as to why David would put words into the mouth of God by saying what God will do to the unrighteous. Psalm 5:4 – 6 4 For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. 5 The foolish shall not stand in they sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. 6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. It also discomforts me as to why David asks God to destroy the unfaithful. This especially strikes me as discomforting after reading Matthew 5 today, and the message that it provides, telling us to love our enemies and turn thy cheek.
Questions to follow up:
Q – Why do some of the Psalms have some contradicting behavior when it comes to how Jesus asks us to behave in Matthew?
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