Luke 24:1-12 Fools Speaking Nonsense

Luke 24:1-12 NIV
The women saw the empty tomb, they heard the words of the angels, they believed, and they told the disciples what the two men had told them: "He is not here; he has risen!" (vs 6) But, the disciples would not believe these women. The things that the women were telling them sounded like nonsense.

There are times when I tell the story of Jesus' resurrection and the promise of our resurrection that I feel like I'm being taken as seriously as a silly old woman who talks nonsense. In fact, I've been told as much on a few rare occasions. Of course, I am not sure how often people who think that the resurrection of Jesus is a fairy tale don't actually admit it to me.

Thomas would not believe the women. He would not even believe the other disciples until he actually saw Jesus with his own eyes. You and I don't have the luxury of being able to see Jesus as the followers of Jesus immediately after his resurrection. But, be assured, blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe. (John 20:29)

As for me, I would much rather be a fool for Christ (1 Cor 4:10) than living my life without hope. How about you? Afraid of being taken for a fool who speaks nonsense? Afraid to tell the truth? He is risen!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Mark 16 The Tomb is Empty! He Is Risen!

Mark 16 NIV
The women go to the tomb to find it empty. They are told by a young man, who is sitting in the tomb, not to be alarmed for Jesus is risen and the disciples will see him in Galilee. They were still quite alarmed. Trembling and bewildered they fled from the tomb. Who would not? Think about the week these women, who loved Jesus, just lived through. Would we not also be confused and afraid?

Often the stories we hear about Jesus life kind of just seem like such nice stories; but, can you imagine living it? Can you imagine watching your loved one being tortured and crucified? Can you imagine going to prepare his body for burial and his body is gone? I can just imagine our stress levels. Yet, in the end, as the days pass by, they will be comforted, as we are comforted with the knowledge that He is risen! He is risen, indeed! Death and the grave have no power over him. It is way more than just a nice story to tell our children.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Isaiah 4 - Chapters and Verses

Today's reading from chapter four of Isaiah reminds me that the Holy Bible did not always have chapters and verses. The breakdown we have today makes for an easier way to reference scripture and was actually instituted in the 13th century A.D.. Verse 1, "In that day seven women will take hold of one man and say, “We will eat our own food and provide our own clothes; only let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace!”" seems to fit much better with the woes of chapter three than the promises found in the rest of chapter four. It is a good reminder, while we're reading the Bible, one chapter at a time, that we have to remember the whole context of what we are reading. Yes, it can be fun to "proof-text" and "dig" into one verse. But, we should remember that "scripture validates scripture." If our interpretation of scripture (one of two verses) cannot be validated by the rest of scripture, then we are probably interpreting it from our own bias.

In chapter four, we begin with what appears to be the end of the woes to Judah, Jerusalem, and ourselves if we do not turn to the LORD and trust Him; if we put material things and even ourselves before God. But, we also have the promise of the Branch of the LORD, who will be the pride and the glory of those who survive the woes and continue to live in Zion. God will be their glory. This is amazing and wonderful Good News as Jesus is the branch that is beautiful and glorious and with and in Christ, we live and dwell in the Kingdom of God, even now.

He is our shelter and refuge! (vs 6)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Proverbs 14 - Wise Woman

We have a slight change this morning. So far, we've been hearing a lot about what the wise son does. This morning, Proverbs 14 tells us about the wise woman.  "The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." (Prov 14:1 NIV) Sadly, the foolish one is not even aware that she's tearing down rather than building up and so it continues. They feel secure even as they are destroying their own lives. 

Just a few of the things that a wise woman will do:
     She thinks about what she will say and do. She watches the words that come from her lips. She will not bear false witness. She will not mock others. She will not laugh at those who have repented of their sins and turn to the LORD. Rather, she will support her neighbors in their every need.

Listen, then, to wisdom and follow in the way that the LORD would have you go, so that you might live life not just wisely, but abundantly in His presence for all eternity.

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 Chronicles 7 - Warriors and Women

They're counting warriors again and it seems to be a goodly number.  But, what's really puzzling me this mornng is why the mention of all the women in these lists of descendants? 

I have not quite figured out the reason scripture would record the females from Manasseh's household and their female descenedants.  I do get the importance (maybe?) of mentioning Sheerah of Ephraim's family.  These were nomadic people.  They lived in tents.  Before she was born, Ephraim's first sons had been killed by the men of Gath who had come to raid their livestock.  In order to better protect her family, she built something a bit more durable, more protective for her family and their possessions.  I can only surmise; maybe, buildings that were more durable and not made of cloth, and walls to keep the livestock a bit safer.  Scripture does not exactly say what it was she built or how or who else was involved; but it does say she built both Lower and Upper Bethhoron and Uzzen-sheerah.

The old testament doesn't usually lift up women. There are exceptions, though.  The exception of Sheerah is a good reminder how each of us use our God-given gifts to the glory of God, but also for the community we live in.  It doesn't matter who you are, you can use those gifts and talents you have to build up the world around you, to make it a more comfortable and peaceful (safe) place for all people to live in. 

It is a bit difficult to read genealogies.  I am never sure whose son or daughter someone is or if we talking about grandchildren.  I found this particulary true for me in the listing of the descendants of Manasseh.  I hope you are fairing better with that than me.  God's Peace... Judy