I hope that yesterday's posting didn't confuse anyone. Seems, I got things a little out of order. Hopefully, I am back on track today.
Jonathan was a bit confused, it seems, too. Because of his love for David, at first he could not fathom the possibility that his father, Saul, would want David killed. But, he does. Saul wants David dead so that the kingdom will be inherited by his own son, Jonathan. But, then he tries to kill his own son by throwing a spear at him. He misses - thanks be to God. But, Jonathan's eyes are opened. He sees that his father's lust for power has driven him a bit bonkers.
Can you imagine a love, a faithfulness as great as Jonathan's? He does not care about ruling over kingdoms. He cares about his relationship with David. He puts the first thing first. David, in return, loves this son of the man who wants him dead.
Jonathan risks a lot in protecting David. What, I wonder, would we do to protect those whom we love from being persecuted at the hands of others?
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
1 Samuel 18-19 - Jealousy
Well, here goes for the second time this morning. Lost everything the first time! Don't know what's going on with the internet. It's something I can do nothing about.
There are certain things that none of us can do anything about. There were certain things Saul could do nothing about, either. God had chosen David to replace him and David succeeded in everything he attempted while Saul failed. Although his children, Jonathan and Michael loved David, Saul's jealousy of David turned to anger and fear. And... when fear struck he attempted to make sure that David would die.
When I teach the 10 commandments, those ones about coveting seem to be the hardest for young people to comprehend the whys of it. Why is it so bad to be want the things that others have. Because... wanting - jealousy leads you down a path of destruction. It can be be destructive to you as well as the person whose things you want. Jealously, as it grows within a person, can lead even to death, if not of the body (which in fact does happen) but of the spirit.
Saul's whole life ends up one of pursuing the death of David. What a way to live: pursuing death instead of life!
May God help us to support our neighbor to keep all that he has accumulated, all that God has given us and to live lives in thanksgiving for what we have received, for the very life we have been given in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
There are certain things that none of us can do anything about. There were certain things Saul could do nothing about, either. God had chosen David to replace him and David succeeded in everything he attempted while Saul failed. Although his children, Jonathan and Michael loved David, Saul's jealousy of David turned to anger and fear. And... when fear struck he attempted to make sure that David would die.
When I teach the 10 commandments, those ones about coveting seem to be the hardest for young people to comprehend the whys of it. Why is it so bad to be want the things that others have. Because... wanting - jealousy leads you down a path of destruction. It can be be destructive to you as well as the person whose things you want. Jealously, as it grows within a person, can lead even to death, if not of the body (which in fact does happen) but of the spirit.
Saul's whole life ends up one of pursuing the death of David. What a way to live: pursuing death instead of life!
May God help us to support our neighbor to keep all that he has accumulated, all that God has given us and to live lives in thanksgiving for what we have received, for the very life we have been given in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
1 Samuel 18
Saul's jealousy turns to fearful awe to just plain old fear. Saul, it seems does not understand the concept of doing for the good of all people. He's a jealous man, a jealous king, looking to be #1 in the eyes of the all the people. He has an ego and that ego is telling him that David is stealing his parade.
So in jealousy, Saul tries to kill David with his spear twice and then by sending him out to kill 100 Philistines with the hopes that they will kill David. All of this to no avail. The Spirit of the LORD is with David and David succeeds in all that he does. The people love David. Saul's children Jonathan and Michal love David.
So in jealousy, Saul tries to kill David with his spear twice and then by sending him out to kill 100 Philistines with the hopes that they will kill David. All of this to no avail. The Spirit of the LORD is with David and David succeeds in all that he does. The people love David. Saul's children Jonathan and Michal love David.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
1 Samuel 17 - The Rock That Saved
Not with shield and sword, but with a rock, with a tiny rock the mighty Goliath is overcome. Hopefully, you've all read this story this morning. You probably all remember it from before. It's a good story. No, it's a great story. The army of the Philistine's is super intimidating. The Israelites under Saul's leadership are pretty much shaking in their boots. No one dares enter into combat with the mighty Goliath, who towers over all at over 9 foot tall.
No one dares but the one who has been annointed to be their king. David, who has had the power of the Spirit of God poured out over him, dares. His faith tells him that the LORD, God will deliver Goliath into his hands. And He does.
As I was reading, a few other verses from scripture came to mind so I'm sharing them with you this morning.
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 (NIV)
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:6
No one dares but the one who has been annointed to be their king. David, who has had the power of the Spirit of God poured out over him, dares. His faith tells him that the LORD, God will deliver Goliath into his hands. And He does.
As I was reading, a few other verses from scripture came to mind so I'm sharing them with you this morning.
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 (NIV)
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:6
Monday, March 5, 2012
1 Samuel 16 - Servant/King
The Spirit of the LORD departs from Saul and is upon David. It is just amazing how all things work together for good for those who love God. (Rom 8:28) Everything just seems to slide into place. How? God just kind of works things out. It is all worked out so that the one who has lost favor with God comes to be served by the one who has found favor. David eases Saul's spirit by playing sweet music to refresh him and restore him to health and wholeness.
Since most of us know the rest of the story, we remember that David becomes a servant/king just as our Lord, Jesus Christ is a servant/king - a king who died that we might too might be might be healed and be found in God's favor. And... that not in order for us to be high-handed and demanding to be served by others. But, as servants following in the way of Jesus Christ, we live in service to God and to our neighbor.
We thank God this morning for his only begotten Son, who was willing to serve His Father in heaven and all of us who repeatedly put our own desires before the will of our Father, by giving His life for us at Calvary.
Since most of us know the rest of the story, we remember that David becomes a servant/king just as our Lord, Jesus Christ is a servant/king - a king who died that we might too might be might be healed and be found in God's favor. And... that not in order for us to be high-handed and demanding to be served by others. But, as servants following in the way of Jesus Christ, we live in service to God and to our neighbor.
We thank God this morning for his only begotten Son, who was willing to serve His Father in heaven and all of us who repeatedly put our own desires before the will of our Father, by giving His life for us at Calvary.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
1 Samuel 15 - Interesting but Tough
Wow! Some of these old testament stories sure are tough! They are interesting, but tough! I thank the LORD that He has made a new covenant with us through Jesus the Christ! For under the standards of the old covenant, we would all surely fall.
Saul is rejected for not having killed the choicest animals or Agag when God commanded him to. Course then his motivation was probably not to sacrifice the animals to God, nor was it to spare Agag because he liked him. Rather, it was more likely to show him that he could if he wanted to. Saul wanted to show his authority and power. And... that is what God objected to. God is God. Saul is not.
I love Samuel! So... in your face. He does not let Saul get away with his feeble excuses. He calls his actions for what they are. He tells it exactly like it is. "Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king." (vs.23). So matter of fact. But, on the other hand it also reminds me to thank God that He has made a new covenant through Jesus the Christ, our Saviour and LORD.
Saul is rejected for not having killed the choicest animals or Agag when God commanded him to. Course then his motivation was probably not to sacrifice the animals to God, nor was it to spare Agag because he liked him. Rather, it was more likely to show him that he could if he wanted to. Saul wanted to show his authority and power. And... that is what God objected to. God is God. Saul is not.
I love Samuel! So... in your face. He does not let Saul get away with his feeble excuses. He calls his actions for what they are. He tells it exactly like it is. "Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king." (vs.23). So matter of fact. But, on the other hand it also reminds me to thank God that He has made a new covenant through Jesus the Christ, our Saviour and LORD.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
1 Samuel 14 - Rash Vows
Most of us have made them - vows in haste - vows made without thinking. But, what was Saul thinking? He declares a fast for this multitude of men and threatens them with a curse if they break it! Maybe, the new found authority and power he had went to his head as he didn't bother to think that somone among these people would break it without thinking.
The LORD's hand is with Jonathan as he overthrows the band of Philistines. Yet, Jonathan is condemned by his own father's rash vow. Thanks be to God - the people interceded for Jonathan and "ransomed" him so that he was allowed to live. We too have been condemned by the rash words of our lips. Yet, there is one who intercedes for us. Thanks be to God - for Jesus the Christ who on the cross ransomed himself for us; who died that we might live.
The LORD's hand is with Jonathan as he overthrows the band of Philistines. Yet, Jonathan is condemned by his own father's rash vow. Thanks be to God - the people interceded for Jonathan and "ransomed" him so that he was allowed to live. We too have been condemned by the rash words of our lips. Yet, there is one who intercedes for us. Thanks be to God - for Jesus the Christ who on the cross ransomed himself for us; who died that we might live.
Friday, March 2, 2012
1 Samuel 13 - Waiting for Clergy
Lots to think about in today's chapter. This having to wait around for Samuel makes me just a little uncomfortable. In my own congregation, I know that if I were to be late, they would begin worship without me. They were trained by the Pastor before me to do that. They were at one time a two-point Parish and sometimes the Pastor got delayed. I think, that I have always made it on time, sometimes it was a close one, but always made it. There have also been times when we have had pulpit supply and the clergy either forgot (Wednesday Lent Services) or got lost since we're so remote. When and if the clergy show up, they take over from wherever the congregation is. The congregation here just has this idea that worship doesn't depend on me or any other clergy. They are correct. If we're late or forget - it should still happen - with or without us.
When the Finnish congregations in the mid-west of this country were first formed by immigrants, many worship services were lay led. Some parishes had 5 and 6 and even more congregations. The few clergy could not be everywhere. I believe it is the same in Russia (I mention this because I know that there are a few hits every day to this blog from Russia). It has been about 10 years since I was able to visit some of the Russian congregations, but I do recall that some were lay led because of lack of clergy. Mission, evangelism, spreading the good news of the kingdom is what all members of the Body of Christ are called to do. It is good to have clergy to lead us, but you can't wait for us to show up when something needs doing - when the Gospel needs proclaiming - when the people are gathered and desire to bring their offerings of praise and thanksgiving to the LORD.
When the Finnish congregations in the mid-west of this country were first formed by immigrants, many worship services were lay led. Some parishes had 5 and 6 and even more congregations. The few clergy could not be everywhere. I believe it is the same in Russia (I mention this because I know that there are a few hits every day to this blog from Russia). It has been about 10 years since I was able to visit some of the Russian congregations, but I do recall that some were lay led because of lack of clergy. Mission, evangelism, spreading the good news of the kingdom is what all members of the Body of Christ are called to do. It is good to have clergy to lead us, but you can't wait for us to show up when something needs doing - when the Gospel needs proclaiming - when the people are gathered and desire to bring their offerings of praise and thanksgiving to the LORD.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
1 Saumel 12 - Keep on Praying
Ever get tired of praying for someone? After a few decades you begin to wonder if they will every repent - if they will ever turn to the LORD and receive the blessings He so graciously has given them?
Samuel warns the people. They have been evil in asking for an earthly king and he warns them not to forget the LORD. He tells them, "..Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; and do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; and do not turn aside after useless things that cannot profit or save, for they are useless. For the LORD will not cast away his people..." (12:20-22) Even though we sin against God, even though we've turned our back to Him, we can be assured that He loves us, and desires that we should turn around and love and serve Him.
God never gives up on us nor should we ever give up on others. In fact, Samuel considers it a sin against God to stop praying for others. "Morevoer as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you..." (12:23)
Can you imagine as a parent giving up on your children? Can you imagine ceasing your prayers for them? I know there are a few in this world who could care less about their children and would indeed give them a snake rather than a fish. (Luke 11:11) But, most of us would not. We desire good things for our children, the best life, just as God our Father desires the best lift for all of His children.
Let us not quit praying for all our sons and daughters, for all our neighbors, that they may be saved and serve the LORD with gladness as His beloved children. That all might know and receive and live in His blessings.
Samuel warns the people. They have been evil in asking for an earthly king and he warns them not to forget the LORD. He tells them, "..Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; and do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; and do not turn aside after useless things that cannot profit or save, for they are useless. For the LORD will not cast away his people..." (12:20-22) Even though we sin against God, even though we've turned our back to Him, we can be assured that He loves us, and desires that we should turn around and love and serve Him.
God never gives up on us nor should we ever give up on others. In fact, Samuel considers it a sin against God to stop praying for others. "Morevoer as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you..." (12:23)
Can you imagine as a parent giving up on your children? Can you imagine ceasing your prayers for them? I know there are a few in this world who could care less about their children and would indeed give them a snake rather than a fish. (Luke 11:11) But, most of us would not. We desire good things for our children, the best life, just as God our Father desires the best lift for all of His children.
Let us not quit praying for all our sons and daughters, for all our neighbors, that they may be saved and serve the LORD with gladness as His beloved children. That all might know and receive and live in His blessings.
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