2 Chronicles 3 - 4; Temple of God

Sorry... For some reason this morning's blog didn't save - must have been bogus or I need to quit working on 2 computers at the same time.  That's probably more multi-tasking than I need to be doing :)  Soon and very soon, I will retire the old computer.

Solomon builds the temple and the vessels for use in the temple inside.  As in 1 Kings 6, there is a lot of detail included in the description.  It is hard for me to imagine the immensity and the beauty of this temple.  Every time I read these description, I am trying to calculate, in my head, a cubit as about 1 1/2 feet and a cubit as about 75 pounds. 

As hard as it is to imagine what this temple looked like, it is even harder (impossible) to imagine the magnitute and magnificient of the temple that was raised when Jesus the Christ was raised from the dead.  Just try to imagine this glorious temple - the Body of Christ.  It is beyond the scope of our imaginations.  It is beyond words.

It will be, I am sure, easier to post this successfully!  God's Peace.... Pr. J

2 Chronicles 2 - Worship Where?

Who indeed, can build a house for the LORD?  No one, not even Solomon, can build a house that will contain the LORD for the LORD cannot be contained in a house.  He cannot even be contained in the heavens.  Our LORD is greater than all that exists!  God cannot be contained by a building or a planet, or even the heavens! And... that is a very good thing!  For God is wherever we are.  There is no place that God is not.

So what is the use of building temples and churches?  The reason for today is not so different than it was in Solomon's time.  They are places to gather together and to bring our offerings;  to hear and remember what God has done for us; to thank God for all that God has done for us; and to praise His Holy Name.

It never ceases to amaze me how often I hear that we can worship in the woods or on the lake or even on the golf course as well as in church.  Of course you can!  God is everywhere!  But, which god are you actually worshipping?  Are you worshipping God or His creation?  Are you really serving God or yourself?  What offerings are you giving to God when you're out celebrating your life and not the life that was given for you on the cross?  Gathering as a community of saints, as children of God, to heard God's Word, receive His blessings, and yes, to give your offerings in praise and thanksgiving has been a part of the church on earth ever since the "Tent of the Meeting" was constructed.

I don't know what has happened to the church on earth over the preceding generations, but, somehow we've gotten to a place where a vast multitude of people who claim Christ as their head, do not have the time or inclination to gather with others who claim Christ as their Lord as well, and to remember, and give praise and give thanks to the God who created all things; who is greater than all things. 

Reminder:  "..faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ."  (Romans 10:17 NIV)  Does your golf club or baseball bat speak that Word?

2 Chronicles 1 - Wisdom to Serve

It wasn't too long ago, that I was at a Bible study trying to recall what happened to the Tent of the Meeting that the Israelites had carried around for so many years.  I just could not remember what happened to it once the Israelites went to their apportioned lands.  My memory has never been too good and isn't getting any better as the days pass.  I just keep studying and praying that I will remember at least a good portion of what I read.

Well, here we find the original tabernacle.  Solomon has gone to the Tent of the Meeting at the high place at Gibeon.  He makes offerings to the LORD and God appears to him, asking Solomon what He should give him.  Solomon asks for wisdom and knowledge so that he might lead the numerous people that God has given him.  God grants Solomon's request and commends him for not being selfish.

This is just an outstanding transition from 1 Chronicles to 2 Chronicles.  In the last chapter of 1 Chronicles we have David bequeathing hundreds of thousands of pounds of gold and silver to the building of God's house and in this first chapter of 2 Chronicles, we have his son, Solomon, not requesting riches or anything else for himself.  Solomon asks only to lead God's people with wisdom and knowledge.  God grants this request; and in addition, blesses him with great wealth and honor.

This is really some good stuff for anyone who is struggling with what stewardship actually is.  Good stewards will understand that the gifts given to us, by God, are not to be for our own glory, but are to be used, by us, in service to both God and others (our neighbors). 

Neither, David or Solomon were without fault.  But, within their hearts ws the desire to serve and honor the LORD and God knew that.  He knows what is in each of our hearts.  May He create in each of us the desire to be willing servants and wise stewards of all that He has blessed us with.

1 Chronicles 29 - Free-will Offerings

Wow!  I know some stewardship/financial people in my congregation who would love this chapter!  David bequeaths 3000 talents of gold and 7000 thousand talents of silver to the building up of the temple.  And.. the leaders of fathers' houses, leaders of the tribe, the commanders of the troops, and officers of the king's work followed David's lead by giving very generous free-will offerings for the work, as well.  And... David and all the people were exceedingly happy because they had given willing, with whole hearts.  Therefore, David blessed the LORD and thanks Him that they are able to give so willingly.  How is it, he wonders, that they are able to give anything to the LORD? After all, isn't everything God's in the first place?  Isn't it He who gives us every good thing?

We have come to the end of 1 Chronicles.  Solomon, David's son, is made king and David dies with honor and dignity at a good age. 

David's life and his reign has had its ups and down.  Tomorrow we will begin to (maybe) understand the wisdom of Solomon and his leadership.

1 Chronicles 28 - Faith of Our Fathers

One of our songs chosen for this Sunday is "Faith Of Our Fathers."  I am most grateful for all those who are continuing to build upon the groundwork that was prepared by the faithful people who have been here before us.

David prepared for the building of the temple.  His son, Solomon, was called to build it.  What is it that our forefathers prepared the ground for us for?  Was it to build the temple or tear it down?  I am always amazed at the faithful service of so many and, yet, I sometimes find myself dismayed by those who work to throw away or tear down what others have striven to build with the help of God.  Every generation has their own idea of what the "Church" is.  And, consequently every generation seems to goes off in a new direction, leaving behind what has already been started.  Jesus said there is only one way.  He is the way, and the truth and the life. 

So why so many different ways?  Why would some say that there are many ways?  There are indeed many callings; many different gifts needed to help grow the church.  But, there is only one way we are to be heading and that is the Kingdom of God, purchased by the blood of His Son, Jesus the Christ. 

This fall, I am hoping that one of our men will give a table talk, actually more like a testimony, regarding stewardship of God's gifts.  I am thinking that I will also give a table talk that month.  This one will be specifically on the stewardship of God's gifts of Word and Sacraments.  We cannot what God has called us to do; we cannot know the way without hearing and knowing the Word.  We cannot follow in the way; we cannot do our Father's will, without the abiding presence of God received in both Word and Sacrament of Holy Communion.  We cannot have the faith of our Fathers without receiving these gifts.

Jesus is the way, and the truth, and the life.  Let us follow in His way!  Let us live life!

1 Chronicles 27 - Live Life! Answer that Call!

I woke up this morning wondering if God really intended for people to spend so much of their lives sitting in front of the television.  Television, computers, and all that other technology can be some really great tools for us to use; but, to veg out on the couch and mindlessly observe the same entertainment over and over again, I'm thinking this probably is not the will of God. 

Not sure why I woke up thinking this.  I have a full day planned and none of it includes the television.  But, it was kind of scary thinking about how much of our lives are wasted as we sit back and watch, rather than participate in life. 

In our reading today, David is still busy sorting people out according to calling - job descriptions.  There are the military leaders (and the 288,000 some men they will lead); treasurers, farmers, herders, counselors.  I know that technology has changed the world and our opportunities a whole lot and given us many new opportunities for various vocations.  But, from all the lists of various job opportunities that the Holy Scriptures provide, I've yet to see anything that resembles "sit on the couch and watch television." 

God has a plan and purpose for our lives and I really do think he wants us to:
Live life!  Answer that call! 

1 Chronicles 26 - Faithful Servant Leaders

Duties of the gatekeepers, treasurers, and other officials...  I am often amazed when we elect new people to our council and other committees.  We attempt to make sure that everyone knows what the duties are before they agree to accept a nomination for various positions.  But, often we find out that they really didn't have a clue.  When we receive new members on the council we find out exactly how little they were aware of what the duties of the council members actually are.

The council does much more than meet once a month and approve or disapprove what the Pastor has done or plans to do.  They have many duties of oversight over almost every aspect of congregational life.  They are the gatekeepers.  The council has the final word on finances, evangelism, stewardship, education, when we should worship (Pastor has final say on how worship will be done), special events, building maintenance, and just about anything else that goes on in the congregation.

A position on the council is not just a title.  It is a service to God.  These men and women have been called by God to serve.  God has given them specific gifts to do this.  It sometimes saddens me that the congregation as a whole sometimes seems to be so unaware of all that our council and various committees actually do.  We have have had excellent councils at Zion.  There is no way that we can thank them enough for answering their call to serve and for the exceedingly faithful way they have fulfilled their duties as they serve God, the congregation, and the community.

May God bless all who serve within the church and continue to raise up faithful servant leaders to His glory.

1 Chronicles 25

Ok... I'm stuck... what exactly does "prophesy with lyres, harps, and cymbals?  It's probably something real obvious in the lesson I'm reading, but I'm not getting it.  I woke up late - forgot to wind the alarm clock last night - rushed to the church and now I'm reading from a very small print Bible.  Therefore, I am having more than usual lack of focus.

Chapter 25 is about setting more apart for service.  Our service this morning is working a rummage sale - raising money so our youth can go to the youth retreat at 3 Bears Lodge in Warrens, WI next winter.  This afternoon our service will take place at Witz' Marina as we celebrate the Eve of St. John the Baptist around a bon-fire, with much prayers and singing. 

Have to busy!  Have a blessed day!

1 Chronicles 24 - Divisions/Committees

Who and when shall they serve?  David is busy organizing the sons of Aaron for service.  He sets up the various divisions. 

We don't have divisions at Zion.  We have committees.  We have found that committees sometimes can actually hinder growth.  They can hinder service to God as they tend to be closed - that is - only a few people are contributing ideas - energy - etc.  So in an attempt to avail ourselves of more gifts of God, our committees, at Zion, have become intentionally open.  Everyone is welcome in service to God.  One does not even have to be a "voting member" to serve on a committee and if you have something you'd like to do that isn't covered by a committee, if you run the idea through me or the council, it usually doesn't take much to get approval, especially if you're going to volunteer to see it through.

 If one has a gift, we hope and pray that they will use that gift for the glory of God, to assist in our service to Him and to all His people.  We try to use every gift of every member of the "priesthood of believers" here in this place to aid in bringing the good news of the Kingdom to all people. 

Committees also come and go at Zion, according to the needs as well as the gifts of the people.  If someone has something to offer, we try very hard to find a way for them to use their gift.  For the summer months this year, I have been asking our children to help me with the prayers of the church.  For those who show up early enough to read through them and want to, they are given prayer petitions to pray during the prayers of the church.  They join me, kneeling at the altar, as we lead the congregation in confessing our faith with the Apostle's Creed, followed by the prayers of the church.  Some of them also offer to receive the offering.  Their request to serve is allowed.

All of God's children are encouraged to use their time, talents, gifts in service to God and to one another.  We're not real organized about it.  We just kind of follow the lead of the Spirit and allow and even encourage spontaneity and change.