Tonight was the epitome of a great night for Bible reading. I waited until everyone went to bed, went outside on the back porch and prayed under the light of a beautiful moon, and then came back inside and read in blissful silence.
Today's reading included John chapter 1, which describes Jesus as the one who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Many times I have meditated on that phrase, grace and truth, and I still marvel at the combination. So many times humans corrupt the truth by using as a weapon with which to bludgeon another person. Others lack the courage to tell the truth or the wisdom to discern it, and so their "grace" has no depth to it. But Jesus perfectly combines those two qualities to the extent that John uses them to describe who he is.
I pray that God would give me those qualities in just the right proportion-grace enough to use the truth to build others up, instead of tearing them down.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Christmas In October
Every year it seems the American marketing machine cranks up Christmas a little earlier than the year before. Aside from Pastor Louie, who has to start listening to Christmas music in July, most of don't start thinking too seriously about it until after Halloween. However, if you're reading through the Bible chronologically, you're now in the middle of the Christmas story.
There are some benefits to that. You can read the story without the tinsel, shopping, and dinners distracting you. You can take time to think about the power of this remarkable story. This morning I was struck once again by how odd all of this must have seemed to Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the three wise men from the east. But that's the way God works. By the circumstances of our every day lives, he prepares us for the moment when he changes everything. What qualified Mary and Joseph to play the leading roles in this drama? Their walk with God. Their conformity to image of the Son she would soon bear. What a beautiful story.
There are some benefits to that. You can read the story without the tinsel, shopping, and dinners distracting you. You can take time to think about the power of this remarkable story. This morning I was struck once again by how odd all of this must have seemed to Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the three wise men from the east. But that's the way God works. By the circumstances of our every day lives, he prepares us for the moment when he changes everything. What qualified Mary and Joseph to play the leading roles in this drama? Their walk with God. Their conformity to image of the Son she would soon bear. What a beautiful story.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Hanging On
Fellow Bible Readers,
If you're reading through the Bible chronologically, then you're just now turning the corner into the New Testament, and you may be dragging a little bit. It may also be that you've lost your way somewhere between Leviticus, Ezekiel, and the return of the exiles. Whatever the case, simply start up on the current date and keep reading.
Maybe you're on a different reading plan and you've not missed a day. Wonderful. Keep up the good work. Whatever the case, I want to encourage you to keep digging into God's Word. It will pay wonderful dividends!
Pastor Jared
If you're reading through the Bible chronologically, then you're just now turning the corner into the New Testament, and you may be dragging a little bit. It may also be that you've lost your way somewhere between Leviticus, Ezekiel, and the return of the exiles. Whatever the case, simply start up on the current date and keep reading.
Maybe you're on a different reading plan and you've not missed a day. Wonderful. Keep up the good work. Whatever the case, I want to encourage you to keep digging into God's Word. It will pay wonderful dividends!
Pastor Jared
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Thoughts From Marilyn
Hello Fellow WCAG Bible-Readers,
This week I’ve been asked to write some comments about our journey – Through the Bible in a Year. It’s a wonderful, motivating, arduous adventure alright! I’m a pretty slow reader so I’ve had to give up listening to a favorite radio preacher at noon, and go to my quiet place and read the Bible instead. Another friend told me he gets up 15 minutes earlier in the morning to read his portion. However you fit it into your schedule, it’s rewarding. This week I’ve completed First and Second Kings. Whew! - I felt uncomfortable the whole time. Why were so many of those kings in Israel “evil in the sight of the Lord?” How could they be so blind to their idolatry and rebellion? Oops! I was judging them! Then I compared our country’s spiritual conditions today, and I realized how much we need God’s mercy and forgiveness. We’re so blessed to be living under the New Covenant, with Jesus’ Blood available when we cry out for forgiveness of our sins.
Back to First and Second Kings. The way I kept track of their names, length of reign, and “good or bad” leadership in God’s eyes, was to watch for the pattern in each chapter, and write it in the margin. That way was like keeping score. Oh, how I wished the good guys had won! But no, the majority of the kings led their people to sin by worshipping idols, and ignoring the prophets – Elijah and Elisha. Because of their sins, God had the Northern Kingdom (Israel) defeated and taken captive by Assyria. Later, the Southern Kingdom of Judah, was defeated and exiled to Babylon.
The whole history of the Kings reminded me of God’s good parenting. He gave His Commandments for our own good, and there are consequences when we disobey. His faithfulness shows up every time they repented, and His mercy is always there when we obey.
Let’s press on in our journey with Him and His Word – He is washing us in the water of the Word.
Thanks For Listening,
Marilyn Knoepfel
This week I’ve been asked to write some comments about our journey – Through the Bible in a Year. It’s a wonderful, motivating, arduous adventure alright! I’m a pretty slow reader so I’ve had to give up listening to a favorite radio preacher at noon, and go to my quiet place and read the Bible instead. Another friend told me he gets up 15 minutes earlier in the morning to read his portion. However you fit it into your schedule, it’s rewarding. This week I’ve completed First and Second Kings. Whew! - I felt uncomfortable the whole time. Why were so many of those kings in Israel “evil in the sight of the Lord?” How could they be so blind to their idolatry and rebellion? Oops! I was judging them! Then I compared our country’s spiritual conditions today, and I realized how much we need God’s mercy and forgiveness. We’re so blessed to be living under the New Covenant, with Jesus’ Blood available when we cry out for forgiveness of our sins.
Back to First and Second Kings. The way I kept track of their names, length of reign, and “good or bad” leadership in God’s eyes, was to watch for the pattern in each chapter, and write it in the margin. That way was like keeping score. Oh, how I wished the good guys had won! But no, the majority of the kings led their people to sin by worshipping idols, and ignoring the prophets – Elijah and Elisha. Because of their sins, God had the Northern Kingdom (Israel) defeated and taken captive by Assyria. Later, the Southern Kingdom of Judah, was defeated and exiled to Babylon.
The whole history of the Kings reminded me of God’s good parenting. He gave His Commandments for our own good, and there are consequences when we disobey. His faithfulness shows up every time they repented, and His mercy is always there when we obey.
Let’s press on in our journey with Him and His Word – He is washing us in the water of the Word.
Thanks For Listening,
Marilyn Knoepfel
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The Exodus-Episode II
Dear Bible Readers,
Last Sunday I talked about shows that are broken up into two episodes. Well, Joshua is sorta like Episode II of the Exodus. God not only promised to deliver his people from bondage, He also promised to lead his people into a land flowing with mile and honey. Exodus 3:8 says as much. "So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites." The space between step number one (deliverance) and step number two (arrival) consisted of sin, punishment, intercession, repentance, all repeated so many times we lose count.
When we get to the book of Joshua, the people have wandered long enough and now stand ready to take hold of God's promise. Moses died outside the land because of his disobedience and Joshua now prepares to take the lead role in Episode II. If you like lots of action, you'll love the book of Joshua.
The following are some things to think about as you make your way through this amazing story. As you have thoughts, ideas, or questions, please post them to the blog or send an email and we'll discuss it as we go.
Pastor Jared
Last Sunday I talked about shows that are broken up into two episodes. Well, Joshua is sorta like Episode II of the Exodus. God not only promised to deliver his people from bondage, He also promised to lead his people into a land flowing with mile and honey. Exodus 3:8 says as much. "So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites." The space between step number one (deliverance) and step number two (arrival) consisted of sin, punishment, intercession, repentance, all repeated so many times we lose count.
When we get to the book of Joshua, the people have wandered long enough and now stand ready to take hold of God's promise. Moses died outside the land because of his disobedience and Joshua now prepares to take the lead role in Episode II. If you like lots of action, you'll love the book of Joshua.
The following are some things to think about as you make your way through this amazing story. As you have thoughts, ideas, or questions, please post them to the blog or send an email and we'll discuss it as we go.
- How do we make sense of the instructions God gave Israel relating to holy war (7:1-26; 20:1-20; 21:10-14; 25:17-19)? What do we think about when we hear the phrase holy war, and how does that color our understanding of Joshua's message?
- Moses played the leading role in Episode I. Joshua plays the leading role in Episode 2. Are there any noticeable differences between these two leaders?
- Joshua was leading Israel into "rest," or the land (Deut 3:20; 12:10; 25:19; Josh 1:13, 15; 14:15, 21:44; 22:4; 23:1). But that rest was temporary at best. God eventually took it away from them when they sinned; they were deported by Assyria and Babylon. The New Testament argues that Jesus came to lead the people into rest that could not be taken away (1Peter 1:3-5) and that Joshua had not been able to fully secure (Heb 3:11, 18; 4:1-11). How does that affect our ideas of the land?
- How can we understand Rahab the prostitute as a model of faith, which is how she's presented in Hebrews 11?
- The Hebrew name for Jesus is Joshua. Are there points of connection between these two leaders?
Pastor Jared
Monday, March 16, 2009
Questions & Comments
Hey all, here are a couple questions from your fellow-readers.
What is a Nazirite?
Numbers 6:1-21 describes a Nazirite as a man or woman who consecrated themselves to God for a set time with a vow. As a part of the vow, they could not drink alcohol, cut their hair, or touch a dead body (even if a family member died). When the time of their consecration ended, they cut their hair, which was used as part of an offering made to God for well-being. Although some chose the Nazirite vow, others were consecrated as Nazirites from birth, like Samson (Judges 13:4-14) and Samuel (1Samuel 1:11). The vow continued to be made up to the time of the New Testament. Although Acts 18:18 and 21:20-26 do not use the word Nazirite, they describe Paul as being under a vow that required him to cut his hair.
What's the deal with Deuteronomy 25:11-12, which reads, "If two men are fighting and the wife of one of them comes to rescue her husband from his assailant, and she reaches out and seizes him by his private parts, you shall cut off her hand. Show her no pity."
This is one of those passages that people point to and say, "why is that in there?" I'm not sure there is a truly satisfying answer to the question, but let me at least offer some context. One, the word for fighting means...fighting. This situation describes one man who is physically fighting with another. This is not a heated disagreement--that would be too easy to explain. Two, the woman appears to be trying to rescue her husband from one that is too strong for him, which seems noble.
More than likely, the issue probably has to do with the importance of of men and women being able to raise up a family, since that is how God said he would bless the nation of Israel. If she were to hit him with a frying pan, stab him with a weapon, or throw dirt in his face, she would not be guilty, but to grab the assailant by his private parts was an offense to the other person, but more importantly prevented the man from raising up a family. Men and women would have both known this was the case. The other factor that should at least merit consideration is that the woman was not alone; she was fighting with her husband. If she were alone she would have few other options.
I realize, as I said, that is not very satisfying, but we must remember that this was written more than three thousand years ago and the original recipients would have understood it very well and not been at all surprised by it. I hope that helps.
Pastor Jared
What is a Nazirite?
Numbers 6:1-21 describes a Nazirite as a man or woman who consecrated themselves to God for a set time with a vow. As a part of the vow, they could not drink alcohol, cut their hair, or touch a dead body (even if a family member died). When the time of their consecration ended, they cut their hair, which was used as part of an offering made to God for well-being. Although some chose the Nazirite vow, others were consecrated as Nazirites from birth, like Samson (Judges 13:4-14) and Samuel (1Samuel 1:11). The vow continued to be made up to the time of the New Testament. Although Acts 18:18 and 21:20-26 do not use the word Nazirite, they describe Paul as being under a vow that required him to cut his hair.
What's the deal with Deuteronomy 25:11-12, which reads, "If two men are fighting and the wife of one of them comes to rescue her husband from his assailant, and she reaches out and seizes him by his private parts, you shall cut off her hand. Show her no pity."
This is one of those passages that people point to and say, "why is that in there?" I'm not sure there is a truly satisfying answer to the question, but let me at least offer some context. One, the word for fighting means...fighting. This situation describes one man who is physically fighting with another. This is not a heated disagreement--that would be too easy to explain. Two, the woman appears to be trying to rescue her husband from one that is too strong for him, which seems noble.
More than likely, the issue probably has to do with the importance of of men and women being able to raise up a family, since that is how God said he would bless the nation of Israel. If she were to hit him with a frying pan, stab him with a weapon, or throw dirt in his face, she would not be guilty, but to grab the assailant by his private parts was an offense to the other person, but more importantly prevented the man from raising up a family. Men and women would have both known this was the case. The other factor that should at least merit consideration is that the woman was not alone; she was fighting with her husband. If she were alone she would have few other options.
I realize, as I said, that is not very satisfying, but we must remember that this was written more than three thousand years ago and the original recipients would have understood it very well and not been at all surprised by it. I hope that helps.
Pastor Jared
Friday, March 13, 2009
Press On
Dear Bible-Reading Companions,
Why spend our time reading, studying, meditating on, and memorizing God’s Word? In the beginning of Deuteronomy, Moses warned the Israelites that their only hope of prospering in the land God was giving them was to fully and care-fully keep all the commands God was giving them. If they would, Moses said, the people around them would not only marvel how blessed they were, but would also give glory to God. So here’s what Moses said in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, “4Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9Write them on the door-frames of your houses and on your gates.”
Moses instructed the people to make God’s Word a part of every part of their life. First, God’s commands should be internalized—they should be in our hearts. There’s no way to internalize God’s Word without regular doses of it or times of reflecting and meditating on it. Second, God’s Word should be the foundation of what we pass on to our children and grandchildren. They must be impressed upon the next generation. Third, they should fill our conversations. Moses offers four examples of times when God’s Word makes for good conversation—1) sitting at home 2) walking on the road 3) lying down to go to bed 4) and waking up. That pretty much covers every part of our lives—the times we spend at home during the day, the times when we travel or run errands, and the routines we establish when we get up and go to bed. Finally, Moses instructs the people to leave visual reminders of God’s Word all around their homes so that they will be reminded of God’s commands.
I want to encourage you to press on in your quest to fill your life with God’s Word. It will bear fruit not only in your life, but in the life of your family.
Happy Reading!
Pastor Jared
Why spend our time reading, studying, meditating on, and memorizing God’s Word? In the beginning of Deuteronomy, Moses warned the Israelites that their only hope of prospering in the land God was giving them was to fully and care-fully keep all the commands God was giving them. If they would, Moses said, the people around them would not only marvel how blessed they were, but would also give glory to God. So here’s what Moses said in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, “4Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9Write them on the door-frames of your houses and on your gates.”
Moses instructed the people to make God’s Word a part of every part of their life. First, God’s commands should be internalized—they should be in our hearts. There’s no way to internalize God’s Word without regular doses of it or times of reflecting and meditating on it. Second, God’s Word should be the foundation of what we pass on to our children and grandchildren. They must be impressed upon the next generation. Third, they should fill our conversations. Moses offers four examples of times when God’s Word makes for good conversation—1) sitting at home 2) walking on the road 3) lying down to go to bed 4) and waking up. That pretty much covers every part of our lives—the times we spend at home during the day, the times when we travel or run errands, and the routines we establish when we get up and go to bed. Finally, Moses instructs the people to leave visual reminders of God’s Word all around their homes so that they will be reminded of God’s commands.
I want to encourage you to press on in your quest to fill your life with God’s Word. It will bear fruit not only in your life, but in the life of your family.
Happy Reading!
Pastor Jared
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Question/Comment
Pastor Jared,
What are your thoughts on how grace has saved us and that we are no longer living under the regimented laws of the Old Testament?
Sometimes I think that God still wants us following these rules, and we've brushed it aside saying, "But Christ made a way for us". I know Christ said he wasn't here to abolish the law, but we're SO FAR from removed from what the Israelites had to do. Just something I wrestle with.
--Sara Seipp
There are lots of different opinions on that one. Although there are some exceptions, I personally believe that the moral code of the Old Testament has not changed, although the ceremonially code has. So God's standards of morality have not changed, but the expressions of that morality have. Mark says that Jesus "declared all food good (Mark 7:19)," which was a radical departure from the ceremonial code of the Old Testament, but he still said that what goes into a person, their thoughts, had the ability to make them unclean; in that way Jesus upheld the moral code. I would say the same of things like wearing cloths made of more than one material, etc.--Jesus set those aside. But he did not set aside God's standards of morality.
But even more than setting those things aside, Jesus fulfilled them. He became unclean so that we could be clean. He kept every Law for us so that we fulfill God's Law in God's sight. And then, on the other hand, he made things even more difficult for us. He gave us the Sermon On The Mount, which suggests that we can break God's Law by having murderous thoughts, even if we don't murder someone. We can break God's Law by have adulterous thoughts, even if we don't physically commit adultery, etc. So, on the one hand we don't have to do as much as the Israelites did (and we can be thankful), but on the other hand, God has raised the bar because now we have been renewed and filled with God's Spirit.
The biggest problem I have with the difference between the Old and New Testament, or Law and Grace, is that some people seem to talk like God has made it easy on us and now we don't have to be nearly as careful in our spiritual life as the ancient Israelites did. Just the opposite--we are now held to a higher standard, and I think that might be what you're saying.
I hope that helps,
Pastor Jared
What are your thoughts on how grace has saved us and that we are no longer living under the regimented laws of the Old Testament?
Sometimes I think that God still wants us following these rules, and we've brushed it aside saying, "But Christ made a way for us". I know Christ said he wasn't here to abolish the law, but we're SO FAR from removed from what the Israelites had to do. Just something I wrestle with.
--Sara Seipp
There are lots of different opinions on that one. Although there are some exceptions, I personally believe that the moral code of the Old Testament has not changed, although the ceremonially code has. So God's standards of morality have not changed, but the expressions of that morality have. Mark says that Jesus "declared all food good (Mark 7:19)," which was a radical departure from the ceremonial code of the Old Testament, but he still said that what goes into a person, their thoughts, had the ability to make them unclean; in that way Jesus upheld the moral code. I would say the same of things like wearing cloths made of more than one material, etc.--Jesus set those aside. But he did not set aside God's standards of morality.
But even more than setting those things aside, Jesus fulfilled them. He became unclean so that we could be clean. He kept every Law for us so that we fulfill God's Law in God's sight. And then, on the other hand, he made things even more difficult for us. He gave us the Sermon On The Mount, which suggests that we can break God's Law by having murderous thoughts, even if we don't murder someone. We can break God's Law by have adulterous thoughts, even if we don't physically commit adultery, etc. So, on the one hand we don't have to do as much as the Israelites did (and we can be thankful), but on the other hand, God has raised the bar because now we have been renewed and filled with God's Spirit.
The biggest problem I have with the difference between the Old and New Testament, or Law and Grace, is that some people seem to talk like God has made it easy on us and now we don't have to be nearly as careful in our spiritual life as the ancient Israelites did. Just the opposite--we are now held to a higher standard, and I think that might be what you're saying.
I hope that helps,
Pastor Jared
Questions/Comments
Here are some thoughts and questions from your fellow-readers:
I am reading thru the Bible this year in a Historical manor, but as thus far we are still together in sequence. As for the first question (the ceremony to test a wife’s faithfulness): I think this is included to show how seriously god takes commitment. Commitment to him and to our spouse, as well as to each other. Maybe I’m trying to read something in that is not there but this is how it spoke to me.
--Linda Wyatt
I see the ceremony showing God's grace to the woman in comparison to the fierce ordeals prescribed in pagan circles, where it is said hardly are you innocent, but lead into guilt. The question I have is - In the 10 commandments it says “Thou shall not commit adultery.” It sounds like this was only for women in the ancient world. I know God meant it for everyone. What's the deal??????
--Caroline Birkner
Pastor Jared,
I had a few questions this morning.
Numbers 4:? What is a sea cow?
The short answer: it is some kind of sea animal, probably related to a dolphin (if it’s related to the Arabic word that is close to the Hebrew word) or a manatee. Whatever it’s closest to, it’s skin was one type of skin used to cover the tabernacle and its equipment (Exod 25:5, etc.)
Numbers 3:15 Why count males from one month old and not newborns, too?
I would guess that it has to do with the number of babies that did not survive the first month of life. The conditions in ancient Israel, like most places in the ancient world, were very difficult and the number of children that survived the first month of life was significantly lower than today.
Numbers 3:39 - 42 I've been trying to figure this out mathematically. There were 22,000 male Levites and out of the remaining 11 tribes, there were 22,273 first born males? That tells me that there were only 1,117 families in each tribe, so the families must have been quite large. What am I missing here? Thanks!
--Debbie
I’ve never tried to figure this out mathematically to see how many would have been in each family, but families were significantly bigger then (look at the Patriarchs) partly because they had as many children as they could, but also partly because many men had multiple wives. The family would also have included servants, so you can see how the numbers could begin to grow quickly.
Hope that helps!
The ceremony to test an unfaithful wife seems rather harsh and ancient by most standards. However, most people (not you all) fail to realize that this was actually protection for the women against unjustifiably jealous husbands. There was no such test in other ancient cultures and women could be divorced or killed if the husband suspected unfaithfulness. The ancient world was VERY patriarchal—this was meant to protect women.
Happy reading!
Pastor Jared
I am reading thru the Bible this year in a Historical manor, but as thus far we are still together in sequence. As for the first question (the ceremony to test a wife’s faithfulness): I think this is included to show how seriously god takes commitment. Commitment to him and to our spouse, as well as to each other. Maybe I’m trying to read something in that is not there but this is how it spoke to me.
--Linda Wyatt
I see the ceremony showing God's grace to the woman in comparison to the fierce ordeals prescribed in pagan circles, where it is said hardly are you innocent, but lead into guilt. The question I have is - In the 10 commandments it says “Thou shall not commit adultery.” It sounds like this was only for women in the ancient world. I know God meant it for everyone. What's the deal??????
--Caroline Birkner
Pastor Jared,
I had a few questions this morning.
Numbers 4:? What is a sea cow?
The short answer: it is some kind of sea animal, probably related to a dolphin (if it’s related to the Arabic word that is close to the Hebrew word) or a manatee. Whatever it’s closest to, it’s skin was one type of skin used to cover the tabernacle and its equipment (Exod 25:5, etc.)
Numbers 3:15 Why count males from one month old and not newborns, too?
I would guess that it has to do with the number of babies that did not survive the first month of life. The conditions in ancient Israel, like most places in the ancient world, were very difficult and the number of children that survived the first month of life was significantly lower than today.
Numbers 3:39 - 42 I've been trying to figure this out mathematically. There were 22,000 male Levites and out of the remaining 11 tribes, there were 22,273 first born males? That tells me that there were only 1,117 families in each tribe, so the families must have been quite large. What am I missing here? Thanks!
--Debbie
I’ve never tried to figure this out mathematically to see how many would have been in each family, but families were significantly bigger then (look at the Patriarchs) partly because they had as many children as they could, but also partly because many men had multiple wives. The family would also have included servants, so you can see how the numbers could begin to grow quickly.
Hope that helps!
The ceremony to test an unfaithful wife seems rather harsh and ancient by most standards. However, most people (not you all) fail to realize that this was actually protection for the women against unjustifiably jealous husbands. There was no such test in other ancient cultures and women could be divorced or killed if the husband suspected unfaithfulness. The ancient world was VERY patriarchal—this was meant to protect women.
Happy reading!
Pastor Jared
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Questions For Numbers
Dear Fellow Readers,
Most of our readers are approaching or in Numbers somewhere. I want to offer you some questions to encourage reflection on the significance of this book. As you think about these questions and read the text, please feel free to share your thoughts/insights with your fellow readers. As always, please feel free to ask questions, too. Although some of these chapters can be difficult and dry, keep reading. This is God's Word—our life!
Most of our readers are approaching or in Numbers somewhere. I want to offer you some questions to encourage reflection on the significance of this book. As you think about these questions and read the text, please feel free to share your thoughts/insights with your fellow readers. As always, please feel free to ask questions, too. Although some of these chapters can be difficult and dry, keep reading. This is God's Word—our life!
- Numbers 5:11-30 describes a ceremony used when a jealous husband suspected his wife of being unfaithful. Why is that story included in God's Word? What's the purpose of the story?
- What was so important about celebrating Passover that anyone who did not celebrate it was cut off from the people of God (Num 9)?
- God took "grumbling" very seriously. What is grumbling and what is the modern-day equivalent? Does God take it any less seriously (Num 11 & 12)?
- Why were Moses and Aaron punished so severely for striking the rock rather than speaking to it (Num 20)?
- Why does the Lord tell Moses to send a small group of Israelite to take revenge on the Midianites (Num 31)?
Rounding The Corners Of Your Head?
Pastor Jared,
I'm so glad that you are doing the questions & answers. I am using the Chronological Order guide (KJV) and am reading ahead to rush madly to get through Leviticus. I have one dumb question (actually a good one). In Leviticus 19:27, what does it mean to not "round the corners of your heads" Thanks, Joan Henry
It was fairly common in Ancient Nearestern Religions for adherents to cut off their hair and devote it to their gods. Not only did the Egyptians make this a practice, but it was also mentioned by writers such as Homer and Plutarch. God did not want his people to participate in idolatrous worship.
Orthodox Jews point to this verse as the reason they don't shave the locks of hair on the side of their heads or trim their beards. The attached picture shows the curly locks of hair hanging down from the temple and the untrimmed beard.
Hope this helps!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Questions & Comments From Fellow Readers
Hello, all,
I trust you are enjoying reading through the Bible. Here are some questions and comments we received from some of you. I left a comment or two below the questions. I pray that you will stay strong in your reading and that God will use your time in His Word to strengthen and guide you. Keep it up, you’re doing great!
I have a question from Genesis/Exodus...I noticed a couple of scenarios where an oath was made...the one making the oath was asked to put their hand under the other person's thigh. Why is that? I found that quite strange—Krista Smith
• Actually, by our standards that is quite strange, but it’s found consistently in the story of the Patriarchs. Not surprisingly, scholars disagree on the significance of one putting their hand under the thigh of another. Let’s just say some of the interpretations are rather “earthy.”
Well I just started yesterday and did the first 3 days worth. Having trouble fitting it in today – slept too late! Thanks for your support. Thought you might use this to encourage people who are behind—Carolyn Thompson
• Hang in there, Carolyn!
Some days are easier than others—Pat Bowden
I am enjoying this—Dawn Hammack
Nate and I are doing well with our reading! I haven't missed a day yet! We are doing the chronological reading, and I find that by reading more per day than I used to do, I am actually learning more because I'm reading more of a story, rather than just a few pieces of the stories:) I am reading from the New Living Translation Bible. I don't really have anything that's keeping me consistent except that I really don't want to miss a day! I don't think I have any questions about what I read, I just commented to Nate the other night that people in Bible times sure whined a lot☺—Kristen Bowden
• Nice work. I think the bigger chunks that we read the better we get a feel for what’s going on. BTW, Keri’s dad translated Numbers for the New Living Translation. I’m using that one this year as well, and I really enjoy it!
I’m using the guide in chorological order, which I have never used before and am really enjoying. I read a book many years ago that suggested taking the attitude “No Bible, no breakfast”. Well, I am a breakfast person and can’t make it through the day without my morning meal, so I took up that dictum, although I have changed it to “Bible WITH breakfast”, at least on work days when I am up in the early mornings before the rest of the family. It continues to work for me.
I am reading through the instructions that God gave to Moses right now about the construction of the tabernacle. What I would really like is a visual representation of what I am reading. It’s difficult for me to “see” the words – I begin just reading and not thinking about it. I also have such a difficult time relating to the rituals and the idea of animal sacrifices. Maybe visuals or sermons discussing such would help— Deborah Dempsey
• “Bible with breakfast,” is a great slogan. I actually enjoy doing that myself. Good idea on the visuals. I don’t have any with me (still in Kenya), but I can find some when I get home. If you have a study Bible it might also have some pictures.
I'm loving the daily "washing in the Word." I'm using NIV, and am just finishing Numbers. In this last section of Numbers, I'm amazed at how patient Moses was with his people, and WOW- what an intercessor! Thanks for motivating us along—Marilyn Knoepfel
• It’s lucky for the Israelites that Moses was such a great intercessor, because otherwise they would have been toast (quite literally being “consumed”)!
I have found that I am able to stay on track if I try to keep to a regular schedule in the morning. I am using "The Message" and find it to be a very easy read. I finished last year reading through the NIV. I am enjoying the Message as it is more like reading a news article or book. Thanks for the encouragement—Doris Haley
Thanks for the message. We sure miss you on Sundays. Hearing your message in person is so rewarding and such a blessing—Sue Jacobsmeyer
• Can’t wait to be back!
QUESTION 1: Exodus 4:24 The Lord was about to kill Moses? What’s that all about? God just summoned Moses to Egypt, then he’s going to kill him? Confusing.
• Unfortunately, Moses was “sloppy” in his walk with God and had not yet circumcised his son, which nearly led to his destruction. In this case, his wife was the intercessor for Moses; she circumcised their son and fulfilled God’s command.
QUESTION 2:Sort of perplexing for me: When Moses went up the mountain and the Israelites turned to worshipping a golden idol, God was ready to wipe them ALL out. Moses had to talk with God and asked God to rethink his punishment & remind God of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac & Jacob.
Would God have really wiped them all out and broken His covenant with Abraham? God get’s VERY ANGRY!!!—Lynne Aldridge
• I think God would have wiped them out if Moses had not interceded. But even if God had wiped them out he would not have broken his covenant with Abraham because God only promised to bless all the nations of the world through him, and Moses was part of Abraham’s seed (offspring). So God proposed that he wipe out the rest of Abraham’s seed and just start over with Moses. Yikes!
• I think the sobering part of your insightful questions is that God takes worship and obedience very seriously. Even though we are in Christ, He still takes our worship seriously.
Reading the Bible in the Message version makes reading the Bible more like a novel, easier to understand.
I’m reading the Message Bible. I always heard in the past that the Message Bible wasn’t a good version to study from because it’s a looser translation, so I’ve not used the Message Bible very much. However, when simply reading the Bible for a general understanding, it’s wonderful.
• “Better” and “worse” versions are in the eye of the beholder. When most people say better they mean more literal and the Message is not a translation, it’s a paraphrase (they don’t translate word for word, but try to capture the thought). However, given the number of translations we enjoy, it’s nice to be able to read more than one.
That’s it for now. I’ll see you Sunday!
Pastor Jared
I trust you are enjoying reading through the Bible. Here are some questions and comments we received from some of you. I left a comment or two below the questions. I pray that you will stay strong in your reading and that God will use your time in His Word to strengthen and guide you. Keep it up, you’re doing great!
I have a question from Genesis/Exodus...I noticed a couple of scenarios where an oath was made...the one making the oath was asked to put their hand under the other person's thigh. Why is that? I found that quite strange—Krista Smith
• Actually, by our standards that is quite strange, but it’s found consistently in the story of the Patriarchs. Not surprisingly, scholars disagree on the significance of one putting their hand under the thigh of another. Let’s just say some of the interpretations are rather “earthy.”
Well I just started yesterday and did the first 3 days worth. Having trouble fitting it in today – slept too late! Thanks for your support. Thought you might use this to encourage people who are behind—Carolyn Thompson
• Hang in there, Carolyn!
Some days are easier than others—Pat Bowden
I am enjoying this—Dawn Hammack
Nate and I are doing well with our reading! I haven't missed a day yet! We are doing the chronological reading, and I find that by reading more per day than I used to do, I am actually learning more because I'm reading more of a story, rather than just a few pieces of the stories:) I am reading from the New Living Translation Bible. I don't really have anything that's keeping me consistent except that I really don't want to miss a day! I don't think I have any questions about what I read, I just commented to Nate the other night that people in Bible times sure whined a lot☺—Kristen Bowden
• Nice work. I think the bigger chunks that we read the better we get a feel for what’s going on. BTW, Keri’s dad translated Numbers for the New Living Translation. I’m using that one this year as well, and I really enjoy it!
I’m using the guide in chorological order, which I have never used before and am really enjoying. I read a book many years ago that suggested taking the attitude “No Bible, no breakfast”. Well, I am a breakfast person and can’t make it through the day without my morning meal, so I took up that dictum, although I have changed it to “Bible WITH breakfast”, at least on work days when I am up in the early mornings before the rest of the family. It continues to work for me.
I am reading through the instructions that God gave to Moses right now about the construction of the tabernacle. What I would really like is a visual representation of what I am reading. It’s difficult for me to “see” the words – I begin just reading and not thinking about it. I also have such a difficult time relating to the rituals and the idea of animal sacrifices. Maybe visuals or sermons discussing such would help— Deborah Dempsey
• “Bible with breakfast,” is a great slogan. I actually enjoy doing that myself. Good idea on the visuals. I don’t have any with me (still in Kenya), but I can find some when I get home. If you have a study Bible it might also have some pictures.
I'm loving the daily "washing in the Word." I'm using NIV, and am just finishing Numbers. In this last section of Numbers, I'm amazed at how patient Moses was with his people, and WOW- what an intercessor! Thanks for motivating us along—Marilyn Knoepfel
• It’s lucky for the Israelites that Moses was such a great intercessor, because otherwise they would have been toast (quite literally being “consumed”)!
I have found that I am able to stay on track if I try to keep to a regular schedule in the morning. I am using "The Message" and find it to be a very easy read. I finished last year reading through the NIV. I am enjoying the Message as it is more like reading a news article or book. Thanks for the encouragement—Doris Haley
Thanks for the message. We sure miss you on Sundays. Hearing your message in person is so rewarding and such a blessing—Sue Jacobsmeyer
• Can’t wait to be back!
QUESTION 1: Exodus 4:24 The Lord was about to kill Moses? What’s that all about? God just summoned Moses to Egypt, then he’s going to kill him? Confusing.
• Unfortunately, Moses was “sloppy” in his walk with God and had not yet circumcised his son, which nearly led to his destruction. In this case, his wife was the intercessor for Moses; she circumcised their son and fulfilled God’s command.
QUESTION 2:Sort of perplexing for me: When Moses went up the mountain and the Israelites turned to worshipping a golden idol, God was ready to wipe them ALL out. Moses had to talk with God and asked God to rethink his punishment & remind God of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac & Jacob.
Would God have really wiped them all out and broken His covenant with Abraham? God get’s VERY ANGRY!!!—Lynne Aldridge
• I think God would have wiped them out if Moses had not interceded. But even if God had wiped them out he would not have broken his covenant with Abraham because God only promised to bless all the nations of the world through him, and Moses was part of Abraham’s seed (offspring). So God proposed that he wipe out the rest of Abraham’s seed and just start over with Moses. Yikes!
• I think the sobering part of your insightful questions is that God takes worship and obedience very seriously. Even though we are in Christ, He still takes our worship seriously.
Reading the Bible in the Message version makes reading the Bible more like a novel, easier to understand.
I’m reading the Message Bible. I always heard in the past that the Message Bible wasn’t a good version to study from because it’s a looser translation, so I’ve not used the Message Bible very much. However, when simply reading the Bible for a general understanding, it’s wonderful.
• “Better” and “worse” versions are in the eye of the beholder. When most people say better they mean more literal and the Message is not a translation, it’s a paraphrase (they don’t translate word for word, but try to capture the thought). However, given the number of translations we enjoy, it’s nice to be able to read more than one.
That’s it for now. I’ll see you Sunday!
Pastor Jared
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Questions/Comments
Hello Fellow Readers,
I trust you are doing well in your reading, whatever program you've chosen. We'd like to hear from you regarding your progress. Please let us know:
Happy Reading,
Pastor Jared
I trust you are doing well in your reading, whatever program you've chosen. We'd like to hear from you regarding your progress. Please let us know:
- questions you have about things you've read
- comments about what's helped you be consistent in your reading
- what we might provide that would help you in your reading
Happy Reading,
Pastor Jared
Thoughts From Pastor Tina
It is amazing to look at the beginning portions of the Old Testament (Genesis and Exodus)—how those who went before us didn’t quite grasp that God would actually do what he said he would do! When reading the story of Abraham and Sarah, we find a couple that God had chosen and blessed. He made many promises to Abraham:
The same goes for Moses. God told Moses he was going to use Him to deliver the Israelites from the hands of the Egyptians (Exodus 6:1). Boom…it happened in some amazing ways – the ten plagues – the passover –the parting of the Red Sea! Then the journey was set before them. God provided manna for them to eat each morning and evening and enough for the Sabbath (after their grumbling and complaints mind you). He even told Moses to keep a piece to show future generations of His faithfulness. But still when times got tough, the Israelites questioned God’s abilities and His faithfulness – even to the point of creating a golden calf to worship. Hello!!! They ignored what the voice and hand of God said and did. Those of little faith!
While reading these passages, it just reminded me that we are sometimes just like Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Aaron and the Israelites. We see God’s hand in our lives and have heard His promises in our heart and yet we seem to forget it very easily when the next trial comes along or when the deepest desires in our heart have not been fulfilled. Where is our faith? Do we not believe God can do the incredible, the impossible, the supernatural? Do we not believe that God knows each of us by name and the number of hair on our head? Do we not believe that God loves us more than the birds of the air or the flowers of the field? Do we not believe our Father cares about us?
So, today, just an encouragement…remember that God knows who you are, He knows exactly what you are facing, He knows the deepest desires of your heart…trust Him! His ways are much greater than our ways! His plans are to prosper us, not harm us (Jeremiah 29:11)! Don’t lean on your own understanding, don’t try to figure it all out, just trust God! (Proverbs 3:5-6). He is a good God! His love for us is a love that we never will experience on earth! Rest in Him and in His love today!
Pastor Tina
- Genesis 11:2-3, “I will make you into a nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing, I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse, and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
- Genesis 15:1, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield, your very great reward.”
- Genesis 15:4, “Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, ‘Look up at the heavens and count the stars – if indeed you can count them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’”
The same goes for Moses. God told Moses he was going to use Him to deliver the Israelites from the hands of the Egyptians (Exodus 6:1). Boom…it happened in some amazing ways – the ten plagues – the passover –the parting of the Red Sea! Then the journey was set before them. God provided manna for them to eat each morning and evening and enough for the Sabbath (after their grumbling and complaints mind you). He even told Moses to keep a piece to show future generations of His faithfulness. But still when times got tough, the Israelites questioned God’s abilities and His faithfulness – even to the point of creating a golden calf to worship. Hello!!! They ignored what the voice and hand of God said and did. Those of little faith!
While reading these passages, it just reminded me that we are sometimes just like Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Aaron and the Israelites. We see God’s hand in our lives and have heard His promises in our heart and yet we seem to forget it very easily when the next trial comes along or when the deepest desires in our heart have not been fulfilled. Where is our faith? Do we not believe God can do the incredible, the impossible, the supernatural? Do we not believe that God knows each of us by name and the number of hair on our head? Do we not believe that God loves us more than the birds of the air or the flowers of the field? Do we not believe our Father cares about us?
So, today, just an encouragement…remember that God knows who you are, He knows exactly what you are facing, He knows the deepest desires of your heart…trust Him! His ways are much greater than our ways! His plans are to prosper us, not harm us (Jeremiah 29:11)! Don’t lean on your own understanding, don’t try to figure it all out, just trust God! (Proverbs 3:5-6). He is a good God! His love for us is a love that we never will experience on earth! Rest in Him and in His love today!
Pastor Tina
Monday, January 19, 2009
The Patriarchs
Some times it's difficult to see the forest for the trees and the same is true when reading the Bible. Take the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob), for instance. While each of them display some admirable qualities, they also display some qualities that are less than exemplary:) Among other things, all of them are truth-challenged and none of their families seem to be quite...functional. So let me offer you a bigger-picture way to look at the Patriarchs.
The story of the patriarchs is a story of providence. The Bible records the family line of God's promise, showing why some where chosen and others were not. Abraham's promise was passed on Isaac, not Ishmael, even though Ishmael was his first born son (according to ancient custom, if a man did not have an heir by his wife, he could take one of his son's through a concubine to pass on his family's inheritance--in other words, Ishmael was a legitimate option). Then Isaac has two sons, Esau and Jacob. Although Esau was the clear choice because he was older, God did not choose Esau (what sort of person sells his birth-right for the soup du jour?). And then Jacob has a passel of children, the oldest of which was Reuben (not the sandwich), then Simeon, Levi, Judah, and so on, down to Joseph and Benjamin. You might think the line of Levi would be chosen to continue God's promise, but no. Then you might think Joseph would be the line of God's promise. Wrong again. Judah was chosen, the fourth son and someone with his own issues.
But through the ups and downs of this family--through their brokeness and triumph--God raised up a family who eventually gave birth to King David, and then after King David, our Lord, Jesus (thus the phrase, "the Lion of Judah"). Yes, the story of the Patriarchs is a story of providence--God's ability and resolve to work out his plan of salvation in the midst of the drama of our lives. As you read the story of the Patriarchs, take comfort in the fact that God can and does work his redemptive plans in the midst of broken people, as long as those broken people are willing to put their trust in him.
Happy reading!
The story of the patriarchs is a story of providence. The Bible records the family line of God's promise, showing why some where chosen and others were not. Abraham's promise was passed on Isaac, not Ishmael, even though Ishmael was his first born son (according to ancient custom, if a man did not have an heir by his wife, he could take one of his son's through a concubine to pass on his family's inheritance--in other words, Ishmael was a legitimate option). Then Isaac has two sons, Esau and Jacob. Although Esau was the clear choice because he was older, God did not choose Esau (what sort of person sells his birth-right for the soup du jour?). And then Jacob has a passel of children, the oldest of which was Reuben (not the sandwich), then Simeon, Levi, Judah, and so on, down to Joseph and Benjamin. You might think the line of Levi would be chosen to continue God's promise, but no. Then you might think Joseph would be the line of God's promise. Wrong again. Judah was chosen, the fourth son and someone with his own issues.
But through the ups and downs of this family--through their brokeness and triumph--God raised up a family who eventually gave birth to King David, and then after King David, our Lord, Jesus (thus the phrase, "the Lion of Judah"). Yes, the story of the Patriarchs is a story of providence--God's ability and resolve to work out his plan of salvation in the midst of the drama of our lives. As you read the story of the Patriarchs, take comfort in the fact that God can and does work his redemptive plans in the midst of broken people, as long as those broken people are willing to put their trust in him.
Happy reading!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Greetings!
Dear fellow Bible-reading colleagues, we are so excited you have chosen to join us in reading through the Bible this year, whatever your reading plan or translation. There are more than 100 of us hitting the road together.
After considering the best way to communicate with everyone and encourage dialogue, we have settled on a blog. Here's why: you can receive notification as soon as we make a post, can vote in polls we have about reading programs or Bible versions or anything else, and can reply to posts or comments your fellow-sojourners make along the way. We will send this information as an email along with a link you can follow to sign-up to receive notification when there is a new post. If you already use a blog reader then you can simply add this site to your list.
May the Lord richly bless you as you live in his Word. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
After considering the best way to communicate with everyone and encourage dialogue, we have settled on a blog. Here's why: you can receive notification as soon as we make a post, can vote in polls we have about reading programs or Bible versions or anything else, and can reply to posts or comments your fellow-sojourners make along the way. We will send this information as an email along with a link you can follow to sign-up to receive notification when there is a new post. If you already use a blog reader then you can simply add this site to your list.
May the Lord richly bless you as you live in his Word. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
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