vs 1
This psalm is so messianic it's scary. Even cynics would have to agree that Jesus would have had to read this psalm and decide that he could match it up to crucifixion. And who would choose to do that knowingly?
Anyway, we start with the very words of Christ - of course, it's not like David looked into a crystal ball and stole them from Jesus as he was dying. No, the opposite - Jesus knew full well that he was quoting Psalm 22 at that moment, and not because God was forsaking him, but because the whole psalm was being fulfilled.
Am I saying that God did not forsake Christ? Of course it's not as simple as that. But in quoting this psalm, Jesus was bringing it to the mind of those who heard him. Considering the shock and tingles I get reading the psalm (written probably more than 1000 years before Jesus' death), imagine what it would have been like for them, who knew the psalm off by heart, and were seeing it played out before them. It's electrifying.
vs 2
Everyone has been in this position - David obviously had, and he was a man of God. But how many people call out to God in their times of trouble? And how many of them feel that God says nothing back? We shouldn't be shocked that the Bible acknowledges this. The Bible is not just about "the truth" (in this case, that God is there and does listen), but it's also about our perceptions as humanity (that we can't feel or see God in our times of distress). Then it does the great job of mixing those two so we can see the reality beside our perception.
vs 3
This is David's comfort - he can't feel or see God, but he knows who God is, and that is enough for him. He knows God is looking out for him.
vs 4
David has the historical faithfulness of God to rely on too. Israel trusted God, and God didn't forsake them. Why would he change now?
vs 5
Pretty much the same idea - repeated for emphasis and probably poetic niceness.
vs 6
Poor David, scorned by everyone, even though he was meant to be king.
But imagine Jesus, God himself coming to earth only to be scorned and seen as a worm by some.
vs 7
This was not the whole life experience of Jesus, nor David. But at this moment for them, it is. Jesus is copping insults from centurions, priests, pharisees, and common people - even other criminals. David is probably copping it from the same or similar quarters. I'm not sure when people date this psalm - whether it's pre-king, mid-adultery, or mid-Absolom, but whatever it is, it's a bad time for David. He had his fair share of hate poured on him.
vs 8
We know people said this to Jesus, but I can't imagine who said this to David. It's almost blasphemous to say it, isn't it? Especially when you know the one whom it's aimed at is actually faithful to God.
The attitude of this scorn makes me think it's coming more from an enemy than from people who think David did bad with Bathsheeba, so that for me narrows it down a little.
vs 9
David looks back on his own life, seeing that God has not yet forsaken him - even from when he was a little baby in the womb.
vs 10
Here he acknowledges that he has needed God from the very beginning - and of course he needs God now - so nothing has changed really.
Reading this verse with Jesus in mind is just awesome. I mean, Jesus is God, so the idea of Jesus needing God is in one sense fallacious. But to think of Jesus being born and being thrown onto God for survival, just like the rest of us - but knowing that God is his father, and that as much as he latched on to Mary's breast for milk, he could latch onto God as Abba.
Well, I think that's awesome.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Psalm 21
I actually know what book I'm going to do next, but I thought I'd do a psalm or two, like swilling water between sips of wine.
vs 1
God's strength should be at its most obvious in our victories. But most often, we tend to miss him there. Even David made that mistake. But at least, for the moment, he is acknowledging God, and it brings him joy.
vs 2
Again, I don't know about you, but often it's easy to pray when you need something, but more difficult to remember God gave it to you when you get it. I know that I prayed for a job, and got one, and then moaned and complained about the job, even though it was an awesome job. Would we be any better if God was just pouring out responses to our prayers in an obvious way that we thought it would happen?
vs 3
I suppose that's what kings pray for - blessings and a gold crown, which no doubt represents riches. Kings with cardboard crowns make you question the wealth of their kingdom.
vs 4
It's about here when I start thinking, "Hey, could this be about Jesus too?" I think it can. I mean sure, David lived a pretty long life, and no doubt he could be happy with it too. I mean, he could have died in battle a hundred times over - Josiah did, after all.
But Jesus is also given this blessing of days. I mean, sure, in one sense it's just his, because he's God, but I would say the resurrection is symbolic of Jesus' eternal nature.
vs 5
David's victories were pretty cool - he was the one who expanded Israel pretty much to its Joshua-time borders, and perhaps even a little further. But Jesus' victories were awesome, and the splendor and majesty of Jesus as a result is just phenomenal.
vs 6
True of both, but possibly easier to understand for David. The idea of symbolism cuts both ways. Even though Jesus is a man, he's also God, and that does mean we have to stop short of being able to completely empathise with him (I'm not saying it stops him empathising with us though). But David did (by comparison) ordinary things, and received far more ordinary blessings and joys. We can strive to understand that much more easily than we can Christ's joy in God.
vs 7
That's a picture of Jesus if ever I saw one. You never see a moment of doubt in Jesus' life. Not even in the temptation, not even on the cross (especially ifyou understand Christ's words "why have you forsaken me?" in terms of the very next psalm, 22). David too, even though he screws up occasionally - his desire to do what God wants is pretty awesome.
vs 8
You can see how David saw this - the foes of his people were the foes of God, and so when David defeated them in battle, he knew it was God doing the defeating. But Jesus defeated even greater enemies - death, fear, Satan etc - mighty victories we can only begin to understand.
vs 9
If you ever wondered where perhaps the pictures of the end of days in apocalyptic come from, then look no further - the idea of God burning up his enemies dates right back to the entry into the promised land, where God wants the cities of the enemy to be completely burned to nothing.
vs 10
Obviously relating more directly to David's killing of enemy towns and people groups and such. But think about it in terms of those who don't follow God - more often than not, their descendents are as damned as they are. Surely the most likely people to be Christians are the children of parents who were, even forgetting all the teenage rebellion and such.
vs 11
Sometimes there is the facade of them succeeding. That can suck us in. Ecclesiastes deals with that problem, because it is true that evil people can get rich and live good lives and have lots of friends and get really smart, and pretty, and anything else that you might think is valuable. But do they get close to God? That's the winning ticket, and the answer is no.
vs 12
Of course, when God is aiming his bow at someone, they might be able to run, but they can't hide. Natural 20s all the time.
vs 13
This would be a good topic for a few more songs, I think - God's power, strength and might. His love, friendship, sacrifice, relationship, comfort etc do get a fair bit of air time, and that can get a bit girly. Having said that, most songs that talk about God's power and strength talk about creation, and that bores me to death. Someone ought write another "Lo, He Comes With Clouds Ascending." Wesley, he's the bomb, as always.
vs 1
God's strength should be at its most obvious in our victories. But most often, we tend to miss him there. Even David made that mistake. But at least, for the moment, he is acknowledging God, and it brings him joy.
vs 2
Again, I don't know about you, but often it's easy to pray when you need something, but more difficult to remember God gave it to you when you get it. I know that I prayed for a job, and got one, and then moaned and complained about the job, even though it was an awesome job. Would we be any better if God was just pouring out responses to our prayers in an obvious way that we thought it would happen?
vs 3
I suppose that's what kings pray for - blessings and a gold crown, which no doubt represents riches. Kings with cardboard crowns make you question the wealth of their kingdom.
vs 4
It's about here when I start thinking, "Hey, could this be about Jesus too?" I think it can. I mean sure, David lived a pretty long life, and no doubt he could be happy with it too. I mean, he could have died in battle a hundred times over - Josiah did, after all.
But Jesus is also given this blessing of days. I mean, sure, in one sense it's just his, because he's God, but I would say the resurrection is symbolic of Jesus' eternal nature.
vs 5
David's victories were pretty cool - he was the one who expanded Israel pretty much to its Joshua-time borders, and perhaps even a little further. But Jesus' victories were awesome, and the splendor and majesty of Jesus as a result is just phenomenal.
vs 6
True of both, but possibly easier to understand for David. The idea of symbolism cuts both ways. Even though Jesus is a man, he's also God, and that does mean we have to stop short of being able to completely empathise with him (I'm not saying it stops him empathising with us though). But David did (by comparison) ordinary things, and received far more ordinary blessings and joys. We can strive to understand that much more easily than we can Christ's joy in God.
vs 7
That's a picture of Jesus if ever I saw one. You never see a moment of doubt in Jesus' life. Not even in the temptation, not even on the cross (especially ifyou understand Christ's words "why have you forsaken me?" in terms of the very next psalm, 22). David too, even though he screws up occasionally - his desire to do what God wants is pretty awesome.
vs 8
You can see how David saw this - the foes of his people were the foes of God, and so when David defeated them in battle, he knew it was God doing the defeating. But Jesus defeated even greater enemies - death, fear, Satan etc - mighty victories we can only begin to understand.
vs 9
If you ever wondered where perhaps the pictures of the end of days in apocalyptic come from, then look no further - the idea of God burning up his enemies dates right back to the entry into the promised land, where God wants the cities of the enemy to be completely burned to nothing.
vs 10
Obviously relating more directly to David's killing of enemy towns and people groups and such. But think about it in terms of those who don't follow God - more often than not, their descendents are as damned as they are. Surely the most likely people to be Christians are the children of parents who were, even forgetting all the teenage rebellion and such.
vs 11
Sometimes there is the facade of them succeeding. That can suck us in. Ecclesiastes deals with that problem, because it is true that evil people can get rich and live good lives and have lots of friends and get really smart, and pretty, and anything else that you might think is valuable. But do they get close to God? That's the winning ticket, and the answer is no.
vs 12
Of course, when God is aiming his bow at someone, they might be able to run, but they can't hide. Natural 20s all the time.
vs 13
This would be a good topic for a few more songs, I think - God's power, strength and might. His love, friendship, sacrifice, relationship, comfort etc do get a fair bit of air time, and that can get a bit girly. Having said that, most songs that talk about God's power and strength talk about creation, and that bores me to death. Someone ought write another "Lo, He Comes With Clouds Ascending." Wesley, he's the bomb, as always.
Evangelistic Talk for Oasis - The Ultimate Relationship
I gave this talk at Oasis (youth group) for their evangelistic cafe night. Was a good night. Watch this video before reading.
The Ultimate Relationship
Words
(start with (21:51-25:33) FotC (I'm Not Cryin')
Boy meets girl. Boy loses girl. Conflict. Drama. Wackiness ensues. Boy gets girl back again, happily ever after. How many chick flicks can you think of that fit that bill? It's the classic romantic comedy (RomCom) formula. But here in the real world, it's more often boy meets girl, conflict, drama, boy loses girl, pain, suffering, despair, as our friends Bret and Jemaine from Flight of the Conchords have shown us. And yet guys and girls will keep on getting into relationships. Why? Why do we get involved in relationships? I think girls would say they are looking for companionship, affection, interdependence and commitment. They want a relationship with someone who they can share their life with and depend on. Of course, guys wouldn't say that. Those things sound girly. Guys would say,were they to articulate it eloquently, that they were looking for excitement, mutual stimulation, thrills, and opportunities to serve. Guys want to enjoy their time with someone, feel like progress is being made and something is happening, and they're contributing. These things that are expressed by men and women are what it means to love someone – it's a mix of feelings, shared experiences and actions – and it's a wonderful thing both to love someone and to be loved in those ways.
This is why girls watch RomComs – because they want to know that they can be happy ever after, that there is someone out there who can give them the affection and commitment they desire. Boys only watch them because girls do. They'd rather see a movie where the hero sweeps the girl off her feet and rescues her from an explosion chasing them down a hallway. One film critic has said that RomComs are built on the premise that (a.) Human beings are flawed and incomplete. (b.) The right companion can heal and complete us. (c.) There is no accounting for taste. It's not about there being no drama, no conflict, no tension – they make it interesting. But it's about a conclusion that brings healing and completeness. Interestingly, the guy's movie I outlined isn't that far off – humans are flawed (that's why the woman needs saving), the right person can rescue us (the hero who saves the girl), and there's no accounting for taste (which explains why every James Bond after Sean Connery still gets girls).
But love hurts, too. It hurts because it means opening yourself up, building up trust, showing your weak spots, letting your guard down. And no matter how much we might try to protect those we love from hurt, we can't protect them from ourselves. Another band called They Might Be Giants wrote these words,
Lad's gal is all he has
Gal's gladness hangs upon the love of lad
The love of lad
Some things gal says to lad
aren't meant as bad
But cause a little pain
They cause him pain.
I use song lyrics here because so many songs are written about relationships, both the joys and the sorrows, and songs, even just their lyrics, are able to express an emotional side that simple speaking just cannot do. Even though we might love one another, we still hurt each other. Isn't that messed up? But you ask any couple, even after they've been married 30, 40, 50 years whether they still cause each other pain sometimes. It's inevitable. We're broken people – we mess up relationships, and hurt the people we love most. If I wanted to prove it, I could just ask for a show of hands of how many people here have never hurt someone they care about. You know as well as I do that everyone does it – couples, siblings, even friends hurt each other. A snide comment here, a selfish action there, an uncontrolled emotional reaction here, a simple-minded forgetting the other person exists there.
But here's the unfortunate truth: although the first part of the RomCom premise is true – humans are flawed and broken – the second part simply doesn't follow. Putting two broken people together, no matter how complimentary, no matter how well matched, doesn't end in happily ever after. Why? Because two wrongs don't make a right. Two people who seem made for each other will still cause sparks, there will still be friction. We can't fix each other. Using broken tools to fix a broken machine just doesn't work.
But there is hope If there was no hope, why watch these movies?. There is a relationship that can be built which will stand the test of time, which will make the happily ever after a reality. Deep in ourselves we know it to be true. It's a relationship with God. It's the ultimate relationship. Christians believe that God made us how we are. He knows we're broken. And you know why we're broken? Because we like to be selfish. We like to put ourselves before others, and that breaks relationships. The same selfishness that can break a marriage, or a boyfriend/girlfriend thing, or a friendship, is the selfishness that broke our relationship with God. That relationship with God is so important, that when it got broken, everything else got broken with it, and now here we are.
God knows our situation, and he knows how to fix it, and it's not by using each other. God knew that it would take a human touch to empathise with the human condition, but that humans are messed up. So he came down to earth, and became one of us. God sent his son to earth as a human, and that human was called Jesus, the Christ. God sent Jesus because he knew that in a relationship, someone has to say sorry (the person who has done wrong), and the other person has to forgive (the person who was wronged). We've wronged God. We've wronged him by saying to him, “You think you know how to run my life, God? Well I know what I like, and I'm going to do that, whether you like it or not.” “Big deal”, you might say. “I'm my own person”, you might say, “why can't I do what I like?” Let me put it this way. Men like sex, in case you didn't know. But if a married man isn't getting it at home, should he go to a prostitute and get what he likes there? No way! That breaks the trust, it breaks the relationship with his wife. God knows what we like – he made us to like it! But when we say we are going to do what we like, and to hell with God, that's like a husband saying he knows he likes sex, and to hell with his wife. That's selfishness.
We have wronged God, and because we're in the wrong, we should be punished. If you cheat on your spouse, you lose it all – they get the house, the car, the kids, everything. But God is not just a husband or a wife. He's God. If you wrong him, it's punishable by hell, and that's forever. And we've all done it. We're all broken, we're all selfish, we're all flawed, so we're all doomed. And God will do it, too – he has to. He can't let broken people live with him in a perfect, unbroken heaven. It doesn't work.
So God sent Jesus, his son, the perfect human. Jesus wasn't selfish, he didn't break faith with God. He didn't wrong God once. And he came with this offer: “I bring forgiveness from God for your wrong against him. If you apologise and change your ways to show you mean it, I'll take your punishment away.” To prove he meant it, he died nailed to a cross outside Jerusalem. And to prove he wasn't lying, God brought him back from the dead.
God has pre-empted us, and accepted our apologies. Now, the ball is in our court. Girls, you want affection, companionship and commitment? God gives them all. But it means being dependent on him to provide you with what you need; him and no-one else. Do you need a husband? That's God's choice, not yours. If you need one, he'll give you one. Should you stay single? That's God's choice, not yours. You have to surrender your life to him, and admit that he knows what's best. He'll take care of the conflicts, the drama and the wackiness that ensues. Life with God is happy ever after, not because there's no tension and conflict and problems, but because you know that God has it all in hand, and he's looking out for you. He knows best.
Guys, you want excitement, thrills, and opportunities to serve? God gives them all. But it means acknowledging that God knows how to do it right, not you. It means following God as your leader, and pledging him your allegiance, him and no other. He'll give you an exciting life, if you're up for it. He's got spies in the darkest corners of the world leaking out his message, he has warriors fighting against evil in lonely alley ways, he's got rebels standing up for him where no-one else will. You'll be a part of building something that lasts forever. But you have to do it his way.
The ball is in your court, tonight. God has already accepted your apology, he's forgiven you. Jesus' death and resurrection is the proof. Will you say sorry? Will you realise you're in the wrong, admit it, and surrender your life to Jesus? It doesn't matter what you've done – it's forgiven. There's no accounting for taste with God. He wants everyone to turn and follow him. Do it now. Do it tonight. I'm going to pray, because that's how we talk to God. If you want to say sorry, you just pray right along with me in your head. God will hear it. He's God.
Dear God,
I'm sorry. I wanted to live my life for myself, and I selfishly broke the relationship between me and you. I want to apologise for that. Thank you for proving that you've already forgiven me by raising Jesus from the dead. I want to turn my life around and do it right. I want to live the way you want me to. I want to rely on you. Help me to do that, and to not be ashamed of serving you, but to learn how to do what you want me to.
Amen
When we say Amen, it means “So shall it be”. We trust God to keep his side of the promise, and to help us follow him the way he wants us to. If you prayed that prayer, and it's the first time you've ever committed your life to God, then don't keep it to yourself. God puts other Christians around us to help us serve him better. Tell one of your Christian friends, tell Lyndal, or Paul, or Carlene - tell me if you want! But telling others is the next step. Thanks for listening. Have a good night.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Deuteronomy chapter 34
vs 1
Apparently it's all visible on a clear day - so perhaps God parted the clouds, or just gave Moses a clear day - so he could see everything of the land.
vs 2
Seeing all the way to the sea is a not inconsiderable distance from there. And Moses didn't have one of those tourist telescopes that you put a coin in.
They call it the "Western sea" in the other translations (NIV, NASB - KJV calls it the "utmost sea"), and what else would you call it from Israel? But we have a new name for it, so why not use it?
vs 3
I wonder if he knew all the places by sight, or had a map, or God told him, or if he just saw a lot of land.
vs 4
And these are the last words recorded between God and Moses. Bit of a downer for him. But at least he is assured that Israel will take hold of it. Moses' life work was to bring them to this point, so he can be glad of that.
vs 5
That's all she wrote for Moses.
vs 6
They didn't even take his bones with them into the promised land. Of course, if God buried him, then they wouldn't have had the chance. But if they buried him, then this is kind of important.
vs 7
That's a pretty good innings. And yet, even though he was healthy, God was done with him, so that's it, he can go, and clear the way for the next generation of leadership. That's worth thinking about. Moses was old, but that didn't discount him from leadership. He was still healthy, but that didn't guarantee him the job either.
vs 8
They could have been crossing over and taking the land in this time, but they instead stood and wept and mourned appropriately. After all, what's 30 more days?
vs 9
To begin with, Joshua's job is more of a caretaker - to make sure Israel does what Moses told them to. And they do. But it's not long before he has to make his own deicisions and give his own orders. That's when leadership becomes your own job.
vs 10
Of course, since then suggests that either this was written later, or was added later. There's not much point writing "since then" if Moses has been dead 5 minutes.
vs 11
Again with the importance of the signs and wonders. They really do play a large part in the mind of Israel.
vs 12
So I guess you could say these comments were written before Elijah and Elisha? But even then, it's a mug's game trying to compare the miracles in one person's time with another. This could be as much a statement of respect for Moses and his ministry as anything.
And with that, we bring the book to a close. It's been fun.
Apparently it's all visible on a clear day - so perhaps God parted the clouds, or just gave Moses a clear day - so he could see everything of the land.
vs 2
Seeing all the way to the sea is a not inconsiderable distance from there. And Moses didn't have one of those tourist telescopes that you put a coin in.
They call it the "Western sea" in the other translations (NIV, NASB - KJV calls it the "utmost sea"), and what else would you call it from Israel? But we have a new name for it, so why not use it?
vs 3
I wonder if he knew all the places by sight, or had a map, or God told him, or if he just saw a lot of land.
vs 4
And these are the last words recorded between God and Moses. Bit of a downer for him. But at least he is assured that Israel will take hold of it. Moses' life work was to bring them to this point, so he can be glad of that.
vs 5
That's all she wrote for Moses.
vs 6
They didn't even take his bones with them into the promised land. Of course, if God buried him, then they wouldn't have had the chance. But if they buried him, then this is kind of important.
vs 7
That's a pretty good innings. And yet, even though he was healthy, God was done with him, so that's it, he can go, and clear the way for the next generation of leadership. That's worth thinking about. Moses was old, but that didn't discount him from leadership. He was still healthy, but that didn't guarantee him the job either.
vs 8
They could have been crossing over and taking the land in this time, but they instead stood and wept and mourned appropriately. After all, what's 30 more days?
vs 9
To begin with, Joshua's job is more of a caretaker - to make sure Israel does what Moses told them to. And they do. But it's not long before he has to make his own deicisions and give his own orders. That's when leadership becomes your own job.
vs 10
Of course, since then suggests that either this was written later, or was added later. There's not much point writing "since then" if Moses has been dead 5 minutes.
vs 11
Again with the importance of the signs and wonders. They really do play a large part in the mind of Israel.
vs 12
So I guess you could say these comments were written before Elijah and Elisha? But even then, it's a mug's game trying to compare the miracles in one person's time with another. This could be as much a statement of respect for Moses and his ministry as anything.
And with that, we bring the book to a close. It's been fun.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Deuteronomy chapter 33
vs 21
I'm not actually sure what this is referring to. It could be that when the tribes of Gad and Reuben were pushed to fight for the rest of Israel, even though they'd already claimed land, that they did so.
vs 22
A cute mini version of Gad?
vs 23
A practical enough blessing. More of a reminder, really. Abounding with the Lord's favour is good though.
vs 24-25
Now that's cool. I don't know why Asher gets such a good rap. Wealth, strength and the service of the other tribes, but I have no idea what he did to deserve it.
vs 26
With the blessings over, I think this is more of an ending benediction type thing, reminding them of the God through whom those blessings will be found.
This is a bit of a clumsy sentence. Is it "There is noone (else) like God who can help you" or is it "God rides on clouds for your benefit"? My vote obviously goes for the former, but the translation of the NASB and KJV suggests the latter.
vs 27
"Refuge" obviously sounds better than "dwelling place" (NASB), but the whole phrasing of "and underneath are the everlasting arms" is awful. It sounds either like God has these big arms that hang down under him, or that arms pop up from under the earth like tentacles.
vs 28
Once the enemy is all destroyed, I suppose. It is a nice picture though.
vs 29
An overall blessing for Israel as a people, united as a nation, not just a bunch of tribes ignoring each other as happens during Judges. God is their strength, their offense and their defense.
"High places" or "heights" is interesting. Trampling high places (of religious significance) underfoot makes sense enough. What interests me is that the NIV also suggests "upon their bodies", but the TNIV retreats from this alternative.
I'm not actually sure what this is referring to. It could be that when the tribes of Gad and Reuben were pushed to fight for the rest of Israel, even though they'd already claimed land, that they did so.
vs 22
A cute mini version of Gad?
vs 23
A practical enough blessing. More of a reminder, really. Abounding with the Lord's favour is good though.
vs 24-25
Now that's cool. I don't know why Asher gets such a good rap. Wealth, strength and the service of the other tribes, but I have no idea what he did to deserve it.
vs 26
With the blessings over, I think this is more of an ending benediction type thing, reminding them of the God through whom those blessings will be found.
This is a bit of a clumsy sentence. Is it "There is noone (else) like God who can help you" or is it "God rides on clouds for your benefit"? My vote obviously goes for the former, but the translation of the NASB and KJV suggests the latter.
vs 27
"Refuge" obviously sounds better than "dwelling place" (NASB), but the whole phrasing of "and underneath are the everlasting arms" is awful. It sounds either like God has these big arms that hang down under him, or that arms pop up from under the earth like tentacles.
vs 28
Once the enemy is all destroyed, I suppose. It is a nice picture though.
vs 29
An overall blessing for Israel as a people, united as a nation, not just a bunch of tribes ignoring each other as happens during Judges. God is their strength, their offense and their defense.
"High places" or "heights" is interesting. Trampling high places (of religious significance) underfoot makes sense enough. What interests me is that the NIV also suggests "upon their bodies", but the TNIV retreats from this alternative.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Deuteronomy chapter 33
vs 11
I guess we shouldn't be surprised at the extra blessing that Levi is getting - after all, it is Moses' tribe. But it is also very important that God be pleased with the work of Levi's hands - his clan are the priests, after all.
The reference to foes might be both external and internal - a message to the rest of Israel, who regularly rebelled against Moses and Aaron.
vs 12
When did Benjamin change from being the one loved by Jacob to the one loved by God? Interesting transition. In any case, Benjamin seems to be blessed with special protection in God, and I am assuming that it means Benjamin dwells between the shoulders of God. Which to me is a bit of an odd picture, I'm not quite getting it, but the concept of protection is there.
vs 13
Joseph (two tribes for his two sons) will be rich, and his land blessed. After some of the other blessings, a simple material blessing in a land that is already meant to be plentiful seems a little weak.
vs 14-16
Perhaps that's why it just keeps going for so long. By the end of vs16, it does sound pretty impressive.
vs 17
The blessing also includes a statement of military might. It doesn't so much promise it as make it clear it's already there. Perhaps a reminder for them to fight hard.
vs 18
I guess one tribe will really enjoy the outdoors, and the other will be good at doing things inside? Far out, this is getting more and more like a religious RPG.
vs 19
As long as they don't eat shellfish. Interesting that Moses includes the idea of sacrifice on a mountain - we have to remember that this is fine, until God picks his spot. It's the sacrificing on the mountain tops after the temple is built that becomes the problem.
vs 20
I don't wonder if there might be a bit of a forked tongue in this blessing. Doesn't the tribe of Gad struggle to take their land, when it comes to Joshua? Perhaps all the more reason to try and build up their fighting spirits.
I guess we shouldn't be surprised at the extra blessing that Levi is getting - after all, it is Moses' tribe. But it is also very important that God be pleased with the work of Levi's hands - his clan are the priests, after all.
The reference to foes might be both external and internal - a message to the rest of Israel, who regularly rebelled against Moses and Aaron.
vs 12
When did Benjamin change from being the one loved by Jacob to the one loved by God? Interesting transition. In any case, Benjamin seems to be blessed with special protection in God, and I am assuming that it means Benjamin dwells between the shoulders of God. Which to me is a bit of an odd picture, I'm not quite getting it, but the concept of protection is there.
vs 13
Joseph (two tribes for his two sons) will be rich, and his land blessed. After some of the other blessings, a simple material blessing in a land that is already meant to be plentiful seems a little weak.
vs 14-16
Perhaps that's why it just keeps going for so long. By the end of vs16, it does sound pretty impressive.
vs 17
The blessing also includes a statement of military might. It doesn't so much promise it as make it clear it's already there. Perhaps a reminder for them to fight hard.
vs 18
I guess one tribe will really enjoy the outdoors, and the other will be good at doing things inside? Far out, this is getting more and more like a religious RPG.
vs 19
As long as they don't eat shellfish. Interesting that Moses includes the idea of sacrifice on a mountain - we have to remember that this is fine, until God picks his spot. It's the sacrificing on the mountain tops after the temple is built that becomes the problem.
vs 20
I don't wonder if there might be a bit of a forked tongue in this blessing. Doesn't the tribe of Gad struggle to take their land, when it comes to Joshua? Perhaps all the more reason to try and build up their fighting spirits.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Deuteronomy chapter 33
vs 1
Thoughtful to the last, he decides to bless the tribes before he goes. As far as I know he only has nice things to say. It is a time of celebration after all, even if not for him.
vs 2
Once again, we get a historical recount. The repetition is vital to people remembering God's actions for them.
vs 3
The Lord is praised here - no point blessing the tribes if you're not also going to bless God with praise. Note that God is praised for his love, his power, but also because he hands down instruction. I assume the holy ones are the Israelites, since the instruction they receive...
vs 4
...is the law of Moses. I don't know if God handed that down to angels.
vs 5
God is quite clearly portrayed as king here, as is fitting for the handing down of the suzerain/vassal covenant.
vs 6
If you take the alternative, then there is something that is less than ideal in Moses' blessing. Otherwise it is simple and good.
vs 7
There's nothing bad about Judah in this, but it does sound like Judah is going to be defending itself a lot.
vs 8
This is of course talking about Moses himself, being a Levite. he might in this verse be passing over the control of the Urim and Thummin (the coins of telling God's will) to the Levites.
vs 9
Still talking about Moses, but I think the again is passing the attitude over to the Levites - they will no longer care about their families, but the custody of the Law will be their primary concern.
vs 10
These are most obviously the responsibilities of Levi. So the blessing is actually yet to come. But with all these responsibilities, it is important that Levi is properly blessed, I guess.
Thoughtful to the last, he decides to bless the tribes before he goes. As far as I know he only has nice things to say. It is a time of celebration after all, even if not for him.
vs 2
Once again, we get a historical recount. The repetition is vital to people remembering God's actions for them.
vs 3
The Lord is praised here - no point blessing the tribes if you're not also going to bless God with praise. Note that God is praised for his love, his power, but also because he hands down instruction. I assume the holy ones are the Israelites, since the instruction they receive...
vs 4
...is the law of Moses. I don't know if God handed that down to angels.
vs 5
God is quite clearly portrayed as king here, as is fitting for the handing down of the suzerain/vassal covenant.
vs 6
If you take the alternative, then there is something that is less than ideal in Moses' blessing. Otherwise it is simple and good.
vs 7
There's nothing bad about Judah in this, but it does sound like Judah is going to be defending itself a lot.
vs 8
This is of course talking about Moses himself, being a Levite. he might in this verse be passing over the control of the Urim and Thummin (the coins of telling God's will) to the Levites.
vs 9
Still talking about Moses, but I think the again is passing the attitude over to the Levites - they will no longer care about their families, but the custody of the Law will be their primary concern.
vs 10
These are most obviously the responsibilities of Levi. So the blessing is actually yet to come. But with all these responsibilities, it is important that Levi is properly blessed, I guess.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Deuteronomy chapter 32
vs 41
The message I get from this is that God plans his vengance, lets us know of his vengance, and is very patient and waits for the perfect time for his vengance. Punishment for rebellion is not instant. He gives every chance for repentance.
vs 42
But when it comes, it comes, and in an incredibly violent and destructive way. God will not hesitate for any other reason but that he wants to give full opportunity for repentance, and he wants his wrath to grow fully ripe so that it is entirely just. And that's when this bloody, violent massacre takes place. God's wrath is awful.
vs 43
Yes, this verse is linked to the last two. God calls on his people to rejoice in the just vengance he takes on their enemies. Because Israel's enemies are God's enemies. (Or they were.) In a sense, every time someone goes to hell we should rejoice - because it means that our God is just. We should also mourn, because they are forever lost, and did not take God at his merciful and gracious word. But without justice, God wouldn't be perfect, and we would not be able to rely on him.
vs 44
That's the end of the song - 43 verses. I challenge someone to come up with a tune to it that modern people could use to remember it. It's not exactly your average Hillsong tune.
But Moses and Joshua set about teaching it to everyone.
vs 45
Is this once, or for the 10th time?
vs 46
Is he talking about the song only, or all his words? I think all his words, but he waited until after he had taught them the song, so that they would treat it with the same solemnity.
vs 47
How much clearer can he make it? Without this message from God, without his laws and without his covenant, they will be lost. Their lives will be forfeit.
vs 48
Uh oh. Not a happy message, this one.
vs 49
There's a lookout there now, apparently - so you can go and see the view of Israel that Moses got - as close as he ever got.
vs 50
I guess it's more warning than most of us get. But it is the final nail in Moses' coffin, so to speak - he now knows with certainty that this is the end of the line for him. There is no last minute redemption on his horizon. No doubt that, in one sense, he is possibly glad that he can rest his tired bones. He's an old, old man now.
vs 51
At least God gives a good reason. According to God, by not sticking to what he said and by doing their own thing, Moses and Aaron broke faith with him, and did not uphold his holiness. So that's the thing - although when you look at the incident you might say, "Shout at rock, it it with staff, who cares?" the fact is that it broke faith with God and did not uphold his holiness. When you word it like that, suddenly it sounds serious.
vs 52
He at least gets to see the land, but goes no further.
The message I get from this is that God plans his vengance, lets us know of his vengance, and is very patient and waits for the perfect time for his vengance. Punishment for rebellion is not instant. He gives every chance for repentance.
vs 42
But when it comes, it comes, and in an incredibly violent and destructive way. God will not hesitate for any other reason but that he wants to give full opportunity for repentance, and he wants his wrath to grow fully ripe so that it is entirely just. And that's when this bloody, violent massacre takes place. God's wrath is awful.
vs 43
Yes, this verse is linked to the last two. God calls on his people to rejoice in the just vengance he takes on their enemies. Because Israel's enemies are God's enemies. (Or they were.) In a sense, every time someone goes to hell we should rejoice - because it means that our God is just. We should also mourn, because they are forever lost, and did not take God at his merciful and gracious word. But without justice, God wouldn't be perfect, and we would not be able to rely on him.
vs 44
That's the end of the song - 43 verses. I challenge someone to come up with a tune to it that modern people could use to remember it. It's not exactly your average Hillsong tune.
But Moses and Joshua set about teaching it to everyone.
vs 45
Is this once, or for the 10th time?
vs 46
Is he talking about the song only, or all his words? I think all his words, but he waited until after he had taught them the song, so that they would treat it with the same solemnity.
vs 47
How much clearer can he make it? Without this message from God, without his laws and without his covenant, they will be lost. Their lives will be forfeit.
vs 48
Uh oh. Not a happy message, this one.
vs 49
There's a lookout there now, apparently - so you can go and see the view of Israel that Moses got - as close as he ever got.
vs 50
I guess it's more warning than most of us get. But it is the final nail in Moses' coffin, so to speak - he now knows with certainty that this is the end of the line for him. There is no last minute redemption on his horizon. No doubt that, in one sense, he is possibly glad that he can rest his tired bones. He's an old, old man now.
vs 51
At least God gives a good reason. According to God, by not sticking to what he said and by doing their own thing, Moses and Aaron broke faith with him, and did not uphold his holiness. So that's the thing - although when you look at the incident you might say, "Shout at rock, it it with staff, who cares?" the fact is that it broke faith with God and did not uphold his holiness. When you word it like that, suddenly it sounds serious.
vs 52
He at least gets to see the land, but goes no further.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Deuteronomy chapter 32
vs 31
So already I think I couldn't remember this song unless it had a mega snappy tune.
Wow, I'm also very easily distracted.
Israel should remind themselves that their God is like no other, and that even other nations recognise that.
vs 32
If ever there was a description of bad wine, this is it. So if a viniculturist ever expresses that a wine is a bit "Deut 32:32", then avoid it like the plague. I wonder if the wine is symbolic of something, or whether they're just literally saying the wine of other countries isn't as good as Israel's because God makes theirs better. For example, it could be a way of saying that the way they drink their wine leads to wickedness and bad things happening.
vs 33
More on their wine. Now it just sounds nasty. But again, the idea of the wine being poison might mean that in drinking it, you are dooming yourself to death.
vs 34
Kept what, exactly? I suppose he means kept his wrath as expressed in 26-27.
vs 35
This doom seems to be aimed at the people who speak against God, not God's own people. Perhaps they drink themselves into judgment, and God is just waiting for the right time, for them to slip in their drunkenness, before he strikes.
vs 36
So that is once the punishment has been fully born out and they've suffered pretty much totally.
vs 37
The things of stone, rather than the metaphorical foundation stone of God. They are nowhere of course - because they never had power.
vs 38
There's just a touch of spite in these words. Spite and gloating. God knows full well that these gods are nowhere to be seen, that they are worthless. But he wants to make the mistake painfully clear.
vs 39
This statement is almost comforting, until the last clause. That there is no other gods atually makes things much more comfortable, in my estimation. Yes he kills, but he also brings life. Yes he wounds, but he also heals. And yet none can be delivered out of his hand - great if you're being healed, but not so lovely a promise for those to be wounded.
vs 40
If God is going to take an oath, he can take it on himself, because there is none greater. Another great little verse for showing the eternal nature of God, too.
So already I think I couldn't remember this song unless it had a mega snappy tune.
Wow, I'm also very easily distracted.
Israel should remind themselves that their God is like no other, and that even other nations recognise that.
vs 32
If ever there was a description of bad wine, this is it. So if a viniculturist ever expresses that a wine is a bit "Deut 32:32", then avoid it like the plague. I wonder if the wine is symbolic of something, or whether they're just literally saying the wine of other countries isn't as good as Israel's because God makes theirs better. For example, it could be a way of saying that the way they drink their wine leads to wickedness and bad things happening.
vs 33
More on their wine. Now it just sounds nasty. But again, the idea of the wine being poison might mean that in drinking it, you are dooming yourself to death.
vs 34
Kept what, exactly? I suppose he means kept his wrath as expressed in 26-27.
vs 35
This doom seems to be aimed at the people who speak against God, not God's own people. Perhaps they drink themselves into judgment, and God is just waiting for the right time, for them to slip in their drunkenness, before he strikes.
vs 36
So that is once the punishment has been fully born out and they've suffered pretty much totally.
vs 37
The things of stone, rather than the metaphorical foundation stone of God. They are nowhere of course - because they never had power.
vs 38
There's just a touch of spite in these words. Spite and gloating. God knows full well that these gods are nowhere to be seen, that they are worthless. But he wants to make the mistake painfully clear.
vs 39
This statement is almost comforting, until the last clause. That there is no other gods atually makes things much more comfortable, in my estimation. Yes he kills, but he also brings life. Yes he wounds, but he also heals. And yet none can be delivered out of his hand - great if you're being healed, but not so lovely a promise for those to be wounded.
vs 40
If God is going to take an oath, he can take it on himself, because there is none greater. Another great little verse for showing the eternal nature of God, too.
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