Well, now I know where I get my work ethic from. Collecting manna!
See I think everyone should work their hardest, but it should come out enough. That's how it was with gathering manna--"And the people of Israel did so; they gathered, some more, some less. But when they measured it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, he that gathered little had no lack; each gathered according to what he could eat." In other words, the strong who probably could eat more probably gathered more as they were able. The weak who probably ate less were able to gather less but did the best they could. I don't think this means that the lazy people got as much as the hard workers, because of the last statement. I don't think we can all do the same work, but I do think we should all work to our capabilities.
I also think that if we want a day of rest, you must prepare and work harder the day before. In that way, you are ahead of the work that must be done. "On the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers apiece;....This is what the Lord has commanded." But, you must not try to have more days off than on. We are to work 6 days for 1 day off. There should be a rhythm to the work done and the breaks taken so that you live in a routine that balances work and rest (and play!)
Sometimes, we get greedy for time-off. We start focusing on how to work the system. Or we get lazy and think the work can wait until tomorrow. And it always seems to catch up with us. "And Moses said to them, 'Let no man leave any of it till the morning.' But they did not listen to Moses; some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and became foul; and Moses was angry with them." (Bet God was, too!)
It reminds me of the time that I called in sick when I really wasn't that sick, but sure enough the next day I really was sick, and the work piled up while I was gone!! I paid for it later!! I guess that's why I'm a "make hay while the sun shines" kind of girl.
God, thank you for giving us important work to do. And thanks for giving us the strength to do it! Now I pray that you will give us the self-control to do it in the way you have set.
Reading the Bible in One Year-Jan. 27
The Tabernacle
Priest's clothing
To help me visualize the things in the reading, I went to these websites.
Today's reading says to me---God is into details. Boy, is He into details. And I think He's into us following His details. But it also gives me hope that He doesn't mind being a part of our details. Someone once told me, "God is big enough for the heartaches, and small enough for the headaches." I always felt that meant that no matter how big or how small your problem is, He can be a part of it. There is even a book called, "God Is In the Small Things".
So, hope for all you detail people. You were created in God's image. He is a detail person, too!
In fact, I had some trouble following some of the details, but the imagery was amazing to me. I loved the description of the menorrah. (Especially when as I read about the candlestick, I realized--hey that's like a menorrah!) And I love the connections that I knew since our Bible Study group studied Revelation. So much of Revelation connects with these laws and this temple as the end of the world images use lamps, the number 7, the colors, cherubim, and connections to the 12 tribes. Another thought that kept coming back to me was the fact that the veil was torn from top to bottom when Jesus died on the cross. This was the beginning of the veil. It's importance was obvious. And Jesus' death was the end of the veil. Equally important. The separation of God from the people, the adherence to these rituals and laws, was over. Jesus moved us one step closer to God and took the place of those things being set in place in the laws of Exodus. Cool!!!
Priest's clothing
To help me visualize the things in the reading, I went to these websites.
Today's reading says to me---God is into details. Boy, is He into details. And I think He's into us following His details. But it also gives me hope that He doesn't mind being a part of our details. Someone once told me, "God is big enough for the heartaches, and small enough for the headaches." I always felt that meant that no matter how big or how small your problem is, He can be a part of it. There is even a book called, "God Is In the Small Things".
So, hope for all you detail people. You were created in God's image. He is a detail person, too!
In fact, I had some trouble following some of the details, but the imagery was amazing to me. I loved the description of the menorrah. (Especially when as I read about the candlestick, I realized--hey that's like a menorrah!) And I love the connections that I knew since our Bible Study group studied Revelation. So much of Revelation connects with these laws and this temple as the end of the world images use lamps, the number 7, the colors, cherubim, and connections to the 12 tribes. Another thought that kept coming back to me was the fact that the veil was torn from top to bottom when Jesus died on the cross. This was the beginning of the veil. It's importance was obvious. And Jesus' death was the end of the veil. Equally important. The separation of God from the people, the adherence to these rituals and laws, was over. Jesus moved us one step closer to God and took the place of those things being set in place in the laws of Exodus. Cool!!!
Reading the Bible in One Year-Jan. 25
So--I'm back to writing thoughts about the daily readings. Don't know if I'm even caught up. It's amazing how one thing can break up a routine and then before you know it days and days have gone by.
I don't have any real deep thoughts about much of the readings. It's just that they are quite familiar to me after being a Christian for over 40 years. And Genesis gets quite alot of attention in children's and youth's Sunday School so much of this week's reading seems like review. I would love to hear any new perspectives on any of the readings from anyone out there reading this blog!
One thing did come to mind as I was reading about the first passover in Exodus. I noticed how specific God was with Moses about the lamb and how it should be chosen, prepared, and eaten. As I pondered the details, I wondered if these specifics could be foreshadowing the events of Jesus' life on the same night (and continuing into the next day). The parallels started to grow after I got this notion.
I noticed that the lamb or goat must be young. Jesus was fairly young.
The animal was to be unblemished. Well, Jesus was definitely that.
There was specifics about it being roasted-head, hind quarters, and entrails. I thought about the crown of thorns on His head, the mention that they never had to break His legs to quicken death, but made sure to nail His feet as well as His hands, and I thought of the way they stabbed his side to see clear liquid come from His "entrails" to signify complete death.
There was mention of eating the lamb fast. Everyone was amazed at how quickly Jesus died.
I don't think it was a coincidence that Jesus' betrayal took place on Passover. I don't think it was coincidence that the Last Supper was the passover meal that was first established on this night in Moses' life. I think it was a "God-incidence" (to borrow a phrase that I've heard others use).
Thank you God for giving us the stories behind the stories that all fold into your plan of salvation for this world.
I don't have any real deep thoughts about much of the readings. It's just that they are quite familiar to me after being a Christian for over 40 years. And Genesis gets quite alot of attention in children's and youth's Sunday School so much of this week's reading seems like review. I would love to hear any new perspectives on any of the readings from anyone out there reading this blog!
One thing did come to mind as I was reading about the first passover in Exodus. I noticed how specific God was with Moses about the lamb and how it should be chosen, prepared, and eaten. As I pondered the details, I wondered if these specifics could be foreshadowing the events of Jesus' life on the same night (and continuing into the next day). The parallels started to grow after I got this notion.
I noticed that the lamb or goat must be young. Jesus was fairly young.
The animal was to be unblemished. Well, Jesus was definitely that.
There was specifics about it being roasted-head, hind quarters, and entrails. I thought about the crown of thorns on His head, the mention that they never had to break His legs to quicken death, but made sure to nail His feet as well as His hands, and I thought of the way they stabbed his side to see clear liquid come from His "entrails" to signify complete death.
There was mention of eating the lamb fast. Everyone was amazed at how quickly Jesus died.
I don't think it was a coincidence that Jesus' betrayal took place on Passover. I don't think it was coincidence that the Last Supper was the passover meal that was first established on this night in Moses' life. I think it was a "God-incidence" (to borrow a phrase that I've heard others use).
Thank you God for giving us the stories behind the stories that all fold into your plan of salvation for this world.
Reading the Bible In One Year-Jan. 13
The story of Joseph's bad luck! His whole life was like a Friday the 13th!!
I note today Reuben and Judah--2 older brothers that pretend not to care but actually try to do what is right or actually have feelings about what is wrong! It gives me hope for all fighting brothers--I guess you have known some--I certainly have.
The words gum, balm, and myrrh caught my eye today. Those were the 3 things that the camels were loaded with; the camels of the traders that bought Joseph for 20 shekels of silver. It brought to mind Jesus' story. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh--3 gifts to him as a baby. Being sold by Judas for 30 pieces of silver. (Somehow it is good to know that Jesus was worth more)
I know that there is much foreshadowing in the Bible and this seems like it might be one of those cases. Gum, balm, and myrrh could all be used to repair and fix things, heal, and honor death. I know Joseph's life was used to fix, heal, and honor many people and their relationships. Look ahead then to Jesus, the King and Master of fixing, healing and relationships.
Again, we see the people of God not acting in a very Godly way. And yet, God uses those events to move his plan along. And we can step back and see His hand in it. I think that is the hard part in my life sometimes. The stepping back to see how many lives are affected by what is going on. As I have grown older and had more experiences, this has become easier. I am able to think past myself and see what others are going through and how my story weaves through theirs. Just as Joseph's story is weaving through different cultures and worlds--from top of the heap to bottom. Amazing that Joseph seems to just "plug" along. He does not seem changed by the events of his life. There seems to be a confidence and a peace that he is in the right place at the right time and things are as they should be.
God, I pray that today, for all those that my life intertwines, there will be a sense that the world is working as it should. Amen.
I note today Reuben and Judah--2 older brothers that pretend not to care but actually try to do what is right or actually have feelings about what is wrong! It gives me hope for all fighting brothers--I guess you have known some--I certainly have.
The words gum, balm, and myrrh caught my eye today. Those were the 3 things that the camels were loaded with; the camels of the traders that bought Joseph for 20 shekels of silver. It brought to mind Jesus' story. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh--3 gifts to him as a baby. Being sold by Judas for 30 pieces of silver. (Somehow it is good to know that Jesus was worth more)
I know that there is much foreshadowing in the Bible and this seems like it might be one of those cases. Gum, balm, and myrrh could all be used to repair and fix things, heal, and honor death. I know Joseph's life was used to fix, heal, and honor many people and their relationships. Look ahead then to Jesus, the King and Master of fixing, healing and relationships.
Again, we see the people of God not acting in a very Godly way. And yet, God uses those events to move his plan along. And we can step back and see His hand in it. I think that is the hard part in my life sometimes. The stepping back to see how many lives are affected by what is going on. As I have grown older and had more experiences, this has become easier. I am able to think past myself and see what others are going through and how my story weaves through theirs. Just as Joseph's story is weaving through different cultures and worlds--from top of the heap to bottom. Amazing that Joseph seems to just "plug" along. He does not seem changed by the events of his life. There seems to be a confidence and a peace that he is in the right place at the right time and things are as they should be.
God, I pray that today, for all those that my life intertwines, there will be a sense that the world is working as it should. Amen.
Two Choices (a forwarded e-mail)
There are times when the world works as it should. This story tells of one of those times:
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning
disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that
would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school
and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:
'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does,
is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot
understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?'
The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was
mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to
realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other
people treat that child.'
Then he told the following story:
Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing
baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?'
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning
disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that
would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school
and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:
'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does,
is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot
understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?'
The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was
mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to
realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way otherpeople treat that child.'
Then he told the following story:
Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing
baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?'
Reading the Bible In One Year-Jan. 12
There's a little devious behavior in every family, isn't there? And none of us are perfectly wonderful all the time. So, I guess I can't judge these characters too harshly. But boy, did they have some character flaws! Jacob began it all with stealing the birthright and such. But God blessed him with all those sheep! And women and babies and cattle and donkeys and......more! Yet, He still didn't trust God. He worried about leaving to go home, so he slunk away like a thief in the night. He didn't realize that there really was a thief with him!
And what about Rachel? I think she must have been the best "grudge-holder" in the whole world. First, fighting with her sister over Jacob's love and then holding it against her dad that he married Leah to Jacob in the first place. At least, I guess that's why she stole his alter pieces.
And what about those brothers? Killing a whole city of men to "defend the purity of their sister" even after their father had worked things out for the benefit of the family. Doesn't say much for Jacob and Leah's parenting skills.
And yet the Lord kept leading. And I guess after wrestling with that angel, Jacob had finally learned that he could trust God so he did moved his family one more time. I noticed that Jacob talked to them about God the most just before this move, showing that he had matured in his faith enough to spread it to his family.
Maybe that is what today's reading is really all about---maturing in faith. God comes to us time and time again. Letting us make our mistakes, but staying by our side. Explaining things and letting us "wrestle" with the new ideas. Loving us enough to help us pick up the pieces and try again. Thanks, God.
And what about Rachel? I think she must have been the best "grudge-holder" in the whole world. First, fighting with her sister over Jacob's love and then holding it against her dad that he married Leah to Jacob in the first place. At least, I guess that's why she stole his alter pieces.
And what about those brothers? Killing a whole city of men to "defend the purity of their sister" even after their father had worked things out for the benefit of the family. Doesn't say much for Jacob and Leah's parenting skills.
And yet the Lord kept leading. And I guess after wrestling with that angel, Jacob had finally learned that he could trust God so he did moved his family one more time. I noticed that Jacob talked to them about God the most just before this move, showing that he had matured in his faith enough to spread it to his family.
Maybe that is what today's reading is really all about---maturing in faith. God comes to us time and time again. Letting us make our mistakes, but staying by our side. Explaining things and letting us "wrestle" with the new ideas. Loving us enough to help us pick up the pieces and try again. Thanks, God.
Reading the Bible In One Year-Jan. 11
Pretty little liars!!
And yet God still was large and in charge. So many of today's characters thought they were in charge, but I have to believe that God still was in control. I'm not that impressed with Isaac--after being saved from being sacrificed, He didn't seem to be that close to God. And Rebekkah didn't turn out to be such a God-follower either. But I don't think any of her plans would have worked if God hadn't have let them.
So Jacob left the fold. Reminds me of children leaving home today--for college, for marriage, to be "grown-ups". It's when we really wonder if all that we have been trying to model and teach them, will soak in and be used. It's when we really turn them over to God's Holy Spirit.
It seems to have been that way for Jacob. Once he got out on his own and got quiet and didn't have his mother leading him into deception--he could dream and hear God's voice. That dream seems to confirm that God was in charge all along. And Jacob ended up being very loyal and having a great work-ethic. He also seemed very smart with those sheep and goats. So, it gives me faith and hope that my children will be in God's hands long after they are out of mine.
As for Jacob's wives--well, we discussed them greatly at Women's Bible Study--and I guess God can work through conniving women as well. He worked through Rebekkah and all her schemes and he worked through Leah and Rachel. The 12 tribes that grew through all of these women will play a big part in the rest of the story--even through to Revelation. But that is all for another day---God's timing!! God's plan! God's hand in it all!
I trust Your hand, oh God!!
And yet God still was large and in charge. So many of today's characters thought they were in charge, but I have to believe that God still was in control. I'm not that impressed with Isaac--after being saved from being sacrificed, He didn't seem to be that close to God. And Rebekkah didn't turn out to be such a God-follower either. But I don't think any of her plans would have worked if God hadn't have let them.
So Jacob left the fold. Reminds me of children leaving home today--for college, for marriage, to be "grown-ups". It's when we really wonder if all that we have been trying to model and teach them, will soak in and be used. It's when we really turn them over to God's Holy Spirit.
It seems to have been that way for Jacob. Once he got out on his own and got quiet and didn't have his mother leading him into deception--he could dream and hear God's voice. That dream seems to confirm that God was in charge all along. And Jacob ended up being very loyal and having a great work-ethic. He also seemed very smart with those sheep and goats. So, it gives me faith and hope that my children will be in God's hands long after they are out of mine.
As for Jacob's wives--well, we discussed them greatly at Women's Bible Study--and I guess God can work through conniving women as well. He worked through Rebekkah and all her schemes and he worked through Leah and Rachel. The 12 tribes that grew through all of these women will play a big part in the rest of the story--even through to Revelation. But that is all for another day---God's timing!! God's plan! God's hand in it all!
I trust Your hand, oh God!!
Reading the Bible In One Year-Jan. 10
Impressed by Esua? Naaah! Red, hairy guy. Gives away birthright for some food. Marries two women (nobody has done that before). But hey--he's being raised by a Mom who prefers his brother and a dad who lies about his mom to save his own skin. Things are really getting to be a mess. But God is with them and Isaac and Rebekkah do seem to consult with God about things (some things anyway).
I guess it just goes to show you that God is with us, even when we aren't exactly living right. And I know we shouldn't judge, but after reading today's passage, it's hard not to. I hope the writer of this book was showing the mistakes clearly on purpose so that we understand how fallible humans are. Surely the mistakes were not as blatant as they seem.
God, thanks for loving us even when we repeat the sins of our fathers, even when we get our priorities totally wrong. And thanks for blessing us through others as Abraham and Isaac were blessed by Abimelech.
I guess it just goes to show you that God is with us, even when we aren't exactly living right. And I know we shouldn't judge, but after reading today's passage, it's hard not to. I hope the writer of this book was showing the mistakes clearly on purpose so that we understand how fallible humans are. Surely the mistakes were not as blatant as they seem.
God, thanks for loving us even when we repeat the sins of our fathers, even when we get our priorities totally wrong. And thanks for blessing us through others as Abraham and Isaac were blessed by Abimelech.
Reading the Bible In One Year-Jan. 9
No time to write over the weekend, so a lot has happened since I wrote last. Let's see, there was the discussion of circumcision with my 11-year-old son--that was fun.
And Lot's reaction to the 2 men--who would offer their daughters over 2 strangers to a raging crowd? Just goes to show that if you surround yourself with bad it's gonna rub off. And yet, because of Abraham's prayers of protection, God rescued Lot and his family. It's good to have prayer warriors surrounding you!
And there was Lot's wife turning to salt--coining the phrase "There's no looking back!" There's a "lot" of truth in that one. If you spend your time looking back, you will never be able to move forward.
There's the repetition of events happening in a place called Hebron. That strikes a cord to me because of Hebron Presbyterian Church (see the link).
There's the constant thread running through it all of "God will provide." He provided the real sacrifice for Abraham, so he wouldn't have to sacrifice his only son (Foreshadowing perhaps to our Lord's sacrifice) and He provided the wife for Isaac. I love both of those stories, especially since we have a son who took a test drug for leukemia. A decision that was prayed over fiercely and was easily made once I remembered Abraham's willing to sacrifice and once I had prayed to God, "Would you put your son through that?" and laughed as I realized that I clearly knew the answer because He had put His son through even worse. Then to realize that I had laughed outloud while talking to God, put me right back to Sarah who laughed at the miracle God worked in her life. I still laugh with my God when I think of the connections!
God, Thanks for providing laughter when there could be tears. I need you to provide more time for this blog as well and peace, not pressure for this goal I have set. I know that great things can happen with obedience, trust, and laughter!!
And Lot's reaction to the 2 men--who would offer their daughters over 2 strangers to a raging crowd? Just goes to show that if you surround yourself with bad it's gonna rub off. And yet, because of Abraham's prayers of protection, God rescued Lot and his family. It's good to have prayer warriors surrounding you!
And there was Lot's wife turning to salt--coining the phrase "There's no looking back!" There's a "lot" of truth in that one. If you spend your time looking back, you will never be able to move forward.
There's the repetition of events happening in a place called Hebron. That strikes a cord to me because of Hebron Presbyterian Church (see the link).
There's the constant thread running through it all of "God will provide." He provided the real sacrifice for Abraham, so he wouldn't have to sacrifice his only son (Foreshadowing perhaps to our Lord's sacrifice) and He provided the wife for Isaac. I love both of those stories, especially since we have a son who took a test drug for leukemia. A decision that was prayed over fiercely and was easily made once I remembered Abraham's willing to sacrifice and once I had prayed to God, "Would you put your son through that?" and laughed as I realized that I clearly knew the answer because He had put His son through even worse. Then to realize that I had laughed outloud while talking to God, put me right back to Sarah who laughed at the miracle God worked in her life. I still laugh with my God when I think of the connections!
God, Thanks for providing laughter when there could be tears. I need you to provide more time for this blog as well and peace, not pressure for this goal I have set. I know that great things can happen with obedience, trust, and laughter!!
Reading the Bible In One Year-Jan. 6
AAAAH! Overslept today! Hard going a full week of work after a holiday!!
But back to Abram---So, here's my main thought and it has cycled through my mind yesterday as well---you can't run away, when there is a problem you have to see it through. I think that is what God was telling Hagar. Go back, see it through, I'm working through your life too.
My other thought today---in the cold weather, my radio station gets interupted by another station. I guess its waves can travel further in the cold crisp air. Anyway, my Christian, family-friendly station suddenly will have an outburst of another voice or song right in the middle of a train-of-thought or chorus that I was already "in to". So much reflective of my life!! I'm trying to concentrate when bells, voices, other people's actions interupt what I'm doing! Especially when I'm trying to pray---even my own thoughts get so jumbled that it is hard to focus.
Lord, help me focus today and hear your voice. And if I get off track, please call me like you did for Hagar! Thanks!
But back to Abram---So, here's my main thought and it has cycled through my mind yesterday as well---you can't run away, when there is a problem you have to see it through. I think that is what God was telling Hagar. Go back, see it through, I'm working through your life too.
My other thought today---in the cold weather, my radio station gets interupted by another station. I guess its waves can travel further in the cold crisp air. Anyway, my Christian, family-friendly station suddenly will have an outburst of another voice or song right in the middle of a train-of-thought or chorus that I was already "in to". So much reflective of my life!! I'm trying to concentrate when bells, voices, other people's actions interupt what I'm doing! Especially when I'm trying to pray---even my own thoughts get so jumbled that it is hard to focus.
Lord, help me focus today and hear your voice. And if I get off track, please call me like you did for Hagar! Thanks!
Reading the Bible In One Year-Jan. 5
Genesis
Some thoughts about Abram. He definitely was willing to follow God if He took up his family and left. He didn't have any children so I guess he considered Lot, his nephew, more of a son. He was rich. I wonder how he got that way. He was powerful, basically in charge of his own city with an trained battery of soldiers and everything. He was recognized by pharaohs and kings. I guess when you live long enough (100s of years) those blessings add up!
And yet, there were times that he wasn't perfect. Think about that part where he lied about his wife--just in case someone might want to kill him. Wasn't exactly trusting God there, was he? But God worked it out anyway! Shows that God loved her too. Even in that society that doesn't mention women much! It also shows that God loves us, as ordinary, mistake-making people.
As a teacher, these chapters seem like a good introduction to more of the story. We have some background on a fellow who is 11 generations from Noah; with hundreds of years between generations.
God has been around an awfully long time hasn't he. And I thought God had said people would only live 120 years after the flood. (Might go back and look that one up)
Seems like more questions than answers today, God. But some days are like that until you hang in there to see the bigger picture. Thanks for being in it with me even when I have questions---no, especially when I have questions.
Some thoughts about Abram. He definitely was willing to follow God if He took up his family and left. He didn't have any children so I guess he considered Lot, his nephew, more of a son. He was rich. I wonder how he got that way. He was powerful, basically in charge of his own city with an trained battery of soldiers and everything. He was recognized by pharaohs and kings. I guess when you live long enough (100s of years) those blessings add up!
And yet, there were times that he wasn't perfect. Think about that part where he lied about his wife--just in case someone might want to kill him. Wasn't exactly trusting God there, was he? But God worked it out anyway! Shows that God loved her too. Even in that society that doesn't mention women much! It also shows that God loves us, as ordinary, mistake-making people.
As a teacher, these chapters seem like a good introduction to more of the story. We have some background on a fellow who is 11 generations from Noah; with hundreds of years between generations.
God has been around an awfully long time hasn't he. And I thought God had said people would only live 120 years after the flood. (Might go back and look that one up)
Seems like more questions than answers today, God. But some days are like that until you hang in there to see the bigger picture. Thanks for being in it with me even when I have questions---no, especially when I have questions.
Reading the Bible In One Year-Jan. 4
Genesis 10-11
So.....who begat you? It occurs to me that we all claim to be sons of Adam and yet we are also sons of Noah! And some of those names are familiar, aren't they? Amazing that cities and places can really mark a life lived--a real person going through all the same things we do.
I've always marveled at how so many people in the world could have started from just one family. But then, I look at how fast our family reunion has grown over the years. At one part of the reading, I had to draw a family tree just to get it straight and sure enough, I realized that someone had to marry a close relative to keep it all going. The famous Abram's brother married his own niece. And as we read, I know that kind of thing will continue; just not as big of a deal back then as in our society.
I always try to keep their society and culture in mind as I read. It was very different from ours. Did you notice that daughters were not mentioned by name? But as a sideline at the end of each of the genealogies. Interesting.
So today we connect one main character--Noah--to our next main character--Abram and in the in-between was this tower of Babel. The part that stood out to me was God thinking about how man getting together was a bad thing. Probably just because they were getting together to glorify themselves. Just think what we could do if we were trying to glorify God and got us all on board!! Now that's my idea of heaven! All God's children on the same page!
Lord, help us see the trends in our families that can tie us together and glorify you!
So.....who begat you? It occurs to me that we all claim to be sons of Adam and yet we are also sons of Noah! And some of those names are familiar, aren't they? Amazing that cities and places can really mark a life lived--a real person going through all the same things we do.
I've always marveled at how so many people in the world could have started from just one family. But then, I look at how fast our family reunion has grown over the years. At one part of the reading, I had to draw a family tree just to get it straight and sure enough, I realized that someone had to marry a close relative to keep it all going. The famous Abram's brother married his own niece. And as we read, I know that kind of thing will continue; just not as big of a deal back then as in our society.
I always try to keep their society and culture in mind as I read. It was very different from ours. Did you notice that daughters were not mentioned by name? But as a sideline at the end of each of the genealogies. Interesting.
So today we connect one main character--Noah--to our next main character--Abram and in the in-between was this tower of Babel. The part that stood out to me was God thinking about how man getting together was a bad thing. Probably just because they were getting together to glorify themselves. Just think what we could do if we were trying to glorify God and got us all on board!! Now that's my idea of heaven! All God's children on the same page!
Lord, help us see the trends in our families that can tie us together and glorify you!
Reading the Bible In One Year-Jan. 3
Genesis 6-9
Wow! That was a long one! Especially when you consider that Noah was 6 hundred years old! That was repeated alot of times, wasn't it? I wonder at the importance, but it made it stand out to me like this--when you've lived 600 years and your sons have lived 100 years--40 days doesn't seem as long! But did you notice how long they were actually on the boat! It was over a year, I think, by the time the water receeded enough to get off with all those animals. So, when I'm waiting for "God's timing" on my next prayer, I'm going to have to consider the length of time Noah waited and lived.
I noticed that God also decided that man should only live 120 years. I still don't know anyone who has lived THAT long. And I noticed that after living in the ark, God gave the animals for man to eat as well. I'm not sure what to make of that. Is that what shortened their lives?
I also noticed that they began tilling the earth and planted the first vineyard. And they didn't know the power of it yet. I laugh to think that Noah got drunk after that voyage. I can't really blame him--I'm sure it was an ordeal! But we must remember, it was only after the vineyard had grown, the fruit had fermented, and the wine had been made. So, we're looking at years again, instead of the days that it seems like when you read it all at once.
And amazing story, that also mentions the cycles at one point again. So--good things come to those who wait. May I always trust in your planning and your timing, dear Lord.
Wow! That was a long one! Especially when you consider that Noah was 6 hundred years old! That was repeated alot of times, wasn't it? I wonder at the importance, but it made it stand out to me like this--when you've lived 600 years and your sons have lived 100 years--40 days doesn't seem as long! But did you notice how long they were actually on the boat! It was over a year, I think, by the time the water receeded enough to get off with all those animals. So, when I'm waiting for "God's timing" on my next prayer, I'm going to have to consider the length of time Noah waited and lived.
I noticed that God also decided that man should only live 120 years. I still don't know anyone who has lived THAT long. And I noticed that after living in the ark, God gave the animals for man to eat as well. I'm not sure what to make of that. Is that what shortened their lives?
I also noticed that they began tilling the earth and planted the first vineyard. And they didn't know the power of it yet. I laugh to think that Noah got drunk after that voyage. I can't really blame him--I'm sure it was an ordeal! But we must remember, it was only after the vineyard had grown, the fruit had fermented, and the wine had been made. So, we're looking at years again, instead of the days that it seems like when you read it all at once.
And amazing story, that also mentions the cycles at one point again. So--good things come to those who wait. May I always trust in your planning and your timing, dear Lord.
Reading the Bible In One Year-Jan. 2
Genesis 3-5
So now we understand the phrase as old as Methuselah! It amazes me how long everyone lived!! Were the years measured the same? Was the world turning faster? Slower? Someone once told me that because of the mist instead of rain that bodies did not age. The sun was blocked and that had an effect as well. I’m just not sure.
My other thought today. Did you notice how God kept asking man questions? You know He already knew the answers! It really made me think about how God wants a relationship with us. He talks to us even if He knows the answer already because He wants to know how we will tell the story--what will be our perspective? It so much sounds like when I teach children. I ask them questions that I know the answer to so I can judge their understanding of the situation. God is a great model of teaching, isn’t He. He is just trying to help us understand the situation by asking us to say it outloud.
Have you ever had to admit something to someone? Even to yourself? While it is more easily done in your head, sometimes it is almost impossible to say the words outloud. But after you do, you have moved toward fixing the problem. And until you say the problem outloud, sometimes it seems impossible to move toward a solution. Yep, admitting the problem is the first step—God knows that and so He is going to ask—and we must have the courage and strength to answer if the problem is going to be solved.
Lord, help me to see the problems clearly and know they are “fixable”. Thanks for loving me enough to see EVERY problem through, even when it means a lot of work is on the way!
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