Many people shall come and say, "Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths."
This is a deceptive verse. It looks straightforward, but the writer, known as "1st Isaiah," is taking Judah to task for their rebellion and religious superficiality against God. He is telling them they are ignoring the consequences of past rebellious behavior. Judah can, of course, repent and return; however, should they not, the consequences will be destruction [and, since we have the good fortune of hindsight, this is what occurred]. Jerusalem, toward which we are walking, is lamented for its sin.
What this section is saying is, even with all this, God will not give up. Out of the destruction will come a time, a "new age" [before this became a trite catchword] wherein God's reign will be recognized by all and there will be peace.
God will not give up. There will be peace. That's good news.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Friday, February 8, 2008
Proverbs 3.23-24
Then you will walk on your way securely and your foot will not stumble. If you sit down [or lie down] you will not be afraid; when you lie down your sleep will be sweet.
This is part of a section which contains an admonition followed by six prohibitions. The admonition is not to let God's wisdom, knowledge and understanding escape from our sight and for us to keep sound wisdom and prudence. If we do that, the Writer tells us, ... the Lord will be [our] confidence ...
This is part of a section which contains an admonition followed by six prohibitions. The admonition is not to let God's wisdom, knowledge and understanding escape from our sight and for us to keep sound wisdom and prudence. If we do that, the Writer tells us, ... the Lord will be [our] confidence ...
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Proverbs 2.20
Therefore walk in the way of the good, and keep to the paths of the just.
The word "therefore" is one of the most important words in the Bible, oddly enough, and appears a lot, particularly in the writings of St. Paul. It is a word which keep us grounded, keeps our spirituality from just being "within" and helps us to take it "without."
The word "therefore" is usually in a formula something as this:
God has done X; therefore we should do Y.
That is certainly the formula here - the writer is saying: God has given us the benefit of wonderful wisdom, protection, and understanding; therefore our response on our walk to Jerusalem should be right behavior in thought and deed.
God is always the actor; therefore, we are always the reactor. That is actually Good News.
The word "therefore" is one of the most important words in the Bible, oddly enough, and appears a lot, particularly in the writings of St. Paul. It is a word which keep us grounded, keeps our spirituality from just being "within" and helps us to take it "without."
The word "therefore" is usually in a formula something as this:
God has done X; therefore we should do Y.
That is certainly the formula here - the writer is saying: God has given us the benefit of wonderful wisdom, protection, and understanding; therefore our response on our walk to Jerusalem should be right behavior in thought and deed.
God is always the actor; therefore, we are always the reactor. That is actually Good News.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Proverbs 2.6-8
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk blamelessly, guarding the paths of justice and preserving the way of his faithful ones.
Any who complain Religion is nothing but "pie in the sky by and by" has never read Proverbs, with its practical, down-to-earth advice on daily living. This can be seen in this short selection. The wisdom God gives to those who walk to Jerusalem is not for its own sake [what my grandfather would call "book learning"], or even for the sake of the individual alone [though the individual is certainly included], but for justice and preservation for all.
Any who complain Religion is nothing but "pie in the sky by and by" has never read Proverbs, with its practical, down-to-earth advice on daily living. This can be seen in this short selection. The wisdom God gives to those who walk to Jerusalem is not for its own sake [what my grandfather would call "book learning"], or even for the sake of the individual alone [though the individual is certainly included], but for justice and preservation for all.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Psalm 138:7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me.
This is a thanksgiving for deliverance from enemies. The Psalmist has gone to the Temple courts to offer thanks.
When we think of deliverance, it might be easy to want God to rid us of our enemies. God, being God, could do this, but it would violate one of God's great gifts to us - our free will. Humans would be robots programmed by God.
Our deliverance on our walk to Jerusalem is far better than a no-peace, forced upon us by taking away our freedom [however badly we use it]. Our deliverance is God's steadfast love and faithfulness, knowing God answers when we call, God increases the strength of our soul, and God regards the lowly but is distant from the haughty.
And, mostly, our deliverance is knowing we are not left to ourselves:
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever ...
This is a thanksgiving for deliverance from enemies. The Psalmist has gone to the Temple courts to offer thanks.
When we think of deliverance, it might be easy to want God to rid us of our enemies. God, being God, could do this, but it would violate one of God's great gifts to us - our free will. Humans would be robots programmed by God.
Our deliverance on our walk to Jerusalem is far better than a no-peace, forced upon us by taking away our freedom [however badly we use it]. Our deliverance is God's steadfast love and faithfulness, knowing God answers when we call, God increases the strength of our soul, and God regards the lowly but is distant from the haughty.
And, mostly, our deliverance is knowing we are not left to ourselves:
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever ...
Monday, February 4, 2008
If I am God's Beloved .....
then what are we looking for?
I was talking to someone today, telling them about walking through the bookstore the other day and perusing the "New Age" spirituality aisle -- one of my favorites for years. There in front of me, between wicca, astrology, "new age thought", buddhism, sufi, hindu, philosophy, etc. are ever guru's answers on how to have "it" -- whatever 'it' is. I had to kinda laugh when, the last few times I've stood there looking for a new book to read, I've heard this voice in my head telling me to go home and write my own.
I take this a couple different ways:
first, maybe it's time I wrote my own spiritual journey down....or updated the one I started twenty years ago. Twenty years ago, after reading one of Shirley MacLaine's books, I decided that all she was doing was writing her random musings and travels for others to relate to ... how was my journey any different than hers? Okay, well, mine takes place in the midwest and in various spots on this continent, not experiencing Masai warriors and adventures in Tibet. But how is that any different spiritually?
second, why do I keep looking outside myself for answers? What can Sylvia Brown, John Edward, The Secret, or Blavatsky tell me that I don't already have deep in my core? All I'm doing is helping them buy their next BMW, and I'm going into debt to buy bookshelves to house all these books! (LOL)
But if I can only go within and embrace the fact that to God, I am beloved, perfect in my imperfection; just fine the way I am... I can quit worrying about the next "it" book, the next outfit, or my kitchen for that matter. I know that I am exactly where the Universe thinks I should be ... on my path to connect to the Infinite.
I was talking to someone today, telling them about walking through the bookstore the other day and perusing the "New Age" spirituality aisle -- one of my favorites for years. There in front of me, between wicca, astrology, "new age thought", buddhism, sufi, hindu, philosophy, etc. are ever guru's answers on how to have "it" -- whatever 'it' is. I had to kinda laugh when, the last few times I've stood there looking for a new book to read, I've heard this voice in my head telling me to go home and write my own.
I take this a couple different ways:
first, maybe it's time I wrote my own spiritual journey down....or updated the one I started twenty years ago. Twenty years ago, after reading one of Shirley MacLaine's books, I decided that all she was doing was writing her random musings and travels for others to relate to ... how was my journey any different than hers? Okay, well, mine takes place in the midwest and in various spots on this continent, not experiencing Masai warriors and adventures in Tibet. But how is that any different spiritually?
second, why do I keep looking outside myself for answers? What can Sylvia Brown, John Edward, The Secret, or Blavatsky tell me that I don't already have deep in my core? All I'm doing is helping them buy their next BMW, and I'm going into debt to buy bookshelves to house all these books! (LOL)
But if I can only go within and embrace the fact that to God, I am beloved, perfect in my imperfection; just fine the way I am... I can quit worrying about the next "it" book, the next outfit, or my kitchen for that matter. I know that I am exactly where the Universe thinks I should be ... on my path to connect to the Infinite.
Psalm 119.45
I shall walk at liberty, for I have sought your precepts.
Some might find the precepts of God limiting; it is just the opposite. Just as children long for structure and guidelines in order to understand their freedom, so do we, as Children of God. Having a framework for life allows us to walk at liberty.
Some might find the precepts of God limiting; it is just the opposite. Just as children long for structure and guidelines in order to understand their freedom, so do we, as Children of God. Having a framework for life allows us to walk at liberty.
A Walking Song for the Next Week
TRUST AND OBEY
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Refrain
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
Refrain
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Refrain
Words: John H. Sam mis, 1887.
Music: Daniel B. Towner
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Refrain
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
Refrain
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Refrain
Words: John H. Sam mis, 1887.
Music: Daniel B. Towner
Sunday, February 3, 2008
This Week's Meditation
Matthew 17:1-5
Six days after Peter had acknowledged Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!"
A few weeks ago, in Matthew 3:17, God spoke from the heavens at Jesus’ baptism saying the same thing, “This is my Son, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” For this week’s meditation, you might try sitting quietly and hearing God saying this to you, “You are my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” How does your outlook change when you think, “I am God’s beloved, with whom He is well pleased.”
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Psalm 119.1-3
Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord. Happy are those who keep his decrees, who seek them with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his name.
Our meditation for the week is the Beatitudes, and this is another instance of this genre in the Bible. This is the longest Psalm and is a meditation on the Law of the God. Though we are not saved by the Law, but rather by Faith, our Faith generates the desire to do what God wants. Our Faith generated the walk to Jerusalem, but there would be worse things upon which to meditate on the way than God's Law, especially as summed by Christ.
Our meditation for the week is the Beatitudes, and this is another instance of this genre in the Bible. This is the longest Psalm and is a meditation on the Law of the God. Though we are not saved by the Law, but rather by Faith, our Faith generates the desire to do what God wants. Our Faith generated the walk to Jerusalem, but there would be worse things upon which to meditate on the way than God's Law, especially as summed by Christ.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Psalm 116:9
I walk before the Lord in the land of the living.
This seems a rather obvious statement, but isn't when taken in context. The Psalm is a thanksgiving for healing from serious illness, in which death was a very possible outcome. The Psalmist is giving public thanksgiving in the midst of a congregation. Even when most profoundly depressed, the Psalmist trusted in God.
Our walk to Jerusalem may not be so fraught, but we can have the confidence of the Psalmist God will hear our voice if we are in distress or anguish. God is gracious and righteous and deals with us bountifully. Our response is summed in the Psalm:
I will lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord ... I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice ... Praise the Lord!
This seems a rather obvious statement, but isn't when taken in context. The Psalm is a thanksgiving for healing from serious illness, in which death was a very possible outcome. The Psalmist is giving public thanksgiving in the midst of a congregation. Even when most profoundly depressed, the Psalmist trusted in God.
Our walk to Jerusalem may not be so fraught, but we can have the confidence of the Psalmist God will hear our voice if we are in distress or anguish. God is gracious and righteous and deals with us bountifully. Our response is summed in the Psalm:
I will lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord ... I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice ... Praise the Lord!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Psalm 115.7
[The idols of other nations] have hands but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; they make no sound in their throat.
This Psalm was most probably sung in a liturgy. It urges listeners, including us, to concentrate on a God who is loving and faithful, a help and shield, rather than a No-God, however glitzy and beautiful - a No-God made in our image [as opposed to realizing we are made in God's image].
As we walk to Jerusalem, we will encounter many No-Gods. Our task is in the last verse:
But we will bless the Lord from this time on and evermore. Praise the Lord!
This Psalm was most probably sung in a liturgy. It urges listeners, including us, to concentrate on a God who is loving and faithful, a help and shield, rather than a No-God, however glitzy and beautiful - a No-God made in our image [as opposed to realizing we are made in God's image].
As we walk to Jerusalem, we will encounter many No-Gods. Our task is in the last verse:
But we will bless the Lord from this time on and evermore. Praise the Lord!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Psalm 101:2b
... I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; ...
This Psalm may have been used for coronation ceremonies, and, in total, is a king pledging to rule justly.
It tells us, while walking to Jerusalem is a good thing, we can also walk with integrity in our own house [which, at the time, meant more than just the physical structure, but included family and all which the person influenced]. If we fixate on the walk to Jerusalem, it becomes an idol. The important things upon which to fixate are loyalty, justice, study, faithfulness, and combating evil.
... whoever walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me ...
This Psalm may have been used for coronation ceremonies, and, in total, is a king pledging to rule justly.
It tells us, while walking to Jerusalem is a good thing, we can also walk with integrity in our own house [which, at the time, meant more than just the physical structure, but included family and all which the person influenced]. If we fixate on the walk to Jerusalem, it becomes an idol. The important things upon which to fixate are loyalty, justice, study, faithfulness, and combating evil.
... whoever walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me ...
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Psalm 89:15
Happy are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your countenance; ...
This is another prayer for deliverance from enemies [specifically a battle defeat for King David], obviously a reoccurring theme.
This Psalm repeatedly makes use of the Hebrew term hesed, which can be translated many ways, but in the NRSB is rendered "steadfast love." God is seen as continually faithful. God's hesed is as firm as the heavens. God continually keeps covenant with God's people. The Beings which surround God in Heaven praise God's hesed. God's hesed is joined with righteousness and justice. Even when we transgress, God corrects us but maintains hesed. Even when we cannot see God in the world, hesed is there, and our prayer, as we march toward Jerusalem, is the same as King David's in the last verse:
... Blessed be the Lord forever. Amen and Amen.
This is another prayer for deliverance from enemies [specifically a battle defeat for King David], obviously a reoccurring theme.
This Psalm repeatedly makes use of the Hebrew term hesed, which can be translated many ways, but in the NRSB is rendered "steadfast love." God is seen as continually faithful. God's hesed is as firm as the heavens. God continually keeps covenant with God's people. The Beings which surround God in Heaven praise God's hesed. God's hesed is joined with righteousness and justice. Even when we transgress, God corrects us but maintains hesed. Even when we cannot see God in the world, hesed is there, and our prayer, as we march toward Jerusalem, is the same as King David's in the last verse:
... Blessed be the Lord forever. Amen and Amen.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Psalm 86:11
Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name.
Once more, this Psalm is a prayer for deliverance from personal enemies. Many Psalms are in this category and tell us, as we walk to Jerusalem, it is OK to cry to God for help, and to admit we are, at times, poor and needy. The Psalmist is sure the present situation will not end in death, and we can have that same certainty.
There is an interesting aside: When the Psalms were written, the society was patriarchal. People were usually identified by whom their father is or was. In a sign of humility, the Psalmist asks God [v.16c]: ... save the child of your servant girl.
Once more, this Psalm is a prayer for deliverance from personal enemies. Many Psalms are in this category and tell us, as we walk to Jerusalem, it is OK to cry to God for help, and to admit we are, at times, poor and needy. The Psalmist is sure the present situation will not end in death, and we can have that same certainty.
There is an interesting aside: When the Psalms were written, the society was patriarchal. People were usually identified by whom their father is or was. In a sign of humility, the Psalmist asks God [v.16c]: ... save the child of your servant girl.
This Week's Meditation
Matthew 5:3-10
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
This week, you are invited to meditate on these Beatitudes…Attitudes of Being, and to consider the question:
What does it mean for me to be Christlike?
Sunday, January 27, 2008
A Walking Song for the Next Week
Walk in Jerusalem Just Like John
Refrain:
I wanna be ready
I wanna be ready
I wanna be ready
To walk in Jerusalem just like John
John said the city was just foursquare
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
And he declared he'd meet me there
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
Refrain:
I wanna be ready
I wanna be ready
I wanna be ready
To walk in Jerusalem just like John
Oh John oh John oh didn't you say
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
You'd be there on that great day
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
(repeat Refrain)
Some came crippled and some came lame
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
Some came walking in Jesus' name
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
(repeat Refrain)
Now brother, better mind how you step on the cross
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
Your feet might slip and your soul get lost
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
(repeat Refrain)
Refrain:
I wanna be ready
I wanna be ready
I wanna be ready
To walk in Jerusalem just like John
John said the city was just foursquare
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
And he declared he'd meet me there
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
Refrain:
I wanna be ready
I wanna be ready
I wanna be ready
To walk in Jerusalem just like John
Oh John oh John oh didn't you say
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
You'd be there on that great day
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
(repeat Refrain)
Some came crippled and some came lame
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
Some came walking in Jesus' name
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
(repeat Refrain)
Now brother, better mind how you step on the cross
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
Your feet might slip and your soul get lost
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
(repeat Refrain)
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Psalm 84:11
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; He bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly.
We are not the first to make this journey. This Psalm is a song praising Zion as the longed-for goal of the pilgrim. The singer envies sparrows and swallows which can build their nests in Zion. The pilgrimage is seen as a joy and not a duty.
This is not, however, idolatry; Zion is not worshipped in itself, but for what it represents:
... my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God ... Happy are those ... ever singing Your praise. Happy are those whose strength is in You ... O Lord of Hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in You.
We are not the first to make this journey. This Psalm is a song praising Zion as the longed-for goal of the pilgrim. The singer envies sparrows and swallows which can build their nests in Zion. The pilgrimage is seen as a joy and not a duty.
This is not, however, idolatry; Zion is not worshipped in itself, but for what it represents:
... my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God ... Happy are those ... ever singing Your praise. Happy are those whose strength is in You ... O Lord of Hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in You.
Friday, January 25, 2008
I keep re-reading this week's scripture verse about "no divisions among (us)" and reflect on the fact that division is what some people thrive on. Sad, but true. Divisions cause weakness, cause us to question, and feed feelings of inadequacy and paranoia. Divisiveness tips the scale of "power" and keeps the masses unbalanced. Division feeds on fear.
The Mind of Christ is one of Compassion and Love. Not that gooshy, Victorian love-thing, but a serene caring that comes from understanding we're all connected.
This also has made me reconsider our use of the term "enemy". We even have a prayer in the BCP that is for "our enemies and those who wish us harm". I really think it's time we remove the term "enemy" from our language as well. Who is our enemy? Who is our brother? Aren't they really the same person with a difference of opinion?
The Mind of Christ is one of Compassion and Love. Not that gooshy, Victorian love-thing, but a serene caring that comes from understanding we're all connected.
This also has made me reconsider our use of the term "enemy". We even have a prayer in the BCP that is for "our enemies and those who wish us harm". I really think it's time we remove the term "enemy" from our language as well. Who is our enemy? Who is our brother? Aren't they really the same person with a difference of opinion?
We all come from the same God. We all belong to the same God -- the same Universe. We should remove the word enemy from our prayer language, and simply pray for our brothers and sisters who wish us harm. Pray for our brothers and sisters who are frightened, insecure, and who are seeking power over others. Pray for them to understand the truth.
I am God's. I am Christ's sister. It's my responsibility to be Christ-like and promote reconciliation and truth.
If we really want Peace on Earth, we need to change our vocabulary and pray for our brothers and sisters who need Understanding and Love. Pray for our brothers and sisters who wish others harm. Let's the Mind of Christ be opened in all people on this tiny marble-earth, on which we live.
Psalm 82:4-5
[God is speaking]"... Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hands of the wicked." They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk around in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
This is a Psalm which makes use of an ancient conception that there are many Gods, in sort of a Divine Parliment. This Psalm tells us the need for justice and righteousness applies in "Heaven" as it does on Earth. "False Gods" are recognizable by their unrighteousness.
"Hear, O Israel, the Lord your God is one ..." As we walk to Jerusalem, we should keep in mind our God is a God of justice and equity. All the nations, ultimately, belong to the one God.
This is a Psalm which makes use of an ancient conception that there are many Gods, in sort of a Divine Parliment. This Psalm tells us the need for justice and righteousness applies in "Heaven" as it does on Earth. "False Gods" are recognizable by their unrighteousness.
"Hear, O Israel, the Lord your God is one ..." As we walk to Jerusalem, we should keep in mind our God is a God of justice and equity. All the nations, ultimately, belong to the one God.
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