Today's Reading
I am always intrigued by the interaction between Joseph and his brothers after their father died (today's Genesis reading). If revenge is a dish better served cold, Joseph had every opportunity to force-feed it to his brothers... but he didn't! What a powerful picture of forgiveness!
This concludes a Bible book for us. It is one of the longer books, but it is also mostly told as a story and easy to follow. We will have some challenges ahead.
The story continues, though, as we begin Exodus. The Bible hits the fast forward button here and we jump about 400 years ahead. Notice the change in status for the descendants of Jacob. Notice the care of God as He continues His redemptive plan in the midst of such human indignity.
What do you think He meant when Jesus said, "Upon this rock I will build my church?" Matthew today includes that and other very interesting lessons. I can't wait to hear your questions and comments!
King David was a warrior. In today's Psalm, he rejoices in God's victory over his enemies.
Proverbs today contrasts the "sweetness" of temptation with the reality of the consequences. It's a great lesson, no matter what tempts you.
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It's Christine: When Jesus said, "Upon this rock I will build my church." I don't believe He meant that Peter is the actual foundation of the church. What Peter said about Jesus being the Messiah (the Christ, God's one and only Son) - I think that is what Jesus' focus was on.
ReplyDeleteChristine again: Why do you think God sent Moses and Elijah? Jesus knew of Peter's obsession with "jumping the gun", why do you think He asked him to go up to the mountain to witness His transformation?
ReplyDeleteDid the Israelites fall away from God during that 400 year jump? Usually, in the Bible, the Israelites freedom, or lack there of, is a result of their decision to follow God. But I didn't see any of that here...
ReplyDeleteIn Ex 1:19-20 we see God condone the midwives for lying to save the baby boy Israelites. I often wonder how we're supposed to act in situations like this, where lying will save a life. Some say we should tell the truth and trust God to save them, some say the end justifies the means. What do you guy think? When is a lie justified?
I agree with Christine's comment. She said it well.
ReplyDeleteSomething that I've always admired about Peter is that he was a man of action. He questioned, answered when asked a question, offered to do things, etc. Although at times he moved ahead of God, his heart seems like it was constantly seeking to be close to His Lord. He didn't sit quietly by. I want to be like that.
Christine, I'm not sure all of God's reason for the Transfiguration or why only Pete, Jim and John were invited. I do believe that it's possible this event was a critical foundation stone in the early church. It gave them a reference point of the glory of Jesus as they served him by laying down their lives.
ReplyDeleteJulie, regarding the 400 years and whether the Hebrews were growing distant in their walk with God, their reaction to Moses when he started demonstrating God's power would indicate so. Even in the wilderness, they often complained against God.
ReplyDeleteOn the midwives, my opinion is that different people have different levels of faith and we all are responsible according to what we have, not what we don't have. Some people would be accountable for lying because they would be violating the level of faith God has given them. Others (like the midwives) might lie and not receive judgment for it. I believe that, as we mature, we are held more accountable for our choices.
What do you think?
My bible had a footnote that Peter in Hebrew means "rock or stone". Was this perhaps a prediction of things to come?
ReplyDeleteKella, you're right about "Peter." In that passage, the name is masculine in the original language, but when Jesus says "On this rock I will build my church," He uses the feminine form. I believe that He was talking about Peter's testimony, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God."
ReplyDelete