Week 4 (Moses & the Exodus) – Day 2: The Burning Bush

Day 17 – The Burning Bush - Exodus 3:1-4:16

Moses encounters God today.  We hear God self named: I AM WHO I AM.  Rather enigmatic…  It is interesting to note that until this point, different names are used in the original Hebrew text for God.  From this point on, the texts become more specific, using what we would sound out as Yahweh as the name.  This actually relates to the self-identification, as it relates to the Hebrew verb, to be.  However Jews never use this name as this would be considered breaking the 3^rd commandment: wrongful use of God’s name.  Thus translations generally use the term the LORD.  Anytime you see this, the Hebrew text is specifically referring to God.  There is much more interesting info far beyond this (such as Jehovah being a common mistranslation of Hebrew, prevalent for some time for various reasons.)

I think the name of God is interesting for our own identification, as we are made in God’s image.  How often do we define ourselves by what we do?  The first question we often ask someone we are meeting for the first time is: What do you do?  Yet the action verb is more diffuse: to be or even a state of being.  Thinking about this over a period of time (and I am still pondering) makes a great difference in how we live life, know ourselves, and interact with others.  Spend some time on this and I would love to hear what others think. 

Moses tries to avoid God’s call five different times over the course of his conversation with God: Who am I? (v. 3:11), Who are you? (v. 3:13), the people won’t listen (v. 4:1), I am not eloquent… (v. 4:10), Please send someone else (v. 4:13).  Each time God provides an answer.  What is God calling you for, and how have you answered?  

Finally, I bring up an issue related to worship.  Can we become too laid-back in worship?  I think about verse 3:5: Then he [God] said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” I may offend some here, but I am not sure drinking coffee and eating a doughnut during worship is such a great idea.  We do worship a Holy God and we may be a little too comfortable at times in worship.  Worship is not the same as attending a sporting or entertainment event.  Again, I invite some thoughts on this as well.

In Christ,

Randy

Week 4 (Moses & the Exodus) – Day 1: Birth of Moses

Day 16 – Birth of Moses - Exodus 1:1-2:25

This week we read through sections of the liberation narrative describing the events of the Israelites leaving Egypt.  We move from the story of one family to the story of one nation.  The readings focus on Moses, who is chosen by God to lead the Hebrews.  One challenge we face is to read this without relying on our memory of scenes from The Ten Commandments, which often varies from scripture.

The first section of today’s reading focuses on the overall situation of the Israelites.  This places us in the context of the upcoming battle theological battle which includes elements of socio-economic and political critique.  Egypt, the great imperial power of the time, represents slavery and death.  God will take action when the Israelites “cry for help”.  (Ex 2:23-25) 

The liberation narrative was and is central to the Israelite identity.  The main Jewish festival, Passover, is a remembrance of this story. These same events resonated with the African American slaves.  For many of us, we may have difficulty relating to these events as an oppressed group may read them.  What people do you see today in our society and around the world, for which these events may bring great hope?

These verses give us some detail of Moses’ life.  We learn later that about eighty years of Moses’ life are covered, forty in Egypt and forty in Midian.  (Midian is probably located on the eastern side of the Gulf of Aqaba in what is today the far northwestern corner of Saudi Arabia.) 

Through this all, Moses identity seems unclear.  He is educated as an Egyptian, but is also seen as an Israelite.  In Midian he is considered to be an Egyptian.  He seems like a man with a conflicted identity.  But we see one constant in his life.  Moses champions the underdog:  intervening in the beating of a Hebrew (Ex 2:11), intervening on the side of a wronged Hebrew (ex 2: 13) and helping the daughters of Reuel against the shepherds (Ex 2:17).  Love for justice seems to be at the center of Moses’ identity, no matter his identity within society.  If you reflect on your own identity, who would you say you are?  And how does this differ from how others see you?

In Christ,

Randy

Week 3 (Joseph) – Day 5: Jospeh Reveals His Identity

Day 15 – Joseph Reveals His Identity - Genesis 45:1-46:7

We finally reach the climax of the past three days: Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers.  The reconciliation begins but is not finished in this scene.  Only after their father’s (Jacob) death is final resolution achieved.  The process begins with Joseph’s words, and even more so actions, of forgiveness.  Reconciliation is a complex process, which almost always begins with an action of forgiveness from the aggrieved party.  Is there anyone you would like to reconcile with, knowing that you need to take the first step? 

The reading also includes one explanation to the greatest “why” question: Why is this bad thing happening?  We humans are fascinated with this question.  The Bible never gives a completely clean cut answer.  Bits and pieces can be gleaned from various parts of the Bible.  The problematic nature rests between two great aspects of God.  First, God is all powerful.  Second God is good and would not perform an evil action.  One way or another, the issue of evil rolls back and forth between these two great truths.  We need to very carefully use the texts which deal with this issue or we risk misrepresenting God.  Many have suffered great harm due to quick and easy diagnostics incorrectly presented as the “answer”. 

How do human actions interact with God’s?  One could take Joseph’s words very concretely: “So it was not you who sent me here, but God;” (v. 8a) and declare that the entire series of events was a puppet play controlled by God.  But this clearly ignores the brother’s intent and responsibility.  Perhaps it is better to see that God did not control or somehow initiate the sinful actions leading to this point.  But God did use the actions ultimately for good.  God did not have to, but chose to.  I like Terence Fretheim’s thoughts on this situation: “the brother’s sinful objectives have been thwarted by being drawn into the larger orbit of God’s purposes and used by God in such a way as to bring life rather than death.”  What do you think?  (And wouldn’t this whole question be a great class!)

We should note that these events explain the movement of the family from Canaan to Egypt, setting up the events we will look at next week. 

I must also throw out a little historical tidbit, from my love of ancient Egyptian history.  The time period of Joseph’s entry into Egypt likely coincided with a time when the Egyptian delta was ruled by a non-Egyptian group called the Hyksos.  The Hyksos would be culturally linked to Jacob’s family.  Therefore, Joseph’s rise in the government is not as shocking as it may be.  The native Egyptians reconquered this region, possibly leading to the ominous words early in the Book of Exodus: “Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.” (Exodus 1:8)

In Christ,

Randy

Week 3 (Joseph) – Day 4: The Brothers Return

Day 14 – The Brothers Return - Genesis 43:1-44:34

Today’s reading is closely linked with the previous readings and will continue through tomorrow.  My guess is that some of you may read ahead to see how the situation is resolved.  Enjoy the unfolding drama!

Continue to note how the emotions of Joseph and the brothers play out.  Possibly reflect on difficult relationships and situations you have faced as well.  How does patience and sometimes even taking a breather (see Gen 43:30) helps.

In Christ,

Randy

Week 3 (Joseph) – Day 3: Ten Brothers Go to Egypt

Day 13 – Ten Brothers Go to Egypt - Genesis 42:1-38

Joseph’s family returns to the events today.  The famine forces his brothers to come to Egypt and unknowingly meet with him.  The narrative continues to include suspense and great drama.  Read away!

Some may find the interactions disturbing.  I think an issue possibly missed is how this process of the events forces Joseph, his brothers, and even their father, Jacob, to deal with long buried issues which took place over a decade prior to this meeting.  The brothers immediately see their treatment as a punishment for selling Joseph into slavery.  Joseph weeps as he hears his brothers talk about him.  Even Jacob carries scars, because he kept Benjamin in protective custody, not allowing all of his sons to go to Egypt.  Everyone is hurting.

Knowingly or not, closure involves dealing with unpleasant events from our past.  Hurts held deep within often affect our every day behavior.  Are you carrying any burden from events years before?  If you are, ask for God’s help.

In Christ,

Randy

Week 3 (Joseph) – Day 2: Prison & a Promotion

Day 12 – Prison & a Promotion - Genesis 39:1-41:47

Today’s reading is rather long but reads quickly.  We follow the ups and downs of Joseph’s life in Egypt.  Through everything Joseph remains faithful to God’s steadfast love.  I won’t comment much today, just read the well written narrative.

How well do you remember that God is with you in the good and bad times?  Often we may forget God when everything is going well.  When facing difficult times we can approach God in anger, frustration, and continued thanksgiving.  Think about your own experiences and remember that God’s steadfast love is ever present.

In Christ,

Randy

Week 3 (Joseph) – Day 1: Sold into Slavery

Day 11 – Sold into Slavery - Genesis 37:1-37:36

This week we will follow the story of Joseph, the next to youngest son of Jacob.  The story is a favorite, and was popularized in the play Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat.  Over the week, I will have visions of this play which I saw in the barn at Pine Springs many years ago!

As with other sections of Genesis we see God use dysfunctional family dynamics for his own purposes.  A running theme of the week is God’s sovereignty.  Even in the midst of terrible circumstances God is in control.  Today we see the first difficulty Joseph will face: slavery in a foreign land.

Joseph acted in an arrogant manner toward his brothers.  His brothers plotted to kill him in return.  As you reflect on today’s passage, do you relate to anyone in the events and how has your own behavior led to alienation with those close to you? 

In Christ,

Randy

Week 2 (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) – Day 5: Jacob & Esau Reconcile

Day 10 – Jacob & Esau Reconcile - Genesis 32:1-33:20

Jacob has left home for many years.  Now he is returning to his homeland.  One problem remains: Esau.  So Jacob comes up with an elaborate presentation gifts to Esau.  Jacob also develops a plan of defense as well.  So what happens?  Esau had already forgiven Jacob!  All of Jacob’s grand preparation is not needed.  God had already taken care of the situation.  How often do we face circumstances we think we need to fix, when all we need to do is trust God?

Today we also read of the wrestling match between Jacob and God.  This is a great text which brings all kind of intriguing thoughts.  Here is the Triune God taking on human form and accepting the weakness of that form, as Jacob “prevails” (v. 28) Jacob also receives a blessing from God and a new name.  Does the name Israel ring a bell?

Let us return to Jacob and Esau for a moment.  Is there someone in your life with whom reconciliation seems impossible?  Pray for reconciliation to occur through Jesus.  

I’ll take a break until the next blog post Sunday evening.

In Christ,

Randy

Week 2 (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) – Day 4: Jacob & Esau Compete

Day 9 – Jacob & Esau Compete - Genesis 27:1-28:22

This day we have the somewhat disturbing story of Jacob, the younger twin brother of Esau, taking the blessing from his father, Isaac.  Isaac wanted to give the blessing to Esau, but the brothers’ mother, Rebekah, carries out a plan which allows Jacob to receive the blessing. There are earlier parts of the story, before the section we read, which place Esau in an unsavory light, as well. Almost sounds like an episode of Dr. Phil. 

So what to do with all of this?  Well one thing which intrigues me is how God uses the chosen family despite their many flaws.  What part of your own life is something which you think is a barrier to God’s love?  Something you think prevents you from being part of God’s plan?

And we see that while Jacob receives the blessing, life is not easy for him.  He has to flee Esau’s wrath. While we see only a portion of Jacobs’ life, he is continually scheming.  Whatever God may promise, he wants more.  Jacob in many ways would fit right in as a rough and tumble tycoon of our own times.  Craig Barnes has an excellent book which focuses on his life called Hustling God.  I highly recommend it to anyone caught up in the race for success which our culture pushes.  Is there anything in your own life which consumes you?  Something with which no matter how much you have, you need more?

In Christ,

Randy

Week 2 (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) – Day 3: Isaac’s Birth & “Sacrifice”

Day 8 – Isaac’s Birth & “Sacrifice” - Genesis 21:1-22:19

Wow – we have a week’s worth of material packed into one day, by my estimation!  First we see God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah fulfilled, despite their respective age of 100 and 90, with the birth of Isaac.  We have the turning out into the wild of Abraham’s son, Ishmael who was born to the slave girl Hagar (BTW – Ishmael is of great importance in Islam).  We have an interlude of Abraham making a covenant treaty with a ruler in the land promised by God to Abraham.  Then we have the incredible story of God testing Abraham by telling him “Take your son, your only son whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him their as a burnt offering …” (Gen 22:2)

With so much I’ll just focus on a few items:

God fulfills the promise made to Abraham and Sarah.  The descendent, Isaac, finally arrives.  What aspects of God’s promises made to you are difficult to believe?  

As you read Genesis 22 you may find the enormity of God’s test beyond comprehension.  The details really add tension in themselves: Abraham packs up and leaves early the next morning (v. 3); the trip takes days, so Abraham has to think about this (v. 4); Isaac carries the wood for the sacrifice upon his own back (v. 6); Isaac is aware that the sacrifice is “missing” and questions his father (v.7).  Abraham then states great words of faith, maybe the greatest ever made, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.”  But the test does not stop there!  Only when Isaac is tied on the wood and Abraham has the knife drawn, does God intervene, providing the lamb.  This is an incredible!  Much to think about…  What may be God’s test for you?  Turn to Jesus and ask for help in this test.

Obviously this story can make us think ahead to the Father allowing his only Son, Jesus, to be sacrificed.  As rough as the test is for Abraham, the Father, on Good Friday some two thousand years ago, watched as his Son willingly became the Lamb for each one of us.  God loves us.

In Christ,

Randy

Week 2 (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) – Day 2: God’s Covenant with Abram

Day 7 – God’s Covenant with Abram - Genesis 15:1-21

Today we have a description of God’s second covenant.  Note that God takes the initiative, reminding Abram of promises already made: that Abram will have many descendents who will possess a land.  Yet, Abram, has a problem: he and his wife are already far up in years and bearing a child appears to be impossible.  Abram even in the midst of his faith, questions God’s intent to fulfill the promise made.  Once again, God recounts the promise, which Abram believes.

The description of the Covenant making is similar to how covenants were made between nations at that time.  The sacrificing of animals and God walking between these sacrifices matches the ceremonies of diplomatic treaties in the second millennium BC.  

Note details of the covenant:  God makes promises.  Although God points out that the fulfillment may take hundreds of years!  How do we feel when God’s promises in our own life seem to never reach fulfillment?  Ask God for patience. 

What may seem impossible in your life right now?  Have you shown faith, turning the issue over to God?  Remember, even Abram approaches God with the seemingly unsolvable question about God’s promise. We can pray to God, asking questions. 

(A side note: God revises this covenant in Genesis 17:1-22.  If you have the time and inclination, I would recommend reading this passage.  In many ways the covenant described in Genesis 17 is more relevant.  And in this covenant, God renames Abram and Sarai to Abraham and Sarah.)

In Christ,

Randy

Week 2 (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) – Day 1: The Call of Abram

Day 6 – The Call of Abram - Genesis 12

This week we shift from large scale events to God working in a particular family.  God chooses one man, Abram, and makes promises to all of humanity through this choice.  This is the promise: “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (v. 3) In many ways, the rest of the Bible reveals this promise, ultimately in the person of Jesus.

Once again, God takes the initiative.  God makes promises to Abram.  Abram faithfully responds to his call.  This is a central aspect of God’s relationship with us.  God chooses us; we respond; God not only chooses, but also gives us a role.  We see this play out for Abram.  What is God calling you to do?  Pray for discernment.

In the latter half of chapter 12, we see that Abram is not perfect.  His idea to save himself leads to questionable behavior, and suffering for Pharaoh.  The family God chooses is human.  They are constantly sinning, often in actions which shock us.  Yet God continues to stick with Abram and his offspring.  This should remind us that God does not give up on us.  The stories should also remind us to rely first and foremost on God.  What part of your life have you tried over and over to fix and only made worse?  Ask for God’s help.    

In Christ,

Randy

“I believe in Jesus but have trouble with Genesis 1. Can I be a Christian?”

“I believe in Jesus but have trouble with Genesis 1.  Can I be a Christian?”

I have heard this phrase or some version of it more than once over the last couple of years, from some whose hearts are being stirred to follow Jesus.  I’ve also had a few questions over the last week as well, which follow the same line of thought.  The ongoing discussion in our culture on the issue of creationism versus science using Genesis 1 as the lightening rod, has impacted, and in my experience often hindered people in becoming disciples of Jesus.

I think what they are really asking is “Do you have to read these texts in early Genesis in a manner which is commonly known as literalism.”  Before I attempt, in a brief manner to address the question, let me note that in the Reformed tradition of which we are part, we do not force anyone to approach Scripture in one single manner.  Certainly literalism, or a concrete reading, is one approach, to reading the 66 books of the Bible.

My answer comes back once again to something I’ve mentioned in at least one post: the issue of literary genre.  In a newspaper, for example, we read the front page with different expectations than we do the comic section.  Mixing the two can lead to real chaos.

So another approach to studying Scripture is to ask a first basic question:  What is the literary genre?  Using this approach, one sees a great deal of variety in the Bible, including poetry, historical narrative, gospels, letters, Hebrew prophecy, and apocalypses, as just a few of the more common types.  Starting with an understanding of the genre, one can explore the intent of the original author and listener, grappling first with the meaning for that particular time and then moving forward to applications for our own time.  When I write the blog comments, I have spent time in this manner, but because of space limitations, I usually skip to present day applications.  Honestly, the blog just scratches the surface of the many issues in our passages.  Certainly attending an adult discipleship class allows for deeper, interactive discussion on Scripture.  (BTW – in genre terms the previous sentence is a shameless plug for attending our discipleship opportunities!)

What genre is the first chapter chapters?  The question is complex and in some ways beyond what can be discussed in a blog posting.  Let me try to condense my thoughts.  Before I do so, I must also point out an issue of our own cultural bias, coming from the basic philosophy of the Enlightenment, which some term as modernism.  In general we are trained to see truth in a document only if it is rationalistic.  We give higher value to science text books and other styles which have confirmable, testable phenomena. We place less trust in finding truth in poetry, for example.  How do you test the hypothesis of a poem in a rational manner?   

So we may agonize over a text like Genesis 1 in a very different manner than anyone before roughly 1750.  We can try to shoehorn a text into a science textbook genre, to prove that is truth in some scientific manner, because we, in an unquestioning manner, think this is the only way to prove truth.  This would be an unnecessary exercise for those coming hundreds of years before us.  In previous times truth could be found in many genres.  In some manner, the current discussion about the truth of creationism versus evolution takes place within an arena which places a science as the bedrock of truth.  Whichever wins, both sides presuppose that truth is only found in scientific rationalism.

David Wilkinson, who has advanced degrees in both theology and astrophysics, has written a brilliant book called The Message of Creation.  I find his comments about reading Genesis as a science textbook to be illuminating.  He writes: 

Science is extremely successful, but that success is based on the fact that it limits its area of questions.  If my wife kisses me, then as a good scientist, I can say that what caused this was ‘neck-muscle movements reducing the distance between two pairs of lips, a reciprocal transmission of carbon and microbes, and a contraction of orbicular muscles’.  I would be entirely correct in the scientific description of the reason for the kiss.  But I would also be a very sad human being!  There are other issues of meaning and purpose that are to do with the motives for my wife’s actions; that is, she is demonstrating her love. Genesis 1 is reminding us that in terms of questions of meaning and purpose, God is the only answer.

From a genre point of view, Genesis 1, which I believe to be one of the most important passages in all of Scripture, appears to be a form of liturgical narrative, with elements of poetry as well.  This in no manner weakens the great issues for life found in this passage.  (See my blog entry!)  As I’ve noted, the important question is Who? not How?

Furthermore, this in no way leads to a slippery slope theory in which even the cross and resurrection fall, because the genre for the gospels is a very different genre than early Genesis.  One reads the gospels with closer to how we would read a biography.  Proper use of literary genre will in no way threaten these events!

 

I apologize for the long entry.  However you approach Genesis 1, may it not build a wall between you and God. 

Peace,
Randy

Next Posting is Monday

Greetings -

Based on page visits I think people are all over the place with the particlar day you may be reading.  And that is fine - we we had a staggered start! 

Remember how each week works - five readings per week.  Therefore, extra time is built into the plan.  So keep reading over the weekend if you need to.  My next entry will post late Sunday for Monday reading.

Enjoy!

Pastor Randy   

Week 1 (In the Beginning) – Day 5: Tower of Babel

Day 5 – Tower of Babel - Genesis 11:1-9

We have not really talked about literary genre.  Literary genre refers to the category of the written piece.  In other words, we have different expectations when we read a novel versus reading a biography.  Reading something as a different genre than the author’s expectations immediately leads to many potential misunderstandings for the reader.  Imagine reading the comic section of the paper as though you were reading the front page.  That could lead to trouble!  Determining the genre of various parts of Scripture is a critical aspect of studying the Bible.

The Tower of Babel passage is a very special genre known as etiology, or providing an explanation for the origin of a basic phenomenon.  In this case, the passage explains the existence of multiple languages.  For us, this aspect is not as important as the theological issue at the heart of the story.  This issue is humanity’s pride in our very selves.  We replace God.  We are our favorite idol.  Idolatry lives very, very, very close to home. 

This passage’s imagery likely based on actual towers built in the land we know today as Iraq.  Tall structures are a common feature of many ancient civilizations, usually relating to some aspect of religion.  Do we not take our own pride in skyscrapers?  There is something about using technology to climb into “heaven”. 

Think about your personal life.  Does pride interfere with your relationship with God?  How does pride interfere with your relationship with people?

Take a break as we reach the end of the first week.  I hope you have enjoyed this as much as I have!

In Christ,

Pastor Randy

Week 1 (In the Beginning) – Day 4: God’s Covenant with Noah

Day 4 – God’s Covenant with Noah - Genesis 8:1-9:17

In the aftermath of the Flood, God reaches out once again to humanity.  In Genesis 9:1-7 God reappoints humanity as stewards of creation.  This reassignment recognizes that things have changed.  Fear, dread, even murder are mentioned.  Yet God still chooses us.

Then God uses a word: Covenant!  This is the first of a series of promises made by God throughout the Bible.   The first one, known as the Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9:8-17) is interesting for several reasons.  First, the promise is made to all of humanity (v.9), all living creatures (v.10), and even the earth itself (v. 13).  God promises to never destroy the earth again by water.  Then God proclaims that the rainbow is the sign of this promise.  (Covenants include some physical sign, just like the sacraments, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper have physical signs.  This is not a coincidence!)  Finally there are no conditions placed on humanity’s response.  This is a free gift of grace.

Reading this we are reminded that God is always reaching out to us.  What are you facing in your own life that feels like a flood of disaster?  Do you feel alone?  Do you know that God already is with you in the midst of whatever the issues is?   Does it help to see that God had plans for this covenant, even before the flood (see Genesis 6:18) 

As you read about the Noahic Covenant there is one interesting issue which is murky.  I won’t tell you what it is, but ask you to see if something bothers you about this covenant?  In this case I’m asking a leading question for discussion!

Peace,

Pastor Randy

Week 1 (in the Beginning) – Day 3: The Flood

Day 3 – The Flood - Genesis 6:5-7:24

See - we are not reading the Bible cover to cover! 

Today and tomorrow we will explore the life of Noah.  On one level, this is a terrifying story.  We are reminded that God is judge of all.  We see that God truly has the power to destroy everything. 

Yet even in the midst of this, if we read carefully, we see that God reveals great mercy.  We may not think God is merciful in the action of the Flood.  But truly, we are in no position to judge God… 

So we see God choose Noah as his instrument of love.  In the midst of vast destruction, life will rise again, because God has provided the rescue plan.

I often wonder about Noah’s response.  How often does God call us to participate?  And how often do we ignore the call?  What may God be calling you to do? 

As mentioned above, for many, this is a troubling passage.  Bring your thoughts to God on today’s passage.  Ask for guidance in seeing the need for God’s judgment along with God’s mercy. 

Peace,

Pastor Randy

Questions and comments Allowed!!!!!

Remember, you can post questions or thoughts about the passages.  These can be about my blog post as well as general questions about the passage.  No question is too simple or too complicated!  Kind of a stump the pastor opportunity...

You can be anonymous if you desire.

Have Fun!
Pastor Randy

Week 1 – Day 2: In the Beginning

Day 2 – The Fall - Genesis 3:1-24

Today we see the human response to all of the good things God has done.  The response is an epic failure.  The relationship with God is broken by Adam and Eve.  This disobedience, which we know as sin, is introduced into creation.  And creation has never been the same!  Humanity’s relationship with God breaks apart from our side. 

We also see the consequences of sin: broken relationships with God, with each other, and with God’s creation.  Death becomes real not only when it physically comes, but in some manner, grips onto us in every aspect of life, from the very start of our time here.

This story is very counter cultural to the current mythos of life in our culture.  There is a strong current of thought that we are basically good, and all we need is education, plus a little sprucing up.  The future of humanity, through our own effort, is ever onward and upward.  The events in Genesis 3 point in a different direction: we are disposed to sin, and nothing we can do, on our own, will ultimately free us from this direction.  No matter how much technology may improve, underneath we are still live out the same failings.  What have you observed in your own life, in the life of those around us, and in the world at large?  How does your starting point affect where you look for help?

The passage discusses guilt and shame.  What in your own life has caused you guilt and shame?  How have you dealt with it?

Sin often promises pleasure, knowledge, and a completion of all we desire.  Yet, over and over, we experience that sin leads in the exact opposite direction.  But we can’t help ourselves.  What has been your own experience with sin?  How have you dealt with this?

In Christ,

Pastor Randy

Week 1 (In the Beginning) - Day 1 Creation

Week 1 – Day 1: In the Beginning

Day 1 –  Creation - Genesis 1:1-2:25

Easily one of the most important sections of the entire Bible is Genesis 1:1-2:3.  One may look at this passage through the musical term, overture.  All the great themes of the Bible are coursing through this passages. 

The liturgical formulation and much of the deep theological meaning has been obscured over the last century, as the chapter is read in a manner to wrestle with rationalistic science.  I plan to have a side bar post about Genesis 1, but here are a just a few of the issues to think about from Genesis 1, as well as a second recounting of creation, found in Genesis 2:3-2:25.

At the very start, Genesis 1:1, the reader is introduced to God: the Who at the very center of the Bible.  In addition, we are introduced to another aspect of our relationship with God.  God always initiates change in the relationship with us.  In this case, God is declared the creator of the entire universe.  What does this mean for you, to know that the Bible is about revealing not so much an answer to what, where, how or why, but mainly who?

Genesis 1:26-27 describes humanity as created in the image of God.  The Triune God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) is revealed to us as a series of interpersonal relationships.  How is our own being defined in every day life?  If someone thought about you, what image would they see?

Genesis 1:28-31 God defines the role of humanity in creation.  Over time, some have taken words like subdue the earth and have dominion as a license to consume, at whatever cost to God’s creation, whatever we desire.  Yet these terms, in the context of Genesis 1, point toward stewardship, a very different concept than ownership.  Think about financial advisors.  Does an advisor have the right to spend your money?  How should we view our God given task? 

Even God rests in Genesis 2:2-2:3.  Do we allow for breaks in our own life?  One aspect of our culture is the unrelenting pursuit of work, play and entertainment.  Is this healthy?  What can you do about the pace of your life?

With regard to both accounts, we see that God created a good creation.  Does this surprise you? If so, why, and what does this mean for your relationship with all that is within God’s creation.

I admit this is a lot to chew on.  Possibly focus on the one issue which piques your interest the most.  But these multiple possibilities certainly points to the rich truths revealed in this opening section.

Shalom,

Pastor Randy

Basic Question - What Bible to Use?

Greetings!
So what Bible to use?  Well, a simple answer is one you already have.

However, some may not have Bibles and some may have translations which are not as good as others.

We often miss that the Bibles we use are not in the original language.  And the King James Version is not what Moses or Jesus spoke either.  Hebrew is the language of the Old Testament.  Greek is the written language of the New Testament.  So the New Testament, is already a translation of Jesus' speaking, which was in a language called Aramaic. 

Translating is not as easy as it sounds.  First, matching words from Hebrew and Greek is not like drawing a line between the exact matching words in each language.  Hebrew is fairly simple, yet with nuances very different than our own. Often one Hebrew word equates to several different English words.  So the problem is choosing which English word to use.  Greek is almost the opposite.  Greek has more words than we use.  For example Greek had four words for our single word love.  The problem here is a little different - how to translate in a manner which communicates the exacting nature of Greek, without taking two sentences to handle.  Second, languages contain (and define) many assumptions about basic culture.  Neither the Hebrews, the Greeks nor our culture today have exactly the same views on underlying basics of life.  So even after translating, we need to understand these type of differences to fully grasp certain aspects of passages.  Thus is born the multiple English versions.

So, which translations stand up better than others?  I will use the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).  This is also the pew Bible.  The Revised Standard Version (RSV) is also a good choice.  The NRSV/RSV are closest to the original language.  The New International Version (NIV) is more commonly found, and more than adequate, although not as good as the NRSV/RSV.  The New American Standard Bible (NASB) is less common, but also fine.

So here is some good news. a link is provided to the NRSV:    http://bible.oremus.org/  You type in the passage and hit enter.  In addition, make sure you choose the regular version, not the Anglicized version (unless you like speaking as an Englishman.)

So with Bible in hand, or on your computer screen, start your engines!

Peace,
Pastor Randy

Welcome the Church of the Covenant On-Line Bible Study

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,

This is the greeting Paul would use to open his letters and it is the greeting I send to everyone who will journey through the Bible over the next twenty weeks. 

In general, we will follow the Scripture Union's E-100 list of passages.  I believe that all of you have received a Planning Guide which has the reading list.  As I have noted, obviously reading 100 passages is a sampler of what is in scripture.  May this lead to further exploration!

Following Jesus consists of two basic disciplines: 1)  Worship within the faith community.  2)  Reading scripture and praying.  (Ok maybe this is three disciplines - but they go together!)  Through these practices, we are open to hearing God's Spirit speak to us and transform us.  But as we will see, God always acts first.  So it is with reading scripture and prayer: Scripture and prayers are gifts of grace to us.  The Bible is available - will we open it?  Christ is always praying for us - will we enter in the dialogue with him, not only through speaking, but more importantly, listening?  From these simple actions, stirred within us by the Holy Spirit, we are then able to move out into the world, proclaiming, by word and deed, the Good News of Jesus Christ.  And we are able to have a small taste, now, of what resurrection life will be like.

Finally I hope you will discover that the Bible contains not a mere set of rules.  Our modern rationalistic manner of thinking tries to organize everything.  We like control.  To have everything in neat boxes.  So we often do with God as well.  Sets of moral rules are found in many places.  That is why we often hear "that all religions are the same".  But, the Bible is more.  The Bible is really the story of God's self revealing love, ultimately revealed in someone, Jesus.  As we read scripture, as the Holy Spirit speaks to us, as we are joined to Jesus Christ, we are adopted into the story itself.  How we live, begins to change, in this adoption! 
God's love to us begins the transformation of our life.  But, as we read, remember that relationships are not controlled, rationalistic exchanges.  Deep relationships involve our entire self.  Deep relationships often involve twists, turns, and surprises  So be ready for more than you may have bargained for, in agreeing to participate!

In Christ,
Pastor Randy