Good morning friends,
Today we continue John's thoughts on love. John gets at some of the things that often worry us about religion. He says that when love is perfected among us, we can face the day of judgment with boldness. That's because when we trust God's love as we see it in Jesus and try to practice that love for others, we learn (and relearn) that God will hold us in God's arms no matter what. Judgment doesn't need to be something we're scared of, because in Christ God's love conquers everything (gently). When our world is so driven by fear, I cling to John's words, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear."
God bless,
Sam
1 John 4:17-21
17Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world.18There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. 19We love because he first loved us. 20Those who say, “I love God,” and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. 21The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.
Showing posts with label fear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fear. Show all posts
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
anointing Jesus
Good morning brothers and sisters,
Today's reading is a great story that follows up on the raising of Lazarus. We're moving closer to Jesus' death now, so the story gets darker. As it gets darker, it also becomes beautiful beyond belief. No matter how much fear and hatred we see in the story, love is still more powerful.
God bless,
Sam
John 12:1-11
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5“Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” 6(He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 7Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. 8You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
9When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, 11since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.
Today's reading is a great story that follows up on the raising of Lazarus. We're moving closer to Jesus' death now, so the story gets darker. As it gets darker, it also becomes beautiful beyond belief. No matter how much fear and hatred we see in the story, love is still more powerful.
God bless,
Sam
John 12:1-11
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5“Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” 6(He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 7Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. 8You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
9When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, 11since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
healing blindness, part 3
Good evening friends,
We've seen the man born blind telling his story and the religious leaders unable to reconcile the situation to their beliefs. Here the story turns truly compelling. The religious leaders turn to fear and threats, while the man becomes more and more sure of the magnitude of what Jesus has done. I love his testimony because he doesn't claim to know everything, or even much about Jesus, but he is willing to follow the truth. He sticks by that truth even though it's going to cost him.
In our times this is a great example. We don't have to understand everything about our faith or the Bible. We don't have to have all the answers. All we need to do is tell our stories of what God means to us. Those stories are powerful, even though it can be scary to tell them.
God bless,
Sam
John 9:24-34
24So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, “Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.” 25He answered, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”26They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?”
28Then they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” 30The man answered, “Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. 32Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. 33If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?” And they drove him out.
We've seen the man born blind telling his story and the religious leaders unable to reconcile the situation to their beliefs. Here the story turns truly compelling. The religious leaders turn to fear and threats, while the man becomes more and more sure of the magnitude of what Jesus has done. I love his testimony because he doesn't claim to know everything, or even much about Jesus, but he is willing to follow the truth. He sticks by that truth even though it's going to cost him.
In our times this is a great example. We don't have to understand everything about our faith or the Bible. We don't have to have all the answers. All we need to do is tell our stories of what God means to us. Those stories are powerful, even though it can be scary to tell them.
God bless,
Sam
John 9:24-34
24So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, “Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.” 25He answered, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”26They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?”
28Then they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” 30The man answered, “Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. 32Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. 33If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?” And they drove him out.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
healing blindness, part 2
Good evening friends,
In today's section we see the religious leaders struggling to understand Jesus. On one hand, they see a powerful miracle, but on the other hand, they see him breaking the rules about the Sabbath that they hold so dear. They can't quite figure out how to balance it all out. At the same time, they try to control the conversation with fear. Religion shouldn't be about fear and control, but about faithfulness, community and love.
In today's section we see the religious leaders struggling to understand Jesus. On one hand, they see a powerful miracle, but on the other hand, they see him breaking the rules about the Sabbath that they hold so dear. They can't quite figure out how to balance it all out. At the same time, they try to control the conversation with fear. Religion shouldn't be about fear and control, but about faithfulness, community and love.
God bless,
Sam
Sam
John 9:13-23
13They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind.14Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.” 16Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And they were divided. 1
7So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” He said, “He is a prophet.” 18The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” 20His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.”22His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. 23Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”
Friday, June 21, 2013
vouching for someone
Good morning friends,
After Saul escaped from Damascus, he went to Jerusalem. Not surprisingly, the disciples there don't trust him, since they knew he was part of the persecution that drove many of their friends away. Fortunately, Barnabas (we read chapters ago about how he sold a field and gave the proceeds to the church) speaks up for Saul. It's amazing that God turned a violent persecutor into one of the most effective evangelists for Christ. Along the way, many lesser known characters have a role to play. We never learn our full potential unless we're willing to take some risks, in this case, the risk of trusting a former enemy.
God bless,
Sam
After Saul escaped from Damascus, he went to Jerusalem. Not surprisingly, the disciples there don't trust him, since they knew he was part of the persecution that drove many of their friends away. Fortunately, Barnabas (we read chapters ago about how he sold a field and gave the proceeds to the church) speaks up for Saul. It's amazing that God turned a violent persecutor into one of the most effective evangelists for Christ. Along the way, many lesser known characters have a role to play. We never learn our full potential unless we're willing to take some risks, in this case, the risk of trusting a former enemy.
God bless,
Sam
Acts 9:26-31
26When he had
come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples; and they were all afraid
of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27But
Barnabas took him, brought him to the apostles, and described for them how on
the road he had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he
had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. 28So he went in and out
among them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
29He spoke and
argued with the Hellenists; but they were attempting to kill him. 30When
the believers learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off
to Tarsus. 31Meanwhile the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and
Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the
comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
joining the community, part 1
Good afternoon friends,
We read yesterday about Saul meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus. Today we see how God leads Saul to discipleship and what troubles that future might hold. The Lord says to Ananias that Saul is a chosen instrument to bring the name of the Lord to gentiles and rulers. God also says that Saul will suffer. The calling is not easy, but on the way, we receive everything we need and blessings besides.
God bless,
Sam
We read yesterday about Saul meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus. Today we see how God leads Saul to discipleship and what troubles that future might hold. The Lord says to Ananias that Saul is a chosen instrument to bring the name of the Lord to gentiles and rulers. God also says that Saul will suffer. The calling is not easy, but on the way, we receive everything we need and blessings besides.
God bless,
Sam
Acts 9:10-16
10Now there
was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision,
“Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” 11The Lord said to him,
“Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look
for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, 12and
he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so
that he might regain his sight.”
13But Ananias
answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has
done to your saints in Jerusalem; 14and here he has authority from
the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.” 15But the Lord
said to him, “Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name
before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; 16I
myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”
Thursday, May 30, 2013
good to go
Good afternoon friends,
As Jesus talks to his disciples about his "departure" from them, he faces their fear and sorrow head on. Then he says something surprising: It's going to be good for them for him to go away. When he goes, the Holy Spirit will come and be with the disciples forever. That will give them incredible power for good. We still have that spiritual power today, we just have to pray and reach out to God to use it.
God bless,
Sam
As Jesus talks to his disciples about his "departure" from them, he faces their fear and sorrow head on. Then he says something surprising: It's going to be good for them for him to go away. When he goes, the Holy Spirit will come and be with the disciples forever. That will give them incredible power for good. We still have that spiritual power today, we just have to pray and reach out to God to use it.
God bless,
Sam
John 16:7-15
7Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your
advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come
to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8And when he comes, he
will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9about
sin, because they do not believe in me; 10about righteousness,
because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; 11about
judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.
12“I
still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13When
the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not
speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you
the things that are to come. 14He will glorify me, because he will
take what is mine and declare it to you. 15All that the Father has
is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it
to you.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
remembering our gifts
Good morning sisters and brothers,
This week we're focusing on money and our anxiety about having enough. Our passage today is part of Moses' farewell sermons as he prepares the Israelites for their new life without him in the promised land. He knows that having enough can be dangerous spiritually, because we often give ourselves the credit. He tells them to remember that that everything they have comes from God. That's always a good thing for us to remember. Even though we work hard for what we have, it comes from God, who gives us the strength and ability to work. We tend to worry about having enough, but God calls us to be grateful for what we have. That's a good place to start.
God bless,
Sam
This week we're focusing on money and our anxiety about having enough. Our passage today is part of Moses' farewell sermons as he prepares the Israelites for their new life without him in the promised land. He knows that having enough can be dangerous spiritually, because we often give ourselves the credit. He tells them to remember that that everything they have comes from God. That's always a good thing for us to remember. Even though we work hard for what we have, it comes from God, who gives us the strength and ability to work. We tend to worry about having enough, but God calls us to be grateful for what we have. That's a good place to start.
God bless,
Sam
Deuteronomy 8:12-18
12When you have eaten your fill and have built
fine houses and live in them, 13and when your herds and flocks have
multiplied, and your silver and gold is multiplied, and all that you have is
multiplied, 14then do not exalt yourself, forgetting the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of
the house of slavery, 15who led you through the great and terrible
wilderness, an arid wasteland with poisonous snakes and scorpions. He made
water flow for you from flint rock, 16and fed you in the wilderness
with manna that your ancestors did not know, to humble you and to test you, and
in the end to do you good. 17Do not say to yourself, “My power and
the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth.” 18But remember
the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to
get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your
ancestors, as he is doing today.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
perfect love casts out fear
Good afternoon friends,
Today's reading isn't so much about facing the end of life. Instead it is about God's love, which is the foundation we need to face the end of our lives or the lives of those we love with courage and confidence. We love because God loves us first. When we love others we express God's love and get to know it better.
As we move towards perfection in love, in other words, as we start to love unconditionally, we become less worried about death or judgment or any of the things that scare us about death. The more we love and the more we trust God's love, the more we can trust that in life and in death we abide in God. As we rest in God now, we know that death is just a transition to resting in him even more completely. The unknown is scary, but we know that we will be with God, and that is enough. I hope you'll be in worship tomorrow so we can talk together about facing the end.
God bless,
Sam
1 John 4:9-21
9God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. 12No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.
14And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. 15God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. 16So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.
17Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. 18There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. 19We love because he first loved us. 20Those who say, “I love God,” and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. 21The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.
Today's reading isn't so much about facing the end of life. Instead it is about God's love, which is the foundation we need to face the end of our lives or the lives of those we love with courage and confidence. We love because God loves us first. When we love others we express God's love and get to know it better.
As we move towards perfection in love, in other words, as we start to love unconditionally, we become less worried about death or judgment or any of the things that scare us about death. The more we love and the more we trust God's love, the more we can trust that in life and in death we abide in God. As we rest in God now, we know that death is just a transition to resting in him even more completely. The unknown is scary, but we know that we will be with God, and that is enough. I hope you'll be in worship tomorrow so we can talk together about facing the end.
God bless,
Sam
1 John 4:9-21
9God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. 12No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.
14And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. 15God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. 16So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.
17Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. 18There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. 19We love because he first loved us. 20Those who say, “I love God,” and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. 21The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
reconciliation?
Good evening sisters and brothers,
I hope you've found some time to reflect today for Ash Wednesday. In our crazy, fast-paced world we rarely have time to slow down. Today is a great chance to do that. There are still lots of slots open for silent prayer during the prayer vigil. If you're a night owl, you can come tonight from 9-midnight. Or if coming in tomorrow morning is better, maybe for a quiet hour of prayer before work, I'll be here starting at 5, so you can be too. We'll be open for prayer from 5am- noon tomorrow. The sanctuary is very peaceful and I've put out a few prayer books to stir your spirit if that helps. We know the world, our families, and our congregation need our prayer. We need that time to reflect and open ourselves to God as well.
Our story of Saul and David continues today. As in many abusive relationships, it's not always as simple as violence and threats. Sometimes there are efforts to do better, attempts at reconciliation, promises of a change. Those moments make it harder for the abused person to leave. This isn't really a story about domestic violence, but it bears some similarities. In today's story, David's best friend, Saul's son Jonathan tries to bring Saul around to living peacefully with David.
Blessings,
Sam
I hope you've found some time to reflect today for Ash Wednesday. In our crazy, fast-paced world we rarely have time to slow down. Today is a great chance to do that. There are still lots of slots open for silent prayer during the prayer vigil. If you're a night owl, you can come tonight from 9-midnight. Or if coming in tomorrow morning is better, maybe for a quiet hour of prayer before work, I'll be here starting at 5, so you can be too. We'll be open for prayer from 5am- noon tomorrow. The sanctuary is very peaceful and I've put out a few prayer books to stir your spirit if that helps. We know the world, our families, and our congregation need our prayer. We need that time to reflect and open ourselves to God as well.
Our story of Saul and David continues today. As in many abusive relationships, it's not always as simple as violence and threats. Sometimes there are efforts to do better, attempts at reconciliation, promises of a change. Those moments make it harder for the abused person to leave. This isn't really a story about domestic violence, but it bears some similarities. In today's story, David's best friend, Saul's son Jonathan tries to bring Saul around to living peacefully with David.
Blessings,
Sam
1 Samuel 19:1-7
Saul spoke with his son Jonathan and with all his servants
about killing David. But Saul’s son Jonathan took great delight in David. 2Jonathan
told David, “My father Saul is trying to kill you; therefore be on guard
tomorrow morning; stay in a secret place and hide yourself. 3I will
go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak
to my father about you; if I learn anything I will tell you.”
4Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul,
saying to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David, because he
has not sinned against you, and because his deeds have been of good service to
you; 5for he took his life in his hand when he attacked the
Philistine, and the Lord brought about a great victory
for all Israel. You saw it, and rejoiced; why then will you sin against an
innocent person by killing David without cause?” 6Saul heeded the
voice of Jonathan; Saul swore, “As the Lord lives, he
shall not be put to death.” 7So Jonathan called David and related
all these things to him. Jonathan then brought David to Saul, and he was in his
presence as before.
Monday, January 7, 2013
power of fear
Good evening friends,
Today many of our Orthodox brothers and sisters are celebrating Christmas, so it's a great night to give thanks for their rich tradition of faith and ritual. Our reading for today continues yesterday's reading about the visit of the wise men to the baby Jesus. We see King Herod's desperation to hold on to power. The power of fear is a terrible thing. May we trust God and leave fear aside.
God bless,
Sam
Matthew 2:13-23
13Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, 15and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”
16When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. 17Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: 18“A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”
19When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 20“Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.” 21Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. 23There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazorean.”
Today many of our Orthodox brothers and sisters are celebrating Christmas, so it's a great night to give thanks for their rich tradition of faith and ritual. Our reading for today continues yesterday's reading about the visit of the wise men to the baby Jesus. We see King Herod's desperation to hold on to power. The power of fear is a terrible thing. May we trust God and leave fear aside.
God bless,
Sam
Matthew 2:13-23
13Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, 15and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”
16When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. 17Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: 18“A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”
19When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 20“Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.” 21Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. 23There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazorean.”
Saturday, December 8, 2012
The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear?
Good evening friends,
First, a huge thank you to all the folks who made a successful dinner and talent show possible. Especially, I want to thank Karen Kingsbury, Bob Hicks, Donna Gipner, Karen Simpson, Lea Smith, Gabby, Scott Fralick, Amy Nowack and Michelle Hicks. It was a really fun evening with opportunities to watch many different talents and share great fellowship with the community.
Today's reading is a look at trusting God from a different angle. We need to trust God most when things are not going well, and we can trust God. Even if all our friends abandon us, God will not leave us alone. Both the opening and closing lines of this Psalm are favorites of mine, words I turn to when I am confused or afraid: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?...Wait for the Lord, be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.
May we learn to trust and wait in this season and always,
Sam
Psalm 27:1-14
1The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh— my adversaries and foes— they shall stumble and fall. 3Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.
4One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. 5For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.
6Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. 7Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! 8“Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, Lord, do I seek. 9Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation! 10If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up.
11Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. 12Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence. 13I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
First, a huge thank you to all the folks who made a successful dinner and talent show possible. Especially, I want to thank Karen Kingsbury, Bob Hicks, Donna Gipner, Karen Simpson, Lea Smith, Gabby, Scott Fralick, Amy Nowack and Michelle Hicks. It was a really fun evening with opportunities to watch many different talents and share great fellowship with the community.
Today's reading is a look at trusting God from a different angle. We need to trust God most when things are not going well, and we can trust God. Even if all our friends abandon us, God will not leave us alone. Both the opening and closing lines of this Psalm are favorites of mine, words I turn to when I am confused or afraid: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?...Wait for the Lord, be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.
May we learn to trust and wait in this season and always,
Sam
Psalm 27:1-14
1The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh— my adversaries and foes— they shall stumble and fall. 3Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.
4One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. 5For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.
6Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. 7Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! 8“Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, Lord, do I seek. 9Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation! 10If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up.
11Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. 12Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence. 13I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Saul's fall
Good morning friends,
We've read a bit about the good beginnings of Saul's reign, now we read about how things began to unravel. Remember that the first job of Israel's King is obedience to God. I always feel sorry for Saul in this story because he seems to be trying to do the right thing, but doesn't quite get it right. In this case Samuel, the chief prophet of the land, instructed Saul to wait for him to come to his camp and offer the sacrifice before he went to fight the Philistines. Instead, Saul became scared that his people would leave and didn't wait for Samuel. Fear is a powerful force and it's easy to give in to it. As people of faith we are called to see the world and its risks realistically and follow God's calling in spite of our fear.
God bless,
Sam
We've read a bit about the good beginnings of Saul's reign, now we read about how things began to unravel. Remember that the first job of Israel's King is obedience to God. I always feel sorry for Saul in this story because he seems to be trying to do the right thing, but doesn't quite get it right. In this case Samuel, the chief prophet of the land, instructed Saul to wait for him to come to his camp and offer the sacrifice before he went to fight the Philistines. Instead, Saul became scared that his people would leave and didn't wait for Samuel. Fear is a powerful force and it's easy to give in to it. As people of faith we are called to see the world and its risks realistically and follow God's calling in spite of our fear.
God bless,
Sam
1 Samuel 13:1-14
Saul was...years old when he began to reign; and he reigned...and two years over Israel. 2Saul chose three thousand out of Israel; two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin; the rest of the people he sent home to their tents. 3Jonathan defeated the garrison of the Philistines that was at Geba; and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear!” 4When all Israel heard that Saul had defeated the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel had become odious to the Philistines, the people were called out to join Saul at Gilgal.
5The Philistines mustered to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and troops like the sand on the seashore in multitude; they came up and encamped at Michmash, to the east of Beth-aven. 6When the Israelites saw that they were in distress (for the troops were hard pressed), the people hid themselves in caves and in holes and in rocks and in tombs and in cisterns. 7Some Hebrews crossed the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul was still at Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.
8He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people began to slip away from Saul. 9So Saul said, “Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the offerings of well-being.” And he offered the burnt offering. 10As soon as he had finished offering the burnt offering, Samuel arrived; and Saul went out to meet him and salute him. 11Samuel said, “What have you done?” Saul replied, “When I saw that the people were slipping away from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines were mustering at Michmash, 12I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down upon me at Gilgal, and I have not entreated the favor of the Lord’; so I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering.”
13Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which he commanded you. The Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever, 14but now your kingdom will not continue; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart; and the Lord has appointed him to be ruler over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”
Thursday, June 28, 2012
oppression and resistance
Good morning brothers and sisters,
We fast forward again several generations. Joseph has led his family into Egypt to escape a major famine. They have been honored guests given choice land in Egypt. Years later, Egypt's king has forgotten where they came from and sees only that they are not Egyptian. Difference becomes fear, and fear becomes oppression. Not only do the Israelites become slaves, Pharaoh even seeks to kill the male babies to reduce their population. Even in this situation God acts for Israel through the courage of two women who are midwives. This is the first act of non-violent resistance in the Bible and a great example of living faith. May that courage inspire us today.
God bless,
Sam
We fast forward again several generations. Joseph has led his family into Egypt to escape a major famine. They have been honored guests given choice land in Egypt. Years later, Egypt's king has forgotten where they came from and sees only that they are not Egyptian. Difference becomes fear, and fear becomes oppression. Not only do the Israelites become slaves, Pharaoh even seeks to kill the male babies to reduce their population. Even in this situation God acts for Israel through the courage of two women who are midwives. This is the first act of non-violent resistance in the Bible and a great example of living faith. May that courage inspire us today.
God bless,
Sam
Exodus 1:8-22
8Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9He said to his people, “Look, the Israelite people are more numerous and more powerful than we. 10Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase and, in the event of war, join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” 11Therefore they set taskmasters over them to oppress them with forced labor. They built supply cities, Pithom and Rameses, for Pharaoh. 12But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread, so that the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. 13The Egyptians became ruthless in imposing tasks on the Israelites, 14and made their lives bitter with hard service in mortar and brick and in every kind of field labor. They were ruthless in all the tasks that they imposed on them.
15The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, 16“When you act as midwives to the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, she shall live.” 17But the midwives feared God; they did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but they let the boys live. 18So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and allowed the boys to live?” 19The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.” 20So God dealt well with the midwives; and the people multiplied and became very strong. 21And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families. 22Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every boy that is born to the Hebrews you shall throw into the Nile, but you shall let every girl live.”
Monday, January 23, 2012
perfect love casts out fear
Good morning friends,
First, I'd like to ask you to keep our secretary Maria Bennett's father in prayer for God's healing touch. He's at Rochester General with pneumonia and needs God's care. Please also keep his wife, Ginny, and the whole family in prayer.
Our reading from 1 John tells us that God is love and the only way we know God is through love. God allows us to love by loving us. We respond by loving God, but even more, by loving other people. How we treat others is the test for whether we truly love God. When we really do love God and others, and we know that God loves us, fear will vanish because we know that love wins.
Blessings on your love today,
Sam
First, I'd like to ask you to keep our secretary Maria Bennett's father in prayer for God's healing touch. He's at Rochester General with pneumonia and needs God's care. Please also keep his wife, Ginny, and the whole family in prayer.
Our reading from 1 John tells us that God is love and the only way we know God is through love. God allows us to love by loving us. We respond by loving God, but even more, by loving other people. How we treat others is the test for whether we truly love God. When we really do love God and others, and we know that God loves us, fear will vanish because we know that love wins.
Blessings on your love today,
Sam
1 John 4:7-21
7Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. 12No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.
14And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. 15God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. 16So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.
17Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. 18There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. 19We love because he first loved us. 20Those who say, “I love God,” and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. 21The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
slaughter of the innocents
Good morning sisters and brothers,
The wise men didn't know it at the time, but the reason King Herod asked them to give him information about Jesus was not so he could worship him, but so he could eliminate this perceived threat to his power. God warned the wise men about Herod's bad intentions, so they slipped out without being noticed. Herod is disappointed, but doesn't give up easily. Instead he casts a wide net and kills all the babies in Bethlehem. This terrible episode is known as the slaughter of the innocents. The Christian church has honored these unknown babies by considering them the first Christian martyrs. They didn't make choices that led to dying for their faith like most martyrs we think of, but they still died in some way for the sake of Christ. It's a sad story and sadder still that fear and faith still can lead to death. Let's pray and work for a day when innocents will no longer be slaughtered.
God bless,
Sam
The wise men didn't know it at the time, but the reason King Herod asked them to give him information about Jesus was not so he could worship him, but so he could eliminate this perceived threat to his power. God warned the wise men about Herod's bad intentions, so they slipped out without being noticed. Herod is disappointed, but doesn't give up easily. Instead he casts a wide net and kills all the babies in Bethlehem. This terrible episode is known as the slaughter of the innocents. The Christian church has honored these unknown babies by considering them the first Christian martyrs. They didn't make choices that led to dying for their faith like most martyrs we think of, but they still died in some way for the sake of Christ. It's a sad story and sadder still that fear and faith still can lead to death. Let's pray and work for a day when innocents will no longer be slaughtered.
God bless,
Sam
Matthew 2:12-18
12And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. 13Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, 15and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”
16When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. 17Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: 18“A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Epiphany
Good morning/evening friends,
Today is the festival of Epiphany or Three Kings Day when we celebrate the arrival of the wise men to welcome Jesus. We see too that Christ's birth is a political event: King Herod immediately feels threatened by the announcement that a king has been born. While Herod's response is fear, the wise men respond with worship, worship for a child who will change the world. At Epiphany we are invited to consider the gifts God has given us. How can we use our gifts: our skills and passions as well as our treasure, to worship and serve Jesus today?
God bless,
Sam
Today is the festival of Epiphany or Three Kings Day when we celebrate the arrival of the wise men to welcome Jesus. We see too that Christ's birth is a political event: King Herod immediately feels threatened by the announcement that a king has been born. While Herod's response is fear, the wise men respond with worship, worship for a child who will change the world. At Epiphany we are invited to consider the gifts God has given us. How can we use our gifts: our skills and passions as well as our treasure, to worship and serve Jesus today?
God bless,
Sam
Matthew 2:1-11
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” 3When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 6‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”
7Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”
9When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
wisdom
Good morning brothers and sisters,
Our reading this morning is a psalm of praise to God. God's goodness and wisdom are amazing. One thing that jump out at me in this passage are that God always remembers his covenant. God keeps his covenant, even when we can't imagine how. I also appreciate the reminder that wisdom begins with seeking God, not with education or success or any of the other things we tend to value first. As we live into the miracle of Christmas, let's begin our wisdom with God and see where God leads us.
God bless,
Sam
Our reading this morning is a psalm of praise to God. God's goodness and wisdom are amazing. One thing that jump out at me in this passage are that God always remembers his covenant. God keeps his covenant, even when we can't imagine how. I also appreciate the reminder that wisdom begins with seeking God, not with education or success or any of the other things we tend to value first. As we live into the miracle of Christmas, let's begin our wisdom with God and see where God leads us.
God bless,
Sam
Psalm 111
1 Praise the LORD!
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the LORD,
studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of honor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds;
the LORD is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
he is ever mindful of his covenant.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the heritage of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
8 They are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the LORD,
studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of honor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds;
the LORD is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
he is ever mindful of his covenant.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the heritage of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
8 They are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever.
His praise endures forever.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
God's goodness and presence
Good morning sisters and brothers,
This morning is Dominic Gammariello's memorial service at Laurelton at 10:30 am; please continue to keep Dom's family in your prayers. Today's reading is a strange one. Moses craves a greater assurance of God's love and presence. God loves and values Moses, so God does just what he asks. Moses gets to see God in some physical way while God protects him from seeing more than he can manage.
Many of us crave a deeper sense of God's love but won't see what Moses saw. When we feel far from God or worried about anything, we can look at the cross. There we clearly see all God's goodness and God's amazing love for us. Seeing that image of God's goodness we know we have nothing to fear because we are not alone.
God bless,
Sam
Exodus 33:12-23
12Moses said to the LORD, “See, you have said to me, ‘Bring up this people’; but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’ 13Now if I have found favor in your sight, show me your ways, so that I may know you and find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” 14He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15And he said to him, “If your presence will not go, do not carry us up from here. 16For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people, unless you go with us? In this way, we shall be distinct, I and your people, from every people on the face of the earth.”
17The LORD said to Moses, “I will do the very thing that you have asked; for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.” 18Moses said, “Show me your glory, I pray.” 19And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you the name, ‘The LORD’; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. 20But,” he said, “you cannot see my face; for no one shall see me and live.” 21And the LORD continued, “See, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock; 22and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; 23then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back; but my face shall not be seen.”
This morning is Dominic Gammariello's memorial service at Laurelton at 10:30 am; please continue to keep Dom's family in your prayers. Today's reading is a strange one. Moses craves a greater assurance of God's love and presence. God loves and values Moses, so God does just what he asks. Moses gets to see God in some physical way while God protects him from seeing more than he can manage.
Many of us crave a deeper sense of God's love but won't see what Moses saw. When we feel far from God or worried about anything, we can look at the cross. There we clearly see all God's goodness and God's amazing love for us. Seeing that image of God's goodness we know we have nothing to fear because we are not alone.
God bless,
Sam
Exodus 33:12-23
12Moses said to the LORD, “See, you have said to me, ‘Bring up this people’; but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’ 13Now if I have found favor in your sight, show me your ways, so that I may know you and find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” 14He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15And he said to him, “If your presence will not go, do not carry us up from here. 16For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people, unless you go with us? In this way, we shall be distinct, I and your people, from every people on the face of the earth.”
17The LORD said to Moses, “I will do the very thing that you have asked; for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.” 18Moses said, “Show me your glory, I pray.” 19And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you the name, ‘The LORD’; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. 20But,” he said, “you cannot see my face; for no one shall see me and live.” 21And the LORD continued, “See, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock; 22and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; 23then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back; but my face shall not be seen.”
Saturday, October 8, 2011
idols and parenting
Good morning friends,
Sorry to miss yesterday's reading. The short version is that after delivering the Ten Commandments the people saw a cloud of God's glory settling on Mt. Sinai and Moses went up to speak with God and spent 40 days there. Today we see that 40 days was too long for the people to be without Moses. They felt scared and abandoned so they asked Aaron to make gods for them. This is a troubling reading because it reminds us how often we turn away from God, though usually less dramatically. The comic relief in the reading is that Moses and God act like frustrated parents. Notice how each calls the people, "Your people, who you brought out of Egypt." Fortunately, Moses stands up for the people and God's mercy prevails.
Blessings on your weekend,
Sam
Exodus 32:1-14
1When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered around Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make gods for us, who shall go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” 2Aaron said to them, “Take off the gold rings that are on the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” 3So all the people took off the gold rings from their ears, and brought them to Aaron. 4He took the gold from them, formed it in a mold, and cast an image of a calf; and they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” 5When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation and said, “Tomorrow shall be a festival to the LORD.” 6They rose early the next day, and offered burnt offerings and brought sacrifices of well-being; and the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to revel.
7The LORD said to Moses, “Go down at once! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have acted perversely; 8they have been quick to turn aside from the way that I commanded them; they have cast for themselves an image of a calf, and have worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!’” 9The LORD said to Moses, “I have seen this people, how stiff-necked they are. 10Now let me alone, so that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them; and of you I will make a great nation.”
11But Moses implored the LORD his God, and said, “O LORD, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? 12Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce wrath; change your mind and do not bring disaster on your people. 13Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, how you swore to them by your own self, saying to them, ‘I will multiply your descendants like the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.’” 14And the LORD changed his mind about the disaster that he planned to bring on his people.
Sorry to miss yesterday's reading. The short version is that after delivering the Ten Commandments the people saw a cloud of God's glory settling on Mt. Sinai and Moses went up to speak with God and spent 40 days there. Today we see that 40 days was too long for the people to be without Moses. They felt scared and abandoned so they asked Aaron to make gods for them. This is a troubling reading because it reminds us how often we turn away from God, though usually less dramatically. The comic relief in the reading is that Moses and God act like frustrated parents. Notice how each calls the people, "Your people, who you brought out of Egypt." Fortunately, Moses stands up for the people and God's mercy prevails.
Blessings on your weekend,
Sam
Exodus 32:1-14
1When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered around Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make gods for us, who shall go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” 2Aaron said to them, “Take off the gold rings that are on the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” 3So all the people took off the gold rings from their ears, and brought them to Aaron. 4He took the gold from them, formed it in a mold, and cast an image of a calf; and they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” 5When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation and said, “Tomorrow shall be a festival to the LORD.” 6They rose early the next day, and offered burnt offerings and brought sacrifices of well-being; and the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to revel.
7The LORD said to Moses, “Go down at once! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have acted perversely; 8they have been quick to turn aside from the way that I commanded them; they have cast for themselves an image of a calf, and have worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!’” 9The LORD said to Moses, “I have seen this people, how stiff-necked they are. 10Now let me alone, so that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them; and of you I will make a great nation.”
11But Moses implored the LORD his God, and said, “O LORD, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? 12Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce wrath; change your mind and do not bring disaster on your people. 13Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, how you swore to them by your own self, saying to them, ‘I will multiply your descendants like the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.’” 14And the LORD changed his mind about the disaster that he planned to bring on his people.
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