Over the past week, we had leadership lessons from Hezekiah and the end of the exile. Ezra and Nehemiah, each in their own way, oversees the beginnings of the restoration of Jerusalem. Ezra a religious leader; Nehemiah a civic leader. No matter how many times His chosen people stray from the law and from faithfulness of heart, the Lord repeatedly "lets Himself be won over" when the Israelites humbly ask for His forgiveness and help. What a beautiful image. Here are this week's links:
And here is the link for Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival.
Enjoy and have a great week!
Showing posts with label Jerusalem. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jerusalem. Show all posts
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Nehemiah 8-13
Nehemiah is in some ways a terribly confusing book. In reading the notes that accompany my translation, it appears that many of the events recounted in this book, including the life of Nehemiah himself, took place before the events in the Book of Ezra. On top of that, some sections of Nehemiah fit together with sections of Ezra, and are otherwise out of place here. It is not, in other words, a straight through narrative, but rather a bit of a patchwork. But that's ok--there are still some nuggets in here.
The Israelites gather together to hear Ezra (right, Ezra, to Nehemiah) read and interpret the Mosaic law. The people are brought to tears, but Ezra instructs them to be joyful:
Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength!
There is great rejoicing and celebration. But the text quickly shifts to a continuation of the mourning resulting from the intermarriage of the Israelites and the "people of the land". As a rebuke of sorts, Ezra recounts for the regretful people the story of God's favor and mercy toward the Israelites--beginning with the story of Abram, the slavery in Egypt, the rescue through Moses, the wandering in the desert, the Promised Land, the Israelites' repeated turning away from God, and His boundless patience and mercy:
But you are a God of pardons, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in mercy; you did not forsake them.
Even through the exile from Jerusalem, God did not forget His people, but allowed a remnant to survive. That surviving remnant renews the promise of the covenant, pledging an oath to honor God and His Law.
The Israelites gather together to hear Ezra (right, Ezra, to Nehemiah) read and interpret the Mosaic law. The people are brought to tears, but Ezra instructs them to be joyful:
Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength!
There is great rejoicing and celebration. But the text quickly shifts to a continuation of the mourning resulting from the intermarriage of the Israelites and the "people of the land". As a rebuke of sorts, Ezra recounts for the regretful people the story of God's favor and mercy toward the Israelites--beginning with the story of Abram, the slavery in Egypt, the rescue through Moses, the wandering in the desert, the Promised Land, the Israelites' repeated turning away from God, and His boundless patience and mercy:
But you are a God of pardons, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in mercy; you did not forsake them.
Even through the exile from Jerusalem, God did not forget His people, but allowed a remnant to survive. That surviving remnant renews the promise of the covenant, pledging an oath to honor God and His Law.
Nehemiah 1-7
Nehemiah is a very interesting figure, a complement of sorts to Ezra. Ezra was very much a religious leader for post-exile Israelites, setting a powerful example of righteous conduct and insisting on strict adherence to the Mosaic law. Nehemiah is more of a civic leader to this same group. He calls to mind Joseph. Like Joseph, Nehemiah is a trusted servant of a king--cupbearer to Artaxerxes, king of Persia. Nehemiah learns of the struggles of the remnant of the Israelites in captivity (here for the first time referred to as "the Jews"), who are trying to re-establish and rebuild Jerusalem. He mourns and prays and, soon after, has the opportunity to intercede with Artaxerxes on their behalf. The king permits Nehemiah to leave his employ to travel to Jerusalem to assist the remnant there. Because of his fondness for Nehemiah, the king richly provisions Nehemiah and the group who accompany him to Jerusalem.
Arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah rallies the people to engage in the rebuilding effort. Despite the jealousy and intrigue of other communities -- and even some treachery within this remnant itself -- Nehemiah oversees the repair of the great wall around Jerusalem as well as the gates to the city. Nehemiah shows himself to be a faithful servant of God. He is also a dedicated and loving leader to the remnant. For example, he successfully convinces members of the remnant to cease lending money at usurious rates to other Jews, because this has led to poverty and even slavery for some of them. Nehemiah is a bit self-aggrandizing at times, but his heart and his efforts are absolutely in the right place.
Arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah rallies the people to engage in the rebuilding effort. Despite the jealousy and intrigue of other communities -- and even some treachery within this remnant itself -- Nehemiah oversees the repair of the great wall around Jerusalem as well as the gates to the city. Nehemiah shows himself to be a faithful servant of God. He is also a dedicated and loving leader to the remnant. For example, he successfully convinces members of the remnant to cease lending money at usurious rates to other Jews, because this has led to poverty and even slavery for some of them. Nehemiah is a bit self-aggrandizing at times, but his heart and his efforts are absolutely in the right place.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Ezra 7-10
Ezra appears in this section as a major figure among the people of God, during te reign of King Artaxerxes I of Persia. With that king's blessing and support, Ezra leads a band of believers back to Jerusalem to settle there in order to worship God. Ezra is a strong and influential religious leader, holding the people strictly to the law handed down from God to Moses.
Although this book is generally attributed to the Chronicler, he is believed to have drawn from something called the Memoir of Ezra as one of his sources. This would explain why part of this book is written in the first person voice. Ezra's zeal for obedience to the Law of Moses is understandable. And the fact that he is trying to, in effect, rebuild a once great and numerous people from a small surviving remnant makes clear why he has such a strong aversion to the widespread practice of intermarriage between the Israelites and other peoples. But I must say that I find his own description of his very dramatic reaction to this situation to border on the comical:
When I heard this thing, I tore my cloak and my mantle, plucked hair from my head and beard, and sat there stupefied. . . . I sat there motionless until the evening sacrifice. Then at the time of the evening sacrifice I rose in my wretchedness, and with cloak and mantle torn I fell on my knees, stretching out my hands to the Lord my God.
Although this book is generally attributed to the Chronicler, he is believed to have drawn from something called the Memoir of Ezra as one of his sources. This would explain why part of this book is written in the first person voice. Ezra's zeal for obedience to the Law of Moses is understandable. And the fact that he is trying to, in effect, rebuild a once great and numerous people from a small surviving remnant makes clear why he has such a strong aversion to the widespread practice of intermarriage between the Israelites and other peoples. But I must say that I find his own description of his very dramatic reaction to this situation to border on the comical:
When I heard this thing, I tore my cloak and my mantle, plucked hair from my head and beard, and sat there stupefied. . . . I sat there motionless until the evening sacrifice. Then at the time of the evening sacrifice I rose in my wretchedness, and with cloak and mantle torn I fell on my knees, stretching out my hands to the Lord my God.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Ezra 1-6
The Chronicler continues his narrative of post-exile Israel in this book. The remnant of Israel descending from those captured by Nebuchadnezzar and taken to Babylon are freed by King Cyrus. Cyrus virtually commands them to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple of the Lord. The narrative recounts a census taken at the time, which reveals just how small this group of believers has been reduced to. But this group resolutely sets about rebuilding the temple--hiring skilled laborers and arranging for the delivery of the necessary raw materials. Over the years, there is interference from citizens and government officials, until finally King Darius, decades after Cyrus, acknowledges the earlier king's original decree and reiterates it in a decree of his own. Thus ensured royal protection and endorsement, and bolstered by the support of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the people rebuild the altar of the Lord. This is cause for much joy and thanksgiving, and the Chronicler describes an especially joyful Passover celebration as the rebuilding continues.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
2 Chronicles 29-36
Good kings and not so good kings are at the heart of this last section of 2 Chronicles. Hezekiah is a model king, like his ancestor David, at least until late in his life when he succumbed, for a time, to pride. Josiah, too, was an admirable king. Others, such as Manasseh, Amon, and Zedekiah--well, not so much. These kings, good and bad, demonstrate the gifts and responsibilities of leadership. When the king turns to the Lord in humility and obedience, in joy and thanksgiving, the people follow. And when he turns away, disobeying God's commands and worshipping other gods, the people he leads do the same. Either way, they lead by example.
This is a lesson not just for kings, but for leaders of all sorts--business managers, government officials, and, most especially, parents. Do I live in joy and thanksgiving? Do I seek God's help when I need it--as He virtually demands that I do? Do I show trust in Him in my words and actions? Do I strive to be faithful of heart in all that I do? To the extent I don't live this way, I am not being the leader that God calls me to be.
The story of Manasseh shows that it is never too late to reverse course and become the right kind of leader. Having been defeated, captured, and taken as a prisoner to Babylon, Manasseh undergoes a change of heart:
In this distress, he began to appease the Lord, his God. He humbled himself abjectly before the God of his fathers and prayed to him. The Lord let himself be won over: he heard his prayer and restored him to his kingdom in Jerusalem. Then Manasseh understood that the Lord is indeed God.
Isn't that a great image--that God let himself be won over? I love that expression.
This is a lesson not just for kings, but for leaders of all sorts--business managers, government officials, and, most especially, parents. Do I live in joy and thanksgiving? Do I seek God's help when I need it--as He virtually demands that I do? Do I show trust in Him in my words and actions? Do I strive to be faithful of heart in all that I do? To the extent I don't live this way, I am not being the leader that God calls me to be.
The story of Manasseh shows that it is never too late to reverse course and become the right kind of leader. Having been defeated, captured, and taken as a prisoner to Babylon, Manasseh undergoes a change of heart:
In this distress, he began to appease the Lord, his God. He humbled himself abjectly before the God of his fathers and prayed to him. The Lord let himself be won over: he heard his prayer and restored him to his kingdom in Jerusalem. Then Manasseh understood that the Lord is indeed God.
Isn't that a great image--that God let himself be won over? I love that expression.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
1 Chronicles 22-29
David passes the throne of kingship to his son, Solomon. He prays that God will give Solomon "prudence and discernment" so that Solomon may rule wisely and follow God's law. David counsels Solomon: Be brave and steadfast; do not fear or lose heart. And to the leaders among the people, David exhorts them: Devote your hearts and souls to seeking the Lord your God.
David assigns responsibilities to various tribes and groups, making them responsible for a variety of religious tasks--the Levites, the priests, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the rest. David then calls to Jerusalem all of the leaders of Israel, and reminds them again to be faithful to God and keep His commands. To Solomon, David speaks these inspiring words:
Know the God of your father and serve him with a perfect heart and a willing soul, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the mind's thoughts. If you seek him, he will let himself be found by you.
This is the most sophisticated formulation of the relationship between God and man we have seen so far in the Old Testament. The relationship th God is about keeping is commands, but with David there is a shift in emphasis toward what is in one's heart.
David assigns responsibilities to various tribes and groups, making them responsible for a variety of religious tasks--the Levites, the priests, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the rest. David then calls to Jerusalem all of the leaders of Israel, and reminds them again to be faithful to God and keep His commands. To Solomon, David speaks these inspiring words:
Know the God of your father and serve him with a perfect heart and a willing soul, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the mind's thoughts. If you seek him, he will let himself be found by you.
This is the most sophisticated formulation of the relationship between God and man we have seen so far in the Old Testament. The relationship th God is about keeping is commands, but with David there is a shift in emphasis toward what is in one's heart.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
2 Kings 17-21
With one notable exception, the next group of kings of both Israel and Judah displease the Lord greatly. In the case of the kings of Israel, so much so that the Lord permits the king of Assyria to capture Israel and carry its people off to a distant land. Only Hezekiah, a king of Judah, acts in a way pleasing to the Lord.
He put his trust in the Lord, the God of Israel, and neither before him nor after him was there anyone like him among all the kings of Judah. Loyal to the Lord, Hezekiah never turned away from him, but observed the commandments which the Lord had given Moses.
The Lord rewards Hezekiah with a long life. The Lord sends to him Isaiah, a prophet, to guide him. Isaiah advises Hezekiah when the king of Assyria tries to conquer Judah. Isaiah's counsel, and Hezekiah's heartfelt prayers to God, help turn back the Assyrians. But Isaiah also foretells the ruin of Judah--of its future conquest by Babylon. After Hezekiah's death, his son, Manasseh, succeeds him. Manasseh displeases the Lord greatly, pushing Him past the breaking point, and He speaks through the prophets, promising the destruction of both Jerusalem and Judah: "I will wipe Jerusalem clean as one wipes a dish, wiping it inside and out."
He put his trust in the Lord, the God of Israel, and neither before him nor after him was there anyone like him among all the kings of Judah. Loyal to the Lord, Hezekiah never turned away from him, but observed the commandments which the Lord had given Moses.
The Lord rewards Hezekiah with a long life. The Lord sends to him Isaiah, a prophet, to guide him. Isaiah advises Hezekiah when the king of Assyria tries to conquer Judah. Isaiah's counsel, and Hezekiah's heartfelt prayers to God, help turn back the Assyrians. But Isaiah also foretells the ruin of Judah--of its future conquest by Babylon. After Hezekiah's death, his son, Manasseh, succeeds him. Manasseh displeases the Lord greatly, pushing Him past the breaking point, and He speaks through the prophets, promising the destruction of both Jerusalem and Judah: "I will wipe Jerusalem clean as one wipes a dish, wiping it inside and out."
Friday, May 3, 2013
1 Kings 11-14
Unlike his father David, Solomon turns away from God and worships false gods. The narrative seems to place some of the blame for this on the many (as in hundreds) of foreign wives and concubines Solomon took in his lifetime. Wow, when did he have time to rule?! Seriously, though, I am grappling with the difference between David and Solomon. David obviously and spectacularly violated God's commandments--recall, for example, the story of Uriah and Bathsheba, during which David trampled on a least three of the Ten Commandments. Yet even the Lord later identifies him as one who remained faithful, and David is contrasted favorably to Solomon in this regard. I suppose the difference is that David was always devoted to God, did not worship false gods, recognized and was sorry for his failings, sought forgiveness for them, and accepted God's punishment for them. Solomon was not faithful to God in that he worshipped false gods, and caused others to do so as well.
The result of Solomon's lack of faithfulness is rebellion within the kingdom of Israel and, ultimately, its dissolution upon his death. Rehoboam becomes king of the cities of Judah and settles in Jerusalem, while Jeroboam becomes king of ten other tribes of Israel. They remain at war with each other. Both rule badly, ignoring the Lord's commands and leading His people astray. They and the people of Israel are eventually punished.
The result of Solomon's lack of faithfulness is rebellion within the kingdom of Israel and, ultimately, its dissolution upon his death. Rehoboam becomes king of the cities of Judah and settles in Jerusalem, while Jeroboam becomes king of ten other tribes of Israel. They remain at war with each other. Both rule badly, ignoring the Lord's commands and leading His people astray. They and the people of Israel are eventually punished.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
2 Samuel 19-24
David's humanity continues to be on full display as he mourns the death of his son, Absalom. Let's face it, his wayward, ungrateful son. But a son David loved nevertheless--as God the Father loves me. The image of the grieving father again appears in the Old Testament. How much more, I imagine, did God the Father weep and mourn at His blameless Son's suffering and death!
Finally, though, Joab tells David that mourning so deeply and openly at his son's death is actually bringing David to shame with his people, since it appears to them that David is loving one who hated David (that is, Absalom), while hating those who love him (that is, the people of Israel). Joab admonishes him: "Go out and speak kindly to your servants." This strikes a chord with David, who is a leader at heart, and he takes successful steps to again win the Judahites over.
In short order, David reconciles with others as well. Shimei, who had made David suffer by calling him a murderer in public, comes to David now seeking forgiveness with these heartfelt and beautiful words:
May my lord not hold me guilty, and may he not remember and take to heart the wrong that your servant did the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. For your servant knows that he had done wrong.
David forgives Shimei.
Meribbaal, son of Saul, also seeks, and receives, David's mercy. David shows favor to Barzillai, who helped David during the period when he had been driven from Jerusalem. Soon, though, some of the Israelites--led by Sheba--rebel against David and the Judahites. But Joab brings about Sheba's death and ends the rebellion.
After so much has transpired, David sings a beautiful song of thanksgiving to the Lord, which includes the words:
In my distress I called upon the Lord
and cried out to my God;
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry reached his ears.
* * * *
He set me free in the open,
and rescued me because he loves me.
* * * *
You are my lamp, O Lord!
O my God, you brighten the darkness about me.
* * * *
He is a shield to all who take refuge in him.
* * * *
The Lord live! And blessed be my Rock!
Extolled be my God, rock of my salvation.
Such beautiful words of praise and thanksgiving from a man who was truly blessed in the eyes of the Lord--but who also sinned much and suffered much.
We can do great things in our own lives, trying to live as God asks us, showing mercy and generosity to others. And even though we sin and fall short, as David did, God will still hear our cry, will still set us free, will still brighten our darkness, shield us from our enemies, and be a rock for us. Wow!
Finally, though, Joab tells David that mourning so deeply and openly at his son's death is actually bringing David to shame with his people, since it appears to them that David is loving one who hated David (that is, Absalom), while hating those who love him (that is, the people of Israel). Joab admonishes him: "Go out and speak kindly to your servants." This strikes a chord with David, who is a leader at heart, and he takes successful steps to again win the Judahites over.
In short order, David reconciles with others as well. Shimei, who had made David suffer by calling him a murderer in public, comes to David now seeking forgiveness with these heartfelt and beautiful words:
May my lord not hold me guilty, and may he not remember and take to heart the wrong that your servant did the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. For your servant knows that he had done wrong.
David forgives Shimei.
Meribbaal, son of Saul, also seeks, and receives, David's mercy. David shows favor to Barzillai, who helped David during the period when he had been driven from Jerusalem. Soon, though, some of the Israelites--led by Sheba--rebel against David and the Judahites. But Joab brings about Sheba's death and ends the rebellion.
After so much has transpired, David sings a beautiful song of thanksgiving to the Lord, which includes the words:
In my distress I called upon the Lord
and cried out to my God;
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry reached his ears.
* * * *
He set me free in the open,
and rescued me because he loves me.
* * * *
You are my lamp, O Lord!
O my God, you brighten the darkness about me.
* * * *
He is a shield to all who take refuge in him.
* * * *
The Lord live! And blessed be my Rock!
Extolled be my God, rock of my salvation.
Such beautiful words of praise and thanksgiving from a man who was truly blessed in the eyes of the Lord--but who also sinned much and suffered much.
We can do great things in our own lives, trying to live as God asks us, showing mercy and generosity to others. And even though we sin and fall short, as David did, God will still hear our cry, will still set us free, will still brighten our darkness, shield us from our enemies, and be a rock for us. Wow!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
2 Samuel 5-9
David's reign over all of Israel is confirmed, as all the tribes anoint him as their king. David is a good and godly ruler, who realizes
that the Lord had established him as king of Israel and exalted his rule for the sake of his people Israel.
God then enables David and the Israelites to defeat the Philistines, and David acknowledges:
The Lord has scattered my enemies before me like waters that have broken free.
In thanksgiving, David has the ark of the covenant brought to Jerusalem, and celebrates joyfully with his people. Prefiguring the coming of Jesus, the Lord then promises David:
I will give you rest from all your enemies. The Lord also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you. And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm. It is he who shall build a house for my name. And I will make his royal throne firm forever. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me.
David praises God for his blessings and for this special promise. Looking backward, in a sense, David also finds it in himself to honor Saul (and his beloved friend Jonathan) one more time, by gifting all the property that had formerly been Saul's to his surviving grandson (and Jonathan's son), Meribbaal. He further honors Meribbaal by insisting that Meribbaal be seated with him at the king's table for his meals.
that the Lord had established him as king of Israel and exalted his rule for the sake of his people Israel.
God then enables David and the Israelites to defeat the Philistines, and David acknowledges:
The Lord has scattered my enemies before me like waters that have broken free.
In thanksgiving, David has the ark of the covenant brought to Jerusalem, and celebrates joyfully with his people. Prefiguring the coming of Jesus, the Lord then promises David:
I will give you rest from all your enemies. The Lord also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you. And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm. It is he who shall build a house for my name. And I will make his royal throne firm forever. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me.
David praises God for his blessings and for this special promise. Looking backward, in a sense, David also finds it in himself to honor Saul (and his beloved friend Jonathan) one more time, by gifting all the property that had formerly been Saul's to his surviving grandson (and Jonathan's son), Meribbaal. He further honors Meribbaal by insisting that Meribbaal be seated with him at the king's table for his meals.
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