Little things

Wow. Those names are challenging-especially when you read them out loud as we did around the supper table. But beyond the names we were intrigued by the details, the little episodes interspersed among all the dividing of land. We wondered why the story of Caleb's daughter making her special request for land was in there. Was it just special provision, or sly dealings, or family competition? I don't know. I imagine there was plenty of competition and jealousy - and greed I suppose. What interesting detail have you noticed?

Military musings

I am so intrigued by how closely the conquest of Israel is connected to God even while there is the gritty narrative of Israel's battles. So when Joshua defeats the five kings of the south I'm sure he did a fine piece of military strategy - and were we to give the history account probably would have detailed more of it. But the biblical accounts turn around and says "oh and God caused it to hail so bad the hail storm actually killed more men than the Israelite soldiers." God wins! Some hailstones those were!! Oh, and earlier when the Gibeonites tell their ruse the narrator mentions that the Israelites asked all the right questions - "but didn't inquire of the Lord." In other words, they were really turning into a crafty military machine compared to when they started out in Jericho - but that just isn't the point. Their connectedness to God was the point.

What impressions or insights have you had this week? Respond to this post or email me. I'd love to hear.

Are We There Yet

I love the title of this new series. The creative team came up with it as I explained to them my vision for these messages. "Are We There Yet?" describes what the Israelites may have felt - and what we feel as we envision and live the life of faith. I find myself impatient with my own faith and so easily discouraged.

As we read these books (Joshua through 2 Samuel) discover something of the nature of faith when it meets the harsh realities of life. I hope you can then share them in this blog.

The reading schedule shouldn't be too bad this summer. Hint: week 5 is really light and should allow you to catch up or read ahead. Enjoy the summer reading!

Wow, I just love that story of the burning bush. I have a photograph in my living room entitled "the burning bush" by Fatali. It reminds me of this story - a story about God's call on the life of Moses. And the call that God has on my own life. I need reminding because I'm not very good at trusting. And when God leads you have to trust in order to follow. I also need to keep reminding myself to "pay attention" and watch out for "the burning bush." The story makes note that Moses had to "turn aside" to go over to the burning bush. It wasn't directly in his path, he had to be looking around. When God leads you have to be paying attention in order to follow. Good on Moses for paying attention. Although it still took a lot of convincing on God's part to get Moses to follow. I'm sure all the excuses seemed logical to Moses. My excuses alway sound logical too. But when God leads you have to submit in order to follow.

Wow, that story about Dinah is quite something, eh? Startling in its violence and harshness. Perplexing in what it's trying to convey. Anybody have ideas why this story would and should be included in the story of redemption? I guess the Bible doesn't flinch when it comes to dealing with the sin and misery of our lives. And the question of 34:31 ("was it right to let our own sister be treated that way?") is almost haunting. I mean, the reaction went beyond what would be called for - certainly in terms of human justice measurements, wouldn't you say? And the deceit - ohh - just like their father, Jacob. Seems like a central characteristic of that family - maybe even of God's family in general. You think?

Anyway. As you might tell, I have to get reading to stay caught up here. The above was reflection on reading from last night. Hope you are hanging in there. Let me know what you are thinking about reading these big chunks of the Bible.

The story of Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 16) is so dark and haunting, but when you see God's love in that story it becomes more hopeful.

What would it be like to learn to live with the same compassion that compels God to reach out to people on the outside? What kind of ministry is it when we think merely about how comfortable we can be in the pew – or in the pulpit, for that matter?

There are people, who like Hagar, with lives so full of misery, shattered by circumstances that maybe they have even brought upon themselves. And they need to hear God calling to them, “Where are you going?” and “Where are you coming from?”

Do you think we could be God’s voice in this community? I think so. That’s why our motto for ministry is “Touching Lives with the Transforming Love of Jesus.” That’s what makes the huge commitments of time, talent, and money worth it – to be able to hear people speak in some fashion the words of Hagar: “I have now seen the One who sees me.”