Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26 + Luke 10:38-11:13 + Psalm 76:1-12 + Proverbs 12:15-17
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Old Testament – Later this year in the One Year Bible when we read Galatians, you’ll note that Paul powerfully references today’s readings in Deuteronomy chapter 27 verse 26: “‘Cursed is anyone who does not affirm and obey the terms of these instructions.’ And all the people will reply, ‘Amen.'” One of the best things we can ever do when studying the Bible is simply let Scripture interpret Scripture. So here we go on Galatians chapter 3 verses 10 through 12: “But those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse, for the Scriptures say, “Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God’s Book of the Law.” So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” This way of faith is very different from the way of law, which says, “It is through obeying the law that a person has life.”” How do these verses from Galatians speak to you? Do you agree that we cannot be made right with God by trying to keep the law? Do you think the way of faith is very different from the way of law?
As we’re in the Easter/Good Friday season, let me continue on with a few more verses here from Galatians chapter 10, continuing with verses 13 and 14: “But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.” Has Jesus rescued you from the curse pronounced by the law? Do you believe that Jesus took upon himself the curse for your wrongdoing? Have you received the promised Holy Spirit through faith?
Today in Deuteronomy chapter 26 verses 1 & 2 we read about the offering of first fruits: “When you arrive in the land the LORD your God is giving you as a special possession and you have conquered it and settled there, put some of the first produce from each harvest into a basket and bring it to the place the LORD your God chooses for his name to be honored.”
New Testament – Today in Luke chapter 10 we read about Jesus visiting Mary & Martha and Martha becoming upset with Mary for sitting at Jesus’ feet and not helping her work in the kitchen. To which Jesus says to Martha in verses 41 & 42 – “But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it–and I won’t take it away from her.” What do you think is the one thing worth being concerned about Jesus is referring to? Is this really the only one thing you are concerned about in your life today? Or are you possibly being distracted by other “details”?
How often do you pray the Lord’s Prayer? Once a day? Once a week? Once a month? Think this would be a good prayer to pray regularly, since Jesus himself taught us to pray it? Bible.org’s commentary on Luke chapter 11’s readings today titled “Teach Us How to Pray” is at this link.
Psalms – I love Psalm 76 verse 4’s reflection on God! “You are glorious and more majestic than the everlasting mountains.” I wonder how often we look at nature and forget that God created nature? I think so often we can look at a beautiful sunset or a mountain or a forest or an ocean and temporarily forget that God created these beautiful things. If God created these beautiful things, then doesn’t it stand to reason that God is more glorious and more majestic than all of his created things? I’ve said this one before on this blog: before I believed in Jesus or really even God, I honestly think I was evangelized by creation. Meaning – I would look at a starry night with my friends and say things like, “How could there be so many stars up there like that and there not be a God? Things like that can’t just happen by chance!” Praise God for his creation that was evangelizing me toward Him! Has creation ever evangelized you? Do you think creation might be able to evangelize your friends who do not yet know God? Let us pray that we don’t ever end up worshiping creation instead of the Creator. Let us be impressed and thankful and admire creation – but let us give the glory and the worship to the Creator, God, who is more glorious and more majestic than the everlasting mountains…
Proverbs – Proverbs 12 verse 15 teaches us today: ““Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others.” This is a great opportunity for each of us to ask ourselves whether we think we need no advice or whether we are open to listening to others…
Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Third Day’s song “Soul on Fire:”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giuLT8UUO-U
Are you a soul on fire? Click here for Fire!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.” Luke 11:2-4 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray the Lord’s Prayer daily. Pray for God’s Kingdom to come and His Will to be done. Pray for your daily bread. Pray for the forgiveness of your sins. Pray that you will forgive others. Pray that you will not be led into temptation.
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Based on Luke chapter 10’s readings on Mary and Martha today, did you personally identify more with Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet, or Martha, who became upset because of her busyness? Which one of the two would you like to identify with more? Do you think that sometimes as Christians we can get too busy and miss out on spending time at the feet of Jesus? Will you examine your daily schedule and look for ways that you are “overbooking” yourself, and thus missing out on quiet time with the Lord? Will you resolve to be more like Mary and spend some quality time with Jesus – particularly during this Easter season? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )
======= Ramona:
Deuteronomy 26-27:26
The first verse of today’s reading jumped out at me, 1″When you arrive in the land the LORD your God is giving you as a special possession and you have conquered it and settled there,
God gave them but they had to conquer and settle: God gave them, they were to conquer … In other words, they had to get busy.
Jesus stated in Luke 12:32 (Amp), Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom!
Too often when God has blessed us in circumstances, with favor, with jobs and other situations we think that everything is suppose to be fall into place; however, God had given Israel the Promise but they had to conquer and settle. The command to Adam back in the garden was, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1:28). If everything was under and submitted to Adam, God would not have had to tell him, “subdue.” [1. bring under forcible control: to bring a person or group of people under control using force]. Even if we use “subdue” in the context of softening as lets say clay, to soften clay one must mold and apply pressure.
Luke 10:38-11:13
Nina has brought up a wonderful observation regarding Martha and Mary’s attitude in the 10th chapter of Luke. So often we run around like chickens with our heads cut off trying to do things for Jesus and God when what we really need to do is sit at the Master’s feet and hear His Words. I believe when we have been fed spiritually with the Words of Life we will know how to go about the Master’s business efficiently and effectively.
I thank God for Mike for establishing this Blog so that like-minded folks who want to get into the Word of God, and His son Jesus, have a place to discuss what we have read.
Funny how Martha is busying herself to prepare a meal for Jesus who is the Bread of Life for all men and women, so that she can feed Him when the best meal, eternal life and living water, will come from Him. Funny how Martha is concerned about feeding a man who took a couple of fish and some small loves of bread, a meal prepared for a little boy by his mother, and fed 5,000 men, plus woman and children. Funny how Martha is concerned about creating a fabulous atmosphere of fine dinning for the one who Created the universe (John 1:3)
Even in teaching the disciples how to pray and using the example of a friend showing up late at night asking to borrow some loaves of bread brings into play that Jesus, the Bread of Life is willing to feed us if we but just knock, seek and ask. He is not like the friend who gives in and gives the bread only because of the persistence of the man knocking and to keep the friend from waking up his children, Jesus gives because He loves us. We don’t have to ware Him out.
Proverbs 18:24: A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
And that friend is Jesus
Psalm 76:1-12
10 Human opposition only enhances your glory,
for you use it as a sword of judgment
Reading this particular verse causes me to ask the question, “If man cannot prevail against God, then what should our role in society be when those who oppose God do 1) Godless acts, and 2) implement policies that are against our faith? I know that the only person I can control is me, we can’t even control our children especially when they grow up. If that is the case shouldn’t I act in such a way that my behavior contrasted against the godless not only stand out and separate me from the godless but also be a light in a dead and dying world?
Do I get all worked up about the choices others make that our against my beliefs and values while what I believe and value lies hidden under a cloak of secrecy because I’m operating as an under-cover-Christian? How will the unbeliever know what to choose, life or death, if I’m not walking as a representative of Jesus’ life and light?
I have a lot of things to think about.
Proverbs 12:15-17
17 An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies. This is such a profound statement. When someone makes dealing in untruth a lifestyle, why do we think they will tell the truth if we ask them too? Jesus said out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (and the body acts—my addition) (Luke 6:45).
Lying is a product of fear! We lie because we fear the consequences of our behavior or fear how others will think of us if they find out the truth of who we really are.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= Nina:
I’m struck by the relationship between the OT and Gospel passages. Surely Martha felt that she was following the sort of precepts set in Deuteronomy, throwing herself into her work to do what is right and good for the Lord. But Mary was the one who truly “built an altar” to the Lord by sitting at his feet and listening. I read somewhere recently that as Christians, it’s imperitive that we look at all of the Bible through the lens of the Gospels, and if we do so here, I think we see that the discipline imposed on the Israelites was not about the work that they did, but rather a tool designed to keep their minds and hearts centered on God above all.
Nina
======= Dan:
Prov 12:15.
Plenty of fools in my world!
I think we are encouraged by our pride, (and society’s expectations) to not ask for advice, particularly from people we know, cause we are sure to lose face (or so we are led to believe) the moment we open our mouths to ask a question!
But the truth in this passage remains, I see the fools not asking for advice, giving unsolicited advice and not questioning the nature of their world and beliefs.
Dan
====== Reuben:
Luke 11:8 “…if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you what you want…” After the Reformation most Proptestants discarded spiritual practices such as chanting “arrow prayers” ie. short phrases repeated over and over like a mantra. Orthodox blievers, however, maintained the tradition of the Jesus Prayer. The litle book “The Way of a Pilgrim” describes the Scriptural bases of “praying without ceasing”. If you reapeat “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” (Mat 15:22)constantly… you’ll receive the bread of life Jesus promised the disciples who “knock long enough”. Amen!
Reuben
======= Luch:
I like how LUke 10:38-11:13 form a helpful unit. Not only does Jesus teach that “there is really only one thing worth
being concerned about” 10:42, He also shows us in Luke 11:1ff what that ‘one thing’ is–could it be that the one thing to focus on in our ‘structured’ prayer times Is God’s honour and God’s Kingdom?? I also found it interesting that even though we are told to ‘pray without ceasing’ which implies one never stops praying, I think Jesus is much more practical and helpful. It actually says in Luke 11:1 that “Jesus had been out praying, and one of his disciples came to him as he ‘finished’ and then asked Jesus to teach them how to pray just as John taught his disciples to pray. It seems that in this case anyways, prayer has a ‘start’ time and an ‘end time.” We saw this in Luke 5:16 where when Jesus was being pressed upon by many people’s needs it says “But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” Again, in Luke 6:12 “one day soon afterward Jesus went to a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night.” And then in Luke 9:18 “One day when Jesus was alone, praying…”
Wow, does this example of Jesus impress anyone else out there? If Jesus who was God incarnate, God in flesh, had this huge need to pray, how much more do I need to create space in my day to pray, to focus on ‘the one thing’ and to make sure The name of God and the kingdom of God have priority in my prayer thoughts. What i love about jesus’ word in Luke 10 in commending Mary is that he says, “Mary has discovered it…” All true learning comes when we personally discover it, and it sticks with us.
Luch
======= Sandy:
Luke 11: “Lord,teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples…” One encouraging thought: as we are humble learners from those who walk closely to God (John and his followers), we are watched and imitated by others (Jesus’ followers). “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them ..and teaching them to OBSERVE (obey) all that I commanded you.” Matt. 28:19,20.
I’m sure most of Jesus’ prayer life was fellowship with His Father, enjoying His presence. This, in my mind, is what attracted Jesus’ disciples–a close, loving relationship is always attractive to those around it. The disciples wanted in on this closeness, this intimacy with the best Friend of their closest friend.
Sandy
======= Emily:
As for the creation being the tool of evangelism, I have always believed in it. My own conversion started from observing stars, rain, storms and scenic beauty of nature. But even Paul mentions it so very eloquently. He says, creation itself is the proof of the existence of God, so people have no excuse for rejecting God. Here is the verse:
Romans 1:19:20 ”… since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”
Emily
======= Kitty:
When I have a close look at my daily schedule, I realise that I spend way too much time on the internet, and thus missing out on quiet time with the Lord sometimes.
Also, being an activity driven person, I have always been more like Martha than Mary. I get busy, and distracted quite easily!
God has been reminding me repeatedly to learn from Mary, and just spend quality time at the feet of Jesus.
I will be going away this Holy Week and Easter, and I am committed to spending more quality time with Jesus as I reflect on HIS death and resurrection!
Kitty
======= Jenny:
Wow, I really love the blog, I havent gotten to my readings yet but I’m touched by the points you made. I love all the Galatians verses. Amen! My former Pastor used to always say, the law isnt there so that we might keep it, but to show us that we cant keep it! I think its important that we dont spend too much time trying to focus on keeping the law, cause then we miss the point. We then become reliant on our works, our righteousness and we have none! we only have Christ’s righteousness imparted to us! Some people sit and say they try and keep the laws, but if we focus on Christ, are reborn and follow the guidance of the holy spirit in our lives, then we dont have to worry about those things. we shouldnt be a slave to that. we need to live in the spirit and not in the flesh. I went through a phase where I tried to be “good” and i became miserable. God finally sat me down and said, your free, your righteous works are filthy rags to me. The more we just focus on the Lord, read His word and are filled with the spirit, we will be more Christ-like and not have to fake being good. Does that make sense? A great book I recommend to anyone struggling with self-righteousness or just a great book for everyone is called: “Why Grace Changes Everything” by Chuck Smith.
I recommend Romans 8 to anyone, here’s part of it, i think v. 1 is my favorite verse!:
Romans 8:1-4: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.”
Creation totally testifies to me. whenever I see something beautiful, I just think, wow, the Lord created that! If anyone has been to the Grand Canyon, thats one place you experience such an awe! I went there years ago, and I’d seen pictures and movies with it so i wasnt expecting to be all impressed, but wen i saw it, i nearly fell to my feet in awe and it just screamed God’s glory! i wasnt thinking too much of God before that, but when i saw it I had such a visual testimony of God’s greatness and I was overwhelmed! It just screamed: God created this! breathtaking!!
I never thought of that before tho, good point, He is more glorious and majestic then things He created…and He made creation to testify to man of Him. I remember one night, i was at the beach alone and just looking at the vast ocean, listening to the waves, thinking about how huge and deep the ocean is and looking at the stars and this feeling came over me that I am so tiny in this universe and just this powerful testimony of God’s greatness and my inferiority. The complexity and vastness of the universe is mind-boggling!
Jenny
======= Rachel:
“How often do you pray the Lord’s Prayer? Think this would be a good prayer to pray regularly, since Jesus himself taught us to pray it?”
Yup. I started praying the Lord’s Prayer regularly and searching out the meaning in it. We talk to someone according to Who they are, so I figured Jesus’ prayer could tell us a thing or two about the Father. It does–amazing things. I wrote a book on the subject :).
Rachel
Author of “Heart to Heart: Meeting With God in the Lord’s Prayer”
http://www.littledozen.com/h2h.html
======= Pat:
My thoughts this morning on Luke 11: 1-13:
I love reading and saying the Lord’s Prayer in Luke 11:2-4. It is so simple and direct and gives us the role model for all our prayers – praise God first, ask for God to meet our needs next, ask for forgiveness of our sins and ask God to give us the ability to forgive others, and finally to ask God for the strenth and wisdom to face and overcome the temptations that life and Satan lay on our doorstep.
However, I also love the scriptures that follow in 11:5-13. I refer to these scriptures often. It teaches us to be persistent and keeping on praying for the things we need and want but be patient and not expect instant miracles. God is going to answer our prayers but in His own way, in His time frame, and in the manner that He knows is best for us in the long term. I think many times when we pray we have the tendency to tell God what to do, when to do it, and how to do it, instead of just putting it in God’s hands and letting Him take charge. We have to go to God in humble prayer knowing we don’t have all the answers but He does and He loves us that He will answer our prayers in a loving and protecting way.
I thank you precious Savior for reminding me again about these aspects of prayer!
God bless!
Pat
======= Debra:
The Picture of Christ as they were nailing him to the cross is heart breaking, I mean I am greatful that He died on the cross for my sins, just makes me want to worship him and follow his commands.Although I am not perfect, to see such a wonderful sacrifice Jesus did makes me want to try and do more for those I come in contact with.
Thank you Jesus for dying for my sins, and showing me how I should live and treat my fellow man. Amen
Debra
======= John:
“Evangelized by Creation?” Sure! Psalm 19:1-4a says:
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. [a]
4 Their voice [b] goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
Romans 1:18-20 indirectly references this:
18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
How can we look at the marvels of nature around us and not believe in the Creator, or not want to learn more about him?!
John
======= Greg:
Personally, I think one of the best things I do to focus and sit at the feet of Jesus is when I can get away and play/sing music that speaks to the wonderful character of our God and His Son.
When contemplating creation and the creator, I recommend Steven Curtis Chapman’s song “Much of You”
Greg
======= Bob:
Luke 10: Mary and Martha. I would venture a guess that their house was clean enough to be healthy and cluttered enough to be comfortable. I also like the fact that Jesus doesn’t really say Martha is wrong being busy, its just that Mary’s choice is better. Which leads nicely into the secret of handling life that is given to us in Philippians 4:4 Most of all, friends, always rejoice in the Lord! I never tire of saying it: Rejoice! 5 Keep your gentle nature so that all people will know what it looks like to walk in His footsteps. The Lord is ever present with us. 6 Don’t be anxious about things; instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come. 7 And know that the peace of God (a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding) will stand watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus, the Anointed One.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, fill your minds with beauty and truth. Meditate on whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is good, whatever is virtuous and praiseworthy. (The Voice)
Bob
======== Joyce:
Mike,
Thank you for leading us in today’s reading!
Luke 10:40-42
40 But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving …
41 But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things;
42 There is need of only one or but a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her. (Amplified Bible)
What a reflection of modern day people – overly occupied and too busy, and distracted with serving, or other things in life.
May this passage remind us that there is need of only one or but a few things, which is to our advantage.
We have much to learn from Mary “who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was listening to His teaching.” (Luke 10:39 Amplified Bible).
Gratefully,
Joyce
======= Dee:
Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26 + Luke 10:38-11:13 + Psalm 76:1-12 + Proverbs 12:15-17
Chapter 26 of Deuteronomy
The time has come for the Israelites to take the land that was promised to them. A land flowing with milk and honey. The Israelites, who were once slaves, are now free. Once, they were nothing particular in their eyes. Now, they are God’s peculiar people. They are set apart for this purpose and this God-given right.
We must sometimes be reminded of who we are and belong to.
Chapter 27 of Deuteronomy
The laws and the covenant are going forth. The Israelites are building an altar in God’s Holy Name. I find the distinction between where the tribes stand, who is doing the blessings, and who is doing the curses interesting.
27:13 says, “And these shall stand upon Mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.”
Reuben-who slept with his father’s wife, and
Dan-his tribe will be known as the “judges” in the future
I think it’s interesting how God will bring all things to a head, and the things that were a curse to you in the past, the past will teach and use towards healing and helping others. Sometimes, we get called to do based on our callings and gifts. Sometimes, a lot of times, we don’t choose; it is selected for us to serve us best.
Luke 10:38-42 I am a mixture of Martha and Mary. I want to be immersed at Jesus’ feet, soaking every word. However, I would like to be a good hostess, as well. I worry a lot, and Jesus tells us not to worry. He tells us to major in significant things, not minor things.
Luke Chapter 11:1-13
I love how Jesus answers his disciples’ questions. They asked, “How do you pray?” He very carefully instructed them on prayer. That’s important. Jesus knew the importance of prayer and communicating with the Father. Shouldn’t we?
Psalm 76:1-12 This sounds like a remembrance of the deliverance of the Israelites leaving bondage and their Exodus (in verse 6), in which the Egyptians were cast into the sea.
Proverbs 12:15-17 A wise man seeks wise counsel. I intend to do that, and I want to listen more and talk less.
Dee
======= Ramona:
Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26
I love this section of Deuteronomy ‘cause here I found some principals: When you …then you do …then I (God) will … God can do whatever He wants; He can bless whoever and whatever He wants, He doesn’t need our help. Yet God …He chooses to invite us to cooperate with Him. That is awesome.
The command to gather on the two mountains, Gerizim and Ebal with, I presume, a valley in between (Yeah though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death …) amplifies Proverbs 18:21. The power of our words and the agreement the words we speak not only affirm blessings and curses but hold us accountable for what we speak. If we do/keep God’s commands there are blessings that flow because of the law of cause and effect; if we don’t curses appear.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (Proverbs 18:21 KJVR)
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= Vance:
Comments on Deuteronomy:
The Holy Spirit through Paul said this in Galatians 3 (NKJV):
10
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” [QUOTING, Deuteronomy 27:26]
~~~
This shows that Deuteronomy is STILL VERY RELEVANT to every person today.
Being human, I understand why — from a human point of view — no one likes to admit the reality of sinning against God or the reality that our human goodness will never make us acceptable to God.
THAT IS NEVER THE BASIS of our acceptance by God the Father.
The KEY to our acceptance by God is also found in Galatians 3 (NKJV):
13
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”,
14
that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
22
But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
26
FOR YOU ARE ALL SONS OF GOD THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS.
27
For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
29
And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
~~~
It strikes me that A VERY UNIQUE ASPECT, and perhaps A KEY FEATURE of the Christian faith is YOU AND I CAN HAVE A REAL, PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LIVING GOD.
~~~
The other day I was speaking with a very nice young man named Mikel who is part of a faith called Falun Dafa. It has its roots in Chinese Buddhism, but has some unique features to it.
Mikel gave me a video celebrating the Chinese New Year that members of Falun Dafa participated in.
*
I WAS SURPRISED by the mention of receiving wisdom and revelation from a divine being from the heavens. I was thinking Buddhism was simply about meditating and focusing inward.
*
I WAS ALSO SURPRISED that part of the Chinese New Year celebration included an evil red dragon that needed to be killed by swordsmen. In the book of Revelation, the Holy Spirit shows us that the devil, the great deceiver of mankind, is a RED DRAGON.
~~~
However, no matter the similarities between Buddhism or Falun Dafa, THERE IS ONE NOTABLE AND DISTINCT DIFFERENCE: In Buddhism and Falun Dafa, the high God is unknowable, though that deity sends wisdom to follow.
** IN THIS CONTEXT, Mikel mentioned to me that there can be levels of teachers and divine beings between men on earth and the high God. Mikel thought that Christ was the same — simply a mediator between God and man.
HOWEVER, I MENTIONED TO HIM THAT, though Christ IS the mediator between the high God and man, JESUS HIMSELF IS THE HIGH GOD REVEALED TO MEN.
And through the Lord Jesus, WE CAN KNOW THE HIGH GOD PERSONALLY !
I John 3 (Message)
1
What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it–we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he’s up to.
Vance
======= Jim:
How often do you pray the Lord’s Prayer?
THE JEWISH PRAYER OF SHEMA
Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God, the LORD is One.
Then softly, “Blessed is the Name of His glorious kingdom for all eternity.”
You shall love the Lord Your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your resources.
Let these matters that I command you today be upon your heart. Teach them thoroughly to your children and speak of them while you sit in your home, while you walk along the road, when you retire, and when you arise. Bind them as a sign upon your arm and let them be frontlets between your eyes. And write them on the doorposts of your house and upon your gates.
And it will come to pass that if you continually listen to the commandments that I command you today — to love the Lord your God, and to serve Him, with all your heart and with all your soul — then I will provide rain for your land in its proper time, the early and late rains, that you may gather in your grain, your wine, and your oil. And, I will provide grass in your field for your cattle and you will eat and be satisfied.
Beware lest your heart be deceived and you turn to serve other gods and worship them. Then the wrath of God will blaze against you. He will restrain the heaven so there will be no rain and the ground will not yield its produce. And you will perish quickly from the land that God gives you.
So, place My words on your heart and soul and bind them for signs on your arms and as frontlets between your eyes. Teach them to your children and continually discuss them while you sit at home, when you walk together, when you retire, and when you arise. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. In order to prolong your days and the days of your children upon the land that God promised your ancestors that He would give them as long as the days that the heavens are over the earth.
And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying “Speak to the children of Israel and say to them they should make themselves fringes on the corners of their clothing throughout their generations, and give the fringe of each corner a thread of blue. And, they shall be fringes for you so that when you look at them you will remember all of the Lord’s commandments and do them and not follow after your heart and after your eyes, which lead you astray. Do this in order to remember and do all My commandments and be holy for your God. I am the Lord, Your God who led you from the land of Egypt to be a God to you. I am the Lord, your God.” Adonai is truth.
BACKGROUND TO THE SHEMA
The Shema (Hebrew for “Listen” and is the first word of the prayer) is one of the two most important Jewish prayers (along with the Amidah). Before going to sleep, the first two lines of the Shema is always recited by a Jew as the paramount verse to ward off evil. This is a direct commandment from the Bible (Deuteronomy 6:6–7), alluded to in verses such as “Commune with your own heart upon your bed” (Psalms 4:4), is the first verse taught to a Jewish child, as well as the ideal deathbed confessional. For example, five members of a Dutch family were part of the fifteen deaths in the Sbarro Pizza bombing in Jerusalem. The father had managed to reach over and just hold the hand of his 4-year old son as the two of them lay bleeding, burning, and dying. Spoken together, their last words were heard to be the Shema.
It is traditionally spoken more audibly than the Amidah (which follows) since the Shema reaffirms the most important tenets of Judaism (traditionally, one imparts a kiss from lips to doorpost with fingertips, where the first six words hang, every time one enters their home). The Shema is a declaration of faith, a pledge of allegiance to One God. The Shema speaks of loving God, learning the Bible, and passing on the tradition to one’s children. It so serves to remind Jews of their duty to serve as witnesses to God’s sovereignty by leading exemplary lives and to speak of His Word at every opportunity. The cry of “Shema Yisrael” (Listen, O Israel) has always symbolized the ultimate manifestation of faith in the deadliest of situations (concentration camps).
The idea that God (and all) is one runs contrary to the earlier Zoroastrian (origin of all modern religions; and, at the time Christ, followers were known as the Magi, meaning astrologer) doctrine of dualism, which propounds the idea of two conflicting powers — good and evil (common to other religions). The Shema is specifically spoken with one’s eyes closed (as in death) to symbolize striving for an understanding upon death of how even the “bad” in our lives were actually for the “good.” To love with our “heart” means to love with our emotional desires, to love with our “soul” means to love specifically in our worst moments (to death), and to love with all our “resources” means to love even with our money. As the Torah traditionally progresses a series from easiest to hardest, does this suggest we love money more than life?
In Nevada, in fact, hotel room windows are always built to open no more than a crack to stop people who have lost all their money from jumping out and additionally losing their seemingly less important lives. The oral Jewish traditions also speak of a man walking through a thorny field who pulled up his pant legs so that even though his legs were torn up, his pants were saved. Finally, Machiavelli noted in “The Prince” that people are likewise generally more affected by the lose of property than by the lose of their father.
The Shema is also quoted in the New Testament (many of the patriarchs, of course, referenced it: Moses used it in his farewell address). The Gospel of Mark 12:28-30 mentions that Jesus considered the Shema the beginning exhortation of the first of his two greatest commandments. “One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Listen, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord Your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’” (“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”)
Jesus also refers to the Shema in The Gospel of John 10:30. A group of Jews in the Temple in Jerusalem at the Feast of Dedication, or Hanukkah, asks him if he is Messiah, the anointed one of God. Jesus concludes his response with the words “I and my Father are one” (NIV). This is an allusion to the Shema, which any Jew would immediately recognize. In addition, the apostle Paul reworks the Shema into 1 Corinthians 8:5-6 for the risen Christ:
“For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, as truly there are many ‘gods’ and ‘lords’, yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.”
BACKGROUND TO THE AMIDAH
After building the second temple, the Great Assembly created the Amidah, which means “standing” or testifying for God (just as testimony is always given standing in a Jewish court) and it is recited while facing and bowing to Jerusalem – the gateway to heaven (the Muslims copy this form). Again, the Amidah is one of the two most important Jewish prayers (the other being aforementioned Shema ). And, it intentionally includes the three praise, petition, and thanksgiving aspects of all prayer. While the Amidah is now thought of only as a prayer, however, the most ancient sources regarded it more as a meditation. The Talmud confirms this and even adds that the patriarchs would recite it for an entire hour. People today may complain the constant repetition (done three times a day to coincide with the times for offerings as it wholly replaced the offerings when the temple was destroyed in 70AD as per Hosea’s prophecy) is tedious, but anyone familiar with mantra meditations would recognize just the opposite. The Amidah was by design essentially a formula for a lifelong mantra for raising the people to a higher level of reflective consciousness (Jewish Meditation, Kaplan, pp 44-46). The guideline of praying by quietly moving one’s lips without anyone else hearing comes from Hannah’s behavior while praying in the Temple to bear a child.
The Amidah is begun by taking three steps forward (into the presence of God, sometimes after taking three steps backward out of the material world) and is finished with three steps backward (just as one would part from an altar or Rabi) while saying “He who makes peace in the heavens, may He make peace for us all. And, let us say, Amen.” On Sabbath eve, after the congregation has read the Amidah silently, the reader repeats the following:
Shield of the patriarchs by His word, reviving the dead by His command, the holy God to whom none is like; who caused His people to rest on His holy Sabbath-day, for in them He took delight to cause them to rest. Before Him we shall worship in reverence and fear. We shall render thanks to His name on every day constantly in the manner of the benedictions. God of the acknowledgments, Lord of Peace, who sanctified the Sabbath and blesses the seventh day and causes the people who are filled with Sabbath delight to rest as a memorial of the work in the beginning of Creation.
THE AMIDAH
1. THE GOD OF HISTORY (Avot):
Blessed (bend knees) are You (bend forward), O Lord (stand) our God and
God of our fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of
Jacob, the great, mighty, and revered God, the Most High God who bestows
loving kindnesses, the Creator of all, who recalls the good deeds of the
patriarchs and who brings in love a redeemer to their children’s children
for his name’s sake. O king, helper, savior and shield. Blessed (bend knees)
are You (bend forward), O Lord (stand), the shield of Abraham.
2. THE GOD OF NATURE (Gevurot):
You, O Lord, are mighty forever, You are the Reviver of the
dead, only You have the power to save. [From the end of Sukkot until the
eve of Passover, insert: You cause the wind to blow and the rain to fall.]
You sustain the living with loving kindness, You revive the dead with great
compassion, You support the fallen, heal the sick, set free the bound, and
keep faith with those who sleep in the dust. Who is like You, O Master of
mighty deeds? Who compares to You, a king who puts to death and restores
to life, and brings forth salvation? And You are certain to revive the dead.
Blessed are You, O Lord, who revives the dead.
3. SANCTIFICATION OF GOD (Kedushat HaShem):
You are holy and Your Name is holy,
and Your holy ones praise You every day.
Blessed are You, O Lord, the God Who is holy.
[Reader] We will sanctify Your name in this world just as it is sanctified in the highest heavens, as it is written by Your prophet: “And they call out to one another and say:
[Cong.] ’Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.’“ [Isa. 6:3]
[Reader] Those facing them praise God saying:
[Cong.] ”Blessed be the Presence of the Lord in his place.” [Ezek. 3:12]
[Reader] And in Your Holy Word it is written, saying,
[Cong.] ”The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. Hallelujah.” [Ps. 146:10]
[Reader] Throughout all generations we will declare Your greatness, and to all eternity we will proclaim Your holiness. Your praise, O our God, shall never depart from our mouth, for You are a great and holy God and King. Blessed are You, O Lord, the holy God. You are holy, and Your name is holy, and holy people praise You daily. (Selah.) Blessed are You, O Lord, the God who is holy.
4. PRAYER FOR UNDERSTANDING (Da’aat):
You show favor to those with knowledge, and You teach
understanding to those who are mortal. Be gracious to us;
a mind of understanding and insight is from You.
Blessed are You, O Lord, Who favors us with knowledge.
5. FOR REPENTANCE (Teshuvah):
Return us, our Father, to Your Word;
draw us near, our King, to serve You.
Restore us to Your presence in complete repentance.
Blessed are You, O Lord, who desires repentance.
6. FOR FORGIVENESS (Selichah):
Forgive us, our Father, for we have sinned;
pardon us, our King, for we have rebelled; for You pardon and forgive.
Blessed are You, O Lord, who is merciful and always ready to forgive.
7. FOR DELIVERANCE FROM AFFLICTION (Geulah):
Behold our affliction and champion our cause,
and redeem us quickly for Your name’s sake.
Blessed are You, O Lord, the redeemer of Your people who fight with God.
8. FOR HEALING (Refuah):
Heal us, O Lord, and we will be healed;
save us and we will be saved. May it be Your will, for You are the one we praise, to send complete healing from heaven with spiritual healing and physical healing for all our ailments [you may interject one who is ill as a child of someone among the patients of His people],
for You, God of our forefathers, are a faithful and merciful healer.
Blessed are You, O Lord, the healer of the sick among His champions.
9. FOR DELIVERANCE FROM WANT (Birkat Hashanim):
Bless this year for us, O Lord our God.
Grant a blessing on the earth for our welfare
just as You have always sustained us with Your bounty.
Blessed are You, O Lord, who blesses all time.
10. FOR GATHERING OF EXILES (Kibbutz Galuyot):
Sound the great trumpet for our freedom,
raise a banner to gather those who were exiled,
and gather Your people from the four corners of the earth. Blessed are You,
O Lord, who gathers the scattered of Your people who fight with God.
11. FOR THE RIGHTEOUS REIGN OF GOD (Birkat HaDin):
Restore our judges and advisors to us as in earlier times.
Remove our sorrows and troubles. We want You,
O Lord, to rule over us with kindness and compassion;
and, You to justify us in judgment. Blessed are You, O Lord,
the King who loves righteousness and justice.
12. FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF APOSTATES AND
THE ENEMIES OF GOD (Birkat HaMinim):
[This 19th blessing was added after the destruction of the second Temple. An error in the other blessing would be forgiven, but not in this one.]
Let there be no hope for intolerant and false believers;
let all their wickedness instantly perish.
May we soon see all Your enemies become
cut down, scattered, crushed, and humbled.
Blessed are You, O Lord, who defeats enemies and humbles sinners.
13. FOR THE RIGHTEOUS AND PROSELYTES (Tsaddikim):
Let Your compassion arise, O Lord our God,
upon the righteous, the devout, the elders of Your people,
the remnant of their scholars, the righteous proselytes, as well as
upon ourselves. Provide a good reward to all who truly trust in Your name;
and, include us forever with those who unashamedly put their trust in You.
Blessed are You, O Lord, the stronghold and assurance of the righteous.
14. FOR THE REBUILDING OF JERUSALEM (Binyan Yerushalayim):
Return in mercy to Your city Jerusalem,
and dwell within it as You have promised.
May we soon see You rebuild it as an eternal structure
and quickly establish within it the throne of David.
Blessed are You, O Lord, the builder of Jerusalem.
15. FOR THE MESSIANIC KING (Malkhut beit David):
“I will set one of your sons on your throne for all time. I chose Zion to be My home forever and I’ll shower blessings on the pilgrims who come here if your descendents stay true to my Covenant and live as I teach.” (Psalm 132:11-18)
May the offspring of Your servant David quickly flourish
and may You prosper and be exalted in Your saving power,
a victory in which we hold hope for all time.
Blessed are You, O Lord, who causes salvation to flourish.
16. FOR THE ANSWERING OF PRAYER (Kabbalat Tefillah):
Hear our voice, O Lord our God; and have pity and mercy upon us.
And, accept our prayer in mercy and favor,
for You are a God who hears prayers and supplications.
Do not turn us away from Your presence empty-handed,
for You hear the prayers of Your people with compassion.
Blessed are You, O Lord, who hears prayer.
17. FOR RESTORATION OF TEMPLE SERVICE (Avodah):
Accept us, O Lord our God, and receive our prayers.
Restore the service of Your house and accept in love
our offerings as well as our praises, petitions, and thanksgivings.
Let our worship always please You.
And let our eyes see You return in mercy to Zion.
Blessed are You, O Lord, who restores His presence to Zion.
18. THANKSGIVING FOR GOD’S UNFAILING MERCIES (Hoda’ah):
We give thanks, O Lord our God, for You alone are the God of our fathers.
Through every generation You have been the rock of our lives and the shield
of our salvation. We will give You thanks and declare Your praise for our
lives that are committed into Your hands, for our souls that are entrusted
to You, for Your miracles that are daily with us, and for Your wonders and
Your favors that are with us at all times, evening, morning and afternoon.
O Good One, Your mercies are never exhausted and Your loving kindness
never ends. We have put our hope in You. For all these things we bless
and exalt Your name forever. And, every living thing shall confess You
forever and praise Your Name in truth, O God of our salvation and our help
forever. Blessed (bend knees) are You (bend), O Lord (stand),
“The Good One” is Your name, and to You it is fitting to give thanks.
19. FOR PEACE (Sim Shalom):
Grant peace, goodness, blessing, grace, kindness, and mercy upon us
and upon all Your people. Bless us, our Father, all of us as one,
with the light of Your face (for You have given us the light of Your face),
O Lord our God, the book of life, love, kindness, righteousness,
blessing, compassion, life, and peace. And, may it please You
to bless Your people at all times with Your peace. Blessed are You,
O Lord, who blesses His people who fight with god with peace.
(Bow to the left) He who makes peace in the heavens, (bow forward, toward Jerusalem) may He make peace for us all (stand up). And, let us say, Amen.
Jim
======= Kim:
there is so much in the Lord’s prayer! I use it frequently and am often challenged by the words “forgive us …. as we forgive others”. no easy task most of the time, but if we are to be right with God, then we must be right with those around us too. it is very easy to rattle the Lord’s prayer off quickly because we know it well, but if we really start thinking about what we are saying – our prayer life might be turned around.
thanks Jim for the Jewish prayers – i found those most interesting and look forward to perusing them at a later time.
Kim
