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We had six for Wordlisteners tonight, and we read the chapters listed in the title.
Obadiah, an unknown servant of the Lord. Not much is known about Him. In serving the Lord he was trusted with this message. We can all be trusted of the Lord if we will indeed serve Him and give up our right to ourself. Edom was a nation that was descended from Esau, and they watched (and rejoiced) in the destruction of the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and were glad when Judah came under attack. Yet they were related to those people. Often we are "glad" when people we think are evil "get what they deserve", and I'm sure that applied to the Edomites as they looked at their brothers. Is it love to rejoice at the misfortune of others? The end times will bring about great distress, should we look forward to it? I look for the time after when Jesus will set up His Kingdom as God intended and am comforted by the fact that God will call people to Him as has never happened before. God has always let people choose though throughout history. God's message through Obadiah is that with the measure we rejoice over another's suffering is the measure that we will suffer. As you have done it will return unto you. This is similar to the return of our giving in the New Testament Luke 6:38. The Lord affirms that He will have the last say.
Jonah, Written during the strong time of the Northern kingdom of Israel, Assyria was their enemy, Nineveh was the capital city of their enemy. God intended to send Jonah to Nineveh because of their sin. Jonah was disobedient to God. God wants complete obedience from all His servants and yet like Jonah, we get to choose on a case by case basis. When Jonah disobeyed God sent consequences to try and regain his obedience to the Lord. You could say Jonah wanted his own way rather than God's, but God brought him to the point of seeing that the consequence of disobedience was much greater then the consequence of obedience.
So Jonah went as God had directed, and Nineveh actually listened to what Jonah said and repented. Since these people repented, God relented on sending His wrath. So Jonah obeyed God but became angry when the outcome he wanted did not occur. That God relented made what Jonah said not true, it made him look bad. So even though Jonah seemingly obeyed he was still not happy with the outcome (the Lord's will). So we can seemingly obey and expect certain outcomes that are not what the Lord had in mind. The Lord wanted to forgive, Jonah did not.
Jonah was angry at God because of His loving kindness. The laborers in vineyard in Jesus parable have the same reaction. Those that worked all day got the same reward as those that went out the last hour. We are quick to expect certain outcomes based on the way we think rather than discern from God continually His will. When we fall into certain expectations , we have left God and His plans.
Micah, a prophet before the fall of Israel and Judah who warned of coming judgment, but also to remind that God pardons those who repent. Its written to all peoples over the entire earth. The Lord is coming to be on the high places of the earth. This could apply to the last days. Then He gets Samaria specific, and speaks of the upcoming destruction of Samaria and exile.
Chapter 2 "woe to those who scheme iniquity". We are to think on the things of God specifically His will for us and our relationship with Him. If we do that, we will not be scheming iniquity. Woe to oppressors a man walking after wind and falsehood had told lies and spoke of wine and liquor, he would be the spokesman of the people.
Chapter 3 of Micah is about the leaders of Israel, but we all marveled at how similar the description is to our own leaders. Leaders who do unjust things and expect God's blessings.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
July 17, 2011 Hosea 9-14
We had 7 for Wordlisteners on this night and we finished Hosea. God wants relationship with each and every one of us and even though we often fail Him and turn from Him, he leaves the door open for reconciliation. God prospered them and they turned away. They reached a point of depravity and although God didn't want to He left them. One of our members said we are either under the blessing or the curse.
the people of Israel, when they split from Judah made a calf. In the wilderness with Moses, they made a calf. The calf is a representation of their wealth or capital, but with the Lord there may also be a deeper meaning. Certainly worshiping God's creation rather than God the creator applies.
Even though the people turned away and sunk into deep depravity, God leaves the door open and states that one day the people will put Him in the proper place and He will restore them.
Next week we'll study in Joel and Amos.
the people of Israel, when they split from Judah made a calf. In the wilderness with Moses, they made a calf. The calf is a representation of their wealth or capital, but with the Lord there may also be a deeper meaning. Certainly worshiping God's creation rather than God the creator applies.
Even though the people turned away and sunk into deep depravity, God leaves the door open and states that one day the people will put Him in the proper place and He will restore them.
Next week we'll study in Joel and Amos.
July 10 Hosea Chapters 1-8
We had 6 for Wordlisteners on this night. My notes are below. It was amazing how much alike the world is today as it was in Hosea's day just before the Assyrians took Israel into exile.
Chapter 1
Enough information is given to establish the time frame the book was written. This was at a time just before the Samaria (Israel) to the Assyrians.
Marriage is used by God as an example to illustrate the nation of Israel's relationship to Him. He instructs Hosea to take a wife of harlotry and have children. God hates divorce as we have read previously, and in terms of Israel's faithfulness to Him, He has every right to put them (us) out, but chooses to love us.
Gomer, Hosea's wife bore him a son, and then had two more children - of which can't be said with certainty that he was the father. This illustrates how Israel had multiple gods, instead of the one true God. Are we true to God, or do we play the field of all the other distractions that can take our focus off of Him?
Verse 10-11 show that even though God is about to let Assyria overthrow Samaria for Israel's unfaithfulness, that He is committed to this relationship with Israel long term. The day of Jezreel will be the day bloodshed ends and God makes all things right.
Chapter 2
A last chance for Israel, like a last chance for an adulterous spouse. A last chance for for the idolator that puts other things before God. The harlot uses the word "I" (several times) in terms of I will do things my way, and I want my way. But God says He is the reason she has what she has, even that which she used in worship of other Gods. God will take back what is His. He won't make us do things His way, but He may hedge our way with thorns to lead us in the direction He desires. We use the word "I" and Jesus said He does nothing that His Father
didn't show Him.
Again restoration is talked about, when we get to the end of the blessings of God, or they are taken away. When we get to the ends of our health, or it is taken away. Then our attention will turn to God (Job's attention held fast through good times and bad) or we will curse God (like Satan told God man would in Job).
At that time our relationship to God will be like that to a spouse. The closest and deepest possible. Our obedience to a master will turn into the closest relationship that is possible. (Ishi- Husband, Baali- master) Creation will respond to our right relationship to God, just like the land spews out those that defile it -Leviticus 18:28
God's heart - He wants relationship with us in His creation.
Chapter 3
Hosea has to go redeem his wife. She had sold herself into bondage through her harlotry. The nation will be taken away, they will live in exile, and not have a leader. One less idol to make them focus on God, and once seeking God, He will let Himself be found.
Chapter 4
The example of Gomer and Hosea is dropped, the nation of Israel is now described. No faithfulness, kindness or knowledge of God in the land- where is the US heading?
Violence, deception and a mourning land.
Everyone languishes (grow weak).
When Israel split from Judah they made two calves to worship in Samaria and appointed priests who were not Levites. This shows a clear refusal to obey God, or at the very least ignorance of His ways. Yet Israel was a nation many years before God let them be captured.
Chapter 5
Wanting our own way, and serving the gods that we think will get us what we want leads to hardship and ruin. Affliction, until we get to the point where we will seek God earnestly.
Chapter 6
The Lord tears, and the Lord heals. Did the Lord send it? Does He wound so He can bandage? If the world was created such that those that deny the Lord get into afflictions, is that the same as God sending it, or a consequence ?
He will raise us up on the third day- sure sounds familiar. He wants us to live before Him, He wants us to know Him.
He has hewn us by messages from His prophets, He has slain us with His words. He cries out for us. Our loyalty is fleeting, but He delights in it. Firm and consistent loyalty to Him. He wants us to have knowledge of Him (know Him) rather than offer sacrifices.
Chapter 7 and 8 I did not create specific notes for.
Chapter 1
Enough information is given to establish the time frame the book was written. This was at a time just before the Samaria (Israel) to the Assyrians.
Marriage is used by God as an example to illustrate the nation of Israel's relationship to Him. He instructs Hosea to take a wife of harlotry and have children. God hates divorce as we have read previously, and in terms of Israel's faithfulness to Him, He has every right to put them (us) out, but chooses to love us.
Gomer, Hosea's wife bore him a son, and then had two more children - of which can't be said with certainty that he was the father. This illustrates how Israel had multiple gods, instead of the one true God. Are we true to God, or do we play the field of all the other distractions that can take our focus off of Him?
Verse 10-11 show that even though God is about to let Assyria overthrow Samaria for Israel's unfaithfulness, that He is committed to this relationship with Israel long term. The day of Jezreel will be the day bloodshed ends and God makes all things right.
Chapter 2
A last chance for Israel, like a last chance for an adulterous spouse. A last chance for for the idolator that puts other things before God. The harlot uses the word "I" (several times) in terms of I will do things my way, and I want my way. But God says He is the reason she has what she has, even that which she used in worship of other Gods. God will take back what is His. He won't make us do things His way, but He may hedge our way with thorns to lead us in the direction He desires. We use the word "I" and Jesus said He does nothing that His Father
didn't show Him.
Again restoration is talked about, when we get to the end of the blessings of God, or they are taken away. When we get to the ends of our health, or it is taken away. Then our attention will turn to God (Job's attention held fast through good times and bad) or we will curse God (like Satan told God man would in Job).
At that time our relationship to God will be like that to a spouse. The closest and deepest possible. Our obedience to a master will turn into the closest relationship that is possible. (Ishi- Husband, Baali- master) Creation will respond to our right relationship to God, just like the land spews out those that defile it -Leviticus 18:28
God's heart - He wants relationship with us in His creation.
Chapter 3
Hosea has to go redeem his wife. She had sold herself into bondage through her harlotry. The nation will be taken away, they will live in exile, and not have a leader. One less idol to make them focus on God, and once seeking God, He will let Himself be found.
Chapter 4
The example of Gomer and Hosea is dropped, the nation of Israel is now described. No faithfulness, kindness or knowledge of God in the land- where is the US heading?
Violence, deception and a mourning land.
Everyone languishes (grow weak).
When Israel split from Judah they made two calves to worship in Samaria and appointed priests who were not Levites. This shows a clear refusal to obey God, or at the very least ignorance of His ways. Yet Israel was a nation many years before God let them be captured.
Chapter 5
Wanting our own way, and serving the gods that we think will get us what we want leads to hardship and ruin. Affliction, until we get to the point where we will seek God earnestly.
Chapter 6
The Lord tears, and the Lord heals. Did the Lord send it? Does He wound so He can bandage? If the world was created such that those that deny the Lord get into afflictions, is that the same as God sending it, or a consequence ?
He will raise us up on the third day- sure sounds familiar. He wants us to live before Him, He wants us to know Him.
He has hewn us by messages from His prophets, He has slain us with His words. He cries out for us. Our loyalty is fleeting, but He delights in it. Firm and consistent loyalty to Him. He wants us to have knowledge of Him (know Him) rather than offer sacrifices.
Chapter 7 and 8 I did not create specific notes for.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
June 26, Leviticus 26-27, Malachi
Tonight we had 7 for Word listeners and we read the last two chapters of Leviticus and the book of Malachi.
Leviticus 26 is pretty self explanatory, obey the Lord and He'll take care of us in this life. Don't obey the Lord and He will let things happen progressively that are designed to get our attention turn us back to Him. He will gladly welcome us back even from the depths we let ourselves sink to wanting our way.. He wants relationship with us, He wants us to be obedient to His ways. We have to give up the right to ourselves and wanting our way and accept His. This points to Jesus in that He came and made it possible for us to have that relationship.
Leviticus chapter 27 is about valuations. Males typically were valued more than females not because males are more valuable to God, but rather because men could generally accomplish more of the typical labor of the day. As part of being obedient to God the 1st 10% should be given to Him. Additionally people made vows to God to give more. God is serious about vows and He expects us to keep our vows. If we change our mind it takes 20% more value than the value promised in money to buy it back. That God is serious about vows and expects us to keep ours shows His heart, and that He will keep His. That was a point the pastor made in church today, that it would be a better world if people just kept their promises.
After reading in Leviticus about the requirements for sacrifices Malachi was a good fit. At the end of the old testament God stated that people were not giving Him their best- lame animals for sacrifices. Animals they wouldn't give their leaders.
Not keeping their vows or promises to the wife of their youth by divorcing her (which God stated in the chapter that He hates), but after doing something God hates they openly wondered why He wouldn't bless them. God is still called in our day during wedding ceremonies to "witness" the union, of which about half don't make it.
They also complained that serving God wasn't lucrative -implying it wasn't worth their while. God told them the people were not bringing the whole tithe.
God said he would send a purifier or refiner, and set things right. A vow or promise? Even after all our enlightenment and technology we're still at about the same place the people in Malachi's day were. We can add to it that we think (under delusion) that we're better off.
The question for night, why did God go silent for about 400 years between Malachi and Jesus? I don't know. Is it that He had stated His case, protected His Word, and turned away from mankind? Maybe He had completed all He felt He needed to prior to Jesus.
We as a group decided to start with Hosea in July (2nd Sunday) and work through the minor prophets.
Leviticus 26 is pretty self explanatory, obey the Lord and He'll take care of us in this life. Don't obey the Lord and He will let things happen progressively that are designed to get our attention turn us back to Him. He will gladly welcome us back even from the depths we let ourselves sink to wanting our way.. He wants relationship with us, He wants us to be obedient to His ways. We have to give up the right to ourselves and wanting our way and accept His. This points to Jesus in that He came and made it possible for us to have that relationship.
Leviticus chapter 27 is about valuations. Males typically were valued more than females not because males are more valuable to God, but rather because men could generally accomplish more of the typical labor of the day. As part of being obedient to God the 1st 10% should be given to Him. Additionally people made vows to God to give more. God is serious about vows and He expects us to keep our vows. If we change our mind it takes 20% more value than the value promised in money to buy it back. That God is serious about vows and expects us to keep ours shows His heart, and that He will keep His. That was a point the pastor made in church today, that it would be a better world if people just kept their promises.
After reading in Leviticus about the requirements for sacrifices Malachi was a good fit. At the end of the old testament God stated that people were not giving Him their best- lame animals for sacrifices. Animals they wouldn't give their leaders.
Not keeping their vows or promises to the wife of their youth by divorcing her (which God stated in the chapter that He hates), but after doing something God hates they openly wondered why He wouldn't bless them. God is still called in our day during wedding ceremonies to "witness" the union, of which about half don't make it.
They also complained that serving God wasn't lucrative -implying it wasn't worth their while. God told them the people were not bringing the whole tithe.
God said he would send a purifier or refiner, and set things right. A vow or promise? Even after all our enlightenment and technology we're still at about the same place the people in Malachi's day were. We can add to it that we think (under delusion) that we're better off.
The question for night, why did God go silent for about 400 years between Malachi and Jesus? I don't know. Is it that He had stated His case, protected His Word, and turned away from mankind? Maybe He had completed all He felt He needed to prior to Jesus.
We as a group decided to start with Hosea in July (2nd Sunday) and work through the minor prophets.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
June 19, 2011 Leviticus 22-25
We had seven for Wordlisteners and read and discussed Leviticus 22-25.
Chapter 22: We learned about the priest's portion of the offering and who could eat it. People would offer to God, but the priest would get to eat it, he had to be careful that he didn't profane the Lord by taking the sacrifice lightly. It is also reiterated that God wants flawless animals for sacrifice. Part of it is that Jesus is the perfect sacrifice, so example after example of a perfect sacrifice is given and required. On another level it is about obedience, and giving to God our best rather than our seconds. We had a discussion on tithing, God doesn't need the money, its rather about obedience. Everything we have materially is His anyway, the only thing we can truly offer is our right to ourselves. Tithing is to teach us obedience and to practice/make a habit of giving up our right to ourselves.
Chapter 23: Tells us to keep the sabbath, and do no work. It was interesting to me that much discussion and defining was done by the Pharisees to define what work is. They took the command and made it their religion or part of it. God's intent was a day we focus on Him. He wants relationship with us so it makes sense. Based on our discussion and the various ways people think the sabbath should be observed I think the intent to this day is still sometimes missed.
We also read and discussed the feasts, the Holy days set forth by God. They are Passover (now Easter), the day of Pentecost (modern version) 50 days after Passover. The day of Atonement, which like Easter varies from year to year. It is commanded to have this, but there isn't a modern holy day that corresponds to it. Potentially it could be the day the Lord returns. Not that any man knows the day or hour, we do see the signs for the right season. The booths or living in tents are mentioned also.
Chapter 24: The bread of the presence and the lamp, kept going perpetually is described. After this is probably the most oft quoted scripture - an eye for an eye. Jesus added to this section by saying love your enemy, turn the other cheek. He (Jesus) was talking about evil people out to harm Christians or persecute them. It was meant as a witness to them such that ALL may come to a saving knowledge of Christ. Eye for and Eye is still applicable in that for some things making amends is required and people are accountable for their actions. If you kill and know that your life will also be required then it can't be anything but a deterrent. The one standard is also of God who hates double standards.
A man in this chapter cursed God and was ultimately stoned. It is God's world, and the man was God's creation, who cursed his Maker. This is a sign of someone that wants their own way, even to be like God, and we all have our moments. We need to focus on being submitted to His will and desire.
Chapter 25: The year of Jubilee and the Sabbatic year. These were designed by God to give the land rest. The division of the lands and the Jubilee was a time for families to return to what God had promised them. So a life of hardship gets restored from time to time. I have a Jewish acquaintance who isn't sure what tribe he is a part of. He also said most Jews don't know. Another interesting point is that Jubilee wasn't ever celebrated as it was outlined here. Parts of it have been, often lands are left to rest, etc. Not fully restored tribes to their land. It sounds like at this point it can't happen unless God initiates it. In that case 6000 years of not having a Jubilee year will mean 1000 Jubilees have been missed. Christ will reign for 1000 years (making up for the missed Jubilees?). Its also a time when people look out for each other putting people ahead of wealth. Don't charge interest, see a poor countryman- give him food. This chapter very well could point to what Christ's reign will be like on a day to day basis.
I can see why Jubilee wasn't celebrated as outlined. Every 7 years the crops from one year would have had to go two years. On the Jubilee year it would made the crops had to go three years. God plainly promised provision, but we as people now, just as then, are not fully obedient to Him who created us and this world we live in.
This leaves us with two chapters, and the group decided I get to pick the next book to study. I prayed about it and the "all scripture is for edification" came to mind. I acknowledge the truth of that and hope God will show me something specific.
Chapter 22: We learned about the priest's portion of the offering and who could eat it. People would offer to God, but the priest would get to eat it, he had to be careful that he didn't profane the Lord by taking the sacrifice lightly. It is also reiterated that God wants flawless animals for sacrifice. Part of it is that Jesus is the perfect sacrifice, so example after example of a perfect sacrifice is given and required. On another level it is about obedience, and giving to God our best rather than our seconds. We had a discussion on tithing, God doesn't need the money, its rather about obedience. Everything we have materially is His anyway, the only thing we can truly offer is our right to ourselves. Tithing is to teach us obedience and to practice/make a habit of giving up our right to ourselves.
Chapter 23: Tells us to keep the sabbath, and do no work. It was interesting to me that much discussion and defining was done by the Pharisees to define what work is. They took the command and made it their religion or part of it. God's intent was a day we focus on Him. He wants relationship with us so it makes sense. Based on our discussion and the various ways people think the sabbath should be observed I think the intent to this day is still sometimes missed.
We also read and discussed the feasts, the Holy days set forth by God. They are Passover (now Easter), the day of Pentecost (modern version) 50 days after Passover. The day of Atonement, which like Easter varies from year to year. It is commanded to have this, but there isn't a modern holy day that corresponds to it. Potentially it could be the day the Lord returns. Not that any man knows the day or hour, we do see the signs for the right season. The booths or living in tents are mentioned also.
Chapter 24: The bread of the presence and the lamp, kept going perpetually is described. After this is probably the most oft quoted scripture - an eye for an eye. Jesus added to this section by saying love your enemy, turn the other cheek. He (Jesus) was talking about evil people out to harm Christians or persecute them. It was meant as a witness to them such that ALL may come to a saving knowledge of Christ. Eye for and Eye is still applicable in that for some things making amends is required and people are accountable for their actions. If you kill and know that your life will also be required then it can't be anything but a deterrent. The one standard is also of God who hates double standards.
A man in this chapter cursed God and was ultimately stoned. It is God's world, and the man was God's creation, who cursed his Maker. This is a sign of someone that wants their own way, even to be like God, and we all have our moments. We need to focus on being submitted to His will and desire.
Chapter 25: The year of Jubilee and the Sabbatic year. These were designed by God to give the land rest. The division of the lands and the Jubilee was a time for families to return to what God had promised them. So a life of hardship gets restored from time to time. I have a Jewish acquaintance who isn't sure what tribe he is a part of. He also said most Jews don't know. Another interesting point is that Jubilee wasn't ever celebrated as it was outlined here. Parts of it have been, often lands are left to rest, etc. Not fully restored tribes to their land. It sounds like at this point it can't happen unless God initiates it. In that case 6000 years of not having a Jubilee year will mean 1000 Jubilees have been missed. Christ will reign for 1000 years (making up for the missed Jubilees?). Its also a time when people look out for each other putting people ahead of wealth. Don't charge interest, see a poor countryman- give him food. This chapter very well could point to what Christ's reign will be like on a day to day basis.
I can see why Jubilee wasn't celebrated as outlined. Every 7 years the crops from one year would have had to go two years. On the Jubilee year it would made the crops had to go three years. God plainly promised provision, but we as people now, just as then, are not fully obedient to Him who created us and this world we live in.
This leaves us with two chapters, and the group decided I get to pick the next book to study. I prayed about it and the "all scripture is for edification" came to mind. I acknowledge the truth of that and hope God will show me something specific.
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