Hear the word of the Lord:
Job 38:1-7, (34-41)
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind:
Who is this that darkens counsel
by words without knowledge?
Gird up your loins like a man,
I will question you, and you shall declare to me.
Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements--surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone
when the morning stars sang together
and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?
Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,
so that a flood of waters may cover you?
Can you send forth lightnings,
so that they may go and say to you, 'Here we are'?
Who has put wisdom in the inward parts,
or given understanding to the mind?
Who has the wisdom to number the clouds?
Or who can tilt the waterskins of the heavens,
when the dust runs into a mass
and the clods cling together?
Can you hunt the prey for the lion,
or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,
when they crouch in their dens,
or lie in wait in their covert?
Who provides for the raven its prey,
when its young ones cry to God,
and wander about for lack of food?
Showing posts with label creation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label creation. Show all posts
Friday, October 23, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Making wise the simple ...
Hear the word of the Lord:
The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;
yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,
and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them;
and nothing is hid from its heat.
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul;
the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever;
the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can detect their errors?
Clear me from hidden faults.
Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19
The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;
yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,
and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them;
and nothing is hid from its heat.
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul;
the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever;
the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can detect their errors?
Clear me from hidden faults.
Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19
Monday, June 22, 2009
Taking charge of the ocean ...
Sometimes when we talk with God, we forget to whom we’re talking.
We can forget who it is that we’re asking questions.
The way that God answers Job may seem harsh in some ways,
Yet, to me, it is the voice of a loving parent,
Trying to remind a child of:
Who truly has knowledge of the world;
who has demonstrated who they are;
And who has proven what they can do.
Hear the word of the Lord:
And now, finally, God answered Job from the eye of a violent storm. He said:
"Why do you confuse the issue?
Why do you talk without knowing what you're talking about?
Pull yourself together, Job!
Up on your feet! Stand tall!
I have some questions for you,
and I want some straight answers.
Where were you when I created the earth?
Tell me, since you know so much!
Who decided on its size? Certainly you'll know that!
Who came up with the blueprints and measurements?
How was its foundation poured,
and who set the cornerstone,
While the morning stars sang in chorus
and all the angels shouted praise?
And who took charge of the ocean
when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb?
That was me! I wrapped it in soft clouds,
and tucked it in safely at night.
Then I made a playpen for it,
a strong playpen so it couldn't run loose,
And said, 'Stay here, this is your place.
Your wild tantrums are confined to this place.'
Job 38:1-11 – THE MESSAGE
Grace and peace,
Ron
We can forget who it is that we’re asking questions.
The way that God answers Job may seem harsh in some ways,
Yet, to me, it is the voice of a loving parent,
Trying to remind a child of:
Who truly has knowledge of the world;
who has demonstrated who they are;
And who has proven what they can do.
Hear the word of the Lord:
And now, finally, God answered Job from the eye of a violent storm. He said:
"Why do you confuse the issue?
Why do you talk without knowing what you're talking about?
Pull yourself together, Job!
Up on your feet! Stand tall!
I have some questions for you,
and I want some straight answers.
Where were you when I created the earth?
Tell me, since you know so much!
Who decided on its size? Certainly you'll know that!
Who came up with the blueprints and measurements?
How was its foundation poured,
and who set the cornerstone,
While the morning stars sang in chorus
and all the angels shouted praise?
And who took charge of the ocean
when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb?
That was me! I wrapped it in soft clouds,
and tucked it in safely at night.
Then I made a playpen for it,
a strong playpen so it couldn't run loose,
And said, 'Stay here, this is your place.
Your wild tantrums are confined to this place.'
Job 38:1-11 – THE MESSAGE
Grace and peace,
Ron
Saturday, May 23, 2009
The ocean in its place ...
Hear the word of God:
Rejoice in the Lord, good people!
It is only right for good people to praise him.
Play the lyre and praise the Lord.
Play the ten-stringed harp for him.
Sing a new song to him.
Play it well and sing it loud!
The Lord's word is true.
You can depend on his teachings.
He loves goodness and justice.
The Lord's faithful love fills the earth.
The Lord spoke the command, and the world was made.
The breath from his mouth created everything in the heavens.
He gathered together the water of the sea.
He put the ocean in its place.
Everyone on earth should fear and respect the Lord.
All the people in the world should fear him,
because when he speaks, things happen.
And if he says, "Stop!"—then it stops.
The Lord can ruin every decision the nations make.
He can spoil all their plans.
But the Lord's decisions are good forever.
His plans are good for generation after generation.
Great blessings belong to those who have the Lord as their God!
He chose them to be his own special people.
The Lord looked down from heaven
and saw all the people.
From his high throne he looked down
at all the people living on earth.
He created every person's mind,
and he knows what each one is doing.
A king is not saved by the power of his army.
A soldier does not survive by his own great strength.
Horses don't really bring victory in war.
Their strength cannot help you escape.
The Lord watches over his followers,
those who wait for him to show his faithful love.
He saves them from death.
He gives them strength when they are hungry.
So we will wait for the Lord.
He helps us and protects us.
He makes us happy.
We trust his holy name.
Lord, we worship you,
so show your great love for us.
Psalm 33 Easy-to-Read Version, Revised Edition
Blessings,
Ron
Rejoice in the Lord, good people!
It is only right for good people to praise him.
Play the lyre and praise the Lord.
Play the ten-stringed harp for him.
Sing a new song to him.
Play it well and sing it loud!
The Lord's word is true.
You can depend on his teachings.
He loves goodness and justice.
The Lord's faithful love fills the earth.
The Lord spoke the command, and the world was made.
The breath from his mouth created everything in the heavens.
He gathered together the water of the sea.
He put the ocean in its place.
Everyone on earth should fear and respect the Lord.
All the people in the world should fear him,
because when he speaks, things happen.
And if he says, "Stop!"—then it stops.
The Lord can ruin every decision the nations make.
He can spoil all their plans.
But the Lord's decisions are good forever.
His plans are good for generation after generation.
Great blessings belong to those who have the Lord as their God!
He chose them to be his own special people.
The Lord looked down from heaven
and saw all the people.
From his high throne he looked down
at all the people living on earth.
He created every person's mind,
and he knows what each one is doing.
A king is not saved by the power of his army.
A soldier does not survive by his own great strength.
Horses don't really bring victory in war.
Their strength cannot help you escape.
The Lord watches over his followers,
those who wait for him to show his faithful love.
He saves them from death.
He gives them strength when they are hungry.
So we will wait for the Lord.
He helps us and protects us.
He makes us happy.
We trust his holy name.
Lord, we worship you,
so show your great love for us.
Psalm 33 Easy-to-Read Version, Revised Edition
Blessings,
Ron
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Glory and honor ....
What is it to be human?
Sometimes we have such a low view of humanity.
We become so consumed with the failings of people
that we forget that God made us in his image.
We lose track of the fact that we are
the crowning glory of the creation story.
Yet God is not confused about our potential;
He has entrusted so much into our care.
His name is majestic, yet man and woman
Are well worthy of honor themselves.
Hear the word of the Lord:
O Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouths of babes and infants
you have founded a bulwark because of your foes,
to silence the enemy and the avenger.
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them?
Yet you have made them a little lower than God,
and crowned them with glory and honor.
You have given them dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under their feet,
all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Ps 8:1-9:1 – NRSV
Be blessed in being human.
Ron
Sometimes we have such a low view of humanity.
We become so consumed with the failings of people
that we forget that God made us in his image.
We lose track of the fact that we are
the crowning glory of the creation story.
Yet God is not confused about our potential;
He has entrusted so much into our care.
His name is majestic, yet man and woman
Are well worthy of honor themselves.
Hear the word of the Lord:
O Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouths of babes and infants
you have founded a bulwark because of your foes,
to silence the enemy and the avenger.
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them?
Yet you have made them a little lower than God,
and crowned them with glory and honor.
You have given them dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under their feet,
all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Ps 8:1-9:1 – NRSV
Be blessed in being human.
Ron
Monday, January 26, 2009
Waiting for adoption ...
Hear the word of God:
Romans 8:18-39
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.
What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written,
"For your sake we are being killed all day long;
we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered."
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
NRSV
Grace and peace,
Ron
Romans 8:18-39
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.
What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written,
"For your sake we are being killed all day long;
we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered."
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
NRSV
Grace and peace,
Ron
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Whose help, whose hope?
Our meditations in the Psalms continue with Psalm 146:
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God all my life long.
Surely the Lord is the center of the psalmist’s praise! This praise is not lip service, nor is it merely mental assent – this praise comes from the very soul of the worshiper. The feelings of the singer are so strong that twice the psalmist assures us that his or her praises will rise up to God for a lifetime. This ought to beg the question from us, “Why is God worthy of such praise from this person?”
Do not put your trust in princes,
in mortals, in whom there is no help.
When their breath departs, they return to the earth;
on that very day their plans perish.
One of the first ways that we come to understand the praiseworthiness of God is to understand the difference between his divinity and our humanity. Interestingly, the psalmist leads us to this place by making half of the comparison and trusting that we will imagine the implied counterpart. The psalmist describes the unreliability of even those who are perceived to be the best, the noblest, of humankind: royalty. Even princes are not very helpful; after all, they have so many people who ask them for so many things. Yet even if one were to work one’s way into their policies, how could anyone be sure that these nobles would focus long enough, or live long enough, to carry out all of these plans?
The nature of God is an implied contrast. Humans are one thing; God is another – the Other. God is reliable. God is worthy of our trust. God will give us help. His breath will never depart because his breath is eternal. God’s breath spoke the words that called this universe into existence and his breath will call the new heavens and earth into eternal existence. Yet, surely this God is not merely worthy of praise for who he is, but for what he has done.
Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord their God,
who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith forever;
who executes justice for the oppressed;
who gives food to the hungry.
Our God is most worthy of praise because of his mighty acts. Look at what he did for Jacob! Surely he will give happiness to us if we make him our Lord as did Jacob. This God created the heaven and earth and established the laws of physics that hold the universe together. The chaotic sea he made, and calmed, and filled with life. All of these things God faithfully maintains and empowers, even toward eternity.
But the laws of physics, chemistry, and biology are not the end of his governance of creation. God also established laws of justice to govern the behavior of those he made in his image. Because God is a relational being, he made humans into relational beings. And the creator of people and power and possessions calls us to use power and wealth as he does: to care for the weak, the powerless, the outcast and even the oppressed. In a creation this fruitful, who should go hungry?
The Lord sets the prisoners free;
the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord watches over the strangers;
he upholds the orphan and the widow,
but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
Here are the words of salvation for those whom we serve. Yes, children have been imprisoned, not just in lockup but perhaps even worse – in bondage to the false gods of this world. God offers freedom. Yes, some children are blind and many of them spiritually so. God offers vision of a sort that they can hardly imagine. Yes, too many children are bowed down with the burdens of this world, and with bad habits that will become sin as they become accountable. Yet God offers his love for those who will accept his righteousness by enacting his justice. Those who do not uphold the powerless will find themselves powerless. That is the other side of his justice.
The Lord will reign forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord!
Surely neither this God’s plans, nor his life, will ever fail; he will be God to us, to our children, and to our children’s children. Surely that kind of a God is praiseworthy!
Grace and peace,
Ron
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God all my life long.
Surely the Lord is the center of the psalmist’s praise! This praise is not lip service, nor is it merely mental assent – this praise comes from the very soul of the worshiper. The feelings of the singer are so strong that twice the psalmist assures us that his or her praises will rise up to God for a lifetime. This ought to beg the question from us, “Why is God worthy of such praise from this person?”
Do not put your trust in princes,
in mortals, in whom there is no help.
When their breath departs, they return to the earth;
on that very day their plans perish.
One of the first ways that we come to understand the praiseworthiness of God is to understand the difference between his divinity and our humanity. Interestingly, the psalmist leads us to this place by making half of the comparison and trusting that we will imagine the implied counterpart. The psalmist describes the unreliability of even those who are perceived to be the best, the noblest, of humankind: royalty. Even princes are not very helpful; after all, they have so many people who ask them for so many things. Yet even if one were to work one’s way into their policies, how could anyone be sure that these nobles would focus long enough, or live long enough, to carry out all of these plans?
The nature of God is an implied contrast. Humans are one thing; God is another – the Other. God is reliable. God is worthy of our trust. God will give us help. His breath will never depart because his breath is eternal. God’s breath spoke the words that called this universe into existence and his breath will call the new heavens and earth into eternal existence. Yet, surely this God is not merely worthy of praise for who he is, but for what he has done.
Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord their God,
who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith forever;
who executes justice for the oppressed;
who gives food to the hungry.
Our God is most worthy of praise because of his mighty acts. Look at what he did for Jacob! Surely he will give happiness to us if we make him our Lord as did Jacob. This God created the heaven and earth and established the laws of physics that hold the universe together. The chaotic sea he made, and calmed, and filled with life. All of these things God faithfully maintains and empowers, even toward eternity.
But the laws of physics, chemistry, and biology are not the end of his governance of creation. God also established laws of justice to govern the behavior of those he made in his image. Because God is a relational being, he made humans into relational beings. And the creator of people and power and possessions calls us to use power and wealth as he does: to care for the weak, the powerless, the outcast and even the oppressed. In a creation this fruitful, who should go hungry?
The Lord sets the prisoners free;
the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord watches over the strangers;
he upholds the orphan and the widow,
but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
Here are the words of salvation for those whom we serve. Yes, children have been imprisoned, not just in lockup but perhaps even worse – in bondage to the false gods of this world. God offers freedom. Yes, some children are blind and many of them spiritually so. God offers vision of a sort that they can hardly imagine. Yes, too many children are bowed down with the burdens of this world, and with bad habits that will become sin as they become accountable. Yet God offers his love for those who will accept his righteousness by enacting his justice. Those who do not uphold the powerless will find themselves powerless. That is the other side of his justice.
The Lord will reign forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord!
Surely neither this God’s plans, nor his life, will ever fail; he will be God to us, to our children, and to our children’s children. Surely that kind of a God is praiseworthy!
Grace and peace,
Ron
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