Deja vu all over again

by Ben

I read 2 Chronicles 10-16.

Happy New Year!

In reading today, I heard more about Rehoboam (Solomon's son). As a young king, he makes some grave mistakes that split Israel into two pieces. Rehoboam, now the king of Judah, grows in understanding and seems to do some good things, but doesn't seek the Lord with all his heart. Later on, King Asa seems to be following God, even going so far as to make the statement that "anyone who refused to seek the Lord, the God of Israel, would be put to death" - a pretty strong statement, especially for a guy who falls away from God later in life.

Why do I mention these things today? It is because I know that although I want to have faith like David and wisdom like Solomon, I live like Rehoboam and Asa. My spiritual life waxes and wanes. I define sin as not thinking like God. Maybe that's too steep of a definition, but it helps me to realize that although I'm generally a good person, I have a long way to go.

I have times when I forget (or more likely "don't have time") to do Scripture reading or quiet time. The next time I do take time with God, my error faces me. My sin is there and is something I must deal with. But I do face it. I do not turn from these times of judgment. Unlike King Asa, I come back to God. Unlike King Rehoboam, I continually come back to God. I pray that I continue to do so. I pray that we all do.

Hey, look a dlog!

by Ben

Hey all! So I was in the office today, looking through my favorites menu, and found a link to something called dLog. Wow. What a great thing! A site of written thoughts about God, some based on the Bible and some based on personal experiences. How neat! I'd heard of this blogging thing before, but what a fun usage of the internet. Friends sharing their interactions with God.

So, it's been a bit since I last posted. Much has happened: doubts, fears, joys, moments of being extreme distance to God, and moments of extreme closeness to God. With that, I turn to the Israelites:

I read 2 Chronicles 1-9.

2 Chronicles starts off by following the events of Solomon's life (David's son). Solomon has become king and the first thing that he does is sacrifice a thousand burnt offerings to God. Whoa. 1000.

That night, God comes to Solomon in a dream and tells him to asks him what he wants, saying that it will be given to him. Solomon asks God for wisdom, which is a pretty smart move anyhow. Solomon cares so much for the people that he will be leading that he doesn't want to do anything to mess it up. He wants to be wise in his ruling over his people.

I find myself relating to these Bible characters so often. In working with my youth, I want to be wise. I want to know how best to lead them in their faith journeys. I want to be able to be a rabbi for them, such that they look toward my actions as how they should act. I want to be able to respond to their questions about faith in ways that cause them to think. I envy the wisdom of Solomon. I envy the relationship that rabbis have with their disciples. I really fear for my youth. I am scared for their futures, for the people that they could become.

I mean, I know that if they don't follow God, it isn't entirely my fault. But I certainly feel as though much of the responsibility for their spiritual development rests on my shoulders. I know that is silly - that my one hour a week doesn't compare to the time they spend in other aspects of their lives. Yet, I'm one of the people that they look to for guidance (or maybe should look to). I fear two things: 1) that they won't look to me for spiritual guidance. 2) when they do, they won't find what they need.

I know that God is doing more work for those kids than I ever could. I also know that he cares more about them than I ever could. But...

You should notice by now the tennis match that is going on in my mind. But this morning, I found some relief:

Today, I took some quiet time. A book that I picked up at NYWC called "Enjoy the Silence". It deals with Lectio Divina and was exactly what I needed. The verses I read today were Luke 8:4-15 and deal with the parable of the sower. I realized two things...1) that I have to work on my own heart first, to make sure that I am a plant that has good soil and will produce seeds. 2) that all I can do is produce the seeds, I can't shove them into soil that won't take it.


Like Solomon, I ask for wisdom to lead my people. I think I got some today.

Spiritual Director

by Ben

I read 1 Chronicles 26-29 (finishing it out).

I choose to write today about some of my experiences during the National Youth Workers Convention.

While there, I had the opportunity to sign up to see a spiritual director. I recommend this to everyone! It was an incredible experience. My session was with Fil Anderson, author of the book "Running on Empty" - which I have written about on here a few times. Although he was my director, the session was definitely spirit-led. There are truths about my spiritual growth that had been bouncing around in my mind, but had never come together as complete thoughts until that day.

I think I've come to understand that we don't think or talk about our spirituality enough in our world. Not even within the church. I know that I have been looking for a peer or peers to help me go deeper in my faith, I just couldn't wrap my mind around it before that day. I see now what I need to do to meet that longing.

For your own spiritual well-being, I recommend finding a spiritual director or mentor. For me it was beneficial to help me identify my spiritual longings and how to address them (not make them go away).

Father, thank you for my time with Fil at the NYWC. Thank you for using him to help me see you clearer, and help me see myself clearer, too. God, please be with me as I seek to know you better. And please be with everyone who struggles to know you better. Thank you Father. Amen.

Prayer

by Ben

I read 1 Chronicles 21-25.

I'm taking some time today for prayer.

Lost in thought

by Ben

I read 1 Chronicles 17-20.

I've pretty much decided that while reading Chronicles, unless something really strikes me, I'm going to write about other things that come to mind.

(25 minutes of studying several topics from spiritual warfare to PCUSA doctrine)

However, I spent too much time studying all kinds of topics today, so you won't get to hear any of it! Sorry!

Our Holy Grail

by Ben

I read 1 Chronicles 13-16.

This section recaps more of David's reign, including his reclaiming the Ark of God. Which, of course, got me thinking about Indiana Jones (I mean, who doesn't think of that when talking about the Ark?). This got me thinking about all three of the Indiana Jones movies. Which was your favorite and why? Why were Lost Ark and Last Crusade more popular than Temple of Doom?

Those two had Biblical references and artifacts! The main goal of these movies was to find the two greatest artifacts (or at least the most talked about) of the Bible. Who cares about a couple of stones that glow in comparison to the Ark of God and the Holy Grail? These items hold a sense of mystery for us, yet are real and ingrained in our history.

It is the same reason we like movies or books like The Matrix or Chronicles of Narnia - they make connection to a mystery that we all have in our hearts (not to mention all of the religious references). The suggest the answer that the Bible has already given us (if we'd just pay attention to it): that there is something bigger than us out there. We want to believe in the Matrix; we want to go to Narnia; we want there to be more to this life.

The great part is when you realize that this is more to this life and it is attainable, but not like chasing down some mysterious golden skull or finding the fountain of youth. We are already on the adventure, we just have to look around and notice it. And the reality that follows with it shows us that the greatest prize ever is right in front of us and all we have to do is reach out and take it. (And the beautiful thing is that no giant boulder is going to come rolling after us when we do)

Double Vision

by Ben

I read 1 Chronicles 9-12.

It is interesting to go through Chronicles after having read 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings. It is like a summary...a nice wrap up of all that has happened. However, I did think it odd when in chapter 11:11-47, 1 Chronicles almost word-for-word repeats 2 Samuel 23:8-39.

I've been doing a lot of reading about how the Bible was collected together and wondered if the manuscripts of one book was directly based on the other. Or if the books were recorded at the same time, making them very similar with only a few divergent details. The thing that really gets me is that the wording of sentences (not just facts) is almost exactly the same.

If one book was copied from the other, what was the purpose. This section doesn't summarize at all. It feels like a book report with a block quote that is way too long. I checked my Interpreter's Bible set and it confirmed that these two sections are the same and that the record in Chronicles is better, but it did not explain why we have two different records of the same information. (Note: These are not merely multiple copies of the same book. The connecting information is different, but the content of this particular section is nearly identical.) Any thoughts here?

The Proof is in the People

by Ben

I read 1 Chronicles 5-8.

More of the genealogy. I'm trying to come up with something interesting to say about this section. While it is great that all of these descendants are recorded here, I am very visual and would like to see the same information represented in a family tree diagram. It is most important to get the sense of God's people through this section. Unlike the gods of other countries, we have recorded the people who were influenced by God's commands and actions. It is like saying, "So you have doubts about God? Well, here are the lives of hundreds (thousands?) of people that show that He exists." It reminds me of a letter for our church's music program that lists all of the patrons. "Here is a lot of support for what we do." Chronicles suggests, "Here is a lot of support for God." What better way to show the prevalence of a deity than to show all of the people effected by him?

The Family Tree

by Ben

I read 1 Chronicles 1-4.

Oh my...the long lists of genealogy have returned! But this time, they have a purpose beyond just recording who begot whom. According to the introduction in the Student Life Application Bible, "1 Chronicles is more than a history lesson. It is a recounting of the spiritual strength of the nation." "First Chronicles can be considered a written pep rally. Writing for the Jews who had returned to their homeland, the author attempts to form a sense of national conscience and awaken a sense of national pride and unity."

By recording the Davidic line, 1 Chronicles shows how God has focused on the individuals since Adam. It also shows that we, as part of our spiritual heritage, are obligated to pass on the religious tradition. That years from now, even if we are just a name on a page, we have helped to grow God's kingdom by adding generation upon generation.

Negatives and Positives

by Ben

I read 2 Kings 23-25 (finishing out that book).

King Josiah obeys God's law (once it is found) and destroys all of the idols, shrines, and altars built to other gods in Judah. (He was only eight when he became king, yet he was more able to see the spiritual sickness in the land than his father or his grandfather) It is interesting what we see children doing throughout the Bible. Josiah's reaction to the finding of the Book of God's Law is something to note (from chapter 22). After hearing what was written in the book, "he tore his clothes in dispair." He knew that the people of Israel had not been following anything that was written in the book.

So, Josiah destroys all of the idols, shrines, and altars. Everything is hunky-dory-dory with the children of the Lord, right? If you think so, then you haven't been paying any attention to what we've read so far! Let me do a quick summary of the last few books of the Bible that we've read:

God, through either a prophet or a king, tries to make repairs to the relationship to his people, the Israelites. That person dies or is otherwise unable to watch over the people of Israel and they go back to sinning against God. (Repeat)

Well, you guessed it: Josiah dies and his two sons go right back to sinning (although, the Bible doesn't specify whether this was through idolatry or not). Well, in the mean time, the Babylonians are growing in power and end up destroying Jerusalem and capturing all of the people of Judah. BUT...

...a later king of Babylon is kind to the captured king of Judah. This king's name is Evil-merodach. Not a name that you would expect kindness from!

I guess I'm just frustrated by the almost predictable turning away from God. It makes me fear for my offspring. Will they follow God? Will they struggle with the same sins I do?

::Unrelated:: Chapter 25 marks a defining moment in the way the history is recorded. Up until now, if a king took power, the beginning of his reign was marked by when in another king's reign he began. Say King Matt took the throne of QHPC in the third year of King Ben's reign. Now, the Bible is actually using dates. Mind you, without translators doing the work for me, I'd never know that Chapter 25:1, which in the original text reads, "on the tenth day of the tenth month" actually means "on January 15, 588 B.C." However, this is a major turning point for the reader as now we can place when this happened within our own calendar. Prior to this point in reading, I had no clue when certain things happened or when certain people lived. WOOT for translators providing years!

Fitting

by Ben

I read 2 Kings 22.

God,
Sorry for no post yesterday (meetings all day) and sorry for the late and short post today. I did work first and didn't leave time for you. For that, I am sorry. I will strive to be back on tomorrow. Amen.

Let's just say that chapter 22 was fitting.

Breaking the Mold

by Ben

I read 2 Kings 18-21.

Hezekiah becomes king of Judah and (finally somebody!) destroys the idols and altars to other gods. He does a lot of good and follows God's direction through Isaiah. His son Manasseh becomes king and guess what! He rebuilds the alters and idols! GAR!!! Just when I thought the people of Jerusalem were going to turn it around! After he is assassinated, his son, Amon, takes over as king. Amon continues in his father's footsteps and worships at the idols and altars of other gods.

I've had a few discussions in the past months about whether sins are passed on to the next generations. We see that for about 100 years, the kings of Israel and Judah make the same mistake of idolatry. Then, we get Hezekiah who comes along and breaks the cycle, re-centering attention on God. However, after his reign, the people of Judah get right back on the idolatry wagon. A while back, I had someone ask me if I thought they were going to be just like their father (make the same mistakes, etc.). My response was that if we can recognize and acknowledge the mistakes of our ancestors, and make every effort to work against those mistakes, we should be able to break free of their control over our lives.

Hezekiah proves that it is possible. However, that knowledge and desire to make things right must be passed on to the next generation. Otherwise, they could fall back into the old pattern.

History

by Ben

I read 2 Kings 13-17.

I really don't feel inspired to write much based upon my reading today. But I'll sum it up for you anyway: a bunch of successive kings of both Israel and Judah either did what was pleasing to the Lord or did not do what was pleasing to the Lord. Either way, none of them destroyed the idols or altars of the foreign gods. Many, many generations have been messed up because Israel chose Jeroboam as the successor of David. Chapter 17 is pretty neat because after reading sooooo many chapters that basically say the same thing (with the only changes being the names), it gives a summary of what happened and why. At the end of this section, the people of Israel are displaced to Assyria and the Assyrians take over the land of Israel. These "new residents" try to worship the Lord, but continue to worship the gods of their homelands.

I guess this section begs the question of what would your life look like if recorded in a history book, such as 2 Kings?

Benjamin, son of Keith, began to rule over Christ Church Youth in the third year of the reign of Pastor Dave of Christ Church. Benjamin was twenty-one years old when he became youth pastor, and he reigned in Canton twenty-nine years. His mother was Cheryl, from Canton. Benjamin did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight, but not like his ancestor David. Instead, he followed the example of his culture. Although he did not worship at them, Benjamin did not destroy the pagan shrines and idols, where people offered their time and money.

The rest of the events in Benjamin's reign and all his deeds are recorded in The Book of the History of Pastors to Christ Church Youth.

Disbelief

by Ben

I read 2 Kings 9-12.

We get the next few kings of Israel in this section. I really like chapters 9 & 10 here. I know it is kinda guyish, but I really got into it when King Jehu takes over and goes after the bad kings who have lead the people astray (following other gods). He deceitfully does a work of God: He tells all of Israel that he is going to have a big Baal worship service and that everyone who worships Baal has to be there on penalty of death. He ensures that no one who worships the Lord is there. Basically, he gets all the Baal worshipers together and then has his men go in and kill them all. Whoa. And get this: the Lord says that he has done well!

Some might say that this is a pretty gruesome sense of judgement, but it really becomes a marker in the history of Israel because it should end the worshiping of other gods. BUT!!!!! (oh, come on, you knew it was coming) he foolishly "did not obey the law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He refused to turn from the sins of idolatry that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit."

You are kidding me, right? This guy who basically enacts a holy butt-whipping on the Baal worshipers because they are idolaters turns out to be one himself?!!! Ugh! These Israelites just can't ever fully get with the program! And we follow in their footsteps. I'm really shaking my head right now, trying to figure out how we as people can't seem to understand that God can take care of us. We don't have to seek other means of salvation or purpose. They are already there for us! Just reach out and accept them! And then don't turn away!

A New Elijah

by Ben

Hey all! I was reading one of the Princeton Theological Seminary Institute for Youth Ministry Lectures online (http://www.ptsem.edu/iym/research/lectures/downloads/1996/1996%20Maas%20Piper%20or%20Prophet.pdf).

Wow...it is so inspiring. Exactly what I needed today. Often, I forget why I do what I do. Yes, I know that I'm supposed to point to God, but I sometimes get down because I focus on myself. In this lecture, Robin Mass reminds youth workers that we are to be like the prophet John. We are to point to the light, not be the light.

Mass ends her lecture with the challenge to become like a new Elijah: "This new Elijah is not someone who will have to go looking for young listeners. They will come flocking - because they are looking for the light. And they are ready to do something about it."