I've been reading and re-reading a book by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola titled: Jesus: A Theography. A section of the chapter on "Jesus' Birth and Boyhood," has grabbed me this Lenten season.
I'm not a big Lenten celebrant, as I come from a tradition that has not always paid close attention to it. But this year I'm particularly focused on the Bethlehem sheep. In the languages of the day, Bethlehem literally meant "house of meat" or "house of bread."
Bethlehem was known for its sacrificial lamb business. Sweet and Viola remind us that according to the Torah, every day two lambs were required for sacrifice in the temple---730 lambs a year. Big business.These lambs had to be perfect, spotless, with no defects.
Into this town was born THE LAMB OF GOD. When Jesus starting teaching and preaching, He had a lot to say about sheep, shepherds, lambs, etc. (Gospel of John).
Then, as He hung on the cross, paying for sin-mine, yours, everyone's - at the 9th hour, about 3 in the afternoon, Jesus breathed His last breath. This is the very hour that the Passover lamb would be sacrificed in the temple. The Lamb of God once and for all, laid down His life. That's what Jesus once said, "Nobody takes my life from me; I lay down my life."
And now Bethlehem shepherds are out of the sacrifice business. No more sacrifices are necessary.
What does that mean for your Lenten and Easter remembrance and celebration?
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Monday, February 18, 2013
New Every Morning
I admit it. As I sat down to journal and read the Word, I started writing to Him that I was concerned about finances, what I should do about staying in this house, and stuff like that. I actually used the word, "insecurity." Hhhmmm.
Then I opened the scriptures with my bookmark to the place I was to read for today: Philippians 4. And I laughed, because He wanted to remind me about some things:
---"Don't worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He's done."
---"I can do all things (that He wants me to) through Christ, who gives me strength."
---Paul wrote that he had learned to be content in all situations --- when he had food and when he didn't, etc.
---Then "My God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches..."
I know He understands me, loves me, and has always taken care of me. I spend far less time fretting than I used to, but I still have niggles of uncertainty. I think there are two main issues:
1. I sometimes define "NEEDS" differently than He does, and
2. I like to know things sooner than He wants me to - read that "control."
As I leave my quiet place today, I KNOW that He KNOWS what's best, and I am making the decision to trust Him no matter what.
What about you?
Then I opened the scriptures with my bookmark to the place I was to read for today: Philippians 4. And I laughed, because He wanted to remind me about some things:
---"Don't worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He's done."
---"I can do all things (that He wants me to) through Christ, who gives me strength."
---Paul wrote that he had learned to be content in all situations --- when he had food and when he didn't, etc.
---Then "My God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches..."
I know He understands me, loves me, and has always taken care of me. I spend far less time fretting than I used to, but I still have niggles of uncertainty. I think there are two main issues:
1. I sometimes define "NEEDS" differently than He does, and
2. I like to know things sooner than He wants me to - read that "control."
As I leave my quiet place today, I KNOW that He KNOWS what's best, and I am making the decision to trust Him no matter what.
What about you?
Sunday, February 3, 2013
The Truck
One of my friends has the stomach flu and says she feels like she's been run over by a truck. I have the cold/flu and it must be the same truck, but the symptoms are more easily discussed!
Coughing, sneezing, blowing the nose, fever, sweating...just to mention a few. As the antibiotics begin to kick in, there is a hint of light at the end of the tunnel. But that light is deceptive, because it's attached to the next truck - weakness.
Last night I felt a bit better and thought I needed to cook something nourishing. I made some rice, cut up onion, red pepper, and mushrooms. The stir fry was delicious, but when I got up this morning, I realized I had not washed the iron skillet in which I cooked it! I was exhausted and just took my meds and went to bed.
Sometimes when I have the flu - of any kind - my brain is affected. I'm a little skittish about driving, as my reactions seem a bit delayed. It's like I'm doing everything in a slow-moving fog.
As much as possible I am taking it easy, but I feel like I should be working on something...paperwork, taxes, whatever. I will give myself another day of drinking water and resting and hopefully the truck will be parked for good.
Coughing, sneezing, blowing the nose, fever, sweating...just to mention a few. As the antibiotics begin to kick in, there is a hint of light at the end of the tunnel. But that light is deceptive, because it's attached to the next truck - weakness.
Last night I felt a bit better and thought I needed to cook something nourishing. I made some rice, cut up onion, red pepper, and mushrooms. The stir fry was delicious, but when I got up this morning, I realized I had not washed the iron skillet in which I cooked it! I was exhausted and just took my meds and went to bed.
Sometimes when I have the flu - of any kind - my brain is affected. I'm a little skittish about driving, as my reactions seem a bit delayed. It's like I'm doing everything in a slow-moving fog.
As much as possible I am taking it easy, but I feel like I should be working on something...paperwork, taxes, whatever. I will give myself another day of drinking water and resting and hopefully the truck will be parked for good.
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