Sometimes, it is easy to get so wrapped up in what you are doing, in work, in family, in doing things for the church, that you fail to see what is going on around you. You don't appreciate how things look from the outside and you don't realise the impact what you are doing is having on others. Or maybe it is a case of wanting to protect what you have, to look after it, nurture it, no matter what is going on outside.
Here, Lot and Abram had become so rich, had so many flocks, tens, servants and so on, that there was not enough room for both of them. The servants had taken to fighting amongst themselves - Lot's servants against Abram's servants, as each one tried to get the best land, the closest position to the water and so on. Yet there they were, surrounded by enemies on all sides, and they spent their time bickering amongst themselves.
Isn't that just like the church at times? Everyone being so busy to protect their position, their ministry, their roles that they don't realise how it looks from the outside, how non believers see it and how it gets reported in the press? There has, for instance, been a huge thing over here in the local press because someone in the congregation of a local church wrote direct to the Bishop complaining about the minister of the church. There has been such a fallout from this, with the publicity (obviously concentrating on the back biting and infighting in the church) and several church members leaving and going to another church instead. What I do know is that when the minister came, he started making changes and some people did not like it….I don't know exactly what happened apart from that, I don't need to know.
But what a reflection on the church it has all been, when all that gets reported in the press is the fighting. And then all this kerfuffle about gay bishops and the Lambeth conference. I know exactly what I think about having gay bishops and so on, but don't intend to go into that now, but all the press could talk about was the looming row in the Church of England over this very question of gay bishops.
What a message that was giving out about the church, concentrating on the disagreements, the upsets, the negative things. Where is the love we are supposed to show? What about all the work the church is doing in this country and overseas? The people being helped, the starving, the homeless, the hurting? I guess good news makes bad press.
And here with Lot and Abram, it was a similar thing. I bet all the Canaanites and Perizzites could see was the two lots of shepherds quarrelling over who got to the water first, who got that piece of land over there to graze their flocks on and so on. They were a family, uncle and nephew, and yet they were fighting all the time (or at least the servants were).
In the same way as Lot and Abram settled their differences, we in the church also need to settle our differences. It's not a case of one denomination being better than another, of one church in a town being the best one, we are all servants of God, and we have all been called in one way or another. Just because I go to an evangelical/charismatic church doesn't make me better than my neighbour, who goes to a Church of England church or vice versa. Each person is different, unique and will have different ways of worshipping, of giving praise to God. It's not a case of one way being better than another, of God only listening to our prayers if we say them in this way, or that way, of a service only being done right if we use the Book of Common Prayer, and so on. God sees into the heart of each one of us, and we need our hearts to be right with God, not man. We need to love the sinner but hate the sin, let our faith work through us, the love of God to shine out from within and to really be disciples of Jesus here on earth, not people whose disagreements are always being reported unfavourably in the press and who are continually gossiping about others, trying to maintain the status quo or improve our standing in the church.
Saturday, 27 September 2008
Genesis chapter 12
The thing that struck me here was Abram's faith, and how it is such an example to me. Firstly, he just upped and left everything when God called him. There was no hesitation, no worrying over whether he was doing the right thing, whether or not he was imagining God has spoken to him or not. He just packed everything up and went, taking his wife, servants and family plus all the livestock, everything. Then he also made altars everywhere, as a reminder of all that God had done for him and as an act of worship.
I want a faith like that, one where there is no room for doubt, for worry, for stress, where I instinctively know when God is speaking to me and trust him implicitly, even when I don't know what is going on. I want to have altars in my life to remind me to worship, and as a recognition for all God has done for me.
Yet what a difference when Abram got to Egypt, and told Sarai to lie and say she was his sister, not his wife. OK, technically, she was his half sister, since they had the same father, but really, Abram was just trying to save his life since as Sarai's husband, his life would have been in danger because Sarai was so beautiful that Pharaoh could have killed Abram to get Sarai and Abram's riches. This shows the exact opposite of what happened when Abram packed up and went to Canaan. There, he just obeyed and trusted. But here, he relies on his own skills, his own scheming to keep out of trouble and just look at the mess that got him into. He was prepared to allow his own wife to be taken into Pharaoh's harem and to accept gifts for this as her brother.
Isn't that just like us? We have moments of great faith and then the next day, it can be completely the opposite picture as we try to do things on our own, without even bothering to ask God what to do, and end up getting in a right mess. I think there's a difference between asking God for help and guidance and in not thinking for ourselves. God gave us minds, abilities, skills and we have our own judgment. It is not a case of asking God for guidance on everything (should I have another cup of coffee, is it OK to go take a shower now, can I go shopping tomorrow, or whatever) but of seeking guidance in the things that matter. And yes, finding a parking space may well matter so I'm not criticising for asking for help in things like that. Different things are important to different people at different times.
But it is a case of always being on the same wavelength as God, of trusting in Him no matter what our personal circumstances. Not always an easy thing to do, and you only have to look at Abram to see that. One day he trusts God completely, packs up his bags and moves his entire family miles away because says so, and the next day, he schemes, plots and lies, completely ignoring God in the process.
Just like we do, as I do. It's easy to trust God when things are going well, when we have that well paid job, when the children are doing well, when whatever we do turns out well. But what about when there's no money for the bills, when we lose the well paid job, when the children misbehave and get into trouble with the authorities or fail their exams, or when we or a loved one or close friend is diagnosed with a life threatening illness? It’s not so easy to trust God in the bad times, yet we are called to do this.
I think the example of David is a great encouragement here, because there he was anointed king of Israel by Samuel, and yet he was on the run for his life from Saul for years. And yes, there were days when he was down, despondent, but each and every time he turned to God. You only have to read the psalms he wrote to realise this. He was a man after God's own heart, even though he messed up, committed adultery and had someone killed. His heart was right with God, just as Abram's was, even before he became Abraham, the father of many nations. And I think that is an example I need to follow, to make sure my heart is right with God and to be always looking to Him, to trust Him no matter what is going on around me.
I want a faith like that, one where there is no room for doubt, for worry, for stress, where I instinctively know when God is speaking to me and trust him implicitly, even when I don't know what is going on. I want to have altars in my life to remind me to worship, and as a recognition for all God has done for me.
Yet what a difference when Abram got to Egypt, and told Sarai to lie and say she was his sister, not his wife. OK, technically, she was his half sister, since they had the same father, but really, Abram was just trying to save his life since as Sarai's husband, his life would have been in danger because Sarai was so beautiful that Pharaoh could have killed Abram to get Sarai and Abram's riches. This shows the exact opposite of what happened when Abram packed up and went to Canaan. There, he just obeyed and trusted. But here, he relies on his own skills, his own scheming to keep out of trouble and just look at the mess that got him into. He was prepared to allow his own wife to be taken into Pharaoh's harem and to accept gifts for this as her brother.
Isn't that just like us? We have moments of great faith and then the next day, it can be completely the opposite picture as we try to do things on our own, without even bothering to ask God what to do, and end up getting in a right mess. I think there's a difference between asking God for help and guidance and in not thinking for ourselves. God gave us minds, abilities, skills and we have our own judgment. It is not a case of asking God for guidance on everything (should I have another cup of coffee, is it OK to go take a shower now, can I go shopping tomorrow, or whatever) but of seeking guidance in the things that matter. And yes, finding a parking space may well matter so I'm not criticising for asking for help in things like that. Different things are important to different people at different times.
But it is a case of always being on the same wavelength as God, of trusting in Him no matter what our personal circumstances. Not always an easy thing to do, and you only have to look at Abram to see that. One day he trusts God completely, packs up his bags and moves his entire family miles away because says so, and the next day, he schemes, plots and lies, completely ignoring God in the process.
Just like we do, as I do. It's easy to trust God when things are going well, when we have that well paid job, when the children are doing well, when whatever we do turns out well. But what about when there's no money for the bills, when we lose the well paid job, when the children misbehave and get into trouble with the authorities or fail their exams, or when we or a loved one or close friend is diagnosed with a life threatening illness? It’s not so easy to trust God in the bad times, yet we are called to do this.
I think the example of David is a great encouragement here, because there he was anointed king of Israel by Samuel, and yet he was on the run for his life from Saul for years. And yes, there were days when he was down, despondent, but each and every time he turned to God. You only have to read the psalms he wrote to realise this. He was a man after God's own heart, even though he messed up, committed adultery and had someone killed. His heart was right with God, just as Abram's was, even before he became Abraham, the father of many nations. And I think that is an example I need to follow, to make sure my heart is right with God and to be always looking to Him, to trust Him no matter what is going on around me.
Genesis chapter 11
Here, fairly soon after a catastrophic flood that destroyed everyone except Noah and his family, men have turned away from God. Noah walked with God, he was considered righteous and presumably taught his children about God so they would walk in his footsteps. Yet here we are, several generations later, and men decide to build a great tower to make a name for themselves, to show how important they are, how successful, how wealthy. It is not a case of building a monument to God, to thank him for all that He has done. No, it is a tower to impress people with the strength and might of the men who designed and built it, to show off their abilities and all they can do.
So God comes down to take a look. He doesn't just look from heaven and see what is going on, He comes down and takes a closer look, to see right into each man's heart, to examine their motives, their reasons. He sees that the men are building this tower to impress others with their achievements and takes action accordingly by giving each one a different language, because if men can't understand one another, how can they work together to build a tower?
In the same way, we each build towers, monuments, in our own lives. We may wear designer clothes, have a big house in its own grounds, the latest and most expensive car, a high powered city job or run a very successful business, be a world famous artist or writer, but all that we have comes from God. He is the one who gave us the ability to write, to paint, to be good with numbers, be a whizz on the stock market, the skills to be an engineer, businessman/woman, and it is to Him the thanks are due. Yes, we may well have done the work, studied hard and passed the exams, gained the qualifications, married into money, scrimped and saved over the years and now are sitting back enjoying the money in the bank, but God is the one we should be thanking.
So when I sit back and congratulate myself on something that I think I have done well, I need to remember that God is the one who gave me the gifts, God is the one who gave me the ideas, the skills, and without him, I have nothing.
So God comes down to take a look. He doesn't just look from heaven and see what is going on, He comes down and takes a closer look, to see right into each man's heart, to examine their motives, their reasons. He sees that the men are building this tower to impress others with their achievements and takes action accordingly by giving each one a different language, because if men can't understand one another, how can they work together to build a tower?
In the same way, we each build towers, monuments, in our own lives. We may wear designer clothes, have a big house in its own grounds, the latest and most expensive car, a high powered city job or run a very successful business, be a world famous artist or writer, but all that we have comes from God. He is the one who gave us the ability to write, to paint, to be good with numbers, be a whizz on the stock market, the skills to be an engineer, businessman/woman, and it is to Him the thanks are due. Yes, we may well have done the work, studied hard and passed the exams, gained the qualifications, married into money, scrimped and saved over the years and now are sitting back enjoying the money in the bank, but God is the one we should be thanking.
So when I sit back and congratulate myself on something that I think I have done well, I need to remember that God is the one who gave me the gifts, God is the one who gave me the ideas, the skills, and without him, I have nothing.
Saturday, 20 September 2008
Genesis chapter 10
The bible is full of chapters like this which are a list of names, details of who had which sons and so on. You look at this and your eyes glaze over at times (or at least mine do!) but they are full of interesting little snippets of information scattered here and there. For instance, there is the snippet here about the son of Cush, Nimrod, being a great warrior, a mighty hunter before the Lord. Some think he may be the founder of the Babylonian Empire.
Then there is the detail about Peleg, the son of Eber, who was the son of Arphaxad, one of the sons of Shem. If you read Luke 3, it gives the genealogy of Jesus where in verses 35 and 36 we are told:
….the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech….
Showing that Jesus was descended from Shem.
I think the thing that is amazing here is that this book was written by Moses, but there was no way Moses was around in the time of Shem, Noah and the flood. So God would have given these details to Moses. God remembered who was the son of whom, how many children so and so had, what became of their sons and daughters , every detail was remembered and pertinent facts given to Moses.
It just shows what care and attention God takes over each one of us, how concerned He is with every aspect of our lives, and how He remembers us.
The names of all believers are written in the Lamb's book of Life, and having just read in Malachi about the book of remembrance (Malachi 3:16 Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honoured his name.) it is amazing to think that my name is written up there too, maybe with details such as daughter of…., who went to ….. and did such and such. We are not just names and numbers amongst millions, billions of other people, to God we are unique, each one different, each one special and each one loved.
Then there is the detail about Peleg, the son of Eber, who was the son of Arphaxad, one of the sons of Shem. If you read Luke 3, it gives the genealogy of Jesus where in verses 35 and 36 we are told:
….the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech….
Showing that Jesus was descended from Shem.
I think the thing that is amazing here is that this book was written by Moses, but there was no way Moses was around in the time of Shem, Noah and the flood. So God would have given these details to Moses. God remembered who was the son of whom, how many children so and so had, what became of their sons and daughters , every detail was remembered and pertinent facts given to Moses.
It just shows what care and attention God takes over each one of us, how concerned He is with every aspect of our lives, and how He remembers us.
The names of all believers are written in the Lamb's book of Life, and having just read in Malachi about the book of remembrance (Malachi 3:16 Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honoured his name.) it is amazing to think that my name is written up there too, maybe with details such as daughter of…., who went to ….. and did such and such. We are not just names and numbers amongst millions, billions of other people, to God we are unique, each one different, each one special and each one loved.
Genesis chapter 9
I love this symbol of the rainbow being a reminder of God's promise that never again will there be a worldwide flood that destroys all life. It is a sign not just for Noah and his family, but for every generation, so it is for our ancestors, our parents, our siblings, our own families, husbands, wives, children, grandchildren and so on. A promise for eternity. It is a reminder today of exactly what God has promised, a reminder of the sinful ways of the earth that led to the flood in the first place, and a reminder of God promising never to do the same again.
The thing here, though, is that because God is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent, He knew then , when he spoke to Noah, just how the world would turn out, and that eventually, it would be just as bad, if not worse, than in Noah's day. You only have to take a look around to realise that the world is not a good place to be at times. There is the rising crime rate, the gun crime, the knife crime, homosexuality is seen as a normal way of life by many, abortion is ever increasing and seen as just another form of contraception, children are abused by the very people supposed to be taking care of the, the sex trade is flourishing, there are more people held in slavery nowadays than when it was abolished, and more Christians have died for their faith in the last 100 years than in the whole 1900 years before then. But God knew this when He made the promise to Noah. He knew how we would turn out, He knew about the innocent being harmed or killed, the wars, the genocide, the famines, the greed of those in power, and yet He still made the promise.
I just think this is such an awesome symbol of God's love, that He knew how we would turn out and still He promised He would not destroy the world by flood again. Would I tell my sons that they would never be grounded again, knowing full well that later today, tomorrow, next week, they would be fighting, losing their tempers and physically hurting each other? I don't think so, even though I love them to pieces, because they have to have ground rules, boundaries across which they should not step.
It makes me wonder why God promised this. I mean, knowing just how the world would turn out…. But then He would also have known that there were many who would turn to Him, who would become Christians, acknowledging His Son as their Lord and Saviour. As Peter says in 2
Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
We are being given the time to turn to God. And I am so thankful for this, because I know my family is not yet saved.
The thing here, though, is that because God is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent, He knew then , when he spoke to Noah, just how the world would turn out, and that eventually, it would be just as bad, if not worse, than in Noah's day. You only have to take a look around to realise that the world is not a good place to be at times. There is the rising crime rate, the gun crime, the knife crime, homosexuality is seen as a normal way of life by many, abortion is ever increasing and seen as just another form of contraception, children are abused by the very people supposed to be taking care of the, the sex trade is flourishing, there are more people held in slavery nowadays than when it was abolished, and more Christians have died for their faith in the last 100 years than in the whole 1900 years before then. But God knew this when He made the promise to Noah. He knew how we would turn out, He knew about the innocent being harmed or killed, the wars, the genocide, the famines, the greed of those in power, and yet He still made the promise.
I just think this is such an awesome symbol of God's love, that He knew how we would turn out and still He promised He would not destroy the world by flood again. Would I tell my sons that they would never be grounded again, knowing full well that later today, tomorrow, next week, they would be fighting, losing their tempers and physically hurting each other? I don't think so, even though I love them to pieces, because they have to have ground rules, boundaries across which they should not step.
It makes me wonder why God promised this. I mean, knowing just how the world would turn out…. But then He would also have known that there were many who would turn to Him, who would become Christians, acknowledging His Son as their Lord and Saviour. As Peter says in 2
Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
We are being given the time to turn to God. And I am so thankful for this, because I know my family is not yet saved.
Genesis chapter 8
I love the way Noah waits on God. I mean, there they are, having been cooped up in the ark for months on end and the rain stops, the waters gradually recede until they can see the land. What a temptation that must have been, to just jump out of the ark and step onto the ground. OK, it might not have been much of a temptation at first, as the land was drying, when they could see it was all muddy and that they would likely get stuck in the mud at the very least. But what about when it looked like it was completely dry, when the earth started drying up and cracking? Then they must have thought it was safe to go out. But no, they waited on God to let them know, through the birds, whether it was the right time to leave the ark.
It is easy to jump in, to think we know the time is right, that we are ready, and yet God knows whether the ground is soft, squishy and muddy, too wet to walk on in safety, or if it is completely dry, a safe path to take. Noah was careful to wait on God, and this I think is an example to us all. I know there are times when I think I know what God wants me to do, and want to rush in and get the job started. But sometimes, it is a matter of waiting, of having patience, and letting God set the timetable not me. Not necessarily an easy thing to do these days, in this fast paced world where everything has to be instantaneous.
It is easy to jump in, to think we know the time is right, that we are ready, and yet God knows whether the ground is soft, squishy and muddy, too wet to walk on in safety, or if it is completely dry, a safe path to take. Noah was careful to wait on God, and this I think is an example to us all. I know there are times when I think I know what God wants me to do, and want to rush in and get the job started. But sometimes, it is a matter of waiting, of having patience, and letting God set the timetable not me. Not necessarily an easy thing to do these days, in this fast paced world where everything has to be instantaneous.
Genesis chapter 7
Only Noah was found to be righteous. Not Shem, Ham and Japheth and their wives and children, not Noah's wife. Just Noah. But because of Noah, they were all saved.
I often wonder what will happen to my family, because they do not believe, and yet reading this, maybe the way I live my life, as badly as I do at times, maybe my example will help to save them, just as Noah's lifestyle saved the lives of his wife and children. Does the way I live my life reflect my faith, let the glory of God shine through? Or does it show people how I can say one thing and yet do another?
We need to make sure as Christians that our walk and out talk line up. It is no good saying one thing, and doing another. Like those pastors who preach against adultery and are then found to have had numerous affairs.
After all, Noah messed up as we'll find out in the next chapter when he gets drunk. It’s not a case of always doing right, because after all, what person can say they ever did that? The only one who can is Jesus. But it is a case of trying to do God's will at all times, of setting our sights above the things of this earth, not behaving like everyone else, drinking, taking drugs, sleeping around, being filled with gossip, pride, selfishness, anxiety, but instead being filled with the Holy Spirit, letting His peace fill our whole bodies and minds and hearts.
I often wonder what will happen to my family, because they do not believe, and yet reading this, maybe the way I live my life, as badly as I do at times, maybe my example will help to save them, just as Noah's lifestyle saved the lives of his wife and children. Does the way I live my life reflect my faith, let the glory of God shine through? Or does it show people how I can say one thing and yet do another?
We need to make sure as Christians that our walk and out talk line up. It is no good saying one thing, and doing another. Like those pastors who preach against adultery and are then found to have had numerous affairs.
After all, Noah messed up as we'll find out in the next chapter when he gets drunk. It’s not a case of always doing right, because after all, what person can say they ever did that? The only one who can is Jesus. But it is a case of trying to do God's will at all times, of setting our sights above the things of this earth, not behaving like everyone else, drinking, taking drugs, sleeping around, being filled with gossip, pride, selfishness, anxiety, but instead being filled with the Holy Spirit, letting His peace fill our whole bodies and minds and hearts.
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