Judges 1 – Judges 2

We turn the page and begin a new book of the Bible as we begin to reflect on Judges. Here we loose a “main character” if you will, as we no longer have people like Abraham, Joseph, Moses or Aaron as our main focus. Now our focus is on Israel, and we will find that the people are quick to fall short of God’s expectation. In fact, by the time we are done with today’s reading in chapter 2, we’ve already noticed that some of the Israelites want to battle their fellow tribes, while others are turning to the false god Baal. This isn’t good, and it doesn’t get much better.

Looking ahead, we do have some things to look forward to. Soon we’ll encounter individuals like Deborah, Gideon, and Samson. We’ll save their stories for another day, but at least it gives us something to look forward to. Eventually, as the book comes to a close, we’ll get a bit closer to King Saul and King David, but for now we’ll have to dwell with the Israelites as they begin to figure out who they are as a people without a defined leader.

So . . . that’s my quick summary. Before we close this blog for today, how about a short video from thebibleproject.com to help us better understand the Book of Judges.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: Joshua 3 – 5.

Joshua 19 – Joshua 21
Joshua 22 – Joshua 24

And so our reading through the book of Joshua comes to a close . . . with that, Joshua’s life. It is time for another transition.

As we quietly lament another great leader of Israel, I’m amazed at the richness of the text as it recalls the names and places of burial for many in the Israelite’s story.

Joseph . . . buried at Shechem.
Eleazar . . . buried at Gibeah.
Joshua . . . buried at Timnath-serah.

In each of these burials there is tradition. There is honor. There is respect. These are the names of those dear to us, and the place where we go to remember them. Its not much different from visiting the cemetery to spend some time in conversation with our parents and grandparents who have gone before us. Again, there his tradition, honor, and respect.

It makes me wonder how I’ll be remembered, especially since I hope that my ashes might be scattered to the wind? No place to go. No place to gather. I may be remembered, but for how long? Then in the end, does it really matter, for as Kansas once sang, “All we are is dust in the wind.”

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: Judges 1-2

ps: Fair warning as we begin Judges. This was passed on my my Bishop, Daniel Beaudoin, who has encouraged all of us to take on this Year of Scripture:

This morning we started the Book of Judges, and I know what’s coming. The Book of Judges is a violent book full of troubling and tragic tales. I’d like to skip the Book of Judges and move right into the Book of Ruth. But I can’t and I won’t.

I hope that you will remain a faithful reader, like I’m trying to be! PB

Joshua 16 – Joshua 18

The boarders are established. Israel is now at home. The promise made to Abraham is now fulfilled.

For all of you visual learners here a great image to help you see who ended up where:

Peace,

Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: Joshua 19-21

Joshua 12 – Joshua 15

Today the world is hearing the unfortunate news of another mass shooting. Our prayers extend to the families of the victims and to the entire community of Christchurch in New Zealand. 49 dead. Killed at two different Mosques. Again we ask how long will this senseless violence go on?

Even reading through our story in Joshua, people could have asked the same question as the nation of Israel laid waist to community after community. Chapter 12 tells us that 31 kings fell under the leadership of Joshua. Basic instinct (or implied reading) tells us that there was complete annihilation of each and every tribe and community. Not quite the case. Our friends remind us of that in the video on Joshua which I posted yesterday.

Everywhere Joshua and the nation of Israel went, a remnant of the Canaanites remained. Lives were spared. Communities ended up living together and accepting one another. This helps to tell explain a good portion of the story we are yet to read, and why the Israelites find it so easy to be tempted and stray away from God. This explains the future Exile and return to the Promised Land under Ezra and Nehemiah. But I’m getting way ahead of myself. Still the question and thought of senseless violence is nothing new. Why can’t we all just figure it out together. Until that time, we find ourselves asking again and again haven’t we experienced enough? We can even ask, when will enough be enough?

Will it take the death of my son, or your daughter?
Would it take a shooting at my congregation, or your place of work?
What happens when it takes place at our local Middle School, or your elementary school?
Ever though about if it was you or happened to me?

Too often we have seen schools, theaters, churches, synagogues, mosques, places of work, and everywhere in-between fall victim to someones’ senseless act. While we may never fully understand why any of these things happen. While we may never fully grasp God’s reasoning for the devastation done as Israel took the Promised Land. While we may never understand any of it. This one thing i believe to be true. . . .

In the beginning, God created all things . . . good, pure, and innocent . . .
to be at peace and harmony with one another.

That is creation as God intended.
That is creation as we should see it.
That is the creation that you and I need to work to fully recreate.

Together let us all work to spread God’s peace!
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: Joshua 16 – 18

Joshua 9 – Joshua 11

The fear of the LORD is spreading and so is the Kingdom of Israel! One nation after the other has heard of the great and mighty acts of God. With that, each and every nation trembles at the thought of battling this great nation. Kingdoms fall. Kings are trampled upon. Cities are destroyed. Israel now has a place to call their own. The promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob have now been fully realized.

For us, we realize that we are just about half way through the Book of Joshua. Perhaps we should turn to thebibleproject.com for their thoughts on the story of Joshua.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: Joshua 12 – 15

Joshua 1 – Joshua 4
Joshua 5 – Joshua 8

We made it to the Promised Land!!!!! Although, I feel like I’m still stuck in the wilderness. I got the same crud that my son had last week. Two days on the couch with body aches and a couch. Unfortunately that means there hasn’t been much celebrating as we arrived in the Promised Land. Never the less, a few insights to share.

Rahab the prostitute . . .
Besides a questionable career choice, did you know she was rewarded for hosting the spies from Israel? Along with her family being spared as Jericho came tumbling down, she was rewarded in another way. Check out Matthew 1:5 where our Gospel Writer gives us the linage of Jesus from Abraham to Joseph.

and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab,
and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth,
and Obed the father of Jesse,

In just this one verse, there are several great names (which we’ll recognize in the months to come) that all tie in to the birth of Jesus. There, listed along with them is our heroine Rahab, who aided the spies as Jericho was about to be taken.

Then there is the fall of Jericho. This takes me back to my high school days and singing for solo and ensemble. Each year I went prepared to sing, “Joshua fit the Battle of Jericho.” Being raised in a faith filled family I was proud to be singing something faithful. Sadly I was never proud of my scores. My poor adolescence voice could never figure out how to hit some of those notes. I tried. Like the walls of Jericho, my scores always seemed to fall. Still a great song . . .

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: Joshua 9 – 11

Deuteronomy 32 – Deuteronomy 34

After four books, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, our journey with Moses comes to an end. Our faithful leader, our ever present guide, our ‘hero’ who led us through the Red Sea and the wandering path of the wilderness has died.

And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is.
Deuteronomy 34:5-6, NIV

Interesting to note . . . God took the time to come and bury Moses. What an honor! Yet, no one knows where is grave is, or so they say. Out of that, my curiosity was sparked and I had to do a quick little search to find Moses’ grave. Here’s what I found:

Whoops, wrong picture . . . but still a good laugh! Here’s what I meant to post, from the top of Mount Nebo:

I guess his burial site, didn’t stay unknown for too long! Many thanks Moses for your faithfulness!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: Joshua 1-4

Deuteronomy 28 – Deuteronomy 29
Deuteronomy 30 – Deuteronomy 31

Moses’ farewell speech to the Israelites comes to a close. In his final thoughts he shares several blessings and woes, and plenty of warnings.

• If you obey these commandants and heed my words . . . God will bless you.
• If you disobey these commandants and go astray . . . you will find hardship.

Which one do you think the people followed? Let’s just say, as much as these will always be God’s chosen people, they don’t always tend to choose God. Even as they don’t, (and we don’t either) God still loves them (and us) and offers forgiveness through the promised redeemer. Good news for us . . . Good news for the Israelites. Even if all of Moses’ predictions are about to come true, (Unfaithfulness, hardship, exile, release, return, rebuilding . . . its all going to happen) God still shows mercy and love!

Finally I’ll close with a fun venture for you. Its from thebricktestament.com. Yes, I’m a Lego maniac! Its a great website and someone has taken the time to put many of our favorite Bible moments into Lego form. Feel free to look and explore! This one highlights Deuteronomy 29, “Following your own moral compass.”

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: Deuteronomy 32 – 34

Deuteronomy 24 – Deuteronomy 27

Today is March 8, 2019 also know as International Women’s Day. If I could figure out how, I’d change all my text to purple, but I can’t so I didn’t. Never the less, the thought is there. Just as much as the Spirit was leading and guiding us to this text as many lift up International Women’s Day.

It might not seem like much, but as Moses is giving his farewell speech to the people, women are given some rights! How about that! Perhaps it is more in the line of protection and well being, but still, its there. We see it in 24:1-5 and again in the curses of 27:15-26. Repeatedly, we see something to the effect of, “if a man does to a woman . . .” and the punishment or curse is directed back to the man.

Considering women weren’t considered much more of value than a servant or a slave, this is a huge step. One worthy of pondering as we reflect today some 3500 years later. Definitely progress has been made and of course there’s still plenty of room for progress, even today. But who would have thought, we could trace some rights and respect for all the women in our lives, all the way back to Moses!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: Deuteronomy 28 – 29

Deuteronomy 21 -Deuteronomy 23

As Moses continues his farewell speech (and maybe seems to rehash all of Leviticus in the process) I thought I’d change things up today with another visit from our friends at TheBibleProject.com.

Here’s their last video in the Torah Series.

Hope you enjoy!
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: Deuteronomy 24 -27