Readings for the next few days:
Wednesday, October 2: Matthew 1 – 4

“An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah,
the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
(Matthew 1:1)

With these words our reading through the New Testament begins. Thanks be to God we finally get some Jesus in our reading!

Over the past few weeks I’ve been teaching a conference wide study (Diakonia) on the New Testament. My mind is full of great bits of wisdom to share on the Gospels. Perhaps a little bit too much so, because I could write for pages on Matthew, just introducing the background of his story of Jesus. So here is some need to know information before we dig into today’s text:

• Matthew is not the first of the four gospels. Scholars used to think that Matthew was written first, but thanks to archaeological findings, and further study we now believe that Mark was first, with Mark being written around 70 C.E. (that stands for “Common Era” and is timed the same as “A.D.”) and Matthew being written around 80 – 90 C.E..
• Most believe that Matthew used Mark as a source, in fact nearly 600 verses of Matthew’s 1071 verses are the same as Mark.
• Another source that Matthew might have used is an unknown source called “Q”. There is no written proof of this document, however Matthew and Luke must have known the source because nearly 200 verses are shared between Matthew and Luke.
• Doing the math, that leaves around 300 verses of material that is unique to Matthew.
• Some of these unique stories include:
  • The Genealogy of Jesus from Abraham
  • Joseph’s version of Jesus birth
  • Stories of Peter walking on the water, being blessed, and paying the temple tax
  • Some parables
  • The death of Judas
  • Pilate washing his hands of Jesus’ death
  • And The Great Commission.

Good stuff, and I could bore you with more details, but that’s enough for now. On to the reading . . . .

“An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah,
the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
(Matthew 1:1)

Three sets of 14 generations are shared linking Jesus to Abraham. As we read there are some interesting individuals to take note of. Rahab (v.5) the prostitute who assisted the spies on there search into the promised land, and Uriah (v.7) not a direct descendant, but notable that Bathsheba isn’t mentioned, instead she’s left out and the husband that David had put on the front line to die is. Then of course, following the line of Kings, there are some real dozies in there . . . Ahaz, Manasseh . . . if Jesus can come out of a family tree like that, there is definite hope for you and me! Lastly, this is Joseph’s family tree, even though Jesus isn’t flesh and blood of Jesus. Joseph still matters, because it connects Jesus to the line of the Kings of Israel.

Then Jesus is born and told through a slightly less common Christmas story. There are no shepherds. There is no trip to Bethlehem. There are no angels, at least not as we think of the whole host of heaven being opened up on that starry night. Instead, we get one angel who visits Joseph three different times (What a blessing for Joseph! Can you name anyone else in scripture who sees that many angels? ) Three different messages, “your wife is with child,” “your child is in danger, flee to Egypt,” and “it’s safe to go back home.” To each of these heavenly commands, Joseph follows the will and direction of God. Then of course you get the Magi, with their very odd, yet precious gifts given to Jesus, and we ponder if we had a gift to give, what would it be?

From there we move quickly from baby Jesus, to his baptism, temptation, and the call of the first Disciples. If only, just for a day, to have seen, and been a part of the wonderful acts of God taking place through Christ. If only . . . gratefully we follow his words as we continue to read.

Looking forward to sharing more as we continue our journey!
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days:
Thursday, October 3: Matthew 5 – 6
Friday, October 4: Matthew 7 – 8
Saturday, October 5: Matthew 9 – 10
Sunday, October 6: Matthew 11 – 12

Readings for the next few days:
Tuesday, October 1: Malachi

We made it to Day 274, and the completion of our journey through the Old Testament. For that I thought we deserved some fireworks!

What a journey! Some of it was quite painful, but we made it through all 39 books of the Old Testament. As many of the last books we’ve read, Malachi was definitely not a “happy ending.” Even as the people return from exile, rebuild the city walls, and rebuild the temple, sin quickly enters back into the story. The hope . . . Elijah will return.

Its too bad, that we don’t move from this to the Gospel of Luke where we encounter the birth of John the Baptist (whom some think was Elijah). It would have made for a nice fluid connection Old Testament to the New Testament. Instead we start with Matthew. Historically speaking, it should have been Mark, but I’ll explain all of that in the upcoming post. Either way, we end the Old Testament with a glimmer of hope . . . someone greater is coming.

Before we close, lets turn to thebibleproject.com and hear their take on Malachi.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days:
Wednesday, October 2: Matthew 1 – 4
Thursday, October 3: Matthew 5 – 6
Friday, October 4: Matthew 7 – 8
Saturday, October 5: Matthew 9 – 10

Readings for the next few days:
Saturday, September 28: Haggai
Sunday, September 29: Zechariah 1 – 7
Monday, September 30: Zechariah 8 – 14

We are just a few days away from finishing up the Old Testament Readings for our Year of Scripture! Are you excited? I know I am!!

This weekend turned into a whirlwind. I knew it would be busy with John & Morgan’s wedding on Saturday. Congrats to them! With eight attendants down each side, you get the idea how big this wedding was. It was a wonderful blessing.

Needless to say, in the few minutes that I had at home between the wedding and the reception, the phone rang. I had literally just stretched out on the couch, and the hospital was letting me know it was urgent. It was! We lost a wonderful member of our congregation and choir, Chris English. It was sudden, and as hard as the medical staffed worked, there was little to be done. We pray for the family and all those in the hospital who had a hand at trying to save his life.

Two very different spectrum of ministry. Both demanding in their own way. So by the time I sat down to read these text each evening, I could hardly keep my eyes open. I honestly can’t say what thoughts were going through my head as I read each page, except “just keep reading.” So we’ll turn to our friends at thebibleproject.com for their summary. And know this, I look forward to some grace found in the New Testament!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days:
Tuesday, October 1: Malachi
Wednesday, October 2: Matthew 1-4
Thursday, October 3: Matthew 5-6
Friday, October 4: Matthew 7-8

Readings for:
Wednesday, September 25: Micah
Thursday, September 26: Nahum
Friday, September 27: Habakkuk & Zephaniah

As we read through the minor prophets, remember each on has their time and place. Our friends at thebibleproject.com will help us better understand their voice and their message.

Now just a few other thoughts. . .

Everyone knows (or should) Micah 5:1-5 “But you O Bethlehem . . .” these are words that foretell the coming birth of Christ and are often read on Christmas Eve. Great words, no doubt. However, I do think we have to read on to Chapter 6:3-4

“O my people, what I Have done to you? In what have I wearied you? Answer me?
For I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and redeemed you from the house of slavery: and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.”

To that, I want to add, “Yet you have prepared a cross for your savior.” While Micah 5 speaks of birth, as I read chapter 6, I was transported to the darkness of Good Friday and the Solemn Reproaches that are recited in some traditions. These reproaches tell the story of Israel and our continued fall from grace. “What more could I have done for you . . . answer me?” God pleads. Our only answer, silence.

From birth, Jesus was destined for one thing. Death. And in that we receive new life.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days:
Saturday, September 28: Haggai
Sunday, September 29: Zechariah 1 – 7
Monday, September 30: Zechariah 8 – 14
Tuesday, October 1: Malachi

Readings for:
Tuesday, September 24: Obadiah & Jonah

Well, Obadiah was sure short. I love the the Twibble by Jana Riess puts it:

“A one-chapter rant against the Edomites. “When will G get rid of them?
Say, did you hear we hate Edomites?” Yeah, we deduced that, thanks.”
(Pg. 199)

Then on to Jonah . . . We all know the story, big fish, reluctant prophet, “Repent” . . . Well I hope you know that one. As I was reading I was fast forwarding to Acts. There are some amazing parallels.

• Paul is from Tarshish. Jonah escapes on a ship to Tarshish.
• Paul gets shipwrecked. Jonah experiences the storm and is nearly shipwrecked.
• Both have a message message for people who are somewhat reluctant to hear it.

We’ll be reading Acts soon enough, its not quite as exciting as Jonah, but some amazing parallels. God’s call, takes you to some strange and mysterious places, and does some incredible things to you along the way!

Lastly, after these few quick reads lets hear from thebibleproject.com before we close our our night.

Peace,
Pastor Baile

Readings for the next few days:
Wednesday, September 25: Micah
Thursday, September 26: Nahum
Friday, September 27: Habakkuk & Zephaniah
Saturday, September 28: Haggai

Readings for:
Sunday, September 22: Amos 1 – 5
Monday, September 23: Amos 6 – 9

We made it to day 265! Which means we have only 100 days to go. We can do this!! Although I’ll admit this isn’t easy. I’ve taken on the additional challenge of teaching a Diakonia Class on the New Testament. I’d encourage you to check out: https://nwos-diakonia.weebly.com to see what Diakonia is all about. It’s good stuff, and I know several of my students are working on the Year of Scripture as well, and my additional reading assigements only add to that challenge.

Take for example, this week we are going to review Luke and Acts. So I’ve been busy reading both of those, several study guides, and Amos over the past few days. Talk about seeing cross eyed!

Then as I’m reading along, I get this wonderful parallel between Acts and Amos. James speaks to the people:

This agrees with the words of the prophets, as it is written,
“After this I will return,
and I will rebuild the dwelling of David, which has fallen;
   from its ruins I will rebuild it,
     and I will set it up,
so that all other peoples may seek the Lord—
   even all the Gentiles over whom my name has been called.
     Thus says the Lord, who has been making these things known from long ago.”
(Acts 16:15-18)

Not an exact match but here’s Amos:

On that day I will raise up
   the booth of David that is fallen,
and repair its breaches,
   and raise up its ruins,
   and rebuild it as in the days of old;
In order that they may possess the remnant of Edom
   and all the nations who are called by my name,
   says the Lord who does this.
(Amos 9:11-12)

In the Book of Acts this is a time of tension between the Jews and Gentiles who either accept Jesus or want to deny his teachings, and of course the Apostles find themselves right in the midst of the debate.

For Amos, the message is toward Israel (the Northern Kingdom, remember them? Most of the prophets have been speaking to Judea and the Southern Kingdom). Like Judea, Israel is wicked (perhaps a bit more so than Judea, and is soon to find their way into exile. Amos gives warning. There is a chance for repentance, and of course it isn’t taken.

But those are just my words. Before we close, lets turn once again to thebibleproject.com and watch their description of Amos.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days:
Tuesday, September 24: Obadiah & Jonah
Wednesday, September 25: Micah
Thursday, September 26: Nahum
Friday, September 27: Habakkuk & Zephaniah

Readings for:
Saturday, September 21: Joel

Today we have three short chapters from the Prophet Joel. Although Joel is only 3 chapters, it does not disappoint. Its a great read that recalls the days of Egypt and the plagues and looks forward to the days of Christ and God’s Spirit poured out all all people. If you haven’t read though Joel yet, I’d encourage you to do just that.

Recalling the plagues of Egypt: Those dreaded locust. They are everywhere! However rather than plaguing Pharaoh and the Egyptians, these locust have a hunger for all things Israelite. They are relentless! Then as the people repent and find their way, these same locust are sent our as an army of God.

God’s Spirit poured out: “I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” (Joel 2:28-29) The future telling of the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2) gives us hope and the promise of the great and glorious day of God’s eternal reign.

Lastly for us Lutherans a little liturgical reference: “Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.” (Joel 2:13) Sound familiar? Put it to music and we have the Gospel acclamation that is sung during the Season of Lent.

Finally we’ll close out our thoughts on Joel with our friends from thebibleproject and their video on Joel. Hope you enjoy!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days:
Sunday, September 22: Amos 1 – 5
Monday, September 23: Amos 6 – 9
Tuesday, September 24: Obadiah & Jonah
Wednesday, September 25: Micah

Readings for:
Thursday, September 19: Hosea 1 – 7
Friday, September 20: Hosea 8 – 14

Our Year of Scripture is now taking us somewhat quickly through the minor prophets. As we do, I may do a summary of each of the prophets rather than each day, make several posts so each prophet gets some of their own attention and thought.

On to Hosea . . .

Where Daniel and Ezekiel were speaking in the time or near the time of Exile, we have to rewind the clock to the time of Kings and realize that Hosea’s words come to the people not long after the death of Jeroboam II. Things were ugly for the people, because in God’s eyes we had become pretty ugly in the way we live. With that in mind, we might have an easier time understanding the repeated image of prostitution and the golden calf.

We have heard these images before. Ezekiel used the image of Judah and Samariah as prostitutes perverse in their ways of life. However Hosea takes that image one step further, at God’s command he marries one, starts a family, and remains faithful to her even as she runs off to another man. He is so faithful that he buys her back, and starts all over again. In my mind I kept thinking we’ve read this before. As hard as I looked, I couldn’t find a similar passage in the prophets we have just read. However I did discover that we had this as a Sunday morning reading a few months ago. (Maybe that’s why it sounded familiar) Either way, its a great reminder of God’s faithfulness. Even as far as we fall and stray, God, through Christ, buys us back and claims us as his own.

Then of course we have the golden calf of the last several chapters. Who knew that would make a bit of a reprise?

Before we close, let’s look at our friends from thebibleproject to check out what they had to say about Hosea.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days:
Saturday, September 21: Joel
Sunday, September 22: Amos 1 – 5
Monday, September 23: Amos 6 – 9
Tuesday, September 24: Obadiah & Jonah

Readings for:
Wednesday, September 18: Daniel 10 – 12

As Daniel comes to a close, we are challenged with some intriguing time lines regarding the end of times. When, where, what, how?

We actually have to turn back just a few chapters to get the whole of Daniels prophecy on time (back to ch. 9), and while we can only interpret what Daniel is saying, we have to make our best guess. Here is one diagram that I found that does help to provide a bit of clarification on the 70 weeks:

What I love on this and many of the other interpretations that I have read, always centers the on the cross, where “the Anointed one will be put to death and will have nothing.” (Daniel 9:26) As we near our completion of reading the Old Testament, here we find a bit of Gospel truth. Even with the cross, it is a breath of fresh air for us faithful readers. Redemption and salvation is soon at hand.

Still the question remains, when? Even Daniel asks “How long will it be?” (Daniel 12:6) While the Angel Michael gives a number for days, I have to fall back on words of Jesus for this one.

“But about that day or hour no one knows,
not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.“
Mark 13:32

Until that day, until that time we wait for the glory of God!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days:
Thursday, September 19: Hosea 1 – 7
Friday, September 20: Hosea 8 – 14
Saturday, September 21: Joel
Sunday, September 22: Amos 1 – 5

Readings for:
Tuesday, September 17: Daniel 7 – 9

Daniel turns from the fun Sunday School version of readings with the Lion’s Den and the Fiery Furnace into some pretty scary stuff. Much like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, Daniel begins to tell of the end times complete with angels, multi headed beast, horns, and horns growing out of horns. For our timid reader this could be frightening stuff. For our in-depth reader, we may leave wanting answers and explanations. Rather than me trying to decipher all that Daniel is placing upon us, I’m going to turn to our friends at the bibleproject.com and have them explain away:

Readings for the next few days:
Wednesday, September 18: Daniel 10 – 12
Thursday, September 19: Hosea 1 – 7
Friday, September 20: Hosea 8 – 14
Saturday, September 21: Joel