1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser."
John 15:1 ESV
Yesterday I decided to trim some overgrown trees that hang over our fence. As I was cutting back dead branches and unruly sprouts, I came across a large, mature vine. This vine was not your usual little climbing ivy. It had grown many feet through trees and bushes. Its trunk was 2-3 inches in diameter. Several if its tendrils were reaching from the neighbor's trees out to a tree in our yard. As I was cutting back this monster, I was reminded of the time when Jesus used a vine to illustrate the relationship between God, Christians, and himself. In the illustration, Jesus was the vine, God the vinedresser, and we were the branches. As I tugged and pulled on the encroaching plant in the fence row, more vine thoughts came to me.
The vine had started off small, but continued to grow to the point where it almost completely engulfed one of the smaller trees. It was hard to tell where one plant stopped and the other began. Our lives should be just as intertwined with Christ. If we allow the Holy Spirit to grow in our lives, it will become harder and harder to separate our thoughts, actions, and words from those of the Spirit. When the world sees us, they will see Jesus.
This vine was also within inches from starting to join itself with a neighboring tree. Had I not cut it back, it would have started to entwine with our cherry tree. As Christians, the God's influence in our lives should be reaching out to others. As we move through our day, Jesus' tendrils should emanate from our lives to touch those around us.
Finally, as I tried to pull the vine from the tree tops, I was unable to separate the vine from the branches. No matter how hard I pulled, there remained large parts of the vine still in the trees. At one point I was swinging through the air in a Tarzan-like manner to no avail. If we are truly entwined with the Vine, then it will be just as difficult for the world to strip God from our lives as it was to separate the trees and the rogue vine.
Allow the True Vine to grow in you. Allow it to become intertwined with all you do. Let it take over your live.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Monday, May 30, 2016
Whaaaaaaaa!! May 30, 2016
19 But the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel. And they said, “No! But there shall be a king over us, 20 that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.”
1 Samuel 8:19-20 ESV
Once again, the nation of Israel, God's chosen people, are turning their backs on Him. Even after their judge, Samuel, warned them of the pitfalls of having a king, they insisted. Knowing that their request lay outside of God's will for their nation, they offered up some rationalizations to justify their request.
"We want to be like everyone else." Were the other nations laughing at Israel. Were they posting negative comments on Facebook? Why was this so important to Israel? Seems silly, but every day hundreds of people compromise they Christianity to be like others. Perhaps it is to pass along a piece of gossip or retell an off-color joke. Maybe it is a style of dress that is provocative or spending dollars on a new pair of shoes when that money is needed for that month's tithe. The need to conform is strong. We like to fit in. To be one of the gang. Too bad our desire to conform to Christ is not stronger than our desire to conform to the things of this world.
The Hebrews also justified their request with two more reasons: "that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles." Interesting. Wasn't that what God was already doing for them through the office of the judge. Samson, Eli, Samuel. Yes, these judges were imperfect, but they were still appointed by God to do the very things the Israelites now wanted a king to do for them.
How often to we rationalize something new, or bigger, or better by convincing ourselves it will allow us to do more for God. But how faithful are we being with what God has provided for us now?
"I can give more to the church if I get a raise."
"A bigger house would allow us to have our Sunday school group over for fellowships."
God was providing for the needs of the nation of Israel. The Jews were living under God's ordained governmental system, but they wanted new, shiny, and different. Even after being warned, they persisted in their pleas.
In the same way today, God provides for our needs. Are we thankful or, like the nation of Israel, whining and insisting we get our way for something different that we have rationalized will be better?
1 Samuel 8:19-20 ESV
Once again, the nation of Israel, God's chosen people, are turning their backs on Him. Even after their judge, Samuel, warned them of the pitfalls of having a king, they insisted. Knowing that their request lay outside of God's will for their nation, they offered up some rationalizations to justify their request.
"We want to be like everyone else." Were the other nations laughing at Israel. Were they posting negative comments on Facebook? Why was this so important to Israel? Seems silly, but every day hundreds of people compromise they Christianity to be like others. Perhaps it is to pass along a piece of gossip or retell an off-color joke. Maybe it is a style of dress that is provocative or spending dollars on a new pair of shoes when that money is needed for that month's tithe. The need to conform is strong. We like to fit in. To be one of the gang. Too bad our desire to conform to Christ is not stronger than our desire to conform to the things of this world.
The Hebrews also justified their request with two more reasons: "that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles." Interesting. Wasn't that what God was already doing for them through the office of the judge. Samson, Eli, Samuel. Yes, these judges were imperfect, but they were still appointed by God to do the very things the Israelites now wanted a king to do for them.
How often to we rationalize something new, or bigger, or better by convincing ourselves it will allow us to do more for God. But how faithful are we being with what God has provided for us now?
"I can give more to the church if I get a raise."
"A bigger house would allow us to have our Sunday school group over for fellowships."
God was providing for the needs of the nation of Israel. The Jews were living under God's ordained governmental system, but they wanted new, shiny, and different. Even after being warned, they persisted in their pleas.
In the same way today, God provides for our needs. Are we thankful or, like the nation of Israel, whining and insisting we get our way for something different that we have rationalized will be better?
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Yoda and Saint Bernard May 28, 2016
What does a little green creature and an advisor to the Popes have in common? Both spoke of the difference between intentions and results.
George Lucas' character Yoda is know for saying, "Do. Or do not. There is no try." While Saint Bernard is credited with saying, "Hell is full of good intentions and wishes." Both speak to the folly of intending and wishing but not doing.
I have been in the intending stage in regards to this blog for far too long. My intentions are to make this a daily priority again. Not for the sake of the blog, but because it is in writing these blogs I get deeper into the Word and prayer. Spiritual growth comes from discipline, consistently, and intentionality. This blog assists me with those three areas.
So please, dear reader, pray that I will push through on those mornings of laziness and the attack of the snooze button to once again make my way to the keyboard on a daily basis.
Have a wonderful weekend.
George Lucas' character Yoda is know for saying, "Do. Or do not. There is no try." While Saint Bernard is credited with saying, "Hell is full of good intentions and wishes." Both speak to the folly of intending and wishing but not doing.
I have been in the intending stage in regards to this blog for far too long. My intentions are to make this a daily priority again. Not for the sake of the blog, but because it is in writing these blogs I get deeper into the Word and prayer. Spiritual growth comes from discipline, consistently, and intentionality. This blog assists me with those three areas.
So please, dear reader, pray that I will push through on those mornings of laziness and the attack of the snooze button to once again make my way to the keyboard on a daily basis.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
"that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."
Deuteronomy 8:3 ESV
If you ask most church goers if they believe the Bible, they would respond in the affirmative. Maybe there will be some discussion of 24-hour day creation or some debate on predestination, but for the most part Christians believe the Bible to be the inspired word of God.
I wonder how those same people would respond to the importance of the Word of God compared to the food they eat. Most Americans get three squares a day, and many partner that with a snack or two or three. Meal time is an event. Something looked forward to throughout the day.
Yet how many of us are in the Scripture at that same frequency with that same zest and anticipation? Meals are a treat. Bible reading a duty. Dinner recipes are planned out in advance. Bible reading schedules quickly fall by the wayside.
Far too many of us do live by bread alone, or at least mostly. We don't view the Word of God as being essential for our health and well-being. Even Christ in his desert temptation highlighted the importance of God's Word by using this very passage from Deuteronomy to thwart Satan's attack.
Let's walk our talk. If we truly believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, then we need to follow its teachings. For every sandwich we eat, let's devour a chapter in the Bible.
Deuteronomy 8:3 ESV
If you ask most church goers if they believe the Bible, they would respond in the affirmative. Maybe there will be some discussion of 24-hour day creation or some debate on predestination, but for the most part Christians believe the Bible to be the inspired word of God.
I wonder how those same people would respond to the importance of the Word of God compared to the food they eat. Most Americans get three squares a day, and many partner that with a snack or two or three. Meal time is an event. Something looked forward to throughout the day.
Yet how many of us are in the Scripture at that same frequency with that same zest and anticipation? Meals are a treat. Bible reading a duty. Dinner recipes are planned out in advance. Bible reading schedules quickly fall by the wayside.
Far too many of us do live by bread alone, or at least mostly. We don't view the Word of God as being essential for our health and well-being. Even Christ in his desert temptation highlighted the importance of God's Word by using this very passage from Deuteronomy to thwart Satan's attack.
Let's walk our talk. If we truly believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, then we need to follow its teachings. For every sandwich we eat, let's devour a chapter in the Bible.
Friday, May 20, 2016
Small Lesson, Big Payoff May 20, 2016
God so often uses the small to remind us of the big. Jesus used sparrows and flowers to remind the disciples of His daily provision. He washed the feet of 12 to illustrate the importance of servant leadership. Yesterday He use the punch of a button to remind me of the importance of silence.
On most mornings, NPR accompanies me on my way to work. Interesting stories of today's news, iconic singers, and quirky science projects drift out of the car's stereo speakers. However, for some reason, yesterday I punched the off button on the radio and headed out to work in silence. It was in this silence that I immediately remembered an item I HAD to take to work that morning. Forgetting would have required a rushed trip back home with the accompanying stress, ignored speed limits, and late start to the day. Had I left the radio on, my thoughts would have been on the latest world news from Nina Totenburg. But the quiet allowed God to gently remind me of what I needed for work. So, within one block, I made a quick u-turn, ran back into the house, and headed out again with all the work supplies I had to have.
Would having forgotten those items been an inconvenience? Sure. Life-altering? Not really. But the reminder God sent me through the event was life-changing. "Be still and know that I am God." No radio. No MP3 player. No iPad.
God is in the quiet.
On most mornings, NPR accompanies me on my way to work. Interesting stories of today's news, iconic singers, and quirky science projects drift out of the car's stereo speakers. However, for some reason, yesterday I punched the off button on the radio and headed out to work in silence. It was in this silence that I immediately remembered an item I HAD to take to work that morning. Forgetting would have required a rushed trip back home with the accompanying stress, ignored speed limits, and late start to the day. Had I left the radio on, my thoughts would have been on the latest world news from Nina Totenburg. But the quiet allowed God to gently remind me of what I needed for work. So, within one block, I made a quick u-turn, ran back into the house, and headed out again with all the work supplies I had to have.
Would having forgotten those items been an inconvenience? Sure. Life-altering? Not really. But the reminder God sent me through the event was life-changing. "Be still and know that I am God." No radio. No MP3 player. No iPad.
God is in the quiet.
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Ultimate Sacrifice May 15, 2016
I recently spend a night on the roof the school where I am principal as a "bet" I made with the students concerning summer school registration. The details of the event are not relevant, just the fact the students made their goal, and I was relegated to one evening on the roof.
The date selected for the events was, by coincidence, Friday, May 13. After a school-wide movie party, with many students and families watching, I climbed a ladder, tossed down some candy, and settled in for what I imagined would be a relaxing night of wifi binge watching, snacks, and solitude. I soon discovered I was mistaken.
Quickly I learned that in the Ozarks, temps in May can still get uncomfortably cold if out in the open. The wind kicked up, the temps dropped, and I soon realized it was going to be a long night. Hat, gloves, and sleeping bag could not keep the wind at bay. At one point I had my lawn chair tented over my head in an effort to deflect the chilly wind that was gusting and swirling.
As I lay on the roof longing for sleep, my thoughts went to my homeless friends. My weather-exposed experiment was only one night. A lark. A stunt. There was a ladder and warm building available if the rain began to accompany the clouds and wind. But for those living on the street, there is not that option. My short stint gave me a small sample of what their lives are each and every night.
My one night spent out of doors was a brief glimpse into the life of others. Imagine Christ giving up the opulence of heaven for a life on earth, not just for one night but for 33 years. He traded perfection for imperfection. Opulence for squalor. Wealth for poverty. Streets of gold for dusty alleys.
Much is said and written about Christ's sacrifice on the cross and the pain, humiliation, and abandonment he experienced during his Passion. And it is right to do so. But let's not forget the 33 years he spent away from his rightful place in heaven. No palace. No worshiping angels. No adoring cherubim.
I am not discounting the excruciating pain he suffered or superhuman effort it took for Christ to survive his trial and crucifixion, but let's also remember the 33 years of sacrifice he made leading up to those three days.
Would I be willing to give up my modest life to live in poverty? My house for a hovel? Three squares a day for soup kitchens? A warm bed for a pallet in an abandoned building? By comparison that is what Christ did for us for a third of a century. His death was the ultimate sacrifice, but his life was a whole-life sacrifice. Let's praise and thank him for both.
The date selected for the events was, by coincidence, Friday, May 13. After a school-wide movie party, with many students and families watching, I climbed a ladder, tossed down some candy, and settled in for what I imagined would be a relaxing night of wifi binge watching, snacks, and solitude. I soon discovered I was mistaken.
Quickly I learned that in the Ozarks, temps in May can still get uncomfortably cold if out in the open. The wind kicked up, the temps dropped, and I soon realized it was going to be a long night. Hat, gloves, and sleeping bag could not keep the wind at bay. At one point I had my lawn chair tented over my head in an effort to deflect the chilly wind that was gusting and swirling.
As I lay on the roof longing for sleep, my thoughts went to my homeless friends. My weather-exposed experiment was only one night. A lark. A stunt. There was a ladder and warm building available if the rain began to accompany the clouds and wind. But for those living on the street, there is not that option. My short stint gave me a small sample of what their lives are each and every night.
My one night spent out of doors was a brief glimpse into the life of others. Imagine Christ giving up the opulence of heaven for a life on earth, not just for one night but for 33 years. He traded perfection for imperfection. Opulence for squalor. Wealth for poverty. Streets of gold for dusty alleys.
Much is said and written about Christ's sacrifice on the cross and the pain, humiliation, and abandonment he experienced during his Passion. And it is right to do so. But let's not forget the 33 years he spent away from his rightful place in heaven. No palace. No worshiping angels. No adoring cherubim.
I am not discounting the excruciating pain he suffered or superhuman effort it took for Christ to survive his trial and crucifixion, but let's also remember the 33 years of sacrifice he made leading up to those three days.
Would I be willing to give up my modest life to live in poverty? My house for a hovel? Three squares a day for soup kitchens? A warm bed for a pallet in an abandoned building? By comparison that is what Christ did for us for a third of a century. His death was the ultimate sacrifice, but his life was a whole-life sacrifice. Let's praise and thank him for both.
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Granite May 10, 2016
8 He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
both of man and of beast;
9 who in your midst, O Egypt,
sent signs and wonders
against Pharaoh and all his servants;
10 who struck down many nations
and killed mighty kings,
11 Sihon, king of the Amorites,
and Og, king of Bashan,
and all the kingdoms of Canaan,
12 and gave their land as a heritage,
a heritage to his people Israel.
both of man and of beast;
9 who in your midst, O Egypt,
sent signs and wonders
against Pharaoh and all his servants;
10 who struck down many nations
and killed mighty kings,
11 Sihon, king of the Amorites,
and Og, king of Bashan,
and all the kingdoms of Canaan,
12 and gave their land as a heritage,
a heritage to his people Israel.
Psalm 135:8-12 ESV
One of my favorite songs from "Fiddler on the Roof" is "Tradition". In it Tevye speaks of traditions on how to eat, sleep, work, even wear clothes. He stresses the importance of traditions in helping the Jews "keep our balance for many, many years." The genealogical records of the Jewish people are legendary.
In Psalm 135 David references some of the historical events in the lives of his Jewish ancestors to remind the readers of God's enduring love, protection, and deliverance. The God of his fathers was ever-present then and the same God is still present today.
While most Christian families don't have the generational traditions or centuries of genealogy, it is still important for us to recall the times when God has intervened in our lives to save, protect, and bless us. These remembrances serve to encourage us during difficult times and give us cause to celebrate during times of plenty.
Think back to that car wreck. Consider the downsizing at work that your survived. Reflect on those rough years in your marriage that God led you through. God is faithful. He is ever-present. His hand can be seen in our lives if we will take the time to reflect.
Praise Him. Thank Him. Count on Him.
6 “For I the Lord do not change;"
Malachi 3:6 ESV
Peace on the Journey May 12, 2016
6 And the priest said to them, “Go in peace. The journey on which you go is under the eye of the Lord.”
Judges 18:6 ESV
What a wonderful thought for each day. Go in peace. God is watching. Back in the OT days, one needed a priest to assure people of God's watch care. Not any longer.
Jesus abolished the need for priestly intervention and reassurance. We can be confident of God's watch care, even if our journey is not aligned with His perfect will. I am living proof of that.
Years my journey was not God directed or God approved, but at an early age I accepted God as my Lord and Savior. At that point I was "under the eye of the Lord". Countless times His hand saved me for destruction. If He was that involved in a prodigal's life, how much more will His blessings and protection manifest itself in a person's life who is striving for become more like Christ.
This verse is not a guarantee of a trouble free journey. There will be trouble, challenges, heartache. But we can still travel with the peace that comes from an assurance of His constant presence. Just because we are "under the eye of the LORD" does not mean a life of rainbows and jelly beans. It does mean that we are never out of His sight. Never lost to His involvement in the most minute details.
This journey of life is "under the eye of the LORD" for His adopted sons and daughters. Therein lies our peace.
Judges 18:6 ESV
What a wonderful thought for each day. Go in peace. God is watching. Back in the OT days, one needed a priest to assure people of God's watch care. Not any longer.
Jesus abolished the need for priestly intervention and reassurance. We can be confident of God's watch care, even if our journey is not aligned with His perfect will. I am living proof of that.
Years my journey was not God directed or God approved, but at an early age I accepted God as my Lord and Savior. At that point I was "under the eye of the Lord". Countless times His hand saved me for destruction. If He was that involved in a prodigal's life, how much more will His blessings and protection manifest itself in a person's life who is striving for become more like Christ.
This verse is not a guarantee of a trouble free journey. There will be trouble, challenges, heartache. But we can still travel with the peace that comes from an assurance of His constant presence. Just because we are "under the eye of the LORD" does not mean a life of rainbows and jelly beans. It does mean that we are never out of His sight. Never lost to His involvement in the most minute details.
This journey of life is "under the eye of the LORD" for His adopted sons and daughters. Therein lies our peace.
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
All Too Human May 4, 2016
But he did not know that the Lord had left him.
Judges 16:20 ESV
Disobedience. Prostitutes. Dishonoring his parents. Lies. Anger. Finally abandonment. Samson was ordained from birth to start the deliverance process of Israel from the Philistines. Selected by God before his birth. God's chosen one. Yet so human.
In Judges chapter 14-16 Samson alternates from being a powerful man of God to being a rutting college frat boy.
13:24 And the young man grew, and the Lord blessed him.
14:3 But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me, for she is right in my eyes.”
14:6 Then the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him, and although he had nothing in his hand, he tore the lion in pieces as one tears a young goat.
14:19 In hot anger he went back to his father's house. (This was after murdering 30 men.)
The list could go on. Spirit-filled triumph followed by human-directed sin. It is interesting in our sanitized children's story versions of Samson the lion, Delilah, and the crashing temple take center stage. And perhaps for children that is all one needs. But at the end of the day Samson was a study in opposites. Strong/Weak. Virile/Impotent. Chosen/Abandoned.
This story is both encouraging and cautionary. For those of who have fallen far from God's design for our lives, this is a story of redemption and of second, third, and fourth chances. For those who have been placed by God in a position of authority and leadership--beware. The higher the office, the farther the fall caused by sin.
Each day we should renew our vows to God and ask for the strength to do what is right in His eyes, not our own.
Judges 16:20 ESV
Disobedience. Prostitutes. Dishonoring his parents. Lies. Anger. Finally abandonment. Samson was ordained from birth to start the deliverance process of Israel from the Philistines. Selected by God before his birth. God's chosen one. Yet so human.
In Judges chapter 14-16 Samson alternates from being a powerful man of God to being a rutting college frat boy.
13:24 And the young man grew, and the Lord blessed him.
14:3 But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me, for she is right in my eyes.”
14:6 Then the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him, and although he had nothing in his hand, he tore the lion in pieces as one tears a young goat.
14:19 In hot anger he went back to his father's house. (This was after murdering 30 men.)
The list could go on. Spirit-filled triumph followed by human-directed sin. It is interesting in our sanitized children's story versions of Samson the lion, Delilah, and the crashing temple take center stage. And perhaps for children that is all one needs. But at the end of the day Samson was a study in opposites. Strong/Weak. Virile/Impotent. Chosen/Abandoned.
This story is both encouraging and cautionary. For those of who have fallen far from God's design for our lives, this is a story of redemption and of second, third, and fourth chances. For those who have been placed by God in a position of authority and leadership--beware. The higher the office, the farther the fall caused by sin.
Each day we should renew our vows to God and ask for the strength to do what is right in His eyes, not our own.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Was God Fair? May 3, 2016
1 Samson went down to Timnah, and at Timnah he saw one of the daughters of the Philistines. 2 Then he came up and told his father and mother, “I saw one of the daughters of the Philistines at Timnah. Now get her for me as my wife.” 3 But his father and mother said to him, “Is there not a woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people, that you must go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?” But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me, for she is right in my eyes.”
4 His father and mother did not know that it was from the Lord, for he was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines. At that time the Philistines ruled over Israel.Judges 14:1-4 ESV
When Samson arrives on the scene, Israel is under the rule of the Philistines. In the thirteenth chapter of Judges we learn that once again the Jewish people had been disobedient and as a result were subjugated by another people. So along comes Samson. Nazirite. Judge. Deliverer. Pawn.
Pawn?! Yes, a pawn in God's end game to deliver the nation of Israel from the Philistines. God set Samson up. He used Samson's natural urges to bring about disobedience so that a greater good could be accomplished.
Young and powerful. Heralded by an angel. Most likely doted on by his parents. It appears Samson grew into a youth who was used to getting his way. He saw a woman he desired. He wanted that woman. Against the advice of his father and mother he persisted. "Get her for me," Samson ordered his parents. (Now, there is a whole lesson here about parenting, honoring mom and dad, and family dynamics, but that is an entry for another day.)
It appears from verse that God knew Samson would fail this test and allowed it to proceed anyway. "It was from the LORD, for he was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines." God needed an excuse for Samson to go on a rampage. He manipulated players so that Samson would take a Philistine bride and set in motion Samson's downfall and eventual restoration.
I know God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.* He works all things together for good**, but I cannot help but wonder if Samson really had free will here. In theory Samson could have followed his parents advice and found a Jewish bride. But this forbidden marriage to "daughter of the Philistines" was preordained by God. It was the linch pin to the rest of His plan. If not this marriage, perhaps there would have been no Delilah, no hair cut, no pillars of death.***
Today I have no concluding paragraph. No final thought to ponder. No final witticism. I am just left wondering, "Did Samson ever have a chance?"
*Isaiah 55:8
**Romans 8:28
***Judges 16
Monday, May 2, 2016
Without Excuse April 22, 2016
20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
Romans 1:20 ESV
I believe I have only heard this verse used in the discussion of "what about salvation for those who have literally never heard the name of Jesus Christ and the Gospel message?". But as I read it today, I was struck with the thought that we who have heard and accepted Christ as Lord and Savior also also without out excuse.
No excuse to worry. No excuse to lust. No excuse to lash out in anger. No excuse to gossip. We have been given all power
Romans 1:20 ESV
I believe I have only heard this verse used in the discussion of "what about salvation for those who have literally never heard the name of Jesus Christ and the Gospel message?". But as I read it today, I was struck with the thought that we who have heard and accepted Christ as Lord and Savior also also without out excuse.
No excuse to worry. No excuse to lust. No excuse to lash out in anger. No excuse to gossip. We have been given all power
Invest Wisely. May 2, 2016
1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god. 3 Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, 4 youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king's palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. 5 The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king. 6 Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah.
Daniel 1:1-6 ESV
Once again we find the Hebrew people turning from God and worshiping gods. (Jeremiah 32) As a result, He allows Nebuchadnezzar and the peoples of Babylon to conquer Judah and carry many of the Jews into exile. As was the practice in that day, the king would select the best and the brightest to assimilate into the Babylonian culture.
We don't have a number of how many "youths without blemish" were selected for this "honor", but we do know Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were selected. Among this group Daniel's future exploits are recounted in scripture, including the Old Testament book that bears his name. However none of it would have been possible had Daniel not lived a life pleasing to God prior to his capture.
The young men selected were already a cut above. Not just in physical appearance, but also in wisdom, knowledge, and learning. They obviously were the cream of the crop, the best of the best, the pick of the litter. Had Daniel not lived a productive live up to that time, he never would have been among that select group that went to the palace.
I get that fact that the "without blemish" is many times beyond our control. Acne, overbites, birth defects, and accidents can all lead to physical blemishes, but this group was noted for accomplishments in wisdom and learning also. These are within reach of almost all of us. Time spent in prayer and meditation will increase wisdom. Daily reading and study of the Bible and other quality literature will increase our knowledge.
When Daniel and the three were attending Hebrew school, they did not know about the Babylonian conquest. When reading the Torah, the four could not have known how important a part their knowledge and understanding would play in their lives.
We can never know how our actions today will affect the outcome of a situation tomorrow. Productive hours this week can have huge dividends next week or next month. Time, like money, invested wisely will pay future dividends. Invest wisely.
Daniel 1:1-6 ESV
Once again we find the Hebrew people turning from God and worshiping gods. (Jeremiah 32) As a result, He allows Nebuchadnezzar and the peoples of Babylon to conquer Judah and carry many of the Jews into exile. As was the practice in that day, the king would select the best and the brightest to assimilate into the Babylonian culture.
We don't have a number of how many "youths without blemish" were selected for this "honor", but we do know Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were selected. Among this group Daniel's future exploits are recounted in scripture, including the Old Testament book that bears his name. However none of it would have been possible had Daniel not lived a life pleasing to God prior to his capture.
The young men selected were already a cut above. Not just in physical appearance, but also in wisdom, knowledge, and learning. They obviously were the cream of the crop, the best of the best, the pick of the litter. Had Daniel not lived a productive live up to that time, he never would have been among that select group that went to the palace.
I get that fact that the "without blemish" is many times beyond our control. Acne, overbites, birth defects, and accidents can all lead to physical blemishes, but this group was noted for accomplishments in wisdom and learning also. These are within reach of almost all of us. Time spent in prayer and meditation will increase wisdom. Daily reading and study of the Bible and other quality literature will increase our knowledge.
When Daniel and the three were attending Hebrew school, they did not know about the Babylonian conquest. When reading the Torah, the four could not have known how important a part their knowledge and understanding would play in their lives.
We can never know how our actions today will affect the outcome of a situation tomorrow. Productive hours this week can have huge dividends next week or next month. Time, like money, invested wisely will pay future dividends. Invest wisely.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)