Study 15 Daniel’s dream Part 2

July 22, 2020

Last week we read the first part of Daniel 7. The narrative changes pace and goes back to a dream Daniel himself had during Daniel 5. His dream, similar to Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in chapter 2, envisions 4 kingdoms arising. This time it is not a statue but four frightening beasts that terrify Daniel. Terrifying nightmares unsettle us and niggle at the back of our mind and often linger.

  1. How do you deal with nightmares? What comforts you? __________
  2. Let’s see what Daniel does…

15 As for me, Daniel, my spirit was troubled within me and the visions of my head terrified me. 16 I approached one of the attendants to ask him the truth concerning all this. So he said that he would disclose to me the interpretation of the matter: 17 “As for these four great beasts, four kings shall arise out of the earth. 18 But the holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever—forever and ever.”

  1. It is not clear who “the attendant” is but I am assuming someone in the dream as the attendant can explain to Daniel. Read Deuteronomy 18: 9-13. Does this apply today? ____________
  2. The Old Testament is clear about consulting fortune tellers. What might be the danger in palm reading, taro cards, and other fortune telling medians of today? ______________________________

19 Then I desired to know the truth concerning the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrifying, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze, and which devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped what was left with its feet; 20 and concerning the ten horns that were on its head, and concerning the other horn, which came up and to make room for which three of them fell out—the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke arrogantly, and that seemed greater than the others. 21 As I looked, this horn made war with the holy ones and was prevailing over them, 22 until the Ancient One came; then judgment was given for the holy ones of the Most High, and the time arrived when the holy ones gained possession of the kingdom.

  1. Seeking clarification for what we do not understand is never wrong but I note the response is still cloaked in symbolism that some debate today. What are some ways we can double check our sources? ___

 23 This is what he said: “As for the fourth beast,

there shall be a fourth kingdom on earth
that shall be different from all the other kingdoms;
it shall devour the whole earth,
and trample it down, and break it to pieces.
24 As for the ten horns,
out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise,
and another shall arise after them.
This one shall be different from the former ones,
and shall put down three kings.
25 He shall speak words against the Most High,
shall wear out the holy ones of the Most High,
and shall attempt to change the sacred seasons and the law;
and they shall be given into his power
for a time, two time,] and half a time.
26 Then the court shall sit in judgment,
and his dominion shall be taken away,
to be consumed and totally destroyed.
27 The kingship and dominion
and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven
shall be given to the people of the holy ones of the Most High;
their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom,
and all dominions shall serve and obey them.”

28 Here the account ends. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly terrified me, and my face turned pale; but I kept the matter in my mind.

6.  Daniel still is terrified, still unclear about the meaning and perhaps not feeling it is his responsibility to broadcast his dream. He works for the king, not the “church”. It reminds me of Henny Penny running around declaring, “The sky is falling.” Some day there will be justice but it may not be for us to understand. In the meantime, where do we place our trust? _______

7.  What touched you about Daniel’s dream?

 

 

Leave a Comment » | Daniel | Permalink
Posted by srwantabee

Choice

July 22, 2020

“God—Our First Priority” is our new theme for the next month. Do you hear Maria singing in your ear, “Let’s start from the very beginning…” I thought I would start with Genesis, creation, Adam and Eve who “heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of th day (Gen 3:8)” … and they hid because even in paradise they had already forgotten that God was their first priority. Ouch.

That realization turned my mind to the first commandment, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3)” Adam and Eve had never been in Egypt and did not know what slavery was. They had only known perfection. Hard to imagine.

Surrounded by perfection and having all needs met, I imagine, how do Adam and Eve develop as creations of God and learn to use their free will? If I always carry my baby, how does that baby learn to walk. Choice then becomes a key element in making God our first priority. First implies a second and implies that I choose to follow God because that relationship is a priority in my life. Hmmm. What choices will we face today? It might be what to watch on TV, or what to eat, or whether to pass on a piece of gossip, or perhaps whether to believe the news about the politics of our country. Those are rather passive choices. But we also have active choices that are harder, forgiveness, taking time to call someone who is tired of sheltering, writing an email to a past friend, or even spending the time and energy to settle our racing minds to pray. Making God our first priority is indeed a choice. As you face choices today, may they reflect God as your first priority! Blessings.

Leave a Comment » | Spiritual Vitamins | Permalink
Posted by srwantabee

Handed

July 20, 2020

For thirty days we have read Luke 4:14-21. What new way will God touch my heart today? As I read through, I noted today that Jesus when he arrived in Nazareth, his home town, went to the synagogue on the Sabbath as was his custom, BUT he was “handed” the scroll of Isaiah and then he found the prophecy and said, “Today this is fulfilled,” and sat down. He did not ask for the scroll but when handed it, he knew (I do remember he is called The Word) it well enough to find and apply…fulfill.

Today we will be “handed” challenges of many sorts. Here in Florida, I will meet friends, see their homes, travel back to Cocoa Beach and meditate on all the “he-said, she-saids” of the day. But what I am “handed” is not out of the periphery of God’s knowledge and love. Today is not random. Last week I read in my devotional that prophecy is not the future cemented in place and forced upon us like a dictate. We are not robots. But it is more like the sense of today’s reading. We are handed a day and as we open it, we find the hand of God working and fulfilling his love and desire for us, freedom, recovery, release, and the year of the Lord’s favor.

I do not know what we will find as we walk into the happenings of today, but I do believe God knows what is coming as he walks before us helping us forge a path, walks beside us as our friend who knows our feels, and goes behind us cleaning up our messes and guarding our backside. I pray that as this unfolds we can sit down and say, “Lord, thank you for helping me fulfill your will for me today.”

Leave a Comment » | Spiritual Vitamins | Permalink
Posted by srwantabee

Pentecost 7 Why does God allow evil?

July 18, 2020

Prelude: This Little Light of Mine,   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKkbIZtqhyQ

Blessed be the holy Trinity, +one God,  whose steadfast love is everlasting,                                             whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation.  Amen

Confession and Forgiveness:

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose steadfast love is everlasting, whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation. Amen.

Trusting in the mercy of God, let us confess our sin.

Reconciling God, we confess that we do not trust your abundance, and we deny your presence in our lives. We place our hope in ourselves and rely on our own efforts. We fail to believe that you provide enough for all. We abuse your good creation for our own benefit. We fear difference and do not welcome others as you have welcomed us. We sin in thought, word, and deed. By your grace, forgive us; through your love, renew us; and in your Spirit, lead us; so that we may live and serve you in newness of life. Amen.

 Absolution:

Beloved of God, by the radical abundance of divine mercy we have peace with God through ☩ Christ Jesus, through whom we have obtained grace upon grace. Our sins are forgiven. Let us live now in hope. For hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Amen

 Gathering Hymn: ELW 597 My Hope is Built on Nothing Less https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ev5ziwiOhc

Greetings: The grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.

 Kyrie:

Have mercy on us, Lord, and hear our solemn prayer. We come to hear your living word; it saves us from despair.

Have mercy on us, Christ, and wash away our sin. Pour out your grace and make us whole that new life may begin.

Have mercy on us, Lord, make sun and shame depart. Renew us with your saving pow’r, create in us new hearts!

Prayer of the Day: Faithful God, most merciful judge, you care for your children with firmness and compassion. By your Spirit nurture us who live in your kingdom, that we may be rooted in the way of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

 Selection of the Faithful: ELW 731 Earth and All Stars https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ4mjh2U-wk

HEARING GOD’S WORD

First Reading: Isaiah 44:6-8

6Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:
I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.
7Who is like me? Let them proclaim it,
let them declare and set it forth before me.
Who has announced from of old the things to come?
Let them tell us what is yet to be.
8Do not fear, or be afraid;
have I not told you from of old and declared it?
You are my witnesses!
Is there any god besides me?
There is no other rock; I know not one.

Psalm: Psalm 86:11-17

11Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart to revere your name.
12I will thank you, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
and glorify your name forevermore. 
13For great is your love toward me;
you have delivered me from the pit of death.
14The arrogant rise up against me, O God, and a band of violent people seeks my life; they have not set you before their eyes.
15But you, O Lord, are gracious and full of compassion,
slow to anger, and full of kindness and truth.
16Turn to me and have mercy on me; give your strength to your  servant, and save the child of your handmaid.
17Show me a sign of your favor, so that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame;
because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me. 

Second Reading: Romans 8:12-25

12So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—13for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

18I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. 19For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; 20for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; 23and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia. My word shall accomplish that which I purpose,* and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Alleluia. (Isa. 55:11)

Gospel: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

24[Jesus] put before [the crowds] another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field;25but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. 26So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. 27And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ 28He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29But he replied, ‘No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. 30Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’ ”
36Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; 38the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, 39and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, 42and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!”

 

Children’s Sermon: “This Little Light of Mine, “ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKkbIZtqhyQ ) Lead the congregation in humming however many verses of this song we learned as children,

This light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
This light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
This light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

Let us pray: Lord may the words of my mouth and meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, my Rock and my Redeemer. Amen

SERMON

         Today our text is another parable by Jesus explaining different aspects of the kingdom of heaven. The first half of the text gives a parable. A farmer sows good seed in a field but his enemy came and sowed weeds so that when the seeds sprouted, the servants saw wheat and weeds. The servants immediately go to the farmer and ask if they should pull the weeds. Contrary to secular wisdom the farmer tells the servants to wait because in pulling the weeds, the good wheat might be uprooted. No WEEDING and no THINNING. Wait until the harvest and the farmer will order the tares to be collected first and then the wheat will be gathered into the barn.

The second half of the text gives Jesus’ explanation to his disciples. Last week, the seed was the word of God, and the soil was people. The idiom has shifted. The sower is the Son of man or Jesus. The field is the world. The good seed are the children of the kingdom. The tares or weeds are the children of the evil one. The enemy is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world and the reapers are angels.

Martin Luther gave a whole sermon on this parable that I shall borrow heavily from today.   Luther struggled with the Turks about to overrun German areas. Why did God allow such evil to threaten Christian kingdoms? Why does God allow Covid to threaten good lives? We know this dilemma and join his cry, why do you allow evil, God? Perhaps your cry is a history of abuse, illness, struggle, wayward children, what or what. We all lament evil. Certainly our God of power and might could deal with this!

Because Jesus himself gave an interpretation to this parable, Luther felt it would be dangerous to go far afield from Jesus’ explanation. This is one of those times when like Joseph in the Old Testament, who specifically interpreted the dreams of the baker and wine taster, we do must stick to Jesus’ explanation. The facts of the parable are specific.

Jesus is explaining to us how the kingdom of God fares in our world, how the teachings of Christianity challenge us as we live out our faith. First, Luther turns to 1 Corinthians 11:19 where Paul laments about the divisions in the Corinthian church. He sees the differences within Christianity, people we perceive as hypocrites vs. “real Christians,” as challenges that drive us to find the truth of God’s teachings. This parable, Luther admonishes, is not the differences of Christian maturity or differences of interpretations of teachings ie I’m a Lutheran and you’re a Baptist so “I’m saved” or I’m better than you. That is not what this parable is about. This parable is about Satan’s attempt to undermine the kingdom of heaven and defeat us. Therefore it is the servants, the angels who are the only ones capable of differentiating who is working for evil and who is of Christ. That is not for us to determine – or accuse.

Interestingly, God does not send his angels to weed or thin the field. Why? It is God’s will that the good and the evil grow together. Jesus warns that in uprooting people who disagree with us, we are in danger of uprooting people young in their faith.   I will share again during hospital visitation I heard the story from an old man who as a child was the spectator of his father being excommunicated on the church steps by the priest because his wife left him. The man had no time for God or church. The point is not guilt. The point is the impact on an observer who experiences faith through seeing our lives. When the church indulges in gossip and backbiting, innocent people are hurt. When our public faith heroes get caught in adultery, we all are under doubt. When financial or marital infidelity occur, we all hurt. We know these stories in our lifetime.

Luther says, “this Gospel teaches how we should conduct ourselves toward these heretics and false teachers. We are not to uproot nor destroy them.” None of us know when the word of God touches a person’s heart. It is possible for the lost person to be touched by the word of God and turn around. Uprooting people whether by war, inquisition, or gossip is a double murder. The body is killed so the person never has an opportunity to hear the Gospel and the death of the soul for eternity. Not only that, we think we deserve a reward in heaven for our heroic actions. Vengeance is mine, I will repay says the Lord

Secondly, Luther says “today’s Gospel also teaches by this parable that our free will amounts to nothing, since the good seed is sown only by Christ, and Satan can sow nothing but evil seed. “As we also see that the field of itself yields nothing but tares, which the cattle eat, although the field receives them and they make the field green as if they were wheat.” Our faith is a gift. Next week we will baptize baby Alexander Martel, a beautiful example of the gift of Christ coming to us.

That the tares are sown when no one is paying attention reminds us of the disguises and sneakiness of Satan. Truth is twisted slightly, distorting and leading many astray. We must not think that God is enthroned on high and Satan is a thousand miles away. Example in our lifetime, I think of is David Koresh who played a central role in the Waco siege of 1993. Over 76 people died in the fire that resulted. Jim Jones, leader in the Peoples Temple, resulted in the mass suicide of 918 people. Charismatic leaders twist truth and many are hurt.

Often we cannot tell the difference but healthy vines produced healthy fruit. “The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law. Gal 5:22” James 3:13-17 differentiates wisdom from God from earthly. Earthly wisdom “harbors bitter envy and self ambition” but wisdom from above is “first of all pure, then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakes who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”

The text also assures us that at sometime there will be a judgment that executes justice. We do not know the day or the hour but God sees the evil that is done and He will bring justice and some day we will not live with evil. I find that comforting.

Ultimately we are told to leave evil in God’s hands to deal with. He knows the truth. He knows who is good or bad. He has the power. He is prepared. Luther concludes that the existence of evil, of tares, gives a contrast enhancing the beauty of wheat and the goodness of God’s teachings. So that brings us back to the children’s song we sang. “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.” Our task is to shine for Jesus and love our neighbor and enemies. God holds our lives in his hand! Thank you!

Hymn of Day: ELW 681 We Plow the Fields and Scatter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nUElntecrEzs

 The Apostle’s Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,  was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and  the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Or you can listen to the Creed in vocal form: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuDI-sk2nJU

Prayers of Intercession: Confident of your care and helped by the Holy Spirit, we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

God of the harvest, you sow the good seed of the gospel of Jesus Christ into your field. Help your church throughout the world to be both diligent and patient, full of resolve and gentleness, that our witness may be faithful to your intentions. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of all space and time, your whole creation groans in labor pains, awaiting the gift of new birth. Renew the earth, sky, and sea, so that all your creation experiences freedom from the bondage of decay. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of the nations, teach us your ways, that we may walk in your truth. Mend the fabric of the human family, now torn apart by our fearful and warring ways (regions and nations in conflict may be named). Guide us by your mercy, grace, and steadfast love. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of hope, you accompany those who suffer and are near to the brokenhearted. Open our hearts to your children who are lonely and abandoned, who feel trapped by despair, and all who suffer in any way. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of the seasons, in the midst of summer, give us refreshment, renewal, and new opportunities. We pray for the safety of those who travel. We pray for those who cannot take the rest they need. Lord, in your mercy,  hear our prayer.

 God of life, those who have died in you shine like the sun in your endless kingdom. We remember with thanksgiving the saints of all times and places and saints close to us (especially). Gather us with them on the day of salvation. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the certain hope that nothing can separate us from your love, we offer these prayers to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Peace: If you are worship with someone else, turn and share, “The peace of Christ be with you always.” Response, “And also with you.” You might use your finger to mark you children or loved one with a cross on their forehead. If you are practicing social distancing, put your palms together blessing of them. Peace!

SHARING GOD’S MEAL

Offering Prayer: God of goodness and growth, all creation is yours, and your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. Water and word, wine and bread: these are signs of your abundant grace. Nourish us through these gifts, that we might proclaim your steadfast love in our communities and in the world, through Jesus Christ, our strength and our song. Amen.

 The Great Thanksgiving:

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We left them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

 The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come. thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Communion: I invite you to talk a little piece of bread and eat it. Christ is as close to you as the bread in your mouth and stomach. Always remember. Now take a sip of your drink. Christ is as close to you as the blood in your body, strengthening you. Always remember.

Prayer after Communion: God of the welcome table, in this meal we have feasted on your goodness and have been united by your presence among us. Empower us to go forth sustained by these gifts so that we may share your neighborly love with all, through Jesus Christ, the giver of abundant life. Amen.

 THE SENDING

Blessing: Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. God, the creator, ☩ Jesus, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit, the comforter, bless you and keep you in eternal love. Amen.

Sending Hymn: ELW 679 For the Fruit of All Creation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bppvo-OI_Sw

Dismissal: Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God.

 

Leave a Comment » | Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by srwantabee

Anointed

July 18, 2020

Today I’m cheating. I read Luke 4:14-21 and asked my husband what stood out to him. Jesus felt “anointed.” I continued, “What does that mean to you?” Jesus had a “mission, a purpose in life, and hope for each day. Life is not meaningless; it’s full of meaning.” Sunday, July 26th, I will anoint baby A….. in baptism, not just with the water of baptism but also with oil and the sign of the cross on his head and on his chest as a sign of the Holy Spirit guiding his thoughts and his feelings, his whole being. We pray that he will grow in faith before God and people, embracing all that God envisions for him. The anointing does indeed encapsulate the parents prayer for A….., the sponsors who commit to guide A….., and the faith community that promises to nurture that little life as it unfolds within our community. That child will never stand alone. The Holy Spirit hovers within, and the faith community protects from without.

My husband continued, “All the more reason to ponder anew what the Almighty can do if with his love he befriends thee!” I can only say, “Amen!” We are befriended by Christ’s love, guided by his Spirit, and life today has purpose and meaning. We are anointed. As my Kenyan friends said at the beginning of most every church service, “Many wanted to live to see today and have not,” let us rejoice that we have the privilege of seeing this day whether we are at the ocean in Florida or on the plains in Indiana. Blessings.

Leave a Comment » | Sunday Scripts | Permalink
Posted by srwantabee

Sent

July 17, 2020

“Sent,” Luke 4:18 says that the Spirit of the Lord “sent” the prophet with a message that Jesus claims was fulfilled in him. Proverbs 17, the proverb for today, says in verse 2, “A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son, and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.” This morning I sat on the little porch of our room and enjoyed the early morning breeze from the ocean. The heat was not oppressive, the seagulls were flying and squawking, and people were beginning to walk to the beach about 6:15. One thing was missing. My daughter was “sent” to the grocery yesterday to get a few things as the cupboard of the cottage was bare. No creamer for the morning cup of coffee. The creamer made it to her house a few blocks away and I sat watching people carrying their cup of coffee to watch the sunrise.

The faithfulness of the person sent is a big thing, creamer is not. I could have toughened it out without creamer and I did enjoy the early morning and I am not upset with my daughter but… the word “sent” jumped out at me. A wise servant becomes equal to the brothers. Proverbs has a lot to say about wisdom. So how is a servant wise when “sent”? Using my situations, the servant does not argue with the master and point out that most people like coffee black and that creamer is made of artificial chemicals. The servant trusts the wishes of the master. The servant is timely. I think that the servant does not think about when the master wants to use the creamer or how, just fulfills the request. I am guessing the servant does not get two bottles of creamer, pocketing one and returning the other to the master, knowing the master has entrusted him with the cost of the request. The master may not be determining where the path of fulfillment ie whether the servant goes to the corner shop or to the big supermarket. The servant goes in a timely and efficient way.

“Sent” actually implies many things about the relationship between the Holy Spirit and Isaiah or Jesus or us. As disciples we are “sent ones, messengers.” We are entrusted with a message, with instructions about how to treat those we meet along the way, and given power to execute our task. The master does not define “who” or “when” but merely asks us to share the good news that the kingdom of heaven is near. To love and forgive those we interact with. To be humble, obedient and faithful. I do not know where God is sending you today as his servant and what challenges or thieves you will meet along your path but I do know God trusts us to do a task, to be his rep wherever we are. And I do believe that if we are wise, God knows, rewards and cares. Blessings as you go about your tasks today.

Leave a Comment » | Spiritual Vitamins | Permalink
Posted by srwantabee

Went

July 16, 2020

“Went,” Jesus went to Nazareth, his hometown, to stand up and read and read his mission statement. He sat down and said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:16, 21) Today we are going and by next week can say we went. I envision Jesus walking along dusty roads that were familiar to him from childhood, perhaps the road he walked at age 13 on a trip to Jerusalem where he got separated from his parents because he stayed behind talking to the rabbis. We are not going to our hometown but to a familiar airport, Orlando. We go not to preach but to see a beloved daughter. We too have a mission as our daughter is soon moving to Canada to be an assistant bishop.

Like Nazareth, Orlando is a ethnic hub with people from all over going to Disney World and vacation. Nazareth was in Galillee, northern Israel that was a very international area. I’m sure because of Covid, we will be masked and checked and double checked for safety. I doubt Jesus had checks although there might have been Roman stations to keep peace and observe visitors. Instead of airplanes, I imagine donkeys and horses and walkers along the roads and travelers carrying burdens, not rolling suitcases racing to meet waiting cars or transport. How different and yet how similar our worlds are.

“Going”, as I am preparing to do now is facing forward but “went” faces backwards. Today we stand between “going” and “went.” Tomorrow we will look back on today. The challenges and tasks that loomed so large on the horizon will become part of our narrative. I do not know the journeys you will face today but it is a comfort to me that I have a God who traveled as I will today, who understands the thoughts and anticipations that swirl in the mind, and who does not tire of helping us face the future. For sure I can use the Swahili farewell (go well), “Kwa heri!” (go with blessing) on your journeys today for Christ goes with you on whatever your mission.

Leave a Comment » | Spiritual Vitamins | Permalink
Posted by srwantabee

Study 14 Daniel 7 A Nightmare

July 15, 2020

As we come to our 14th study, we have watched Daniel grow through the book of Daniel from a captive from Israel carried into the great Babylonian kingdom and trained to serve there. He distinguishes himself by his ability to understand dreams. He always gives credit to God and refuses personal glory. Chapter 7 of Daniel starts a change of focus from Daniel’s historical gifting to his own more prophetic dreams. His first dream is recorded as coming during the “the first year of Belshazzar of Babylon. V.1 At the end of Daniel 6, Daniel is under king Darius the Persian so chapter 7 flashes back to chapter 5, before the lion’s den story. So there is a sense of two parts to the book of Daniel portraying God’s work in the culture surrounding Daniel and then recording some of Daniel’s own spiritual journey. Even so our spiritual journey is impacted by the themes of history that impacts the trajectory of the institutional church and we are impacted by our own spiritual journey embedded in our social history.

So chapter 7 records Daniel’s personal prophetic dream and this vision has called forth multiple explanations through the decades and unfortunate divisions among people. Daniel is often treated like Revelations, a prophetic book that sees into a future we cannot yet envision.

  1. Let us first start today by pondering how we understand dreams. Check all that might apply.
  • ______ My inner self working out some issue as I sleep.
  • _______ Some might be a message from God. E.g. ________
  • _______ A source of journaling to better understand myself.
  • _______ A message from the other world (Tevya, Fiddler)
  • _______ Flashbacks? The mind healing itself?
  1. Can you remember a dream that so rattled you, you sought someone               to help you understand it? _____________________________

Let us go to Daniel’s dream. (As you read this part, underline each beast.)

7 In the first year of King Belshazzar of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head as he lay in bed. Then he wrote down the dream: 2 I, Daniel, saw in my vision by night the four winds of heaven stirring up the great sea, 3 and four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another. 4 The first was like a lion and had eagles’ wings. Then, as I watched, its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a human being; and a human mind was given to it. 5 Another beast appeared, a second one, that looked like a bear. It was raised up on one side, had three tusks in its mouth among its teeth and was told, “Arise, devour many bodies!” 6 After this, as I watched, another appeared, like a leopard. The beast had four wings of a bird on its back and four heads; and dominion was given to it. 7 After this I saw in the visions by night a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth and was devouring, breaking in pieces, and stamping what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that preceded it, and it had ten horns. 8 I was considering the horns, when another horn appeared, a little one coming up among them; to make room for it, three of the earlier horns were plucked up by the roots. There were eyes like human eyes in this horn, and a mouth speaking arrogantly.

3, Name the four beasts

  • beast 1____________ became ________________
  • beast 2 ____________ had ___________________
  • beast 3 ____________ had ___________________
  • beast 4 ____________ had ___________________
  1. What interpretation have you heard for these four beasts? What kingdoms did they represent? Past or future to Daniel? A past focus would see the animals representing Babylon, Persian, Greeks and Rome. A more modern understanding would see Rome, Russia, Africa, and Industrialization. The “end times” prophesizing of the 60s is not a major focus in Christianity today as the church sees itself as fighting social injustice to usher in a better world. Since prophecy is proven by the future coming true, let us focus more on the present and ask, what “kingdoms” or forces do you feel are at battle in our world today? __________________
  2. How do you understand Christianity plays into your vision of the future?

9 As I watched, thrones were set in place, and an Ancient One took his       throne,
his clothing was white as snow,  and the hair of his head like pure wool;
his throne was fiery flames, and its wheels were burning fire.
10 A stream of fire issued and flowed out from his presence.
A thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand   stood attending him.
The court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.

 

  1. It might be interesting at this point to read Revelation 1. Note the similarities and the differences.
  2. The “Ancient One” is generally considered to be God speaking.
  3. Who might “the court” be?
  4. “Books were opened” Which books do you imagine will be there?

 

            11 I watched then because of the noise of the arrogant words that the horn was speaking. And as I watched, the beast was put to death, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. 12 As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. 

  1. Evil is overcome and punished. “The beast” is generally understood to a demonic figure, not a human who is capable of repenting and being forgiven. “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it iswritten, ‘Vengeanceis mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”” Rom. 12:9. Is there something you need to leave in God’s hands? _____

 

13 As I watched in the night visions, I saw one like a human being coming with the clouds of heaven. And he came to the Ancient One and was presented before him. 14 To him was given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed.

  1. This is generally considered a reference to the reign of Christ eternally, hence the strong connection between Daniel and Revelation. Many find this a comforting prophecy uniting Biblical revelation. Whether we find comfort in specifics of the dream or in the realization that God speaks in ways we do not expect, through dreams, through his Word, through nature, through music. Bottom line: God speaks into his creation and will bring about justice!

Leave a Comment » | Daniel | Permalink
Posted by srwantabee

Oppression

July 15, 2020

“Oppression” is a heavy word. Jesus read the scroll proclaiming release from oppression in Luke 4:18. More than blindness or captivity, oppression is harder for me to pinpoint. Oppression is cruel or unjust treatment or control or mental pressure. Having a kind husband, a fulfilling job, wonderful friends, and financial stability means that the ole scale is my most oppressing opponent. So how is that so?

In Ecclessiastes 4:1 I read, “Again I saw all the oppressions that are practiced under the sun. Look, the tears of the oppressed – with no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power – with no one to comfort them. And I thought the dead who have already died, more fortunate than the living, who are still alive, but better than both is the one who has not yet been, and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.” Oppressions drive us to cry out, drive us to despair, drive us into isolation and hopelessness.

Perhaps when Jesus proclaims release, he is proclaiming that we are heard. He is proclaiming there is hope and a future. He is proclaiming that we are not alone. As Avatar would say, “I SEE you!” I do not know what the your battle is today and what voices seek to diminish you but the truth is that Jesus came to release us from those lies. We are valuable not because of our talents, our wealth, or our looks but because we are his creation. Let’s focus on that today! Blessings.

Leave a Comment » | Spiritual Vitamins | Permalink
Posted by srwantabee

Stand up comedy?

July 14, 2020

“Stood up,” Jesus stood up to read when he went to the synagogue in Nazareth on the Sabbath. Let “stand up” or “stood up” roll around in your mind for a sec. Several pictures come to mind in addition to the pastor and congregation standing up for the reading of the Gospel.

We stand up to pledge allegiance to the flag of our country and sing our national anthem. Standing up as in going to one’s feet has a long history. In the 1600s it referred to being ready to defend one’s country. In 1902 in became connected to not appearing for an appointment eg I was stood up. In 1966, my life time, it was connected with comedy – Red Skelton. And then in 1956 it was used on the game show “To Tell the Truth” to identify truth: “Will the real ___ stand up.” But our text would add to the internet explanation of the origin that, in fact, back in Jesus time, it was customary to stand when reading Scripture: respect, defense, not forgetting, testifying and identifying the real thing. Jesus stood up to read and then sat down saying, the Scripture is fulfilled. He is the real thing.

Jesus stands up for us in the presence of God. He does not stand us up even when we do not feel his presence. He shares truth not humor. And we stand up in return to show respect when the Gospel is read. The Gospel reading is the high light of the church service, not the sermon.

So what are we standing up for today? That is a serious question in our present culture of demonstrations and demands. It is possible to stand up without respect and honor, only knowing partial truth and led by oratory, defending causes that do not touch our lives. Stand up comedy is still alive but not a one person show on TV. What do I stand up for? That is a serious question worth pondering today. But never forget that Jesus is standing up for you, not just in the synagogue but at the right hand of the Father. We may be caught in a battle but he is with us. Thank you Lord.

Leave a Comment » | Spiritual Vitamins | Permalink
Posted by srwantabee

« Previous Entries
Next Entries »