Chapter 10: verse 1-5... it seems like God is raising up judges from each tribe in turn, although some we don't know where they are from and Joseph's tribe is given several judges from within their family tree... but interesting that God is spreading the responsibility around... maybe so noone can say that it was completely someone elses fault?... first, Othaniel from the tribe of Judah; then, Ehud, from Benjamin; followed by Gideon, from Manasseh (from Joseph); Tola, from Issachar; Jair, from Gilead (from Manassah, from Joseph); Jephthah (from Gilead also) vesre 6-10... the Isrealites have the cycle down, don't they? verse 11-13... but God is not playing that game anymore... verse 14... if you like your new gods so much, get them to help you! verse 15... isn't it just like human nature to want our current situation to improve and not really care about the past, or future verse 16... interesting... when they got rid of the other gods in their lives, they made room for God to dwell with them again, He was obliged to do so... maybe it is not God who turns from us, then, but us who keep ourselves from God. vers 17... 'Mizpah' is this where the Mispah Shrine Circus people get their name? if so, why did they choose this? just curious vesre 18... they must have figured if that person lived, then they were brave enough to deserve the honor
Chapter 11: verse 1-2... important to remember that what we do affects our children... and how we handle the things we've done makes a huge impact on them, as well. verse 3... 'he fled'... was he in danger or just running from the difficulties and injustices?... ahh... see verse 7... the drove him from his 'fathers house'... makes me think about how sometimes we 'drive people out of our Father's House' (the church) because we don't think they 'fit into our family'... do we judge others based on their heritage (or lack of it)? do we turn our backs on them because of where they came from? do we talk about them (both behind their backs and to their faces) so much that they 'get the point' that they are 'not wanted'? do we realize the Jesus gave His life both for them and for us, when we were His enemies? (Romans 5:10, Colossians 1:21-23) awful, wretched sinners with no pedigree or royalty to us... we were in fact useless to Him, yet that was the very time He reached out to us (Romans 5:6-8)... He knew our background... heck, He even knew our future and present (Psalm 139)... yet, He still accepted us into His family and gave us a name in Him (Ephesians 3:14-15, 1 Peter 2:9-12)... maybe we should reconsider how we treat others? (Matthew 7:12)... especially the ones who seem to deserve our kindness and friendship the least? (Luke 6:27-37, Matthew 25:31-46) verse 4-6... Jephthah must have made a name for himself as leader of the 'adventurers' verse 7... good point verse 8... 'oh, that... that little trivial thing?... that is all water under the bridge now anyway... come and be our leader and save our backsides'... how easily we can push aside the feelings of others in order to serve our own interests? verse 9... don't fault him for being sceptical... I can't say I trust them straight out either... it is important to note that forgiveness is a requirement, not based on feelings... we forgive, because God forgave us... not because it is deserved, but because unforgiveness would hinder our relationship with God and because if God gave it to us, the least we can do is to pass it on to others... but forgiveness and trust are two different things... trust is earned... when we make a mess of things in our past, we must work to reconcile in order to gain trust back... we must realize that it will take time and effort on own part to regain the trust that was lost... so, to recap, forgivenss is to be freely given even when the other person is unrepetent and/or does not deserve or want forgiveness (to save us from the sin of bitterness, and to keep our relationship full in God), however, trust requires a repentent heart willing to work on reconciliation before trust can be regained or administered... to give trust without repentance is foolish and will lead to trouble and heartache for ALL involved. verse 10... at least they are putting God in the mix this time... do you think they did that when the kicked Jephthah out of town to begin with? vers 11... why repeat all the words? didn't God hear him when he spoke the first time? (a rhetorical question)... maybe it was for ceremony and the hearing of others to know that he was the new commander and expected their obedience? and does it mean all the words in verse 6-10, or others, like in an oath or something?
vers 12... good strategy... before you start 'a war' it is a good idea to find out why the other people are doing what they are doing... maybe we can avoid some 'wars' if we just get the other person's side, instead of acting on our own impulses? vers 13... definately a different perspective that the Isrealites had... since God took it and the Isrealites considered it their land rightfully (see verse 14-23) verse 24... smiling and laughing... 'our God is better than your god!' verse 25-26... good point... if noone cared to take the land back when it was taken over by the Isrealites, why bother now? vesre 27...'my God, who weve already established is better than your god, is ready to kick your tushy if you just try to take His gift back'... some literary freedom taken here :) verse 28... bad choice... when we ignore our problems, they always get bigger... I don't know why we think they'll just go away, but they never do verse 29-30... even when the Spirit of God is in us, we can still make bad choices... because we are always given freedom of choice to listen or not listen to the warnings and promptings of God in our heart... we should never blame God for our bad choices.... also, we should consider the fact that God would likely have given the Isrealites a victory even without Jephthah's vow, because it was His will to do so... why do we act like the future depends on us? God is the only one who has always been, will always be, and controls all time and everything in itpast, present and future.... God does not rely on us to do things for Him, He just graciously gives us the opportunity to be involved in all He has already got going in the works (see Acts 17:24-28) verse 30-35...what are we willing to sacrifice for fame, fortune, honor, success? we may not sacrifice our children as burnt offerings, but we do sacrifice them to the world by our selfish desires, and careless words and actions... we must be careful what we promise. veres 36... now that is courage and complete love and honor of God!... interesting how Jephthah's daughter was so much different than he was... he had head knowledge (see verse 14-27), but she had heart knowledge... which does God desire of us to have? which do you have? if you think the girl is crazy for dying to honor God, then maybe that can help you gain some insight on your heart?... just some thoughts verse 37-40...interesting request... interesting tradition... when we live our life for God, even our death will bring Him glory, and His name will be remember through the memories of our obedience and love to Him.
The Study Notes bring up some really good questions... like, why, if God detests human sacrifice (Deuteronomy 12:28-32, Deuteronomy 18:9-10), did He allow Jephthah's vow to come to fruition?.. surely God knew that Jephthah did not intend to sacrifice his daughter to God?.. maybe it was routine for his sheep to bound through the door when he came home?... why didn't God stop the sacrifice like He did with Abraham and Isaac? (Genesis 22)... sure God was the one who gave this command to Abraham, but Jephthah was the one would invoked the vow on himself, but could that really be the only difference? does going outside God's will and making promises without God's guidance really make that big of a difference? does God really value our commitment to Him over human life? (Numbers 30:1-2, Deuteronomy 23:21-23, Ecclesiastes 5:1-7) why would that be the case? I do not really know all the answers to all these questions, but that does not waver my trust or faith in God, for He is God, and I am not (Isaiah 55:8-9)... who am I, a sinner blinded by the seemily goodness of evil at every turn...who am I, a hypocrite that makes decisions based on my own selfishness...who am I, the creator of nothing, but propegator of much sin...who am I, most definately not God... so who am I to determine what is right or wrong, apart from the Word of God? We must be cautious about examining and judging God's goodness and character through our faulty viewpoint.
The Study Notes bring up some really good questions... like, why, if God detests human sacrifice (Deuteronomy 12:28-32, Deuteronomy 18:9-10), did He allow Jephthah's vow to come to fruition?.. surely God knew that Jephthah did not intend to sacrifice his daughter to God?.. maybe it was routine for his sheep to bound through the door when he came home?... why didn't God stop the sacrifice like He did with Abraham and Isaac? (Genesis 22)... sure God was the one who gave this command to Abraham, but Jephthah was the one would invoked the vow on himself, but could that really be the only difference? does going outside God's will and making promises without God's guidance really make that big of a difference? does God really value our commitment to Him over human life? (Numbers 30:1-2, Deuteronomy 23:21-23, Ecclesiastes 5:1-7) why would that be the case? I do not really know all the answers to all these questions, but that does not waver my trust or faith in God, for He is God, and I am not (Isaiah 55:8-9)... who am I, a sinner blinded by the seemily goodness of evil at every turn...who am I, a hypocrite that makes decisions based on my own selfishness...who am I, the creator of nothing, but propegator of much sin...who am I, most definately not God... so who am I to determine what is right or wrong, apart from the Word of God? We must be cautious about examining and judging God's goodness and character through our faulty viewpoint.
The IDEA: Romans 1:12-That we may be mutually strengthened, encouraged, and comforted by each others faith. Have you ever read the whole Bible before? We have never done it. We want to share God’s Word, but how can we if we do not know it.
The PLAN: Ecclesiastes 4:12-One person is easily overcome, but two can stand together and conquer. Three is even better, though, as a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. With each others help we can succeed-So, let us team up and read the Bible in a year.
The DATE: We will start Dec 26, 2009 - Dec 26, 2010.
The FYI: We will read 3-4 chapters each day, starting in Genesis, and post thoughts daily. If you do not have a Bible, you can access many translations at www.biblegateway.com. You can also download an audio for each chapter at: http://www.audiotreasure.com/webindex.htm
Read it. Will comment later.
ReplyDeletesandJ
Chapter 10: verse 1-5... it seems like God is raising up judges from each tribe in turn, although some we don't know where they are from and Joseph's tribe is given several judges from within their family tree... but interesting that God is spreading the responsibility around... maybe so noone can say that it was completely someone elses fault?... first, Othaniel from the tribe of Judah; then, Ehud, from Benjamin; followed by Gideon, from Manasseh (from Joseph); Tola, from Issachar; Jair, from Gilead (from Manassah, from Joseph); Jephthah (from Gilead also)
ReplyDeletevesre 6-10... the Isrealites have the cycle down, don't they?
verse 11-13... but God is not playing that game anymore...
verse 14... if you like your new gods so much, get them to help you!
verse 15... isn't it just like human nature to want our current situation to improve and not really care about the past, or future
verse 16... interesting... when they got rid of the other gods in their lives, they made room for God to dwell with them again, He was obliged to do so... maybe it is not God who turns from us, then, but us who keep ourselves from God.
vers 17... 'Mizpah' is this where the Mispah Shrine Circus people get their name? if so, why did they choose this? just curious
vesre 18... they must have figured if that person lived, then they were brave enough to deserve the honor
Chapter 11: verse 1-2... important to remember that what we do affects our children... and how we handle the things we've done makes a huge impact on them, as well.
ReplyDeleteverse 3... 'he fled'... was he in danger or just running from the difficulties and injustices?... ahh... see verse 7... the drove him from his 'fathers house'... makes me think about how sometimes we 'drive people out of our Father's House' (the church) because we don't think they 'fit into our family'... do we judge others based on their heritage (or lack of it)? do we turn our backs on them because of where they came from? do we talk about them (both behind their backs and to their faces) so much that they 'get the point' that they are 'not wanted'? do we realize the Jesus gave His life both for them and for us, when we were His enemies? (Romans 5:10, Colossians 1:21-23) awful, wretched sinners with no pedigree or royalty to us... we were in fact useless to Him, yet that was the very time He reached out to us (Romans 5:6-8)... He knew our background... heck, He even knew our future and present (Psalm 139)... yet, He still accepted us into His family and gave us a name in Him (Ephesians 3:14-15, 1 Peter 2:9-12)... maybe we should reconsider how we treat others? (Matthew 7:12)... especially the ones who seem to deserve our kindness and friendship the least? (Luke 6:27-37, Matthew 25:31-46)
verse 4-6... Jephthah must have made a name for himself as leader of the 'adventurers'
verse 7... good point
verse 8... 'oh, that... that little trivial thing?... that is all water under the bridge now anyway... come and be our leader and save our backsides'... how easily we can push aside the feelings of others in order to serve our own interests?
verse 9... don't fault him for being sceptical... I can't say I trust them straight out either... it is important to note that forgiveness is a requirement, not based on feelings... we forgive, because God forgave us... not because it is deserved, but because unforgiveness would hinder our relationship with God and because if God gave it to us, the least we can do is to pass it on to others... but forgiveness and trust are two different things... trust is earned... when we make a mess of things in our past, we must work to reconcile in order to gain trust back... we must realize that it will take time and effort on own part to regain the trust that was lost... so, to recap, forgivenss is to be freely given even when the other person is unrepetent and/or does not deserve or want forgiveness (to save us from the sin of bitterness, and to keep our relationship full in God), however, trust requires a repentent heart willing to work on reconciliation before trust can be regained or administered... to give trust without repentance is foolish and will lead to trouble and heartache for ALL involved.
verse 10... at least they are putting God in the mix this time... do you think they did that when the kicked Jephthah out of town to begin with?
vers 11... why repeat all the words? didn't God hear him when he spoke the first time? (a rhetorical question)... maybe it was for ceremony and the hearing of others to know that he was the new commander and expected their obedience? and does it mean all the words in verse 6-10, or others, like in an oath or something?
vers 12... good strategy... before you start 'a war' it is a good idea to find out why the other people are doing what they are doing... maybe we can avoid some 'wars' if we just get the other person's side, instead of acting on our own impulses?
ReplyDeletevers 13... definately a different perspective that the Isrealites had... since God took it and the Isrealites considered it their land rightfully (see verse 14-23)
verse 24... smiling and laughing... 'our God is better than your god!'
verse 25-26... good point... if noone cared to take the land back when it was taken over by the Isrealites, why bother now?
vesre 27...'my God, who weve already established is better than your god, is ready to kick your tushy if you just try to take His gift back'... some literary freedom taken here :)
verse 28... bad choice... when we ignore our problems, they always get bigger... I don't know why we think they'll just go away, but they never do
verse 29-30... even when the Spirit of God is in us, we can still make bad choices... because we are always given freedom of choice to listen or not listen to the warnings and promptings of God in our heart... we should never blame God for our bad choices.... also, we should consider the fact that God would likely have given the Isrealites a victory even without Jephthah's vow, because it was His will to do so... why do we act like the future depends on us? God is the only one who has always been, will always be, and controls all time and everything in itpast, present and future.... God does not rely on us to do things for Him, He just graciously gives us the opportunity to be involved in all He has already got going in the works (see Acts 17:24-28)
verse 30-35...what are we willing to sacrifice for fame, fortune, honor, success? we may not sacrifice our children as burnt offerings, but we do sacrifice them to the world by our selfish desires, and careless words and actions... we must be careful what we promise.
veres 36... now that is courage and complete love and honor of God!... interesting how Jephthah's daughter was so much different than he was... he had head knowledge (see verse 14-27), but she had heart knowledge... which does God desire of us to have? which do you have? if you think the girl is crazy for dying to honor God, then maybe that can help you gain some insight on your heart?... just some thoughts
verse 37-40...interesting request... interesting tradition... when we live our life for God, even our death will bring Him glory, and His name will be remember through the memories of our obedience and love to Him.
The Study Notes bring up some really good questions... like, why, if God detests human sacrifice (Deuteronomy 12:28-32, Deuteronomy 18:9-10), did He allow Jephthah's vow to come to fruition?.. surely God knew that Jephthah did not intend to sacrifice his daughter to God?.. maybe it was routine for his sheep to bound through the door when he came home?... why didn't God stop the sacrifice like He did with Abraham and Isaac? (Genesis 22)... sure God was the one who gave this command to Abraham, but Jephthah was the one would invoked the vow on himself, but could that really be the only difference? does going outside God's will and making promises without God's guidance really make that big of a difference? does God really value our commitment to Him over human life? (Numbers 30:1-2, Deuteronomy 23:21-23, Ecclesiastes 5:1-7) why would that be the case? I do not really know all the answers to all these questions, but that does not waver my trust or faith in God, for He is God, and I am not (Isaiah 55:8-9)... who am I, a sinner blinded by the seemily goodness of evil at every turn...who am I, a hypocrite that makes decisions based on my own selfishness...who am I, the creator of nothing, but propegator of much sin...who am I, most definately not God... so who am I to determine what is right or wrong, apart from the Word of God? We must be cautious about examining and judging God's goodness and character through our faulty viewpoint.
ReplyDeletesandJ
The Study Notes bring up some really good questions... like, why, if God detests human sacrifice (Deuteronomy 12:28-32, Deuteronomy 18:9-10), did He allow Jephthah's vow to come to fruition?.. surely God knew that Jephthah did not intend to sacrifice his daughter to God?.. maybe it was routine for his sheep to bound through the door when he came home?... why didn't God stop the sacrifice like He did with Abraham and Isaac? (Genesis 22)... sure God was the one who gave this command to Abraham, but Jephthah was the one would invoked the vow on himself, but could that really be the only difference? does going outside God's will and making promises without God's guidance really make that big of a difference? does God really value our commitment to Him over human life? (Numbers 30:1-2, Deuteronomy 23:21-23, Ecclesiastes 5:1-7) why would that be the case? I do not really know all the answers to all these questions, but that does not waver my trust or faith in God, for He is God, and I am not (Isaiah 55:8-9)... who am I, a sinner blinded by the seemily goodness of evil at every turn...who am I, a hypocrite that makes decisions based on my own selfishness...who am I, the creator of nothing, but propegator of much sin...who am I, most definately not God... so who am I to determine what is right or wrong, apart from the Word of God? We must be cautious about examining and judging God's goodness and character through our faulty viewpoint.
ReplyDeletesandJ