Saturday, Ordinary 29, Proper 24, Oct 18

ChapLynne
ChapLynne Posts: 31 Member
Meditation
Saturday, Ordinary 29, Proper 24 showed the extremes of life among the faithful. The Old Testament lesson in Exodus celebrated the completion of the Tabernacle artifacts—the candlesticks, the altars, the Ark of the Covenant with the Mercy Seat, the screens, the poles to carry the ark, the bronze altars, the golden coverings and more—everything that God had asked for that had been beautifully mastered by God’s specially chosen craftsman was perfect. Moses blessed the Tabernacle and its artisans, who brought the vision to its glory.
But the New Testament lesson revealed the other extreme—the story of Herod beheading John the Baptist. John the Baptist had criticized Herod for his marriage to his brother’s wife. She was none too pleased and when her daughter danced before Herod and was granted anything, she asked her daughter for John the Baptist’s head. Even Herod with all his faults knew that this was wrong, but he honored his promise and brought John the Baptist’s head on a platter.
Herod recognized the wrong but did it anyway. Moses led the Hebrews back into faithfulness and hired God’s chosen artisans to construct the specific artifacts of the Tabernacle. Within the world we live in will be the extremes. Some commit their hearts and lives in service to God. Others seek ways to defeat or undermine the work of God. We have choices to make. Where we place our energy and take action.
God can work with both circumstances. The evil of the world and the good to bring about marvelous things.
Thanks be to God.


Prayer: Almighty God, Open my eyes that I might see. Open my mind that I might understand. Open my heart that I might make your words a part of me. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight. Amen


Ordinary 29, Proper 24
Bible Readings
http://legacy.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm 99;Exodus 39:32-43;Matthew 14:1-12&version=KJV;ERV;GNT;NCV;NIV (multiple versions)


Saturday, Ordinary 29, Proper 24
Psalm 99
Exodus 39:32-43
Matthew 14:1-12

Daily Bible Verses to Memorize for Meditating

Philippians 4:4
King James Version (KJV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

Single Bible Study chapter to study


Matthew 14:1-12
King James Version (KJV)
14 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,
2 And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
3 For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.
4 For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.
5 And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
6 But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.
7 Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.
8 And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.
9 And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.
10 And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.
11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.
12 And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.



OBSERVE:

Take a moment and write three observations of the verses. What strikes you? An observation is an observable fact from the Word.
1.

2.

3.

INTERPRETATION:

What do you interpret these verses to mean for you today?




APPLY:

Today, I learned _____________________________________and apply it to my life.


Prayer of Encouragement

Almighty God, when we face joy and/or sorrow, we give you thanks for you have brought us each step of the way. You work in our lives for our best even when times are challenging and overwhelming. We trust you and believe in your plan for us. May we celebrate as Moses did at the completion of the Tabernacle. In Jesus name, Amen

Conclusion
Saturday, Ordinary 29, Proper 24’s lesson dealt with the extremes of celebration at the finishing of the Tabernacle—the tent of meeting, and the sadness of Herod’s decapitation of John the Baptist. But the Psalmist carried the theme of both the greatness of God in the history of the Jews and the threat of those who would strive to work against the Lord. The nations, who were against God, should be fearful because there would be accountability and those who were faithful could celebrate.
Life in our world vacillates from both ends—the nations and individuals that would fight against God, who would behave in ways opposing the humility and the service of God’s chosen—as well as those, who faithfully serve in the face of odds against them—Moses and John the Baptist—for God will use their service for the ultimate glory of God. We must choose to accept our call/place in the work of God.
Go out and be ready for God to do mighty things in your life—for the glory of God.*
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*If you do not know the Lord as your personal Savior and you are seeking, please contact me. A genuine and simple prayer, asking God into your heart for the forgiveness of your sins will also do.