Thursday, Ordinary 19/Proper 14 -- Aug 7
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Meditation
Thursday, Ordinary 19, Proper 14 addressed issues of power and control. The Psalmist wrote a short history of Israel—from Abraham to Joseph “sent ahead as a servant” (read kidnapped by brothers and sold into slavery), He skipped the part where Joseph suffered false accusations, was imprisoned, promised and forgotten, but then God used his dream-explaining skill to elevate him to the second to Pharaoh, where he was able to help his family. Through the roller coaster ride of Joseph’s life, he must have felt frustrated, angry, alone, betrayed and might have thought life would never be more than bleak. Yet, the power and control was God’s. God used the experience to humble Joseph, to make him prepared to be self-controlled and to trust God despite the constant set-backs.
At the right time, God elevated Joseph—using all his past to work together for good of all of Israel. If at any point things had gone better for Joseph, he would not have been at the right place and at the right time for his expertise and closeness to God to shine as it did. The adage “It is always darkest before the dawn” became the truism because of the intrinsic truth that things will be bleakest before light will expose the reality.
The Old Testament lesson in Genesis spoke of Jacob and his twelve sons, with a glimpse of Reuben, his first born and eldest. Jacob had wealth, wives, concubines and children. Reuben raped his father’s concubine, though the Scriptures don’t use the word rape. Rape is about power over someone. Reuben was heir apparent. Bilhah was a servant with no chance to say ‘No.’ Reuben took advantage of Bilhah and when Jacob heard, he was furious, although we don’t know whether he was angry because of his power issues--Reuben had sex with Jacob’s concubine, or the fact that Reuben would have had sex with someone who was powerless to say no. We don’t know. It could have been a little or a lot of both, even though power of women was rare in those days. But in short, the power and control issues were surfacing in the family dynamic.
The New Testament lesson in Acts brought Paul and Silas to Berea, a town north of Athens a little inland from the coast, near Thessalonica. Berea established itself early as a place of intelligence, openness and hunger for knowledge. They received Paul and Silas, absorbing everything they said and examining it with energy, but more importantly, they accepted it with enthusiasm.
Berea included notable Greeks, well-educated and established men and women (one of the few places where women are given equal emphasis), whose choice to follow Jesus alarmed the nearby leaders of the Jews in Thessalonica. They raced to cause trouble for Paul and the Bereans, so much that the church members spirited Paul away for protection. The power and control—the Thessalonica Jewish leaders had had—was slipping in the face of the Berean seekers, who assessed and accepted the truth of the Good News.
The Bereans were not undone by the attempt of the anti-Jesus-Jewish leaders. To the contrary, the Jews of Berea and the Greeks united together in assuming the power and control given them by God. They became an example for all Christians, who, today, copy their manner of study by establishing Bible Studies.
The Bereans exemplified openness, voracious study and intelligence in examining the Word of God. All would do well to copy them.
Thanks be to God.
All Scriptures printed below are in King James Version for copyright purposes. However, clicking on the verse locations will take you to Biblegateway.com where the text is linked to more contemporary versions.
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 19, Proper 14
Bible Readings
http://legacy.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b;Genesis 35:22b-29;Acts 17:10-15&version=KJV;ERV;GNT;NCV;CEV (multiple versions)
Thursday, Ordinary 19, Proper 14
Psalm 105:1-6 Psalm 105:16-22 Psalm 105:45
Genesis 35:22-29
Acts 17:10-15
Daily Bible Verses to Memorize for Meditating
Ephesians 6:10-18
King James Version (KJV)
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Single Bible Study chapter to study
Acts 17:10-15
King James Version (KJV)
10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3377/3222308538_3b91697197_b_d.jpg Paul disputing with the Jews, Fr Lawrence Lew, OP, flickr CCL
11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.
14 And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3566/3680921480_0a6eb76de7_z_d.jpg?zz=1 Saint Silas icon, This is an icon of St. Silas the Apostle (one of the seventy) He is depicted here in Bishop's robes and in chains. It was painted as a matching set with St. Paul. Matthew Garret, flickr CCL
15 And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.
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, for the many ways you watch over us and bring us to safety, we give you thanks. Bless us with wisdom as you did Paul that we might further your word. Empower us with discipline, control and the desire to study like the Bereans. In Jesus name, Amen
Conclusion
Thursday, Ordinary 19, Proper 14 displayed various attempts by people to wrest power and control, but God continued to confound them and things worked together for good, despite the problems.
Joseph’s journey to be the governor of Egypt, second only to the Pharaoh, would not have played like a normal rise to power resume. Joseph was kidnapped, declared dead, sold into slavery, accused falsely, imprisoned falsely and betrayed more than once. Then, he was catapulted by the hand of God giving him discernment when all others were confused.
God takes the twists and turns, the abrupt obstacles and the wrongs done to us to create a tapestry of life where we can glorify God and praise him for the abundant good we receive. The power and control may be a source of conflict between humans, but the truth is: the power and control resides with God.
Go out and be ready for God to do mighty things in your life—for the glory of God.*
Thank you for visiting ChapLynne’s Daily Encouragement and Bible Study. God bless you.
*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.
Thursday, Ordinary 19, Proper 14 addressed issues of power and control. The Psalmist wrote a short history of Israel—from Abraham to Joseph “sent ahead as a servant” (read kidnapped by brothers and sold into slavery), He skipped the part where Joseph suffered false accusations, was imprisoned, promised and forgotten, but then God used his dream-explaining skill to elevate him to the second to Pharaoh, where he was able to help his family. Through the roller coaster ride of Joseph’s life, he must have felt frustrated, angry, alone, betrayed and might have thought life would never be more than bleak. Yet, the power and control was God’s. God used the experience to humble Joseph, to make him prepared to be self-controlled and to trust God despite the constant set-backs.
At the right time, God elevated Joseph—using all his past to work together for good of all of Israel. If at any point things had gone better for Joseph, he would not have been at the right place and at the right time for his expertise and closeness to God to shine as it did. The adage “It is always darkest before the dawn” became the truism because of the intrinsic truth that things will be bleakest before light will expose the reality.
The Old Testament lesson in Genesis spoke of Jacob and his twelve sons, with a glimpse of Reuben, his first born and eldest. Jacob had wealth, wives, concubines and children. Reuben raped his father’s concubine, though the Scriptures don’t use the word rape. Rape is about power over someone. Reuben was heir apparent. Bilhah was a servant with no chance to say ‘No.’ Reuben took advantage of Bilhah and when Jacob heard, he was furious, although we don’t know whether he was angry because of his power issues--Reuben had sex with Jacob’s concubine, or the fact that Reuben would have had sex with someone who was powerless to say no. We don’t know. It could have been a little or a lot of both, even though power of women was rare in those days. But in short, the power and control issues were surfacing in the family dynamic.
The New Testament lesson in Acts brought Paul and Silas to Berea, a town north of Athens a little inland from the coast, near Thessalonica. Berea established itself early as a place of intelligence, openness and hunger for knowledge. They received Paul and Silas, absorbing everything they said and examining it with energy, but more importantly, they accepted it with enthusiasm.
Berea included notable Greeks, well-educated and established men and women (one of the few places where women are given equal emphasis), whose choice to follow Jesus alarmed the nearby leaders of the Jews in Thessalonica. They raced to cause trouble for Paul and the Bereans, so much that the church members spirited Paul away for protection. The power and control—the Thessalonica Jewish leaders had had—was slipping in the face of the Berean seekers, who assessed and accepted the truth of the Good News.
The Bereans were not undone by the attempt of the anti-Jesus-Jewish leaders. To the contrary, the Jews of Berea and the Greeks united together in assuming the power and control given them by God. They became an example for all Christians, who, today, copy their manner of study by establishing Bible Studies.
The Bereans exemplified openness, voracious study and intelligence in examining the Word of God. All would do well to copy them.
Thanks be to God.
All Scriptures printed below are in King James Version for copyright purposes. However, clicking on the verse locations will take you to Biblegateway.com where the text is linked to more contemporary versions.
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 19, Proper 14
Bible Readings
http://legacy.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b;Genesis 35:22b-29;Acts 17:10-15&version=KJV;ERV;GNT;NCV;CEV (multiple versions)
Thursday, Ordinary 19, Proper 14
Psalm 105:1-6 Psalm 105:16-22 Psalm 105:45
Genesis 35:22-29
Acts 17:10-15
Daily Bible Verses to Memorize for Meditating
Ephesians 6:10-18
King James Version (KJV)
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Single Bible Study chapter to study
Acts 17:10-15
King James Version (KJV)
10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3377/3222308538_3b91697197_b_d.jpg Paul disputing with the Jews, Fr Lawrence Lew, OP, flickr CCL
11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.
14 And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3566/3680921480_0a6eb76de7_z_d.jpg?zz=1 Saint Silas icon, This is an icon of St. Silas the Apostle (one of the seventy) He is depicted here in Bishop's robes and in chains. It was painted as a matching set with St. Paul. Matthew Garret, flickr CCL
15 And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.
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, for the many ways you watch over us and bring us to safety, we give you thanks. Bless us with wisdom as you did Paul that we might further your word. Empower us with discipline, control and the desire to study like the Bereans. In Jesus name, Amen
Conclusion
Thursday, Ordinary 19, Proper 14 displayed various attempts by people to wrest power and control, but God continued to confound them and things worked together for good, despite the problems.
Joseph’s journey to be the governor of Egypt, second only to the Pharaoh, would not have played like a normal rise to power resume. Joseph was kidnapped, declared dead, sold into slavery, accused falsely, imprisoned falsely and betrayed more than once. Then, he was catapulted by the hand of God giving him discernment when all others were confused.
God takes the twists and turns, the abrupt obstacles and the wrongs done to us to create a tapestry of life where we can glorify God and praise him for the abundant good we receive. The power and control may be a source of conflict between humans, but the truth is: the power and control resides with God.
Go out and be ready for God to do mighty things in your life—for the glory of God.*
Thank you for visiting ChapLynne’s Daily Encouragement and Bible Study. God bless you.
*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.
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