Seeds For Thinking

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Scripture: And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2, NKJV)rev

Crime and punishment: That has long been one of the most difficult issues facing our social relationships. “Do unto others” - Yea, verily! But not according to the Golden Rule, which emphasizes doing good. More often it is “Tit for Tat” and “This for That.” The old adage of “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” “Don’t just get mad”, they say; “Get even!” We are typically quick to judgment, but slow on mercy. A common adage is, “What we sow, so shall we reap,” and multiple millions of persons can testify to this reality.
While some suffering can be directly traced to sin, natural evil comes without a moral agent: A tower falls, an earthquake shakes, a tornado destroys, a hurricane ravages, a spider bites, a disease debilitates and kills. The world is filled with wonders mixed with dangers. Gravity can save you or gravity can kill you. When a tower falls, it kills. Some persons suffer innocently by the sinful acts of others.
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus mentioned an example of such a tragedy when he was told about some Galilean insurgents who were killed by the Romans. Those who told Jesus this may have expected him to say that their deaths were punishment for their rebellious and belligerent behavior. Jesus replied that they were not more sinful than other Galileans, nor were the eighteen killed in the collapse of the tower of Siloam. Jesus taught that death can come upon anyone, regardless of how sinful they are. He went on to teach that the need for all people to repent is the true lesson from such tragedies.(Luke 13:1-5)
One common belief, both in our time and in Jesus’ day, relates to individual or collective misfortune. “Who sinned?, the disciples asked, expressing a trend of thinking that physical limitations, like deafness, or blindness, were served up by God as punishment for sin. Some Christians, like Job’s “friends, simply explain suffering as the consequence of sins, known or unknown. In reality, tragedy occurs whether or not a person or country is either innocent or guilty of sin.
In John 9, a man is blind from birth, and Jesus tells the Twelve that this blindness cannot be traced back to this man's sin, or that of his parents. A common saying in the time of the Old Testament prophets concerned sins of parents inflicted upon their children. Jeremiah writes that a day is coming when “People will no longer say, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.’
Instead, everyone will die for his own sin; whoever eats sour grapes - his own teeth will be set on edge.” (Jeremiah 31:29-30) Even then, prophesy foretold Jesus’ words, that through repentance, and God’s Grace, The Lord will “forgive iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34b.)
What should we, as faithful Christians, do in regard to the supposed sins of others? First of all, pray for your enemies - and sinners. In the words of Leviticus 19:18 "'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” and in Deuteronomy 32:35, ”It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them."
Paul wrote, “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
(Romans 12:19 -21)

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Scripture: “ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galations 3:28, NKJV)

After learning the numbers, and how to count with them, we learn about “equals.” 1+2=3; 3+4=7, and so on. It is plain to see that the digits on either side of that equal sign may signify equity, but they are obviously not identical. Each number is distinct in its own right, however balanced they may be in the equation.
I have been thinking about how that plays out in the social, as well as the mathematical world. We are reminded in many ways how you and I share equality - created equal, have equal rights, equal opportunities, and all that. My point is, equal does not mean identical. We are not indistinguishable, one from the other, or exactly the same, uniform, and interchangeable.
Where this matters most, it seems to me, is how God looks upon His children.
“ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galations 3:28, NKJV) There is no favoritism on account of birth, beauty, or blood. There is no truth, as some claim, that certain people are the favorites of heaven, in virtue of their birth or their rank in life, or that they have special facilities for salvation.
Paul affirms, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” Individuals on one side of that “equals” sign, and one Spirit, one body on the other. (1 Corinthians 12:13) It is the same God that works all in all. God so loved the world - every individual - that everyone who believes will be part of that one Body, one Spirit; “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit with.” (1 Corinthians 12:7)
Consider: “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.” (John 1:6-8) John had a unique role; he stood out as an individual, as described by Mark (1:1-8) but made no claims as to his relationship to the Light. When asked about his identity, John replied, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as the prophet Isaiah said.” (1:23)
Later, after Jesus began His ministry, John again responded to questions about his role in the kingdom of God; saying, “A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that has the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:27-30)
John inquired from prison as to whether Jesus was the Coming One. Jesus praised John highly, but added, “ . . . But he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than (John.)” (See Matthew 11:2-15) He who is least, even I? How can that be? Individuals on one side of that “equals” sign, and one Spirit, one body on the other.
As summed up by “The Preacher” of Ecclesiastes, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” Ecc. 12:13-14)
Psalm 9:8 states, “He shall judge the world in righteousness, and He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.”
God will balance the equation, bringing into the “one body, one Spirit” even the least of those who believe in Him. (John 3:16)

Seeds for Thinking (©) 1996 - 2010 by Leland Hubbell

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Rain
* Scripture: Jesus said, "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." Mt. 5:44
Ezekiel 34:26b - I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing. NKJV

There shall be showers of blessing:
O that today day they might fall
Nathan
The occasion of rain is a curious phenomena - Some people want it, some don't.
Granted, timing plays a large role in how rain is accepted. For some people, rain is an inconvenience, an interruption of life, a spoiler of fun:

"Rain, rain, go away;
Come again some other day."
Why?
"Little Johnnie wants to play."

On goes the scowls, out come the umbrellas, washed away goes the day.
Rain is a blessing for other people, however: The farmer needing moisture to sprout or sustain crops, people with cisterns, and - assuming that the shower is gentle and warm - children with obliging parents.
Ever notice? Children who have to be dragged into the tub/shower go joyfully and gleefully into the rain. Laughter, giggles, looking for puddles, maybe eyes closed, looking to the heavens. (Perhaps it's the absence of soap.)
So, some want (and need) rain, and rain will answer their prayers. Others, like Little Johnnie, are praying for sunshine.
Keep in mind the precepts of Matthew 5:45, that God makes the sun shine on the evil and the good He sends the rain on the just and the unjust. Everybody! No matter what, somebody is going to be unhappy.
Does it grieve you that blessings fall on the evil ones, perhaps those who hate you, or curse you? Are you discouraged to see bad things happen to good people?
There are - and must be - times that we do not readily see blessings in the answer that God gives us. Look closer; there may be blessings falling, blessings sent by God that you are turning away with your scowl and 'spiritual umbrella.' Look instead for ways you can collect, as in a spiritual cistern, these showers for times when you can draw upon them as needed. Times when love, blessing, and prayer bring seasons refreshing to your soul, or to another's.
Jesus, also, prayed for the "cup to pass," but accepted God's will.
He exemplified His teachings (Mt. 5:44) and, in so doing, brought salvation to the world.
November 19, 2006

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* The Foolish One
* Scripture: Abigail said, "For as his name is, so is he: Nabal is his name, and folly is with him!"
1 Samuel 25:25, NKJV

Chip on the shoulder, and very lightly balanced! Wouldn't take much to knock it off, or set off the wearer, for that matter. Some people are like that - primed to explode, and a short fuse to boot. Perpetually angry at the world and all within it.
Now I'm not sure that this description fits Nabal the Carmelite, but from the account in the book of 1 Samuel, he certainly lives up to his name, which means "Fool." (1 Samuel Ch. 25)
He was blessed with riches; he had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. His wife, Abigail, is noted as being a woman of good understanding and beautiful appearance. Nabal was harsh and evil in his doings. Quite a contrast!
David and his band of men had been hiding in the wilderness of Maon and the strongholds of En Gedi. King Saul pursued David relentlessly, seeking to take his life. Saul unknowingly entered a cave in which David was hiding, yet David restrained his servants from harming the king. The opportunity was there; the sword was in David's hand, but he used it only to cut off the corner of Saul's robe.
After Saul had exited the cave, David made his presence known, and displayed the piece of cloth from the robe as evidence that his hand was not against the king.
Saul lifted up his voice and wept (24:16b)
Of such was the character of David. But Saul was not the only one he protected. David and his men provided security for the shepherds foraging their flocks in the wilderness, even the flocks and shepherds of Nabal.
David sent ten young men to Nabal, seeking presents for their protective services, coming in peace to "him who lives in prosperity." Nabal not only refused to pay from his largess, but also insulted David and the messengers. He has repaid David "evil for good.: (Vs. 21)
David set out to redress Nabal's foolish insult with four-hundred armed men. Caught between their scoundrel of a master and a revenging army, the servants alert Abigail to the coming danger.
Taking matters into her own hand, Abigail went out to meet David with food and wine. Apologizing for her husband, "The Foolish One", she convinces David to refrain from bloodshed.
Later, when Nabal had sobered up from the wine of the feast enough to understand what he had done, he suffered a stroke, and died ten days later.

"Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, Lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul." Proverbs 22:24, 25, NKJV
February 5, 2006

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Scripture: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14, NKJV)

Most farm animals seem to know when it is feeding time, calling out in anticipation of the feast. Each species has its own dialect, it seems, which I interrupt as, “Let’s eat -Now!”
There comes a moment, though, that is special, something that is calming to my soul. Once fed, they obey the old admonishment, “Don’t talk with your mouth full.” A hush fills the barn; the only sound heard is that of chewing or pecking, depending upon the structure of the eating apparatus. An almost magic time. A moment to pause, reflect, and marvel at this aspect of God’s creation.
Ah, the mouth. As noted by James, “Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.” I agree with James, as he added, “My brethren, these things ought not to be so.” (James 3:10)
The mouth/tongue is the source of lying, idolatry, unfaithfulness, cursing, pride, evil, lies, vanity foolishness and flattery. I’m sure gossip is covered in that group somewhere. “Yakity-Yak!”
Some people (like little children) are “all ears.” Gossip is best handled by letting it go in one ear and out the other. Let it go. But, sometimes - all too often - it goes in both ears and out the mouth. A talkity person may be called a “motor mouth.”
I have heard advice given to the overly-mouthy person, something like, “Put a sock in it!” The psalmist phrased it this way: “ I will guard my ways, lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle . . .” (Psalm 39:1) Another piece of appropriate advice - Be sure the mind is running before throwing the mouth in gear. Speech prior to knowledge is like, “Open mouth, insert foot.” The remedy? “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.” (Proverbs 21:23) Or, in the Living Bible translation,”Keep your mouth closed and you’ll stay out of trouble.”
A common problem in our society is the prevalence of “potty mouth:” foul, filthy language. You will often find it in company with anger, wrath, malice, and blasphemy, according to Paul. (Colossians 3:8) We are to shun “profane” and vain babblings (2 Tim. 2:16).
Our mouths and our ears interact so closely that it is difficult to listen when the mouth is running. In worship, as in that moment of meditation in the barn at feeding time, we need to pause, listen, reflect, and marvel at God’s creation. There is a time to “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
The best way to help another is by listening, not by ‘mouthing off.’ Listening is necessary if we are to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)
Your speech, those words coming out of your mouth, defines who you are. Does it matter? Hear these word of Jesus about -Words. "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:34-37)

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* Thorn In the Flesh
* Scripture: Jesus said, “He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and unjust.” Matthew 5:45b, NKJV

Now I ask you , is that really fair? It only seems right that the evil and unjust should be punished in some way, and the righteous alone should be the beneficiary of God’s gifts.
Then there is the matter of the man who hired laborers at different times during the day, and paid them all the same wage, whether they worked all day in the sun, or just an hour or so. There should have been a government agency in charge of that one. (Mt. 20:1-16)
I’ve heard it said, “Don’t get mad; get even!” An eye for an eye. Tit for tat. You push me; I push back. Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. That’s the way the world goes.
Apparently Jesus doesn’t play by the world’s rules, though, from what He states in the preceding and following verses.
Love your -”enemies?” Bless those who curse you? No, those are not the way things usually go. Oh, we pray for those who spitefully use us and persecute us, all right - for something nasty to happen to them.
Don’t think so? How about the tele marketer who calls at meal time; the #*%@ who cuts you off in traffic, or ducks into the parking place just ahead of you. You say nice things?
Let’s face it: it is a real struggle to rise above the trials and tribulations that come our way. The real test of a loving and forgiving heart comes when bad things happen to us. The slap on the cheek, the law suit, the unwanted request, as noted by Jesus in Mt. 5:38-42, give us an opportunity to witness to the power of a loving God.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians (2 Cor. 12:17) that he had a ‘thorn in the flesh,’ and pleaded to the Lord that it might be removed. The Lord replied, “My grace is sufficient for you. My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Paul does not reveal the nature of the thorn in his flesh, only that the Lord’s answer was, “No!” Instead, Paul received God’s grace to bear the thorn.
We are not unlike Paul, then, when we are beset with infirmities, reproaches, needs, persecutions, and distresses. Yes, we can - and should - pray about these things. The Lord can and will remove such as He desires.
Sometimes, though, the answer is not removal of the ‘thorn,’ but grace sufficient to endure, even as Jesus endured.
Take to heart the ‘Sermon On The Mount;’ pray that you develop qualities exemplifying the Father in heaven.
October 16, 2005

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Scripture: Jesus said, “For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.” Mark 7:21-22 NIV
Oh wad some power the giftie gie us
To see oursels as others see us!
It wad frae monie a blunder free us,
An' foolish notion.
--Robert Burns

It is said that Scotch poet, Robert Burns, wrote about “seeing ourselves as others see us,” after watching a louse crawl up the back of a lady sitting in front of him in church. She was decked out in the latest fashion, including a large hat with a feather plume in it. Quite proud of her appearance, no doubt!
Puffed-up pride has been around as long as there have been people. Cain’s pride got him in trouble, and so on through history. Proverbs 16:18 notes that “pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
We need to have a certain amount of pride in ourselves, but of a humble sort, rather than haughty pride. A Greek axiom was “Know Thyself.” We need to be knowledgeable of our capabilities, but also our limitations. One of the most destructive traps is the pride that prevents us from admitting that we are wrong, or that we don’t know the answer.
As “Bobbie” Burns observed, “It would from many a blunder free us, and foolish notion.”
One comedy routine went something like this:
1st: “Only fools are positive!”
2nd: “Are you sure of that?”
1st: “Positive!”
Daniel observed that King Nebuchadnezzar was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory because his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride. (Daniel 5:20)
Jesus included pride (arrogance) as one of the things that makes a man unclean. From within, out of men’s hearts, come evils that make a person ‘unclean’. (Mark 7:21-22)
January 7, 2001