Seeds For Thinking

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

* Questions
* Scripture: Job said, “Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, That I might come to His seat! I would present my case before Him ”, Job 23:3-4a NKJV

In the beginning, there were a series of very positive statements, which is not surprising, since they were made by The Lord God. “Let there be light,” He said, and there was light. Likewise, at His Word, the waters and firmament were created, earth and seas, the sun and moon, and all living things. Genesis 1:27 states that God created man and woman, male and female, again by His Word.
A blessing is a very special statement, which God gave to the man and woman; He further blessed them by placing them in a Garden of Delight, a possible meaning of the Hebrew word for ‘Eden.’ He also blessed the seventh day, making it holy.
I’ve checked several versions of the Bible, including the KJV, NKJV, NIV and NRS, and I find nothing but positive statements until Genesis the 3rd chapter. Enter the Fallen One in the form of a serpent. There is recorded the first question, “Hath God said?” or “Did God really say. . . ?” (Genesis 3:1)
The next thing we read from God is the question of the ages: “Where are you?” The questions flow freely from that point, as if the first one had broken a leak in a vast reservoir.
“Oh, what a tangled web we weave,
When first we practice to deceive.”
Enter jealousy and anger. God questions Cain concerning that anger, and suggests that Cain will gain the acceptance he seeks, if he does what is right. Instead, Cain grows that anger into murder.
God is again forced to ask that probing question concerning a fall into sin, in this case, “Where is your brother, Abel?” (Genesis 4:9) Cain answers with a question, of course, “How should I know?” “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
Questions. Questioning God. The book of Job is structured around questions, including the probing questions of Job’s friends, and Job’s stated desire to question God. (Job Chapter 23:3-5) This question is rebutted later by God, but not in the form that Job expects. It is often formed from our own lips; “Why, God, Why?”
Turn with me to Job Chapter 38: God answers us with both a question and a statement, thus: ”Who is this who darkens counsel without knowledge? . . . I will question you, and you shall answer me.”
Job’s questions are at an end. He responds with a statement of humility and confession; “I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. (vss. 42:3-4) Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. (vs. 6)
We can not presume to come to God contentiously, in anger and defiance, for He is the Great Judge, who will ask the final questions.
August 21, 2005

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

* It Might Have Been
* Scripture: Jesus said, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul.” Mark 8:36, NKJV

Baseball catcher Yogi Berra is reputed to have said, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”
Well, I suppose one could just sit there, in a state of stultification, or turn around and go back. Chances are, though, one fork or the other will be taken. Choices, decisions, alternatives. If this, then - What? What will the answer be?

John Greenleaf Whittier brought two people to such a fork in the road in his poem, “Maud Muller.” Maud was a farm girl, “Of simple beauty and rustic health,”raking hay in the meadow on a summer’s day, when a Judge stopped his horse to rest in the shade of a tree, and asked the maid for a drink of water. While he tarried, they:

“talked of the haying, and wondered whether
The cloud in the west would bring foul weather.”

When he at last rode away, Maud’s thoughts wandered to what it would be like that she the Judge’s bride might be.

“He would dress me up in silks so fine. . . ”

The Judge looked back at Maud and considered her pastoral world - the

“low of cattle and song of birds,
And health and quiet and loving words.
But he thought of his sisters, proud and cold,
And his mother, vain of her rank and gold.
So, closing his heart, the Judge rode on,
And Maud was left in the field alone.“

The years pass, and their roads diverge:

“He wedded a wife of richest dower,
Who lived for fashion, as he for power . . . .”

“She wedded a man unlearned and poor,
And many children played round her door.”
Often over the years each thought back to that summer day:
“In the shade of the apple-tree again
She saw a rider draw his rein;
And, gazing down with timid grace,
She felt his pleased eyes read her face.”

while he wished to be

“Free as when I rode that day,
Where the barefoot maiden raked her hay.”

Oh! For the fork in the road not taken.
Choices, decisions, alternatives.

“Alas for maiden, alas for Judge,
For rich repiner and household drudge!
God pity them both! and pity us all,
Who vainly the dreams of youth recall.”

“For of all sad words of tongue or pen,
The saddest are these: `It might have been!`”

As Jesus observed, many take the fork that promises the “riches” of the the world, only to find that it leads to a soul lost for eternity. Too late, too late, one can then only look back and sigh, “It might have been.”
May 8, 2005

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

Scripture: Jesus said, “Between us (heaven) and you (hell) a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.” Luke 16:26 NIV

What’s bugging you?
Clothes on the floor?
Won’t close the door?
Drivers too fast . . .Drivers too slow?
Somebody snore?
Down to your last nerve,
And somebody on it?
Telephone rings, and nobody on it?
All stressed out , and nowhere to explode?
Ah! Yes; been there, done that, and more, too!
Little things can itch and annoy. Isn’t it the constant heat that boils the kettle?
The medium heat that bakes to the middle?
The continual flexing that fatigues the metal. . .
Until something gives?

Such is the fate of the man in the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, Luke 16:19-31.
The beggar, Lazarus, has had it rough in the worldly life; the other all the earthly pleasures. Now, after death, their fortunes are reversed, and unchangeable. No fine linen and luxury for the rich man now. In the heat of torment, he can only gaze upon the glory that surrounds Lazarus, safe in Abraham’s bosom. The view of an unattainable heaven, and his situation, will ‘bug’ the former “rich” man forever.
The author of the apocryphal and apocalyptic book of 2 Esdras also raised the question of the state and treatment of the departed. ( 2 Esdras, Ch. 7:75-87) In his comparison of Gehenna and Paradise, he poses that it is not just the heat that will make the suffering so unbearable, but the knowledge that they have scorned the way of The Most High that will bug condemned ones throughout eternity. They will wander in torment, grieving and sad, because:
They have scorned the ways of God.
They can no longer repent.
They will see the reward for those who are saved, who have believed God.
They will acknowledge the torment destined for them.
They will see the dwelling places of the righteous, guarded in silence by angels.
They will see others like themselves pass over to (hell) to be tormented.
They will be consumed in disgrace at seeing the Glory of The Most High, before whom they will be judged.

And you think something is bugging you now?
July 20, 2003

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

Scripture: The LORD said, “Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit.”, Ezekiel 18:31, NIV

Reported dialogue in the TV program Friends: I'm so glad you guys got drunk and had sex,” said Monica to unwed parents Rachel and Ross. Then, inspired by the blessed event, Monica and hubby Chandler retreated to a janitors closet to try to make their own baby. (Newark Advocate, May 17, pg. 3D)

Ezekiel lived during a time of great wickedness in Israel and Judah. Although he was an exile in Babylon, living by the Kebar River, God gave him visions of the events taking place in Jerusalem. The images were not pleasant; Ezekiel saw all the depravity and idolatry taking place, even in the Temple itself.
The LORD describes the land as being full of bloodshed and the city (of Jerusalem) full of injustice. (Ez. 9:9) “They say, ‘The LORD has forsaken the land; the LORD does not see.’ So I will not look on them with pity or spare them, but I will bring down on their own heads what they have done.”
Ezekiel saw in his vision Cherubim go into the temple, a cloud fill the inner court, full of the radiance of the glory of the LORD. Yes, the LORD was present, but not for long. As Ezekiel watched, the Glory of the LORD rose up, and departed the temple.
The LORD declares that “The soul who sins will die.” (18;4b) The righteous man, “he will surely live,” declares the Sovereign LORD.
So what is the ‘detestable’ man like? 18:10
He eats at the mountain shrines.
He defiles his neighbor’s wife.
He oppresses the poor and needy.
He commits robbery.
He does not return what he took in pledge.
He looks to the idols.
He does detestable things.
He lends at usury and takes excessive interest.

(This is a partial list, of course. Nor does one have to do all of these things to qualify)
The 18th chapter declares that the man who sins will be punished; the sinful man’s father (assuming he is righteous) and the sinner’s offspring (if they are righteous) will not die for the sinful one!
A righteous person who turns to sin will be punished; a “wicked man who turns from all the sins he has committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die.” (18:21)
Is this just? Is the way of the LORD right? The house of Israel says that the way of the LORD is unjust. The LORD responds, “Is it not your ways that are unjust?” (vs. 25 )
“Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! ”
Pass it on . . .
May 19, 2002

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

Scripture: Paul wrote, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Romans 14:19, NIV.
Woe to pedestrians who traverse uneven pavement! The Romans, who contributed the word for foot travel, tried their best to build perfect roads.
Alas! Neither then or now do roads stay perfectly flat, and a block that projects above its neighbors is destined to catch the toe of those of us who walk upright on two pedes - er, feet. It becomes a stumbling block.
The writers of the Bible were well aware of the stumbling block, and often used the expression as an example of obstacles in our walk with God/Jesus. Paul speaks of stumbling in his letter to the Romans, 14:13. He is speaking to Christians, there! A Christian as a stumbling block? Oh! Yes, read Romans 14, and learn what Paul was finding in the churches. He is writing specifically about eating practices, what was acceptable and what was not. Read between the lines a little. Consider 14:10. Judging others is a tricky business; the Lord will be the ultimate judge of us all.
Yet judge we do. Special practices; sacred do’s and don’ts. Thy way and my way make for an uneven pavement for another trying to follow us.
The topic of church attendance came up at our Bible study. It seems that not everyone who is asked to come to church with us is willing to do so. Why not? What can we do or say that will bring in the lost, the lonely, and the seekers. Let’s face it - every institution of worship should be filled! We should not have to drag people to church. They should be so desirous of filling their souls with God that our world would be bubbling with righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Ro. 14:17b).
Is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit what people see and think when they see us; our/the ‘church’? If not, then are we a stumbling block? Sure sounds that way, to read about stumbling blocks in the Bible.
Check out Isaiah 8:11-17. Here, God is a stumbling block! God?
We are “Resurrection People” if we believe the message of Easter. Jesus, the Christ/Messiah, became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, each and every one in the whole world. He died on the cross, was buried, and rose again. Resurrection!
Do you believe that? Many believe in Jesus, but not in the Resurrection. It has become their stumbling block.
We’ve heard the call: Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. (Mk. 1:3)

Be on the lookout for stumbling blocks. Neither create them, nor allow them to remain as a trap that others might stumble.
March 3, 2002

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

Scripture: Jesus said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Mt. 7:1,2 NIV
“Travel is broadening,” ‘tis said. Now that can be taken in two ways:
When you ride and eat, ride and eat . . . Yes, you will become broader!
The intended sense is that seeing new faces and strange places will hopefully expand one’s knowledge and understanding of the world about us. It is the breadth of knowledge and not of waistline that I hope to pursue here.
People generally tend to be strongly defensive of the culture they are immersed in, and highly skeptical or critical of those outside their “comfort zone.” Many times we travel to other cities, states, or nations much as we might visit the zoo to see the monkeys and elephants; creatures that are much different than us. Of course, they look right back at us and marvel at what strange creatures we are.
We all have a built-in compulsion to be with others like ourselves. (“Birds of a feather”, et al.) We dress like our “native” group, covet and cultivate the same behaviors and even develop specialized language that is known and understood primarily by the ‘insiders.’ Further, anyone in the group that trespasses the conventions may be subject to censure or excommunication from the group. The “shunning” practiced by the some groups is one example of this practice.
We hear a lot about “peer pressure” and see it in practice with our youth, especially in clothing styles and music. though many would perhaps desire to differing tastes, they openly express their individuality at the risk of becoming labeled as ‘freaks’ or ‘weirdos.’
Ahh! But churches. Those bastions of Christ-like love and compassion. . . Sorry - but The Lord had problems with ‘religious’ groups in His time, and it is no less so now. An article in a local paper spoke well to this issue, calling some churches “social Clubs” that exclude the very people that Christ wanted the church to support. Rather, they should be the physical hands and feet of a loving God reaching a world in need. Yes, that is our church mission statement.
When we travel, or when others come to visit us, do we ‘enlarge our hearts and minds’ to move outside our comfort zone?
I think we do well in that regard. Pray that the Lord “broadens” us more.

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

Scripture: Job said, “Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, That I might come to His seat! I would present my case before Him ”, Job 23:3-4a NKJV

In the beginning, there were a series of very positive statements, which is not surprising, since they were made by The Lord God. “Let there be light,” He said, and there was light. Likewise, at His Word, the waters and firmament were created, earth and seas, the sun and moon, and all living things. Genesis 1:27 states that God created man and woman, male and female, again by His Word.
A blessing is a very special statement, which God gave to the man and woman; He further blessed them by placing them in a Garden of Delight, a possible meaning of the Hebrew word for ‘Eden.’ He also blessed the seventh day, making it holy.
I’ve checked several versions of the Bible, including the KJV, NKJV, NIV and NRS, and I find nothing but positive statements until Genesis the 3rd chapter. Enter the Fallen One in the form of a serpent. There is recorded the first question, “Hath God said?” or “Did God really say. . . ?” (Genesis 3:1)
The next thing we read from God is the question of the ages: “Where are you?” The questions flow freely from that point, as if the first one had broken a leak in a vast reservoir.
“Oh, what a tangled web we weave,
When first we practice to deceive.”
Enter jealousy and anger. God questions Cain concerning that anger, and suggests that Cain will gain the acceptance he seeks, if he does what is right. Instead, Cain grows that anger into murder.
God is again forced to ask that probing question concerning a fall into sin, in this case, “Where is your brother, Abel?” (Genesis 4:9) Cain answers with a question, of course, “How should I know?” “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
Questions. Questioning God. The book of Job is structured around questions, including the probing questions of Job’s friends, and Job’s stated desire to question God. (Job Chapter 23:3-5) This question is rebutted later by God, but not in the form that Job expects. It is often formed from our own lips; “Why, God, Why?”
Turn with me to Job Chapter 38: God answers us with both a question and a statement, thus: ”Who is this who darkens counsel without knowledge? . . . I will question you, and you shall answer me.”
Job’s questions are at an end. He responds with a statement of humility and confession; “I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. (vss. 42:3-4) Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. (vs. 6)
We can not presume to come to God contentiously, in anger and defiance, for He is the Great Judge, who will ask the final questions.
August 21, 2005