Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Psalm 72:1-7
Ok -- I'm switchin' it up. Here is a Psalm (from yesterday's readings) that illustrates what the Hebrew people anticipated in a Messiah. How does it connect with what we find in the Gospels about Jesus? How does is depart from those accounts?
Give the king your justice, O God,
and your righteousness to a king’s son.
2May he judge your people with righteousness,
and your poor with justice. 3May the mountains yield
prosperity for the people,
and the hills, in righteousness.
4May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
give deliverance to the needy,
and crush the oppressor.
5May he live* while the sun endures,
and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
6May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
like showers that water the earth. 7In his days may righteousness flourish
and peace abound, until the moon is no more.
Give the king your justice, O God,
and your righteousness to a king’s son.
2May he judge your people with righteousness,
and your poor with justice. 3May the mountains yield
prosperity for the people,
and the hills, in righteousness.
4May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
give deliverance to the needy,
and crush the oppressor.
5May he live* while the sun endures,
and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
6May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
like showers that water the earth. 7In his days may righteousness flourish
and peace abound, until the moon is no more.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Split Personalities
The thing that struck me about this passage is that too often I have the attitude of the theif on the cross who mocks Jesus. I'm in the mess I'm in because of ME and my attitude and my choices, and yet I yell, "Get me out of this! You're God, aren't you? Why aren't you doing anything!?!" I'm reminded of the verse in Proverbs 19:3, "A man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the Lord."
What was it about the other thief on the cross, the one who asks Jesus to remember him when He is in His kingdom, that causes him to have such a different perspective? His heart is believing, he is humble and hopeful that Christ will grant him something he knows he doesn't deserve. It's such an opposite perspective, which we, as Christians are supposed to have.
What is it that makes some harden their hearts like the one thief, and makes others be humble of heart and opposite-thinking like the other?
What was it about the other thief on the cross, the one who asks Jesus to remember him when He is in His kingdom, that causes him to have such a different perspective? His heart is believing, he is humble and hopeful that Christ will grant him something he knows he doesn't deserve. It's such an opposite perspective, which we, as Christians are supposed to have.
What is it that makes some harden their hearts like the one thief, and makes others be humble of heart and opposite-thinking like the other?
Monday, November 26, 2007
Luke 23:33-43
A little late, but, this is the Gospel from yesterday which was Christ the King Sunday. This marks the last Sunday in the church year, because it starts up again with Advent: the season leading up to with anticipation and celebrating Christ's birth.
Jesus crucified with two thieves
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.
Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing."
And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching;
but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others;
let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!"
The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying,
"If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him,
"This is the King of the Jews." One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Sunday, November 18, 2007
The Finitude of our Faith Luke 21
I feel a little more fit to talk about this passage now that a) I've preached on it and b) I received feedback that my sermon was neither heretical nor boring. So...that's good news!
The main thing I want to say about it is that just like the Jewish believers received this faith challenge regarding their "place" of faith (i.e. Jerusalem and the Temple) we, too, are challenged to re-think our spiritual and religious identities. Who are we as believers if we don't have a house of worship? What kind of religious identity do we have as "refugees" dispersed around the globe without a sense of home?
When we really meditate on the suffering of Jesus, his cry from the cross: "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" and that our Messiah who came to dwell among us and to tackle our sins once and for all.....that OUR GOD actually DIED and was carried to the tomb....WOAH....this is definitely a challenge to our faith. These are vulnerable places.
So I use the phrase "finitude-of-our-faith" because our faith is small, slippery, and we might doubt it at times. But we are called upon to hand it over and trust God to carry us through a world that is shaky, broken, and hypocritical -- at best. But we relinquish our little mustard seed, saying: "I don't know, God, what's goin' on...but I trust that you are here and that there is a path to follow through the wilderness...."
The main thing I want to say about it is that just like the Jewish believers received this faith challenge regarding their "place" of faith (i.e. Jerusalem and the Temple) we, too, are challenged to re-think our spiritual and religious identities. Who are we as believers if we don't have a house of worship? What kind of religious identity do we have as "refugees" dispersed around the globe without a sense of home?
When we really meditate on the suffering of Jesus, his cry from the cross: "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" and that our Messiah who came to dwell among us and to tackle our sins once and for all.....that OUR GOD actually DIED and was carried to the tomb....WOAH....this is definitely a challenge to our faith. These are vulnerable places.
So I use the phrase "finitude-of-our-faith" because our faith is small, slippery, and we might doubt it at times. But we are called upon to hand it over and trust God to carry us through a world that is shaky, broken, and hypocritical -- at best. But we relinquish our little mustard seed, saying: "I don't know, God, what's goin' on...but I trust that you are here and that there is a path to follow through the wilderness...."
Monday, November 12, 2007
Luke 21:5-19
5When some were speaking about the temple,
how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God,
he said, 6“As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone
will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.”
7They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign
that this is about to take place?” 8And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray;
for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is near!’
Do not go after them. 9“When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified;
for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.”
10Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom;
11there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues;
and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.
12“But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you;
they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons,
and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name.
13This will give you an opportunity to testify.
14So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance;
15for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able
to withstand or contradict. 16You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers,
by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death.
17You will be hated by all because of my name.
18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By your endurance you will gain your souls.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Hosea 5:8-15
What does God look like in this passage?
Where is the law at work, and where is the gospel, in this part of the story of Hosea?
What's the deal with Ephraim? (historical context, betrayal, what is the "vanity?")
Have we drifted from the intial story/context of Hosea?
Some stuff to chew on this Wednesday morn...
"Blow the horn in Gibeah,
the trumpet at Ramah.
Sound the alarm at Beth-aven;
look behind you Benjamin!
Ephraim shall become a
desolation
in the day of punishment;
among the tribes of Israel
I declare what is sure.
The princes of Judah have
become
like those who remove the
landmark;
on them I will pour out
my wrath like water.
Ephraim is oppressed, crushed in judgment,
because he was determined to
go after vanity.
Therefore I am like maggots to
Ephraim,
and like rottenness to the house
of Judah.
When Ephraim saw his sickness,
and Judah his wound,
then Ephraim went to Assyria,
and sent to the great king.
But he is not able to cure you
or heal your wound.
For I will be like a lion to
Ephraim,
and like a young lion to the
house of Judah.
I myself will tear and go away;
I will carry off, and no one shall rescue.
I will return again to my place
until they acknowledge their
guilt and seek my face."
Where is the law at work, and where is the gospel, in this part of the story of Hosea?
What's the deal with Ephraim? (historical context, betrayal, what is the "vanity?")
Have we drifted from the intial story/context of Hosea?
Some stuff to chew on this Wednesday morn...
"Blow the horn in Gibeah,
the trumpet at Ramah.
Sound the alarm at Beth-aven;
look behind you Benjamin!
Ephraim shall become a
desolation
in the day of punishment;
among the tribes of Israel
I declare what is sure.
The princes of Judah have
become
like those who remove the
landmark;
on them I will pour out
my wrath like water.
Ephraim is oppressed, crushed in judgment,
because he was determined to
go after vanity.
Therefore I am like maggots to
Ephraim,
and like rottenness to the house
of Judah.
When Ephraim saw his sickness,
and Judah his wound,
then Ephraim went to Assyria,
and sent to the great king.
But he is not able to cure you
or heal your wound.
For I will be like a lion to
Ephraim,
and like a young lion to the
house of Judah.
I myself will tear and go away;
I will carry off, and no one shall rescue.
I will return again to my place
until they acknowledge their
guilt and seek my face."
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Holy Shittim! Hosea 5:1-7
Well, I thought I'd just grab your attention with that title. And then, in this passage, what captured me, is the hiddenness of God, the unknownness of God, even to the priests and rulers of Israel. How corruption can befall (and often does) those in power or of pious standing. Thoughts?? I know a lot of Hosea is repetitive, but I really think that's to make a point to thick-skulled people. (Not that I need to defend the biblical text: "Stop picking on Hosea, guys!!!" - said with a whine - ok, now I'm talking to myself...)
"Hear this, O priests!
Give heed, O house of Israel!
For the judgment pertains to you;
for you have been a snare at Mizpah,
and a net spread upon Tabor,
and a pit dug deep in Shittim;
but I will punish all of them.
I know Ephraim,
and Israel is not hidden from me;
for now, O Ephraim, you have
played the whore;
Israel is defiled.
Their deeds do not permit them
to return to their God.
For the spirit of whoredom is
within them,
and they do not know the Lord.
Israel's pride testifies against him;
Ephraim stumbles in his guilt;
Judah also stumbles with them.
With their flocks and herds they
shall go
to seek the Lord,
but they will not find him;
he has withdrawn from them.
They have dealt faithlessly with
the Lord;
for they have borne illegitimate
children.
Now the new moon shall
devour them along with
their fields."
"Hear this, O priests!
Give heed, O house of Israel!
For the judgment pertains to you;
for you have been a snare at Mizpah,
and a net spread upon Tabor,
and a pit dug deep in Shittim;
but I will punish all of them.
I know Ephraim,
and Israel is not hidden from me;
for now, O Ephraim, you have
played the whore;
Israel is defiled.
Their deeds do not permit them
to return to their God.
For the spirit of whoredom is
within them,
and they do not know the Lord.
Israel's pride testifies against him;
Ephraim stumbles in his guilt;
Judah also stumbles with them.
With their flocks and herds they
shall go
to seek the Lord,
but they will not find him;
he has withdrawn from them.
They have dealt faithlessly with
the Lord;
for they have borne illegitimate
children.
Now the new moon shall
devour them along with
their fields."
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Hosea 4:15-19
"Though you play the whore,
O Israel,
do not let Judah become guilty,
Do not enter into Gilgal,
or go up to Beth-aven,
and do not swear, "As the
Lord lives."
Like a stubborn heifer,
Israel is stubborn;
can the Lord now feed them
like a lamb in broad pasture?
Ephraim is joined to idols -
let him alone.
When their drinking is ended,
they indulge in sexual
orgies;
they love lewdness more than
their glory.
A wind has wrapped them in
its wings,
and they shall be ashamed
because of thier altars."
O Israel,
do not let Judah become guilty,
Do not enter into Gilgal,
or go up to Beth-aven,
and do not swear, "As the
Lord lives."
Like a stubborn heifer,
Israel is stubborn;
can the Lord now feed them
like a lamb in broad pasture?
Ephraim is joined to idols -
let him alone.
When their drinking is ended,
they indulge in sexual
orgies;
they love lewdness more than
their glory.
A wind has wrapped them in
its wings,
and they shall be ashamed
because of thier altars."
Monday, October 1, 2007
More Response Hosea 4:12-14
Therefore your daughters play the whore,
and your daughters-in-law commit adultery.
I will not punish your daughters when they play the whore,
nor your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery;
for the men themselves go aside with whores,
and sacrifice with temple prositiutes;
thus a people without understanding come
to ruin."
I thought about this passage again and realized it doesn't necessarily need to identify only with religious forms of corruption, prostitution.
[Although that was the context it was referring to. Remember? The Israelites enveloped some of the Canaanite traditions, one being sexual orgy-like rituals - even in the temple - to bring about fertility, rain, good fortune for good crops. And even though this practice is heinous enough, you could even imagine this being abused: "No really, I had fertility in mind....I was thinking of the common good," the Priest says, after being caught in the act.]
Anyway, remembering this context, I also thought of our own contemporary context. We live in such a lopsided world, and our own lopsided nation. the poor continue to grow poorer and the rich more and more wealthy. Politicians, in their filthy-richdom, ask social justice activists, on good days when they're not avoiding the truth, "How do I do this? How do I advocate for the poor? I don't even know any poor people?" And in our ignorance - gradations of ignorance reflecting variations of wealth - we help the chasm grow.
In some of the politics of the extreme Right, women rich and poor are scolded for working when they have children at home: as if the two weren't intrically connected, as if there were some other magical option. Poor, single mothers must work to provide for their families.
Or I think of sex workers; a profession that has persisted for at least thousands of years. Why does it exist, persist? If we continue to forge a culture that provides benefits and breaks for those who don't even need them, then the poor have to forge their own - somewhat dangerous, somewhat primitive - way. This has often involved drug-related or sex-related career paths.
I'm not saying it's a good idea -- we know about the harmful aftermath of such professions and the unsafe effect on homelife.
But what I am saying is that we're in need of "Jubilee," which was a regular practice in the Old Testament times. An opportunity to cancel all debts and start over. If you never get to start over, you continue to fall back -- how can you ever catch up? Despite what movies like to show, it is very hard to go from an uneducated prostitute mother of three to a salary-earning, college (or even high school) educated professional. There are so many kinks to work out.
So maybe the blame should not be on the victims of the web of "whoredom," but instead, on the manufactures who built the web. Who built the web?
and your daughters-in-law commit adultery.
I will not punish your daughters when they play the whore,
nor your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery;
for the men themselves go aside with whores,
and sacrifice with temple prositiutes;
thus a people without understanding come
to ruin."
I thought about this passage again and realized it doesn't necessarily need to identify only with religious forms of corruption, prostitution.
[Although that was the context it was referring to. Remember? The Israelites enveloped some of the Canaanite traditions, one being sexual orgy-like rituals - even in the temple - to bring about fertility, rain, good fortune for good crops. And even though this practice is heinous enough, you could even imagine this being abused: "No really, I had fertility in mind....I was thinking of the common good," the Priest says, after being caught in the act.]
Anyway, remembering this context, I also thought of our own contemporary context. We live in such a lopsided world, and our own lopsided nation. the poor continue to grow poorer and the rich more and more wealthy. Politicians, in their filthy-richdom, ask social justice activists, on good days when they're not avoiding the truth, "How do I do this? How do I advocate for the poor? I don't even know any poor people?" And in our ignorance - gradations of ignorance reflecting variations of wealth - we help the chasm grow.
In some of the politics of the extreme Right, women rich and poor are scolded for working when they have children at home: as if the two weren't intrically connected, as if there were some other magical option. Poor, single mothers must work to provide for their families.
Or I think of sex workers; a profession that has persisted for at least thousands of years. Why does it exist, persist? If we continue to forge a culture that provides benefits and breaks for those who don't even need them, then the poor have to forge their own - somewhat dangerous, somewhat primitive - way. This has often involved drug-related or sex-related career paths.
I'm not saying it's a good idea -- we know about the harmful aftermath of such professions and the unsafe effect on homelife.
But what I am saying is that we're in need of "Jubilee," which was a regular practice in the Old Testament times. An opportunity to cancel all debts and start over. If you never get to start over, you continue to fall back -- how can you ever catch up? Despite what movies like to show, it is very hard to go from an uneducated prostitute mother of three to a salary-earning, college (or even high school) educated professional. There are so many kinks to work out.
So maybe the blame should not be on the victims of the web of "whoredom," but instead, on the manufactures who built the web. Who built the web?
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Hosea 4:12-14
"Wine and new wine
take away the understanding.
My people consult a piece of
wood,
and their divining rod gives
them oracles.
For a spirit of whoredom has led
them astray,
and they have played the
whore, forsaking their God.
They sacrifice on the tops of the
mountains,
and make offerings upon
the hills,
under oak, poplar, and terebinth,
because their shade is good.
Therefore your daughters play
the whore,
and your daughters-in-law
commit adultery.
I will not punish your daughters
when they play the whore,
nor your daughters-in-law when
they commit adultery;
for the men themselves go aside
with whores,
and sacrifice with temple
prositiutes;
thus a people without understanding come to
ruin."
When I read this section, what came to mind was the fundamentalist practice of polygamy; especially in relation to "Reformed" or "Fundamentalist" Mormon culture. More specifically, I'm thinking of Warren Jeffs on trial for trying to coerce a (at least one - sure there were others) 14 year old girl to marry her 18 year old cousin. I guess I can imagine God saying to the rulers of such practices, "I will not punish your daughters, your daughters-in-law -- you are the leaders, you know better." But it's scary sometimes in fundamentalism and mainstream religion when leaders DON'T seem to know better - they think what they are doing is FOR God!
take away the understanding.
My people consult a piece of
wood,
and their divining rod gives
them oracles.
For a spirit of whoredom has led
them astray,
and they have played the
whore, forsaking their God.
They sacrifice on the tops of the
mountains,
and make offerings upon
the hills,
under oak, poplar, and terebinth,
because their shade is good.
Therefore your daughters play
the whore,
and your daughters-in-law
commit adultery.
I will not punish your daughters
when they play the whore,
nor your daughters-in-law when
they commit adultery;
for the men themselves go aside
with whores,
and sacrifice with temple
prositiutes;
thus a people without understanding come to
ruin."
When I read this section, what came to mind was the fundamentalist practice of polygamy; especially in relation to "Reformed" or "Fundamentalist" Mormon culture. More specifically, I'm thinking of Warren Jeffs on trial for trying to coerce a (at least one - sure there were others) 14 year old girl to marry her 18 year old cousin. I guess I can imagine God saying to the rulers of such practices, "I will not punish your daughters, your daughters-in-law -- you are the leaders, you know better." But it's scary sometimes in fundamentalism and mainstream religion when leaders DON'T seem to know better - they think what they are doing is FOR God!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Response: Hosea 4:1-10ish
Sorry for my lack of blogging last week...I had good intentions...no, actually, I didn't. I knew I should read my bible and meditate on what it said, but I didn't. I skipped out. I watched TV instead. I read stupid gossip columns online. I avoided.
So now I'm confessing it to you guys. If I miss a week again, you guys have full permission (in fact please do) to email or call or blog me and say, "HEY! You know you need to read God's word! Quit hiding out!" And I will receive it and heed it (hopefully) in love and you will have held me accountable to reading God's word.
It may sound silly, but at this point in my life, this blog is really my only "regular" bible reading/study/discussion. It's a bit pathetic, but at least it's a something. So there is some confession for you.
Here's some of my thoughts on this passage:
Verses 1 and 2 seem to describe what I see on TV/in movies all the time. Just watch any episode of CSI, and I bet you'll see all of these things: cursing, lying, murder, stealing and adultery. I think the media has a serious influence on society. It reflects where we're going, but I really think it's also driving the bus that's taking us there (or at the risk of sounding like a self-righteous conservative, the media is carrying the handbasket that society is going to hell in).
I am very affected by the TV and movies I watch...if a movie is sad, I will feel sad for a while because of it ("Blood Diamond" left me in a funk for a week!). I'm operating on the assumption that other people are the same way...so, no wonder our world is increasingly full of cursing, lying, murder, stealing and adultery - that's what we're being fed.
I think I'm on a tangent...all I'm saying is, I see those things in the media and therefore accept that they are true and then go out and do them.
Verse 3 really intrigued me:
"the beasts of the field and the birds of the air and the fish of the sea are dying." - That sounds like extinction...how many animals do we have on the endangered species list now?
Verse 6:
"So my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge." My study bibles says this is "partly because the preists had failed to teach God's word to the people." I think that is definately happening today. Churches aren't teaching God's word, they're teaching self-help. Or they're teaching politics. Or they're calling themselves "churches" and teaching something that sounds an aweful lot LIKE the gospel but isn't (cultural reference here).
And in my own life, I fail to teach myself what the word of God says. It is much easier to be led astray when you don't have knowledge of God's word to keep you firm.
Verse 7:
"the more the priests increased, the more they sinned against me; they exchanged their Glory for something disgraceful."
This sounds like the power and authority pastors (and leaders and "lay" christains and everybody) get, and how it changes them (us). I certainly can't make a blanket statement that mega-churches are bad, because I do believe there are churches out there that are "mega" but are still on-track and teaching the gospel. But I believe there are plenty that aren't, too. Alot of churches (and people) have traded their "glory" (meaning, I think, humility, servanthood, love, charity, poverty) for "something disgraceful" (power [financial, political, etc.], recognition, comfortable living, etc.).
I think what chapter 4 has describe so far has been happening all the time. It sounds a lot like what was going on in the 1200's (as described by the book I'm reading about St. Francis). The state of the church was certainly what is described in chapter 4. The pope had ultimate spiritual, but more important, political, authority, the church had launched all sorts of crusades against people, priests were all about material gain instead of the spiritual lives of their people, etc.
But I also think that a passage like this should cause me to compare my own life to Israel. Have I or am I "rejecting knowledge" (verse 6)? What does it mean to "feed on the sins of my people and relish their wickedness" (verse 8)?
So now I'm confessing it to you guys. If I miss a week again, you guys have full permission (in fact please do) to email or call or blog me and say, "HEY! You know you need to read God's word! Quit hiding out!" And I will receive it and heed it (hopefully) in love and you will have held me accountable to reading God's word.
It may sound silly, but at this point in my life, this blog is really my only "regular" bible reading/study/discussion. It's a bit pathetic, but at least it's a something. So there is some confession for you.
Here's some of my thoughts on this passage:
Verses 1 and 2 seem to describe what I see on TV/in movies all the time. Just watch any episode of CSI, and I bet you'll see all of these things: cursing, lying, murder, stealing and adultery. I think the media has a serious influence on society. It reflects where we're going, but I really think it's also driving the bus that's taking us there (or at the risk of sounding like a self-righteous conservative, the media is carrying the handbasket that society is going to hell in).
I am very affected by the TV and movies I watch...if a movie is sad, I will feel sad for a while because of it ("Blood Diamond" left me in a funk for a week!). I'm operating on the assumption that other people are the same way...so, no wonder our world is increasingly full of cursing, lying, murder, stealing and adultery - that's what we're being fed.
I think I'm on a tangent...all I'm saying is, I see those things in the media and therefore accept that they are true and then go out and do them.
Verse 3 really intrigued me:
"the beasts of the field and the birds of the air and the fish of the sea are dying." - That sounds like extinction...how many animals do we have on the endangered species list now?
Verse 6:
"So my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge." My study bibles says this is "partly because the preists had failed to teach God's word to the people." I think that is definately happening today. Churches aren't teaching God's word, they're teaching self-help. Or they're teaching politics. Or they're calling themselves "churches" and teaching something that sounds an aweful lot LIKE the gospel but isn't (cultural reference here).
And in my own life, I fail to teach myself what the word of God says. It is much easier to be led astray when you don't have knowledge of God's word to keep you firm.
Verse 7:
"the more the priests increased, the more they sinned against me; they exchanged their Glory for something disgraceful."
This sounds like the power and authority pastors (and leaders and "lay" christains and everybody) get, and how it changes them (us). I certainly can't make a blanket statement that mega-churches are bad, because I do believe there are churches out there that are "mega" but are still on-track and teaching the gospel. But I believe there are plenty that aren't, too. Alot of churches (and people) have traded their "glory" (meaning, I think, humility, servanthood, love, charity, poverty) for "something disgraceful" (power [financial, political, etc.], recognition, comfortable living, etc.).
I think what chapter 4 has describe so far has been happening all the time. It sounds a lot like what was going on in the 1200's (as described by the book I'm reading about St. Francis). The state of the church was certainly what is described in chapter 4. The pope had ultimate spiritual, but more important, political, authority, the church had launched all sorts of crusades against people, priests were all about material gain instead of the spiritual lives of their people, etc.
But I also think that a passage like this should cause me to compare my own life to Israel. Have I or am I "rejecting knowledge" (verse 6)? What does it mean to "feed on the sins of my people and relish their wickedness" (verse 8)?
Hosea 4:4-11
This time I posted the text of verses 4-11, but bolded the ones that really stood out to me. (Kind of like Lectio Divina, I guess) The verses bolded were familiar to me. Probably because I've read them before, but also because I think they tie-in the with the context of our contemporary culture. So my invitation for this passage is to pay attention! To yourself and the culture around you.
How do these phrases (almost lines of poetry, actually) connect with the world around you?
In addition, since these verses pose a problem, as a Christian believer, what is the "healing balm" to these entrenched, cultural and spiritual wounds?
Yet let no one contend,
and let none accuse,
for with you is my contention,
O priest.
You shall stumble by day;
the prophet also shall stumble
with you by night,
and I will destroy your mother.
My people are destroyed for lack
of knowledge,
I reject you from being a priest
to me.
And since you have forgotten the
law of your God,
I also will forget your children.
The more they increased,
the more they sinned against me;
they changed their glory
into shame.
They feed on the sin of my
people;
they are greedy for their
iniquity.
And it shall be like people,
like priest;
I will punish them for their ways,
and repay them for their deeds.
They shall eat, but not be
satisfied;
they shall play the whore, but
not multiply;
because they have forsaken
the Lord
to devote themselves to
whoredom.
How do these phrases (almost lines of poetry, actually) connect with the world around you?
In addition, since these verses pose a problem, as a Christian believer, what is the "healing balm" to these entrenched, cultural and spiritual wounds?
Yet let no one contend,
and let none accuse,
for with you is my contention,
O priest.
You shall stumble by day;
the prophet also shall stumble
with you by night,
and I will destroy your mother.
My people are destroyed for lack
of knowledge,
I reject you from being a priest
to me.
And since you have forgotten the
law of your God,
I also will forget your children.
The more they increased,
the more they sinned against me;
they changed their glory
into shame.
They feed on the sin of my
people;
they are greedy for their
iniquity.
And it shall be like people,
like priest;
I will punish them for their ways,
and repay them for their deeds.
They shall eat, but not be
satisfied;
they shall play the whore, but
not multiply;
because they have forsaken
the Lord
to devote themselves to
whoredom.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Hosea 4: 1-3
"Hear the word of the Lord,
O people of Israel;
for the Lord has an indictment
against the inhabitants
of the land.
There is no faithfulness or
loyalty,
and no knowledge of God in
the land.
Swearing, lying, and murder,
and stealing and adultery
break out;
bloodshed follows bloodshed.
Therefore the land mourns,
and all who live in it languish;
together with the wild animals
and the birds of the air,
even the fish of the sea are perishing.
O people of Israel;
for the Lord has an indictment
against the inhabitants
of the land.
There is no faithfulness or
loyalty,
and no knowledge of God in
the land.
Swearing, lying, and murder,
and stealing and adultery
break out;
bloodshed follows bloodshed.
Therefore the land mourns,
and all who live in it languish;
together with the wild animals
and the birds of the air,
even the fish of the sea are perishing.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Response, Hosea 3
In response to Anna's thoughts, and my own question: yeah, we're gluttonous. I'm self-medicating with fatty/cheesy foods this very night. What if I didn't have such things to lean on? If in the 3rd world would I indulge in....water? Probably not if I had to journey ten miles with five containers on my back to the nearest well. Sometimes our own material abundance exhausts us.
So, to the question: What might God ask us to do in contemporary culture? I imagine God saying: "Marry an addict who doesn't intend to recover or change his/her ways. Love this person. Then maybe you will have a glimpse at what it is like for God to love Israel (i.e. God's chosen people.)"
The theme throughout Hosea seems to be the obedience of the prophet to do what God says. In this story of Hosea and Gomer, we learn something about God's love and provision.
**BUT**
I still say there is a difference between this portrayal of God, and the God we come to know through Jesus Christ, incarnate. (Notice I don't say "different Gods," instead, "different portrayals.") The God in Christ becomes human and that is the command. It is out of God's extreme freedom, abundant love, and absolute sovereignty that in Christ he sets the norm for humanity. But it isn't law. His coming eradicates the law. Jesus' love cuts through boundaries and rules, calling all people (even whores, addicts, and consumers) to his kingdom. I think Hosea points to such a kingdom, but is still a portrayal of God that is wrapped up in law.
Does that make sense??
So, to the question: What might God ask us to do in contemporary culture? I imagine God saying: "Marry an addict who doesn't intend to recover or change his/her ways. Love this person. Then maybe you will have a glimpse at what it is like for God to love Israel (i.e. God's chosen people.)"
The theme throughout Hosea seems to be the obedience of the prophet to do what God says. In this story of Hosea and Gomer, we learn something about God's love and provision.
**BUT**
I still say there is a difference between this portrayal of God, and the God we come to know through Jesus Christ, incarnate. (Notice I don't say "different Gods," instead, "different portrayals.") The God in Christ becomes human and that is the command. It is out of God's extreme freedom, abundant love, and absolute sovereignty that in Christ he sets the norm for humanity. But it isn't law. His coming eradicates the law. Jesus' love cuts through boundaries and rules, calling all people (even whores, addicts, and consumers) to his kingdom. I think Hosea points to such a kingdom, but is still a portrayal of God that is wrapped up in law.
Does that make sense??
Hosea 3 Response
In response to Kendra's question, I had a few thoughts.
It seems to me two ideas central to our American identity are those of Individualism and Consumerism.
Individualism: We are all about looking out for #1 - me or me and my family or me and those that are most important to me. So, perhaps God would call us to refrain from getting married or from dating anyone at all...in order to symbolize that loneliness and isolation of our individualism. Or perhaps he would call us to marry or partner with a dictator or someone who oppresses people, because when we persue only what benefits ourselves, we step on and oppress others.
Consumerism: What this actually is is Gluttony.
Proverbs 23:1-3
"When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive." I think food is a major example (just look at obesity rates in our country!), but I think gluttony extends to "stuff" too. How many of us have clothes we never wear, electronics that are out-dated, closets full of stuff we never use?
I'm not sure who/what God would have us partner with for this one...any ideas?
I think consumerism/gluttony ties in with individualism in that both of these ideas are pursuits of happiness. We pursue what we think will make us happy. And money or stuff will, won't it??? (If not stuff, than people will.) But where in the Bible does God promise us we will be happy? I'm pretty sure the fruits of the spirit don't include "happiness."
So we have this idea in our "Empire" that we're supposed to be happy. And I think that fuels our consumerism/individualism.
I'm struggling with this one right now. I like being happy. I like consuming things. I'm afraid God's will for me includes not being happy. That it includes not chasing after the things I want. Oh yeah, but doesn't God tell us that He knows what's best for us? That everything He does is for our good? It is so hard for me to remember this, to accept this, to grasp this. That I can trust God.
This song (by Switchfoot, of course) has been running through my mind as I write this...
Happy is a yuppie word
Nothing in the world could fail me now
It's empty as an argument
I'm running down a life that won't cash out
Happy is a yuppie word
Blessed is the man who's lost it all
Happy is a yuppie word
Looking for an orphanage
I'm looking for a bridge I can't burn down
I don't believe the emptiness
I'm looking for the kingdom coming down
Everything is meaningless
I want more than simple cash can buy
Happy is a yuppie word
It seems to me two ideas central to our American identity are those of Individualism and Consumerism.
Individualism: We are all about looking out for #1 - me or me and my family or me and those that are most important to me. So, perhaps God would call us to refrain from getting married or from dating anyone at all...in order to symbolize that loneliness and isolation of our individualism. Or perhaps he would call us to marry or partner with a dictator or someone who oppresses people, because when we persue only what benefits ourselves, we step on and oppress others.
Consumerism: What this actually is is Gluttony.
Proverbs 23:1-3
"When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive." I think food is a major example (just look at obesity rates in our country!), but I think gluttony extends to "stuff" too. How many of us have clothes we never wear, electronics that are out-dated, closets full of stuff we never use?
I'm not sure who/what God would have us partner with for this one...any ideas?
I think consumerism/gluttony ties in with individualism in that both of these ideas are pursuits of happiness. We pursue what we think will make us happy. And money or stuff will, won't it??? (If not stuff, than people will.) But where in the Bible does God promise us we will be happy? I'm pretty sure the fruits of the spirit don't include "happiness."
So we have this idea in our "Empire" that we're supposed to be happy. And I think that fuels our consumerism/individualism.
I'm struggling with this one right now. I like being happy. I like consuming things. I'm afraid God's will for me includes not being happy. That it includes not chasing after the things I want. Oh yeah, but doesn't God tell us that He knows what's best for us? That everything He does is for our good? It is so hard for me to remember this, to accept this, to grasp this. That I can trust God.
This song (by Switchfoot, of course) has been running through my mind as I write this...
Happy is a yuppie word
Nothing in the world could fail me now
It's empty as an argument
I'm running down a life that won't cash out
Happy is a yuppie word
Blessed is the man who's lost it all
Happy is a yuppie word
Looking for an orphanage
I'm looking for a bridge I can't burn down
I don't believe the emptiness
I'm looking for the kingdom coming down
Everything is meaningless
I want more than simple cash can buy
Happy is a yuppie word
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Ch. 3 Reflections...
As I typed this passage into blogger, I wondered how it might translate into our culture today. This segment, at least, seems to be the "allegorical" part of the story. Marrying a whore is like Israel's instability. Israel depends on the fluctuation of kings and rulers, and as Israel becomes the Empire in charge, "she" tends to absorb the religious practices of other domains.
I thought I'd describe it, but instead, I'll ask a question. Considering our North American "Empire," who might God call us to marry or "partner" with? What would seem foolish to our culture, and yet on a smaller scale represent the values of our nation?
Just a thought. . .
I thought I'd describe it, but instead, I'll ask a question. Considering our North American "Empire," who might God call us to marry or "partner" with? What would seem foolish to our culture, and yet on a smaller scale represent the values of our nation?
Just a thought. . .
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Hosea Chapter Three
OOPS! I almost forgot my "Wednesday Responsibility." Here is chapter 3 of Hosea:
"The Lord said to me again, "Go, love a woman who has a lover and is an adulteress, just as the Lord loves the people of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love raisin cakes." So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer of barley and a measure of wine. And I said to her, "You must remain as mine for many days; you shall not play the whore, you shall not have intercourse with a man, nor I with you." For the Israelites shall remain many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or pillar, without ephod or teraphim. Afterward the Israelites shall return and seek the Lord their God, and David their king; they shall come in awe to the Lord and to his goodness in the latter days."
"The Lord said to me again, "Go, love a woman who has a lover and is an adulteress, just as the Lord loves the people of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love raisin cakes." So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer of barley and a measure of wine. And I said to her, "You must remain as mine for many days; you shall not play the whore, you shall not have intercourse with a man, nor I with you." For the Israelites shall remain many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or pillar, without ephod or teraphim. Afterward the Israelites shall return and seek the Lord their God, and David their king; they shall come in awe to the Lord and to his goodness in the latter days."
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Hosea 2:13-23
Hi Friends! Time again for the next installment of Hosea. I must say, I feel MUCH better about posting this segment. It takes a turn for the redemptive in these ten verses. DIG IN!
"I will punish her for the festival
days of the Baals,
when she offered incense to
them
and decked herself with her ring
and jewelry,
and went after her lovers,
and forgot me, says the Lord.
Therefore, I will now allure her,
and bring her into the wilderness,
and speak tenderly to her.
From there I will give her her
vineyards,
and make the Valley of Anchor a
door of hope.
There she shall respond as in the
days of her youth,
as at the time when she came
out of the Land of Egypt.
On that day, says the Lord, you will call me, "My husband," and no longer will you call me, "My Baal." For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth, and they shall be mentioned by name no more. I will make for you a covenant on that day with the wild animals, the birds of the air, and the creeping things of the ground; and I will abolish the bow, the sword, and the war from the land; and I will take you for my wife forever; I will take you for my wife in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love, and in mercy. I will take you for my wife in faithfulness; and you shall know the Lord.
On that day I will answer, says
the Lord,
I will answer the heavens
and they shall answer the earth;
and the earth shall answer the grain, the wine, and the oil,
and they shall answer Jezreel;
and I will sow him for myself
in the land.
And I will have pity on
Lo-ruhamah,
and I will say to Lo-ammi,
"You are my people";
and he shall say, "You are
my God."
Reminder glossary:
"Baal" means "master" - a name for the Canaanite deity (-ies). It is interesting that this is replaced by "Husband" for an understanding of God. Because, in this time, a husband was a woman's master, but the term still seems to imply more of a partnership and covenant.
Lo-Ruhamah is the name that means "not pitied"
Lo-Ammi's name means "not my people"
I think this segment of Hosea reveals a redemption and renewal that still exists with a hierarchy of male to female, but in a more peaceful relationship. The language of v.18-20 echoes the message of "swords beat into plowshares," and there is a sense that Israel joins together in a new identity, no longer exiled "whores" in a strange land, but the people of God, among their natural habitat (i.e. birds, animals and creeping things, the sky and earth...an echo of the litany of creation spoken into existence and named by the first "earth creature" (adam). The song "God of Wonders" is now in my head...) There seems to be a re-claiming of the people of God, here. - an evidence of God as loving parent or provider.
So, that's what I've got...
"I will punish her for the festival
days of the Baals,
when she offered incense to
them
and decked herself with her ring
and jewelry,
and went after her lovers,
and forgot me, says the Lord.
Therefore, I will now allure her,
and bring her into the wilderness,
and speak tenderly to her.
From there I will give her her
vineyards,
and make the Valley of Anchor a
door of hope.
There she shall respond as in the
days of her youth,
as at the time when she came
out of the Land of Egypt.
On that day, says the Lord, you will call me, "My husband," and no longer will you call me, "My Baal." For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth, and they shall be mentioned by name no more. I will make for you a covenant on that day with the wild animals, the birds of the air, and the creeping things of the ground; and I will abolish the bow, the sword, and the war from the land; and I will take you for my wife forever; I will take you for my wife in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love, and in mercy. I will take you for my wife in faithfulness; and you shall know the Lord.
On that day I will answer, says
the Lord,
I will answer the heavens
and they shall answer the earth;
and the earth shall answer the grain, the wine, and the oil,
and they shall answer Jezreel;
and I will sow him for myself
in the land.
And I will have pity on
Lo-ruhamah,
and I will say to Lo-ammi,
"You are my people";
and he shall say, "You are
my God."
Reminder glossary:
"Baal" means "master" - a name for the Canaanite deity (-ies). It is interesting that this is replaced by "Husband" for an understanding of God. Because, in this time, a husband was a woman's master, but the term still seems to imply more of a partnership and covenant.
Lo-Ruhamah is the name that means "not pitied"
Lo-Ammi's name means "not my people"
I think this segment of Hosea reveals a redemption and renewal that still exists with a hierarchy of male to female, but in a more peaceful relationship. The language of v.18-20 echoes the message of "swords beat into plowshares," and there is a sense that Israel joins together in a new identity, no longer exiled "whores" in a strange land, but the people of God, among their natural habitat (i.e. birds, animals and creeping things, the sky and earth...an echo of the litany of creation spoken into existence and named by the first "earth creature" (adam). The song "God of Wonders" is now in my head...) There seems to be a re-claiming of the people of God, here. - an evidence of God as loving parent or provider.
So, that's what I've got...
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Thoughts on being a whore...
The first thing I was struck with when reading this passage was how I am (and we are, as the church) the adulterous wife. I pursue other lovers to find security, to find "happiness" (may I remind us that, as Switchfoot says, "Happy" is a yuppie word), to distract myself, etc. I hold onto my money and possessions and say to God, "Look at what the world has given me! Ha! I'll show you!" and then realize how stupid and scary it is to say that. God is a jealous God. I am a tantrum-throwing-lazy-whiney-spoiled-cheating-whore.
Yet I am loved.
When I rest in GOD's love for me, when I trust HIM, I am fulfilled, I am at peace, I have everything I need.
This passage also brought to mind a Derek Webb song:
Wedding Dress
If you could love me as a wife
And for my wedding gift, your life
Should that be all i’ll ever need
Or is there more i’m looking for
And should i read between the lines
And look for blessings in disguise
To make me handsome, rich, and wise
Is that really what you want
(chorus)
I am a whore i do confess
But i put you on just like a wedding dress and I
Run down the aisle
I’m a prodigal with no way home
But i put you on just like a ring of gold and I
Run down the aisle to you
So could you love this bastard child
Though I don’t trust you to provide
With one hand in a pot of gold
And with the other in your side
I am so easily satisfied
By the call of lovers less wild
That I would take a little cash over your very flesh and blood
Because money cannot buy
A husband’s jealous eye
When you have knowingly deceived his wife
Yet I am loved.
When I rest in GOD's love for me, when I trust HIM, I am fulfilled, I am at peace, I have everything I need.
This passage also brought to mind a Derek Webb song:
Wedding Dress
If you could love me as a wife
And for my wedding gift, your life
Should that be all i’ll ever need
Or is there more i’m looking for
And should i read between the lines
And look for blessings in disguise
To make me handsome, rich, and wise
Is that really what you want
(chorus)
I am a whore i do confess
But i put you on just like a wedding dress and I
Run down the aisle
I’m a prodigal with no way home
But i put you on just like a ring of gold and I
Run down the aisle to you
So could you love this bastard child
Though I don’t trust you to provide
With one hand in a pot of gold
And with the other in your side
I am so easily satisfied
By the call of lovers less wild
That I would take a little cash over your very flesh and blood
Because money cannot buy
A husband’s jealous eye
When you have knowingly deceived his wife
Friday, August 24, 2007
Levity: Response to Hosea passages so far...
New Thought:
This is a bit distanced from my previous book report on the "backstory" of Hosea, but I had a thought. Maybe sometimes we, as believers, are like the prophet Hosea. At times we want to say of our tribe, "GAH. You are NOT MY PEOPLE!" And at other times we thank God for the "descendents of Israel," children of God numerous "like sand of the sea." Sometimes in this world we feel surrounded by the community of believers, the body of Christ. Other times - we are isolated and estranged.
Whaddya Think?
This is a bit distanced from my previous book report on the "backstory" of Hosea, but I had a thought. Maybe sometimes we, as believers, are like the prophet Hosea. At times we want to say of our tribe, "GAH. You are NOT MY PEOPLE!" And at other times we thank God for the "descendents of Israel," children of God numerous "like sand of the sea." Sometimes in this world we feel surrounded by the community of believers, the body of Christ. Other times - we are isolated and estranged.
Whaddya Think?
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Hey Annas, and Kendra! :)
I am reading the blog!
I really like it, and the only reason I've waited to post this long is because I don't feel like I'm having all these very deep thoughts. But I've really enjoyed what you've written.
I guess what I was struck with in this last part is how much of a jealous God our God really is.
It made me stop and think about what parts of my own life I haven't been sacrificing to God. I haven't been pursuing lovers or idols, like Hosea's wife, but honestly, I realized I am pursuing other loves. Whether its my job, or what I'm doing with my money, what I'm doing with my time...God wants it all, and He's jealous of the parts I'm keeping from him. He hasn't stripped me naked, but I can understand what parts of my life He uses to humble me, and keep me desperate for Him.
What an interesting book, eh?
I am reading the blog!
I really like it, and the only reason I've waited to post this long is because I don't feel like I'm having all these very deep thoughts. But I've really enjoyed what you've written.
I guess what I was struck with in this last part is how much of a jealous God our God really is.
It made me stop and think about what parts of my own life I haven't been sacrificing to God. I haven't been pursuing lovers or idols, like Hosea's wife, but honestly, I realized I am pursuing other loves. Whether its my job, or what I'm doing with my money, what I'm doing with my time...God wants it all, and He's jealous of the parts I'm keeping from him. He hasn't stripped me naked, but I can understand what parts of my life He uses to humble me, and keep me desperate for Him.
What an interesting book, eh?
I QUIT! Initial Feelings in Response to Hosea 2:2-12
After reading and then typing this passage into Blogger, I have the impulse to say, "I quit. What was I thinking? I'm just going to delete this entire blog..."
I was also reminded of a book we read in seminary for a Doctrine of God class (written by a Jewish theologian) called Facing the Abusing God. The author's premise was that "God is abusive, but not always." What a comfort that is, right? Anyway, I can see the glimpses of at least an abusive portrayal of God in this passage. (And of course there are others in the biblical text.) God is the angry husband here betrayed by an unfaithful spouse. He wants to "expose her" and "make her like a wilderness" and "hedge up her way with thorns." (Yes, that is what you think it is - ouch.)
I read this passage nearly trembling because I know portrayals of God such as these have been used to justify the continuation of domestic violence. I think reading this passage at "face value," without considering the context, difficulty in language, ancient culture, tradition, and theology, and then making hasty generalizations from it....we "allow" sexual violence toward women as a reflection of "traditional roles." Just like we imagine God as monolithically abusive to the detriment of other qualities of God, we then "abuse" the text; it gives us permission to abuse and oppress. After all, if we perceive God as abusive and we ourselves are made in the image of God....what then are we permitting? (I see this even in the human family lineage: Whom are we made in the image of? If Daddy's a drunk, son, daughter, grandchildren may, too, become drunks. Divorce gets passed down more and more like the family heirloom. And those who are abused sexually or physcially by a family member often go and pick for themselves a partner who mirrors this pathology.)
NOW. Having said all that, I don't really want to quit. I don't want to throw Hosea out. I actually think all of the above information (diatribe?) is evidence that this passage deserves more care and time and understanding. I hope in the next week we can give it that. (But I also think it is healthy - and evidence of good awareness - to respond to the Bible the way we are truly feeling. i.e. kind of a What the F, God? - Pardon the crudeness, but then, ahem, look at the material we're dealing with....)
Thank you, blog community, for letting me share these thoughts with you.
I was also reminded of a book we read in seminary for a Doctrine of God class (written by a Jewish theologian) called Facing the Abusing God. The author's premise was that "God is abusive, but not always." What a comfort that is, right? Anyway, I can see the glimpses of at least an abusive portrayal of God in this passage. (And of course there are others in the biblical text.) God is the angry husband here betrayed by an unfaithful spouse. He wants to "expose her" and "make her like a wilderness" and "hedge up her way with thorns." (Yes, that is what you think it is - ouch.)
I read this passage nearly trembling because I know portrayals of God such as these have been used to justify the continuation of domestic violence. I think reading this passage at "face value," without considering the context, difficulty in language, ancient culture, tradition, and theology, and then making hasty generalizations from it....we "allow" sexual violence toward women as a reflection of "traditional roles." Just like we imagine God as monolithically abusive to the detriment of other qualities of God, we then "abuse" the text; it gives us permission to abuse and oppress. After all, if we perceive God as abusive and we ourselves are made in the image of God....what then are we permitting? (I see this even in the human family lineage: Whom are we made in the image of? If Daddy's a drunk, son, daughter, grandchildren may, too, become drunks. Divorce gets passed down more and more like the family heirloom. And those who are abused sexually or physcially by a family member often go and pick for themselves a partner who mirrors this pathology.)
NOW. Having said all that, I don't really want to quit. I don't want to throw Hosea out. I actually think all of the above information (diatribe?) is evidence that this passage deserves more care and time and understanding. I hope in the next week we can give it that. (But I also think it is healthy - and evidence of good awareness - to respond to the Bible the way we are truly feeling. i.e. kind of a What the F, God? - Pardon the crudeness, but then, ahem, look at the material we're dealing with....)
Thank you, blog community, for letting me share these thoughts with you.
Hosea 2:2-12
"Plead with your mother, plead -
for she is not my wife,
and I am not her husband -
that she put away her whoring from her face,
and her adultery from between
her breasts,
or I will strip her naked
and expose her as in the day she was born,
and make her like a wilderness,
and turn her into a parched
land,
and kill her with thirst.
Upon her children also I will
have no pity,
because they are children of whoredom.
For their mother had played
the whore;
she who conveiced them has
acted shamefully.
For she said, "I will go after
my lovers;
they give me my bread and my water,
my wool and my flax, my oil
and my drink."
Therefore I will hedge up her
way with thorns;
and I will build a wall
against her,
so that she cannot find her
paths.
She shall pursue her lovers,
but not overtake them;
and she shall seek them,
but shall not find them.
Then she shall say, "I will go
and return to my first husband,
for it was better with me then
than now."
She did not know that it was I who gave her
the grain, the wine, and the oil,
and who lavished upon her silver
and gold that they used for
Baal.
Therefore I will take back
my grain in its time,
and my wine in its season;
and I will take away my wool and
my flax,
which were to cover her nakedness.
Now I will uncover her shame in the sight of her lovers,
and no one shall rescue her out
of my hand.
I will put an end to all her mirth,
her festivals, her new moons,
her sabbaths,
and all her appointed festivals.
I will lay waste her vines and her
fig trees,
of which she said,
"These are my pay,
which my lovers have given me."
I will make them a forest,
and the wild animals shall devour them."
for she is not my wife,
and I am not her husband -
that she put away her whoring from her face,
and her adultery from between
her breasts,
or I will strip her naked
and expose her as in the day she was born,
and make her like a wilderness,
and turn her into a parched
land,
and kill her with thirst.
Upon her children also I will
have no pity,
because they are children of whoredom.
For their mother had played
the whore;
she who conveiced them has
acted shamefully.
For she said, "I will go after
my lovers;
they give me my bread and my water,
my wool and my flax, my oil
and my drink."
Therefore I will hedge up her
way with thorns;
and I will build a wall
against her,
so that she cannot find her
paths.
She shall pursue her lovers,
but not overtake them;
and she shall seek them,
but shall not find them.
Then she shall say, "I will go
and return to my first husband,
for it was better with me then
than now."
She did not know that it was I who gave her
the grain, the wine, and the oil,
and who lavished upon her silver
and gold that they used for
Baal.
Therefore I will take back
my grain in its time,
and my wine in its season;
and I will take away my wool and
my flax,
which were to cover her nakedness.
Now I will uncover her shame in the sight of her lovers,
and no one shall rescue her out
of my hand.
I will put an end to all her mirth,
her festivals, her new moons,
her sabbaths,
and all her appointed festivals.
I will lay waste her vines and her
fig trees,
of which she said,
"These are my pay,
which my lovers have given me."
I will make them a forest,
and the wild animals shall devour them."
Monday, August 20, 2007
HEAVY: A reflection on Hosea 1-2:1
A Note:
I will preface by saying I did a lot of homework for this response. More than I plan to do for subsequent posts, but I think we will all find it helpful. I really wanted to try and wrap my mind around this text - as much as one can do without being a Hebrew scholar or experiencing the ancient culture. So without further adieux, here are some thoughts to set the stage (I hope) for some fascinating discussion.
1. Spiritual Formation
While like Anna I am in awe of this story and the work of God's hand, I am hesitant to pray, "Dear God, bless me like Hosea...challenge my marriage with infidelity so that your truth may be known." I also understand that when we ask God to show us God's ways, we are inviting the unpredictable, and sometimes scary stuff! On another note, is it fair to say that this book reflects the theology of a pre-Christian understanding of God? I mean, Hosea is ordered to take a whore for a wife. And God is obligated to love an unfaithful people. This seems conflicting with what I came to appreciate in the Reformed understanding (a la Karl Barth) that God is "the one who loves in freedom."
2. Context
This story also tries to make sense of the fragmentation of the time. Political and personal realms in Hosea's time are a mess. The kingdom is uncertain and unstable - the chronology of Kings' turnover and the variance between ruling styles is enough to exhaust the reader. In the domestic realm, marriages and faith are challenged by the emergence of Canaanite cultic sex rituals. While the religion of Israel was predominantly monotheistic centered around Yahweh, with the expansion of the Empire came the infusion of other deities and beliefs - so that a pluralistic "hybrid" religion emerged.
The Canaanites worshipped Baal whose name means "master" or "husband." Baal was the storm god responsible for bringing rain, which was the answer to drought in crops, flocks, and families. The cultic prostitution that came out of Baal worship involved reinacting intercourse that reflected behavior of Baal and a sister deity, Anat. Men of all ranks in Israel engaged in these acts to bring about fertility. The initial intent was very serious. But this religious practice soon devolved into an excuse to have orgies at church; a threat to family cohesion and the Israelite understanding of Yahweh.
3. Redemption
The story of Hosea seems a redemptive rollercoaster of brokenness and wholeness - of the identity of humanity fluctuating between "not my people" and "children of the living God." And I see this story also as a window into the culture of Ancient Israel in the context of Empire. I know Christians love to glean allusions to Christ from the Old Testament, and I, too, am guilty of this. I see a transparency here where it is revealed that Israel is in need of redemption from its own oppressive and broken culture. For one, it is clear that the context of Ancient Israel was sexist. (i.e. of course God is portrayed as faithful, patriarchal husband and humanity is portrayed as sinful adulterous wife.) Relationships between men and women are top-down with women as subjects. I see Gospel stories like that of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well or his healing of the arthritic woman on the Sabbath setting this story free. The law of Empire seems to absorb the customs of war and violence, pluralistic cultic religion, and domination of women into its ideology. The grace of Christ says, "I am the way, the truth and the life." And I believe we get a glimpse into this redeemed reality in the hope of Hosea 1:10-11
"...and in the place where it was said to them, "you are not my people," it shall be said to them, "children of the living God." The people of Judah and the people of Israel shall be gathered together and they shall appoint for themselves one head; and they shall take possession of the land, for great shall be the day of Jezreel."
(Sources used: Women's Bible Commentary, Carol A. Newsom and Sharon H. Ringe, editors. An Introduction to the Old Testament, Raymond B. Dillard and Tremper Longman III.)
I will preface by saying I did a lot of homework for this response. More than I plan to do for subsequent posts, but I think we will all find it helpful. I really wanted to try and wrap my mind around this text - as much as one can do without being a Hebrew scholar or experiencing the ancient culture. So without further adieux, here are some thoughts to set the stage (I hope) for some fascinating discussion.
1. Spiritual Formation
While like Anna I am in awe of this story and the work of God's hand, I am hesitant to pray, "Dear God, bless me like Hosea...challenge my marriage with infidelity so that your truth may be known." I also understand that when we ask God to show us God's ways, we are inviting the unpredictable, and sometimes scary stuff! On another note, is it fair to say that this book reflects the theology of a pre-Christian understanding of God? I mean, Hosea is ordered to take a whore for a wife. And God is obligated to love an unfaithful people. This seems conflicting with what I came to appreciate in the Reformed understanding (a la Karl Barth) that God is "the one who loves in freedom."
2. Context
This story also tries to make sense of the fragmentation of the time. Political and personal realms in Hosea's time are a mess. The kingdom is uncertain and unstable - the chronology of Kings' turnover and the variance between ruling styles is enough to exhaust the reader. In the domestic realm, marriages and faith are challenged by the emergence of Canaanite cultic sex rituals. While the religion of Israel was predominantly monotheistic centered around Yahweh, with the expansion of the Empire came the infusion of other deities and beliefs - so that a pluralistic "hybrid" religion emerged.
The Canaanites worshipped Baal whose name means "master" or "husband." Baal was the storm god responsible for bringing rain, which was the answer to drought in crops, flocks, and families. The cultic prostitution that came out of Baal worship involved reinacting intercourse that reflected behavior of Baal and a sister deity, Anat. Men of all ranks in Israel engaged in these acts to bring about fertility. The initial intent was very serious. But this religious practice soon devolved into an excuse to have orgies at church; a threat to family cohesion and the Israelite understanding of Yahweh.
3. Redemption
The story of Hosea seems a redemptive rollercoaster of brokenness and wholeness - of the identity of humanity fluctuating between "not my people" and "children of the living God." And I see this story also as a window into the culture of Ancient Israel in the context of Empire. I know Christians love to glean allusions to Christ from the Old Testament, and I, too, am guilty of this. I see a transparency here where it is revealed that Israel is in need of redemption from its own oppressive and broken culture. For one, it is clear that the context of Ancient Israel was sexist. (i.e. of course God is portrayed as faithful, patriarchal husband and humanity is portrayed as sinful adulterous wife.) Relationships between men and women are top-down with women as subjects. I see Gospel stories like that of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well or his healing of the arthritic woman on the Sabbath setting this story free. The law of Empire seems to absorb the customs of war and violence, pluralistic cultic religion, and domination of women into its ideology. The grace of Christ says, "I am the way, the truth and the life." And I believe we get a glimpse into this redeemed reality in the hope of Hosea 1:10-11
"...and in the place where it was said to them, "you are not my people," it shall be said to them, "children of the living God." The people of Judah and the people of Israel shall be gathered together and they shall appoint for themselves one head; and they shall take possession of the land, for great shall be the day of Jezreel."
(Sources used: Women's Bible Commentary, Carol A. Newsom and Sharon H. Ringe, editors. An Introduction to the Old Testament, Raymond B. Dillard and Tremper Longman III.)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Hosea 1:1 - 2:1 Response
OK! I have finally found the blog and figured out how to sign in and post and everything! Sorry for my absence up until now.
Here are some of my responses/thoughts/questions after reading this portion...
I am already convicted, and I haven't even started the actual book yet! In the introduction in my study bible, the authors mention that the life of Hosea is actually a symbol of the message God has for his people. I think you already touched on this, Kendra. But WOW. His whole life is a symbol of God's message. I can't even give up 5 minutes of my day to pray, and this man's whole life is the Lord's.
I'm not trying to have a guilt-fest (ok, maybe I am, a little bit), but I really want to wrap my head around this. God's will and plan for Hosea was to marry an adulterous wife and name his kids things like "not my people" in order to accomplish his purpose. His whole life was not his own.
I wonder what it would be like to live like that. I tend to believe that if I truly let God run my life, then I won't get to have fun anymore. Life will be harder. I'll have to be tied into a bunch of ministries and people I don't like and I'll never get a break.
So...I'm praying that God will speak to me (US!) through his word and reveal his true character and heart.
An interesting note from my NIV Study Bible:
"Hosea" means "salvation"
In the last two verses of this passage, God does something really neat. He basically turns things around and makes them opposite. Jezreel's name was a reference to the punishment God would bring on Jehu because of the massacre at Jezreel. My bible translates it as "God scatters." Lo-Ruhamah meant, "Not loved." Lo-Ammi meant "Not my people." But in 1:11, God says "great will be the day of Jezreel." My bible translates it as "God scatters" - this time refering to sowing or planting. Then he says, "Say, "My people," and "My loved one."
I just think this is so reflective of God's character. He is so opposite. He does things opposite of the way we think make sense. He takes what is evil and uses it for something good. He tells us that if someone hits us, we are to turn the other cheek for them to hit again. That in order to be strong, we actually need to be weak. In order to be first, we have to be last. To seek first HIS kingdom, and then all these things (provisions: money/food/clothes) will be given to us. To die in order to live. WHAT? I really don't get it sometimes.
Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.
So, I guess my answer to your question in the previous post, Kendra, is that God is OPPOSITE. He is other than what we think, or what makes sense.
Should I be posting this in the comments section of the last post? I just sort of jumped right in and wrote my own post, and I guess we haven't really talked about whether we just want to keep our responses to the comments or not. Hmmm....
I think I will probably have more to say on this passage, but I will stop for now.
Here are some of my responses/thoughts/questions after reading this portion...
I am already convicted, and I haven't even started the actual book yet! In the introduction in my study bible, the authors mention that the life of Hosea is actually a symbol of the message God has for his people. I think you already touched on this, Kendra. But WOW. His whole life is a symbol of God's message. I can't even give up 5 minutes of my day to pray, and this man's whole life is the Lord's.
I'm not trying to have a guilt-fest (ok, maybe I am, a little bit), but I really want to wrap my head around this. God's will and plan for Hosea was to marry an adulterous wife and name his kids things like "not my people" in order to accomplish his purpose. His whole life was not his own.
I wonder what it would be like to live like that. I tend to believe that if I truly let God run my life, then I won't get to have fun anymore. Life will be harder. I'll have to be tied into a bunch of ministries and people I don't like and I'll never get a break.
So...I'm praying that God will speak to me (US!) through his word and reveal his true character and heart.
An interesting note from my NIV Study Bible:
"Hosea" means "salvation"
In the last two verses of this passage, God does something really neat. He basically turns things around and makes them opposite. Jezreel's name was a reference to the punishment God would bring on Jehu because of the massacre at Jezreel. My bible translates it as "God scatters." Lo-Ruhamah meant, "Not loved." Lo-Ammi meant "Not my people." But in 1:11, God says "great will be the day of Jezreel." My bible translates it as "God scatters" - this time refering to sowing or planting. Then he says, "Say, "My people," and "My loved one."
I just think this is so reflective of God's character. He is so opposite. He does things opposite of the way we think make sense. He takes what is evil and uses it for something good. He tells us that if someone hits us, we are to turn the other cheek for them to hit again. That in order to be strong, we actually need to be weak. In order to be first, we have to be last. To seek first HIS kingdom, and then all these things (provisions: money/food/clothes) will be given to us. To die in order to live. WHAT? I really don't get it sometimes.
Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.
So, I guess my answer to your question in the previous post, Kendra, is that God is OPPOSITE. He is other than what we think, or what makes sense.
Should I be posting this in the comments section of the last post? I just sort of jumped right in and wrote my own post, and I guess we haven't really talked about whether we just want to keep our responses to the comments or not. Hmmm....
I think I will probably have more to say on this passage, but I will stop for now.
Hosea 1:10-2:1
I am only posting a few verses because I probably should have posted this handful with the last grouping. Anyway, these verses are interesting, because they turn the last harsh nine verses on their head. This "section" also starts with the familiar words of God's promise to Abraham. If I could ask you one question, to answer after reading the first chapter (plus one verse) of Hosea, it would be: who is God?
"Yet the number of the people of Israel shall be like the sand of the sea, which can be neither measured nor numbered; and in the place where it was said to them, "You are not my people," it shall be said to them, "Children of the living God." The people of Judah and the people of Israel shall be gathered together and they shall appoint for themselves one head; and they shall take possession of the land, for great shall be the day of Jezreel.
Say to your brother, Ammi, and to your sister, Ruhamah."
"Yet the number of the people of Israel shall be like the sand of the sea, which can be neither measured nor numbered; and in the place where it was said to them, "You are not my people," it shall be said to them, "Children of the living God." The people of Judah and the people of Israel shall be gathered together and they shall appoint for themselves one head; and they shall take possession of the land, for great shall be the day of Jezreel.
Say to your brother, Ammi, and to your sister, Ruhamah."
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Hosea 1:1-9 A Response
Why?
Some might wonder why I would want to start with the book of Hosea for an online Bible Study; that tiny, obscure book in the inferior Testament. (I actually would prefer to refer to OT as "Hebrew Bible," sometimes calling it the "Old" Testament makes it seem like it no longer concerns us. Not true.)
I like this book, and chose it - with the help of community....Ahem, Anna Springer...are you out there?? - because I don't totally understand it. It kind of frightens me. It's harsh, it's heavy. I mean, how would you like to be "Lo-ammi," AKA "Not My People." I think I'd rather be named "Dorcas."
I think this book is a reminder of the character, the emotion, even, of God. What we learn from the story throughout the Biblical text is that God is continually faithful to an unfaithful people. And I have to believe that the unfaithfulness of God's people saddens God. That one person among the multitudes who goes astray breaks the heart of God.
God is real. And though we are made in the image of God, not the other way around, I think the story of Hosea indicates real feelings that humans can relate to.
And yet - not relate to. God could destroy us, detonate us. Yet amidst destruction continues to restore a remnant.
So far, in this passage, I see both the fear of God and the love of God. I think it is important to acknowledge both.
God has called us beloved, and we have turned astray.
We have been unfaithful, and God has called us "Lo-ammi."
What does that mean?
I don't know, but I could think on it for at least two lifetimes.
Some might wonder why I would want to start with the book of Hosea for an online Bible Study; that tiny, obscure book in the inferior Testament. (I actually would prefer to refer to OT as "Hebrew Bible," sometimes calling it the "Old" Testament makes it seem like it no longer concerns us. Not true.)
I like this book, and chose it - with the help of community....Ahem, Anna Springer...are you out there?? - because I don't totally understand it. It kind of frightens me. It's harsh, it's heavy. I mean, how would you like to be "Lo-ammi," AKA "Not My People." I think I'd rather be named "Dorcas."
I think this book is a reminder of the character, the emotion, even, of God. What we learn from the story throughout the Biblical text is that God is continually faithful to an unfaithful people. And I have to believe that the unfaithfulness of God's people saddens God. That one person among the multitudes who goes astray breaks the heart of God.
God is real. And though we are made in the image of God, not the other way around, I think the story of Hosea indicates real feelings that humans can relate to.
And yet - not relate to. God could destroy us, detonate us. Yet amidst destruction continues to restore a remnant.
So far, in this passage, I see both the fear of God and the love of God. I think it is important to acknowledge both.
God has called us beloved, and we have turned astray.
We have been unfaithful, and God has called us "Lo-ammi."
What does that mean?
I don't know, but I could think on it for at least two lifetimes.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Hosea 1:1-9
The Book of Hosea actually doesn't tell us much about Hosea. It is a story to explain the relationship between God and God's people. It is told through the Prophet Hosea who is called to take an unfaithful wife. But not just unfaithful, a "wife of whoredom." (I'd be curious to see what other translations say - this is NRSV.) This relationship is said to mirror the relationship between God and the people of Israel.
The time period of this book is about 750 to 722 BCE. Hosea's context was the Northern Kingdom of Israel, beginning with a peaceful reign under King Jeroboam II, but followed up by wars between Israel and Syria against Judah. Along the backdrop was also a culture of religious pluralism and worship of foreign deities and idols.
"The word of the Lord that came to Hosea son of Beeri, in the days of Kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah, and in the days of King Jeroboam son of Joash of Israel.
"When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea, "Go, take for yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom, for the land commits great whoredom by foresaking the Lord." So he went and took Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.
"And the Lord said to him, "Name him Jezreel; for in a little while I will punish the house of Jehu for the blood of Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kindgom of the house of Israel. On that day I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel."
"She conceived again and bore a daughter. Then the Lord said to him, "Name her Lo-ruhamah, for I will no longer have pity on the house of Israel or forgive them. But I will have pity on the house of Judah, and I will save them by the Lord their God; I will not save them by bow, or by sword, or by war, or by horses, or by horsemen."
"When she had weaned Lo-ruhamah, she conceived and bore a son. Then the Lord said, "Name him Lo-ammi, for you are not my people and I am not your God."
Hosea and Gomer's childrens' names:
Jezreel means "God sows"
Lo-ruhamah means "Not pitied"
Lo-ammi means "Not my people"
The time period of this book is about 750 to 722 BCE. Hosea's context was the Northern Kingdom of Israel, beginning with a peaceful reign under King Jeroboam II, but followed up by wars between Israel and Syria against Judah. Along the backdrop was also a culture of religious pluralism and worship of foreign deities and idols.
"The word of the Lord that came to Hosea son of Beeri, in the days of Kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah, and in the days of King Jeroboam son of Joash of Israel.
"When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea, "Go, take for yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom, for the land commits great whoredom by foresaking the Lord." So he went and took Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.
"And the Lord said to him, "Name him Jezreel; for in a little while I will punish the house of Jehu for the blood of Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kindgom of the house of Israel. On that day I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel."
"She conceived again and bore a daughter. Then the Lord said to him, "Name her Lo-ruhamah, for I will no longer have pity on the house of Israel or forgive them. But I will have pity on the house of Judah, and I will save them by the Lord their God; I will not save them by bow, or by sword, or by war, or by horses, or by horsemen."
"When she had weaned Lo-ruhamah, she conceived and bore a son. Then the Lord said, "Name him Lo-ammi, for you are not my people and I am not your God."
Hosea and Gomer's childrens' names:
Jezreel means "God sows"
Lo-ruhamah means "Not pitied"
Lo-ammi means "Not my people"
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
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