The Bible Challenge
Day 292
Ezekiel 43-44
Psalm 89:1-18
Revelation 13
King David’s poetry in Psalm 89 verses 1-18 uses the word “Faithfulness” four times to describe the Lord. “Faithfulness”, what does this word mean to you? Certainly in this rendering it strongly suggests that the God of all Creation, the Ruler of the Universe, is the steadfast God of the people of Israel and David sings God’s praises. Yet, the Israelites’ lack of faithfulness in the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel brings punishment from God. The Prophet would rein in God’s wayward through ordinances and stiff discipline. It seems God punishes, or even abandons, the iniquitous while remaining devoted to the faithful.
Many biblical scholars agree that the Book of Revelation was a compilation of visions given to John during a time of Christian persecution by the Roman government. The imagery of beasts, animals and signs were analogous to the persecutors of the Saints/Christians. The maltreatment of the followers of Christ ranged from economic to physical, even included execution. So, why did the early Christian community receive such treatment? Was the early Christian community unfaithful like the Israelites of old? Or, perhaps, is there another way of understanding God’s relationship with God’s people?
In Hebrews 12:3f we read, “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” This person is Jesus. He came to take our suffering away. He came to forgive us or sins. He came that we might intimately know the Heart of God. He came so that we might become faithful to the One who is Faithful. Whatever suffering you now experience in body, mind, or soul… know that our God does not cause, or will this…. It is the affect of sin… Be free from that burdens that cause you pain… surrender them to Jesus. He will set you free.
In God’s Love and Blessings,
Fr. Bernie+
St. Martin, Pompano Beach
Day 292
Ezekiel 43-44
Psalm 89:1-18
Revelation 13
King David’s poetry in Psalm 89 verses 1-18 uses the word “Faithfulness” four times to describe the Lord. “Faithfulness”, what does this word mean to you? Certainly in this rendering it strongly suggests that the God of all Creation, the Ruler of the Universe, is the steadfast God of the people of Israel and David sings God’s praises. Yet, the Israelites’ lack of faithfulness in the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel brings punishment from God. The Prophet would rein in God’s wayward through ordinances and stiff discipline. It seems God punishes, or even abandons, the iniquitous while remaining devoted to the faithful.
Many biblical scholars agree that the Book of Revelation was a compilation of visions given to John during a time of Christian persecution by the Roman government. The imagery of beasts, animals and signs were analogous to the persecutors of the Saints/Christians. The maltreatment of the followers of Christ ranged from economic to physical, even included execution. So, why did the early Christian community receive such treatment? Was the early Christian community unfaithful like the Israelites of old? Or, perhaps, is there another way of understanding God’s relationship with God’s people?
In Hebrews 12:3f we read, “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” This person is Jesus. He came to take our suffering away. He came to forgive us or sins. He came that we might intimately know the Heart of God. He came so that we might become faithful to the One who is Faithful. Whatever suffering you now experience in body, mind, or soul… know that our God does not cause, or will this…. It is the affect of sin… Be free from that burdens that cause you pain… surrender them to Jesus. He will set you free.
In God’s Love and Blessings,
Fr. Bernie+
St. Martin, Pompano Beach
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