Have you done the first part of our study? If not check out this to catch up!
In this study, we are looking for Jesus in scriptures that tradition tells us point to Jesus. In order to do this thoughtfully and faithfully, we first should think about Biblical Interpretation. On one hand there is the way scholars interpret scripture--looking at the context and the time setting to see what the words mean. This is helpful to let us understand the culture and undoubtedly some of the meaning behind scripture. I might call this the Historical-Critical Method. This was how we learned to read the bible in seminary.
On another hand is how the passage speaks to us--what does it say that impacts our lives. I often think of the line "Morning by Morning new mercies I see!" John Wesley spoke of scripture being doubly inspired--inspired when it was written, then inspired again when we read it. I would call this reading scripture through my personal experience lens.
On another hand, is the tradition that we arrive from. Since throughout the centuries church scholars have told us certain passages mean certain things, we believe it. I've heard the line, "Everything happens for a reason" all my life. Even though it might not be something I technically believe, I'll catch myself repeating it. Sometimes our interpretation of scripture falls back on what we've always been taught to believe. I might call this interpreting scripture through the eyes of faith.
Does this sound famliar? Anything like the Wesleyan Quadrilateral?
I think its hard to ever say scripture has one meaning! I think God finds meaning in each verse at each point of each of our lives! I think God tells us something different every time. I believe that all three of these factors of biblical intepretation matter and are good.
With all of that being said, I have a really tough time seeing Jesus in the Deuteronomy passage in any way other than because the church scholars said he was there. The passage to me could logically have pointed to Isaiah or Daniel or Amos or Micah.
On the other hand, the images that point Jesus to David are lovely to me. I absolutely see Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promise to David. God no longer lives in a tent or a temple in Jerusalem--but lives in each of us! More, every birth story that gives us a location has Jesus born in Bethleham! The place where David was watching sheep when he was chosen to be KING! Jesus was also chosen to be king--both by the Magi, and by God through baptism!
Now, the exact lineage/genealogy seems a big tougher for me. Mathew makes it clear in his Genealogy (1:1-17) that Mary was a descendant of David. Matthew was writing to Jewish audiences and this was important to them. Luke traces the lineage back a little differently (3:23-38). He traces it through Joseph. That always caught me as a little off. Then I realized that in fact Joseph was important to Jesus's upbringing, faith, and claim to the people. Joseph may not be a "physical" part of Jesus' make up, but he was important to the whole picture! So, there too is another fulfilled prophesy!
So, what do you think? Which method of interpretation do you most often use when you study the bible? Where has God spoken to you today? More, what "new mercies" have you seen today and in our study?
Jesus!
You have made the blind see and the deaf hear. You have soften the hardest hearts. Work now in us, so that through studying your word, your story, and your way, we might be better followers. Work now in us so that we can love you more and know you better. Let us go change the world with your love and by your grace!
In your Precious name we pray!
Amen
Friday, September 16, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Prayer
Week One--
Don't forget to comment on the last blog! I hope that you've all had a chance to read and reflect.
Just thought I'd stop in and give us a chance to pray together. Feel free to add your prayers as well!
All-Knowing God--
You are bigger than we can know. We are less than a grain of sand in your hand. While we try to know you--seek you, search your scripture, look at your creation, love your people, we are still left with questions. We are still left with insecurities. When we think we know--you change us! You show us new things!
In this time together Lord, we ask you to show yourself anew. Not like we are hoping for. Not the way we know. But in your fullness. In your grandeur. In your mysterious ways. Teach us new things, and teach us the old lessons anew. Let us be the students.
Let us find you new. So that we can go into the world and share the depth and breadth of your amazing, never-ending love.
In your name we pray--
Amen
Blessings!
Pastor Emily
Don't forget to comment on the last blog! I hope that you've all had a chance to read and reflect.
Just thought I'd stop in and give us a chance to pray together. Feel free to add your prayers as well!
All-Knowing God--
You are bigger than we can know. We are less than a grain of sand in your hand. While we try to know you--seek you, search your scripture, look at your creation, love your people, we are still left with questions. We are still left with insecurities. When we think we know--you change us! You show us new things!
In this time together Lord, we ask you to show yourself anew. Not like we are hoping for. Not the way we know. But in your fullness. In your grandeur. In your mysterious ways. Teach us new things, and teach us the old lessons anew. Let us be the students.
Let us find you new. So that we can go into the world and share the depth and breadth of your amazing, never-ending love.
In your name we pray--
Amen
Blessings!
Pastor Emily
Monday, September 12, 2011
A New Day
Study Background--
We are beginning to look at the recorded prophesies of Christ. Most of these will be in the Old Testament, and then we will lead to reading the text of the Christmas Narratives in all three gospels. We will look at our pre-conceptions, what was written and some historical background. I love the Bible, and have taken many classes. However, I am not a "Bible Scholar". Feel free to disagree with me. Feel free to disagree with each other--but in a healthy and loving way. Being said, know that any comments that are disparaging or mean will be deleted.
This is the plan, on Mondays I will post a little background on the passage and some questions to answer. Feel free to answer all or some of them them in the comments. Then Friday I'll try to write a summary of the collected comments and add some more of my own. The study schedule is posted on this post. If you have questions or suggestions feel free to email me at emily AT kennesawumc DOT org.
Scripture Background--
Typically, we won't study passages from two books at once, but these two passages are closely connected! Moses and David are closely connected, because they were both recipients of God's covenants with Israel.
Scripture Reading--Deuteronomy 18:15-22 and 2 Samuel 7
In ancient times, a covenant was a special promise--one cemented by God. When two people made a covenant, they got their gods involved! In scripture, covenants are promises between us and God. God promises us something, and we promise something in return.
Our first reading is from Deuteronomy, a book describing the laws God gave to Moses for Israel. The covenant was that God would claim Israel IF Israel kept God's laws. These laws were important, for they were Israel's link to God! Remember, Moses was a prophet, but this passage prophesies a new prophet coming!
Our second reading is from 2 Samuel 7 (Look most closely at 10-17 and 25-29). This concerns a covenant God made through the Prophet Nathan with David. David was King, but God promised that God would build God's own House from David.
Your Mission!
- Pray--God open our eyes to your truths! Let us see with your eyes! Let us hear nothing but your words! Open our hearts to you! Amen
- Read through the two chapters and put it down.
- Read through the questions below, and then the scriptures a second time!
- Try to answer the questions.
Questions--
1) What makes you believe the "prophet" that is spoken of in Deuteronomy 18 Points to Jesus?
2) What makes you believe that the "house" in 2 Samuel 7 points to Jesus?
3) Talk about your notion of covenant. How do these covenants with Moses and David helping point to the new covenant that will be Jesus? What is the Covenant we have with Jesus?
4) What else stuck out to you? What is new that you've never heard before or seen before or thought? What did I not ask?
Can't wait to start this together! We will reassess Friday and see how its going!
Blessings!
Blessings!
Pastor Emily
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
And We Begin Again!
Hello Everyone!
Its been forever since we've spoken!
Here's the New Plan.
How does that sound?
We'll work on the Biblical Prophesies that we believe point to Jesus until Advent, then we'll look at the different Christmas stories.
Blessings!
Pastor Emily
Its been forever since we've spoken!
Here's the New Plan.
We will study one or two chapters (or less!) a week! On Monday I'll pop on with the text and questions. Answer them at your leisure. Then on Thursday I'll pop back on with a longer discussion piece. That will give us more time to really dig in!
How does that sound?
We'll work on the Biblical Prophesies that we believe point to Jesus until Advent, then we'll look at the different Christmas stories.
The schedule will look like this:
- 9/12 Deuteronomy 18:15 and 2 Samuel 7
- 9/19 Psalm 22
- 9/26 Isaiah 7:10-23
- 10/3 Isaiah 9
- 10/10 Isaiah 11
- 10/17 Isaiah 53
- 10/24 Isaiah 24
- 10/31 Daniel 7
- 11/7 Micah 5
- 11/14 Zechariah 8:1-7 and 9:9-17
- 11/21 Luke 1:1-25
- 11/28 Luke 1:26-80
- 12/5 Luke 2:1-20
- 12/12 John 1
- 12/19 Matthew 1
- 12/26 Matthew 2:1-14
Blessings!
Pastor Emily
Saturday, September 3, 2011
And it Ends
Scripture: Revelation 20-22
Observation: I have read and re-read this several times lately. Partially because I have gotten distracted 100 times and partially because I can't believe its over! What an amazing ending!
Here is my favorite part:
(21:4-7)
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more. There will be no mourning, crying, or pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look! I’m making all things new.” He also said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Then he said to me, “All is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will freely give water from the life-giving spring. Those who emerge victorious will inherit these things. I will be their God, and they will be my sons and daughters."
Application:
Everything will be new! Death will be no more! Our God is the Alpha and Omega--the Beginning and the end!
I needed to hear this today. Because even as we are finishing this journey, a new one is coming. Even as God puts and end to scripture--new chapters will be written in our lives. Even as one door closes, something else begins anew. It makes me think of the Hymn of Promise--how everything comes new. Everything changes. God who began things, can end things and then begin again.
What endings are happening in your life? What new beginnings? What challenges will God get you through? Its been my pleasure to journey with you this Summer. Its been my pleasure to guide us through the New Testament. I know each of you have strengthened my faith and inspired me! Thank you for your dilligence and your hope. Thank you for your love.
Prayer:
Alpha and Omega--Thank you for this summer. Continue to bless those who journeyed through this reading with me. Those who stopped by occasionally, and those we never knew were with us. Thank you for your insights and your grace! All glory be to you--the one who begins and ends all things. In your precious name I pray! Amen
Remember--Sunday 9/11 at 4 pm in the Parlor! I'll bring the ice cream, you bring your favorite topping!
Blessings!
Pastor Emily
Observation: I have read and re-read this several times lately. Partially because I have gotten distracted 100 times and partially because I can't believe its over! What an amazing ending!
Here is my favorite part:
(21:4-7)
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more. There will be no mourning, crying, or pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look! I’m making all things new.” He also said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Then he said to me, “All is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will freely give water from the life-giving spring. Those who emerge victorious will inherit these things. I will be their God, and they will be my sons and daughters."
Application:
Everything will be new! Death will be no more! Our God is the Alpha and Omega--the Beginning and the end!
I needed to hear this today. Because even as we are finishing this journey, a new one is coming. Even as God puts and end to scripture--new chapters will be written in our lives. Even as one door closes, something else begins anew. It makes me think of the Hymn of Promise--how everything comes new. Everything changes. God who began things, can end things and then begin again.
What endings are happening in your life? What new beginnings? What challenges will God get you through? Its been my pleasure to journey with you this Summer. Its been my pleasure to guide us through the New Testament. I know each of you have strengthened my faith and inspired me! Thank you for your dilligence and your hope. Thank you for your love.
Prayer:
Alpha and Omega--Thank you for this summer. Continue to bless those who journeyed through this reading with me. Those who stopped by occasionally, and those we never knew were with us. Thank you for your insights and your grace! All glory be to you--the one who begins and ends all things. In your precious name I pray! Amen
Remember--Sunday 9/11 at 4 pm in the Parlor! I'll bring the ice cream, you bring your favorite topping!
Blessings!
Pastor Emily
Friday, September 2, 2011
Do Justice, Love Mercy
Scripture: Revelation 16-18
Observation:
16:7 stuck out to me for the whole reading today: "And I heard the altar say,
“Yes, Lord God Almighty, your judgments are true and just.” "
What does justice mean? What does it mean to be just?
Application:I took a class in seminary on peace building. In that class they said that Justice, Mercy, Peace and Truth must be heard in equal measures in order to be understood and conflict to be resolved. (see: http://www.colorado.edu/conflict/transform/jplchpt.htm. Scroll down the the section listed "The Meeting". It might change the way you see things like it changed me!)
I guess that's whats so hard for me here. There's a lot of Justice and probably a lot of Truth, but not much mercy or peace. Maybe I just always side with Mercy and peace. I just am not exactly sure that these passages reflect the whole of scripture. Where's the Micah 6:8 "Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God?"
My seminary professors always said that scripture must be interpreted not on its own, but with knowledge of the whole canon (the whole of scripture) in mind. I'm not sure where this leaves me today. I do know that today I want to hope that even with these passages, the God I worship is a God who still loves Justice, Mercy, Peace and Truth in equal measures.
Prayer: God of Mercy--Please remember me, a sinner unclean. Please continue to illuminate my mind and enliven my spirit. Help me to see clearly what I do not understand. Help me to love like you. In your name we pray--Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Emily
Observation:
16:7 stuck out to me for the whole reading today: "And I heard the altar say,
“Yes, Lord God Almighty, your judgments are true and just.” "
What does justice mean? What does it mean to be just?
Application:I took a class in seminary on peace building. In that class they said that Justice, Mercy, Peace and Truth must be heard in equal measures in order to be understood and conflict to be resolved. (see: http://www.colorado.edu/conflict/transform/jplchpt.htm. Scroll down the the section listed "The Meeting". It might change the way you see things like it changed me!)
I guess that's whats so hard for me here. There's a lot of Justice and probably a lot of Truth, but not much mercy or peace. Maybe I just always side with Mercy and peace. I just am not exactly sure that these passages reflect the whole of scripture. Where's the Micah 6:8 "Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God?"
My seminary professors always said that scripture must be interpreted not on its own, but with knowledge of the whole canon (the whole of scripture) in mind. I'm not sure where this leaves me today. I do know that today I want to hope that even with these passages, the God I worship is a God who still loves Justice, Mercy, Peace and Truth in equal measures.
Prayer: God of Mercy--Please remember me, a sinner unclean. Please continue to illuminate my mind and enliven my spirit. Help me to see clearly what I do not understand. Help me to love like you. In your name we pray--Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Emily
Thursday, September 1, 2011
The Battle
Scripture--Revelation 14-15
Observation: What a battle is raging. And the crux of the battle is who are we worshipping. Most of today's passage focuses on the Good Guys. On us. On what Good is coming. But that doesn't mean Good isn't fighting. Jesus fights for us. The angels put themselves in danger for us. Its a battle!
Application: I'm not sure I treat every day like my faith is a battle. I'm not sure that I fight for what is right or good or important every day. I don't always give it the importance it deserves. Evil sure seems to treat life as a battle. I see it all the time. But I'm not so sure I do.
I hope today I can go out into the world and try to battle for the good guys. Try to win people over with my love. Try to smile more and hug more and love more. I think I can do it! I think we can win!
Prayer--O Lamb of God--thank you for fighting for me. Give me the strength and courage to fight for you. Remind me that I am yours--always. In your name I pray. Amen
Blessings!
Pastor Emily
Observation: What a battle is raging. And the crux of the battle is who are we worshipping. Most of today's passage focuses on the Good Guys. On us. On what Good is coming. But that doesn't mean Good isn't fighting. Jesus fights for us. The angels put themselves in danger for us. Its a battle!
Application: I'm not sure I treat every day like my faith is a battle. I'm not sure that I fight for what is right or good or important every day. I don't always give it the importance it deserves. Evil sure seems to treat life as a battle. I see it all the time. But I'm not so sure I do.
I hope today I can go out into the world and try to battle for the good guys. Try to win people over with my love. Try to smile more and hug more and love more. I think I can do it! I think we can win!
Prayer--O Lamb of God--thank you for fighting for me. Give me the strength and courage to fight for you. Remind me that I am yours--always. In your name I pray. Amen
Blessings!
Pastor Emily
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