Sin in Ignorance vs. Intentional Sin

Today's Reading:

• Luke 12:35 - 12:59

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Luke 12:35 - 12:59 
Today's reading is a short one, but it comes with a dire warning that sticks out.  Jesus is talking about being prepared for the Lord's return.  He tells the disciples to be ready, for He will come when least expected.  Jesus also gives a short example of the behavior of a servant while his master is away.  Jesus says the following:

47  And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn't prepared and doesn't carry out those instructions, will be severely punished.

48  But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly.

 Sin done in ignorance is still, no doubt, sin.  But Jesus says here that is treated lightly compared to the wrath that occurs when sin is intentionally done.  It seems to me that the more of God's word we read and study, the more we are required to discipline ourselves and follow the Lord's instructions for us.  Once we know, we are no longer ignorant.  We must obey.  That is how we show the Lord that we love him.  It can seem like a lot to take in and a lot to live up to, and I have a LONG way to go.  But the rewards are well with it -- Every time I crack open this bible and I am losing a tad bit of my foolishness and replacing it with life-giving wisdom.

The Lord is my Rock

Today's Reading:

• Deuteronomy32:1 - 32:52

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Deuteronomy 32:1 - 32:52
Today's reading consists of the song that Moses taught the Israelite people.  This song is to remind them that the Lord is their God, and when the time comes that they are abandoned by the Lord, they will know why it happened.

The people would be abandoned because they would fail to obey the Lord as they should.  They will begin to worship foreign gods and forget the true Lord who was their "Rock".  There are many places in this song that the Lord refers to himself as the Rock.  The enemies had their "rocks", but those rocks were not as strong as the Rock. 

The capitalization is important here, I believe -- The capitalization of the word "Rock" when referring to the Lord implies it is a name, and one that belongs only to the Lord.  All the other "rocks" are just insignificant, common objects.  They might call themselves rocks, the people might think of them as rocks, but they are not THE Rock.  They are not the mighty Rock.  They are insignificant when compared to the Rock. 

I thought all of this was so interesting because I don't recall any previous reading where the Lord was referred to as the Rock.  I've only read 1/4th of the bible, so I'm hardly an authority here -- I just think this might be the first mention I've seen of it (or that I've noticed of it).  Of course I've heard songs and people say the Lord is my Rock, but like many other things, I was unsure of how it tied back to the bible.  I didn't know if was just something people said, or if it was written in the bible.  I hadn't given it any thought, really.  So the whole thing is just very interesting. 

Quiet Reflections

Today's Reading:

• Psalm 78:32 - 78:55
• Proverbs 12:21 - 23

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Psalm 78:32 - 78:55
This psalm continues the story of all things the Israelites did to grieve the Lord and invoke His wrath against them. It invokes the same feelings I spoke about just a few days ago-- and since it angers me I'm not going to repeat my rant so soon.  I will say that this story is being told beautifully, and I am really enjoying how this story is being told.  I think I have two more reading sessions before I am finished with this psalm.

Proverbs 12:21 - 23

21  No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

22  The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.

23  The wise don't make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness.

 Be godly.  Speak the truth.  Be wise.  These things are pleasing to the Lord. 

I don't have many words to speak today on these readings. The proverbs give great advice and the psalm is beautifully written. I guess I am just in more of a quiet reflection mode today.  Quiet, peaceful reflection.  It's a good place to be :-)

The Unforgivable Sin - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit

Today's Reading:

• Luke 12:8 -12:34

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Luke 12:8 - 12:34
There were a few topics covered in the verses I read today.  First we are told that we must acknowledge Jesus on earth if we are to be acknowledged in heaven.  That's something to really keep in mind -- we can't privately be Christians, and then act differently to the rest of the world.  We need to acknowledge Jesus to others, so that Jesus will acknowledge us later.

In verse 12:10, we are once again told about the unforgivable sin -- blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.  So far I think I've read and commented on this twice (post1, post2).  I still don't have anymore insight into what that sin actually is.  In my original quick research, it appears to be knowingly  attributing the work of the Lord to that of Satan.  But that's only what I've read from other people.  I really wish I would find more in the bible that will help me to grasp a better understanding.  That will come in due time I guess, for I still have a lot more of the bible to read!

Jesus then talks about greed and possessions.  Verse 12:21 states:

"Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God."

Jesus then goes on to say that we should trust the Lord for provision.  Even if we are running out of food to eat and clothes to wear, we should not worry -- for the Lord will provide.  In 12:15, Jesus says:

"Beware!  Guard against every kind of greed.  Life is not measured by how much you own."

 I still don't know how I feel about wealth and Christianity.  Should we be poor?  Should we be rich?  How does being rich affect our relationship with the Lord?  One thing is for certain; however -- as wealth increases, one needs to constantly reevaluate his or her relationship with the Lord.  We need to make sure that we are still prepared to (1) Recognize that the wealth is not our own, nor our doing -- no matter how hard we have worked.  It is instead a blessing; and (2) Evaluate what condition our soul would be in should we lose everything. 

When God Offers Hamburgers

Today's Reading:

• Psalm 78:1 - 31
• Proverbs 12:19 - 20

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Psalm 78:1 - 31
This psalm of Asaph is broken into a few parts.  Today's reading covered the first 20 verses of the psalm.  This part of the psalm serves as a reminder to the people what the Lord has done for the Israelites.  The people are told not to forget the rebellious things that their ancestors did.

Looking back at these things, at the way these people challenged God -- it still angers me, almost as much as when I was reading it in the Old Testament.  I will never understand the way those people acted and how they could be so full of rebellion and to keep challenging the Lord and complaining about absolutely everything.

I know a few people like that -- no matter what you do for them, you just can't do enough.  And the moment something isn't exactly how they want it, then to them it seems there is nothing good left -- everything is a bust.  I've been dealing with some very hard people this past week, and someone said to me:  "They don't want the hamburger unless they can have the whole cow."  I thought that was a hilarious and very fitting analogy.  Sometimes the Lord give us hamburgers instead of the whole cow.  And you know what, I'm okay with that -- at least that means I am provided for, and that I get to eat.  That my family gets to eat.  So thank you, Lord, for giving us hamburgers!

Proverbs 12:19 - 20

19  Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.

20  Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

 Simple lessons here -- speak the truth and not lies.  Plot for good things and not for evil schemes.  The result is life that is happy is filled with much more joy.  I like joy, what about you?!