Revelation

I just finished the last book of the Bible.

I think I need the help of someone wiser than me to interpret John’s dream, or prophecy, or warning, or whatever you want to call this. There is a lot of symbolism and crazy detail on what the angels and creatures look like. I am not sure what to make of it all.

Bottom line, I think Revelation is a warning. Beware of false prophets, false leaders. They will lead to destruction. Instead, believe what Jesus taught and act on his lessons, all the while being aware you will be tested, judged and possibly ridiculed for your belief.

In the end, though, evil will be punished. Goodness will be rewarded.

There are a lot of details that I am sure many people have analyzed and interpreted. I am not qualified to do that. Maybe someday someone will attempt explain it all to me, or at least help me figure out what this all means.

Until then, I will just try my best to do what Jesus taught: Love God with all your heart and love your fellow man by showing kindness and compassion and generosity.

Jude

After reading John’s three letters of love, feeling good about what following  Jesus means, Jude is a bit of a downer.

He immediately warns of those among us who say they believe, but really don’t. This who will bend the words of Jesus to suit their own gain. These people are the grumblers and faultfinders…they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

But, Jude ends his letter with hope and kindness, be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy…

I can’t stop thinking about the Beatle’s song…

1, 2, 3 John - Believe and Love

John, I hear your message.

Know that Jesus is God’s son. He, a sinless man, died for our sins so we can have eternal life. What, as flawed humans can we do? Love one another. Pray for each other. Disregard those who spread untruths.

That is it. No judgment from John. Just believe in Christ and love your fellow man.

1 & 2 Peter

I think these are two letters from Peter, one of Jesus’ original apostles.

But, the letters don’t read like they were written by the same person, so I am a bit confused. The style is completely different. And if Peter was a poor fisherman, how did he learn to write with such authority? Or am I reading too much into things? 2 Peter talks of Paul’s letters, so were they contemporaries? Did they spend time together? I guess it makes sense that they did.

The message remains consistent with Paul - treat each other with kindness, show love to one another, beware of false prophets. Were these letters also written to the Israelites? There are a number of references that only they would understand.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

There is hope for us all.

James

Who wrote the book of James?

It is not a letter from Paul, I am pretty sure of that. It might have been written by James, himself. (But, who is James? He says, a servant of God and Lord Jesus Christ, so was he one of the apostles?)

This appears to be written to the Israelites, as he says it is written to the twelve tribes. And he references Old Testament people the Israelites would be familiar with. But I am not sure it is a letter, as it doesn’t end with a farewell. 

It appears to be more of a directive for living a Christ like life.

The main message seems to be, treat everyone equally and fairly. Don’t treat a rich man better than a poor one. Believe in Christ, but belief is not enough. You must also do good. You can’t have one and not the other. Don’t curse your fellow human, as we are all made in God’s image. Don’t boast, for who knows what tomorrow may bring. Pray. Pray for yourself. Pray for each other. 

Hebrews

Paul’s letter to the Hebrews reads differently than his previous letters.

Maybe this is because he is writing to Jewish converts to Christianity. They have the difficult task of not only taking on this new belief system, but also having to defend themselves to those who are not believers in the teachings of Jesus. It would be so easy to go back to the traditional Jewish laws and customs.

Paul uses words from the Old Testament to support the fact that Jesus is God’s son. He spends much of the letter recounting how faith in what cannot be seen kept key figures in the Old Testament going. He relates this faith to current circumstances. He talks of hardship as discipline, like a loving father disciplines his children. He asks them not to give up.

Paul reiterates the basic belief to love one another, honor God and each other, help others.

And then he says goodbye, telling them to welcome Timothy and hoping he will see them again.

Titus and Philemon

Titus and Philemon are both short letters written by Paul.

The intent of each, however, is not the same.

Titus received his letter to encourage and instruct, much like the letters to Timothy. Much of the letter is almost identical to the letter to Timothy—how to pick qualified elders and deacons, rebuking those who preach their own myths or human commands, and reminding people todo good, always.

Philemon hosts a home church, along with others. Paul thanks them and then asks that they welcome Onesimus (who, I think, was a former slave) and to treat him as they would treat Paul himself.

1 & 2 Timothy

Paul writes to Timothy, who appears to be young and in need of instruction and encouragement.

I don’t always like what Paul has to say. I wonder how much is reflecting his own prejudices and how much is truly from God. Times have changed; how does this affect the truth of what was written. Especially in terms of slaves, women and homosexuals. I have seen too many people use these (and similar) verses to persecute their fellow humans.

Slave owners pulled out All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect but ignored the parts that said masters should treat their slaves fairly and well. How does owning another human reconcile with love your neighbor? Paul clearly states slave traders are lawbreakers. How does homosexuality become equal to slave traders, murderers, and liars? What about mercy? What about love? Paul says I do not permit a woman to teach or hold authority over a man… (notice the “I”).  But from the beginning there were women prophets, women whom Jesus held in high regard (the resurrected Jesus first appeared to a woman, for goodness sake!) and women who are apostles of the new church (Pricilla had a home church and spread the good news). This doesn’t make sense to me.

But, Paul also has some instruction that truly comes from love—take care of the elderly and widows. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels… be kind to everyone… 

Paul knows the end is near.

1 and 2 Thessalonians

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances…

Paul appears to have actually spent time with the Thessalonians. He thanks them for their hospitality and for their belief in Christ’s message. They are faithful even in the light of bad news, news of believers who have died because of their faith. 

He reminds them to be pure of body and mind. To love and care for each other. To be prepared for the second coming.

He warns them not to listen to the man of lawlessness (or sin) who will try to make them believe he is God. He is not. They should not be fooled, but remain firm in their belief and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Love one another; help one another; work for the good of all; never tire of doing what is good.

Colossians

Paul keeps encouraging new believers, even those he has never met. And from prison, no less!

The letters are shorter. 

Other apostles are recognized and mentioned by nam.

Paul asks this letter be shared - is his time coming to an end?

Paul’s Letter to the Philippians

Paul is definitely growing on me.

This is a letter of thanks. Thanks to God for the people of Philippi. Thanks for their concern. Thanks for their assistance and provisions. Thanks for their steadfast love and continuing faith in Christ Jesus.

Paul thanks specific people who have helped him and helped lead by example, men and women alike.

And Paul writes all of this while in prison.

Ephesians

I just realized that Paul probably wrote this letter while he was in prison. He makes reference to being a prisoner in Christ Jesus several times. I am guessing this means he is an actual prisoner?

If that is the case, Paul’s words of love and grace are even more powerful.

He has never met the Ephesians. He is in prison and yet he never stops encouraging, praising and teaching.   Paul sets out rules, but somehow seems gentler in this letter than some of his previous letters. He seems to have a true love for the Ephesians.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Galatians

I am beginning to feel for Paul.

He leaves an area inspired, full of hope for the new Christians, only to have the reality of their fragile belief come crashing down around him.

So Paul writes letters of encouragement, letters of rebuke, letters of re-education.

The Galatians have started listening to “apostles” who are starting to add their own rules, their own fears and prejudices to the teachings of Jesus. Paul has his work cut out for him and this letter is to the point. No fluff.  Don’t listen to these so called apostles, listen to me. Live by faith and love of your fellow mankind. Do good to all.

It is hard to be inspired when the people fall so easily. But Paul never loses faith.

2 Corinthians

This is Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, on the eve of his third visit.

Paul seems to spend much of the letter defending himself to the Corinthians. It seems like he is worried about how he first came across to them…as timid when face to face but bold in his letters. He seems worried that he frightened the people. 

He keeps saying he bragged about them and their generosity, but then worries the Corinthians won’t live up to his bragging. He brags about all he has been through, but then seems to dismiss its importance.

Paul seems worried throughout most of this…

1 Corinthians

This is the book of the Bible with the love verses we all know from weddings. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud… Great reminders, and Paul seems very passionate about relaying the message of love.

But I feel like some of Paul’s personal prejudices also sneak into this book.

He says that he wishes everyone would be single like him, for that is the best. But, grudgingly, acknowledges that some may want to marry. He talks about sexual immorality, marriage, adultery - problems that must have been on the rise in this community.

Paul addresses many of the things the people of Corinth are arguing about…the basics of their new and fragile church. I think that is the main purpose of the book, to stop the arguments and the wandering from the truth of Jesus and his resurrection.

Paul’s Letter to the Romans

At first I wasn’t sure I would like Romans.

Paul is not the easiest writer to read. His style is formal and a bit stiff. The first half was not my favorite - maybe because it was aimed at the Jews. All that talk about circumcision!

Then, about halfway through the book, I started to appreciate what Paul was saying.

If God is for us, who can be against us?

For I am convinced that neither death or life, neither angels nor demons, neither present nor the future … nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus out Lord.

Paul reminds that both Jews and Gentiles are children of the living God. 

He talks of love and God given gifts and our responsibility to use our gifts and treat everyone with love. Live in harmony with one another….Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. When did we forget that? Accept the one one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. Stop being so self righteous.

Now I like Paul and his letters. (Good thing, he wrote a lot if them!)

I even liked the personal greetings at the end. I liked that Paul recognized all the people helping spread the word, both men and women.

The Book of Acts

My daughter told me the book of Acts was written by Luke (of the Gospel Luke).

I can see that.  He begins Acts by saying, In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do...  The gospel of Luke begins in much the same way, ...since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus...

The biggest difference between the two books is that Luke researched Jesus' life, listening to testimony of many people who were actually there, but it was not a first hand account.  Luke actually travelled with Paul during his life as a disciple and was an actual witness to what was happening at the time.  He began Acts in third person, giving the facts of this young church as he either researched or witnessed. Then Luke starts to add "we" to his account, beginning with chapter sixteen, verse ten.  Was this done to add credibility to his account?  Was that when Luke first joined the church?  When he first joined John?  Or was it an unconscious change?

I had forgotten the story of Saul, who persecuted the new believers with zeal, followed by his unlikely conversion to one of the greatest proponents of the new church (which included a name change to Paul).  I couldn't remember where Paul had come from or why he was such an important person in spreading the Good News.  Now I know.  

Paul (Saul), was an influential figure with prominent Jewish lineage.  As such, his preaching was both knowledgeable (he knew the prophesies inside and out) but also disturbing to many Jews.  He could tell them how and why he began spreading the message of Jesus (and his story never changed).  He previously persecuted the members of The Way, and now he was an important, articulate teacher.  

He passionately believed without ever having seen Jesus, the man, in person.

Paul did what God asked of him, even when he knew it may bring his death.  He traveled around the land teaching and encouraging both Jews and Gentiles in the Way.  He went to Jerusalem (where they tried to kill him) and on to Rome (with a stop in Malta because of a terrible storm) where he continued to spread the word and encourage new Christians.

Paul's conviction and story never wavered, never changed. 

John

John was a little tougher read than the other three gospels.

At times, the book of John came across as a little more "preachy" than the other books.  Maybe because this was written by John the disciple.  (At least that is who I think wrote this book.)  He seemed to be trying to make Jesus sound more intellectual, more other-worldly.  He spent more time on Jesus defending himself to the Pharisees and less time on parables.

John did include some new details not included in the previous gospels.  He begins with John the Baptist, totally ignoring the birth of Jesus.  He moves right to the adult Jesus and his first miracle - turning water into wine at the wedding, per his mother's request.  This is the first time we hear of the Samaritan women by the well.  He had the story of Mary, Martha and Lazarus (who Jesus raised from the dead) and indicated that there was a special relationship between the four.

John spent a lot more time on Jesus's last days and the Pharisee's plot to kill him.  He talks more of the instructions Jesus gives to the disciples for after his death and resurrection.  He spent more time on the resurrection, including some details not in the other books.  Mary Magdalene finds the empty tomb, but this time she tells Peter and the one whom Jesus loved (John?) and they go to the tomb to look for themselves.  This is the first time we hear of Thomas not being there when Jesus first appeared in the room to the disciples and his need to see Jesus in person before he would believe.

John keeps referring to the disciple whom Jesus loved - was he talking about himself?  I think he was, for a variety of reasons.  Was there a feud between John and Peter?  The one whom Jesus loved is mentioned as bettering Peter a few times. (Peter ran to the tomb, but the one whom Jesus loved got there first.  The one whom Jesus loved sat next to Jesus at the last supper, leaning against him and asking who will betray you, Lord? Judas betrayed Jesus, but Peter denied him three times.)

This book filled in some details, but left out others.  Why?  Because John already knew what Matthew and Mark had to say so he didn't need to repeat them?  Or because, as it said at the end of the book, there are too many stories to tell...

My Dad's family:

(first row) Aunt Ina, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Mable

(second row) Uncle John, Uncle Owen, Aunt Vee, my Dad (Ross)

Luke

I finished Luke today and I think he must be The Historian.

Unlike Matthew and Mark, Luke was not there for Jesus’ life. His is not a first hand account. He listened to stories, did research, and wrote his gospel based on what he found. Interesting.

Luke gives much more information on John the Baptist than the first two gospels. He also talks about Mary’s visit by an angel (but nothing about Joseph). He tells of Jesus birth, focusing on the shepherds but no mention of the wisemen or Herod’s declaration that all boys under age two be killed or Joseph and his family’s flight to Egypt.

Luke is the first gospel to tell of baby Jesus’ circumcision story and the story of boy Jesus staying in the temple, calling it his Father’s house. Luke gives an expanded version of Jesus in Nazareth and the temptations of Jesus. (If only Jesus was present at the temptations, how is it all three gospels tell the same story?)

Luke tells some parables we already know, but in more detail. He tells new parables not mentioned by Mathew or Mark, too.

Luke pays much more attention to the women followers of Jesus, giving names and backgrounds. He tells more stories involving the women. He is very clear the women discovered the empty tomb, had a conversation with angels and told the (disbelieving) disciples what they found and heard.

Luke gives more detail to Jesus’ last days, last hours. 

Then Luke tells of the disciples waiting for what will come next for them…

The Second Gospel - Mark

Mark ignores the birth of baby Jesus and begins with Jesus' adult teachings.

Mark has some references to Old Testament prophesy, but not nearly as much Matthew did.  I wonder if Mark was writing to the non-Jews?  

After talking about John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus, Mark plows straight into the Good News.  

He repeats many of the stories of Matthew, with some other details.  He tells of Jesus' parables, but not as many as Matthew.  He seems to focus more on the healings, of the interactions with outsiders, and of Jesus saying, Your faith has healed you.

Mark names three women by name at Jesus crucifixion and resurrection, instead of Mary, Mary and the others.  Mark names Mary, Mary, Salome and many other women.

Mark has some extra verses (Chapter 16, Verses 9-20 that my Bible said some earliest manuscripts and some other ancient witnessed do no include).  These verses talk about how Mary Magdalene came to follow Jesus.  They tell how Jesus appeared to Mary and then to two of them (Does this mean two women?) before he appeared to the disciples.  When all these people told the disciples about what they saw, the eleven did not believe...not until Jesus came to them, rebuked them for not believing and then gave them orders to, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation...

Matthew

It is good to be reading in the New Testament.

I have never really read the Bible before, not like this. Yes, I am familiar with many passages, but there is so much that never makes the Sunday sermons, the Sunday Scripture readings or the Children’s Bible stories. Based on my limited knowledge, here are some my observations, or I didn’t know that moments.

I did not realize that Matthew had so many references to Old Testament prophecy. This book is a proof, of sorts, aimed at those who knew what was prophesied about the coming of the Messiah. (I appreciated the footnotes in my Bible.) It really looked at Jesus from an angle I had not given much thought about…all of this was predicted long before Jesus was ever born.

Matthew talks briefly about Jesus birth, but only in reference to what was prophesied. Most of the book is about Jesus after he began to teach, emphasizing his teachings. Jesus used a lot of parables and, like his disciples, I needed to have some explained (or at the very least, reread a few times). 

Jesus in Matthew is not the calm, collected Jesus of my Sunday school classes. He had a temper (and I am not just talking about the incident at the temple). He got frustrated with his disciples. He was mad at a fig tree that had no fruit and cursed it. He was very human in some ways.

I did not realize that Jesus talked about the second coming in Matthew. I thought that was what Revelations was about. Surprise! Maybe it is in both? Maybe the other gospels talk about it, too? Well, now I know where the Left Behind book series came from. 

I must admit, much of what I thought l knew came from movies, books, and other peoples interpretations. It is good to read for myself, directly from the source.

Malachi

Malachi - the last book of the Old Testament, the last prophecy before Jesus.

The people ask God why he doesn’t love them anymore. God asks the people why they don’t love him anymore. They know what they need to do. The laws and commandments are clear. Why do they not obey? Why do they not honor?

God has not given up on his people, despite the fact that they seem to have given up on him.

God loves us…and will send his Son to prove it.

Zechariah

Zechariah, one more prophet.

I don’t know if I see more references to Jesus’s coming because I know what comes next or if that is what is truly being referenced. Am I getting better at seeing the meaning or am I reading more into the book than was intended?

This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come, and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, ‘Let us go at once and entreat the Lord and seek the Lord Almighty’…In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’”

See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey…

He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.

They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him…

Is that Jesus he is referring to? I think so.

And the word of God, as heard by Zechariah…

Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.

Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not live to swear falsely.

Yes.

In the end, I believe Zechariah is a book of hope. 

Haggai

Instead of focusing on your own lives, focus on Me. 

That is the message God seems to be sending through Haggai.

The people say, The time is not right to rebuild the Lord’s house. God says, Do you really think the time is right for you to have a fine house, but you leave My house in ruins?

Burn! 

God is with his people and they need to rethink their lives, starting with honoring the Lord by rebuilding His house.  Follow God’s laws better. It will be okay.

Oh, and one more thing - all the foreign kingdoms will fall. When that happens, Zerubbabel will be like God’s signet ring, for he has been chosen by the Lord. (Does that mean God authorizes Zerubbabel to put the stamp of approval on the Lord’s projects?)

Zephaniah

Zephaniah is yet another prophet who warns of destruction.

He warns all the nations of nonbelievers of their impending doom. He warns Jerusalem and Judah that all, except for those truly faithful to the Lord, will be destroyed. And then he gives hope for the survivors.

Do all these prophets say the same thing to give the warning more credibility, more power?

Maybe…

Habakkuk

Habakkuk complains (asks questions) that I think a lot of us wonder about. 

And God replies.

Complaint number one: How long, Lord, must I call out for help… why do you tolerate wrongdoing?

God replies with one of my favorite verses, Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.

God offers Habakkuk hope.

Complaint number two: Your eyes are too pure to look on evil, you cannot tolerate wrongdoing. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?

Again God says be patient, …for the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come…

More hope. 

So Habakkuk prays. 

He will wait patiently. 

God is his strength, and ours, too.

Nahum

I am a little confused.

This is a recording of Nahum’s vision. He tells, in detail, how horrible Nineveh is (no wonder Jonah didn’t want to go) and of it’s upcoming destruction. Is this before or after God gave Nineveh a second chance? If before, shouldn’t it have been placed before the book of Jonah in the Bible? If after, does it mean God gave them a second chance and they messed up again?

See, confusing. 

I may need to check with someone who who has actually studied the Bible and has more insight than a novice like me.

Micah

They say hindsight is twenty-twenty.

At first, Micah appeared to be just another prophet who was warning of disaster because of terrible behavior. He warned of calamities and ridicule. He warned of false prophets whose sole purpose is to just tell people what they want to hear - not the truth.

And then the twist.

Micah prophesies about Jesus. He tells of the man who will come from lowly Bethlehem, …out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times. And …his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. 

Sounds like Jesus to me.

A final wisdom takes us home; And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Yes. Very nice. Show mercy to others as God shows mercy to us. Be humbly like God.

Jonah

I can relate to Jonah.

God tells Jonah he has a job for him. Go to Nineveh and preach to them, tell them of their destruction, all because they have become wicked in their ways. What does Jonah do? Runs the other way.

Jonah tries to hide by sailing on a ship heading far away. You can’t outrun God. Jonah ends up being thrown overboard to calm God and the seas. He ends up in the belly of a fish for three days, praying to God; telling God he will not disobey again; he will do what God asks. The fish spits Jonah out on land and God says, Go to Nineveh. This time Jonah goes.

After listening to Jonah, the people of Nineveh repent (this is a good thing, right?) and God decides to forgive them. He does not bring on their destruction. And what does Jonah do? Is he happy for them? Is he thrilled his God is so loving and merciful? Nope. Jonah pouts. He is mad that God sent him to tell the people of Nineveh they were going to be destroyed only to have God forgive. Why did he have to go then? (Aren’t we that way when things don’t happen as we planned or expected?)

God tries another tactic. He has a plant grow to shade Jonah…and then he sends worms to kill it. Jonah is upset about the poor plant. God asks why Jonah is so upset about a plant he had nothing to do with, but he has no compassion for all the people of Nineveh? Think about it…

Compassion people! Feel some compassion for those you don’t know or understand.

Obadiah

I am reading a series of short books in the Bible about several minor prophets - this one is named Obadiah.

Obadiah has a vision that the country of Edom will be destroyed. Bad news again. I think it is because Esau was violent with his brother Jacob, gloated over Jacob’s misfortune, was cruel to the survivors of disaster, and Edom is his kingdom. Payback time. As you have done, it will be done to you.

In the end, it reaffirms that the exiles of Israel will possess all the land again, in time.

On to Jonah…

Amos

Who was Amos?

He was not a prophet or the son of a prophet. Amos was a shepherd and a farmer, a nobody; and yet God chose to speak through him. Why? Because the people who should have been guiding the Israelites were neglecting their duties. Instead of leading the people of Israel toward the Lord, they just did whatever they pleased, whenever they pleased, to whomever they pleased. This did not please God.

The fate of Israel would be no different than that of the nations around them. God was out to punish.

God asked for repentance, but received none. People had become selfish and complacent. The Lord was tired of it, tired of them. Let justice roll like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream. The time had come to set the nations straight.

“Surely the eyes of the Sovereign Lord are on the sinful kingdom. I will destroy it from the face of the earth. Yet I will not totally destroy the descendants of Jacob,” declares the Lord. God said all the sinners would die by the sword, and the chosen few would go into exile.

The books ends with the promise of a brighter day and the restoration of God’s people. Thank goodness God forgives and provides second (and third, and fourth, and fifth, and…) chances.

Joel

Gotta love the short books.

I was curious about Joel. I had a (much older) cousin named Joel. He was my mom’s oldest sister’s son. His daughter was my ace, which shows you the age difference. Anyway, I digress… Was Joel named after this book of the Bible? I will never know as all the players are long gone. Maybe…

So, Joel.

The word of the Lord came to Joel. (No details as to how; I suspect a dream.) He reviewed the horrors they lived through—locust upon locust upon locust, an army of locusts—destroying everything; followed by fires, famine and drought. Then God asks the people to lament and return to him with all their heart. They must, as God takes pity on them and sends the locust away, restores the land, brings back gentle showers, and provides bountiful crops.

God doesn’t stop there. He also “pays back” the nations who mistreated his people. He will do to them what they did to his people. He instructs the people to go to war against those who mistreated them and to sell off the captives. (Such a violent time.)

It ends with God, once again, blessing his people.

Hosea

Hosea was told by God to marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her. He did. They named the children terrible names because God told them to (Jazreel—after a massacre, Lo-Ruhamah which means not loved, and Lo-Ammi which means not my people). Something happened because a few verses later Hosea buys his wife back from another man and tells her she must be faithful to him forevermore and he will be faithful to her.

The marriage of Hosea and Gomer appears to be a metaphor describing God’s relationship with Israel. 

He loves his people but they turn their backs on His love. The people betray God by worshiping other gods, by rebelling against God. And yet, as hurtful these acts must be, as much as they anger, at the end God is still willing to take back his people and show them love.

Thank goodness for grace and mercy.

Daniel

I liked Daniel.

First, I knew some of the stories. Daniel surviving being thrown into the lion’s den, for one. The three believers (Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego) who refused to worship the king’s statue and walked out unharmed after being thrown into the fire as punishment, all because of their belief that God would protect them. Daniel interpreting the king’s dreams (which both protected and elevated his status and the status of the other three believers).

The first half was Daniel’s story of being held captive, told in chronological order.

Then the book starts to jump around throughout Daniel’s life. At first I couldn’t figure out why, but then I realized it started as a history so we could understand the context of Daniel’s dreams, the interpretations and prophecies, along with visits from Gabriel, who I assume was an angel. There is foretelling, if I am interpreting it correctly, of Jesus and the end of times.

A most interesting book.

Ezekiel

 Another long book of the Bible finished.

What can I say about Ezekiel?  He was another prophet.  He, also, told of the destruction of the people of Israel.  And then, he got to tell of Israel's potential redemption.  They survived God's anger and punishment and now He was going to bring them back...let them start over...as one great nation.  They would no longer be divided into Judah and Israel.

Ezekiel is visited by a "man" who spends a lot of time giving him dimensions and descriptions of a new temple and a new city.  God gives him a list of very particular rules for how and when the temple is to be used (just like God told Moses and Aaron long, long ago).  God details how the land is to be divided among the tribes of Israel...just like before.  God is giving them a second chance.

Will the people follow God's instructions?  Or will they fail, once again?  It seems like we, as a people, tend to fail over and over.  But, God consistently gives us new chances to redeem ourselves...to start over...to be forgiven.

Here's to forgiveness.

Lamentations

To lament is to cry, to mourn, to regret.

Lamentations is the cry of Israel and Judah after the prophesies of Jeremiah come true.  It is the cry of horror over all that has happened. It is regret over listening to false prophets.  It is recognition that God is doing exactly what he said he would do if the people did not repent.  It is filled with sadness and tears.

About halfway through Lamentations, there there is a brief respite as the lament turns hopeful - God does remember them. Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail...the Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him...The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him...  

The hopefulness is quickly forgotten as the lament turns back to pleading, crying and regrets; finally concluding with a question.  Why do you forget us?  Why do you forsake us for so long? 

Ending with a final plea for forgiveness (and a bit of fearfulness) we read:  Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old unless you have utterly rejected us and are angry with us beyond measure.   

Fortunately for us all, God forgives us...as we should also forgive others.

Jeremiah

Poor Jeremiah!

He really didn’t want to be God’s messenger but God insisted. And I can understand why he hesitated. God kept asking Jeremiah to relay a lot of bad news. News that no one wanted to hear. News that people did not want to believe. And you know what happens when you tell people things that don't go along with what they already believe - they reject you.

Jeremiah shared a lot of bad news.

If people would have actually listened to him, they would have heard not only the bad news of their destruction, but also a message of hope.  They had chances to be redeemed.  But, since this was not convenient with what they already wanted to believe; they chose not to listen.  

Are we so different now?

God is our Father. Like most of our earthly fathers, he wants what is best for us.  He tries to guide us to good, not bad.  He gets upset when we don't listen, when we act out.  He warns us of the consequences of our actions.  But do we listen?  No, we need to experience the consequences ourselves because we think we know better.  We don't.  Father punishes and then forgives.

They cycle continues...

Isaiah

What did I learn from reading Isaiah?

First, although I did know Isaiah was a prophet, I really didn't know what he prophesized about.  I thought it would basically be another rehash of everything I already read.  And it was, sort of.  I recognized the warnings to the people of Israel regarding issues covered in previous books of the Bible.  I recognized the constant warnings about not following other gods (will we ever learn?).  I recognized the history of the Israelites from other books of the Bible.

I didn't know Isaiah prophesied about Jesus.

When I read "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14) I was floored.  I had heard there were places in the Bible that foretold the birth of Jesus, but I didn't know where they were.  Then in Isaiah 53 it talks about Jesus' life and death.  Mind blown.  How did Isaiah know?  The word had to have come from God.  I am speechless.

Other parts of Isaiah reminded me again of another Steve Bell song.

Look at Isaiah 40:1 and read. "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God... Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand... Do you know, have you not heard..."  I knew Steve Bell took his inspiration from Bible verses, but I never really thought about which verses.  Here it was!  One of my favorite songs and I now know where it originated.  

God speaks to us in mysterious ways.

Song of Songs

What is a love poem doing in the middle of the Bible?

We go from reading the songs and prayers of David and others in Psalms, the words of wisdom from Solomon and others in Proverbs and the confusing musings of Solomon in Ecclesiastes to this?  It is such a departure from what I just read.  

Am I wrong, or is there quite a bit of double entendre in Song of Songs?

This is not a book of the Bible I ever read as a child, that is for sure.  I don't recall any Sunday church lessons coming from Song of Songs either.  About the only thing that seems to be in line with the previous books is that King Solomon is mentioned by name.

Was this put in the Bible to remind us that love and desire are completely normal?  

She: "My beloved is radiant and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand.  His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy and black as a raven.  His eyes are like doves by the water streams, washed in milk, mounted like jewels..."  He: "Your hair is like a flock of goats descending from Gilead.  Your teeth are like a flock of sheep coming up from the washing.  Each has its twin, none of them is missing...my dove, my perfect one..."  She: "I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me...for love is strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave.  It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame..."

The words may be a bit outdated, but the sentiment is still there...love, love, love.

Ecclesiastes - Huh?

Ecclesiastes is a confusing book.

Chapter 1, Verse 2:  Everything is meaningless.  

What?

Chapter 3, Verse 1: There is a time and a season for everything.

I really had a hard time understanding Ecclesiastes.  

First, who wrote this?  Was it Solomon?  The first verse starts out with The words of the Teacher, son of David, king of Jerusalem.  The last verse again talks about the Teacher who wrote the Proverbs.  I am pretty sure that would be Solomon, right? But, if it was Solomon, why didn't they just say so?

Meaninglessness is the initial theme of the day.

I just didn't understand what he was trying to say.  If everything is meaningless, why do we try to live good lives?  He says wisdom is meaningless; pleasures are meaningless; toil is meaningless; advancement is meaningless; riches are meaningless.  So what is meaningful, then?  

Maybe meaningful lives are lives that are good and follow God's will without trying to change His plan.

Chapter 3, Verse 1-8:  There is a time and a season for everything.  I had heard that verse before.  Okay, I knew the song based on that verse.  Turn, Turn Turn by the Byrds.  The song just basically repeats this Bible verse over and over.  I always thought of it as an anti-war anthem (the last line is A time for peace, I swear it's not too late which is not from the Bible verse), but was it was more than that?  Was there a Biblical lesson being given in the form of a pop song?  We should take life as it comes, don't try to force it into something else?

Ecclesiastes had a few other "lessons". 

Wisdom is better than folly - of course.  Invest in many ventures (don't put all you eggs in one basket, huh?).  Remember your Creator while you are young.  (You will need these memories to sustain you later in life.)  In other words, build a strong foundation?  There is a common destiny for all - we all will die someday, we just don't know when, so live life well every day.

Maybe I understood more than I thought...

Proverbs - Wisdom from our Elders

I am on a roll - I finished Proverbs!

Again, as with Psalms, my lovely daughter suggested I may not want to read Proverbs straight through.  But did I listen?  Of course not.  And Proverbs was a much easier read than Psalms ever was.

All those little tidbits of wisdom.  

    Proverbs 16: 31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.

    Proverbs 18:13 To answer before listening--that is folly and shame.

    Proverbs 19: 21 Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

I went into Proverbs thinking it was all written by King Solomon.  Surprise!  It was not.  Okay, most of it was based on the teachings of Solomon, but not all.  I found it interesting that Proverbs begins with the Purpose and Theme, much like a paper you would write for a class.  

Next comes the prologue.  Or, why was this written?  

The answer to why is pretty straightforward.  To provide wisdom.  And why do we need wisdom?  For the moral benefits and for our well-being.  To provide warnings against adultery, folly, adultery again, and the adulterous woman.  (Adultery was apparently a big issue for Solomon.)

Finally, the book moves into what I thought it was all about - the Proverbs of Solomon.

There are a lot of little snippets of wisdom here - many that are repeated over and over in just slightly different manners.  Don't gossip.  Be generous to the needy and poor.  Don't be lazy.  Control your temper.  Be Fair.  Discipline your children.  Don't be a fool. You get the picture.

Then some other people chime in with their words to the wise followed by a little more from Solomon.

Don't be a quarrelsome wife.  Don't eat too much honey (or you will vomit).  Pay attention to what you have - it will not be there forever.  Greedy people stir up conflict.

Next, a few words from Agur and King Lemuel.  

And finally the Proverbs 31 woman... The Wife of Noble Character.  I heard people reference that verse before, but I never really knew what they were talking about.  Now I do...sort of.  At first I thought she was an unrealistic superwoman.  I mean, who can do all she does?  Then I reread it again, and yes, I still think she is unrealistic. But, I also wonder if this was really meant as praise all good, hardworking, faithful women and not a rulebook on how to be a good wife as I have heard it described.  

Something to ponder, I guess.

Psalms - I will not be Shaken

What was I thinking?

When I told my daughter I was going to read the Bible in a year (okay - two years) she was surprised that my strategy was to read it straight through.  Even Psalms?  There are so many Bible reading plans out there.  Plans to guide you and set goals and help to make sense of what you are reading.  Plans that have you read from different parts of the Bible on the same day to help put it all together in a meaningful manner.  Plans that have you read chronologically.  There is even a Chronological Bible that could have made it so easy! 

But, I am stubborn.  

I was going to do this my way.  I didn't want to follow someone else's plan.  What if I fell behind?  I would feel like I failed.  I didn't want to skip all over the Bible in my reading everyday.  That felt untidy.  I even bought a Chronological Bible, but that was after I had already finished Genesis and Exodus, so I just couldn't start over.  I was determined I could read the Bible like any other book.

Honestly, my plan was harder than I thought it would be.

For one thing, I fell behind.  Way behind.  Instead of Bible in a Year, I am now on the Bible in Two Years plan.  And I hope I finish by the end of this year.  But, if I don't, I will just keep plugging along.  I will finish.  And when I finish, I will go back and read my Chronological Bible...just to put things in perspective.

Anyway, I finished Psalms!

I learned that Psalms is divided into five parts and that David did not write the whole thing like I thought.  I had to look up some of the other people; I had no idea who they were.  I was not sure what was written when - which was a bit confusing.  Some of the chapters and verses sounded very familiar...some did not.  Some seemed to be David praising God, but at the same time asking God to destroy his enemies.  Some seemed to be David just complaining (definitely not perfect).  Some simply praised God.  Some were history lessons written in verse.  Some I could have used an interpreter to better understand their meaning.

Honestly, I was just trying to finish.  

I did notice the the phrase, Praise the Lord, many times over and over again.  I understood that.  It felt very positive and uplifting.  The Lord is my refuge was another common theme.  It reminded me of my mom...I am not sure why, but it is comforting.  And I will not be Shaken.  It reminded me of a Steve Bell song we used to sing and brought back good memories.

Bottom line, I probably could use some more instruction on Psalms, but that will be for another time.

For now - on to Proverbs (another tough read)!