Top 40 Reflections, Weeks 11 - 20

Top 40 - Reflections on the texts

• Weeks 1-10, Creation to Crossing the Red Sea
• Weeks 11-20, Living in the Wilderness to the Prophets
• Weeks 21-30, The Prophets to the Raising of Lazarus
• Weeks 31-40, Jesus heals in Mark's Gospel to the book of Revelation

Top 40 Reflections: Weeks 11 - 20

Week 11 - Living in the Wilderness Read Exodus 16:1-36 Reflection by Ben Orton

There are a lot of parallels between the story of the Israelite Exodus from Egypt and our faith journey today. God miraculously freed the Israelites from the bondage of slavery and led them through a wilderness to a new country. God has similarly freed us from the bondage of sin and we find ourselves on a spiritual journey as strangers in a foreign land with hope in the promise of our future eternal home.

I think we should really consider the importance of this time in the wilderness. It’s easy to focus on the dramatic freeing from the bondage of slavery both in this story and in ours but it is only the beginning. It’s the pre-requisite to the journey towards God’s kingdom. But it is the journey in the wilderness that changes us. The wilderness is not easy. There is short term loss. The Israelites even considered life in captivity to have seemed more secure when faced with hunger. Don’t we similarly feel the world tempting us with the false promise of security and comfort? What God wants is to change us into people with his heart, completely trusting in him both for our security and our direction. So rather than put the Israelites directly into Canaan or us directly into heaven he puts us in the desert where we are helpless and tests us with opportunities to trust him and see him provide. The provision of manna was a faith building, character changing test.

Like the Israelites, God wants us to live each and every day in the present, confident in his provision and looking for his guidance, not worried about tomorrow, not toiling to take our security in our own hands by storing up things beyond what we need. As Christ showed us, this should be our prayer each day. “Thy will be done” and “Give us this day our daily bread”. As we surrender to God’s instruction each day and see his promises fulfilled, we grow in faith. That’s what the rest of our life on earth is all about. Growing in faith day by day in the wilderness to be transformed into people with Christ’s heart who are ready to enter his kingdom. I’d ask us each to reflect on this idea. God has freed me from sin and promised me a home in his kingdom. This world is not my home. I’m just passing through. Now the chief goal of my life on earth is to be transformed day by day into the image of Christ by continual surrender to his will. What opportunities is God presenting me with today to trust him?

Week 12 - The 10 Commandments - You Shall Not Kill Read Exodus 20:1-17 Reflection by Cari Larsen

I’ve been thinking about this reflection on the Ten Commandments for several weeks and thought I knew what I wanted to share. Then today I was confronted with the news of another mass shooting in the United States. This time in San Bernadino, California. And my heart is broken again for everyone affected. “Thou shall not murder” is the fifth commandment. It seems so easy to me to follow this commandment like it is a part of a checklist to earn God’s favor.

When we are confronted with violence like this, I am reminded of Martin Luther’s explanation of this commandment in the Small Cathecism. He says: “What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and support him in every physical need.” Luther challenges us not to simply understand and obey what God is telling us not to do, but to also seek out what God wants us to do instead. I can’t just say, “I’ve mastered this one – I haven’t killed anyone.” I need to ask myself, “Who is my neighbor? Have I helped and supported my neighbor in his every physical need?” “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor” is the eighth commandment. Again, Martin Luther’s explanation of this commandment doesn’t let me feel satisfied simply by not lying about my neighbor. He says: “What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.” I have to ask myself again, “Who is my neighbor?” Is it a coworker I’m frustrated with or a family member who has hurt my feelings or a presidential candidate speaking at a campaign rally who says something that surprises me?

Since I believe God would say those people are all my neighbors, I have to reflect further: Have I defended my coworker? Have I explained my family member’s actions in the kindest way? Have I spoken well of that presidential candidate? Each of the commandments can be considered as an item on a checklist for us to check off or as a starting point for living out God’s intention for our life and for our relationships with God and with one another. I invite you to read Exodus 20:1-17 again and then read Martin Luther’s explanations of each commandment in the Small Catechism. There is an online version here: Ten Commandments with Luther's Explanations I invite you to consider not only what God is instructing us not to do, but also what God would have us do instead.

Please pray with me: God, I thank you for your gift of the Ten Commandments and the guidance they provide to me. I ask you to help me to meet your expectations as I strive to keep your Commandments. I seek your grace and forgiveness when I fall short. Please be present in my life and help me to honor you and to strengthen my relationships with my neighbors. Be present in the lives of all your children affected by the violence and injustice and allow us to be a source of healing and reconciliation in the world and bring glory to you. Amen.
 

Week 13 - The Golden Calf Read Exodus 32:1-20 Reflection by Tony Szczepaniak

What is the context? Moses has left the people at the base of Mt Sinai to get the law from God. He is gone for an extended period of time because getting the law is on God’s timeline, not his. Meanwhile, the people are getting anxious and losing focus on where their hearts should be. In their anxiety, they pressure Aaron, their temporary leader, to make a Golden Calf that they can worship. They need something that they can see and touch in order for their god to be real. Consider that they have recently been freed from Egyptian bondage having had generations of their people grow accustomed to having visual reminders of gods.

How does this speak to you and me? So what is the relevance of the Golden Calf today? For me, there are a number of things that speak to me, but I focus on two. First, when our prayers are not immediately answered, we can fall into the trap of taking things into our own hands. When we don’t get what we want when we want it, we take charge and can easily seek false gods in the form of money, possessions, or free living with no responsibility. These false gods essentially become the images that we want and crave in a god. While it is true that through Jesus, we have a free ticket punched, God will hold us accountable and wants us to have Him as the only God in our hearts.

Second, when things get tough, we cave just like Aaron. Aaron must have been under enormous pressure from the masses who wanted something familiar even though the familiar was to worship a false god like they saw in Egypt for all those years. Ridiculous, right? Sadly, as I reflect on my own actions, I think about the times when I go along even though I have an opportunity to stand firm or stand out to do what God wants. While I have not had many opportunities like Aaron, I get the chances all the time. I engage in gossip when I should walk away, suggest a different topic, or maybe defend saying that we do not know. I walk by the homeless person asking for a dollar or two feeling foolish for giving them money as I hear a voice in my head saying they will just buy booze. I hit the snooze button each morning rather than getting up to spend 10 additional minutes in thoughtful prayer. True, these are not as dramatic cave-ins, but they are nonetheless. In summary, I think this story demonstrates that we must not think about God in our likeness, rather in His own. We must stand firm in our belief and take the high road in everything we do being sure not to cave to the big and little pressures we face. Even when we fail God’s love is immense and unlimited, forgiving us and empowering us.

Week 14 - David & Goliath Read 1 Samuel 17:1-51 Reflection by Donna Kniffen

This story of David and Goliath is one of the most famous Bible stories and one that you have probably heard since early childhood. The young man David goes head to head with the giant man Goliath—armed with nothing but a slingshot. But God is on his side, and David slays Goliath much to the surprise of his fellow Israelites and the warring Philistines. The story certainly appeals to the underdog in all of us. It gives us the feeling that anything is possible…that the odds are never too long. But what really happened here….and why?

We are told that Goliath was a champion of the Philistines—that he probably had never lost a battle. If he lost, the Philistines would agree to serve Israel, but if he won, the Israelites would be at the mercy of the Philistines. So here comes a young shepherd boy named David, a soft-spoken kid really who had never killed anyone and who wrote beautiful songs in his free time. But David saw the defeated spirit of the Israelites while Goliath continued to mock them and their God, and he saw no one defending his Lord. David has had enough! He stands before Goliath who is bearing so much armor that he needs help carrying it to the battlefield, while he bears nothing but a slingshot and five stones…AND the power to say to Goliath, “I come to you in the name of the Lord and today that Lord will deliver you to my hand, and you will be struck down, and everyone will know that there is a God in Israel.” David knows that he is not going to defeat Goliath in strength but with the power of God’s Covenant. God has promised to honor those who honor Him, and David is depending on God to deliver on that promise.

How do we face the giants in our world? Can we defeat them with our own goodness or morality? NO—but we can face them if we face God first. We are safe in the knowledge that Christ is on our side. He has defeated all enemies, sent Jesus to die to atone for the sins of the world, and can make Satan powerless against us as long as we remain in God’s Covenant and the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Week 15 - David & Bathsheba Read 2 Samuel 11:1 - 12:15 Reflection by Randy Maroney

Sex, lies, deceit, betrayal, entrapment, attempt to frame with botched cover up, and resultant assassination of an innocent victim…it’s all here. The story of David and Bathsheba would make today’s headline news and juicy tabloid cover stories. As sensational and almost fictitious as it sounds, the story of David and Bathsheba is just as much our story today as it was in the Old Testament.

All too frequently we see high profile politicians, professional athletes, entertainers, movie stars, and even religious leaders follow a similar sequence of events. One day they are idolized and honored as leaders with role model stature and integrity. The next they are caught committing a grave sin, attempting to cover it up, acting belligerent and in denial, finally admitting guilt, and ultimately asking forgiveness. Why are we so intrigued by these types of sensational stories? Why do so many people relish watching others who are pillars and role models in society fall from grace? I think it makes us feel better about ourselves and that our own personal sinfulness isn’t so bad in comparison.

I ask through The Lord’s Prayer “lead me not into temptation” on a daily basis. Regardless, there are lustful, fantasizing thoughts that are far from pure that I conceal and cover up, attempt to rationalize and justify, but ultimately confess and ask God for forgiveness. At times like this, I’m sure not loving God with all my heart, soul, and mind. In our faith journey we are reminded that like David, “we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves”. Further, the more we have the more we want. Even “Kings” and those with immeasurable wealth and worldly things go to great length and commit sins to obtain even more. Finally, we need God’s constant intercession and help to provide guidance and direction away from sin and to lift us up and forgive us when we fail.

Week 16 - Teach me your ways (Psalm 25) Read Psalm 25 Reflection by Becky Carlson

It's easy to tell, I think, when reading passages like this, that the Psalms were originally written as songs. The words are beautiful...easy to read...roll off the tongue. In fact, if you spent some of your summers as a camp counselor like I did, you may have found yourself singing the first line. I knew this Psalm from that song that I sang during the summers I spent at Luther Point Bible Camp. But truthfully, even with all the times I sang the song, I don't think I ever read the Psalm itself. I'm glad I had this opportunity.

The words in the camp song are lovely - "Higher than the mountains. Deeper than the seas. Wider than the ocean is your love for me. You're with me on the mountain and the valley below. You are right here beside me everywhere that I go..." But I found as I read and re-read the words of Psalm 25, I felt like the camp song didn't quite do the Psalm justice. Don't get me wrong... the message of the song is great. It focuses on God's love, and how God is with us through everything. But as I read the words of the Psalm itself, the imagery that came forward more than anything was God as God our father, a heavenly teacher. This is imagery that, as a teacher by training and a mom, really resonated with me - and I hope with you too.

The words teach, teaches, leads, and instructs are repeated several times within the text. The song asks...almost pleads with God to teach the writer God's ways. What I love about this that the camp song doesn't do is that it puts us as active participants. We become eager learners...apprentices, ready to learn the ways of the Lord. What a cool way to think of it! Like a loving parent diligently leading through example, or your super fun high school teacher teaching a lesson in a way that finally hit home, God is our teacher. The best teacher of all. This leads me to ask how can I be an "honor student" for God? I would argue that you do so in the same way you would in school. Read your resources - you're doing that now, aren't you? Learn them well. Pay attention and take notes about what you're learning. Go to class - in this case, church, Bible studies, small groups. Listen to your peers who may have been studying longer than you - pastors, elders, and other leaders. Commit to a life of learning with the Lord. Yes, God's love is higher than the mountains, and deeper than the seas. And God will be with us on the mountains and in the valleys. But let's be sure that through it all, we're learning from him, and we're being the best students we can be. What is God teaching you today? And what are you learning from him?

Week 17 - Be still & know that I am God (Psalm 46) Read Psalm 46:1-11 Reflection by Steve Germundson

Nothing on earth is permanent, certainly not human-made constructs or even the earth itself. Yet God is constant. This is a message repeated again and again in both Old and New Testaments. Sometimes it is presented in rather indirect or subtle ways, such as stories about relationships between people or consequences to actions. Other times the message is very direct, which is how Psalm 46 is written.

This chapter has a bit of back-and-forth between the realities of a dangerous world and the refuge God provides, and it includes two important invitations. The first is the frequent reminder to have no fear for God is present, though it seems to me that living out this promise may be conditioned upon embracing the second invitation, which is to “be still and know that I am God.” I find it so difficult to practice this second invitation. So often I feel ill at ease because my mind is centered on things to do and things to worry about. Yet, when I am still, I can feel most connected to God; I can physically and mentally feel God’s peace and refuge. To be still requires intention. This is easiest in my life in the early mornings at home, especially throughout Christmas when our living room is glowing with the soft and colorful lights on our tree, the smell of fresh brewed coffee is in the air, and there are no distractions (not even a mouse!). It is then that I am most likely to find myself in a state where I move from thanks to awe to rest. Thanks be to God who invites us to find refuge and peace by making the time to be still.

Week 18 - I am fearfully & wonderfully made (Psalm 139) Read Psalm 139 Reflection by Clare Kooiman

Goodness! This Psalm is brimming with awe and wonder -- with descriptions of an all-knowing and ever-present God. It carries me along as the psalmist recalls and contemplates details of the extent of the Lord's knowledge and power: God, and only God, designed him and brought him into being; knows all about him; will always be able to be where he is. What a marvelous thing! Also, this psalm makes me aware that God not only made the psalmist, but God's wisdom (which is beyond all understanding) formed all of us! Every human being is unique, and a marvelous act of God's creation. The psalmist gives God praise, and so do I!

But then comes a part of this wonderful psalm that I do not like at all. It speaks of killing and evil and hatred and enemies. I do not want to identify any more with this writer! I want to be peaceful: I want God to change the heart of any who would be hateful or evil. Then I look more carefully. Would I feel so peaceful if I, like the psalmist, were falsely accused, or if an unjust oppressor was treating me or my people cruelly? If I had no protection or security or the numerous other things I take for granted, living where I do? Thankfully, I come to the last two verses of the psalm. They certainly are for all God's people, then and now:

• "Search me, 0 God, and know my heart. Test me and know my thoughts.
  See if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting."

Week 19 - "Here am I; send me!" Isaiah 6:1-13 Read Isaiah 6:1-13 Reflection by Scott Sabin

Wow. Reading this passage, one of the many prophecies of Isaiah, doesn’t make me feel like breaking out in my happy dance. And although a more uplifting one, one we read just a month ago foretelling of the coming of Jesus Christ, follows shortly after this one it does not bode well for God’s chosen people. Basically God tells Isaiah to tell his people “Keep it up, ignore my message and warnings. Calamity is coming on 90% of the people and that won’t be enough so I’ll do it all over again. Only the very few remaining will see the holy seed in the stump.”

This is part of 40 Readings, brought to you by 10 of your brothers and sisters. Why this one for me? “Here am I; send me!” Send me not so those who hear continue to not listen or disobey. Send me so we understand and turn back to you O Lord. There is right and wrong in the world, in our country, in our homes and in our hearts. We trust too often to ourselves, our secular world, our institutions, our way of life. When our foundation is truly the Lord our God, You promise us blessings beyond compare and everlasting life. But like Israel and Judah in Isaiah’s day, our society seems on a path to place something else, many something elses at our foundation. Much hardship was to come for God’s people, let it not be so for us. Let us heed Your calling O Lord, make us humble to Your will, live our lives according to Your plan and experience Your Salvation.

Week 20 - God's Comfort, Isaiah 40 Read Isaiah 40:1-31 Reflection by Joy Klemp

As I read and reread the passages of Isaiah 40- the music of the opening of the Messiah by George Frederic Handel comes to mind with the prophetic message of hope and comfort- the promise of a coming Messiah. Right now- the word “comfort” is such a blessing to hear. After hearing how a friend’s cancer had recently metastasized - comfort is a word I needed to hear in order to offer words of comfort. Isaiah 40 offers that comfort.

First, Comfort in pardon from God. Through God’s grace, he forgives our many failings and frees us to try again each day to serve Him. Second, Comfort in repentance. When we repent of our sins, God’s grace allows us to change our actions in ways to honor Him. In Isaiah 40: the imagery of every mountain and hill be made low, the rough places, a plain- could refer to places in life where we need to repent- our pride, our actions where we lack fruit of the Spirit, maybe some ungodly habits. Through God’s grace and forgiveness, He allows us to change and make it right. Third, there is Comfort in God’s reliability. God’s eternal Word is lasting or as in verse 8- “the Word of our God will stand forever.”

With all of the changing things in this world, only God’s Words stands forever. We need to cling to His Word. Finally, there is God’s Comfort in His Presence. God comes alongside of us when we are discouraged or when we are given an unwanted health diagnosis. God is walking with us on our life’s journey. We are not alone. His message of comfort is in the image of the good shepherd’s arm embracing his sheep, found in verse 11. So God will uplift and carry one who is suffering and struggling through difficult life circumstances. God is strong and faithful to protect and shield. As Isaiah 40 concludes- “Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” These prophetic words from Isaiah can encourage us and give us confidence to live each day with hope in God’s redeeming love and the promise of living with Him forever. Let the words of Isaiah comfort you as your live each day in 2016!

Top 40 - Reflections on the texts

• Weeks 1-10, Creation to Crossing the Red Sea
• Weeks 11-20, Living in the Wilderness to the Prophets
• Weeks 21-30, The Prophets to the Raising of Lazarus
• Weeks 31-40, Jesus heals in Mark's Gospel to the book of Revelation