Day 65: August 16, 2012- Memory Corner, Part Two

Memory Corner, Part Two.

In the hospital, Luke sucks on his first finger.

He seems to be recovering from the trauma of this new world (and what just happened to him).

But he's already adorable.

Those were some of the most precious times in the world.

And there are more to come, buddy. More to come.

I can't wait 'til you take your first step.

The Readings:

Numbers 6:1-7:89, Mark 12:38-13:13, Psalm 49:1-20, Proverbs 10:27-28

Old Testament.
I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like them, Sam I am.

This reading reads like a Dr. Soos book to me. There is a certain poetry to it. It's a dedication offering, and it won't take you long to figure out what's going on. I guess I just find it cooler when the OT gets repetitive to hear it in poetry.

There's another cool portion of the OT reading. God outlines a Nazirite vow. The vow was a dedication to God, a sort of fast to dedicate to God. It was not permanent. It was a personal vow and sign to God for a period.

One is to not drink wine or any fruit of the vine, even grape juice, as well as not be unclean by coming near a dead body of a relative.

Now, why does the Nazirite choose to fast from wine, or grape juice, for a time? Because that is God's symbol for abundance, then, and foreshadowing the abundant life in Christ now.

And why do they only continue the vow for an alloted time?

As Jesus said, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast." (Matthew 9:15)

There are periods to fast and wait on God, dedicating ourselves by setting ourselves aside for him, and periods for enjoying his abundance and the rich, full life in him.

The one may be chosen as an offering of dedication to him. The fast.

The other is what we are waiting for. The feast!

New Testament.
A cool, little journey through the temple in the reading today. Jesus starts out warning the people about the teachers of the law. Not real. Fake.

Then he points out a little old lady in front of a donation chest. Totally real before God.

Finally, the disciples point out what's impressive to them, the stones of the temple. Jesus gathers them around him and whispers a secret: they'll all be pulled down.

"When will it happen?"

"Shh, Listen..."

Psalms.
Don't be impressed or intimidated by the wealth of the rich. They have no permanence. They have it now, but will someday be gone. But what do you have to fear in life, you who know God?

Proverbs.
And the solution to the Psalm today:

Want a long life?

Want hope and good prospects?

Fear the Lord.



To read along, click here.

Day 64: August 15, 2012- Memory Corner

Good Memories:

Ah, the memories...

 



 

You were such a tiny guy. And so helplessless.

You're still pretty helpless.

But not quite as tiny.

This has been an awesome summer. And I can't wait to see what's next.

I love you, Luke.

The Readings:

Numbers 4:1-5:31, Mark 12:18-37, Psalm 48:1-14, Proverbs 10:26

Old Testament.
Man, these people were serious about their infidelity. And by that I mean they were serious about not doing it.

If one suspected his wife of cheating, one could take her to the priest to be cursed, which would cause her to never have kids if she did it and cause absolutely nothing if she didn't.

And the method? Swallowing her words. Literally.

New Testament.
Jesus gets tested again today. The result...yep, darn it, still diety...

But in the meantime, we get a choice little nugget. A teacher of the law really likes his answer about the greatest commandments.

And Jesus' response shuts up the crowd.

That's right. It is so powerful no one dares ask him any more questions.

You've gotta hear this one.

Psalms.
The towers of the city of Jerusalem represent God's protection of the people. They're actually a symbol. It's in there.

Proverbs.
This proverb is an employer's best friend. Don't be lazy. There's a comparison or two to laziness in here, and they're not pleasant.




To read along, click here.