Author: Dave Dishman (Page 358 of 459)

Moses stood reviewing the work of the Lord as two paths opened before the people. One to prosperity, one to disaster. A ceremony pronouncing blessings and curses to each other underscored the gravity of their choices.

The blessings sound wonderful and familiar. Prosperity, fruitful wombs, abundant crops. The promised land.

But the curses – what a list! Stricken with wasting diseases, heat and drought, blight and mildew. Defeated in war, their carcasses eaten by wild animals. Madness, blindness and confusion of mind. Fiancees raped, children stolen. Boils covering their bodies. Driven mad by the horror before their eyes.

We know the rest of the story. The blessings came to fruition. Tragically, the curses as well.

What do I do with this list? Although the Lord pronounced them to the children of Israel, the principles apply to me as well. I pause over these words as I reflect on the power of God, and they move me to gratitude for the grace found in Jesus.

And, since I have a chance to pick my path, I choose life.

Deuteronomy 27 & 28 in week thirteen of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Gwendal Cottin

The words of Jesus in Luke 11 sound wonderful, yet they often flesh out in frustration. I ask, but it’s not always given to me.

Why not, Lord?

Such a deep cry from our hearts, on which many good books have been written. While I won’t hazard a final answer, I do find Jesus’s response insightful.

After mentioning to the fathers in the crowd how they give good gifts to their children, even though they are evil (these men sat staring at Jesus), then we should know that the Father in heaven will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask.

Now I have a new set of questions. Do I fit into the evil father category? Is the point of seeking and asking to find the Holy Spirit? I want what I want, and the Holy Spirit rarely makes the list. But the Father wants to give me good gifts, way better than I can conceive. And the Holy Spirit is such a gift.

Where does this leave me in my beliefs about prayer?

As I puzzle, I glimpse a Father who wants to hand me what’s best. That likely won’t be exactly what I’m asking for, nor will it arrive in the time or manner I want. But the hands of a good and loving Father carry my gift.

I can wait.

Week twelve of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Wim Hovens

Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.

Jesus, Luke 11:28

Two aspects of this declaration jump out to me. First, I am blessed just hearing the word of God. I am blessed every time I sit and read the word of God. I am blessed to own multiple versions of the word of God in my native language. Access to the word of God constitutes a incomparable blessing to my life.

Second, blessing follows obedience. Hmmm, there’s always a catch, right? Obeying the word of God leads me toward a life of God’s design, a life in tune with the music of the Lord. Blessed are those who find this score and play it.

What other person or philosophy offers such a promise? I experience many false assurances as I grow longer in years, all clanging cymbals compared to the word of God.

#Blessed. Hear and obey the word of God, and you’ll be on your way.

Week twelve of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Ann

Few parables still resonate like the Good Samaritan. Down the road from us stands the Good Samaritan Hospital. Stories in the news often feature a good samaritan who went out of their way to help a stranger.

Today as I read the story for the thousandth time, the responses of the man who prompted the parable stood out. An expert in the law, he asked Jesus, who is my neighbor?

Jesus told this familiar parable in response, then asked a follow-up question, which of the three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers? The expert answered, The one who had mercy on him. Jesus replied, Go and do likewise.

When I think of good neighboring, my first thought doesn’t run to mercy. More toward helpfulness, sharing, a friendly greeting, perhaps.

Mercy, it seems, weighs more. Mercy involves compassion and forgiveness, or refusing to insist on the repayment of a debt or the fulfillment of an obligation. Mercy costs more.

Mercy feels way more challenging for me, especially coupled with this directive from Jesus: go and do likewise.

Luke 10 in week twelve of reading the Bible cover to cover

The Good Samaritan, by Vincent Van Gogh 1890