Category: Bible (Page 377 of 419)

Certain passages sound better in the King James Version of the Bible. Published in 1611 under the sponsorship of James, king of England, Scotland and Ireland, the KJV grew into the most widely used English text in the world.

These days I read from a variety of newer versions, preferring the New International Version (NIV) for reading and the English Standard Version (ESV) for textual accuracy. But today, reading the story of the birth of Jesus in Luke, I turned to King James.

When confronted by angels, my modern version tells me the shepherds watching their flocks by night were filled with great fear (Luke 2:9). The KJV uses rather archaic language to describe them as sore afraid.

Sore. The word in this context carries a violent meaning. Intense, painful fear. So terrified the shepherds hurt. Fear that pushed them to the ground in abject terror.

Not exactly what I think of when I imagine being touched by an angel. I dimly recognize, from this and similar passages, that I really have no clue about the heavenly realms surrounding us – which is both terribly frightening and terribly exciting.

The angels calmed the shepherds and announced the greatest news ever told: Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10-11 KJV).

Good tidings of great joy for King James of England, Scotland and Ireland, and good tidings of great joy for me and you.

Week eleven of reading the Bible cover to cover

In Luke chapter one God moved the final pieces into place. An elderly, infertile couple joyously got pregnant. A virgin girl understood, thanks to an angelic visitor, her role in delivering the Savior to the world.

Friends and neighbors shared their joy. The virgin girl’s fiancee strapped on the responsibility of a child uniquely not his own.

Then things settled down. Thirty-ish years later, God’s moves played out. Human history peaked as first John the Baptist, then Jesus of Nazareth, appeared to the public.

We use the phrase “this changes everything,” when promoting cell phones and vacations and tacos. But 2,000 years ago, these two young men, in marvelous, magnificent, and matchless ways, absolutely changed everything.

Week 10 of reading the Bible cover to cover

King Balak called upon the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites swarming on his border. Balak hoped to harm Israel, their women and children and fighting men. Balak attempted to manipulate his gods to work their magic.

But no magic materialized. Balaam, with the help of his ass (donkey) and an armed angel, instead blessed the children of Israel and cursed their enemies, Balak chief among them.

Not lacking determination, Balak tried again and again, but seven times Balaam blessed Israel. Like a fresh Pharaoh, Balak refused to see the true God working before his eyes, to the eventual demise of himself and his people.

Although long removed from this story, I see a bit of myself in Balak. I wonder, where might God be working around me that I refuse to see? What sin might be blinding me to a message from God directed to me? Might my desire to hold what I have keep me from seeing the goodness of the Lord right before me?

Lots to consider from this odd story about an angel, an ass and a king.

Numbers 22-25 in week 10 of reading the Bible cover to cover

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