In the last several weeks we have been in the life of Jacob.  He has stolen a blessing, duped his father-in-law, run from his brother, wrestled with an angel, been crippled, lost his favorite child and , last week, moved to Egypt so his family and tribe could survive.  This week Jacob is dying. Dying was different then.  It was talked about differently.  People talked about being “gathered to my fathers” which meant even in death you were a part of a larger family and you were taught your whole life that even in death you had certain responsibilities toward the family that remained – especially if you were the…

If you could divide your adult life into four stages how would you do that? Marriage, first job, kids, retirement? There are probably any number of ways we mark transitions and it was the same in Jacob’s life ­ except a little more dramatic. His life is marked by four encounters with God at different times in his life. But, they share one thing in common. They all come at a time when he is running from someone or about to be on the move. God never says to him, “Stay where you are and keep doing what you are doing.” The first time in Chapter 28 he is on…

If you visit Elk Lake, Minnesota and the headwaters of the Mississippi you will see a stream that is about 20 feet across and 2 feet deep. It flows about 6 cubic feet per second. Sometimes it is so obscured by reeds that people lose sight of the stream altogether. But if you keep going for 2,300 miles you will end up in New Orleans where the Mississippi is 200 feet deep and 7600 feet wide. The flow has increased from 6 cubic feet per second to 12,000 cubic feet per second. It’s one of the largest rivers in the world that begins from a very unremarkable source. Stories about…

After 70 years in Babylonia, Cyrus, the King of Persia issues a decree that the Jews who wish to return to Judah are free to do so.  While Nebuchadnezzar’s policy was to completely conquer nations and bring people to Babylonia in exile, the Persians allowed conquered nations to become client states or colonies.  The book of Nehemiah is the history of the return and the rebuilding of the city. So we read in Ezra an account of those who returned.  After 70 years, not everyone wanted to return, of course.  People had lived their whole lives there and had no interest in uprooting and rebuilding.  They had no connection to…

While in the Navy I was assigned as a “yeoman”.  That means I was a clerk/typist.  I had a specialty in that I served as a legal typist and part of those duties were compiling Officer Fitness Reports.  OFR’s were a very important part of an officer’s career and while very rarely were negative comments made, the underperforming officers were described in ways that everyone knew they were not getting the best marks.  It was what Shakespeare described as “damning with faint praise.”  You might say things like “Lieutenant Jones has the potential to become a capable officer and pilot.” Abraham Lincoln reportedly asked Thaddeus Stevens about the honesty of Simon…

It’s important to understand the centuries long history between the Midianites and Israel.   Even though Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, was a Midianite there was always tension between the two peoples.  But, the real dispute is recorded in Numbers 25.  Midianite women were seducing Israelite men by inviting them to worship the local gods.  In response, Moses instructs the leaders to kill all the men who have been led away.  Then we read a passage that is eerily like what we read about the terrorists in Paris this week. Numbers 25:6: “Then an Israelite man brought into the camp a Midianite woman right before the eyes of Moses and the whole…

In the local paper this morning the publisher’s column made the suggestion that we not think of New Year’s resolutions this year.  Instead, we might think about a theme for our year or a word we want to have define our lives over the next twelve months.  Here is a Psalm with a theme that would make a good example.  This is a great Psalm for beginning the year.  In fact, it’s a great Psalm for life and one I recommend for anyone starting out.  As well, it is the Psalm I read at my father’s memorial service.  It’s something to live into with our lives. 1.  “Blessed is the…

1.  I think every retreat I attended concluded with this story and the warning that returning from a mountain top experience we were likely to face the reality and frustration we had left to get away for a few days. We leave the mountain and return to the valley of real life. It’s true ­ but especially true for Jesus and the three disciples as they have just experienced not merely a retreat but a transfiguration and revelation of God himself. Why even return? Why not stay there? But, like Moses, Jesus returns to find everyone in confusion and uproar. It’s not worshiping a golden calf but an argument. While…

1.  As we get older we tend to focus on what matters most.  I have several friends who tell me they have stopped reading business magazines or current events.  Instead, they have started reading Shakespeare, Ecclesiastes, Job or other classics whose themes and wisdom are more fundamental and tested. I’ve thought about that when I look at the last six psalms David wrote.  All of them begin with “Alleluia” or “Praise The Lord”.  They all are reflections on the larger themes of life and the faithfulness of God through it all.  “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the…

Last week we talked about our being created to work. And we talked about the purposes of our work not just being to provide for our families but we listed several “so that’s” about work. So that we will not be a burden to others. So that we may win respect. So that we can live a productive life. So that we can provide for our families. So that we can share with those in need. So that our generosity and lives will result in thanksgiving to God. This week we are going to talk about God’s creating rest from our work – not just so we can recharge for…