Navigating the Worlds of Science and Religion
2 Chronicles 23: This chapter tells of the efforts to overthrow Athaliah as Jehoash starts to grow up. A priest, Jehoiada, takes over and brings together the people to overthrow and ultimately kill the Queen so Jehoash can become king. This effort ultimately proves to be successful and he becomes king at the age of 7.
Continue reading “12/7 Reading (2 Chronicles 23-25; Colossians 4)”
One of the things I’ve started to notice throughout this journey is how I feel connected to things in a different way. I’ve always been a big fan of Christmas songs (just ask my lovely bride). It’s one of my favorite times of the year. However, this year feels a little different. I feel a different type of connection to the music and the discussions than I have in years past. I mentioned this to one of my F3 brothers and he said this made perfect sense because the words have a different meaning now. That’s probably it, but I want to go deeper. I need to go deeper. The only problem is that nothing is coming to mind at the moment. One thing that I need to do better is to write down these thoughts as they hit me and then compile them into one of the reflections like this.
Continue reading “12/2 Reading (2 Chronicles 10-12; Psalms 70-72)”
Introduction to 2 Chronicles: This book begins with the Solomon’s reign and shifts to focus on the history of Judah during the divided monarchy and exile. I noticed that there is no mention of the Northern Kingdom in the introduction. This comes from the NRSV introduction: “The writer excludes the independent history of the Northern Kingdom because he regards both the kingship and the sanctuaries of this new state as an affront to God (13.4–12)” (p. 617). Kinda harsh.
Continue reading “11/29 Reading (2 Chronicles 1-3; Romans 14)”
2 Kings 19: Hezekiah is mad at the continued challenge by the king of Assyria and his commanders. He sends his people to meet the prophet Isaiah, Amoz’s son. Unless I missed it, this is the first reference to the prophet Isaiah. I had wondered who the next prophet would be after the death of Elisha. According to the CEB study bible notes, this is the first instance of a king approaching a prophet asking him to get God to help on behalf of the people (CEB study bible, p. 604 OT; note for 19:2-4). That’s interesting. The remainder of this chapter focuses on God’s message and warning to the king of Assyria as well as his promise to Hezekiah that he and his people will be ok whereas the Assyrians will not. And that’s what happens at the end.
2 Kings 16: Ahaz becomes ruler of Judah. He makes a pact with the king of Assyria, asking him to save them from Aram and Israel. Then he continues to do things bad according to God.
1 Kings 7: Lots of detail on the palace Solomon built for himself including the furnishings. Also discussion of the furnishings for the temple.
Continue reading “10/31 Reading (1 Kings 7-9; 2 Corinthians 12)”
Introduction to 1 Kings: It’s interesting to read that we don’t know who wrote the two books of Kings. I do like that based on what’s written here that we can determine when they were most likely written. For example, “based on the latest events recorded in 2 Kings, the author must be living either in exile in Babylon or in Jerusalem in the post-exilic era” (CEB Study Bible, p. 514 OT).
Continue reading “10/28 Reading (1 Kings 1-3; Psalms 52-55)”
2 Samuel 16: More troubles for David. He is cursed by Shimei, a man from the same clan as Saul’s family. Back in Jerusalem, Absalom asks Ahithophel to give him advice. He tells Absalom to have sex with David’s secondary wives that he left behind in the palace when he fled. He has sex with all of them in a tent on the roof so everyone can see them.
Continue reading “10/25 Reading (2 Samuel 16-18; 2 Corinthians 8)”
NOTE: I had a lot to say on this reading.
It has become pretty much a daily occurrence for our President to attack the media. This is typically done on twitter. However, in my opinion, what’s transpired these last few days is the worst he’s ever said. His desire to pretty much end any negative coverage of his administration is definitely getting out of hand. But these statements along with other statements where he’s challenged the judicial and legislative branches of our government bother me. He’s acting more like a King or Dictator than a President. Reading about Saul reminds me a little of what we are currently experiencing. Saul’s lust for power was ultimately his downfall. I wonder if that will happen with Trump. Only time will tell.
Continue reading “10/12 Reading (1 Samuel 16-18; 1 Corinthians 15)”
1 Samuel 4: This is the beginning of a troubling time for Israel. They lose in a massive battle to the Philistines. Remembering that bringing the Ark of the Covenant along to a battle worked in the past, Israel did this again. However, they lost and actually lost the Ark to the Philistines. Eli’s sons are both killed in battle and Eli falls out of his chair and breaks his neck upon learning of the death of his sons and the loss of the Ark.
Continue reading “10/7 Reading (1 Samuel 4-6; Psalms 41-44)”