Friends,
With the Major League Baseball trade deadline looming Saturday, there has been a flurry of activity...today, particularly. The biggest move involves Roy Oswalt, the long-time ace of the Houston Astros, who accepted a trade to the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies have struggled to return to the form that led them to the last two World Series', but with a seven game winning streak of late, and now the addition of Oswalt to go along with the other Roy ace of the Phillies (Roy Hallady) and 2008 World Seried MVP Cole Hamels, the Phillies would appear to be primed to overtake the Braves and win the division. It will be an interesting last two months of the year.
It is exciting to see the Texas Rangers be deadline free agent players for the first time in a long time with the recent signing of ace Cliff Lee formerly of the Mariners and Phillies (which makes one wonder why the Phils didn't just keep him, and saved the trouble of having to trade for Oswalt), and now first baseman, Jorge Cantu of the Marlins. With some uncharacteristic (typically of the Rangers) strong pitching Texas appears ready to make a deep run into the playoffs. It seems like a Rangers/Yankees A.L. Championship could be shaping up. Let's hope so...and a spanking of the Yanks in said series would be a dream come true.
Blessings,
Don
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Lance's Last Stand
Friends,
There are a couple of days left for the 2010 Tour de France, but for all intents and purposes and barring a fluke crash, Alberto Contador of Spain will win his third tour. A big question remains for many -- what does it mean for Lance Armstrong? He gave his all a few days ago to try to win a final stage for him on his final tour. He was in the first finishing group, but did not win. Lance climbed his final mountain stage yesterday...and is an afterthought in the standings, being over 30 minutes behind the leader. So, was his final tour a success or failure? We will have to let him answer this. He has certainly opened himself up to further scrutiny by coming back for this final go round. Disgraced former winner and teammate, Floys Landis continues to press his charge that Lance cheated by using performance enhancing drugs to win those seven tours from 1999-2005. Why the likes of Landis wants to bring him down is beyond me, other than misery loves disgraced company, I guess. I have a hard time believing that anyone would even believe Landis, since his credibility was exploded some months ago. The other struggle that Lance has is that another former American winner, Greg LeMond, is also trying to bring Armstrong down. I guess I don't understand their rivalries, resentments, etc...and would just as soon not understand them. So, Lance's greatest and final climb may be to continue to keep his name clean. He has weathered many attacks over the years and maintained his integrity. We will see if his name continues to hold up. I hope so, because if it is eventually proven that he did cheat...given all that he has done and having survivied cancer...Lance would certainly join the ranks of Barry Bonds and Tiger Woods as being among the most despised athletes of the current era. Will I be surprised if he gets toppled? No, unfortunately...since there have been so many others who have been proven to be preformance enhancers. If a person has not been a ped user, it is now, seemingly, more the exception than the rule. Yet, here is hoping that Lance is able to stay above it all and continue to be the great champion that he has been for so many.
Blessings,
Don
There are a couple of days left for the 2010 Tour de France, but for all intents and purposes and barring a fluke crash, Alberto Contador of Spain will win his third tour. A big question remains for many -- what does it mean for Lance Armstrong? He gave his all a few days ago to try to win a final stage for him on his final tour. He was in the first finishing group, but did not win. Lance climbed his final mountain stage yesterday...and is an afterthought in the standings, being over 30 minutes behind the leader. So, was his final tour a success or failure? We will have to let him answer this. He has certainly opened himself up to further scrutiny by coming back for this final go round. Disgraced former winner and teammate, Floys Landis continues to press his charge that Lance cheated by using performance enhancing drugs to win those seven tours from 1999-2005. Why the likes of Landis wants to bring him down is beyond me, other than misery loves disgraced company, I guess. I have a hard time believing that anyone would even believe Landis, since his credibility was exploded some months ago. The other struggle that Lance has is that another former American winner, Greg LeMond, is also trying to bring Armstrong down. I guess I don't understand their rivalries, resentments, etc...and would just as soon not understand them. So, Lance's greatest and final climb may be to continue to keep his name clean. He has weathered many attacks over the years and maintained his integrity. We will see if his name continues to hold up. I hope so, because if it is eventually proven that he did cheat...given all that he has done and having survivied cancer...Lance would certainly join the ranks of Barry Bonds and Tiger Woods as being among the most despised athletes of the current era. Will I be surprised if he gets toppled? No, unfortunately...since there have been so many others who have been proven to be preformance enhancers. If a person has not been a ped user, it is now, seemingly, more the exception than the rule. Yet, here is hoping that Lance is able to stay above it all and continue to be the great champion that he has been for so many.
Blessings,
Don
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Another Big Picture
Friends,
Another blessed reminder concerning how small we are in the big picture of God's spacescape. The two bright lights in the center of this photo are stars in our own Milky Way galaxy. They are surrounded by a number of other galaxies, which are trillions of miles further away, in this wonderful shot from the Hubble Space Telescope. It is interesting to see that one of the galaxies is a side shot, while the other large one is angled at 45 degrees. The third, smaller galaxy is face on, while the fourth appears as a fuzzy ball. Only God could provide such symmatry in diversity in the vast universe that we live in.
Blessings,
Don
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
A Facebook Discussion Gone Good
Friends,
As the old saying goes, I went to the fights and a hockey game broke out. :-) I posted a message on facebook and a discussion broke out ...a good one. I wanted to share the thoughts of some friends and responses here as it has some relevance to the series I am beginning concerning Jesus and the Religious People...so, here goes --
One of the things I marvel at -- how many Christians are unwilling to have their faith challenged, but quickly judge and condemn new ideas without even giving them a look. It is possible to view things differently without automatically assuming they are wrong...this is what Jesus was trying to tell the religious people of His day during His three year ministry...
One friend shares this -- If I'm not mistaken, that would fall under the category of legalism...many a good church has let that ugly word split 'em right down the middle!!! Do you find that this is more prevalent in the 'Bible Belt'? Just curious. Another friend added this -- you are so right. Remember that legalism is seen among more conservatives and liberals. The difference is one binding what God did not bind. The other looses what God has not loosed....
It could be...I find that some well-meaning people are willfully ignorant and do not want to learn...and this can lead to a legalistic spirit, no matter where you live -- and I have observed it across the country and the world. To me, legalism is a heart matter...it is a hardness of spirit that has come as the result of a closed mind and closed nature to God's spiritual leading; it says...I know everything I need to know, have experienced what I have needed to experience and no one is going to tell me anything different. It is remarkable to me in that this is so antithetical to everything Jesus taught and lived for...yet, the temptation to slip into this way of life is great. Indeed, there can be this hardness at either extreme...what we call conservative or liberal. What Christians have done best in regard to this discussion is to bind where God has loosed. Another interesting point is that -- being willing to consider new ideas and principles does not make one "a liberal." It may very well make them spiritual, as opposed to legal in their belief system, however. True "liberalism," from a theological perspective, in short, is to deny the inspiration of the Word and the deity, humanity or salvation of Christ.
Another friend offered this statement -- I don't (know) when the word legalism began ... it Is Not In The Bible. I appreciate the good, honest discussion concerning this subject. While the word, "legalism" is not found in the Word (and neither is the word "trinity")...the concept is found in numerous places. The Greek word that is probably closest to the concept would be "anomia," which means "iniquity" or "lawlessness." This might seem antithetical to what we are discussing, but I actually believe that there is much truth in that, if we are considering the "heart of the matter," legalism does take one away from truth and therefore, "iniquity" and "lawlessness" is what remains...and the fruit born by one who is given to this mindset is generally consistent with it.
A final, wonderful statement from a friend -- "I resolved to know nothing among you but Jesus Christ and Him crucified..." "I want to know Christ and the power of His rising; share in His sufferings and conform to His death! When I pour out my life to be filled with His Spirit, joy follows suffering and life follows death." Rather than focusing on what we should do, we should focus on Who do we know! Doing follows naturally, as the fruit of the Spirit within.
Thank you, this is a good point. One of the things that occurs to me is -- since when is "the church" the standard for all of these matters of doctrine and practice?...it should be Jesus Christ! If this was the case with all believers, then all of our petty dogmatisms and arguments would melt away and we would truly begin to understand "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
And so it goes... :-)
Blessings,
Don
As the old saying goes, I went to the fights and a hockey game broke out. :-) I posted a message on facebook and a discussion broke out ...a good one. I wanted to share the thoughts of some friends and responses here as it has some relevance to the series I am beginning concerning Jesus and the Religious People...so, here goes --
One of the things I marvel at -- how many Christians are unwilling to have their faith challenged, but quickly judge and condemn new ideas without even giving them a look. It is possible to view things differently without automatically assuming they are wrong...this is what Jesus was trying to tell the religious people of His day during His three year ministry...
One friend shares this -- If I'm not mistaken, that would fall under the category of legalism...many a good church has let that ugly word split 'em right down the middle!!! Do you find that this is more prevalent in the 'Bible Belt'? Just curious. Another friend added this -- you are so right. Remember that legalism is seen among more conservatives and liberals. The difference is one binding what God did not bind. The other looses what God has not loosed....
It could be...I find that some well-meaning people are willfully ignorant and do not want to learn...and this can lead to a legalistic spirit, no matter where you live -- and I have observed it across the country and the world. To me, legalism is a heart matter...it is a hardness of spirit that has come as the result of a closed mind and closed nature to God's spiritual leading; it says...I know everything I need to know, have experienced what I have needed to experience and no one is going to tell me anything different. It is remarkable to me in that this is so antithetical to everything Jesus taught and lived for...yet, the temptation to slip into this way of life is great. Indeed, there can be this hardness at either extreme...what we call conservative or liberal. What Christians have done best in regard to this discussion is to bind where God has loosed. Another interesting point is that -- being willing to consider new ideas and principles does not make one "a liberal." It may very well make them spiritual, as opposed to legal in their belief system, however. True "liberalism," from a theological perspective, in short, is to deny the inspiration of the Word and the deity, humanity or salvation of Christ.
Another friend offered this statement -- I don't (know) when the word legalism began ... it Is Not In The Bible. I appreciate the good, honest discussion concerning this subject. While the word, "legalism" is not found in the Word (and neither is the word "trinity")...the concept is found in numerous places. The Greek word that is probably closest to the concept would be "anomia," which means "iniquity" or "lawlessness." This might seem antithetical to what we are discussing, but I actually believe that there is much truth in that, if we are considering the "heart of the matter," legalism does take one away from truth and therefore, "iniquity" and "lawlessness" is what remains...and the fruit born by one who is given to this mindset is generally consistent with it.
A final, wonderful statement from a friend -- "I resolved to know nothing among you but Jesus Christ and Him crucified..." "I want to know Christ and the power of His rising; share in His sufferings and conform to His death! When I pour out my life to be filled with His Spirit, joy follows suffering and life follows death." Rather than focusing on what we should do, we should focus on Who do we know! Doing follows naturally, as the fruit of the Spirit within.
Thank you, this is a good point. One of the things that occurs to me is -- since when is "the church" the standard for all of these matters of doctrine and practice?...it should be Jesus Christ! If this was the case with all believers, then all of our petty dogmatisms and arguments would melt away and we would truly begin to understand "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
And so it goes... :-)
Blessings,
Don
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The New King James (Miami Version)
Friends,
It has taken me a few days to sort out in my mind the tremendous spectacle that is NBA superstar LeBron James' transition from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Miami Heat. This story is so mulitfaceted, I am not sure I can get it all covered...but we'll give it a shot. Anyone who has been watching sports news for the past few months is aware of the fact that this has been LeBron's free agent year, so he could leave his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers and go to the team of his choosing...if he would choose to do so. There was a significant, sensationalized build-up over the past few weeks that could only be rivaled by the twists and turns of Brett Favre.
Much of the difficulty has been related to the fact that LeBron is from NE Ohio, so he has been seen as the local youth who made it big in his home area...in Cleveland. Like Kobe Bryant and a few others, LeBron didn't even play college basketball, but was deemed to have so much talent that he would just jump to the NBA...which he did. One of the difficulties for me, is the proportion of fame that has been granted to LeBron by the American public and the media. To hear everyone talk, you would think that Elvis should be carrying his coat. LeBron has been in the NBA for seven years, playing for the Cavaliers, but has yet to win a championship ring. Granted, he has done a good job getting the Cavs to the playoffs...and as the second coming of Micahel Jordan (supposedly)...he was supposed to be the savior, not only for Cleveland, but for the NBA. Maybe I am missing something, but the second coming of MJ would seem to be in Los Angeles, as Kobe (unfortunately) has won five rings with Phil Jackson and the Lakers.
So...LeBron had a choice to make this week, and despite otherworldly pressure to stay in Cleveland, he chose to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, two other stars in Miami and will play for the Heat. This was a big coup for Heat President, Pat Riley, as he looks to be setting himself up to square off with rival Jackson and the Lakers next year. Imagine...LeBron, Bosh, Wade vs. Kobe, Gasol and company in the Final...'twill be exciting for enthusiasts, as the NBA continues to allow itself to be set up for such rivalries.
Then...came the expected backlash. LeBron was in a no-win situation -- if he stayed in Cleveland...he would be labled a homer and a coward for not being willing to step out and explore free agency...and if he left, he was going to be a traitor, betrayer to everything hometown Cleveland. LeBron wanted to make a public announcement, and ESPN chose to broadcast it. (LeBron and ESPN have been universally criticized for their decision to air his "announcement," by the way). Lost in all of the criticism is the fact that LeBron would give all proceeds from his public "announcement"...$1 million...to the Boys and Girls clubs, which was a very generous donation. Yet, all of this would appear to be moot, because many would say...LeBron is a egomaniac, fool, and things much worse. Yet, then, for all the world to hear, LeBron would make his choice...he would choose Miami...and the city of Cleveland went ballistic! I have never heard such demonization of a person in my life. Even Cavs owner, Dan Gilbert, launched into a scathing tirade against LeBron.
Last I checked, we live in a free market system. LeBron gave Cleveland seven years of his life, and it didn't work out for a championship...so, now Cleveland seethes and mourns. He could have chosen to stay at home for more money, but even LeBron has come to understand that opportunity is more valuable than money. I cannot and do not blame LeBron at all for joining two of his friends in order to seek to win multiple championships...in fact, I wish him well and that he beats Kobe and company. Of course, this is all a bit overdone for me, as I really don't have that much invested in basketball, but I know it means something to many people who are bigger basketball fans than myself. Truly, if I have anything to say about the NBA, it is -- good luck with the owner lockout next year...and if they get through it -- go Kevin Durant and the Thunder. :-)
Blessings,
Don
It has taken me a few days to sort out in my mind the tremendous spectacle that is NBA superstar LeBron James' transition from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Miami Heat. This story is so mulitfaceted, I am not sure I can get it all covered...but we'll give it a shot. Anyone who has been watching sports news for the past few months is aware of the fact that this has been LeBron's free agent year, so he could leave his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers and go to the team of his choosing...if he would choose to do so. There was a significant, sensationalized build-up over the past few weeks that could only be rivaled by the twists and turns of Brett Favre.
Much of the difficulty has been related to the fact that LeBron is from NE Ohio, so he has been seen as the local youth who made it big in his home area...in Cleveland. Like Kobe Bryant and a few others, LeBron didn't even play college basketball, but was deemed to have so much talent that he would just jump to the NBA...which he did. One of the difficulties for me, is the proportion of fame that has been granted to LeBron by the American public and the media. To hear everyone talk, you would think that Elvis should be carrying his coat. LeBron has been in the NBA for seven years, playing for the Cavaliers, but has yet to win a championship ring. Granted, he has done a good job getting the Cavs to the playoffs...and as the second coming of Micahel Jordan (supposedly)...he was supposed to be the savior, not only for Cleveland, but for the NBA. Maybe I am missing something, but the second coming of MJ would seem to be in Los Angeles, as Kobe (unfortunately) has won five rings with Phil Jackson and the Lakers.
So...LeBron had a choice to make this week, and despite otherworldly pressure to stay in Cleveland, he chose to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, two other stars in Miami and will play for the Heat. This was a big coup for Heat President, Pat Riley, as he looks to be setting himself up to square off with rival Jackson and the Lakers next year. Imagine...LeBron, Bosh, Wade vs. Kobe, Gasol and company in the Final...'twill be exciting for enthusiasts, as the NBA continues to allow itself to be set up for such rivalries.
Then...came the expected backlash. LeBron was in a no-win situation -- if he stayed in Cleveland...he would be labled a homer and a coward for not being willing to step out and explore free agency...and if he left, he was going to be a traitor, betrayer to everything hometown Cleveland. LeBron wanted to make a public announcement, and ESPN chose to broadcast it. (LeBron and ESPN have been universally criticized for their decision to air his "announcement," by the way). Lost in all of the criticism is the fact that LeBron would give all proceeds from his public "announcement"...$1 million...to the Boys and Girls clubs, which was a very generous donation. Yet, all of this would appear to be moot, because many would say...LeBron is a egomaniac, fool, and things much worse. Yet, then, for all the world to hear, LeBron would make his choice...he would choose Miami...and the city of Cleveland went ballistic! I have never heard such demonization of a person in my life. Even Cavs owner, Dan Gilbert, launched into a scathing tirade against LeBron.
Last I checked, we live in a free market system. LeBron gave Cleveland seven years of his life, and it didn't work out for a championship...so, now Cleveland seethes and mourns. He could have chosen to stay at home for more money, but even LeBron has come to understand that opportunity is more valuable than money. I cannot and do not blame LeBron at all for joining two of his friends in order to seek to win multiple championships...in fact, I wish him well and that he beats Kobe and company. Of course, this is all a bit overdone for me, as I really don't have that much invested in basketball, but I know it means something to many people who are bigger basketball fans than myself. Truly, if I have anything to say about the NBA, it is -- good luck with the owner lockout next year...and if they get through it -- go Kevin Durant and the Thunder. :-)
Blessings,
Don
Thursday, July 8, 2010
The Finale
Friends,
The World Cup final is set for Sunday with The Netherlands taking on Spain. The Netherlands rode a thirty yard blast for a goal in the first half to beat Uruguay, 3-2 in one semifinal, while Spain's defense shut down a hot Germany team that had been scoring goals at will against teams in the round of 16. So, it appears that Europe will get another World Cup...ha! This is interesting, since the Europeam teams looked weak early on with many of them having losses to lesser talented teams. Yet, the good teams always rise to the top when it counts and so, there were three European teams in the semis. What is amazing is that Uruguay was the lone South American representative in the semis. Powerhouse favorites, Argentina and Brazil got beat in the round of sixteen, as did Paraguay. There were a lot of soccer analysts that were all but giving the World Cup to South America. Well...so much for the experts. :-) As for me, I am rooting for the Dutch...here is hoping, as Emily would say, that Dutchland pulls it off Sunday.
Blessings,
Don
The World Cup final is set for Sunday with The Netherlands taking on Spain. The Netherlands rode a thirty yard blast for a goal in the first half to beat Uruguay, 3-2 in one semifinal, while Spain's defense shut down a hot Germany team that had been scoring goals at will against teams in the round of 16. So, it appears that Europe will get another World Cup...ha! This is interesting, since the Europeam teams looked weak early on with many of them having losses to lesser talented teams. Yet, the good teams always rise to the top when it counts and so, there were three European teams in the semis. What is amazing is that Uruguay was the lone South American representative in the semis. Powerhouse favorites, Argentina and Brazil got beat in the round of sixteen, as did Paraguay. There were a lot of soccer analysts that were all but giving the World Cup to South America. Well...so much for the experts. :-) As for me, I am rooting for the Dutch...here is hoping, as Emily would say, that Dutchland pulls it off Sunday.
Blessings,
Don
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The Bride Cometh
Friends,
I have had a lot of memorable ministry moments…perhaps, none more so than some of the weddings I have been privileged to be a part of along the way. I remember being dressed up as a monk, following Rob and Shelley Collette and leading a procession of dozens of people in medieval dress through a beautiful park. Rob had his sword drawn as he led us all until he came to the spot he deemed to be the right place for him to wed his beautiful maiden. There he stuck his sword in the ground and we married Rob and Shelley – it was a wonderful theme. The second memorable experience had to be doing the dress rehearsal for my best man, Art’s, sister…Liz. She and her fiancé, Gene, had planned for us to set up for the run through in the late afternoon at a beautiful alcove at Rocky Reach Dam in Wenatchee, WA. The 20 or so of us in the wedding party had made our way into the secluded area and were just getting set up to go when all of the sudden, sprinklers started popping up and started shooting water everywhere. Everything became pandemonium as people were yelling, “Run!” Nevertheless, we were able to do a brief walk-through the next morning on the wedding day and it came off wonderfully!
The 24th chapter of Genesis goes beyond history to theology. It gives us a picture of the heavenly Father getting a bride for His Son…which is also reflected in Matthew 22, with Jesus’ parable of the wedding feast. The bride/bridegroom imagery is prevalent in the Word, as is the concept of “wedding”…with the principle being seen as early as Genesis 2. The church is characterized as a bride in 2 Corinthians 11:2-3 as well as Ephesians 5:22-33. The joining of Isaac and Rebecca…and the elements involved…are also involved in the marriage of Christ and His church. With all that is shared concerning the creation story and surrounding sub-stories in Genesis, it seems strange that the longest chapter in Genesis concerns how and man meets a woman and they become husband and wife. Abraham is now about 140 years old and his life is slowing down. His concern in finding a wife for Isaac is significant, as only then could the covenant promises be fulfilled. At this time, the parents made the marriage arrangements. A man and woman would get married …and then learn to love (24:7). Yet, today, most of the world sees it quite differently. Abraham makes his servant swear to three things concerning finding a wife for Isaac. First, she must not be a Canaanite woman, but needed to be from among Abraham’s relatives. Also, he would not take Isaac back to Abraham’s former home in Ur in Mesopotamia. It would appear to be a tough task! Well, maybe not…Abraham offers encouragement, but more importantly, God’s angel would go before the servant and provide guidance. Abraham’s servant, intent on being obedient, heads off to Mesopotamia himself.
God providentially brings a young woman named Rebekah to a well outside Nahor, just as the servant is praying. Little does Rebekah know that doing a humble task for stranger...giving his camels some water...would make her the bride of God’s chosen one. The servant evaluates Rebekah to see if she will be a good wife for Isaac. He can see that she is kind, pleasant, humble, healthy and a hard worker. He asks, “Whose daughter are you?” This is a key question, as he wants to know her family. She shares with him, and Rebekah comes to understand that she is being “measured” for a new opportunity. But, would she be willing to go…and, would they let her go? The servant’s job is not to argue or bribe, but simply to bear witness to the greatness of his master, and provide the opportunity to make a decision.
Rebekah’s mother and brother are willing to allow her to become Isaac’s wife, but they want her to wait at least ten days before leaving home, a natural request for the family, as she would be going far away. Well, Rebekah says “yes.” What motivates her to make the right decision? She hears the word about Isaac and she believes it. She is willing to spend the rest of her life with him, even though she has never seen him. The bride price changes hands, but just as the servant would not delay in presenting his petition…neither would he delay in completing his mission. The trip back to Canaan with the entourage would probably take less than two months, and the servant will certainly keep them on task. Isaac is not living with his father, but is south of Hebron, getting ready to establish his own home. V.63 suggests that he is in quiet meditation pondering the things of the Lord. When the entourage comes near, Rebekah dismounts so she can meet him on foot. She puts on a veil according to their custom, a mark of her modesty and submission. Isaac is able to claim his bride, as the servant also gives account of himself to his master’s son. The story concludes with the anticipated wedding of Isaac and Rebekah, thus allowing the culmination of God’s will and allows His Son’s lineage to continue.
Blessings,
Don
I have had a lot of memorable ministry moments…perhaps, none more so than some of the weddings I have been privileged to be a part of along the way. I remember being dressed up as a monk, following Rob and Shelley Collette and leading a procession of dozens of people in medieval dress through a beautiful park. Rob had his sword drawn as he led us all until he came to the spot he deemed to be the right place for him to wed his beautiful maiden. There he stuck his sword in the ground and we married Rob and Shelley – it was a wonderful theme. The second memorable experience had to be doing the dress rehearsal for my best man, Art’s, sister…Liz. She and her fiancé, Gene, had planned for us to set up for the run through in the late afternoon at a beautiful alcove at Rocky Reach Dam in Wenatchee, WA. The 20 or so of us in the wedding party had made our way into the secluded area and were just getting set up to go when all of the sudden, sprinklers started popping up and started shooting water everywhere. Everything became pandemonium as people were yelling, “Run!” Nevertheless, we were able to do a brief walk-through the next morning on the wedding day and it came off wonderfully!
The 24th chapter of Genesis goes beyond history to theology. It gives us a picture of the heavenly Father getting a bride for His Son…which is also reflected in Matthew 22, with Jesus’ parable of the wedding feast. The bride/bridegroom imagery is prevalent in the Word, as is the concept of “wedding”…with the principle being seen as early as Genesis 2. The church is characterized as a bride in 2 Corinthians 11:2-3 as well as Ephesians 5:22-33. The joining of Isaac and Rebecca…and the elements involved…are also involved in the marriage of Christ and His church. With all that is shared concerning the creation story and surrounding sub-stories in Genesis, it seems strange that the longest chapter in Genesis concerns how and man meets a woman and they become husband and wife. Abraham is now about 140 years old and his life is slowing down. His concern in finding a wife for Isaac is significant, as only then could the covenant promises be fulfilled. At this time, the parents made the marriage arrangements. A man and woman would get married …and then learn to love (24:7). Yet, today, most of the world sees it quite differently. Abraham makes his servant swear to three things concerning finding a wife for Isaac. First, she must not be a Canaanite woman, but needed to be from among Abraham’s relatives. Also, he would not take Isaac back to Abraham’s former home in Ur in Mesopotamia. It would appear to be a tough task! Well, maybe not…Abraham offers encouragement, but more importantly, God’s angel would go before the servant and provide guidance. Abraham’s servant, intent on being obedient, heads off to Mesopotamia himself.
God providentially brings a young woman named Rebekah to a well outside Nahor, just as the servant is praying. Little does Rebekah know that doing a humble task for stranger...giving his camels some water...would make her the bride of God’s chosen one. The servant evaluates Rebekah to see if she will be a good wife for Isaac. He can see that she is kind, pleasant, humble, healthy and a hard worker. He asks, “Whose daughter are you?” This is a key question, as he wants to know her family. She shares with him, and Rebekah comes to understand that she is being “measured” for a new opportunity. But, would she be willing to go…and, would they let her go? The servant’s job is not to argue or bribe, but simply to bear witness to the greatness of his master, and provide the opportunity to make a decision.
Rebekah’s mother and brother are willing to allow her to become Isaac’s wife, but they want her to wait at least ten days before leaving home, a natural request for the family, as she would be going far away. Well, Rebekah says “yes.” What motivates her to make the right decision? She hears the word about Isaac and she believes it. She is willing to spend the rest of her life with him, even though she has never seen him. The bride price changes hands, but just as the servant would not delay in presenting his petition…neither would he delay in completing his mission. The trip back to Canaan with the entourage would probably take less than two months, and the servant will certainly keep them on task. Isaac is not living with his father, but is south of Hebron, getting ready to establish his own home. V.63 suggests that he is in quiet meditation pondering the things of the Lord. When the entourage comes near, Rebekah dismounts so she can meet him on foot. She puts on a veil according to their custom, a mark of her modesty and submission. Isaac is able to claim his bride, as the servant also gives account of himself to his master’s son. The story concludes with the anticipated wedding of Isaac and Rebekah, thus allowing the culmination of God’s will and allows His Son’s lineage to continue.
As Abraham wanted a bride for his son, so God the Father elected to provide a bride for His beloved Son. Why? The bride is the Father’s love gift to his Son (John 17:2, 6, 9, 11-12, 24). We are a special, chosen people to and for the Lord…the Lord’s inheritance and His bride. The story of Isaac and Rebekah’s marriage makes it clear that God had chosen Rebekah for Isaac, for His providential leading is seen each step of the way. Still, Rebekah had a choice to make -- she had to choose Isaac! There is no conflict between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, although we may not always understand it. Just as Rebekah had a choice to make...so do we. We can say “yes” to God…to His calling through His Son, Jesus. Rebekah was not forced or coerced to make a decision…and neither are we. Jesus willingly laid down His life for you, me and everyone in order to purchase us, His bride…the church. Therefore, we have the choice to willingly give our lives to Him! And if we belong to Him, we will be united with Him for eternity. The bride is to bring glory to Christ on earth and throughout all eternity. One day, at His 2nd Coming, Jesus, the bridegroom, will come to receive His bride, the church and will present the bride in glory to the Father (Hebrews 12:2). Amen!
Blessings,
Don
Monday, July 5, 2010
Planetary Neighbor
Friends,
The picture below is the first of planet orbiting a star outside of our solar system. I have been waiting for this since I was a youth...and I did not think it would happen in my lifetime, to be honest. The sun in this picture...which is similar to our own...is located just 500 light years away in the constellation Scorpius, which is not very far, especially when we consider that our own Milky Way galaxy is 100, 000 light years in diameter. The planet, however, is about 8 times the size of Jupiter in our own solar system, but the kicker is that its orbit is about 300 times the distance of our earth to Sun distance. So, if we do the math...we are 93 million miles from the sun, so this would make this newly discovered planet about 28 billion miles from it's sun -- pretty wild.
Blessings, Don
The picture below is the first of planet orbiting a star outside of our solar system. I have been waiting for this since I was a youth...and I did not think it would happen in my lifetime, to be honest. The sun in this picture...which is similar to our own...is located just 500 light years away in the constellation Scorpius, which is not very far, especially when we consider that our own Milky Way galaxy is 100, 000 light years in diameter. The planet, however, is about 8 times the size of Jupiter in our own solar system, but the kicker is that its orbit is about 300 times the distance of our earth to Sun distance. So, if we do the math...we are 93 million miles from the sun, so this would make this newly discovered planet about 28 billion miles from it's sun -- pretty wild.
Blessings, Don
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