Creating, collecting, and sharing thoughts and ideas. And learning along the way.
Lunch in Brighton en Route to Lansing, Michigan
The Institute for Population Health: Doing Great Work in Metro Detroit
1 SAMUEL 5:1-7:17 | JOHN 6:1-21 | PSALM 106:13-31 | PROVERBS 14:32-33
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Continuing with our story in the first book of Samuel, we learn what happens to the Philistines when they carry away the Ark of the Covenant after defeating Israel. But doing so does not bode well for these people. For starters, they notice that the image of their own god Dagon, seems to fall down in its own temple. The people soon figure out that there might actually be a correlation between this curious happening and the presence of the Ark in that place, and it isn’t long before they move the Ark out.
But it seems that no matter where the Ark goes, it seems to bring misfortune to the people. They soon draw a parallel between this and the stories they have heard of the Egyptians who were also afflicted with plagues when Pharaoh did not let the people of Israel go. And so, they determine that this Ark must be returned to Israel. Not only that, they send it back with a “guilt offering”—gold images of tumors and rats to signify the affliction of each of their towns and villages.
When the Ark is returned, Samuel says this to the people: “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” 4 So the Israelites put away their Baals and Ashtoreths, and served the LORD only.”
And this appears to be the turning point for Israel. Under Samuel’s leadership, the Israelites are able to defeat the Philistines, and in honor of this, Samuel commemorates this victory by installing a stone and naming it Ebenezer meaning: Thus far the LORD has helped us.
Turning to our reading in the book of John, we learn about Jesus feeding the five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fishes. Out of almost nothing, Jesus not only fulfills the need of the hour, but there are twelve baskets of leftovers. Such is the blessing that God affords the believer!
And when you have faith, anything is possible. You look out into the water and see a man walking on it, and after you have recovered from the initial fright of perhaps having seen a ghost, you look more closely and see that it is Jesus, of course. All things are possible with this man, including walking on water.
From the other gospels we know, of course, that Peter demonstrated great faith, if only for a few short moments when he also walked out onto the water to meet Jesus. Great examples of faith that defy all reason!
Turning now to our psalm of the day, we find in Psalm 106 a continuation of a chronological history of the people of Israel. Toward the end of the psalm, Phinehas, Eli’s son is referenced.
Finally, one great verse from the book of Proverbs that is worthy of rumination:
32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,
but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.
May God bless the reading and reflection of His Word. Amen.
An Evening Exchange with My Firstborn
How to Prep Your Berries
Ghee-Seared Tuna Steak: Stealing Kale’s Thunder
1 SAMUEL 2:22-4:22 | JOHN 5:24-47 | PSALM 106:1-12 | PROVERBS 14:30-31
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The story of Samuel continues. Samuel grows up in the Temple, a ward of Eli, the priest, and while Eli’s own sons are a shame to him and the entire people of Israel, it is Samuel who finds favor in the Lord’s eyes. The story of the Lord calling Samuel by name is a fascinating one: Samuel thinks it is Eli calling out to him in the middle of the night, and each time he goes to Eli to ask what it is that Eli wants, but Eli has not called out to the boy.
Eli soon realizes that it is the Lord’s voice that Samuel is hearing and he instructs Samuel to engage the Lord in conversation the next time he hears his name being called. How beautiful and wondrous a concept this is: to hear the Lord calling your name and to talk with him as if he were in front of you. Would that we might also have ears that would enable us to hear and recognize the Lord’s voice when he calls our name; and would that we might be worthy of the Lord calling our name.
But returning to our story of Samuel, we learn that these are bad times for Israel. Eli’s sons Hophni and Phinehas have precipitated the downfall and defeat of Israel with the Philistines, and the Ark of the Covenant has been captured. Upon hearing this news, Eli falls to the ground and breathes his last.
Turning now to our reading in the book of John, we find in no other book such unequivocal utterances by Jesus regarding his identity and mission. Jesus says, 24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
Our Psalm for the day is one similar to many others like it that sing the praises of the Lord’s great provision and protection to the children of Israel. It is never too much or too often that one may sing such praises. May it always be that like David, we are also quick to recount the many times that the Lord has been our guide and savior. These verses are some that I too wish to echo:
4 Remember me, LORD, when you show favor to your people,
come to my aid when you save them,
5 that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones,
that I may share in the joy of your nation
and join your inheritance in giving praise.
Finally, two verses from the book of Proverbs that may serve as food for thought:
30 A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.
31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,
but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
May God bless the reading and reflection of His Word. Amen.
A Bright and Breezy Sunday
