The Episodic Author

Feel far from God?

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 12:33:00 +0000

I saw a sign outside a church recently: Feel far from God? Guess who moved? There's a popular teaching in Evangelical Christianity that basically says "If you feel far from God, it's you who moved."

This is not only a terrible guilt trip, it's also not always the case. Sometimes, yes, we do walk away from God. Sometimes this is intentional. We get mad at God or the church and decide it's not worth following Him anymore. We willingly, knowingly leave Him. Sometimes through inattention and laziness we simply slowly, quietly drift away from Him.

However, there are other cases.

First, I want to point out that just because we feel far from God, doesn't necessarily mean we are. Feelings are fickle and unreliable. When we feel far from God, we need to look to see if it's just a feeling or if it reflects reality. I'm reminded of the well known poem Footprints. The writer felt far from Jesus, but in fact He was carrying him in those very times he didn't feel His presence.

Next, When we continually, willfully sin He will draw away. This is to protect us. Just as light destroys dark, so will His holiness destroy us if we are dark with sin. In these cases, He will pull back so His glory does not undo our weak frames. He remembers we are dust and takes that into consideration in His dealings with us. There are some schools of thought that believe this is the true manifestation of Hell. The complete and utter lack of God's presence because He has completely withdrawn from a soul due to its repeated and continuous rejection of Him.

Finally, there are times where God pulls away, not due to our sin, but to increase our desire for His presence. This is typified in Song of Solomon 5:2-16 where the Bridegroom knocks on the door but leaves before the Bride has a chance to open the door. She immediately gets up to open the door. She wants and desires His presence with her, but He departs prior to her opening the door; just His scent is left behind on the latch. The purpose of this withdrawal is to increase her desire for Him and cause her to come follow Him. And it works. She leaves the comfort of her chamber and goes out searching for Him. Her search, driven by a deeper desire for Him, takes her to the very places that she refused to go earlier when He simply asked her to come with Him.

Black, White and Shades of Grey

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

I just read a rant (related to testing during software development) where the author presented two options. He then tore down one while building up the other. It was presented as two mutually exclusive positions. The problem with his argument is the situation is much more complex than two mutually exclusive situations. In this particular case, there are a whole range of positions not only between the two presented, but also on either side of them.

As I thought about this article, it occurred to me this is another angle related to what I tried to communicate in my previous ramblings about science and politics. In our society right now, we are so fond of using false dilemas in our arguments that we forget to investigate other methods of discussion. So often we get locked into a black and white discussion of option A or B and forget there are many other options to consider.

Just as an example, the recent debate that raged, and probably will again, over the USA's Federal budget. Everyone talked about raising taxes or lowering spending, as if these are the only two options available. One or the other. But just these two variables give nine combinations, not simply two.

Taxes	Spending
Raise	Leave
Raise	Lower	Mentioned a few times here and there
Raise	Raise	Popular among the more liberally minded
Lower	Leave
Lower	Lower	Popular among the more conservatively minded
Lower	Raise
Leave	Leave
Leave	Lower
Leave	Raise

Of course there are many, many other variables in the whole discussion regarding the economy, both from a national as well as international standpoint.

But the budget and economy is not the point of this article; it's just an example. Just as the software design issue I opened with is an example. I think it would do us well as a society to stop trying to pit one thing against the other in a dualistic, mutually exclusive type of way.

It's a logical fallacy. It gives the appearance of debate and argument, but it's really a means to try to manipulate your opponent. It's a dirty tactic and does not serve to promote dialog and resolution of issues.

It serves to divide us into various waring camps were we try to get our strategy to be the "winner." This simply causes all of us to lose. Rather, we must remember we have common problems, and we do best to focus on all the various ways available to fix them, not just two mutually exclusive possibilities out of the multitude of potential solutions. These different things we get so passionate about are the means to an end, not the end in and of itself.

Are Republicans Anti-Science?

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

I recently read an op-ed piece in the New York Times claiming good odds that the next Republican president will be anti-science and anti-knowledge. The author went on to prove his point by saying both Governor Perry and Mitt Romney, two front runners in the Republican race when this article was written, are both against evolution and the idea of man-caused global climate change. The author finds this "terrifying," a word he used multiple times. This is the latest example of a common meme popping up recently where disagreement on certain topics, particularly evolution and climate change, are anti-science. I want to address this claim.

First, I am not a die-hard Republican. There are many issues upon which I disagree with much of the Republican leadership I see and hear at the national level. I don't really like any of the front-runners. So, I am not trying to defend and support this party over any other. However, I am a technologist who uses the scientific method on a daily basis. I have interests in both the hard and soft sciences.

I find it somewhat interesting this conversation is occurring in the political arena this time. Typically when I see public argument over creation/evolution, it's presented as a battle between Christianity and Science. I'm going to attempt to explain what science is and how being either for or against evolution or human caused climate change, or any one of many other topics, has nothing to do with science. I suppose you could call it the philosophy of science.

Simply stated, science is about what we know about physical objects and processes. Science is what we can, using our five senses, establish facts about. Science is based on what we can see, hear, taste, smell and touch, either directly or through proxy using instrumentation. The scientific method is a means by which we can reason about things we can sense. It involves hypothesis and experiment. And it requires repeatability. If experiments cannot be repeated by different people in different places at different times with consistent results, then the hypothesis is called into question.

However, science is not the only way of knowing. It works really well to discover things about the natural universe: physics, biology, chemistry and other things that we can manipulate in the physical realm. Things that can be directly measured lend themselves to the scientific method. It starts to break down when it's applied to the fringes of our senses in hard sciences and to softer sciences such as sociology, anthropology and psychology. These work less with individual things and more with groups. Measurement is done at the statistical level, rather than directly. Because of this, there is more room for interpretation and bias to enter into the picture. There is at least one level of abstraction through which to obfuscate and introduce error. And typically, there are many more than one.

Finally, there are areas of knowing to which science cannot be applied. History. Literature. Language. Anything that cannot be experimented on. Things that cannot be reproduced. Things that cannot be measured. These are areas where science is agnostic. They are outside its domain. That's not to say they're not unknowable, just that science cannot be used to know them.

The entire argument over origins, whether you stand in the evolution or creation or some other camp, is not science. It falls, in its entirety, into the last category of things we can know. It's history. It's philosophy. It's faith. It might be an interesting thing to think about and debate, and it may turn out to be very critical to your future, but it is not science. There is one simple reason for this assertion: it happened in the past. You cannot create experiments about the past. You cannot see, hear, taste, smell or touch things in the past. All science tells you about is what we can observe in the present, now, today.

Yes, there are quite a few scientists who believe the evolution story. However, that does not make it science. And there are quite a few scientists who do not believe the story of evolution. But that does not make it non-science. What makes it non-science is that it is history. It cannot be repeated. And of course, the same is true of the creation story. Those who want to place creationism in the science curriculum are as misguided as those who want to put (or more accurately, keep) evolution there. Both belong in the humanities along with US History, World History and Philosophy.

Moving to the other topic of the op-ed author: man-made climate change. His assertion that any climate change we see is caused by humans is a statement of belief, not science. Again the reason is based on the problem with establishing repeatable experiments. Because it is a planetary phenomena, experiments also must be of a planetary scale over geologic time periods. In order to do any valid experimentation on this problem, one would need multiple, identical planets, some for controls and some on which to vary experimental parameters. One would also need to either be able to manipulate time or have a very long period over which to run the experiments. Further, there is very good evidence that the planet was much warmer in the past. Humans probably didn't cause it to cool to the present temperature. And we probably can't keep it from warming in the future.

What the author of this NYT editorial does is elevate science to a religion. He puts faith in things that have an air, but lack the substance, of science. He then wants to take action based on that belief. And then anyone who doesn't worship at the same altar he does, he disparages by calling them "anti-science" and "anti-knowledge." They terrify him.

Mr. Op-Ed Author, these people may not be anti-this or anti-that. Rather, perhaps they better grasp the limits of science and, knowing these limits, they are better equipped to evaluate the things science is capable of telling them, integrate the data with other knowledge, and have simply come to different conclusions. That should not make them terrifying. That should make them engaging and interesting.

I hope all those who equate evolution to science and anyone who disagrees with them as anti-science are simply ignorant regarding what science is about. Ignorance is easily dealt with through education. We can discuss and come to an agreement, or we may agree to disagree and still remain civil. However, if they are being disingenuous and intentionally framing the debate in a wrong and inflammatory manner, well, I'll let the reader apply their own description to that behavior.

In summation, the problem comes when things are asserted as true, particularly under the guise of "science," that are not scientific facts but rather conjecture, opinion and untestable hypothesis. As a society, we need to be honest with the frames we use to present arguments or we are going to get more and more polarized and divided. Calling groups "anti-science" or "anti-knowledge" simply alienates and furthers the gap between people, ultimately pulling society apart rather than building it up.

Be Merry! (Why?)

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

I don't know if the occurrence is actually increasing, or if I'm just suddenly aware of it, but advertising seems to be exhorting me to Be merry! more and more this Christmas season. The message isn't the traditional Merry Christmas or even the vacuous Seasons Greetings, but simply Be Merry.

My initial, admittedly contrarian, response is Why?

There is no reason to be merry. Unemployment is high. Investments are down. There's turmoil within the United States between those who would steal the fruits of others worked hard and those who would not share the bounty they've been given. There's economic instability and social unrest in Europe. Groups are killing each other in Africa. The middle East seems to be getting more and more radicalized. Parts of Asia are aggressively attacking the computer resources of the West and oppressing their own while other parts of Asia are melting down from natural disasters. Chaos increases around the planet.

What reason is there for merriness? Gaiety? Cheerfulness?

The exhortation needs to come with a purpose. Without context, all that's left is to look around and see what's happening in the world and despair of any incentive. In fact, it would be pretty irrational in the context of the current circumstances. The simplistic Be Merry has no context for the exhortation and therefore lacks any moral imperative.

The original context needs to be restored. The context for this holiday is Christmas. The context is remembering that God wants to be with us. He originally created the earth as a place to meet with us. We are unique: the only part of creation made in His image. This enables us to have fellowship with Him. But, we rebelled and broke fellowship with Him.

However, in spite of our rejecting Him, He still wanted fellowship with us. So much so He became one of us. And that's what we celebrate this season.

We remember His first arrival as an infant. The message to Mary. The travel to Bethlehem. The full inn and the manger. The angels' announcement to the the shepherds. The star guiding wise men with their gifts. The incarnation. Emmanuel. God with us.

We remember how He walked among us, showing us the heart of God. He took upon Himself the debt we couldn't pay and paid it in full by dying on the cross. We celebrate Jesus. Savior. The perfect Lamb of God.

We remember how three days later He picked His life back up. Death could not keep Him down. He is the first of many who will overcome death by what He has done for us. We celebrate His resurrection. The Living One.

We remember that, as bad as things are on the earth now, they will get worse. But they won't stay that way. He will return a second time to bring justice to this planet. All things will be restored in perfect accordance with God's will. He will prevail. We celebrate His return. The King of kings.

God loves us and want's fellowship with us. He wants to walk with us. He wants everything to be made right and has done everything in His power to provide a way for us to be at peace with Him. We simply need to place our faith in Him and in what He's done for us.

When we look at the world from His perspective, we are able to see the beginning and the end and understand the reason for any chaos we have in our circumstances or in the events around the globe. And we understand it is only temporary.

It is only in the context of His story that it makes sense to be merry.

Merry Christmas!

Thoughts on the Incarnation
Why Celebrate Christmas?

Enough Excitement For This Week

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:20:00 +0000

The other night my darling wife had gone to bed as I sat next to her to catch up on e-mail. After about 5 minutes, out of the blue, she said "That's a pretty bad. Do you smell it?" A moment later the hair on the back of my neck raised as the acrid smell of burning electronics reached my nose. I raced downstairs headed to the basement, my first thought being I'd left the soldering iron on two nights before and it'd finally had too much. But almost as soon as I thought it, I remembered specifically turning it off and triple checking it.

I reached the bottom of the stairs, turned to head to the basement and flipped on the lights in the kitchen to illumine the way. I didn't make it any further: the kitchen was full of smoke. I quickly scanned everything and didn't see anything obviously pouring out smoke. Next scan was to check if anything was on: nothing. I felt everything that was plugged in. Nothing was hot. Just to be on the safe side, I unplugged each item when I got to it.

Since everything seemed to be in order, I headed to the basement to make sure it wasn't coming up from there. There wasn't any smoke in the stairs and by the time I got to the bottom, the air was clear and odorless. All clear there.

Heading back upstairs I could tell it was definitely strongest in the kitchen. But I could also tell it was already dissipating; undoubtedly the smoke was less than when I first came down. A bit relieved, but still concerned, I started a slower, more methodical check of all the built-in appliances. The dishwasher. The garbage disposal. The stove. The refrigerator. I felt the walls for hot spots. Everything seemed in order.

As I scratched my head trying to figure out where the smell had come from, Diane opened the windows and started the fans. Of course, it was about 30F outside. I turned off the furnace. I realized that of the things plugged in, the only things with automatic switches that could have been on were the furnace and refrigerator. Since the furnace is under the kitchen and has a cold air return right next to it, I thought perhaps it had burned up and vented through the ducts. I went to the basement and found it to be in order.

Next I pulled the refrigerator out from the wall and unplugged it. I grabbed a nut driver and removed the cardboard dust cover on the back. I didn't see anything obviously wrong, but I couldn't see much either. Smelling the dust cover however immediately told me this was the source. It reeked of the magic smoke that makes electronics work.

Now, confident we'd found the source, it was now cold and the house wasn't going to burn down, Diane headed back to bed and I to my e-mail with the windows still open and fans still running to vent the obnoxious odors. When it was too cold to stand anymore, I closed everything up, turned the heater back on and went to bed.

Next day the appliance repair man came out. As he walked through the door, he said, "Ah, I smell a burned out relay."

Twenty minutes later he was done, the fridge was cooling again and we had this souvenir. (Click images for larger view.)

That was enough excitement for this week, and many more too.

Attributes of Jesus from Revelation 1 (4 of 4)

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Today's article is the last in this series on the Attributes of Jesus from Revelation 1. So far, we've covered: Part 1 (verse 5): Jesus Christ, Faithful Witness, Firstborn from the dead, Ruler of the kings; Part 2 (verses 5-10): Lover, Free-er, Maker, Receiver, Coming on the clouds, Visible to all, Alpha and Omega, The Almighty, Voice like a trumpet; and Part 3 (verse 13-15): Among the lamp stands, Son of Man, Robe to feet, Golden sash on chest, Head like wool/Hair like snow, Eyes like blazing fire, Feet like burnished bronze, Voice like many waters. And now for the final verses 16 through 18.

Holds seven stars in His right hand

The right hand is the place of blessing and honor. The right hand wields power and strength. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches (represented by the lamp stands in verse 13) of Asia Minor: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. Each of the letters in Revelation 2 and 3 are written to these angels. An open question about which there is much debate is: Are these angels in the heavenly sense, like Gabriel and Michael? Or is this word used in the "messenger" sense, as in the leader (e.g. pastor, teacher, prophet) over the church in the human sense? In either case, it's Jesus who holds them. Not an angel. Not a mere man. But Jesus. The Shepherd. The one who corrects and disciplines and serves and protects. He is the one who provides leadership to the church. Genesis 48:14,18,19; 1st Kings 2:19; Psalm 45:9, 60:5, 63:8, 108:6, 118:15-16, 110:1; Matthew 20:21,23, 22:44, 25:32-34; Revelation 1:11,20; Ephesians 4:15, 5:23

Out of his mouth comes a sharp, double-edged sword

Jesus is the living, active Word of God, sharper than a double-edged sword, able to divide between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. The Word of God is the sword the Spirit wields. It was by Jesus' word that everything came into being; He spoke and it was. That same power and authority will be released to kill all who would presume to war against Him. John 1:1-5; Ephesians 6:17; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 19:11-21

Face shining like the sun in its strength

This is the same description as used on the mount of transfiguration. Just as the sun comes up every day, so too will David's throne be established forever; David's kingdom endure. This is fulfilled in Jesus, the descendent of David, both in His everlasting kingdom and in His physical appearance. From the rising of the sun until its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised. Here, it will never set, so praise will rise continually. Nothing can hide from the sun's heat. In perfect beauty and holiness, God's fire shines forth as a consuming fire. God's shining face brings salvation to His people and destruction to their enemies. Matthew 17:2; Psalm 19:6, 50:2-3, 80:3,7,19, 94:1, 97:1-12, 113:3; Daniel 7:10

First and Last

He is unique. There is no God before Him, nor will there be one after Him. This is our comfort; we don't have to be afraid of changes in rulership. Regardless of what we go through, He has been there and is there and will be there. He is all sufficient. He was the agent of creation, the originator of all things. In the end, al things will be subject to Him. Evil will be abolished and the righteousness of His kingdom will reign. As Savior, He is the one who starts our life of faith and He is the one wo brings it to completion. Isaiah 41:4, 43:10, 44:6, 46:4, 48:12; John 1:3; 1st Corinthians 15:24-26; Colossians 1:16, 2:9-12; 2nd Peter 3:7; Hebrews 1:2, 2:10, 12:2; Revelation 1:8, 1:17

Living One

This is the title of Jesus used by the angels at the tomb on the first resurrection Sunday. "The" Living One. Not "A" living One. The definite article is used. He is unique, specific. The "Living" One. He's alive by His own life force. Death could not keep Him down. He is the Life-giver. Life flows from His very being. The Living "One". In conjunction with the definite article, emphasizing the uniqueness of His singularity. There is only one source of Life. This echos Jesus' own statement about Himself: I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. The fulfillment of the Feast of First Fruits. He's the source of all life. The one in whom we live and move and have our being. This title is in contrast to all else. All other idols and gods and things people worship are not living, but only exist because He created them whether spiritual beings or physical objects. And as created beings, they are not worthy of worship, even though they may claim and demand worship. Luke 24:5; John 14:6; Acts 2:24, 17:24-29; Romans 6:4,9; 2nd Corinthians 13:4; Revelation 13:2-8

Was dead

How can the Living One become dead? It truly is a mystery. The Infinite becoming a finite human is easier to understand than the Living One dying. But scriptures says it happened. What it means or how it was accomplished I don't know. But here Jesus declares it about Himself, so it must be. Paul also mentions it. I suspect it's related somehow to Jesus becoming master over death. Perhaps it is related to Jesus being baptized. It wasn't because He was in need of repentance, but rather so that we, as part of the bundle of the living wrapped up in Him, might experience baptism with Him. In a similar way to His baptism, He had to die so we, bundled with Him, might die with Him so we could be raised with Him. In His humanity, as a prototype for all human-kind, He died. It's bending. My brain explodes. It's mush trying to wrap itself around this mystery. Romans 6:8-10

Now alive forevermore

The Living One, who was dead, is now alive forever and ever and ever. The Living One could not be held by death; it was impossible. Like darkness has no choice but to flee before light, death had no choice but to flee before the Living One. He did not have to die over and over again but rather His sacrifice is sufficient, once for all people for all time. It is appointed for all to die once and after that face judgement. Since He has now died once, He's now alive forever to bring salvation to those who place their trust in His atoning death. Acts 2:24; Romans 5:6-19, 6:10; Colossians 1:21-23; 1st Peter 3:18; Hebrews 9:21-28, 10:10-12

Hold keys of death and Hades

The one holding the keys is free to enter and leave at will. He has authority over that place. This is what He did. He entered and spent three days in Hell. Then He left of His own accord. He has authority over even death. The last enemy. He is the one who has freed us and we no longer have to live in fear. Death has no substance anymore. It is merely a powerless shadow. Hell and the place of destruction are naked before Him. The gates of death are revealed to Him and He sees the gates of darkness. He will abolish death. There will no longer be any death. Matthew 12:4; Psalm 23:4; Job 26:6, 38:17; 1st Corinthians 15:26; 2nd Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 2:15; Revelation 21:4

And that's it for this series. I hope you were blessed by it. If you have any thoughts, please leave them in the comments below.

Attributes of Jesus from Revelation 1 (3 of 4)

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:00:00 +0000

This is the third installment in my series on the Attributes of Jesus taken from Revelation 1. (Here are part 1 and part 2.) Today's items are found in verses 13 through 15.

Among the lamp stands

The lamp stands represent the church. He walks among His people. He is in our midst. He doesn't leave us. By the Holy Spirit, we burn in love and joy and praise before God with faith and character that have been refined through trials as if by fire. There were lamps in the tabernacle and temple the priests were responsible to tend. They trimmed the wicks and filled the oil to provide a constant, pure light. Jesus too is the final High Priest giving us the oil of His Spirit to burn for Him. Revelation 1:20; Matthew 18:20, 28:20; Hebrews 13:5; Job 23:10; Zechariah 13:9; 1st Peter 1:6-9; Matthew 3:11

Son of Man

In Jesus, God became man so He knows what we are going through and can come to our aid. We don't have a priest who cannot relate to us, but one who knows what we go through. He has, once for all, obtained redemption for us and, because of His sacrifice, as a man, He will rule and reign forever. Hebrews 2:17-18, 4:15, 9:11-12; Revelation 5:9; Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 24:30, 26:64; Mark 13:26, 14:62; Luke 21:27

Robe to feet

The robe, in conjunction with the sash, are priestly garments, again showing His role as one who mediates between God and mankind. The robe represents the salvation and righteousness by which He rules and which He confers upon His people. Exodus 28:4; Leviticus 8:7; Hebrews 7:25-28; 2nd Chronicles 6:31; Isaiah 61:10; Psalm 132:9,16; Romans 3:21-26, 5:14-21; 1st Corinthians 1:30-31; Philippians 1:9-11

Golden sash on His chest

Like the robe above, the sash indicates His position as priest. This evokes the image Paul gives regarding the armor of God: the robe of truth and breastplate of righteousness. Jesus is the Truth. He is our righteousness. Exodus 28:4; Leviticus 8:7; Isaiah 22:21; Ephesians 6:14; John 14:6; 1st Corinthians 1:30

Head and hair like wool and snow

This passage directly links Jesus of John's vision to the Ancient of Days of Daniel's vision. White hair symbolizes the wisdom of age. There is no one who has more wisdom than Him. This direct link also confirms Jesus' devine nature. He is God just as the Father is God. Daniel 7:9; Job 12:12-13

Eyes like blazing fire

Fire symbolizes judgement. Judgement can bring one of two results. It can condemn or it can reward. It can destroy and purify. Like light destroys darkness, God's presence destroys those who are against Him. But for those who join themselves to Him, it purifies and protects. It provides light and guidance and brings glory to God. Jesus is the light of heaven. Genesis 19:24; Exodus 13:21; Psalm 11:6; Isaiah 43:2, 64:1-2, 66:15; Zechariah 13:9; Malachi 3:2-6; Matthew 5:14-16, 6:22; Luke 3:9, 8:16-17, 11:36; Acts 2:3; 1st Corinthians 3:12-15; Revelation 19:11-12, 21:23, 22:5

Feet like burnished bronze, glowing from a furnace

Feet are the place of subjection. Enemies are trampled underfoot. Bowing at the feet shows respect and submission. Bronze represents judgement. The altar in the tabernacle and temple was of bronze as were all the utensils accompanying it. The altar is where sin was judged and atoned for by sacrifice. Moses lifted up the bronze serpent to bring healing to the people being judged for their sins. In the same way, Jesus was lifted up on the cross to provide healing to all who would look to Him for their salvation. Glowing from a furnace represents purity. Combining these concepts, all judgement is subject to Jesus, or in other words, He is the supreme judge because He was the perfect Lamb of God, sacrificed for the sins of the world. His judgement is correct. There is no impurity in it. Feet: 2nd Samuel 22:38-39; Esther 8:3; Mark 7:25, 22:5; 1st Corinthians 15:27; Hebrews 2:8; Bronze: Exodus 27:1-8; Numbers 21:5-9; John 3:14-15; Furnace: Proverbs 17:3; Isaiah 48:10; Zechariah 13:9; 1st Corinthians 3:11-13; 1st Peter 1:6-8

Voice like many waters

These are the same words that were used to describes the Father's voice. He speaks and things come into existence. It has to be obeyed. Like a tsunami, His voice is irresistible, loud, cleansing, powerful and majestic. It judges and sweeps away impurity. Like rain, it is life giving. Without it nothing would exist. Genesis 1; Exodus 15:26; Deuteronomy 13:4,18; Ezekiel 43:2; Psalm 29:3-9; John 1:1-5; Revelation 16:1-12, 21:1-8

That's it for today. We'll finish the rest next time. As always, if you have any thoughts, please leave them in the comments below.

Attributes of Jesus from Revelation 1 (2 of 4)

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:00:00 +0000

The last article covered five attributes of Jesus as presented in Revelation 1:5. This article will continue with the rest found in verse five and continue through verse ten.

Lover

He loves us and demonstrated this by His giving Himself over to death on our behalf. We didn't love Him first. Rather, He loved us before we even thought of Him. Nothing can separate us from His love. Because of His love, He has given us eternal comfort. His love for us should transform us into lovers of others. John 3:16, 13:1, 13:34; 1st John 4:10, 4:16, 4:19; Romans 5:8-10, 8:37, 8:39; Galatians 1:4, 2:20; Ephesians 5:2; 2nd Thessalonians 2:16f

Freer

We are free from bondage to sin and death. We were slaves to unrighteousness. We had no choice. He has freed us from this slavery and we can now live in righteousness. John 8:31-32, 8:34-36; Romans 6:4-18, 6:20, 6:22, 8:1-5

Maker

Jesus is the agent of all creation. He made everything, whether spiritual or physical. Nothing exists that He didn't make. And now, He has made us alive, forgiving our sins and nailing our debt to the cross. He has made us a kingdom and priests to God, a fulfillment of an Old Testament promise. John 1:3, 1:10; Colossians 1:16-17, 2:13-14; 1st Corinthians 8:6; Hebrews 1:2; Revelation 1:6; Exodus 19:5-6

Receiver

He is the one who receives all glory and dominion. He alone is worth. There is only one in both heaven and earth who has been found to be worthy. He received glory and honor from God when He was on the earth; God is well pleased with His Son. Every being in heaven and earth will bend the knee and confess that Jesus is Lord. Some will willingly do it. Some will be compelled to do it. Revelation 5:2-10; 1st Peter 1:16-18; Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35; Philippians 2:9-11

Coming on the clouds

Forty days after His resurrection, He ascended into the sky and disappeared in the clouds. In the same way He will return. Jesus Himself told us He would return in the clouds. When He appears, it will be to establish an everlasting kingdom. Being in the clouds, high and exalted, He is presented with all power and authority over all other powers and authorities on the planet. Returning in this way demonstrates His power and ability to rule. Acts 1:1-11; Matthew 24:29-31, 26:64; Mark 13:24-26, 14:62; Luke 21:27; Daniel 7:13-14

Visible to all

Everyone will see Him. His return will not be hidden or disguised or in secret. As lightning is seen across the whole sky, so too will His return be. There will be no mistaking it. Matthew 24:27, 28:3; Luke 17:24

Alpha and Omega

He is the Beginning and the End; the First and the Last. There was no God before Him and there will not be any after Him. All things are by Him and through Him and for Him. Isaiah 43:10, 44:6; Romans 11:36; 1st Corinthians 8:6; Hebrews 2:10

The Almighty

He is preeminent. There is no one greater than Him. He is not one among equals; rather He is supreme. While we are called to be like Him in character, no one can become like Him in nature. He is a strong protector. He is the righteous judge and king and since there is no one mightier than Him, His ruling will ultimately reign supreme. Psalm 91; Revelation 11:17, 15:3, 16:7, 19:6, 19:15

Voice like a trumpet

Trumpets are clear and loud. Their frequency cuts through and is heard above all the other instruments in the orchestra. Their notes pierce through the clash and din of battle. They cannot be ignored or drowned out. In a similar way, Jesus speaks to His people. He speaks to those who are His in a way they cannot ignore over the din of day to day life. Trumpets are used in the Old Testament to call to war, remind of sin and the provision for atonement. He told us to take heaven by force. In saying this, He calls us to war against sin and our natural, sinful man who is at odds with our spiritual, regenerated man. Exodus 20:1-18; Numbers 10:9-10; Judges 3:27, 6:34, 7:15-22; Matthew 11:12

That's it for this installment. The next post will look at Jesus' attributes as described in verses 13 through 15. If you have any thoughts, please leave them in the comments below.

Attributes of Jesus from Revelation 1 (1 of 4)

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:00:00 +0000

The last book of the Bible starts with the words "The revelation of Jesus Christ." This can be read two ways. The first meaning is the revelation is a possession of Jesus. In other words, "Jesus Christ's revelation." It is a revelation He gave to us. I believe this is the first, clear and intended meaning of this phrase. However, I think this phrase can also be understood a different way. Revelation, in addition to being a foretelling of history that Jesus possesses, also reveals more of who Jesus is in His nature and character. In much the same way the gospels tell us both the facts of what happened and the character and heart of Jesus, Revelation shows us both what will happen in the future and more of Jesus heart and character.

Over the last couple months, I have meditated on many of the attributes of Jesus as enumerated in the first chapter of Revelation. Starting with this post, and continuing for three more, I will list them and write a few thoughts on each along with a list of supporting scriptures. In total, I identified 31 different names and descriptions. Depending on how you read the text, one could argue a couple more or less. I don't think the exact count is as relevant as the fact that there are many dimensions to Jesus revealed in this chapter and they are worth meditating on and gazing on the many-faceted beauty of this Man.

All the attributes of Jesus in today's posting are from verse 5 of Revelation 1.

Jesus

First, is His name. It is what would have shown up on a birth certificate had they had them in first century Bethlehem. It is the English version of the common Hebrew name Joshua. There were in fact other Joshuas in Israel's history: Joshua, son of Nun, the leader of Israel after Moses, and Joshua the high priest in the days of the restoration when Israel returned from exile in Babylon. His name, while common, carried a promise, for it means God Saves. It was the name God Himself proscribed for Him through Gabriel's announcement to Mary when she was told she was the one chosen by God to bring forth his Son. He wanted to remind us that every one of us have sinned and need to be saved. And He wanted to tell us that the salvation of humans was the first reason Jesus became a man. It was by the shedding of His blood for us and our acceptance of what He's done on our behalf by which each one of us is reconciled to the Father. No one can have a relationship with God without the salvation Jesus provides. Matthew 1:21; Luke 1:31, 2:11, 2:21, 2:30-32; John 1:29, 1:36; Acts 2:38, 4:12, 5:31, 13:23,38,39; Romans 10:9-10; Colossians 1:20-23

Christ

Next is His best known title. It is what would have been beneath His name had he had a business card. It means Anointed. To be anointed is to be set apart, or consecrated, for a particular purpose. It was typically formalized in a ceremony where oil was poured on the initiate. This is seen at Jesus' baptism. The Spirit, commonly symbolized by oil, came and rested on Him and soon afterward He proclaimed God's anointing to be upon Him to preach the gospel, release the captives, recover the blind's sight, set free the oppressed and proclaim the year of God's favor. Priests in the Old Testament were anointed with oil to show their consecration as priests before God. This title shows us how Jesus is the final high priest between God and mankind. This title goes hand in hand with his role as savior. First He saves us, then He brings us into relationship with the Father. Matthew 11:5, 12:18; Luke 4:18; Acts 10:28; Hebrews 3:1-2, 4:14-16

Faithful witness

Jesus was a witness to us of God's character and heart. He revealed God to us. He said "He who has seen Me has seen the Father." Jesus did and said the things the Father told Him. One way "faithful" can be applied: He was faithful in this task. He did not waver from what was before Him. He was faithful in the face of opposition, even to His own detriment, death on the cross. Another way to understand His faithfulness: it's the nature of Jesus. He was the image we could see showing us the invisible Father who we could not see. Jesus is the exact representation of God's nature. The witness He bore was a true revelation of God's character. John 1:14, 12:44-50, 14:8-10; Philippians 2:8; Colossians 1:15; 1st John 5:20; Hebrews 1:3

Firstborn from the dead

Jesus' resurrection from the dead was the fulfillment of the Feast of First Fruits. He is the first of many more to come. Since He was resurrected, we can have confidence that we too will be raised from the dead. Our salvation is not just from our sins to have relationship with God now in this life, but also from the everlasting effects of sin, physical death. 1st Corinthians 15:20-26

Ruler of the kings

He is the King of all kings. Everyone will be subject to Him. He will rule over everything. All authority starts with Him and no authority exists apart from Him. He will rule over everything forever. Every knee, whether demonic, angelic or human will bow before Him and confess that He is Lord. All enemies will be subject to Him, including the last enemy, death. Deuteronomy 10:17; Revelation 17:14, 19:16; Matthew 11:27, 28:18; Ephesians 1:20-23; Colossians 1:16-18, 2:10; Daniel 7:13-14; Philippians 2:9-11; 1st Corinthians 15:25-26

That's the first five attributes, all from a single verse. There are more to come from this verse as well as many more from the rest of the chapter. If you have any thoughts, please leave them in the comments below.

Yummy Hummus

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:00:00 +0000

This post is way off-topic, but I wanted to record it for future reference and easy searching.

I make hummus on occasion and, like most of my cooking, I never really follow a recipe. So when I do make a batch, it's pretty much based on what I have on hand and however inspiration hits me. This means it's never the same twice. Which is good for variety, but poor for repeatability. Tonight I made some that I think is my favorite so far. Thus, in order to reproduce it in the future, here's what I did.

2 15.5 cans (drained) garbanzo beans (a.k.a. chickpeas)
Scant 1/4 cup of liquid from beans
Scant 1/4 cup olive oil
1/8 cup lemon juice
1/8 cup Bragg's Amino Acids
1/2 t. or so of ground ginger
1/4 t. or so of ground mustard
1/4 t. or so of ground turmeric
Dash of cayenne pepper
5-6 cloves of fresh garlic
2 clementine oranges (minus a couple sections for the chef)

Combine and blend until smooth. Enjoy.

Two Brothers and Their Dad

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0000

There's a familiar story told by Jesus, as related by Luke^[1], paraphrased here:

There once were two brothers in business with their dad. The younger one wanted to leave home and so asked his father for his half of the family estate. When he received it, he left, traveled far away and partied with everyone he could convince to join him.

In time the money ran out and everyone left for the next rave. He was left alone with no friends and no means of support. Finally he got a menial, part-time job in order to have a place to stay. He fed himself by dumpster diving behind eating establishments. Eventually he realized his father's employee's ate better and decided to return to see if his father would employ him.

After a long and arduous trek back home, his father saw him in the distance and ran to embrace him. The son started his prepared speech, "Father, I am not worthy to be called your son..." whereupon his father interrupted him and, calling to his general manager, said "Put his name back on the checking account, put clothes on his back and call the caterer for a big feast. My son has returned."

When the older son returned from a business meeting, he saw all the festivities and asked the nearest employee what was happening. "Your brother has returned and your father is treating us all to a feast." The brother was angry, stalked to his office, slammed the door and sat down for a sulk. His father heard he was back and went to talk with him, "Your brother has returned. Come. Eat. Rejoice."

"But I've worked for you all these years and never asked for anything. You never had a feast for me."

"Oh, son, all I have belongs to you. But today, we must celebrate because your brother who was lost has been found."

Both these sons had their individual failings and short-comings. I don't think the father was ignorant of their problems. He knew the younger would waste his inheritance. He knew the older had a chip on his shoulder. Neither one's issues took him by surprise. But in both cases, he embraced them and reminded them of his love. To one he had to remind him that he was his child, and all he had to do was return to be restored to relationship. To the other, he had to remind him that he was his child and all he had belonged to him.

This parable is the third of a series. The first talked about a lost sheep.^[2] The second talked about a lost coin.^[3] And this one talked about a lost son.^[1] The end of all of them is a celebration of the lost thing being found.

One of Jesus' really mind blowing statements is similar to these stories.^[4] He has just met the woman by the well in Samaria and has engaged her in conversation. She asks Him a question about the proper place to worship. In an almost non sequitur response He replies with "A time is coming, and in fact is now here, when the true worshippers will worship in spirit and reality, for such worshipers the Father seeks out." The idea of almighty, self-sufficient God seeking, being on the look out for, searching out, weak, broken people for relationship is amazing.

As we celebrate Father's Day here in a week, remember the One who wants to be the Father of each one of us. If you're in a far country, out of fellowship with Him, take the risky step toward Him. He will run to you and embrace you. If you're in fellowship with Him and living by His side, remember He loves you in spite of your short-comings. You may be dark, but He finds you lovely. In any case, focus on His overwhelming love, return His embrace and let it be what produces the change to make you into the child He wants you to be.

1. Luke 15:11-32

2. Luke 15:3-7

3. Luke 15:8-10

4. John 4:7-26

The Rapture

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0000

I found it fascinating how the pop culture picked up on the Rapture theme a couple weeks ago. People have set dates for this event for since at least the beginning of last century. I remember it happening a number of times just in the last couple decades. So why did the setting a date this time capture the attention of the general public?

I don't have an answer for that but I do have a couple thoughts on the matter in general. The principle points are: I believe the rapture will happen^[1] and I believe no one knows when^[2], but I also believe we can have a general ideal of its relative timeliness.^[3] The following general overview of events surrounding the Rapture is based on how I understand the various passages in Scripture surrounding this topic.

At some point, a global government with a single charismatic leader will emerge.

For some this will be the best of times. Wars and conflict will cease. Global peace will appear to have been achieved. The middle east will no longer be a hotbed of conflict. The Jews will again have a temple in Jerusalem and will re-establish their daily sacrifices. There will be a single world-wide currency. Commerce will be regulated. People will prosper.

For others this will be the worse of times. If they don't conform to the system, they will be pursued, prosecuted and punished with the death penalty.

After approximately three and a half years, public opinion will turn against Israel. Over the course of several years, the conflict will increase to the point where the world's armies will surround this small strip of land.

It is in this context that the Rapture will occur. The sky will split open, Jesus will return in bodily form. Believers still alive at that point will be physically transformed, dead believers will raise from the dead and both groups will meet Him in the air. Jesus, along with all those with Him, will come to wage war against the global powers. At that point Jesus will establish His kingdom on the earth and rule over the planet from Jerusalem.

Yes, the Rapture will happen. There will be many signs preceding it for those paying attention. They will be aware of what's happening and be ready for it. The thing is, most of the population will either ignore the signs or openly scoff at them. For them, it will seem to happen suddenly and without warning.

I encourage everyone to study this for themselves. Jesus' second coming and the events surrounding it are some of the most written about topics in scripture. I believe they're there for a reason and we need to pay attention to them.

Footnotes

1. 1st Corinthians 15:51ff

2. Matthew 24:36-37

3. 1st Thessalonians 5:1-5; Luke 21:29-36

Geocentrism vs. Heliocentrism and the Gospel

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0000

From the times of the ancient Greeks, the best minds thought the earth was the center of the universe. Ptolemy formalized much of this thinking, providing tables that, with moderate accuracy, predicted astronomical events. Elaborate machines were made to model the solar system with everything circling the earth.

In the 1500s, Copernicus proposed a model placing the sun at the center of the universe. Following him, Kepler took the idea, combined it with detailed observational data, and mathematically discovered that elliptical orbits of the planets around the sun precisely described the observed data.

Much controversy ensued as proponents for both models debated back and forth. Galileo's trials are probably some of the best known examples of the turmoil caused by these ideas. One of Kepler's contemporaries by the name of Tycho, while disagreeing with him on theoretical models, employed him for his brilliant mathematical skills and observational abilities. Tycho's hybrid system had the earth at the center with the sun and outer planets orbiting it, while the inner planets orbited the sun.

I recently Stumbled upon a pretty cool web site. Like the elaborate armillaries of old, this site shows the positions of the planets relative to each other. Among its features, it will animate the solar system to show how the movements vary relative one to the other. Also, it has two modes, one to show the Tychonian geocentric model and one to show the Copernicean heliocentric model.

Below are two short videos. Each one is approximately eight earth-years of planetary movement compressed down to thirteen seconds.

The first shows how the planets trace crazy paths as they rotate around the earth. Everything is pretty chaotic. If you watch closely, you can see planets going around in spirograph-like swirls and swoops, doubling back on themselves and then crossing across their previous path as the observed motion in the sky is modeled with the earth at the center.

The second shows very neat and orderly motion with each planet rotating around the sun in an elliptical path. There are no crazy changes in direction. Each object traces a predictable, stable orbit with the sun at the center.

It's easy to see why the new model eventually replaced the old one in the way most people think about planetary motion. It reflected in a much simpler way the way things work. Yes, there was turmoil making the change, but the change eventually did come.

As I experimented with the controls for this virtual armillary, I realized these two models visually demonstrate very nicely the difference we have in our lives depending on who is at the center. You see, we have center upon which all our decisions, actions, thoughts and emotions are based. We are born at the center. To put it bluntly, we are self-centered. We believe everything revolves around us. Things and people around us have to move in crazy directions to keep this model working. We can watch the evening news or read the morning paper or look at our own lives to see the effects of these paths. Bombings. Coupes. Murders. Anger. Divorce. Mayhem. Chaos.

The problem is we weren't originally designed to be the center. All the problems come from the fact that this model doesn't match the reality we were created for. However, there is One who was created to be the center, God. When we shift our perspective and place Jesus at the center of our universe, all of a sudden things start moving into a better orbit. If we seek His will, His decisions and His direction for our lives, the patterns in our life will improve. He has always intended to be the center of all things, including our lives. When things revolve around Him, rather than us, paths that were crazy, chaotic and unpredictable become calm, smooth and routine.

Like the shift from the geocentric model to the heliocentric model, there will be turmoil. There will be turmoil in our own inner being. Self is used to being central and will soon enough want to move back to that place. When we realize it happening, we need to again shift focus and re-establish the rightful King to His place.

Additionally, there will be turmoil in relationships with others as changes in ourselves change the way we interact with them. This requires learning new ways of seeing and new ways of being as we submit our will, along with everything that flows from that action, to Jesus. Unfortunately, not everyone will like or agree with these changes. Many will desire to stay at the center of their own lives. When we refuse to walk the needed chaotic path to match their model but continue to follow the path around the Son, turmoil will ensue.

Eventually, this turmoil on the personal level will escalate to the global level. There is coming a time when two forces will collide. One will desire human will and the other will desire God's will. However, just like the heliocentric model eventually overcame the geocentric model, so too will the Christ-centered model replace the human centered one.

Where will your center be?

The Prince

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Several times, one of my favorite radio preachers, Steve Brown, has related this sermon illustration. I haven't heard it anywhere else, but each time he relates it, I think to myself, "I should write that down and share it." Rather than transcribing it, which is a lot of work, I will simply retell it here in my own words. I hope you enjoy it.

There once was a king who had a young son. Like any parent, he loved his son dearly. Every evening, after concluding the business of the realm, he'd find the small prince and they'd play together until bed time. However, one fateful night the king could not find the prince. He searched high and low. The palace staff spent the night scouring the grounds, looking for the youth. He was not found. The next morning, the king dispatched the royal guard to look for him. A reward was posted.

Meanwhile, the prince, wandered off by himself and got lost in the woods outside the castle walls. He floundered through the forest. His clothes tore on brambles and branches. He fell in some mud. Finally, after days of wandering, scared, tired, hungry, dirty and disheveled, he stumbled into a village. Tugging on the coat tails of the first adult he came upon, he told them he was the prince. They laughed at him. He certainly didn't look or sound princely. He went from one person to another. Each one reacted with scoffing, laughing or scolding. Finally, he began begging for scraps of food to feed his hunger.

Days turned to weeks, to months, to years. The young beggar grew and the memory of living in the castle faded into a distant memory and then became a fable in his mind. He fell in with a rough crowd. His natural leadership abilities caused him to rise through the ranks of the underground until he became the most wanted criminal in the kingdom. In his hardened cynicism he rebelled against all authority. The memory of his former life erased by the harsh realities of growing up on the streets.

One day the law finally caught him. He was tried, convicted and rightly sentenced to death. Through a long series of events, too long for this brief synopsis, the king found out this convicted criminal in his dungeon was his beloved son. He went down many flights of twisting stairs, descending from the royal chambers to the dark, dank sub-basement cells. He went in and sat on the cot opposite the sullen condemned man.

The king talked with the prince about their days long ago, playing together in the warm summer evenings, their mock sword battles in the lengthening spring afternoons, the stories told around the fire during dark winter months. The king described his great love for his son. The hard heart of the younger man was unmoved. Finally, the king told him he was free to go; he would not be executed the next morning.

With tears streaming down the age lines of his face, the now elderly king climbed the stairs back to his chambers.

A while after the king left, the younger man tested the cell door and found it open. He cautiously crept up the stairs. There was no guard. He left through the courtyard and gates, unchallenged. "The old fool is more daft than I imagined," he thought to himself as he left.

It wasn't until a few weeks later that the one-time prince found out the king, in order to satisfy justice, had been executed in his place.

That's not the end. The ending hasn't been written yet. You see, you and I are the former prince. Jesus is the king. The story's conclusion is written as we, as individuals, decide what we are going to do with this great sacrifice that was made on our behalf.

This is obviously an allegory. If you are interested in more detailed, historical information about Jesus and what His love drove Him to do for you, I recommend reading the gospel of Luke. It was written by a Greek physician for a Greek audience and so is probably easier for those of us from a Western culture to understand than the other gospels, written to people with more of an Eastern cultural background.

A Geek's Guide to Sports

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:00:00 +0000

I understand there is a big sports competition coming up this weekend. I don't know much about sports, but thought I'd share what I do know with my fellow geeks so they can be more informed around the office for water cooler conversations.

American Football

This is where two smart guys are mad at each other. They each have recruited two groups of really big supports. By "really big," I mean physically huge. Each group is trying to kill the other group's smart guy while at the same time trying to keep their smart guy from getting murdered by the opposing side's hit squad. They do this in a strange, alternating dance, where one team tries to kill the other's smart guy for a while and then they trade off and the second team tries to do in the first team's smart guy. To make their homicidal intents socially acceptable, they hide their true, life-ending goal behind a facade of moving an oblong ball from one end of a grassy expanse to the other.

Rugby

This is a variation of American Football, just without the smart guys.

Australian Football

This was developed in the southern hemisphere where everyone is upside down. I think the blood rushes to their heads since they've confused the rules. Like American Football and Rugby, there are two teams. However, half of each team plays American Football while the other half of each team plays Rugby.

Basketball

This is a track and field sport for tall people during the winter months when it's too cold to go outside. It involves a lot of running back and forth and back and forth (the track part) and jumping and heaving heavy objects (the field part) over their heads attempting to get it into a basket about the same size as the ball. All the while the other side is trying to stop the person with the ball. There are a couple guys running around dressed like zebras who randomly stop the action. Everyone gets angry at them. I think this has something to do with some hunting ritual that has slipped into the game. It's probably to remind us that sustenance is more important than games and we need to stop once in a while, come together and remember to focus on the hunt. Does zebra taste good? Seems like an odd animal to incorporate into the game.

Soccer

(This is known as Football in the rest of the world which actually makes more sense than what Americans call Football since it actually uses the feet whereas American Football uses the hands. Perhaps we should rename American Football to Handball. It'd certainly be more logical.) Anyway, soccer is just the same as Basketball except it's for short people who can't use their hands.

Hockey

This is soccer for people living in Canada where it's too cold for grass to grow. Since it's icy all the time, they play on frozen ponds while wearing skates. Other than that it's just like soccer. I think they must be really mad they have to play on ice since score is kept based on how much blood is shed.

Baseball

The strategy of this game is to play it so slow that you bore the other team into forfeiting. It's played with a small ball that, one by one, each team member tries to hit with a thin, long stick. Since these two items are both so small, they only come into contact randomly, thus prolonging the game. This is a great strategy to make the other team think they really are trying to move the game along when in fact it's simply a delaying tactic.

Cricket

The English have taken Baseball and really perfected the underlying goal of boring everyone. They obviously have much more patience that Americans though and have adapted the game to prolong it even further than the short-attention spans we have here in the colonies.

Well, now that you're better informed, I hope that helps you the next time the topic of sports comes up in the lunch room or during hallway conversations.

Interleaved Gospels: The Early Years

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:00:00 +0000

As I've read through the gospel accounts of the Christmas story, I found I wanted to have the events all in one narrative. So, I took all the gospel texts of Jesus' life from the announcement through His temptation in the wilderness and tried to put them in chronological order. I present it below in case someone else is interested in this also.

All text is strictly the gospel text from the NASB version.^[1] Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are all intertwined. Some parts of the gospels before Jesus was mentioned are not included such as the early history of John the Baptizer and Jesus' genealogy from the start of Matthew. However, once I started selecting text from a given gospel, I selected all the text until the end of the temptation story. Because of duplication between the gospels, there is a bit of back and forth on the timeline, particularly towards the end around the baptism and temptation sections.

The bulk of the text is from Matthew and Luke. Mark only contributed 4 verses. It was a bit tough deciding what to include from John since the first chapter is kind of a philosophical preamble rather than obvious history, like Matthew and Luke. In the end I decided to put it in, partly because I really like the first chapter of John but mostly because it is Christological in nature. If this is well received, I may do the same thing in two other sections: The Ministry Years and The Passion Week.

Since this is pretty long, it's also available as a PDF download.

The following text was used:
Matthew 1:18 - 4:11
Mark 1:9-13
Luke 1:26 - 4:13
John 1:1-34

The Early Years

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming in, he said to her, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. "And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God." And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! "And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord."

And Mary said:
"My soul exalts the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.
AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION
TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.
He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.
HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.
He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,
As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever."

And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home.

Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had displayed His great mercy toward her; and they were rejoicing with her. And it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to call him Zacharias, after his father. But his mother answered and said, "No indeed; but he shall be called John." And they said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by that name." And they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him called. And he asked for a tablet and wrote as follows, "His name is John." And they were all astonished. And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God. Fear came on all those living around them; and all these matters were being talked about in all the hill country of Judea. All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, "What then will this child turn out to be?" For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him.

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,
And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of David His servant--
As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old--
Salvation FROM OUR ENEMIES,
And FROM THE HAND OF ALL WHO HATE US;
To show mercy toward our fathers,
And to remember His holy covenant,
The oath which He swore to Abraham our father,
To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
For you will go on BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS;
To give to His people the knowledge of salvation
By the forgiveness of their sins,
Because of the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,
TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS
AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH,
To guide our feet into the way of peace."

And the child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit, and he lived in the deserts until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD WITH US." And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "EVERY firstborn MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD"), and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, "A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS."

And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, "Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation, Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel." And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed--and a sword will pierce even your own soul--to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."

And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: 'AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.'" Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him."

After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.

Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him." So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt. He remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "OUT OF EGYPT I CALLED MY SON."

Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi. Then what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: "A VOICE WAS HEARD IN RAMAH, WEEPING AND GREAT MOURNING, RACHEL WEEPING FOR HER CHILDREN; AND SHE REFUSED TO BE COMFORTED, BECAUSE THEY WERE NO MORE."

But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, and said, "Get up, take the Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel; for those who sought the Child's life are dead." So Joseph got up, took the Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Then after being warned by God in a dream, he left for the regions of Galilee, and came and lived in a city called Nazareth This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets: "He shall be called a Nazarene."

Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast; and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it, but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day's journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him.

Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You." And He said to them, "Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's house?" But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. And he came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins; as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, "THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, 'MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT. EVERY RAVINE WILL BE FILLED, AND EVERY MOUNTAIN AND HILL WILL BE BROUGHT LOW; THE CROOKED WILL BECOME STRAIGHT, AND THE ROUGH ROADS SMOOTH; AND ALL FLESH WILL SEE THE SALVATION OF GOD.'"

So he began saying to the crowds who were going out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father,' for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."

And the crowds were questioning him, saying, "Then what shall we do?" And he would answer and say to them, "The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise."

And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Collect no more than what you have been ordered to."

Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, "And what about us, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages."

Now while the people were in a state of expectation and all were wondering in their hearts about John, as to whether he was the Christ, John answered and said to them all, "As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." So with many other exhortations he preached the gospel to the people.

But when Herod the tetrarch was reprimanded by him because of Herodias, his brother's wife, and because of all the wicked things which Herod had done, Herod also added this to them all: he locked John up in prison.

Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said, "THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT!'"

Now John himself had a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins.

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance; and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father'; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" And he confessed and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ." They asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" And he said, "I am not " "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No." Then they said to him, "Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?" He said, "I am A VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, 'MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY OF THE LORD,' as Isaiah the prophet said."

Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, and said to him, "Why then are you baptizing, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?" John answered them saying, "I baptize in water, but among you stands One whom you do not know. "It is He who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie." These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testified about Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.'" For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?" But Jesus answering said to him, "Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he permitted Him.

Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased." After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased." Immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him; and a voice came out of the heavens: "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased."

The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is He on behalf of whom I said, 'After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.' I did not recognize Him, but so that He might be manifested to Israel, I came baptizing in water." John testified saying, "I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him. I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, 'He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.' myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God."

When He began His ministry, Jesus Himself was about thirty years of age, being, as was supposed, the son of Joseph, the son of Eli, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Hesli, the son of Naggai, the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Heber, the son of Shelah, the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan, the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Immediately the Spirit impelled Him to go out into the wilderness. And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him. Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil.

And He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He became hungry. And the devil said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." And Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE.'" (And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." But He answered and said, "It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'")

And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, "I will give You all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore if You worship before me, it shall all be Yours." Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD AND SERVE HIM ONLY.'" (Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, "All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Go, Satan! For it is written, 'YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.'")

And he led Him to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here; for it is written, 'HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU TO GUARD YOU,' and, 'ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.'" And Jesus answered and said to him, "It is said, 'YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.'" (Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, 'HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU'; and 'ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.'" Jesus said to him, "On the other hand, it is written, 'YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.'")

When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time. Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.

1. While NASB version of the Bible is a copyrighted work, I believe this falls under the Fair Use Doctrine as both a small extract of the whole and for educational purposes. More information can be found at the U.S. Copyright Office's web site.

The Theodrama in Three Acts

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 13:00:00 +0000

The last couple months, particularly as advent has approached, I've thought (and written) about the incarnation. Several times I've been reminded of seven verses that concisely summarize the whole theodrama^[1] of this present age from Genesis in the past to the future depicted in the apocalyptic books. They are hidden in the second chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippians and neatly divide into three sections.

Act I

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
-- Paul the Apostle (Philippians 2:5-7)

As the curtain rises, we see Jesus existing as part of God. His very nature was the same as God the Father's. Other translations say that He "did not consider it robbery to be equal with God." In other words, other beings considering Him to be God and worshiping Him as such did not in any way rob the Father, because both were God. Jesus was as much God as the Father was God. They were one in nature and being, although separate in expression and manifestation.^[2]

This is in contrast to the devil who wanted that same worship and in so doing did rob God of His due. Satan was of a different, created nature than the uncreated manifestation of God as Jesus. In desiring the worship reserved only for God, he fell and was removed from his place in heaven.^[3] Jesus however, even though He did deserve this adoration did not use it to His own advantage but set aside the glory He shared with the Father and took on the form of a created man.

Jesus was born to an unmarried woman in a culture where this was condemned. People scoff today at the thought of a virgin having a baby. People of Mary's time were no less ignorant of how babies are made than we are. I'm sure there was as much doubt then surrounding Mary's story of Jesus conception as there is today. Jesus not only took on the form of a human, but was born into a situation that was looked down on by the society around Him. He was not born in a place or to parents that would draw attention to who He was or the purpose for His coming.

The Maker of the Universe lived among His creation completely overlooked and ignored.

Act II

Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
-- Paul the Apostle (Philippians 2:8)

Jesus did not stop with descending to earth to become a man. As a perfect, sinless man, He continued to pour Himself out and offered Himself as the sacrificial Lamb. Neither the Jewish religious leaders nor the Roman political class took Jesus' life from Him. He gave it willingly. Even on His last night on earth, when they came to arrest Him, just a minor release of His authority caused them to fall to the ground. There is no way they could have crucified Him if He did not allow it. In addition to His own restrained power, only their perfect obedience and discipline kept legions of angels from coming to His rescue.^[4]

This center verse is the fulcrum of all history. Everything changes at the cross. The glorious, self-existant One empties Himself in humility, not just as a man, not just as a bastard son, but all the way to an execution as a naked, broken criminal. He did this out of love. He did this to bring redemption to mankind and all creation. His goal is to restore everything to the way it was when He first created it. He did this, with eyes firmly focused beyond the circumstances of that moment, on the future when all things will again be placed under His authority.^[5]

Act III

For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
-- Paul the Apostle (Philippians 2:8-11)

The final act in this story is yet future for us in history, but it's finished in the mind of God and He has told us the general shape of what it will look like. Some have said a third of scripture talks about the end of this age when Jesus will return and the Father will place all things under His authority. God has given us much information about the end times. It must be important to Him for us to know what will happen. There are many arguments about details and I do think some align better with scripture than others, but one thing is certain and we need to stay focused on: Jesus will reign and every being, whether angel or demon or human, will acknowledge His pre-eminence over all things. Some will do this willingly, having said to God throughout their lives "Thy will be done" and be accepted into His presence. Others will do so begrudgingly and God will say to them "thy will be done" as they are thrown out of His kingdom into everlasting darkness.^[6]

So, in this time of year when we think about His first coming as a weak, vulnerable infant, let us remember the great heights from which He has come to us. Let us remember the incredible depths from which He has saved us. And let us join with the shepherds and wise men and bow the knee, worshiping Him as both Lord and Savior.

Pearl Harbor Day

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 18:28:00 +0000

A date which will live in infamy.
-- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Photo from Paul Walsh (aka escapedtowisconsin)
Creative commons license

Complete text of FDR's address to Congress and the nation on December 8th following the attack.

Thoughts on the Incarnation

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:00:00 +0000

In a few weeks we will be celebrating Christmas. So much of this holiday is focused on lights and tinsel, gifts and family, parties and food. Sometimes we complain about all the hoopla and start to see these as bad things. But, in fact they are good things. This is a time to celebrate with joy, freedom and laughter. It's just that as we go about preparing for and participating in this season, we need to remember who and what this holiday is about. Towards this end, recently I've been thinking quite a bit about Jesus first coming.

The whole idea of the incarnation is mind blowing when you consider it: God, the creator of the universe, of everything that ever was, is or will be, became man. Infinite folded itself into the finite. Omnipotence limited to a frail human frame. Glory hidden in dust. The uncreated contained in the created. This is an earmark of historic Christianity: Jesus was not a man who became God, but rather He was God who became man. If we think we can comprehend how this happened, then we either have too low a view of God or too high a view of man whereupon this glorious, majestic miracle is reduced to just a nice event that may have occurred some time in the past.

When Gabriel appeared to Mary to tell her she was to bear Jesus, she asked the honest question "how can this be?"^[1] She knew how babies were made and knew the particular circumstances for that to happen had not occurred. She simply wondered from a natural perspective. Gabriel gave her an answer that seems to have satisfied her. But I wonder, did Gabriel have the same question from a spiritual perspective? Was he as satisfied by his own answer as she was? He'd stood before the throne in God's awesome presence. Did he wonder "how can God fit in man?"

The sixth chapter of Isaiah describes a vision of heaven. The Lord is seated on a throne, lofty and exalted. Seraphim fly around with covered faces, crying to one another saying "Holy, holy holy is the Lord of hosts. The whole earth is filled with His glory." The doorposts of the temple shook and smoke filled the place at this declaration.^[2] This same Lord walked the dusty Judean wilderness as an unremarkable man. He knew who He was. He had memory of creating those very hills.^[3] He'd closed the door for Noah. He told Joshua to be strong and courageous. He walked with Abraham. He had spoken with Isaiah those few centuries prior.^[4] However, those around Him saw Him as simply another man. There was nothing remarkable about Him that anyone would notice Him.^[5] He blended into the crowd. Satan, knew there was something special about Him, but I wonder if he really understood Who He was. When he tempted Jesus, did he know he was trying to get God to worship him?^[6] Or rather did he think he was simply trying to derail God's purpose in this man's life? Paul says if the rulers of this age had known who He was, they would not have crucified Him.^[7] So, I wonder, was His glory hidden even in the spiritual realms?

Yes, Jesus was much more than a super hero type of being. That is much too low a view of who He was. That is something we could kind of get our minds around. If we think we can wrap our minds around who Jesus was in His entirety, then we have an image of God in our own image and not in His image. The finite cannot comprehend the infinite in its totality. We can have sufficient knowledge to understand what He want's us to know in our relationship with Him, but we cannot have exhaustive knowledge into all that He is. His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.^[8]

When I meditate on the incarnation, on God wrapping Himself in flesh, the only response I have is to thank Him for revealing Himself and praise Him for Who He is.

It was from the depths that You grabbed me
Called me and pulled me
Up from the miry clay

It was when I was undeserving
And rightfully earning
Eternal separation from You

It took the blood of One,
The Pure and Spotless Lamb
It took the blood of One
The Man from Heaven

As I see the height from which You reign
And the depth to which You came
As I see the height to which You brought me
And the depth from which You saved

I will praise You
I will love You will all my heart
And I will thank You
Forever and ever
-- I Will Praise You by Jusin Rizzo

Mountains

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:00:00 +0000

In his book Dreaming With God (page 92), Bill Johnson recounts how both Bill Bright (of Campus Crusade for Christ) and Loren Cunningham (of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship) identified seven mountains in society that need invasion by kingdom-oriented individuals. They are:

Family
Church
Education
Business
Arts and Entertainment
Science and Medicine
Government

These men are correct. We need people advancing God's kingdom in each of these areas. However, today I want to see these areas in a different light.

Many people look to these places in our culture for help. In times of need some people call family and friends while others call on church relationships. Still others look to their own abilities in business. Finally, there's a growing segment who think it's the government's responsibility to take care of individuals. These resources, in and of themselves, are not necessarily bad things if we look to them as various means through which God provides support. But as I look around, it seems many are looking to these things instead of God. They have become idols. God needs to be the first person we run to for help in our times of need and the best way for this to happen is for us to practice running to Him in our times of plenty.

People who are involved in sports, martial arts and the military know the value of practice. They work on the fundamentals. They learn to control the ball. They learn to overcome their opponent. They learn to hit their target. They train hard so when they are in competition or under fire, the basic responses are instinctual; they don't have to think about them. The proper response becomes automatic. The same needs to be true for us in our relationship with God. We need to know the Word. The place of prayer needs to be familiar. In our hearts, the path to the throne should be well worn, so when times are tough we go to God automatically.

I believe this is the major point of the story of the Ten Virgins.^[1] There were ten virgins who went out with lamps to wait for their bridegrooms. While waiting they fell asleep. When the cry went out that the bridegrooms were coming, five found they had enough oil in their lamps but five found they didn't have enough. The oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. There were some who had a history with God that provided a reserve of oil sufficient for the time of need. There were some who had some interaction with God, they had some oil. But they didn't have enough to provide light in the middle of the night.

The mountains look big and strong and enduring and sufficient. But compared to God, they are nothing. He made them and they quake before Him.^[2] He is the One who runs over them.^[3] The mountains cannot provide the help we need. We need to look to the Lord, from where our help truly comes.^[4] In the end, all mountains will be God's.^[5]

In a couple weeks, here in the United States we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. During this season, turn your heart first and foremost to God and thank Him for everything you have. Practice being in His presence now so when times are tough the way to your Help is familiar and automatic.

Zombies

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Zombies. They are gaining attention in the popular culture. There are zombie walks. There are movies about zombies. They are characters in video games. There are talks given about how to survive a zombie apocalypse. There are web sites with zombies as their sole topic. They are all around in our entertainment and thought of as mythical. No one takes them seriously. But I'm here to say they are real and they are all around us. You see them every day. You may in fact be one.

To begin, let's start with a definition. There are many around the web but the one I like best is found at The Zombie Nation:

A living being stripped of it’s will, humanity, and normal behavior by outside forces either supernatural and mundane.

This definition has three elements to it:

dead people,
these people walk around doing things and
they are controlled by an external supernatural force.

Next, let's look at a section of scripture that Paul wrote to the Ephesians:

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.--Ephesians 2:1-3

This passage also includes the same three elements as the definition above.

Anyone living in their sins, anyone not following Jesus, anyone disobedient to God, is dead.
They are walking around following their lusts.
They are controlled by a spiritual force in rebellion to God.

Therefore, they fit perfectly the definition first given. That person is a zombie.

In Adam, everyone inherits a sin nature. From the moment of conception, even though we are alive physically, we are dead spiritually. God knows us, but we don't know Him. We are separated from Him. Cut off. We live according to our lusts, slaves to sin. By ourselves, we have no hope of life. We don't have a chance of lifting ourselves out of the hole we're born in to. It would be like a single individual trying to pay off the debt of the United States. It is impossible.

If this were the end of the story, we'd be in very sad shape. However, it is not. There is some great news.

In Christ, we can be made alive. Jesus revealed God to us. He was a sinless man doing only what the Father told Him. He was the only human who didn't inherit Adam's sinful nature. Although He was all this, He was so much more. Jesus showed us God's heart and character because He was in His very nature God. And because of all this, by His death He paid that debt that was impossible for us to pay. When we accept this gift and put all our trust in becoming alive only in what He's done for us, we are united with Him and receive life from the very author of life. We no longer are slaves to sin but become alive to righteousness.

Everyone was born a zombie.

We don't have to stay that way.

But many still are.

Are you?

Can we lose our salvation?

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0000

My friend and I were talking the other day about the sermon at his church on Sunday. The focus of the message was on the assurance of our salvation from John.

You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. --John 15:16

His pastor emphasized the fact that we're chosen by God, not of our own volition, and so we'll remain in Him. My friend was a bit confused by this, particularly when read in context. The previous verses present a metaphor of us being branches on the vine of Christ and if we don't abide in Him, we'll be gathered up and burned. So, we talked a bit about some of the differences between the Calvinist and Arminian positions regarding the perseverance of the saints and eternal security.

Then, during this morning's workout, I listened to one of my favorite radio preachers, Steve Brown. His message was about the fact that the church as a whole isn't going to disappear. One of the points he touched on involved eternal security of the individual as typically presented by five-point Calvinists.

In the context of these two events, the whole debate between the Calvinists and Arminians came back to the fore of my thinking. This is one of those topics that is somewhat interesting to me, but not enough to spend a lot of time really digging into it. I certainly make no claim to know the topic really well.

Having said that, I grew up in churches heavily influenced by Wesleyan thought with its roots in Arminian teaching and the belief in the possibility of losing our salvation. This has never fully set right with me. I've done some reading on Calvinism and am not really comfortable with their position, as I understand it, either. Both have apparent extremes, each supported in part by some Bible passages, that are hard to reconcile when you look at all of scripture. My intuition is that much of the debate is due to our lack of perspective and limited understanding.

As I was mulling over these issues, it occurred to me that perhaps at least part of the problem is the way it's framed. It is typically put in the context of "can we lose our salvation or not?" I think the problem with this may be the term "lose". This carries the connotation of accidental or inadvertent failure to retain possession. Sort of an "oops, I misplaced my salvation. Now where did it go?"

I wonder what would happen to the debate if we framed it more in terms of actively rejecting Jesus rather than passively losing our salvation. I think it might make more sense to ask

Can I go to hell by actively rejecting Jesus' offer of salvation, regardless of what I previously professed?

I don't have any conclusions, just thought that was an interesting shift of perspective.

References

Some Wikipedia articles with background on the topic:

Why war against the King of Kings?

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0000

During my read through Revelation over the last year, one of the things that has never really made sense to me in this book is the mindset of those who war against God. I've always pondered, "who do they think they are?" I mean things that have never happened before in history are happening. Cataclysmic judgment is falling around them, they know He caused it, and yet they don't repent and turn to Him for salvation.^[1]

In one of the last scenes, the armies of all nations on the planet are arrayed against the King of all Kings. Up to this point, there have been all sorts of incredible signs that the end is near and they need to repent. Finally, the sky has split open and Jesus has come down from heaven.

Stop. Think about this. There is no special effects team creating this in some movie software and putting it on the screen. This is here and now reality. The One who created the universe in all its intricate detail, majestic beauty and awesome power stands in front of them. Yet they doggedly persist in rebellion. How can they? Do they not see they are doomed? And then it hit me, I'm looking at this in too limited a context. I have to back up a bit and get a bigger picture.

There's a significant part of our society that denies the spiritual. They say there is no God. They think they find naturalistic explanations for things that scripture clearly explains God caused. Within this context of discrediting anything their concept of science cannot support, the Anti-Christ and his false prophet make their appearance with demonstrable signs of supernatural power. Their abilities fill an vacuum created by society's refusal of the unearthly. With nothing to compare to, their power seems large, mighty and overwhelming. However, in reality, when compared to Jesus power, they are so insignificant as to not matter.

So, in the end, because of their prejudice, as Revelation says^[2], the Anti-Christ deceived them. They cannot see that the one they follow who they think has enormous power is a mere slave when compared to the King. They thought they were wise in denying that God created the universe. They thought in their wisdom they found natural reasons for things that, without their blinders of preconception, are obviously from the Creator. This reliance on their own understanding opened them to being deceived and played the fool and ultimately their destruction.^[3]

1. Revelation 6:16, Revelation 9:20, Revelation 9:21, Revelation 16:9, Revelation 16:11

2. Revelation 19:20

3. Romans 1:18-32

Plumbing tip: cold or wet?

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:15:00 +0000

As I prepared for bed last night, while standing at the bathroom sink, I glanced down and saw a pool of liquid in front of my toes. My first thought was a cat had decided that location was a better place than its box to do its business. However as I began cleaning it up, I realized there was more there than a feline's bladder would hold. It also didn't smell as I expected it would.

This was water coming out from under the cabinet. Uh, oh. Not good. On further investigation, I found a drip from the shutoff valve for the toilet next to the sink. Sigh. I knew what my day off would entail. I went down to the basement, shut the water off to the house, mopped up what I could, put towels under the drip to catch anything remaining in the pipes and went to bed.

This morning I picked up a new valve at the local toy store (aka Home Depot), came home and replaced the valve. After I turned on the water, I went back up to check for leaks. The tank was filling, so cold water was running through the pipes. I find it hard when doing plumbing work to feel the difference between cold and wet and so I used a trick I picked up somewhere years ago.

To find leaks, wipe a piece of tissue paper around the joints.

The fine paper will fill the small crevices at the juncture of the pipes and wick up any moisture it finds. When you look at the paper, wet spots are obvious by the color and texture differences, a sure sign of further work needed. A second check is also a good idea to make sure there aren't any slow leaks. In this case, everything was good and I could move on to my next task for the day.

What is the Gospel? (and status update)

noreply@blogger.com (Harley Pebley) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 22:25:00 +0000

Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening
Originally uploaded by hpebley3

My friend Mike Frye has a great blog called Shewmen and asked me to write a guest article. I chose the topic "What is the Gospel?" and it can be read here. Thanks Mike for that opportunity and the accountability to actually publish something.

Speaking of publishing something, I was fairly quiet on this blog last year. I have quite a few articles in various stages of completeness, some are about faith and some are politics. Some of the quietness came from a lack of time to do final editing. However, it was due in larger part to the fact that as I was writing them in the wake of the 2008 elections and the changes immediately thereafter, I found the tone and my heart to be moving in a direction I wasn't sure was where I wanted to go. In light of this, I backed off pressing the publish button.

I plan to revisit, and probably publish, most of them this year. With some perspective and prayer, hopefully they'll have the tone I wish them to have.

I pray everyone has a blessed 2010.

The Episodic Author

Feel far from God?

Black, White and Shades of Grey

Are Republicans Anti-Science?

Be Merry! (Why?)

Related articles:

Enough Excitement For This Week

Attributes of Jesus from Revelation 1 (4 of 4)

Holds seven stars in His right hand

Out of his mouth comes a sharp, double-edged sword

Face shining like the sun in its strength

First and Last

Living One

Was dead

Now alive forevermore

Hold keys of death and Hades

Attributes of Jesus from Revelation 1 (3 of 4)

Among the lamp stands

Son of Man

Robe to feet

Golden sash on His chest

Head and hair like wool and snow

Eyes like blazing fire

Feet like burnished bronze, glowing from a furnace

Voice like many waters

Attributes of Jesus from Revelation 1 (2 of 4)

Lover

Freer

Maker

Receiver

Coming on the clouds

Visible to all

Alpha and Omega

The Almighty

Voice like a trumpet

Attributes of Jesus from Revelation 1 (1 of 4)

Jesus

Christ

Faithful witness

Firstborn from the dead

Ruler of the kings

Yummy Hummus

Two Brothers and Their Dad

The Rapture

Further reading

Related posts

Footnotes

Geocentrism vs. Heliocentrism and the Gospel

The Prince

A Geek's Guide to Sports

American Football

Rugby

Australian Football

Basketball

Soccer

Hockey

Baseball

Cricket

Interleaved Gospels: The Early Years

The Early Years

The Theodrama in Three Acts

Act I

Act II

Act III

Further reading

Pearl Harbor Day

Thoughts on the Incarnation

Further reading:

Related posts

Mountains

Further reading:

Zombies

Further reading

Can we lose our salvation?

References

Why war against the King of Kings?

Plumbing tip: cold or wet?

What is the Gospel? (and status update)