Advent: Bathsheba's Love

Big Idea: Though Bathsheba experienced heartbreak from David’s rash sin, rather than letting the  consequences of sin define her, she chose to speak out with love.

Commander takes soldier’s wife, kills husband

My husband is a military man. Codes of conduct ensure trust between military members. Integrity is a core value. Taking a soldier’s spouse for your pleasure is never right and does not engender trust.

David should never have let this happen. Hollywood’s story of David and Bathsheba implies she was a seductress. But honestly we don’t see that in the Bible.

What we know about Bathsheba

• Her grandfather, Ahithophel, was one of King David’s advisors. (2 Samuel 15:2)
• Her father, Eliam, and husband, Uriah, were both part of David’s Mighty Men, an elite fighting force. (2 Samuel 23: 34,39)
• Both Uriah and Bathsheba carefully followed Old Testament practices of purity
• Uriah wouldn’t sleep with his wife while preparing for battle. (1 Samuel 21:5)
• Bathsheba bathed for purification after menstruation in desert conditions, probably using a water basin. (Leviticus 15). It was not a leisurely bubble bath.
• The Bible does not say Uriah and Bathsheba had children. They may have been newly married.
• Bathsheba was summoned by the King. She may have felt she couldn’t refuse him.
• When Uriah died in battle, Bathsheba mourned for him. (2 Sam. 11:26)
• When Bathsheba lost her baby, she mourned. (2 Sam. 12:24)
• After the death of her husband Uriah, David made her his 7th wife. (2 Sam. 11:27)
• David was chastised by Nathan the prophet for his sin. Bathsheba was not. (2 Sam. 12)
• David’s private sin had grave consequences for his family and kingdom. It bred open sexual sin by his sons, and a divided political world. (2 Sam. 13 and following)
• Her second son was Solomon, considered the wisest man in the world. (2 Sam. 12:24)
• David promised Bathsheba Solomon would be the heir to the throne. (I Kings 1:13)
• She was an advocate for her son, Solomon, reminding David to hand him the throne. (I Kings 1)
• Bathsheba spoke to King Solomon advocating for what she felt was right. (I Kings 2)
• She is most likely the Proverbs 31 woman. Most scholars believe “King Lemuel” was Solomon sharing advice from his mother, Bathsheba. It was about how to act as a king, to value women, what a woman of value is. I am sure Solomon realized that is what she became! (Proverbs 31)

Love out of heartbreak

I believe young Bathsheba, though she did not protest against David, was taken advantage of. She was a voiceless victim. David paid dearly for his sin, but Bathsheba was affected too. The consequences of sin affect more than the individual. They affect those around them too. 

She was heartbroken losing her husband and then her first baby. She must have been heartbroken with David how his grown sons acted in public, trying to destroy the kingdom and openly sleeping with other women in David’s family.

In time, Bathsheba found her voice to be an advocate for family, for politics, and for women by presenting the picture of the Proverbs 31 woman. Indeed, her advice in Proverbs is loving and wise.

Why was Bathsheba in Jesus' genealogy?

Bathsheba was the fourth woman mentioned in Matthew 1 as part of the genealogy of Jesus. Each one was a surprising part of Jesus lineage.  In fact, Uriah, the murdered husband of Bathsheba, is also mentioned.

Jesse was the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon (whose mother was Bathsheba, the widow of Uriah). Matthew 1:9 NLT

Jesus was remarkably equally God and equally man. He came to take on flesh and understand mankind, so He could conquer death and sin. These flawed human beings in Jesus' genealogy show us he took on flesh as we know it, with all the gnarly baggage it entailed.  In all the scandal and emotional scars of David and Bathsheba, He took on the family baggage of human kind.  He gets us. He walked as one of us. 

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. I John 1:14 NLT

 

Lessons from Bathsheba

• Love your spouse.
• Love your children.
• Even after being a victim, or making a mistake, find your voice and act honorably.
• Stand up for what’s right.
• Be an advocate for others.
• Know that with God's help you can overcome your family baggage.
• Jesus came for families like yours and mine.

The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him.  Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.   Proverbs 31: 1,8,9 NLT

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Up next: Mary: The Dark Days of Winter
Previous post: Advent: Joy for Ruth

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Reflect:

1. Have you suffered at the brunt of someone else’s sin? Have you gotten involved in something wrong because you felt you could not say no to someone more powerful? How has this effected your life? Reflect on the example of Bathesheba.

2. In learning more about Bathsheba what new aspect have you learned about her life? What can you admire about her? How might her example be helpful in your walk in life?

Advent: Joy for Ruth

Big Idea: Ruth, from the genealogy of Jesus, found joy though she experienced multiple losses.

Migrant Widow finds Love in the Barley Fields

A beautiful love story is presented in the Biblical book of Ruth. Before the joy of love, she went through heartbreak, hunger and lived with a bitter mother-in-law.

There was famine in Israel. A family from Bethlehem migrated to Moab to survive. Their two boys married Moabite women. Then the father and two sons died. It left deep wounds on these three women.

The mother, Naomi decided to go back to Bethlehem. She told her daughter-in-laws to stay in their homeland and marry again. One agreed to stay. The other named Ruth begged Naomi to take her along. Her eloquent speech is often quoted at weddings. But it was declared to her mother-in-law.

Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Ruth 1: 16 NLT

Anger at God

Naomi’s bitterness and anger were so palpable; she arrived in Bethlehem asking everyone to call her “Mara,” which means “bitter.” Tragedy sometimes leaves people feeling like this toward God.

“The Almighty has made life very bitter for me. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty.” Ruth 1: 20-21 NLT

Ruth seemed gentle though she lost her husband, and left her family and all she ever knew behind. Living with a bitter mother-in-law must have been extra taxing.

What is Gleaning?

Ruth and Naomi must have been hungry, for Ruth decided to glean in the barley fields.

From ancient societies to the present day, the poor can go behind harvesters in farmer’s fields to gather what’s left behind. This practice is called gleaning. My parents gleaned potatoes in North Dakota in the 1960s when my father’s company experienced a lengthy strike.

When Ruth started to glean, Boaz the field owner, noticed Ruth. Others told him of her kindness to Naomi. He asked the other workers to leave extra food where Ruth gleaned and then gave her lunch with his field workers.

The Kinsman Redeemer

When Ruth came home with so much food, Naomi told her she found the field of a relative! Naomi, noticing how Boaz had treated Ruth, saw a possible marriage match!

Naomi coached Ruth to present to Boaz at the barley threshing floor while he slept and lay down at his feet. 

Boaz was surprised and honored. The Levirate practice was possible, which was to marry a close relative to produce an heir for the passed husband. Additionally another practice would be fulfilled, called Kinsman Redeemer, to help a relative in need or in trouble to save the family.

Boaz was willing. Even better, it was a love match!

Their offspring was part of the lineage of King David and Jesus the Messiah. (Matthew 1:5) Amazingly the redeemer of the family line through the non-Israeli Ruth would produce the Redeemer who would also rescue us in our desperate need. 

Ruth, a heartbroken penniless migrant widow who scavenged for leftover food found joy. She experienced joy when all was lost.

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Up next: Advent: Bathsheba's Love
Previous post: Advent: Peace for Rahab
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Reflect:

1. Ruth seems less scandalous than the other women in the genealogy of Matthew. But what might have been some of Ruth’s emotions through this ordea?. Think of her losing her husband, leaving her homeland, living with a bitter mother-in-law, needing to scavenge the earth for food…

2. How might you relate to something in Ruth’s life?

3. How was Boaz her rescuer? Can you see Jesus as rescuer in your life?

He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. Psalm 103:4 NLT

They will be called “The Holy People” and “The People Redeemed by the Lord.” And Jerusalem will be known as “The Desirable Place” and “The City No Longer Forsaken.” Isaiah 62:12 NLT

Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. Galatians 1:4 NLT

Advent: Peace for Rahab

Big Idea: Rahab found peace, love and faith in the midst of war, and she was ultimately in the genealogy for the Prince of Peace.

Wartime Bride from the Red-Light District finds Peace

There’s something about the potential for loss and the desire for belonging in war that draws couples together. It has for many centuries.

Unsplash by Andres Molina

Over 3000 years ago a woman from Jericho’s red-light district was valiantly rescued with her family finding peace, faith and love for eternity. Literally. Her offspring from wartime marriage was Boaz, then Obed, Jesse, and King David of Israel. Ultimately, her line became part of the line of Jesus the Messiah.

The Spy Who Loved Me

Cue the James Bond music. This story began with two spies needing cover. They lodged near the city gate with Rahab, a brave, shrewd Canaanite prostitute. When gruff voices came to break her door down looking for the spies, she hid them on the rooftop.

Did previous clientele tell the amazing stories of the Israelites coming out of Egypt, or was she just impressed with their faith? After re-routing the city soldiers, she made a tremendous declaration.

“I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land have melted away before you. When we heard it, our hearts melted and no courage remained in any man any longer because of you; for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. 12 Now therefore, please swear to me by the Lord, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father’s household, and give me a pledge of truth” Joshua 2: 9, 11-12 (NASB)

The spies agreed if she marked her place with a scarlet cord, with her family in place, they would be rescued.

The Day the Walls Fell

The day of battle came. The walls came down and it was like a bomb had gone off. The spies kept their promise and found Rahab and family and rescued them (Joshua 6). Years later it was remarked the entire family was still living with the Israelites.

Rahab married an Israeli named Salmon. Was he one of the spies who encountered this brave woman on the spy journey? Many Biblical historians have asked this same question. The Greek text in Matthew implied Salmon was princely.

The Family Tree

Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz was the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse. Matthew 1:5 NASB

In the ancestral tree from Rahab and Salmon, Boaz was born. His wife Ruth was also part of this lineage. Incredibly two non-Hebrew women were closely tied to the Royal family of Israel’s King.

Hebrews 11 is a Hall of Faith, highlighting Old Testament faith examples. Rahab, still referred to as a prostitute, shows faith changes who you are. 

By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace. Hebrews 11: 31. NASB

 

Peace when war and desolation comes

Our war bride may have wondered when the walls came crashing down if she would be safe. Not only did she find safety. She found peace. The Prince of Peace.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:11 NASB

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Up next: Advent: Joy for Ruth
Previous post: Advent: Hope for Tamar

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Reflect:

1. When do you feel a lack of peace or life in total chaos in your life? What grounds you and brings you back to peace? How well does it work for you?

2. Reflect today on Jesus as your Prince of Peace. He wants to be your rescuer. He will come for you like the spies did for Rahab.  He will bring you peace. Reflect on that!

Advent: Hope for Tamar

Big Idea: The story of Tamar in Genesis 38 shows us patience, resilience and hope in the midst of a hopeless situation.

I Blackmailed my Father-in-law to have my Baby

You’ve had double-whammy disappointments. The door is now closed. How long do you wait till you give up hope? Tamar’s bizarre story in Genesis 38 models patience, resilience and hope. All that was lost was redeemed, even well into the future.

From the Beginning  

Genesis is about beginnings. After Adam and Eve’s choice of their way instead of God’s way, humanity followed suit and spiraled out of control with broken relationships, selfishness and hatred.

But God had a plan to pull us out of chaos and re-establish Eden-worthy friendship with mankind. God called Abraham as the father of Israel. Jesus, Son of God, born of a Jewish woman, was sent to be our rescuer.

Who is Judah?

The term “Jews” comes from the name Judah, of which became the predominate tribe in Israel.

Judah is where Tamar’s story began. Abraham’s grandson Jacob had 12 sons, one named Judah. Judah left the family homestead, married a Canaanite woman and had 3 sons.

Judah chose Tamar a Canaanite for Er, his first son. Son #1 was such a cruel man God took his life.

The Levirate Law

According to ancient law, if a man died without an heir, his brother had to marry the widow and the offspring was considered his brother’s child.

Son #2, Onan, was a very cruel man too. He even made sure Tamar would not get pregnant. God took his life too.

Tamar, the Return Gift

Since son #3 Shelah, was still a child, Judah sent Tamar back to her father. That’s like giving back a gift you don’t like. Tamar had no say in any matter. Even when son #3 was grown Judah never sent for Tamar.

She remained a widow, likely considered no good, thrown away. She kept waiting. Hoping.

Trickery and Blackmail

One day she heard Judah was coming. She dressed like a prostitute and sat by the road. Judah saw her and propositioned her!

He never knew it was Tamar! She wanted a pledge of his identification till he sent payment. Later when he sent payment people said there was no prostitute there.

Three months later, he heard Tamar acted like a prostitute and became pregnant. Incensed, he asked she be burned for this! Tamar then pulled out his identification.

“Recognize these items?” she asked.

Sheepishly he stated, “She is more righteous than I.”

An amazing ancestry

Tamar birthed twins. One of them, Perez, was an ancestor of both King David, and later, Jesus.

Jewish genealogy never includes women except Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus mentioning 4 women, 3 of them non-Jews, all of scandalous reputation.

Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah (whose mother was Tamar). Matthew 1:6

Three things to learn from Tamar

1. Be patient.

Women had little say in domestic issues in ancient Middle Eastern culture. She was powerless to change her situation. She waited, and waited a long time. Years! God saw her pain. Not only did she have twins, she ended up in a genealogy of honor.

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1

2. Be resilient.

Resilience is important for mental health and well being. We keep going on, pressing forward. There needs to be an ability to endure, and bounce back from difficulties. Tamar, when she saw an occasion to resolve what she had been promised, executed a plan flawlessly. We are not informed whether she prayed or not. However, her sons were clearly connected with the faith of their father and God was honored.

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 NLT

3. Have Hope

In a hopeless situation where Tamar was victimized and probably the butt of many rumors, she kept hoping for a child and hoping to be rescued from her impoverished state. We do not sense bitterness in her. We only see her move forward. She was rewarded with twins!

Judah’s brother-in-law, Joseph, noted:

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. Genesis 50:20 NLT

God is always working. The answer from God is not often immediate. But in the big picture, God is in control. He is always waiting for us to come to Him and eager to help us even before we ask.

I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! Isaiah 65: 24 NLT

The earthly heritage of Jesus

Being listed in the genealogy of an important person was an honor. How amazing that a Canaanite woman posing as a prostitute to trick her father-in-law to have his baby was in Jesus’ lineage.

Truly the emphasis on these scandalous people in Jesus’ lineage points to the fact that Jesus came for Jews and non-Jews alike. He came for victims and beggars. He came for the broken mistreated people. He took on our sin. And He came to restore us to Eden-worthy friendship with God.

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Up next: Advent: Peace for Rahab

Previous post: Advent: 5 Scandalized Women
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Reflect:

1. Can you relate to Tamar on some level? Perhaps in waiting? Perhaps in disappointment?

2. Look over the Bible verses in this blogpost. Is there one that resonates with you today? Sit with it a bit. Chew on the words. Talk with God about it.

Advent: 5 Scandalized Women

 

Big Idea: The women noted in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew reveal that anyone can find light in this very dark world.

5 Women in Jesus' Ancestry

Today there is heightened awareness of mistreated women and cultural diversity. The Bible reveals four scandalous women who are surprisingly ancestors of Jesus.

The Bible does not shy away from scandal and victimized women. It reveals how we can find light in a dark world.

The 5 Scandalized Women

The headlines for each of these women could sound like a Jerry Spring episode or a hot Harlequin romance novel.


· Tamar: How I blackmailed my father-in-law to have his baby

· Rahab: The rescued red-light war bride

· Ruth: The refugee widow finds love in the wheat fields

· Bathsheba: Commander takes soldier’s wife, then has husband killed

· Mary: Unwed pious teen gives birth in a barn

Reflecting on Women at Advent

Advent is celebrated in churches worldwide for the 4 weeks before Christmas. It means “the coming” and is designed as time to reflect about Christmas.

We will follow a common Advent patterned theme series:

· Tamar: Hope when no hope is in sight

· Rahab: Peace when war and desolation comes

· Ruth: Joy when all is lost

· Bathsheba: Love out of heartbreak

· Mary: Light in a dark and dirty place


No matter what your hardship or dilemma, take heart in how these 5 women mattered. They mattered to God and they made an impact on the world.

Listen to a few words on this subject of God seeing those who are hurting in Mary’s spontaneous poem of honor to God.

He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him.
He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands.
He has… remembered to be merciful. Luke 1: 50, 53,54b

I need a bit of mercy today. How about you?

The four Sundays before Christmas are the official days for Advent, but I will post as usual on Wednesdays. If you would like to set up an Advent wreath, read this blogpost.

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Up next : I blackmailed my father-in-law to have his baby
Previous post: Three Simple Steps to Thankfulness When Life Caves In
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Reflect:

1. What do you want to ask of or say to God? Tell Him. You might think He won’t be happy to hear what you have to say, but He’s not fragile. He can handle it. He wants to open dialogue with you.

IBS-38 Dwelling on the Word: Made Pratical for Easter

The Big Idea: Diane practices memorizing and reviewing Isaiah 53 every year during Lent which draws her mind to Christ’s work accomplished on the Cross.

Raised in a conservative Christian home attending an evangelical church, Lent was not familiar to me. We celebrated one day. Easter Sunday at my Grandparent’s church in Minot, North Dakota. I loved sitting next to my Grandpa singing enthusiastically together, “Up From the Grave He Arose”.

The Practice of Lent

At 40 I married a widower, an evangelical Air Force chaplain. He found the spiritual disciplines of Advent and Lent useful for a deeper walk with Christ. Leading up to Easter he would either give up something like diet cola or television, or add something like volunteer or read a book on Christ to prepare for Easter. Every Good Friday we practice silence from Friday noon to 3 PM, the time Jesus was on the cross. It has been a profound annual exercise for me.

A couple years ago I decided to memorize Isaiah 53 (in King James, so poetic) during Lent. This Old Testament chapter graphically describes what Christ accomplished on the cross. That year I memorized up to verse 7.

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. Is. 53:7 KJV

The M&Ms: Memorization and Meditation

Often during Lent I revisit Isaiah 53. Review is important for Bible memorization as our mind easily forgets. I have not yet memorized the entire chapter but I annually meditate on its word pictures whether in traffic, at the grocery store, or at the doctor’s office. I sing hymns reflecting the passage.

“Man of Sorrows”

“O Sacred Head now Wounded”

“What Wondrous Love is This.”

This year I have been reading it and mulling it over in the New Living Translation.

Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. Is 53:4a

I have recently carried sorrow and heaviness. This passage assures me of His presence, and His profound love for all that I carry.

Memorizing Scripture and meditating on it is a lifetime effort. It carries great benefit for my mind and soul. Try it. It costs nothing and provides great comfort and insight.

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This post is thirty-eight in a series as a Practical Starter Guide for Inductive Bible Study.
Table of Contents

Up next: Trust and Obey: To be happy
Previous post: Dwelling on the Word: Meditation
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Reflect:

1. The phrase “spiritual discipline” was used. Meditation is sometimes called that. Why might it be called a discipline?

2. If you could memorize a verse or passage for Easter what might it be? How do you think it may be helpful?

Shine: The Christ Candle

The Big Idea: About the fifth Advent candle, called the Christ Candle, focusing on Jesus as the light that has come into the world.

 

The Last Candle

The Christ Candle is lit last. Advent guides us to anticipate Him. A child gets excited for Christmas day to open presents. Advent gets us excited to celebrate His arrival into the world.


Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. Isaiah 60:1 (NKJV)

The Christ Candle is in the center. The reason for the season is Jesus. He is central to the story. He is the essential perfect One. God exalts Him above all for His willingness for this earthly mission. He is central and best for us when placed at the center of our life.

After He became a man, He gave up His important place and obeyed by dying on a cross. Because of this, God lifted Jesus high above everything else. He gave Him a name that is greater than any other name. Philippians 2:8-9 (NLT)


For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; Revelation 7:17 (NIV)

The Christ Candle is white for purity. Jesus represents the spotless Passover lamb, the perfect sacrifice for sin. He is our Passover lamb, absolute perfect sacrifice once and for all!

For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. Hebrews 10:10 (NLT)

The Christ Candle shines brightest in the dark. I love lighting the candles best at night. It is brightest against a dark backdrop. Jesus brought light into the world. He lights our darkness, chasing away the shadows of doubt, fear and oppression.

I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. John 12: 46 (NLT)

The Christ Candle shines together with all the other candles on the Advent wreath. Everything is created by Him and for Him, the Ultimate One worthy of all our praise.

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. Colossians 1:16-17a

Shine in the Darkness

He came shine as a light in this world. We reflect Him. Others see Him through us. Our world is so ridden with darkness. May His light shine through you this Christmas.

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NKJV)

He has come. Blessed Christmas!

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Up next: Why Read Through the Whole Bible This Year?

Previous post: Angel Tracking: The Angel's Candle

Note: We have been in the process of going through a Practical Starter Guide of Inductive Bible Study. We will resume this series in January.

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Reflect:

1. What darkness is around you right now? Is it the cultural climate? A family situation? A work situation? Consider God sent Jesus to light the darkness. How might this make a difference in your darkness?

2. Take a moment and reflect on Jesus as light to your soul.

3. Reflect on the light of Jesus in YOU. How do you reflect Him?

Angel Tracking: The Angel's Candle

 

The Big Idea: About the fourth Advent candle, the Angel’s Candle, focusing on the role of angels in the story of Jesus birth.

Angel Tracking

How do you picture an angel? A cute little cherub? A man in white with feathery wings?  A figurine at Grandmother’s house? The Bible tells us little about angel appearance. They are neither man nor woman and without age. Imperfect ideas of angels abound. They don’t earn their wings as the Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” implies.

Angels are heavenly spirit beings mentioned close to 300 times in the Bible. God created them to serve Him. 

Find the Angel

Angels have numerous roles in the Bible, such as protection, guarding, and serving. The Biblical word  “angel” means “messenger.” Angels play this role in the Christmas story.

• An angel informed Zachariah he’d become the father of John the Baptist to direct people to the Messiah (Luke 1: 11-19).
• An angel told Mary she was favored of God and how Jesus would be conceived in her (Luke 1:26-38).
• An angel reassured Joseph (Matthew 1:24-26) that Mary was  pregnant by the Holy Spirit not by another man, to care for Jesus and what to name Him.
• An angel told the shepherds of Jesus’ amazing birth and how to find Him (Luke 2:9-15).
• An angel warned Joseph in a dream to go to Egypt for Jesus’ life was in danger (Matthew 2:13)
• After the threat subsided an angel advised Joseph in a dream to return safely to Israel (Matthew 2: 19-20)

Angels spoke on God’s behalf; special messengers with a specific message. Angels on track with God.

Advent, means “coming. ” This fourth week, reflect on angel involvement. The key word is peace, likly from the praise anthem preformed by a huge heavenly choir to the shepherds in Bethlehem. They proclaimed,

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:14 (NLT)

Tracking Angels

Angels are mysterious creatures. Curiosity pricks at us. Some apply more faith and energy into angel worship than in God. While true today, it was also true in Bible times. Jews in antiquity gave different names to angels, assigning specific powers to them. In this climate the author of the book of Hebrews reminded Christians of Jewish background that Jesus is greater than the angels (Hebrews 1:4-7).

Angels  perform a vital service. They are servants of the Most High; servants of Jesus Himself! At Jesus’ earthly arrival angels brought the word about the Word of God.  We can track these angels. Look closely at their messages. They remind us that God is at work in the lives of Hi people, and of His loving care for them.

 

Levitical Shepherds: The Shepherd's Candle

The Big Idea: The third Advent candle called the Shepherd’s Candle focuses on the station of shepherds (likely Levitical Shepherds) and their joy and amazement learning about the Savior.

 Shepherds for Worship

Our son’s favorite Candid Camera stunt depicts bright college bound high school students told, “You have the aptitude to be a shepherd.”

Shocked and dismayed, one says “I don’t even like animals!”

“Are people still doing that?” another responds incredulously.

Shepherds herd smelly stubborn animals they are not always highly esteemed. Why did the angels visit shepherds one dark night in Bethlehem? God must enjoy juxtapositions. Consider the contrast of Jesus, King of kings, God Eternal born in a stable, not a palace. God loves people of all kinds: the godly, the wealthy, the prominent, the middle man, and the poor who are invisible and despised. He has a special place in His heart for the lowly ones. (Psalm 4:21, Psalm 138:6)

 

What’s a Levitical Shepherd?

The tribe of Levi, son of Jacob (Genesis), managed the tabernacle/temple and sacrificial worship. Aaron’s descendents (the brother of Moses) were the priests. The rest ran the upkeep and logistics of the sacrificial system. They work for worship, so that others can come to the temple and properly worship God.

Some Levites handled sacrificial animals and grain. Some kept and refilled oil lamps, overseeing the oil and incense supply. Some managed special clothing. Some washed bowls, knives tongs etc. This was their vocation. The tithe of the people of Israel cared for them and their families.

Bethlehem, about 5 miles from the temple in Jerusalem, was a site outside of the big city, to raise lambs for sacrifice. Scholar Alfred Aldersheim wrote a book, Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah (1883), researching Biblical and extrabiblical sources on this. Search Migdal Eder (Tower of the Flock). We cannot be 100% sure of this in Jesus’ period but it offers an interesting connection to these shepherds. Sacrificial bound lambs without blemish needed protection from cuts and injury in a rocky harsh land. It is suggested the new lambs were wrapped in strips of cloth (Swaddling clothes) and laid in feeding troughs (manger) to protect them (see articles below).

Great Joy

The shepherds were visited by an angel.

The angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Luke 2: 10-12 (NLT)

These shepherds, probably sleepy, cold and dirty were the first people chosen to meet the promised Messiah. If indeed they were Levitical shepherds, they knew the Messianic prophecies. They knew where birthing lambs were wrapped in swaddling cloth placed in a manger. Migdal Eder. They hurried to find Him (Luke 2:15). Imagine their wonder! They told everyone this story (Luke 2:18-19) and all who heard were astonished!

The pink candle lit on the third week of Advent is the candle of joy. I grow weary of TV news. I hunger for encouraging news. Reflect on the joy of our Savior (literally, our rescuer). It is good news indeed!

Useful articles:

About Those Shepherds

From the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem

Edersheim on the Nativity of Jesus the Messiah

Scholars do not agree on the documentation and current lack of archeological evidence available but the suggestion of Levitical shepherds is compelling and plausible.

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Up next: Angel Tracking: The Angel's Candle

Previous post: Notable Small Town Residents: The Bethlehem Candle

Note: We have been in the process of going through a Practical Starter Guide of Inductive Bible Study. We will resume this series in January.

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Reflect:

1. Imagine yourself as a shepherd in the night watching sheep outdoors. What kind of conversations might you be having? What might you think about at night? What might be your hopes and dreams?

2. Imagine listening to the experience with the angels (Read Luke 2: 8-18). Why would you be afraid at first? Think carefully about what the angel says. Why is this good news? What would you as a shepherd feel. How do you feel about this declaration in your modern worldview?

3. Why is this about joy? Meditate on the angel's words.

 

Notable Small Town Residents : The Bethlehem Candle

 

The Big Idea: About the second Advent candle called the Bethlehem Candle, giving insights on the town where Jesus was born.

The Bethlehem Candle of Advent

We light the second Advent candle to remember Bethlehem, known for the birth of Jesus. Some small towns are known for a famous citizen. While living down south we visited Plaines, GA, home town of former President Jimmy Carter. He grew up there and now resides there. We visited his church one Sunday and met the Carters.



Bethlehem, famous for the birth of Christ, is also famous as King David’s hometown. The story of Ruth happened in Bethlehem. Ruth is King David’s great grandmother.

Read this prophecy for Jesus’ birth written by the prophet Micah.

But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Too little to be among the clans of Judah,
From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.
His goings forth are from long ago,
From the days of eternity. Micah 5:2 (NASB)

This prophecy was pinpointed by scholars to King Herod when the wise men came looking for Jesus (Matthew 2:5-8).

What you may not know about Bethlehem

Mary and Joseph, descendants of David, went to a census with mandated registration in their hometown, Bethlehem. Since they lived in Nazareth it was a long trip to walk. Though now a bustling metropolis, Bethlehem was a small village at that time.

A couple of interesting notes about Bethlehem and Jesus’ birth. The name means “House of Bread.” Very interesting that He who calls Himself “The Bread of Life, ” (John 6:35) would be born there.

Bethlehem raised lambs birthed for Passover. A Passover lamb had to be one year old and in perfect condition without blemishes or injuries. So the lambs born there were treated very carefully. Newborn lambs were wrapped in cloth to guard from injury. The shepherds were probably Levitical shepherds. Curious that the “Lamb of God” (John 1:29, Rev. 5:6) would be born there. Remarkable He was wrapped in swaddling cloth like the Passover Lambs. Also extraordinary Levitical shepherds were most likely those to whom the angels announced this glorious news (Luke 2:10-14). The Apostle Paul put Jesus’ sacrifice plainly. “Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us” I Corinthians 5:7b. (NLT)

The Bethlehem Candle represents where Jesus, King of Glory, took on human flesh and became a man who worked with His hands. This man, God made flesh, sacrificed Himself on the cross and rose victor over death. The Bethlehem candle is often called the Faith Candle. Faith in the Son of God is indeed our source of eternal life (Phil.2:6-8). This is so well explained in the familiar carol, “Hark the Harold Angels sing.”

Hark the herald angels sing, glory to the newborn King

Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled

Joyful all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies

With angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem

 

Christ by highest heaven adored, Christ the everlasting Lord

Late in time behold Him come, offspring of a virgin's womb

Veiled in flesh the God-head see, hail the incarnate Deity

Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel

 

Hail the heav'n born Prince of Peace, hail the Son of righteousness

Light and life to all He brings, risen with healing in His wings

Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth

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Up Next: Levitical Shepherds: The Shepherd's Candle

Previous post: What is Prophecy?

Note: We have been in the process of going through a Pratical Starter Guide of Inductive Bible Study. We will resume this series in January.

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Reflect:

1. What image comes up for you reflecting on Jesus born in Bethlehem? Close your eyes and reflect what the town and manger looks like to you. Think of the smells, the sounds around you.

2. Have you ever thought of the baby Jesus as the one who died and rose again for your sins?

3. Bible study exercise: List ways how Jesus might be like a Passover lamb (metaphor) during His time on earth. Reflect on that.

 

What is Prophecy? The Prophecy Candle

 The Big Idea: An explanation of prophecy especially during Advent regarding the arrival of Jesus.

What is Prophecy?

“Prophesy! Who hit you!” (Luke 22:64 HCSB) said Roman guards as Jesus was blindfolded and beaten before being hung on the cross.

People often consider prophecy in this way: as a foretelling of the future or as a special knowledge. These two verses reveal a lot about prophesy.

No prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God. 2 Peter 1:20-21 NLT

Guidelines for Biblical Prophecy

• Prophecy doesn’t come from a prophet’s own understanding.
• God the Holy Spirit moved them what to write.
• Prophets spoke from God.

Prophecy is a message from God revealed to us. It is God’s Word to us. God reaches out to us because of His desire to intimately connect with us.

The Prophecy Candle of Advent

The first candle on the advent wreath is called the Prophecy Candle. It reminds us of all the passages in the Old Testament that point to the coming of Jesus as the Messiah.

There are eight verses from the Old Testament that point to Jesus’ birth in the Matthew account alone. There are many more that foretell His life and death.

An Old Man's Joy

A beautiful story from the Gospel of Luke is recorded in Luke 2:25-35. A really good devoted follower of God named Simeon spent his elderly years in Jerusalem because God revealed to him that he would not die until he saw the Messiah. He was moved to go to the temple courts at the same time that Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple. Simeon scooped the babe into his arms and began to praise God with words from Isaiah 40. Mary and Joseph were amazed! Prophecy in the Word of God spoke to him and the Holy Spirit moved him. That’s prophecy in action!

Advent is a Tool

Advent is a tool to remind us of His coming. In a very real way it is about not only His first coming as the incarnate baby in the manger, but also Jesus the glorious King who will return.

Check into the prophecies of Jesus in the Old Testament. His coming is more than coincidence. A great pamphlet from Rose Publishing, “100 Prophecies fulfilled by Jesus”is a great tool to study. Check out this blog from Focus on the Family too.

Dig into His amazing Word and enhance your anticipation for Christmas!

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Up Next: Notable Small Town Residents: The Bethlehem Candle
Previous post: Advent Starter Kit

Note: We have been in the process of going through a Pratical Starter Guide of Inductive Bible Study. We will resume this series in January.
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Reflect:

1. How would you describe prophecy? How do you feel about it? Does it assure you or is it a bit scary?

2. Do you think the verses could be construed as chance?

3. Why might it be it valuable to you to notice Old Testament prophecies in anticipating Christmas?

Advent Starter Kit DIY

The Big Idea: How to personally start celebrating Advent at home the four weeks before Christmas.

Holidays seem to get introduced earlier and earlier each year.  My car radio played an all Christmas radio station mid-October!  This year Advent begins on November 28th. Advent occasionally kicks off in November (four Sundays before Christmas).

Advent is the season leading up to Christmas. Advent wreath are used in some churches. If you want to try it for yourself, here are some practical suggestions. It’s a great benefit to find practical ways to reflect on God’s Word and what really matters.

 

Why Advent Helps You Get Closer to God

Any tool that can help us focus on God’s great love for us through His living Word is gold! Advent is a Latin word meaning come/coming. It focuses on:

• The coming of Jesus into the world. 
• His second coming.

Though this tradition began in early church history it has helped many in our modern time find Peace in the holiday frenzy. It’s designed to lead our focus toward the spiritual wonder and joy of Christ.

 

What you need for your starter kit.

Five candles. 

• Traditional- 3 are purple, one pink Some add a center white candle.
• Optional- 4 red or green candles with a center white one.

Design from a wreath or circle. Advent holders are sold (optional). DIY guideline.You could take a Christmas wreath of almost any kind and place 4 candle holders on the inside or outside of the circle (or pillar candles). 

Find a simple devotional on Advent. Some follow a devotional thought through the first 24 days of December. Some light candles at Sunday dinner with the family and reflect on the theme of the week (see below). There are ways to incorporate Advent into activities with children!

 

Excellent Free 25 Day Devotionals

From John Piper. download the electronic one for free. Good News of Great Joy

From Stuart and Jill Briscoe. Meet Him at the Manger

CRU –sign up to receive. Making Jesus Your Solid Foundation

Billy Graham –sign up to receive. Arrival: Perparing to Celebrate Christ's Birth

 

Sunday themes:

1. First Sunday - The Prophecy Candle symbolizes hope. Throughout the Old Testament prophesies brought hope for the Messiah to bring something better.

2. Second Sunday – The Bethlehem Candle represents faith. The minor prophet Micah foretold Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah. King David was also born there. It leads us to look to the king of Kings in faith.

3. Third Sunday – The Shepherd’s Candle stands for joy. The shepherds were told of this great joy for all peoples. This is the pink candle of joy.

4. Fourth Sunday – The Angel’s Candle is the candle of peace. They announced “Peace on earth, goodwill to all.”  Jesus brings people to God and brings people together. Reconciliation is peace.

5. Christmas Day – (Optional) The Christ Candle for light and purity lit on Christmas.  It is usually white.

“Amen. Come Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20

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Up Next: What is Prophecy?
Previous post: Unravelling Figures of Speech in the Bible

Note: We have been in the process of going through a Pratical Starter Guide of Inductive Bible Study. We will resume this series in January.

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Reflect:

1. Why do you need a focus of Jesus’ coming this year in December?

2. How might this be a teaching aid for you and your children?

3. What might you get out of this even if you miss a few days or a Sunday due to travel? (Hint- do what you can!)

Embracing Lent

 

The Big Idea: Take advantage of the Lent period to prepare yourself for a more meaningful Easter. 

An Evangelical's Tips for Meaningful Lent.

Today is the first day of Lent. I grew up in a Baptist church, so Lent was not in our vocabulary. I assumed it was a going-through-the-motions ritual enforced by the Catholic Church. My husband who is a Protestant pastor, was raised Catholic. He realized as he experienced ministry, that taking six weeks before Easter to look toward the Cross and Resurrection of Christ was very helpful.

Lent is the period of 40 days before Maundy Thursday during Passion Week. It is to be a time of fasting  prayer and repentance. It is not a time to beat yourself up.   Rather it is time to focus on our imperfect nature of sin that separates us from communion with God, therefore being grateful for what Jesus has done for us to make us right with Him. 

Lent can help us set aside time in our busy distracted life for focus on God. There is a structure to it, as  with Advent, to have reminders and take time to focus on Him. In the Old Testament we see that God is all about ways to remember who He is and what He did for us. The older I get, I am all for reminders!

We don't know exactly when, in Church History, Lent was proposed. However the root of it is in the Bible from Jesus Himself. He fasted for 40 days in the wilderness at the beginning of his ministry. We see other examples through the Scriptures. People in the Old Testament fasted to pray and seek God. Queen Esther notably had her staff fast for a three days about a very important meeting with the King (Esther 4). There are numerous other Biblical examples.

Traditionally this time leading up to Passion Week was for fasting. It started to take on different forms that became various traditions of abstinence from meat, for instance, and other things on certain days of the week during Lent. But there is nothing in the Bible with special commands for Lent, and these are traditions. Fasting according to God's Word is most often coupled with prayer.

So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer. Ezra 8:23

And it is not about looking pious before others. Jesus made that clear. Isaiah in the Old Testament also talked a lot about that.

And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. Matt. 6:16

I like a variety of tools to help me get into God's Word, to pray better and to get to know Jesus better. This is what they are. Tools. Some years I do something for Lent and some years I don't. But most of the time I do. Most people think of Lent as a time for deprivation, such as fasting, or giving something up. There are times this is useful. I always find when I am craving something and take a fast from it, I try to point my longing or hunger to God in prayer.

ADD SOMETHING FOR LENT

But Lent can also be a time for adding something that will enhance your spiritual life, in particular something to draw you closer to your walk with the Lord or to enhance your understanding of the cross of Jesus and His act of salvation. Here are some examples.

• Read through one of the Gospels several times in different translations.
• Read through all four of the Gospels.
• Find an article on the cross of Christ to read each week from favorite authors. Christianity Today often has thought provoking articles.
• Memorize a series of verses, such as one each week. One year I memorized Isaiah 53 during Lent.
• Find a place to volunteer in the community or at your church, and try to do that weekly during Lent.
• Read a book about the cross, salvation, prayer, etc. Here is a list of 10 best books about the cross 
• Put together your own playlist of songs related to Christ’s work on the cross: songs about the Blood of Jesus, the Cross, victory over death, and so on.
• Watch a movie or a video put together from the Bible Project each week related to the theme. There are a lot of movies about the life of Jesus. The Bible Project has a lot of thematic 5-7 minute videos and longer podcasts.

FIND A SPECIAL PLACE

Sometimes in the Lent period we will look for a special opportunity to focus on Jesus. If you look up religious events in your area, often on the website of a Christian Radio Station, you will find these special opportunities.

• Attend a program on the shroud of Turin, an apologist about the reality of Christ, or a Christian lecture.
• See a play at a local church, such as a passion play or Heaven’s Gates, Hell’s Fury.
• Often a new Christian movie comes out in the theatre.
• Find a place that has The Stations of the Cross and walk through in prayer.

These are merely ideas. I trust this might get you to think about what you might do. May you find great blessing in focusing on Jesus during this time.

Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. Hebrews 9:14

In 2007 I wrote a blog series for each day of Lent. It was my Lenten addition that year. Find it here. 

Up Next: Waiting...and Waiting...

Previous Post: Sleepless in Cleveland

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Reflect:

1. Do you associate Lent with a traditional church of your youth? What kind of thoughts does it bring up for you? How does that compare with my view on the value of honoring Lent?

2. What might be the benefit of focusing on the cross or the blood of Jesus during this period? In what way might it make an impact on Easter Sunday for you?

3. Do any of these suggestions spark an idea to try? It does not have to be the same as mine. Make it your own!