Archive for the ‘Psalm 51’ Tag
Above: Sky with Rainbow
Image in the Public Domain
Redemption and Related Responsibilities
SEPTEMBER 8-10, 2022
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The Collect:
O God, overflowing with mercy and compassion,
you lead back to yourself all those who go astray.
Preserve your people in your loving care,
that we may reject whatever is contrary to you
and may follow all things that sustain our life in
your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
—Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), page 47
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The Assigned Readings:
Genesis 6:1-6 (Thursday)
Genesis 7:6-10; 8:1-5 (Friday)
Genesis 8:20-9:7 (Saturday)
Psalm 51:1-10 (All Days)
1 Timothy 1:1-11 (Thursday)
2 Peter 2:1-10a (Friday)
John 10:11-21 (Saturday)
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Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth,
a sinner from my mother’s womb.
–Psalm 51:6, The Book of Common Prayer (1979)
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The comedian Lewis Black told a joke explaining why God seems more violent in the Hebrew Bible than in the New Testament. Having a son calmed him down. That is, of course, bad theology, for it falls under the heading of the Arian heresy. Furthermore, the God of the Book of Revelation is not the deity of “Kum ba Yah,” a song I despise for several reasons. The Smiter-in-Chief is in full form in the composite story of Noah, based on older stories.
Rewritten folklore and mythology in the Bible presents us with the opportunity to ponder profound theology. We might think that we know a particular tale better than we actually do, so we ought to avoid switching on the automatic pilot. Human immorality saddens God’s heart in Genesis 6:6, but Noah has found favor with God. “Noah,” in Hebrew, is “favor” spelled backward. A note in The Jewish Study Bible–Second Edition (2014) tells me that this
indicates that human perversion and divine grief will not be the last word.
–page 19
Furthermore, the Hebrew word for the ark occurs in just one other story in the Hebrew Bible. It applies also to the basket containing young Moses in Exodus 2. Again The Jewish Study Bible–Second Edition (2014) helps me dig deeper into the scriptures:
Noah foreshadows Moses even as Moses, removed from the water, foreshadows the people Israel, whom he leads to safety through the death-dealing sea that drowns their oppressors (Exod. chs 14-15). The great biblical tale of redemption occurs first in a shorter, universal form, then in a longer, particularistic one.
–page 20
The author of Psalm 51 (traditionally King David, but knows for sure?) understood human sinfulness well. So did the author of 1 Timothy, writing under the name of St. Paul the Apostle. Laws, he noted,
are not framed for people who are good.
–1:9, The Jerusalem Bible (1966)
That statement applies to divine law, certainly. Indeed, in context, it pertains to the Law of Moses. That code, containing timeless principles and culturally specific examples thereof, sometimes becomes a confusing array of laws. Many people mistake culturally specific examples for timeless principles, thereby falling into legalism. The pillars of that code are:
- We mere mortals are totally dependent on God,
- We humans depend upon each other also,
- We humans are responsible for each other, and
- We humans are responsible to each other.
Turning to John 10, we read of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. The sheep need the shepherd, who protects them and lays down his life for them. The sheep also know the shepherd’s voice. I, as a Christian, am one of the sheep. I know my need for God and the ease with which I yield to many temptations. The laws of God exist for people such as me. Divine guidance and redemption play out in my life.
The individual part of religion is important, of course, but it is hardly everything. The collective aspect is crucial also. This truth is especially evident in Judaism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Roman Catholicism. Much of Protestantism, however, has gone overboard with regard to individualism. Redemption is not just my story or your story. No, it is our story as we relate to God and God relates to us. Society exerts a powerful influence upon our notions of morality and reverence; it shapes us, just as we influence it. May we be salt and light, shaping society according to the four pillars of the Law of Moses and according to the unconditional and free (yet not cheap) love of God.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
MAY 18, 2016 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF MALTBIE DAVENPORT BABCOCK, U.S. PRESBYTERIAN MINISTER AND HYMN WRITER
THE FEAST OF SAINT JOHN I, BISHOP OF ROME
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https://blogatheologica.wordpress.com/2016/05/18/redemption-and-related-responsibilities/
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Above: Christ Blessing, by Nardo di Cione
Image in the Public Domain
A Risky Pilgrimage
NOVEMBER 3, 2021
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The Collect:
Almighty God, you have taught us in your Son that love fulfills the law.
Inspire us to love you with all our heart, our soul, our mind, and our strength,
and teach us how to love our neighbors as ourselves,
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
–Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), page 51
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The Assigned Readings:
Micah 6:1-8
Psalm 51
John 13:31-35
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Create in me a clean heart, O God:
and renew a right spirit within me.
–Psalm 51:10, The Alternative Service Book 1980
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He has told you, O man, what is good,
And what does the LORD require of you:
Only to do justice
And to love goodness,
And to walk humbly with your God;
Then your name will achieve wisdom.
–Micah 6:8, TANAKH: The Holy Scriptures (1985)
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I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
–John 13:34-35, The New Revised Standard Version (1989)
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These three passages speak for themselves, so there is little I can add to them without being redundant. They, taken together, proclaim a message contrary to that which dominates in many cultures and subcultures. In many tough neighborhoods, for example, the dominant ethos says to strike back and not to seem “soft” or vulnerable. Yet, if one follows the advice in Micah 6:8 and John 13:34-35, one will be that way. Jesus did die on a cross, after all.
When we love we make ourselves vulnerable. When we walk humbly with God and seek justice for our fellow human beings we make ourselves targets of those who oppose our efforts toward those purposes. When we strive to be good, not feared, we make ourselves vulnerable to amoral and immoral people who would harm us. But Jesus did all of the above, and the student is not greater than the teacher.
Shall the pilgrimage with Jesus continue, despite the risks?
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
JULY 5, 2015 COMMON ERA
PROPER 9: THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, YEAR B
THE FEAST OF SAINT ANTHONY MARY ZACCARIA, FOUNDER OF THE BARNABITES AND THE ANGELIC SISTERS OF SAINT PAUL
THE FEAST OF SAINTS ADALBERO AND ULRIC OF AUGSBURG, ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS
THE FEAST OF H. RICHARD NIEBUHR, UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST THEOLOGIAN
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https://blogatheologica.wordpress.com/2015/07/05/a-risky-pilgrimage/
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Above: Moses Pleading with Israel
Image in the Public Domain
Difficult Obedience to God
NOVEMBER 1 and 2, 2021
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The Collect:
Almighty God, you have taught us in your Son that love fulfills the law.
Inspire us to love you with all our heart, our soul, our mind, and our strength,
and teach us how to love our neighbors as ourselves,
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
–Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), page 51
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The Assigned Readings:
Deuteronomy 6:10-15 (Monday)
Deuteronomy 28:58-29:1 (Tuesday)
Psalm 51 (Both Days)
Romans 12:17-21; 13:8-10 (Monday)
Acts 7:17-29 (Tuesday)
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Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good….Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves has fulfilled the law.
–Romans 12:17-21; 13:1, The New Revised Standard Version (1989)
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That is a worthy and difficult standard by which to live. The advice to remain faithful to God (or else, as in Deuteronomy) functions as a reminder of the consequences of actions; we reap whatsoever we sow. When we tether ourselves to idols, we enslave ourselves. Yet, when we obey God, we find liberation to love each other as effectively as possible.
As for me, the passage from Romans I have quoted highlights challenges with which I have struggled and continue to struggle. The desire for revenge is elemental. Yet, when one thinks rationally, one will realize that it is counterproductive. Nevertheless, seeking vengeance is easier to do than to seek justice–even reconciliation–or at least to lay down a grudge or to refrain from carrying one. As I admit my weakness, I pray in the words of Psalm 51, 3,
For I acknowledge my rebellion:
and my sin is ever before me.
—The Alternative Service Book 1980
What about you, O reader?
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
JULY 5, 2015 COMMON ERA
PROPER 9: THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, YEAR B
THE FEAST OF SAINT ANTHONY MARY ZACCARIA, FOUNDER OF THE BARNABITES AND THE ANGELIC SISTERS OF SAINT PAUL
THE FEAST OF SAINTS ADALBERO AND ULRIC OF AUGSBURG, ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS
THE FEAST OF H. RICHARD NIEBUHR, UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST THEOLOGIAN
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https://blogatheologica.wordpress.com/2015/07/05/difficult-obedience-to-god/
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Above: The Crucifixion, by Michelangelo
Image in the Public Domain
Jeremiah and Matthew, Part XIII: Sins of Omission
NOVEMBER 18 AND 19, 2023
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Blessed Lord, who caused all holy scriptures to be written for our learning:
Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them,
that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life,
which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
–The Book of Common Prayer (1979), page 236
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The Assigned Readings:
Jeremiah 37:1-21 (November 18)
Jeremiah 38:1-28 (November 19)
Psalm 51 (Morning–November 18)
Psalm 54 (Morning–November 19)
Psalms 85 and 47 (Evening–November 18)
Psalms 28 and 99 (Evening–November 19)
Matthew 27:33-56 (November 18)
Matthew 27:57-66 (November 19)
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Zedekiah (reigned 597-586 BCE) was not the legitimate King of Judah. That office fell properly upon his nephew, Jehoiachin (reigned 597 BCE), per 2 Kings 24:17. Zedekiah, as the Chaldean-appointed regent, had a title but little power. He could not even protect Jeremiah fully. But Zedekiah, to his credit, did consult the prophet. Nevertheless, the time to save Judah from destruction had passed; the kingdom’s fate was sealed, as was that of Zedekiah, who disregarded much of Jeremiah’s advice.
Our Lord’s fate seemed to be sealed. He was dead–made a great and terrible, very public example of by the forces of the Roman Empire. The charge, as in the case of Jeremiah, was false–treason.
Frequently good people (Jesus being the best person) became caught up in the perfidious schemes of others. But God is with the persecuted righteous people, even when they die, have to go into exile, or must suffer another cruel fate–without resurrection in all but one case. The fact that good people find themselves in these difficult situations reflects badly on those who can prevent or could have prevented such situations. Oppressors cannot oppress by themselves. No, they have the passive aid of those who look the other way, who say or do nothing when they can confront. It is safer (for some) to be or remain passive. But such passivity hurts many more people.
May we confess our sins of omission, trusting God to complete the list with those we have forgotten and those we have never recognized. Then may we change our ways–repent–and perform a greater number of good deeds, thereby preventing even more injustice and reducing the amount thereof already extant.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
JUNE 4, 2013 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF SAINT FRANCIS CARACCIOLO, COFOUNDER OF THE MINOR CLERKS REGULAR
THE FEAST OF JOHN XXIII, BISHOP OF ROME
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http://blogatheologica.wordpress.com/2013/06/06/jeremiah-and-matthew-part-xiii-sins-of-omission/
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Above: The Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans Under the Command of Titus, A.D. 70 (1850), by David Roberts (1796-1864)
Jeremiah and Matthew, Part VII: Mercy and Repentance
NOVEMBER 8 AND 9, 2023
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Blessed Lord, who caused all holy scriptures to be written for our learning:
Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them,
that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life,
which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
–The Book of Common Prayer (1979), page 236
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The Assigned Readings:
Jeremiah 20:1-18 (November 8)
Jeremiah 22:1-23 (November 9)
Psalm 51 (Morning–November 8)
Psalm 104 (Morning–November 9)
Psalms 142 and 65 (Evening–November 8)
Psalms 118 and 111 (Evening–November 9)
Matthew 24:29-51 (November 8)
Matthew 25:1-13 (November 9)
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The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod daily lectionary I am following provides a table for selecting Psalms for each day. During Ordinary Time there is a rotation over a period of four weeks. Then the cycle begins again. So sometimes the appointed Psalms (or at least some of them) seem not to fit with the main readings.
God is mad in the Jeremiah and Matthew lections. The Kingdom of Judah will rise. The current king will go first, however. When God acts many–evildoers–will have an ample supply of reasons for laments. When God becomes the king in such a way that people recognize the divine kingship many people will consider this fact bad news, for it will be bad news for them. But how else is God supposed to clean the slate and to rescue the oppressed righteous when evildoers refuse to change their minds and ways, to cease from oppressing?
The assigned Psalms range from a confession of sin to praises of God for being merciful and bountiful in dispensing blessings. Actually, all of them fit the main readings well, for:
- One should confess sins, especially in the face of judgment;
- Confession of sins can lead to repentance, something God encourages in the Bible; and
- Judgment and mercy coexist–judgment for some and mercy for others, according to the absence or presence of repentance.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
JUNE 3, 2013 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF SAINT MORAND OF CLUNY, ROMAN CATHOLIC MONK AND MISSIONARY
THE FEAST OF SAINTS LIPHARDUS OF ORLEANS AND URBICIUS OF MEUNG, ROMAN CATHOLIC ABBOTS
THE FEAST OF THE MARTYRS OF UGANDA
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This is post #550 of this weblog.–KRT
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http://blogatheologica.wordpress.com/2013/06/06/jeremiah-and-matthew-part-vii-mercy-and-repentance/
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Above: The Canaanite Woman
Image in the Public Domain
Deuteronomy and Matthew, Part XV: Jesus or Deuteronomy?
OCTOBER 20 AND 21, 2023
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Blessed Lord, who caused all holy scriptures to be written for our learning:
Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them,
that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life,
which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
–The Book of Common Prayer (1979), page 236
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The Assigned Readings:
Deuteronomy 19:1-20 (October 20)
Deuteronomy 20:1-20 (October 21)
Psalm 67 (Morning–October 20)
Psalm 51 (Morning–October 21)
Psalms 46 and 93 (Evening–October 20)
Psalms 85 and 47 (Evening–October 21)
Matthew 15:1-20 (October 20)
Matthew 15:21-39 (October 21)
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Jesus of Nazareth, our Lord and Savior, showed great compassion in the stories collected in Matthew 15. He focused on inner purity or lack thereof (as opposed to ritual purity or impurity), healed a Gentile’s daughter and many suffering people then fed four thousand men plus uncounted women and children. His heart went out to people (not just the 4000+). So Jesus acted.
Meanwhile, back in Deuteronomy, we find the usual combination of mercy and proscribed violence. For the latter, O reader, see 20:10-14, where the alternative to death is forced labor. Yes, I disagree with these laws which command killing or forced labor. Why should I not do so? Whom would Jesus kill or enslave? After all, his heart went out to people.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
MAY 8, 2013 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF SAINT BENEDICT II, BISHOP OF ROME
THE FEAST OF DAME JULIAN OF NORWICH, SPIRITUAL WRITER
THE FEAST OF SAINT MAGDALENA OF CANOSSA, FOUNDER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY AND THE SONS OF CHARITY
THE FEAST OF SAINT PETER OF TARENTAISE, ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP
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http://blogatheologica.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/deuteronomy-and-matthew-part-xv-jesus-or-deuteronomy/
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Above: The Adoration of the Golden Calf, by Nicolas Poussin
Image in the Public Domain
Deuteronomy and Matthew, Part X: Stiff-Necked People
OCTOBER 10 AND 11, 2023
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Blessed Lord, who caused all holy scriptures to be written for our learning:
Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them,
that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life,
which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
–The Book of Common Prayer (1979), page 236
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The Assigned Readings:
Deuteronomy 9:1-22 (October 10)
Deuteronomy 9:23-10:22 (October 11)
Psalm 97 (Morning–October 10)
Psalm 51 (Morning–October 11)
Psalms 16 and 62 (Evening–October 10)
Psalms 142 and 65 (Evening–October 11)
Matthew 11:1-19 (October 10)
Matthew 11:20-30 (October 11)
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Dark clouds surround the readings for these days. In Deuteronomy 9:6 (TANAKH: The Holy Scriptures) Moses tells the Israelites:
Know then that it is not for any virtue that your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people.
Subsequently described events confirm that statement. And only the intercessions of Moses, who suffered for the people, spare them from destruction by God.
Speaking of suffering intercessors, we have Jesus in Matthew 11. He fasts and critics accuse him of excessive asceticism. He eats and drinks and critics allege that he is a glutton and a drunkard. What is a Son of God and Son of Man to do? Whatever he does, someone criticizes him. Yet he finds a more responsive audience among many Gentiles. At least St. John the Baptist, distressed at the end of his life, had an honest question, not a predisposition to carping and to finding fault.
Many people are impossible to please. Others are merely extremely difficult to please. Still others are more persuadable via good evidence and are therefore less likely to prove unpleasant. I hope that I fall into the last category, not either of the first two, in God’s estimation. What more than that what God has done already must God do to persuade? Was liberating the Israelites insufficient? Was feeding them and providing water in the desert not enough? Is the Incarnation not to our liking? How stiff are our necks?
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
MAY 2, 2013 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF SAINT SIGISMUND OF BURGUNDY, KING; SAINT CLOTILDA, FRANKISH QUEEN; AND SAINT CLODOALD, FRANKISH PRINCE AND ABBOT
THE FEAST OF SAINT ATHANASIUS OF ALEXANDRIA, ROMAN CATHOLIC THEOLOGIAN
THE FEAST OF JAMES LEWIS MILLIGAN, HYMN WRITER
THE FEAST OF SAINT MARCULF OF NANTEUIL, ROMAN CATHOLIC ABBOT
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http://blogatheologica.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/deuteronomy-and-matthew-part-x-stiff-necked-people/
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Above: Ezra
Image in the Public Domain
Nehemiah and 1 Timothy, Part IV: Performing Good Deeds at Every Opportunity
SEPTEMBER 22-24, 2023
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Blessed Lord, who caused all holy scriptures to be written for our learning:
Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them,
that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life,
which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
–The Book of Common Prayer (1979), page 236
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The Assigned Readings:
Nehemiah 7:1-4 (September 22)
Nehemiah 8:1-18 (September 22)
Nehemiah 9:1-21 (September 23)
Nehemiah 9:22-38 (September 24–Protestant Versification)
Nehemiah 9:22-10:1 (Jewish, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox Versification)
Psalm 67 (Morning–September 22)
Psalm 51 (Morning–September 23)
Psalm 54 (Morning–September 24)
Psalms 46 and 93 (Evening–September 22)
Psalms 85 and 47 (Evening–September 23)
Psalms 28 and 99 (Evening–September 24)
1 Timothy 5:1-16 (September 22)
1 Timothy 5:17-6:2 (September 23)
1 Timothy 6:3-21 (September 24)
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The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
–Psalm 51:18, The Book of Common Prayer (1979)
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These days’ readings speak of lamenting sins and of vowing to reform errant ways. They also offer culturally specific advice as to how to do the latter. I, as a Christian, do not follow the Law of Moses, for Jesus has fulfilled the Law. And I read 1 Timothy 5-6, my jaw dropping because of the sexism and the failure to condemn slavery. I, when pondering Old and New Testament moral advice, find the following statements helpful:
Identifying general principles is important because the real purpose of the Law is to inculcate general principles and values and to apply them in specific instances. This is done by stating general principles and by illustrating, with specific examples, how general principles can be applied in specific cases.
–Richard Bauckham, The Bible in Politics: How to Read the Bible Politically, 2d. Ed. (Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox Press, 2011, pages 24-25)
The best moral advice I have located in these days’ readings is to preform good deeds
at every opportunity.
–1 Timothy 5:10d, The Revised English Bible
What that looks like depends on the opportunities. May we focus on that principle and not become bogged down in legalistic details.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
APRIL 17, 2013 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF DANIEL SYLVESTER TUTTLE, PRESIDING BISHOP OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
THE FEAST OF SAINT MARY EUPHRASIA PELLETIER, FOUNDER OF THE CONTEMPLATIVES OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
THE FEAST OF PARDITA MARY RAMABAI, SOCIAL REFORMER IN INDIA
THE FEAST OF SAINT ROBERT OF CHAISE DIEU, ROMAN CATHOLIC ABBOT
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http://blogatheologica.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/nehemiah-and-1-timothy-part-iv-performing-good-deeds-at-every-opportunity/
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Above: Sheep and Shepherds
Reproduction Number = LC-DIG-matpc-10045
Image Source = Library of Congress
Precious to God
The Sunday Closest to September 14
Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost
SEPTEMBER 11, 2022
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The Assigned Readings:
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 and Psalm 14
or
Exodus 32:7-14 and Psalm 51:1-11
then
1 Timothy 1:1-12
Luke 15:1-10
The Collect:
O God, because without you we are not able to please you mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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Some Related Posts:
Prayer of Praise and Adoration:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/03/24/prayer-of-praise-and-adoration-for-the-seventeenth-sunday-after-pentecost/
Prayer of Confession:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/03/24/prayer-of-confession-for-the-seventeenth-sunday-after-pentecost/
Prayer of Dedication:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/03/24/prayer-of-dedication-for-the-seventeenth-sunday-after-pentecost/
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The benighted man thinks,
“God does not care.”
–Psalm 14:1, TANAKH: The Holy Scriptures
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Changing God conceptes in the Bible interest me. Yahweh, in Genesis and Exodus, is willing to annihilate sinful populations. But God, in Jeremiah 4, holds back the worst of judgment for sins. And God, as characters in parables in Luke 15:1-10, finds lost, sinful people precious, even necessary to find and to redeem.
I like the translation of Psalm 14:1 from TANAKH: The Holy Scripures. The standard English translation from the Hebrew text into English is that a fool claims that God does not exist. But, as Atheism was rare in the original context of that psalm,
God does not care
works well as what the fool says. The fool acknowledges the existence of God while being a practical Atheist. This rendering of the verse reminds me of the Deist concept of God as a watchmaker who refuses to intervene in events.
The God of the Bible–whichever understanding of that deity from which one speaks–cares deeply. And I, as a Christian, affirm that the Second Person of the Trinity became incarnate as Jesus of Nazareth, who died and rose again, defeating perfidious schemes and conquering evil. And, if each of us is precious to God, how precious should we be to each other?
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
FEBRUARY 24, 2013 COMMON ERA
THE SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT, YEAR C
THE FEAST OF SAINT MATTHIAS THE APOSTLE, MARTYR
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http://blogatheologica.wordpress.com/2013/05/27/precious-to-god/
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Above: Maps of the World
Maps According to Herodotus, Strabo, Ptolemy, “the Ancients,” and Wind Charts of Aristotle and Vitruvius
From Johann G. Heck, Icongraphic Encyclopedia of Science, Literature, and Art (New York: Rudolph Garrigue, 1851)
Image Source = Library of Congress
Reproduction Number = LC-USZ62-115363
2 Chronicles and Colossians, Part I: Tribalism in Religion
SEPTEMBER 13, 2023
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Blessed Lord, who caused all holy scriptures to be written for our learning:
Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them,
that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life,
which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
–The Book of Common Prayer (1979), page 236
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The Assigned Readings:
2 Chronicles 32:1-22
Psalm 51 (Morning)
Psalms 142 and 65 (Evening)
Colossians 1:1-23
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Sometimes I read the assigned readings and find agreement. Then there are times such as this one, when I notice contrasts. The major discrepancy is one between the lessons from Colossians and 2 Chronicles. The God of 2 Chronicles is a tribal deity who defends the chosen people and smites the others. But the God of Colossians is a universal deity who seeks reconciliation of peoples. This the same God concept one finds in Psalm 65.
Tribalism in religion is an unhealthy mindset. No, God does not help one team win or cause the other to win. No, God does not love the people of one land more than those of others. We are all children of God, so God loves all of us dearly. But how much do we love God?
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
FEBRUARY 24, 2013 COMMON ERA
THE SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT, YEAR C
THE FEAST OF SAINT MATTHIAS THE APOSTLE, MARTYR
http://blogatheologica.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/2-chronicles-and-colossians-part-i-tribalism-in-religion/
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ORDINARY TIME DEVOTIONS 
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