Psalms 119:90 "Within the Generation"

Psalms 119:90

“Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.”

It is interesrting when read in Korean because the theme of this seem more than just 'all generations.' It seems that in the Korean version it referrs to a generation in a more personal level.

The faith that has held my parents holds me as well. In this Psalms 119, the notion of 'word, law, command, statut, decree and proof' are mentioned in almost every verse. But interestingly enough in this segment, the recurring them concerning God's commands is not apparent. Instead the base or the grounding them in this verse is portrayed in the phrase, "Your faithfulness continues through all generations..."

This is connected to the later part of "...you established the earth and it endures." The funny part is that in the first parts of ever verse of chapter 119, it starts out by explains what is happening or has happened and the later part usually explains the proof. Or more simply the verses are composed in two parts. One augmenting the other in a small little dance.

Putting all this into a few sentences, I could say that, God has hope in us (Wow I know o_O). Thats why the earth is here and that it is still here, because He still has hope in us and our future generation.

Thank God for my pedigree. And thank God for all the new generations that are starting now. Thank God for keeping us.

 - worm

Hebrews 11:8-12 "The Question of 'He'"

2010-09-06

(v11) “By faith Abraham, even though he was past age-and Sarah herself was barren-was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.”

My love of Hebrews, especially the “By Faith” section has lead me to read these passages over and over again over the years, pouring over the over-use of the phrase, ‘by faith,’ which I have come to conclude is an over-statement, yes an over-statement and not the under variety of the statement variety (my English teacher would kill me for this sentence, sorry Mr. Shea). By the meaning of the over-used ‘over’ in the over-statement in the sentence above, I am here to state that the notion of faith mentioned above is not what made the men mentioned in the passage what they are today, role models of faith.

And in the passage for today is all this more clear. Rather than just single deeds that seemingly prove their faith as such in the previous characters of Abel, Enoch and Noah, the example in which Abraham is mentioned contains not only one episode but a progression. When I mention progression, it is proven by the recordings of Genesis where the actions of Abraham are wanting, even to the standards of my faith. Making mistakes and being redeemed from those mistakes and learning is what faith by Abraham is teaching us.

As in the first verse, (v1) “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Yes, the fact that Abraham had faith, but the big question was that not until the end of his walk with God, he was not knowledgeable to whom he had faith in.

The reason I brought in verse 11 as the topic in today’s section is because of the passage, “…because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.” can be eh how would I say it, prone to discussion? LoL. Well here is my blabber.

Who is considering whom faithful?

There are three people

Who: is definitely God. He made the promise

But the ‘he’ and the ‘him’ in this passage can be read differently. ( / ß are breaks)

“…because Abraham /considered God faithful who had made the promise.”

or

“…because God considered Abraham faithful / who had made the promise.”

I might be far fetched and people with the ability to read Hebrew can shoot me down but, if the who referrers to the he and not the him wouldn’t all this be by grace?

Yeah I know over did it but funny huh, the action of Faith may have lead Abraham to be able to have children at his advanced age, but him being chosen in the first place and not someone else… Well… That my friends, is because God by grace considered Abraham faithful when he had nothing to prove, and God made a promise.

In the same way, I confese,

“Nothing am I but by grace of God I am here a citizen of heaven.”

-Worm

Hebrews 5:11-6:12 "Immature '...Us...'"

2010-08-18


5:11-6:12

(v6:1-2) “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.”

(v1) “…us…

Before we start, “HA!”

I had to get that out of my system before continuing on in my little walk through Hebrews. Because from all and every angle you look at this verse, the it is talking to “…us…”

The issues that were plaguing the early church is not all that different from the ones that are ripping “…us…” apart. On top of all the things that Adam brought upon us, namely sin, the church had and is still struggling with the issues of doctrine that have been burning bridges in every aspect of our lives. What do the “…us…” of today struggle with? The Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian talk about when regarding the doctrine? Its namely, “…the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.” (this is good cuz crtl+c, crtl+v is much easier than typing)

And God’s reply to our strife? “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity,…”

So… immature… “…us…”

-Worm

A Prayer

I subscibe to PTWG and there was a prayer that really was 'me.'

Dear God, I am getting rid of my spiritual aches and pains. Please help me in this process as I seek to to submit fully to You, resist the devil, draw near to you, cleanse my hands, purify my heart, and repent of sin (James 4:7-9). I want to be humble before You, my God. My worth comes from You alone, not from what the world has to offer. All glory and honor to You, for You alone are worthy of praise. You alone can lift me up and give me abundant life and joy beyond comparison. Thank You, in Jesus' name. Amen.

-Worm

Hebrews 5:4-10 "Begging to be Made Perfect"

2010-08-11


5:4-10

I wont go deeply into writing but interesting, interesting.

(v7) “…to the one who could save him from death…”

(v8) “…he learned obedience from what he suffered”

(v9) “and once made perfect…”


Ah~ the tangents I can draw from this! The tingling sensation in my mind. The confusion it would bring! Ah~ the smell of chaos. But the pain of having to leave it to your imagination. Sigh.

-Worm

Hebrews 5:1-3 "Weak.... Me"

2010-08-09


5:1-3

(v2) “He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness.”

“…since…”

Short and powerful is today’s order as I am late, bloated with too much food (수원 갈비 for lunch and 증조할머니 제사 때 갈비찜이 ummmm good, I don’t think I even have room for morning coffee). Humility is the order here. “…since…” all of us who are fore Christians who have a obligation for leading others of the same and others of yet to receive Jesus into their hearts, are “…subject to weakness.”

Dear God, take hold of my tongue, control my actions, reside in my heart, comfort my soul, and crush my pride.

-Worm

Hebrews 4:14-16 "Faith via Grace"

2010-08-06


4:14-16

(v16) “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

"…so that…”

Its getting harder by the moment to fine the right sound bit for my subtitles (hehe). But, “…so that…” we could reap the help, we much approach the throne, which is possible because of God’s grace. The grace being embodied by our Great High Priest, who is Jesus the Son of God. (Yeah I’m hacking today’s portion and yes I couldn’t get on a word processor yesterday and today is darn busy also.)

But the point is, our faith, that is the belief that there is a throne that we could approach, and that the God who is sitting on that throne will accept us is purely possible by Grace. Which is Jesus the Son of God.

"Faith via Grace"

-Worm

Hebrews 4:6-13 "The Grace of '...Again...'"

2010-08-04


4:6-13

(v7) “Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before:

‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.’”

(v7) “…again…”

Upon this portion of the bible there is a much more famous verse that many have stored it in their memory. (v12) “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edge sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Though a great verse, many have just memorized the verse without thinking about the “For…” And upon examining the “For…,” or the why verse 12 was written, it is apparent that it is because of verse 11, “Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest s that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.” Then again, if we examine the “…therefore…” we arrive upon verse 7, “Therefore God again set a certain day,…”

The “Therefore…” in verse 7 refers to yesterday’s entry, of us facing a rock and a hard place. But the point I am trying to make is based on the “…again…” portion of this passage. The reason for Jesus’ coming. The reason for all that has happened and all that is happening, pivots around the “…again…”

The ‘perfectness’ after the 6th day of creation was cut short by our sin, and the effort or sacrifice could not regain the ‘perfectness’ that God embodies. So God set another “Today,” “…again…”

Chances do not come very often. In my opinion, though God is a God of second chances, in our walk of life there certain choices that is never too late. You don’t have to taste that chocolate, nor do you have to say something of importance such as “I love you.” But the choice of “Today” might not come “…again…” You can live with certain choices, but ‘Life’ of the everlasting kind, demands us the choice of “Today.”

The world that we are living in, time, the era that we are living in, we are blessed by the fact that it is the era of “…again…” It can only be explained by Love, Mercy, and Grace that we have been provident enough to be able the make the choice of “Today.” Thank God for the grace of “…again…”

The grace of “…again…”

-Worm

Hebrews 4:1-5 "With Faith"

2010-08-03


4:1-5

(v2) “For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.”

(v2) “…because…”

This passage gives the Sabbath-rest takes on a whole different meaning from the plain rest on the 7th day routine. Yes there are other mentions of this notion of the Sabbath-rest being the symbol of completeness but here we see that it is more than that. It is a direct reference to our salvation. In fact it seems that the completeness after the 6th day of creation, the 7th day’s rest is in a continual form. However, with sin coming into the mix, we have stepped out of this ‘complete rest period’ and have entered a state of ‘un-completeness.’ And with Jesus’ coming and dying for our sins, God has allowed us a venue in which we could reenter this state of ‘complete rest.’

However, “…because…” if we do not accept Jesus in our lives, we will fall short of the ‘complete rest’ that God so want us to experience. The proof is all there, as with yesterday’s devotions, God is moving mountains around us. We see it happening, but the question is, do we really see it? By Faith. Combining what we see with faith.

“For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.”

Am I the “…we…” or the “…they…”?

-Worm

Hebrews 3:7-19 "What Am I Seeing?"

2010-08-02


3:7-19

(v13) “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

(v16) “Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt?”

(v16) “Who were they…”

Today’s passage is very interesting, (I probably will not stop starting one of my devotions with the phrase, ‘interesting.’) because of the fact that God gives us specific reasons for what befell the Israelites during the 40 years of wondering. More specifically, “Who were they…” who were not able to enter the promise land?

The writer of Hebrews answers the questions with very rhetorical questions that he kindly answers them for us. “Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt?” God had literally shifted the world, devastated a nation, wantonly murdered, and parted a sea for “…those Moses led…” However, it is not ‘what’ God did for these people that is important. Rather it is ‘what’ these “…they…” saw, which is of importance.

The point is for 400 years the Israelites did not see God working amongst them. But we cannot forget a certain fact. In the Bible, it is mentioned that the Egyptian Pharaoh feared the Israelites because their numbers had grown. Now why would the king of a country fear the Israelites? In a contextual view point, we have to understand the social norm of that time concerning religion. The Pharaoh, considered a god in the minds of Egyptians, was considered powerful in the eyes of other surrounding countries. The thought process is, if your god is strong, then your country would be prosperous due to your god’s favor. Within the realm of ‘strong’ lay many different parameters. But above all one considered a nation’s power by its military prowess. There are two things that are paramount in measuring military strength during that time. Firstly, wealth, you have to feed your men and horses. Secondly, population, no man power, no army. Pharaoh, even before the plagues, feared the Israelites, or rather the god of the Israelites. In his mind was the question, ‘Who is their god that even without their own country, grow to have such a large population?' When gods were credited with the health, death, and sickness, a growing population meant that the God of Israel was indeed powerful enough to take care of his children even when in the presence of Ra, Anubis, Pharaoh, and hundreds of other gods.

God without a doubt is moving mountains around us. Israelites for 400 years could not see the mountains moving. And when God appeared in plain sight and sent the plague on the Egyptians, parted the Red Sea, guided them with the column of fire and cloud, sent manna and quail, lead them to victory against nations with seemingly bigger gods, but they saw, “…heard and rebelled…”

(v13) “…encourage one another daily…”

To see but not see. God even today is moving mountains for me. Do I see it? Do I listen to it? Do I then, follow it? There is no other way but by the grace of God that we do not fall into the same trap that the Israelites fell into. However, with the help of the Holy Spirit who resides within us, we are call to help each other “…so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

Am I listening?



-Worm

Hebrews 3:1-6 "Our Shared Calling"

2010-07-30


3:1-6

(v1) “Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.”

(v6) “But Christ is faithful as a Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.”

(v1) “…who share in the heavenly calling…”

There are many things that could be extracted from this passage. However, there is one thing that I feel of great importance. Anyone can tell me that this passage is telling us that Jesus is greater than Moses. But to us as Christians in this age, it is not hidden but rather a know fact to all. Regardless of the importance of conveying this fact to the Jews at that time, to us, this passage has to impact us beyond the apparent fact.

The fact that could be more mind boggling to the us and the Jews at that time is not that Moses is lower than Jesus, but the fact that Moses is a part of the house that Jesus is building. The reason behind the ‘wow’ effect is that we too are building blocks of the house that Jesus is building. If that hasn’t grabbed your attention yet, deductive reasoning behind this fact is that we, the normal Joes of this world are at par with the likeness of Moses, Daniel, Elijah, David and Abraham.

Think about it. When we read the bible, how many times do people read the stories and think, ‘Wow, what a awesome life these people are leading?’ But the author of Hebrews is telling us that we are equal is position with these ‘greats’ of old. Or in another perspective, these ‘greats’ are equal with us ‘the normal Joes.’

Then why aren’t we living lives like these men? Why aren’t we leading a ton o’ people across the desert, challenging the kings of this world to a spiritual duals, etc? Why aren’t we making the impact that these men are making? Why can’t our lives be as awesome as theirs? If God thinks that we are on par with each other, what is the difference, or rather what has enabled God to use them in such a way whilst we are struggling through this bondage called ‘life?’ Why can’t I receive such a calling?

“…who share in the heavenly calling…” I have picked this passage because of one word, ‘share.’ This one word can change how you look at your vision in Christ.

If God’s calling for Moses was to free the Israelites from Egypt and lead them the promise land, the author of Hebrews could not have used the word ‘share.’ Most definitely God did not call me to lead the Israelites from Egypt nor has he called me to become King of a country (well I don’t think yet ^^). But the passage says, “…who share in the heavenly calling…”

So what calling do we share? It is interesting because I find that even not long ago I was praying, “God what do you want of me? What do you want me to do? What is your vision for me? What? What? What? What?” But isn’t I obvious? What God wants of us?

(v6) “…hold on...”

What he wants as with ‘great’ people of old is for us to hold on. Hold on to the “…courage and the hope of which we boast.” And by holding on and not letting go we are able to stay in close proximity with God. And when one is in close contact with another he gets to know the person. God wants us to ‘hold on’ and to come closer to God. (The last bit was a bit rushed but this idea is of such importance that I wanted to just give a hint and later expand in another opportunity.)

What is my calling?

-Worm

Hebrews 2:10-18 "To Be Bros of Jesus"

2010-07-29


2:10-18

(v10) “In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.”

(v17) “For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.”

(v10) “…it was fitting…”

I have contemplated for a brief moment (about 10 seconds over a sip of coffee) about dividing this section into two but decided that it was fitting not to (had to do it, know it corny but hey, its me). The word ‘fitting’ used here is very interesting in that the word itself has connotations that makes the whole situation interesting. Although I cannot dive deeper into the mean via the ways of its original language, but the intent behind the word’s use is in itself quite amusing.

To a certain extent, the word ‘fitting,’ in this case may mean mostly that it was ‘right.’ It is funny because when we use the word as ‘right,’ there seams to be certain connotations behind the word. If it was ‘right,’ or ‘fitting,’ on the flip side of the coin there has to be a ‘wrong,’ and a ‘not fitting’ side to it.

Although I am jumping a few steps in my chain of thought, this whole sequence is interesting, because to God this plan and method was ‘fitting.’ The fact that the people of Israel were able to atone for their sins via sacrifice, was in fact ‘not fitting’ in the eyes of God. By his nature, the fact that the sacrifice was not ‘perfect,’ goes against the nature of God.

Though I’m not about to argue the point of doctrine of salvation, the fact that only the Israelites could receive salvation was not a perfect design. And to a perfect God, who is not only the God of the Israelites, but the God of all creation, which in fact includes the gentiles, a ‘perfect’ plan needed to be hatched. And what would God be without the perfect plan.

And so, “…should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.” (Too bad for Jesus, WHAT? LOL)

(v17) “…in order that…”

Then the question is, why? Why is it ‘perfect?’ Why can’t God just come up to us and say, ‘Well, kids, I have decided that all of yous, Jews or Gentiles can now offer up burnt sacrifices for your sins.’

Though the most of the passage, or more specifically 2:12-18 is a testament to the reason of this, ‘sending down the Son of God to die for little Hee-Jae’s sins,’ the reason for Jesus having to come down to this earth is best explained in this the fragment, “…in order that…”

“…in order that…” Jesus might feel my temptations to lie, cheat, hurt, slander, ignore God, commit sexual sins, put other things in above God, both in actual actions and in my mind. The fact that the goodie-goodie, that is the Son of God, experienced all the temptations that I could ever endure, he prevailed.

The suffering he must have felt at that cross. People the fact that he did not sin, means that he should not have died. “The wages of sin is death.” The injustice he must have felt as his connection with God was severed in that last moments as he carried the sin of all men and died. All this “…in order that…”

“…in order that…” he would know both ends. God’s heart and ours. So that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.”

“…it was fitting… …in order that…” we could be saved and be called bros of Jesus

-Worm

Hebrews 2:5-9 “But…” What Do You See?

2010-07-28


2:5-9

(v9) “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.”

(v9) “But…”

Interesting sequence of reasoning and thought on defining who Jesus really is. It is true that when Jesus is viewed in an objective matter, that he was limited by certain restraints. Some having to do with him having to embody a bodily form (notice to play on words), and others having to do with God not revealing everything to him as one thought. I cannot presume with certainty that Jesus while he was on earth, knew what was happening in China at the same instance as would God is able to. Yes, as with physical restraint Jesus was not able to perform some of the attributes of God, but not just owing to the physical restraint, but as Jesus say in referring to his second coming, ‘Only my Father in heaven knows.’ (I know I hacked that verse and the whole paragraph but hey I’m only human).

The point is however, that although we see and read all the things that Jesus has done on earth for our salvation, people will still consider him to be for something that he is not. On many levels, Jesus nowadays is being considered to be on par with the likes of Buddha, Socrates, Muhammad and Confucius. And it is true that these men like Jesus were great man. These men and many other have forever changed how we think and behave even to this day and for days yet to come. And yes, Jesus when sent to earth “…was made a little lower than the angels…”

“But…” We, the Christian, see more than that in Jesus. As verse nine declares, “…we see Jesus…” I challenge myself, ‘Do I see Jesus?’ Do I see him for what he really is? Not just a teacher, not just a philosopher, not just a leader, not just a mentor. “But…” for what he really is?

“…now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” His death on the cross, his weakest moment in ‘life,’ was his crowning moment. For his death on the cross, was his reason for ‘life.’ And in doing so by God’s grace we have access to salvation. By faith we see what we once could not see. Praise God.

“But…” what do you see?

-Worm

Hebrews 1-2:4 "What are We Listening To?"

Hebrews



2010-07-27

1-2:4

(v2:1) “We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”

(v2:1) “…therefore, to what…”

In the first few verses of Hebrews, the word ‘therefore’ in 2:1 leads us directly to the reason and purpose of the writer’s intention.

The whole reason behind the purpose of chapter 1 is to enforce the first few verses of chapter 2, while the rest hereinafter strives to support the intention of verse 2:1. In short the first chapter of Hebrews is telling us that Jesus is the Son of God.

However, the question is, to what? The people who are intended to read this passage have heard some thing or some things previous to this ‘what.’ At this point, the ‘what’ of this mystery can only be presumed by the first chapter (because we have only at the beginning of chapter 2). The extent of the writer trying to clear up the fact that Jesus is the Son of God while the angels are mere ministering spirits sent to help and serve God and us is a precursor to the reason behind the what. From this we can make an educated guess that the intended readers were having trouble in distinguishing Jesus and angels. Or rather they were having disagreements with who Jesus really was. For instance, the Son of God, a glorified angel, an angel named to be Son? Pure guess but by the looks of it, there were people teaching the wrong thing, thus the call for “…more careful attention…”

The notion of having ‘heard’ is not just referring to what the angels are saying but to the “salvation.” Hence, in my own words, ‘If words of angels have consequences, then what of the words of Jesus?’ The writer wants us to grasp the essentials of salvation. Believing that Jesus is the Son of God, that he came and died for our sins, rose back on the third day, went back up to heaven and sits on God’s right hand and will come and judge all. Away from this, the essentials of salvation, all is just noise in the wind.

-Worm