Hebrew Bible and Christian Scriptures

Isaiah is a very long book. I find it interesting that the first title introduces the entire book as a vision. Basically the author is laying it out for you for what to expect from the text. God seems harsh in verse 15 “When you stretch out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you, even though you make may prayers, I will not listen, your hands are full of blood.” All I can say to that is I hope I never have to experience this absence from God. The judgment on enemies is often called the Isaiah apocalypse. I find this interesting because as I am reading Isaiah I am also reminded of the gospels in some sense. It is almost like Isaiah is the gospel of the Old Testament. Thoughts?

I love the scrolls. Ruth and Esther have always been some of my all time favorites. It always cracks me up to hear people freak out over Song of Solomon. Yes it has many details and talks very graphically but it gives a wonderful message of love and what marriage and love should look like. Esther is an inspiration that family is more than a word. However, Ruth gives a different image of what family and compassion look like. It is amazing the bond Naomi and Ruth had. Ruth was practically her daughter. Neither turned their back on one another. However, i did notice the manipulation or seduction rather that did take place.

Much over due post I know. However, I find last week that I really related with Job and the anger that is revealed in the book. That being said it is hard for me to wrap my mind around someone using this book to provide grief counseling. I worked at Hillcrest this past summer as a chaplain and encountered many deaths and never once would I ever consider Job. Yes scripture comes to mind and I reveal the scripture in a manner in which is best fitting the patient or loved ones. Further more, I did realize that like Job i too have troubled. not in the same manner but yet I am getting frustrated by others and not doing anything about it. I bottle it in and never take it to the source.

On another note a thought came to mind when reading Job 2:10…(not the foolish woman part) How many people only expect good to come from God and not bad? How does this play into the idea of theodicy and God’s sovereignty? My first question is a big one. Many may be denying christianity because they only see either how “good” we have it or how “bad” we have it. People go into christianity believing it to be an easy task and easier life. The reality is that it is not always good or easy.

Over the weekend I was reading back through Proverbs and realized there are so many helpful chapters to those hurting financially. As a minister one is not always going to have it the best financially but knowing this means being aware and being able to prepare and know what to expect. Without getting in depth and personal this book truly helped me. I am constantly worried about finances and what will happen when I get really out on own….It is scary. With the world going the way it is money is going to be a big source for a lot of problems. We just think there is too much of an emphasis now on money it is not going to get any better. In fact we may be the people we dont stop for on the side of the road.

After reading Psalms and talking to people I have began to realize why we have so many different denominations. My thoughts carry me into a question of are we any better than the religions of this world? How can we force our beliefs and tell them they are wrong when we are not any different? It is this issue that makes me thank God everyday for not having me responsible for others judgement. I could not do it.

Psalms probably my favorite book of the Bible. Anytime you are feeling (insert here) you can always turn to Psalms to carry you. Every time I read Psalms I get taken away by the words and the movement it brings to life. I am humbled and speechless by the beauty and awe the Psalms offers.

Nehemiah seems to tell it like it is. Where Ezra seems to paint an artistic image of what is going on. It is weird to read Ezra before Nehemiah because it is like reading a book backwards or knowing the ending before reaching the beginning.