ISSL Reflections February 4 2024 Isaiah 40:12–13, 25–31 Post 3

VII.
As you spend time once again with the prophet’s words, take note of what he says both about the greatness of God and God’s care for humanity.

Who has measured the waters of the sea in the hollow of his hand
       and marked off the heavens with a span,
enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure
       and weighed the mountains in scales
       and the hills in a balance?
Who has directed the spirit of the Lord
       or as his counselor has instructed him?

To whom, then, will you compare me,
       or who is my equal? says the Holy One.
Lift up your eyes on high and see:
       Who created these?
He who brings out their host and numbers them,
       calling them all by name;
because he is great in strength,
       mighty in power,
       not one is missing.
Why do you say, O Jacob,
       and assert, O Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord,
       and my right is disregarded by my God”?
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
       the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
       his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint
       and strengthens the powerless.
Even youths will faint and be weary,
       and the young will fall exhausted,
but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
       they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
       they shall walk and not faint.

IX.
The prophet could not be much more explicit about the greatness, awesomeness and power of God.

Yet he stresses God’s knowledge as much as God’s power.

Then he brings it down to a human level, and speaks of how God imparts strength to humanity.

When have you had occasion to contemplate the wonders of the world?

How do you make the jump from the wonders of the world to God’s interest in and care for you and me?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections February 4 2024 Isaiah 40:12–13, 25–31 Post 2

IV.
As we turn to these words today, let’s take notice of how the focus passage ends,

He gives power to the faint
       and strengthens the powerless.
Even youths will faint and be weary,
       and the young will fall exhausted,
but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
       they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary.
(Isaiah 40:29-31)

Read the passage once again, with the above words as background for your reading and meditating.

V.
Isaiah 40:12-13, 25-31 (NRSVue)

Who has measured the waters of the sea in the hollow of his hand
       and marked off the heavens with a span,
enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure
       and weighed the mountains in scales
       and the hills in a balance?
Who has directed the spirit of the Lord
       or as his counselor has instructed him?

To whom, then, will you compare me,
       or who is my equal? says the Holy One.
Lift up your eyes on high and see:
       Who created these?
He who brings out their host and numbers them,
       calling them all by name;
because he is great in strength,
       mighty in power,
       not one is missing.
Why do you say, O Jacob,
       and assert, O Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord,
       and my right is disregarded by my God”?
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
       the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
       his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint
       and strengthens the powerless.
Even youths will faint and be weary,
       and the young will fall exhausted,
but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
       they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
       they shall walk and not faint.

VI.
What holds your attention the most in those closing words of this passage?

Maybe God’s gifts to us?

Maybe that we (at any age?) can be “faint … weary … and fall exhausted.”

Or even that “the Lord shall renew their strength”?

Can you recall times when your “… wait for the Lord… renewed you, strengthened you, and overcame your weariness so you could “walk and not faint”?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections February 4 2024 Isaiah 40:12–13, 25–31 Post 1

I.
As you read these words from the Prophet Isaiah give some thought to what Isaiah might want us to notice concerning God.

II.
Isaiah 40:12-13, 25-31 (NRSVue)

Who has measured the waters of the sea in the hollow of his hand
       and marked off the heavens with a span,
enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure
       and weighed the mountains in scales
       and the hills in a balance?
Who has directed the spirit of the Lord
       or as his counselor has instructed him?

To whom, then, will you compare me,
       or who is my equal? says the Holy One.
Lift up your eyes on high and see:
       Who created these?
He who brings out their host and numbers them,
       calling them all by name;
because he is great in strength,
       mighty in power,
       not one is missing.
Why do you say, O Jacob,
       and assert, O Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord,
       and my right is disregarded by my God”?
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
       the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
       his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint
       and strengthens the powerless.
Even youths will faint and be weary,
       and the young will fall exhausted,
but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
       they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
       they shall walk and not faint.

III.
What do you think? What should we notice about God as Isaiah begins to describe God?

God’s power? Eternality? God’s unequalness in all of creation? God’s distance from creation? Or maybe, God’s intimate relationship to creation?

What impresses you the most deeply?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections January 28 2024 Romans 12:3–8 Post 3

VII.
Before reading this passage today, take a few minutes to consider:

“We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us ….”

VIII.
Romans 12:3-8 (NRSVue)

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the encourager, in encouragement; the giver, in sincerity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

IX.
What does Paul have to say about the “body” of Christ?

And note well, he writes, “… individually we are members of one another.”

You could spend some time today (and in the days that follow) considering “the grace given to [you] ….” And considering the “gift” and gifts that God has graced you with.

How will you, as an individual member of the body of Christ, share your giftedness with the body of Christ and perhaps even beyond that body?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections January 28 2024 Romans 12:3–8 Post 2

IV.
We hear in this passage Paul speak of grace and gifts.

How is grace given expression in one’s giftedness?

V.
Romans 12:3-8 (NRSVue)

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the encourager, in encouragement; the giver, in sincerity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

VI.
Take a few moments to consider the gifts mentioned in this passage: prophecy, ministering, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading and compassion.

Paul claims he has the authority – the grace – to tell his readers they are “not to think of [themselves] more highly than [they] ought…

How would a lack of humility and sober judgment lead to these gifts being hurtful rather than helpful to the members of the one body?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections January 28 2024 Romans 12:3–8 Post 1

I.
How does our focus passage begin?

For by grace …

As we begin our time with these several sentences, let the lens through which we read these words be, “For by grace …

Where does “grace” show up in this passage?

II.
Romans 12:3-8 (NRSVue)

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the encourager, in encouragement; the giver, in sincerity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

III.
What did you notice about grace?

The first thing I noticed is “For by the grace given …

Is it really a gift?

Then I noticed, “… the grace given to me …

So, the writer presents grace as something “given” to him.

What about you and me? Is grace given to us? Is it a gift you received?

What is your response to gifts generally? What is your response to this gift?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflection January 21 2024 2 Chronicles 20:13–20 Post 3

VII.
When the King and people of Judah are looking for a way to victory over their foes is it reassuring to hear,

“The battle is not for you to fight …”

VIII.
2 Chronicles 20:13-20 (NRSVue)

Meanwhile, all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. Then the spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the middle of the assembly. He said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you: Do not fear or be dismayed at this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them; they will come up by the ascent of Ziz; you will find them at the end of the valley, before the wilderness of Jeruel. This battle is not for you to fight; take your position, stand still, and see the victory of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”

Then Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. And the Levites of the Kohathites and the Korahites stood up to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.

They rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa, and as they went out Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God and you will be established; believe his prophets and you will succeed.”

IX.
Do you think the King wanted to hear, “… take your position, stand still …”?

Or did he want to know how to win the battle?

I suspect a lot of us have a hard time hearing we need to “stand still.” And maybe also to trust God for the victory. After all, don’t we want to stand up for ourselves?

Can you recall a time when waiting and/or “standing still” was a better way of dealing with a difficult situation than trying to force a victory with your own power?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflection January 21 2024 2 Chronicles 20:13–20 Post 2

VII.
Let’s go back a verse or so and take notice of King Jehoshaphat’s prayer,

“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (2 Chronicles 10:12)

Keep the King’s words in mind as you read again our focus passage.

VIII.
2 Chronicles 20:13-20 (NRSVue)

Meanwhile, all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. Then the spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the middle of the assembly. He said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you: Do not fear or be dismayed at this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them; they will come up by the ascent of Ziz; you will find them at the end of the valley, before the wilderness of Jeruel. This battle is not for you to fight; take your position, stand still, and see the victory of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”

Then Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. And the Levites of the Kohathites and the Korahites stood up to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.

They rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa, and as they went out Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God and you will be established; believe his prophets and you will succeed.”

IX.
I wonder if the King did not so much need to hear Jahaziel’s words so he was encouraged to trust God, as the words of Jahaziel served to confirm in part the trust that already existed.

I suspect his instructions for the “battle” did encourage the people of Judah.

Can you recall a time when a word from another helped encourage you when you needed some encouragement?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflection January 21 2024 2 Chronicles 20:13–20 Post 1

I.
In this passage we hear from Jahaziel, a Levite (and probably deserving the title “prophet” also), and King Johoshaphat.

The King tells the people, “Believe in the Lord your God and you will be established; believe his prophets and you will succeed.”

How does one arrive at such a place?

II.
2 Chronicles 20:13-20 (NRSVue)

Meanwhile, all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. Then the spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the middle of the assembly. He said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you: Do not fear or be dismayed at this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them; they will come up by the ascent of Ziz; you will find them at the end of the valley, before the wilderness of Jeruel. This battle is not for you to fight; take your position, stand still, and see the victory of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”

Then Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. And the Levites of the Kohathites and the Korahites stood up to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.

They rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa, and as they went out Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God and you will be established; believe his prophets and you will succeed.”

III.
What leads the King to voice such great confidence in God and God’s prophets?

He did receive a significant word of encouragement from Jahaziel. And we read he, “bowed down … worshiping the Lord.”

What do you see as the relationship between these two?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections January 14 2024 Proverbs 3:1–8 Post 3

VII.
In speaking of the God’s teaching and commandments, the teacher instructs his listeners to,

“bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.”

What in the words of these proverbs directs you to how that is done?

VIII.
Proverbs 3:1-8 (NRSVue)

My child, do not forget my teaching,
     but let your heart keep my commandments,
for length of days and years of life
     and abundant welfare they will give you.
Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you;
     bind them around your neck;
     write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will find favor and high regard
     in the sight of God and of people.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
     and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
     and he will make straight your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
     fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
It will be a healing for your flesh
     and a refreshment for your body.

IX.
We hear,

  • “do not forget…,”
  • “Trust in the Lord …,”
  • “… acknowledge him …,”
  • “turn away from evil…,”
  • “Do not be wise in your own eyes…”

Of these and other words of encouragement, what seems to come the easiest for you?

What is more difficult?

Look over the passage again and find the phrase that most helps you understand how you can find God’s “healing … and … refreshment.”

Take those words as part of your prayers for today and the next several days.

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}