ISSL Reflections March 10 2024 2 Corinthians 13:5–11 Post 1

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I.
Are you ready for this week’s “exam”?

Paul offers some “study questions” for our upcoming exam.

As you notice his insistence that his readers “examine yourselves,” what holds your attention?

II.
2 Corinthians 13:5-11 (NRSVue)

Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless, indeed, you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed. But we pray to God that you may not do anything wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth but only for the truth. For we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong. This is what we pray for, that you may be restored. So I write these things while I am away from you, so that when I come I may not have to be severe in using the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.

Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Be restored; listen to my appeal; agree with one another; live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

III.
Is Paul asking his readers to take seriously the life God has called them to?

  • “Examine … test … fail … not failed … not do anything wrong … appear to have met the test … do what is right … may seem to have failed … restored …”

Consider for a moment that this correspondence is addressed to you.

Consider that you might be asked to sit for this test.

How would you feel about that? Would you face the test with confidence or might you worry you might not be up for the exam?

Or, would you ignore Paul’s invitation to self-examination?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections March 3 2024 Jude 17–25 Post 3

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VII.
Let’s try a couple of things today

First, read the first paragraph below and pay attention to the description of the “worldly people,”
Second, as these people are described, how might we look at these traits and see how the reverse could describe the “beloved.”

VIII.
Jude 17-25 (NRSVue)

But you, beloved, must remember the words previously spoken by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, for they said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, indulging their own ungodly lusts.” It is these worldly people, devoid of the Spirit, who are causing divisions. But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on some who are wavering; save others by snatching them out of the fire; and have mercy on still others with fear, hating even the tunic defiled by their bodies.

Now to him who is able to keep you from falling and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

IX.
What captures your attention as a way to think of the “beloved”? As a characteristic of how the “beloved” interact with others?

You do understand you are God’s beloved? Right? Take that with you today.

And, return to the prayer that closes these words, “Now to him who is able to keep you from falling, and to you make you stand ….”

How do you complete that prayer today?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections March 3 2024 Jude 17–25 Post 2

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IV.
Today let’s spend some time paying attention to how the “beloved” are described.

V.
Jude 17-25 (NRSVue)

But you, beloved, must remember the words previously spoken by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, for they said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, indulging their own ungodly lusts.” It is these worldly people, devoid of the Spirit, who are causing divisions. But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on some who are wavering; save others by snatching them out of the fire; and have mercy on still others with fear, hating even the tunic defiled by their bodies.

Now to him who is able to keep you from falling and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

VI.
What did you notice about the “beloved”?

They build themselves up, they pray, they stay connected to the love of God, they are forward looking, they take seriously the mercy they find in the Lord Jesus Christ and they are concerned about others. What more did you notice?

Of those descriptions of God’s beloved you read above, are there any you sense a need that they be more deeply rooted in your life? How do you think that can come about?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections March 3 2024 Jude 17–25 Post 1

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I.
In this week’s Scripture, we are offered a contrast between “worldly people” and the “beloved.”

Read the passage paying attention to what you are told of the “worldly people.”

Reread the passage and take note of what you learn about the “beloved.”

Then read again the prayer that is offered in the concluding sentence.

II.
Jude 17-25 (NRSVue)

But you, beloved, must remember the words previously spoken by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, for they said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, indulging their own ungodly lusts.” It is these worldly people, devoid of the Spirit, who are causing divisions. But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on some who are wavering; save others by snatching them out of the fire; and have mercy on still others with fear, hating even the tunic defiled by their bodies.

Now to him who is able to keep you from falling and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

III.
What in the description of the “worldly people” gives you the most concern?

Why is that?

Do you notice such a disposition in any people you encounter on a day to day basis?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections February 25 2024 Habakkuk 2:1–5 Post 3

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VII.
The Prophet receives an “answer” to his complaint. Today let’s first take notice how the “answer” begins.

VIII.
Habakkuk 2:1-5 (NRSVue)

I will stand at my watchpost
and station myself on the rampart;
I will keep watch to see what he will say to me
and what he will answer concerning my complaint.

Then the Lord answered me and said:

Write the vision;
make it plain on tablets,
so that a runner may read it.
For there is still a vision for the appointed time;
it speaks of the end and does not lie.
If it seems to tarry, wait for it;
it will surely come; it will not delay.
Look at the proud!
Their spirit is not right in them,
but the righteous live by their faithfulness.
Moreover, wealth is treacherous;
the arrogant do not endure.
They open their throats wide as Sheol;
like Death they never have enough.
They gather all nations for themselves
and collect all peoples as their own.

IX.
Did you notice, “… write … make it plain … so that a runner may read it.”

The Lord’s response is not private, for Habakkuk alone. Habakkuk is expected to invest himself in the answer and is to share it. Given a “runner” is mentioned, to share it widely, I think.

“For there is still a vision …”

I have the impression that the answer/response is not a one time only answer. Maybe the beginning of an answer but in no way is The Lord’s response the end of the “conversation.”

And, by all means, do not miss the encouragement for the Prophet to, “If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.”

Habakkuk was already waiting and watching. He is told to continue to wait. There is more to come. Maybe not as the Prophet counts “delay” but in The Lord’s time.

“The righteous live by their faithfulness.”

Hold onto that thought. Reread this passage with that as your lens through which you meditate on the words. And not just on the words, but on the hope that underlies these words.

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections February 25 2024 Habakkuk 2:1–5 Post 2

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IV.
The Prophet stood at his watchpost, he kept watch, “to see what [The Lord] will say … what he will answer…”

Then ….

V.
Habakkuk 2:1-5 (NRSVue)

I will stand at my watchpost
and station myself on the rampart;
I will keep watch to see what he will say to me
and what he will answer concerning my complaint.

Then the Lord answered me and said:

Write the vision;
make it plain on tablets,
so that a runner may read it.
For there is still a vision for the appointed time;
it speaks of the end and does not lie.
If it seems to tarry, wait for it;
it will surely come; it will not delay.
Look at the proud!
Their spirit is not right in them,
but the righteous live by their faithfulness.
Moreover, wealth is treacherous;
the arrogant do not endure.
They open their throats wide as Sheol;
like Death they never have enough.
They gather all nations for themselves
and collect all peoples as their own.

VI.
The Prophet is convinced his complaint will be answered by The Lord.

But maybe we should take notice of something before the answer.

He models for us a “hopeful” waiting. Not a fearful time of waiting for an “answer.” Not a nervous time of waiting.

Maybe not doubting the reply will come in some form.

How do you wait?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections February 25 2024 Habakkuk 2:1–5 Post 1

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I.
While our focus Scripture for this week hears the prophet speak of his waiting for an answer to his complaints, chapter 1 lays out his complaints beginning with,

O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,
and you will not listen?
Or cry to you “Violence!”
and you will not save?
Why do you make me see wrongdoing
and look at trouble? (Habakkuk 1:2-3)

As you read the Prophet’s words and The Lord’s reply, can you sense the Prophet’s pain in his waiting?

II.
Habakkuk 2:1-5 (NRSVue)

I will stand at my watchpost
and station myself on the rampart;
I will keep watch to see what he will say to me
and what he will answer concerning my complaint.

Then the Lord answered me and said:
Write the vision;
make it plain on tablets,
so that a runner may read it.
For there is still a vision for the appointed time;
it speaks of the end and does not lie.
If it seems to tarry, wait for it;
it will surely come; it will not delay.
Look at the proud!
Their spirit is not right in them,
but the righteous live by their faithfulness.
Moreover, wealth is treacherous;
the arrogant do not endure.
They open their throats wide as Sheol;
like Death they never have enough.
They gather all nations for themselves
and collect all peoples as their own.

III.
Have you been there? Voicing a complaint, a need, a pain, a cry to God and not sensing God’s attention to you?

What do you do? Walk away thinking you are unheard? Pray more words? Cry more?

Or wait?

This passage from Habakkuk is posted during the season of Lent. A time we mark 40 days of waiting.

How will you wait? What will you do with your waiting time?

Maybe you have already heard the invitation to a “Holy Lent.”

What makes it holy this year?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections February 11 2024 Daniel 3:19–28 Post 3

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VII.
We start with a King who wants obedience and worship given him or responds with certain death to those who disobey.

We then hear a King who acknowledges Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego are “servants of the Most High God…”

And beyond that he confesses,

“Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him.”

What is able to take one on such a path?

VIII.
Daniel 3:19-28 (NRSVue)

Then Nebuchadnezzar was so filled with rage against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face was distorted. He ordered the furnace heated up seven times more than was customary and ordered some of the strongest guards in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and to throw them into the furnace of blazing fire. So the men were bound, still wearing their tunics, their trousers, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the furnace of blazing fire. Because the king’s command was urgent and the furnace was so overheated, the raging flames killed the men who lifted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. But the three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down, bound, into the furnace of blazing fire.

Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up quickly. He said to his counselors, “Was it not three men that we threw bound into the fire?” They answered the king, “True, O king.” He replied, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the middle of the fire, and they are not hurt, and the fourth has the appearance of a god.” Nebuchadnezzar then approached the door of the furnace of blazing fire and said, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men; the hair of their heads was not singed, their tunics were not scorched, and not even the smell of fire came from them. Nebuchadnezzar said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him. They disobeyed the king’s command and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God.

IX.
To attempt to burn three young men to death in a furnace and then to see four and the “fourth has the appearance of a god” might be enough for one to question either his vision or his sanity.

But Nebuchadnezzar questions his theology.

Take some time to consider your journey of faith (and theologies) and see when an event, a person or an experience challenged you to reconsider your faith, your theology, and your direction in life.

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections February 11 2024 Daniel 3:19–28 Post 2

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IV.
Let’s notice today three sides of this account –

  • King Nebuchadnezzar who wants (actually commands) obedience and worship;
  • The “certain Chaldeans” (Daniel 3:8-9, 12) who denounced the three Jewish men for their failure to obey and worship the King despite their high position in government;
  • Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who chose to remain faithful to their God.

V.
Daniel 3:19-28 (NRSVue)

Then Nebuchadnezzar was so filled with rage against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face was distorted. He ordered the furnace heated up seven times more than was customary and ordered some of the strongest guards in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and to throw them into the furnace of blazing fire. So the men were bound, still wearing their tunics, their trousers, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the furnace of blazing fire. Because the king’s command was urgent and the furnace was so overheated, the raging flames killed the men who lifted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. But the three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down, bound, into the furnace of blazing fire.

Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up quickly. He said to his counselors, “Was it not three men that we threw bound into the fire?” They answered the king, “True, O king.” He replied, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the middle of the fire, and they are not hurt, and the fourth has the appearance of a god.” Nebuchadnezzar then approached the door of the furnace of blazing fire and said, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men; the hair of their heads was not singed, their tunics were not scorched, and not even the smell of fire came from them. Nebuchadnezzar said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him. They disobeyed the king’s command and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God.

VI.
How do you make decisions on what you think is most important?

Do you consider the consequences? Do you put more weight in consequences or in your belief of rightness/wrongness of actions?

How does faith in God enter into your decisions?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections February 11 2024 Daniel 3:19–28 Post 1

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I.
To understand some of what leads to such rage on the part of King Nebuchadnezzar, let me zero in on a couple of items preceding this week’s focus passage.

King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden statue whose height was sixty cubits and whose width was six cubits; he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. (Daniel 3:1)

“You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages,that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble, you are to fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire. (Daniel 3:4-6)

Accordingly, at this time certain Chaldeans came forward and denounced the Jews.They said to King Nebuchadnezzar … There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men pay no heed to you, O king. They do not serve your gods, and they do not worship the golden statue that you have set up.” (Daniel 3:8-9, 12)

These three men do not obey the King’s command and suffer the consequences.

II.
Daniel 3:19-28 (NRSVue)

Then Nebuchadnezzar was so filled with rage against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face was distorted. He ordered the furnace heated up seven times more than was customary and ordered some of the strongest guards in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and to throw them into the furnace of blazing fire. So the men were bound, still wearing their tunics, their trousers, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the furnace of blazing fire. Because the king’s command was urgent and the furnace was so overheated, the raging flames killed the men who lifted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. But the three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down, bound, into the furnace of blazing fire.

Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up quickly. He said to his counselors, “Was it not three men that we threw bound into the fire?” They answered the king, “True, O king.” He replied, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the middle of the fire, and they are not hurt, and the fourth has the appearance of a god.” Nebuchadnezzar then approached the door of the furnace of blazing fire and said, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men; the hair of their heads was not singed, their tunics were not scorched, and not even the smell of fire came from them. Nebuchadnezzar said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him. They disobeyed the king’s command and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God.

III.
Who do you notice in this account?

You may want to read it again and make sure you identify all who are spoken of in this account.

What do you think leads them to act as they do?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}