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

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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

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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

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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

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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}

ISSL Reflections January 14 2024 Proverbs 3:1–8 Post 2

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IV.
As you read this passage today, pay attention to the promises.

V.
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.

VI.
I notice one promise is, “… Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and of people.”

This is promised to whom? What is required of them to receive what is promised?

We also read, “… he will make straight your paths.”

Does this mean “straight … paths” are promised and it is God not the one keeping the commandments that “make straight” the paths.

In this Psalm do you encounter legalism or grace?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

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

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I.
A bit over midway in this passage the proverb encourages us to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart …”

As you spend time with this passage, notice you could see it as a collection of proverbs with a promise accompanying each.

On our first reading let’s take notice of all the ways the hearer is encouraged to “Trust in the Lord….”

II.
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.

III.
What stands out to you the loudest?

“Trust”? “… do not forget…” Or maybe the encouragement to “… bind … write …” the commandments on and in your very body?

Do you really think God’s commandments will bring healing and refreshment?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections January 7 2024 Hebrews 11:1–4a, 7a, 8, 17–18, 20–23, 32, 39–40 Post 3

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VII.
Did you notice this,

“And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of … “ (Hebrews 11:32)

The writer of Hebrews goes on to suggest a few more names to add to his list.

Read this passage once again and then let’s return to consider who we might add.

VIII.
Hebrews 11:1–4a, 7a, 8, 17–18, 20–23, 32, 39–40 (NRSVue)

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain’s. Through this he received approval as righteous, God himself giving approval to his gifts; he died, but through his faith he still speaks.

By faith Noah, warned by God about events as yet unseen, respected the warning and built an ark to save his household; by this he condemned the world and became an heir to the righteousness that is in accordance with faith.

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance, and he set out, not knowing where he was going.

By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, of whom he had been told, “It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.”

By faith Isaac invoked blessings for the future on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, “bowing in worship over the top of his staff.” By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his burial.

By faith Moses was hidden by his parents for three months after his birth, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.

And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,

Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect.

IX.
Let’s take some time to consider who is in your “Faith Hall of Fame.”

Not Scriptural personages, but those who have modeled faith for you. Maybe they are family, teachers, friends, authors. Who has given you a handle on what faith is, what it can be, and what form faith takes in your life.

One more thing – are there those who might name you in their “Faith Hall of Fame”?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections January 7 2024 Hebrews 11:1–4a, 7a, 8, 17–18, 20–23, 32, 39–40 Post 2

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IV.
This passage starts with what we could call a definition of faith.

Take some time to look at verse 1 in several translations and notice the differences in the translations.

V.
Hebrews 11:1–4a, 7a, 8, 17–18, 20–23, 32, 39–40 (NRSVue)

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain’s. Through this he received approval as righteous, God himself giving approval to his gifts; he died, but through his faith he still speaks.

By faith Noah, warned by God about events as yet unseen, respected the warning and built an ark to save his household; by this he condemned the world and became an heir to the righteousness that is in accordance with faith.

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance, and he set out, not knowing where he was going.

By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, of whom he had been told, “It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.”

By faith Isaac invoked blessings for the future on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, “bowing in worship over the top of his staff.” By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his burial.

By faith Moses was hidden by his parents for three months after his birth, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.

And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,

Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect.

VI.
Below are several translations –

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (New Revisied Standard Version, updated edition)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (King James Version)

Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see. (Common English Bible)

Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see. (Contemporary English Version)

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (English Standard Version)

To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see. (Good News Translation)

Now faith means putting our full confidence in the things we hope for, it means being certain of things we cannot see. (Phillips Translation)

Now faith is the realization of what is hoped for, the proof of things not seen. (Lexham English Bible)

The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. (The Message)

Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen. (New American Standard Bible)

Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it. (New Century Version)

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see. (New English Translation)

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (New International Version)

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. (New Living Translation)

Have I included your most often used translation(s)? Have I left out a favorite translation of yours?

Does any one of these help you get a better grasp of how faith operates for you?

How would you describe or explain faith to someone?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections January 7 2024 Hebrews 11:1–4a, 7a, 8, 17–18, 20–23, 32, 39–40 Post 1

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I.
On this first day of 2024 we turn our attention for a time to what many call the “Faith Hall of Fame, Hebrews 11.”

The writer of Hebrews connects faith, hope and approval.

Notice those connections in the names mentioned in this Scripture passage.

II.
Hebrews 11:1–4a, 7a, 8, 17–18, 20–23, 32, 39–40 (NRSVue)

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain’s. Through this he received approval as righteous, God himself giving approval to his gifts; he died, but through his faith he still speaks.

By faith Noah, warned by God about events as yet unseen, respected the warning and built an ark to save his household; by this he condemned the world and became an heir to the righteousness that is in accordance with faith.

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance, and he set out, not knowing where he was going.

By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, of whom he had been told, “It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.”

By faith Isaac invoked blessings for the future on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, “bowing in worship over the top of his staff.” By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his burial.

By faith Moses was hidden by his parents for three months after his birth, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.

And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,

Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect.

III.
Focus on one or two of those mentioned.

How do you see the connection of faith and hope for them?

As you enter this new year, what are your hopes?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Desu ibi est}

ISSL Reflections December 31 2023 Matthew 2:1–12 Post 2

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IV.
Notice who has questions, who is frightened, who has answers, who is willing to travel in search of one who is due homage, who pays attention to stars, ancient writings, and dreams, and who finds joy.

V.
Matthew 2:1-12 (NRSVue)

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him, and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. hey told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet:

‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
     are by no means least among the rulers of Judah,
for from you shall come a ruler
     who is to shepherd my people Israel.’ ”

Then Herod secretly called for the magi and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out, and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen in the east, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

VI.
Why is Herod frightened? Why does he misrepresent his desire to see the child?

The magi are on a quest. It seems they did not fully know where the quest would take them. Yet, in their journey they found joy. What else do you think they found?

Think about journeys you have been on. What did you expect of the journey? Did the journey reward you? How?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}