Reading from Monday, April 5

Hey, still playing catch up - but here we go.

Reading for April 5
Deuteronomy 28:1-68
Geez. In this scene, God is lecturing the Israelites about following his word and commands. He tells them that if they do follow his commands, and follow them joyfully, then they will be blessed. BUT. If they don't follow his commands, they will be cursed. There are 14 verses that describe the blessings for obedience, but 54 verses on curses for disobedience. And there's something I noticed when reading these curses. The curses range from plagues on the people and on the land, to being invaded by armies that take over and sell the Israelites into slavery. Sound familiar? Like, does it sound like every single group of people that God commanded the Israelites to take over in a militaristic strike? Or every group of people that God directly cursed himself? Yes, it does.

These 54 verses are basically a recap of every bit of vengeance God has dished out on humanity so far in the Bible. And the simple reason for God's punishment? Disobedience. And in this section of text, it is extremely apparent that the Israelites - God's chosen people - are not immune to God's punishment for disobedience. The only issue that remains to appear as "unfair justice" is that the other nations weren't given fair warning like the Israelites did. Unless it is simply undocumented, or if we're supposed to assume that the other nations are all descendants of Adam and Eve and their forefathers were given fair warning back in Genesis...Either way, this section clearly shows what is referred to as God's "perfect justice". Or - if that doesn't sit right with you - his "unbiased justice". Don't obey God, pay the price.

It also appears that in the Old Testament, God's punishment for disobedience is solely for the human, earthly lifetime. While in the New Testament, or after Christ's sacrifice, the punishment for not following God is carried out after death. This is another common problem with modern humanity accepting Christianity - accept Christ or go to hell. Why is that so? Some of the best people I know don't believe in God, or at least not the Christian God. Why should they be punished for disobedience? I need to sit on this one for a while...

Luke 11:14-36
Jesus is speaking to a crowd of people after driving a demon out of a man who was mute. Some were amazed, while other accused him of driving out demons in the name of Beelzebub. Some interesting things about Beelzebub:

1. This name is thought to be the evolution of the ancient god, Baal - who was referenced many times in the Old Testament. Baal was also the god of the Midianites. 
2. It is also thought that Beelzebub is Satan/Lucifer himself. If not, one of the higher ranking demons. 
3. Beelzebub literally translates to "Lord of the Flies"- Conch shell and all.

 The idea that the Midianites were worshiping Satan is a little easier to digest when thinking about their genocide that upset me so much...

Anyway, Jesus says basically says 'why would the devil drive out the devil?'

Then some woman in the crowd says:

 ²⁷[...]"Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you."
 ²⁸He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

Does this discount the blessed nature of Mary that is so central to Catholicism? I'm not saying it is, but as a Protestant, I don't hold the same level of esteem for Mary mother of Jesus that Catholics do. Either way, the point here is not to focus on Mary, or even Jesus in this case, but rather the word of God, and following it.

This is interesting to see after what I just read in Deuteronomy about following God or else.

Psalm 77:1-20
Man, I love this Asaph guy. His writing is so much more intricate and interesting than David's slogging, repetitive cries of relief from his enemies. Asaph's psalms also appear to be written in times of pain, but the way he pens his words are simply much more captivating:

² When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;
       at night I stretched out untiring hands
       and my soul refused to be comforted.
        [...]
⁷ "Will the Lord reject forever?

       Will he never show his favor again?
 ⁸ Has his unfailing love vanished forever?
       Has his promise failed for all time?
 ⁹ Has God forgotten to be merciful?
       Has he in anger withheld his compassion?"
       Selah

So once again, it appears that Asaph has never actually seen or interacted with God, rather his belief stems from the stories of the Old Testament as he goes on:

¹⁰ Then I thought, "To this I will appeal:
       the years of the right hand of the Most High."

 ¹¹ I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
       yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
 ¹² I will meditate on all your works
       and consider all your mighty deeds.

So what causes someone to have such a firm belief in something they've never seen? Well, I suppose that's what faith is, by definition...


Proverbs 12:18
 ¹⁸ Reckless words pierce like a sword,
       but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all...