Not sure if Cliff has gotten around to the Bible yet. (He makes cheat sheets for huge works like Moby Dick, War and Peace, Oxford English Dictionary, etc...). So while reading through Proverbs I thought I'd try my hand at distilling the wisdom of Solomon into a few key themes. Of course this immediately violates #5 below for even thinking I could do anything with Solomon's wisdom. Where did my bag of chips go?
1) Talking/gossip/lying: Shut yer pie hole (Proverbs 4:24; 17:28; 12:17-19; 10:19; 20:19)
2) Your job: Work yer tail off (Proverbs 6:6-11; 10:4-5; 18:9; 20:4)
2a) Your job: But don't work so you got nothin' else to give (Prov 23:4)
3) Sexual temptation: you get burned when yer playin' with fire (Proverbs 4:14-15; 6:27-28; 7:22-23; the entire 5th chapter)
4) Wisdom: worth more than gold (Prov 4:6-7; 8:10-11; and practically every other verse in the book)
5) Humility: Don't think yer "all that and a bag of chips" (Prov 8:13; 3:34)
6) Ill-gotten gains: not worth jack squat (or they are worth just jack squat. Either way). (Prov 10: 2, 15:16-17; 20:17; 28:6,16)
7) Honesty: Don't be a scammer. (Prov 16:11; 20:10; 22:1)
8) Generosity: Give some of what you got. (Prov 3:27-28; 19:17; 21:13; 23:6-8; 28:22)
9) Righteousness: Be that. (Prov 3:33; 4:18; 20:7; 28:12)
10) Wickedness: Don't be that. (Prov 3:33; 4:14; 28:9)
11) Parenting: Yer more than a buddy. (Prov 19:18; 22:6)
12) Anger: Simmer down. (Prov 19:19; 29:11; 30:33)
13) The Fear of God: Yer knees best be knockin'. (Prov 19:23; 22:4; 23:17; 28:14)
14) Honoring parents: treat them like they are all that and a bag of chips (Prov 20:20).
15) Foolishness: Don't be a fool (Prov 26:1-12; throw a dart and you'll probably hit a verse about the folly of a fool)
16) Justice: give a rat's [backside] about the poor (Prov 29:7, 14)
Showing posts with label Solomon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Solomon. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
The Name Above All Names
Some things are too big too see. In a crowded downtown, walking past a sky scraper you might not realize its massive size or even acknowledge it is there. Some things are so numerous and pervasive that they escape notice. Being a geologist I know that no matter where you go, there are rocks in some form: the cement in concrete comes from limestone, the gold on your ring was once ore in a mine, the asphalt in the road has aggregate, the magnet holding up the picture of baby Huey on your fridge came from the ground. Rocks are everywhere but seldom seen.
This morning I realized that "The Name of the Lord" is the same way in scripture. "The Name of the Lord" is utterly shot through and through all scripture, the hinge for key doctrines, the motive for the drive of nations, the root of blessings and curses, the basis for the covenants, the foundation of prayer, among the top tier and varsity starting squad of the 10 commandments. The Name has been too big for me to see. Today, I just walked by an enormous, towing skyscraper, an edifice that pierces the clouds and spans whole city blocks. And I looked up and saw it for the first time.
This is what I was reading in 1 Kings 5:3-5,
“You know that because of the wars waged against my father David from all sides, he could not build a temple for the Name of the Lord his God until the Lord put his enemies under his feet. But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster. I intend, therefore, to build a temple for the Name of the Lord my God, as the Lord told my father David, when he said, ‘Your son whom I will put on the throne in your place will build the temple for my Name.’ (1 Kings 5:3-5 NIV84)
Three times in three verses The Name is mentioned. Not only had I not fully noticed this in 1 Kings, but also the hundreds of other occurrences throughout the Bible. Somethings are too big to see. But once seen, too important to ignore.
Here's a brief survey of the Name of the Lord in scripture, by no means exhaustive:
In the name of the Lord I was saved and am to live a life of worship. The name of the Lord is my protection, blessing, and drive for service. Is there a facet of our spiritual lives that doesn't fall under the umbrella of His name? The Colossians passage pretty well covers it: EVERYTHING should be done in the name of Jesus.
How many prayers have I scotch taped "in the name of Jesus" to the end like it was a pretty ribbon placed on a wrapped package? Not realizing that the name of Jesus isn't an add on, but the very underpinning of each action and word?
Solomon built the temple for the name of the Lord, a huge task requiring the labor of thousands for years. God wants me to build my life for His Name.
I wonder if I even know what this means at all. I'm sitting in a tiny Yugo in the basement garage of a 150 story sky scraper, not realizing what hangs above me. I haven't even been to the lobby, or ground floor. It has been too big for me to see, and now I feel almost too small to dare to lift my eyes.
Some people wonder if eternity will be boring because it is so long, I wonder if it will be too short to understand the Name of the Lord. Just His name, let alone the majesty of His full person and being.
But for now, may I worship Jesus, the God whose name is above all names.
This morning I realized that "The Name of the Lord" is the same way in scripture. "The Name of the Lord" is utterly shot through and through all scripture, the hinge for key doctrines, the motive for the drive of nations, the root of blessings and curses, the basis for the covenants, the foundation of prayer, among the top tier and varsity starting squad of the 10 commandments. The Name has been too big for me to see. Today, I just walked by an enormous, towing skyscraper, an edifice that pierces the clouds and spans whole city blocks. And I looked up and saw it for the first time.
This is what I was reading in 1 Kings 5:3-5,
“You know that because of the wars waged against my father David from all sides, he could not build a temple for the Name of the Lord his God until the Lord put his enemies under his feet. But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster. I intend, therefore, to build a temple for the Name of the Lord my God, as the Lord told my father David, when he said, ‘Your son whom I will put on the throne in your place will build the temple for my Name.’ (1 Kings 5:3-5 NIV84)
Three times in three verses The Name is mentioned. Not only had I not fully noticed this in 1 Kings, but also the hundreds of other occurrences throughout the Bible. Somethings are too big to see. But once seen, too important to ignore.
Here's a brief survey of the Name of the Lord in scripture, by no means exhaustive:
“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. (Deuteronomy 5:11)
After he had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord Almighty. (2 Samuel 6:18)
Solomon gave orders to build a temple for the Name of the Lord and a royal palace for himself. (2 Chronicles 2:1)
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (Psalm 20:7)
So the name of the Lord will be declared in Zion and his praise in Jerusalem (Psalm 102:21)
Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore. (Psalm 113:2)
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10)
All the nations may walk in the name of their gods; we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever. (Micah 4:5)
“Then will I purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder. (Zephaniah 3:9)
“This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name'"(Matthew 6:9)
And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ (Acts 2:21, Romans 10:13, Joel 3:32)
And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11)
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)
In the name of the Lord I was saved and am to live a life of worship. The name of the Lord is my protection, blessing, and drive for service. Is there a facet of our spiritual lives that doesn't fall under the umbrella of His name? The Colossians passage pretty well covers it: EVERYTHING should be done in the name of Jesus.
How many prayers have I scotch taped "in the name of Jesus" to the end like it was a pretty ribbon placed on a wrapped package? Not realizing that the name of Jesus isn't an add on, but the very underpinning of each action and word?
Solomon built the temple for the name of the Lord, a huge task requiring the labor of thousands for years. God wants me to build my life for His Name.
I wonder if I even know what this means at all. I'm sitting in a tiny Yugo in the basement garage of a 150 story sky scraper, not realizing what hangs above me. I haven't even been to the lobby, or ground floor. It has been too big for me to see, and now I feel almost too small to dare to lift my eyes.
Some people wonder if eternity will be boring because it is so long, I wonder if it will be too short to understand the Name of the Lord. Just His name, let alone the majesty of His full person and being.
But for now, may I worship Jesus, the God whose name is above all names.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Adonijah: My Lord is Jehovah (?)
In 1 Kings 1, King David is weak, a frail old man and on his death bed. His 4th son, Adonijah, decides he wants to be David's successor to the throne, then rallies some of his associates, priests, royal officials, some brothers, soldiers and throws a big party for himself, slaughters cattle, blows trumpets to proclaim himself king (vs 7-11)
Only problem is that he wasn't anointed by priest or prophet to be king, nor chosen by David. Nor, most importantly, by God. Solomon was to be king (vs 30).
The sad irony is that Adonijah's name means "my Lord is Jehovah" but his life does not reflect that. (Adoni= Lord, Jah= Jehovah). Jehovah did not install him as king, it was also huge insult to his father David. Adonijah was running on good looks (vs 6), greed, and political maneuvering, not the Lord's direction.
It's easy to point and stare at Adonijah, like a car wreck on the side of the road. But how often do I share the shame of Adonijah? Call myself Christian, and Jesus "Lord" but do not do what he says? We need to trust in the Lord's anointing by the Holy Spirit in our lives for our leading.
Vs 41 is really awkward and also pretty funny. Picture it: Adonijah is having this huge party outside of town, he's probably up on stage belting out Neil Diamond on the Karaoke machine, when he hears a noise in the distance. It was the party being thrown for Solomon, with an even bigger celebration and more rockin' Karaoke that maybe even had a smoke machine!!!!
Inside the city walls Solomon has ridden the king's donkey, been anointed with oil and is sitting on the throne with trumpets blaring. All signs of royal succession. Meanwhile, Adonijah was just sitting on a lawn chair at his picnic, oil from the KFC drumstick dripping from his fingers, looking very much like a jackass.
When Johnathan arrived to announce to Adonijah the coronation of Solomon, all of the people in the party "rose in alarm and dispersed" (vs 49). This is like a kegger at the teenager's house whose parents aren't home, then the cops show up and people start climbing out windows, diving through bushes, hiding under the bed!!
The chapter ends with an amazing act of grace by the newly anointed King Solomon, his first recorded act as king. He showed mercy to his brother Adonijah who by all rights and customs should have been killed. I love that! Often the first thing recorded in the Bible is the most important. And here, the one who is utterly humbled, deeply aware of his failing, is brought from the altar of sacrifice to the throne of the King and finds grace when he bows before Solomon.
Only problem is that he wasn't anointed by priest or prophet to be king, nor chosen by David. Nor, most importantly, by God. Solomon was to be king (vs 30).
The sad irony is that Adonijah's name means "my Lord is Jehovah" but his life does not reflect that. (Adoni= Lord, Jah= Jehovah). Jehovah did not install him as king, it was also huge insult to his father David. Adonijah was running on good looks (vs 6), greed, and political maneuvering, not the Lord's direction.
It's easy to point and stare at Adonijah, like a car wreck on the side of the road. But how often do I share the shame of Adonijah? Call myself Christian, and Jesus "Lord" but do not do what he says? We need to trust in the Lord's anointing by the Holy Spirit in our lives for our leading.
Vs 41 is really awkward and also pretty funny. Picture it: Adonijah is having this huge party outside of town, he's probably up on stage belting out Neil Diamond on the Karaoke machine, when he hears a noise in the distance. It was the party being thrown for Solomon, with an even bigger celebration and more rockin' Karaoke that maybe even had a smoke machine!!!!
Inside the city walls Solomon has ridden the king's donkey, been anointed with oil and is sitting on the throne with trumpets blaring. All signs of royal succession. Meanwhile, Adonijah was just sitting on a lawn chair at his picnic, oil from the KFC drumstick dripping from his fingers, looking very much like a jackass.
When Johnathan arrived to announce to Adonijah the coronation of Solomon, all of the people in the party "rose in alarm and dispersed" (vs 49). This is like a kegger at the teenager's house whose parents aren't home, then the cops show up and people start climbing out windows, diving through bushes, hiding under the bed!!
The chapter ends with an amazing act of grace by the newly anointed King Solomon, his first recorded act as king. He showed mercy to his brother Adonijah who by all rights and customs should have been killed. I love that! Often the first thing recorded in the Bible is the most important. And here, the one who is utterly humbled, deeply aware of his failing, is brought from the altar of sacrifice to the throne of the King and finds grace when he bows before Solomon.
Doesn't that capture the many times in our lives we've not followed the leading of the Lord? And then returned with humility and repentance to find abundant grace and mercy.
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