“They cast lots for my people; they bartered a boy for a prostitute and sold a girl for wine to drink.” (CSB – Read the chapter)
The God revealed in the pages of the Scriptures is a God of justice. Justice is one of a small group of characteristics that are primary for Him. That is, they are the qualities from which His various other character traits can be derived. When it comes to the judgment announced in the prophets, most often they are connected to violations of one of these primary characteristics. This is a perfect example. And when it comes to matters of justice involving children, God takes these particularly seriously.
“Rescue those being taken off to death, and save those stumbling toward slaughter. If you say, ‘But we didn’t know about this,’ won’t he who weighs hearts consider it? Won’t he who protects your life know? Won’t he repay a person according to his work?” (CSB – Read the chapter)
Have you ever read a verse and felt convicted by it? I’ve spent the past several days reading through Proverbs 24. I initially came to this spot because I caught a verse in another context and wanted to write a note about it. Taking my own advice, I read the whole context. There’s a ton of great stuff in this chapter. And there’s this passage. It’s grabbed my heart and mind and hasn’t let go. If you would, let me explore that with you.
“I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well.” (Psalm 139:14 – Read the chapter)
Sometimes you find yourself in the midst of a moment you weren’t expecting to experience. Now, technically, every second of our lives is a moment, but that’s not what I mean. I’m talking about a true moment; one of those times when the world gets a glimpse at reality in a way no one can ignore. I found myself there Wednesday night while watching the season premier of season 14 of America’s Got Talent.
Yesterday was Easter Sunday. Resurrection Sunday! We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead in style at First Baptist Oakboro. I wish you could have been there with us. Using the words of the apostle Paul to the believers in ancient Corinth as our guide, we spent some time reflecting on just why the resurrection is such a big deal. Also, this is running earlier today than it usually does and is in place of the usual Morning Musing. This will be the only post this week. It’s Spring Break in our house and we are enjoying some time away. See you next Monday!
The Resurrection Changes Everything
So, I love Monty Python. That may tell some of you more about me than you wanted to know. Meanwhile, others of you are thinking, “Who’s Monty Python?” Monty Python was a British sketch comedy troupe popular in the 1970s. The most famous member is comedian John Cleese, who has since had a pretty good film career in a whole variety of movies. In addition to several different TV series, they also released a handful of movies. The most well-known of these was Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Personally, I’ve watched that one enough times that it’s not very much fun to watch it with me because I say most of the lines right along with the actors all while laughing hysterically. You can borrow my copy if I’ve gotten you curious. In any event, one of their most famous sketches is called “The Spanish Inquisition.” Let me play a little clip of this for you.
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” (ESV – Read the chapter)
We live in a day when children are more and more considered a convenience. Parenthood is something pursued as a right, not a privilege. In other words, couples who embrace parenthood do so not from a sense of obedience to God’s command to be fruitful and multiply, but so they can say they are parents. It is becoming a status symbol more than a duty and calling.
The Nexus 