Seeds For Thinking

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Scripture: David said, "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and refuge . . . " (2 Samuel 22:3a)

There are many scriptural references to horns, in both the Old and New Testaments. Animal horns, the "usually paired bony processes that arise from the head of many ungulates," especially those of cattle (the ox) and sheep (ram's horn) were used for musical instruments and as containers.
The shofar, a ram's-horn trumpet, was blown by the ancient Hebrews in battle and high religious observances and used in synagogues before and during Rosh Hashanah and at the conclusion of Yom Kippur.
A horn was used to hold oil for the sacred rite of anointment (see 1 Samuel 16:1-13, where the Lord instructs the prophet to anoint David as king.)
The altar used during the Exodus journey had 'horns' on the four corners, overlaid with bronze. (See Exodus 27:1-8) The Book of Ezekiel also mentions an altar with four horns extending upward from the hearth. Blood from the sacrifice was to be placed on the four horns as part of the ceremony. (Ezekiel, 43:15; 20)
The Jewish historian, Josephus, describes the temple of Jesus' day in The Wars of the Jews, Book V, Chapter V. The altar, which stood in front of the temple, had "corners like horns."
The criminal, when his crime was accidental, found an asylum by laying hold of the horns of the altar (1 Kings 1:50; 2:28).
The phrase 'horn of my salvation' is typical of many scriptural references, in both the Old and New Testaments where it is obvious that "horn" had significance beyond trumpets and anointing vessels.
. The Bible uses 'horn' as a metaphor for strength; its loss as dishonor.
Moses compares the tribe of Joseph with a firstborn bull, with horns like the horns of a wild ox, (Deut. 33:17) denoting strength.
Lamentations 2:2-3 describes how the Lord, in fierce anger, has cut off the horn of Israel (strength) and brought her kingdom down to the ground in dishonor. Job, also, laments that he has "defiled my horn in the dust." (Job 16:15, KJV)
Horns are emblems of power, dominion, glory, and fierceness, as they are the chief means of attack and defense with the animals endowed with them. The books of Daniel and Revelation are rich in prophetic imagery of horns, signifying royal dignity and the might of kings, especially military power, (Jer 48:25; Zac 1:18; Dan 8:24). John saw beasts with horns in Rev. chapter 13, vss. 1 and 11.
Zacharias echoes David's psalm of triumph in Luke 1:69, that the Lord has "raised up a horn of salvation for us," in the Christ, the Messiah, of John 3:16. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
Paul proclaimed that all things - of the world, of life, death, things present or things to come - "all are yours. And you are Christ's, and Christ is God's." (1 Cor. 3:21-23)
February 4, 2007

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Scripture: " . . . His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness" . . .
(From 2 Peter 1:3, NKJV)

I've been thinking about the many times and ways that we form groups, cliques, or clans. We include some people, and exclude others.

They drew a circle that shut me out;
A rebel, a heretic, a thing to flout.
But love and I had the wit to win;
We drew a circle that took them in.

I got to wondering about the meaning of the word "clusion, as in, "We've got clusion." Hmmm . . .I couldn't find it in the dictionary, by itself, anyway. I guess that it belongs to that great family of things that are not complete standing alone, like a train of railroad cars without the engine.
Think of a family name, like Smith, or Jones. We need to know if it is Sam or Harry, Jim or Mary. I find that there is a 'family' name of sorts, the 'clude' family, coming from the Latin word, claudere, meaning 'to close.' We might say that some words are like a tractor-trailer rig, in the sense that the trailer carries the load (of meaning) but won't get anywhere without a power source of some kind - the tractor part. Putting it all together, we get in-clude, meaning to enclose, or to embrace. The opposite is to close out, or ex-clude. The act of 'closing' could be either close in (inclusion) or close out (exclusion.)
There is a lot of that going on - inclusion or exclusion, that is. Think about it . . .
Snippets of words, like 'clusion,' are not very useful standing alone; neither are we. God noted that, "It is not good that man should be alone," and created a helper comparable to him. (Genesis 2:18) Personal relationships receive the most emphasis of anything in the Bible. From Cain's cynical denial, "Am I my brother's keeper?" to Paul's summary of responsibilities to God, society and higher powers of Roman's chapter 12, it all comes down to how we draw the circles of 'clusion.
We need to periodically pause to critically examine our circles, pondering the community that we embrace, and especially the community that we bar from participation, consideration, or inclusion.
Who is our neighbor, our brother or sister? Jesus answered the question with the parable of the Good Samaritan. (Luke 10:29-37) We are to step outside of our enclosing circles, and to go and have compassion and show mercy to those we have otherwise excluded.
Circles of 'clusion are very powerful forces. Consider the many problems in the world that stem from those groups, cliques, or clans. We call it prejudice, and it may be based on ethnic, gender, age, national origin, or even religious grounds. Sports allegiances give power to the word Fan, from the word fanatic, "marked by excessive enthusiasm and often intense uncritical devotion."
Woe betide those who step outside the favored circle. That person risks becoming one of 'them' instead of one of 'us,' risking condemnation and exclusion.
Again, just as 'clusion is ambiguous without the empowerment phrase of 'in' or 'ex' to show whether we are including or excluding, keep in mind that the word Christian is like that also. A Christ -person, in the fullest sense, is empowered by Christ. Take Christ out of Christian, and it is like taking the battery out of a flashlight. The "Light of the World" can not shine on us, nor from us, without that empowerment.
Like it or not, we've got 'clusion. We are sort of like a semi trailer, sitting by the side of the road . . . waiting, waiting, going nowhere. We need a power source to get anywhere. Whether we are in Christ's circle or not is up to us. Are you IN-cluded?
January 28, 2007

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Scripture: Luke recorded, "One of His disciples said to Him, 'Lord, teach us to pray.'" Luke 11:1, NKJV

Oh! Come on now! The disciples didn't know how to pray?
They were, after all Jewish men, so prayers were a part of their daily lives.
Examples of prayers of confession, petition, thanksgiving, praise, recollection and intercession are found throughout the Testaments. The practice of prayer was also observed in pagan societies.
Morning prayers were a normal ritual, as expressed by the Psalmist, "Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." (Ps. 5:1-3)
The psalmist's prayer demonstrates several elements of prayer. My dictionary suggests that to pray is to ask for interposition and judgment, to cry or call out, to seek (the face of) to request, to inquire, (of an oracle) to intercede, to pour out one's heart. To pray is also to ask humbly and earnestly, an act of adoration. John the Baptist taught his disciples a way of praying. The Pharisees made a show of public prayer. The disciples were emersed in a society steeped in prayer and prayers, and of practices both pious and pompus.
For one thing, the Pharisees publicly prayed loudly and long, wearing the prescribed phylacteries (small leather cases that contain four passages of old testament scriptures) one on the forehead, and the other on the left hand. (See Mt. 23:5)
The intended purpose for the phylacteries was to serve as a reminder of what the Lord had done for them by bringing them out of Egypt, and that "the Lord's law may be in your mouth." (Ex. 13:8-10; 16) In essence, these prayers were more "How great I am," rather than, "O LORD, how great Thou art!) Jesus denounced the practice.
Jesus obviously engaged in a type of prayer that differed quite noticeably from the practices in vogue. Rather than rote recitation (routine or repetition carried out mechanically or unthinkingly) Jesus' prayers were a two-way conversation with His Father. Each prayer was fitted to the need and the occasion. Jesus also prayed in the common Aramaic language, rather than the more formal Hebrew.
So, Lord, how do you do this? Teach us to pray like you do, rather than like what we have been seeing and doing.
Think about the "Model Prayer" as a framework, the skeleton for your petitions. Flesh it out; use it as an anchor, a blueprint, a starting point. Pray in a spirit of adoration and reverence. Express your longings for God's kingdom to come, share your joys and sorrows, plead for your needs (not wants.)
Pray in a spirit of forgiveness; to forgive and be forgiven.
Pray in a Spirit of praise. Pray!
January 21, 2007

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Scripture: "Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning." Proverbs 9:9, NKJV

I place the two slightly curved pieces of wood between my fingers, positioning them carefully with my thumb and little finger lightly cradling them, and give my wrist a sharp snap. If I have done it correctly, they will respond with a bright 'click.'
They are called 'bones' -a type of percussion musical instrument, used to accompany a peppy tune with a clack-clickety-clack . . . If you know how to do it!
I am not a very good "bone player," but I have tried to learn the technique to carry on the tradition of the grandfather and uncle who bequeathed the 'bones' to me.
Simple, huh? Take two pieces of wood, place them between your fingers, and give them a shake. Hah! I enjoy handing them to people, especially students at the schools where our band sometimes provides demonstrations of old time instruments, and watching them try to imitate even my simple example.
I find that there are three typical responses to my offer to help them become a bone player: Some refuse to even touch them. Others make a half-hearted attempt, and hand them back.. And a few, a very few, make a serious attempt at mastering the technique.
Isn't that just like life?
You've done it; I do it all of the time in my "Seeds" writings. The Bible is full of proverbs and pithy sayings, of sympathetic Psalms, of parables and prayers. We offer advice on things to do, ways to solve a problem, how to overcome life's dilemmas, and fully expect them to get it 'right off the bat'. "Here, just do this, and you will be "playing along" in no time! R-I-G-H-T ! ! !
Desire plays a large role in learning something new, of course. Many people have a burning desire, but never move beyond the "wannabe" stage. Their dreams are never fulfilled. It is like sitting in a car, but never starting the engine. Keep in mind the axiom that, "If all you ever do is what you have always done, all you will ever get is what you have always got."
First, people must be willing to accept instruction without feeling that it is a rebuke or an unkindly act, an intrusion into their private lives. They must be an open vessel, ready (and wanting) to be filled.
Second, they must feel a need to learn, to make a change in their lives, before anything will make a difference, whether coming from you, or I, or the Bible. We might call this "conviction," the state of being convinced of error or compelled to admit the truth. A truly life-changing conviction often comes only when harsh reality strips away all other choices.
Finally, empowerment makes learning possible. It's like turning on the switch, or shifting into drive. The goal or destination beckons, the pathway to achievement is illuminated, and the process of learning begins.
January 14, 2007

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Scripture: Paul wrote: "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." I Corinthians 13:12, NIV

It was one of those "Aha!" moments. I happened to glance up and note my reflection in the window, mirroring my every move as I sat eating my breakfast on a dark, wintery morning. I thought, "What a perfect example of Paul's allegory of "Seeing through a glass darkly" in the 'Love Chapter' of his letter to the Corinthians." (Chapter 13, King James version.)
I knew what lay outside, on the other side of the window, but I could see nothing, because the contrast between my lighted table and the night outside transformed the window glass into a mirror, albeit an imperfect one.
So that's what Paul was talking about! We are unable to see the heavenly kingdom from the light of this life, seeing only an imperfect image of ourselves, because of the contrast of what is, and what is to be.
If I sit long enough, watch and wait long enough, the dawning will come. First, I will start to see a glimmer of red, presaging the advent of the dawn. I will begin to note the outlines of the trees in the woods, ghostly shapes only, backlit by the rising sun.
Soon, the image of the garage will take shape, although just a dark, blank area at first. Soon, I know, my image in the glass will fade, and the scene of God's great kingdom will fill my view in all its radiant splendor.
It was there all along; there was just such a contrast between the two worlds that the larger, more permanent one, was invisible.
By the time I sat down for my noon meal, the once hidden had been made plain. I could readily see the roughness of the bark on the trees, the branches moving slightly in the breeze. Squirrels use it for both a home and a gym, scurrying about, seeking their own lunch. Birds visit the feeders, placed there for the purpose of both providing them with food and us humans with visual enjoyment. Now the mirror effect is reversed; we can watch them, while they can not see us.
There is a vital, everlasting truth here. When we see ourselves only, though as in a glass, darkly, we focus on the image that we do see, not on the image of the world on the other side. Even though we leave the table and the window, in essence, we continue to focus on "our" world, and not God's world.
Sometimes we need reminders of what lies on the "other side." Regular times for meditation, for worship, Bible reading, and contemplation, bring us back for the 'meal' at the 'window,' to reveal God in all of His Glory.
January 7, 2007

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Scripture: To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven;
(Ecclesiastes 3:1, NKJV)

Lists! Making lists seems to be a popular thing, and, to an extent, necessary. We make lists of things to do, like schedules, shopping lists, birthdays and anniversaries.
If you are like me, once more than one thing is on the agenda - even a little bit in advance - it better be written on the master calendar. Even so, a phone call from the doctor’s office, or the vet, sometimes sends us scrambling to the master schedule list to confirm the call. And - they do sometimes get their list messed up, and some juggling goes on. But, yes, something written down trumps brain cells for permanence.
There are two ways to go shopping for the daily bread, experts say. One method is to go to the store, walk the aisles, scanning the goodies, say, “I need that,” and toss it in the cart. Still, the pantry shelves sometimes end up with a stash of an item that we are sure is in demand, until we add the new supply to it.
The better way is to take - you guessed it! - a shopping list. Now this takes will power, or perhaps ‘Won’t power.’ If you fully develop that list, and stick to it as you traverse the racks and shelves, if you summon up the courage of your convictions and walk on by those tempting displays that practically reach out and grab your hand, you will end up with fewer items in the cart, and a lower number at the checkout.
A list containing names of items is not enough when shopping for clothing, hardware, or maintenance supplies. Especially if the designated shopper is not the person needing the item. The designee typically stands staring at an unbelievable array of choices in color, size, quality and other miscellany that boggle the mind. That’s why you so often see a shopper standing in front of a furlong sized display with a cell phone pressed to their ear.
Sewing supplies, nuts and bolts, potions, lotions and notions! Our society is certainly productive. Sizes most definitely matter, as well as content, additives, containers and material. Physical properties, all. A list is mandatory.
Another currently popular list is the “Bucket List,” things to do before you “kick the bucket”- that is, die. Perhaps it could be called a life list. One internet site that I found advises to “stop putting off your dreams for ‘someday,’ and ask yourself, “If I had one year left to live, what would I be sure to do.?”
Typical list suggestions include trips, adventures, and special activities. Visit that exotic spot; ride a camel; parachute from an airplane; drive a racing car; climb a mountain. That sort of thing.
Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 presents a well-known list of life events, including:

“A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to love, and a time to hate.”

Verse 11 states that God has made everything beautiful in its time, and put eternity in our hearts. Nothing is better than to rejoice, and do good during life.
“I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing can be taken from it.” (verse 14)
The ‘Preacher’ concludes, “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecc. 12:14)
Eternity is forever! Be sure your list includes preparations.

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* Failure
* Scripture: But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached (Jesus) and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." (Luke 10:40, NKJV)

One would think that holiday seasons would be the happiest times of the year. Not so, many researchers suggest. Rather than times of relaxation and rejoicing, remembrance and celebration, holidays are periods of intense stress for many people. Why so?
For one thing, there are many Marthas in this world, "soul kindred," distracted with much serving. This is one of those 'tight rope' areas, I know. We walk a very narrow line, here, between duty and dereliction. Balance is a key word. Should Mary have helped Martha? Probably. Would Jesus have severely criticized Martha if something wasn't perfect, like if the towels didn't match, or if the table cloth had a spot on it? Probably not. It's all about friendship, not fatigue!
Martha doesn't seem to share in the joy of this occasion. She appears to be rather stressed out, fearing failure as a good hostess. Was Jesus perhaps there to be pampered, or to critique Martha's hospitality for a five-star rating? I doubt it. Perhaps He was instead thinking, "Hey, I came for a visit, let's enjoy it."
Failure is "laboring for the wind," claims the 'Preacher" of Ecclesiastes, to eat in darkness, with much sorrow and sickness and anger. (Ecc. 5:16-17)
There is likely little that you can do to make an old grouch satisfied. The grouch is longing, expecting to eat in darkness, with much sorrow and sickness and anger, and will go to extremes to obtain his goal. Like a pig, if you wallow in their mud, you will both end up 'dirty.' So move on down the street; let the pig - er, grouch, wallow in bitterness and self-pity.
Life is too short to wallow in bad things when there are so many good things to celebrate.
Many people have the "movie set syndrome." On-screen, the camera shows perfection, the perfect house, the ideal standard to strive for. It is instead just a front, a sham, a wall with nothing but props behind it to hold it up. You wouldn't, you shouldn't want to live there. Do you have four walls - and a roof? Be glad!
I recall the quotation:

"A man's reach must exceed his grasp,
else what's a heaven for."

It is one thing to be inspired, to strive, yet,

"Ideals are stars to guide us,
not clubs with which to beat ourselves."

Striving, reaching is not by itself our downfall, but to be consumed by striving for the truly impossible without rejoicing in the possible - that is failure.
We are, perhaps, at times like the mice that I sometimes find in my barn. They have acquired the food supply of their wildest dreams - at the bottom of the grain barrel, from which there is no escape.
Failure is like climbing a mountain, only to be stopped by an impassable obstacle, then, to gaze dismally at the peak, out of reach, rather than turning and rejoicing in the view from the height that you have attained.
Failure is to worry, worry, worry about your next breath, when you should be rejoicing about the breaths that you have already taken.
True failure is to wallow in despair over what has not been done, instead of rejoicing over what has been accomplished.
Failure is anger at what has been lost, rather than joy at what has been found.
Failure is like standing at the door, frustrated, with a dead battery in your radio car keyset, when all you need to do is to insert the key in the lock, the old fashioned way.
Rejoice! It shall be opened.
Do not be distracted by much serving and striving for the winds of the world.
Seek ye the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.
December 31, 2006