Revelation 21-22

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. (Revelation 22:21)

It seems fitting to end my blogging with the blessing that ends the Bible's book of Revelation. May blessings of grace--God's free gift to us--fill every soul, every moment, and every universe.

I have learned something about myself by reading through the Bible in one year in this way. I have learned many things, in fact, but I sense deep conviction about this: I intend to read, study, and contemplate the scriptures going forward from today, but I do not intend to read through the Bible in one year in this way again. Why? The schedule for reading--Genesis through Revelation in order with Psalms and Proverbs in order scattered throughout the weeks of the year--put me at odds with the seasons of the Christian year. For example, it dictated reading the creation story during Christmastide. We read the Bible's book of Nehemiah at Pentecost! The schedule did not lend support to the established rhythm of either my spiritual life or Christ's faith community. At times I felt the schedule distracted me or subtracted from our spirituality.

Note to self: When reading through the Bible in one year choose a schedule of reading that meshes well with the seasons of the Christian year.

Thank you for sharing this experience with me, reader. 

Christmas blessings!

Revelation 18-20, Proverbs 31

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. (Proverbs‬ ‭31:10-31‬)

Yes, who can find a woman doing all these things? This selection from the Bible’s book of Proverbs reads like an exhaustive list of what is desirable in a wife from the ancient Jewish man’s point of view. I approve of the advice given to those men embedded within the list: “Praise her!” If more husbands appreciated and praised their wives, then in my opinion both they and their wives would be better satisfied.

It’s not recorded in the Bible, but I suspect that somewhere there is an exhaustive list of what is desirable in a husband  from the woman’s point of view. It’s likely no man can live up to all those expectations, but given the appreciation and praise of his wife, a husband may therewith find contentment.

I feel we live well with reasonable expectations of one another, and we live miserably with mutual expectations that are either too high or too low.

Revelation 14-17

I see some similarities between the seven bowls of God's wrath (Revelation, chapter 16) and the plagues visited on Egypt, described in the Bible's book of Exodus, chapters 7-11:

• Plagues of festering sores or boils - See Revelation 16:2 and Exodus 9:9.
• Plagues of water turned to blood - See Revelation 16:3-4 and Exodus 7:20-21
• Plagues of darkness - See Revelation 16:10 and Exodus 10:21-23
• Plagues of impure spirits, appearing as frogs, and frogs, literally - See Revelation 16:13 and Exodus 8:6
• Plagues of hailstones - See Revelation 16:21 and Exodus 9:22-25

While the target of the plagues described in Exodus is clear (Pharaoh/Egypt), the specific target of Revelation's plagues is shrouded in mystery. It is called “Babylon” and “Egypt.” It is a dragon. It is a great prostitute. It is allied with Satan and the devil.

This much is no mystery; it is clear: Judgment falls on those who deny Jesus Christ, those who blaspheme, those who practice immorality, magic, and deception.

Revelation 11-13

The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.‭‭ (Revelation‬ ‭11:15‬)




The text and tune are intertwined with the Christmas Tradition. Happy Boxer Day!

Revelation 8-10

First, seven seals; now seven trumpets, announcing seven plagues:

The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts. (Revelation 9:20-21)

These two verses of scripture seem to confirm my opinion that no amount of punishment deters people from whatever they are committed to do. Evil is not overcome with evil, but it may be overcome with good.

What does this have to do with Christmas Day, the celebration of the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ?

Revelation 6-7, Proverbs 30

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands...

Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?”

I answered, “Sir, you know.”

And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore,

“they are before the throne of God

and serve him day and night in his temple;

and he who sits on the throne

will shelter them with his presence.

‘Never again will they hunger;

never again will they thirst.

The sun will not beat down on them,’

nor any scorching heat.

For the Lamb at the center of the throne

will be their shepherd;

‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’

‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’” 

(Revelation 7:9, 13-17)

It comforts me to read of God's care for all manner of souls--every nationality, ethnicity, language, and culture. I am encouraged to know the diversity and countless numbers of persons trusting the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. 

O to be sheltered by the presence of God! I sense that sheltering presence at times. On certain occasions it feels powerful, warm, and satisfying. I seem invited to rest, simply to be.

On other occasions it feels inviting, challenging, and disconcerting. I seem invited to perform a task or several tasks, obediently to do. 

And whether "being" or "doing," I know that I know that I know God as real, here, and now.

Revelation 4-5, Proverbs 29

At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. (Revelation 4:2)

John has written the phrase, "I was in the Spirit," before:

I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet... (Revelation 1:9-10)

When John is in the Spirit he sees what God wants him to see. He hears what God wants him to hear. He follows the instructions he is given while he is in the Spirit. While in the Spirit what he sees is colorful. The one sitting on a throne has the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow shining like an emerald encircles the throne. While in the Spirit what he hears is majestic. "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come!" Thousands and thousands, ten thousands and ten thousands speak with one loud voice, "Worthy is the lamb..."

At times, I feel I, too, see what God wants me to see. I hear what God wants me to hear. I act with God-given conviction. I take such occasions to be my "in the Spirit" times. Often what I see is not very colorful. What I hear is not so majestic. But the sense of what God desires compels me anyway.

What qualifies as "in the Spirit" for you, reader?

Revelation 1-3

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. (Revelation 1:3)

So, I'm reading the Bible's book of Revelation aloud!

Jude, Proverbs 27-28

Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family,
and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you—
better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away. (Proverbs 27:10)

Wow! Friendship and neighborliness are deeply valued in the verse of scripture above. There is a practical aspect to the advice given for "when disaster strikes you." A neighbor nearby is likely better positioned to aid you than anyone living at some distance, whether a relative of yours or not. 

Furthermore, even though relatives are supposed to take care of one another, sometimes they don't. And even if they do, a sensitive neighbor may become offended by your refusal of friendly help at hand in favor of a relative's help from a distance. Where will you live after the disaster has passed--close to your nearby neighbor or close to your distant relative?

But there is another kind of practicality involved, too. A close neighbor will come to your aid only as you have developed friendship and neighborliness with that neighbor. The saying above may be a backhanded way of emphasizing the need for good relationships with neighbors before, during, and after disaster strikes either one of you and even if disaster never strikes!

2 John, 3 John, Proverbs 26

Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears
   is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own. (Proverbs 26:17)

In other words stay out of it! If I grab a stray dog by the ears, then I will be bitten. If I rush into an argument between others, then I will be hurt. 

Wait in the presence of a quarrel. Witness. An invitation to help resolve a dispute between others may come, or it may not. I may be injured even if I am invited to referee a fight. So I weigh my options mindfully.

1 John 3-5, Proverbs 25

To me, there are some logical incongruities in the Bible's book of First John. It is no small thing that the issue of continuing to sin is decisively and harshly judged in "black and white" fashion:

No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. (1 John 3:6)

No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. (1 John 3:9)

As I go on sinning, then, according to a literal reading of the two verses of scripture above, I prove that I have never seen God, never known God, and have never been born of God. Yet the judgment in the literal reading of the verses above is not supported in my experience:

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. (1 John 4:13)

If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. (1 John 4:15)

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. (1 John 5:1)

I have experienced the indwelling Spirit of God. I continue to sense the Holy Spirit within. I do acknowledge Jesus as God's only-begotten Son, the Messiah of God. According to a literal reading of the three verses of scripture immediately above, God lives in me; I am born of God; I live in God; God and I love one another.

How are these incongruities to be reconciled? 

Maybe it's more of a process than seems to be implied in 1 John 3-5. The issue of sin is dead in me, because of the atoning work of God in Christ Jesus. But the residue of sin continues in me, dying a slow and frequently-contested death. 

• Do I sin continually? No. 
• Do I act righteously continually? No. 
• Is some sin finally ended in me? Occasionally.
• Is some holiness eternally planted in me? Occasionally.
• May I know, may God reveal more about sin? Yes.
• May I know, may God reveal more about righteousness? Yes.
• Has God finished with me; have I finished with God? No.
• Will God finish with me; will I finish with God? Yes, according to the grace given.

1 John 1-2, Proverbs 24

If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Do I want forgiveness? Do I desire purity? Do I long for righteousness? Those wants, desires, and longings indicate God's prevenient grace, working in me, urging me to confess. As I repent, I receive divine illumination: God is trustworthy. God is just. God forgives, and God perfects.

But it seems elongated for me: If I continually confess my sin, God repeatedly forgives and refines me. Having set aside the old ways, my heart, mind, voice, and hands seem very creative in finding new ways to transgress. I am invited to confess these, too.

2 Peter 1-3, Proverbs 23

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:8-9)

I trust the slow work of God. As I admire it, I grow more patient, too. I haven't matured to the point of exercising godly patience, but more so today than last year. God's patience is a sign of God's unrelenting effort to redeem everyone. Part of God's work is to call. Part of our work is to turn and to respond.

Sometimes, it feels like slow-motion, molasses-in-January, one step forward and two steps back repenting, but it feels like something I am meant to become and to do.

1 Peter 3-5

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:7-8)

A couple of things seem important to the author of the Bible's book of First Peter: One is prayer, and the other is love. In the two verses above he encourages his readers to be watchful and mindful. Why? Is it so the challenges of "the end of all things" may be well-met? Is it to be efficient in the use of one's personal resources? Is it for self-defense or for the defense of one's community? 

All of these and many more positive outcomes may stem from alertness and sobriety, but prayer is the one reason listed by the author. He wants his readers to be prepared to pray.

He also encourages them to love one another deeply. Folks who live in community are bound to cross one another. Sooner or later, an unmindful word is spoken. A hasty, less-than-alert response is given or acted out. Forgiving love may cover those words, thoughts, and deeds. The author seems to say that love becomes more and more important as the end draws near.

So pray and love, reader.

1 Peter 1-2, Proverbs 22

Remove not the ancient landmark
   which your fathers have set. (Proverbs 22:28)

There could be a lot "going on" with this simple command. For one thing the ownership and location of tribal lands in ancient Israel was very, very important. In a sense the location of landmarks, setting off lands for grazing and watering herds and flocks, set the terms for a tribe's wealth. A rich land would support more animal husbandry than a poor land. After the tribal lands had been distributed, their boundaries set by landmarks, conflict was the inevitable outcome whenever landmarks were moved or disputed.

Not all landmarks had to do with territorial boundaries in ancient Israel, however. Some landmarks had more to do with the history of the people, especially the history of their interactions with God. The story of the 12 stones near the Jordan River comes to mind (See Joshua 4). When the Israeli children asked their elders, "What do these stones mean to you?" the elders had a specific story of God's deliverance to tell. If that landmark had been moved, then the children would never be prompted to ask the question, and it would become less likely that the elders' story would be told.

Reader, about which "immovable landmarks" have your elders spoken to you? How did you feel as they shared their stories? What was your "take away," the moral to their tales? 

James 4-5, Proverbs 21

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:13-16)

Prayer is an appropriate action on many occasions and in many circumstances. Experiencing trouble, being happy, becoming ill, and having sinned are instances that call for prayer, according to the Bible's book of James. In my experience prayer is suited to every emotion and event. If not, then what is the point of praying constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17)?

James 1-3

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:12-13)

What does one allow one's self to receive--judgment, mercy, or both?

How is one shaped when one allows one's self to receive judgment and judgment alone?

What happens when one allows one's self to receive mercy and mercy alone?

What is the effect when one allows one's self to receive on one occasion judgment, on another, mercy, and on still other occasions both mercy and judgment?

Reader, how do you interpret the claim: "Mercy triumphs over judgment?"

Hebrews 12-13, Proverbs 19-20

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

Oh, that we may invoke the blessing of God for one another! Reader, may God equip you for doing his will. May God work within us just as God pleases. Eternal glory to this God through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Hebrews 10-11, Proverbs 18

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower;
    the righteous run to it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10)

Hebrews 7-9

For it is declared:

"You are a priest forever,
   in the order of Melchizedek." (Hebrews 7:17)

The quote above is taken from the Bible's book of Psalms, chapter 110, verse 4. The author of the Bible's book of Hebrews is interpreting Psalm 110 by claiming the psalm refers to Jesus Christ. The upshot of this is the claim that Jesus Christ was, is, and will be not only a priest, but also the highest-order priest ever. Period.

What highest-order claims does Jesus Christ put to you, reader?

Hebrews 4-6

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. (Hebrews‬ ‭6:19-20‬a)

“The inner sanctuary behind the curtain” calls to mind the Holy of Holies, an inner chamber of the Temple which once stood on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. We have no biblical evidence that Jesus ever entered the Holy of Holies, only the note that at Jesus’ death the curtain in the Temple was torn in two. So a figurative interpretation arises within me: The inner sanctuary may be seen as a figure for the human soul. Hope is anchored in the soul, because Christ has gone to the very depths already. Humanity may be unaware of the presence or work of Christ within. Indeed, the symbol of the curtain implies something hidden. Yet Christ is both present and working within.

John Wesley called it prevenient grace.

Hebrews 1-3

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:18)

In the verse of scripture above the author of the Bible's book of Hebrews is writing about Jesus Christ. In his humanity Jesus Christ suffered when he was tempted. That was then. This is now. So now in his divine spirit Jesus Christ is able to help us when we are tempted. 

Between Jesus Christ in his humanity and Jesus Christ in his divine spirit there is much to contemplate, namely his:

• Incarnation
• Life
• Teaching
• Signs
• Passion
• Death
• Resurrection
• Ascension

Whenever we suffer in temptation let us remember and receive his help.

Philemon, Proverbs 16-17

Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,
   and the glory of sons is their fathers. (Proverbs 17:6)

This has new meaning for me. I became a grandfather twice in 2019.

Titus 1-3, Proverbs 15

One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, instead of giving heed to Jewish myths or to commands of men who reject the truth. (Titus 1:12-14)

The quote is attributed to a 6th or 7th century B.C. Greek philosopher-poet named Epimenides. I get the principle that teachers approved in Christian communities must not be liars, evil beasts, or lazy gluttons, however, I find the principle that begins, "Cretans are always...," to be prejudicial. No nationality is always anything. No race is always anything. No person is always anything. "Always" statements err, in part, by not accounting for individual human freedoms and responsibilities.

If we accept "Cretans are always..." as a valid base for reasoning, then we may accept other prejudiced views, too. No! Let the argument for the proper authorization of Christian teachers rest on solid facts, discernment, and reasoning.

1 Timothy 4-6

The sins of some men are conspicuous, pointing to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. So also good deeds are conspicuous; and even when they are not, they cannot remain hidden. (1 Timothy‬ ‭5:24-25‬)

Everything comes to light eventually, everything from evil to good, in a person, and the person may be the last to recognize both sin’s presence and virtue’s presence within. Let everyone be circumspect.

1 Timothy 1-3

I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over men; she is to keep silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet woman will be saved through bearing children, if she continues in faith and love and holiness, with modesty.‭‭ (1 Timothy‬ ‭2:12-15‬)

These verses prompted a powerful response in me and not a positive one. The author does not permit women to teach or to lead. Who does God call, equip and authorize, then?

Esau was born first, yet God chose Jacob. So much for authority properly going to creation order. Furthermore, Adam was deceived, just as Eve was deceived, only a few minutes later, according to the story.

While childbearing may have contributed positively to some women’s progress in being saved, salvation is fundamentally the work of Christ on the cross and the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer.

The author is giving Timothy guidance on how a first century Christian community may be led. He is not “laying down church law” for all times, cultures, and places.

2 Thessalonians 1-3

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all. (2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3:16‬)

I find this particularly encouraging today: “...peace at all times in all ways.”

• Peace in the morning
• Peace at midday
• Peace at night
• Peace as the absence of conflict
• Peace in the midst of and in spite of conflict
• Inner peace
• Outward peace
• Peace in my family
• Peace in my neighborhood
• Peace in my country
• Peace in all families
• Peace in all neighborhoods
• Peace in all countries

A few days ago I read that the US Navy had ordered 9 nuclear submarines at a cost of 22 billion dollars. I wonder how many homeless shelters could be provided at the same cost. Peace.

1 Thessalonians 1-5

For what thanksgiving can we render to God for you, for all the joy which we feel for your sake before our God, praying earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? (1 Thessalonians‬ ‭3:9-10‬)

The author of the Bible’s book of Thessalonians makes a bold claim here, namely that in a person to person encounter he may provide “what is lacking” in their faith. First, it takes keen discernment to identify incomplete faith in another. Second, it takes thorough self-knowledge to believe one possesses what another lacks in faith. Third, it takes both courage and humility to offer a remedy for completion of faith in another out of one’s own resources.

Maybe I need to think along these lines. I do have a storehouse of faith, thanks to the grace of God. I can share from that storehouse at any time. Indeed, I am invited, if not commanded, to do so. It may be that others’ needs may be met through my sharing or, God forbid, may not be met through my withholding.

Perhaps I am undervaluing the treasures of faith entrusted to me. I demonstrate the proper value of faith to me every time I share it.