My own Psalm

Psalm 139 written for today

139 

#Lord, you have scanned me,
 

So you know all my DNAs.

#You tracked my steps – you read my GPS

Your satellite is on 25/7 and records all my mowes and decodes all my heartbeats.

Lord, you know what I want to say, even before the words leave my mouth or the txt my phone.

You are all around me—in front of me and behind me.

#I feel your high5 all the time.

I am amazed at what you know - it is too much for me to understand.

Your Spirit is everywhere I go.

# I cannot escape your presence.

If I go up in space, you will be there.    

If I go down to the place of death, you will be there. 

If I take a round the world trip or spaceship to the moon – you will be there and take my hand and be my GPS

#Your strong right hand will protect me.

Suppose I wanted to log out on you and said “delete” surely you will not erase me –

#you will always track me. 

#You micro-chipped me and designed the way I think and feel.

You exploded the DNA that made me, when egg and the sperm met, no contraceptives used and no abortion made.

#I praise you because you made me in such a wonderful way. I know how amazing that is!

You enjoyed using you ultrasound look every day, and see my bones grow as my body take shape, hidden and vulnerable in my mother’s womb.

You designed all my parts, and not one of them was missing.

#Your thoughts are beyond my understanding.

They cannot be bought or taught in any way.

If I could #hashtag them all, there would not be enough bytes.

You murderers, get away from me! God, kill those wicked people, all those trying to play God in creating or taking lives.

And all those who post bad things on Twitter or spam you name.

Lord, I hate those who not “like” you.

I hate them completely! Your enemies are also my enemies.( opposite after Jesus)

God, examine me and know my DNA. Read me and know all my thoughts.

Make sure that I am not going wild - get a clear picture of what I’m about – use you best lense.

# be my GPS for always – laud and clear – with life long updates.

1.&2.Samuel

A crisis of leadership & making of a leader

First impression:                                                              

1.What do I see in this book that’s tells me about the Original Reader

The OR had experienced the division of the nation into northern and southern kingdom in 930, also probably written after the death of Salomon (SVBp.387) so it may have been written in 925 BC. The story in the beginning of 1.Sam about faithful Hannah may as Danielle shared in class is in the beginning of Samuel’s books so that the OR recognizes how people that trust in the Lord are being provided for.

I think as I have read these books that they are written to teach the readers about faithfulness and disobedience in matters concerning the Lord. (SVBp.389)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

2. What do I see in this book that tells me about the author                                                                                                                                    

1 and 2 Samuel books were originally one book. It is thought that Samuel has written the most part, until he died. Some says it is likely that it was the priest Abiathar, who wrote down the rest. Both the first and second Samuel is dated to 931-722 BC(Norwegian Bibelsiden.no)

But no one know for sure who this anonymous writer is. As is it written in the SVB p.343, in 1.Chr. 29.29 we can see that Samuel, Nathan and Gad all kept record of King David’s reign, and that may have been collected to these books afterwards. Or some says it is official court historians may have recorded these events.

3. What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what else is a one sentence summery of the “main idea”?

1.Samuel: transition of leadership in Israel from judges to kings.

2.samuel: the highlights of David  -both his personal life and as the nations King.                                                                                                     

Important issues to study further is contrast like:

God rises up or God tears down

God’s invisible hand at work

Honoring God or man

Fear of man and fear of God

Leadership -

Humility vs. pride

Eli vs Samuel

Eli vs. his sons

Important lesson God repeats in the books is the guidelines is the Covenant – not the King

( Danielle’slecture)

Contrast and character:

David                                                                Saul –

Repents 2.Sam.12.13, Psalms 51                 Excuses 1.Sam.15

David allows God to exalt him 2.Sam.8.14  Saul cowardly clings to his throne  -

Chosen by God 1.Sam.13.12                           Rejected by God (1.Sam.15.35, 15.11)                                                                                           -Chosen by God

Man after God’s heart .1.Sam.13.14            Man’s kind of king

Sought and followed God .2.Sam 5.23         Sought people’s praise                                                                                                                               

Fear of God                                                     Fear of man 1.Sam.15.24.                                                                                                               

Grew closer to God .1.Sam.30.6                    Separated himself from God

(Quoted from Danielle’s teaching)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

One sentence summary: the book is a history book about Hannah praying for and receiving Samuel, his life and work, the two kings Saul and David, and Jonathan  - And God very important saying: But I will honor those who honor me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me. (1.Sam. 2.30)

4. What is the primary reason for this book was written                                                                                                                                        

These books continue the history-books, telling the people of Israel their story about how faithful God is every time the people repent and that He so strongly longs for his people to only trust in him – not so quickly look to the pagan way of worshipping.

It was interesting in Danielle’s lecture how she showed us how the people of Israel cried out for a political leader, a king as the other nations – and both God and then Samuel (1.Sam. 8.7-22) tries to describe for them, what would happened – but they still want it – and God gives them a King. It also shows how only when they (Saul and David) trust in the Lord do they get victory.

So in a way God shows the OR and us how they really needed a spiritual leader.

David is the most famous King in all Israel history. David Kingdom prospered and life was good as long as he reign and did what was just and right for all his people. 2.Sam.8.15 and He wanted to show the people God’s kindness to them 2.Sam.9.3, Psalm 145p.17

Theme tracing:                                                                                                                                                                                               

5.What does the book show about the character and nature of God?                                                                                                                    

God is the people’s helper 1.Sam.7.12

He anoints His chosen one– and gives them His spirit  - both Saul and David

To Saul it says He gave him a new heart (1.Sam.10.9) – similar in ……

God looks to the heart and recognize faith– the story of Hannah 1.Sam.1.17-18, 1.Sam.16.7

He fight for us 1.sam.17.47

He wants obedience 1.Sam.15.22

As said in “Honors those who honors Him” 1.Sam.2.30

He shows anger, 1.Sam.3.11

He shows His incredible mercy, as an example; to David when he repents – hallelujah!

God knows everything! What is hidden – will be in the open 2.Sam.12. It is interesting how his sons sin in open on a roof (2.Sam. 16.22), where his father saw Bathsheba on a roof, but tried to hid his sexual sin,  - but Nathan said “ You did it secretly, but I will make this happen to you openly in the sight of all Israel”. His sons were in a way only living out the curse God put on David for this. “Sam.12.11.

In NT this is repeated several times like in Mark.4.22.

6.What does this book show about God´s redemptive plan for mankind?                                                                                                            

In 2.Sam 7.4-17 God promises David an eternal kingdom and seed, which is fulfilled in Christ! Matt.21.9, 22.45) NBp. 98

David was a man after God’s heart (1.Sam.13.14)

How again a women with a special history becomes a important person in Jesus family tree – Bathsheba 2.Sam.11.1-5

David is the Old Testament foreshadow of Jesus – I rally liked Mark’s list of similarities with David and Jesus – as born I Bethlehem, did an outstanding event at young age, left by their friends, a man after God heart, in a way “anointed three times both. (There were some more, but it went to quick) 

And I also found another similarity – both is mentioned being on MT of Olives 2.Sam.15.29/ Mark 11.23

Verse 2.Sam.24.16 “ STOP! That’s enough” when God cries out this I think is an echo of God’s father heart when he decided now is the time to send Jesus and set a final to victory over the devil.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Application questions                                                                                                                                                                                 

7.Personal application:                                                                                                                                                                                     

I love the story of Hannah – for many years as a single woman – longing for a husband and family  - I identified so much with here – but was also encourage in her faithfulness and clinging to the Lord.

I also found interest in David father heart – all the emotions that are described in these books in different situations with or around his sons, even when they try to kill him. This would be a subject I would like to dig into sometimes.

In the introduction to the 1.Samuel, it challenges us to ask God to reveal the breadth and depth of His compassion and forgiveness towards me.

It reminded me of these verses in Ephesians 3:17-19 and I will have these verse as a part of my daily prayer this week. (Changes in italics made by me –to make it more personal)

“16. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower me with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 so that Christ may dwell in my hearts through faith. And I pray that I, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that I may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

8.Point of passion:

One of the larger newspapers in Norway wrote this, which I quote below in their Editorial - article.

We were so thankful for this wordily support – and showing it is not an easy matter to discuss.

In a way I can see it resembles in the books of Samuel – the people and politicians “cries “ for equal wrights but it is actually I question about life and death, wright and wrong – Gods principles or man’s next best. (Or not best)

“Yes to the reservation right”

“EDITORIAL: The right of physicians is an important recognition of the ethical anguish by affecting life and death.

Published: 20.okt. 2013 7:13 peers 21.okt. 2013 0:55

In 2011 stressed state at the Ministry of Health and Care Services that GPs should not be exempted from the statutory and regulatory duties imposed by conscience.

In government agreement, the Conservatives, Christian Democrats and the Progress Party have agreed on the opposite standpoint. Thus, primary care physicians for the future could refuse to refer for abortions.

The right of doctors is one of today's difficult and controversial questions of values.

Its both what people consider right and wrong for each doctor, how and to what extent the state should regulate doctors' practices, and it fragile relationship between doctor and patient.

The case is far from simple, and important liberal principles stand up against each other.

Our legal access to abortion is a compromise between the interests of unborn life and maternal choice. At the same time, one must recognize that it is not ethically unproblematic to help end a nascent human life. An opportunity to opt out of taking conscience seriously, which is also essential in a liberal democracy.

The weightiest argument against reservation access, the interests of the patient.

A doctor's conviction and disapproval should not complicate the access to rights commitments, public health services. The patient should be met with understanding and respect, regardless of choice. To the extent that the state should intervene in the relationship between doctor and patient, there should be a natural reflex to side with the underdog. But the doctors who have ethical qualms about taking part in the storyline against abortion also constitute a minority to be protected. It is easy to say that the procedure will be carried out anyway, and it does not matter whether or at what time the individual doctor helps. For some, any participation, however, a moral expense, which can be seen as a profession ban.

There is no point to make doctors' professional practice subject to state, moral uniformity, when it is possible to safeguard the interests of patients and ethical diversity of opinion through good, practical arrangements.

It involves a public responsibility to ensure predictability by making information about individual physicians' reservations available and that municipalities provide a medical coverage, which ensures that no patient is harmed.

The right to abortion will not be shaken by - and that's not the issue in this case. In this respect templates protests devil on the wall.

The right must not be understood as a deregulation to allow any form of personal or political influence public duties. It is simply recognition of the concerns relating to a very difficult question of values. In the liberal democracy it is important to have a clear marking of the boundaries of an individual, ethical action vis- à -vis the powerful state.

BT emphasized: In an earlier version of this leader stated that the reservation clause will also apply to the issue of birth control pills to women and referral to assisted reproduction. Health and Care emphasizes that it will not be necessary to allow doctors to refuse to print the pill, and that it is not clear whether there will be a reservation directly in referring to assisted reproduction “

Quoted from Bergens Tidene. (BT) Norwegian newspaper”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Ruth

An outsiders’ loyalty shapes the destiny of future generations.

First impression:                                                              

1.What do I see in this book that’s tells me about the Original Reader                                                                                                                      

SIB p. 336 it says in the introduction to this book that it is written to the Israel people.

Like Crystal taught in class today, it may have been important for the people of Israel that they knew more about the heritage of David, their King, because Ruth was a Moabites – but she made a faith statement in ch.1.6.

The story is from time of the judges, ch.1.1, and all the deceiving we see there, there is this group of people living their life that shows in action and speech, that they know the Lord and the law.

2. What do I see in this book that tells me about the author                                                                                                                                         

Jewish tradition points to Samuel – but it can also be an unknown (SIB p. 337)

Has to been written during or after David because he is mentioned in the last verse, ch.4.22.

It is as said in the introduction to the book in SVB (337), interesting how any writer was inspired by God to write this love story in between the other, in a way cruel books.  Also the idea of including all these woman and giving them a voice at this time in history is really remarkable.

3. What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what else is a one sentence summery of the “main idea”?                                                                                            

We read about relationships and responsibilities in a family, keeping together through hard times, loyalty, knowing the Law and having faith in Gods provision and kindness. How these people kept the rules of the Lord, even Ruth who was a foreigner did what was right.

God Provision in leading Ruth to the right field – and a good husband to restor the family is a main theme.

One sentence: It is a book mainly about Naomi, Ruth and Boaz, and can be summed into: Outsiders in the common community can become important key persons when they obey God!

4. What is the primary reason for this book was written

In SVB p.337 it quotes: “to retell an important story, and perhaps to encourage the Israelites to include foreigners in their nations ( Isa 56.1-8)”

I think also in telling this story about kindness and following Gods laws and instructions and how God rewards this will be important for the readers. I can imagine how this story would be a great oral moral story shared in family partiesJ handed down generations by generations.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Theme tracing:                                                                                                                                                                                               

5.What does the book show about the character and nature of God?                                                                                                                         

He loves women J in NT it said in this verse Gal.3.28

A timeless truth is: He gives new life – like in this book – from poverty to wealth, from death to life, from foreigner to Israelite, from barren to fertile, from widower to married.

Isaiah 43.19 and Rev. 21.5

He includes people who believe in Him – as written above, and He did so permanent through Jesus – were all were alike. Gal 3.28

God shows his providing and he guides: as it happened ch.2.3, she got more than she expected, ch.2.18.

6.What does this book show about God´s redemptive plan for mankind?                                                                                                                 

In this book we read about Boaz acts as a redeemer by buying back the land of Naomi’s husband/sons and marrying Ruth. Jesus is our ultimate redeemer by giving His life. In Titus 2.14 we read, “ That He might redeem us form every lawless deed”.

Ruth in the choices she did in believing Lord she was podded into the family tree that Jesus came from. And this divine family line of Perez – I have earlier been told that name means “break through” –ends in Gods final BREAK THROUGH  - JESUS CHRIST.

They even came back to the ancestral Home land of Judah, the town of Bethlehem which both was prophesized in Mika 5.1 about a rulers  (Messiah) birthplace and also written about in Matt 2.5 when Jesus is born there.

The restoring and redeeming of Naomi and their family name, may be a foreshadow of how the name of Israel and all Gods chosen people are being redeemed through Jesus –our redeemer.                                                                                                                                                       

Application questions                                                                                                                                                                                 

7.Personal application:

I enjoyed reading this story – I always have. The way Ruth decides to stay together with here mother -in- law, and how she seemed to work hard to feed them and had a willingness to do what would be best for Naomi and the family property both in land and pride.

I am also are fascinated of the kindness that is pictured when we read – both in between the woman, and Boaz himself is described as a kind and gentle man.

I was reminded of on part in the verse in Acts 10.38 – “Jesus went around doing good…” not just went around as we often do, but did good. This will be my application these days!                     

8.Point of passion: “Right to make a reservation for doctors”

Today I signed an email to all the members in Parliament today, supporting the right to reserve. I don’t really know how to fit that into something in the book of Ruth, but I feel that it is an important point of passion I have – and it makes me so much more aware and involved.