Lot's Wife: lessons and themes from her story

This month’s study is on Lot’s Wife. She is mentioned briefly in Genesis, but her story still resonates with people today. From Genesis, we learn that she was married to Lot, Abraham’s nephew and together, they had amassed a fortune in land and livestock. They settled in Sodom, a city so wicked that God would later send angels to investigate. Her life in Sodom, she was a prosperous woman who may have been more attached to the good life than what was good for her. There is no indication that she participated in the sin of Sodom, but her story implies she had tolerated it. Her heart was possibly divided. She hated the sin but loved the comfortable life she had in Sodom. What is the significance of salt in the story? What does her story tell us about God’s mercy?

The story of Lot’s wife opens as Lot encounters God’s angels at the city gates. He implored them to stay at his house for the night. Later that night, angry voices came to the house as an ugly clamor of men tried to push their way into the house. They demanded the guest to be released to them. The Bible does not reveal what Lot’s wife was doing, feeling or thinking at the situation. But I think we can safely assume she was terrified. After Lot tried to bargain and reason with the mob, the angels pulled him back in the house and told Lot, his wife and daughters, to leave Sodom immediately as God’s judgment was coming to Sodom. The angels warned the family not to look back on the city as it was being destroyed. Genesis 19:26 says “But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” Why did she turn despite the angels’ warning? We don’t know but something caused her to stop, pause, turn and take one look.

As Lot’s wife is remembered less for who she was: a wife and mother, and more for what she became: a pillar of salt, there must be significance to her story. Salt is one of the world’s most common and most used chemicals. Salt is used to season, cleanse and purify. The Hebrews saw the value in salt and used it in many areas of life. They used it to season their food (Job 6:6). They also rubbed their babies with it (Ezekiel 16:4). Salt was also a required supplement to Old Testament grain sacrifices (Leviticus 2:13). Salt is also used six times in the New Testament. Believers are called the salt of the earth by Jesus in Matthew 5:13, Mark 9:50, and Luke 14:34. In Luke 17:32, Jesus calls us to remember Lot’s wife. In verse 33, he says, “Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.”  It is a warning against false security. Lot’s wife turned back because she wanted one last look at all she lost. The comfortable house and all the trappings she had in the city. Despite the danger to her life, she still wanted the physical things she left behind.

The tragedy of her story is she ultimately refused God’s mercy and attempts her save her. God’s mercy was available to her as Genesis 19:16 says “for the Lord was merciful to them” and his mercy is always available to all of us. Even during difficult times, like now as the world deals with the COVID-19 outbreak and resulting quarantine, even in the worst times, the most difficult situation and the hardest circumstances, he is there stretching out his hand to lead us to safety. We have become creatures of comfort. In our society, it is rare to find someone who isn’t attached to certain comforts. They may even be thought of as weird. Although, in my experience, when someone says they have no attachment to physical items or comforts, it is usually a lie as no one is completely with some form of attachment, whether it be to something or someone Test your level of attachment. By carving out time away from work, TV, the phone, the internet, anything that can distract you from God. Set aside time and a place in your home, even if its for a few minutes, for silent prayer.

In conclusion, Lot’s wife turned back to look at the smoldering city. Clinging to the past, she was unwilling to turn completely away and accept her new future. Are you looking back longingly at an old life while trying to move toward God? Is there anything in your past that God is urging you to let go? I know I do. It is a daily struggle and a daily prayer for the strength to finally let go. Sometimes I can and sometimes memories of good times pull me to that desire again. I know like a father with his child, God will continue to help me with this lesson. You can’t make progress with God and in your future, if you are holding onto pieces of your old life. Seek out God and his mercy. He will help you turn away from your old life and find a new life in him.

1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, & 3 John, and Jude: encouragements and warnings

Today’s study is on 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, & 3 John and Jude. These short books have a common theme of recognition of false teachers and true believers as well as the need for constant vigilance and perseverance. Peter wrote 1 Peter in order offer encouragement to suffering Christians. 2 Peter was written as a warning against false teachers. The books of 1, 2, and 3 John were written to give warnings against and counter false teachings, and to recognize true believers. Jude, brother of Jesus and James, set to remind believers of the need for constant vigilance, to keep strong in the faith and oppose heresy.

Sometimes doing the right thing isn’t a reward. Sometimes it brings suffering and sadness. Peter wrote to encouragement believers who were suffering for doing good. In 1 Peter 1:3-5, we are reminded that we have a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus, an inheritance which cannot be taken from us. It can never perish, spoil or fade. No matter what happens in life, our hope in God’s promise cannot be taken away from us. We have been rejected by men but chosen by God. We are precious to him (1 Peter 2:4). Peter tells us that even if we are to suffer for what is right, we are blessed (1 Peter 3:14) It is better to suffer for doing God’s will, for doing good than for doing evil (1 Peter 3:17). Therefore, we can’t be surprised when we suffer for doing what is right. 1 Peter 4:12 says “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” As Christians, we need to remember that we may suffer for doing what is right. We may be insulted, ridiculed or demeaned. We may lose friends, family, jobs or even our lives for standing firm on God’s words and doing his will in our lives.

False teachers have been discussed many times in the New Testament. Peter also warns against false teachers. In 2 Peter 2:10-22, Peter describes false teachers as bold, arrogant and not afraid to insult celestial beings. Celestial beings include angels and demons. False teachers will usually mock the supernatural and especially take Satan’s power lightly. False teachers will blaspheme in matters they do not understand (verse 12). They will often pay back harm with harm (verse 13). They will seduce the unstable and they are experts in greed (verse 14). They will speak empty and boastful words which appeal to our sinful natures (verse 18). Unfortunately, I think we can think of many church leaders who may be described by these verses. Often, men and women in positions of power will be intoxicated by that power and greatly influence those below them. How do we defend ourselves against false teachers? First, allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us. Some may call it a “gut feeling.” If a statement doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Second, do not take their statements are truth. We need to test their statements against God’s Word. If the statements contradict scripture, then they are false.

John’s letters also focus on false teachers and false believers which John refers to as “antichrists.” John warns if someone says “I know him [Jesus]” yet doesn’t live by his commands, then he is a liar (1 John 2:4). While there is the Antichrist who will come in the end times, but an antichrist is anyone who contradicts Jesus’ message either by their words or their lifestyles. To John, antichrists are those who call themselves Christians but do not truly belong (1 John 2:19). These are people who may call themselves Christians as a matter of family tradition or it serves their purpose in some form, but they do not truly live a godly lifestyle. Even though as Christians, we may fail to always be Christ-like, John is warning us against those who’s behavior is a consist pattern of ungodly behavior. In 2 John 7 states that antichrists are those who deny the foundations of Christian faith. There are churches which claim to be Christian and yet deny the deity of Jesus. 3 John states that true believers are generous with their resources whether its time, money or other forms of hospitality for the good of those who help spread the Gospel.

The book of Jude reads like a sermon. While he begins his sermon with the sin and doom of godliness, his call for perseverance is what stood out to me. He reminds us that we are told that people will scoff (verse 18) and people who intend to divide believers (verse 19). I see division in today’s society. Believers see themselves divided by denominations, by race, and by political belief. Believers will often attack other believers because they differ in opinion on various topics despite our common belief in Jesus Christ. However, we are to build ourselves up with faith and prayer (verse 20) and to keep ourselves in God’s love (verse 21). Most importantly, we are to show mercy to those who doubt (verse 22). We are to witness to believers and non-believers with compassion and kindness. The adage of “You catch more flies with honey then with vinegar” is very true. If we want people to listen and pay attention, we cannot be cruel, demeaning or speak with condemnation. We must find common ground when witnessing to others. We must remember that we were once lost, and God opened our eyes to his love. We must also have patience as we witness and remember that we do not open their eyes to God, God does. We are merely the tools in which God reveals himself.

In conclusion, false teachers were as much of a problem today as it was in the early church. We must be diligent to recognize false teachers and true believers. Looking to God’s word and prayer as we seek guidance to recognize both. 1 Peter reminds us that it is better to suffer for doing what is right than to aid in evil. False teachers are the topics of 2 Peter and the letters of John. We must be careful to examine all statements given to us by those in leadership. Lastly, Jude calls believers to persevere, to witness to others with compassion and allow God to do his work in his time.

The book of Matthew: a few lessons from Jesus

Matthew is the first book of the New Testament and the first Gospel of Jesus Christ. Matthew was one of the twelve disciples who was a tax collector named Levi before Jesus called to follow him. His purpose in writing this gospel was to prove that Jesus is the Messiah, the eternal King especially to the Jews as he begins with the genealogy of Jesus from Abraham to David to his earthly father, Joseph. Jesus began his ministry at the age of 30 and taught nonstop for three years. With so much information and lesson in this book alone that I could discuss, I wasn’t sure what to discuss. I will discuss four segments which spoke to me as I read it. Illustration in how to fight temptation, a lesson in prayer, a lesson in what is required to follow Christ and a command to remain watchful and prepare for his second coming.

First, Satan tempts Jesus in the desert in Matthew 4:1-11. Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert where he’d be tempted by the devil (verse 1). After he fasted for 40 days and 40 nights (verses 2), Satan arrived with the first of three temptations. The first temptation was “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread” (verse 3). Since Jesus has fasted, he was incredibly hungry and this would be a great temptation. Jesus answers “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (verse 4). This is in reference to Deuteronomy 8:3.  Temptation number 2, Satan takes Jesus to the highest point on the temple and says “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angers concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone’” (verse 5-6). Satan is referring to Psalm 91:11-12. Jesus answers “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’” (verse 7) which is referring to Deuteronomy 6:16. The final temptation is when Satan takes Jesus to a very high mountain from which they can see all kingdoms and splendor, “All this I will give you, if you will bow down and worship me” (verses 8-9). Jesus’s reply is swift “Anyway from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only’” (verse 10), referring to Deuteronomy 6:13. What’s the point? First, Satan knows the Word of God too. So just because someone has biblical knowledge doesn’t mean he or she is a true believer. Second, Jesus responds with the Word of God, giving us an example why it is important that we know the Word too. It is our best defense against temptations.

Second, Jesus teaches about prayer in Matthew 6:5-13. First, he tell us to pray unseen (verse 5). Do not make a spectacle or a big production about it. I am reminded of this verse when people argue that we need prayer back in schools. I say prayer never left because prayers are still being said in schools today. It is just not a school led activity and it shouldn’t be. Prayer is a private act of worship. There are different examples of when prayer is said aloud like in church or as a family at dinner; however, overall, prayer is a private petition between God and a believer. Second, Jesus tells us that before we ask, the Lord already knows what we need, so there’s no need to babble with many words (verses 7-8). He then gives us a prayer that is known as The Lord’s Prayer (verses 9-13). “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” (verse 9) acknowledges God’s holiness as well as his personal and loving relationship with us. “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (verse 10) is a reference to God’s spiritual reign as well as praying that God’s purpose be enacted in this world as it is done in heaven. “Give us today our daily bread” (verse 11) acknowledges that God is our provider of all we have. “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (verse 12) asks God to forgive us as we forgive others. “Debts” would be sins not just financial debts but hurts and wrongs done against God and against us. “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one’ (verse 13) is asking for God’s protection against temptation, to recognize it when we will inevitably come across it. When you pray the Lord’s Prayer, think about what each verse means and feel the power and importance in those words. There’s great meaning in this simple prayer.

Third, Jesus eats with sinners at Matthew’s house in Matthew 9:9-13. These verses tell the story of how Matthew is called by Jesus to follow him and he does (verse 9). Matthew had a dinner at his house for Jesus, his disciples and other “sinners” (quotations appear in my Bible) (verse 10). The Pharisees (a Jewish religious group that avidly followed the Old Testament laws) saw this and asked why Jesus was eating with such men? Jesus replied “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (verse 12-13). “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” is in reference to Hosea 6:6 when God didn’t want just the rituals, he wanted the people’s hearts. The rituals were more than just actions to appease God, there are ways to connect with God. When a ritual is done without one’s heart, the ritual becomes empty and a mockery. Like going through the motions because of habit or you are required do, rather than because you want and need to. Like a Catholic who goes to Confession because it’s the day to do so rather than the need to seek forgiveness. By using this verse, Jesus is stating that he is more concerned with the people who need him, need forgiveness, need guidance especially the hurting and sinful ones and not appearances and the righteous. In order to reach those who need him, he needed to meet them where they are, eat with them, and teach them. With Jesus, you do not need to change before you can accept him as Lord and Savior. Follow him and he will help you do the changes needed. For Jesus said “Come, follow me” (Matthew 4:19). He didn’t say “change your life, then follow me.” No, he said come. Come as you are.

Lastly, Jesus spoke about being watchful in Matthew 24:36-51. In these verses, he speaks about being watchful for his return because no one knows when that will be. Right off the bat in verse 36, he says “NO ONE knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, not the Son, but only the Father” (emphasis mine). So when someone claims to have the date that Christ will come and begin the end of days, pay him no mind because if God the Father doesn’t even tell his Son when that day will be, why would he tell a someone on Earth? Not knowing the date, keeps believers on their toes and continuing their work for Christ as they prepare and await his return. If we knew the date, wouldn’t we be lazy and wait until the date approaches to believe or spread the Word? In verses 40-41, Christ speaks about some people being taken and others being left behind. These verses are to illustrate how shift his second coming will be, Jesus commands us to keep watch (verse 42). And just as a homeowner doesn’t know when the thief will come to his house, we are to prepare for Jesus, as we do not know when he will come back (verse 43-44). Keeping watch and preparing for his coming doesn’t mean that believers can hoard food and hunker down in a bunker in the wilderness somewhere. No, it means to continue our work for Christ and live as if today will be our last. When the opportunity arises to share Christ’s love and gift of salvation, do so. When the opportunity arises to help your fellow man, extend your hand as Christ would. It doesn’t mean always mean money handouts for the needy. It includes acts of mercy to those who need it. Simple acts of kindness and love. As Christ said “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mind, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40) and “whatever you did not do for one of the lease of these, you did not do for me” (Matthew 24:45). For you don’t know when Christ will return, our job isn’t done yet.

In conclusion, the gospel of Matthew is the longest book of the gospels. Jesus taught nonstop in the three years of his ministry whether it was to the disciples in a quiet place or to the crowds in a public place, he taught. It is an example for us. We don’t all need to be a pastor at the pulpit to spread God’s word. We are to know the Bible in order to fight temptation as Christ used the Bible to ward off Satan’s temptations. We are to pray with meaning, with faith and in a quiet place. We are to come to Christ as we are and as we live to follow his words, he will change us to be more like him. As followers of Christ, we are to continue to do his work here until his second coming. There are moments in our everyday lives in which we can extend Christ’s love to those who desperately need it. 

Jonah, Micah, Nahum: minor prophets with a major message

This month’s study is one three minor prophets with very important messages. Jonah, Micah, and Nahum are short book with a big impact. Everyone is familiar with Jonah and the big fish. However, what are the important themes in the book? What lessons can we learn from his story? In the book of Micah is the answer to what does it mean to pervert one’s faith? As well as to the question what does God truly expect from us? Nahum is the prophecy against a powerful and once repented nation. What does it mean to say that God is judge and ruler?

Jonah was a prophet who was sent by God to the city of Nineveh, the capital city of Assyria during the approximate time of 785-760 BCE. At the time, Assyria was a great enemy of Israel and Jonah resisted being sent to Nineveh into the arena of bitter enemies. Why should they hear and receive God’s message of salvation? Jonah took to the sea and God sent him a violent storm and into the belly of a great fish (Jonah 1:17). The book of Jonah is unique because it is a narrative story of the prophet rather than his prophecies. There are three major themes in the story of Jonah. First, God is sovereign. God is in control despite our desires to obey or not. The storm was used by God to guide Jonah to see God’s wisdom in sending him to Nineveh. Second, God’s message to all peoples. He loves all and offers his salvation to all. Jonah’s message was simple “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned” (Jonah 3:4). The Nineveh heard the message and repented. The king proclaimed that everyone “urgently call on God” (Jonah 3:8). However, even though Jonah delivered the message as he was commanded. He still didn’t want to see the Ninevites receive God’s salvation. He was angry when God didn’t bring destruction to the city. God sent him another message about compassion (Jonah 4:1-11). Third, when your repentance is real, God will forgive. When you respond in obedience, you will receive God’s mercy, not his punishment. Jonah offered his repentance from the belly of a great fish and God heard him (Jonah 2:1-10). The Ninevites turned from their evils way and God had compassion on them (Jonah 3:10). There is no place you can sink that God cannot hear you.

Micah was a prophet to the people of Israel during the dates of 742-687 BCE. The main theme of Micah is about perverting faith. Micah speaks directly to the false prophets, disobedient leaders and selfish priests in Judah and Israel. While they publicly carried out the religious ceremonies, they were privately seeking to gain money and influence. “Hear this, you leaders of the house of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel, who despise justice and distort all that is right” (Micah 3:9) and “Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they lean upon the Lord and say ‘Is not the Lord among us? Mo disaster will come upon us” (Micah 3:11) It is because of these leaders that the Lord will destroy Israel (Micah 3:12). To mix selfish desires with an empty display of religious piety is perverting faith. To remain silent for fear of losing money or church members is dangerous for the church; however, many pastors are influenced by these factors and will not speak up for what is right. On a similar note, God delights in faith not the sacrifices at the temple or the tithes you may give the church. He delights in faith that produces justice, love for others and obedience in him. Micah 6:6-8 tells us that God is more please with acting justly, be merciful, and walk humbly with him. The type or amount of sacrifices doesn’t matter. What God truly wants is faith and obedience. True faith generates kindness, compassion, justice and humility. We can please God by seeking these results in our work, family, church and neighborhood. We may not always succeed but with God’s guidance we can succeed in the future.

Nahum was a prophet to Judah and Nineveh approximately between 663-612 BCE. His purpose was to pronounce God’s judgement on Assyria. Nahum is writing his prophets approximately 100 years after Jonah prophesied in Nineveh which means that Nineveh’s repentance was short lived. God judged Nineveh for its idolatry, arrogance and oppression. Even though Assyria was a great military power of the day, God would completely destroy this powerful nation. Nahum 1:3 states “The Lord is slow to anger and great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.” Nahum 2 describes Nineveh’s fall which come true in 612 BCE as the armies of Babylon and Medes destroyed the seemingly invincible Nineveh. The city was so completely wiped out that its ruins were not discovered until the 1840s! God is judge and no human power can avoid his wrath. God also rules over all the earth even those who don’t acknowledge him. God is all-powerful and human plans are futile against God’s plans. Overconfidence in their wealth and power was the key to Assyria’s downfall. However, there is a bright light in Nahum’s message of doom. Nahum 1:7 states “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” This verse is important today as we are bombarded with news of nuclear weapons, armies and war. When we place of faith and trust in God, he alone can truly rescue us from fear and oppression. When we place our confidence in him because he alone rules all of history, all the earth and our lives. Does this mean we will survive any danger? Not necessarily, however, God is more powerful than anything on earth. What can physically hurt us can never spiritually hurt us as long as our trust is in the Lord.

In conclusion, Jonah is the lesson that God’s message is for everyone. It does not matter if we like the person or people, we are to bring his message of salvation to everyone who can hear and receive it. If God has shown us mercy and compassion, then we are to follow his example and show mercy and compassion to others by giving them God’s message. Micah is the important lesson for those in power. Whether it be church leaders, political leaders and leaders in our families, twist God’s word for your own personal gains and God will judge you harshly. The inner acts of faith are often more important than the outwardly acts of religion. Nahum is the lesson that God is more powerful than anything on earth. He can save and destroy.  

The Rose Trilogy by Beverly Lewis book reviews

This past Christmas, my husband bought me The Rose Trilogy by Beverly Lewis. It is a series about the Amish community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Though I had never read Christian fiction about the Amish, I was curious to see how good this series would be.

                The first book in the series is called The Thorn. It opens with Rose Ann Kauffman, 20, the youngest daughter of Solomon Kauffman, a crop farmer, wagon maker and Emma Kauffman who has been paralyzed from a buggy accident and lives in constant pain. She has older brothers who are talked about but never really seen in this book. She has one older sister, Hannah, nicknamed Hen who married Brandon Orringer, an English (non-Amish) man and they have one daughter Mattie Sue. Hen has left the Amish community because she has married an Outsider. Rose’s friend is Nick Franco, a foster child of Bishop Aaron Petershiem and his wife Barbara. Many in the community see Nick as trouble and Rose soon becomes his only friend. The book opens with Emma’s accident and the arrival of Nick. Rose takes care of her mother and helps a gentleman in the community with household chores. Hen yearns for her Amish roots and begins to immerse herself back in the community much to the dismay of her husband. Nick, now 21, is beyond the age of being baptized into the church and truly becoming a part of the community but he is resisting. Rose is being courted by Silas Good and thus a love-triangle is formed. As the book ends, Nick has left the community and Rose accepts a marriage proposal from Silas.  

                The second book in the series is called The Judgment. The story picks up a month or so after The Thorn ends. The community still talking about Nick and the events which led to his leaving. Bishop Aaron must face consequences of his foster son’s actions. A new character, Rebekah, is introduced. She is coming to the community to help a new mother after birth. It is very obvious that another love-triangle is being established. The reader is introduced to some of Brandon’s family. His sister, Terry, who seems to be stuck up and happy that her Amish sister-in-law is getting the boot. And his brother, Lawrence, who seems to sweeter and kinder to his sister-in-law. The tensions between Hen and Brandon are coming to a boil and when tragedy strikes, Hen has an opportunity to show Brandon that she still cares and show him the world he so stubbornly refused to see.  Emma seems to be getting worse when a young girl with special needs enters their lives and gives them hope that she can get better. The reader discovers the real reason behind Silas’ proposal. Rose has to come to a difficult decision, a decision that could tarnish her reputation in the community.

                The third book in the series is called The Mercy. This story takes place after the New Year with Rose Ann getting a new suitor, Isaac, and a surprise returns to the community. This creates yet another love triangle. Rose Ann dates Isaac but there’s something him that doesn’t feel right and the reader knows that this isn’t the man for Rose Ann but it sets up for the arrival of the man Rose Ann does truly belong with. The situation between Hen and Brandon comes to a close with a resolution that surprised me but it fit their conflict.  The situation involving Bishop Aaron and Nick revolves with a situation that seems a little too good to be true. Without giving it away, it seems to me that if the Amish community is as tight knit as they claim to be, why didn’t the information come forward sooner? Overall, this book was enjoyable and it was a nice ending to a series that started out slowly.

                The Thorn started slow for me. So slow, in fact, that I had to put in down for a month, then pick it back up. The author uses Amish language, Deitsch, without much explanation of what the words mean. The reader is left to guess by the surrounding content but it’s distracting to have language without some form of translation. Rose seems a little naïve when it comes to the people in her community. She sees Nick as a friend and never picked up the fact that he had more than friendship feelings for her. The tensions between Hen and Brandon are annoying.  The Judgment was a much better read. I was able to finish it in a day. The unfolding drama was much more captivating. The one thought that stuck in my head was the constant objection to higher education. I do know that the Amish do not attend school beyond the eighth education. Is the idea that education beyond what is necessary to live in the community will drive children away from the community? The Mercy was better than The Thorn but wasn’t as good as The Judgment. The events in the series takes place in approximately in one year with an epilogue. This series was enjoyable read. I recommend it to readers who love reading about new communities and peoples.