Interactive Sermon

Big Buts of the Bible: Book of Daniel ch. 2

Here, in a series of posts, are some observations I've made of 'buts' appearing in the book of Daniel. If you’re looking for a text to read through a little at a time, I invite you to grab your copy of the Scriptures, and follow along.  You can find my observations of chapter one here.

I suggested at the end of chapter one that, perhaps, the narrative structure of the first six chapters of Daniel would be helpful to readers when they get to the predictive structure of second half of the book.  I think these observations of chapter two will serve to strengthen that perspective.

Give Daniel chapter 2 a read.

The first part of this chapter sets the scene.  King Nebuchadnezzar was having troubling dreams.  He did what kings would do--he called together all his diviners.  I picture Madam Marie's beach-side fortune telling booth, for some reason.  Anyhow, the kings soothsayers assembled figuring to hear the dream and to give him some sort of an answer that would please him.  But the king was so deeply troubled by this dream, he wanted more than a fraudulent answer.  He surmised that, were there a true diviner among them, they would be able to tell him what the dream was as well as explain the meaning of it.  So he gave that order constructed around a big but:

"If you do not tell me what my dream was and interpret it, I will have you cut to pieces and your houses turned into piles of rubble.  But if you tell me the dream and explain it, you will receive from me gifts and rewards and great honor."  (NIV)

Do you suppose it would be an opportune time for a career change?  The magicians and astrologers pled with the king to first tell them the dream and then to let them interpret it for him.  He didn't relent, saying:

"You have conspired to tell me lies in hopes that something will change.  But tell me the dream and then I will know that you can tell me what it means." (NLT)

It is very interesting to note the conclusion the king's diviners come to: "No one could reveal this except the gods!"  That word 'except'--that's sort of like a really big but, now isn't it?  Furious, King Nebuchadnezzar ordered all the magicians, seers, and astrologers to be killed.  You know it's a bad day at the office when...

Because Daniel and his friends had also been known to interpret dreams and visions (recall back to chapter one) the order to execute diviners would include them.  Daniel asked for an opportunity to assist the king.

Note in verses 17-19: Daniel calls upon his friends to pray with him--together, they all wait upon God to deliver them from this mess.  In answer to their prayers, the mystery was revealed to Daniel.

Let me suggest to you that Daniel's praise of God in verses 20-23 is a wonderful passage to behold.  And, as I've suggested earlier, will be most helpful to recall when we get into the future (where chapters 7-14 will take us).  Who is forever and ever?  God.  Who holds kings and kingdoms in his hands?  God.  Who holds times and seasons?  God.  Who has wisdom and knowledge of all things?  God.  Who reveals secrets and mysteries?  God.  Don't forget this.

Notice that as Daniel begins his ministry to Nebuchadnezzar, he starts exactly where the king's seers had left off:

"No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries."

As Daniel continues his prepares to give the king his dream and its meaning he assures the king that the mystery wasn't revealed to him because he was somehow more skilled than the other wise men the king had consulted, "but so that you, O king, may know the interpretation."  In other words, sort of like the Blues Brothers, Daniel recognizes that he is on a mission from God.

The narrative ends with Daniel giving an explanation of the dream--and one that has fueled much eschatological debate (theories of the end times).  But I say, look first at what is here.  There will be crises arising in which longing for knowledge, understanding and revelation will be great.  Who holds such knowledge?  There will be kings and kingdoms making unreasonable demands and leveling terrible threats.  Who is in control?  In such settings, who will protect His own?  Who will you look to?  I say these lessons will all come in handy.

Your thoughts?

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon,Big Buts of the Bible,Bible Study,Daniel 2

Read Along With Darin pt. 3

Chapter Three of Francis Chan's book is entitled Crazy Love--same as the title of the book.  Before I get into it, a precursory thought: with each chapter, I am liking this book more and more.

The author begins this chapter by noting that as a child he learned to sing "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so."  He then suggested that practically everyone in the church world knows that song, and would say they 'know' Jesus loves them.  But then he argues that a great many of those very same people have never 'known' the love of God experientially.  He asserts that if we really knew the love of God everything would be different.

Chan shares about his upbringing and the nature of his relationship with his dad--a relationship that he suggests had tainted his initial understanding of God's love.  This resonates with me.  Over seventeen years of pastoral ministry it has been an observation of mine that, most often, people's initial understanding of God as a Heavenly Father is greatly formed around the experience they has of their own dad.  Thankfully, Chan's understanding of God's love took a turn for the better when he became a dad himself, and he felt a father's love for his children and relished in their love and devotion towards him.  I have to tell you, I've spent a lot of time pondering these scenes--Chan's, my own, and those from others' experiences that have been shared with me.

He spends a pretty fair amount of time in the chapter discussing the term 'fear of the Lord' and putting that into a healthy perspective.  He spends another segment of the chapter reassuring readers that God desires them in relationship with Himself.  This, too, was a moving part of the chapter for me.  The Lord God Almighty wants me!

He ends the chapter by sharing a discussion he had with a college student.  The student asked him, "Why would a loving God force me to love Him?"  Chan asked the student to elaborate.  "God threatens me with hell and punishment if I don't begin a relationship with Him."  Chan explains how this question hit him--he was unsure how to answer the student on the spot.  He shares how he mulled over the question, and how he'd answer it if asked again today.  I won't ruin it here.  Suffice to say that his answer--really this whole chapter--was very thought provoking for me.

Good read thus far.  Moving on to chapter four.  Any thoughts?

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon,Francis Chan,Crazy Love,Book Review

Big Buts From Sunday's Sermon

We studied worship on Sunday.  Our reading of John 4:1-26 will help lay some foundation for our continuing consideration of worship. 

Verses 1-9 give us a bit of back-story, or in other words tell us how these two people came to this encounter.  Jesus, we're told, was traveling from Judea to Galillee, and "had to go through Samaria."  That is an interesting assertion by John.  The fact is that Jews in that day routinely chose to cross the Jordon River to avoid having to traverse Samaria when traveling between Judea and Galilee.  The wording makes you wonder why Jesus 'had to' take that route.  You also see that these two saw, in one another, enough to know that it was an improper and unlikely conversation by the standards of their day and cultures.

Verse 10 gives us the powerful truth: if you knew the gift and the giver... that would change everything.  That is a thought provoking statement.

In the next section, verses 11-15, we see that the woman misunderstood Jesus.  She was focusing on the physical and temporal.  He was talking about the spiritual and eternal. It is a big but in verse 14 that clarifies this misunderstanding:  Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. This is pretty common of encounters with Jesus in the gospels.  Consider the encounter with Nicodemus just a chapter earlier--Jesus spoke of being born again, and Nicodemus was wondering how a fully grown man could crawl back into a mothers womb.  Or, consider those statements of Jesus that stirred so much controversy--when he told his followers they must eat his flesh and drink his blood, or when he told them that they could tear down the temple and that he would rebuild it in three days. 

The next section, verses 16-24 play out almost exactly as we would imagine they would--when Jesus hits close to home (go call your husband) the woman shifts the conversation to theology (hey, so where do you think is the proper place for worship?).  I think it is a wonderful picture of Jesus' love and mercy that he lets the woman move the conversation.  He could have said, 'Wait a minute.  Let's talk about these failures of yours!'  But He didn't.  He was happy to let the conversation move on, and to make this point--genuine worship of God will be in spirit and truth.

Finally, the woman ends this conversation with a profession, essentially saying: 'One thing I know--the Messiah is coming, and he will straighten all this out!'  To which Jesus says, 'Hello!  Allow me to introduce myself.'

Another but in this passage is found in verse 19.  The woman attests, "Our (Samaritan) fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."  Look back to the beginning of the text--and the beginning of this post.  Recall that it was a well engrained reality--separation between Samaritans and Jews.  Jesus' answer to this lady's statement isn't to agree with either position.  Instead, he focuses on a new reality--all men, Samaritans and Jews alike--must worship in spirit and truth.  This is what matters.  The gospel: It is a great equalizer.

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon,Big Buts of the Bible,Bible Study

What's On My Mind?

This is your brain on blogs.

Books ~ Enjoying the book of Daniel as my latest devotional read/study.  I haven't been through Daniel beginning to end since college days.  For some reason, I'm really enjoying it this time around whereas I haven't as much in the past.  I'm also enjoying the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan, as I've been sharing here on the blog.  The next installment coming shortly.  And, I'm also reading Garrison Keillor's book Pontoon--one in the Lake Wobegon franchise.  Causes me to smile here and there.  That's cool.

Music ~ I did it.  I picked up the new Prince 3 disc set.  I'm enjoying it.  What can I say?  Say what you will, the man is an artist.  Hmmm... the artist formerly known as The Artist?

Special Occasions ~ My birthday was earlier this week, Shari's birthday falls this weekend, and she and I will celebrate our 20th anniversary in a couple of weeks.  Gee, I suppose I ought to do something special, eh?

3 Chords ~ SO EXCITED about all things 3C.

Writing ~ Really enjoying some great productivity on all of my writing projects.  It's a good season for me.

NFL Draft ~ I will be otherwise occupied this weekend, but I will still have an ear to the wire to catch the news that the Bucs drafted Percy Harvin.  You read it here first.

What's on your mind?

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon,Crazy Love,Garrison Keillor,Prince,3 Chords & A Cloud of Dust,NFL

Passover Seder Follow Up Thoughts pt. 3

Continuing to share some observations and thoughts from our Passover Seder experience this year.

The Third: The Symbols of Passover

This section in the seder explains the symbolism of the different items on each participant's plate.  The leader explains the Pesach Shank Bone, Matzo and Moror, followed by a responsive reading section.  That section begins with a participant reading--and I have typically called on one of the more patriarch or matriarch types in our gathering to read this--which starts: "Every generation, even you and I, must look upon himself as if he personally had come out of Egypt with the help of God."

I have found this passage very moving.  As I mentioned at the end of part one in this series, I love that the Israelites were so very intentional about sharing God's story--their heritage--generation to generation.  I love that this meal illustrates the lessons; shank bone to depict the Passover lamb, unleavened bread for the hurried departure of the Israelites, bitter herb for the bitterness of slavery, and so on.  And I especially love that sentence that declares the way this feast is truly to be observed--own your part in this story.  The admonition in the seder continues: "Let us therefore proclaim His praise!"  In other words, 'Look what God has done for us!"

It's precious to me to see the Passover as it points to Jesus Christ--the ultimate Passover lamb.  It's even more precious to see that God's story is consistent beginning to end--and to see my part in His redemptive plan.  Hey, I've got a great idea.  Let us therefore proclaim His praise!

Two more segments are on the way.  What do you think?

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon,Passover Seder

Read Along With Darin pt. 2

...which is really part 3, but we don't need to go over that again.  Apologies for the delay in getting back to this read.  Throw Palm Sunday, a Passover Seder and Easter in the pastor's schedule and some things have to be put on hold.  Back to Chan.

Chapter Two: You Might Not Finish This Chapter

If chapter one was a call to consider how huge God is before we enter into His presence, chapter two is about considering how small we are as we order our days. 

The chapter begins with a sobering thought--you might die before you finish reading this chapter.  Or, the author might die.  In other words, this life is really fragile.  Chan shares a couple of scenarios whereby I/you could make a surprise departure from this world.  I suppose this beginning would freak a few people out.  One friend of mine who isn't fond of such conversation would possibly not finish reading this chapter--simply for the fact that she'd put the book aside!  But, as uneasy as it is to consider, this chapter puts the brevity of life in clear perspective.

Then he uses a great analogy to demonstrate that this world is really not about me/us.  What if an individual who has a part as an extra in a movie were to invite all of his friends over to see the film--and then, in a flash he declared, "There I am!"  He points to the back of a head among a sea of people.  You struggle to see, but in just an instant the scene changes.  A two and a half hour feature film and the back of your friend's head appeared for a fraction of a second.  Could he possibly deduce that the movie is all about him?  That he's the star of the show?

Yet, we live our lives in just such a setting.  This story we find ourselves in is all about God--beginning to end.  And yet, somehow, we tend to live this life as if it is all about us.

At another point in the chapter, the author discusses the fact that this life we live is not stable.  Things can change without warning.  It is precisely this fact--that this life is so unstable--that has us reaching out to God.  If life were stable we'd figure that we have no need of Him.  Chan includes the story of a man he knew who shared the gospel at a memorial service for a friend, noting that anyone there could die at any moment, ended his remarks with the words "Are you ready?" and then sat down in his seat--and died.  Talk about a sermon illustration!  Chan also included a story about a fourteen year old girl who purposed to change the world--and how she did.

The point of this chapter is to have us consider how selfishly we live our lives sometimes, as if it is all about us.  The author concludes the chapter, "In the movie of life nothing matters except our God and King."  This chapter has shaken my thoughts for a couple of days, in a very good way.  Good read so far.  I'm on to chapter three.  Any thoughts?

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon,Francis Chan,Crazy Love,Book Review

Back In The Day ~ The Video

My daughter Katie took the song I wrote for Shari and turned it into a video for us.  Fun! 

Big Buts of the Bible: Book of Daniel

Having plans to teach through the Book of Daniel this summer, I’ve decided to spend some extra time there over the next couple of months. Practicing what I preach, I’ve begun noting the Big Buts within the text. Here, in a series of posts are some observations. If you’re looking for a text to read through a little at a time, I invite you to grab your copy of the Scriptures, turn to Daniel, and follow along.

The Book of Daniel is a mystery to most. I’m willing to bet that, unless you’re in a wildly dispensational church setting, you can count on one hand the sermons or lessons you’ve ever heard out of Daniel—and further, that three fingers’ worth of those were on either Daniel and the Lion’s Den or Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and the fiery furnace. Part of the confusion may be that Daniel is divided into two parts—the first is a narrative section (chapters 1-6) and the second has to do with visions of the future (chapters 7-12) and this makes reading, studying and applying the texts a little tricky. But, buts will help. I promise.

Give chapter one a read.

The first handful of verses serve to set the stage historically—this is when it occurs; these are the kings and kingdoms involved, and so on. The writer asserts at the very beginning that “the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah” into Nebuchadnezzar’s hands. Allow that to sink in. Although God’s people were being persecuted and were suffering, let it be clear that their God was sovereign over it all. So, Daniel proceeds in the knowledge that God has ‘placed His people here.’ The three buts in chapter one outline the chapter nicely.

In verses 3 through 6 the Babylonian king ordered an official in his court as to the selection and training of men from among the Israelites to serve him. Part of his directions included the special diet they were to maintain—food and wine from the king’s table. It isn’t clear what about this diet was offensive to the Israelites—it may have been that this food was forbidden by their dietary laws or perhaps that it had been offered to Babylonian gods. What is clear? Follow the buts.

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the official for permission not to defile himself this way.

Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel, but the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink.

Daniel said to the official… Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance… and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.

Following the buts: Daniel and the men with him made a decision to honor God to the best of their ability; God gave them great assistance by moving the official’s heart to sympathy; God blessed them in their righteousness.

The chapter goes on to record that God provided the men with great wisdom and insight which gained them great favor with the king among all of his servants. In the most difficult and undesirable of settings, God was at work in and through his people.

Take a step back for a moment. Daniel, as I mentioned at the outset, is a difficult book because the first half is narrative and the second half is predictive of the future. But, what if we considered the early narrative chapters as providing crucial lessons for how to live in the future that the latter chapters predict? Suddenly the book is connected.

Daniel is going to predict some very difficult times ahead. But before we get to that, let’s consider the importance of making decisions that honor God no matter the setting; let’s trust that God will not abandon us but will accompany us always; and let’s expect that He will bring His plans to fruition, no matter the circumstances. Pretty important. Very helpful.

Any thoughts?

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon,Book of Daniel,Big Buts of the Bible,Bible Study

More Of This

Most who know me have heard me rant about the early season episodes of American Idol, where they intentionally humiliate people who have no business singing on a stage.  It bothers me that people pass through several auditions before they show up on television in front of Simon and his cohorts--and that means that those people who are terrible were chosen over people possessing some measure of genuine talent in those preliminary interviews.  The point: shock and laughter for the viewing audience, or in other words, ratings.

Well, here's one from Simon's British version of the show.  Check this link.  And enjoy.  I'd be a fan of American Idol if there was more of this.  Absolutely a feel-great moment.

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon,American Idol,Britains Got Talent,Susan Boyle

Passover Seder Follow Up Thoughts pt. 2

Continuing to share some observations and thoughts from our Passover Seder experience this year.

The Second: Dayenu

In the middle of the Passover Seder is a section where the leader reads a series of truths about God's protection and provision for His chosen people Israel which is punctuated by the Seder participants replying "Dayenu" (pronounced die-yay-noo) which means "It would have been enough for us."

Had He brought us out of Egypt and not divided the sea for us... It would have been enough!

Had He divided the sea, and not permitted us to cross on dry land... It would have been enough!

Had He permitted us to cross on dry land, and not sustained us for forty years in the desert... It would have been enough!

And so on.

Here's the thing: It's not true.  Sure, the things that God did are true enough.  But the people's response is disingenuous.  It was never enough.  God's people grumbled every step of the way.  "Let us go back to Egypt!"  When He rained provision upon them they cried, "Not manna again!"  He gave them a law that forbid fashioning idols and in a blink of an eye they've found gold and are making calves to worship.  So to say, "It would have been enough" isn't true--it wasn't enough that there was a change in their walk.  They were God's chosen people, but often they looked just like the pagan nations all around them.

Now, come with me a step deeper in my ruminations over this.  It's easy to point at Israel and say "look how inconsistent."  But, what of the testimonies given us about God?  Romans 1 says that sufficient evidence has been given to everyone--yet so many fail to recognize and regard God.  And the testimony given us in Jesus Christ--yet so often we proclaim Him Lord with out lips, but live as if it's not true.

Bottom line... this Dayenu section has me thinking.  In good ways.  About good changes.

What do you think?

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon,Passover Seder