Tag: Jennifer Hall

From a Cloud to a Kingdom

Exodus 39-40

Psalm 7

Matthew 21

“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 40:34)

Copyright Logos (https://www.logos.com)

As we wrap up our time in Exodus today, we end with an uplifting picture. After slavery in Egypt, rejection, persecution, wandering, many poor choices, and hard labor, the work was finished. The curtain for the gate was hung. People washed up. Burnt offerings and incense in place. “And the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle”.   Since the tabernacle functioned as a mobile dwelling place of God, His presence filling it symbolized His presence with His people. Yesterday we read of God as our shield and righteous judge in Psalm 7. Earlier we read of Him hearing our cries. Today we read of Him pursuing a close relationship with His people as His presence enveloped the sacred place He designed.

In Exodus 40:38, the last verse of Exodus and all its adventures, I noticed the phrase the “cloud of the LORD” and did a bit of a word study to see where else that comes up in scripture, knowing it was a familiar one. One of those places is Isaiah 4:5 where we find a prophecy reminiscent of the cloud filling the tabernacle, and also perhaps with some foreshadowing of a future hope.  Isaiah 4:5 says 

“Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a canopy.”

Mount Zion is a term that references Jerusalem, and Isaiah paints us a picture of Jerusalem canopied by a cloud of smoke. Today, Jerusalem is often polluted with clouds of smoke from war and weapons.  But, Isaiah tells us there is more to come for Mount Zion made possible through the promised Messiah who will build a bridge to. . .a new Jerusalem. From the last chapter of Exodus to its connection to the end of the Bible itself, I can think of no better thought to fix my eyes and heart right now than,

“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

(Revelation 21:2-5)

Reflection:

Consider God’s presence in your life today.

Pray for the coming kingdom and a day when God will wipe our tears.

Rest in His canopy of love and protection.

PRAYER:

Dear Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your perfect plan of salvation which mankind, including myself, is not worthy or deserving of, which we have proven over and over again. And yet, You continue to reveal Yourself and Your plan to us, giving purpose and peace in a troubled world, and hope and joy for the coming kingdom. Thank You for Your presence, direction and love. Help me to pursue You and Your presence and Your Kingdom with all that You have given me. In Your Son’s precious name I pray, Amen.

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My Shield is with God

Exodus 37-38

Psalm 7

Matthew 21

Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end,
    and may you establish the righteous—
you who test the minds and hearts,
    O righteous God!
10 My shield is with God,
    who saves the upright in heart. Psalm 7:9-10 ESV

Devotion by Jennifer Hall (IN)

David was known as a man after God’s own heart. David was also called by God into a position of leadership and service, in turn ending up with enemies, persecuted, misunderstood, and alone at times. If anyone knew enemies, David did. If anyone trusted God to deal with his enemies, David did. Sparing Saul’s life when Saul was trying to kill him, restraining retaliation even when provoked at times, and seeking God’s guidance in his actions and responses were all ways David demonstrated that trust.

When I read Psalm 7, I read it from my paradigm thousands of years after David wrote these words. Yet, I notice how much these words still ring loud and clear today. Sometimes it is hard to read about atrocities and not invest more energy devising how to destroy or define enemies than it is to invest in turning to God as our shield and righteous judge. There are undoubtedly huge atrocities going on around us globally, nationally, and locally. There are also hurts, mistakes, and sins going on in our families, churches, and personal relationships. We hear of the bad stuff and bad guys all day every day, because this is what the media and water coolers feed us, and perhaps what we keep ordering. David certainly was not immune to cruelty and unfairness, but Psalm 7 indicates he knew well that God was a righteous judge, that He tests the minds and hearts, and that He is worthy of our reliance and gratitude.

In a world of enemies, deception, artificial intelligence schemes, social media agendas, toxins, and distractions pulling us away from God, we have the choice to be of the world or of the kingdom. We can be a pot-stirrer and well-poisoner, or we can trust that those who dig a pit will eventually fall (verse 15), that God’s shield is for those who repent (verses 3 and 12),  that God knows intents of the hearts and minds that we may not (verse 9), and that He is a righteous judge.  While the world rages on with its deceptions, brutalities, and evil agendas until the return of Jesus and the establishment of his kingdom on earth, as Christians we can look and sound different, setting our attentions higher, and echoing Psalm 7:17, 

“I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High.”

Reflection Questions:

How do David’s words speak to you today?

What can you thank the LORD for as righteous judge and loving father today?

Knowing God is our shield, even against wicked enemies, what can we turn over to Him today?

Prayer:

Our Dear Heavenly Father and Shield, I praise You for Your goodness and love, and also for your righteous judgments. You know all, You see all, You discern all. You are truth and light and You are the victor. When You look into my mind and my heart, God, I want to be pleasing to You. I confess the times my own words, thoughts, attitudes and actions have been less than righteous in Your sight. Please forgive me, too, for the times I have been more focused on the evil or the enemy around me instead of on You. Help me to trust You more and more, knowing I can work and rest secure behind Your shield when I am doing what You want me to do. I pray for Your wisdom and discernment to know what is truly my enemy and Yours, and what is not. Thank you for the gift of Your Son that You gave to a wicked world to show us the way to You. Help me follow him well so I will be ready when he returns to set up Your perfect Kingdom.

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Wise Hearted Men

Exodus 35-36

Psalm 6

Matthew 20

Then Moses called Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skillful person in whom the Lord had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him, to come to the work to perform it.  (Exodus 36:2, NASB)

Our Exodus reading today gives a picture of what God’s people can do when working diligently and sacrificially together. God gave them guidelines to follow while they were creating the Tabernacle including the Sabbath rest, which materials to use, and even when they had worked enough at certain projects. In fact, I couldn’t help but think of my goat-loving friend, Amy, when seeing that anyone with access to goat hair would need to bring it to share. And I wondered who might have a “ram’s skin dyed red”, but it was asked for several times! I also thought of the many people from my church families who  have been a blessing to me in my Christian walk, but also to the greater body of Christ. . . those who have served with their God-given gifts, crafts, knowledge, and those who have allowed their hearts to be stirred by God in serving Him, but also who have been willing to do so as we see referenced in this passage.

I love that in these chapters we see so many men and women bringing so much to the work of the Tabernacle that God was able to say it was enough. Today, we live in a church world where there are jokes sometimes about “well once you become ________, you’ll be it until you quit!” or “10% of the people do 90% of the work in a church”. And workplaces, school projects, and anywhere else can be similar sometimes.  The beautiful thing about these chapters is that the Israelites were working together and sharing so much, generously and diligently, and things were accomplished.  While the lack of workers in a church can be a true challenge sometimes, we as Christians also need to collectively seek to share with and welcome the service of those with different personalities, skill sets, or histories. Once, I attended a musical put on by all special needs kids, two of whom were great buddies of mine. One actress accidentally threw a sword into the crowd. One guy sat down on occasion, deciding his lines were not necessary. No one was ever in tune. The curtain to backstage always had a few heads peeping out.  Despite this, I’m not sure there was a dry eye in the audience as we were applauding at the end, and the tremendous effort, love, and joy through their performance was a beautiful service to the community, their loved ones, and those kids. I have wondered at times if more “church things” operated like that play, things might just be pretty sweet.

The tabernacle of the Old Testament is a foreshadowing of what we get through Jesus in the New Testament, and I am grateful that he is the rock on which our churches are built. I long for the coming kingdom where we can live as the true church without sin and hurt and mistakes. I am thankful for those who have shared that hope with me, and dwelling on Exodus 36:2 a bit, I find myself thankful for a few workers in my Christian corners who have been willing to serve, made personal sacrifices to do so, and set an example to me. One of those is my pastor, Mark Tschaenn, who has given decades to the ministry, has taught and served others diligently, and who I hope and pray is feeling God’s strength today. One is John Railton, my former pastor and Family Camp worker extraordinaire, whose wisdom, humility, and forgiving spirit are an asset to the body of Christ. Another is Anthony Buzzard, who at 90 years old is still actively teaching and leading people to the kingdom, having sacrificed so much to do that.  Your list and names will be different than mine. Your gifts different than mine. Your story is different than mine. But, if you are a part of the body of Christ, we are called to work together doing kingdom work. Working hard, generously, lovingly, humbly, and bringing others to the cause as we long for Jesus’ return.

Reflection Questions:

What work is the LORD stirring in your heart?

What kingdom work do you see being done in your church families? What hindrances are in the way?

PRAYER:

Thank You, Lord God, for giving resources, skills, abilities and Your Spirit, to be used in building up Your kingdom work. Thank you for the fine examples You have given in Your Word and in our lives. Help me see the many valuable resources You have given me and help me generously share them with others. Stir my heart, Lord. Show me where You want me to serve today. And I pray for Your Spirit to help me do it well, all for Your glory. Help us together be the tabernacle for worship and the body of Christ you have created us to be.


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Wet Couches

Exodus 33-34

Psalm 6

Matthew 20

Devotion by Jennifer Hall (IN)

In terms of emotions, today’s readings take us from one extreme to the other. In Exodus we see hope of a promised land, covenants renewed, broken things repaired, and the brightness of God’s glory radiating. I can almost feel the summer on my skin reading these chapters, and I hear the message of God’s mercy and hope.  In Matthew, we read of the coming kingdom available for everyone (regardless of when in life one joined the kingdom work!), we see miraculous healing, humility, and service to others.  And then there is Psalm 6.

I distinctly remember as a child on the way to church noticing a few verses of Psalm 6 while I was looking at my Bible in the back seat of the our family’s monstrous (and memorable!) Oldsmobile. I also remember that my seat was duct taped at the corner for practical reasons that only duct tape can fix, and because of this, sometimes tape got stuck to my tights on the way to church. Tights. Ick.  The thing that surprised me as a kid still catches me by surprise as an adult. David drenched his couch with crying! I’m not surprised David cried. Who doesn’t? I was actually more surprised he had a couch! But, it is clear reading Psalm 6, men-after-God’s-own-heart also sometimes feel troubled, anguished, full of grief, guilty, broken, sick, wasted, and all the rest.  Having a relationship with God does not mean we are protected from heartache and distress. But, it does mean that no matter where we are, who we are, what we’ve done, or what has happened to us, we have someone hearing our tears who sees the big picture, who knows His eternal tomorrow, and who is merciful and constant.

Psalm 6 is the first of what are considered the “psalms of penitence”, and we see David starting this psalm with reference to rebuke and discipline indicating he knew that some of his pain and sufferings were connected to sin. Guilt is a powerful emotion and many of our other emotional challenges can build upon it when we haven’t released it to God. David is a stellar example in so many ways, and I am grateful that one of those ways is demonstrating what to do after making mistakes. Big mistakes. I love that we know more of David’s thoughts and not just his historical story. The psalms are very relatable because of their expression of emotion, and there are reasons that words from them are swarming in worship songs, requested at funerals, hospital rooms, and times of emotional need. 

At work, I get to talk about emotions a lot with my patients. “Spot the Emotion” is a cute little guy I like for all ages, and he hangs out in various ways in our clinic in books, art work, worksheets, and my most recent favorite is a stuffed Spot!  “Emotional regulation” has become one of the most highly requested goals of parents who bring kids to see us in OT, and the pediatric world is buzzing with the reality that we are in  a “mental health crisis” in this country, youth for sure. The idea of emotional regulation is a bit of a buzzword and means different things to different people, but what stood out to me in this psalm is that David, through God, had emotional regulation skills. It doesn’t mean he was cool, calm, and collected all the time. He had meltdowns. It is okay and normal to have feelings that are troubled in this world.  But, in those moments David believed God was there. I loved that in verse eight he tells us that the LORD has heard the sound of his weeping. In verse nine he confidently tells us that he believes his crying was heard, his prayers were accepted, and the LORD was there.  Before we sob it out, while we are drenching the couch, and after we have taken a deep breath and are starting to get up again, the LORD is with us.  We are never alone. We are always understood by Him. And if there is one emotional regulation tool I would give to any person in this world, it would be what David had. A relationship with the one true God, a knowledge of His words, and the forgiveness and healing that brings.  If I could give a second thing to everyone in this world,  it would be a support system of those who love and know God. It is okay to ask for help, and it is okay to be a helper who asks for help.

There is a day coming where the need for emotional regulation tools will be as absent as  the sun. A day with no tears, no pain, no sin. Until then, the LORD hears us, knows us, and wants us to cry to Him, laugh with Him, and talk to Him.  

Reflection Questions:

How do you feel about being able to cry to God anywhere or anytime about anything?

How did you relate to David’s psalm?

As we wait for the kingdom to come, we need each other. Who can help hold you up in Godly wisdom as you deal with big emotions? Who in your life might need some encouragement and help right now?

Prayer:

Dear One True God – Thank you for being near, hearing prayers, and seeing tears. Thank you for David’s example and heart. Help me to seek You and find You, even in the midst of my toughest days, and also never forget You on the easier days when my couch is dry.

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Two Sides of the Mountain

Exodus 31-32

Psalm 5

Matthew 19

Devotion by Jennifer Hall (IN)

Exodus 31 and 32 are full of some pretty exciting stuff. There seems to be good reason why Moses is a recurring character in children’s lessons and why illustrations of these stories made the cut for one of the rare colored pictures inserted into the old Children’s Bibles of my day! 

In this story, while the Israelites were busy stripping off their valuable gold to fashion it into a false god, Moses was busy encountering the LORD.  Unfortunately, not only were the Israelites just doing the handicraft work of sculpting calves with gold, we also see in Exodus 32:8, 

“. . .they have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt”

Umm, excuse me, who brought them out of Egypt??  The only God. The one true God. The LORD who was busy inscribing tablets for His people at this same time. God was writing. At a time where writing wasn’t something you did with a stylus on magic screens, when you didn’t highlight or color code or copy and paste. . .writing itself was more rare and precious. And while they were spouting lies and whining, God was inscribing His words in stone for them anyway.

As an occupational therapist, one thing I get to do quite a bit is assess how people write, how I might be able to make it easier, less painful, help children develop writing skills, etc. So, while I read this chapter, I couldn’t help but get intrigued wondering how He was doing it and how it looked. Is God right handed or left? Was He pointing with an index finger? Does He have an index finger? Were there any pink sparkles involved? Basically, I got distracted thinking about things through my filter and what I know. While these chapters don’t share this detail, Deuteronomy and later in Exodus tell us that these tablets were written by “the finger of God”.  That is some handwriting action I would LOVE to observe! But most importantly, given the God who parted the Red Sea for this crew to miraculously flee Egypt, was writing with His finger on stone for His people, one would assume these words were treasures. But. . .

How heartbreaking to see two vastly different things going on at Mount Sinai at the same time. A God who loves His people and knows them best writing a message for them. A people who claims to be His in one breath, yet lifting a golden cow as their god in another, all the while clueless to what the true God is busy doing for them.  Surely we can relate before we throw stones. We live in a world of gold, cows, false gods, lies, distractions, and people telling us other things are gods constantly. We also live in a world created by the one true God with a beautiful plan for renewal in the coming kingdom.  Maybe one day we can see God write, but until then, we have His living word, His spirit, and His love available to us. Let us purge our golden idols and seek to focus our attention on Him even if it means being patient, obedient in tough things, and focused on the promised land.

Reflection Questions:

  1. What can you learn and apply from the characters on the top and bottom of Mount Sinai in today’s story?
  2. What can you do today to treasure God’s word?

Prayer:

Dear God, You are the one true God worthy of all our praise. Thank You for loving us through all our faults. Help us remember to seek You first and cast aside any idols we have. Amen.

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Haven’t You Read?

Exodus 29-30

Psalm 5

Matthew 19

Devotion by Jennifer Hall (IN)

In Matthew 18 we learned that Jesus cares for the lost sheep. In Matthew 19 – we see him calling his disciples to be more like children and making the statement “many who are first will be last and many who are last will be first.”  It seems like throughout his teachings, this chapter included, Jesus defines success and portrays the goal of life to be different than what the world is feeding us. Sometimes what the world is forcing upon us.

Psychology Today released an article in 2024 revealing that over the last decade, more Americans polled wanted to be rich than before, more believed that they would be wealthy in their lifetime, and 6 out of 10 interviewed thought they would like to be a billionaire. Granted, the study was also saying wealth does not increase psychological well-being or happiness, but most people still want to be rich. So, that’s us. Then there is Jesus who tells us in such a vivid metaphor that it will be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. So, it will be really really really hard for a rich person to be on the path for eternal life, and that is the only thing that truly  matters if we obtain or not.  With the vast amount of wealth and material possessions our country has, I think Jesus’ words should make us consider things.

In the opening to Matthew 19, I was struck by some other teachings that are in contrast to what the world teaches us. While reminding the Pharisees that the only reason there even were these “permits to divorce” was because of the hardness of human hearts, Jesus also mentions some significant truths.  A man will marry a woman. Period. And “at the beginning, the Creator made them male and female.” (Matthew 19:4). Period.  Immediately following these verses Jesus is laying hands on and praying for the children (no thanks to his disciples!). If I ever need reminded to pray for youth,  five minutes in a library children’s department (don’t even get me started on the adult or teen!), looking at TV programming targeting youth, social media, the news, literally anything involving technology or a screen, and reading any statistical research on professed Christians and trending beliefs along these subject lines. .  . and I am easily reminded to pray.  Children are being targeted with agendas of sexualization from a very young age, and it matters. It matters for our churches, our families, our schools, our society, our mental and physical health, and so much more. Unfortunately, I have worked with teen and young adult patients dealing with side effects of interventions associated with this confusion that modern society has allowed.  I pray that as we all make decisions on use of time, what we read, watch, laugh at, support, ignore, and how we navigate a very broken world while loving those around us the way Jesus loves. . . that we would continue to seek God’s wisdom and His word for our decisions and how we interact with others.

Jesus assumes the Pharisees were familiar with God’s word, and challenged them saying “Haven’t you read. . .”  Today, we live in a world with access to the Bible easier than ever before, but many people simply have not read enough to have conceptualized what God says on topics. Beyond discerning truth, the Bible is so helpful in softening and penetrating our hearts, teaching, encouraging, and enlightening. Before we spout opinions or get riled up by others, before we like, snap, tweet, chat, tick, tock or whatever we do on any of the abundant divisive and confusing subjects in the world. . . let’s make sure we’ve read the words from the author who knows it all and loves us most. 

Reflection Questions:

  1. Have you ever felt like a camel trying to get your hump through the eye of a needle? Consider Jesus’s words about what is harder than that.
  2. Why is it hard to be last now even with the hope of being first later? What can help us through those difficulties?
  3. Have you read?. . .

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for providing easy access to the Bible and the truth written in Your Word. Help us to learn from the teachings of the Bible and practice it daily. Thank you for all you have given us and let us be content with what we have and seek You first above anything else the world offers. Amen.

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Mighty Millstones

Exodus 27-28

Psalm 4

Matthew 18

Devotion by Jennifer Hall (IN)

At my house, if I want to do something crazy like grind wheat or coffee beans, I turn on the Vitamix. The cat doesn’t appreciate the noise, but within about 60 seconds, the work is done. In Jesus’ day, the appliance for the same was a millstone.  Extremely hard and heavy, millstones are referenced in the Bible a number of times as an illustration that would have been a familiar common item for the readers of the time. First mentioned in the Mosaic law (don’t take someone’s daily sustenance-grinder away in a pledge!), then a deadly weapon being dropped on someone’s head in Judges 9, and even a comparison to the strong chest of the Leviathan in Job…by the time Jesus is talking in Matthew 18, we get the idea that these millstones used for grinding grain were massive. So, when Jesus says it would be better to have one tied around your neck and thrown into the sea than to cause someone who believes in him to stumble…we know that is a big deal to him.

In Matthew 18:7 we are told that things that cause people to stumble are going to come, but we must guard against them. And not just casually. At an intentional, life-altering level at times. There are things that will cause us to sin. And there are people through whom they come. Woe to them per Jesus! The word for “things” used in these verses is also referenced as a stumbling block, offense, or thing that causes people to sin. Many things cause people to stumble, and the conviction or application of this passage to our individual lives is personal. But, some things are pretty common for most of us. In the New Testament time, millstones were common things apparently. In 2026, phones, social media, 24/7 internet access, and artificial intelligence are ordinary. Unfortunately, so are mental health crises, hostile and divisive spirits, unforgiveness, and addictions. Not just to chemical substances. But, also to feeds, constant information, visual input, likes, shares, and the next harder and heavier millstone than “they” have. Or maybe don’t have yet.

I say this not to suggest we should gouge out all electronic devices from our homes/cars/watches and who knows what else and throw them into the sea….. but to recognize that through them, there seems to be a profound struggle going on for our minds, our attention, and the very cognitive abilities God has created us with and given us for this type of self-reflection and sound reasoning. And through them, stumbling blocks are now available far more privately and abundantly than in the millstone days…..they are reading our eye gaze, knowing our weaknesses, designed to addict us, divide us, and distract us. All. The. Time.

However, when we stumble, and when other believers stumble, Matthew 18 showers on us a message that we all need. The shepherd looks for the lost sheep and rejoices when found. The Messiah wants the humble children who don’t know everything. We are called to welcome the lowly. The church has sinners and Jesus tell us how to deal with it. And the last 14 verses of the chapter give a vivid picture of the abundant forgiveness Jesus expects and gives. 

As heavy as the millstones were, the weight of sin Jesus lifts is far greater.  As we seek to purge the stumbling blocks from our lives, pray to have discernment to even recognize them in a sneaky world, and strive to not lead others astray . . . let us also forgive abundantly and return to the shepherd when we find ourselves lost. 

“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.” (Matthew 18:12-14)

Reflection Questions:

  1. Have you ever had someone in your life who helped you from stumbling?
  2. What millstones or stumbling blocks might you need to be freed from today?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for providing us a direction to live our lives for You, and for the many teachings of Jesus which infuse wisdom and guidance. Please give us the discernment to recognize possible distractions and stumbling blocks in our lives and the strength to keep our eyes towards You. When we fail, thank you for being our deliverer in our times of trouble and for continually seeking us out. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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YHWH Sammah

OLD TESTAMENT: Ezekiel 46-48

POETRY: Psalm 135

NEW TESTAMENT: John 6:25-71

Today’s reading finishes up our time in the prophetic book of Ezekiel. A book that I’ve enjoyed studying a bit more- even if some days I’ve found myself with more questions than answers. Ultimately, it is nice to close in hope, and Ezekiel’s last chapters end with hope and a climax with God’s glory being restored to the temple. His words of prophecy were full of hope to those in exile even before the promised Messiah had surfaced. For us who have received the gift of the Messiah, and a personal relationship with God, the hope for a future restoration in the kingdom of God is something we still cling to in our days of exile.

The book of Ezekiel starts with a little less good news, and some warnings of destruction which certainly came to Jerusalem, but it ends with this detailed, beautiful prophetic description of a new temple yet to come.  Historically, there has not yet been a temple meeting this description to fulfill this prophecy.  And while some argue that this prophecy was solely fulfilled figuratively (in Jesus, in the church, etc.), others assert it is a future literal temple yet to come in the Millennium where believers reign with Christ. While I am certainly motivated to study it more after stumbling across the various ideas out there, because I am confident from scripture that there will be a literal return of Christ to earth, it appears to me these prophecies work well alongside that in describing a literal temple.

 I appreciate the taste of restoration and return of God’s glory that Ezekiel gives us.  In the United States, we have just finished another tiresome election cycle, and it seems like in these times we hear it all….. over and over again…..the self-proclaimed prophets, empty promises, whining and blaming, “pride, patriotism, and prejudice”…..the whole shebang.  My hope and faith is not in America being great. Nor is it in world peace we know scripturally will not truly happen in this age- no matter who is president.  My true identification or affiliation is not found in my national citizenship or any other political, demographic, or who-knows-what-now-label. My only sustaining hope is based in the promises given to Abraham and shared with me thousands of years later. I look forward to the world being great again, and pray Jesus will return soon, so that the meek will inherit it.

Ezekiel closes his prophecy telling us the name of the city he had described in such detail. It is called “The LORD is there”. In Hebrew, “YHWH sammah”.  Two words that brought the most resonating image to my mind in all of the chapters in this book that I read. There will be a day when God and His son Jesus will dwell with us. Literally.

-Jennifer Hall

Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on how the prophecies from these chapters are/will be fulfilled?
  2.  What gives you hope in today’s reading?
  3. How does the LORD “being there” impact a place? We know we’re invited!
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Bless the Lord

OLD TESTAMENT: Ezekiel 43-45

POETRY: Psalm 134

NEW TESTAMENT: John 6:1-24

Our psalm for today, Psalm 134,  is one of the fifteen psalms labeled as “Psalm of Ascents” which in the Hebrew Bible are Psalms 120-134, so today’s reading finishes up this section of psalms.  The author of this one is not known, but it is believed that these psalms were written during the 70 years of Judah being exiled in Babylon (same period from Ezekiel’s prophecies we are also reading right now).

Whether or not this was necessarily the intent of these psalms, they were used later by Jewish people who would sing them as they traveled to Jerusalem for the appointed “Pilgrimage festivals” according to the instructions they had been given in Deuteronomy 16.  Looking back on this group of psalms, I can imagine they would be a wonderful source of encouragement on a long journey (heading uphill to Jerusalem!), and could also facilitate a spirit of giving praise and honor to the LORD.

I read some commentators noting how many phrases from these psalms were used in early/traditional hymns as well as how many continue to surface in contemporary worship songs. In fact, when I read today’s psalm, I had a song pop in my head using these words, and imagine others might have had the same happen but with completely different songs based on the many choices out there.  Personally, I also had a scene surface from the Sound of Music when I read Psalm 121! These psalms are certainly jam-packed with lots of beautiful references, lyrics, and thoughts on which to meditate.

We do not have to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem anymore, and we do not currently live in Babylonian captivity. But, we live in a world whose messages and words are far different than the ones we read in the Psalms of Ascent. Sometimes the messages are blatant screams, and sometimes they are subtle whispers, but as they bombard us, it is easy to forget who deserves our praise, honor, and obedience. It is also easy to mindlessly sing familiar songs, recite familiar psalms, or get caught up in the razzle dazzle displays of “worship music” sometimes.  But, He deserves better.

“Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord. . .” (Psalm 134)

What does blessing the Lord mean though? Doesn’t He bless me?  Ahh….well, to give us a picture of how we are to be blessing Him here…..this Hebrew word in this context means to “praise and adore”.

This week, I’m guessing many of us could likely amp it up in the praise and adoration of God and Jesus.

-Jennifer Hall

Questions:

  1. How can psalms, hymns, verses, or worship songs encourage you on the difficult life journeys you face?
  2. How did the Psalms of Ascents make you feel as you were reading them?
  3. Consider some reasons God and His son Jesus are worthy of praise and adoration!
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On the Banks of Kebar Creek

OLD TESTAMENT: Ezekiel 40-42

POETRY: Psalm 133

NEW TESTAMENT: John 5:31-47

In today’s Ezekiel reading, we enter into Chapter 40 after a thirteen year gap of time since Ezekiel’s last vision described in the preceding chapters. A lot can happen in thirteen years.  For Ezekiel….well…he was still in exile and oppressed under Babylonian rule. Though he had grown up in a priestly family, before he could even serve as priest, he was hauled out of Jerusalem in the first siege, and mentions being on the shores of the Kebar River when he receives his prophetic visions. In addition to Judah remaining in captivity in the hands of the Babylonians, by now the old temple in Jerusalem (you know, the super fancy and detailed one from Solomon’s era?) has been crumbled as well.

I can imagine how I might feel hearing my church building or house had been destroyed and taken over. But, it is hard for me to even imagine how it would feel to deal with all that Ezekiel and Judah were dealing with at this time….being in captivity in a foreign land, laden with guilt knowing that exile was related to their people’s own sinful choices, surrounded by those not worshiping the same God, and then hearing that their beautiful temple……that really big important place the LORD had told them in precise detail how to build and what to do in it……it was….gone.  Destroyed.

Ezekiel tells us he sat among exiled people along the Kebar River, and Psalm 137 (coming up soon, written by the exiles living in this area) describes how these people felt

“By the rivers in Babylon, we sat and wept, when we remembered Zion.”  (Psalm 137:1)

In those circumstances, I am confident I would long for something to look forward to and believe in, and that is what we are introduced to in these chapters.

Ezekiel’s vision in chapters 40-42 reference (again in amazing detail!) a new, future, restored temple. And while it is easy for a reader in the comforts of the modern western world, not in captivity, whose houses and churches are not physically crumbled, to find some of this reading a bit tedious perhaps. But, in the context of looking forward to something restored….something yet to come…..I find it a beautiful message of hope. Judah wasn’t in captivity forever. The Messiah finally did come. And he will come again. They were promised. We are promised.

The temple described in these chapters has not yet appeared, and there are all sorts of thoughts on this prophetic vision and how it is fulfilled. To me, it sounds like there will be quite a majestic temple when Jesus returns!

Until that day when we will live in true restoration, we will have seasons like those on the banks of the Kebar. Sometimes as a result of our own accord like Judah and Israel experienced. And sometimes just because we live in…. Babylon. But, we have a God who has not left us and will not leave us in exile.

“. . .be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  (Hebrews 13:5)

-Jennifer Hall

Questions:

  1. What connections can you make between today’s readings?
  2.  What encouragement does God’s word provide for the days you find yourself feeling like the exiles along the shores of the Kebar?
  3. Imagine your church building or house being completely destroyed. Now imagine it being completely restored, and way better then it was before. Think about what is coming!
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