Stone Pots

I was reading my Bible earlier this week and had a reference to the Wedding at Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle by turning water into wine. Sometimes when I read stories like this in the Bible, my mind plays a nice trick on me. It feels like I'm there, witnessing the event and hearing the things they're saying. I suspect this happens to a lot of people who write stories. Our imagination takes over and just runs away with the story. That happened with this story but the rabbit trails that ran from Cana were so amazing to follow. Come with me.

The story is in John 2: 1-8 and is as follows: 

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.

I, of course heard the same dialogue but with my experience as a mother, I heard it differently. 

Jesus leans over and whispers, "Mama,what do you think you're doing? This is not the time."

She smiles at him and pats his cheek. Then she turns to the servants with a smile. "You do just what he tells you to do."

Jesus hesitates a moment but with a sigh he said, "Fill those waterpots with water all the way to the brim."

When they finished, he shot his mother one last look and said, "Draw some out and present it to the governor of the feast. And they did. 

I was amused that Jesus didn't argue with his mother. He was peveed but he didn't argue. And she didn't wait for him to argue. She expected his obedience. As if he'd always obeyed her without question. I wonder if he did. Boys historically disobey sometimes. And that teensy bit of annoyance showed that he was a fairly normal son. I can even imagine a bit of eye rolling. 

Also, I found it interesting that Mary knew Jesus could solve this problem. That is not something you'd expect if it was not time for him to be revealed. And yet, she knew. How many problems had he solved to that point? How many times had she called sweetly, "Jesus!" And he dropped his hammer to go see what she needed.

We can say her own interview with Gabriel would have given her insight as well as shepherds, wisemen, and dreams. She wasn't stupid. But none of that could have revealed to her just how enormous an impact her son would have.

Another item that interested me was the attendance of Mary, Jesus, and his disciples at a wedding of this size would have meant they were related in some way. We know Mary and Jesus were mother and son. I researched and found that nearly half of the disciples were related to Jesus, mostly as cousins through Mary. I suppose it shouldn't surprise me because this was not a large town. It wasn't even a large region. And six degrees of separation means, that one in six people at that wedding would be connected in some fashion. Probably more since weddings are attended by people who know or are related to the couple. And the enormous amount of wine needed indicates a rather affluent group.

So  this story drew me in on several levels. But standing in the corner were those stone pots. I don't know why the stone pots pulled at me but it felt so familiar to me. I tried to remember if I had read any other Bible story that mentioned stone pots. There were 6 pots, by the way. Keep in mind that in scripture the number 6 means imperfection. It is one short of God's perfect number 7. This is important, so keep it in mind.

Jesus told them to put the water into stone pots and the Bible says these pots were for ritual washing (not drinking). I just read that stone vessels were a substance that, under Jewish law could not be ritually unclean, and that water placed in a stone vessel became ritually pure. Remember that the wine was so good the guest praised it? It wasn't just because Jesus turned water into wine, but he did it out of purified water! No wonder they were shocked. ( I've included the link to the article below. It is well worth the read.) 

I became a bloodhound on the scent. But the search for other stone pot connections took me nowhere. Except to Samaria a day or two after the wedding. That story can be found in John 4:3-29. 

He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. And he must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

(For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)

Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?

Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.

The woman answered and said, I have no husband. 

Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.

The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?

The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

Here Jesus is sitting by a well and along comes this woman carrying a waterpot! Jesus had just left Cana where he had filled stone pots with WATER and turned to wine! But he's asking this woman give him water. Jesus tells her if she knew who he was she'd be asking him to give her water. The comment takes on a bit more impact when I realize the timing of these events. I know but she doesn't and she's shook. "You don't even have a pot!" she says.

Her water pot was likely made of stone but since she's Samarian it could have been pottery. Why? Because water placed in a fired pottery vessel becomes ritually unclean. Only unfired earthen vessels and stone vessel are considered ritually pure and they purify their contents.

Take a deep breath. I know it is profound. Just breath. That's what I had to do. 

Look what happened. She left her waterpot at the well. She's so excited she forgot what she came for and she left the very thing she needed because, like me, she had to tell someone! That old pot was useless now. 

I've reached a point where I need to tie it all together. There is so much more in this that I'm finding it difficult. I started out following stone pots but I ended up following the water. Believe it or not, I discovered that Chapters 2-7 in St. John tell stories of water and their connection to Jesus. It is so strange! 

I was drawn to this subject because of the wedding at Cana and the description of the pots and the miracle. It seemed there was something in addition to the miracle. Once I read the article on stone vessels, I think I found it.

The container purifies or contaminates what is contained in it. The Jews placed their dead's bones in ossuaries and these were made of stone. Why would that be important? Because Jews could not touch dead bodies of any kind or enter a dwelling where a body lay. You'd be banished for a week from the camp. 

One always wonders how they even buried their own dead. However, with the advent of ossuaries, the problem is lessened. The bones were placed in these and because they were stone, they would have become ritually pure. They could move them. I don't know how they transported Joseph's bones from Egypt to the Promised Land but they had to move it in a way that didn't contaminate anyone. Perhaps a stone vessel? 

We're not stone pots. We're earthen vessels. Earthen vessels are ritually pure ... until they are fired. They go through fire and become unclean. Anything placed in them is contaminated. The firey stuggles of life serve to harden and contaminate us. Negative emotions, evil thoughts, habits, and actions, selfishness, self righteousness, wickedness. "But I'm a good person." We're not stone pots. We're fired earthen vessels. 

So, I asked myself where is this going? It is so long and I need a suitable end. Then I remember last night. I was struggling with something and this scripture presented itself: We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair... It is found in this chapter and after reading it again today, I knew the ending. 

2 Corinthians 4:1-18 

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Always remember, earth under pressure becomes stone. 

***********************************

Please note: This post is not an archeological treatis but about a spiritual journey I'm taking. The linked articles are educational. My post is just my thoughts when reading and the resulting research.

Link to cited article:  Purity Broke Out In Israel: Stone Vessels in the Late Second Temple Period

Another article: What is the meaning of the six stone jars at the wedding in Cana?

There are numerous interesting articles on this subject if you Google "Can Jews drink from pottery."

Just Ask

 I'd like to sit right up there.

Where?

There, on that ledge up there, where the trees are shady and the flowers are blowing in the breeze. 

Ah. Yes, that's a nice ledge. 

I don't see a way up.

Hmm. No. You don't. 

.....

What?

It isn't very far... well it doesn't look far. Certainly not as far as that last bit. So where is the trail?

Oh. You can't get there from here.

You're kidding. Right?

No. But there is a bench right over there under that overhang you can rest on.

I see it. It's kind of hard and the top isn't smooth.

No. That's true. I suppose I should have someone fix that. 

.....

Is something wrong?

Yes! 

How can I help you?

{Harump} I'll just sit here on this patch of scrub and take a break. Please, join me.

Thank you. I will. 

At least the sky is beautiful.

As long as you look up, you'll be fine. 

Doesn't feel that way. That ledge up there... it's so pretty. Have you been there?

Of course. There is the loveliest pond there. You can stretch out on the grass and watch the fish jump. Might see a deer or two. Oh and those flowers ... they smell like heaven.

.....

I'm sorry. 

I'll just stay here for awhile. Maybe I'll figure it out. 

You might. 

......

Of course, you could just ask me to take you there.

.....

Don't look surprised. That's all you ever have to do. Just ask.

Oh, oh please. Now?

Sure. Let's just rest a bit. Stop worrying about it. I've got everything under control. 

Really?

Yes.

#Conversations With Him

Where Was Job's Wife?

 I've been in a tremendous hole for nearly a month. Sometimes life overwhelms me and I have a meltdown. I've always had a habit of overthinking a problem, but Jerry was the anchor that sort of balanced me. He couldn't always fix the problem, but an anchor is really just to stabilize the boat and keep it from drifting out to sea. He kept the boat from rocking so much.

After he died, I lost all sense of stability. In fact, it felt like I was tossed into a washing machine. My tendency to over think situations escalated to the point I'd lose my self control. I had to ask people for help, something I never did in my entire life. Not ever. Yet, there I was, not able to resolve simple problems because I couldn't think clearly. I couldn't focus. The fibromyalgia brain fog added to the chaos. 

These days, I'm not as unstable as I was, but I'm never going to be who I was before Jerry died. That part of me died with him. Death of a spouse is the death of two people. One of them remains, but 50% of their personality is simply destroyed. They'll recover to some degree, but they'll never be who they were and people who know them well will see it. They won't understand, but they'll see it. I don't sing anymore. I talk too much. I avoid most social events because I don't enjoy sitting in a corner alone. I can't cope with trauma at all. I hate who this made me, what it did to my life, but I can't undo it. So it gets dark sometimes.

So, for the last several months, I've been in a dark place. I can't describe this any way other than they're cold, dark, and devastatingly lonely. One has a tendency to reach out to people. The tendency of those people you reach out to, is to push you away. Really. I mean, didn't you realize that is why people commit suicide so often? They were unseen suffers whose desperation results in people shoving them aside. The excess talking, the neediness all reflect a soul clutching for an anchor for just a few minutes. 

It's hell. Oh, not for you. For them.

When I get in these places, I do a lot of praying. I become very unsociable to protect other people from the fallout. I crawl into my hole and pull the dirt in over me. For me, this is a normal reaction. 

I've tried to overcome this the last several years. And I really wanted to go to church. I needed to go to church! So, I went despite this enveloping darkness.

 Of course, people always think you're in physical pain at these times, and because most folks are shallow, they won't delve too deep. It's easy to let them think what they think. They don't really want to hear about what is really bothering another person. They don't actually see you after the first three minutes. 

I struggled to listen to the lesson during Sunday School. I like the fella who was teaching. He's good. But I was surprised when, out of the blue, a question popped into my head. I'll take you with me for this. 

"Where was Job's wife?" 

He's not teaching about Job. 

No, but where was she?

Job's wife? Well...I guess she was home.  

Sure she was. She was nagging Job, remember?

Yeah, I remember........ wait. She's mentioned one time. I think. They say she told Job to curse God and die.

Yes. That's her. In sermons, they say all he had left was a nagging wife. In fact, she's never named. 

OK. That's harsh.

But where was she?

I don't know.

Well, where was Job?

Oh, he was sitting in an ash heap scratching his sores and moaning with his friends. 

He was. The writer gives it a less judgemental slant, of course.

Of course he does.

Let me tell you about Job's wife. You'll probably recognize her.

I....

Job's wife was in her tent. She was cleaning up the dishes, making beds, washing clothes, cooking a meal for the two of them. That's what was expected of her. Job had lost everything. But Job's wife lost everything she helped him build. She lost her babies; she lost any hope of grandchildren. In her society, this would have been a death blow to any woman. She lost crops, flocks, and children. Job's wife had nothing left, not even her husband. He's sitting in an ash heap scraping his sores and complaining to his comforters. 

The grief she felt was soul crushing and there is no evidence she had comforters, not even the man she'd given her life to, the man she'd born and reared children for, the man she cooked, cleaned, and waited on for decades. He had no time for her. He was suffering. 

"Curse God and die!" she screamed at Job.

"You speak like a foolish child!" he yelled back.

But she wasn't a fool, and she wasn't a child. She was a woman whose whole life was crushed out of existence. As a male, Job could start over. He could build again, get more crops and flocks. He could marry a younger woman and father a new family. But Job's wife... she lost everything that gave her life meaning. Her identity was stripped from her the moment those children died. And she could not start over. 

But the story says God blessed Job, and he had more than he had in the beginning. 

But where was Job's wife?

It doesn't mention her again. 

No it doesn't. 

So ... where was Job's wife?

She was burying her babies. She was cleaning up the mess, cooking the meals, serving Job's comforters wine and cheese, and burying her babies. Job's wife was grieving alone, and she was screaming to die.

Oh. Oh no. 

.............

Job's wife disappeared. There is no indication in the story that Job's wife had more children. No mention of their relationship or of her being blessed. Job was blessed. Where was Job's wife?

The writer neglected to tell us. Although, I think you and I know. You probably understand Job's wife in a way no one else can unless they've lived it.

Yes. 

Why do they do this to us? They make us invisible. It is as if we don't matter. No one sees us. No one hears us. We mustn't make anyone uncomfortable. We're not to draw attention to our pain. Never speak of it. We'll "get over it". We're fools if we don't. No wonder she screamed at him. 

You don't get over it. And you're not fools. But you're going to be all right.

Will I? It hurts. Even now. 

I know. But I see you. l hear you. And you can always talk to me. 

Surely someone reached out to Job's wife? Surely .....

Didn't they?

#ConversationsWithHim

 

Can We Disagree With God?

I think this is actually a wonderful question! As a Christian we often feel like we can't ask challenging questions about faith, The Bible, or sin. I don't know why we feel that way, but it could be because there is this unwritten "Biblical" rule passed around that you can't question God or disagree with his actions. Please cite the Biblical references for this. I will cite mine. 

Exodus 32:9-14 Moses - bargained to prevent the destruction of the entire Hebrew nation in the desert because they worshiped a golden calf.

Genesis 18:16-33 Abraham questioned and bargained with God over Sodom & Gomorrah

2 King 20:1-11 Hezekiah reminded God of his own integrity and ask for 15 extra years of life. He got them. 

Everyone of these men disagreed with God's decision and addressed it directly to God. And God agreed with them. Abraham not only disagreed with God's decision to kill everyone in Sodom, he questioned him about it AND he bargained with God to save the whole city, sinners and all. Yes, the deal fell through, but God didn't punish or destroy Abraham. It was neither Abraham's fault nor God's fault that it failed. God was under no obligation to bargain with Abraham. That is an interesting point all by itself.

In fact, had God found one righteous person, he would not have destroyed the city. Well, in the story, they bargained for 10. Even so, he didn't find them, and he didn't punish Abraham for questioning his decision. Probably because, in his questioning, he maintained his belief that God was just and faithful. 

So, can we disagree with God? 

Yes. We don't have to like how things turn out. We don't have to agree that the bad things that happen are fair or just or right. We can disagree about anything God does. And we can bargain with God over issues. But there are things you have to understand and accept.

By disagreeing with God:

1. You assume that what happened is God's doing or fault. That he is responsible for the problem.  

2. You assume God made a mistake based on immediate outcomes, not long-term results. Your emotions affect your views and you can't see the end results of any situation. You're reacting without reason.

3. You assume, based on your own emotional response, rather than facts, that God is not fair or just and that you are right. 

4. You ignore free will and personal rights and accountability and place the blame for the problem on God, who gave us the right to choose the path we follow, the actions we take, and to endure the consequences of our decisions. 

Will God acknowledge your questions? 

I think he does. But: 

1. Your integrity and faithfulness will determine your right to disagree and bargain with God. If you aren't following Him, you have no rights to do either. Your children are the only children that can question you on your decisions. The neighbor kids have no rights in your house. A disobedient child who has left your home has no right to say how you operate your house. 

2. Your logic as to the reason for your disagreement is important. Just because you don't agree with God's laws, doesn't give you a right to disobey them nor to question their validity. To defend your position, you must cite resources based on God's laws because that is the parameters he operates in. He respects evidence and integrity. Remember, Abraham's integrity gained him a hearing with God and they reached a bargain. More importantly, Abraham accepted the outcome without question. All he needed was ten people. Ten Godly, righteous people. Surely he could find that.

3. If you question God, you are admitting you believe in him, that you know he is the supreme being, and that he has the power to do as he wills. The very act of questioning is acknowledging the power to act, whether or not you agree with the acts. Why ask if you don't even believe in God? 

Well, unbelievers question ... but that means they don't actually disbelieve. I don't believe in the tooth fairy. I'd never question her about her job or why she does it. I don't care. She doesn't exist. 

4. You agree to abide by His decisions and answers, whether or not you agree with them. Abraham knew if he didn't find those righteous people, the city would burn. He accepted the bargain. BECAUSE HE KNEW THAT GOD IS JUST AND FAITHFUL.

Ask God any question you want. Disagree with any of his decisions. By doing so, you acknowledge his sovereignty. That's a plus with God. Then, get your emotions in check. 

The Bible says in Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool."

Reason is crucial to any argument or challenge. Reason is calm and willing to consider all aspects. You can be angry. Ephesians 4:26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,-" Anger is not a sin. Lay out your arguments, keeping the Word as your guide. 

Yes, you can disagree with God. I know, from His Word, he likes a good debate. Just remember that God is faithful and just. You can't see the end results from this moment. Only God knows that. Accept the outcome, whatever it is, and maintain your integrity. 

 Job 27:2-6 2 As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, who hath vexed my soul;

3 All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils;

4 My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.

5 God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.

6 My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.

I Can't Imagine

Image from Pixabay

The other day I heard a new song about the Lord's Prayer. It was on the radio in the car, though I don't remember the name. I rarely listen to the radio anywhere. I liked the song. 

A few days before this, I was listening to something or reading about prayer and it covered the Lord's Prayer. I had one of those profound moments that seem to happen more often these days. On the off chance you're not familiar with this prayer, it is located in Matthew 3, Mark 11, and Luke 11. It is:

After this manner, therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13.

In my mind, the last line of the prayer seemed to echo over and over, becoming a prayer itself. "For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and The Glory, Forever!" It seemed to just roll over and over. I was overwhelmed by that one line for sometime, unable to fathom why I had never heard it before. I have heard this prayer hundreds, if not thousands. Most school children of my generation could recite it without missing a word. And yet, in that moment, it was as if I had never known the last line of that prayer. 

No, it wasn't rational. It made little sense. A week later, I still don't know why this struck me in such a fashion. It just did. 

All I could think of in that moment was, what if the whole world prayed that one line together? What if one country stood and prayed that one line loudly? What if in every meeting, in every ballpark, in every school, in every store, in every street, car, and bus? What if that line was the end of every prayer we prayed, every petition we uttered? 

What if every cry in the darkest place was "For thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory Forever!"

What would happen? 

I can't imagine.

A Tangled Mess

 

He Said So!

I always try to take notes during church services when the subject is one I may want to study more or in case I want to come back to it later. 

Sometimes I "get" something unrelated to the message when they're reading the Biblical texts, too. I often read the entire chapter if they're not moving on to another section.

I'm inherently curious about the setting and context of the scriptures used, so reading additional verses before and after can provide both. Having read the Bible more than twice and reading daily means I'm no neophyte. And more than once, I'll get a thought I want to look up in later. 

This past Sunday, the 15th of January, 2023, I was taking notes on the Adult Bible class lesson "Buy the Field" one of our members taught. I noted scriptures and took brief notes regarding the pearl of great price and how the person bought the field just to insure he'd have the pearl buried there. He was referencing John 21:9-20, where Jesus was telling Peter to feed his sheep and to follow him. I, as usual, was reading beyond verse 20. As I read verses 20-22, I realized I had something important and noted it. 

I'm sharing it today. 

If you read the preceding verses, you may recognize this story as taking place after Jesus' resurrection. He made a meal for the apostles and now they're taking a walk. He's talking with Peter as they walk. The end of the conversation, and my "message" are as follows:

(John 21:20)  Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?”

(John 21:21)  When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?”

(John 21:22)  Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”

Do you remember many verses where Jesus talked roughly to his apostles? This passage is quite stern. I can hear the parental tone in Jesus' words. "You don't need to worry about what other people do or what happens to them. You keep following me."

How many times have you said this to your kids? "I don't care what their parents let them do. You do what I tell you." "It doesn't matter what Johnny does. I said NO." 

I raised two sons. Believe me, I've said this more than once. Probably over 100 times. Yet, I never realized Jesus said the same thing to Peter. And to me. 

Listen, I've had conversations with adults who make those same arguments. The "well, they do it" arguments. The "I don't see why I can't do that" complaints. We ALL say it and think it. 

As I read that during class, it felt like the principal stepped up to my desk and tapped me on the shoulder. He said, "It doesn't matter what anyone else does, says, or thinks. You keep your eyes on me and keep walking with me."

I reckon that's pretty good advice because He said so.

 

It's Friday the 13! Are You Scared Yet?

If you have triskaidekaphobia today is not a good day for you. Friday the 13 is supposed to be an unlucky day and some folks are terrified of it. Personally, I've had some bad things happen on many days, so the 13th is just another day when something bad could happen. 

We have to keep in mind that mostly, we're not in control of events. We can step off a curb and make it safely across the street or get hit by a bus. Depends on how observant we are at that moment. If we get to the other side, we could trip on an uneven sidewalk and fall. We
might get hurt or just embarrassed. We can't predict what any moment may bring, never mind a whole day. 

The Bible tells us that fear is not from God. Actually, in Timothy says, "For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Tim 1:7) 

Fear makes us crazy! But that's not God's doing. It's a spirit called Fear.

Isaiah 41:10 says, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Fear makes us dismayed, meaning: to cause to lose enthusiasm or resolution; disillusion or discourage: To upset or distress. It robs us of our strength and our vision. We lose hope. But God tells us he'll make us strong. 

Two verses later he says, "For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. (Isa 41:13)  

The Lord is going to hold our hand and help us! 

David said, "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?" (Psa 118:6)  

Well, man can hurt me! Right? Yep, but again, we have God whispering in our ear, encouraging us and holding our hand. He's going ahead of us to prepare the way. 

"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."(Deut 31:6) 

"So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Heb 13:6)  

Not only is he going ahead of us, he will not abandon us in the middle of the fight. That's the only way to defeat fear. You must fight it until fear has no power over you. 

"I don't know how to do that?" Drown your fear in the Word. There is no comfort anywhere like it. No, it doesn't solve your problems. Life teaches us to solve problems. No, it won't even answer every question. The Bible tells us that only when we face God will we know everything. But it isn't about finding an answer to every question, it is about finding a source of strength, comfort, and peace to help us continue moving forward. 

"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

"I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." (Psa 34:4)  He hears us; he holds our hand, he goes before us. What chance does fear have against such a foe?

We can defeat fear. I can't tell you how long or how difficult it will be for you. I can only promise that if you wrap yourself in His Word, if you talk with Him, lean on Him, you will build a house where fear can't survive for long.