Jun 2, 2019
Bible verses for Meditation:
NRSV
14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray,
seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear
from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer
that is made in this place.
16 For now I have chosen and consecrated this house so that my name
may be there forever; my eyes and my heart will be there for all
time.
KJV
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble
themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked
ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and
will heal their land.
15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the
prayer that is made in this place.
16 For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name
may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there
perpetually.
Meditation:
There are 3 aspects of this scripture that I was thinking about as I reflected on it.
Many people feel that these calls for repentance in the Old
Testament reflect a past time. In other words, God’s grace makes
the demands of the law void. This is a complex issue because it was
Jehovah who placed these demands on the people. Yet it is very
clear from scripture that the law is not what saves us. I feel that
despite the salvation of Jesus, he still wants the best for us.
Ridding our lives of sinful behavior remains an important thing in
our lives. We can hold the two ideas in our hearts that God’s mercy
provides salvation AND he wants us to improve according to what he
has asked us for. Humility before God can be a blissful way of
learning from Him.
This scripture focuses on the house of God. The temple in Jerusalem
was destroyed but that does not lessen the value of making places
holy and dedicated to God. If we allow God into every aspect our
lives then our homes can become holy places to the Lord. Is your
home a temple to God? What things could you change to make your
home dedicated as a temple to God?
In recent times there has been a lessening of the importance of
church attendance. As we realize that our relationship with God is
the most important thing, we may feel a lessened need for church
attendance. Much of the New Testament refers to churches and church
based communities. I feel that one main reason for that is because
God knew the strength that community can provide us. Social
isolation is a scourge that often comes along with a highly
technologically advanced society. Christians are not spared from
that if we isolate ourselves from our communities. Perhaps one way
we can live this scripture is by congregating in churches that are
dedicated to living the will of God.
Meditation of Prayer:
Pray as directed by the Spirit.
Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire f rom Him.
Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm:
I invite you to sit in silence feeling being patient for your own
faults and trials.
Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life:
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Updates:
Final Question:
What things can you change in your life to live before God in
humility?
Final Thought:
I was visiting with a woman recently who I see on hospice. Because
she grew up in a different time, this scripture spoke to her heart
in a different way than it did mine. Despite that, the meaning has
not changed. I rejoice that Christian theology has focused less on
guilt and shame before God. One thing that I think we should be
cautious about is that we dont minimize the benefits from living
according to the way God has asked us to. I believe that as we
reject sinful behavior we will experience more long term joy.
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