Perhaps you had your own sunrise service this Easter. Have you ever thought about how creation parallels the truths of God? I’d like to reflect on this, drawing from Job and some other poetic passages as we celebrate His resurrection this Resurrection Sunday and all week long.
1. What comparison does Psalm 19:5-6 make between the rising sun and Jesus the Bridegroom?
2. T. M. Moore, who has a great book called “God’s Prayer Program” on passionately praying the psalms, show us how to sing some psalms to familiar hymn melodies. Each morning, with the sunrise, I’ve been singing this verse of Psalm 19 to the tune of Beneath the Cross of Jesus. (If you don’t know that melody, listen to it on cyberhymnal.) Now, learn this verse, by singing it to this tune:
Behold, the sun arises, a bridegroom strong and bright
Rejoicing as he runs his course from morning unto night.
From east to west across the skies his circuit he completes
And none can hide his sinful eyes or shelter from his heat.
Sing until you can sing it by heart — and then share your contemplations here.
3. What does God ask Job about the sunrise in Job 38:12-13. 90% of crimes, the FBI tells us, happen in the dark. Why is the literal rising sun a gift to mankind? What parallel do you see with the rising Son?
4. Why should everyone, according to Psalm 19 and Job 38-41 know about God? Why are we all, even in the most remote areas of the earth, without excuse for acknowledging God?
5. Here’s one video to watch — would love your thoughts and recommendations for other videos on this topic.
http://www.encyclopedia.com/video/9p4G2GbPYQA-my-redeemer-lives-nicole-c.aspx
6. What are some ways you have sensed God’s presence this Easter week?
33 comments
1. What comparison does Psalm 19:5-6 make between the rising sun and Jesus the Bridegroom?
Psalm 19:5-6 (New International Version)
5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.
The sun rises over What the horizon with all-encompassing light and heat in the same way that Christ joyfully comes forth to us. He gives unending light and joy to us.
3. What does God ask Job about the sunrise in Job 38:12-13. 90% of crimes, the FBI tells us, happen in the dark. Why is the literal rising sun a gift to mankind? What parallel do you see with the rising Son?
Job 38:12-13 (New International Version)
12 “Have you ever given orders to the morning,
or shown the dawn its place,
13 that it might take the earth by the edges
and shake the wicked out of it?
The rising sun shines light on what people do and makes it safer for us to go about our days. Lightness dissolves the literal dark and Christ’s light dissolves and purifies the darkness within us.
4.Why should everyone, according to Psalm 19 and Job 38-41 know about God? Why are we all, even in the most remote areas of the earth, without excuse for acknowledging God?
Psalm 19
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard. [a]
4 Their voice [b] goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19 is one of my favorite Psalms because of the progression of how we see God in the world, realize how perfect He and His law are and internalize this in the desire to please Him. We have no excuse to not know God because His fingerprints are all over creation, as the first four verses state. All of nature speaks to us about God: the heavens, the skies have a voice that reaches forever.
In a similar way, Job 38-41 display the wonders of God, from creation (including nature and all of the animals God) to the oceans, light and dark, all He has made. We live with this magnificent act of Divine creativity every day and see Him in it if we will but look. We will see that God is everywhere, just like the reach of the sunlight, and have no reason not to believe in Him and follow His laws. If the Psalmist can transition from God’s creation to how perfect God’s law is, so can we. Then we will make the prayer in the last part of Psalm 19 our own, to be pleasing to Him in words and silent meditations.
6. What are some ways you have sensed God’s presence this Easter week?
This Holy Week has been full of God’s presence for me, and so much of it is due to what we are discussing here. Even though I’ve not been well enough yet to participate as I usually would do, I am blessed with God’s presence. I have realized through Jesus’ grace that those little things that come into our minds – the doubts, the questions, the nagging- are only thoughts that threaten to distract but cannot separate me from God’s love. The main internal nagging in my life has been that I must be perfect in order to please God, even though I knew theologically that this wasn’t true. I am now experiencing the freedom to let Christ’s sacrifice count for me in even deeper ways than in the past. It is more deeply ingrained in my consciousness. Christ died and rose again for me, so I must turn it all over to Him.
I have been so extremely blessed by this study and this group. Dee, I can’t thank you enough.
Tracy — I can’t thank you enough for the way you pour yourself into the study, ponder, and articulately share. One of my favorite verses is Psalm 25:14 “The Lord confides in those who fear Him, He makes His covenant known to them.” I see Him confiding in you, giving you more light to what His covenant, His Gospel, really means — and as you share, you bless each of us.
1. What comparison does Psalm 19:5-6 make between the rising sun and Jesus the Bridegroom?…
I am memorizing this Psalm, but it never occurred to me to make this comparison. I think of a bridegroom, eager to leave his pavilion, perhaps the home he has prepared for his wife, to go and get his wife. Christ our bridegroom tells us He is preparing a place for us and will come again to take us there.(Jn 14)
I also see the sun and its daily circuit as something that is precise and orderly, no matter what chaos is happening on the earth. I like to recall to mind often, that the Lord reigns and His is orchestrating History. Just as the heat of the sun is not hidden from us, so His care is constant, even when the clouds obscure the sun. I love popping above the clouds on an overcast day, while flying. We leave the gloom and burst into the brightest light. He is ever present, even when it seems not to be my experience. I am so thankful for His Word and His nature…constant reminders, if we care to look.
I do agree with your statement concerning how nature parallels the truth of God and I love having those natural truths revealed to me. When I see a cardinal in the snow I always recall Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)
18 “Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
From The Treasury of David…”In his earliest days the psalmist, while keeping his father’s flock, had devoted himself to the study of God’s two great books—nature and Scripture; and he had so thoroughly entered into the spirit of these two only volumes in his library that he was able with a devout criticism to compare and contrast them, magnifying the excellency of the Author as seen in both. “
God is so good to us, to give us many opportunies to know Him. Lord, help us to know You better this day.
Beautiful insights.
The first Christmas card Steve and I sent after salvation was a cardinal in the snow with that Isaiah verse. We offended many of our non-Christian friends. It is interesting how Christ opens your eyes to your sin and it seems so obvious — but not if He has opened your eyes.
Thanks, Lynn.
1. What comparison does Psalm 19:5-6 make between the rising sun and Jesus the Bridegroom?
5 It is like a groom coming from the bridal chamber;
it rejoices like an athlete running a course.
The groom coming from the bridal chamber would be radiant with love. Jesus experiences joy when we experience His strength. The bridegroom loves to be strong for his bride, as he protects and cherishes her, she is comforted by his strength. She also loves to be a part of his conquests. She draws strength and mission from him as he is head over her. I hope this makes sense.
6 It rises from one end of the heavens
and circles to their other end;
nothing is hidden from its heat.
He is visible from one end of the earth to the other and all of creation is blessed by His presence. This does not mean that all are saved but all experience blessing because of His presence.
As I watched the video I noticed how the light began very small as the sun came up and grew until it seemed to fill the whole sky with it’s brilliance.
So thankful you are back with us Anne. Love the picture of a bridegroom radiant with love. If only we could really really believe that continually, how transformed we would be!
Anne,
I like how you bring out our response, as the bride, to our Bridegroom.
I just watched the video for the first time. Praise God our Redeemer lives!! I sensed God’s presence Easter sunday as our family gathered & had dinner together & we prayed & felt the loss of my mother & my sister-in-law’s mother as they were always there with us but had gone home to be with Jesus this year. The emptiness brought us all together & I feel so much closer to my family because of it. My sister-in-law that lost her mom too, is like a sister I never had. She has never wanted to talk about Jesus before. But now that she has lost her dad, her only sibling…a brother & her mom & step dad; she started asking me questions about heaven & we talked about the new heaven & earth that God promises & about there being no more pain or sorrow or tears anymore. She said she wanted to start going to church again after not going for 40 years! I’m thanking our Lord so much for her first baby steps to committing her life to you, Lord! It was a glorious week!
That’s beautiful Joyce.
Lord, I lift up Joyce’s sister-in-law, and thank YOu for quickening her heart. Please protect her from the enemy’s lies and may her heart be good receptive soil.
In Jesus Name
3. What does God ask Job about the sunrise in Job 38:2-13.
Job 38:12-13 (NIV)
12 “Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place,
13 that it might take the earth by the edges and shake the wicked out of it?
He asked Job if he, Job, has ever given orders to the morning or shown the dawn its place (or chosen its colors) …I love how it is described as taking the earth by the edges and at the same time, shakes the wicked out of it.
90% of crimes, the FBI tells us, happen in the dark. Why is the literal rising sun a gift to mankind? …It is a deterrent to crime.
What parallel do you see with the rising Son?…He is the standard of righteousness.
Knowing that He sees all, including my motives, that should be a deterrent to me as well. I notice I am more drawn to His constant provision and less to thinking about His scrutiny of my actions. I need to ponder that.
4. Why should everyone, according to Psalm 19 and Job 38-41 know about God?
From Ps 19…His glory and the work of His hands and His knowledge are displayed….everywhere. Is it not so interesting and I understand more and more why evolutionists have to come up with alternative theories, and hold on to them in spite of mounting evidence. They are trying to suppress His glory and the work of His hands, & His knowledge. If they don’t, then they have God to contend with. But the Lord just continues to declare, proclaim and display. I would think it is a constant diligence on their part to disregard. Of course the enemy and the world are such excellent distracters. Lord, please open eyes and hearts.
From Job…how many times do I see…”can you?”, “do you?”, have you?”…these chapters put me in my proper place….I am really, really small and He is really, really, really big. (Louie Giglio) I should visit these chapters often.
Why are we all, even in the most remote areas of the earth, without excuse for acknowledging God?
From Psalm 19…there is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
And of course from Romans 1:20 (NIV)
20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
I believe from God is so able to reveal truth to truth seekers.
Acts 17:26-28a (NIV)
26 From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.
27 God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’
I sensed God’s presence more this week than any I can recall because I was looking for him, longing to hear his voice and pondering the new things I had learned in this study. I was powerfully impacted by the realization that God longs for me. Only in heaven will you truly know the blessing and impact of your book, Dee.
I agree with you Kim, about Easter and this study. How blessed I have been. I love to learn more about God and I have gained so much understanding from just thinking about these things and reading all the comments. Thanks to everyone!
5. I just found this video “The Heavens Declare His(God`s) Glory-Music by Enigma” when I was looking for another song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdWA0h-_SIk
The pics and music take my breath away.
Here’s an answer to #4!! Someone has put John Piper preaching about creation to photos and music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJYaAbrWsvA
And now I am too stunned to respond to another question — because the perspective from this is changing my response to #6 (I’m letting it load so that I can watch/listen to it in HD)
That was awe inspiring, Renee. Thank you for sharing it.
Creation does give me confidence He knows what He is doing!
2. In what way is the sun is like a bridegroom? It is faithful always rising and setting at the proper time. Never has the sun not risen and set. We can’t always see it because of clouds but it is always there. Isn’t this like God’s presence in our lives?
The sun provides the light that illuminates our world. Without it we could enjoy none of creation because we could not see it. There is protection in the light because evil abides in the dark. While the sun warms us, it can also burn if we do not have a healthy respect for its power.
3. What does God ask Job about the sunrise in Job 38:12-13. 90% of crimes, the FBI tells us, happen in the dark. Why is the literal rising sun a gift to mankind? What parallel do you see with the rising Son?
God asks Job in 38:12 if he can command the dawn. Is he able to take God’s place. The sun blesses and protects all people. It sustains life on earth. Jesus also blesses and protects those who believe in Him.
Verse 13 says that the dawn will shake the wicked out of the earth. Jesus has conquered Satan as light conquers darkness.
4. Why should everyone, according to Psalm 19 and Job 38-41 know about God? Why are we all, even in the most remote areas of the earth, without excuse for acknowledging God?
These chapters in Job describe the wonders of God’s creation and how He sustains it. I think they are breathtaking. Psalm 19 says that the heavens declare the glory of God and that they pronounce a message to the entire inhabited world. It is a message without words (v 3). God has spoken to the ends of the inhabited world with the visible message of His creation. These passages refer specifically to the skies, sun, moon and stars. There is no one in the entire world that does not see the skies.
Is the sun wooing them like a bridegroom? Maybe that is how the sun is like Jesus.
I’m being blessed by your insights. We do learn in community and seeing answers written is a new way of learning.
Most mornings I see the sunrise, and think about the paraphrase above by T. M. Moore. I love to think of Jesus, the Bridegroom, coming to me, like the sun comes up. And then I love to think of Him completing his circuit — the whole earth round, coming to those who are eager to sense His presence today.
Keep sharing your thoughts — and ways God met you this last holy week!
#1. What comparison does Psalm 19:5-6 make between the rising sun and Jesus the Bridegroom?
I went back to verse 4 also:
v.4 In them (the heavens) He has placed a tent for the sun,
v.5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber
The rising sun is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; he would be splendidly dressed, glorious, radiant in his own way as he awaits his bride to appear.
But is also makes me think of the parallel between the words tent and chamber – things that house something or someone temporarily.
Paul referred to our earthly bodies as our tents that we leave when we die. So the sun bursts forth from its tent each day, and Jesus also from His earthly body that constrained Him to His resurrected, glorious, not bound by space nor time body. He also came forth from the burial chamber, the tomb, that held His body.
#2. Sing this verse of Psalm 19 to the tune of Beneath the Cross of Jesus; learn it by heart and share your contemplations.
I found several YouTube versions of the hymn, which I did not know, that were just organ music so I could sing along.
Behold, the sun arises, a bridegroom strong and bright
Jesus’ glorious and powerful resurrection from the dead
Death is crushed! Death is defeated!
The Light triumphs over the darkness of the tomb!
That same resurrection power is available to us.
Rejoicing as he runs his course from morning unto night
The curtain was torn
The glory of God and His Spirit go out into all the earth
Rejoicing because His salvation is made available to all
people, everywhere!
From east to west across the skies his circuit he completes
The vastness of His Kingdom
people from every tribe, nation, and tongue
When He completes His circuit, He will return.
And none can hide his sinful eyes or shelter from his heat
On that day when all stand before the judgment seat of Christ
no one can hide, anything; every secret thought and motive will
be laid bare.
The heat to me is the heat of shame I will feel for my sins,
for time and opportunities wasted; even though I am forgiven,
there will be no shelter from the heat of that moment.
There is a passage in Scripture that always makes me cry. Luke 22:61 states, “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, “Before a cock crows today, you will deny Me three times”.
It’s the thought of Jesus’ eyes meeting Peter’s eyes. I know there was no anger nor reproach nor disgust in the eyes of Jesus. I am sure it was a look of love. But the anguish of Peter when he realized what he had just done.
So I picture when I am held accountable, not in judgment for condemnation, but still when the Lord looks at me, and I recall all of my failures, there will be a searing heat in my heart of that moment.
Susan, I can’t remember whether I got this youtube video on this blog. If so, please forgive me for repeating. What you say from Luke 22:61 reminds me of it because while much of it made me cry, it was Peter’s face at the moment you just mentioned that tore me up completely. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcpLZgCwcEE But in the power of Christ we will stand…how wonderful is that truth.
Susan,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about tents/chambers. When you pointed out that tents are temporary, I thought of the following verses from Revelation 21:22-23 “I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.”
2. I noticed some contrasts in the verse, both direct and implied. We see the Bridegroom rejoicing, but the situation is not one of joy for a sinful person who wants to hide. Though light and warmth from the sun are wonderful gifts, we do need to be sheltered/protected from its heat and light. Although God looks into our eyes with love, we are protected from His holiness through Christ who makes us righteous.
I sometimes resist God’s love because I am afraid of what He will see (and what I see) in me. But then I remember I’ve been redeemed through Christ’s death and resurrection — and the fear turns to rejoicing. Because Jesus paid the penalty for my sin, I can rejoice with Him rather than hide my sinful eyes when He completes His circuit.
Gotta go to work 🙂
1.Comparison between the rising sun and Jesus the Bridegroom.Ps.19:5-6
The sun is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber getting ready to celebrate his wedding day. One day, as my late pastor used to say, God the Father will look over at Jesus the Bridegroom and say, “Go get Your Bride!”
3. What does God ask Job about the sunrise in Job 38:12-13?
God asks Job if he is the one who commands the morning and causes the dawn to take its place.
Why is the literal rising sun a gift to mankind?
I like what my study bible notes say. The literal rising sun is a gift to mankind because it “pulls off the cover of the night in order to shake out the wicked like bedbugs”. The literal rising sun signals that a brand new day has arrived and, if we look with joy in our hearts, a grand adventure awaits us.
What parallel do you see with the rising Son?
The rising Son is a gift to mankind because He has conquered death and death no longer has power over those who follow Him. Because of His death on the cross man is able to ask for freedom from the power and darkness of sin.
4. Why should everyone, according to Psalm 19 and Job 38-41, know about God?
Everyone should know God because He is Creator. According to Job 41:11b “Everything under heaven is His”. According to Job 38-41, man cannot answer the questions God asks Job about creation. Only God knows where the elements are housed and why animals behave as they do.
Why is man without excuse?
Romans 1:18-20 comes to mind.
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteouness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”
I grew up in Alabama and through study of state history became well acquainted with Helen Keller-she is a native daughter. For the benefit of those who may be unfamiliar with her story, she was a normal child until she was nineteen months old. A high fever took away her sight and hearing. Until the age of seven she could not communicate. Annie Sullivan taught Helen how to read and write. Until a few years ago, I did not know who introduced Helen Keller to God. His name was Phillips Brooks. I share this story because Helen made a statement to Mr. Brooks which also answers the why no man has no excuse question. When Helen was twelve years old, her parents took her to Phillips Brooks for religious instruction. He talked to her through Annie Sullivan. Mr. Brooks began to tell her about God and what He had done and how He loves people and what He is to us. Helen listened very intelligently and finally said, “Mr. Brooks, I knew all of that befor, but I did not know His name.” Helen Keller lived from 1880-1968. She wrote THE STORY OF MY LIFE in 1902.
5. Loved the video. The song is one of my favorites. I really enjoy nature programs and learning about all the animals God created. I have the NASA channel and have viewed earth from the Space Shuttle’s perspective. It’s always amazing to see the universe. So I guess my recmmendation would be watch the NASA channel if you have access to it.
6. What are some ways I have sensed God’s presence this Easter week?
I awoke one morning before Easter and finally realized that I can no longer attempt to live my life in my own strength. I must fully rely on Christ. Life is too hard to live in your own strength. I must continually depend on Christ. Sunrise service message was a culmination of the week’s study in Job. The pastor was from a neighboring county and selected his life verse for the scripture. 1 Peter 3:18 “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit”.
I am learning that when I step away from the Word even for one day the enemy is able to fire his lies into my thoughts at a rapid pace. I’m learning what it truly means to quench the Spirit and that is something I don’t want to knowingly do again.
Thanks, Tammy. I appreciate your response to #6 because it’s a reminder to me that I get so caught up in living in my own strength. I am SO independent (not because I am strong, but because I don’t automatically trust) that even after I start to more fully rely on Christ, I can easily drift off to trying to live in my own strength again. Continuing to live in God’s strength is such a dynamic process; I can’t just “rely” and then it’s done forever. You’ve described my experience, too, that when I am not saturated in the Word of God, my thoughts can quickly become “crazy.”
Good reminder about Helen Keller’s story. I didn’t know she was from Alabama! Her story is so powerful that I think that maybe some of us have overlooked where she was from so that we could better claim her.
Stuff I’m still pondering:
-My responsibility for being faithful to the Gospel, faithful to “Declare His glory among the nations” even though people are without excuse for acknowledging God.
I’m still thinking about #6, too. So many thoughts are swimming around in my head. I KNOW that My Redeemer has conquered death, that He is alive. We have hope, even when life seems pretty bleak. When Allie Jo talked about the song “Because He Lives,” I was flooded with memories. My mom was 41 when my dad died, and she focused on that song to help her “face tomorrow.” And as we are losing her, the song is encouraging, but also very painful. What does it mean that “life is worth the living just because He lives?” or What does it mean to say “because He lives, I can face tomorrow?” As a teenager, I think that I interpreted it to mean that I could just “grin and bear it” — stoically proceed with life in my own strength (and that got me really messed up!).
I know He holds the future; I know He lives. But I wonder if I’ve gotten “stuck” on the resurrection without adequately acknowledging Christ’s torture and death. He suffered SO much; He experienced pain. And He did conquer death — but that doesn’t mean the pain and the death didn’t happen. I’m really, really, really good at avoiding pain. Sometimes that’s okay. But sometimes life really stinks! And when life stinks or situations occur (dying, death) that are painful to any normal person, “using” Scripture (or anything else) in order to ignore the pain may not be wise. I see now that many of the items on the “don’t” list from a few days ago are things I’ve done to or told myself (including use of Scripture). So now I’m pondering the fact that Jesus didn’t avoid the pain of the cross; He experienced it fully. What are the implications for me in how I face/experience pain, at the same time I recognize the hope I have because of His resurrection?
(Pain is SUCH A P-A-I-N !)
Renee, there is so much to think about in what you say. Jesus did say to take up our cross and follow Him. To me that says that we will have pain as we follow Him as you have said. As I read your entry 2 words jumped out at me: pain and hope. We have both. Without Christ people have pain without hope. Jesus had great hope as He experienced His pain. He knew why it was necessary but we almost never do. That is why our eyes must always be on Him, our Hope. I love Ephesians 1:18 and I pray it for my sons and for all of us. ‘That you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints'(us).
I think I should share my experience of the last 2 days. Many times I tend to think that I suffer because of my mistakes and sins. In my head I know this is not true but my heart just will not cooperate. From some of our comments it seems that many of us tend to feel that way.
I worked yesterday and came home very tired. Went to bed about 9pm. At 9:45 my eyes popped open and I realized that I had missed something at work. Something important and I had just been careless. I won’t go into details but simply say that more than likely the patient I sent home would be just fine but if not he would have a very bad night. This kind of thing eats me up. My desire is to facilitate comfort and healing. To cause pain and suffering is more than I can stand and I would probably get into some trouble too. I could not get access to his number so I could not call him, which could have averted the whole problem. I did not sleep all night. My mind kept raising the what ifs. I realized that I was looking at circumstances and not at the Lord. I prayed over and over that He would take care of it. Would You take care of me Lord, again? I praised Him for I was sure He had called me beloved and asked me to trust Him. But I just did not have enough peace to sleep. When I would start to doze off, I would loose control of my thoughts(i should have rebuked satan)and the possibilities would play again.
So this morning I got to work early, got his number and when I finally got him everything was fine. This is not the first time I have prayed for protection when I have been careless or for protection over something I have lost until I can find it. The Lord always answers me. Why could I not trust Him last night? I think it was because deep down, I thought I should be punished.
Dear Anne, thanks for sharing your story. I just spent some days in the hospital, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciated the nurses that ministered to me, it sounds also like you have that special kind of heart Anne.
Anne, I have done so many things in my life, where I really do deserve “punishment”. And at times, it almost makes me weep when I realize what I really deserve and what I get. God lavishes his love on me, in ways I never realized until I did get sick. I have experienced consequences for some of the things I have done, but I have also experienced abundant mercy and love despite myself. How great is the Father’s love toward us!!
So true Fellowsojourner! He has lavished His love on us as you said.
I am sorry you have been in the hospital. God has given me some perspective on how difficult that is.
Question #4: Why should everyone know about God?
I so appreciated Tammy’s sharing of Helen Keller. I remember a similar question that stumped an entire Sunday School class years ago and one I have wondered about since. The question in the class was, “How can we be sure every native will hear the good news that there is a God?” Helen said it best when she said she knew what Mr. Brooks was talking about but didn’t know his name (God). I always knew in my heart that God revealed himself to every man and I thought you would have to be blind to not recognize there is a creator when you see the beauty of the planet and skies. As I read Psalms 38:31-33 I was reminded of the movie The Star of Bethlehem, which I was blessed to see last year. I highly recommend it to all of my sisters in this study. It is life changing. You can rent the movie or buy it online, just google the title.
Kim, I looked for The Star of Bethlehem on Netflix but it is not yet available. In looking on the internet I found this. I don’t know if it is the same info you are referring to but it is interesting. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRk4ZBCxO3s
Thanks, Anne, that is a great video, You may buy the dvd for about $10.00 from Christian cinemas.com I appreciate the help!
I did order it! Now I’m on the website reading all this info. bethlehemstar.net Amazing! Thanks for sharing this Kim. One of the things I love about this study is how we share resources. I have been so blessed by the many things I have learned both from the study and from the things we share.
Thanks Sisters!
On we go to my favorite portrait of Jesus.
#3. What does God ask Job about the sunrise in Job 38:12-13?
“Have you ever given orders to the morning
or shown the dawn its place, that it
might take the earth by the edges and
shake the wicked out of it”
It’s as if God was asking Job, “Job, are you able to make the sun
rise each morning? Can you scatter the wicked out of their hiding places?”
Why is the literal rising sun a gift to mankind? (90% of crimes happen at night)
If evil is most likely to take place in the dark, then God giving
us light each day helps to protect us and keep us safe. Seeing the light each morning helps our fears to go away, and gives us warmth too. I’m reminded of how many ordinary noises the house makes take on a new quality at night; they sound scary. Nighttime is when my imagination can run wild.
It also reminds me of the verse about God’s lovingkindness being
new each morning.
What parallel do you see with the rising Son?
Jesus’ “trial” took place under the cover of night. It was certainly unfair. When He was crucified, died, and buried, it was a very dark time for all of mankind. Satan seemed to have won. The prince of darkness triumphed, or so it seemed.
But Jesus, the true Light, rose, as God commanded, and shook the wicked
forces of this world out of hiding. Now His Light is available to anyone who would receive Him, and we never have to walk in darkness again.
I also thought of the many references the Gospel of John makes to “light”, in particular, John 3:19-21:
“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world,
but men loved darkness instead of light because their
deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the
light and will not come into the light for fear that
his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the
truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen
plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”