Renatae

Internet for Biblical Studies

2011-12-09T07:20:00.001-08:00

Most people will agree if internet provide enough resources when someone conducts a research. I find this book interesting. Even though many of the links I already known, but it still helpful. I recommend this book to any one, specially to bible school student, who are always dealing with biblical researches. Please take a look. May be you can find it on Amazon.

Seek me and Live

2008-11-10T00:12:00.000-08:00

4 For thus says Adonai to the house of Israel: Seek me and live;
5 but don't seek Bethel,and don't enter Gilgal nor cross to Beersheba; for Gilgal will surely be exiled,and Bethel will become idolatry. 6 Seek Adonai and live: lest he hurry like fire. House of Joseph. And it consumes, with no one to put it out for Bethel

In the middle part of the book of Amos, written the most basic divine advice to sinful Israel. "Seek me and live." Israel commanded to seek. This command has a deep meaning.

As we all know, at that time Israel live in peace-like situation, rich for some groups of people, and in fake religiosity. It is due to the absence of one supreme power at the specific region. The well being brought not obedience, on the contrary it brought disobedience.

Israel still worshiped God, they still went to Bethel, Gilgal and Beerrsheba. But it was all fake. While worshiping the one and holy God, the oppressed the poor. They only focus was how to have more for themselves. They didn't care for others, how they can survive and stay alive.

Israel still worshiped God, but they only repeat what their ancestors did. Jacob went to Bethel and met God. Beerrsheba was the place of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And Gilgal was the place of the first departure to the promised land lead by Joshua.

Each place has spiritual significances. But being in the same place didn't guarantee the same presence. At that three specific place all three ancestor was living in obedience. But now, Israel was in the same place but without obedience.

things that really matter for Israel was the obedience. It can be seen from their conducts to others. True spirituality will bring forth true attitude. There will always a balance between the two.

Remember the Ten Commandments, it talks about God-human relationship and human-human relationship. Here in Amos era, Israel not only failed in human-human relationship, but they also failed in God-human relationship.

First thing first. what is the first thing to fix in this case. The first thing is seek God. True attitude not always comes out of true spirituality. It can comes out of hypocrite heart. But true spirituality will always bring forth true attitude.

Seek God and you will Live.

FAMILY AND PARENTING II

2008-06-06T19:50:00.000-07:00

Ideal Family

The conception of family has changed. Ideally a family consist of parents (father and mother) and children. But there are many variation now. Lets take a quick look of that variation. First, what we've already known, single parents. Wikipedia give a good definition.

single parent (also lone parent and sole parent) is a parent who cares for one or more children without the assistance of another parent in the home. The legal definition of "single parenthood" may vary according to the local laws of different nations or regions.

Single parenthood may occur for a variety of reasons. It could be opted for by the parent (as in divorce, adoption, artificial insemination, surrogate motherhood, or extramarital pregnancy), or be the result of an unforeseeable occurrence (such as death or abandonment by one parent).

The living and parenting arrangements of single parents are diverse. A number live in households with family or other adults. When parents separate, one party usually parents for the majority of the time but most continue to share parenting to some extent with the other parent

Single parenthood is a stage of life rather than a lifelong family form. Many re-partner and form a stepfamily.

You can also look at the single parents demographic that are also explain there.

Most single parents are female. In the past few years there are more men heading single parent families.

In 2003, 14% of all Australian households were single-parent families. Since 2001, 31% of babies born in Australia were born to unmarried mothers. (Many of these mothers may not be single parents, as they may simply live with their supportive partners without getting formally married.)

In the United Kingdom, there are 1.9 million single parents as of 2005, with 3.1 million children. About 1 out of 4 families with dependent children are single-parent families. According to a survey done by the United Kingdom, 9% of single parents in the UK are fathers, and 86% of single parents are white. UK poverty figures show that 47% of single parent families are below the Government-defined poverty line (after housing costs).

Other variation which I haven't find the statistic yet are guy and lesbi parenting. I heard about it in the seminar I attended a week ago.

This variation off course doesn't fit with biblical teaching. If a cause of single
parent parenting is death of mother or father, than one of them decide to be a single parent, than it is right. But, if it is because divorce than it is not right. (I believe that Bible doesn't allow divorce, it is another topic that also will be discuses in different post/article.

In the case of guy or lesbi parenting, I can make a strong statement that it is absolutely wrong. Bible teaches us that God intended couple is man and women not men with men or women with women. Thus the ideal family must be a man with a women with their children.

First Marriage

It is interesting to learn that marriage was initiated by God Himself. Even though there is no strong statement in the Bible that God blessed the first man and woman. But we can refer to the word - choice that is used in Genesis to call Eve before the fall. Eve is called 'his wife.' It suggests that God already blessed them as husband and wife. There was marriage in the Garden of Eden. The very first family was there. The institution of family was started in the very beginning of the world and human race.

Sexuality in Genesis

If there was marriage in the Garden of Eden, than Adam and Eve must had a good consciousness about their sex. They must realized that they had different sex. But if we read the Bible we will find that they felt ashame after the fall. It means before the fall they didn't have the felling. Thus what kind of marriage was that before the fall?

Stephen Sapp quoted by Richard M. Davidson in his article The Theology of Sexuality in the Beginning writes

"if consciousness of sex is a result of the fall that such a position assumes that sexuality itself occasions shame by its very nature, and thus suggest that sexuality was not part of God's intention for human creation." David Continues, The idea that a consciousness of sex came only after the Fall seems to be largely based on a misunderstanding of the meaning of Gen 3:7 and its relationship to Gen 2:25. It has been argued that since, according to Gen 3:7, Adam and Eve knew that they were naked only after the Fall, then Gen 2:25 must mean that they were not aware of their nakedness (or sexuality) in the beginning.

In Gen 2:25 the word for "naked" is `arum, which elsewhere in Scripture frequently refers to someone not fully clothed or not clothed in the normal manner. Gen 2:25 does not explicitly indicate in what way Adam and Eve were without clothes in the normal sense ("normal" from the post-Fall perspective), but the
semantic range of `arum is consonant with the conclusion toward which parallel creation/Paradise passages point, namely, that Adam and Eve were originally "clothed" with "garments" of light and glory.

If such is the case in Gen 2:25, then the contrast with Gen 3 becomes clear. In Gen 3:7, 10, 11, the Hebrew word for "naked" is `erom, which elsewhere in Scripture always appears in a context of total (and usually shameful) exposure, describing someone "utterly naked" or "bare." As a result of sin, the human pair find themselves "utterly naked," bereft of the garments of light and glory, and they seek to clothe themselves with fig leaves. Even this post-Fall "nakedness" should not, however, be interpreted as causing Adam and Eve to be ashamed of their own bodies before each other. There is no mention of mutual embarrassment
or shame before each other. The context is rather one of fear and dread before God. Adam says to God (3:10), "I heard the sound of thee in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid
myself."

Now I can conclude that, again, since the very beginning of the human race God already design a family which is started by godly marriage in a holy place made by God alone, Garden of Eden.

FAMILY AND PARENTING I

2008-05-30T08:44:00.001-07:00

The Importance of Being Refreshed

Three days ago I attended seminar on family and parenting. I can guest the content of the seminar at once when the invitation given to me. But even all the materials are the same with what I have known the seminar still useful for me. What we have known doesn't automatically make us expert on it, especially on family. For example, a ready to marriage young man may have known about being a husband. He may have read many books on how to be a good husband. Or he already collected all the memories he had in all his life about the way his father became a father to him. All of it and many more will only build self-confidence for him to enter marriage. Every thing will be different when, he enters marriage life. He will learn from the beginning, as if all the knowledge is not in his head.

A married couple that already married for years also face that problem even is not exactly the same. All the experiences they've been through will not make them free from marriage problems. Nowadays in almost every country and almost in every big city there are counselors on marriage. But you will agree with me if I say that they still have problems with his/her spouse.

Both explanations above prove that we, human, need to refresh our self, so that what we have known will appear as something new, something interesting. We also need to refresh our self so that we will stay on guard toward all the consequences if we fail in specific areas of our life. If we have children, refreshment may help us dealing with present problems or threats that are ready to happen.

I have a student that always says that he will be able to win in every struggle, because God has given him the guidance and 'manual' of life. But please read stories in Old Testament. Israel received revelation from God. They saw many wonders, experienced many divine helps and treated as a special nation at that time. But they still runaway from God, committed to other gods and sin.

From the theocratic era until exile, we can find many refreshments initiated by God Himself to remind Israel about his responsibility as covenant bearer. But all the refreshment didn't work well. In Judges era, the refreshment only last for 30-60 years. After that Israel sin again.

If Israel, who received refreshment from God still fail, what about us? Are we ever received revelation from God like the Israelites received? If yes, sometimes we will still fail. If not… . That is why now I am going to say that refreshment is really important.

2008-05-18T23:35:00.000-07:00

Few weeks ago I read some commentary on Amos. In that reading, I find a statement from one book that I read: "...the condition in Amos era is clear, the social class can be strictly divide into two classes that are the haves and the havenots." there no other social class. Israel spiritual life, the behavior of the priests, and the nobleman also their wives were so corrupt. Ironically, they still bring offerings and sacrifices. But God refused all of it.

Once I also read an article about Amos and there is one statement quoted there, may be from Wellhausen. He said that one of the theme in Amos is ethical monotheism. That article also explains that this term is technical one.

But here I don't want to make it difficult. I just want to make it simple by dividing the phrase: monotheism and ethic. In Amos era the haves and the priests were all acknowledging the only one God. But their behavior was really different. They became oppressor to the poor.

In short I want to say that their sacrifices were useless. Amos also rebuke it. It doesn't mean that good deed determine the quality of spiritual life. but, if they have real relationship to God, thus good deed will flow up from their life. this monotheism and ethic ideas in Amos is just the same with the structure of the Ten Commandments: The first four are about God and human relationship, the rest are about the relationship of human and their fellow human.

See how simple it is. Our religious life can be determined by our good deed.

Indonesia Needs Prophet??

2008-03-28T05:51:00.000-07:00

I am confused, when I have to write the title of this post. Actually it only an idea that come into my mind after watching news on Indonesian TVs. There is almost no good news at all. Every morning after morning prayer, I often turn on my television to see sport news and national news. The news are always bad. Corrupt government, crime, increasing living cost, poverty and many other bad news. It just the same with the list of curses in Deuteronomy.

Then one time I attended pastor meeting. there I didn't hear anything about evangelism effort, stories of repentances, God's miracle. What I heard was tithing problem, a cheating pastor (I don't know the good word for it in English). Again, it just the same with the condition in pre-exile' prophet era.

When Israel experienced hard time like that God acted in powerful ways. He showed His will through prophets. He Judged, helped, comforted, punished. God hands could be seen.

My question may be sound ridiculous for some of you. But when I read the article entitled How Does God Work - How Does God Lead at glance it seems this is what Indonesia needs. I am not talking about a prophet like OT prophet. I am talking about person, organization or others that used by God with power, authority, integrity, passion and love from God.

Indonesia need your prayer. I know many mission activities done/still in progress/will be done here. I am really convinced that God is doing something in Indonesia. Pray for Indonesia.

Brief Summary of Psalm 15

2008-02-27T20:36:00.000-08:00

1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?

2 He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart

3 and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,

4 who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,

5 who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken.

Gunkel categorized this Psalm into entrance liturgy with division as follows:

The worshippers inquire the qualifications for admission to the holy place
Specific requirements uttered
Conclusion

This categorization will lead to specific interpretation. That is, it should be understood in the context of Israel’s formal worship.

But if we look at the book written by Tremper Longman III about Psalm, Psalm 15 can also be categorized into wisdom psalm. It contains words of wisdom like proverb which tells what God desire to see in human life.

Both can be correct. But there is an alternative view Craigie, Peter, C. He suggests that Ps 15 is a wisdom poem, based perhaps upon the form of the entrance liturgy. So if we want to understand this psalm, we have to see it first from wisdom perspective without leaving Israel’s formal worship context.

This Psalm begins with two questions asking the same thing: what is the qualification of people who wants to enter God’s sanctuary. The word sanctuary (tent) can suggest formal worship and also intimate relationship. The phrase holy hill suggests the place of sacrifice. Thus this verse asks this question: what kind of people that are permitted to have an intimate worship and offer a sacrifice to the Lord.

Verse 2 – 5a list the qualification. It presented in positive and negative way. Craigie says that the first emphasizes of the act of doing right things. The second emphasizes the blameless side of life the state of free from evil.

Derek Kinder summarizes these verses and say that the person should have true character, should restrain their words, loyal and their dealings are honorable

A Young Pentecostal Theologian from Indonesia

2007-11-06T23:18:00.000-08:00

This friend of mine is really an outstanding Indonesian young pentecostal theologian. Have just graduated from APTS, and now teaching in a Leading AG Theological School in Indonesia. He also pour out his fresh ideas and opinions on his blog. I think AG in Indonesia should be proud of having a young theologian like him.

God’s Design (part I)

2007-11-03T22:00:00.001-07:00

A Focus on Old Testament Theology
Elmer A. Martens

Martens believes that the center of Old Testament Message is Yahweh. His claim is that the overarching theme of the Old Testament is God's design, a design that incorporates four components: deliverance, community, knowledge of God, and the abundant life. This design is articulated at the exodus, implemented and tested in the monarchy, reaffirmed in the post-monarchy period, and continued into the New Testament. He expresses this Idea not by using neither synthetic approach nor diachronic approach, but both. The synthetic approach is represented by the fourfold design. The nuances of change and the elaboration of these components is described diachronically in three stages of Israel's history.

The key to understand God' design is on the exegesis of Exodus 5:22-6:8 and other text related. Exod. 5:22-6:8 is a dialogue between God and Moses which happened in the middle of public confrontation between Moses and The Pharaoh. Here Moses asked accusatory questions, "why did Your ever send me?" Moses had not understood why God gave him commission to lead Israelites out of Egypt but He "done evil to these people." God's respond to Moses was two fold: First was to reassure him, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh…." The second contained a self identification of God and a series of instruction to Moses.

Firstly, God's answers revealed God's design of deliverance, "I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment' (6:6)." Secondly, Yahweh's design is to form a godly community. "And I will take you for my people, and I will be your God' (Ex. 6:7a)." Thirdly, Yahweh's intention is that there be an on-going relationship his people. "And you shall know that I am Yahweh your God who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians' (Ex. 6:7b)." And the last, Yahweh's intention for his people is that they enjoy the good life. The words of the text are: "and I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; I will give it to you for a possession" (Ex. 6:8).

Martens says that God's statements to Moses has a strong connection to the patriarchs historically and theologically. God who revealed to Patriarch, now revealed to Moses. He who gave threefold to Abraham (descendant, territory and blessing) also gave fourfold promises to Moses (deliverance, community, relationship and land). Then this fourfold design is an appropriate and also adequate grid according to which to present the whole of the Old Testament material.

Martens argues that the text (Exod. 5:22-6:8) could serves well as a basis to build an Old Testament Theology. The text speaks about the revelation on the name of Yahweh who differentiated from other gods. It also speaks about the beginning of the nation with whom much of the Old Testament deals.

The Use of Suffering In Old Testament

2007-10-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

We can learn something about suffering in Old Testament. Suffering at human history started when Adam and Eve went out of garden of Eden. There at the same time the first recorded story of suffering happened. Here suffering used as a punishment to sin. Other interesting case of suffering found in Noah story. There God used suffering to start a new world. In the time of Abraham, God once promised that his descendant would suffer at a foreign land. Here God used suffering to teach the chosen nation about the contrast between the one true God and other false gods. It clearly appear at the exodus. In Esther times, God let Chosen nation suffered to open a way to show His mighty protection. and in many case in Old Testament, God used suffering as a reminder that the chosen people could not walked alone without Him.

Thou Shall not Kill, Except in a Popular Games at Church

2007-10-08T08:04:00.000-07:00

I read this article in NY Times. I simply don't agree. A church can not do something that against its teaching about moral standard just to attract people to come. Church should stand firmly on its ground as a witness to the world. Even though the world changes and the church should adapt itself, the process of the adaptation should not against its teaching. The church teaching is about moral. The halo game that is used is not just a video game. More than that it teaches something bad to the player. So what do you going to say about it?

Isaiah 2:6 "The Paradox"

2007-09-29T07:59:00.000-07:00

In the previous post on Isaiah 1:2-4, we see God "disappointment" on His people. Now, here in chap. 2:6 we will see a paradox that move further in showing God's wrath. This paradox occurs when Isaiah used the word am (people) and natshaw (forsaken). These two words carry a deep meaning which comes from the history of God's dealing with His People and His People's responses to God.

Isaiah often used words from the root am (people), he used them 145 times! People of Israel was His concern. He lived among them, understood their way of life, sent to prophesied for them, all of the prophet concern was the the behavior of chosen nation.

The word "am" has rooted historical meaning to Israel. This nation was established by the will of God. Abraham was being chosen by His unquestioning decision. He gave Abraham a promised that He "will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing." Thus it was not that easy for Abraham to receive that promises. He himself experienced troubles: His wive was almost taken by Egypt' ruler. His Wive told him to take their slave girl to have a son and He was asked to sacrifice the promised son!

After some hard years finally the Abraham descendant growth and became larger. Again they still had to struggle. The blessed nation now had to be a slave in a foreign land. But God arose as The Deliverer. He sent them out of Egypt, led their way, gave them the covenant at Sinai and finally took them to the promised land.

God established the nation: He made their number growth, he gave them rule and he gave them land. Israel now was a nation. Not just a nation like the other nation, but they also known as the people of God.

Through the monarchy era, we can see the same thing, that is God as the ruler. God ruled through the kings. Reminded the nation through the prophet. God still there but in a different way. The presence of God throughout the history of the nation was the one that differentiate them from other nation. This nation was bound in a covenant. Other nations also had a strong relationship with their own god. But their god were not the same. This God of Israel is the Living and active God. And because He is a Living God, He could ask the nation He had help to responsible as the one that involved in a covenant.So now we know that the word "am" is important.

In other side in this verse we find the word "natshaw." It has some meaning :to leave, permit, forsake, cast off or away, reject, loosed, cease, abandon, quit, or simply forsaken. This word usually used to describe the conduct of the Israelite when they forsook the Lord. Read this

Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father.

Many times the word use in that context. But know, it is used for God. God forsook His own people

Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers. (Isaiah 2:6).

This is the paradox. God forsakes His own people. It also happened before. God gave Israel the ark of the covenant. He used the ark as the symbol of His presence. It was so holy, so that no one allowed to touch. But He let it gone. Again, He ordered the nation to build a temple. but He let other nation destroyed it.

He made the ark and the temple as a effort to help the nation to be close to their God. If it can't function like that because of the attitude of the nation, then He willingly take that away. More than that, If his own people didn't obey Him. Sometimes He will forsakes.

Recommendation

2007-09-14T08:50:00.001-07:00

I am now reading a series of long essays on Isaiah 1:2-20. This essays is recommended to me by John Hobbins, the writer. This essays discuss this verses from many point of views, and finally the commentary is also given. I think if you are interesting in learning Hebrew Poetry especially Isaiah, you should read it here.

Just Share

2007-09-11T06:54:00.000-07:00

I am really have a good time developing my blog. It make me read many other blogs and what a valuable knowledge is that.
I want to share my enthusiasm by placing link of blogs that I have read.
So enjoy this blog.
God Bless

Isaiah 1:1-4

2007-09-07T09:10:00.000-07:00

In the very first chapter of the book of Isaiah we will find a well build God-man relationship foundation. Firstly, this God-man relationship idea is emphasized many times using different words and analogies. Secondly, it uses poetry pattern so it becomes more dramatic and as if it demonstrate a passionate feeling of love. Thirdly it is concluded with one specific word to underline the whole idea.

In chap. 1:2 Isaiah said “…they have rebelled against me” (NIV). The word pasha (rebelled) carries the meaning of relationship between two parties, particularly God-man, king-subject and parent-child relationship. Israel is described as a nation who rebelled to her king, as a child who rises up against his father, and a man who deny the work of his God. All of it reflects the deep emotion of the problem and its effect on relationship.[1]

V.3 develops the idea. This rebellious nation was not as good as an Ox or an Ass. The two animals obey their master but Israel was not! They have failed the most basic relationship element: recognition to the master. Then, Israel is not only rebelled, but also they couldn’t be familiar with God who had led their way through the desert out of Egypt.

Again in v.4 this relationship idea was still being developed. Isaiah used seven words to expand Israel’s guilt. Chatta and awon. The previous has the basic meaning of ‘miss the mark.’ While the later emphasize the conduct which is not in accordance with God’s will. Second pair: zera and raah. This pair put Israel in a worst position before God. They were not only bad but they are criminals. They did many bad things! Last pair: azab and naats. Azab means forsake, while naats means despise or to think lightly. These three ideas give more details to the word rebelled in v.2. Rebelling means that someone miss the mark so that only evil things in their mind even though they know everything about God’s decrees. The last word that conclude is turn. Israel is turning away from God.

The God-man relationship is being broken at the basic part. It is bad. Relationship is fundamental. God initiated the relationship but he himself is rejected. In the very first chapter of the book of Isaiah we find out that God wrath shows the deep of His love to Israel, to the relationship He has initiated.

[1] Watts, John D.W., Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 24: Isaiah 1-33, (Dallas, Texas: Word Books, Publisher) 1998.

What Do You Think About This Camp?

2007-08-11T06:45:00.000-07:00

For the last three days I joined a camp, called Men's Camp. All the participants, off course, are men. Christian men. there we discussed about:
- How to be a holy man of God
- How to be a good husband
- How to be a good parent
- How to have a happy family
- etc
All about man.

The very first meeting we were taught about man's weaknesses. Problem, habit, hobby, anything that make our manhood not growing.
Here we were told that man are source. If the source is sinning then the family will be in big problem.

The main emphasize is that man as source should be restored, so that the family will be blessed

soon after the sermon we were invited in some altar calls. We were asked to confess and repent.
Many of us came forward. Some of us confessed.

I myself don't 100% agree with the teaching. But I saw many people changed! they became more loving and caring their family.

This movement reaches many countries in the world and many cities in Indonesia.

What do you think about this camp?

“…for when you eat of it you will surely die."

2007-08-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

This phrase can be categorized as an important and debatable phrase in Genesis. It is important because it tells us the very first temptation – using the art of seduction – that brings the entire human race into the tragic life in sin. It is debatable because Adam and Eve still alive for a long time after eating that fruit. Also because of those two reasons, now I would like to discuss it.

What is meant by the phrase for when you eat of it you will surely die? Here are some suggestions: The phrase is a way that used by the narrator to tell that there is surely punishment if the fruit is eaten. Other says that the meaning of die is become mortal. Some other argue that it is spiritual death. So what is the meaning of the word die here?

Firstly, the word tAmï indicates a physical death (twm may refer to death by natural causes or to violent death, Alexander Heidel, "Death and the Afterlife in the OT," in The Gilgamesh Epic). It is also emphasized by the imperfect verb tWm)T' that follows directly after tAmï. Here, now we know that die doesn’t refer to a spiritual death.

Secondly, Gunkel suggested that the threat was not fulfilled immediately after it was eaten. Its means that threat is not really a threat. What the narrator says here should be understood in the context.

It becomes clear when we read 3:14-17. There God didn't punished Adam and Eve with a death penalty. But God punished them differently from the way He had indicated (Wastermann). This inconsequence is important, Wastermann continues, it shows that God’s dealing with his creatures cannot be pinned down, not even by what God has said previously.

Finally the phrase “for when you eat of it you will surely die" better be understood as a warning that there is surely punishment to Adam and Eve if they don't obey God's command.

Robot Performs Heart Surgery

2007-08-05T04:34:00.000-07:00

I just read an article that make me think for a while, read this. It stated there that robots performs heart surgery. It is amazing to just follow the development of robotic technology. From just a toy until a helpful machine, and even now it is used to save human life in surgical room. Not impossible in later time, robot will do anything that man have to do. And what man have to do is just take a careful look at LCD monitor that shows the work of that robot. Or may be the supervising job is also done by robot. Amazing!! All can be programmed. I am afraid if robot can do anything than man just sit and do nothing.

Technology is a reflection of how good is man as God's creation. It means technology should open ways to man to still develop themselves. In other side, technology is not a tool to find something that will replace or take over man responsibility to subdue the earth. It is still man that have to do that. What do you think about it

A Reflection on Life Problems Based on Ruth 1:11-22

2007-08-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

Reading the book of Ruth is really an exciting insightful experience. Like other books of The Old Testament, it also opens to many discussions. One of it is the way the narrator describe each character. One case that is applicable to all Christian is in Ruth 1:19-21.

19 and they go both of them till their coming in to Beth-Lehem; and it cometh to pass at their coming in to Beth-Lehem, that all the city is moved at them, and they say, 'Is this Naomi?' 20 And she saith unto them, 'Call me not Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly to me, 21 I went out full, and empty hath Jehovah brought me back, why do ye call me Naomi, and Jehovah hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath done evil to me?' (YLT)

We all know that Naomi is going through really hard times in her life. Instead of having happy family in Moab, she had a ruin one (read vv 1-18). She desired to have a strong family with three men, but she only got a family with no man. She went to Moab as proud woman with husband and two sons, but went home as widow: she would no longer have even a child. What a poor Israelite widow. Was there hope for her? For Naomi at that time there was no hope at all. That was why she said, “call me not Naomi, call me Mara…” (YLT).

I found out that the narrator described Naomi feeling in a very dramatic way. At least he used three steps. First after decided to go home, Naomi told her daughter in law to leave her, and went back to their family. Naomi wanted to be left alone. Her ultimate sadness closed her eyes from the need of relationship. The same thing happened to King David after Nathan, the prophet, rebuked him after sinned with Bathsheba.

If a person decides to isolate themselves when facing problem, he is one step closer to the real problem. That is denying his or her own self. The narrator of the book of did it well. He described and emphasized it in a short but dramatic way. “call me not Naomi, call me Mara…” (YLT).

Name in OT captures the essence of a person. When Abram called, his name changed, Abraham. When Jacob met the Angel, he was given new name Israel. So name is not merely a word or words that refer to physical being, but it carries a spiritual meaning. Abraham was being taken to a new place before God as an appointed agent to develop a nation that would carry the divine plan. Jacob makes it clearer. He had 12 sons, the tribe of Israel.

In the opposite, what Naomi said was a description of denial of the work of the Lord in her life. Naomi means sweetness, while Mara is bitterness. Here the way Naomi looks at herself was drastically changed. She saw nothing good in her life. This is the real problem. How can someone stay alive with denying his/herself?

The narrator doesn’t stop here, he continues describing: “I went out full, and empty hath Jehovah brought me back, why do ye call me Naomi, and Jehovah hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath done evil to me.”

Jehovah is the name that is known by Israelites as God that brought salvation and triumph. But Naomi said He brought me here empty. He had testified (usually used in juridical context with a meaning to testify against) against me.

The El-Shadday hath done evil! One meaning of Shadday is breast feeding. God who takes care human like a mother who breast feed her baby is said doing something evil!! This is the ultimate problem denying the work of God. How can somebody stay alive with denying a Living God?

On thing that may be an application is that be on your guard if you are in hard times.