Judges - Remember This

Othniel, the first judge, presents an uneventful story, at least compared with later judges Gideon and Samson, especially considering his backstory in the previous chapters.  With family like Caleb, and the support of his wife Achsah, the anticipation of greatness disappears in a whisper. Yet, he is faithful, he delivers, he rescues his people from the bondage of their idolatry.  


Othniel may not have an impressive story, but a phrase, stinging with truth, is injected into the account, describing the heart of his people, the book's people, even our people--"they forgot the Lord."  


Could anything be a more damning accusation?  God has delivered their forbears from the greatest power of the ancient by drowning the king and his army in the same waters that were their way of escape; He rescued them from thirst and starvation by pouring water from rocks and raining bread from heaven; He marched them into their Promised Land, parting waters once again, giving them victory over every adversary under unfavorable odds--"they forgot the Lord."


We could list our own miracles, narrow escapes, deliverances, and victories--yet we forget the Lord.  Standing in church before the altar or at home in our prayer corners, the fires of devotion kindle and crackle sending warmth and enthusiasm through the soul.  Resolve comes quickly with courage to stand firm under life's pressure.  


The badge of holiness is worn proudly but as soon as my back is turned, I am shocked how quickly the glow of that holy hearth fades.  I don't dive headlong into waters of apostasy or rush into gross sin, but a fog settles over my soul, dulling the senses of righteousness and within minutes the kids agitate, work frustrates, and thoughts besiege the frail defenses of my heart.  
I have forgotten--have forgotten--have fo.....




What do you do to keep from forgetting?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Jephthah's Daughter

Image
In Judges, there is a disturbing story in the midst of a heroic and praiseworthy leader.  This man, Jephthah, was an illegitimate child, was rejected by his brothers, excommunicated from the presence of his clan, and forced to live in a land of foreigners.   In contrast to the judges surrounding his story, he did not have multiple wives and prolific numbers of children, as if to create a ruling dynasty memorializing his own heroism.  Jephthah did not even have a son who would carry on his name, only a daughter, a daughter who appears precious to his very soul. Out of fear from invading armies, his brothers called him back from the exile they imposed upon him to lead them into victory over their enemies.  Jephthah's only condition was future acceptance and continued leadership of his clan.  They agreed.   Jephthah cries to God for victory and out of zeal or desperation makes a vow to God, unthinkable to modern ears.  If victorious, he will offer as a burnt offering whoever g
Read more

Is Theistic Evolution Orthodox?

Image
Everyday Theology or Speculative Theology? Eagle River Institute, I’m disappointed.  Your institute has produced consistent edifying lectures for the Orthodox Christian. Yet, you allow someone to present on Evolution as if this is the only sensible position for an Orthodox Christian.  It is not! The presentation is upsetting. Maybe you found the arguments edifying for the average Orthodox Christian, but please qualify it. This is a historical aberration and deserves to be contrasted in the light of the historic Christian position. This article stands as a counterpoint to the theistic evolutionary position held by Dr. Gayle Woloschak in her presentation at the Eagle River Institute in August. There are more episodes to come, and depending on their content, I may put together another response. First of all, I am not judging this person’s Christian faith and commitment to Christ and Orthodoxy.  I am not judging her piety or personal holiness. I am judging her ideas about th
Read more

The Problem of Orthodox Culture

Over the past months several Orthodox writers have taken up the topic of Orthodox culture and whether we can create one in this country.  Much of the writing flows out the pens of artists, so I am sure that this is a desire longing for an ethos where there is a richness of art seen in places like old Russia with majestic architecture, beautiful music and haunting works of literature.  I long for this too. What is the critical mass of people for such a culture to emerge?  Evangelicals have had this mass in America for some time, but only recently is there a serious arts movement bubbling up.  Rather than a culture of high art, I propose we are looking for community, and this is the base where we must start. The magnet that draws Americans into the Evangelical world, robust Catholic life, and even stranger American movements such as Mormonism is not theology, but community.  This is a place where you can enter and every part of your life is infected by it.  For these be
Read more