Winning the Lottery

The lottery was held every day for the Priests the Temple to assign duty posts.

Coins of Ancient Israel

.   The first drawing was to clear the altar of ashes. {A story is told that there were once two men who desired to clear the altar, and they both ran to be first, but they were equal, so one man pushed another off the ramp to the Altar. The man who fell off broke his leg, and the court saw the danger of disorder. This is how they began to assign priests duty by lottery. - Mishna Yoma 2.2}
.   The second lottery assigned specific tasks of the sacrifice to thirteen men. These men processed sacrifices, and took them to the top of the ramp by the altar. The fourth drawing decided which priests would receive the sacrificial offerings at the top of the ramp and place them on the altar.

Model of the Temple

.   At the third drawing of the lottery the officer used to say, “New priests come up and submit to the count for the incense.” This means that only once in a lifetime can a man clear the ashes from the Altar of Incense and then refresh the fire with figwood from the outer altar.
.   Now according to the Bible Zechariah the Priest, the father of John the Baptist was chosen casting of the third lot for duty of clearing and renewing the fire of the altar of incense. Luke wrote: “Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.” We also know from the Bible that this was probably Zechariah’s last tour of duty before he retired. Imagine the shock of Zechariah at being selected. Imagine the timing of God, in giving Zechariah an important message!
.   The Mishnah, an official guide book for Priests explains the duty that Zechariah was to follow: “Every day, the officiating priest would scoop out coals. [When he would scoop out figwood from the outer altar mixed with incense for the inner altar for the incense offering of morning and evening], he would scoop them with (a coal pan) of silver and spill them into one of gold [and he would not scoop them out with one of gold, for the scooping out of coals wears out the pan, and the Torah "pitied the money of Israel."].”

In the Holy Place of the Temple

.   The Bible tells us that when Zechariah went into the Holy Place of the Temple to tend the altar of incense according to the Law of Moses and instruction of the High Priests, “all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.” They waited on Zechariah to ‘quickly’ finish his task, so the sacrifices could begin … but…
.   “Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.”

The Best book for Advent!

The Christmas story contains many details that most people miss. The details make the story more wonderful. I want to share the details with you (in more interesting form), in a ten minute reading per day …. Take a look at the book Advent Journeys, on the left side of this page, or by clicking this link.

Waiting … the Storyline

I don’t want to waaaiit!!
Is that really in the script??
I want it NOW!!

Yes, it’s really in the script!
And it is there quite often also!
How long did Noah wait on the ark? 150 days?
How long did Abram wait for a child? 25 years?
How long did Joseph hang out in prison?
How many years did Israel serve Egypt
How long did it take them to get to the promised land?
… and the list could go on. But I’ll stop it here.

Except to tell you, the Christmas story involves waiting.
First, it was waiting for the Messiah to arrive …
.   But in today’s Advent reading (from Advent Journeys), we read how Zechariah and Elizabeth have waited for a child; And they gave up. They really did, because Elizabeth was beyond childbearing years.
.   And Zechariah was ready for retirement. What age do priests retire? Read it in the book. But, know for sure Zechariah was waiting to retire. … Not that he didn’t enjoy his job, he did. But he had reached the age, (what age? Read it in Advent Journeys) to retire.
.   Then on his last day … his very last day … he was CHOSEN! (for what?) To tend the Altar of Incense. That is a once in a lifetime experience. It is a privilege and an honor. And Zechariah the Priest had never, in his long career … in his whole life, had that privilege. He was excited. He was thrilled … he would go out with a bang.

TRUE … he just didn’t know how big that bang would be!!
.   Imagine, being given the once n a lifetime opportunity, on your last day of work! Working as close (remember he was a priest) to the Holy of Holies that any man (except for the High Priest, and that is only once a year) can come. Zechariah would be right next to the presence of God! That is why he was thrilled and excited .. and considered the opportunity, “Going out with a bang!”
.   But it was more! More than Zechariah expected … because an Angel met him there!

(More tomorrow … or read Advent Journeys!)

Preparing for the Holidays

It’s December already, the countdown to Christmas has begun.
… but, what are you counting down to?
The Presents, The arrival of Family...
Time off work, Football games...
Parties, The lengthening of days …
To take down the tree...
for life to return to normal ,,,
For the New Year to begin, … or for Jesus?!

The season of Advent is about waiting …
… for the birth of the Savior in Bethlehem...

How are you preparing?
… Are you just counting days?
.... Getting involved in activity, planning menus,
… Inviting guests, buying presents ….
Or reading the story … the story of Jesus?

Most people just let the time go by …
They don’t build the anticipation …
They don’t get ready for the real joy,
It is fake things they are involved in.

Have you formed a plan to savor the days??
If not, click on the book to the left …
Advent Journeys
And let the trip toward Christmas begin!!

Gabriel the Angel

   Have you ever been visited by Angels? An Angelic event is a magnificent thing! Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Israel), Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, David, Solomon, Isaiah and the Prophets, Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds, Zechariah the Priest and many others experienced this amazing presence! What was it like? Have you ever wondered?
   This week, author David Simon will take you into the Holy Place of the Temple in Jerusalem as Zechariah (father of John the Baptist) is greeted by Gabriel the Archangel of God. What was it like? The New Testament gives a glimpse at the story ... but did you know there was more?
   A Jewish writing called the Mishnah tells more details about what went on inside the Temple during the lifetime of Jesus. This account, when paired with the Bible adds many more details to the amazing story of Christmas. Why was Zechariah in the Holy Place? What does the Bible mean when it says, “chosen by lot”? How often did a Priest get to do what Zechariah did? Exactly what did he do? Why was it special?
   The Christmas Devotion book Advent Journeys will help you understand. The book is set out as journal entries of about 350 words each day. It is an easy read. {Zechariah’s Journey won a literary award for its content!} In seven short readings the mysterious figure Zechariah will come to life as he tells his story.
   The week will begin as Zechariah leaves home for duty. You will meet Elizabeth, his wife and a kinsman of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Then you will travel the short distance to Jerusalem with Zechariah the Priest.
   The story will take you into the living quarters of the Jewish Levites. You will learn their morning routine. You will visualize standing alongside as the sacrifices are made at the altar. And you will be present as Zechariah is chosen by lot.
   You will feel the presence of Gabriel as the archangel delivers God’s message to Zechariah. What was his reaction? Read Advent Journeys and find out! Better yet, ask a friend (or your Bible Study group) to join you. The book is available as an e-book, so you can take delivery today!
   Begin your reading, and experience the Bible and Christmas in a whole new wonderful way!

What is Advent?

     For many people Advent is an unknown. It is a word, but there is no tradition and no meaning other than knowing this word is attached to Christmas. To a person without Advent, Christmas is simply a tradition and celebration without its best meaning.
     For many people in our world the Advent season is consumed business and activity. People get caught up in the tradition of purchasing gifts, attending events, visiting family members, and pleasing children. While the obligations of Christmas can be fun, if people do not take control of their calendars the multiple expectations can control their lives to the point that the celebration of the coming of Christ gets pushed into the background.
     Some people enjoy the aesthetics of Advent. Enthusiasts believe Advent involves Candles, Poinsettias, Holly, Lights, Gifts, and a Nativity. This group finds their joy in home décor, church decorations, community displays, and parades. But Advent is to be more more, Advent is the season to unwrap and share the wonder of Christ’s arrival in order to bring salvation to all who will receive and believe. Advent without meaning is simply cosmetic.
     Many people get caught up in the tradition of Advent. This tradition involves worship services at church, advent candles, and advent readings. There is meaning in this Advent and an honoring of Jesus Christ who was born on Christmas Day.
      To thousands Advent is a celebration of Christ. The season of Advent is the season of celebrating the birth of Christ. This advent can involve business, decorations, and tradition. But will always seek to honor Christ. During the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas thousands of Christians seek to worship Christ in their Christmas.
      To some Christians, Advent is mystery. This is not to say that they do not know what is going on, but the Advent season is designed as a time of discovery, of walking through the story of how God sent His Son into the world to save us from our sins. Advent is a walking through of the story, anxiously awaiting the birth of the long awaited Christ.
     Advent by definition means “a coming; approach; visitation.” The season of Advent is a time of getting ready. Although there are traditions we keep during the Advent season, we must seek to keep the days before Christmas fresh, full of Christ, full of meaning, alive. Advent is meant to be an Adventure.

Thankful for Family

That’s a really odd subject! From the start, we need to admit it, we all have “different” family members. Sometimes they are evil, inept, odd, have bad habits, too “sweet”, obnoxious … well, with that out of the way, we can think about our family.

During the creation, on the sixth day, God created family. Think about the words of our Bible: “the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” Man looked up, and saw all the things God gave him. First, there was the garden, then there were four beautiful streams. God provided gold, precious stones, aromatic smells within nature, stars in the sky by night, and the sun during the daytime. God gave man food and He gave man animals. But the Bible says there was no suitable companion. Man was lonely.

That is how families came into being. First there was Eve. Then God gave Adam and Eve children: Cain, Abel, Seth, and others. They had a large family, and probably enjoyed seeing their children playing. Families, as God made them provide for good support, communication, and entertainment.

Families can span multiple generations. I know that old people enjoy watching the youth in families. The older generation can also provide wisdom for every other person in the family, no matter what age. The middle generations provide support, and often do heavy lifting, caring for young children (or teenagers) and the elder generation. About the year 2000, I remember one man talking about his great-grandmother, born in 1803. He said, it is amazing, I remember sitting on her lap, and now that I am old, between the two of us, we have experienced two centuries.

Families have a past. Sometimes that is good, and sometimes that is bad. It all depends on what the past is. If it is one of harmony, we forget about that. If it is one where there were one or more ‘problem children,’ the offences are not easily forgotten. Lots of hardships exist in families, whether economic, health related, drug related, or criminal. Families cover for one another, and support one another, but members of the family get hurt, and have a long memory. That is sad.

Families often give care beyond the call of duty for one another. As I write this blog, I am caring for a relative who lives 2,000 miles from my home, for two months. It is inconvenient, but that is what families do. They provide for each other, either out of love or obligation, at times of need. The service saves money, and is more comforting than using a service, because we know each other, likes and dislikes.

We can be thankful for what our family has done for us. Sometimes we do not realize that. But ask the questions, who would have fed us, dressed us, cleaned up or poop … if God had not given us parents. Who would help us in our years of ill health or dementia, if it were not for children (or other relatives). Who would have helped us get our first car, our first house, or our first job … if it were not family. Families who are caring and supportive make a huge difference in life. Make sure this Thanksgiving … to give Thanks to those who have really helped (In the past year, or further back). Few people would make it in life without family support.

We can be thankful for families beyond our own: Friends, neighbors, work, for these people are present in our times of need also. Some people who do not have biological family find a strong network of friends is very helpful. They even call them family … and they are, because family includes people you identify with, talk with, assist, and who assist you.

We can be thankful, when family is near, because we can get together. Even when discussions are difficult and we wish we could impeach our sibling for their political beliefs, it is still good to be family. No matter what the discussion, remember the good things that obnoxious people in family have done (or those close to them), and give thanks to God for being part of a family. It takes all kinds to be a family, probably because we need the different skills God gives to each.

November is a month where thanksgiving is highlighted, and we are to give thanks for our family … whoever, and wherever they are. At least we have family, and for that we are thankful.

Health

   Today I celebrate health. I am currently caring for a relative who has lost his health, and can not enjoy life as I do. This relative used to climb the mountains, and enjoy the outdoors, before a fall. Now he is confined to bed. On good days he can communicate with people, watch movies (we watched Free Solo together the other night), and do some work on his computer. On bad days … I will not get into that.

Today's walk = 4 miles each way.
I was inspired to climb to the top of Mount Carbon
and look at Bear Creek Lake 1,000 feet below.

   This week, I have received calls from another friend. He used to be a construction foreman, who was dedicated to his work, maybe too dedicated. He ignored the flu, and continued to work while in his early 50’s. It turned into pneumonia, then congestive heart disease. Because of health problems, he lost his job … and is now in a power assisted wheelchair. This week he went into a nursing home.

Helicopter landing at Swedish Medical Center

   Each week, sometimes daily, I hear of people who lose their health. This week it was a man who has shingles. Last week it was someone diagnosed with dementia. A woman once told me she has five gentlemen who call on her daily: Charlie Horse, Ben Gay, Arthur Itus, Vertie Ghoe, and Rudi Tysim. Good health is a blessing.

Snow at Swedish Medical Center

   Poor health is not a respecter of age. It can strike anyone at any time. We are entering the flu season. I know people who have bad allergies, migraine headaches, and other ailments. Young and old alike have their bad days.

Road block where I should have come out of a 2 mile trail
The road is 50 feet away! I had to retrace my steps. 
Sometimes life gives us unexpected dead ends...

   I talk to many who say they have continual problems. These people can count them for you … and in the process, even help you feel as bad as they do. Often they do not look bad, or act like the problems affect them. I suspect, some of them are actually feeling good when they are complaining of poor health. I know, they are just making conversation. Let us count the good days, and give thanks.

Because of the dead end,
I was able to enjoy this duck pond ... not once,
but twice, and the rest of the trail also.

Each day, we should celebrate our health as a gift, and not take it for granted or squander our well being. I admire those who stay healthy to 90, or even 100. I hope to be one of them. I feel fortunate I can exercise (some cannot), and seek to eat right (with some latitude for ice cream and other sweets). Life is good to me, and for that I am thankful.

Life can be good ... even when the unexpected happens,
If we look to God and count our blessings!

   If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
   For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
   How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.