When Things are Hopeless, There are Friends!

Pandemics are not respectors of people. In every age throughout history disease has impacted the wealthy and the poor alike. The wealthy, because they travel to diverse regions and pick up sicknesses unknown at home. The poor, because they live in cramped quarters where disease spreads easily from house to house. We are experiencing this today with Coroanavirus, as we did in the past with the Ebola (2014), MERS (2012), Swine Flu (2009), SARS (2002), Hong Kong flu (1968), Spanish Flu (1918), Yellow Fever (1668, 1793, 1878, 1898)

The above diseases (and others) have resulted in terrible physical suffering, many deaths, and great loneliness. One of the results of sickness is isolation, whether self-imposed, brought about because of physical weakness, or caused by fear of infection (so people stop visiting). If a disease goes on long enough, acquaintances and friends stop visiting because their life has gone in other directions. (Friendship is often a two way street. If one of the friends is too sick to stay in contact, the other friend forgets to call).

But sometimes friends come from unexpected places. Consider the case of Naaman, commander of the armies of Ben-Hadad II of Syria in 850BC. This great man was stricken with the feared disease called Leprosy in the Bible (see my last blog post), a communicable disease which required quarantine. When his sickness was discovered, his friends backed away in fear, because it was contagious. Naaman was forced into isolation.

However, one of his wife’s servants, a slave-girl who was captured in Israel during one of Naaman’s raids, felt sorry for him. Crossing social, ethnic, religious, and strict social barriers, this girl sent a message to the great commander that she knew of a prophet in her home country that could bring him healing.

Naaman was ecstatic. He was willing to try anything to get well. He contacted King Ben-Hadad II, who sent an order for king Joram in Samaria to receive leoprous Naaman, and provide him proper introduction to the prophet-healer. Naaman took “ten talents of silver, six thousand shekel of gold and ten sets of clothing.” to provide for his healing.

King Joram, who had to meet Naaman was in fear of the disease. When his messenger gave Ben Hadad’s order to the king, he blurted out, “Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this fellow send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy? See how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me!” And he dragged his feet, making the general with the feared disease wait.

But God spoke to Elisha, on behalf of the servant girl who befriended Naaman, and the prophet sent this message to the king, “Why have you torn your robes? Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.” King Joram gladly sent Naaman away to the prophet.

Naaman was told, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan,” a place considered a muddy creek by the aristocratic Syrians. Naaman debated, “Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” He turned away in rage, and headed home.

The Muddy Jordan River near where Jesus was baptized

But at the bequest of the servant-girl who befriended the great general, other servants told him, ““If the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” So Naaman went to the Jordan River and was cleansed. (2 Kings 5)

The Bible never records whether Naaman thanked or freed the servant-girl. She risked her life out of obedience to God, who desires for us to befriend others who are in need. It does not matter if we like them or if they like us. It does not matter if they are above us or below us in status. They are people in need. As the Coronavirus takes hold in our community, we need to listen for needs, and help our neighbors. Look for people who are sick, and get them help. Look for people out of work and meet their needs. Look for those in fear, and bring calmness for their spirits. Be a neighbor and a friend, like the servant-girl in this time of need.

The big thing is to hear God. I speak more about this in my book: Spring: Connecting with God. If you have time during the crisis, read this book, available in paperback or on kindle reader.

Self Quarantine in the Bible

Self Isolation orders are being imposed in the United States and around the world. This methodology is being used to fight a terrible disease. This is not the first time social distancing has been used for protection of society and personal safety. Self and community imposition of restricted movement can be found in many places and for many reasons in Scripture.

The Desert of Zin, a place Israel might have visited when distanced.

Government ordered restrictions for health reasons were imposed by Moses in the Bible. The disease of the day that brought about the need for isolation was leprosy. This highly communicable disease begins with “a swelling or a rash or a shiny spot” on the skin. Anyone infected must go to the Priest for testing. If the test is positive, “the priest is to isolate the affected person” for fourteen days, with a visit for observation in the middle. (Numbers 13)

Social distancing was imposed on people with confirmed leprosy until they were either cured or died. There were enough people with the disease in Israel that colonies were formed. (2 Kings 7:3) The diseased person was ordered to “wear torn clothes and let his hair hang loose, and he must cover his mouth and cry out, 'Unclean, unclean!'” (Leviticus 13:45) The quarantined person was forced to live outside the city. Some of these people eventually came together and formed a community of illness.

Forced quarantine was imposed on people for a multitude of reasons in the Bible. One interesting case is that of Noah and his family (Genesis 6-9). God placed Noah and his family into isolation in an ark in order to prevent an infection from evil that had become rampant in the world. The healthy family was placed in an Ark, so they would not be infected. They were confined for almost a year before they were released.

In a similar fashion, the Hebrew people were isolated from the world during their forty year journey in the wilderness. Through Israel’s social distancing God was able to create a nation of people who were taught about healthy living while in the desert. Moses instructed this band of former slaves in all matters of wellness: spiritual, mental, social and physical health.

The Bible tells of many people who choose to self-isolate for wellness and betterment in life. It should be noted that these people had a plan when they went into seclusion. They had a dream of using their time apart from others that would better them. The Bible tells of how Jesus socially distanced himself (and sometimes his disciples) many times. These were to prepare the teacher for times of trials, or when strength is needed.

It appears to me that troublesome days are upon our nation. Many have gone into isolation (by force or by choice). We could all use a plan that will help us come through these days of trial for the better and not for the worse. Spring: Connecting with God tells about things that will make a nation strong in times of crises.

Is the World Sick?

The world seems to have gone crazy … a new disease is attacking … the CoronaVirus. Is there anything that can be done? Our medical community is working, governments of the world are attempting to solve the problem, but is there anything I can do?

The answer is yes. One answer seems to be to stay in and to self isolate, in order to prevent yourself from getting sick [and if you are sick, to prevent the spread of this illness to others]. Tourist transportation is shutting down, schools are closing, and most religious organizations have shuttered their doors this weekend. Are you stir crazy yet?

As the world has shut down, many of us have slowed down … for a week or two … we are preventing illness from spreading. But maybe we are looking at this in the negative. Is there a positive?

Yes, there is a positive. We are able to chip away at all the things we have put off at home. The lists we have made, and put off until tomorrow can now be worked on. Our yards can be cleaned up. We can stream the movies we have wanted to see, and also we now have time to pick up a good book.

While the world is on lock-down and self-isolation, the opportunity has arisen not to prevent CoronaVirus, but to seek health! While all else is on hold, we now have the chance to help ourselves physically (exercise), mentally (a good book) and spiritually. The world has seen problems before. Often people turn to things that make them devolve (James 1:6-9). The Bible would instruct us to look towards God so we can improve (James 1:2-5). “ Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life” and not a corona (crown) virus.

Our world has faced many problems before. The book, Spring: Connecting with God can help in today’s situation, by giving perspective. The book takes a look at past crises, and how the decisions of people and leaders resulted in either status-quo … or something better, as the crisis abated.

What will it be for you? Will this lock-down improve you? Or when we are past the calamity will you just return to normal?

Philo, Josephus and John

The Christmas Story began in the mind of God, long before the creation of the world.

The Sea from Joppa

Josephus the Historian writes it this way: About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man, if indeed one ought to call him a man. For he was one who performed surprising deeds and was a teacher of such people as accept the truth gladly. He won over many Jews and many of the Greeks. He was the Christ. And when, upon the accusation of the principal men among us, Pilate had condemned him to a cross, those who had first come to love him did not cease. He appeared to them spending a third day restored to life, for the prophets of God had foretold these things and a thousand other marvels about him. And the tribe of the Christians, so called after him, has still to this day not disappeared. (Book 18, Chapter 3, 3)

A path down to the Sea of Galilee

Philo says it this way: “Of other lawgivers, some have set forth what they considered to be just and reasonable, in a naked and unadorned manner, while others, investing their ideas with an abundance of amplification, have sought to bewilder the people, by burying the truth under a heap of fabulous inventions. But Moses, rejecting both of these methods, the one as inconsiderate, careless, and unphilosophical, and the other as mendacious and full of trickery, made the beginning of his laws entirely beautiful, and in all respects admirable, neither at once declaring what ought to be done or the contrary, ... embracing the creation of the world, under the idea that the law corresponds to the world and the world to the law, and that a man who is obedient to the law, being, by so doing, a citizen of the world, arranges his actions with reference to the intention of nature, in harmony with which the whole universal world is regulated. accordingly no one, whether poet or historian, could ever give expression in an adequate manner to the beauty of his ideas respecting the creation of the world; for they surpass all the power of language, and amaze our hearing, being too great and venerable to be adapted to the sense of any created being.” (On the Creation)

Synagogue where Jesus taught

John the Apostle says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1)

Herodium, favorite home of Herod the Great

“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world”... “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” (John 3:16-19)

The Prophecy

Unless the Lord builds the house,
.     the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
.     the guards stand watch in vain.  - Psalm 127:1
Christmas is an amazing fulfillment of prophecy.

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Long ago God told the world that He would send the Messiah to redeem people and bring joy into their lives. Isaiah wrote:

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. …
For to us a child is born,to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. - Isaiah 9:1-7

The Western Wall at Night

Jesus said of his own ministry (quoting from the book of Isaiah),
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
.   because he has anointed me
.   to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
.   and recovery of sight for the blind,
.   to set the oppressed free,
.   to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (61:1,2)

Sheep in Israel

Many of the prophets these are very specific like the child would be born in Bethlehem.
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
. though you are small among the clans[b] of Judah,
out of you will come for me
. one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
. from ancient times. …
He will stand and shepherd his flock
. in the strength of the Lord,
. in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they will live securely, for then his greatness
. will reach to the ends of the earth.
And he will be our peace - Micah 5:2-5

Camels on their way to Bethlehem

God predicted the Magi would come:
“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
. and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth
. and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
. and his glory appears over you.
Nations will come to your light,
. and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
the wealth on the seas will be brought to you,
. to you the riches of the nations will come.
Herds of camels will cover your land,
. young camels of Midian and Ephah.
And all from Sheba will come,
. bearing gold and incense
. and proclaiming the praise of the Lord. - Isaiah 60:1-6

A Star in Bethlehem

It was said they would follow the star:
“I see him, but not now;
. I behold him, but not near.
A star will come out of Jacob;
. a scepter will rise out of Israel.” - Numbers 24:17

Flowers in Israel

Other prophecies are telling because God is going to bring salvation.
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
. from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
. the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
. the Spirit of counsel and of might,
. the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
. or decide by what he hears with his ears;
But with righteousness he will judge the needy,
. with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. - Isaiah 11:1-4

Western Wall in 1900 - Picture

The story of Jesus is a story freedom because God wants to save you from whatever it is in your life in your world that's holding you back. When a person truly seeks to follow God, that person begins to accomplishing the things for which God created each unique individual.
“For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
. the afflicted who have no one to help.
He will take pity on the weak and the needy
. and save the needy from death.
He will rescue them from oppression and violence,
. for precious is their blood in his sight.” - Psalm 72:12-14

Joy in Safat

Do you truly know what Christmas is?? The season is about more than gifts. It is about more than lights. It is far more than today’s traditional parties. It is about love, but not just the love of humans, the love of God that changes the heart, drawing joy from where there was once depression and placing peace in the lives of the confused.
.     “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” - John 3:16-17

Normal People, like Mary and Joseph

The Christmas story is about people, normal people just like you and me. This week in the book Advent Journeys we will travel with Joseph and Mary the parents of Jesus.

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Many people want to make Mary something unusual something mystical someone godly who is beyond the reach of humanity. God does not do things like that. God chooses normal people who have the right to say yes or no. Mary fortunately said yes.

Jesus works in Joseph's Carpenter Shop
At the Church of Joseph in Nazareth

Sometimes God chooses good people. I really think this is the case with Mary and Joseph. They lived lives dedicated to God and they had a desire to serve him. As we look through the story of Mary and Joseph, we discover they are people who have a desire to please God, and they spend time in prayer.

A small farm outside of Nazareth

This is not always the case. There are times when God chooses people who are not so good ... as in the case of Jonah or Samson. God chose people who were on the border and maybe even on the side of rebelling against God. But God still used them, in spite of their objections. These men, because they were unwilling to follow God’s directions, were robbed of the joy of serving.
.   The fact that Mary and Joseph are normal is proven by the fact of their surprise. When Mary found out she was to be with child she wasn't joyful. She wasn't amused. She did not say “no,” but did express worry, because she did not know how, or why God would bring this about. She probably worried about what people would say and how it would affect her life. After discussing the situation with God, she said, “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Supposedly Mary's parent's home
Church of the Annunciation, Nazareth

When Joseph heard the news he wanted to privately put Mary away because he was embarrassed. He knew he had not done anything to bring about the pregnancy. An angel came to Joseph, and spoke to him in a dream about what would happen. Joseph believed the Angel, and obediently followed God’s plan.

Joseph and Jesus

In both cases the angel came to them and convinced them of the sincerity of God's task for them to do. The angel let them know the task would not be easy, but both Joseph and Mary were obedient and willing.
.   In the story we see trials come immediately. A tax collector comes to Joseph when Mary is great with Child. He tells them they're called to go to Bethlehem and pay their taxes. Travel would not be anything easy because it would take almost a week to travel to Bethlehem. A great mountain range stood along the journey. You can read more about the travels of Joseph and Mary. Have you ever wondered what their trip was like?? You can read about it in the book Advent Journeys.

Nazareth Today

Trials did not end with the birth of Jesus but they continued for King Herod came after the child with a vengeance. Mary and Joseph had to go into Egypt into a land of exile where their forefathers have been slaves for 430 years. They live there with the strange people for a number of years, until God cleared the way for them to come back to their own land.

Merry Christmas from Nazareth

This Christmas, think about it are you a superior individual? Are you super unique in a way that makes you stand out from the crowd. Or are you a normal person, like Mary and Joseph. if you're a normal person, the Christmas story is for you because we all need the salvation and the love that God brings

Finding the Way

   Faith is not automatic and a guide is required to to help children find the right path. For this reason I developed and carried out a planned Advent Adventure each year with my family. The plan is adaptable and can grow with your family. For older teens and adults, I recommend the book Advent Journeys , which is full of adventures that will make your Bible Study come Alive!
   This week’s journal in the devotional Advent Journeys seeks to speak the words of Joseph along the road with Mary on their journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Have you ever wondered what the trip was like? What they ate, where they slept, who they met, and what conversations they had? This journal will answer your questions!
   Joseph and Mary were unique individuals of character. They truly loved God, and sought to carry this attitude into their daily lives. For this reason they were chosen by God to become parents of the Messiah!
   The Bible tells us that Mary and Joseph were not problem free. They had many concerns … take for instance Mary’s sudden pregnancy; how to tell her parents; and how to break the news to Joseph (who did nothing wrong!) Think about what the community said. And then there were the taxes to be paid, and the trip to be made by a very pregnant Mary.
   The couple endured, in a commendable way. Have you ever wondered what they talked about along the way? What was the road like (they crossed mountains and walked through valleys). Would you like to listen? Take the Advent Journey with them from Nazareth to Bethlehem (this week). You can also travel with them from Bethlehem to Egypt … and then back to Nazareth during week four of the Advent Journeys Devotion Guide. [this is an easy read, with about 350 words per day, that will take you to the heart of Christmas! Please try it, and for accountability, have a friend read the book also.]
   Joseph and Mary are still remembered, because God chose them. The Lord gave them to serve as examples for other parents across two thousand years of history. A close reading of the Bible, and also Advent Journeys can help you to know them better and copy something that will improve your life this year.