People often ask me if I like my job. For some reasons I do, and some things I would like to change. One of the major benefits is that I can pretty much drive without straining my brain too hard, so between deliveries I listen to Scripture on MP3 audio. I change up my listening schedule every couple of days, but have started making audio notes to myself on my phone so I remember to think on what I have heard, learned, questions that have come up, etc.
Here is today's unedited notes, as transcribed from my phone.
340am- Ruth and Boaz, the kinsman redeemer, Boaz had a field that was white unto harvest when Ruth came along. He invited her to the table to eat. He provided food for her, shelter, and yet he didn't first offer himself as a husband. When Naomi told her to prepare herself, she cleaned herself up, put on the best garment she had, and presented herself to Boaz. Eventually, Boaz took her into his house and they were married and had a child. This child was in the line that would produce the Messiah.
342am- Contrast in the story of Ruth and Boaz. Ruth was not of Israel, Boaz was. He was a rich man who could afford to bring another wife into his household, possibly a first wife, we don't know. Also, Ruth already offered herself to Boaz, he knew of another who could redeem her, but either way he would make sure she was redeemed.
343am- in the NT we see there were 10 virgins who were all invited into the feast, Oh, look a deer.... Anyway. Only 5 had the oil of the HS, no mention is made of them washing themselves. Christ is offered to all who will receive Him. At some point, this image might break down as it seems a man cannot take every woman that comes along with a need, or is willing. Could possibly lead him down a road where he is not content with what the Lord has provided him and he is constantly searching for something new and might not do what he needs to with the wives he has.
345am- So what can we understand with what we have seen with Christ in the church. One thing we can see is that He is offering grace to all, life to all, and all are recipients of the grace He gives to allow us life and breath. He opens Himself to all who would come humbly before Him and ask Him to be their Savior and provider. We know there is a specific command to take care of the widows and orphans. If however, a widow being, sort of, uh, head of the household with her husband absent. I don't know what we could do about a widow who refused help or did not want to marry. We can still help to some extent, but it is limited to propriety between a woman and a man not her husband.
346am- How then can we visit the widows and the fatherless in their affliction? We can offer a husband for them, we could offer protection, provision, to bring them into our home, but most would probably refuse this outside of a marriage scenario. So, we can help with the children, we can help as much as we are allowed. As with the virgin whose father would not agree to allow her to wed, we do not have authority over them and so are limited again in what we can do as they are not our children or our spouse
(note: this is a relevant scenario to us currently and one we appreciate insight into)
347am- What then of the virgin? Proverbs 31 says that a excellent, or um, virtuous woman, who can find? Her worth is far above rubies! Well, I would submit that there are few virtuous women and less and less with our culture today. They are far more valuable than our culture seems to think they are. So, is it wrong for a single man to desire such a woman as a helper for him? No, it is not wrong. But when Paul puts the stipulation out that one would do better not to marry, it is in the direct context of his saying that he was stating an opinion. Paul said he had no command of the Lord concerning virgins, we ought to be cautious to add anything to the commands of Scripture. But we can certainly see this is an issue with which we should use caution before jumping into anything.
348am- Would it be acceptable for a married man to bring a virgin into his household as a wife? Yes, yes it would. He could also be have her in his home for discipleship with his wife and even himself, general provision, etc.. Would it be fair to ask her to continue that long term, with her serving and be denied of a husband. is this denying her a chance to find a husband, or to marry the man whose home she lives in? I believe the role of husband brings with it authority whereas just having someone live inside your house does not provide true headship. I believe one would have to pray and ask the Lord to show him whether this was truly God's will or just some fanciful idea, to know the leading of the spirit.
349am- What then of the virgin daughter who the father will not give in marriage? 1 Cor. 7. It is still in the context of the "I have no command of the Lord" but it seems that the authority still lies upon the father as head of his household. It doesn't mention the age of the virgin. Would she be of age, and if so what age is that? She would surely still desire her father's blessing and would wish to honor him, but is there a point where his authority ends, is that only in marriage? What about the widow, who has left her parents and been under the headship of her father? Is she head of her household until she remarries? Does she go back under the authority of her parents, or the church. That doesn't seem to be it. It seems she might be responsible directly to the Lord at some point, but I need to spend more time studying this I guess.
351am- All these things must be considered if there is to be polygyny practiced in our culture. Due to the rampant perversion in our society, As long as there are sinful men involved, it could be abused, that a man would show off with all his wives and use them as a source of pride rather than loving and providing all that comes with being a husband. Using caution that we are doing all things in submission to the Lord and for His glory, and in service to the building up of God's people.
512am- Notable in Esther. One, that the virgins prepared themselves and then went into the king. Sounds like sex to me, again the Bible gives us an interesting picture, he he.. Was Ahasuerus a righteous king. he did some righteous things. We don't know if he feared God, as God's name is not mentioned in the book. We consider Esther's life, how interesting to see how they prepared for marriage/concubinage? Her obedience to Mordecai
513am- She obeyed Mordecai as she did when she was younger. It seems that continued when she was queen to some extent. Was she a concubine or a wife?Any evidence that she was a slave? Interesting things to consider. Also notable that Haman is an Agagite. I presume this to be the house of Agag, the Amelekite, who in 1 Samuel 15 Saul was told to wipe out utterly. and didn't This tribe seems to be trouble for God's people, starting in the desert, also Saul's issue, and now trying again to kill the Jews and take out the line of Christ. Gotta look up the genealogy!
520am- A complication in this issue of Ahasuerus. He issued a decree to kill all the people of Mordecai, which he had to have known was a Jew. The decree was based on the lies of Haman and jealousy. Yet the king seems to be swayed by his advisor, yet God intervened in this plan of man to overthrow God's people and God's plans.
So, there you have it. A few of the random and unedited thoughts inside the head of a very odd man. I find myself thinking about things I never thought I would think. lately :lol: I wrote an entire letter to "Jewel" last night considering what exactly our relationship is. I have often called her a daughter, but I feel that I was in error to use that terminology. It all came down to the fact that she is my sister and I have no authority over her. I can give counsel when asked, but I need to be cautious not to be overbearing with my sister as it is not my place to act like her father nor her husband. It was about a page or maybe two. Does anyone else think about stuff like this, or am I really the oddball?
Sara must wonder about me some days, as I constantly come home with new things I have learned from God's Word or even a few questions and hair brained ideas. Whatever the verdict, I don't know why I feel compelled to share this with you all but you are free to neglect reading it.... note that I waited until the end to say that.
Here is today's unedited notes, as transcribed from my phone.
340am- Ruth and Boaz, the kinsman redeemer, Boaz had a field that was white unto harvest when Ruth came along. He invited her to the table to eat. He provided food for her, shelter, and yet he didn't first offer himself as a husband. When Naomi told her to prepare herself, she cleaned herself up, put on the best garment she had, and presented herself to Boaz. Eventually, Boaz took her into his house and they were married and had a child. This child was in the line that would produce the Messiah.
342am- Contrast in the story of Ruth and Boaz. Ruth was not of Israel, Boaz was. He was a rich man who could afford to bring another wife into his household, possibly a first wife, we don't know. Also, Ruth already offered herself to Boaz, he knew of another who could redeem her, but either way he would make sure she was redeemed.
343am- in the NT we see there were 10 virgins who were all invited into the feast, Oh, look a deer.... Anyway. Only 5 had the oil of the HS, no mention is made of them washing themselves. Christ is offered to all who will receive Him. At some point, this image might break down as it seems a man cannot take every woman that comes along with a need, or is willing. Could possibly lead him down a road where he is not content with what the Lord has provided him and he is constantly searching for something new and might not do what he needs to with the wives he has.
345am- So what can we understand with what we have seen with Christ in the church. One thing we can see is that He is offering grace to all, life to all, and all are recipients of the grace He gives to allow us life and breath. He opens Himself to all who would come humbly before Him and ask Him to be their Savior and provider. We know there is a specific command to take care of the widows and orphans. If however, a widow being, sort of, uh, head of the household with her husband absent. I don't know what we could do about a widow who refused help or did not want to marry. We can still help to some extent, but it is limited to propriety between a woman and a man not her husband.
346am- How then can we visit the widows and the fatherless in their affliction? We can offer a husband for them, we could offer protection, provision, to bring them into our home, but most would probably refuse this outside of a marriage scenario. So, we can help with the children, we can help as much as we are allowed. As with the virgin whose father would not agree to allow her to wed, we do not have authority over them and so are limited again in what we can do as they are not our children or our spouse
(note: this is a relevant scenario to us currently and one we appreciate insight into)
347am- What then of the virgin? Proverbs 31 says that a excellent, or um, virtuous woman, who can find? Her worth is far above rubies! Well, I would submit that there are few virtuous women and less and less with our culture today. They are far more valuable than our culture seems to think they are. So, is it wrong for a single man to desire such a woman as a helper for him? No, it is not wrong. But when Paul puts the stipulation out that one would do better not to marry, it is in the direct context of his saying that he was stating an opinion. Paul said he had no command of the Lord concerning virgins, we ought to be cautious to add anything to the commands of Scripture. But we can certainly see this is an issue with which we should use caution before jumping into anything.
348am- Would it be acceptable for a married man to bring a virgin into his household as a wife? Yes, yes it would. He could also be have her in his home for discipleship with his wife and even himself, general provision, etc.. Would it be fair to ask her to continue that long term, with her serving and be denied of a husband. is this denying her a chance to find a husband, or to marry the man whose home she lives in? I believe the role of husband brings with it authority whereas just having someone live inside your house does not provide true headship. I believe one would have to pray and ask the Lord to show him whether this was truly God's will or just some fanciful idea, to know the leading of the spirit.
349am- What then of the virgin daughter who the father will not give in marriage? 1 Cor. 7. It is still in the context of the "I have no command of the Lord" but it seems that the authority still lies upon the father as head of his household. It doesn't mention the age of the virgin. Would she be of age, and if so what age is that? She would surely still desire her father's blessing and would wish to honor him, but is there a point where his authority ends, is that only in marriage? What about the widow, who has left her parents and been under the headship of her father? Is she head of her household until she remarries? Does she go back under the authority of her parents, or the church. That doesn't seem to be it. It seems she might be responsible directly to the Lord at some point, but I need to spend more time studying this I guess.
351am- All these things must be considered if there is to be polygyny practiced in our culture. Due to the rampant perversion in our society, As long as there are sinful men involved, it could be abused, that a man would show off with all his wives and use them as a source of pride rather than loving and providing all that comes with being a husband. Using caution that we are doing all things in submission to the Lord and for His glory, and in service to the building up of God's people.
512am- Notable in Esther. One, that the virgins prepared themselves and then went into the king. Sounds like sex to me, again the Bible gives us an interesting picture, he he.. Was Ahasuerus a righteous king. he did some righteous things. We don't know if he feared God, as God's name is not mentioned in the book. We consider Esther's life, how interesting to see how they prepared for marriage/concubinage? Her obedience to Mordecai
513am- She obeyed Mordecai as she did when she was younger. It seems that continued when she was queen to some extent. Was she a concubine or a wife?Any evidence that she was a slave? Interesting things to consider. Also notable that Haman is an Agagite. I presume this to be the house of Agag, the Amelekite, who in 1 Samuel 15 Saul was told to wipe out utterly. and didn't This tribe seems to be trouble for God's people, starting in the desert, also Saul's issue, and now trying again to kill the Jews and take out the line of Christ. Gotta look up the genealogy!
520am- A complication in this issue of Ahasuerus. He issued a decree to kill all the people of Mordecai, which he had to have known was a Jew. The decree was based on the lies of Haman and jealousy. Yet the king seems to be swayed by his advisor, yet God intervened in this plan of man to overthrow God's people and God's plans.
So, there you have it. A few of the random and unedited thoughts inside the head of a very odd man. I find myself thinking about things I never thought I would think. lately :lol: I wrote an entire letter to "Jewel" last night considering what exactly our relationship is. I have often called her a daughter, but I feel that I was in error to use that terminology. It all came down to the fact that she is my sister and I have no authority over her. I can give counsel when asked, but I need to be cautious not to be overbearing with my sister as it is not my place to act like her father nor her husband. It was about a page or maybe two. Does anyone else think about stuff like this, or am I really the oddball?
Sara must wonder about me some days, as I constantly come home with new things I have learned from God's Word or even a few questions and hair brained ideas. Whatever the verdict, I don't know why I feel compelled to share this with you all but you are free to neglect reading it.... note that I waited until the end to say that.