I like the explanation of a person who trusts money or power to keep them safe, instead of God. Their actions reflect this belief by their lack of humanity. I may use this with adults.
Great article! I used to think that the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) wasn’t all that relevant to modern time or even very much to my Christian faith. But the more I read the calls of the prophets for social justice and see how some of these ancient stories address the human problems that have always been with us, I find a refreshing honesty in dealing with the issues of life.
We know indeed how God responds to chaos agents and power mongers who claim to be God’s representatives. This is excellent. Thanks, Meredith and Zach for sharing.
I agree. This is why I keep telling people to READ YOUR BIBLE OUTSIDE OR CHURCH! Because I’ve been a Christian most of my life, and have worked on church staff (in pastoral positions as well) and never heard our administration likened to the narcissistic, power-hungry leaders from the Bible. Very important, especially for those who are trying to understand this archaic text because they haven’t discovered Holy Spirit in its pages yet. That’s such a crucial season of spiritual development for our siblings in Christ, and I’m hurt that so many are missing this level of leadership. Very grateful for Meredith’s voice🙏🏽
This is so helpful both as a parent, but also just for me personally as I struggle to make sense of everything happening and what my response can/should be. My question and prayer has been “what is mine to do?” And the answer often feels small. But the actions of the midwives and men disobeying the king probably also felt small to them. ❤️
Thank you! Now I am going to share this with every young mom (& dad) I know who needs help having these conversations! Especially including my own kids talking with their kids. Oh, and also sharing with my pastor . . . and children's ministry director. ❤️👍🏼
I like the explanation of a person who trusts money or power to keep them safe, instead of God. Their actions reflect this belief by their lack of humanity. I may use this with adults.
Totally agree. It cuts through any accusations of partisanism and gets to the heart of the issue
Great article! I used to think that the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) wasn’t all that relevant to modern time or even very much to my Christian faith. But the more I read the calls of the prophets for social justice and see how some of these ancient stories address the human problems that have always been with us, I find a refreshing honesty in dealing with the issues of life.
Yes! Jeremiah alone is a whole word for us right now. There's so much there.
We know indeed how God responds to chaos agents and power mongers who claim to be God’s representatives. This is excellent. Thanks, Meredith and Zach for sharing.
Yes, precisely!
You're exactly right, Robin.
This is beautiful. Love, love, love this.
Meredith is the best!
Wonderful!
The “god’s representative on earth” connection shook me and I’m 41 yrs old🤯
Right? Such a helpful connection.
I agree. This is why I keep telling people to READ YOUR BIBLE OUTSIDE OR CHURCH! Because I’ve been a Christian most of my life, and have worked on church staff (in pastoral positions as well) and never heard our administration likened to the narcissistic, power-hungry leaders from the Bible. Very important, especially for those who are trying to understand this archaic text because they haven’t discovered Holy Spirit in its pages yet. That’s such a crucial season of spiritual development for our siblings in Christ, and I’m hurt that so many are missing this level of leadership. Very grateful for Meredith’s voice🙏🏽
THIS. The text can be challenging, but these stories, and knowing more and more of them, matters so much.
SO much! Tov me’od, my good sis🙏🏽
This is so helpful both as a parent, but also just for me personally as I struggle to make sense of everything happening and what my response can/should be. My question and prayer has been “what is mine to do?” And the answer often feels small. But the actions of the midwives and men disobeying the king probably also felt small to them. ❤️
I love "what is mine to do?" as a guiding question during this time! Thanks for sharing this, Rachel. It really encourages me!
Thank you! Now I am going to share this with every young mom (& dad) I know who needs help having these conversations! Especially including my own kids talking with their kids. Oh, and also sharing with my pastor . . . and children's ministry director. ❤️👍🏼
I've been sharing it with everyone too!
Beautiful. Helpful. Thank you.
Thank you, I found this so encouraging.
Wonderful way to teach