Although rewarding once fully understood, the difficult passages of Sacred Scripture are a challenge to most modern readers. Take, for example, Psalm 137:9: “Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rock!” Ouch. Yet it’s the Biblical passages which create an
This was a great post to have today. It coincides with the readings from Joshua that are seemingly contradictory to God’s Divine Nature.
“Joshua in turn said to the people,
‘You may not be able to serve the LORD, for he is a holy God;
he is a jealous God who will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. If, after the good he has done for you, you forsake the LORD and serve strange gods,
he will do evil to you and destroy you.’”
It just goes to show the importance of good, theological exegesis and combining the two methods which you mentioned in your post.
Even today’s Gospel reading fell in line with this post! “Let the little children come to me.” I have heard people comment that the God of the the OT is different than the God of the NT. I would posit, it’s not God who is different but the mindset of the people. God must consider all the psychological and physiological aspects of humanity in His relationship with them. It’s such a fascinating topic!
Thanks for writing this! I really enjoyed it and pondering further with the readings today. :)
Thank you for the thoughtful context behind the words. I know a few people who use Psalms 137:9 to justify abortion and say that God doesn't treat all life as sacred.
I just can't convince them that a loving god doesn't kill his own children without a great reason.
This was a great post to have today. It coincides with the readings from Joshua that are seemingly contradictory to God’s Divine Nature.
“Joshua in turn said to the people,
‘You may not be able to serve the LORD, for he is a holy God;
he is a jealous God who will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. If, after the good he has done for you, you forsake the LORD and serve strange gods,
he will do evil to you and destroy you.’”
It just goes to show the importance of good, theological exegesis and combining the two methods which you mentioned in your post.
Even today’s Gospel reading fell in line with this post! “Let the little children come to me.” I have heard people comment that the God of the the OT is different than the God of the NT. I would posit, it’s not God who is different but the mindset of the people. God must consider all the psychological and physiological aspects of humanity in His relationship with them. It’s such a fascinating topic!
Thanks for writing this! I really enjoyed it and pondering further with the readings today. :)
Thank you for shedding light in this very difficult verse. We do need God's grace to fully understand the depths of its message.
Thank you. It gave me chills. You worked so hard to make a truly beautiful essay, both in the words and the concepts.
Thank you so much for that, Jeff, you just made my day! Your feedback means so much to me.
You are most welcome! It was a beautiful and meaningful essay on a deep and difficult subject. Your efforts are appreciated.
Thank you for the thoughtful context behind the words. I know a few people who use Psalms 137:9 to justify abortion and say that God doesn't treat all life as sacred.
I just can't convince them that a loving god doesn't kill his own children without a great reason.
Thank you, Joseph! I really appreciate the feedback!