by Maggie
Scripture for Sisters….and nieces.
This is the second week that I am writing about what I read. I am learning so much by writing about what I read and then reading your comments that you leave me. I want to say thank you for reading and commenting on what I write.
Exodus 2:3 But when she could no longer hide him, she got a basket made of papyrus reeds and waterproofed it with tar and pitch. She put the baby in the basket and laid it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile River.
I couldn’t imagine living at a time where we had to sacrifice a life for any reason. We come across very difficult decisions at times and we have to pray and follow what God wants us to do. When I read this it makes me think of my mom. When I was in her womb I got the measles from her. The doctors told her I would be mentally challenged and would have a hole in my spine. They told her the best thing to do was to have an abortion. My mom made the appointment, but the day of the appointment she decided that she could not have the abortion. My mom and dad prayed for the rest of the pregnancy until the day I was born. My mom said I was perfect; the doctors were amazed that there was nothing wrong with me. I know that God sees the effort we make to do the right thing even when it is hard. I am very thankful that my mom and dad decided to give me a chance at life.
Exodus 4:10-12 But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.”
I can really relate to Moses in this situation. I am shy and have a very difficult time speaking in front of people if I am not sure what to say as well. I am a nurse and I can think of a time that I had to go speak with a family about their son who was dying. I had to tell the parents that we are not going to be able to keep their son alive because his heart is too weak. I was terrified. I am not even sure what I said. The Holy Spirit took over and spoke for me. What a relief to know that we are not alone.
Exodus 14:14 The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.
When we are going through a tough time it is hard to stay calm. We think that God is not with us and we have to do everything for ourselves. It is comforting to know that he will fight for us. I am going through a rough time right now. This is a good scripture to memorize when things get tough.
My question for the week?
Exodus 21:12 Anyone who assaults and kills another person must be put to death.
My question is, is there anywhere in the bible where God addresses the military? I know they are trained to kill people for our freedom but my concern is how does God feel about this?
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6 comments:
I don't know anywhere the Bible specifically addresses the military other than passages the victories and losses of the Israelites are mentioned and the passages in which the Ark of the Covenant is mentioned when it was carried into battle with the Jews.
Annette
That's a good question, Maggie. I can add a couple more times when it seems favorable for men to do what they're required from government. In 2 Samuel, David was supposed to go to battle in the spring, but he stayed behind and got into trouble with Bathsheba. The other that might pertain to doing what we are asked from government and God Himself are Jesus's words "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's." Matthew 22:21. Service to our country would be part of what might be classified as Caesar's. And there were times when the Israelites were called to war by God. So, is it a necessary evil? Or a divine appointment? The one thing I know it is not is a contradiction in Scripture, so we need to look further into how that could be.
Certainly, we are not to kill, as the 6th Commandment and Jesus's words "do not murder" But we live in a fallen world, and Jesus says that wars will be with us until He returns (Matt. 24:7).
You made me think this morning--not sure if there is any clarification, but more to consider.
First of all, thanks to both of the Annettes for your comments! When Maggie asks questions I get scared that I won't have a good answer so HUGE thanks!
Maggie, so often I think back to your parents and how they made the choice to follow God and trust Him with their lives and that even though you could have been a disabled child your parents they felt privileged to take care of you and they knew you were a gift from God Himself. They were also well aware that they could have lost you because of it. It must have been such a scary pregnancy for your mom. I cannot even imagine! That alone makes me know that I know that I know that God has a specific plan for your life and it is good! It also makes me love and admire your mom and dad. I'm so glad they were obedient to God and trusted Him.
You are so compassionate and all of your patients are Blessed to have you as your nurse. I know what you mean though. Sometimes it's hard to know what to say when we want so much to help and it's hard to watch people in pain. Keep listening to The Holy Spirit. He will give you the right words! I'm glad you acknowledge that it's Him who gives you your words. Your quiet presence is like a magnet. Everybody loves you! I used to be shy like you and now, who would think I've written so many blog posts; it's crazy!
If you noticed, Exodus 14:14 was one of the verses that stood out to me as well. Maybe you and I should both memorize that one. It's one that will bring comfort in all situations; for me it's at 3:00 in the morning when it's dark and my mind can wander and worry.
Your question: It's a great one for sure. I'm glad the other girls answered it before me because I really don't know. In my simple mind all I know is that we are supposed to trust the people God puts in authority to do His will. I'm glad He hasn't asked me to be in the military. Oh, and I was reminded this week that the in Old Testament times they had no Bible to gain wisdom so they had to have laws and guidelines to follow that were written specifically. Can you imagine if we had no Bible? 'm thanking God right now for His Word.
I love you, Sweetie. Thank you for your dedication to our Bible study and for bringing up such good questions!
p.s. I should have re-read before I hit "publish your comment." I made many mistakes and typos. Sorry! Hope it wasn't distracting for you. :)
Thank you both Annettes for your comments. (I was confused at first if it was the same person or not I'm glad you clarified that Aunt Annie.) I will look further at those scriptures to get a better understanding.
Aunt Annie thank you for all of your comments. Its funny cause I was up this morning at 3am and my thoughts wouldn't stop going through my head either. I am so thankful for the bible and for you encouraging me to read through it with me. And by the way when I comment its from my phone so I don't read through to make sure I don't have errors either sorry.
Wow! What a lovely post... what a fantastic story of how God works in the lives of those contemplating such a huge decision... one ordained by man, not God! Maggie - you truly are a miracle, your parents are witnesses of a faith in a God who defies science and human understanding!
As for your question... I can only recall the old testament times of battle... what came to my mind intially was David and Goliath. I often wonder how history and our bible would read if these OT battles had not taken place. God does command not to murder, but God forgives. God knows our human frailties and I hold on to Romans 8:28 - (I'll let ya'll look it up - many of you know the verse, but I always think it a challenge or prompt from God to look up a verse when the words aren't referenced.
Ang - I have been so absent from blogland. I miss the good ole days when our little commuity blogged so often. It's refreshing, that I can always visit you here and be refreshed by how the Lord works in your life (and your family's lives)
XO
K
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