August 14, 2025
Justice for All!
“So Moses brought their case before the Lord and the Lord said to him, “What Zelophehad’s daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father’s relatives and turn their father’s inheritance over to them.”
Number 27: 5-7
Scripture is thought by many to be decidedly focused on the male of the species. There are many more references to men and their trials and triumphs, communally and individually. But there are exceptions too. Certainly, Mary, Jesus’ mother has a large role in the accounts of his life. We hear about Mary and Martha, Lazarus’ sisters, as well as the Samaritan woman by the well. In the Old Testament women like Rahab, Ruth, and Esther also play prominent roles. But for the most part the passages found in Scripture are male dominated.
The fact that society in the time of Moses was paternalistic is found in the above verses from Numbers. There was a man named Zelophehad, of the tribe of Manasseh, who had five daughters but no sons. When he died, his daughters went to Moses with a concern. As their father died with no sons, his property would go their father’s nearest male relative, leaving the daughters with nothing. Moses brought their cause before the Lord. The Lord ruled in favor of Zelophehad’s daughters, saying they were entitled to the property of their father.
For many people this is a brief episode in a book that is often overlooked in Scripture. But in this passage, we can see that the Lord believed that justice should be equal before all, regardless of gender. In many other places in Scripture we read of the Lord’s statutes that honor people that society may seek to overlook. Before people use Scripture as a tool to decide who is valued and who is cast aside, they need to look at the larger theme of justice found here and see that justice is for all who deserve it!
Peace,
Pastor Chuck
August 13, 2025
Wisdom vs. Folly
“Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars.”
Proverbs 9:1
“The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge.”
Proverbs 9:13
Just when I think I have rooted out all the nuances of Proverbs I stumble across something new. This morning, I came across a woman named, “Folly.” She is mentioned in the above verse from chapter Nine. In the past I have noted that “Wisdom” was personified as a woman, sometimes referred to as, “Sophia.” It appears that Sophia has an arch-nemesis who is named Folly. Folly lacks all the positive qualities of Sophia. Sophia prepares her home and sets a banquet of knowledge for the simple who wish to walk in the ways of understanding. Folly however, also invites the simple into her home, but there they will not find understanding. Instead, they will find death. Ouch!
This begs a question. Why would someone choose Folly over Sophia, death over a life of knowledge? Perhaps the words in Proverbs 9:17 would help is understand. It is written there, “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious.” Folly is tempting. Folly is the easy road to travel. It appeals to our lesser senses and offers fulfillment in the short term. But in the end, it leads to darkness and eternal death. In other words, Folly is bad! Wisdom too offers a banquet, perhaps it is not so easily attained. There is work needed and sacrifice expected. Wisdom is not a quick fix that offers instant gratification, it takes time and diligence to learn wisdom’s lessons.
There has never been a time in human history in which we can see the handiwork of Folly on such grand display. Social media, and unsocial media as well, offers a forum by which those under the influence of Folly get to display their wares, and opinions, before the multitudes. The challenge here for the wise, and those who are seeking wisdom, is to wade through the Folly and find the firm ground of wisdom to stand upon. Instead of being dragged down into the depths of Folly, may we shake off the absurdity and find ways to live a life that would glorify our Lord, our faith, and our world!
Peace,
Pastor Chuck
August 12, 2025
From the Offices of Morgan and Morgan!
The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?”
1 Corinthians 6:7
I am sure that I am not alone in the conclusion that our society has become obsessed with the law and litigation. This is evidence by the proliferation of personal injury attorneys and television shows like Judy Justice or Judge Steve Harvey (what?) There are television and streaming channels devoted entirely to courtroom programing. Then of course there is Law and Order, NCIS, FBI and all the other crime dramas. If you have ever driven down route 195 into Rhode Island you must have driven through litigation corner, that area on the state line that features a multitude of billboards featuring Rob Levine (“The Heavy Hitter”) and his compatriots.
Based upon the words of Paul from 1 Corinthians, this desire to sue people as a form of justice is not all that new. It seems that the inhabitants of Corinth also had a propensity for seeking damages from each other for wrongs. Paul’s concern here is that the people of the foundling church in Corinth were suing each other in civil courts. Paul found this to be outrageous! Disputes amongst believers were to dealt with internally. If one offended another, Paul believed that a remedy should be found through mediation within the church. They should be able to settle matters themselves, without involving the civil court system of the Roman Empire.
It is interesting to note that Paul recognized that disputes among believers would arise. He did not envision a fairy tale land where everyone in the church community would always agree. For that reason, he believed that each church needed to have a mechanism by which these disagreements could be resolved fairly using the guidance of the Lord offered through the Holy Spirit.
One of the hurdles that modern-day churches must overcome is the assumption that there will never be conflict amongst the congregation. This misconception can lead people to become disillusioned and could even lead some to leave the church. It is important to remember that each house of worship, no matter what denomination they associate with, is made up of individuals. As such, there is bound to times when not everyone agrees about everything. This needs to be understood and addressed when quarrels arise. Much like our familial relationships, our church connections need to valued and cherished. So, when conflicts do arise, we should not run from them, but seek to resolve them among ourselves with our faith as our guide!
Peace,
Pastor Chuck
August 11, 2025
Be Careful What You Promise!
“I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.”
Psalm 119:15-16
The verse of the day from BibleGateway this morning came from Psalm 119. As I looked at the verses around it to consider the larger context of the verse, I found the above verses I have chosen for us to reflect on this morning. As I read this section I was struck by how committed the Psalmist is here. They speak of hiding the Lord’s Word in their heart as they recount all the Lord’s laws. Then they state that they mediate on the Lord’s ways and delight in God’s decrees, and promise to not neglect the Lord’s Words.
As I read this section I thought to myself that this seemed to be a bit of an unreasonable commitment. It seems the author of the Psalm may be biting off more than he could chew. Is it truly possible for someone to devote the time needed to be that focused on the many statutes and decrees contained in Hebrew Bible? After all, they are human, are they not? Perhaps they should leave themselves a little room for error here. It might be better to say, “I will do my best to not neglect your word.” Or something to that effect.
It is not easy to devote oneself entirely to the pursuit of knowledge of the Lord. Following the precepts of the Lord continuously is also a big commitment, perhaps impossible except for few especially diligent souls. Perhaps a better way to consider this might be by visualizing a weaving together your commitment to the Lord with your daily existence. If we can carve out moments in the day to reflect on your relationship with the Lord, it will have a positive impact on your earthly interactions. The Lord’s consideration of your faith may be about quality rather than quantity. May we all be able to take some time out of our day to commune with the Lord and consider the Lord’s Word!
Peace,
Pastor Chuck