A New Spirit Sunday School Lesson

International Sunday School Lesson
For Week Ending March 1, 2009

Purpose: To recognize that no matter how bad things may look, God's Spirit is with us to empower and renew.

Scripture Text: Ezekiel 11:14-21 (NRSV)

Ezekiel 11:14-21 (14) Then the word of the Lord came to me: (15)Mortal, your kinsfolk, your own kin, your fellow exiles, the whole house of Israel, all of them, are those of whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, ‘They have gone far from the Lord; to us this land is given for a possession.’ (16)Therefore say: Thus says the Lord God: Though I removed them far away among the nations, and though I scattered them among the countries, yet I have been a sanctuary to them for a little while in the countries where they have gone. (17)Therefore say: Thus says the Lord God: I will gather you from the peoples, and assemble you out of the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel. (18)When they come there, they will remove from it all its detestable things and all its abominations. (19)I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them; I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, (20)so that they may follow my statutes and keep my ordinances and obey them. Then they shall be my people, and I will be their God. (21)But as for those whose heart goes after their detestable things and their abominations, I will bring their deeds upon their own heads, says the Lord God.

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

Today's purpose statement is very well suited for the current times, and something all of us need to embrace during the present financial crisis. Although we have not been carried away to another country, our economic situation may put us in a place we do not recognize, we are someplace we have never been before.

The Book of Ezekiel was written at a time when the elite and brightest of the Jewish nation had been carried away to a new country, and that included Ezekiel, an apprentice priest at the time. Historically, because of Ezekiel's exact dating, we can say that at chapter 8:1, 14 months after the call of Ezekiel, would be September 591 B.C. by our calendar.

Consider the plight of those that were carried away into captivity. Away from the temple, out of their promised land, and in a relationship of slavery to pagan people, there was every opportunity for doubt and futility to seize their minds. No associations in their lives seemed to point them to God. Amazingly we could say the same is true of every believer who must be separated from home, from the church of his youth and must go forth into a strange environment. The sense of God's presence and power, in fact God's reality, are sure to suffer.

Ezekiel is faced with this problem, everything he had been taught, assumed God was abiding in the temple in Jerusalem in the land that God had given them. Now he would be called to proclaim that is not true, God, in his vision, departs the temple and the city.

God tells Ezekiel, even though you have been carried off, I will still be a sanctuary, wherever you may be. (11:16) and he promises to restore them back to the land he already given them once, but there is a condition, “they must remove the detestable, and all it's abominations”. (vs 18) God's new promise is for a new heart, and if they obey, “Then they shall be my people,and and I will be their God”. (vs20)

So Ezekiel establishes the basic facts of religion. (1) God's existence (2) God's supreme sovereignty (3) God's revelation (4) God's appointed ministers.

How does this lesson apply to your situation today? Is your God limited, to a place or a church building? Your financial standing in your community? A linage? Do you have enough faith to grow spiritually, without any outside influence and away from your Christian friends and family?

Isaiah Answers God's Call -Sunday School Lesson

International Sunday School Lesson
For Week Ending February 22, 2009

Purpose: To respond to God's awesome presence with new or renewed commitment

Scripture Text: Isaiah 6:1-8 (NRSV)

Isaiah 6:1-8 (1)In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. (2)Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. (3)And one called to another and said:‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory.’

(4)The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. (5)And I said: ‘Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!’(6) Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. (7)The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: ‘Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.’ (8)Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I; send me!’

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

In this passage, Isaiah gives us the historical setting, the year that King Uzziah died. King Uzziah took the throne at the age of 16, his father, Amaziah, had been murdered and Uzziah (also called Azuriah) was chosen by the people to be king. Uzziah reigned for 52 years (810-758 BC) in the southern kingdom of Judah. He was considered a good king, his biggest mistake was trying to burn incense on the altar. Uzziah's success had caused him to become arrogant, he thought he was equal to a high priest and could burn incense on the altar. God struck him with leprosy. (2 Chronicles 26) and of course he was isolated from that day, till his death. Uzziah's main counsel during his reign was Zechariah.

The vision of Isaiah was spectacular and he is very descriptive in his telling of the vision. Snakes with wings, that could talk, I for one would have been out of there so fast. I don't even like snakes that have to crawl on the ground, let alone ones that could fly. I think in visions, even our own visions or images of God that we create in our mind, probably reflect our understanding of God at the time. I think Isaiah saw God as he imagined him, a God of might and power, one whose presence filled the temple, high and lifted up and in control, one whose voice shook the very foundation of the building.

More importantly, Isaiah saw himself, a man of unclean lips, a man unfit for service. He also realized he was not the only one unworthy. He lived among many people in the same situation. As often happens, when we compare ourselves to a righteous and holy God, we are found wanting.

I think the message of the seraphs is interesting; their words would become one of our favorite hymns, Holy, Holy, Holy. I find the voice of Lord, “who will go for us” fascinating. Who is “us”? The doctrine of the Trinity would come about thousand years later, yet God speaks in the plural. Certainly this is a hint of a Triune God.

The entire vision is a blueprint for an order of service. We have the gathering, praise, adoration and worship, confession and pardon, a call for commitment, and a response to the call. If our reading stops at verse 8 we think Isaiah has received this great call to go and proclaim the holiness and might and strength of the Lord. But his call is to tell those to “keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.”

Do you think Isaiah would have responded so positively if he had known what he was being called to do? What is is your vision of God? What is your vision of yourself? Are you willing to heed the call, not knowing what you will be ask to do? Knowing all of the above we are called to answer as Isaiah did. “Here am I send me.”

Esther Risks Her Life

International Sunday School Lesson
For Week Ending February 15, 2009

Purpose: To understand that commitment to God involves overcoming fear and taking risk for the sake of personal and communal growth.

Scripture Text: Esther 4:1-3, 9-17 (NRSV)

Background: Esther 4 & 5

Esther 4:1-3, 9-17(1)When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went through the city, wailing with a loud and bitter cry; (2)he went up to the entrance of the king’s gate, for no one might enter the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth. (3)In every province, wherever the king’s command and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and most of them lay in sackcloth and ashes.

(9) Hathach went and told Esther what Mordecai had said. (10)Then Esther spoke to Hathach and gave him a message for Mordecai, saying, (11)‘All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—all alike are to be put to death. Only if the king holds out the golden sceptre to someone, may that person live. I myself have not been called to come in to the king for thirty days.’(12)When they told Mordecai what Esther had said, (13)Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, ‘Do not think that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. (14)For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.’(15)Then Esther said in reply to Mordecai, (16)‘Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will also fast as you do. After that I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.’ (17)Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

The book of Esther is a unique book in the Holy Scriptures, it is an amazing story that has everything we look for in a romantic mystery novel, sex, violence, intrigue and romance It also lacks the one thing that we would expect to find in Holy writ, God's name is never mentioned anywhere in this book, but He is definitely at work behind the scenes. The book is only 10 chapters long and can easily be read in an hour.

To put the book in historical context it takes place about 486-465 BC. The nations of Judah and Israel had been in captivity for over 70 years as predicted by Jeremiah. During the reign of King Cyrus in 536 BC he decreed a return by Ezra, Nehemiah and others, the Babylonians have been overthrown by the Persians and Medes. Anyone that wished to, could return to Jerusalem. Many returned but some stayed in Persia or wherever they had been brought. Esther and her cousin Mordecai were some of those that stayed on in the city of Shushan about 150 miles north of the Persian Gulf, on the Ulai River, where Daniel had a vision (see Daniel 8), in modern day Iran.

The conflict in Esther between Mordecai and Haman goes all the way back to Esau and Jacob (see Gen. 36:12) (Ex. 17:14-16) (I Samuel 15:18) King Saul had lost his kingdom because he did not kill Agag, king of Amalek. God had told Moses they would be blotted out of history forever. With the history between the Agagites and the Jews, we can understand why Mordecai would not bow down to Haman.

The short version of this story is Haman got mad at Mordecai because he would not show him respect and decreed that all of the Jews would be slaughtered on a set day. Esther intervenes and Haman is hung on the gallows he had built for Mordecai, but the law of the Persian and Medes can not be changed so another decree goes out allowing the Jews to defend themselves.

Our lesson looks at the maturing of Esther. Between verses 11 and 16, she goes from a passive attitude to a women in charge, and willing to risk her own life for sake of all the Jews. Esther reacted with high morals, spirituality and political savvy. Mordecai's words in verse 13 of our lesson “Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this” was the only challenge Esther needed.

This story is celebrated in Jewish synagogues around the world as the “Feast of Purim.” (purim comes from the casting of lots to set the date of destruction for all of the Jews) A few years ago when I was teaching this lesson, I arranged for our group to attend the Purim celebration at a local synagogue. It is a skit done for the children and every time Haman's name is mentioned there are noise makers and clackers to drown out that name (as God commanded in Ex.) along with boo's and jeers. Conversely whenever Mordicai's name is mentioned there are cheers and celebrations. When the play or skit is over, there is a great feast of traditional Jewish foods. This is an event I would recommend all of you try to attend. Purim this year starts on Tuesday March 10th and last for 2 days. The story of Esther will never be the same after you have experience the “Feast of Purim.” Most synagogues would probably welcome your group.

Nathan Challenges David

International Sunday School Lesson

For Week Ending February 8, 2009

Purpose: To acknowledge that words of confrontation can be God's words

Scripture Text: 2 Samuel 12:1-7a, 13-15 ( NRSV)

2 Samuel 12:1-7a 13-15:(1)and the Lord sent Nathan to David. He came to him, and said to him, ‘There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. (2)The rich man had very many flocks and herds; (3)but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. He brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children; it used to eat of his meagre fare, and drink from his cup, and lie in his bosom, and it was like a daughter to him. (4)Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was loath to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the wayfarer who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb, and prepared that for the guest who had come to him.’ (5)Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man. He said to Nathan, ‘As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die; (6)he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.’ (7 )Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man! Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: I anointed you king over Israel, and I rescued you from the hand of Saul;

(13)David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ Nathan said to David, ‘Now the Lord has put away your sin; you shall not die. (14)Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord, the child that is born to you shall die.’ (15)Then Nathan went to his house.

The Lord struck the child that Uriah’s wife bore to David, and it became very ill.

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

As I read today's suggested scripture text, I can not help but think about the confrontations that have taken place recently in our own government. Whether it is with the Governor of New York or the Governor of Illinois, or cabinet appointees. All of these individuals have made serious mistakes, all have caused problems for those that trusted in them and had faith in their ability to lead. Like David, the hurt to others, may have been worse than the judgment brought onto them. I wonder what parable Nathan would have used in each of these confrontations?

In reviewing our text, the prophet Nathan is first introduced in the 7th chapter of 2nd Samuel, as a prophet who was advising David on the building of a permanent house for the Ark of the Covenant. David is questioning why he should be living in a house made of cedar while God is still dwelling in a tent. From that encounter and today's passage there is not a lot of history on Nathan, later we know he advises Solomon during his rule. Obviously he was a very wise man, and knew how to confront the king.

David had been very successful in his battles, but he may have become complacent or over confident. As with most of us, he began to slack off of his responsibilities, the more he prospered. In chapter 11 verse 1 it says, “in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab.” If David had been doing his job, he would not have been on the roof looking over at Bathsheba taking a bath in her own courtyard. I don't think it is a coincidence that these things happen when we have too much time on our hands. Just as, when we pray, coincidences happen for the good, so too, when we are idle, temptation comes calling.

When we look at the characters involved in this story, David, Bathsheba, Uriah, Nathan, Joab, and the baby born to David and Bathsheba it might be hard to justify, in our own mind, the outcome of each individual. It is certainly hard to call it grace or mercy or even justice. It is a truth, that only a sovereign God can make, and He is the only one qualified to make the judgment call. We should all rejoice that we are not always held accountable for all of our actions, and that there is a chance for mercy and grace to work for the good of God's kingdom and for our own redemption.

David becomes enraged when he hears Nathan's parable, about such a wicked man, and demands, as does the Law of Moses, a fourfold repayment,(see Exodus 22:1) and also demands the life of the wicked man. Then Nathan says those words that we hear on the golf course every time Tiger Woods or Phil tee off “You are the man”. Through God's grace and mercy, David's life was spared, but the consequences of his sin still hurt, not only David, but Bathsheba and Uriah and the unnamed baby. David paid with the life of four sons, Uriah died with honor and was certainly portrayed as more moral and upright, even while drunk, than David. David lost his power and his wives to one of his own sons, David, to his credit, repented. But the consequence of his sin did not go away. He was not able to build God the Temple that he wanted to build.

There are times when it is necessary to confront someone about the life they are living or the work habits they have, it is also possible that we should be confronted by another saint, or family member or friend about our own habits, or shortcomings. How will we respond? God loves a broken and contrite heart.