Psalm 74 – The Good New Days

Have you ever longed for the “good ol’ days?” Do you remember the days of old when your body was fit, and you could eat anything you wanted and not gain weight? Do you remember the “good ol’ days” before Facebook, IG and Tik-Tok? Do you remember the “good ol’ days” when we only had three TV channels and an antenna on the roof? Do you remember the “good ol’ days” when the ACC was the ACC and didn’t include any schools from the mid-West or from north of the Mason-Dixon line? Even the young scrubs in our Psalm a Day community can remember times of their idyllic youth where the pressures of school and social media were non-existent.

Today’s psalm is a communal lament (complaint) of Israel harking back to the “good ol’ days” prior to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 586 BCE and the subsequent exile of the ‘rich and famous’ of Israel to Babylon. This psalm is almost certainly a product of the Jewish exile community that yearned, after three generations, to return to their homeland of Israel and re-build the Temple.

The psalmist shouts at G-d: “Why have you rejected us forever, O God?” (v. 1); “Your foes roared in the place where you met us.” (v. 4); “They burned your sanctuary to the ground; they defiled the dwelling place of your name.” (v. 7); “How long will the enemy mock you, O God?” (v. 10); “Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand? … Destroy them!” (v. 11)

These are the words of a bold nation and a bold people who have trusted in G-d, who have seen Him in action, and acknowledge His power and might. Why won’t he restore them to their dwelling place with Him so that things could be the way they were? (remember, the Bible is a book of questions!) We can relate to that sentiment and that question!

The psalmist acknowledges G-d’s sovereignty over Creation in verses 12-17 before picking up the clarion call again for G-d to act: “Rise up, O God, and defend your cause.” (v. 22)

The psalm ends seemingly without any clarity as to what will happen next. History and the Scriptures tell us that after 70 years of exile, G-d’s people slowly started emigrating back to Jerusalem and its surroundings. But it wasn’t the same. The Temple re-build project was difficult, and the end result was but a shadow of the glory of the first Temple. The people once again yearned for the “good ol’ days.” The people had no foresight into how G-d would once again use His people and His Temple and His Jerusalem to enact His plan of salvation for all of Creation. They were focused on their seemingly less than ideal situation in the present and the glory of their past.

However, the cold hard truth about the “good ol’ days” is that they weren’t as good as we remember. I’m betting there were, without me knowing anything about your story, instances of struggle and strife. But we are obsessed with re-writing our history based on today’s struggles.

My granddaddy had a saying, “There’s a reason rear view mirrors are so small: if you spend a lot of time looking backwards, you will crash going forward.” The journey we call faith needs to be forward-looking. We can’t spend a lot of time looking back, because we will miss where G-d is leading us. Our psalm today is a good reminder to limit our “good ol’ day” mindset.

I spent some time this morning looking in the rear view mirror of my life: the good, bad AND ugly. I don’t regret any experience that I have had, no matter how painful those memories might be. I delight in past successes. The good, bad AND ugly have shaped me into the person G-d wants me to be TODAY.

So, it was a nice morning thinking about the “good ol’ days.” Praise G-d for it all. But now is the time to contemplate the “good new days” that lie ahead. I can’t wait to see what G-d has in store for me and for each of us!

Godspeed and Shalom שָׁלוֹם

DWach

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Today is our 250th Substack submission! Thanks to our more than 300 subscribers for reading/listening/watching. This endeavor has been a humbling and unexpected experience.

And now, as promised in the podcast, our shameless plug for our small book “Creating a Christian Seder Worship: A Maundy Thursday/Good Friday Worship Experience.” See the link below:

Book Link

Godspeed and Shalom,

Pastor D-Wach

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Cancel culture is killing our country. The faith community is not immune from it. It is HaSatan’s most lethal weapon. Ten years ago I created a set of principles to help me through a relationship conflict … I needed something to help guide me to forgiveness and reconciliation. Given recent events that are dividing us, I offer fellow believers the following. Godspeed and Shalom, Pastor D-Wach

D-Wach’s Rules of Engagement within the Faith Community

1. Seek empathy; everyone has a back story, and it is our responsibility to know and honor it. And empathy is a two-way street. (John 4:1-26)

2. Practice extreme hospitality. (Genesis 18)

3. Practice the 80/20 rule (Speak less and ask questions). (James 1:19; Proverbs 10:19)

4. Focus on common ground; there is always common ground.

5. Build up and affirm rather than tear down and destroy. That means do not label and stereotype; live at peace with others (Romans 12: 17-18).

6. Seek to reflect God’s character in our words and actions; we are priests of the Most-High God (Exodus 19:6).

7.Practice Jesus’ rule of forgiveness: 70 x 7 (Matthew 18: 21-22).

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Psalm 73

Don’t you hate it when good things happen to bad people? Isn’t it frustrating when you “fight the good fight” and it seems in vain? It should come as no surprise that the psalms articulate that very sense of frustration. The psalmist laments today, “For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens that are common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.” (Psalm 73:3-5)

The psalmist admits he is tempted to throw in the ‘faith towel:’ “But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I nearly lost my foothold.” (v. 2) And then, crying out in frustration, he proclaims that the life of faith seems fruitless: “Surely in vain have I kept my pure heart; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.” (v. 11)

Sometimes the life of faith sucks! That is the cold hard truth. Most days, it would be easier, and probably in the short term, more profitable, to take the easy route ... and give up on G-d. But my long-time students know what I will say next! “Embrace the suck! The life of faith is a grinder’s life. And you can’t cheat the grind!”

And then, after days/months/years of grinding, when all seems in vain, something truly beautiful happens: G-d reveals Truth to us. Listen to the psalmist: “When I tried to understand this [the success of the wicked], it was oppressive to me until I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.” (v. 16-17)

When that flash of Truth hits us, maybe during a worship service (like for the psalmist), or maybe at the top of a mountain peak after a long hike, or witnessing a sunrise, or having a deep conversation with a friend or family member … when that flash of “Spirit Wisdom” is revealed to us, we get it. We get G-d’s bigger picture and then we can proclaim that Truth back to G-d, “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire beside you. My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (v.23-26)

Yes, Psalm 73 is a top fiver! Grind on, Psalm a Dayers!

Shalom שָׁלוֹם

DWach

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Psalm 72 – Legacy, Part 2

Fun facts about Psalm 72:

1. It is the last psalm in ‘Book II’ of the Psalter, which ends in a characteristic doxology (v. 18-19) similar to the ends of other ‘books’ of the Psalter. In addition to that, there is an addendum, v. 20, that reads “This concludes the prayers of David, son of Jesse.” This is clearly an add-on. Is it inspired? Is it Scripture? Why does this notation deserve a ‘verse’ designation in Christian Bibles and the superscripts do not?

2. Speaking of superscripts, this is the first of two psalms with the superscript לִשְׁלֹמֹ֨ה ‘to/of/for Solomon.’ For those familiar with the lineage of King David, you will recognize Solomon as his son. The context of the psalm seems to be a coronation ceremony whereby King David prays for and blesses his successor, Solomon.

Our text builds upon the legacy theme of yesterday’s Psalm 71, In addition to worshiping G-d, serving G-d, looking out for the poor and marginalized, our job as G-d followers is to pass on the faith to our children and to those who look up to us.

Who is looking up to you for spiritual and emotional guidance? Whom can you pray a blessing over today? Whose journey can you advance today? Today is another day to embrace your legacy and be a witness and testimony to all that is good about G-d.

Our exhortation today has a post script: it is interesting to note that while Solomon is known for his wisdom, his reign as King of Israel did not end well. Read I Kings 11 to see how Solomon got too comfortable in his Kingship, and as a result, let his legacy slip away. The result of this was a split Kingdom that never fully recovered.

So, the exhortation today has a warning: FINISH WELL! Don’t get so comfortable in the legacy that you have received that your witness and testimony gets tarnished.

שָׁלוֹם

DWach

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Psalm 71 - Legacy

Psalm 71 is a top fiver for me. It is the lament of an old man who is looking back on his life of faithfulness to the One who has been his rock and fortress since birth: “You have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.” (v. 5-6) This confession of faith and trust in G-d is repeated in verse 17: “Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.”

This psalmist verbalizes the feelings in my spirit. I look back on a life lived in relationship with G-d and I fall to my knees in praise of the One who has never forsaken me nor put me to shame despite some hard and uncomfortable times. I join the psalmist in praise and declaration: “My mouth is filled with your praise.” (v. 8) “My mouth will tell of your righteousness.” (v. 15) “My lips will shout for joy.” (v. 23) “My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long.” (v.24)

And then the psalmist prays the words that hit home to me: “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, TILL I DECLARE YOUR POWER TO THE NEXT GENERATION, YOUR MIGHT TO ALL WHO ARE TO COME.” (v. 18)

As I get older and grayer, this prayer is on my lips more and more. I think back to the people in my life who declared G-d to me through words and deeds even as they got older. I think of my grandmother, Evelyn Snyder, a staunch and sometimes gruff German Lutheran who shepherded me spiritually in my youth and who served her church and her God deep into her 80’s. I think of my great-grandfather, William Wachter, another gruff German (I was really scared of him!) who was called to preach in his late 30’s and answered that call. Though I did not know him well, his life journey served as an inspiration to me as I felt the call to ordained ministry in my 40’s.

What do you want your legacy to be? What do you want to pass on to the next generation? If you have children, what do you want them to remember you for? My one desire is that my children and my students heard G-d declared by me and embraced the lovingkindness and hope that only He can bring.

May you embrace your legacy today.

Godspeed,

DWach

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Psalm 70 – Slow Down … Get Smooth … Smooth is Fast!

Fun Facts about Psalm 70:

1. This short psalm is a duplicate of Psalm 40:13-17 with slight variations, including the use of אֱלֹהִ֥ים ‘El-o-HIM’ (G-d) in Psalm 70 rather than יְ֝הוָ֗ה (Yahweh) in Psalm 40 (with two exceptions). Remember, we are in the Elohist section of the Psalter (Psalms 42-83) where the references to G-d are Elohim and the use of Yahweh (LORD) is minimal. The best theory about these references to G-d is that this section was written and/or compiled during a time in Israel’s history where reverence for G-d’s name was so extreme that even writing His nameיְ֝הוָ֗ה was frowned upon. We see that contrast in this psalm because of the comparison with Psalm 40.

2. The superscript includes the unusual termלְהַזְכִּֽיר ‘le-hatz-KIR’ which is included in the superscript of Psalm 38. Here is an excerpt from my comments from Psalm 38 regarding this term: “there is a wide variety of translations/interpretations: a petition, a memorial, a memorial offering, etc. The JPS (Jewish Publication Society) doesn’t even bother to try and translate it! They simply say “A Psalm of David. Lehazkir.” This wide range of translations/interpretations highlights the difficulty in articulating in English the poetry of ancient Hebrew.” Based on the context of Psalm 38, I settled on a translation/interpretation of ‘a confession.’

There are two observations to make about this psalm. First, it is an honor/shame, compare and contrast psalm. The ancient cultures of the near East believed in a zero sum game of honor and shame. Bringing honor to G-d and His people would automatically be shameful for His enemies (and vice versa). We have read numerous passages prior to today’s psalm that speak the ‘honor/shame’ language. It is very stark and easy to see in Psalm 70. Do you feel honored to be a child of G-d made in His image? Do you feel honored to exalt His name in praise? Do you believe your life brings honor (or shame) to G-d?

The second observation is the four-fold repeat of the psalmist’s desire for G-d to come quickly to help him/her (twice v. 1 and twice in v. 5). In contrast, have you ever prayed for G-d to slow down His influence in your life? I spent some concentrated reflection time this morning trying to remember a time like that. I can’t think of one. I always want to rush G-d! I want Him to act fast just like the psalmist!

There is a saying the Navy Seals use when talking about being fast and getting things accomplished quickly: “Slow down. Get smooth. Smooth is fast.”

Today, the goal for us is to do two things: feel the honor of being a child of G-d and exalt His name … and slow down your expectations of when G-d will act in your life … He is the smoothest and thus, the fastest, when it comes to filling the desires of your heart! He WILL arrive at the right time!

שָׁלוֹם

DWach

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Psalm 69 – In the Pits and In the Deep

Psalm 69 is a “stock” individual lament (complaint) psalm utilizing the basic structure we have seen more than two dozen times already: the lament (complaint) lifted up to G-d, the petition (fist shaking) demanding G-d do something, imprecations (curses) against the psalmist’s enemies, and acknowledgement/submission/trust/praise directed to G-d.

But there are two interesting metaphors employed that make this psalm stand out to me and that point to two additional intertextual “conversations” with other texts. These references and hints to other texts, by the way, are called ‘re-mez-IM’ in Hebrew. Counting on our knowledge of the Scriptures at large, the psalmist is asking us in a very subtle way to invoke those other passages in our spirits in order to fully understand his/her theological message.

What Biblical story comes to mind when you read the words from Psalm 69:1-2 that say, “Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths where there is no foothold; I have come into the deep waters.” For me, the story of Jonah comes to mind: he is told by G-d to travel to Nineveh to prophesy a message of repentance to the hated inhabitants there; he refuses and gets on a boat and goes in the exact opposite direction and is summarily thrown overboard in the midst of a massive storm on the Mediterranean Sea. Jonah eventually makes it to Nineveh where he prophesies, and the people repent (much to his chagrin for the Ninevites were enemies of Israel). His responses to the roadblocks G-d laid before him were less than stellar.

The second reference emanates from verse 15: “Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the PIT close its mouth over me.” I have emphasized pit because the normal Hebrew word for pit (‘bor’) is not used here, rather the very similar word ‘be-ER’ which means well or cistern. So, we can very easily substitute ‘well’ or ‘cistern’ into this passage; if we do that, what biblical story comes to mind? For me, it is the story of Joseph from Genesis 37 where Joseph’s brothers throw him into a pit/well/cistern (‘be-ER’) because of Joseph’s prophecies against them. Joseph ultimately overcomes the many trials that he encounters and becomes the great model of perseverance and faithfulness in Jewish lore.

Your assignment today requires some work! Read the Book of Jonah (4 chapters – 10 minutes) and Genesis 37 (1 chapter – 5 minutes). Compare and contrast the stories and how Jonah and Joseph respond to the situations in which G-d placed. Are you going to be Jonah or Joseph today?

Godspeed,

DWach

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A Theology of The Kingdom of “Heaven” which is a reverent way to say The Kingdom of G-d which, in turn, is a Theology of The Kingdom of G-d in Eternity:

We live in the Kingdom NOW, but also NOT YET. We have the invitation and the opportunity to participate in the Kingdom by contributing every attribute and skill we have to its ever expanding reign. The Kingdom is a place, AND a state of being which is miraculously and automatically growing and developing in the least expected places, sometimes through G-d’s almighty Spirit alone, but often times also in partnership with us. Yes, we have jobs to do in the Kingdom! It is a place AND state of being where generosity, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and justice prevails. The Kingdom is a valuable place that has cost everything to build and so those who experience it understand its preciousness and can’t contain their gratitude, joy, and excitement for each new day.

We experience this Kingdom in the present world, even though often times it seems hidden. We recognize that while the Kingdom is here and now in glimpses, it is also not yet. And G-d has invited us to prepare the way patiently for the coming Day of His Return, where He will usher us into Eternity to experience ALL that Jesus has described and even more! The Kingdom won’t be like what we have been taught. There will be no wings or sitting on clouds eating grapes for millions of years! What a boring way to spend Eternity.

No, Eternity will look a lot like what we see each day, but with newness, freshness and new Creation each morning (Revelation 21). There will be tasks to do for the Kingdom’s sake, and worship to lift up, and maybe, mission work to be done in unknown realms in different dimensions, bringing the Gospel of Jeshua to peoples and creatures that G-d has established and is establishing since the beginning of time.

But beware: there is much to do in until His arrival and the ushering in of Eternity; He has given us time, talent and treasure to steward for the Kingdom. We must steward well for the Kingdom’s sake. Those who do not, and those who reject the present existence of the Kingdom will be judged. And that Judgement will be eternal and fierce.

So, choose to accept the Kingdom and choose to live today in anticipation of the coming Eternal Kingdom. Prepare yourself patiently. Be ready and alert. And live in anticipation of the Day of His Return!

Shalom and Godspeed,

Pastor D-Wach

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Pondering the Parables – Episode 13: The Parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4: 26-29

The Kingdom Grows

In this episode, we tackle the 13th and last of “The Kingdom of Heaven is like …” parables. Generally known as The Parable of the Growing Seed, It is found in the Gospel of Mark, the fourth chapter, a chapter that includes 2 other agricultural parables, one of which does not start with that stock phrase “The Kingdom of Heaven is like …” but certainly seems to describe the Kingdom.

And the other is a duplicate parable found in Matthew 13 … The Parable of the Mustard Seed, which we reflected upon in Episode 4.

Our parable today is found only in Mark, which makes it somewhat unique. It is quite short, encompassing just a few verses, which makes it technically a similitude. Yet it exhibits many of the traits we have observed in other parables: a basic plot (though very basic in this case), a human character, an earthly setting (in this case, that agricultural motif) and an appeal or reference to something that creates dissonance. And part of that dissonance stems from a possible Remez, another one of those characteristics of Jewish writing and teaching techniques we have observed (and remember, all the books of the NT, save maybe two, were written by Jews).

To remind you, a Remez is a reference or word or phrase choice by the author that hints to another part of the Scriptures. The author is inviting you to bring that other part of Scripture into mind as you try to decipher the meaning of his teaching.

In this case, Jesus, through word choice and grammatic structure may be asking us to take a peak back to the Prophet Joel as we meditate on His words.

So, let’s go to the text in Mark 4, verses 26-29 … and then we will continue on with the reading the Markan version of The Parable of the Mustard Seed, as it is really an extension of Jesus’s teaching on the Kingdom.

26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”

30 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”

33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand.

Again, we start with the caution of being careful NOT to overanalyze this similitude, especially in trying to make a one for one allegorization of elements of the story into real life. For example, I would caution AGAINST equating the farmer to G-d, and AGAINST equating the seed to G-d’s Word, and against equating the farmer’s sleeping and waking as Jesus’s death and resurrection. These are some of the allegories that have been proposed. And, as we have stated before, unless Jesus is doing the allegorization (which He does occasionally with a few parables. It is a very Western technique to allegorize and digging deep into each element of the story.

I would suggest, then, looking at more of a 30,000 foot view of these stories as I believe this is how Jesus’s first audiences would have viewed them. In doing so, I believe we can focus on the main theological point that Jesus was trying to convey in the parable.

And what is that point? Remember, a parable is a message with intent … the intent to change an action or a belief or a thought. In this case, I think the focus is a change of mindset rather than a change in action. And when I pull back and look at the big picture of this little parable, I see a Kingdom of wonderment. Humanity goes about its business, sleeping and waking and living and participating in Creation, and miraculously … automatically (the Greek word used in our text this morning is automate … the Kingdom of G-d grows towards the harvest. This is a parable to change your attitude from one of negativity and impatience to one of excitement and positivity. We are heading towards that Great Day of His Return. We are one day closer! It is easy to focus on the negative that gets pushed on us by the media and by the generally lousy and ungrateful attitudes of those around us.

But we are part of something bigger and more wonderful … the ever growing Kingdom of God who steadily drives us to the Harvest.

And what of this Remez, this hint back to Joel? Joel 3 is a prophesy and judgement against the nations aligned against Judah and Jerusalem. In the midst of the judgement against these nations, Yahweh proclaims through Joel in verse 13: “Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe.” In our parable from Mark, we read that the farmer “puts in the sickle because the harvest has come.”

Scholars note that the language and sentence structure, even after accounting for translation from the Hebrew of the OT into the Greek of the NT, is so similar, and knowing that the original hearers of Yeshua’s words would be very conversant in Biblical texts like Joel, the connection and invitation to bring the Joel passage into our understanding of the parable is something Yeshua was offering.

And so, along with offering a positive description of the wonderful growing nature of the coming Kingdom of God, that Kingdom harvest includes a measure of judgement against those aligned in opposition to G-d. This should come as no surprise to us after our thorough studies of other Kingdom parables.

And so, bringing it together for today: you are part of a wonderful, amazing and growing Kingdom! We are part of G-d’s team. We will be part of the great harvest of Eternity where we will reap and experience the abundance of His hand. So, today … with the that confidence! And spread that joy to those with whom you meet.

Godspeed and Shalom,

Pastor D-Wach

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goforth0913.substack.com