Category Archives: Scriptures

Why I Admire the New Testament’s Martha, Mary, and Lazarus

If I could hang out with anyone in the Bible, it would be the siblings, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. It’s because their house sounds the most fun–and peaceful. They are relatable. When the mistress of the house, Martha, got stressed (which happens to me all the time), it’s neat to see how Christ reached out to her when he said,

Martha, Martha, thou art careful and trouble about many things.

Jesus (Luke 10:41)

Jesus reached out to Mary and Lazarus as well.

Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

John 11:5

The three siblings worked together to maintain a refuge. Their house was outside of Jerusalem, in the town of Bethany, where Jesus, and his disciples, would visit to take a breather. It was a place to be comfortable. Family trying to work together, who are imperfect, and yet find peace in Christ, sounds like a great place to be!

Mary and Martha tending to their brother Lazarus, who is ill.

In fact, four days after Lazarus died, Mary and Martha still had visitors ready to comfort them and who would witness the extraordinary miracle about to take place when Jesus arrived. Jesus cried with the mourners. But before that extraordinary miracle, we’re treated–and comforted– by one of my favorite scriptures,

Jesus wept.

John 11:35
Christ Comforts Mary and Martha

The onlookers were moved how Jesus wept with them, and many believed in Christ when Lazarus came forth from the dead. I infer that some of those observers were prepared to believe because Mary and Martha both talked how they believed in Jesus having mighty power and that he was the son of God. Mary and Martha–as well as Lazarus–were good examples of service to the community that led to people noticing their beliefs.

Each sibling contributed to make sure Jesus felt welcome. At another house in Bethany, Mary washed his feet, a very sacred ordinance–and with expensive ointment–which made Judas complain that she was wasting money. Oh, Jesus had a talk with him–informed him this is a sincere service that would be remembered. The beginning of the conversation included Jesus saying this,

Let her alone; why trouble ye her?

Jesus (Mark 14:6)

That is so perfect! Jesus gave Judas and others present a much needed talk while standing up for a friend. It’s easy to see why Jesus loved this family, and they loved him.

I love this family because they remind me of how I personally feel at certain times. The family also reminds me of certain family members, and friends that feel like family members. Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and those I just mentioned are such powerful examples of what I hope to be. I hope to be like them in their conviction, faith, and selfless acts of service.

Further reading:

Mary, Martha and Lazarus of Bethany” An in-depth scholarly article about the family by Marg Mowczko.

“Mary, Martha, and Lazarus” Summary of the siblings’ interactions with Christ from the website of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Mary and Martha, Sisters of Bethany” A past post from this website.

When Moses Met Zipporah

“Where ever there’s water, there’s people,” says my biblical lands instructor during each lesson.

So, of course, the well is a popular place. It’s a great place to meet people!

It was somewhat romantic when Jacob met Rachel at the well. He knew she was the one he was looking for, and he helped water the sheep, gave her a kiss, and then she ran to her dad.

Zipporah (a.k.a. Tzipora or Sephora), and Moses had a similar experience, but a little different…

So Moses had been on the run because Egypt’s leader found out Moses had killed an Egyptian who had been attacking a fellow Hebrew. To quote Moses’ flight:

Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.

[How long Moses had been in Midian, I don’t know. Maybe he knew a few people before the following incident.]

Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.

And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.

I think I can speak for many women when I say guys helping and caring for animals are very attractive! The perfect gentleman who’s good with animals. Can’t get much better than that!

Let’s check out some of Hollywood’s famous dramatizations of that famous “meeting.”

The Ten Commandments:

Well, in the both the movie and Exodus account, there were seven daughters, a well, sheep, and bad guys…I think that’s what the movie got right. Even though I’m not too sure if the girls flirted with him, I do love the heroic music and observation comments!

The Prince of Egypt:

Huh…four daughters shown. I wonder where the other three are hiding. But the film does feature a well, sheep, and bad guys. This encounter in the film is Moses and Zipporah’s second meeting, which isn’t accurate. But there is a possibility he liked her, but let’s get back to the scriptural text about what the daughters did after Moses helped them:

And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day?

And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.

I find the daughters’ father hilarious. His daughters were just being cautious. I can imagine that the daughters were caught off guard and awkwardly said they had to go after the chores was done.

It’s the type of thing I would do. My dad has reacted similarly. One example was when a cute guy (I knew already) asked to give me a ride. I said no. When I told my dad about it, he said, “You should have said yes!”

Reuel (referred to as Jethro later in the text) and Moses hit it off.

And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter.

Darn, no details of Moses and Zipporah’s courtship. I agree with the rabbis when they said as Jethro got to know Moses, he approved of Moses. The “eat break” line (I used the King James Version of the Bible) is translated in other versions as “break bread.” “Break bread” might be a hint to Moses that he’d marry one of Jethro’s daughters. Zipporah might have heard this and made a plan to get Moses. Or Moses noticed her good qualities and went after her.

Or maybe the two fell in love through a song…to end this post, let’s watch The Prince of Egypt’s, “Through Heaven’s Eyes.”

More to come about Zipporah and Moses!

P.S. The Hebrew slaves didn’t build the pyramids. That’s what my biblical lands teacher told me.

Featured image: Moses and his Ethiopian wife Zipporah by Jacob Jordaens. Public domain.

I don’t own the videos or movies.

I want to find a nice guy like Moses though.

Further Thoughts on Peter and His Wife

I mentioned in the previous post why I think Peter’s wife went with him on his missions. A lot of my opinion is based on the following scripture:

Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? (1 Corinthians 9:5)

The context: In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul refers to Cephas—also known as Peter—of having a wife. Paul is on one of his missions this time while Peter is serving elsewhere.

I further wonder if she got martyred—was she near Peter during his crucifixion? Was she also a victim of Nero’s wrath against the Christians? For sure, she felt the power of Christ with her husband in their house, and they’re home together now.

Peters, Pattens, and Preparing by Caring for Family

In my last post, I compared my parents to Aquila and Priscilla, and now I wish to compare my parents to Simon Peter and his wife. I believe that Mrs. Peter went with her husband on his missions—just like my mom and dad have gone together. Long before their missions, though, both couples took care of the wives’ mothers. This act is brave and selfless as well as good preparation to share the loving teachings of Jesus Christ. Perhaps it’s one of the best preparations. One memory that left a lasting impression on me was my dad driving Grandma to early morning appointments.

Because of such memories, I feel a connection to the story of Jesus healing Simon Peter’s mother-in-law.

And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever.

And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them” (Matthew 8:14-15).

I’m in awe when I read this passage. I feel a warmth and inspiration that I can’t really explain.

Further reading:
Alice
Matthew 8; Mark 1; Luke 4

Featured Image from painting Christ Healing the Mother of Simon Peter’s Wife by John Bridges.

 

My Aquila and Priscilla

Lately, I’ve been thinking of the missionary couples, Priscilla and Aquila, found in the New Testament. Like my parents, they used their personal home for missionary opportunities as well as made journeys to other places.

Before my parents took off, I went along with them to visit a couple (the wife is my mom’s cousin) who had served two missions and are presently involved in helping people near their home to come unto Christ. This couple welcomed me and my parents into their home, offered words of encouragement, and gave us chocolate pudding cake with ice cream. Their hospitality is reminiscent of my parents. Priscilla and Aquila too would be proud!

 

Women Who Literally Followed Jesus

When Jesus called his original twelve apostles to follow Him, they didn’t say, “See ya,” to their families and left them for good. The Gospels reveal women were included in Christ’s traveling group and used their own means to support the entourage as well as minister to others. I believe some of those women were the mothers and wives to the apostles. At Christ’s death, it’s revealed that some of the apostles’ mothers brought spices and ointments to His tomb.

280px-Benozzo_Gozzoli_-_Women_at_the_Tomb_(detail)_-_WGA10210

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is also acknowledged by Him during the ministry and at the time of His death.

One time when Jesus was preaching, the crowd pointed out his mother. Jesus then taught:

For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother”
(Matthew 12:50)

Jesus cares about families and their unity. Even if one’s family might be dysfunctional, He still wants us to be included as a member of His family.

Painting: Women at the Tomb by Benozzo Gozzoli

 

The Chosen: A TV Show About the Unlikely Followers of Jesus

The Chosen is a TV show about Jesus Christ choosing unlikely people to help Him with his ministry. We see Jesus though the eyes of his followers—specifically Mary Magdalene, Peter, Matthew, and Nicodemus. There’s artistic license of course, and it’s actually pretty neat. And coming from me, that’s a huge compliment since I tend to shudder at biblical fiction. But I recommend watching this show! (Visit http://www.TheChosen.tv and check out the show’s social media pages.)

In this post, I’ll share things that stood out to me about the characters’ portrayals as well as include links (which will be in red) within the text that go to certain clips from the show and background with the show’s director, Dallas Jenkins.

Jesus Christ
In many interpretations, Jesus has a sort of distance about Him, but when I look at Him in this show, the first word that comes to mind is “smiley.” He’s still serious about his message and confident, but He’s approachable.

Mary Magdalene
Talk about rock bottom! But a huge relief when the Savior stepped in to save her. Afterwards, we see her take charge of her life and become more confident. It was a nice touch that she hosted a Shabbat dinner, and that an important guest made an appearance. Her character shows how Christ respects women. (Click here to see the director’s discussion about Jesus and women.)

Peter
Peter is probably one of the most intriguing people in the Bible. The Chosen introduced the fisherman as a real fighter, but that’s all right since Peter will show a certain toughness and determination in his future experiences. I’m glad the show decided to feature Peter’s wife. The show gave her the name, Eden. Eden is an important character in the show. I have no doubt the wife of Jesus’ right-hand man was also extremely important to Peter in real life and was a main source of support to her husband.

Matthew
Much sympathy to the tax collector that probably didn’t have many friends. First, the show takes a humorous side to that aspect (sneaking to work covered in a cart), but you feel the darkness the real Matthew could have experienced. I can’t wait to see how Matthew makes friends and receives his invitation from Jesus.

Nicodemus
Prominent actor, Erick Avari, does an amazing job in showing how Nicodemus knew of his own importance, but allowed himself to be vulnerable. In the current episodes, the curious Pharisee hasn’t talked to Jesus yet, but instead talked to some other people that existed. Such meetings probably didn’t take place, but the actors played those conversations brilliantly. Oh, but the last conversation was the best! Actually, it was only the start of a conversation with a dynamic kin of Jesus. Then the episode ended, and I yelled, “WHAT?!?!”

Well done, and I can’t wait for episodes 5-8, and hopefully more seasons to come!

http://www.TheChosen.tv

Book of Mormon: Women of Sherrizah

I believe the Bible is true. I believe the Book of Mormon is true. I shudder at scriptural fiction about specific people that existed though. I get upset because the doctrine tends to get skewed  and people get misrepresented.

That being said, I really do find scriptural fiction exciting–as long as the main character isn’t someone who’s named in the scriptures. That’s why I am begging someone to write a novel about the women of Sherrizah from the Book of Mormon.

It would be a daunting task. The author would have be brave and spiritually in tune.

These women are the women in Moroni Chapter 9–the most gruesome chapter in the entire Book of Mormon. Both the Lamanites and Nephites do the most horrific acts. Mormon recounted the incidences in the letter to his son, Moroni.

First he wrote what the Lamanites did to the people of Sherrizah: 

And now I write somewhat concerning the sufferings of this people. For according to the knowledge which I have received from Amoron, behold, the Lamanites have many prisoners, which they took from the tower of Sherrizah; and there were men, women, and children. And the husbands and fathers of those women and children they have slain; and they feed the women upon the flesh of their husbands, and the children upon the flesh of their fathers; and no water, save a little, do they give unto them. (vs. 7-8)

Sadly, it didn’t stop there. The Nephites showed horrid brutality as well:

And notwithstanding this great abomination of the Lamanites, it doth not exceed that of our people in Moriantum. For behold, many of the daughters of the Lamanites have they taken prisoners; and after depriving them of that which was most dear and precious above all things, which is chastity and virtue—And after they had done this thing, they did murder them in a most cruel manner, torturing their bodies even unto death; and after they have done this, they devour their flesh like unto wild beasts, because of the hardness of their hearts; and they do it for a token of bravery. (vs. 9-10)

If someone did write a novel about Moroni 9, I pray they wouldn’t get too graphic. There has to be a way to get across what happened though. Perhaps it can be told from the survivors’ point of view.

Lonelysoul

Yes. I didn’t notice the survivors till recently.

And again, my son, there are many widows and their daughters who remain in Sherrizah; and that part of the provisions which the Lamanites did not carry away, behold, the army of Zenephi has carried away, and left them to wander whithersoever they can for food; and many old women do faint by the way and die. (vs. 16)

So the surviving women were left without provisions. The old women (many–never said all) seemed to have died quicker than the younger ones. They must have been exhausted. But all these survivors of the towers must have been tough. The old women might have been very heroic in aiding the younger ones.

As for the younger women, how did they live the rest of their lives? Were they left alone?

Like totally alone?

Remember that at the beginning of the letter, Mormon tells his son he doesn’t know the full story  For according to the knowledge which I have received from Amoron (vs.7)  And where did Amoron receive it? It seems like the worse things were, the quicker people heard about them. It is puzzling, however, that they did know some women eventually “escaped.” That forced cannibals had little to drink. That old women died by the wayside. Interesting details. Makes me wonder if Mormon and Amoron met some of the women. What would their conversations have been like? It’s heartbreaking that Mormon’s army couldn’t protect them or themselves.

And the army which is with me is weak; and the armies of the Lamanites are betwixt Sherrizah and me; and as many as have fled to the army of Aaron have fallen victims to their awful brutality. (vs. 17)

The women who survived were too few to be numbered. What could these women have lived for?

I think recognition of all the women in Moroni 9 is long overdue. We have to remember them somehow.

I really like the article that http://www.womeninthescriptures.com/ wrote about these women. Please read it. I like how the author includes words of hope that Mormon offered his son at the end of Moroni 9. I wish to quote verse 25.

My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever. (vs 25)

I hope the author who writes a novel based on these events includes the theme of hope.

But one day, perhaps in heaven, we’ll know the exact truth of what happened to the survivors of Sherrizah.

 Images:

The Mighty Fallen tree photo by Stanley Howe

Traditional Roman Catholic depiction of the Anima Sola (“lonely soul”) praying in the fires of Purgatory. From an old holy card.

The First Window Scene

Michal was in a tight spot (yet again) when she heard Saul’s servants were going to kill David in the morning. She prepared a couple ideas but had to improvise.

So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped. And Michal took an image, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats’ hair for his bolster, and covered it with a cloth. And when Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, He is sick. (1 Samuel 19:12-14)

cropped-Michal_Gustave_Doré.jpg

But there are two things that make people gasp. Michal has an image! A.K.A—idol!  Well, say critics, that’s proof she cares only for worldly status. Plus lying is terrible even if you’re trying to save someone.

Um, really?

Plus this is only a snapshot of her.

Was this possibly in her bag of tricks? She may have been drawn to idols, but having one nearby was so…convenient.

Her father’s reaction is full of shock.

And Saul sent the messengers again to see David, saying, Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may slay him.And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats’ hair for his bolster. And Saul said unto Michal, Why hast thou deceived me so, and sent away mine enemy, that he is escaped? And Michal answered Saul, He said unto me, Let me go; why should I kill thee? (1 Samuel 19:15-17)

In Michal’s Moral Dilemma by Jonathan Rowe, he calls the use of the idol “genius.” In Leah Kohn’s essay “The Story of Michal Beyond Loyalty to Torah,” she suggests that Michal’s word choice actually saved her husband’s life while also sparing her father less humiliation.

This window scene gives a peek of Michal as a woman who kept her marriage covenant to David and did everything to save him.

The Bible mentions that she did things before this that honored David and scared Saul. (1 Samuel 18:28-29).  So there were multiple incidents of her helping David. If we were  told more details about these incidents, Michal would receive far less criticism.

Further Reading:
1 Samuel 19

Michal’s Moral Delemma: A Literary, Anthropological and Ethical Interpretation by John Rowe. (See http://www.bloomsbury.com/us/michals-moral-dilemma-9780567076885/#sthash.BZVDtEFV.dpuf  for details)

 The Story of Michal Beyond Loyalty to Torah by Leah Kohn

Painting:
Michal lets David escape from the window. By Gustave Doré, 1865.

Michal: The Good Wife

The rabbis say Michal was a model wife. I believe it. The Midrash says that though she wasn’t required to, she wore the tefillin—scriptures on bands that could be worn around the forehead and arms. This was a reminder of how God delivered the Hebrews from Egypt as well as a sign of a clean mind and body.The Greek  word for tefillin is “phylacteries” which means to guard and protect. Whether Michal wore the tefillin or not, I believe she was prayerful, remembered scriptures, and for sure she protected David.

I have no doubt she strove for perfection. She supported David. The following Bible verses show she  cherished him very much:

“And Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with David, and that Michal Saul’s daughter loved him. And Saul was yet more afraid of David” (1 Samuel 18: 28-29).

I’ve seen emphasis more of why Saul was afraid of David. And I agree with the common consensus: Saul was scared because he was even losing support from the people in his family. If that happened, he could lose the support of the nation.

What I also get from this verse is that Michal was helping out David. A lot. She wasn’t just this princess brushing her hair longing for her prince. She was a princess at work. She was a good example of a Israelite, military wife and princess. She would have showed her support for him when she was out in public and when he was gone.

The scriptures say from the start that David is wise and well-behaved but he continues to grow and gain more support following both the mentions of Michal and Jonathan’s love. Like Jonathan, Michal would have also tutored him on royal behavior. Shortly after his marriage to Michal we see that “David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul” (1 Samuel 18:30) Good job, Michal!

800px-David_and_Michal_by_Virginio_Grana,_1865 I’ll agree that Michal was attracted to the handsome hero, but I believe she looked more on the heart. Saul sent David on dangerous missions, and whatever Michal did he while he was gone, scared Saul. Rabbi David Kimhi said that Saul was scared of David because she found out Saul’s plots to kill David and prevented them.

Saul hoped David would die on these missions and that David being away from Michal would prevent the newlyweds from starting a family. Saul probably didn’t want his daughter producing an heir that would support David. Likewise, later on it seems David didn’t want have children with Michal because he wanted to prevent the blood of Saul from inheriting the throne.

But she still loved him, and I believe he loved her.

459px-David_and_Michal_by_Virginio_Grana,_1865,_view_1,_oil_on_canvas_-_Accademia_Ligustica_di_Belle_Arti_-_DSC02272

I wish with all my heart that she did had children. She was very deserving. I also wish the Bible gave more details about her show of love and how she stopped Saul’s plots to kill him. Jonathan gets credit his multiple rescues, but she had been hard at work even before her famous heroic window scene.

Image:
Photo of the painting, “David and Michal,” by Virginio Grana, 1865

Sources:
On-line Tanach Class: Michal taught by Mordechai Torczyner
(http://ohave.tripod.com/chumash/michal.htm)
“Tefillin” Wikipedia article
1 Samuel 18