I like to take a different perspective on the Word of God sometimes. It does not mean that I get it right, I just see it from a different perspective. You have to understand that to rephrase the Scriptures into a form that makes it more understandable for you can easily be misunderstanding. What I mean, is that you always have to understand that it is just your "take" on the Bible, not the actual meaning of God's Word. True, paraphrasing can simplify the truths of God's Word, but it lacks the deep technical understanding that comes from studying the original language. In the end, this is not an authorized translitation, but is just a transliteration of the Word as I understand it. Today, I'm going to do Psalm 23.
1 The Lord watches over me, I want for nothing.
2 He finds comfortable places for me to rest, and quiet places to be refreshed
3 He revitalizes me. He shows me right ways of living to honor His name.
4 Even if death seems imminent, I will not be afraid, because He is with me and nobody can stand against Him. Your correction and protection are comforting to me.
5 Even when my enemies threaten, you provide me with everything. You give me the honor of princes and give me more than I deserve.
6. Truly, blessings and mercy will be present all through my life, and I will abide with God forever.
Below is the NIV version... which is also a transliteration from the King James Version.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
The NIV version came through much scholarship... my version is just a personal understanding of this passage. If it helps you, I am glad. If not, remember it is not the absolute authority on the Word of God, it is just what God has shown me up to this point in my life. Ok, so maybe it was a little overkill with that point, but I want to make sure that you realize when reading this, that I am not proclaiming any authority. I just want to offer you some extra perspective.
God Bless, and happy reading!
Aug 29, 2011
Aug 16, 2011
Sickness is not Sinfulness
I'm sick right now. Somewhere during the past week I contracted an upper respiratory infection. This has made me think of something that has been misrepresented in modern Christianity: sickness. There are a few perspectives being thrown around regarding this issue right now.
Perspective 1: (Prosperity Gospel) Those who are following God's Will accordingly will not get sick and do not have to fear getting sick. Therefore sickness occurs due to lack of a good relationship with God and a lack of faith.
Perspective 2: (Hyper-conservatism) Sickness is a judgment from God. Those who fall ill or are sick are being sent a message from God and need to repent of their sins and get their lives straightened out.
Perspective 3: (Liberal view) Sickness is part of a sinful world that afflicts Christians because of our presence in that world. God does not regularly intervene, so get to a doctor at your earliest convenience.
Perspective 4: (Balanced view) Sickness and illness are the result of a sinful, fallen world. It occurs for many reasons, but is never outside of God's sovereignty and plan.
I prefer a balanced view, because I consider what God has taught us about sickness and illness. Some sicknesses and illnesses were judgments from God. In 2 Kings 5 we find the story of how Gehazi was punished for his greed with Leprosy. In Leviticus, we see that some illnesses were judgments and God gave specific ordinances to test for that sin. Also, however, we see in 2 Kings 20 that Hezekiah fell sick, but it was not from God. God, however, used that as a point to show His power to Hezekiah. In the New Testament, there is the point where Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law... no commentary on sin at all. Paul in Philippians 2 talks about a man named Epaphroditus who was sick and almost died. It was not an affliction for God, and it happened because of his sacrificial service to God.
My conclusion: God made man. Man sinned. Sickness entered the world. People get sick. God is sovereign and uses that sickness to try and draw men closer to Him. Occasionally, God might intentionally make a person sick, but it is for His own purposes. In all of this, we are not the judges or determiners of why a person is sick, we are just commanded to love them and provide support (Matt 22:39 & 25:31-46, Gal 6:2, and 1 Thess 5:14). In the end, God is in control and let's leave it that way. If you get sick, I'm sorry, but stop searching for deeper purpose and just ride it out. Let your attitude towards God and your heart focus remain unchanged whether or not you get sick. But, also, don't forget to take in some rest.
God Bless, and Hope you feel better soon.
Perspective 1: (Prosperity Gospel) Those who are following God's Will accordingly will not get sick and do not have to fear getting sick. Therefore sickness occurs due to lack of a good relationship with God and a lack of faith.
Perspective 2: (Hyper-conservatism) Sickness is a judgment from God. Those who fall ill or are sick are being sent a message from God and need to repent of their sins and get their lives straightened out.
Perspective 3: (Liberal view) Sickness is part of a sinful world that afflicts Christians because of our presence in that world. God does not regularly intervene, so get to a doctor at your earliest convenience.
Perspective 4: (Balanced view) Sickness and illness are the result of a sinful, fallen world. It occurs for many reasons, but is never outside of God's sovereignty and plan.
I prefer a balanced view, because I consider what God has taught us about sickness and illness. Some sicknesses and illnesses were judgments from God. In 2 Kings 5 we find the story of how Gehazi was punished for his greed with Leprosy. In Leviticus, we see that some illnesses were judgments and God gave specific ordinances to test for that sin. Also, however, we see in 2 Kings 20 that Hezekiah fell sick, but it was not from God. God, however, used that as a point to show His power to Hezekiah. In the New Testament, there is the point where Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law... no commentary on sin at all. Paul in Philippians 2 talks about a man named Epaphroditus who was sick and almost died. It was not an affliction for God, and it happened because of his sacrificial service to God.
My conclusion: God made man. Man sinned. Sickness entered the world. People get sick. God is sovereign and uses that sickness to try and draw men closer to Him. Occasionally, God might intentionally make a person sick, but it is for His own purposes. In all of this, we are not the judges or determiners of why a person is sick, we are just commanded to love them and provide support (Matt 22:39 & 25:31-46, Gal 6:2, and 1 Thess 5:14). In the end, God is in control and let's leave it that way. If you get sick, I'm sorry, but stop searching for deeper purpose and just ride it out. Let your attitude towards God and your heart focus remain unchanged whether or not you get sick. But, also, don't forget to take in some rest.
God Bless, and Hope you feel better soon.
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