Question and Answer
Question One
The book of Psalms is filled with a variety of lyrical poems, ballads, and songs expressing the soul of the writer. Many of the verses within the book express times of joy and happiness, peace in life, and great contentment in the life the Lord has given the writer. Many of the verses also express times of sadness, heart break, despair, and depression. At the same, just as many of the verses in Psalms shift focus from the writer specifically to the greatness of God the creator. The book of Psalms really covers a series of emotions that are felt off and on throughout life.
Many of these verses and chapters were used in acts of public and private worship and still are today. The scriptures listed in the question are filled with many examples of public and private worship. For example, Psalm 1 is an excellent series of verses to be used in public worship. Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers but their delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law they meditate day and night (Psalm 1-2 New Oxford) can be used in public worship when read as a congregation as a whole. Many times in todays contemporary worship services, pastors will ask the congregation to stand and read aloud the days scripture reading or the thought for the day. This chapter represents a key lesson and reminder for everyone to remain distant from the wicked or ungodly for their true happiness will come in spending time with the Lord.
Psalm 8 is a true book of rejoicing. The words from this very chapter have been used in a public praise song stating, Lord, O Lord, How majestic is your name in all the Earth. The chapter is filled with numerous verses and references to the Lords mighty power and attributes. He is worthy to be praised by all creation standing together in a public profession of His glory and majesty.
Psalm 13 presents a plea to the Lord God for answers. It is a personal prayer from David asking the Lord for guidance and deliverance from the enemy. The scripture here are suited best for personal time of worship, prayer, and reflection with the Lord. Often times we find ourselves faced with enemies and giants of our own and find ourselves crying out to the Lord for answers. This chapter is a reminder that were not alone in our struggles and uncertainties. Were not the first to go through these challenges and we will not be the latest. One thing, however, is sure, the Lord is here waiting to hear our prayer and pleas for His aid.
Psalm 23 is one of the most recognized chapters in the book of Psalms and is very appropriate for public worship. This chapter has been read aloud by congregations as well as had its words put into song. It is a demonstration of the flock of sheep truly listening and being led by the Shepherd.
Psalm 73 is a prayer for relief from the enemy and Psalm 137 is a lament for the destruction of Jerusalem. These prayer could be used as forms of public or private worship. Publically, Psalm 73 could be presented in an act of worship through instrumental music and interpretive dance expressing the need for relief from persecution. Skits could also be used to demonstrate the need to be freed from the enemys evil tactics. Many things can weight us down, but only the Lord can lift those burdens and release us. Psalm 137 could also be presented in the form of interpretive dance as the verses are read aloud in a way that fits todays society. The world is following down a similar path of destruction through the rejection of God and the falling of many leaders. The church needs to come together as a whole and lament for this Nation and pray over its redemption. True and sincere prayer is needed just as it was in the days of old.
The chapters in Psalm including Psalm 90, 104, 121, and 139 are wonderful reminders of Gods protection, love, care over His creation, and continuous presence. Psalm 90 particularly reminds us that we are only human and are nothing but dust. God is the eternal, all powerful creator whom we should praise and worship. Psalm 104 starts and ends with Bless the Lord, O my soul and is the resounding theme that is presented in each of these final chapters. Worshipping and praising the name of God in private would be appropriate, but how much more wonderful it would be to lift our voices together in public worship crying out to the world that God is God alone. Praise music, dance, skits, beautiful power point presentations displaying Gods creation would be excellent ways to present these scripture. Reading many of these praises aloud as a congregation or body of Christ would simply enforce the resounding praise. The book of Psalms is filled with many types of worship that should be shared and not held back.
Question Two
The Psalms could easily represent the seasons of anyones life without any particular details given. I can identify with each of these seasons, most recently the season or times of disorientation or times of lamenting. Change is often the most common factor leading into times of trial and sufferings. These times of trials and sufferings then lead to times of disorientation or times of questioning what it is the Lord has for me. Lamenting or crying out in pain comes with the realization that only God can bring me through this season of life and He can only bring me through it if I will let Him and not fight against Him. This season came on my life with the loss of a loved one. It was one of the biggest changes and challenges in my life. A time of sorrow came with this loss which eventually led to times of anger and frustration and many questions included Why now Lord and Why her as well as What happens next It truly was a time of disorientation and a testing of faith. We all think we have it together when were going through good times, but when our faith is tested we find ourselves on our knees trying to figure out just what exactly we believe, why we believe it, and how will our faith pull us through. It is also a time of deep study in the Word looking for answers and seeking Gods direction. It is a time of cleansing and being stripped down to the very core only to be built back up as a stronger individual through Gods Word. This season, in my life particularly, was followed (much later) by the season of thanksgiving or reorientation. My mind did not stay clouded forever nor did the pain last as long as I thought it would. God spoke to me through His word, reminded me of His sovereignty and love. He lifted me up and renewed my faith and desire to rejoice and give thanks. He taught me to rejoice even in the sad times and I soon found myself walking into a time or praise and worship thanking God for the time of trial and the renewed strength and understanding.
Describing the Psalms as three seasons in life is a very real and relatable way to speak to the contemporary world. We all go through times in life when we discover who we are and our faith in God, followed by times of testing and questioning, only to be released on the other side into times of rejoicing and happiness in overcoming such trying seasons. Everyone goes through these stages in life no matter their faith or background. Referring to the Psalms and the seasons of life is a very practical way to approach the contemporary world. It gives everyone a common ground to begin with and to move forward with. Even my brief sharing in the previous paragraph is relatable to most of the individuals in this world. Its a starting place to share how I came through and use the verses of the Psalms to relate this to a contemporary world.
Question Three
The book of Proverbs, particularly chapters 1-8, truly does read as if it were a textbook of instruction to the businessmen and administrators of Biblical days. Just the same, as read through in the modern version of scripture, these chapters could easily be found in a contemporary textbook for a business or management class. Verses two through seven of the first chapter read as a prologue to a how to manual of sorts stating that for learning about wisdom and instructionfor gaining instructionto teach shrewdness to the simple keep reading and carefully follow these instructions (Proverbs 12-7, New Oxford). Its true today just as it was years ago, before launching into any business venture or stepping out into the world of management and administration one must first understand the rules. Wisdom is a necessary prerequisite to the field and wisdom begins with the word of the Father and those who have served in the field before.
Proverbs 18-19 are specifically labeled as Warnings against Evil Companions (New Oxford). Taking on a business venture is one thing, but a joint venture creates an even larger set of rewards andor dangers. There are certain personal characteristics as well as public displays that one must be on the look for as warnings to stay away from individuals and not build partnerships. These same principles are included in many of todays textbooks on business and management.
Wisdom is the overall theme through these chapters just as it is modern textbooks. To be successful you have to lead with your head and not just your heart. Critical thinking and wisdom in decision making will make or break a career. Concluding these chapters is the underlying theme that ultimate wisdom comes from submission to the Father. Following His lead and instruction will guide us in making safe, sound, secure decision in our business career. Many of these key issues are presented in similar ways in the contemporary business education classes, but they are not as religiously sound as they should be. It is so very important to base all business decisions in business and decisions in life on the Word of God and the lordship and leadership of God in order to be successful. I believe if it were more prominent in the business educational classes then the decision making and success within the field would be more successful.
Question Four
At first glance the book of Job might appear to be confusing and offer anything but comfort, but when a deeper look is taken, it becomes more evident that there is meaning to suffering and there is comfort in knowing God does have a purpose in the suffering. Through the progression of the suffering, Job questions God and asks why over and over. His friends and family try to convince him to turn from God and just give up and die, yet he continues asking God why the suffering. In the end, Job comes to the realization that he is trying to play God in figuring out a reason behind the suffering and what has happened to his life. God reminds him that only He (God) is in control and has a say as to when suffering is given and when it is removed. God is the one who created the earth and has all the power (Job 38-41). Job is convicted of his rebellion and repents to God asking forgiveness (Job 424-6). Suffering happens to all of us to make us even stronger in the Lord. Suffering is a form of trial and testing of our faith. It is hard for people whether a believer or non-believer to make sense of seemingly meaningless suffering. At first glance, just as Job, we question and grow angry and distant, but when we face whats happening and ask God to show us what He would have us accomplish through this, we find ourselves becoming aware of Gods work amidst the suffering. We overcome and although life will never be the same again, there is a new growth and a new beginning available to us.
Question Five
A rabbi answered the question how can you believe in God after your experience in the Nazi death camps with another simple question, Have you read the book of Job Why was this question given in return In the book of Job, Job spent all of his time asking God why. He questioned God, doubted God, and doubted his faith. Through the suffering and trials, Job ends up having another conversation with God in which God puts Job in his place reminding him that He (God) is the God of the universe and the only one with the power. Job is not the one who set the earth into motion. Job did not create the beasts of the field or the great mammals of the ocean. Job has no power. God is God alone. Job repents and instead asks why he might learn from this suffering and how he might grow. Jobs great suffering did not turn him from God, but in the end gave him a greater understanding and relationship with God. The suffering from the Nazi death camps taught this individual a similar lesson as recorded in Job, which is what he meant when he replied with a question of his own in the form of Have you read the book of Job
Question Six
In high school I knew a believing skeptic. He questioned everything about the Bible, yet attended a Christian school, attended church regularly, and was surrounded by a believing family. He had every reason to believe, yet every reason not to believe. His faith was not faith at all, but merely a cover up for his family. Faith was theirs. He based his beliefs on reason, evidence, and what he determined to be truth. One day, he came to an understanding and made a public profession of faith in God. He was asked what made him change his mind and he shared that he had come to believe through a series of evidence discovered through science. Evidence of a Creator, a supreme being that existed somewhere out there. The evidence did not come out and state it was God, but when his background in the faith was added to the equation, he realized he had proof of God. His faith is of a different sorts in that he does not easily take things at face value, but insists on investigating and examining. He is a doubting Thomas of sorts someone who believes because of seeing.
Believing skeptics play a great role in modern religious communities. They are not the only skeptics out there. There are many individuals who are skeptical of the faith and insist on evidence and proof. Believing skeptics have the uncanny ability to reach out to those skeptics and share their own findings and discoveries. Believing skeptics are a tool in reaching unbelieving skeptics.
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