Nota Bene: Marginalia Commentary on Life from a Curious Learner

Today I spent a few hours working on some background research for my thesis and worked through what the Church Fathers said in regard to Matthew 5:9. What does "blessed" mean? "Who are the peacemakers?" "To what extent does peacemaking go?" I came across a letter from St. Jerome written to Theophilus, the bishop of Alexandria in 399 A.D. Apparently, St. Jerome and John of Jerusalem were having a tiff over various theological and ecclesiastical matters (that I won't get into here). What I want you to see is the beauty of Jerome's language and the vivid pictures he creates with his words.  St. Jerome in his study  "You have quoted many passages from the sacred books in praise of peace, you have flitted like a bee over the flowery fields of scripture, you have culled with cunning eloquence all that is sweet and conducive to concord. I was already running after peace, but you have made me quicken my pace: my sails were set for the ...

Scripture: Psalm 19:7-11 Observation: The law, statutes, precepts, etc. are more than simple words, they are the words of God and they bring delight to the soul. The poetic structure of this psalm goes beyond a few observations. I remember from prior studies that this section is part of the chiastic form of the larger Psalm. The first part of the Psalm draws attention to how God reveals himself to all people through his creation. The last verses deal with God's very specific revelation to the individual through his thoughts, meditations, and prayers. The focus of the Psalm is on these verses - which highlight God's unique revelation to all who have the Word of God. Just a quick note here on why I love the Old Testament so much. At the time of this writing there was no New Testament. In fact, many of the prophets had yet to be born. But David speaks so passionately about the Word that you can't help but be drawn to it. He isn't just talking about the stories and the mira...

Scripture: Romans 10:8-11 "...it is with your heart that you believe and are justified..." Observation: The word is near you - very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart. ( see Deuteronomy 30:14). Je sus also said that the two of them are connected when it comes to my speech (see Luke 6:45). The word that is planted in the heart bears its fruit through my lips. What I say is an indication of what is happening in my heart. If my heart is full of the presence of the Lord, then my speech will represent him. Here is a good indicator of the state of my heart. Application: I know that as a teacher my words mean a great deal. I also know that when words are public there is a good chance that I'll slip up and say stupid things. That's being part of humanity. But what is the overall tenor of my conversation? Today I will watch my words carefully. Not to hold my tongue, but to try hard to evaluate the state of my heart through observing the words that I speak (and wri...

Hearing God with your Heart (John 17:6-8, 17-19) " "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. " (John 17:6–8, NIV) " Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. " (John 17:17–19, NIV) Listening with your heart is different than learning with your head. Devotional Reading The chief aim of devotional reading of the Bible is not to learn more information about God, but to encounter God in his Word. It is more for transformation than information . Spiritual reading is slow, thoughtful, a conscious interaction with the Lord along...

Timothy H. Lim, vol. 3, Pesherim , Companion to the Qumran scrolls (London; New York: T&T Clark, 2002). "The pesherim are some of the best-known biblical exegeses to be found among the Dead Sea Scrolls. They are scriptural commentaries named after the technical Hebrew term pesher (pl. pesherim ) which characteristically appears in formulae that introduce an exposition of a biblical verse (e.g., 'the intepretation [Hebrew: pesher ] of the matter is …')." I purchased this book as part of a set through Logos . I read it last night in utter fascination. This book is more than an exegetical tool to unwrap the meaning of the Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS), it is also a fantastic view into the second temple period and the community of Qumran. Ever since visiting the DSS exhibit at the Minnesota Science Museum last year, I am particularly drawn to the findings at Qumran and the studies that continue to pour forth from this extraordinary archeological discovery. I love...

Scripture: Psalm 91:14-15 Observation: The Lord's protection is for those who love him and show it by obedience to his Word. The protection is just one of God's blessings on his followers: rescue (v 14) protection (v 14) answered prayer (v 15) presence in trouble (v 15) deliverance (v 15) honor (v 15) longevity (v 16) salvation (v 16) That's quite a list! It seems so strange to me that there are so many critics of Christianity who claim that God robs them of joy. I look at this list here and can only offer thanks to a generous God who pours out his blessings on his people. These blessings are for those who: love him, acknowledge his name, and call on him in trouble. Jesus said that if we love him we will obey his commands. ( John 15:9-14 ) He also indicated that if we remain in his love, then we God will hear and answer prayers (John 15:7). A final link between this passage in Psalm 91 and our John 1 7 passage is the reference to the name. John 17:11 tells us...

(John 15:9-14). He also indicated that if we remain in his love, then we God will hear and answer prayers (John 15:7). Scripture: Psalm 91:14-15 Observation: The Lord's protection is for those who love him and show it by obedience to his Word. The protection is just one of God's blessings on his followers: rescue (v 14) protection (v 14) answered prayer (v 15) presence in trouble (v 15) deliverance (v 15) honor (v 15) longevity (v 16) salvation (v 16) That's quite a list! It seems strange to me that there are so many critics of Christianity who claim that God robs them of joy. I look at this list here and can only offer thanks to a generous God who pours out his blessings on his people. These blessings are for those who: love him, acknowledge his name, and call on him in trouble. Jesus said that if we love him we will obey his commands   Psalm 91 and our John 1 7 passage is the reference to the name. John 17:11 tells us that our protection comes through the na...

Scripture: Psalm 5:11-12 11　But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. 12　Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Observation: A strong link exists between dependence on the Lord and joy. The world tempts me to seek out and find my own happiness. God calls me to joy in Him. There is gladness and joy for those who take refuge in the Lord. The Lord is the protector of his people. There is a difference for the person who knows the Lord and follows his commands. Theirs is a life of joy, gladness, protection, rejoicing, and blessing. The Lord surrounds them with favor. Our protection comes from the Lord rather than from any other source. Human efforts at protection are mirages at best. They may seem to be impregnable fortresses, but are nothing but a house of cards. On the other hand - our God protects with his love and ...