Shalom Aleichem...
Reflections is a weekly Christian Teaching Ministry. Each week we will talk about the Bible and lessons we can put to use in our daily life. We will try to, on a weekly basis, provide to you stories, thoughts, and just easy ways to live your life on a straight path.
THIS WEEK'S TEACHING....February 8, 2021
God leads us, through the Holy Spirit, to a comfortable and peaceful life in our day-to-day experiences.
The turbulent world of life looks for a quiet place to enjoy the grace of God. Oh how David enjoyed singing Psalm 23.
This week, our teaching is part of that Psalm: “Leads me besides still waters” (Psalm 23:2). This line was composed by the shepherd boy or King David. Psalm 23 is very popular and recited by millions and millions over the years. I do a number of Christian funerals monthly and each completes with this Psalm.
First though, let’s understand how the bible translators have understood the word and refer to it with their interpretation of the Hebrew words. “mei menuchot = Quiet Waters: Calm Waters (NCV), Quiet waters (NASV), quiet streams (Living Bible), quiet pools (MSG), peaceful waters (NOG), Still waters (World English Bible) , peaceful streams (NLV), Refreshing water (NLT), an oasis of peace, the quiet brook of bliss (The Passion Translation), and Tranquil waters (Jewish Orthodox Bible).
I would like to refer these quiet waters to our three spiritual and physical experiences:
1. Quiet waters refer to the Holy Spirit
2. Quiet waters refer to rest and refreshment of our Physical, mental, and emotional realms and,
3. Quiet waters refer to the Abundant life on earth and beyond
1. QUIET WATERS REFER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
He has composed this song out of his deeper experience in the shepherding and their dangerous situations. David compares himself to a sheep and explains how he is blessed to have God as his shepherd and a leader. Shepherds usually lead the sheep to the running waters or clean ponds and lakes. At the same time, they take all precautionary methods to avoid the mud sling waters, polluted and dangerous zones. They would make sure of the good and safe waters to the flock. The first understanding we get from this phrase is perhaps David may refer to the waters of Siloam, or Shiloh, that go softly (Isaiah 8:6), compared with the strong current of the Euphrates.
The consolations of the Holy Spirit are like the still waters by which the saints find quietness during calamities, losses, and failures. The streams of grace that flow from the fountain of living waters always keep a person in complete calm (Isaiah 26:1-3). Those only are led by the Holy Spirit experience the comfort of the still waters. They continually walk in the paths of righteousness. Their ways of duty are truly pleasant, and their works are full of righteousness in peace.
In these paths, we cannot walk, unless God leads us into them and leads us on in them. Discontent and distrust proceed from unbelief; an unsteady walk is a consequence of it (Matthew Henry).
So, these "still waters" are the influences and graces of God’s blessed Spirit. The Holy Spirit attends us in various processes: to cleanse, to refresh, to fertilize, and to cherish as the streams do with us. The Holy Ghost loves peace, and sounds no trumpet of pretention in his operations, may act quietly mostly.
He is a dove, not an eagle; the dew, not the hurricane. The inflow of the Holy Spirit into our soul is very personal and not exponential. Therefore, neighbors may not perceive that divine presence, and though the blessed Spirit may be pouring his floods into one heart, there may be someone that sits next to you one may know nothing of it. Our Lord leads us beside "still waters". We could not get there by ourselves, we need his guidance, therefore it is said, "He leads me beside still waters". When we sit at the feet of God with heavily loaded hearts with the worry about our financial crunches, failures in the profession, overdue to be paid, taking care of a sickly spouse, parents, and fear of the future of our children and many other unknown fears. The Holy Spirit leads us beside still waters. I cannot tell you the number of times the Holy Spirit has taken be to the still waters in my life.
He knows each one of us by our names, so He knows all of our needs and necessities and answers accordingly. He is also aware of the dangers and difficulties that stalk each of our life paths. He is the sparkling wellspring of comfort, and He gently leads us by His waters of stillness. He is the One that leads us to the still water-pools of refreshment for He is the water of life.
He does to the soul, by causing it amidst the dryness and heat of temptation and trouble, to taste the very essence of life which refreshes and strengthens it (Keil and Delitzsch). "Waters of stillness" whose quiet flow invites to repose. They are contrasted with boisterous streams on the one hand, and stagnant, offensive pools on the other.
2. QUIET WATERS REFER TO REST AND REFRESHMENT
Quiet waters refer to rest and refreshment of our Physical, mental, and emotional realms. According to its primary meaning is resting or dwelling-place, specifically an oasis, i.e., a greenery spot in the desert. Quiet and gentle waters, running in small and shallow channels, which are opposed to great rivers, which both affright the sheep with their great noise and expose them to be carried away by their swift and violent streams, while they are drinking at them (Benson Commentary).
Thou hast brought us from the land of our captivity, from beyond this mighty and turbulent river, to our country streams, wells, and fountains, where we enjoy peace, tranquillity, and rest (Adam Clark). So that it comes to itself again, therefore to impart new life, recreate.
A pastoral word used of gentle leading, and more especially of guiding the herds to the watering-places, and the making of them to rest, especially at noon-tide (Song of Songs 1:7 & Revelation 7:16-17).
He leads me beside the waters of rest and quietness and not too rapid torrents. With the noisy streams and the swiftness of their motion, the sheep are frightened, and not able to drink of them. But the still waters, the pure and clear, and motionless, softly flow, like the waters of Shiloh (Isaiah 8:6) and the Lord leads them in a gentle way and enables them to bear it.
As Jacob led his flock (Genesis 33:14), and Christ leads (Isaiah 40:11 & John 10:3) us beside "still waters" with the everlasting love of God, which is like a river, the streams whereof make glad the hearts of his people.
The quiet waters are rise to the ankles, knees and higher, and are as a broad river to swim in; the pure river of water of life Christ leads his sheep too, and gives them to drink freely of: also communion with God, which the saints pant after, as the hart pants after the water brooks, and Christ gives access (Gill Exposition).
He longs to give us peace, rest, and repose, so He takes us to where the water is pure, clear, and almost motionless so we can refresh ourselves in Him. It’s a place where we can slow down, be quiet and still with Him, and experience His deep, pure love intimately.
Everything that brings relief from the ordinary pressure of daily life and revives the drooping spirits. The Music, worship, responsive readings, devotion and feeding of the word, fellowship, and friendship, and the holy communion are our areas still waters. This is sweeter than spending time in hill stations during a hot summer and very pleasant than staying in a luxurious resort to relax (G. Edward Young).
3. QUIET WATERS REFER TO ABUNDANT LIFE ON EARTH AND BEYOND
Psalm 23:2, "He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams." (NLT). Philip Keller (A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23) writes that sheep do not lie down easily and will not unless four conditions are met. First of all, they are timid. So, they will not lie down if they are afraid. Secondly, they are social animals. so, they will not lie down if there is friction among the sheep. Thirdly If flies or parasites trouble them, they will not lie down. Finally, if sheep are anxious about food or hungry, they will not lie down. Rest comes because the shepherd has dealt with fear, friction, flies, and famine. Likewise, we enjoy the abundance of life on earth with Christ and he is there for all of us beyond.
“The psalmist describes himself as one of Jehovah’s flock, safe under His care, absolved from all anxieties by the sense of this protection, and gaining from this confidence of safety the leisure to enjoy, without satiety, all the simple pleasures which make up life—the freshness of the meadow, the coolness of the stream. It is the most complete picture of happiness that ever was or can be drawn. It represents that state of mind for which all alike sigh, and the want of which makes life a failure to most; it represents that heaven which is everywhere if we could but enter it, and yet almost nowhere because so few of us can” (Ellicott Commentary).
The shepherd leads his sheep to green pastures of grass and quiet streams providing water for drinking. Canaan is a dry, rocky set of rolling hills covered with sparse and tough grass. Water sources are few and often seasonal. Shepherds take their flocks on long migrations from one source of grazing and water to another. The psalmist describes abundant life in three descriptive statements—causes the sheep to lie down, makes them approach quiet waters carefully, and leads them faithfully on the correct paths (biblegateway.com). I love you all. Have a blessed week:)
DID YOU EVER WONDER???
Potatoes, Eggs, and Coffee Beans.... Once upon a time, a daughter complained to her father that her life was miserable and that she didn’t know how she was going to make it. She was tired of fighting and struggling all the time. It seemed just as one problem was solved, another one soon followed.
Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen. He filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Once the three pots began to boil, he placed potatoes in one pot, eggs in the second pot, and ground coffee beans in the third pot.
He then let them sit and boil, without saying a word to his daughter. The daughter moaned and impatiently waited, wondering what he was doing.
After twenty minutes he turned off the burners. He took the potatoes out of the pot and placed them in a bowl. He pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl.
He then ladled the coffee out and placed it in a cup. Turning to her he asked. “Daughter, what do you see?”
“Potatoes, eggs, and coffee,” she hastily replied.
“Look closer,” he said, “and touch the potatoes.” She did and noted that they were soft. He then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, he asked her to sip the coffee. Its rich aroma brought a smile to her face.
“Father, what does this mean?” she asked.
He then explained that the potatoes, the eggs and coffee beans had each faced the same adversity– the boiling water.
However, each one reacted differently...
The potato went in strong, hard, and unrelenting, but in boiling water, it became soft and weak.
The egg was fragile, with the thin outer shell protecting its liquid interior until it was put in the boiling water. Then the inside of the egg became hard.
However, the ground coffee beans were unique. After they were exposed to the boiling water, they changed the water and created something new.
“Which are you,” he asked his daughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a potato, an egg, or a coffee bean?”
Moral: In life, things happen around us, things happen to us, but the only thing that truly matters is what happens within us. Which one are you?
Potatoes, Eggs, and Coffee Beans.... Once upon a time, a daughter complained to her father that her life was miserable and that she didn’t know how she was going to make it. She was tired of fighting and struggling all the time. It seemed just as one problem was solved, another one soon followed.
Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen. He filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Once the three pots began to boil, he placed potatoes in one pot, eggs in the second pot, and ground coffee beans in the third pot.
He then let them sit and boil, without saying a word to his daughter. The daughter moaned and impatiently waited, wondering what he was doing.
After twenty minutes he turned off the burners. He took the potatoes out of the pot and placed them in a bowl. He pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl.
He then ladled the coffee out and placed it in a cup. Turning to her he asked. “Daughter, what do you see?”
“Potatoes, eggs, and coffee,” she hastily replied.
“Look closer,” he said, “and touch the potatoes.” She did and noted that they were soft. He then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, he asked her to sip the coffee. Its rich aroma brought a smile to her face.
“Father, what does this mean?” she asked.
He then explained that the potatoes, the eggs and coffee beans had each faced the same adversity– the boiling water.
However, each one reacted differently...
The potato went in strong, hard, and unrelenting, but in boiling water, it became soft and weak.
The egg was fragile, with the thin outer shell protecting its liquid interior until it was put in the boiling water. Then the inside of the egg became hard.
However, the ground coffee beans were unique. After they were exposed to the boiling water, they changed the water and created something new.
“Which are you,” he asked his daughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a potato, an egg, or a coffee bean?”
Moral: In life, things happen around us, things happen to us, but the only thing that truly matters is what happens within us. Which one are you?
BOOKS OF THE BIBLE...A TEACHING
More of the Cults in Religions of the World....
The Unitarian-Universalist Association...The Unity School of Christianity, and The Unification Church
These three belief systems are considered in one chapter not because they are necessarily similar in belief but because the similarity of their names sometimes has led to confusion. We’ll look at each separately.
The Unitarian-Universalist Association formed from the 1959 merger of the Unitarian Church and Universalism, which, historically, developed separately. Unitarian beliefs have roots in the anti-Trinitarian controversies of Christianity’s early centuries but came into their present form during the Enlightenment. Unitarianism found greatest growth and popularity in the U.S., particularly through the speaking and writing of the nineteenth-century essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. In contrast to orthodox Christian teaching, Unitarians follow the ethics of Jesus but deny his divinity. They believe the apostle Paul was the one who intentionally elevated Jesus’ standing—that Jesus himself was strictly human and knew it. Unitarianism was and remains popular chiefly with the intelligentsia.
Universalism had like beginnings and, as with Unitarianism, found the height of its popularity in nineteenth-century New England, in large part a reaction against the strict Puritan form of Calvinism prevalent in that period. In addition to rejecting Jesus as divine or as Messiah, it also saw hope for salvation in other religions. Following the 1959 merger, Unitarians also adopted this idea.
The association’s statement of purpose declares their sources of tradition as being found in the wisdom of the world’s religions, Jewish and Christian teachings, and humanist counsel, among others. It understands salvation not in terms of heaven or hell but in the betterment of the human spirit and evil’s removal from the world. Their emphasis mostly is on social issues. In 1985, they claimed about 175,000 members and over a thousand congregations.
Charles and Myrtle Fillmore founded The Unity School of Christianity in 1889. Charles was interested in Eastern religions and the occult. Myrtle, his wife, was a follower of Christian Science; this mix came together in Unity.
Although Unity makes extensive use of biblical vocabulary, its basic belief system is more like Hinduism. God is the source of everything but is not distinct from the human soul. As with Christian Science, Jesus was only human; Christ was just the spiritual aspect of him. “Jesus was potentially perfect and He expressed that perfection; we are potentially perfect and we have not expressed it,” according to Unity writings. The focus is on health, spiritual healing, and prosperity. All of us have Christ potential within us. The goal of Unity is to replace the physical human body with a true spiritual body through a series of reincarnations, so that everyone becomes a Christ.
Unity has been more successful numerically than its Christian Science parent (see chapter 35). The Silent Unity staff at the Unity Village center in Kansas City fields tens of thousands of calls and many more letters annually, offering prayer, counsel, and literature. The Handbook of Denominations in the United States says each year it publishes two hundred million magazines, books, booklets, and tracts. Unity markets itself as an educational system yet does have an underlying theology—it trains and ordains ministers and maintains congregations around the U.S.
Since the deaths of Myrtle (1931) and Charles (1948), their sons and a grandson have led the organization. Total membership nationally, plus the many international affiliates, is estimated at one million.
The Rev. Sun Myung Moon founded The Unification Church, in 1954, as The Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity. Its followers, commonly called “Moonies,” currently number about ten thousand in the U.S., though there were more at Unification’s peak in the 1980s. Moon was born in 1920 in what is now part of North Korea, and later moved to South Korea. In 1972, he moved to the U.S., where he lived until recently reclaiming South Korea as his primary residence.
Even as a child, Moon had spiritualistic tendencies. He says that at age sixteen he had a vision of Jesus, who said to complete the task he (Jesus) had left undone. He was later influenced by a fringe group claiming the future Messiah would be Korean-born. Moon has not publicly announced himself as such, but his followers clearly believe he is that Messiah.
In 1957, Moon published the Divine Principle, which became the basis for Unification doctrine. In it he describes three theological “Ages”: the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Completed. The Divine Principle serves as the scripture for this final Age. Allegedly, the crucifixion was an untimely accident, occurring before Jesus was able to marry and produce children. Thus, he failed to right the wrongs of the first Adam (and Eve), and so there is a need for a third Adam to complete the process. Christ’s resurrection was only spiritual and, as a result, accomplished only spiritual redemption.
It remains to the third Adam to provide physical redemption. Although he has not publicly said he is the third Adam, after several divorces, Moon declared his fourth wife, Hak Ja Han, to be the second Eve and “perfect mother.” Hell is the present earth, which one day will be replaced by the kingdom of God—which the third Adam will usher in.
Sun Myung Moon had already become a wealthy businessman before moving to the U.S., where he established or purchased additional companies, including the Washington Times. He or the Unification Church also have founded nearly a dozen nonprofit religious or political organizations, including the American Freedom Coalition, which lobbies for and financially supports conservative and anti-Communist issues.
The Rev. Sun Myung Moon is best known in the U.S. for a mass service at Madison Square Garden, in 1982, in which he married more than two thousand couples. Moon had matched them from among his followers (who were mostly young and single); many had known each other less than a month. A Canadian newspaper claimed he officiated at a 1988 ceremony in which 6,500 couples were wed. In a South Korean stadium, Moon offered a wedding blessing for 300,000 couples, in 1992, and another 360,000 couples in 1995.
HAVE A SAFE AND BLESSED WEEK:)
Ho'omaikaʻi ka Pua iā kākou