Just a thought

We become like the entities we worship.

“[King Ahab’s] worst outrage was worshiping idols* just as the Amorites had done—the people whom the Lord had driven out from the land ahead of the Israelites.”

*NLT note: “The Hebrew term (literally round things) probably alludes to dung.”

Too bad he didn’t know this part of the Book—

“And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them.”

‘Nuf said.

1 Kings 21:26; Psalm 135:18  Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Order in the courtroom, here come ‘da judge

I love history.  It’s not something I took the time to study in school—my nursing program left little time for things other than, well, bedpans and needles and all things dealing with the human condition…

And yet the study of history deals with the human condition in very real ways as well.  Now, a nurse or doctor will observe certain symptoms in a patient, or review the results of blood work, and thus interpret what is truly happening to plot a course of action.  Interestingly, historians can be similar “diagnosticians” when it comes to, not only digging up the facts of the past, but understanding their context, their significance, and their impact on the present and future. 

In other words, stuff happens, good and bad.  Historians dig out the stuff, and pull out the why, how, and what next.  Without that, we tend to misinterpret the present, making more bad stuff happen for the future.

Case in point:

Party’s over

The Babylonians knew how to party; in fact, I get the impression they didn’t do anything halfway.

King Nebuchadnezzar was pretty full of himself despite being warned in a dream, interpreted by the captive Israelite named Daniel (of future lions’ den fame).  The outcome of the king’s pride was remarkable, but was unfortunately not duly noted by his young descendant and the current sovereign, King Belshazzar. 

 So, back to the party.

One thousand strong with plenty of intoxicating liquid, mixed with plenty of everything else, makes for a somewhat