Wednesday, June 22, 2022
(click here to listen to or read today’s scriptures)
Humility then and now
Can anybody spell polyp? Oops. I guess you can now.
Our grandson Jack (age 13) and I faced various joys and sorrows at the Illinois Scholastic Bowl, now and way back when. At a key moment in a key match, Jack successfully spelled “phlox” the flower, which so easily could have been spelled “phylox” and often is, incorrectly (phylox is a bug!). The room at the Peoria Civic Center burst into applause.
Years ago at the high school version in Streator, Illinois I answered a question too quickly about an ink blot test. I answered that it was the Rorschach, which was correct, but I failed to say it was a psychological test. Fifty-five years, and I still remember that moment far too well. I’m glad Jack has a sweeter moment to store in his good-stuff bank.
Spelling polyp might have been another story. It’s an old person’s word, and I am happy to say that my own personal colonoscopy on Monday yielded only one polyp (“resected and retrieved”) rather than three, as there were five years ago. And this time I also got several high quality color photographs of various places in my intestine. Special! Something I can show any grandkid that wants to see. Enquiring minds …
All the people stood as participants in the covenant.
King Josiah ruled Judah for thirty one years, beginning when he was eight years old. During restoration of the temple a scroll (we now call it Deuteronomy) was found, and the king had the scroll read to all the people. A religious revival took place, and all the people committed themselves to following the law as Moses wrote it in the book.
By their fruits you shall know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Before and after Josiah bad things happened in Israel and Judah. But when Josiah was 26, eighteen years into his reign, the scroll was uncovered and brought to him. In unking-like humility he tore his robes and insisted the law be made public knowledge. Everyone, including himself, had to face the fact that they had offended and insulted God, who had brought them out of Egypt to the “promised land.” And he, the king, must be first to change his ways, then everyone else would follow.
Every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
I’m amazed at the power of simple obedience. Do your homework, and you can spell phlox. Follow your doctor’s recommendations, and often you stay more healthy. If you work at a hot factory, go to work every day anyway. Do what you said you’d do. If you’re the king, or the president, or a parent, or anyone in charge of others’ futures, be the first to be humble and admit your own sin. Not only are you blessed by this, but so is everyone around you.
It’s the only way to live.
(2 Kings 22, Psalm 119, John 15, Matthew 7)
(posted at www.davesandel.net)
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