Spiritual Dynamite
by Mike Dwyer / Executive Pastor
I came across a phrase in my reading the other day that really hit me and so I thought I would share it with my church family. The phrase is Sacrificial praise in the midst of agony is spiritual dynamite. The men have been studying the Jewish patriarchs and we were “chewing on” the story of Judah. We asked the question why it was that Jesus came through the line of Judah, the fourth born son?
In the midst of the discussion we noted that Judah’s mother, Leah, was not the favorite wife of Jacob. Indeed, there is no question that Jacob loved Rachel, her younger sister. Their father, Laban, had actually tricked Jacob into marrying Leah (whom Jacob thought was Rachel). Leah had three sons prior to Judah. The first was Reuben, his name means “It is because the Lord has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.” Next came Simeon (Because the Lord heard that I am not loved). Then she gave birth to Levi (Now at last my husband will become attached to me because I have borne him three sons.). Notice that Leah is concentrating on herself and her problem as she names each of these three older sons.
I came across a phrase in my reading the other day that really hit me and so I thought I would share it with my church family. The phrase is Sacrificial praise in the midst of agony is spiritual dynamite. The men have been studying the Jewish patriarchs and we were “chewing on” the story of Judah. We asked the question why it was that Jesus came through the line of Judah, the fourth born son?
In the midst of the discussion we noted that Judah’s mother, Leah, was not the favorite wife of Jacob. Indeed, there is no question that Jacob loved Rachel, her younger sister. Their father, Laban, had actually tricked Jacob into marrying Leah (whom Jacob thought was Rachel). Leah had three sons prior to Judah. The first was Reuben, his name means “It is because the Lord has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.” Next came Simeon (Because the Lord heard that I am not loved). Then she gave birth to Levi (Now at last my husband will become attached to me because I have borne him three sons.). Notice that Leah is concentrating on herself and her problem as she names each of these three older sons.
When it comes to Judah things change and she starts praising God. Judah’s name means praise (This time I will praise the Lord)! In the midst of her problems she was finally able to take her eyes off herself and her own pain and give sacrificial praise.
Some of my own “sweetest moments” are when I have been able to praise God in the midst of my own agony. In those moments I have been able to take my attention off of myself and focus on the love and grace of God. I fully agree with the writer who said it is spiritual dynamite. Keep your eyes on Jesus. I will be praying for you.
Some of my own “sweetest moments” are when I have been able to praise God in the midst of my own agony. In those moments I have been able to take my attention off of myself and focus on the love and grace of God. I fully agree with the writer who said it is spiritual dynamite. Keep your eyes on Jesus. I will be praying for you.