Jon’s thoughts: Seems fitting that there should be a reference to offal, the dung that still remained in an animal to be sacrificed, as what we know as the Old Testament comes to a close. Still more fitting that Malachi should draw our attention to the coming of Christ, compared to whom no sacrifice will ever be desired or pleasing.
Malachi
We Have Been Sanctified
An offering to take away sins?
Dung!
Rebuke!
Impossible.
Neither desired nor pleasing,
He has done away with these.
We have been sanctified,
By Christ, once and for all.
Jon Bannon
© Jon Bannon 2021
Jon’s thoughts: God’s dealing with us and his enemies — yes there are those who would make of themselves enemies of God — is often harsh and seems unjust: plunder, rape, destruction, famine, all seem too much for our lack of obedience. Yet, in the aftermath of God’s dealings, his creation is reborn.
In Zephaniah the destruction and afterward the regrowth was likened unto a fire that burns through a forest seemingly destroying everything in its path yet preparing the way for new growth more beautiful than the previous. Here it’s horses that trample the land, loosen the soil, allowing for something new when the rain and subsequent sunshine come.
Zechariah
On That Day
All was quiet, peaceful, a few colored horses, grazing and playing in the dappled sunlight.
The sky began to rumble and shake like the earth beneath the feet of a thousand horses.
They pounded the ground beneath their feet and stirred the air to a violent, dusty storm.
For a time it seemed that it would never end, the many colors, shapes, sounds and textures: vagabonds invading the land.
As quickly as it started it was over. The herd moved on, the dust settled, the air quieted, and the ground stopped shaking.
What appeared was the destruction brought by such a violent invasion, nourishment that only a storm can bring.
The hard and craggy earth had been broken and tilled, making it possible for new growth more easily to take hold.
Then the unveiling of the sun gave life to a once dry land; wetted by streams of living water.
Jon Bannon
© Jon Bannon 2021
Jon’s thoughts: Why is it that God is so intent that we build for Him, the creator of the universe, a dwelling place to house his presence here on earth? It seems odd to me that it should be this way. Then again, perhaps it is not so much for Himself that He goes to such great lengths to see to it that we build a temple for Him. It is for us, it is in us, that He does such extraordinary things. And in that He takes great delight.
Haggai
Build A House Unto The Lord
Build a house unto the Lord.
He will take pleasure in the work:
In every brick and board.
He is with you.
His Spirit in your midst;
Fear not in everything you do.
He will fill the house with glory,
A place of peace to bless,
And tell a beautiful story.
Jon Bannon
Image by Randy Fath
© Jon Bannon 2021
Jon’s thoughts: I have this memory of a conversation with my stepfather many years ago about the forest fires that raged through Yellowstone National Park in the late 1980’s. As we watched and listened to the reports of the devastation, I remember telling him that we should remember to watch the news closely in the coming months to see and hear reports of the wonderful rebirth of the areas burned in the park. You see forest fires are not all doom and gloom. They are a natural part of a healthy ecosystem in some areas that clear away built up debris and choke the life out of a forest. In the aftermath of a raging fire comes the delicate rebirth of new life. Life that enjoys the freedom of a nutrient rich and open ecosystem. It is a blank canvas on which to paint.
Zephaniah
Rejoice
The wanton destruction of a forest fire destroys everything in its path.
The charred remains of life are what is left of its all consuming wrath.
It may burn cool or run hot, creep, or smolder with rage.
It may move upon the surface of the forest floor or in the crowns,
For it, all the world a stage.
Look again. This seemingly unnecessarily cruel and destructive force has left a remnant;
Burned away the tangled undergrowth and cleared the land for that which is still extant.
Valuable nutrients have been released and sunlight once again bathes the forest floor.
New habitats have been created for those who remain to come and start again.
For them an open door.
Graze and lie down,
Do not be afraid.
Sing aloud,
Rejoice and exult with all your heart.
The Lord has taken away the judgments against you;
He has cleared the way.
Jon Bannon
Image by Christofer Maximilian
© Jon Bannon 2021
Jon’s thoughts: Yet. What a powerful word. Along with words and phrases like even so, despite all that, howbeit, however, nonetheless, notwithstanding, still, and though, yet juxtaposes events and ideas in a way that forces us to see beyond the moment. We reach back into the past and remember, we look forward and have faith, so that in the present we can rejoice.
Habakkuk
Yet
Despite all that, or nonetheless and even so,
Still, notwithstanding, however, yet and though,
I will take my stand and watch and look to see
What the Lord will say to me.
“I am doing a work that you would not believe if told.
Rejoice in the Lord of your salvation, as they did in days of old.”
Jon Bannon
© Jon Bannon 2021