The Bible says what!?!

So on Tuesday night we talked about parts of the Bible that sometimes get “glossed over.”  There are lots of tales from the Bible that we’ve heard plenty of sermons on.  There are others that we’ve brought up in conversation.  Still there are those that we just would rather forget.

Perhaps it’s not even stories, maybe it is passages or ideas.  For instance, how many people are clamoring to hear a sermon on driving a tent-peg through someone’s head? (Judges 4:21)  Sure, it would get the attention of every teenager in the place, but can you imagine the children’s sermon that would go along with it?

Better yet, how about the Song of Solomon?  Is that a text that one might feel comfortable hearing, say, sitting next to your grandmother.  Oh yea, did I mention that Paul said not to get married?

The fact of the matter is that there are lots of stories in the Bible that are filled with murder, deceit, intrigue, and mystery.  Listen, soap operas had to get this stuff from some where.  Still, that doesn’t make us feel any more comfortable with it.

The truth is that for some of the passages are just like following God.  They’re not always easy and definitely challenge us.  However, when we stop, study, pray, and listen, we gain a better understanding.

Take Jael, for instance (Judges 4).  Sure, we can get hung up on the tent-peg, but there’s more to that story.  For starters, we know here name.  Let’s face it, in the Bible, if you’re a woman and we know your name it’s usually because your important.

Next, go back and read the entire chapter, and let’s see what happened.  Apparently, it was all the rage for the Israelites to quit listen/following God a regular basis.  Okay, I’m really downplaying that, they were doing evil.  This time, God sent in Hazor and there was some not good stuff began to happen.  The Israelites turn back to God and called for help.  So, Jael, by killing Sisera, she was doing the work of God and ultimately helped God’s chosen people.

My challenge to you is to go back to an re-read some of the tough passages and look at them with new eyes.  You’ll be surprised what you see.  It may challenge you, but you’ll have a deeper understanding.