Human Blood and Sacrifice
“The outcome of every fight is death, and the means are fire and sword. You may retort: "But he was a highway robber, he killed a man!" And what of it? Granted that, as a murderer, he deserved his punishment. What crime have you committed poor fellow that you should deserve to sit and see this show? In the morning they cried, "Kill him! Lash him! Why does he strike so feebly? Let him receive blow for blow, with chests bare and exposed to the stroke!"
This is a piece written by Seneca in Rome about the human sacrifice in the Arena. Men and women went to watch the show for entertainment. We look on them in disgust. How could people find such brutality enjoyable? Yet, do we not pay to watch such violence today? You say it's just a show, people aren't really getting hurt. Yet, it looks real doesn't it? What is the motivation that the movie makers have to produce such films? Does it not have to do with this human lust for blood?
At this Halloween time I have been considering why our culture has such a fascination with human blood. In studying for my History test on Wednesday I came across human sacrifice in other civilizations. The Aztecs are known for their mass killings. They believed that blood was the drink of the sun, and in order to continue life on earth they had to offer up thousands of human lives.
They are not alone in their philosophy though the specifics are altered Hitler followed in their footsteps offering up millions to the god of racial purity. In our own country and around the world the blood of unborn children is offered to the gods of convenience and affluence.
We are a depraved race. The sins of the Romans and the Aztecs mortify us, but they do not keep us from committing the same heinous acts ourselves, and we do so on a much larger scale.
Seneca was right in asking of our crime. We sit and watch in a distorted pleasure at violence just like the Romans in the Arena. Our crime I would suggest to you is the crime of the human race. We have spit in the face of God and He in turn has let us glory in our sin. When a person does not (or cannot) love the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind and strength then he cannot love his neighbor as himself. In fact, we are doomed to hatred unless divine human blood is shed on our behalf.
I wonder if there is some general revelation engrained in men making them aware that God required blood. Since they were/are lacking special revelation (or at least an understanding of it) they do their best to satisfy their awareness by making their own rules. They obviously fail miserably.
I was thinking of all this and ended up talking to Dr. Graham about it for a while. He helped me think it through in the context of History. I suppose some of these thoughts are his and I have adopted them. Giving credit where it's due he believes that there must be some human understanding of a blood sacrifice because it's seen over and over again in human civilizations. The issue is intensely important and extremely confusing. In closing I appeal to the inspired word of God:
"Behold, You were angry, and we have sinned;
In our sins we have been a long time,
and shall we be saved?"
Isaiah 64:5
"And the Lord said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground."
Genesis 4:10
"And to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel."
Hebrews 12:24
Lovely:
It's lovely:
The suns rays gently warming my face as I wake up for another day.
It's lovely:
Drinking coffee for breakfast when I've gone a day without it.
It's lovely:
Sitting by my friend Esther in Physics class- giggling at our absentminded professor.
It's lovely:
Taking a warm shower at the end of a hard day- washing my skin clean.
It's lovely:
Jenna being my spotter so I can do a backbend.
It's lovely:
Getting emails from Mom and Jennifer- they love me.
It's lovely:
Studying in the Library and seeing friends every once in a while- (maintains sanity).
It's lovely:
Being at a school where we spend time studying the "Master Teacher" in Found. Ed class.
It's lovely:
Looking forward to a weekend spent with old friends and cousins.
It's lovely:
Singing God's word with God's people- and being overcome.
It's lovely:
Having the perfect workout buddy *thank you Lisa*
It's lovely:
An American flag with a painted sky behind it (and remembering freedom don't come free).
It's lovely:
A hot-air balloon with happy people riding in it.
It's lovely:
Wearing my pink rainboots to class and jumping in all the puddles.
It's lovely:
Physics class ending for the week.
It's lovely:
Almost forgetting to put the detergent in the wash, almost.
It's lovely:
Drinking a glass of cold chocolate milk and warm coffee interchangeably.
It's lovely:
Making a plan for the day and actually pulling through with it.
It's lovely:
Being best friends with my roommates.
It's lovely:
The prospect of bringing friends home for a weekend.
It's lovely:
Realizing that Jesus wants us to "rejoice in this: that your names are written in the book of life."
It's lovely:
Rejoicing in Him.
It's lovely:
A long drink of water from a cup that hides my face when I'm stressed out and/or about to cry.
It's lovely:
Hearing the gospel preached in chapel and thanking Jesus that it's true.
It's lovely:
Getting a anonymous note in the mail '"And all things, whatever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." Matt 21:22 TODAY I PRAYED FOR YOU.'
It's lovely:
Being convinced to the depths of my soul that He is with me, and that He is faithful.
It's lovely:
This day that I have been given.
Good Morning
I don't have much to say, so perhaps I shouldn't write a note because I may end up saying something that I didn't want to say. Well, I suppose I'm writing anyway.
Last weekend was fall break. It was nice. My family is as crazy as ever. I got to hang out with friends and see people at church which was wonderful. It all ended rather quickly, and now I'm back here.
I am really enjoying school. People ask me, "Becca, how are you, really?" Really, I'm doing great. My classes are hard, but this is college and if it were easy there would be something to worry about. I have some incredible friends. My roommates and I have our ups and downs, but right now we are getting along splendidly. I love my professors, and I our beautiful campus. It's strange how normal it feels to walk to class or share a bathroom with 50+ girls. I hoped and dreamed about this time of my life for years, and now it's here. God has given me an opportunity to learn at Grove City College and I'm thankful.
He's been teaching me something about the way He works. God likes to use our faith to make things happen. The faith is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, so in a way it's His faith, but when we trust Him and act on that trust He loves to "wow" us with His power. He has got it all under control. I just have to believe Him. It's should be an easy burden, because between the two of us He is by far the more faithful.
I'm learning. Thanks for praying. I finished mid-terms and so far my results have been pleasing. God be praised. I don't have anything pressing this week just a lot of studying and reading to catch up on.
May God bless and keep you.
Suffering People
Last night I watched Freedom Writers. I was blown away by the pain and violence that kids experience in urban schools. We had to watch the movie for Education class. The teacher basically drew her students together and gave them the hope that they needed to rise above the gangs and hatred that they grew up in.
It was startling to watch the true story unfold. These were highschool kids and they witnessed murder, abuse, and sever discrimination on all sides. My heart hurt for them. I wanted to be a teacher who could change these lives and break the pattern of violoence.
Yet, there was a another side to the coin. The teacher in the movie sacrificed everything for these kids. She ends up enduring a devorce because she spends so much time and enegry on her students. She doesn't have a life outside the classroom. I didn't like that. I'm not ready to give everything up a roomfull of highschool kids.
This morning we went to a Step into Africa Exibit at the local YMCA. We put on headphones and "became" an African child. We walked slowly through a maze of dirty rooms and jungle trails. We ended up in a Clinic to be tested for Aids. I was Immanuel. I was HIV negative, but my mother and father died of Aids. I lived with my older brother Frank who took care of me. He was only 9.
Walking out of that exhibit my whole body ached. The pain endured by so many people around the world is a burden that Christ alone can bear. There is so much to be done, but where can a girl begin? Am I to teach in the inner city and dedicate the next few years of my life to pouring everything I've got into my students? Am I to follow a call to a distant land and help people understand the love of Christ amidst the suffering and pain of this present world.
Regardless of the future I am here at Grove City College now. I am to serve God by being diligent in my work, by reaching out to those around me, and by being faithful in keeping His commandments. I was nervous watching the movie last night, and even more so standing in line to enter the exhibit this morning. "To whom much is given, much is required." I have been given much.
Now the question is, what is required? What does God want to do with me? What am I willing to do for Him?
"Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thristy and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'
Then the righteous will answer Him,
"Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you,
or thirsty and we gave you drink?
And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you,
or naked and clothe you?
And when did did we see yo usick or in prison and visit you?"
And the King will answer them,
"Truly, I say to you as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,
you did it to me."
Matthew 25:34-40
Thank You
Thank you for giving us Zorro for a time.
Thank you for the fun and enjoyment we had with him.
Thank you for friends near and far.
Thank you for truth that stands the test of time.
Thank you for wet rainy days.
Thank you for my
rainboots.
Thank you for tight "I love you this much" hugs.
Thank you for placing me on this beautiful campus.
Thank you for getting me through... everything.
Thank you for your Word.
Thank you for laughter.
Thank you for warm flannel sheets.
Thank you for Rose Point Reformed Presbyterian Church.
Thank you for Fall Break.
Thank you for this upcoming Lord's day.
Thank you for giving your "loved ones sleep".
Thank you for being faithful.
Thank you for yellow envelopes.
Thank you for tea.
Thank you for love.
Thank you for the hope of eternity.
Thank you for family.
Thank you for all the things I'm forgetting.
Thank you.
What I was thinking on this day... interesting
On this day three years ago:
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work; you nor you son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. Exodus 20:8-11
How quick we are to forget this command God gave us. As covenant children we do treat Sunday differantly. But do you really remember the Lord's words? Even in worship, sometimes I am more focused on the people around me then on God. It is a problem. We could all use a challenge in this area.
This day two years ago:
*Dreamy huge smile*
Hello,
My name is Rebekah and I love living. For the past several months (and longer actually if you really think about it,) I have been rather upset with the reality of my life. It's true, to my shame I have complained and sighed over how much work and struggle was required of my life. It's not that way right now. God is faithful to His people.*Another huge dreamy smile* I am just excited about His plans. He has so many good things worked out for us, and if we, if I am willing to sacrifice my desires and preferences to His will, life will be beautiful in ways I can't imagine.This week is not going to be easy, but who said it would be?! I am living for God, and that should be evident by the quality of my work, the smile on my face, and the kindess of my actions. Alissa and I were just talking about how dependant a "good day" is on attitude not circumstance. Honestly, the difference between good days and bad days can be nothing at all other than my heart attitude. It makes all the difference in the world. Hi, my name is Rebekah and I am a daughter of the King!"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mrecy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith-more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire-may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not seen Him now, you believe in Him, and rejoice with a joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."I Peter 1:3-9
May grace and peace be multiplied to you,
Rebekah
On this day a year ago:
Good Morning,
I'm glad you're awake. I'm glad you're smiling. I'm glad you have a reason to live today. I'm glad that you are my friend. I'm glad that God has blessed you, even if you don't know exactly how. I'm glad that today we're one day closer to Heaven. I'm glad that we get to serve Him. I'm glad that He loves us. I'm glad that He takes care of us. I'm glad that He has a day that is just for Him. I'm glad that it's fall. I'm glad that I get to go to school today, and that on Thursday I don't have to. I'm glad that I'm done with my lab report (all 8 pages of it!) I'm glad that I am feeling well. I'm glad that it's a beautiful day. I'm glad that you called. Oh, wait maybe you have yet to do that, but I'm glad that you will. I'm glad that God has me at 2RP. I'm glad that He knows best. I'm glad that our pastors are willing to follow His lead. I'm glad that I'm learning. I'm glad that yesterday we got to worship Him, and have communion. I'm glad that I can understand the Word He's given me. I'm glad that there are wiser men to explain it when I don't understand. I'm glad that I can love. I'm glad that I am loved. I'm glad that I have a duty in the Kingdom. I'm glad that I'm a daughter of the King.
A Happy Girl,
Rebekah Ann
"O happy people who are thus, o happy people who can say they have the LORD to be their God!" Psalm 144.
I joyed when to Jehovah's house, "Go up," they said to me *Smiles*
It's been one of those days that will be burned in my memory as lovely and unique. We serve a lovely and unique God, and today was His day. It seems appropriate that it be a lovely and unique day does it not?
This morning I worshiped with the Rose Point congregation. We are facing various issues, and yet this morning we heard the Gospel preached and we were able to praise God together. It was wonderful. After church we ate lunch at the Weather's house. It was great to fellowship with some of the members of the church. I love them, and I'm very thankful that God has placed me here.
Alex's boyfriend Ben is here for the weekend. He's been around a bit livening up our lives. We don't ever have boys in our room so it has definitely gotten us out of a slump. A nap this afternoon was basically unthinkable because it was 92 degrees and there was a fair amount of chit-chat going on. It's ok, we love Ben and he doesn't get to be here very often.
I ate dinner with Esther, her roommate Emily and Stephanie. It was rather rushed because I wanted to get to church without making people wait for me. When we got to church the sermon was entitled
A Place for Pain. Pastor Watt assured us that we will all face pain and it was only a matter of time if we were not amidst it already. He gave five facets of how we develop in pain/suffering:
1. Suffering makes us participants in Jesus' experience. Christ committed himself to a life of pain and suffering. "The servants are not above the Master."
2. Suffering keeps us realistic about life. When life is good we often forget the most important things.
3. Suffering reminds us to appreciate the good things we have in this life and it allows us to be thankful.
4. Suffering helps us keep one eye on eternity. Pain reminds us that someday creation will stop groaning and "He will wipe every tear from our eyes."
5. Suffering purchased our redemption. God did the unthinkable: He sent His some down a path of ultimate suffering.
He then challenged us to think about how we may minister to people who are suffering. Some quotes that he mentioned in the sermon that I found remarkable:
"In Christianity we often don't rise above our pain, but rather God descends into it."
"Christianity is the only religion that has as it's central event the humiliation of it's God."
"God mixes blessing with pain so that we don't set our sights on this world." John Calvin
"Life is pain princess. Anyone who says otherwise is selling you something." The Princess Bride
We finished the worship service with Psalm 102A. It was powerful to be reminded of the sufferings of Christ "You raised me up to throw me down." Needless to say the service was intense and I was greatly challenged and encouraged. Pain and suffering are not above God. They are his means of perfecting us. It's hard, but it's His way.
The stars were amazing tonight. I mean breaktaking. God set those stars and He promised Abraham that His people would outnumber the starts. *Amazing* We sang Psalms all the way back to Grove City where we dropped off darling Julia. She needed to get some sleep because she has 4 exams this week poor Dear.
It was about 8:37 when Seth parked the car in the boondocks. We were going to be late so we ran across campus and a significant portion of the way to the Hugh's for College Fellowship. We sang Psalms. A innocent bystander asked "Are you late?" Apparently we didn't look like we were on an intentional run. Seth invited him to Bible study. He declined.
We got there a bit early, all things considered. Tonight Pastor Hughs read from
Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices a Puritan Paperback by Thomas Brooks. We focused on purity of mind, and keeping ourselves fixed on Christ as a resting place. Again the Holy Spirit was working in me and I was inspired to work out my salvation with that much more fear and trembling. It was good.
On our walk home Emily, Jenny and I sang Psalms all the way. We sang at least a dozen. The sky was begging for us to praise God, and we couldn't resist. Emily kept saying, "We can't stop. Let's sing another one. Please?!" It was lovely.
"My heart is brimming with Thy praise and honor all day long!"
Really, it has been a hardish week, but this Lord's day was incredible. I love the Lord. He is wonderful. He picks us up and sets our feet on high places. He deals so graciously with us. He gives us people to encourage us. Singing the Lord's songs is one of my favorite things to do. We do it a lot here, and I am so thankful.
May you all have a lovely week. Please pray for me. I have a paper due tomorrow that has caused me a bit of trouble. I have an Economics exam on Wednesday (30% of my grade *yikes*) and an Education exam on Thursday.
I've been learning about the importance of doing my homework in God's strength. Praying before I sit down to study/write makes a world of difference (pardon the pun). Esther taught me the importance of dedicating work to God and asking for His strength and wisdom. It's been good.
Ok I'm off to shower and bed.
"Advancing still from strength to strength
They go where other pilgrims trod,
Till each to Zion comes at length
And stands before the face of God. "
Psalm 84:7
Speaking for Myself
Today has been a wonderfully odd day. At the moment I am working on a rather strange History paper. It’s not due until Monday, but I’m wrestling with the question “Did Christianity Liberate Women?” At first I thought this would be the easiest topic to write on because I have strong feelings involved and some familiarity of primary sources, namely the Bible.
It’s going to be harder than I expected.
Ok I defiantly did not start this post thinking I would write about what I should be writing about right now. Wow, that was a lot of “rights/writes”. I’ve spent the last hour and a half reading these arguments and trying to make sense of what I’m going to be doing. Gretchen and I are in the Library and the chairs are lovely wood and Victorian style. After 67 minutes of being cooped up I decided I need to pee and take a short run. I found the bathroom which happens to be bright green in the Buhl Library and then made my way outside.
It is a gorgeous day in Pennsylvania, probably something like 75 degrees, clear skies and a nice breeze; so basically perfect. I ran as fast as I could to the first tree I saw. I was obviously barefoot and running in jeans with my hair partly down and my “I’m a Protestant… Really” necklace pounding up and down against my chest. I got to the tree, and then whirled around and ran to the next one. Before you know it I was stretching and doing all sorts of wild “Becca needs to take a break” moves. I’m sorta giggling at this point because crazy-fun-random things make me laugh. Running in the rain last week with Esther made me laugh… yeah things like that. Ok, I look up from my craziness and there are a dozen strangers walking towards me sorta trying to act like they didn’t just see that. They all happened to be male, and I quickly stood upright and ran for the Library laughing harder than before.
It’s a fun life.
There was pepper jack cheese at the sandwich bar at lunch. It made me happy. For Fit/Well (Grove Cities version of PE,) we have to keep track of everything we eat this week . It’s called our Nutrition Project. I wrote down that I had two slices of Pepper Jack Cheese *smiles*
There have been some hard things going on with my life lately. It’s not the end of the world, because God is in control, but I am feeling constant pressure to rely on Him alone. I like to feel comfortable and secure, but right now the only place I’m finding my comfort is in God. It’s a good thing. He’s given me joy in the midst of some trials. He’s a great God and greatly to be praised.
Ok, I really should get back to writing about how Christianity has liberated women- it sure has liberated me. Hehe.
*After twenty minutes of studying*
Gretchen and I are sitting in the Buhl Library with our feet up on the large oak table. We are facing each other with identical laptops both working on our History assignment. My side of the table is much messier than hers, mostly because I like to take up lots of space when I write a paper. I feel studious when I have lots of books and pages surrounding me.
I just thought I would add these fun facts.
*30 minutes after the last time I commented*
I am just getting up to get a glance at my emails and take another walk. Out of the corner of my eye I notice Dictionary of Irish Family Names. How random?
*20 minutes after I left for my “break”*
I ended up emailing Esther and receiving an important email from my Daddy. In the process Seth and Saundy walked into the Library. After a long hug and Seth making fun of us, he asked me how I was. I just smiled. He said, “Great?” I said, “Yeah, I’m great.” He said, “You’re always great aren’t you.” I sorta laughed and shook my head, “No, I am not. Although since salvation is what makes me great, and that never changes, I suppose I always should be great.” “Well, I think you are always great.”
That was sweet. We chatted for a bit. I hadn’t seen them in a week. It was fun. I’m back now working, sorta, on school.
