Posted in 2021 Advent devotions

Priest for hire

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“The Road to Bethlehem” Advent devotion for December 2, 2021. Photo by Eric Prouzet on Unsplash

“Now there was a young man of Bethlehem in Judah, of the family of Judah, who was a Levite, and he sojourned there. And the man departed from the town of Bethlehem in Judah to sojourn where he could find a place. And as he journeyed, he came to the hill country of Ephraim to the house of Micah. And Micah said to him, “Where do you come from?” And he said to him, “I am a Levite of Bethlehem in Judah, and I am going to sojourn where I may find a place.” And Micah said to him, “Stay with me, and be to me a father and a priest, and I will give you ten pieces of silver a year and a suit of clothes and your living.” And the Levite went in.” (Judges 17:7-10)

This is certainly an strange chapter in the history of God’s people “In those days there was no king in Israel [and] everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6). Previous to this, Micah had made his own little household shrine, complete with a little silver idol. When a Levite comes on the road from Bethlehem, Micah hires him to be his own private priest. He figures that if he has a Levite for a priest, he’s got it made. God will certainly bless him.

Both Micah and the Levites break so many of God’s laws about idols, priests and Levites. This road to Bethlehem is paved with ignorance, disobedience, and superstition. Their do-it-yourself religion leads them away from God, not closer to him.

The road to Bethlehem is filled with folks who think they have God figured out. If I just tweak some part of my life, if I say the right prayer, if I have the right person pray for me, or if I show up at church one week, then God will certainly bless me.

The whole problem started when someone did what was right in her own eyes. Eve ate from the tree forbidden to her and Adam when she saw that it looked good. Lots of things look like the right thing to us. We are easily deceived. Our desires are powerful. We think we’ve got it all figured out. Unfortunately, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12).

By the grace of God, we have a king, Jesus. No one could quite figure him out. He looked like a man, and yet he could do the things of God. He loved the unloveable. He wouldn’t defend himself at his trial. He came to seek and save the lost, and gave his life as a ransom for many. Who does that? Why would he do that?

He did all that so we wouldn’t end up inventing our own religion and ending up lost. He did that to be the way, the truth and the life. We don’t have to engineer a way to receive God’s blessing. Jesus comes to give us his gifts of grace. He comes to be the ultimate prophet, priest and king.

Thank you, Lord, for coming to us with your gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation. I’ll never figure out why you love me so much. But I am very thankful for your blessing. Amen.

Posted in 2021 Advent devotions

Here comes the judge

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“The Road to Bethlehem” Advent devotion for December 1, 2021. Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

“After him Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel. He had thirty sons, and thirty daughters he gave in marriage outside his clan, and thirty daughters he brought in from outside for his sons. And he judged Israel seven years. Then Ibzan died and was buried at Bethlehem.” (Judges 12:8-10)

A small town no one’s ever heard of gets noticed when it’s the birthplace of a U.S. president. Like West Branch, Iowa, the birthplace of Herbert Hoover. Warren Harding hailed from Blooming Grove, Ohio. Chester A. Arthur was born in Fairfield, Vermont.

Ibzan, one of the judges of Israel, claimed Bethlehem as his hometown, putting it on the map long before Jesus was born. His name might not be as familiar as Gideon or Samson, but he was part of Israel’s history between Joshua and the first king, Saul. While Gideon was known for his fleece and Samson for his strength, we only know that Ibzan was prolific. Thirty sons and thirty daughters adds up to a large family!

The only other information we have about Ibzan is that all those sons and daughters married outside the clan. Why is this significant? It portrays him as someone who took care of his family, setting the stage for strong future generations. Some say all these marriages indicate substantial wealth, as anyone who has daughters will acknowledge!

So what do you think? What do you think of Ibzan? Would you like a faithful family man to lead your nation? Sounds like a win to me. Paul told Timothy to pick pastors who were good husbands and fathers. Jesus had his mother on his mind in his dying moments on the cross. Plus, Jesus thought of those who trusted him as brothers and sisters, not just followers. Family was important to him. He prayed, “Father…” and taught us to pray, “Our Father…”

Someone who knows the value of family has the potential to be a great leader. That person knows how important their love, example, discipline and forgiveness are to the next generation. They’ve experienced it in their own lives, and they can pass it along to those who have been entrusted to them. I’m thankful for the example and love of my own father that has shaped me into the father and now grandfather I am today.

Isn’t it great to know God as our Father? He’s not just a statue or a legend or some mysterious deity. He adopts us by grace, calls us his children, and teaches us to approach him as a father who is there to protect, provide and love us. His own son comes to give up his life, to show us how much our father loves us.

Thank you, Father, for revealing your love for me in your Son Jesus. I pray that good, faithful family men would indeed rule our nation and care for our people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Posted in 2021 Advent devotions

A new king

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“The Road to Bethlehem” Advent devotion for November 30, 2021. Photo by Hassan Pasha on Unsplash

“The Lord said to Samuel, ‘How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.'” (1 Samuel 16:1)

King Saul turned out to be a big disappointment. Rather than following God’s instructions, he made up his own rules. God decided to start over, selecting the next king from another family. It’s time for Samuel to take the road to Bethlehem to anoint one of the sons of Jesse.

Saul knows what’s going on. He knows he’s blown it. If Saul found out what Samuel was up to, he would definitely stop him (1 Samuel 16:2-3). It’s trachery! So Samuel has to make it look like he’s going to Bethlehem to offer up a sacrifice. Once there he’ll be able to meet with Jesse and select the next king.

Yes, we are talking about religion and politics. Succession from one ruler to the next in the bible is often messy and violent. Politicians were making back room deals 1,500 years before Jesus was born. And then when Jesus was born, Herod sent soldiers down the road to Bethlehem to kill the children, among whom he hoped would be the king of the Jews.

Imagine being Jesse. You’ve been invited to a clandestine occasion with the prophet Samuel. He wants you to bring your sons, too. Suddenly you’re part of a plot against the throne! Samuel anoints your youngest son, David, as the next king. If Saul finds out, you’re going to be on the hit list, too.

Years later Jesus would tell his disciples that they would be brought before kings and governors because of their allegiance to Jesus (Luke 21:12). Their own families would turn them in (Luke 21:16). They would find themselves between a rock and a hard place, wedged between the kingdoms of this world and the kingdom of God.

Isn’t that exactly where Joseph and Mary found themselves? Her child would inherit the throne of his father David (Luke 1:32). But they would be on their way to Bethlehem because of a decree from Caesar Augustus (Luke 2:1).

It’s a tension that always has and always will tug at the loyalties of God’s people. We know that the governing authorities are God’s gift to us to keep the peace and protect us. We also know that we must obey God rather than men. A life of faith often walks a tightrope between the two. Just like Jesus, who paid his taxes and stood trial before the Roman governor. Just like Jesus who submitted to the will of his father and fulfilled the law for us. Just like the apostles who were imprisoned for talking about Jesus. Just like the apostles who were compelled to speak about what they had seen and heard about Jesus.

Are you struggling to navigate a path between religions and politics? You’re in good company with the faithful of old and of today.

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of governing authorities. Thank you for being my Lord. Guide me through the tension between these two kingdoms until that day when every knee bows to you. Amen.

Posted in 2021 Advent devotions

Rachel’s resting place

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“The Road to Bethlehem” Advent devotion for November 29, 2021. Photo by Martin Isaksson on Unsplash

“So Rachel died, and she was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem), and Jacob set up a pillar over her tomb.” (Genesis 35:19,20)

The first time we find ourselves on the road to Bethlehem in scripture is for Rachel’s burial. Rachel was the love of Jacob’s life, but was actually his second wife after a wedding night mixup in Haran. (You can read all about it in Genesis 29.) Even though Jacob had to work seven years for her, he loved her so much it only seemed like a few days.

For a long time, Rachel couldn’t have children. She could only look on as her sister Leah, her servant Bilhah, and Leah’s servant Zilpah gave birth to ten sons for Jacob. Finally God remembered Rachel, listened to her prayer, and she had a son named Joseph. She died giving birth to Jacob’s last son, Benjamin. The families of these twelve sons would grow to be the twelve tribes of Israel, the great nation that God promised to Jacob’s grandfather, Abraham.

Just about everyone traveling to Bethlehem would pass by the place where Jacob had set up a pillar of remembrance. The tomb was still there when Saul was anointed king of Israel (1 Samuel 10:2). Was it still there when David was going back and forth to feed his father’s sheep (1 Samuel 17:15)? Or when some were trying to escape the Babylonians (Jeremiah 41)? Did Joseph and Mary see it on their way to Bethlehem for the census?

If so, each might have remembered stories their parents had told them about Abraham who had obeyed God and moved to a new land. Or the moment on the mountain when God provided a ram for a sacrifice instead of Abraham’s son Isaac. Or how Jacob cheated his older brother Esau out of his birthright and blessing. And how Jacob ended up with two wives, the sisters Leah and Rachel. Or how Rachel’s son Joseph, who became a prince in Egypt, saved the lives of his father and brothers during a time of famine.

I may have passed by Rachel’s tomb on a bus entering Bethlehem. Our tour guide didn’t mention anything, but I remember all the Sunday School stories. God had his hands full trying to keep that family and nation intact and on the right track to bring a Savior into the world. But he did it. He did it for them and he did it for us. Nothing, not even death, can separate us from his love!

Thank you, Lord, for those who taught us the faith and those whom we can teach. Remind me often of the stories, the names and the places along the road to Bethlehem. Amen.

Posted in 2021 Advent devotions

Too little

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“The Road to Bethlehem” Advent devotion for November 28, 2021

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
   who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
   one who is going to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
   from ancient days. (Micah 2:5)

The 2010 census reported Monowi, Nebraska was home to just one person, giving it the distinction of being the smallest town in the United States. The only person who lives there, Elsie Eiler. As mayor, she issued herself a liquor license for her bar, the Monowi Tavern. Monowi is on the map because it’s so small!

The little town of Bethlehem was even smaller, too little to be mentioned in the list of the clans of Judah who settled in the promised land of Canaan (Joshua 15:20-63). Bethlehem is on the map, though, for it would be the hometown of a ruler for God’s people.

What a ruler this would be! He was promised long ago to the man and the woman exiled from the garden of Eden. He would be known for justice, righteousness and peace. His reign would have no end. This ruler would be the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Every knee in heaven and on earth and under the earth would bow to his name, the name of Jesus.

We’ve all felt insignificant. Too short to ride the amusement park rides. Not talented enough to make the team. That handsome young man or gorgeous woman doesn’t even know we’re alive. Passover over for a promotion. Again.

But to God you are important. He knows your name. He hears and answers your prayers. He’s prepared a place for you in eternity. He gave gave up his one and only son for you. You are significant because of who he is and what he has done for you.

Bethlehem Ephrathah is a great reminder of how God likes to use small, unnoticed, humble places and people to do his greatest work in this world. Like he did with Mary, a young woman from Nazareth. Or David, too small to fit in a uniform. How about Paul, who knew he was the least of all God’s saints. And the widow whose offering of two mites was worth so much to Jesus.

We all feel a little “too little” from time to time. And yet from us comes a reason for hope, an effective prayer, a song of praise, and a sacrificial love.

Lord, thank you for the little places and the small ways that you bring your gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation into the world and into my life. Remind me to always base my self worth on you and your love. Amen.

Posted in Stories, Travel

Slurp

Posted on by William Douthwaite

On our return flight from Dallas (see Back in the Air), my wife and I had middle seats across the aisle from each other on American Airlines. When I asked at the gate if we could sit together, the agent said, “Sure,” and then quoted me some upgrade costs. No thank you. The direct flight to Jacksonville, FL was just a few hours. How bad could it be?

My seat was between a woman and a young man that I believe were mother and son. I wish they had sat together because the mom had a lot to say to her son, who just wanted to sleep. I brought up a book on my phone’s Kindle app and read until the drinks and pretzels reached our row.

The son asked for a Dr. Pepper. I had some ice water. The mom had a can of tomato juice which she poured over a cup of ice. For the next fifteen minutes, like clockwork, she loudly sipped and slurped her tomato juice.

<slurp>

“Look at this video on my phone. It’s so real.”

<loud slurp>

“It’s so clear.”

<louder slurp>

“Do you want one? We can up grade for free. From 11 to 13.” OK, we’re obviously in the iPhone universe. She had a new 13, he had an 11. (I have a 10, by the way.)

“No thanks.”

<even louder slurp>

“It’s free. You can trade yours in.”

“I’m fine. I don’t need one.”

<still louder slurp>

“What about your other phone? You can trade it in.”

“I’m fine.”

<really loud slurp>

“You could get four or five hundred dollars for it.”

“I don’t need the money. I’m fine.”

<loudest slurp>

“It’s four hundred dollars.”

“I don’t need the money. I’m fine.”

<longer, louder slurp>

“OK. Just let me know.”

<loudest, longest slurp>

She looked out the window. He turned toward the aisle and tried to go to sleep. She wasn’t comfortable for the rest of the flight, about thirty minutes. She pulled her legs up to her chest. She stretched out as best she Over and over and over, about every two minutes.

So they weren’t the most annoying row-mates I’ve ever had. They weren’t the friendliest, either.

As we deplaned, she walked ahead, he lagged behind. She was on a mission to get to baggage claim. He was clearly in no hurry to join her.

I hope you two enjoyed your ride together to your next destination!

Posted in Travel

A rainbow dress on Rainbow Row

Posted on by William Douthwaite

When my wife and I went to Charleston, SC in September, we got down to Rainbow Row in the historic district of the city on East Bay Street. As we stopped to take pictures from across the street, we just happened to catch this young lady wearing a dress to match the colors of the row homes.

My brother looked up a few of the house values along that street. All were upwards of $2 million. But a rainbow dress on Rainbow Row? Priceless.

Posted in Travel

Good to see you again, Big Tex!

Posted on by William Douthwaite

We got to Texas just in time to attend one of the last days of the Texas State Fair. We last went five years ago and I was itching for a little fair food.

Since it was Saturday, the fairgrounds in the heart of Dallas were only a thirty minute drive from our Airbnb in Rowlett. We picked up three of our grandchildren and headed out in a wonderful fall-feeling fifty degree morning.

We found a $20 parking spot in a convenience store lot just across the street from gate 5. Just about anyone with some blacktop was running a $20 parking business in the surrounding area. There was no line to buy 2 senior (yes, we both qualified), 2 child and one (free) toddler ticket for admission. We were already in for about $100, and we had just arrived. Going to the fair is not a cheap date.

Our first stop was a children’s aquarium, promising sharks and sting rays. (Oh, by the way, that was a separate admission price.) It was actually a nice collection of fish and sharks, and we did get to pet some baby sting rays. We also dipped our hands into a tank filled with doctor fish that gently pecked away at the dead skin on our hands.

Our seven year old, Eden, wanted to ride the huge ferris wheel, so she and my wife got in line. I bought a bunch of coupons for rides and food and gave them twenty for the ride (BTW, coupons are $1 each), while I took the other two off to grab some corn dogs. After they quickly disappeared, we headed to the cattle barns.

Inside one of the cattle barns

As with any good state fair, the livestock barns are enormous. We walked through stall after stall of beautiful cows being cleaned and prepped for showing that day. They were the best of the best. The ferris wheel riders met us at the swine barn, where we saw the best hogs from around the state. The champion boar, weighing in at 1155 pounds, was sound asleep in his pen out side the barn.

Boris, 1155 lb. champion boar

By now everyone was hungry again, so I rounded up two more corn dogs, some lemonade, a burger and an huge plate full of french fries. Fully fueled we made our way back to the birthing barns.

The birthing barns were cool. We saw several calfs born that morning as well as litters of hogs from the past few weeks of the fair. A few goats were about to give birth, too. This was a very popular and crowded venue.

Bull born that morning

From there we walked through some shopping booths, filled with lots of unique jewelry, clothing and toys. By this time, we had done a lot of walking and still needed to see Big Tex, so we made our way back towards the gate where we came in. By mid-afternoon, the fair was crowded, but we made it to the big guy. We did lots of walking, but the kids (and the grands) took it in stride.

On our way out, people continued to stream in the gates. Cancelled in 2020, this year’s fair was expecting 2.5 million visitors over twenty-four days, taking in over $65 million dollars and generating close to $500 million of business for the community. It is the biggest state fair in the country.

Just one of the grills with the biggest turkey legs I’ve ever seen
Posted in Stories, Travel

Blase Family Farm Pumpkin Patch

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Today’s outing took us to Rockwall, TX, for a visit to the pumpkin patch at the Blase Family Farm. We had been there before, probably five years ago. It’s an interesting drive to get there. You drive through some really nice neighborhoods filled with beautiful, large brick homes. Suddenly, you see the sign, pull into a gravel lot and you are at the entrance of the farm, just across the street from a gorgeous housing addition.

My daughter-in-law had made advance reservations. They are still limiting admission to ensure a little social distancing. The $9 admission did include a hayride, food for the petting zoo, and a take-home pumpkin. Not a bad deal.

Pumpkins were scattered all over the several acres open to visitors. Lots of sitting areas were set up for family photos. I am not sure if they actually grow the pumpkins on the farm, or bring them in from elsewhere. But this is a popular annual event in the area.

We headed straight for the petting zoo. The first pen contained two llamas. One dominant one bullied the other and hogged all the food. So we distracted him and fed the less aggressive one. Next in line was a pen full of sheep, including one black one. A few little pigs were happy to see us and a donkey brayed until someone paid attention to him. We came back later and made a second round of all the animals.

The hay maze was down the hill from the welcome barn. It wasn’t much of a maze, but it kept a lot of kids busy for a long time running and jumping across the bales of hay.

The hay ride was a nice jog through some of the farm and past the blueberry part of the farm. The blueberry bushes were all in individual planters, much different than the farms I’ve seen in Florida. Along the way, lots of hay bales were decorated in halloween themes.

A little trail off to the side was lined with signs telling the story of Spookley the Square Pumpkin. I think his story is one to support anti-bullying. The older kids liked flexing their newly developed reading skills for us.

By the time we left, this popular pumpkin patch was filled with families. The whole idea of a “pumpkin patch” is an interesting business. My college fraternity used to frequent them each fall in Lancaster, PA. However, when we went, it was always dark and we didn’t exactly pay admission. But that’s another story.