A Little Shire in the Morning

Day 3: Luke, Chapters 2-3

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So, the second day after I decided to start reading the Bible, I didn't make time for it.. But! In my previous attempts to create a daily routine of reading the Bible, that would have discouraged me. This time, however, I recognize that daily routines do not, contrary to my previous belief, happen over night. It's ok to miss a day, so long as I'm aware of it. And today, I'll just do two chapters. No biggie.

Also, the music of the Shire helps inspire me to do anything. So here we go.


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Luke, Chapter 2

This chapter speaks of the birth of Christ, and his first few years of life. I was struck most by Mary's reaction to the shepherds who visited her in the stable. After the shepherds saw Jesus, they were amazed and went to spread the word, to people who also were amazed. It then says, "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" (v. 19). I would like to know the meaning of the phrase "treasured up" as used in this context, because to me, pondering has always been sort of a reflective, almost critical, analysis of thought. And I just find it fascinating that while everyone around Mary is moved by what has happened, Mary is a little bit hesitant, or at least a little curious. Very motherly, I think, and another sign of our humanity.

My favorite verse is what Simeon says to Mary and Joseph regarding Jesus. "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too" (v. 34-35). I think this is so incredibly haunting, especially to be said to the parents of a baby. I just find the focus strange, and not expected. It's not about how Jesus is the salvation of the world, or anything like that. It's much darker, and more brute. Fascinating choice of words.

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Luke, Chapter 3

Chapter 3 introduces the grown up John the Baptist, no longer a child. He begins to baptize people and tell them of the good news, that while John baptizes with water, Jesus will soon come and baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. I'm assuming fire here is some kind of a symbol, perhaps for power. 

I think the  most interesting part of this chapter is that John gets put in prison for speaking out against Herod. I think this shows the beginning of the kind of resistance that will be shown towards Jesus and Christianity in the coming years. Already, from the beginning, things are begin said that people do not agree with, or do not want to hear. 

My favorite verse is verse 17. John is talking to the people. "His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire" (v. 17). I just think it is incredibly poetic and vivid.

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