The ancient city of Philippi was located on the Via Egnatia, an ancient trade and military highway that stretched across the Roman Empire.  Paul arrived in Philippi on his second missionary trip sometime between A. D. 49 and 50 (Acts 16:11-5).  He was accompanied by Timothy, Silas, and Luke.  He came to a bustling city that boasted a market place, an ampitheater and a dome shaped acropolis.  Paul had not originally intended to go to the Macedonian region, but a vision from the Lord directed him there.  He was not disappointed for the church in Philippi became his most faithful friend, even to the end of his life.  And it all began thanks to one woman- Lydia.
            For Lydia, "a seller of purple fabric", this was the ideal spot to live.  Not only did the Via Egnatia run right through Philippi’s market, its port was relatively close too; an ideal location for a businesswoman such as Lydia.   Like many of the women we read about in the Bible, we don't know much about Lydia's background or how she became wealthy.  It's unlikely that she came into her money and business by the death of her husband since Roman law only allowed a widow to collect 10% of her husband's wealth.  Women were entitled to inherit more from their fathers, but there is nothing to indicate that Lydia received her money any other way than by earning it herself.  Many times a person in a trade such as this was a freed slave, who continued to work for their former masters by becoming an agent or manager of the master's business.  But again, there is nothing that points to Lydia and says this was her story.  All we know is that she was wealthy enough to own her own business and maintain a household with servants.
            What we do know about Lydia is that she was a "worshipper of God".  This description was used of Gentile people who attended services and took part in reciting prayers but did not adhere to the "rules and regulations" of Pharisaic Judaism.  Paul meets Lydia at an informal meeting place where Lydia and others have gathered for prayer on the Sabbath.  It was always customary to have a visiting rabbi speak during a gathering such as this, so an invitation is given to Paul and he presents the Gospel.  And Lydia responds.  She is the first European non-Jewish convert to the Gospel (Cornelius was the first Gentile convert but he lived in Joppa, Israel).  The interesting thing about her response is that it is very Jewish!  She extends the same hospitality to Paul and his fellow travelers that a Bedouin like Abraham would give to a fellow traveler in the desert.   Lydia's generosity becomes the seed which grows into the church of Philippi, one of Paul's favorite places (see Philippians 1: 1-8).
            Lydia has two prominent characteristics- heart and hospitality.  She has a heart for fellowship and prayer (Acts 16:13), an open heart to receive the Gospel message (Acts 16:14) and a devoted heart demonstrated in her baptism (Acts 16:15).  A second characteristic, hospitality is demonstrated in her immediate offer to house Paul and his friends.  When Paul described Christian character in Rom. 12: 13, he said that the Christian should be "given to hospitality".  When Peter urged Christian duty among his converts he told them, "Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another" (1 Peter 4: 9).  Lydia's hospitality was a result of her heart for the Lord. 
            I have to say something about hospitality, just to clarify a misconception about this attribute.  Some say hospitality is a gift- a spiritual gift.  I counted six verses in my concordance concerning this word, and none of them spoke of hospitality as a gift.  Four out of the six verses were commands to practice hospitality.  What does the word practice imply?  We have to do it over and over.  Not so we get it down pat, but that we get better and better at it.  Michael Jordan, one of basketball's greatest athletes, still practiced his jump shot 2 to 3 hours a day at the top of his game.  It kept his skill sharp.  Hospitality is to be practiced the same way.  My friend JoAnn (who lives in St. Louis) claims she is domestically challenged, especially in the kitchen.  However, this does not deter her from inviting friends over for dinner, or to visit.  Though she says she can't really cook, she has served me some pretty good meals!  She says she has four recipes which she has practiced over and over again and those are the ones she serves to guests.  It may be a rather humorous way to approach the art of being a hostess, but it is a great example of how practicing hospitality is to be a part of our Christian walk.  You don't have to become a master of it, but you do have to practice it.  And truthfully, I think those who practice hospitality reveal what’s truly in their heart.
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.  
Week of 9/3/2017

             Camp David is the country retreat of the President of the United States.  It is located in the wooded hills of Maryland a little over 60 miles northwest of Washington D. C.  Although it sounds like a vacation spot, the site is actually a military installation and is jointly staffed by the Marines and the Navy.  Constructed between 1935 and 1938 it was originally used for federal agents and their families.  It was first known as Hi-Catocin, but through the years and several presidencies the name was changed until Dwight D. Eisenhower gave it its present name in honor of his father and grandson who were both named David.  Perhaps the most historical event to take place on the grounds occurred on September 7, 1978.  The pictures of Jimmy Carter, Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat shaking hands and philosophically bringing peace to the war-torn Middle East are now an indelible part of US history.  But one glance at the headlines of today and anyone will tell you that peace can be an allusive thing.
            In ancient Israel there was only one place to find peace and that was at the Tabernacle (which during the period of the kings was replaced by the Temple, yet the purpose remained the same).  The Tabernacle was constructed during the days of Moses in the Wilderness at God’s command (Ex. 25:8-9) and according to His instructions.  Once erected the Tabernacle was the official place to bring sacrifices and offerings to God in order to restore a relationship with Him (Ex. 20:24; 24:5; 29:28; Lev. 3-4; 7:11-18; Num. 10:10; Ezek. 45:13-17).  During the 40 years Israel spent moving throughout the wilderness due to their disobedience at Kadesh Barnea (Num. 14:1-38) the Tabernacle moved with them.  But after the conquest of the Promised Land, Joshua set up the Tabernacle at a place called Shiloh, which literally means “Tranquility Town”.  Archaeological excavations of this site have uncovered several buildings that were most likely related to the worship practices that were associated with the Tabernacle.
            Shiloh appears several times over the course of Israel’s history.  It is noted in the period of the judges that a yearly festival took place there where young virgins would dance (Jud. 21:19-21).  Elkanah brought his family to Shiloh for a yearly pilgrimage and it is where Hannah, his wife, receives the promise she will bear a son, and then brings him back to serve in the priesthood (1 Sam. 1-3) after promising to give the child back to the Lord.  Joshua and the high priest Eleazer the High Priest also divided the land among the tribes there (Jos. 18:1-10).  Archaeological evidence shows that the Philistines destroyed Shiloh after capturing the Ark of the Covenant in a battle at nearby Ebenezer (1 Sam. 4:1-10; Ps. 78:58-61) although the Bible does not mention it specifically.  The city’s only mention in later Biblical history is as the hometown of the prophet Ahijah during the reign of Jeroboam 1 (1 Ki. 14:4).  The prophet Jeremiah however, uses it as an example of God’s judgment when he warns the people of Judah and Jerusalem that God is about to do the same as the Philistines had for their blatant disregard of their covenant with Him (Jer. 7:12-14; 26:6).
            The Bible states the greatest peace disrupter is the sin of disobedience.  It’s apparent from the start.  Adam and Eve lived in perfect peace with God until they disobeyed His command and ate from the forbidden tree (Gen. 3:1-24).  The Bible states more than once that the way to keep peace with God is to obey His commandments therefore one should diligently pursue understanding and obeying them (Jb. 22:21-30; Ps. 34:8-14; 37:37; 119:165; Pr. 3:1-2; 14:30; Mt. 5:9; Rom. 2:10; 5:1; 14:19; Phil. 4:9; Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 3:11; 2 Pet. 3:14).  But we are all well aware of how short-lived our good intentions are and even if we are able to follow God’s commands overall, there is no way we can fully erase the sin-factor in our lives (Rom. 3:23) but thanks to the Ultimate Peacemaker (Rom. 3:21-26) we can have peace with God and peace with one another (Eph. 2:1-18).  In fact, a peaceful person is evidence that the Spirit is working in that person (Gal. 5:22; Heb. 13:20-21).
            The Tannersville Cranberry Bog is a truly unique and beautiful environment.  I have the privilege of living close to it and have had several opportunities to photograph it with my photo club.  On my most recent photo walk through the bog I found myself separated from the rest of the group in a shady area.  I stopped to listen to some birds chattering away in a nearby pine tree.  I watched the sunlight dancing on the pathway as a gentle breeze pushed the leaves of other trees back and forth.  An overwhelming sense of peace and well-being surrounded me.  It was a great feeling.  But I knew it wasn’t due to the beautiful day or the wonder of the creation around me.  I knew it was due to what Christ has done on the cross.  As my Peacemaker (Gen. 49:10), He is the one who has brought peace into my life (Jn. 14:27; Rom. 5:1).   He can do the same for you (Phil 4:4-7).  Shiloh is your place of peace.
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
Week of 8/27/2017

            Are you ready for the Solar Eclipse?  If you’ve been watching the news you know that this celestial event doesn’t happen all too often.  What makes this one so special?  It’s the first time the contiguous US will be able to see the eclipse in its totality in 38 years.  I vaguely remember the one that took place in 1979.  I'm not sure I even watched it.  But I think for this one I’ll construct a pinhole viewer so that I can watch it indirectly (NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT A SOLAR ECLIPSE!  EVER!!).
            One celestial event of particular note recorded in the Bible is quite intriguing. It takes place in Joshua 10:6-15 at Gibeon.  The Israelites have marched through the night and ambushed the Amorites.  While retreating from the Israelites even more Amorites soldiers are killed by a violent hailstorm.  As if hailstones (a mid-summer hailstorm would have been a rarity in this region of Israel, but they do occur here) weren’t miraculous enough, verses 12-14 have captured the imagination of scholars and lay-people alike for centuries.  Verse 11 records that Joshua makes an appeal to the Lord for assistance in the battle.  Several theories have emerged concerning the verses that follow.  Whether it is the Lord answering that request in vv. 12-14 or it is Joshua’s actual prayer is often overlooked in favor of explaining what takes place.  Specifically, “Did the Lord actually manipulate the movement (or lack of movement) of the Sun and Moon?”
            Scholars offer 6 ways to interpret these verses.  1) The Bible is recording some form of refraction (bending of light) from the Sun and Moon.  2) There was a “wobble” in the Earth’s axis of rotation.  3) There was a slowing of the Earth’s rotation so that it made only one rotation in 48 hours instead of 2.  4)   The Earth physically stopped rotating for one day.  This has been the traditional view of both Jewish and Christian scholars through the years.  The Wisdom of Sirach, Josephus, Augustine, Jerome, Luther and Calvin all held this view.  Through the years several “urban legends” of NASA scientists and noted mathematicians proving this theory have surfaced but none have ever been confirmed.  5)  More recently, the phenomena of these verses has been attributed to a solar eclipse.  In January 2017, a team of Israeli scientists published an article on their findings in which they calculated that the eclipse and Joshua’s battle took place on October 30, 1207 B. C. at precisely 4:28 pm!
Technically the accuracy of any of these explanations could be disputed for each one has its own set of geophysical “problems”.  The sixth view is most in line with the text.  But it will be considered disappointing for those who wish for something a bit more like a scene from a Hollywood movie.  Verses 12-14 can also be interpreted as figurative.  That is to say the all-night march felt as if the moon stood still and the day-long battle made it feel like the sun was standing still.  The verses then are not Joshua’s prayer but God’s response to it.  The Lord “expanded Joshua’s time” (as we might say) so that the battle would be won.  The parallelism of these passages (a key trait of Hebrew poetry) is very evident in the Hebrew.  This interpretation may steal some of the “thunder” of a spectacular celestial miracle, but it certainly does not dismiss the unusual timing of the hailstorm.  And in the end it is the interpretation that best supports what seems to be most striking to the author- a man prayed and God listened (v. 14)!
            The pursuit of understanding natural phenomena recorded in the Bible is not a bad one.  But it can lead us astray from understanding why these events are recorded in Scripture in the first place.  As in the case of Joshua 10 the hailstorm and celestial activity (if there was some) are merely supporting the fact that God listened to Joshua’s prayer and acted upon it.  I had a professor at seminary who used to put it this way, “Miracles in the Old Testament are not events in nature which over-ride the physical laws God has established.  Instead they are all about timing and intensity”. 
            David Howard Jr. in his commentary on Joshua has discussed each of the aforementioned postulations at length but in the end comes to this conclusion, “As we have noted, according to v. 14, there was never a day like this before or since, not because of some extraordinary astronomical phenomenon, but because the Lord listened to the voice of a man and fought for Israel.  The author of Joshua has chosen to marvel at this fact, and not the supposed marvel of the Sun’s stopping”.  Whether one holds to an actual astronomical event or a figurative description of Israel’s substantial victory over the Amorites because the Lord moved on their behalf, the gist of the passage remains the same: God hears the prayers of His people and He responds to them (1 Ki. 9:1-3; 2 Ki. 20:1-5; Ps. 4:1-3; 6:9; 65:1-2; 102:16-17: Prov. 15:8, 29; Lk. 18:1-8; Jn. 9:31; 16:23; Phil. 4:6-8; Js. 5:15-16)!
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.   
Week of 8/20/2017

            Our tour group filed out of the bus and headed up the wide path on the way to Beersheba.  I confess the impact of what I was about to see didn’t really hit me at first but its significance soon would.  The first stop on this leg of the tour was an ancient well.  Its original condition was in such disrepair that archaeologists had restored it using distinctly different stones so that you could tell what was old and what wasn’t.  “Excavations of this well have gone as deep as the Middle Bronze Age” the guide stated.  It didn’t really sink in until we were reminded that the date was current with the patriarchs.  Then the “Aha!” moment sunk in.  We were standing at the very well dug by Abraham in Genesis 21.  History and faith had hit home.
            The Negev (where Beersheba is located) has been used for grazing herds for thousands of years (and still is today).  With its limited rainfall the water supply was largely provided by wells.  Water rights in places such as this were established by contracts.  In Genesis 21:27-32 a dispute arises between Abraham and Abimelech over the very well we stood by at Beersheba.  Other Ancient Near East documents have shown how control of the water could become an international issue especially when the technological know-how and man power to construct a well was what insured the wells ability to produce and then retain the water.  The significant amount of labor necessary for such an important undertaking makes it obvious why the rights to the water supply would be worth fighting over.
            Since water was a precious commodity in this region laws were established to ensure that all had a fair chance of survival regarding their wells.  Contracts and other agreements in most cases required a formal oath such as the one we see taking place between Abraham and Abimelech.  These oaths were generally followed by stipulations which frequently included a pledge of non-hostility between the two parties.  Oaths also involved a ceremonial meal or sacrifice (such as the one in Gen. 26:30) and sometimes the exchange of gifts.  If you’re reading through Genesis and come upon the account of Abraham and Abimelech you can pass over these verses without really recognizing the importance of the transaction.  After all we are far removed from water concerns for the most part.  We pick up a bottle or turn on the faucet and the water flows freely.  In this case Abraham has dug a well, but Abimelech’s servants have seized it and now Abraham can’t get to his water.
            Abimelech, to his credit, recognizes Abraham as a man blessed by God.  So he brings the commander of his forces (Phicol) along and meets up with Abraham at Beersheba.  The covenant agreed upon follows the protocol of the day- it begins with the two men, but extends to their descendants.  Abimelech asks Abraham to be honest with him (see Gen. 20:1-18 to find out why!) and Abraham asks Abimelech to publicly acknowledge that the well belongs to Abraham so that no one else will attempt to lay claim to it.  As a “token of appreciation” Abraham presents Abimelech with seven ewe lambs somewhat “sealing the deal” so to speak.  Then all concerned return home.
            It’s not always easy to get along with your neighbors.  I remember stumbling on a TV program once that featured some of the worst neighbors in the country.  You really felt bad for these folks when you learned of what they had to put up with.  But just as the story of Abraham and Abimelech shows, getting along with others is nothing new.  The Bible is filled with passages about neighbors.  It teaches that relationships with our neighbors should be built on honesty, truthfulness and respecting one another’s property (Ex. 20:15-17; 22:7-11, 14, 26; Dt. 5:20-21; 19:14; 23:25; 24:10; 27:17; Prov. 24:28; 25:17; Jer. 22:13); that we are not to steal from them or harm their reputation (Lev. 18:20; 19:13, 15, 16) and God takes a dim view of those who do (Prov. 6:29; Ps. 101:5).  We are to foster good between ourselves and our neighbors (Prov. 3:28-29; 12:26) because a good relationship with our neighbor indicates our standing before God (1 Ki. 8:30-32; 2 Chr. 6:21-23; Ps. 15:2-4).  But the most well-known and challenging admonition regarding neighbors is recorded in Lev. 19:18 and repeated by Jesus in the classic parable of loving one’s neighbor, The Good Samaritan (Lk. 10:25-37).  The Gospels and Epistles also contain admonitions on how to deal with our neighbors as well.  Check out these passages: Mt. 19:19; Mk. 12:34-40; Rom. 13:8-10; 15:2; 1 Cor. 10:24; Gal. 5:14; Eph. 4:25; Js. 2:8).
            I admit that it is NOT easy to love my neighbor when their children are outside screaming all day, or when they leave their garbage cans in full view all the time, but I’m working on it!  And if I want to be more like Jesus, it is what I must do (Eph. 3:14-19) because it is what He wants me to do (Lk. 10:37).  In the end, the way I treat my neighbor demonstrates to them, especially those who don’t know Him, what God is like- a tall order in a day and age where it’s acceptable to complain about every little grievance.  Where is Beersheba for you?  How well are you living with neighbors?
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
Week of 8/13/2017

I know that most people when they think of Israel envision an arid desert-like view, sparsely vegetated and occupied by Bedouin and sheep.  They may also think of Jerusalem with the Dome of the Rock glistening in the sun, but they most certainly do not think of a lush, green valley which stretches for miles when viewed from the top of a mountain.  But if you were an ancient trader from Damascus or Thebes you would pass through such a valley as you traveled on the ancient “highways” known as the “The Way of the Sea” and “The King’s Highway”.  These two routes ran respectively east/west and north/south across the land of Israel connecting Syria to Egypt.  While you may not be familiar with the way it looks, if I was to tell you that the Bible says this valley will be the site of the final battle between God and the forces of evil, you would immediately know I was talking about the Valley of Jezreel and Armageddon which literally means “the mountain of Megiddo”, the mountain found at the pass between the Valley of Jezreel and the plain of Sharon.
When I traveled to Israel the first time I was truly surprised by what I saw in the northern part of the country.  I was so used to thinking that Israel was the land of shepherds and sheep with wide open spaces to graze them.  I wasn’t expecting the trees, valleys, mountains, and abundant water of the north.  Viewing the Jezreel Valley from atop Mount Carmel (where Elijah had his famous show-down with the prophets of Baal) was truly eye-opening!  And while it was pleasant to look out over the fertile plain while “Konies” (similar to ground-hogs) played on the rocks, the view made it hard to remember that this area is known more for warfare and strife than its beauty.  Jezreel’s strategic location and its fertility made it one of the most desirable regions in Israel to control.  More than 20 battles have been waged here by Caananites, Midianites, Israelites, Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Crusaders, Turks and the British.  Controlling Jezreel and Megiddo (its most prominent city) meant dominance in all of the ancient world’s trade and commerce, not to mention the security it provided against invaders.
On the surface the economic, political and geographical importance of Megiddo and the surrounding area is understandable.  But the Bible is more concerned with the spiritual issues that occurred here than any other aspect.  As one of the most thoroughly excavated sites in Israel, archaeologists have uncovered 20 layers with each layer representing a different period of occupation.  Among some of the discoveries is a large circular stone altar upon which it has been determined that human sacrifice took place.  When the people of Israel were engaged in the conquest of the land the Lord warned them to rid the land of its pagan worship practices.  Although Joshua conquered this area, the tribe of Manasseh to whom it was allotted was never able to completely conquer Megiddo “for the Canaanites were determined to live there” (Josh. 17:12; Jdg. 1:27).  Since the Canaanites stayed, their detestable religion remained with them.  During the divided kingdom Baal worship was rampant in this area.
The abundance of rain and fertile soil were part and parcel of the Canaanite god who appeared to control both.  We do not usually see the humor in Elijah’s dramatic confrontation with the frenzied prophets of Baal, but it is there in the way Elijah chides them.  “If your god controls the rain, how is it that my God has been able to stop it for 3 years?  Pray a little harder- perhaps he’s in the bathroom and can’t hear you!” (1 Ki. 18:26-29)  Elijah was not the only prophet who battled Baal on the Lord’s behalf.  One commentator noted, “In Hos. 1:4 the prophet adhering to God’s direct instruction, named his first son Jezreel in an iconic allusion to the slaughter at Jezreel carried out by Jehu against the house of Ahab, and particularly Jezebel, for their support of the prophets of Baal. (2 Ki. 9:1-10:11)  The irony of this story is that Jehu’s own dynasty would be wiped out because of it continued adherence to the cult of Baal”.
Megiddo’s embattled place in history culminates in the Book of Revelation.  In spite of all that has transpired beforehand and the devastating results of God’s judgment, mankind refuses to repent and instead a collection of nations gather in the Valley of Jezreel to wage war against Him (Rev. 16:9-14).  It is a futile endeavor.  However there are victories associated with this valley as well (Deborah- Jdg. 5:19-20 and Gideon- Jdg. 6:33) and in the end, the Battle of Armageddon brings to fulfillment the promise made to Hosea that one day the Lord would restore not only Jezreel (which means “God sows”) but Israel as well (Hos. 2:14-23).
It is difficult to look at the ambivalent status of world politics today and feel with any certainty that God is about to fulfill this promise.  But Jesus said the end of world history would come like a thief in the night and it’s best to be ready (Mt. 24:42-44).  Are you? (1 Thes. 5:1-6)
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.  
Week of 8/6/2017