The rise and fall

I love reading First and Second Samuel. They are two of my favorite books of the Bible. Last night I was reading 1 Samuel 3:1-21, where as a boy, Samuel heard the voice of God and the prophet Eli did not.

It was a big deal, because "the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision." Most of the time when people read this passage they discuss the ways we should be more open to hearing God. Others will say we should develop more of a child-like faith.

However, Walter Brueggemann points out the following.

The roles between [Eli and Samuel] are then reversed (vv.15-18) Eli has forfieted the word of Yahweh, and it is given to Samuel. Eli is now dependent upon Samuel to learn the word of Yahweh. Earlier, Samuel is uncertain and must be guided. Now he confidently receives the oracle but is reluctant to tell Eli, because the oracle is against Eli (vv. 15-18). It is surely intentional irony that in verse 16 Samuel makes the same response to Eli that he does in the earlier text, ' Here am I.' While the response is the same and Samuel's deference to Eli is consistent, there is no doubt that the power has shifted. The young innocent one is now authorized; the old knowing one has become fully dependent upon Samuel. The reversal of roles is not stated directly, but the narrative is formed so that the point becomes unavoidable. Yahweh does indeed 'raise up and bring down'.
Brueggemann, Walter. Interpretations: First and Second Samuel. Louisville. John Knox Press, 1990. p.25

I believe that point is as important to remember as the others. We're not entitled to anything. We're not in control. God is.

Annonymous conversations

Image by Victoria
Chapman via FlickrHas "anonymous" ever left a comment on your blog? Apparently he or she doesn't like me or my blog. You can read their comment on this post to understand what I am talking about.

As a result, I've now changed the settings where you have to have an Open ID or be a registered user to comment.

Gift Memberships to Dave Ramsey's My Total Money Makeover

For the first time, Dave Ramsey's My Total Money Makeover is now providing the ability to give away gift memberships to the subscription web site. You can purchase the memberships for friends or family for a 3-month ($25) or 6-month ($50) time frame. You can deliver the gift membership to your friends or family by email or have a gift voucher sent to you in the mail to use as a stocking stuffer. However, if YOU sign up for a yearly membership right now, there is an unbelievable offer available for a limited time.

This feature is exciting, because you can buy memberships for people who have never been a member or you can buy more time for existing members. I like this idea for a Christmas gift because it is something that could be very useful to Dave Ramsey fans. It also isn't a gift card which, like Seth Godin, I think is dumb. You are actually buying them a membership and not giving them money that is limited to one store.