We Humbly Pray and Mourn

Scripture:
They repay me evil for good
and leave me like one bereaved.
Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth
and humbled myself with fasting.
Psalm 35:12-13a

Observation: This entire section of this psalm - and in fact this psalm and several others in this section of the book - is about how the faithful man loves others, yet those people secretly pursue harm upon the faithful. Over and over, the author shows how he cares for other, but then how others plot against him, seek to harm him, cheat and lie about him, and do all kinds of things to bring him down.

David wrote many of these passages, but looking back they were more than personal. They applied to Israel and how it was treated by surrounding nations as well. Israel brought Yahweh into the land and taught the world about the Lord through their writing and actions. However, neighboring countries hated Israel. They would attack their cities, and eventually be gleeful of every outcome that harmed the Jews (even when the outcomes cursed their own country to destruction).

Application: So very, very often over the years, I have applied these psalms to my life. I have remembered how people lied about me, taunted me, and were happy when they saw me humbled and hurt, even though what I had done was to pray for them, seek their success, and sacrificed to aid them. Betrayal like that is so personal that it is difficult to consider a different context to such laments.

However, just as David's writings are not just about his circumstances but about Israel, so today I understand these psalms to not only comfort me, but should comfort all believers. Yes, the Church today spends a good amount of time praying for those who are lost, confused, and lonely. We wish to aid those who would destroy their earthly lives and their earthly bodies, and who throw away even their own selves simply because they do not know the Lord. We offer hope, advice, kindness, and practical assistance, all in various forms.

In return, believers are hated and scorned, both collectively and individually. While it is so much worse in some parts of the world, even here in the U.S. the general tone is that Christians are an enemy to be rejected at least intellectually if not morally and systemically.

So many in our nation are ill, and we have put on sackcloth. We humbly pray, and we mourn when we learn individuals have embraced confusion and hopelessness instead. We grieve and weep for our society, and try to offer love and hope and care. And in return, our every mistake and stumble is celebrated, we a mocked as individuals and insulted as a collective. Lies are told about us, and even our assistance is hated.

David asked when this would end. It will end when Jesus returns.

Prayer: Lord, we seek your strength in our daily lives. I know the world is dark, and that even while the world turns against us, it does so because it rejects Jesus, and so our rejection is evidence of our hope and joy found in you. May your joy always prevail, and your strength always give us what we need daily. And come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Drawing Closer to THE Law

Scripture: Then the leaders of Israel, the heads of families who were the tribal leaders in charge of those who were counted, made offerings. They brought as their gifts before the Lord six covered carts and twelve oxen—an ox from each leader and a cart from every two. These they presented before the tabernacle. The Lord said to Moses, “Accept these from them, that they may be used in the work at the tent of meeting. Give them to the Levites as each man’s work requires.” Numbers 7:2-5

Observation: As the tabernacle and all its items are completed, and the work of maintaining the transporting the tabernacle has now been assigned to the Levite tribes, the 12 tribes of Israel present the Levites with carts and oxen teams.

There is a unique circumstance at play here. Up until now, the work and elements associated with serving and worshipping the Lord have been instructions that originate with the Lord, are given to Moses, who then orders Israel what to do, and they do it. That doesn't happen here. At no time did Moses tell the tribal leaders to make carts and give oxen to pull them. Instead, the leaders came up with this on their own upon seeing the labor involved in managing both the daily work and regular transportation of the tabernacle. And when they present this gift, the Lord immediately steps in and instructs Moses to accept it and assign these resources to the Levitical teams.

This is significant because it shows that Israel was becoming attuned to serving the Lord and giving to him what was necessary, instead of waiting for orders. The Lord seems to have responded with understanding, quickly telling Moses that yes, indeed this is right and accept the gesture, as it could have been easy for Moses to question the gift since the Lord hadn't asked for it. Instead, this represents a move toward maturity by Israel ... not only are they quickly responding to the will of the Lord, but they are themselves becoming attuned to that will and proactively responding without orders from Moses or Aaron.

Application: I saw an interesting and very short commentary about "The Law" yesterday. The person said that the true "law" was simple ... love and obey the Lord, and love others. The Jews failed, so then they were told a short list of clear commands that exemplified how to comply with that law, and the Jews failed. That was when they had to be given over 600 complex and prescriptive instructions. (Spoiler alert: The Jews failed.) In other words, since they refused to just listen to the Lord - to love and obey him on a moment-by-moment basis - they needed a massive compliance checklist. This is why "The Law" is described as insufficient; It was never intended by the Lord to be what it became, but exists in that form because mankind rejected the only real law we ever needed.

All that said, we see today what happens when people begin to move toward embracing the true law. When people love the Lord, desire to serve him, and have compassion on others, the dynamic changes. Instead of the Lord issuing orders and everyone complying, people see a need and respond to it, and the Lord accepts it. The result will be that life is easier for everyone ... the Lord's tabernacle will be honored, most of the Levites will have the tools they need to perform difficult work, and when the Israel camp moves it won't be impeded by the transportation of the tabernacle.

Of course, the Jews are just the example of all mankind. We all fail to obey the true law, and we all fail to comply with the basic commandments, and we all fail to execute on whatever list of proper daily behavior the Lord would ever create for us. And yes, I could and should replace "we all" with "I".

I would like to remember that, when I simply love the Lord, love others, and then take actions that reenforce those two core tenants of my life ... the Lord is honored, and everything will get better and easier for everyone. That is so basic and fundamental, and that is what living into the Lord's will looks like. And that is what living like the kingdom of heaven is here on earth is like, too.

Prayer: Lord, every day I am presented with situations where, if I simply considered what would demonstrate your love to both you and to others, my resulting action would improve my worship, my life, the life of others, and the overall pleasantness of this world. I know I will fail at complying with your laws and precepts and instructions and commands. However, I wish I would better comply with THE law every day. Amen.

Sin in the Context of Faith

Scripture:
Today I fulfilled my vows,
and I have food from my fellowship offering at home.
So I came out to meet you;
I looked for you and have found you!
Proverbs 7:14-15

Observation: As the young fool wanders off to commit folly, the woman - temptation and sin - emerges to meet him and take him in. They kiss, and she tells him that her husband is away so they may be together for a long time. This is how the woman greets he fool ... she says that, not only does she have food so they may relax and have plenty together, but that food is from her fellowship offering. She has fulfilled her vows that very day.

In other words, the woman has just returned from pledging her love for Yahweh, and with the sacrificial meat that has been presented before the Lord she will now seduce the one who is foolish enough to come meet her.

In total, this is evidence that the actions of both are not just that of earthly lust. Instead, they are committing their foolish sin with plotting coordination, while also even utilizing the Lord's blessings to empower and complete their actions. They are even declaring that, since they honored the Lord this very day, they can now do whatever they please, perhaps even to the extent of thinking that the Lord has helped arrange certain circumstances (the wandering of the young fool; the departure of the husband on a long trip) to provide for their rendezvous.

Application: This is the most difficult thing for me to acknowledge about my sins ... I do them while declaring my faith and love for the Lord. I use my blessings to create a safe place where I can think and do what the Lord has told me not to do. I worship the Lord, give him my tithe and blessing, then turn around and sin. And then repeat the cycle.

The idea that I both "fulfill my vows" by declaring my love for God, praying, worshipping, and doing devotions, and then think evil thoughts, curse others, and commit sins with my words and thoughts, is as shocking as this proverb implies. It makes me worse than a fool.

Prayer: Lord, I desire to be committed to your path every day, doing your will, obeying your word, embracing your precepts and instructions. I will make mistakes, but may I cease to use my faith as a cover or excuse or enabler of such activities. Amen.

When Many Troubles Come

Scripture:
The righteous person may have many troubles,
but the Lord delivers him from them all.
Psalm 34:19

Observation: As the psalmist prays for protection and redemption, he makes this very basic statement ... those who obey the Lord may have many troubles. Yes, the Lord will deliver them. However, the troubles will still happen. He does say "may" (which implies faithful believers may not have troubles), but also says "many". So believers may have many, or may have only a few.

There are so many verses in the scriptures that imply righteous individuals do not have trouble, or that having many troubles in life is an indication of failure in faith or obedience. However, this verse is clearer on this topic. Troubles come even to the righteous person and they may even have many troubles.

Application: This verse is actually a comfort, for we know we all have troubles. I have often struggled with the idea that the Lord punishes, or at least condones trouble that fall upon believers, as if those troubles are some sort of punishment or justice about their behavior. That just isn't true. The troubles come upon believers, and sometimes the troubles represent the world's way of lashing back at the Lord, by attacking his faithful believers.

There is an honesty in this verse that is comforting. The troubles come; Maybe even many troubles come. By your faith in the Lord, you'll get over it, and he will soften the blow and lift you up when you have fallen, so don't stress over the troubles.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the comfort of your honest and straightforward truth. I do pray for you to uplift me and my family when the troubles arrive, especially for my son right now. May you deliver him, for he is a righteous believer and seeks your protection from crushing his spirit. We know the troubles come, and thank you for staying with us throughout. Amen.

Paying Attention to the Young Man

Scripture: But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. Mark 16:4-5

Observation: It is consistently reported that three women are the first to go to the tomb on what we now call "Easter Sunday" and discover it empty. There, they meet a young man who tells them Jesus has risen, and they need to go report it to the disciples. What really happens next is up for debate. Some versions say Mary Magdalene immediately meets Jesus in the garden; Some versions say, upon receiving the news, John and Peter race to the tomb; Some versions say the disciples were confused and didn't believe the report. Even THIS version in Mark has three different next steps, one saying the women were afraid and said nothing, another that they immediately told the disciples who didn't believe them, and another that they told Peter who took action.

This young man is interesting because ... of course he is an angel, though he is given no title and no name and no other description. He is just a young man dressed in white. In modern recreations of the scene, he gives off a radiance, which is implied by the idea of wearing white. In all cases, his news is a little unnerving, as the reactions to him are typically described in some form of sadness (further expressing grief and wondering where someone has moved Jesus' body) or fear (trepidation about what has really happened). However, almost no further attention is paid to the fact an angel is sitting right there, speaking to them. In fact, so little attention is given him that some accounts say there is one angel, some two, and the ones that say there was only one place him in different locations. In every case, before others arrive, the angel is gone, his only mission being to comfort and give instruction to the three women who arrived first.

Application: Recently, I saw a YouTube video about what biblical angels look like. For most, it is no wonder their first words to people are "do not be afraid", for they are odd and almost unimaginably formed. This is true of many, many angels mentioned throughout the bible, as even the ones that have human qualities still have otherworldly features, and most are compared to beasts, with language that implies the person describing them actually lacks the vocabulary to do so and therefore is using comparisons to known things to explain them.

However, messenger angels are often just average men. Gabriel, who appears to Mary and Elizabeth, is just a man. The warrior who confronts Joshua is a man. The angels who go into Sodom are just men. Yet everyone who sees them has a reaction to them ... honor and respect, but also trepidation and fear.

We are told that it is possible angels will walk among us, and therefore if we help others it is possible we are serving angels. I do believe that. However, I also believe that such angels would have a 'tell', and that seeing them impacts something inside us that tips us off, something that sparks a little fear and a little respect.

When I read about the angels that are huge and fantastical, I wonder what it would be like to see one. However, when I read about the angels that are just young men with a message and a mission, I still wonder what it would be like to see one.

Prayer: Lord, if and when I see an angel here on earth, may I have the courage to listen and obey their instructions, and respond to their mission. Amen.

Misapplying the Word of God

Scripture: And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.” Mark 15:34-35

Observation: On the cross, as one of his final sentences, Jesus calls out to God. He uses the word Eloi, translated as "my God", 'El' being the word for 'God' and 'oi' a version of the word for 'me' or 'my'. However, observers interpret it as being the same as the word Elijah, where 'El' still means 'God', but the suffix 'jah' is a way to invoke 'Yahweh', and thus Elijah means "the Lord is my God".

And just like that, the last public decree by Jesus is twisted and misunderstood yet again.

It is well understood that Jesus was not (just) crying out to God, or challenging God's love by wondering why he had been forsaken. Instead, Jesus was publicly quoting Psalm 22. In those days, scripture chapters were named, not numbered, and psalms were thus referenced by their first line. The name of Psalm 22 was, therefore, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani". The next (and last) thing Jesus is quoted as saying on the cross is "it is finished", which is the last line of Psalm 22. In between those two lines, the rest of that psalm is about ... a good servant of the Lord who is tortured by foreign people, publicly strung out on a tree, and executed, all while people mock him and the executioners gamble to see who gets his clothes.

Jesus is giving a clear and obvious final lesson ... that the prophesy of Psalm 22 is being fulfilled before everyone's eyes. However, the crowd standing there totally dismisses that lesson and invents their own flawed understanding, which is that - somehow, for some reason - Elijah is being called on to be a savior, and might now arrive.

There is no such promise in scripture; There is no teaching that Elijah now exists as some heavenly savior to be called upon to rescue believers in Yahweh. In order to reach this interpretation of the situation, those watching Jesus need to a) create a flawed understanding of scripture by embracing a concept that doesn't exist, and b) almost intentionally misunderstand what Jesus says and does in order to fit him into this flawed narrative.

Application: Misunderstanding the word of God, and then forcing Jesus into that flawed misunderstanding ... I am sure this event on the cross is the only time in human history that people have ever done those two things.

Of course I am being sarcastic. Many of us do this every day. I am SURE I have done this, and probably within the last 48 hours. We often WANT the word of God to say certain things, and to apply to certain situations, so we force our circumstances into some verse or lesson or proverb or parable by twisting the truth about those source-teachings so that they fit.

I want to think the bible has a LOT to say about topics across a wide range of modern issues ... gender confusion, political conflicts, gun violence, social media influence, race relations, drug use, etc. And yes, the bible DOES have a lot to say about these topics. However, I am betting that a Venn diagram representing the verses that address current social issues, and the verses I think address current social issues, has less overlap than I would like to believe. And the true word of God probably doesn't say what I think it says about such issues, either.

What the people hoped would happen at the cross was not a bad thing! It just wasn't aligned to God's word, and it wasn't the thing Jesus was telling them about. Likewise, the things we believe certain scripture teach aren't bad (they might even be accurate), but they may not be what the Lord is actually trying to tell us.

Prayer: Lord, every day I read your word, and I know your Holy Spirit reveals its truth to me in ways that I can understand, and ways that I am prepared to understand. I thank you for that so much. May I continue to seek only your wisdom and truth every day, avoiding my own ideas and misconceptions and expectations. Amen.

A Very, VERY Difficult Topic

Scripture: No man who has any defect may come near: no man who is blind or lame, disfigured or deformed; no man with a crippled foot or hand, or who is a hunchback or a dwarf, or who has any eye defect, or who has festering or running sores or damaged testicles. No descendant of Aaron the priest who has any defect is to come near to present the food offerings to the Lord. He has a defect; he must not come near to offer the food of his God. Leviticus 21:18-21

Observation: As the Lord is giving instructions for the priest - not for all Israel, nor for the Levites, but for the lineage of Aaron who truly serves as priests that present the sacrifices and stand before the Lord - he declares that anyone with a defect may not perform these functions. He goes on to define "defect". This term is about physical issues, listed in general but many of which could be caused by either injury or birth. They include crippled limbs, dwarfism, hunched backs, eye maladies, damaged reproductive systems, and wounds or sores. The Lord clarifies that such people are made holy by the Lord (v23) but may not perform the priestly functions that involve standing before the Lord.

This is a very difficult topic. The Lord is declaring that certain conditions are "defects" and that they make a person disqualified from certain functions that are the most holy acts performed by a very select group of leaders. It is a harsh judgment, and all the more so when applied to a condition one is born with instead of a temporary injury. There are many who would define such an attitude as unjust, oppressive, and discriminatory. However, knowing that the Lord is none of those things ... there are two other ways of thinking about these instructions.

1) The Lord is in control of how people are born (in other sections he declares curses on whether or not couples will be barren). Therefore, the Lord COULD just ensure that no descendants of Aaron are ever born with defects. He does not and will not do that. He allows defects, because even these conditions and the people with them are still completely holy and worthy.

2) The Lord actively declares that, while people with defects cannot serve before him, they receive full benefits of being priests. He therefore is giving them less responsibility and work due to their likely hardships, while giving them no less benefits and honor. This declaration is not judgment, but mercy.

Application: We live in a time when people would come unglued over the very attitude and topic of this section. The declaration of some personal condition as a "defect" makes people irrationally angry.

I don't know God as well as I wish I did, but I know two things about him. First, if he wanted us all to be born into perfect health, he could make that happen ... yet he doesn't. Instead, he allows us to have issues and hardships and 'defects', some in small measure, some in large. Second, the Lord cares for everyone in whatever condition they find themselves, and loves us all.

I choose to understand this passage as saying that, those with hardships - be they temporary or permanent, injuries or birth conditions - will be excused from service and will still receive full provision and blessing. The Lord loves us all as individuals.

I also understand this passage to say that ... the Lord could remove hardships from our lives, and has very actively, explicitly, and intentionally chosen not to. The Lord loves us all as his created people, despite our freewill choice to keep distance between ourselves and him here on earth.

Prayer: Lord, may my heart resemble yours every day. I desire to see others as you see them, and love others as you love them, regardless of their situation, and regardless of how they found themselves in their situations, by birth or choice. Amen.

No Reason to Die

Scripture: The high priest tore his clothes. "Why do we need any more witnesses?" he asked. "You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?" They all condemned him as worthy of death. Mark 14:63-64

Observation: During the trial of Jesus, the Sanhedrin have many testify about Jesus, but find no crime. Then they finally ask him if he is the Messiah, Jesus answers (for the first time) and says he is, and they condemn him to death. However ... what was Jesus' crime?

Blasphemy is the charge, though blasphemy in the Old Testament is defined as declaring opposition to the Lord. Some say Jesus is claiming to BE God, but that isn't how the first century Jews understood Messiah. The Messiah - the anointed one - was a promised descendent of David who would come to lead the Jews during a time of foreign oppression. Messiah was also known as the suffering servant for how he would lead despite being tortured by the authorities. By stating he is Messiah, Jesus is simply stating he is anointed by God to guide the people out of their current situation.

I started to do some research about this, and it is amazing how many different ideas there are about "why" legally Jesus was sentenced to death. Some say the crime of blasphemy is a capital offense, and it that's kind of true ... the punishment is officially stoning, not execution. Likewise, I find it iffy as to whether stating he is Messiah is an act of blasphemy. Others say declaring he was Messiah meant he was stating he was a rebellion leader, and that is why the Roman's crucified him ... this sounds plausible, but we know Pontious Pilot found Jesus innocent of that charge, and that certainly isn't the crime the Sanhedrin is talking about here.

Application: In total, in less than four minutes, I found eight different explanations of the earthly charges for which Jesus was executed. My takeaway is as it always has been ... Jesus was crucified as our perfect sacrifice, to restore mankind to the Lord, and therefore there was and is no actual human charge against him.

Jesus did no wrong. Instead, I do wrong, every day, worthy of death. Perhaps my actions aren't capital offenses worthy of execution, but they are sin that separate me from the Lord and worthy of spiritual removal from his presence forever. Instead, Jesus died for no reason, and so I get to remain in the Lord, safe in salvation, found in my belief in Jesus as Messiah.

There are plenty of reasons - new reasons ever day - for me to die. There has never been a reason for Jesus to have died.

Prayer: Lord, please continue to help me so that I live into the sacrifice of Jesus. I don't want to create more and more reasons why I should die. May I honor Jesus' sacrifice with my humility, my love, and my hope. Amen.

Redeem this Wreckage

Do the words of this song apply to my physical life, especially my inability to recover from back pain?

Do the words of this song apply to my mental life, notably the fear of my thoughts at night?

Do the words of this song apply to my professional life, pointedly to my total failure to succeed?

Do the words of this song apply to my faith life, accusingly calling out my failure to pray and live as the Lord desires? 

I’m at the end of myself and I’m
Tired I’ve tried all that I know to do
Right now it’s just by a thread but I’m
Hangin’ onto You

Please, send help from heaven, Lord. I'm not asking ... I'm begging. I need heaven! I'm desperate.

Amazed by Jesus' Big Brain

Scripture: They came to him and said, "Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?" Mark 12:14

Observation: This discussion is well-understood as an attempt to trap Jesus with a no-win question. If he responds saying that Jews should not pay the tax, the Pharisees can report him to the Roman authorities for sedition. If he says Jews should pay the tax, the Jews will be furious. Jesus will give a brilliant response. However, one of the issues of this question that is often uncommented upon is the ways the Pharisees characterize Jesus himself, in the hopes of forcing him into a specific context. Specifically, let's look at four statements they make about Jesus.

First, they call him a man of integrity. This puts him in his place. It denies him 'title' as rabbi or teacher or prophet, and effectively says he's just a good man trying to do and say what is right.

Second, they say he is not swayed by others. This is provably untrue. Several times during his ministry, Jesus has responded to requests explicitly because he was swayed to heal or help or advise. He has even declared he will not do something, then changed his mind when another person gives an explanation for their request.

Third, they say he pays no attention to who others are. Again, this is false even in the immediate context, and certainly in the heavenly context. As God incarnate, Jesus absolutely pays attention to everyone. And if this statement is about not being impressed by others' titles or positions, right here and now - in this very setting - Jesus acknowledges who are Pharisees and who are Sadducees. He pays attention and responds according to who they are.

Fourth, they say Jesus teaches the way of God in accordance with the truth. This is a misleading characterization because of the Pharisees' false understanding of the truth. Jesus does teach the way of God, but he does so in accordance with the word of God. Jesus reveals the ways of the Lord exactly as they are revealed in scripture, and rejects the layers of false truth the Pharisees teach.

Ultimately, Jesus' response - to give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and give to God what is God's - not only turns the table on the core question, but it refutes all four of these characterizations. His answer shows him to be more than a man, but truly a wise teacher; It shows him to be swayed by others, as he is keenly aware of, and calls out, the nature of the trap before him; It shows him to be paying attention to others, as he embeds his answer within the context of the Emperor; It shows him to teach with the context of scripture and with the Lord central in your opinions and thoughts, instead of being concerned about rules and "truth" created by human authorities.

Application: This is a deeper understanding of Jesus' response that I never considered. Yes, it is a common technique in debate to create a false context or set of 'givens' and then trap your opponent into responding within that context. However, I have never before seen that Jesus didn't just avoid the trap ... he overturned the false context. No wonder the Pharisees were "amazed" by Jesus' response.

People forget that Jesus was and is so smart and wise that he can prove himself to be intellectually superior to an entire group of scholars, without any effort. Of course, as God, he knows everything. It is just a reminder that he truly is that great and that wise and that amazing.

Prayer: Jesus, you are more than my Lord and savior, you are my wise and brilliant teacher. I know I am often slow to learn, if not downright stupid. This day, may I rely on your wisdom and intelligence, and not on my own thoughts, words, or understanding. Amen.

Three Daily Actions

Scripture: Then Aaron lifted his hands toward the people and blessed them. And having sacrificed the sin offering, the burnt offering and the fellowship offering, he stepped down. Leviticus 9:22

Observation: Aaron and his sons are completing their week of purification to become the priests within the sanctuary, and it ends with a series of sacrifices. Some they present for their own absolution, and then some are presented on behalf of all Israel as part of the daily need to absolve them. In this matter, and ignoring all the 'methods and procedures' of the sacrifices - like which animals are used, what parts are waved, what parts are washed, when and where is blood spread, etc. - there are three kinds of offerings given, and these are consistently the three most common sacrifices performed.

-- Sin offering - Done to confess wrongdoing and seek forgiveness

-- Burnt offering - Fully burned up, it signifies total devotion to Yahweh

-- Fellowship offering - A means to declare relationship with the Lord

There are other types of offerings required to purify oneself after an event, or to declare a special decision in life, but these are the key ones everyone is to do regularly, if not daily. They effectively represent the daily relationship everyone is to have with the Lord. We are to seek forgiveness for our sins, declare our faith and devotion and trust in the Lord, and then joyfully make him part of our walk as our father in heaven.

Application: This model remains true today. It applies to Christians as well as Jews, and while it may not involve butchering and burning goats/cows/sheep anymore, it is a reminder of how we should all move into the presence of the Lord every morning.

I am to admit my sins and seek forgiveness, leaning into the salvation found through faith in Jesus as my comfort, knowing I am saved not by deeds but by faith.

I am to declare my full faith and devotion to the Lord, placing my burdens and hardship and resources and time and energy and thoughts before him, to be used however he would deem appropriate.

I am to embrace the fact that the Lord knows me, blesses me, holds me, and leads me, because he is my father - my abba - who loves me, and I love him and want to be in his presence every moment.

And in all this ... I am to pray, mixing my prayers into the pillar of smoke that arises in the throne room of heaven, a pleasing aroma before the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, I do seek your forgiveness for my sins, and continue to ask you for your wisdom and guidance in matters of my daily activities and thoughts. You are my Lord and my God, the only part of my life with true value, and I desire only to worship and honor you with my entire life. Please be with me this day, holding me in your hands, and showing me your perfect will. I thank you for your love, your mercy, and your blessings. May I return joy and honor and praise to you this day. Amen.

Rejecting Jesus while Seeking Jesus

Scripture: Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
“Hosanna!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Mark 11:8-10

Observation: The event being described is now known as "Palm Sunday". It is the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a young donkey, and a large crowd celebrated him as Messiah. Five days later, he will be publicly executed.

From the reading of this, it seems very unlikely that the crowd doesn't really understand who "Messiah" really is. They are declaring "Hosanna" ... save us! ... and proclaiming Jesus as the coming kingdom of King David. Yes, they understood Messiah was to be an ancestor of David, but between these words and the laying down of cloaks and palm fronds on the grown, it seems they are welcoming Jesus as an ascending king, a new national leader, in politics if not military. The people want Jesus to somehow remove them from Roman tyranny, likely restore the proper kingship of Israel, and usher in a time of victory, security, and eventually peace.

Of course, this isn't what Jesus is about to do. He is about to usher in an entirely new kingdom, which allows all people to experience peace and security, by his willing sacrifice. Very few - if any - people in the crowd that day had any idea that was what they were actually celebrating.

Application: In all my time interacting with non-believers, when I talk to them about Jesus, a recurring understanding I have is that they have no idea who Jesus really was and is. They might think he was anything from a good teacher, to a radical revolutionary, to a fictional myth. Many times, these same people will have "personal philosophies" ... now days called "my truth" ... that they have developed using their own study and reflection over several years, and those personal principles are so closely aligned to Jesus' actual teaching. The interesting thing is that, not only do they not know that, one of their criticisms of Jesus will be that - because he was aligned to scriptural law - Jesus was too morally strict and irrelevant today.

So many people see and understand Jesus just ... wrong. Most a seeking in their life a path for peace, happiness, hope, and joy, and then look to invent their own path when Jesus literally tells them to just believe in him and they will receive all that. They invent a different definition of Jesus, then reject it, and instead seek ... that which is what Jesus actually is.

Prayer: Lord, may I simply walk with Jesus this week, understanding you as my savior, my Lord, and my only hope. Amen.

Considering Those not Against Us

Scripture: "Do not stop him," Jesus said. "For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us." Mark 9:39-40

Observation: The disciples bring up an interesting situation ... someone who is not a follower of Jesus was casting out demons in Jesus' name. They told the man to stop, but Jesus tells them not to stop such actions because even if he isn't 'following' Jesus, he must believe in the power of Jesus enough to at least not oppose Jesus. And if such a person doesn't oppose Jesus, as he says, he must be 'for' Jesus.

Application: Due to recent events, I have recently seen several people whom I would perceive to have little to no belief in Jesus who say they are "praying" for certain outcomes. They mean it; They are making an appeal to God in the form of a prayer over some issue or circumstance. When I see this, I wonder about their faith, and this passage often comes to mind and how it applies to my attitude.

If these individuals are not followers of Jesus, what should I think about them saying they are praying to God for something?

Jesus gives the most basic answer ... this is good, so let them pray and don't criticize them. If they are showing they believe in God enough to pray, they are on the side of heaven and Jesus. They cannot now hate Jesus and Christianity. (Though I understand that praying to God and believing in Jesus as the son of God are two very different things.)

Along this line, I feel it is good to pray into their prayer and become that second person in the "where two or more are gathered in my name" equation, for it would be great to see prayers answered for such people. Just because they pray, doesn't mean they believe, but it is harder to not believe in the face of an answer to prayer.

So ... it is hypocritical of such people if they say they do not believe in God and Jesus, then pray in a time of fear or personal crisis? I used to think 'yes' but actually, I'm not sure. Maybe their beliefs have changed. Maybe they have just a little belief and thus think that doesn't qualify as faith. Maybe they just, plain and simple, aren't sure either way. In any circumstance, as Jesus points out, if they aren't "against us" then that's a good thing.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you today for your patience. You see us all, as individuals, struggle with our faith, belief, and behavior, and you patiently love us in return while we figure out the truth of life. It is a testament to your love and wisdom that you gave us free will, then allow that free will to even take wrong turns, all while guiding us back to you. May all who wander find you today. Amen.

Rejecting due to Rejection

Scripture: And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.” Mark 9:11-13

Observation: After the transfiguration, Peter, James, and John ask Jesus about Elijah, and specifically the prophesy that Elijah returns to prepare the way for the Messiah. Jesus points out that is true, and states Elijah has come (in some tellings, clarifying that it is John the Baptist). He also points out that the authorities - even though they were anticipating a prophet to come along declaring repentance against sin just like Elijah did - rejected John when he arrived, proclaiming the coming the Messiah and baptizing any so they can repent and prepare.

In the center of this answer, Jesus then asks his own question. The question is far more complex than it appears because Jesus has set it up within the context of both the prophesy of, and reality of the outcome of, the Elijah/John conversation. In fact, he sets up a multi-part context, poses a leading question, and then actually answers that question. Deconstructed, the context, question, and answer, then, is really this:

-- The Jews are anticipating the coming of Messiah.

-- In connection, the Jews are looking for an Elijah-like prophet to come first.

-- An Elijah-like prophet DID come to prepare for Messiah.

-- Question: Then why will the Jews reject and kill the Messiah?

-- Answer: Because the Jews rejected and killed the Elijah prophet.

In many conversations before and after this incident, Jesus is trying to prepare the disciples for the idea that, even though he is Messiah - in fact, because he is Messiah - he will be put to death by the Jewish authorities, then rise from the dead. They aren't getting it. One might think they are struggling to understand because they cannot fathom the idea of the resurrection. However, they are also struggling with the idea of the Jews rejecting Messiah ... their all-powerful savior they have been eagerly awaiting for centuries.

Everything points to Jesus as Messiah, and Jesus is clearly letting them know that he will suffer and die, just like prophesy says he will, and the evidence of this is twofold. First, the Lord's prophesy said so and has always been true. Second, the Jews continually reject the Lord's teaching even when the prophesy they claim they love is standing right in front of them.

Application: I am one of those people who believe the Jews remain the Lord's chosen people. As Yahweh's kingdom of priests, they had a mission to teach the world about the Lord and usher Messiah in as the global savior of all mankind. They still have a mission related to Jesus' return. My interpretation of the bible and history is that the fact the Jews acted in certain ways actually makes them teachers for us as believers today, not outcasts whom the Lord now rejects.

Today's lesson is easy ... Are there elements of the Lord's word I reject because I don't like the truth the Lord teaches me, and as a result I crucify Jesus, throwing away his sacrifice, and hurting his heart?

And the answer is even easier ... Yes. I do things I know are sin, and that I know actually make my life worse, and I just do them anyway, and this greaves Jesus.

There are three of four habits I have that I just need to end. They are mostly habits with lazy and unproductive thought patterns that then produce thoughtless action. These actions push away the Holy Spirit - I can feel that - which harms my own spirit and hurts my mind. I act with the knowledge I am rejecting the Lord's instructions, and thus reject his great gift of Holy Spirit guidance. This needs to stop.

Prayer: Lord, please forgive me when I reject your word, for I know it hurts Jesus' heart. You love me so much, and I let you down so often. I am truly sorry. May I be stronger in my heart and soul, so I may be honorable in my mind and body. Amen.

Doing the Lord's Math

Scripture: The total amount of the gold from the wave offering used for all the work on the sanctuary was 29 talents and 730 shekels,* according to the sanctuary shekel. Exodus 38:24

Observation: Moses gives an account of all the precious metal used to construct the tabernacle, including what is used on the ark, the tables of presence and incense, the tools and utensils, the lampstands, the basins, the altar, curtain rings, etc. It includes the gold listed above (* equals about 1 ton), the silver, and the bronze. Collectively, all the precious metal put together comes out to approximately 7.25 tons, or 14,500 pounds(!) of precious metal. This is an amount of immense earthly value.

However ... 14,500 pounds equals 232,000 ounces. We are told there were ~600,000 men who were part of the exodus, which historical experts translate (based on family dynamics and sizes of the time) to mean roughly 2,000,000 people. This means that every individual contributed ... 0.116 ounces of precious metal. That's less than one modern 'sterling silver' earring. This is an amount of insignificant earthly value.

When it comes to giving, THIS is how God does math. He doesn't suck us all dry and require us to go broke on earth so that he can have some elaborate artifacts that honor him. He simply tells us to be faithful with just a little - so little that we may not even notice it - and somehow it becomes an amount that changes world history.

Application: There were two verses today that related directly to personal finances. The most obvious was in Proverbs 6 (which Dave Ramsey often quotes). However, I am more moved by the implications of the tabernacle.

When I was first reading this, I was thinking, "that's a lot of gold and silver and bronze, how could these slaves that just fled from bondage have so much?" Well ... they didn't have much, and they didn't need much! In fact, they all had barely any, and somehow they simultaneously had so much.

I know this is how the Lord guides us with regards to our earthly resources. He gives us so much, and asks that - as a simple act of faith - we give a little of it to him, without question, no conditions, joyfully. Over and over, the results associated with believers giving just a little are amazing. The math rarely makes sense.

Prayer: Lord, may faithful believers all around the world understand more and more how their very simple, very basic, very disposal tithe, can actually change the world. Amen.

Explicitly Going to the Gentiles

Scripture: Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. Mark 7:31

Observation: Prior to this verse, Jesus has gone to Tyre even though he makes statements that his ministry is to prioritize presenting himself to the Jews and not Gentiles. He then continues north to Sidon, then down to an area east of the Jordan and the Sea of Galilee. While this latter area was part of Israel (the trans-Jordan tribes), Tyre and Sidon in Phoenicia/Lebanon was never part of Israel. Even at its largest, this region was a different nation, though it was allied with Israel and even provided material for the temple.

Why does Jesus go there? This question is doubly confusing as earlier in the chapter Jesus responding to a woman's request for healing of her daughter in Tyre because she isn't Jewish. Why would Jesus go to a place that was never in Israel, and resist performing the acts of the Messiah while there?

The answer may be found in how he is received by the Jews. In his hometown, he is rejected as just the carpenter who couldn't possibly know what he knows. In Jerusalem, he is openly challenged by Pharisees. In many locations, he is sought for the miracles he can perform, but not followed and believed in by most. Then he comes to Phoenicia and ... well, gets almost the same response, but without the attacks and challenges. Most likely ignore him, but some believe and seek him. Those that do express faith and hope and thanks.

In other words, it is possible that Jesus leaves the region of the Jews to explicitly show that Messiah is the savior of all people, that he can and should be received and acknowledges as the savior by everyone - Gentiles as well as Jews - and that all people will receive him ... or rejected him ... not based on whether or not they are Jewish, but based on their own faith-based decision.

Application: Jesus modeled so many behaviors that we as believers are to understand and emulate, but this might be the one we overlook. Before he ever commissioned us to "go" ... he went. Tyre and Sidon we cursed places, destroyed by various empires, yet Jesus went there to model the fact that his good news was intended for everyone, and that non-Jews would receive his grace and love and mercy and hope and salvation.

I am the result of Jesus' ministry in Tyre and Sidon, for I am a non-Jew and the early Church followed Jesus' example to take the good news to the entire world.

Prayer: Lord, I remember today that you yourself showed all believers that you are the Messiah of the world, not just the Jews. I thank you for your hope and salvation. Amen.

Considering Modern-Day Snares

Scripture: Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land where you are going, or they will be a snare among you. Exodus 34:12

Observation: As the Lord meets Moses face to face and gives him the commands again, he tells him that he will drive out the foreign nations from Canaan. With this, they are warned not to align in any way with those nations, or else they will be tempted to follow the ways of those nations. For example, if you make a treaty with them, they will celebrate the treaty with a feast to their gods, and Israel would join in that feast. Likewise, if they intermarry, the foreign spouse will bring their ways into the home.

In this way, the Lord describes these foreign influences as a "snare". They don't themselves kill you, but instead they trap you - perhaps even as a trap or as a hidden and deceptive method of capture - to then take you to a place and outcome of death.

Application: I live in a place and time where everything is seemingly a snare. We cannot watch television, or walk down the street, or do a Google search, without something potentially sinful - or at least outside of the Lord's will and law - popping up. So I must ask myself ... have I made a treaty with the world?

While I can say that 'no' I have not signed some agreement between myself and some people-group, I have made certain mental agreements about coexisting in society, under certain norms. These include things like subscribing to streaming services, using the internet, and having social media accounts. These expose me to opportunities to sin, letting those influences into my home. And in many ways, I then normalize and allow problematic information and content into my life.

These are the modern-day snares. We are only just beginning to really understand this, I feel, as we now see the impact on not just individuals but upon entire generations. Even entities with no faith now see the harm of some of these systems of influence.

As a Christian, I should be removing myself more and more from them. It may not be possible (for example) to not use the internet in today's world, just like it wasn't possible for Israel to enter Canaan without seeing the behaviors of Ammonites and Hittites and Jebusites. However, there is a difference between seeing such things, and engaging in the same activities. As one moves toward such things ... the snares arise.

Prayer: Lord, I know I fall into the traps of this world, and it is true that those traps existing on screens now days. During this season, may I fast from these elements of the world, and disassociate my mind from them. Amen.

He is the King of Glory

Scripture:
Lift up your heads, you gates;
    be lifted up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord strong and mighty,
    the Lord mighty in battle.
Psalm 24:7-8

Observation: The psalmist (David) declares that the entire world belongs to the Lord, and then wonders aloud who is worthy of approach the Lord in his holy place. Surely the one with pure heart, whose mind is fixed on the Lord, is worthy, and he will receive blessing and honor and vindication. With that, the psalm declares to the heavens themselves, open up and receive this King of glory ... receive the Lord, strong and mighty in battle!

The placement of psalm 24 is telling with regards to its meaning. It is the third of what might be the three most powerful psalms. Psalm 22 is a full and detailed prophesy about the crucifixion of the Messiah. Psalm 23 is a gentle declaration of total faith in how the Lord loves and protects even in the darkest of times. Psalm 24 is a pronouncement that Messiah has arrived in the presence of the Lord, and even the throne room of heaven is to open its doors to receive him.

Application: Our pastor, who just retired, had a tradition that very few people ever witnessed. I only saw it perhaps two or three times in 16 years. However, my wife saw it hundreds of times and participated in it. When the staff would pray together, and when those prayers declared the power and authority of the Lord, they would all declare in unison Psalm 24, verses 7-10. I found it powerful, but not necessarily for the meaning of the psalm. I felt it was powerful because of the very act that they were declaring the word of the Lord - the bible itself - out loud and with authority over whatever circumstance was before them.

This is the power and authority of the Lord's word ... it still commands and governs every aspect of life and of the world. As this psalm itself declares, the world is the Lord's and everything in it. The Lord has full command of every circumstance. Perhaps one example is found in Messiah, the sacrifice of Jesus, and raising him from a lowly death to an exalted throne. However, other examples include everything that goes on in our lives, every action and activity, from those that seem overwhelming and hopeless, to those that seem private and mundane.

The Lord is on his throne. He commands the earth and everything in it. Jesus, the King of glory, has entered heaven and sits at his right hand. He is the Lord, strong and mighty; He is the Lord mighty in battle; He is the Lord almighty, the King of glory.

Prayer: Lord, my life is small, trivial, and meaningless. However, I know this fact to be true, that you have still seen to my needs and my blessings, and have guided by path. Somehow, may that all be for your glory. My current needs are even smaller and more meaningless that the rest of my life, yet somehow you have acted within this situation as well. I give you the glory. You are the King of glory forever and ever. Amen, and amen.

Wondering what Story they Told

Scripture: The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. Mark 5:12-14

Observation: When Jesus arrives on the eastern shore of the sea of Galilee, he has this encounter with a demon-possessed madman. He casts the demons out of him and into a herd of pigs, who immediately kill themselves, and as a result the townspeople are afraid of Jesus and actually ask him to leave.

So ... what did the townspeople hear that Jesus had done? Twice these verses state that there were witnesses - not Jesus, nor his disciples, nor the healed man, but others including the pig herders - who reported what happened. Did they actually report that Jesus could command of a couple thousand demons? Did they see the demons and describe them? Did they report how Jesus interacted with a famously deranged and dangerous madman and both calmed and healed him? Everywhere Jesus goes, crowds come to him to seek healing. However, what the witnesses reported in this case caused the people to actually "plead" with Jesus to go away, despite the fact he clearly healed a very dangerous person.

It seems like MOST people would view the healing as a good thing, and perhaps think that the herdsmen might themselves be a bit deranged for stating their pigs committed suicide due to the interaction between Jesus and a couple thousand demons. Instead, the opposite occurs. The fact they went into both the town and countryside to tell of the incident means the story - whatever it was - was broadcast to many people very quickly. There are two types of stories that herdsmen who just had two thousand pigs in their care die may want to spread rapidly:

1) Good news that should be celebrated

2) Lies (or at least half-truths) created to explain a perceived personal failure

It seems, based on the attitude of the people who come to investigate and thus ask Jesus to leave them, coupled with the fact that Jesus (who almost always tells those whom he healed to not broadcast the fact) explicitly tells the healed man to tell others what the Lord did for him (aka, broadcast the truth!), that #2 was at play here.

Application: I get fed a significant number of 'apologetic' videos on various social media platforms ... often these are videos that show someone challenging a person of faith to prove something about God and/or Jesus. In almost all of them, they challenger begins by stating something like, "Given the fact that X, how can you believe Y?" where X is not only not a fact, but a lie. (And Y is often a lie Christians don't actually believe either.)

I am often surprised when I actually watch these (which isn't often) that the lies that comprise the challenge are typically so fantastically and obviously false that it would seem any logical person who even thinks through their own question would realize the error of their base assumption. This is why the conundrum about what the pig herders said is so fascinating. They somehow convinced an entire town that ... Jesus incited 2,000 pigs to commit suicide. As a standalone 'given', that makes no sense! Anyone hearing that story, then arriving and seeing the actual circumstance - Jesus talking to the madman who had terrorized their entire village for years but was now calm and normal - would at the very least be intellectually curious, and should be excitedly pleased.

Instead ... then and today ... the lies take hold, and people become afraid of Jesus. People hold onto obvious lies instead of believing in the truth, because the lies justify certain behaviors or emotions they have decided to embrace. Even when those behaviors and emotions are painful or harmful or suboptimal for happiness and success, people cling to them and thus to any lies that justify them because ... facing the truth, accepting faith, and undergoing life change scares them.

I am sure there are lies I believe that hold me back from fully living the life the Lord wants for me. While I have total faith in Jesus, there are things I do that take me off of the Lord's path and plans for me daily. There is some story I've been told, where I believe the story even when evidence indicates something better is available to me if I just considered the truth.

Prayer: Lord, I do want to ignore the lies that I still believe, and embrace your truth for my life. May I continue to look for what you are doing in every situation surrounding me every minute of every day, and adjust my thinking to your facts and your truth, not to my flawed perspective. Amen.

Topic One: Violence

Scripture: If people quarrel and one person hits another with a stone or with their fist and the victim does not die but is confined to bed, the one who struck the blow will not be held liable if the other can get up and walk around outside with a staff; however, the guilty party must pay the injured person for any loss of time and see that the victim is completely healed. Exodus 21:18-19

Observation: The Lord assembles all the people, calls Moses onto the mountain, and gives him laws for them to live by. They begin with what is commonly called the ten commandments, then go on into rules about daily living, which seems to have a lot to do with ... violence.

There are rules about hitting people with sticks and axes and fists, and the proper punishment if the person dies versus if they are just injured (with variations based on what body part is damaged). The rules differentiate intent and outcomes and state of mind. They differentiate between Hebrew or foreigner, slave or neighbor. They discuss anger and treatment toward wives, or women taken as concubines, or female slaves. There are ways of summarizing all this that boils down to treating people fairly, not acting in anger, and acknowledging property rights, however it seems like an overall odd discussion in context.

The creator of the universe is revealing himself to his chosen people, and the priority topics to be discussed are ... violent crime? slave treatment? assault? destruction of private property?

Well ... yes. If the greatest command is to love the Lord and he already covered that, and the second greatest command is to love your neighbor, then yes, how we interact with everyone is important. If anything, this demonstrates God's understanding that our interpersonal relationships are confusing, difficult, complex, and frustrating, and therefore it is never as easy as just "loving" each other. We are always going to struggle greatly to do that, so we need clarity about where behavioral lines exist for those times when we inevitably fail.

Application: Everywhere I look, people treat each other terribly. Every day we see violent interactions between people. We even see situations where some people, in an attempt to protect one person-group, verbally and physically assault a different person-group and claim the moral high ground for such actions.

What is it about human nature that causes us to treat each other so poorly? God knew it to be true, which is why he structured his revealed law and priority commandments to us the way he did. How is it that the default reaction between two people is conflict, and is this true because of our own free-will nature, or because of the enemy's work here on earth?

Again, everywhere I look, I see violence, and I feel anger. It is so true that if we somehow just turned all that off, seemingly every worldly problem would end. I assume that's what heaven is like ... everyone perfectly gets along, simply because they aren't angry, which therefore eliminates all other negative behaviors.

Prayer: Lord, from this early revelation of your word, to your sermon on the mount, you know that being peacemakers is so very, very difficult. I am not a peacemaker, but I honestly wish I were. May I both have and exude your Shalom. Amen.

Good News > Fixing Problems

Scripture: Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else — to the nearby villages — so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” Mark 1:36-38

Observation: Jesus has initiated his ministry, beginning with a series of healings in Capernaum. The next morning he goes off to pray, but several disciples come to find him - interrupt him - to tell him "everyone" is looking for him. They want more of his time and his healing and his power. Jesus' response is telling. He says they need to move on to other places so he can ... preach ... for that is why he has come.

There are two elements to this response. One is the juxtaposition of Jesus' healing versus his teaching. It often seems the people want the quick-fix healing of their inflictions, but not necessarily the teaching and lessons, and it is possible this is the reason Jesus wants to move on ... to avoid the crushing crowds coming for healing. However, there is also a broader, more simple, and more direct interpretation of Jesus' answer. He says he wants to move on and preach because that is his mission, to teach. He can heal everyone, however the true ministry of Messiah is to be known as Messiah, to reveal himself as the promised hope of all nations, and the son of God by whom salvation through faith is available.

Healing might be the 'signs and wonders' that will help some believe, but the real work to be done is to tell others the good news. The mission is for as many people as possible to hear that Jesus is the son of God, he is the promised Messiah, and that salvation is now available to all through belief in that fact. And yes, there are behavioral improvements people can make to their lives - in line with the wisdom of Yahweh related to how people can live their best and blessed lives - but delivery of the good news is the mission. That is so much more important than just fixing people's problems and issues and health.

Application: These are the moments in the bible that are so interesting ... those times where I read a verse, and begin to intellectually tear it apart in layer after layer of meaning, and suddenly realize that ... it really just means what is says. Jesus said, "I have come to preach the good news, so let's go preach it," and that's all he meant.

Sure, maybe he was frustrated having his prayer time interrupted. Maybe he wanted to avoid crowds. Maybe he didn't like people just using him as a quick-fix for physical pain. Then again ... maybe those are all just how we look at this, and all he was really saying is "let's go do the top priority."

Telling the others the good news of Jesus was his mission, and it was his final instructions to the church - and to me - as his 'great commission'. That's Job One, delivering the good news, and not trying to fix people's problems.

Prayer: Lord, how often have I prayed to you about the "problems and issues" of this world, and wisdom about how to help others, or fight against the issues? However, here is the truth, everyone is actually looking for you, whether they know it or not, and our job is just tell them about you. May I do that today. Amen.

Danger in Applied Earthly Values

Scripture: While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.” Matthew 27:19

Observation: It is the time of Jesus' trial, and Pilate's wife attempts to intervene. She has had dream about Jesus and feels that Pilate should have nothing to do with him. There is one seemingly clear and plain way of interpreting this, which is that Pilate's wife has had a prophetic vision given to her in the hopes of saving Jesus' life. This interpretation of what is happening seems obvious, except ... it contradicts EVERYTHING else.

-- The crucifixion of Jesus is prophesized.

-- The actions of the accusers are prophesized.

-- The Lord could stop the crucifixion by giving any Jewish leader a word.

-- Jesus already prayed for the Lord's will and he is allowing this.

-- The Lord does not impose great suffering on people as she describes.

Pilate's wife is not named, neither in any other bible verse nor even in any Roman historical record. There are church traditions surrounding her, some of which even call her a saint for her attempt to save Jesus via the revelation of a prophetic dream. However, there are other church traditions that point out there is another way to consider all this. Stopping the crucifixion was opposed to the Lord's will and the plan for salvation, and thus an attempt to stop it from occurring is not inspired by heavenly revelation, but by satanic interference.

Yes, on a simple reading of the text, taken without context and by applying human logic, this verse appears to be about a woman who has received a heavenly word and is attempting to save Jesus' life. However, when applying heavenly context, understanding the Lord's authority to address all matters on earth, and knowing the Lord's will for human salvation through Messiah, it is much more likely that any dream Pilate's wife had was satan's last-ditch attempt to undermine Jesus' mission.

Application: Is what I just wrote correct, or blasphemy? Honestly ... I'm not sure either way. What I do know is that this verse represents a danger of applying earthly values to the word of God, and perhaps not only arriving at a wrong conclusion but arriving at a completely opposite conclusion.

The Lord's wisdom and knowledge and understanding is far above mine, and the only way to understand it is by heavenly revelation powered by the Holy Spirit. My earthly logic will always fall short. This is just a basic example ... attempting to save Jesus' life sounds awesome; attempting to undermine Jesus' life purpose sounds terrible. Understanding which of the two was occurring here requires spiritual insight, heavenly wisdom, and comprehensive biblical context.

Prayer: Lord, almost every day I read your word, and I take away thoughts and teachings and inspiration and clarification and hope. However, I desire that all those good things come to me only in the context of your wisdom, for I know the source of your wisdom is your love. I never want to twist your wisdom into my worldview and thus justify my flawed, earthly thoughts. Rather, I want my mind renewed by your word. As I go forward today, may what I have learned through the years be brought to mind by the Holy Spirit, so I may do your will in every situation. Amen.

Tired of Feeling Self-Concious

Scripture: Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.” He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!” Matthew 26:71-72

Observation: The story of Peter's denial of Jesus is well known. What is interesting is to whom Peter is talking. Peter isn't denying his associated with Jesus to public officials, or temple guards, or Roman soldiers, or rich people of influence. Peter denies Jesus when he is asked about it by "servant girls". Both of the first two questions to him are posed by someone with that description, and given the location everyone else nearby would likely be a servant as well, simply up and awake and working in the middle of the night.

From a societal perspective, Peter actually outranks them. Servant girls would absolutely have the lowest of low positions in any social ladder, as they are not just servants, and not just women, but have all three strikes of being servants, female, and young. Peter - and adult, male citizen and even a business person - would likely be allowed to just ignore them as if they never spoke. He has no reason to have any concern about anything they say or think or ask or even accuse, perhaps even to the point of being able to have them punished for the indignity of them questioning him. Likewise, even though there are others there who can hear the conversation, they too are probably below Peter in station, and he would have no reason to be concerned about their opinions or even the likelihood they would do anything against him.

This is how difficult it is to publicly stand with Jesus. The definitive disciple who was the first and the boldest in declaring Jesus as the Messiah, the very son and manifestation of the Lord on earth, is unable to maintain his confidence when confronted by a little girl with absolutely no standing with no threat of causing harm to Peter for his beliefs.

Application: Every Christian, at some point, empathizes with Peter in this situation. I know I have and I do. I have felt the difficulty of publicly stating my faith. Sometimes this makes sense, such as when I am in a place where such a profession may cost me my job (and I have been in such a circumstance). However, many times this happens when those around us MIGHT disagree with our faith, and maybe even criticize us for it, but their opinions are absolutely meaningless and have no bearing on our lives. In fact, I have been worried about how others will perceive my faith when in a situation where I was around people I actively don't know and don't care about at all.

This is a strange dynamic, and yet again I would assert it has likely occurred to every Christian at some point. If it can happen to Peter, it can happen to me.

Well ... I'm tired of feeling that way. I mostly don't anymore, but there are still times when I'm self-conscious when expressing my faith. I want to put that behind me. I am proud to be a disciple of Jesus, and I really couldn't care what others think of that. In fact, knowing who would oppose my faith may let me know who is under the influence of satan, and who needs prayer for their redemption.

Every day I have the chance to tell someone that I am a believer. I want to take that opportunity more and more, and at the very least not be self-conscious over the reactions of people whose opinions don't matter nearly as much as God's opinions.

Prayer: Lord, I do believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and savior. I have been Peter at his lowest. May I grown into being like Peter at his strongest. Amen.

Discouraged by the Secret Arts

Scripture: But when the magicians tried to produce gnats by their secret arts, they could not. Exodus 8:18

Observation: As the great confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh begins, we see that "magicians" are able to replicate the first three acts of Moses and Aaron by "their secret arts". They are able to turn a staff into a snake, turn water to blood, and cause frogs to invade inland. However, this is where it ends; They cannot recreate an infestation of gnats.

At first, they seems like a confusing place to draw the line ... gnats. The truth is that the first actions of the magicians were mere deceptions. One can use illusions to make a staff appear like a snake, or to make water seem red, especially when observers are predisposed to seeing such illusions because someone else has just done something similar. In addition, there are ways to influence animal behavior that is not magic at all, and thus driving frogs from the river into homes is doable.

However, a massive number of gnats - which will land on people and animals - is an act of creation. It requires a manifestation of nature that interacts with people. Only the Lord creates.

When the miracles could be simulated by manipulating either the perception of people or the behavior of animals, "magicians" had "secret arts" to do such simulations. However, when the miracle involves the powers of creation and nature in a manner that physically impacts people, only God can do it.

Application: Some if this represents the dangers in the world today, how those who deceive mankind do actually manipulate the physical and natural world to do so. However, they do so with known intervention. More dangerous are those who deceive by manipulating the minds of others, whose "magic" is actually leveraging human psychology to convince others of lies, and make them believe that the fake things they are showing others are the same as the real things the Lord shows us all.

I am so getting tired of talking about these sorts of topics - about how the evil of this world has stolen the truth and replaced it with lies that "look and sound" and same, but are hollow and fake. May the deceived soon open their eyes and recognize that the deceivers are only creating lies, and even then they can only do so in the most simple matters.

Prayer: Lord, may our society rediscover your truth, your authority, and your love. Amen.

Creating the Proper Circumstances

Scripture: Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of my mighty hand he will let them go; because of my mighty hand he will drive them out of his country.” Exodus 5:22-6:1

Observation: When Moses first arrives back in Egypt, tells the Israelites he has spoken with the Lord, and then goes to Pharaoh and asks for release of the Jews, Pharaoh doesn't just say 'no' but he increases the work of the slaves. He calls the lazy, gets angry at the request, makes their work nearly impossible, and beats them for their failure. It is this context that Moses asks the Lord why he did this to make their lives harder, and the Lord responds that this new situation is the one in which he will now act to accomplish his purposes.

This difference in Pharaoh is important in establishing the Lord's authority, power, and purpose. Israel had been slaves in Egypt for some time, and if Moses had just arrived and asked for their release, and Pharaoh granted it, one could argue it was because Egypt just didn't need this large people-group anymore. Perhaps they were no longer valuable, or even a strain on resources. Furthermore, it would seem obvious they were released because Moses asked, and thus it was Moses that secured their release.

Now, none of the above can be true. Pharaoh actively demonstrates both his desire to keep the Jews as slaves, and a general hatred and distrust for them. There will be no favors granted! Furthermore, whatever Moses said and did accomplished the opposite of 'freedom', so what happens next will not be because of Moses. Pharaoh's renewed anger, attention, and contempt for the Jews creates the proper circumstances for the Lord's miraculous redemption.

Application: This idea that the Lord brings redemption when circumstances have actually reached the point of "impossible" is repeated many times in the bible, and is obvious even in our world today. And it exists on both global and personal levels. I have seen individuals whose lives flip around in an instant, only when they have reached an absolute rock-bottom. We know that world history has changed many times at the exact moment when one outcome was inevitable ... then suddenly wasn't.

God is always at work, everywhere, but he really shines as our great God when the situation goes from "bad" to "impossible."

I have thought for a while that our country is nearing the "impossible" moment, when we will have moved beyond the point of a "political season" or "cultural trend" and instead are at the point of social collapse. I know my perspective is skewed by my location, and there are places in the country that aren't so bad, and thus perhaps there will more likely be some regional issues that occur. That said, today I have hope that the Lord can and will still show up. Maybe he is still setting up the proper circumstances.

Prayer: Lord, I do know you can do all things, and I also know by every example that you can and do act at the moment when human logic thinks all is lost. You are the God of miracles, big and small, global and personal. May thy will be done. Amen.