Have You Not Heard?

Scripture:
Have you not heard?
Long ago I ordained it.
In days of old I planned it;
now I have brought it to pass,
that you have turned fortified cities
into piles of stone.
2 Kings 19:25

Observation: With Sennacherib king of Assyria at the gates, and Hezekiah praying before the Lord, this is the message that comes to Isaiah. Sennacherib likes to go around declaring that he is the master of the world, that he has authority over nations, and even he can cause famine and plague by his own might. However, the Lord is telling him ... I made you! In fact, I decreed your very existence and purpose centuries ago. The Lord gave Sennacherib both his appetite for destruction, and the means to destroy, and told other nations through documented and written warnings hundreds of years ago that this would happen to them.

Sennacherib has no fear for Yahweh, and lumps him in with all the other nations' gods as just some false deity that cannot stop his might. However, Yahweh is clear ... Sennacherib is just Yahweh's tool, intentionally placed in the short-term here and now, to fulfill prophesy in the hope of returning hearts to faith in the long term.

Application: It is truth like this that makes me wonder, which of the social issues and violent conflicts do we face today that were always part of the Lord's plan to reach the lost and turn hearts to faith? I mean, I know the answer to that is "all". However, while I know the Lord is in control, and that his plans include redemption, there is still a spiritual war at play where the enemy is taking actions and manipulating a few powerful people to destroy the many weak victims.

The Lord did predict, through prophets and Messiah alike, the age where ... hearts are turned away from family, pride rules many, earthly knowledge becomes commoditized, personal identity is confusing, group fear overrides hope, and moral understanding dissolves. I am betting that, if I showed those words to someone in their 20s right now, they would say, 'yup, that just about sums it up.'

And so we say to all those who declare that, by their post-modern enlightenment, they have overcome the tedious and false promises of a non-existent deity ...

Have you not heard? Long ago the Lord himself ordained this!!! He planned this centuries - millennia - ago. He told us you would come with your lies and false understandings, and then he actually created you yourselves, gave you over to these lies, and brought you into this age so it would come to pass. And do you know why? He did it to highlight Jesus Christ! The very hope you oppose, your lies shine the spotlight upon, for the hope and joy and love you actually destroy is what Jesus promises, and it is what others will find when they finally break away from your manipulation of fear and pride.

Prayer: Lord, it is time to take these false and evil teachers, place your hook in their noses, and turn them away from this land never to return. We pray it, may revival begin today in this land, because the people finally see the falseness of these messages, and they receive Jesus as the hope they were seeking all along. Amen.

No More Options

Scripture: He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done. He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. 2 Kings 18:3-4a

Observation: For the first time in hundreds of years, a king of Judah - Hezekiah - embraces the correct practices "just like his father David". Every king before that has done right in the eyes of the Lord still falls short because they fail to remove the Asherah poles and alters that have been placed on the high places. In other words, even the ones who honor the Lord still leave open opportunity for people to worship other gods, and leave in place the mechanisms for them to do so. Not Hezekiah.

By removing the options, Hezekiah is the one king who truly stands firm in faith of Yahweh. As a result, he finds great favor with the Lord. He quickly recaptures western land held by the Philistines, and withstands one of the great invasions in history, which is that of Assyria. By contrast, Assyria will destroy a dozen other nations, and will completely eradicate the northern kingdom of Israel. However, by not only his faith but by removing the temptations of other alternative gods, Hezekiah will withstand Assyria.

Application: This is my problem. I have great faith in the Lord. However, I have left the Asherah poles and other sacred stones in place. In my pride, I give myself options of what I do and say. When I sin - cursing, coveting, lusting, lying, being angry, etc. - it is because I have left those behaviors as options in my life.

I should not have options even available. When I can honor and obey the Lord ... OR do something else ... eventually I (like others) will do the something else. Sure, the solution can be to just not do that. But a more effective option, as shown by Hezekiah, is to remove the options.

Prayer: Lord, I will begin this process of removing such options in my life. I will cut down the Asherah poles and smash the sacred stones. I desire only your love. Amen.

Fighting the Internal War

Scripture: After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.” Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” Acts 26:31-32

Observation: After Paul has made his case, Festus and Agrippa react interestingly. The most famous is Agrippa - the Jewish King of Judah - asking if he believed Paul could convert him to Christianity. However, the reaction of Festus is just as intriguing, as he declares Paul is insane and talking nonsense, and Paul points out that Agrippa actually knows what Paul is talking about ... and Agrippa clearly does! In other words, Festus (a Roman) thinks that all this talk about Messiah and resurrection is craziness, but Agrippa (and all the Jews) know this is an important matter of their faith in Yahweh.

Then there is the matter of what to do about Paul. Agrippa and Festus agree that Paul has committed no crime at all, but he will be sent to Rome for trial anyway. However, how that happens is interesting. It is NOT Festus who says, "well, under Roman law, he appealed to Caesar so I have to send him to Rome." It is Agrippa who says, "well, geez, I wish we could just set him free, but ... you know ... he appealed to Caesar, so I guess you have to send him far, far, far away from Judea."

That's right, according to the text, it is Agrippa - the Jew - who say Paul has to be sent to Rome. Agrippa wants Paul taken away, likely because he simply doesn't want more conflict in Jerusalem, and he also wants Christians removed from the Jewish homeland. Agrippa understands this issue ... the Jews are at a point where they could be divided between those who believe Messiah has come, and those who don't believe, and that division is a political issue for him.

Festus doesn't understand this. He views this entire thing as just some religious disagreement between the Jews, and that one side (Paul's) is talking crazy talk, while the other side takes the crazy assertions seriously and opposes them with such energy that they want Paul killed. Agrippa knows the truth. The Messiah is real, and this debate about Jesus being Messiah represents the issue that could tear "his country" apart. And he doesn't want a trial and execution in Jerusalem where the publicity and martyrdom could ignite a firestorm. He wants Christianity removed, quietly, by Rome.

Application: This is a reminder that the most dangerous work of the enemy isn't that he corrupts those who don't believe in God, warping their minds into a state of confused lostness. No, his most dangerous work is when he gets people who say they 'believe' in Jesus to then reject the word of God because they would rather pursue some worldly objective.

I fall into that trap ... of sinning in ways I know Jesus hates. This is satan working hard against me, and it is only one example of how he does this to many Christians. When he is most successful is when he acts against large groups of us, like entire denominations that change the doctrine they teach to contradict scripture, just to gain favor with society. Sure, I could rant about certain church denominations here, but the issue that most affects my life is ... me.

I know I do things that are opposed to the Lord's precepts and laws and instructions. In this, I am like Agrippa, trying to hold onto what I think is "mine" ... which includes, by my own pride, the right to behave the way I want in "my" life ... and thus quietly removing (temporarily ignoring) the parts of my own faith that should correct me.

The good news of Jesus is not crazy talk, it is real. Likewise, so is the spiritual war that is trying to quietly send the scriptural word of God far, far away, never to return. That battle is happening all around us, but it is also happening in pieces within my own heart, and that is the battle I must address.

Prayer: Lord, when I say I must address this, I mean to do so with your help and love. Please, Lord, remind me every day of the truth, which is that I am your servant and you are my master. I surrender my life you, which means I obey you. Yes, I will struggle and sometimes fail, but I must remember that I do not make my own decisions about my daily activities, but rather I follow your path, holding your hand. May I be more faithful in this every day, by your strength and your love. Amen.

Missing the Mission of the Message

Scripture: First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. Acts 26:21-22

Observation: As Paul explains his backstory to Agrippa, he gets to the point of stating why the Jews want him tried and killed. It is because he preaches repentance and faith to the Gentiles. This should be an inditement against every Jew listening to Paul ... however, it isn't. Not a single voice is reported to oppose this fact, and in fact it isn't the first time this explanation has been stated uncontested.

The reason the Jews should feel accused by this is at the core of what it means to be Jewish. Their entire existence as a people-group - the reason the Lord set Abraham aside to be a nation - is to make Yahweh known to the entire world, and to bless all other nations because the Lord blesses them. Telling Gentiles about the Lord shouldn't be controversial, it should be the goal. However, how that mission played out changed long, long ago. Israel never really went around telling other nations about Yahweh. Instead, they lived by example, were protected by the Lord, and others learned of Yahweh by observation of Israel, not hearing instructions.

Sure, the Jews are angry with Paul also because his message isn't just about Yahweh as Lord, but about Jesus as Messiah. However, while the Jews contest the Messiahship of Jesus and the resurrection itself, that isn't the primary charge they bring against Paul. Their complaint for which they want Paul sentenced to death is that he tells Gentiles about God, which is what they were supposed to be doing all along.

Application: I know there is some nuance to what I am saying here about Paul and the Jews. It is very possible that when the Lord told Abraham he would be the father to many/all nations, and his people would be blessed to be a blessing, he was in fact referring to Jesus coming and saving the world. As a result, Jesus absolutely told believers to go, speak, and teach the gospel to the entire world. Israel didn't have some explicit directive to go out from the promised land and preach.

This is why it remains important for me to be able to talk about Jesus to others. Christians are the fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise. We are the way that the world becomes children of Abraham, co-heirs with Christ as sons and daughters of the Lord.

I just don't do this enough. I am too much like the Jews ... to live a certain life and assume non-believers will "see Jesus" by osmosis. Of course, I don't live a good enough life for that to ever work, either.

I do need to be more intentional in talking about Jesus, making it clear that I believe in Jesus as Messiah, and in the Lord as the almighty creator, and to give my reasons why I know these things. And yes, I also need to live a life that shows other that believing these things matters and motivates my life.

Prayer: Lord, every day you bring people to me in conversation and in just walking around interactions. May I find ways to speak of you, Jesus, more and more, for that's the mission. Amen.

Avoiding the Judgment of Culture

Scripture: Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” Acts 25:10-11

Observation: Paul is on trial before the Roman governor Festus. Festus has heard the 'charges' against Paul, and his defense, but the Jews want the trial ended and Paul turned over to them for their own trial. As a Roman citizen, Paul rejects that, preferring to be heard by Caesar himself.

Festus will go on and explain his dilemma to the Judean king Agrippa. He has heard the charges against Paul, and they make no sense. There is no crime, no charge of treason, and nothing else that constitutes wrongdoing according to either Roman law or Jewish custom, it seems. The entire argument for which Paul is arrested seems to be minor religious points of contention, and a disagreement about whether or not Jesus is alive.

This is Festus' conclusion AFTER hearing the Jewish leaders. This isn't like other trials, where the Jewish leaders try to find false witnesses and tell lies, and then the official judge cannot figure out the truth due to conflicting stories. Instead, the Jews have presented a unified and accurate and true "case" - Paul disagrees with them about key points concerning the Messiah, because he knows Jesus is Messiah and is also raised from the dead - and nothing in that statement is against the law ... and it would seem isn't actually opposed to Jewish customs as the Jews themselves have many disagreements about those topics in general.

However, Paul's reaction is telling. Knowing that he has done nothing wrong and he could likely be released, he effectively rejects that freedom in order to avoid being handed over to the Jews. In other words, while he defends himself in court, he knows that an even worse outcome is to have some group that operates as its own law take control of his fate. He knows he has "not done anything wrong to the Jews" while also making it clear "no one has the right to hand me over to them [the Jews]." 

Application: Paul is making a stand here on a principle many of us need to remember. We must be aware of situations where those with personal and immoral agendas seek to judge us, and in so doing oppress our ability to honor Jesus.

Make no mistake, such people are all around us, and they hold "public hearings" every day attempting to attack those of us - individuals and institutions alike - that believe in Jesus. They are the ones inventing social concepts and constructs around gender and race, defining new battle grounds that declare one set of beliefs as correct, and anyone who doesn't embrace (or even champion) those beliefs is a borderline criminal, and at least someone to be rejected by society.

We now even recognize this by a term, 'cancel culture', where backlash against someone who doesn't agree with such nonsense receives backlash.

Every day, I still make choices that are along the lines of Paul, though not as extreme. I get encouraged to participate in events that 'celebrate' these flawed cultural issues. I am sent information about support groups for employees who identify a certain way. I am offered optional training to learn more about these topics. And every day, I refuse to engage, knowing this likely means I am on some report in human resources, and that report may someday tip the scales when it comes to what happens next in my career. That happened before.

And here's the point: I know I have not done anything wrong to any group of this kind, and therefore I refuse to be handed over to them for judgment. If, as a result, my career dies (again), I do not refuse to die.

Prayer: Lord, as I begin this week, please forgive my sins. I struggle every day, as you know, to live a life aligned to you in every way, and I sincerely want to do so. May I be a light to others, not in conflict, but in spirit-guided interaction, to show your heart to all. Amen.

Called to do All That

Scripture: A man came from Baal Shalishah, bringing the man of God twenty loaves of barley bread baked from the first ripe grain, along with some heads of new grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” Elisha said. “How can I set this before a hundred men?” his servant asked. But Elisha answered, “Give it to the people to eat. For this is what the Lord says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’” Then he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the Lord. 2 Kings 4:42-44

Observation: In this section of scripture telling of Elisha's miracles, this passage involves the feeding of 100 men with bread. It is a clear parallel to Jesus doing the same thing, and will even be referenced as scripture when that occurs. However, there are a few differences, the most obvious of which is the numbers. Eventually, Jesus will feed 5,000 'men' and their families (so, assume ~20,000 people) with 7 loaves of bread. Here, Elisha will feed 100 men that are the company of prophets (so likely 100 people) with 20 loaves of bread.

In those days, a loaf was likely what we would consider a round of pita bread, so 1/5th of that isn't a lot ... but it's not nothing. It is enough for a light snack to get a person through the day. However, it isn't enough for a meal, and certainly it wouldn't be SO much that everyone was filled to the point of leaving leftovers unfinished. So yes, Elisha has done a miracle by extending this bread to feed 100 men. However, again, this will be nothing like Jesus, who will extend 7 loaves to feed 200 times more people, and then have an amount bread left over that is greater than the amount with which he began.

Application: I do not fully understand the lives of Elijah and Elisha, as they navigated a time in which they were undeniably powerful prophets, dedicated to the Lord, yet fighting a losing battle against the people and kings of Israel as they descended further and further into spiritual rebellion. However, it is passages like today that seem to make it clear there are parallels to learn about these two prophets that inform the life and mission of Jesus, and in turn the mission of his Church today.

There are elements of Elijah and Elisha where they are gentle, even supporting, advising, and assisting those we would consider their enemies. There are times when it seems the primary focus is showing compassion on the poor and destitute who, given the context, likely include other gods in their daily routine but who still cling to a little hope in Yahweh. There are times when they turn angry and aggressive, directly fighting the authorities and false worship all around them.

Again, I do not fully understand all this. I know that I and all believers are to do many of those same things ... show mercy toward our enemies, love and care for the downtrodden, defend and declare the truth of the gospel. Yet I also know that the mix and timing - knowing which action to take in which modern circumstance - is complicated and confusing. I'm not sure I can figure that out based on Elijah and Elisha.

What I can learn is that, indeed, these are the actions the Lord would have us take. Not just confronting powerful liars, but also offering them patient advice. Not just advising the powerful, but also living in community with other believers. Not just interacting with other believers, but visiting the poor and compassionately helping them. Not just helping the poor, but also confronting the powerful liars.

We - the full body of Christ - are called to do all that. Does that mean I do it all? Does it mean that I do some of it and others do other parts of it? Can we discern which things to do when, where, and with whom? This is the complexity of life with Jesus that only the Holy Spirit can help us discern, I think.

Prayer: Lord, today I will talk to people who are far from you. I will talk to someone, I'm sure, who is actively opposed to you. May I have your wisdom only to know what to do and say in those interactions, today and every day. Amen.

We Really Just Want to Know

Scripture: Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” Acts 21:13-14

Observation: Paul is on his journey back to Jerusalem, and multiple times several believers beg him not to go, and prophesy of the danger of returning to Jerusalem given his reputation among the Jews. Here in Caesarea, a man named Agabus goes one step further, practicing the old Jewish tradition of telling a prophesy through roleplay, by binding himself with Paul's own belt. The fact Paul will be arrested by the Jews and turned over to the Romans for prosecution is no longer a fear, but a foretelling.

And how does Paul respond? Does he tell them he has received a different message from the Lord? Does he disagree and think he will find a way out? Does he even say that yes, he will be arrested, but he has faith God will free him? No, he does none of these. Rather, he effective responds with ... 'Yup, I know, it'll be unpleasant and I may even die, but that's okay as long as I'm obeying the Lord.'

Paul will be assaulted and insulted by the Jews, arrested and turned over to the Romans, prosecuted before regional leaders, and transferred to Rome itself for a full trial. He will live at least another three years and will never be a free man again. However, his mission will never change or falter. He will write some of his greatest letters during this time, and as a result his ministry will grow from "successful recently in Asia minor" to "successful globally for all eternity." This happens because - right here and now, with the clearest of all prophesies declaring he will be arrested - Paul says ... okay, then the Lord's will be done.

It's almost as if he knows hardships are always on the horizon (civil riots, public curses, arrests and beatings), and he's better with the idea of knowing what the hardship will be rather than walking into the unknown issue over and over.

Application: My family is sitting right now with concerns about the future unknowns, and it is taking a toll on us, but especially my wife. She wants 'control' and is praying about that, for she knows that is a lesson she is trying to learn. Maybe the real human need isn't control of the future, but just knowing it.

Yes, control of the future is great (though an illusion). However, knowledge is almost as good. Paul's lesson is that even knowing the bad future is better than not knowing.

We would like to know when and where our son will find employment. I would like to know if and how I can be successful at my job. We would all like to know where and when we might move on from this region. The truth is, all of these future conversations have downside, however we really just want to know.

Prayer: Lord, we have said over and over again, thy will be done, and we mean it. That said, it would be nice to know that will. Please, Lord, may your will place favor on our son most of all, very soon. Amen.

Twisted Stories and the True Story

Scripture: From there Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some boys came out of the town and jeered at him. “Get out of here, baldy!” they said. “Get out of here, baldy!” He turned around, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the Lord. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys. 2 Kings 2:23-24

Observation: Elisha is now, without question, the prophet of Israel and has inherited the Spirit of the Lord from Elijah. This has been shown by his acts and validated by other prophets and believers. Then, we have a strange encounter. "Some boys" come out and insult him by calling him "baldy," so Elisha curses them and 42 are killed by bears.

At first, this seems like a wild overreaction at best, and perhaps even a terrible abuse of the power the Lord has given Elisha. He effectively pronounced death on some kids because they called him names. However, there is certainly something else going on here, and the first hints are the place where this occurs, and the number of boys killed.

The location context reminds us that this is occurring in Israel, which has completely rebelled against Yahweh, and is in active worship of the baals. The king especially hated Elijah, and now hates Elisha. Certainly the people know this, and they are not just telling some random prophet to go away. Rather, they are actively rejecting the true representative of the Lord himself, looking to drive off the one person and one voice that speaks the truth of Yahweh into their nation.

And yes, "drive off" is the right term, for this is not just some collection of "boys". With 42 killed, likely meaning there were WAY more participants, this is a mob. This is a scene of threatened - if not soon-to-be-actual - violence. These boys are behaving more like a large gang, arriving in force, with a coordinated plan to threaten and intimidate, all directed at the one individual about whom the king would likely reward any who perpetrate violence. They are the next generation of baal-worshipping, Yahweh-rejecting, hate-filled thugs, and they are not calling Elisha names, they are inciting him to confrontation and thus justification for a deadly attack.

It is in that context that we see not a violent overreaction from Elisha, but rather we see a faith-filled and patient response. Elisha absorbs the insults without defense. He perceives the physical threat without fear or action. Instead, he calls upon the Lord ... and two bears appear and take care of the situation. Elisha prays for an appropriate response against this threat, and the Lord provides it.

Application: I was thinking this last night as I was falling asleep - thus perhaps inspired by the Spirit - about how often non-believers have been lied to about what the bible really says. This may be one (albeit much, much lesser-known) example. I once heard a non-believer ask about this story ... paraphrasing it as "a few young boys called a prophet names, so God had bears kill them, how is that the action of a loving God?"

Seriously, that isn't what's happening here. Though the truth isn't immediately obvious without some context and understanding, the "summary" version is a lie, just like non-believers have been told so many lies about the bible by the enemy. The enemy takes part of the bible, removes all context, paraphrases what's left completely wrong, adds one false detail ... and feeds the non-believers a resulting logical question that calls God into doubt (either by character or existence). This happens all the time.

Here is what I believe about these types of interactions. It is very, very good for Christians to know the truth about these stories. However, it is wrong (or at least too complicated) to interact with non-believers who cite these lies by correcting them about such stories. It is far better to engage in conversations about Jesus. We should set aside the wrong story ("your summary of that bible story has inaccuracies, but let's come back to that later") and turn the conversation to "Christ crucified" ("the bible story we should FIRST discuss is Jesus").

The bible is full of awesome stories about the Lord's love, authority, mercy, judgment, patience, and power. The enemy twists those stories into lies about the Lord. However, the truth is that all the stories actually point to one great story ... God loves us so much that he sent Jesus to die for our sins, so that by faith in him we can have eternal salvation.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for Jesus, and Jesus I need you more and more in my life. I do believe in you, and desire the Holy Spirit to govern and guide my daily walk. May I do your will today, for your glory. Amen.

They will Not Go Unpunished

Scripture:
The Lord detests all the proud of heart.
Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 16:5

Observation: The section of small, short, two-line proverbs include several about pride. This example states the wisdom just a bit differently. First, it is clear that the Lord detests the "proud of heart", implying a pride that is imbedded into one emotions, not their logic. Second, this proverb makes it clear that the Lord will punish those with this form of pride, however there is an implication that it may take time, as the read is encouraged "be sure" it will come (or another way of saying it, 'be patient').

Application: Seattle held its terrible "Pride Parade" yesterday. They estimate hundreds of thousands either attend or participate, and this year they coordinated this event for the last weekend in June in order to maximize the taunting they could do to the entire world as it intersected with World Cup visitors from the middle east.

I weep at what Seattle has become in every way. I struggle to even understand how and why this has happened, and how it is that so very many people are deceived into the thoughts and ways of life now exhibited in this place. And today, the proverbs comfort me. Those who have connected the way of pride to their emotional ... who live at the intersection of being proud about how they emotionally embrace sin ... will not go unpunished. Yes, it will take time, and for all I know that means the punish comes after this lifetime, but the punishment will come, and it belongs to the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, I pray again today, come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

When the Lord's Will is Ignored

Scripture: In the thirty-first year of Asa king of Judah, Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned twelve years, six of them in Tirzah. 1 Kings 16:23

Observation: Omri seems to be a transition point for the northern nation of Israel, from which they will descend even further and never recover. Their kings to this this point have been terrible, all worshipping Ashera and conducting their worship to the Lord by way of two golden calves (perhaps now only one in Bethel, since the other may have been captured). Then, in seven days, Zimri kills King Elah and with him the entire family of Baasha, then Zimri kills himself when the army decides Omri should be king. Omri defeats another rival, becomes king, and will do two things that change Israel forever.

First, Omri builds a new capital city. He names is Samaria, and eventually that becomes the name of his entire country (as foreign invaders take more and more of Israel until it no longer represents the promised-land nation). This name - Samaria - will become notorious, first as a land that falls into the worship of false gods to the point of committing child sacrifices to other gods, then as a location depopulated by foreign invasion, then eventually becoming a name for a people-group that live in the area, whom the Jews hate partially due to their twisting of how they worship Yahweh.

Second, Omri fathers and raises Ahab, the true villain in Israel's history, who will take the northern kingdom from a people who are worshipping the Lord improperly, and turn them into true pagans who reject the Lord.

Looking for an indication predicting Omri as this pivotal point, there is something. All other kings - even the seven-day reign of Zimri - include a reference that they were either chosen by the Lord, or their actions were in response to the Lord's will in some manner, even if they then subsequently chose a wrong path. This is not so for Omri. Omri becomes king first by the actions of a military division under his command, then by a group that back him over another candidate (Tibni). Verses 16-23 are about Omri's rise, and none of them mention that any action performed by Omri, the army, or the populous were in alignment to the Lord's direction or will.

Yes, Israel was committing evil, but they hadn't fully turned away from the Lord. Then, in the form of Omri, they enter a time when they are fully and completely ignoring the Lord, which pivots them. They will soon enter a time when their identity is changed, and they even become antagonistic toward Yahweh. Again, that begins when they first completely ignore the Lord's will.

Application: This is a key idea I believe. There is a line between failing to honor, respect, and obey the Lord, and fully dismissing and ignoring him. The former is sinful. The latter is rebellious and truly lost. At one time in my life, I almost crossed that line, and the Lord brought me back from it.

However, I look around today, and I see a lot of people who are so far across that line, their response to this discussion would be to dismiss the very concept of rebelling against God because they don't believe any such being exists or matters, and that true evil resides in the minds of those who embrace such ideas. I know I live in modern-day Samaria, with local leaders who are truly evil.

And this is the final confirmation of that knowledge ... they no longer reject God, they ignore him. There is no longer a debate, there is only a one-sided anger-filled speech.

I am fully willing to serve the Lord where he would put me, for as long as he wants, but I would rather not be in Samaria when it gets destroyed, and I now know we have passed the pivot-point.

Prayer: Lord, as I just said, thy will be done in my life. We are here where you have placed us, serving your will and being your light in this dark place, and we will do so as long as you tell us to. If that is my entire earthly life, so be it, and if so then please continue to give us your protection in this evil land. Amen.

Join God in Easy Work

Scripture: During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 16:9-10

Observation: Paul has this vision of a man asking him to come to Macedonia and "help us", and he immediately goes. Interestingly, Paul does not go in search of ... this man. He rapidly goes to a couple cities on his way to Phillipi, where he preaches then baptizes a woman and her family. Despite the fact Paul saw a man in his dream, there is no mention of a man, and clearly no action by Paul to seek out a definitive person.

This might not be an inconsistency. In thinking back on other times when the Lord speaks to individuals in dreams and visions, he often does not show a specific individual and then send the receiver of the dream on a quest. Instead, the Lord gives instructions and looks for obedience to those instructions. If interacting with a specific person is involved, it is often that the individual in the vision or dream is not that person, but just the messenger who speaks of the person.

Dreams of God are tricky. Even when metaphorical, visions and dreams are often revelations from God that need interpretation and prayerful understanding by someone well attuned to the Holy Spirit. Paul fits that qualification of course, so understood the nature of his own dream. However, again the other part of this is that visions and dreams seem to reliably involve a messenger. The "person" in the vision is not a person involved in fulfilling the instructions of the vision.

So the "man of Macedonia" was a heavenly messenger, but his message is for Paul to come "help us". The implication is that heavenly work has already begun in Macedonia, and they now desire a human to join in the work and deliver the good news of Jesus. In other words, the mission wasn't "go to this untouched area and introduce the idea of God to the masses." The mission was "come to these people who already believe in God and are prepared to receive Jesus."

Application: I don't think God gives most of us really hard tasks. He mostly gives us tasks that are just to be a part of something he is already doing. Jesus even says this.

I am not sure I ever get a vision to come join the Lord in some work. I do see places that show evidence that he is at work, and I hope I join him in that appropriately. 

Prayer: Lord, as I think upon your callings and your ways this day, may I not just seek some huge and grand plan. Instead, may I find the places where your hand is already at work, and just join you as your human assistant in that work. Amen.

Appealing to the Known God

Scripture:
Then I thought, "To this I will appeal:
the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.
I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will consider all your works
and meditate on all your mighty deeds."
Psalm 77:10-12

Observation: The psalmist has been reaching out the Lord for salvation in his hardship, struggling to see or hear from God in this situation. Then he thinks of this ... as part of his appeal, he will remember the times when the Lord absolutely did respond and acted. He will recall the miracles, the works, and the deeds the Lord has done, and in his heart will know they were real and true. In this manner, even though he does not yet see and hear the Lord in this situation, he will be assured the Lord himself does see, does hear, and will respond.

Application: As my wife and I pray into a couple major situation, most notably my son's employment, this is a verse to cling to. We don't see and hear - nor do we understand - what the Lord is doing in this situation. However, we know he sees and hears.

The Lord has always seen my circumstances. When I was fully lost and turned away from him, he miraculously changed my life. When I was attacked with vicious and public lies, he guided my recovery. Through physical injuries, total heartbreak, and personal struggles, the Lord has always helped me. He always shows up, and always does something unexpected and miraculous.

I believe he will now, too, in the life of my son, and for the emotional support of my entire family. This has been a hard time to endure, and many times my prayers have said something very similar to, "I don't know what to appeal to, Lord." Well, I now do. I even learned this last night when lying awake, hearing the enemy challenging my beliefs.

I appeal to my definitive faith in, and knowledge of, the Lord. I know Yahweh exists, and that he is the all-powerful creator of the universe and the all-loving father of myself and my family. I know Jesus is his son and the Messiah, in whom our salvation is secured by our faith in him. I know the Holy Spirit is the very spirit of the Lord, teaching and guiding us all. And I know all this because I've experienced it ... I've seen it ... I've heard it ... I've lived it. With the very real memory and knowledge of what the Lord does, I appeal to him to do.

Prayer: Lord, the time for action is at hand. I know you can and will act, because you always do. Please, Lord, deliver my son from this hardship and this trial soon. Amen.

Trapped by Self-Fulfillment

Scripture: And Solomon rebuilt Gezer. He built up Lower Beth Horon, Baalath, and Tadmor in the desert, within his land, as well as all his store cities and the towns for his chariots and for his horses—whatever he desired to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon and throughout all the territory he ruled. 1 Kings 9:17-19

Observation: Solomon built ... whatever HE desired.

After Solomon has completed the temple, then his own palace, and then begins building cities and equipment. Within HIS land and the territory HE rules, HE builds HIS store cities for HIS chariots.

Then in chapter 10, the Queen of Sheeba arrived, and Solomon impresses her with HIS wisdom, so she honors HIS achievements. And an inventory of HIS splendor reveals all HE has, all HIS wealth, and all of HIS decor in HIS palace, not to mention all HIS chariots in HIS army. Finally, let's not forget all HIS wives and concubines, over 1,000 women! Of course, what happens next is these wives lead Solomon into worshipping other gods, as he builds idols and shrines to those gods so his foreign wives can pray to them, and eventually participates in it himself.

Thus, we see the downfall of even the wisest man in the world. Solomon wrote about the greatness of the Lord, about how all wisdom comes from the Lord, and of how that wisdom is most evident when aligned to the Lord's instructions. Then, Solomon ignored it all, violated his own teachings, and turned away from the Lord. In truth, this all began not with temptation to honor the other gods, but with the trap to honor himself.

Solomon began as a king who understood his greatness came from the Lord, and that his mission was to build the Temple to honor the Lord. However, he soon moved to honoring the Lord in indirect ways ... rebuilding Jerusalem cities, creating a palace for the anointed king. These soon became about him, however, and he continued to take actions that elevated himself. Sure, he might have thought that demonstrating the great wisdom Yahweh gave him therefore honored Yahweh, but we don't see him giving credit to the Lord for his wisdom or riches or successful building projects or sustained peace. Once his heart was concerned about what he himself could do and how he was responsible for fulfilling his mission, it was open to temptation to just go do things without considering the Lord's instructions.

Application: Every human falls into this trap, of thinking that success in their lives is of their own doing. Yes, there are some people who have learned to work within the worldly systems to create worldly success. However, I know and understand that I am not one of those people. If I have success, it has always been because the Lord chose to bless me. I do not self-fulfill any goal.

Even with that knowledge, I still talk about things "I have done" in life, and work I am doing, and how well I did. Yes, this is a deep trap, when I fail even momentarily to honor the Lord and thank him for everything in my life.

Prayer: Lord, I know you are the source of all good things, and it is by you alone that I can do anything in this world. May I continue to seek your guidance, follow your path, comply with your instructions, and listen to your instructions, in all matters and all activities, every day. Amen.

Keeping my Mind Centered

Scripture: The God of the people of Israel chose our ancestors; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt; with mighty power he led them out of that country; for about forty years he endured their conduct in the wilderness; and he overthrew seven nations in Canaan, giving their land to his people as their inheritance. All this took about 450 years. Acts 13:17-20

Observation: While in Pisidian, on the Sabbath, after the reading of the scriptures, the rabbi offers Paul a chance to speak, and this is how Paul begins. He walks through the first phase of Israel's history, from the patriarchs entering Egypt as a family of ~70 people, to the nation of over 1 million people claiming the promised land of Canaan. Paul will continue on with this historical review, quickly getting the point, which is that, from the line of David, Jesus has come, and every prophesy about the Messiah has been fulfilled through Jesus including his resurrection.

Several times in his ministry, Paul preaches to the Jews in their synagogues, and does so by taking whatever that day's reading was and contextualizing the messianic prophesy in it to Jesus. So that begs the question, what was this day's scripture reading that Paul is using to begin his lesson?

Based on this beginning, it could have been anything, but here are some reasonable guesses:

-- Exodus, as he begins with them leaving Egypt.

-- Joshua, as he covers the overthrow of seven nations and the 450-year timeline.

-- Numbers, as it is the narrative that fits between these two other guesses.

The truth is ... this is just a guessing exercise - a little intellectual game - and there is probably no way of really knowing. Perhaps Paul wasn't even following his normal pattern, and this was just his normal "Gospel 101" sermon that he had ready to go as his first lesson about Jesus.

Application: You know what? I really like reading the bible every day! Maybe that sounds like an odd thing to say, but the truth is that, every day, I get a little something I didn't expect. Sure, sometimes it's a lesson - a scolding, or a deep insight - that I need to adjust my life. However, sometimes it's just an interesting and even fun little side-trip down some intellectual path.

Today's reading, between Acts and 1 Kings, took me into little side quests like ... what did the pillars of Solomon's temple really represent, and why do time periods of ~450-ish years pop up often, and of course what was the scripture reading this day. All of these are things I could ponder and meditate upon, and doing so will bring me closer to the Lord. Even if I can't even come up with guesses, just the thought effort keeps my mind centered on him and his nature and his plans. And oh, how I absolutely need to have my mind centered on the Lord more and more every day.

And just because ... I think the scripture reading that day was from Numbers.

Prayer: Lord, my mind goes into terrible, dark, and problematic places far too often. Please, Lord, forgive me for my thoughts and actions when my mind goes to those places. Sure, I can learn all about "the psychology of Gen X" to understand that, but that isn't the solution. The solution is for me to keep my mind on you, and on your things above. You tell me that in your word, and I know it. May I find ways to keep my mind on you alone, with you central in my thoughts. Amen.

Pursuing the Inferior Wisdom

Scripture: God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. 1 Kings 4:29-30

Observation: Solomon has firmly been established as king of Israel, and as the wisest man in history thanks to the Lord's blessing. However, beyond just declaring that Solomon is "the wisest man in the world", the author makes a very specific and meaningful declaration ... that Solomon is wiser than "all the people of the East."

Nowhere in the bible is China mentioned. It is barely even understood by Christian tradition that some of the apostles traveled east as far as India. While the "east" is likely known of in Israel, to invoke it as a potential comparison for wisdom is very out of place. However, much later in history - a thousand years later and even still up to today - much of the world considers ancient China to be one of the sources of great wisdom, with the names of Chinese philosophers like Confucius and Laozi and Sun Tsu still known and their wisdom studied.

The author of 1 Kings, in circa 1100 BC, would have had no way of knowing that the "east" would be thought of as a source of wisdom throughout history, yet for some reason he makes it clear that Solomon's wisdom is greater than any of those great thinkers. This statement wasn't made because the author wanted to identify a benchmark of wisdom and then assert Solomon was greater. Rather, this statement was made because God knew mankind would someday adopt the east as a benchmark of wisdom, and preemptively is making it clear centuries in advance that the east is the wrong source of wisdom ... God is the source of the greatest wisdom, as made evident by Solomon.

And yet, here we stand, 3,200 years later, with SO many people thinking that - when they want to find a source of wisdom to use to model their life - they should adopt some eastern form of meditation, ritual, practice, religion, and/or philosophy. They were already told those are all inferior to this one truth ... fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, a statement made TWICE by the human who was wiser than all the people of the East ... but they reject the greatest wisdom to pursue the inferior wisdom.

Application: I know many people who have done this; Realigned their lives to embrace some "far east" practice or philosophy, in the hopes it will put them on the right path mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Most of those people know of Jesus and have outright rejected God, now considering themselves some kind of agnostic or atheist. In addition, I know of many, many more 'famous' people who have done this same thing.

Even at my lowest point, when I was on the brink of rejecting God forever, I never had an idea that something else was better. While I now know better, I can at least understand the idea some people have that there is no supreme ruler and order to life, and thus all is mostly pointless. However, the idea that people actively seek a model for how to live their lives, and then choose some eastern 'discipline' over Christian faith is something I cannot comprehend.

To actively pursue that which is known to be inferior must be an indication of a broken life. I know from experience that the rejection of God's wisdom was an indication of my lost and empty and broken life, how much more so to seek that wisdom, but to select the inferior path instead.

Prayer: Lord, one truth I know is that your wisdom is, in fact, the best and greatest, and that a life pursuing your wisdom is a worthy model for life on earth. I also know I fail to fully embrace your ways, and thank you for Jesus and the grace of your love when I do fail. May my daily life reflect your wisdom more and more. Amen.

Fighting God to the Death

Scripture: Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.” Acts 12:11

Observation: We see the early church being persecuted, which includes Herod having executed James and now preparing to execute Peter. When Peter escapes with the help of an angel, this is his reaction. First, he credits the Lord for his rescue. Then, he considers who is opposed to the him ... yes, it is Herod, but he is doing this to appease the Jews, and Peter declares that this persecution and his near-execution is the result of "everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen."

Keep in mind, Peter has now been the first apostle to witness the conversion and Holy Spirit baptism of Gentiles. He will be part of several key conversations in the future about the dynamic of having Gentile believers. However, the apostles at this time are primarily communicating the gospel to Jews. Now, Peter stands on a city street, and confesses that what the "Jewish people" are "hoping would happen" is the execution of Christians.

This had to be a hard realization, but it also represents a firm turning point. Church leaders now realize that there are some Jews whose hearts are so hardened - their necks are so stiff, and they so want to wrestle with God - that they would rather kill their fellow Jews than believe the Messiah (whom they have hoped for) was Jesus.

Application: This is a difficult thing to understand about all mankind in general ... often, they wish there was a way to make their lives better, but will then fight (even violently) against the Lord and his instructions and plans.

Yes, I can think of 20 different ways this applies to society today, but those are mostly other people's issues. I need to instead ask myself ... are there areas of my life in which I am dug-in fighting against the Lord, and if I just relented and agreed with his will my life would immediately be easier? In fact, let's make this exercise specific ...

Am I fighting to continue my career so I can pad my money and retirement, when I should just let it go and trust the Lord for my future?

Am I rejecting the Lord's gentle guidance to take care of my body, and thus by my laziness and sloth I am leading myself into a time of physical pain and problems?

These are two areas I am concerned about. I am not sure about either. I am not certain I hear the Lord's guidance and teaching in my life related to these items, so I am not really being intentional about what I'm doing in these aspects of my life. Maybe I'm not hearing him because I'm fighting him at some internal level.

Prayer: Lord, I don't want to be like those who fight against you aggressively and openly. I want to receive your direction, and obey. Amen.

Courage in the Dangerous Places

Scripture: The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. Acts 10:24-25

Observation: I recently saw an archeological review of Caesarea, which was an interesting city. It was a city constructed by the Romans, with a manmade port and breakwater. The port was at the northern end of a large, rocky bay, and had a large temple to Caesar right at the mouth of the port. The city extended south along the bay, with a hippodrome occupying much of the land there, and ended with the governor's palace perched on the southern promontory of the bay. And set just inland from that palace (logistically attached even to the palace) was one more significant house that would have been the home of the most prominent military commander over the city. It is believed that was, in fact, where Peter met Cornelius, and where the Holy Spirit then first came down upon Gentiles.

This was Rome's capital in Judea. This is the footprint of Rome itself in the borders of Judea/Israel, and this very location represents everything about that worldly power dynamic ... a large temple for Caesar worship, a palace for the local leader, a massive entertainment venue to impose Roman 'culture' into the lives of the people, and a military post to enforce it all. And smack in the middle of all that, the Holy Spirit shows up for the first time to reenforce that salvation is for all, Jews and Gentiles alike, and that story would become the fire of encouragement the rest of the Church needed to go to the ends of the world with the gospel.

Clearly, if the Holy Spirit can show up in the heart of the Roman capital, to be poured out on high-ranking Roman military officials and Roman citizens, it can show up anywhere and bless anyone.

Application: It is not too dramatic to state that this benchmark event in Caesarea is the ignition point that led to my salvation. It is one of the key reasons the gospel went to the rest of the world, which eventually included places where I could hear about it millennia later.

In seeing the archeology of the city, I would expect that Peter required great courage to go there, not so much because he feared persecution at that point, but because even just walking into this area of the capital was likely a tenuous act by a Jew. He effectively walked through the military base, beyond the residential areas, up to the very doorstep of the Roman governor's palace, and preached to a roomful of (likely armed) members of the Roman military and their families.

While not quite the same, this represents how I should act whenever I am in a place that is hostile toward Jesus. I have been in those places at work, serving at parades, walking downtown, and even in online forums. These can be "dangerous" places for Christians in this region, and in my case they often represent a kind of earthly political power that could (and has) make my life difficult. I hope I will always have the courage to speak the truth about Jesus, and that my action may therefore create a chain of events that someday saves someone I've never met.

Prayer: Lord, your ways are amazing. As I consider how your plans have always been great, and your ways above any thoughts of the ways of men, may I also find the courage to always speak 'Christ crucified' to all. Amen.

A Lighthearted Look at Mystery

Scripture: Among the Thirty were ... There were thirty-seven in all. 2 Samuel 23:24a,39b

Observation: In this section of 2 Samuel, the author reports on David's military might, immediately followed by David's sin of taking a census of his military might. However, this first section addresses David's "mighty men". And who are they? Well ...

Let's start with "the three". These are the mightiest of the mighty men, but they are not the mighty men. They are Josheb-Basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shammah, and they were commanded by Abishai. So ... there were four of "the three". Then we have "the thirty", who are commanded Benaiah who is not one of the thirty nor one of the three, followed by the list of the thirty in which thirty-seven are listed.

So in summary ... there are "the three" which are really four, and "the thirty" which are really thirty-seven but really really thirty-eight, so obviously ... 3+30=42.

Application: I know there are very serious and important elements of the bible that are difficult to understand and worthy of deep thought (David's acts that follow this section - taking a census of the fighting men - is one such example). And then there is something like this that is just kind of fascinating, and maybe even a good case study about why understanding the ancient writing of the bible is so difficult.

Obviously, and for reasons I cannot fathom, there is some sort of historical or cultural context around why there is a special designation for three great warriors, and another special designation around 30 exceptional warriors, however the actual counts don't match, and the commanders (who the text even says are equal or greater than the others) aren't included. If feels like, perhaps, the numbers carry some cultural importance, even if the actual count doesn't equal the numbers. Or maybe David wanted to honor certain individuals and he had a limited number of titles to hand out, so he created a designation then couldn't bring himself to be limited by the arbitrary cut-off point. Or maybe, just like we see throughout the bible, the REAL number here is 40, and all of this actually represents two commanders and their 40 great warriors, and it's all just a code for the idea that "David had a lot of great warriors".

My personal takeaway is ... this sort of stuff is just fun to think about. I love the idea that it is almost impossible to fully understand scripture, and that a simple matter of a list of names along with a numbering system that doesn't match is just one way of realizing that language, custom, culture, and God's own divine methods all play a part in understanding scripture and how it reveals the Lord's heart and plan.

Prayer: Lord, you are for sure the God of mysteries, and I love that about you. Thank you for your blessings in our lives, and even for those things in life that we cannot possibly understand or even know. It all reveals your greatness. Amen.

I Need Only the Living Water

This music video was just posted 6 days ago, and I've never heard the song before. However, it hits the mark of what we all really need ... we need Jesus, the living water, and just drop from him can satisfy more than torrents from the wells and rivers of this world.

These dry bones cry for You Jesus
Like the desert cries for rain
Like hardened ground needs Your healing
My heart needs the same

Tangible Forms of Encouragement

Scripture: When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Makir son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim brought bedding and bowls and articles of pottery. They also brought wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans and lentils, honey and curds, sheep, and cheese from cows’ milk for David and his people to eat. For they said, “The people have become exhausted and hungry and thirsty in the wilderness.” 2 Samuel 17:27-29

Observation: As David flees from Abasalom, he is greeted by supporters. In this case, three men bring both food and comforts for David and all his men. This would have been a lot in both value and effort, caring for 12,000 warriors. David did not ask for this, and assisting David could be dangerous given how the tides have gone in this coup. However, these citizens love David and take this generous step without any hesitation.

Application: There is an encouragement I have received in life - and that I can give to others - that means more than any kind word or piece of wisdom. It is an act of service, responding to a person's needs, at the moment where doing so cannot be rewarded by the receiver, is opposed by popular opinion, and may even be a hardship for the giver.

Shobi, Makir, and Barzillai - three names we never hear of - do just this; They give to David exactly what he needs, when he is at his lowest, at a time when he can absolutely do nothing for them and when doing this could bring future punishment. Immediately, the tides turn, and David's men defeat Absalom, likely because they were physically and mentally prepared to do so (and, yes, because the Lord was with them).

I can look for ways to help people like this. Certainly there are those around me hitting low points in life, and I can do more for them than give them a pat on the back, a word of experienced advice, and a prayer. I can serve them in a way that fulfills an immediate need, and shows them the love of Christ.

Prayer: Lord, my son and wife are at this kind of a low point as you know. I do try to support and serve them. There are certainly others around me who are at a similar point, perhaps related to jobs or family or personal issues. May I not just be kind to them in the days to come, but may I receive your wisdom to serve them in a manner that uplifts and encourages them, as you would have done. Amen.

How to Manufacture Conflict

Scripture: Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. Acts 6:8-9

Observation: There is something complex happening as the Church grows. Already, the apostles have had to appoint deacons explicitly because of an issue involving the care of 'Hellenistic' versus Hebrew widows (the former - Jews who have embraced Greek culture - felt they were being discriminated against). Stephen, a Hellenistic Jew, is appointed deacon, and soon is in conflict with devout Jews who themselves are Hellenistic.

It seems this is the first indication of cultural conflict within the early Church. The believers have always been - and still are - all Jews, however there is now a division in the cultural thinking and behaviors of the believers. The nature of this division is unclear. Hellenists spoke Greek, but at this point in time everyone spoke Greek (though Jews in Judea would likely have had Aramaic and Hebrew as their primary languages). More likely, Hellenists are those who have fully adopted the culture of Asia Minor ... they likely dress differently, and while they are still Jews and therefore comply with the practices of the Law they likely integrate other Greek/Roman practices into their lives (like embracing entertainment like theater, and participating in philosophical debate that isn't scripture-oriented).

These differences seem minor and irrelevant. However, for some reason, back-to-back incidents now call them out as a point of conflict both within the body of believers and between the believers and their cultural cohort. Between two people-groups who, at their core, believe the same things, division arises because of - what seems to be - an unsubstantiated perception that one group considers themselves superior.

And yes, that is the conflict. The Hellenistic widows believe they are being discriminated against by Church leaders. The Hellenistic Jews believe they are being bested in debate by a fellow Hellenist who is also a 'follower of The Way'. In short, the Hellenists themselves seem to have declared themselves to be a separate people-group, chosen to highlight actions by the Church they feel discriminate against them, and thus accused individuals of wrongdoing (even within the Church itself).

Application: I am reminded of the movie The American President where, in a press meeting near the end, he describes exactly how someone creates conflict ... you define a 'good' people group, convince them of their victimhood, point out a person who doesn't fit that definition, then pick one action of that person that seems flawed, and now everyone believes that person is their enemy.

We know Stephen wasn't doing anything wrong. We can infer the Church wasn't doing anything wrong when the Hellenistic widows complained (the apostles even described the issue as "waiting on tables" almost dismissively, even as they addressed it). However, a group was defined ... they described an issue that made them victims ... the actions of others were called out ... and conflict ensued.

Obviously this pattern applies to every social/economic/geopolitical issue of the day. I expect this pattern is a tool satan has found effective in destroying mankind and harming the Lord's creation. And I hate this pattern.

Prayer: Lord, I am aware there are people who hate me because they have defined themselves, outlined their victimhood, and identified me and/or those like me as the enemy. To the extent I have done this myself, please forgive me and give me your wisdom to reject this pattern in my life. While I abhor sin and desire its rejection in society, may I find ways to love people even when they are different from me. Amen.

Plots Change Situations, not Lives

Scripture: Joab son of Zeruiah knew that the king’s heart longed for Absalom. So Joab sent someone to Tekoa and had a wise woman brought from there. He said to her, “Pretend you are in mourning. Dress in mourning clothes, and don’t use any cosmetic lotions. Act like a woman who has spent many days grieving for the dead. Then go to the king and speak these words to him.” And Joab put the words in her mouth. 2 Samuel 14:1-3

Observation: Over and over, there are advisors to the leaders of Jerusalem who - for lack of a better term - plot and scheme to advance their earthly thinking. These plots often seem bad at the time they are initiated, and turn out even worse. The case of Absalom is one such example. Absalom killed his half-brother. He clearly has a heart of pride and arrogance, as will be proven through every action of his recorded life. Yet Joab wants to convince David to allow Absalom to live in Jerusalem and be re-accepted as a prince. This will go terrible.

It seems the question 'why would Joab plot to influence this action' goes unanswered. However, perhaps in the very first sentence here the question in answered. Joab coordinated a plot to manipulate Absalom's return because ... David was sad over the absence of Absalom. Joab wanted to "fix" that. In doing so, he completely ignored the fact that God could have fixed this simply by speaking to David to do it. He thought he was the one wise being who could advise the king, and then even went so far as to assume the king wasn't wise enough to even listen to his council and thus he needed to roleplay a lie and manipulate the logic to present the advice.

The fact was that Absalom was a bad man and had imposed an exile upon himself knowing the proper punishment for his actions was death. Joab wanted to change the situation (the exile), but didn't want to address the problem (Absalom's character). This may be a key point when it comes to the way people in the bible manipulate and plot to change situations. They plot to change the situation, but do not address the reasons for the existing situation. The list of circumstances to which this applies is ... far too much to even list. Cain's anger over rejection, Abraham's negotiation for Sodom, Jacob's feud with Laban, Reuben's quest for reconciliation, Saul's subtle disobedience ... these are just a few cases where people feel justified in actions they conceive to correct a circumstance without correcting underlying causes.

On the flip side, that isn't what God does. God addresses the root issue and changes the underlying cause of the issue, then allows the issue to resolve from there. The broad-spread sin of the world, the arrogance of Joseph, Israel's fear to enter the land, David's lust ... in all cases, the Lord addresses not the worldly issue created by the issue, but the nature and heart that caused the issue, sometimes over years and decades of correction, which then creates a different outcome.

And this is how Jesus also interacted with people. He didn't just forgive their sin; He didn't just give poor people money; He didn't just heal and forget. Instead, Jesus would then speak and teach into the hearts of all, giving a lesson to repent, to change, and to believe in faith in the promise of the Messiah. He wanted lives - not conditions - to change, and even corrected people when their conditions improved but they retained their old lifestyles.

Application: The Church today has a lot of plots to help people's situations, but we sincerely lack efforts to address underlying behaviors and thus change lives. Some churches have gone so far as to embrace, support, and encourage those underlying behaviors, affirming lifestyles that destroy lives. That is how people respond to problems, but it isn't how Jesus wants us to respond.

Prayer: Lord, I know of only one hope for the lives of the people of the world, and that is Jesus. I know there are issues that my own hard heart creates, and sometimes I pray to you to change those situations. Today, I pray, please soften my heart and change the conditions within me that may create worldly issues around me, so I may better reflect your love toward others. Amen.

How to Respond to Threats

Scripture: Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. Acts 4:27

Observation: Peter and John have been released after being punished for their preaching, and the prayer they declare includes this line. They know that persecution against believers will continue, for even the leaders plotted against Jesus - the anointed Messiah - himself.

However, where is the evidence of such plotting by Herod and Pilate? In the four gospels, at no time does Herod plot against Jesus ... he desires to see him when he is arrested and is disappointed that Jesus will not answer his questions, but has no say in his crucifixion. Likewise, Pilate is never stated to be involved in any of the conversations to arrest Jesus or in any way oppose his ministry, and while he does sentence Jesus to death he does so by coercion of the priests, not apparently on the advice of any Gentiles or "people of Israel". Furthermore, there is no indication that Herod and Pilate ever "met together" and even discussed Jesus at any point.

So, if these events did not take place before Jesus was crucified ... they must have taken place afterward. In fact, we know Herod and Pilate did meet afterward, for at one point we are told that the situation involving Jesus improved their relationship. In addition, the movement of the Church in Jerusalem has not gone unnoticed as it now involves several thousand people, and certainly both rulers would have discussed what (if anything) to do about this new sect. They would have consulted their advisors - both Roman officials and Jerusalem city leaders - and shared their opinions with each other.

Therefore, when the Church says that Herod and Pilate conspire against Jesus, they are really saying that the conspiracy is against those who believe in Jesus as Messiah. The Church is, indeed, the body of Christ, and Christ is the son of God. In this manner, a plot to destroy the Church is a plot against Yahweh.

And how does the Church wish to respond to this threat? As stated in verses 29-30, they wish to be given even more boldness to preach the gospel, and to be able to heal and serve others out of an overflow of their love and generosity to all in the world.

Application: Today, "Herod and Pontius Pilate" can be replaced by any number of leaders who desire control and power, from government officials to leaders of movements and ideals, all of which oppose the teachings of Jesus. They conspire and coordinate - sometimes overtly, sometimes simply by programmatic alignment - in a manner that opposes the Church, condemns faith, and dismisses Jesus. Just like Herod and Pilate, they even hide behind good-sounding ideals, then convincing the masses that faith in Jesus is somehow opposed to the public good.

How should I respond to this? How should all of us who believe in Jesus respond to the threats and hate and lies poured out upon us by those who are deceived by satan to oppose the Lord?

We should love others, serving and caring for them. We should use our resources to offer kindness to all. We should desire to continue to help the downtrodden, even seeking miraculous healing for those who don't believe. And above all, we should continue to simply declare the good news of salvation by faith in Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, loving others is one of the hardest things to do as a Christian, which is probably why it was the key command Jesus personally declared. May I find ways to love others today, even if those individuals live in a manner that supports opposition to my faith and knowledge of Jesus. Amen.

Celebrate the Lord's Presence Everywhere

Scripture: Go and tell my servant David, "This is what the Lord says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in? I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling. Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, 'Why have you not built me a house of cedar?'" 2 Samuel 7:5-7

Observation: David has an idea to build Yahweh a temple, and while the prophet Nathan at first says David should proceed, he then receives a word from the Lord that David should not do it. This is how the Lord begins that prophetic word ... pointing out that, throughout his time in the presence of Israel, he has never commanded anyone to build him a building.

Yes, even Moses declared via prophesy that someday the Lord would decide on a place to dwell. However, for hundreds of years now, the Lord has been content to have his footstool - in the form of the arc - reside in a tent, and even to have it moved about and kept in homes from time to time. While the Lord could command at any time for Israel to undertake to build him a grand temple, he never has. One possible reason could be that Israel itself was not ready for such an undertaking ... they required a worthy, fortified city, surrounded by a fully established nation occupying the entire land, governed by a true and worthy king, and thus far their tribal growth and unstable history hadn't afforded that.

However, another simple reason may also exist. The world belongs to Yahweh. While people may desire a place to honor and worship and celebrate the Lord, he himself does not require such a place because he should be honored and worshipped and celebrated ... everywhere. While golden walls with carved palm trees may be one way of representing heaven, in truth the beauty of all creation is the reflection of the Lord's heavenly realm. In short, he doesn't need a house of cedar because he has forests of cedar trees.

Application: As I have travelled (too much) over the last three weeks, I have seen and appreciated some very nice places. One aspect I don't remember often enough is that all of it - from the linksland of Scotland to farmland of California to woodlands right out my back window - is the Lord's true dwelling place. All the world, and all the strangers I see along the way, are his beloved creation.

I truly should celebrate the presence of the Lord everywhere, always. This is especially true when I am out experiencing his creation. My very perception of creation as 'beautiful' is evidence of the Lord, and the fact that what he created he imbued into the human heart to cherish and enjoy.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you now for the beauty I see every day. Even as I have enjoyed the last few weeks and the experiences I had, may I also remember that the places I enjoyed are your, created by you, as a gift of love to us. Creation is a reflection of heaven, and of your heart. I thank you and honor you. May my enjoyment of creation be an act of worship of you. Amen.

Reconciling Guilt and Favor

Scripture:
You, God, know my folly;
       my guilt is not hidden from you.
Psalm 69:5

Observation: In this psalm, David seeks the Lord's support. It seems clear that people are divided for and against David; In v4 David declares there are uncountable numbers opposed to him, and in v6 he hopes that those on his side are not put to shame because of him. (This may therefore have been written during the time of 2 Samuel 2-3 and the resolution of the kingship after Saul's death.)

Verse 5 is a revealing pivot-point. David is seeking protection from enemies, relief from hostilities against him, protection for allies, and resolution of his entire current situation. However, right in the middle, even standing alone as an independent stanza, is this statement ... David knows he is a sinful man, and he knows that God knows it.

David is not asking the Lord for favor or protection or success based on his merits. Sure, he is a man who worships the Lord daily, honors the Lord, strives to obey the commandments, and prays continually. However, he understands that none of that makes him 'good', and therefore he is not seeking success based on his goodness. He will even declare - in the middle of all his 'asks' - that he isn't good, and the Lord knows and sees his every folly and guilt.

Application: There are times I read the psalms and think "well, yes, the Lord helps David because look at how great his faith is, and how well he honors the Lord with prayer and worship, and sure he makes a mistake here and there but ... I'm nowhere near that good, so the Lord has no reason to help me."

Well here is another way that David is so very good ... he knows that the Lord's blessings have nothing to do with his goodness. In fact, he can simultaneously ask for the Lord's mercy and blessing, and confess his own folly and guilt, because he knows one is not dependent on the other. No one is so good as to deserve the Lord's blessings and intervention and assistance, and yet the Lord provides those things because HE is good and loves us.

In my heart, I know this. In my mind, I find it difficult to reconcile because I use human logic when considering worldly ideals like reasons to bestow favor, assistance, and kindness on others.

The Lord knows my folly. My guilt is not hidden from him. The same is true for my wife, my son and daughter, my friends, pastors, and neighbors. However, his blessings remain available when I and these others have faith in his love, and ask with a righteous heart.

Prayer: Lord, I say this prayer again today, please have favor on my son and his job search. You know his heart and his weaknesses, just as you know mine as I say this prayer. Please, Abba, give my son your favor this day. Amen.