Offering Just a Good Life

Scripture:
Wisdom has built her house;
     she has set up its seven pillars.
She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;
     she has also set her table.
She has sent out her servants, and she calls
     from the highest point of the city,
"Let all who are simple come to my house!"
     To those who have no sense she says,
"Come, eat my food
     and drink the wine I have mixed."
Proverbs 9:1-5

Observation: Often in the proverbs, both wisdom (righteousness) and folly (sin) are described as women, inviting the unlearned (simple fools) to their home. Both offer food and drink. However, there are several obvious differences.

For folly, her food is typically ill-gotten, and the purpose of drinking is to overindulge. However, most interesting is her method and nature of invitation ... she directly engages with the fools, and is inviting them to herself. Everything else - food, drink, and comfort - is secondary to the invitation of experiencing her. She did not build her house, but it is her husband's house, and he is away. Food and drink are elements that sustain life, and that is not really what folly offers. Rather, she offers the chance to just experience her.

For wisdom, her food is good and well-earned, her drink is specially prepared, and her home is solid and safe. However, her method and nature of invitation is quite different. She isn't inviting the simple people to 'her' but to the good things, in a home that she built herself. She does so not by personally luring them, but by using servants to simply make public pronouncements. She doesn't entice based on her own beauty or what she might personally do, and the offer is not to be with her ... instead, wisdom offers a good meal and therefore a good life, promised openly, without any other agenda. And if someone responds, they will certainly learn from wisdom as a result.

Application: This is truly what the Lord offers ... just a good life. His promise is so much more of course, but this is the basics. The Lord uses others to invite everyone to him, where he blesses, provides, nurtures, heals, restores, and loves. When we obey his instructions for life, our life on earth is richer. When we accept Jesus as our savior, our life in heaven is eternal.

Prayer: Lord, may I always seek wisdom, and not folly. I know when I am going down the path that leads to folly's house, and more and more I will reject that path. And if I am worthy today, may I actually be a servant who calls to others, inviting them to enjoy the feast of wisdom. Amen.

Remember what You Never Saw

Scripture: Remember today that your children were not the ones who saw and experienced the discipline of the Lord your God: his majesty, his mighty hand, his outstretched arm. Deuteronomy 11:2

Observation: As Moses instructs the Israelites before the enter the land, he makes this reminder, which is that most of them - and all those in the future - will not have seen what the Lord has done first-hand. He begins with a reminder of the exodus, which almost no one else remembers as those who were alive for it would have been very young. He proceeds with how the Lord cared for them these 40 years in the wilderness, and includes the Lord's miraculous punishments upon those who recently attempted to rebel.

The point is that, in the future, these will just be stories. No one will have witnessed them, and therefore the telling of the stories and the purpose of the Lord must be clear. The Lord has done wonderful, powerful, and miraculous things as a way of saving this nation of priests. In return, they should love the Lord with all their hearts and souls and strength, honor and obey his commands, and put an end to the worship of non-existent idols throughout the land.

That's the lesson ... remember what the Lord has done, even if you haven't seen it for yourself, and respond to his love by faithfully loving him in return and obeying his instructions for life.

Application: This lesson echoes through Jesus to us as Christians, of course. I did not see the crucifixion and resurrection. However, I know how it still impacts my life, and I know that my faith in Jesus and belief in what he accomplished offers me redemption and salvation. I am not as good at returning his love as I should be, but I do believe and I do desire to be better, to love him in return, and to obey his instructions by loving others.

Faith means I am to remember what I never saw, believe what I cannot know, and understand what I didn't learn firsthand. And I do, because ... I perceive what I should not be able to experience. I have seen the work of the Holy Spirit. I know God's own voice. I have learned (some of) the ways of the Lord.

I still struggle to do as I should, and have total faith in everything that will happen in the future. However, I am part of the generations that could never have seen everything the Lord has done, and that Jesus accomplished on the cross, and yet - as Moses instructed - I have learned of his majesty, his mighty hand, and his outstretched arm.

Prayer: Lord, you are everything you have always been, from the great ruler of the universe who parts seas and calms storms and defeats even death, to the father who provides me daily bread and comforts us in times of troubles. I have learned of you. I remember what you have done. Amen.

Hypocrisy is so very Human

Scripture: Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs." Luke 12:1-3

Observation: Jesus is now in the phase of ministry where he is regularly teaching large crowds and using analogies and parables to instruct. He is also in regular conflict with the Pharisees, especially the most 'legalistic' of them who are continually looking to trip Jesus up on matters of legal compliance (using policies and procedures they made up). Jesus directly calls out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees here. They declare themselves as pious and righteous in public due to their compliance, but then violate the actual spirit of the law when in private. And it is this form of hypocrisy that Jesus compares to yeast

And what is yeast really? It is an unseeable yet living thing. It consumes that which is nutritious, and expels gaseous air. While doing this, it spreads rapidly, even aggressively, so that it permeates the entirety of the thing it entered. The result is clear and obvious change, however what actually happened is completely invisible. Finally, in the end, it doesn't die, but just goes dormant and waits for the chance to be put into a new situation where it can awaken and do it all again.

That is what the Pharisees do. They are hypocrites, and thus they should really know that sin is a part of life and that we all need grace and help. By invading all parts of society with their declarations of rules and procedures, they have spread the feeling of unease, conflict, guilt, and judgment throughout everyone. Yes, now everyone can look at each other and judge their actions, look down upon their behavior, and otherwise demonstrate distain, because the Pharisees have taught them the parameters for doing so. Even if you do that in private ... you still do it.

Application: One way - the most common way - of interpreting the lesson of the Pharisees is to apply it to Christians and know that, indeed, we do this today. We declare ourselves forgiven and blessed and loved, and tell others that salvation through faith is Jesus is the good news ... and then we sit around our homes and gossip about what others are doing, or judge the behavior of secular sinners. And sometimes we do these same things aggressively in public and social media. Yes, many Christians are modern Pharisees.

However, so too modern people in general are Pharisees. In our society today, we have seen a new set of "rules" take hold. These are rules whereby we judge people who seem unaccepting of sinful lifestyles. We get into conflict with people who don't defer to new types of grammar that have become popular. We create training programs to condition individuals on new ways to interact, and hold each other accountable to these newly created standards.

Forget whether or not the root topics of these new rules and standards are biblically aligned ... while they absolutely are not, they are also not aligned to any rational history of human behavior and standards. They are new, invited by a new type of Pharisee, one that has taken it upon themselves to create these standards then spread them through society.

And they have spread like yeast. They have consumed the rich lives of our young. They have expelled a type of poison. There are many, many people who would say they have no idea what I'm talking about - that they "don't see anything at work" like this - and yet they would agree that our society looks nothing like what it did just 25 years ago.

I tell you, those people who have spread this yeast in our society, love nothing more than judging people whom they think are judging them. The hypocrisy is thick.

Hypocrisy seems to be core to the flawed human condition, side by side with judgment and independence.

Prayer: Lord, yes, I know I am a hypocrite. I hate what is happening in society, and I sit in my home condemning those who are leading these issues in our world. You didn't command us to agree with them, just to love them, and to not judge them ourselves. Please forgive my hypocrisy, and may your will simply guide our society more and more. Amen.

Ten Easy Rules for Us All

Scripture: The Lord our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. It was not with our ancestors that the Lord made this covenant, but with us, with all of us who are alive here today. The Lord spoke to you face to face out of the fire on the mountain. Deuteronomy 5:2-4

Observation: As part of the final process of sending Israel into the promised land, Moses gives to them the Law again. This is both a retelling for this generation, and a new telling to ensure they understand that the precepts and laws and instructions still hold now that they will have a permanent land and homes. As he begins, he makes this important clarification. Yes, all of this took place at Mount Horeb before anyone in this assembly was even born, however that does not mean it was intended only for those people who were there. It applies to all generations as fixed instructions.

Moses will next restate the ten commandments. In so doing, he tells the story of how it all went down, with Yahweh speaking from the fire so all could hear, but with Moses between so they would not die. Moses will ensure they understand that Yahweh gave only those commandments and "he added nothing more" (v22), and that the Lord himself wrote these ten commandments on stone tablets.

This is it. Moses will make some closing reminders about these ten laws, then he will pivot the conversation, declaring the Shema - the greatest commandment - and then providing all the instructions and precepts the Lord had to layer onto these basics so Israel knew how to behave. Again, there is one element of faith at the center of everything ... love the Lord completely ... and then really just ten easy rules to show that love, and these rules apply to all generations.

Application: It is so easy for my next thought to be ... 'but the Israelites couldn't get those basic things right'. However, I know that isn't fair. These commandments apply to me, too, and I don't get these basic things right either.

I put no other gods before the Lord, though I do allow the activities of life on earth to preoccupy my thoughts and influence my behavior sometimes more than I am influenced by the Lord's instructions. I have never worshipped an image. I have sworn using the Lord's general name, misusing it. I have done work on the Sabbath, even considering it a good day to get chores done. I have been disrespectful toward my parents. I have never murdered. I did have premarital sex. I have stolen. I have lied. I do covet the things others have.

The conclusion is that I have kept only two of these basic, easy rules (no murder; no idol worship). I have maybe sorta obeyed two more (I've honored no other god but do have 'stuff' that I prioritize sometimes; I've improperly used the informal but not true name of the Lord).

Here's the kicker: When I read the Shema tomorrow, I will need to confess that, while I do truly love the Lord, I fail to do so with ALL my heart and soul and strength. I let my love for other things cause me to wander, or I think on improper things and corrupt my soul, or I do not do the physical acts the Lord would have me do. The result is that I violate the ten easy rules because I fail at the greatest command.

I know we all do this, but I SO want to do better.

Prayer: Lord, I do mean this. I want to do better. I am a weak human, and therefore while that means I can never do perfect, it is a poor excuse for how badly I honor you on a daily basis. May I have you before me. May I have tassels around me to remind me of what I am doing. May I regularly consider whether or not I am clean or unclean. And in so doing, may I be more worthy to be in the presence of your Holy Spirit, which is the only way I can become stronger and honor you better, with all my heart and soul and strength. Amen, and amen.

Again with the Dead Prophets

Scripture: Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.” Luke 9:18-19

Observation: This is the passage where Peter declares Jesus is the Messiah, and the conversation begins with Jesus asking who others say he is. This is in several of the gospels, and the response is the same ... John the Baptist brought back to life, Elijah reincarnate, or some other random prophet also reincarnate.

Soon, Jesus will be raised from the dead and most won't believe it, yet they are willing to believe John was raised from the dead. Jews know their scriptures well and know that only Elijah (and Enoch) never died, yet they are ready to guess Jesus might be one of those dead prophets. As for Elijah, yes he never died, and yes there is a prophesy that somehow he proceeds Messiah, so at least those thinking of Elijah are on the path to thinking about Messiah.

The bottom line is, truly none of these "guesses" fits Jesus and his ministry, and most don't fit any part at all about the Jewish faith and their scriptural teachings. Again, it is wildly confusing that the Jews would be willing to think that Jesus is someone - doing something - that does not align at all with their scriptures and faith, instead of thinking that Jesus is exactly that one person who was always predicted to do exactly the things Jesus is doing.

There is little to no context to this thought, but here is a total guess as to why this happens:

1) Messiah represents massive change. Some think it's great change (leading rebellion against Rome), some might be less certain (war against an empire?), and in all cases it means an overhaul of their systems of life and faith. All of that, even the good parts, are scary, so the idea gets shoved aside.

2) An ancient prophet represents the good ol' days of Israel. Elijah spoke truth to power and condemned corrupt rulers. Other prophets corrected bad kings while speaking hope. Even John was fun and eclectic and encouraged personal growth while standing up to a king. Such prophets would oppose Roman (and/or Herodian) rule, but do so in their proven formula, and all while the people just sit back and listen while the prophet takes all the risk.

Application: The promise of history in every culture is clear. First, it was always better than today. Second, great people did great things, and thus when situations repeat "average citizens" can either just kick back and benefit, or maybe 'become' that great and famous person. Third, outcomes are known, so we can either embrace and receive them, or correct them.

Jesus doesn't call Christians to live safely in the good ol' days. The bible doesn't show us the mistakes of the Israelites so that we can live through the exact same things while waiting for a hero to emerge. At no point are we to think our past lives were better, but we are to always strive toward change and improvement, leaning into the promises of Jesus that come with obedient faith.

Ancient prophets corrected and tried to teach the powerful, and protected the weak. Jesus calls and then teaches everyone, weak and powerful alike (during which we discover we are actually all weak).

No one needs the return of any dead prophet. We all need Jesus.

Prayer: Jesus, you are my savior and my Lord. I am not a person of power, yet I hope, I pray, you will correct and teach me today as an outpouring of your love and mercy. Amen.

The Always-Wrong Timing Issue

Scripture: Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. Luke 8:41-43

Observation: As Jesus returns to the Galilee region, he is sought out by many, and in this circumstance the stories of two females merge. One is a poor older woman who has spent everything she has to try to heal her long-term health issue, and the other is a young girl from one of the finest families in town who is sick and dying. These might be considered just two events that occur simultaneously by coincidence, except for two facts Luke highlights in the narrative. Both involve a timeframe of 12 years.

Diving deeper, there are many aspects of these two characters and their shared timeframe that compare and contrast them. The young girl is the daughter of a synagogue leader and has likely spent her entire 12-year life in and out of that facility, however the older woman is permanently ceremonially unclean and thus barred from synagogue for these 12 years. The death of the young girl would be a tragedy as 12 years is such a short life, yet the woman bleeding and weakened for 12 years represents a very long and prolonged hardship.

In other words, for one person, 12 years is a period of time filled with joy and ease and closeness to the Lord, and therefore is well understood to be far too short of a time. For the other person, 12 years is a period of time filled with shame and pain and isolation from the Lord, and therefore is well understood to be far too long of a time.

While there could be many obvious and nuanced elements of these two females and how they are interconnected by Luke's narrative, this one lesson - a commentary on human perception of time and thus by extension our opinions about the Lord's timing - seems noteworthy. The same timeframe can be both far too long or far too short of a period of time ... and all would agree it isn't the 'right' timeline.

Application: My son - a diligent and responsible young man of uncompromising faith, with a master's in computer science and four years working at one of the most successful software companies in the world - is now 10 months unemployed and without any prospects on the horizon. It's unexplainable. He has had professionals work with him and coach him on everything from resume building, to interview techniques, to search best practices, and he barely gets any response while applying for 12-25 jobs per week. He has run through unemployment insurance, spent his savings, cashed out his stock awards, and is now facing the reality of needing to sell his house. We pray, we cry out, and we all collectively hear nothing from the Lord and see no progress nor hope.

We are sludging through a "God's timing" issue, and frankly ... I absolutely don't understand it. It is top of mind and central in our hearts, and we just don't know why the Lord would take so long to step in and help resolve this earthly matter. Why is this taking so long? What could the Lord have in mind as a plan by placing this hardship and worry and strife on this man of faith?

Today I realize ... we often say over and over and over again that the Lord's timing is perfect, but we have to remind ourselves of that because we - as humans and as Christians - often think over and over and over again that the Lord's timing is always wrong. In hindsight, we get it and see how great it was. In real time, it feels like hopeless neglect.

I feel everything from hurt to anger to frustration to hopelessness to sadness to emptiness for my son's situation. I pray daily, and those prayers now include challenges to the Lord, asking 'why' even more than I ask 'please'. If he wanted to strip away my son's earthly retirement funds, take away his house, and force him to move somewhere else in the world ... he really could have just said so and my son would have complied gladly. I don't understand this approach and this prolonged process.

I have faith. My wife has faith. My son has even more faith than both of us combined. Today, God's timing appears wrong. I will try to adjust my thinking.

Prayer: Lord, you know we cry out to you for action and hope and intervention. I admit I do not understand your plan at all. However, I have faith, and I have hope. Please show up soon. Amen.

Granting Pleas for Destruction

Scripture: A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. Luke 8:32

Observation: In the story where Jesus casts a 'legion' of demons from a man and sends them into a herd of pigs, we see this exchange. The demons have acknowledged who Jesus is - the son of God - and declared they fear him. Jesus is commanding them to leave the man, and as part of that exchange they ask Jesus for a favor. They wish to enter the herd of pigs, and not just be cast out. In fact, it says they "begged" for this option.

This exchange yields two interesting facts. First, the demons pled with Jesus for a specific course of action. They acknowledged that they were so at the command and mercy of Jesus that their destination upon leaving the man was not theirs to decide, but was in the hands of Jesus himself. They were forced and compelled to go wherever Jesus sent them, and they wanted this outcome involving the pigs. Second, and perhaps most shocking ... Jesus agreed! In interacting with evil demons, Jesus listened to their begging and pleading, and instead of having an aggressive attitude of punishment that would reject their requests out-of-hand, Jesus says 'okay' and permits the demons to have the outcome they begged for.

What happens next, with the mass death of the pigs, is the consequence of the demons' request. The point is, Jesus listens to the requests of even evil spirits, and allows their request.

Application: I continue to see so much evil in the world around me, and Jesus might have an interesting response to this evil. He won't condone it or allow it, but he would have mercy on the evil doers. If they asked for a certain outcome, he might even just grant it ... even though the end result for them would still be death.

Jesus does allow people to choose death. Even when he shows himself as the son of God, and the evil entities in the world acknowledge him as such, they can still decide to reject his correction, and beg for an outcome and direction in life that will lead to certain destruction, and Jesus will grant it.

I see people all around, openly declaring their allegiance to sin and evil, and even making appeals that such related actions would be created as a place where they could live. While over and over I pray for the end and correction of such things, surely the Lord will instead say 'okay' and allow people to make their choice. Destruction will be the outcome, and their pleas for a certain kind of life will end in death.

Prayer: Lord, your mercy is so great that it extends even to demons. I know I sin. Please forgive my sin and have your spirit dwell within me more strongly so I may repent of such sin. I do not desire a depraved life, but rather a life with you, Jesus. As for others, in your mercy and wisdom you will listen to their pleas and do what is best. Amen.

Acknowledging the Command Structure

Scripture: That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it. Luke 7:7-8

Observation: The Roman centurion in Capernaum is interesting, both as a man who is noble enough to aid this small Jewish town with his resources, and how he interacts with Jesus. His own description of their interaction is a little confusing, but what he does is declare that, since he understands how command structures work, he does not dare to give Jesus instructions.

The centurion himself receives orders from the place of authority, and these orders are often sent from some remote command post. He then he orders individuals to act. He believes Jesus is his superior, so it is not permitted that he would then even ask Jesus to take a course of action. Instead, he only hopes Jesus - as the source of authority - will send remote orders to the disease inflicting his servant, and in some way that command will be enacted and obeyed within his servant.

Jesus is amazed by the centurion's faith, and this amazement extends to his understanding of the authority of God. Indeed, Jesus can give orders, even from a remote place. The Spirit can then enact those orders within a person and command the body and mind to be healed. The centurion might not even fully understand what he is declaring, but what he does understand is that Jesus is the supreme commander, and somehow everything here on earth must obey him.

Application: This might best describe the challenge we all have in interacting with Jesus, both us believers today and the Jews in the time of Jesus ... we want to give orders.

When I pray, I feel like I am "asking" God for his guidance and mercy and forgiveness and love, but other times it comes across more like instructions at best. I want the Lord to do certain things here on earth, or in my life, or for my family.

I know the Lord rules all of heaven and earth, that his purposes will be done on earth, and he has a perfect plan. I want to walk within his plan and obey his purposes. However, that means I must listen to his orders, and not declare my own commands. Yes, I make requests, but I need to remember that I am a man under authority ... I am under the Lord's authority. He is my commander. Related to my life, my community, my family, my work, my country, and my actions, if I make suggestions, he makes decisions and gives me instructions.

Prayer: Lord, I desire to listen more for your commands, and I know that all things obey you. Please, may your Spirit that dwells in me grow louder and stronger so that I may hear him as your centurion that rules over me, your servant who you love. Amen.

What Evil Deception Looks Like

Scripture: The next day the whole Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. “You have killed the Lord’s people,” they said. Numbers 16:41

Observation: Israel is in a period of rebellion against Moses. However, the Lord apparently well and truly ended it. As a reminder, Three men led two different movements against Moses ... two of them declared that Moses asked too much of the people and thus the people should refuse to listen to Moses, and one man said it was wrong that Aaron was the priest, and that others (his family represented by 250 men) should be given such status. What happens next is that, in front of everyone in all of Israel, the Lord opens up a fissure in the earth right at the tents of the first two men, causing them and all their families to fall in, then closes the earth back up, burying them alive. Next, fire erupts from the tabernacle and burns the other leader and his 250 men to total ash.

Seriously, that should address the idea that Moses has done something. Clearly Yahweh is in charge. But ... no, the very next day another even larger rebellion erupts. This time a huge assembly confronts Moses, accusing HIM of killing the the others. Again the Lord will address this, sending a fast-moving and deadly plague into the assembled rebels, and before Aaron is able to intervene on their behalf 14,700 people drop dead.

The real question here is how SO many people can be totally convinced of something that is so very obviously false that they would rebel against Yahweh to the point of death. These are people who know about walking through the Red Sea, the older ones may have done it, and now they declare that acts of God they witness firsthand - acts that are only possible by the Lord's might and in response to active protests against the Lord's instructions - are somehow magic or violence perpetrated by Moses. They are so convinced of this that they come out en masse, and remain so even as they begin to just drop dead one after another.

This is what evil deception looks like ... people who cling to a belief that contradicts known truth, and retain that belief in the face of life-altering - even mortal - repercussions.

Application: I have had two discussions in the last two weeks about spiritual warfare and deception, and the realization that the issues of our world are not about politics, or ethics, or national violence, or crime, but they are about satan attacking the Lord by deceiving the humans whom the Lord loves. These deceptions are so well planned that many, many people will cling to the false beliefs of the deceptions even while their lives, bodies, homes, and families are hurt and destroyed.

I look around and what is happening in our communities, in our schools, in our families, in our country, and I know ... this is what evil deception looks like.

Prayer: Lord, I know you love people too much to strike down those who rebel against you, instead wishing they would hear the good news of Jesus and turn their hearts to you. You have made a new way to resolve this. However, we are tired of the damage being done to so many by the evil one. I know his time is coming. Amen.

Just Be Still and Wait Patiently

Scripture:
Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Psalm 37:7

Observation: This psalm is one of the best in advising others not to worry or fret when evil people plot against them, but rather to simply delight in the Lord, do good, and await both blessing and vindication. This is a common theme in David's psalms, and this one especially provides a balance of comfort and instruction ... of direction for how to behave, and a promise for that behavior.

In all of this, however, verse 7 is slightly different. It isn't (just) a 'don't worry' message, and it isn't a 'you will receive in due time' promise. Instead, it prescribes passivity and patience. It is not only for us to not worry when evil people prevail against us, we are also to just "be still" and "wait patiently" for the Lord. In other words, we don't make effort to not worry, but rather we do nothing. We don't take action, we don't say words, and we don't even fret just a little bit when the evil people take action. We just stay still and be patient.

Application: When I launch my devotions every day, my browser opens three tabs pre-filled with verses, one from Psalms, one from the New Testament, and one from the Old Testament. Today's exact reading - Psalm 37:1-9 - is my default psalm. I personally focus on verses 1-4. Instead of actively worrying about evil doers, I believe they will all pass away (either their deeds on earth or their eternal souls to hell), so I trust in the Lord, reside in and work in 'the land', and take delight in his blessings.

Today, after several discussions over the weeks with my son and wife, I lean into verse 7 here. I embrace the idea of having so little worry over the evil doers of this world that my response can be ... nothing. I can just be still and patient. I don't need to fret or worry, I don't need to discuss and wonder, and I don't need to study and respond.

Whether it is related to global issues, community problems, or personal attacks and hardships ... God's got this.

Prayer: Lord, I pray almost every day to simply be able to relax into your hands. I thank you for that level of care and comfort. I live today in the land into which you have placed me, and I strive to do good here. May that be all I need to do, for you will take care of everything else. Amen.

Taking Time for Music

Scripture: When you go into battle in your own land against an enemy who is oppressing you, sound a blast on the trumpets. Then you will be remembered by the Lord your God and rescued from your enemies. Also at your times of rejoicing—your appointed festivals and New Moon feasts—you are to sound the trumpets over your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, and they will be a memorial for you before your God. I am the Lord your God. Numbers 10:9-10

Observation: As Israel is about to march north to enter the promised land, the Lord has them build two horns. These are to be played for military signals and instructions on the movement of the camp, but also they are for rejoicing. They will be played during festivals and times of community gatherings, and these times when the horns are played are explicitly to elicit joyful memories of blessing and celebration.

In other words, the Lord gives Israel songs of music explicitly to positively influence their mood and stimulate their collective memories with joyful thoughts ... just like music often does within the human heart and mind and soul.

Application: There is something about music that is, in fact, spiritual. We know this inside us as humans. Certain songs from my formative years immediately make me contemplative, or happy, or energized, or nostalgic. Old and new songs drive memories and emotions unlike other mediums, and this can be true even when there is no direct memory involves ... a brand new song can invoke thoughts and connections to past times, or create new bonds to this very moment, and even strongly connect the past to the present in our hearts and minds.

God put this in us!! He even uses it, giving us music and instructions for leveraging this part of our existence to create joy and happiness and celebration ... and alignment to him. It is not a human decision that the largest section of the bible is a songbook.

Prayer: Lord, may I always worship you. In fact, in my times when I am enjoying songs that are not tied to worship of you, may my heart be reminded that the very emotions the music stirs within me are because you have created that nature within us all, and thus that joy can become worship before you. You give me joy, my Lord and my God. Thank you! Amen.

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.