A Sign from Heaven

Scripture: The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Jesus then left them and went away. Matthew 16:1-4

Observation: The skeptics surrounding Jesus ask for something he has already done - a sign of his sovereignty. He responds by calling them wicked and adulterous, stating that he will provide a sign of his choosing, but also pointing out that - effectively - the signs already exists. They know how to read signs, like judging the weather, yet they are ignoring the signs Jesus has already shown them.

Application: I need to rethink some of my recent prayers, asking for God to show signs - to reveal himself - to nonbelievers.

The idea of signs and wonders in complicated. God often provides them, yet he rarely responds to an appeal for a sign. This was true in the Bible, true of Jesus, and is true today. God will miraculously cure a person of a disease, then is silent to a direct request. I think there are three issues at work.

First, God responds to faith and prayer. While that can take many forms, including desperation, he is reticent to simply demonstrate a sign to cynical nonbelievers, and more so when the request is a challenge instead of a plea.

Second, God responds to need. While he is all powerful, his glory is found in his love. Love is expressed through kindness, often provided to offer aid and assistance. As Paul says, love doesn't boast ... it isn't used to show off. God would rather show up and help us than simply perform for our friends.

Third, in a general context, God has already provided amazing signs: All of life, natural wonders and creation, the resurrection of his son, prophetic insights proven true. If people don't believe all that, then that isn't his fault.

These are contexts I need to keep in mind when praying for "signs" in order to aid my nonbelieving friends. I especially want to ensure my faith is strong, that my prayers are aligned to God's will, that requests are consistent with needs of others, and that I have already given God glory for all other elements of the world.

Prayer: Lord, I see your wonder all around me ... but others don't. They see a series of million-to-one random events. I prayer, first and foremost, that others do begin to see your hand - your intelligent design for lack of a better term - in the universe, the earth, the seas, the mountains, the sunsets. And as your will allows, my you reveal yourself to others, in your way and your time. Amen.

The Reality of Earthly Pain

Scripture: When Jesus heard what had happened [the beheading of John the Baptist], he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Matthew 14:13a

Observation: Jesus' immediate response when he hears of the death of John the Baptist is not some parable, or lesson about heaven, or teaching about the greatness of John and his alignment to prophesy ... he's already said those things. Instead, his response is to retreat to a place to attempt to be alone. In other words, he goes to mourn for his cousin, the God-appointed, and spirit-filled messenger of his coming.

Jesus is the one person in all of history who fully understood eternal life. He was the bringer of that life, and our mediator for entry into heaven. In other words, he is the one person who best understood the truth of John's death. And yet, as a man fully human, he still is sad and mourns that death.

Application: If Jesus - God come to earth as a man - experiences grief and sadness even when he knows of the good results and the glory of heaven, then clearly these sorts of emotions are part of the human character that exists to serve God's purposes.

I believe the purpose of earthly pain is likely two-fold:

1) Pain exists to provide us with a level of discontentment in this world. It is through pain - physical or emotional - that we yearn for something better, and thus can begin to get our heads around what eternal life with Jesus in heaven must be like (an absence of physical pain; an abundance of emotional love).

2) Especially emotional pain is the result of true love, and thus it provides insight into God. Particularly, the pain we feel at the loss of someone teaches us just a little about how God feels when someone rejects him, sentencing themselves to eternal separation from God, and thus we can strive to spare God that pain by joining in the work of salvation with him.

Prayer: Dear Lord, break my heart for what breaks yours. Teach me how to mourn the eternal loss of others enough that I strive more and more each day to do your work and try to ensure that doesn't happen to those around me. Amen.

Let Them Know

Scripture:
Help me, Lord my God;
    save me according to your unfailing love.
Let them know that it is your hand,
    that you, Lord, have done it.
Psalm 109:26-27

Observation: The psalmist (David) desires not just salvation and love, but that the glory and honor of whatever will transpire belong to the Lord.

Application: I pray something like this SO often. This is, quite bluntly, something I do not understand about the ways of God - his seeming unwillingness to simply make himself manifestly known through wondrous actions that can only be attributed to miracle.

Of course, God would say, "What are you talking about? Look around at all I have created on display for all to see!" Unfortunately, these things aren't helping when it comes to showing non-believers the absolute truth about eternity, salvation, love, and faith in Jesus. They see ...

-- Scientists creating artificial limbs, not God restoring people's bodies.
-- Doctors curing disease, not God restoring life.
-- Coincidence in the goings on of the day, not timely blessing bestowed on each person.

Why won't God "let them know that it is your hand, that you, Lord, have done it"?  When my son is guided to the college best for him, why do others see that as the actions of man-made committees? When my wife gets a raise, why do others see that as only attributed to her skill? When over $40 million in IT projects are proceeding flawlessly, why do people see that as my leadership? (I can GUARANTEE there is WAY more to it than that!!!)

I don't understand the ways of God. I know that's no surprise. However, I do wish God would - just every once in a while - do something here on earth that shook every non-believer with the truth that there is no other explanation possible other than "God so loves the world ..."

Prayer: Lord, I pray boldly for miracles, public and private, that bring glory to you. I do not just ask for good results, but that those results have no human explanation. May non-believers see signs and wonders unexplainable. And when they do, may Jesus - in the form of us - be there to say "let me explain that to you." Amen.

Private vs. Public

Scripture: So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ... Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10: 26-28,32-33

Observation: In the instructions to the 12 disciples before sending them out, Jesus includes this insight that juxtaposes those things done in secret and those done in public. That juxtaposition is this: Other people have a 'public' image but 'private' actions, and they often attempt to conceal their private side but it is known to God and cannot be hidden. However, for believers, we have a 'private' side that involves our relationship with Jesus, and the danger is we will try to conceal that in public as well, but we must not do that.

And - importantly - we should not be afraid of the opinions of others and persecution that will occur when we do reveal our faith, but rather should fear God and the possibility Jesus will disown us if we disown him.

Application: I find it interesting to note this insight by Jesus ... EVERYONE has a public image and a private life, and it is ironic that non-believers attempt to hide their evil, private actions by putting on a good public face, but believers will attempt to hide their faithful private acts of prayer and worship when they are in public.

Where is the logic in that behavior? Should I ever be worried about the opinions of others related to may faith, so much so that I would disavow Jesus? I would not do that, however I am not always overtly forthcoming in my belief, either.

I have learned that one of the best and easiest forms of evangelism is when I treat my faith and related actions as just part of my life. When a coworker asks "how was your weekend?" and I answer, "It was good, we had a really good worship in church on Sunday" or "I spent Saturday mowing the lawn and church since I'm on the landscaping team" ... all I'm doing is answering a simple question with a simple answer, but I'm really saying 'I believe in Jesus Christ, and I am open to talking about it.'

I must not be afraid of talking deeper, too. I should say more.

Prayer: Lord, I do not want to be afraid of anything in life. That is your most repeated command - do not be afraid. Please guide me daily in my words so I can reflect my private faith to all those around me, effectively for you.

Room for God's Judgment

Scripture: When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Praise be to the Lord, who has upheld my cause against Nabal for treating me with contempt. He has kept his servant from doing wrong and has brought Nabal’s wrongdoing down on his own head.” Then David sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife. 1 Samuel 25:39

Observation: Vengeance belongs to the Lord. David had been wronged by Nabal, and was fully justified in his anger. He had already treated Nabal well, caring for his shepherds in the wilderness, and simply had asked for whatever Nabal could spare in return. Nabal not only declined the request, but insulted David.

So David was fully justified as the anointed heir of Israel to avenge his name and take as he pleased. However, doing so would be a sin, and before he could do so Abigail intervened, and then God took revenge on Nabal ... striking him dead, and giving David Abigail as a wife.

If David had followed through with his plan, he would have killed Nabal and his entire household, and then taken food. However, allowing God to take revenge resulted in even more ... David was fed, did not have to risk his men, and received a wife.

Application: I am ALWAYS too quick to act. I am a man of action - when someone has done something against me, I respond, be it in life or work. How many times does that work out well for me? Almost never. At best, I make the other person feel stupid and wrong ... which is actually a shame upon me in the eyes of God, makes me often appear petty and arrogant in the eyes of others, and earns me an enemy. And again, that's the BEST result.

How often do I just stop, be still, and wait to see how God will work the event? Very rarely. When I have, the results have always been great. I have typically been rewarded while the perpetrator is punished.

How stupid am I to not trust God every time??? Don't answer that.

Prayer: Abba, my dad in heaven, you are so wonderful, so loving, so kind. Your justice is wise. So why do I take actions that would call that justice down upon myself, instead of allowing you the room and time to act? Please forgive me for my foolishness - a stupidity based in pride and selfishness. I seek both humility and patience in my dealings with others, so that I can personally provide blessing and love, while allowing you to act however you deem best. Thank you for your love in my life, Lord. Amen.

Do Unto Others

Scripture: Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock ... But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. Matthew 7:24,26

Observation: Jesus ends the Sermon on the Mount as a call to action. And that "action" is true action - work and deeds, not just "believe in me" type of action. He says that you need to hear his words and "put them into practice", and anyone who does not put them into practice is a foolish man. This theme is throughout Matthew 7 ... even the metaphors are 100% active tense:

-- Take the plank from your eye.
-- Ask, seek, and knock.
-- Give your children bread, not stones.
-- Enter through the narrow gate.
-- Bear good fruit (which I previously discussed was related to deeds).

Verse 21 is most direct: "Only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven" will enter heaven. NOT those who heal and prophesy and believe, but "who does the will of my father".

Application: What am I DOING today that is the will of God? Not what am I believing for, or praying about, or contemplating in my heart as my love of Jesus ... but DOING!! Of course, in this same section, Jesus tells us what the doing must be:

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." (verse 12)

I am to do good to others. Where am I going to do that today? Every day?

Prayer: Lord, please heighten my love for others so that I truly seek to serve others every day. I wish to serve you, and to do unto the least of those around me as my service to you. I wish to love, clothe, feed, shelter, and wash others. Please, make my hands your hands, and start by fixing my heart accordingly. Amen.

You are My King

Scripture: And the Lord told Samuel: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.” ... Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, “This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. Your male and female servants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use. He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.” But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us.” 1 Samuel 8:7,10-19

Observation: The people have a choice - to be ruled by God who protects them, loves them, guides them, and blesses them ... or to be ruled by a man who will use them, harm them, take from them, and command them.  They - of course - choose the be ruled by a man.

Application: Everyone has this choice every day. We all choose whether we want God to rule our lives, or whether we want to reject God. When we reject God, we choose someone else to rule us. It may be a friend, or an enemy, or Satan, or ... ourselves. Making life or behavioral choices that are contrary to God mean we have chosen our own selfish desires or allowed ourselves to be influenced by some other person's opinion or expectation.

Why do we all do this? Why do I do this? Every day, I make choices I know are more aligned to my poor thoughts or earthly way, and that I know are not aligned to God. When I do God himself says I am rejecting him as my king, and the result will be that I will be a victim of some other person.

In that context, it is inexplicable to ever choose anything but God. Therefore, this is a critical context to remember - choosing God as my king gives me a blessed life, and choosing others or myself as the king of my life brings me harm.

Prayer: God, I choose you as my king. I hope to begin making that choice more and more obvious with my daily choices about what I do, what I say, where I go, how I behave. You are my king.

Agreement

Scripture: Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” 1 Samuel 1:17

Observation: ... where two or more are gathered in his name ...

Hannah's prayer was answered when Eli joined her in that prayer. It didn't take some huge 'amen' from a congregation, but it also couldn't be something held in silence either. God heard Hannah all along, every year when she prayed for a son, so why did he choose this moment to answer. I do not believe it is an absolute requirement that multiple people pray to be heard, so instead I think there are several reasons why God acts this way.

1) Prayer brings God glory when the prayer is witnessed in advance so the results can be observed by others.

2) Our faith is exercised when we have to pronounce our hope to others and thus let them know that we are relying on God.

3) Believers are better supported by one another when they share burdens, which occurs through shared prayer.

Application: One of the reasons I feel so desperately alone is that I never share my prayers with anyone. I don't even tell my wife what I am praying for. She knows little about my fears, hopes, needs, insights, anger, etc. And if I am to believe my own observations, I am the person getting hurt when I don't share. My faith becomes less tangible, I do not receive support, and the results do not bring glory to God and thus diminish the potential impact on lives around me.

And I don't know what to do about this. I mean ... I know I can tell someone about my prayers. However, the real issue is that I don't really feel like I have someone I could tell, especially here at work.

Prayer: Lord, I am angry and alone. I need agreement. I need someone with whom I can share my hurt and frustration and hope, and be supported in this plight. Please.

Skills as Provision

Scripture: Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 2 Corinthians 3:4-5

Observation: There is a blending of "gifts from God" in the language here. The idea of "competence" appears to be used to describe both physical things we can claim, and our abilities. This seems to re-enforce ideas about how God blesses us through provision. He doesn't just give us gifts to work within the church, he also gives us practical skills and abilities which can earn us a worldly living ... and thus the things we earn through work are actually a blessing from God, and not something we can claim "for ourselves."

Application: I know this, but it is always good to be reminded. I am blessed beyond measure! God made me in a way - with a mix of abilities - that have provided me with an abundant life. All of that provision is from him. In no way have I possibly earned the position, authority, and rewards that have been given me here on earth.

The Lord Provides!

Prayer: Dear lord, please forgive me for my sins this day, as I know the source of such temptations and challenges are from Satan. However, I know the great rewards that come to me daily are from you. Thank you for the provision in my life ... provision that has allowed my family to have comfort, security, enjoyment, and peace. I believe we try to repay that by loving others in your kingdom. May we all continue to connect the blessings you provide us to the blessings we can pass onto others, and then do so every day. Amen.

Get Well, Darling

Lord, since nothing called out to me today from the reading, instead I pray for my wife. She has been working far too hard, to the point of illness and exhaustion. I know that is not your will. Therefore, lord, I pray for three specific items.

First, I pray for her physical health today. Please simply remove the cold she has. I am not saying to help her recover, but please miraculously take it way and make her body well. Return her strength and remove this distraction, so she can specifically serve you and others with energy and gladness.

Second, you are aware of the shortcomings of others, and they are weakening your body by required inappropriate energy. Lord, I pray that you remove that individual from the staff immediately. Evergreen Church would be better without that position filled at all, than with that individual holding the job. Please resolve this situation now.

Finally, lord, I pray for the rest of my wife's team. Continue to make her work an enjoyable place, filled with people she loves. Help some of them grow into new responsibilities to which you have called them ... you called them, now please prepare them. Give all of them the fruits of the spirit to continue to show patience and joy with and to each other. They work hard - keep them working well together in your body.

Amen

And now a final thought for my wonderful wife!