Abraham the Gentile

Scripture: Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised. Romans 4:9-12

Observation: In his discussion of faith and works, Paul makes an interesting distinction about Abraham ... Abraham's faith, credited to him as righteousness, and the promise to him as the father of the Jews, was made to him before he was "made" a Jew. The act of marking him and thus identifying his descendants as a distinct people group was done as a sign of the promise. Thus, when God entered into a covenant with Abraham, Abraham was a Gentile.

As Paul puts it, this makes Abraham the father of all who believe - regardless of whether or not they are Jewish. Any who walk in the same faith Abraham exhibited are therefore redeemed by the grace of God.

While Paul's writing in this section is very confusing and certainly requires some context about the issues taking place in the church of Rome - context I do not know - his protracted dialogue about faith vs. works and the place of Jews vs. Gentiles is informative for this central fact: Grace and forgiveness is received through faith in Jesus, without which judgment will be handed down based on the law ... and this applies equally to all mankind, whether Jew or Gentile, and regardless of knowledge in the law or the ways of God.

Application: Personally, this reinforces my understanding of the relationship between God, faith, Jews, and non-Jewish believers. However, there is a sobering thought - this all applies to everyone, even those completely ignorant of the truth about God, Jesus, and salvation.

In American society, it is hard to believe that anyone is completely 100 percent ignorant of God. Even for those is complete darkness, they have an awareness of God through cultural stories at least. However, that is getting worse. Daily, I now see people who not only practice different beliefs, but surround themselves in cultures and customs that can effectively insulate them from Jesus Christ. This is absolutely why efforts to communicate into those cultures are critical.

And in communicating, MAYBE this is an opportunity for a new message. If you cannot talk about God or Jesus ... can we talk about Abraham as a father of ALL faith? Abraham as the father of all nations, including not just Jewish and Christian (and Muslim), but Hindu and Buddhism and anything else? Can we talk of "faith = righteousness" as a way of introducing that in which faith should be placed?

Prayer: Lord, I do look for ways I may advance your message with others. I do not know if a conversation about Abraham resonates with others, but I do see this - it is a biblical conversation based on Paul's message, and the facts of Genesis themselves. I am not certain what the message may entirely sound like, but I am here and willing to be your messenger. Amen.

You Better Start Listening

Scripture: "What do you think? A man had two sons ..." Matthew 21:28a

Observation: Jesus has just refused to answer the Pharisees about his authority. The very next thing he does is present almost two chapters of parables, as a dialogue with "you". And "you" is ... the Pharisees. In other words, while he didn't answer their question, he is absolutely prepared to pour into them with his time and words.

We know how that will end: Jesus offends them, so they try to ask questions to trap him, and eventually the get angry. And this is EXACTLY how everyone today reacts as well.

Application: When Jesus starts pouring into someone, they better watch out. It means Jesus has already decided not to engage with us on 'our terms' and is now outlining his terms. And that means Jesus is about to offend us, and we'll have to figure out how to respond to that. A bad response is to try to find an "out" - to question Jesus, God, and his word, in order to find a loophole, and eventually to just get angry and disengage. A good response would be to listen, intake the truth from Jesus, determine how and where in our lives he is trying to correct, and to then take that correction.

Over the last two days, Jesus is on me about my frustration with others. He is laying frustrations at my feet to see how I'll respond, and I'm responding ... terribly. I have been angry for 72 hours straight, which of course hurts only me. I have been stressed heading into the holidays, and lost the joy of the family time. Again, this only hurts me. It was so bad that yesterday I did the devotional reading, and then couldn't even dial back my internal anger long enough to sit down to write. I know Jesus is thumping me in the forehead, saying "hello, Esko ... you gonna listen to me yet?!"

Prayer: Yes, Jesus, I am going to listen to you. Thank you for investing time in me this week - for loving me SO much that you would actually take time to teach me, to work with me, to improve me. I know I'm not there yet! I am easily frustrated, quick to anger, long in judgment, and short in patience. I acknowledge these, and I see how they hurt me this week. Please forgive me for my sins, and aid me in continuing to grow in my heart so that I may be a patient and joyful peacemaker. Amen.

Don't be Offended by Correction

Scripture: “It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” Then the disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” Matthew 15:11-14

Observation: Jesus offends the Pharisees in an exchange about traditions versus compliance with the law. In addressing this, he makes a clear statement - that God is not offended by failing to wash our hands when we eat, but rather by our words when they do not align to God's love and commands. However, he follows that up with something more about the Pharisees ... that those that a failing to follow God's commands are like plants that will be uprooted - they are blind and therefore are to be ignored.

This is a warning to all leaders. However, part of the warning is in the metaphor itself and in the transition from between the discussions. The disciples note that the Pharisees were offended by Jesus' teaching, and he immediately relates them to plants being tended by God. This is similar to other times Jesus uses this metaphor. Bad plants - weeds - will be torn out. Good plants, however, will be tended and pruned.

In other words, if someone is willing to be corrected by God and accept his correction, we will then be cared for.

Application: True blessing from God is first received when we have allowed God to correct us first. God has needed to correct me often! So I wonder today: Where is the next area God will correct me, and how should I be listening for that correction?

I know some of the answers, simply because I still struggle with sin and that is ALWAYS a place to find need of correction. However, are there are broad elements of my life where God is going to correct me, and if I align to his correction he will bless me? I suspect one area is my pride. I remain proud of accomplishments and position, and I do seek to correct my thoughts in this area. I need to also correct my actions. It isn't enough to not think proudly, I must act with true humility. I must serve others first, and know that is my true purpose on earth every day. This is an area I'm sure God wishes to work in my heart, and I will look for his correction.

Prayer: Lord, I am too proud - I know this. I am open to how you will guide me in this area. I do not wish to defile you by what comes out of my mouth - by what is in my heart - so I am open to a changed heart so I may better serve you and your people in your world at this time. Amen.

Next Verse Same as First

Scripture:
In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:1-2

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17

Observation: John and Jesus use the exact same words ... why?

One answer is obvious, and that is that they were both filled with the Holy Spirit, and thus speaking the word of God, so it must be the same truth - Messiah has arrived, and the kingdom of heaven is therefore at hand on earth.

However, there is something deeper here, and it relates to the mission of John as a prophet. John's mission was explicit - to announce the arrival of Messiah, and to make his paths straight (clear and easy). This is accomplished in John's message: announcing heaven is here, and preparing people for salvation by faith through their repentance and baptism. However, that is the entirety of John's message ... this is it. And while this is the profound good news of Jesus - that salvation requires only faith, so repent and be baptized, just like Peter will proclaim in Acts 2 in about four years - this message is all John really has to say from a teach/preaching perspective.

For Jesus, on the other hand, this is the starting point. This is not the culmination of his message and teaching ... it is the basic starting point. "For salvation, repent, because I am the Messiah, I am here, and it is time to believe in faith."

For every single prophetic word that was every spoken in the Bible, "repent and believe" is the culminating pronouncement. Therefore, for Messiah, "repent and believe" is the obvious starting point to introduce the promise of eternal salvation.

Application: I believe, and I strive to repent daily. This remains at the core of my faith. There are times when I am struggling so much in my daily life, that this is all I have. Clearly, it's enough, because it was all John had. However, on other days I can go so much deeper, and that is the life Jesus really calls us to ... we start with faith, but real living requires another two dozen chapters of learning.

Every day, I will try to go deeper.

Prayer: Lord, I do repent of my old ways. I have truly turned aside from so many thoughts and behaviors, and I try to do so more and more daily. And I do believe, for I firmly know that the kingdom of God is at hand - that Jesus, you live, and you are seated at the right hand of God, and God is on his thrown. Please guide me every deeper in my faith and my walk every day. Amen.

On Paris

I have needed to write something about this for a few days now ... not anything meaningful, as I couldn't do better than Max Lucado anyway. However, I still need to write ... I still don't know how to start, but I'll begin anyway.

My wife and I love Paris. I understand what Gertrude Stein meant when she said "America is my country, and Paris is my home town." Paris, Seattle, and Venice are my three favorite cities in the world (with the Lahaina and Williamsburg next). I love walking on St. Louis, walking along the Seine, and walking around Notre Dame from all angles. I love dining at Au Bourguignon du Marais for dinner, and at any busy outdoor café for lunch, and paying extra to sit to have a good croissants and strong espresso for breakfast. I love waiters with just enough attitude to put me in my place as an American, just enough kindness to help me with my pronunciations when I try French, and just enough humor to laugh at me when I fail. I love spending hours at the Louvre, and hours at d'Orsay, and a day at Versace. I even love taking the Metro.

So this week, my heart is broken at the idea that the people of Paris are hurting. They will be forever changed - less trusting, less open, less carefree at night, less joyful around strangers, and less free to enjoy their city. Some changes will be short term, but as those us of who live in post-911 America know, some will remain forever. Every flight restriction, every metal detector, every security warning, every armed guard on a train, every discussion about "chatter" ... will remind them afresh, and will dim their smiles.

I know the world is becoming darker ... but did it need to hit the City of Light?

I grieve for strangers who don't know me. I pray for Paris. I hate that which is evil, I cling to what is good, and I try to remember that both of these exist in the spiritual realm and thus manifest in the earthly realm. And once again ... I will never forget.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Amen, and amen.

Positive Social Isolation

Scripture: Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? 2 Corinthians 6:14-16

Observation: Paul is instructing the Corinthians to be careful of whom they associate with. Since their body is the temple of God, they must be clean in their behavior. This passage - especially the term "unequally yoked" - has often been associated with marriage, and a warning to believers against marrying non-believers who may eventually turn them away from Christ, or at the very least make their lives difficult through a lack of shared faith and support.

However, I see much more here than a concern for marriage. I read this as a warning about all of life. Partnerships can be business relations; fellowship involves friends; sharing includes time and wealth in a community; agreement in the temple may connote bodily intimacy but it can literally involve church associations. In other words, Paul is telling the Corinthians to beware all their earthly associations ... to be careful not to tie their lives, fortunes, daily time, friendships, and work with non-believers. As he says in verse 17, to be separate from the rest of the world.

Application: This lesson is not about separating ourselves physically from the world - we must remain in the world to spread the gospel message, as Paul teaches and exhibits elsewhere. Instead, this is about being mentally separate and relationally guarded from non-believers.

I have often lamented my lack of friendships at work. I have been thinking about this a lot lately. Today, God has given me council and encouragement: It is good that I am not close to my co-workers, who are overwhelming non-believers if not actively opposed to Jesus.

Instead of feeling sorry for my loneliness at work, I should embrace it. I have been set apart. I have been clearly different from others, to the point of non-inclusion. I am not hated, but I am isolated in my beliefs. And as Paul is indicating, this is GOOD. I have not become a business partner, or joined in any fellowship, with those who may lead me astray or make my faith difficult.

This does not make me sadder today! Instead, this encourages me ... I have been strong in my faith, different from those around me, and my social exclusion strengthens my friendship with believers who would encourage me.

Prayer: Thank you for your encouragement today, Lord! You know when I am struggling with certain things, even when it is just mental gymnastics about my life, and you provide the words to guide me. Your love a faith are amazing. Please do help me to stay strong, and to be a light of Jesus in this dark place as you would give me opportunities. Amen.

Amazing Nuggets

Scripture:
Is the wild ox willing to serve you?
    Will he spend the night at your manger?
Job 39:9

Observation: Oxen DID spend the night at God's manger!!!!!!!!!!

God is challenging Job. In speaking of his own authority over all creation, God asks a provoking question ... will ox serve Job - or really any man - and come take rest with Job? And HUNDREDS of years later, God became flesh, came to earth, and on his very first night ... he was laid in a manger, and ox came to serve him and take rest with him!

Application: There really is no end to the amazing nuggets found in God's word. It is so full of guidance and teaching, of hope and wonder, of love and salvation. And then every once in a while, when God knows people may be asking 'can this really be the true word of God?', he throws in something like this - one stanza that directly connects to an event that will occur hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of years in the future.

I cannot fathom God's ways, but he fully and completely understands his creation. He understands our logic and our thoughts and our ways, and therefore he knows we need mileposts and signs every once in a while to let us know that, in fact, his word is true. And when he drops those signs on us, they are mind boggling.

It is in times like this that I feel so renewed in my bible reading.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your word, your love, and your signs. You are so amazing, and I am blessed just to serve you with my life. May my strength be renewed this day so I may serve you better. Amen.

False Leaders

Scripture: You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:2-3

Observation: History has a way of having individuals who lead the people astray by explicitly telling falsehoods about God. Whether it was the Jews building a golden calf or raising Asherah poles, or for gentiles the worship of Greek or Roman gods, someone always led the people into this, and they followed.

The prophets always called these situations out, holding leaders accountable while trying to correct the people. Paul is also calling out a way to proactively identify this situation for the Church. False leaders will speak against Jesus, while those in the spirit will declare Jesus as Lord.

Application: I am so quick to look at people around me and say they are "lost". However, Paul may be teaching a different lesson here. People are lost, however they can be redeemed, just as Jews and Gentiles had been lost but were now turning to Jesus. However, for lost people, there is always a leader, and those leaders are always doing one of two things. Some are failing to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and thus are not adopting his teaching. However, some are actually in opposition to Jesus. This total clarity addresses two issues in today's society.

One issue is the validity of other religions, including those that claim to be Christian. Some other religions completely dishonor Jesus - they are clearly false. Others acknowledge him in some way but deny is full lordship, and Paul is clearly stating that they are false as well.

The second issue today is the leadership of society. It is rare to find leaders that declare "Jesus is Lord." It is more likely to find leaders who are silent about Jesus, but who are downright activists when it comes to opposing his teachings. They openly rally, support, endorse, and champion causes that are contrary to Jesus.

It is clear what Paul is warning about these leaders - they are leading people astray. They do not - they cannot - have the Holy Spirit within them. And their actions are what is driving others away from Jesus. So while we contend for the souls of non-believers, it is in fact these leaders that are primarily driving our friends, neighbors, and colleagues away from Christ.

Prayer: Lord, this is why you call us to pray for leaders! The influence they have is so great, that it must be an area to be overcome if we are to revive others around us. This has always been the case. May you give us all the eyes to see false leaders, to understand the impact on society, and to - as the Church - step into the void as leaders with a message that Jesus is Lord. Amen.

The Source of Wisdom

Scripture:
Surely there is a mine for silver,
    and a place for gold that they refine.
Iron is taken out of the earth,
    and copper is smelted from the ore. ...
But where shall wisdom be found?
    And where is the place of understanding?
Man does not know its worth,
    and it is not found in the land of the living. ...
God understands the way to it,
    and he knows its place. ...
And he said to man,
‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
    and to turn away from evil is understanding.’
Job 28:1-2,12-13,23,28

Observation: Job is heading into his final soliloquy, and his in chapter 28 he is resigning himself to the fact that he has no more answers and no more defense for his situation. Instead, he choses to reach the following conclusion: Everywhere mankind looks for things of value and has learned where to find earthly treasures, but man can never seem to find wisdom. However, God has provided a very simple guide to wisdom ... fear of the Lord is wise, and turning away from evil is the sign of understanding that wisdom.

This is ALL that wisdom is. Wisdom is not about understanding the ways of God, or understanding the world, or having riches is a good life, or being respected. Wisdom is just ONE thing - fearing the Lord, and understanding is demonstrated by avoiding evil.

Application: I do not fear the Lord nearly enough. I am often pleased with my earthly wisdom, and the "rewards" that wisdom brings me. But I am foolish. I do evil, and fail to repent. I malign others, plot and curse, lust and get angry and lie. I am full of pride and impatience - they are practically my defining qualities.

I need to fear the Lord ... I need to respect his sovereign power over my life in a way that truly subjugates by life to him and his will and his ways, to the point that I repent from evil ways because I acknowledge I have no right to choose to do evil. My life, my will, my actions, my thoughts all belong to God, and I honor and respect him above myself.

I will seek true - not earthly - wisdom.

Prayer: Lord, my Lord and God, I continue to fail in setting aside my pride. I must know that I am lesser, and that you are greater. In my heart I know this, but just as Paul once said I still do the things I hate. I feel your spirit strengthening me in this - please continue your work in me! Please do not forsake me, but forgive me for my pride and foolishness, and guide me in repenting of evil. Amen, and amen.

None are Righteous

Scripture:
How then can man be in the right before God?
    How can he who is born of woman be pure?
Job 25:4

Observation: This is THE question. Despite the Law and any attempt to comply with it, man cannot actually meet God's standard of holy and pure. We all sin.

As Job debates with his friends about whether or not he is at fault and thus under God's curse, this question makes the entire conversation moot. Job cannot be righteous before God. Therefore, he deserves to be under God's judgment. The fact he may be MORE righteous than others who are not experiencing trouble is pointless, because this isn't a discussion about degrees. Job is a sinner, and he cannot stand before God as a righteous man no matter how good he is, or how well he observes the Law, or how much he sacrifices to God, or how much he gives to God, or how often he worships God.

The Law, our compliance with the Law, and any other good deed we perform, cannot make any man righteous without grace and forgiveness for our inevitable transgressions.

Application: Without getting into the obvious "this is where Jesus comes in" thought - which I already know and accept - instead I am considering the mind of those who believe they CAN somehow be "good enough" to get into heaven. What would "good enough" have to look like?

It would HAVE to start with this concept: You would love EVERYONE. Every single person you met, you would have to love them. Sometimes that might lead you to speak truth to them and correct them, but it would usually mean helping them. It would mean never looking down on them, growing tired of them, thinking poorly of them, getting angry with them, or ever having any negative thought toward anyone. Ever.

And there you have it ... it can't be done. Forget actions, no person can even put themselves into the mindset to be righteous before God.

It makes me wonder about those people who believe this is possible. It must be because they don't know what "good" even means. They think it means giving away money now and then. I can't even imagine what they are thinking. And that's probably where I need to begin.  For those who accept there is "a god" but reject Jesus, what is their plan for eternal life? And why do they believe that will work? These may be good questions to start conversations.

Prayer: Lord, I am thinking out loud today. I guess I am actually allowing your word to prepare me for some kind of future conversation. May your word do that to me every day ... guide and instruct and prepare me for future work and conversations in service to you. Amen.

The Unspoken Next Answer

Scripture: And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘From man’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” Mark 11:31-33a

Observation: Jesus' question was straightforward ... Was the message from John the Baptist inspired from God or not? The Pharisees are inclined to answer "from man" but are afraid to say it.  However, they do have a choice about how to answer ... they could say the message was from heaven, but they fear the implicit follow-on question to that answer.

However, what do they fear? It seems they do not fear Jesus, as they have been confronting him all day. So instead, they must fear their own answer to that follow-up question, and they fear speaking that answer at least us much as they fear the reaction from the crowed to their other response. So what would their answer be to the question 'If John spoke with the authority of God, why did you not believe him?' It would have to be either:

a) They were wrong and now they do believe him (which isn't the case, otherwise they would not be opposing Jesus).

b) John was a threat to their authority and teaching.

And if it is "b" then they would be confessing that ... the truth from God is in conflict with the teaching of the Pharisees, which in turn would require them to reassess their lives, and that was something they refused to do.

Application: In other words, the real issue for the Pharisees is an issue of repentance and life change. Most of them just aren't ready - or completely refuse to even consider it an option. As a result, anything opposed to their way of life was wrong. God has a term for that ... self-worship.

This is my challenge today: Are there any places where I am refusing to even listen to God because I'm afraid his instructions might require me to change? If so, am I going to stubbornly hold onto my old choices and thus worship myself ahead of God?

Instead of answering this, I will take time to meditate on it. I am ready to release all elements of my life as God would have me do, so I need to take seriously this issue through prayer and reflection.

Prayer: Lord, I place my life in your hands. I ask that you guide me to see where I am straying, and where I am ignoring, and where I am willfully rebelling, and aid me in setting aside to parts of my life to change and grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ. My life is yours - all elements of my life - so please forgive me for anything I am withholding, and show me how to release it to you. Amen.