Scripture: You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice, nor shall you be partial to a poor man in his lawsuit. Exodus 23:1-3
Observation: God's law is clear - 'thou shall not bear false witness' - it is a sin to lie. However, as God is expanding on the base teaching of the ten commandments, he clarifies further the parameters of lying. In this verse, he goes beyond the commandment to not bear "a false report" to give warning about the conditions under which one may be tempted to lie. A person may be tempted to lie for bad reasons, neutral reasons, or even for noble causes:
-- To join with a wicked man
-- To agree with the majority
-- To aid a poor man
Application: There is never a good reason to sin. Jesus put it another way - not to return evil with evil - and today we have the saying that "two wrongs don't make a right". In Exodus, as God clarifies the ten commandments, he is not giving new laws, but rather he is clarifying the importance of his laws by making it clear that there is no good reason to ever break the law.
I think this way sometimes ... that I should oppose some evil or wrongdoing through whatever means possible. When I do this, I may lie to manipulate an evil person and thwart their efforts. Or I may become aggressively angry to oppose their goals. Or I may become envious of their results knowing they were ill gained. In all these situations, God is clear: I am now sinning, and there is never a good reason to sin.
This is the level of discipleship required to be a "peacekeeper", and that is my ambition of faith this year. When I do not return evil with evil - or use evil to overcome evil - I end the cycle of sin. In earthly terms, that may look like "losing" from time to time, however I know that in heavenly terms it is "winning" and brings blessing.
May I remain focused on doing God's will, by his means and methods, and under his laws, despite what that may look like to others.
Prayer: Father in heaven, please forgive me for my sins, as I do commit them daily. I know that there is no good reason to sin, that there is never an excuse. When I think that sinning will bring about good, I am forgetting that you are in control and you don't want to need my wrongful actions - that you are fully capable of making the situation right and would rather see me simply obey you. Such sins are therefore a lack of faith, and I ask for your forgiveness and strength with that as well. May I be strong enough in mind and faith to obey you daily. Amen.
Friday, January 29, 2016
Thursday, January 21, 2016
When Evil Attacks
Scripture: And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” Exodus 1:9-10
Observation: We learn elsewhere that there were three generations between Levi and Moses. Therefore, assuming large families of 10-14 children for every generation (since the bible says they were "fruitful and increased greatly"), the Israelites could number more than 20,000-25,000 by now. That would certainly be a large population given a time in history when cities were rare and certainly nowhere near this size. Add in one more generation of kids, and they are at a quarter million ... truly huge for that era.
That said, one interesting element is that the Israelites in this time have become their own people-group. They arrived in Egypt simply as Joseph's family - a (very rich) father with 11 other sons, at least 1 other daughter, and all the attendants that come with that. Even though the new Pharaoh doesn't know Joseph, he acknowledges these people as an independent group ... a separate nation that is independent from Egyptians and therefore could pick sides against Egypt in the event of war.
This delineation requires a behavioral prerequisite - that the decedents of Jacob have themselves isolated from Egypt and refused to marry or even associate with others. Given the fact that, after the Exodus and when they enter the promised land, the Hebrews refuse to obey God when he orders just such behavior, it is telling that now they comply with that behavior without any such instruction from God.
Application: Why is it that, as soon as God gives us a rule, defying that rule is EXACTLY what we seek to do?
This is of course the source of original sin - rebellion against God. We are perfectly happy to ... live in a garden, marry our own people, live within our means, be happy among others. At least right up until God says not to eat the fruit, or intermarry, or steal, or lie and covet. Then we immediately do it. I do too. I know God's teaching, and I know the wisdom of it, and I break his teaching daily anyway.
To me, this is all evidence of Satan. Satan has no interest in leading us astray UNTIL there is a law from God to define what 'astray' looks like, and THEN he is quick to get to work. When God says "do" or "don't", now Satan whispers "don't" or "do". The fact mankind rebels not at random but directly against God's teaching proves that there is evil at work in the world, and it gives me resolve to know that I must resist it even more.
Prayer: Lord, please renew my strength daily in my personal battle against evil. You are my protector - my sword and my shield - and I know I cannot succeed if I only depend upon my own willpower. I am a flawed and weak human. You are the almighty God, sitting on your throne, in command of all things. In my freewill, I grant you full authority to command me ... to guide me, control me, lead me, teach me, and make me as you see fit according to your purposes. I love you and trust you. Please help me. Amen, and amen.
Observation: We learn elsewhere that there were three generations between Levi and Moses. Therefore, assuming large families of 10-14 children for every generation (since the bible says they were "fruitful and increased greatly"), the Israelites could number more than 20,000-25,000 by now. That would certainly be a large population given a time in history when cities were rare and certainly nowhere near this size. Add in one more generation of kids, and they are at a quarter million ... truly huge for that era.
That said, one interesting element is that the Israelites in this time have become their own people-group. They arrived in Egypt simply as Joseph's family - a (very rich) father with 11 other sons, at least 1 other daughter, and all the attendants that come with that. Even though the new Pharaoh doesn't know Joseph, he acknowledges these people as an independent group ... a separate nation that is independent from Egyptians and therefore could pick sides against Egypt in the event of war.
This delineation requires a behavioral prerequisite - that the decedents of Jacob have themselves isolated from Egypt and refused to marry or even associate with others. Given the fact that, after the Exodus and when they enter the promised land, the Hebrews refuse to obey God when he orders just such behavior, it is telling that now they comply with that behavior without any such instruction from God.
Application: Why is it that, as soon as God gives us a rule, defying that rule is EXACTLY what we seek to do?
This is of course the source of original sin - rebellion against God. We are perfectly happy to ... live in a garden, marry our own people, live within our means, be happy among others. At least right up until God says not to eat the fruit, or intermarry, or steal, or lie and covet. Then we immediately do it. I do too. I know God's teaching, and I know the wisdom of it, and I break his teaching daily anyway.
To me, this is all evidence of Satan. Satan has no interest in leading us astray UNTIL there is a law from God to define what 'astray' looks like, and THEN he is quick to get to work. When God says "do" or "don't", now Satan whispers "don't" or "do". The fact mankind rebels not at random but directly against God's teaching proves that there is evil at work in the world, and it gives me resolve to know that I must resist it even more.
Prayer: Lord, please renew my strength daily in my personal battle against evil. You are my protector - my sword and my shield - and I know I cannot succeed if I only depend upon my own willpower. I am a flawed and weak human. You are the almighty God, sitting on your throne, in command of all things. In my freewill, I grant you full authority to command me ... to guide me, control me, lead me, teach me, and make me as you see fit according to your purposes. I love you and trust you. Please help me. Amen, and amen.
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Properly Honored
Scripture: Then he commanded them and said to them, "I am to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, in the cave that is in the field at Machpelah, to the east of Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite to possess as a burying place. There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife. There they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leah." Genesis 49:29-31
Observation: Jacob (Israel) gives deathbed instructions on his burial - that he is to be buried not in Egypt but his the family tomb. He calls out that therefore the people who will be buried there will be the patriarchs and their wives: Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and himself and ... Leah.
Jacob worked 14 years in order to "earn" the right to marry Rachael. In the ensuing battle for his affections between Leah and Rachael, he eventually fathered children by four women, but his two favorites were always Rachael's children - Joseph, and then Benjamin. Throughout this, Leah openly declares that she is unloved, lamenting the situation and at least once paying her sister off just so she can sleep with her own husband once more. However, in the end, it is Leah - the first wife, mother of the oldest sons, mother of Judah, and mother of the most sons - who is buried in the place of honor with Israel.
Application: I believe this passage indicates that Leah earned Jacob's love. He may not have loved her like he did Rachael in his youth, but in his old age she was the one whom he would eventually self-identify as his wife and the one worthy of honor in the tomb of the patriarchs.
This is the way I wish to metaphorically look upon my sinful past life. There were things in my old life that I loved - behaviors, thoughts, and people who were not good to have in my life. However, as I have learned, those things pale in comparison to the blessings of God and a happy life spent attempting to honor his will. That said, I still look too kindly on the memories. I have been forgiven for my past transgressions, and it is important that I expunge them from my mind in both their good and bad forms.
Instead, I need to honor God, and honor the amazing things he has brought into my life. I also need to honor the great work he hands me from time to time ... often hard work, often thankless work, maybe even 'ugly' work (can work have "weak eyes" like Leah?) ... but great work worthy of my honor through devotion to it. I now love God and love serving his people. In time I will love more people - seeing them as creations of God worthy of my love - as Jacob learned to love Leah through his maturing relationship with God and an understanding of the great work God was doing in his life.
Prayer: Lord, my sin life needs to be like Rachael - something I loved at one time, but now something dead and not to be returned to. My life with Jesus needs to be like Leah - loved in my mature life of understanding, properly honored, and the results of which I know will be amazing great like Judah's prophesy. Amen.
Observation: Jacob (Israel) gives deathbed instructions on his burial - that he is to be buried not in Egypt but his the family tomb. He calls out that therefore the people who will be buried there will be the patriarchs and their wives: Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and himself and ... Leah.
Jacob worked 14 years in order to "earn" the right to marry Rachael. In the ensuing battle for his affections between Leah and Rachael, he eventually fathered children by four women, but his two favorites were always Rachael's children - Joseph, and then Benjamin. Throughout this, Leah openly declares that she is unloved, lamenting the situation and at least once paying her sister off just so she can sleep with her own husband once more. However, in the end, it is Leah - the first wife, mother of the oldest sons, mother of Judah, and mother of the most sons - who is buried in the place of honor with Israel.
Application: I believe this passage indicates that Leah earned Jacob's love. He may not have loved her like he did Rachael in his youth, but in his old age she was the one whom he would eventually self-identify as his wife and the one worthy of honor in the tomb of the patriarchs.
This is the way I wish to metaphorically look upon my sinful past life. There were things in my old life that I loved - behaviors, thoughts, and people who were not good to have in my life. However, as I have learned, those things pale in comparison to the blessings of God and a happy life spent attempting to honor his will. That said, I still look too kindly on the memories. I have been forgiven for my past transgressions, and it is important that I expunge them from my mind in both their good and bad forms.
Instead, I need to honor God, and honor the amazing things he has brought into my life. I also need to honor the great work he hands me from time to time ... often hard work, often thankless work, maybe even 'ugly' work (can work have "weak eyes" like Leah?) ... but great work worthy of my honor through devotion to it. I now love God and love serving his people. In time I will love more people - seeing them as creations of God worthy of my love - as Jacob learned to love Leah through his maturing relationship with God and an understanding of the great work God was doing in his life.
Prayer: Lord, my sin life needs to be like Rachael - something I loved at one time, but now something dead and not to be returned to. My life with Jesus needs to be like Leah - loved in my mature life of understanding, properly honored, and the results of which I know will be amazing great like Judah's prophesy. Amen.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
God is Even Closer
Scripture:
Why, O Lord, do you stand far away?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
Why, O Lord, do you stand far away?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor;
let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised.
For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul,
and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord.
In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him;
all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”
let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised.
For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul,
and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord.
In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him;
all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”
Psalms 10:1-4
Observation: The psalmist is not fretting about God's distance from him - he is not saying that God is far away from his life or his situation. Instead, he is wondering about God's justice. Specifically, he is noting that wicked and prideful men do all kinds of evil without punishment from God.
Throughout this psalm, the wicked men ... a greedy, assault the weak, take advantage of the poor, cheat everyone, and all the while they defy God himself, going so far as to openly declare that God does not exist. In fact, the proof of their disbelief in the existence of God is their own actions - they do evil with no punishment, therefore there must not be a just god.
Application: I feel like this psalm must have been written recently! How many non-believers declare there is no God, and their proof is the existence of unpunished evil. As a result, they then commit evil themselves - sexual immorality, cheating, lying, hatred of others, and greedy pursuit of wealth. In some cases, they even go so far as to declare these things 'good' since - without God - the law is ignored and thus their judgment of good and evil can be assessed using secular values.
The last line of verse 4 is so telling: "All his thoughts are, 'there is no God.'" This itself is a paradox. If there was no God, then why think about God at all?! Even in these situations, God is SO close to the situation that he is every thought in the minds of evil doers.
So for the psalmist ... the original question wondering why God is so far away and hiding is answered ... God is even CLOSER than can be seen. He isn't external to the situation handing down justice, but he is internal - in the heads of others - trying to correct them.
As believers, we can trust in the fact that God IS in the situations involving non-believers who reject his teaching, and that he talks to them. It is our job to only serve within that relationship.
Prayer: Lord, the issue of course is that those who aren't your sheep don't know your voice. They know no voice, ignore your voice, reject your voice, and even argue with your voice. May I re-enforce your voice. May I be a sheep that hears and knows your voice, follows your direction, and shows other sheep what life may be like in your arms. When I see others doing evil, and they reject your existence, may I be one standing there pointing out to them that even the act of actively rejecting you is an act of acknowledging your ... and that you are not far away allowing their actions, but in fact you are in their heads loving them. Amen.
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Blessings for All
Scripture: The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. Genesis 39:2-3
Observation: Potiphar, an Egyptian, knows God well enough to understand God's favor. As a result, promotes Joseph. Pharaoh does the same thing in two chapters - recognizes God's hand upon Joseph and thus promotes him.
It is interesting that these individuals acknowledge "God" - the one true God. They don't know the Hebrews as a nation yet, nor God as the "God of Abraham", but they wish to align themselves with God's favor.
Application: In the world today I sometimes see people I believe are 'non-believers' seek God's favor. I often ask myself: Does this work? I see three possible answers:
1) Yes it works, because God loves them just as much as he loves everyone else. They may therefore receive favor not by faith, but just God's love.
2) Yea it works, because it is God's will and plan. He is working out a different path (such as eventually saving an entire nation) and so blessing a non believer serves his purpose.
3) Yes it works, because it aligns to the prayers and needs of a believer. As Potiphar was blessed in order to sustain and bless Joseph, a non believer can be answered by God as an answer to a believer.
This is part of how we can help others learn about God - through conversations about their blessings by God. They receive them just like I do.
Prayer: Thank you for your blessings Lord ... for me and for all mankind.
Observation: Potiphar, an Egyptian, knows God well enough to understand God's favor. As a result, promotes Joseph. Pharaoh does the same thing in two chapters - recognizes God's hand upon Joseph and thus promotes him.
It is interesting that these individuals acknowledge "God" - the one true God. They don't know the Hebrews as a nation yet, nor God as the "God of Abraham", but they wish to align themselves with God's favor.
Application: In the world today I sometimes see people I believe are 'non-believers' seek God's favor. I often ask myself: Does this work? I see three possible answers:
1) Yes it works, because God loves them just as much as he loves everyone else. They may therefore receive favor not by faith, but just God's love.
2) Yea it works, because it is God's will and plan. He is working out a different path (such as eventually saving an entire nation) and so blessing a non believer serves his purpose.
3) Yes it works, because it aligns to the prayers and needs of a believer. As Potiphar was blessed in order to sustain and bless Joseph, a non believer can be answered by God as an answer to a believer.
This is part of how we can help others learn about God - through conversations about their blessings by God. They receive them just like I do.
Prayer: Thank you for your blessings Lord ... for me and for all mankind.
Friday, January 15, 2016
When the Color is Gone
Scripture: Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors. Genesis 37:3[a]
[a] See Septuagint, Vulgate; or (with Syriac) a robe with long sleeves. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.
Observation: Wait ... the robe might NOT have had many colors? This phrase might mean it had ... long sleeves??
Application: Since everyone knows the robe was "many colors" (Sunday School lesson) or "Technicolor" (Broadway promotion), this insight would make the actions of the brothers even more petty. A colorful robe would have been costly and unique, generating jealousy. However, long sleeves are just ... different from theirs.
Prayer: As the story of Joseph unfolds, Lord, we see how you are at work in EVERY situation for your plan. May my impending change be within your plan as well. Amen.
(I don't have a lot to say today. Instead, I have had this secular song stuck in my head - was even humming it on my way into my workout today - which my daughter was singing the other night. It applies to my immanent departure from work. I wonder if Joseph would have sung it to his brothers when they sold him into slavery!)
[a] See Septuagint, Vulgate; or (with Syriac) a robe with long sleeves. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.
Observation: Wait ... the robe might NOT have had many colors? This phrase might mean it had ... long sleeves??
Application: Since everyone knows the robe was "many colors" (Sunday School lesson) or "Technicolor" (Broadway promotion), this insight would make the actions of the brothers even more petty. A colorful robe would have been costly and unique, generating jealousy. However, long sleeves are just ... different from theirs.
Prayer: As the story of Joseph unfolds, Lord, we see how you are at work in EVERY situation for your plan. May my impending change be within your plan as well. Amen.
(I don't have a lot to say today. Instead, I have had this secular song stuck in my head - was even humming it on my way into my workout today - which my daughter was singing the other night. It applies to my immanent departure from work. I wonder if Joseph would have sung it to his brothers when they sold him into slavery!)
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
The Other Side of the Story
Scripture: "These twenty years I have been in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times. If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been on my side, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God saw my affliction and the labor of my hands and rebuked you last night." Then Laban answered and said to Jacob, "The daughters are my daughters, the children are my children, the flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine." Genesis 31:41-43a
Observation: Last year, I noted how Jacob seemed to have a lot of tricks - the way he secured the best of the flocks for himself then had to flea from Laban. However, there is another side to this story. Jacob outlines a case where Laban has cheated Jacob, changing his wages, changing the 'rules', and placing all risk and burden on Jacob. Jacob even outlines how God revealed to him which flocks would be successful.
In other words, God has blessed Jacob in abundance, even as Laban himself was manipulating the situation to cheat him. However, even now Laban cannot accept that situation. He goes so far as to state that not only are Jacob's flocks actually his, but Jacob's own children by being the offspring of his daughters are actually his children.
And pivotal in the story is the revelation that Laban does not worship God ... he has his own gods and idols, and even though he acknowledges the existence of God (even fearing the authority of God) he refuses to be part of a relationship with God.
Application: These situations strike me as similar to modern-day dynamics between believers and non-believers. Non-believers:
-- May accept that God exists
-- Even if they do, they do not fear him
-- They worship their own possessions
-- They believe they are "owed" prosperity
-- When someone else is more prosperous, they blame that person for their lot in life
Meanwhile, strong believers:
-- Listen to God's direction in their lives
-- Are often blessed by following that direction
-- The blessing isn't always easy ... it can be hard work and take a long time
-- Blessing is still just in context of being loved by God regardless their circumstance
-- Are often persecuted by others simply due to the peace in their lives
Often, I believe self-centered, godless living is a characteristic of our times. However, this story shows it's been around forever. And anyone who believes in God and is content in their life as a result is likely to be hated by "the world" - scorned by others who are living for themselves and for their next dollar (or sheep or euro or goat or whatever).
(Quick side note: I am NOT talking about a "prosperity gospel" ... the goal is contentment in whatever blessing God wishes to provide, and NOT that believing in God produces abundant blessing.)
Prayer: My great father, you have truly blessed me far beyond anything I could hope. I have material comfort, personal happiness, familial love, and daily peace. I know people who resent me for it. Please help me to keep one truth in mind - these people are not to be hated in return, but to be loved because they have a tremendous hole in their lives that only you can fill. I need to turn my cheek and love them, showing them both the love of Jesus and the hope of eternal life that brings your true peace. May I more and more become a peacemaker. Amen.
Observation: Last year, I noted how Jacob seemed to have a lot of tricks - the way he secured the best of the flocks for himself then had to flea from Laban. However, there is another side to this story. Jacob outlines a case where Laban has cheated Jacob, changing his wages, changing the 'rules', and placing all risk and burden on Jacob. Jacob even outlines how God revealed to him which flocks would be successful.
In other words, God has blessed Jacob in abundance, even as Laban himself was manipulating the situation to cheat him. However, even now Laban cannot accept that situation. He goes so far as to state that not only are Jacob's flocks actually his, but Jacob's own children by being the offspring of his daughters are actually his children.
And pivotal in the story is the revelation that Laban does not worship God ... he has his own gods and idols, and even though he acknowledges the existence of God (even fearing the authority of God) he refuses to be part of a relationship with God.
Application: These situations strike me as similar to modern-day dynamics between believers and non-believers. Non-believers:
-- May accept that God exists
-- Even if they do, they do not fear him
-- They worship their own possessions
-- They believe they are "owed" prosperity
-- When someone else is more prosperous, they blame that person for their lot in life
Meanwhile, strong believers:
-- Listen to God's direction in their lives
-- Are often blessed by following that direction
-- The blessing isn't always easy ... it can be hard work and take a long time
-- Blessing is still just in context of being loved by God regardless their circumstance
-- Are often persecuted by others simply due to the peace in their lives
Often, I believe self-centered, godless living is a characteristic of our times. However, this story shows it's been around forever. And anyone who believes in God and is content in their life as a result is likely to be hated by "the world" - scorned by others who are living for themselves and for their next dollar (or sheep or euro or goat or whatever).
(Quick side note: I am NOT talking about a "prosperity gospel" ... the goal is contentment in whatever blessing God wishes to provide, and NOT that believing in God produces abundant blessing.)
Prayer: My great father, you have truly blessed me far beyond anything I could hope. I have material comfort, personal happiness, familial love, and daily peace. I know people who resent me for it. Please help me to keep one truth in mind - these people are not to be hated in return, but to be loved because they have a tremendous hole in their lives that only you can fill. I need to turn my cheek and love them, showing them both the love of Jesus and the hope of eternal life that brings your true peace. May I more and more become a peacemaker. Amen.
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Ready for Action
Scripture: Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Luke 12:37-40
Observation: The parable of the servant being awake and attentive for his master's return quickly becomes a prophesy about Jesus's second coming. The message is clear: Do the work Jesus has commanded - keep the commands he has stated - however the timing of his return will be completely unexpected.
Ironically, the entire history of Christianity from that point forward has attempted to figure out when Jesus's return will occur. Even Paul hypothesized about the near-term return of Jesus, and Peter asked at least twice a follow-up question about the timing. Jesus is clear ... the timing is unexpected and cannot be known, it is likely to be late when you least expect it, and believers better be ready anyway.
Application: What does "ready" look like for me and all believers today? It certainly means at least three things:
1) Following the commands of Jesus, which includes loving God, loving others, spreading the good news, baptizing and teaching, and obeying the law
2) Staying awake and alert and paying attention so that as soon as he 'knocks' we can respond
3) Remaining vigilant in both of these attitudes, without falling into traps that would cause one to assume Jesus is not coming and backside in behavior
This is what I must do - I must follow Jesus's instructions, stay awake, and remain vigilant. I do these things by knowing God's will (through reading the Bible and prayer), remaining engaged in the community of believers, and serving God consistent with the ways God wishes us to love others.
Prayer: Lord, I do believe I am awake, prepared, alert, and vigilant in being prepared for your return. I know I cannot know the timing, but how I YEARN for it to be soon ... even now. This world needs you, and your faithful do grow weary at the hour. I will remain on guard, ready to jump at your knock at the door, and seeking ways to love others every day. Amen.
Observation: The parable of the servant being awake and attentive for his master's return quickly becomes a prophesy about Jesus's second coming. The message is clear: Do the work Jesus has commanded - keep the commands he has stated - however the timing of his return will be completely unexpected.
Ironically, the entire history of Christianity from that point forward has attempted to figure out when Jesus's return will occur. Even Paul hypothesized about the near-term return of Jesus, and Peter asked at least twice a follow-up question about the timing. Jesus is clear ... the timing is unexpected and cannot be known, it is likely to be late when you least expect it, and believers better be ready anyway.
Application: What does "ready" look like for me and all believers today? It certainly means at least three things:
1) Following the commands of Jesus, which includes loving God, loving others, spreading the good news, baptizing and teaching, and obeying the law
2) Staying awake and alert and paying attention so that as soon as he 'knocks' we can respond
3) Remaining vigilant in both of these attitudes, without falling into traps that would cause one to assume Jesus is not coming and backside in behavior
This is what I must do - I must follow Jesus's instructions, stay awake, and remain vigilant. I do these things by knowing God's will (through reading the Bible and prayer), remaining engaged in the community of believers, and serving God consistent with the ways God wishes us to love others.
Prayer: Lord, I do believe I am awake, prepared, alert, and vigilant in being prepared for your return. I know I cannot know the timing, but how I YEARN for it to be soon ... even now. This world needs you, and your faithful do grow weary at the hour. I will remain on guard, ready to jump at your knock at the door, and seeking ways to love others every day. Amen.
Friday, January 8, 2016
Knowing a Man's Heart
Scripture: So Abimelech rose early in the morning and called all his servants and told them all these things. And the men were very much afraid. Then Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? And how have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and my kingdom a great sin? You have done to me things that ought not to be done.” And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What did you see, that you did this thing?” Abraham said, “I did it because I thought, ‘There is no fear of God at all in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.’ Genesis 20:8-11
Observation: Abimelech took Sarah as his wife, but God revealed to him in a dream that this was a sin and he must return her. In addition, God revealed that he himself had prevented Abimelech from sleeping with Sarah. Abimelech immediately responds, all his men being afraid of God, and returning Sarah to Abraham.
Yet Abraham says he told that Sarah was his sister because he thought Abimelech had no fear of God - that he had no faith in God - and thus that they would gladly sin and murder him. It appears quite the opposite is true: Abimelech acknowledges God, knows it is God who speaks to him in his dream, knows that what he had done was a sin, pleads for his life, and upon telling his men they are immediately afraid of God as well. It turns out, they seem very much to fear the Lord. Abraham has misjudged Abimelech's faith.
Application: It seems to me that Abraham misjudged Abimelech because he chose to judge Abimelech based on his own standard. Abraham has such a strong relationship with God that no one could match that level of faith, and thus everyone who falls short must be godless. Abraham doesn't understand lesser levels of relationship with God.
I mess this up both directions. I see those with less faith than me as lacking, and I see those with greater faith then me as having a unique circumstance ... perhaps they are too zealous, or at least they have more time on their hands. If I really think that, then only I have the "right" level of faith. That, of course, is completely foolish.
As I am about to meet hundreds of new people and learn how to interact with them on a daily basis, I need to be sensitive to the types of faith I will find. Just because I fear it may be a "land" without fear of God, that doesn't mean that is what I will discover. Nor does it mean that people who aren't exactly like me are the only ones who will have faith. I need to look for brothers and sisters who have faith - maybe expressed differently - as those I can connect with as I go forward.
Prayer: Lord, I do hope that I will find other men of God in my new job. Allow me to enter that place with fresh eyes - to not assume that it will be a desolate and sinful place, but rather to keep a fair perspective. Amen.
Observation: Abimelech took Sarah as his wife, but God revealed to him in a dream that this was a sin and he must return her. In addition, God revealed that he himself had prevented Abimelech from sleeping with Sarah. Abimelech immediately responds, all his men being afraid of God, and returning Sarah to Abraham.
Yet Abraham says he told that Sarah was his sister because he thought Abimelech had no fear of God - that he had no faith in God - and thus that they would gladly sin and murder him. It appears quite the opposite is true: Abimelech acknowledges God, knows it is God who speaks to him in his dream, knows that what he had done was a sin, pleads for his life, and upon telling his men they are immediately afraid of God as well. It turns out, they seem very much to fear the Lord. Abraham has misjudged Abimelech's faith.
Application: It seems to me that Abraham misjudged Abimelech because he chose to judge Abimelech based on his own standard. Abraham has such a strong relationship with God that no one could match that level of faith, and thus everyone who falls short must be godless. Abraham doesn't understand lesser levels of relationship with God.
I mess this up both directions. I see those with less faith than me as lacking, and I see those with greater faith then me as having a unique circumstance ... perhaps they are too zealous, or at least they have more time on their hands. If I really think that, then only I have the "right" level of faith. That, of course, is completely foolish.
As I am about to meet hundreds of new people and learn how to interact with them on a daily basis, I need to be sensitive to the types of faith I will find. Just because I fear it may be a "land" without fear of God, that doesn't mean that is what I will discover. Nor does it mean that people who aren't exactly like me are the only ones who will have faith. I need to look for brothers and sisters who have faith - maybe expressed differently - as those I can connect with as I go forward.
Prayer: Lord, I do hope that I will find other men of God in my new job. Allow me to enter that place with fresh eyes - to not assume that it will be a desolate and sinful place, but rather to keep a fair perspective. Amen.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
It's Always Something
Scripture: For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Luke 7:33-34
Observation: Jesus is pointing out a basic fact - that the Pharisees and leaders rejected both John and himself, giving reasons that actually contradict each other. Something must be wrong with John because he fasts too much and doesn't drink wine ... and something must e wrong with Jesus because he drinks wine and doesn't fast. These judgments do not have anything to do with quantity, but rather they are simply both stating contradictory reasons for rejecting both of these two men.
Clearly, the true reason for rejected both John and Jesus has nothing to do with their diets. It has to do with their message. John and Jesus both have a message that is contradictory to the concepts of the Pharisees, however they cannot find the logical or legal means to attack the message. Therefore, they instead take any characteristic or action of the two men and attack that instead.
Application: This happens all the time professionally ... people who have good ideas rejected because the ideas conflict with the status quo and/or don't originate from the "right" person. However, do I ever do this to people personally? Do I reject people - not their professional ideas, but them as people, or the personal instruction they may pour into my life - simply because I don't like what they have to say or how they say it?
Probably. This is probably most true of people at church who I don't believe are "doing enough". I just had a conversation last night about someone who does not serve in any way at church, and thought to myself about how I didn't value their opinions. This is wrong of me. I need to consider everyone's opinions on the merits of the opinions, weighed against scripture, and independent of my attitude toward the person.
If the Pharisees had done that, they would have accepted Jesus as Messiah based on alignment to scripture. Jesus even points that out in this same chapter - when John's disciples ask Jesus about who he is, Jesus doesn't answer directly, but instead quotes prophecy to show he is Messiah.
And that's the key: I need to judge input from others based on scripture and truth, not on our opinion of the messenger.
Prayer: Lord, this aligns to my issues related to judging others. If I wasn't quick to judge others, I would be more open to correction and teaching and improvement. As I head into a season of massive learning, please do help me in ALL circumstances to be open and correctable by ALL people. Amen.
Observation: Jesus is pointing out a basic fact - that the Pharisees and leaders rejected both John and himself, giving reasons that actually contradict each other. Something must be wrong with John because he fasts too much and doesn't drink wine ... and something must e wrong with Jesus because he drinks wine and doesn't fast. These judgments do not have anything to do with quantity, but rather they are simply both stating contradictory reasons for rejecting both of these two men.
Clearly, the true reason for rejected both John and Jesus has nothing to do with their diets. It has to do with their message. John and Jesus both have a message that is contradictory to the concepts of the Pharisees, however they cannot find the logical or legal means to attack the message. Therefore, they instead take any characteristic or action of the two men and attack that instead.
Application: This happens all the time professionally ... people who have good ideas rejected because the ideas conflict with the status quo and/or don't originate from the "right" person. However, do I ever do this to people personally? Do I reject people - not their professional ideas, but them as people, or the personal instruction they may pour into my life - simply because I don't like what they have to say or how they say it?
Probably. This is probably most true of people at church who I don't believe are "doing enough". I just had a conversation last night about someone who does not serve in any way at church, and thought to myself about how I didn't value their opinions. This is wrong of me. I need to consider everyone's opinions on the merits of the opinions, weighed against scripture, and independent of my attitude toward the person.
If the Pharisees had done that, they would have accepted Jesus as Messiah based on alignment to scripture. Jesus even points that out in this same chapter - when John's disciples ask Jesus about who he is, Jesus doesn't answer directly, but instead quotes prophecy to show he is Messiah.
And that's the key: I need to judge input from others based on scripture and truth, not on our opinion of the messenger.
Prayer: Lord, this aligns to my issues related to judging others. If I wasn't quick to judge others, I would be more open to correction and teaching and improvement. As I head into a season of massive learning, please do help me in ALL circumstances to be open and correctable by ALL people. Amen.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Time to Go
Scripture: Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you." Genesis 12:1
Observation: The first act of obedience for Abram/Abraham was not to trust that is wife would have a child, or to trust his own safety in battle, or even to trust that he should sacrifice his only son. The first act of obedience was to go ... to leave his country and his father and his friends, and travel to a different land. The first recorded word God says to Abram is here: "Go".
Application: Today this resonates with me, as I have decided to "go". After a month of prayer that continued through a process, I believe God has called me to leave my job and go to another job. The new position isn't just a promotion and advancement, and it isn't the work I am doing now performed in a different location. I am moving to a job I have not done, in a place where I know no one, and into a situation I do not yet have the information I need to be successful.
I am doing this because I believe that - in a new situation and in a new position - I can reach lives for Jesus. God wants me to establish an environment where I can influence lives with the light of Jesus, and make the Gospel both real and practical for others. To do this, I need a different circumstance, with a different level of influence, and in a completely different location.
Am I ready for the new responsibilities of this job? My answer to that question doesn't matter. God will provide me with the readiness I need. My only task is to obediently go.
Prayer: Lord, in my mind I am afraid, but in my heart I am not. I know that you have always - and in all ways - been faithful in your guidance of my life, and I fully trust you now. I am not ready to do this job. I do not have the knowledge, the skills, or the aptitude. However, I do have you as my Lord. That is all I need. Amen.
Observation: The first act of obedience for Abram/Abraham was not to trust that is wife would have a child, or to trust his own safety in battle, or even to trust that he should sacrifice his only son. The first act of obedience was to go ... to leave his country and his father and his friends, and travel to a different land. The first recorded word God says to Abram is here: "Go".
Application: Today this resonates with me, as I have decided to "go". After a month of prayer that continued through a process, I believe God has called me to leave my job and go to another job. The new position isn't just a promotion and advancement, and it isn't the work I am doing now performed in a different location. I am moving to a job I have not done, in a place where I know no one, and into a situation I do not yet have the information I need to be successful.
I am doing this because I believe that - in a new situation and in a new position - I can reach lives for Jesus. God wants me to establish an environment where I can influence lives with the light of Jesus, and make the Gospel both real and practical for others. To do this, I need a different circumstance, with a different level of influence, and in a completely different location.
Am I ready for the new responsibilities of this job? My answer to that question doesn't matter. God will provide me with the readiness I need. My only task is to obediently go.
Prayer: Lord, in my mind I am afraid, but in my heart I am not. I know that you have always - and in all ways - been faithful in your guidance of my life, and I fully trust you now. I am not ready to do this job. I do not have the knowledge, the skills, or the aptitude. However, I do have you as my Lord. That is all I need. Amen.
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