Scripture: Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us, you and your son and your grandson also, for you have saved us from the hand of Midian.” Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.”And Gideon said to them, “Let me make a request of you: every one of you give me the earrings from his spoil.” (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.) And they answered, “We will willingly give them.” And they spread a cloak, and every man threw in it the earrings of his spoil. And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was 1,700 shekels of gold, besides the crescent ornaments and the pendants and the purple garments worn by the kings of Midian, and besides the collars that were around the necks of their camels. And Gideon made an ephod of it and put it in his city, in Ophrah. And all Israel whored after it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family. Judges 8:22-27
Observation: I had to do some Googling ... Gideon made a ceremonial robe out of over 42 pounds of gold!
But here is the point of this passage: Gideon had followed God's instruction, had defeated the enemies following God's plan, and in such a way that could only be attributed to God's power. He then resisted the temptation of being named king, pointing out that God was the king of Israel. However, the then collects a reward of gold, and turns it into an object designed to honor him ... something that is so impressive others will want it, they will strive just to come look at it, and he himself will fall into the trap of pride because he owns it.
So in the end, the people of Israel fail to learn their lesson about following God. Instead, they still learn to respect and fear Gideon - maybe due to the legend of his success in battle, maybe because of his majestic ephod - and so when Gideon dies they immediately abandon God again.
Application: I believe the issue here is that Gideon created a distraction. Instead of remaining focused on God - and keeping others focused on God by giving him the glory - he created an object of honor for himself which distracted everyone including himself and his family. All of Israel coveted it, sought after it, and he fell into the trap of pride as a result of that attention.
Things may have been different - or at least good longer - if Gideon had kept himself, his family, and Israel focused on the Lord and his salvation and redemption delivered through Gideon's battles.
We - myself and my church - do this today when God accomplishes something and we fail to give him glory. It is worse when we point to some other object and give credit and honor to some person. When buildings get built because of donors ... who had the money because God gave it to them in the first place. When people get healed because of doctors ... who had knowledge and ability granted to them as gifts from God. When careers are achieved ... as a result of experienced collected during a life guided by the holy spirit.
I must stay focused on God during the successes of life. I must explicitly give him honor and glory. And I must very explicitly not create some other reason, distraction, or object that removes attention from the great results of God.
Prayer: Lord, you have granted me with so much. May I always and continually use everything to point back to you. I don't want to point at my house, or my bank account, or my family, or my title - I want to point everything ... EVERYTHING ... back to you. Amen.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Monday, March 28, 2016
His Purpose Nonetheless
Scripture: Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, I will go, but if you will not go with me, I will not go.” And she said, “I will surely go with you. Nevertheless, the road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh. Judges 4:8-9
Observation: Barak has been called to fight Sisera and relieve Israel from his tyranny. However, Barak doubts the word of God delivered by Deborah - he says he will only go if she goes. As a result, God will not allow Barak to be the hero of the victory, and will instead bestow that honor upon a foreign woman. In other words, God won't punish Barak, and he won't change his purpose in relieving Israel, he will just work his purposes out in some other manner due to Barak's lack of faith.
Application: When God wishes to act, he does NOT need knowledge or ability of others, as his own knowledge and wisdom and strength are so much greater than ours. Instead, all he needs is faith. If he finds that faith anywhere, he can work out his purpose.
This is important for me to remember when I am wondering how I can best serve God. When doing that, I often think about what I can do - what skills and ability could I bring to a task. God would rather have me just bring my faith, and he will then hand me the work to be done. Now, it might not be something I WANT to do, or that I feel particularly capable of doing ... I doubt Jael had tremendous experience about driving a tent peg through a sleeping man's head ... but this is how God works. He looks for the person with faith, and then gives them his work to be done, and provides them with the strength, courage, words, skills, and opportunity to do his work.
So this is what I must do when I want to serve God: Have faith. I do not need to go find a task that fits my abilities, God will bring his work to me.
Prayer: Lord, I know of many of the things to be done in your church and for your kingdom. However, let me today just have faith. Let me simply abide in faith of your wisdom and love, and I am confident that what you then need done will become manifestly known. Amen.
Observation: Barak has been called to fight Sisera and relieve Israel from his tyranny. However, Barak doubts the word of God delivered by Deborah - he says he will only go if she goes. As a result, God will not allow Barak to be the hero of the victory, and will instead bestow that honor upon a foreign woman. In other words, God won't punish Barak, and he won't change his purpose in relieving Israel, he will just work his purposes out in some other manner due to Barak's lack of faith.
Application: When God wishes to act, he does NOT need knowledge or ability of others, as his own knowledge and wisdom and strength are so much greater than ours. Instead, all he needs is faith. If he finds that faith anywhere, he can work out his purpose.
This is important for me to remember when I am wondering how I can best serve God. When doing that, I often think about what I can do - what skills and ability could I bring to a task. God would rather have me just bring my faith, and he will then hand me the work to be done. Now, it might not be something I WANT to do, or that I feel particularly capable of doing ... I doubt Jael had tremendous experience about driving a tent peg through a sleeping man's head ... but this is how God works. He looks for the person with faith, and then gives them his work to be done, and provides them with the strength, courage, words, skills, and opportunity to do his work.
So this is what I must do when I want to serve God: Have faith. I do not need to go find a task that fits my abilities, God will bring his work to me.
Prayer: Lord, I know of many of the things to be done in your church and for your kingdom. However, let me today just have faith. Let me simply abide in faith of your wisdom and love, and I am confident that what you then need done will become manifestly known. Amen.
Friday, March 25, 2016
Promises are Always Fulfilled
Scripture: Thus the Lord gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there. And the Lord gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers. Not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the Lord had given all their enemies into their hands. Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass. Joshua 21:43-45
Observation: ALL had come to pass as the Lord promised. Every word of God - from the nature of the land, to the removal of the inhabitants, to the division of the land by lots, to the assignment of cities for specific purposes and inheritance, to the peace that now stood - was fulfilled exactly as God had proclaimed to them. In some cases, these promises came just before they entered the land, but in other cases the promises were made to Abraham a few hundred years earlier. That didn't matter ... all came to pass.
Application: I was just thinking last night that I am still looking for a promise from God that I may claim. This reminds me why I will be so happy with the promises Because promises absolutely come to pass. When God makes a promise, it happens.
And God doesn't manipulate it. God doesn't give a word of promise, and then later when something related happen say "see, you misunderstood, but that was what I said would happen." No, God makes a promise, says what will happen, and it happens. He says he will make your life full, and it is filled. He says he will grant a couple with a child, and they get a child. He says he will provide a home, and the person gets a home. The path might not always be clear - getting the land by leaving it, going into slavery in Egypt, being released through miracles and signs, then wandering in the desert 40 years while the enemies watched and prepared - but the result is always clear.
Earlier this year, I realized I have never claimed a promise of God as my own. I have prayed to God for a word of promise that I may claim for my middle ages, and that I may look forward to as I go into the home stretch of my career and a transition time for my family. I have not yet received that promise, but I know that I will. When I do, I am sure I will have no idea how it will happen, but I will clearly know for certain that it will come to pass.
Prayer: Lord, today I do pray again for a promise for my life. I do not ask for a blessing, or a direction, or a condition, or anything to happen 'now', but I would like a promise. I would like a vision of something in my future that I can know will happen because of your great power and abiding love. I will continue to read your word for that promise, and I look forward to your wisdom when it comes. Amen.
Observation: ALL had come to pass as the Lord promised. Every word of God - from the nature of the land, to the removal of the inhabitants, to the division of the land by lots, to the assignment of cities for specific purposes and inheritance, to the peace that now stood - was fulfilled exactly as God had proclaimed to them. In some cases, these promises came just before they entered the land, but in other cases the promises were made to Abraham a few hundred years earlier. That didn't matter ... all came to pass.
Application: I was just thinking last night that I am still looking for a promise from God that I may claim. This reminds me why I will be so happy with the promises Because promises absolutely come to pass. When God makes a promise, it happens.
And God doesn't manipulate it. God doesn't give a word of promise, and then later when something related happen say "see, you misunderstood, but that was what I said would happen." No, God makes a promise, says what will happen, and it happens. He says he will make your life full, and it is filled. He says he will grant a couple with a child, and they get a child. He says he will provide a home, and the person gets a home. The path might not always be clear - getting the land by leaving it, going into slavery in Egypt, being released through miracles and signs, then wandering in the desert 40 years while the enemies watched and prepared - but the result is always clear.
Earlier this year, I realized I have never claimed a promise of God as my own. I have prayed to God for a word of promise that I may claim for my middle ages, and that I may look forward to as I go into the home stretch of my career and a transition time for my family. I have not yet received that promise, but I know that I will. When I do, I am sure I will have no idea how it will happen, but I will clearly know for certain that it will come to pass.
Prayer: Lord, today I do pray again for a promise for my life. I do not ask for a blessing, or a direction, or a condition, or anything to happen 'now', but I would like a promise. I would like a vision of something in my future that I can know will happen because of your great power and abiding love. I will continue to read your word for that promise, and I look forward to your wisdom when it comes. Amen.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Earning Your Keep
Scripture: Do we not have the right to eat and drink? Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 1 Corinthians 9:4-11
Observation: In reading 1 Corinthians, it has become more and more apparent that Paul is writing this letter in part to respond to some specific questions from the church in Corinth. Previously, there was the question of marriage that was both general, but obviously also was addressing one specific woman's situation. Here again we have one specific issue being discussed - to what degree is the church obligated to provide for Paul and Barnabas.
And again, Paul's response is both general and personal. He points out that John and Peter and Jude all receive from the churches, thus Paul should too. But he also gets general - he shows that the scriptures apply that anyone working in a situation is allowed to receive out of that situation, just as an ox is allowed to eat the grain it is treading.
Application: While Paul also says he does not claim these rights from the church at Corinth, he still outlines a cause and effect here: If he has had success is sowing spiritual faith among the church, he has earned material rewards from the church. This hits home with me because I don't think there is any way I have earned what I have received. I do not do enough spiritually to warrant the payment I receive materially.
This makes me then wonder how I can do more. How can I go further and deeper here at my holy vocation in order to align my work with my reward? Today, I can think of one way: I need to become more intentional and obvious in my faith at work. I need to be prepared to speak of my faith and of Jesus, and to make it clear to all where I stand, even in a secular work environment. This includes how I care for all ... and remembering that is actually the job - to change lives of everyone else.
Prayer: Abba, your rewards are great and I know they come from your love. While I can never possibly earn the reward of your grace and forgiveness and eternal life, may I daily seek ways to earn the material blessings you provide. Amen.
Observation: In reading 1 Corinthians, it has become more and more apparent that Paul is writing this letter in part to respond to some specific questions from the church in Corinth. Previously, there was the question of marriage that was both general, but obviously also was addressing one specific woman's situation. Here again we have one specific issue being discussed - to what degree is the church obligated to provide for Paul and Barnabas.
And again, Paul's response is both general and personal. He points out that John and Peter and Jude all receive from the churches, thus Paul should too. But he also gets general - he shows that the scriptures apply that anyone working in a situation is allowed to receive out of that situation, just as an ox is allowed to eat the grain it is treading.
Application: While Paul also says he does not claim these rights from the church at Corinth, he still outlines a cause and effect here: If he has had success is sowing spiritual faith among the church, he has earned material rewards from the church. This hits home with me because I don't think there is any way I have earned what I have received. I do not do enough spiritually to warrant the payment I receive materially.
This makes me then wonder how I can do more. How can I go further and deeper here at my holy vocation in order to align my work with my reward? Today, I can think of one way: I need to become more intentional and obvious in my faith at work. I need to be prepared to speak of my faith and of Jesus, and to make it clear to all where I stand, even in a secular work environment. This includes how I care for all ... and remembering that is actually the job - to change lives of everyone else.
Prayer: Abba, your rewards are great and I know they come from your love. While I can never possibly earn the reward of your grace and forgiveness and eternal life, may I daily seek ways to earn the material blessings you provide. Amen.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Levels of Wisdom
Scripture: Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy. ... Yet in my judgment she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God. 1 Corinthians 7:25,40
Observation: According to the footnotes, Paul is likely answering a specific question posed to him by the church at Corinth in this section. He provides an interesting context or disclaimer about his answer. He clarifies that his answer is not a command from God, but instead is his personal judgment. However, the then turns around and gives his personal judgment credibility by showing that the Lord has filled him with the Spirit and thus his judgment is trustworthy.
In other words, Paul delineates at least three levels of potential "wisdom" or "discernment" when providing this response to the Corinthians:
1) Command of the Lord - wisdom that is directly from the scriptures and thus based on revealed knowledge and an educated understanding of the word of God
2) Inspired Judgment - wisdom that is based in divine discernment of the current situation and thus revealed by the Holy Spirit
3) Personal Judgment - wisdom that is an opinion, which may or may not based on an understanding of God, and is definitely without divine revelation
Unfortunately, in the church I often see a fourth level of "wisdom":
4) Personal Interpretation - wisdom that represents a flawed or immature understanding of scripture, usually supported by very specific passages interpreted out of context
Application: While recent issues have shown me several people who practice the third and fourth kind of wisdom in our church, I'll make this more personal ... how often have I been guilty of personal judgment and/or interpretation?
I do believe that my background - my growing knowledge of the bible with my educational training - gives me an educated understanding of the word of God and thus generally able to properly interpret his commands. However, I also believe that I do not spend the time that I should in discipline - prayer, fasting, worship - in order to receive inspiration from the Holy Spirit. In other words ... my 'wisdom', when not directly based on the word of God, is likely some kind of personal wisdom that therefore is insufficient at best.
Paul tells me what I should be doing. He directly aligns the quality of his judgment/wisdom to one thing - the Holy Spirit. I need to spend more time being in tune with the Holy Spirit ... in prayer, in quiet time of listening, in fasting, and in worship. I specifically need to pray to God for assistance in an issue, and then shut up, get quiet, and listen. And not listening to myself, or my own thoughts, or my desired results, but to the Spirit that I do know is within me. Before I expect even a little bit of this from others, I need to become so much better at it myself.
Prayer: Dear Lord, today I do surrender to you my concerns about various issues. I turn over the issues of legalism in our church, and rude behavior from several. I also turn over to you my thoughts about how to proceed here at work in order to improve the lives of others. In all cases, may I quit formulating my own schemes and plans, and instead simply listen for your still, small voice. Please provide me with inspired judgment, divine discernment, revealed by your Spirit. Amen.
Observation: According to the footnotes, Paul is likely answering a specific question posed to him by the church at Corinth in this section. He provides an interesting context or disclaimer about his answer. He clarifies that his answer is not a command from God, but instead is his personal judgment. However, the then turns around and gives his personal judgment credibility by showing that the Lord has filled him with the Spirit and thus his judgment is trustworthy.
In other words, Paul delineates at least three levels of potential "wisdom" or "discernment" when providing this response to the Corinthians:
1) Command of the Lord - wisdom that is directly from the scriptures and thus based on revealed knowledge and an educated understanding of the word of God
2) Inspired Judgment - wisdom that is based in divine discernment of the current situation and thus revealed by the Holy Spirit
3) Personal Judgment - wisdom that is an opinion, which may or may not based on an understanding of God, and is definitely without divine revelation
Unfortunately, in the church I often see a fourth level of "wisdom":
4) Personal Interpretation - wisdom that represents a flawed or immature understanding of scripture, usually supported by very specific passages interpreted out of context
Application: While recent issues have shown me several people who practice the third and fourth kind of wisdom in our church, I'll make this more personal ... how often have I been guilty of personal judgment and/or interpretation?
I do believe that my background - my growing knowledge of the bible with my educational training - gives me an educated understanding of the word of God and thus generally able to properly interpret his commands. However, I also believe that I do not spend the time that I should in discipline - prayer, fasting, worship - in order to receive inspiration from the Holy Spirit. In other words ... my 'wisdom', when not directly based on the word of God, is likely some kind of personal wisdom that therefore is insufficient at best.
Paul tells me what I should be doing. He directly aligns the quality of his judgment/wisdom to one thing - the Holy Spirit. I need to spend more time being in tune with the Holy Spirit ... in prayer, in quiet time of listening, in fasting, and in worship. I specifically need to pray to God for assistance in an issue, and then shut up, get quiet, and listen. And not listening to myself, or my own thoughts, or my desired results, but to the Spirit that I do know is within me. Before I expect even a little bit of this from others, I need to become so much better at it myself.
Prayer: Dear Lord, today I do surrender to you my concerns about various issues. I turn over the issues of legalism in our church, and rude behavior from several. I also turn over to you my thoughts about how to proceed here at work in order to improve the lives of others. In all cases, may I quit formulating my own schemes and plans, and instead simply listen for your still, small voice. Please provide me with inspired judgment, divine discernment, revealed by your Spirit. Amen.
Monday, March 21, 2016
Conversion and Service
Scripture: They said to Joshua, “We are your servants.” And Joshua said to them, “Who are you? And where do you come from?” They said to him, “From a very distant country your servants have come, because of the name of the Lord your God. For we have heard a report of him, and all that he did in Egypt, and all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon the king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, who lived in Ashtaroth.” Joshua 9:8-10
Observation: As Israel invades the promised land, the Hivitites are afraid and seek a peace treaty with Israel. While they are clearly being deceptive in their appearance, their fear of destruction is real. However, they don't cite that they are afraid because of what has happened to Jericho and Ai, they instead cite the power of the Lord - what the Lord did in Egypt, and the trans Jordan area.
So the Hivitites are appealing to mercy due to their belief that God is, in fact, with Israel and about to destroy all the people in the land. So here is the question: Do the Hivitites believe in God? The answer is ... probably, but along with all their other gods. And this is what made them worthy for destruction - the Israelites were to destroy other people who worshiped other gods so that the land would be clean and they would not be influenced.
Application: The Hivitites are saved from destruction due to the fact that they have total faith that the Lord was going to destroy them as he had said he would. They believed in his word. However, they were "on the list" for destruction because they believed in other gods. So this is ... redemption through a profession of faith.
While their first act of redemption matters - their professed belief that the Lord was powerful and faithful to his word - so does their past behavior matter. The Hivitites must now turn away from their gods, and they will do this by becoming servants within the temples, gathering wood for the burn offerings. So it is interesting that the first act after conversion will be work in the church. They won't take time to learn more about God, or ordered to begin obeying the law - they will work in the church. This is a good model to follow:
Prayer: Lord, thank you for touching my heart yesterday and removing from me anger and hatred toward others. May I keep you in front of me so that I do not sin through my judgment or anger. I trust in your justice and your mercy, and in your judgment and your patience. Amen.
Observation: As Israel invades the promised land, the Hivitites are afraid and seek a peace treaty with Israel. While they are clearly being deceptive in their appearance, their fear of destruction is real. However, they don't cite that they are afraid because of what has happened to Jericho and Ai, they instead cite the power of the Lord - what the Lord did in Egypt, and the trans Jordan area.
So the Hivitites are appealing to mercy due to their belief that God is, in fact, with Israel and about to destroy all the people in the land. So here is the question: Do the Hivitites believe in God? The answer is ... probably, but along with all their other gods. And this is what made them worthy for destruction - the Israelites were to destroy other people who worshiped other gods so that the land would be clean and they would not be influenced.
Application: The Hivitites are saved from destruction due to the fact that they have total faith that the Lord was going to destroy them as he had said he would. They believed in his word. However, they were "on the list" for destruction because they believed in other gods. So this is ... redemption through a profession of faith.
While their first act of redemption matters - their professed belief that the Lord was powerful and faithful to his word - so does their past behavior matter. The Hivitites must now turn away from their gods, and they will do this by becoming servants within the temples, gathering wood for the burn offerings. So it is interesting that the first act after conversion will be work in the church. They won't take time to learn more about God, or ordered to begin obeying the law - they will work in the church. This is a good model to follow:
Prayer: Lord, thank you for touching my heart yesterday and removing from me anger and hatred toward others. May I keep you in front of me so that I do not sin through my judgment or anger. I trust in your justice and your mercy, and in your judgment and your patience. Amen.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Always the Choice
Scripture: See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. Deuteronomy 30:15
Observation: God ALWAYS sets this choice before mankind - chose life, or choose death. And there is no middle ground. There are three obvious cases where God has done this.
In the garden, God gave Adam and Eve two trees in the center of the garden, the tree of life and the tree of knowledge, and told them they could eat of any tree except the tree of knowledge, and that eating of that tree meant they would die.
In the wilderness, God gave the Israelites two paths, to obey the law and receive life and blessing, or to turn away from the law and receive curses and death.
In the redemption, God gives all mankind a simple choice of faith, to either believe in Jesus Christ as Messiah and receive the gift of eternal life, or to reject him and be cursed to eternal death.
Application: It feels like these choices are pretty obvious, and yet the majority always get it wrong. God really couldn't make it any easier for every - a straightforward black-and-white choice, with one side being a great eternity and the other being cursed death - and I might have an idea about why. People need faith of some kind to believe either side. They need to believe God can provide the blessing, and they need to believe God is powerful enough to rain down curses. And standing in that dark void that is lack of faith, a third choice arises ... ambivalence.
I see there are huge numbers of people who simply haven't made the choice - they live in a place where they deny God's power, love, or existence. I know because I was once there. I explicitly doubted God's love, which lead me to doubt his power, and put me in a place where I was actively about to choose to doubt his existence. That was where he reached me. To me, it wasn't that I was about to choose death, but I was about to reject the very validity of the choice.
So the challenge may not be to simply tell people about Jesus, but to tell them of the choice ... that there is a very real choice to be made, with outcomes and consequences on the other side of that choice.
Prayer: Lord, I know people who have rejected the existence of the choice. They may even believe you exist, but just don't think there is a real choice to be made regarding life and death. They are actively choosing death and don't even know it. Please, Lord, reach them. Here I am, send me. Put words in my mouth. Put action to my hands. Or put someone or something or some situation in their path that is more effective than me. For the hope of the world, please. Amen.
Observation: God ALWAYS sets this choice before mankind - chose life, or choose death. And there is no middle ground. There are three obvious cases where God has done this.
In the garden, God gave Adam and Eve two trees in the center of the garden, the tree of life and the tree of knowledge, and told them they could eat of any tree except the tree of knowledge, and that eating of that tree meant they would die.
In the wilderness, God gave the Israelites two paths, to obey the law and receive life and blessing, or to turn away from the law and receive curses and death.
In the redemption, God gives all mankind a simple choice of faith, to either believe in Jesus Christ as Messiah and receive the gift of eternal life, or to reject him and be cursed to eternal death.
Application: It feels like these choices are pretty obvious, and yet the majority always get it wrong. God really couldn't make it any easier for every - a straightforward black-and-white choice, with one side being a great eternity and the other being cursed death - and I might have an idea about why. People need faith of some kind to believe either side. They need to believe God can provide the blessing, and they need to believe God is powerful enough to rain down curses. And standing in that dark void that is lack of faith, a third choice arises ... ambivalence.
I see there are huge numbers of people who simply haven't made the choice - they live in a place where they deny God's power, love, or existence. I know because I was once there. I explicitly doubted God's love, which lead me to doubt his power, and put me in a place where I was actively about to choose to doubt his existence. That was where he reached me. To me, it wasn't that I was about to choose death, but I was about to reject the very validity of the choice.
So the challenge may not be to simply tell people about Jesus, but to tell them of the choice ... that there is a very real choice to be made, with outcomes and consequences on the other side of that choice.
Prayer: Lord, I know people who have rejected the existence of the choice. They may even believe you exist, but just don't think there is a real choice to be made regarding life and death. They are actively choosing death and don't even know it. Please, Lord, reach them. Here I am, send me. Put words in my mouth. Put action to my hands. Or put someone or something or some situation in their path that is more effective than me. For the hope of the world, please. Amen.
Monday, March 14, 2016
The Two-Sided Promise
Scripture: You have declared today that the Lord is your God, and that you will walk in his ways, and keep his statutes and his commandments and his rules, and will obey his voice. And the Lord has declared today that you are a people for his treasured possession, as he has promised you, and that you are to keep all his commandments. Deuteronomy 27:17-18
Observation: In summarizing the covenant between God and the Israelites, Moses says this plainly - The people declare the Lord is their God and they will obey him, and the Lord declares that Israel is his people. These promises are always two-ways.
However, when people break their side of the bargain, God still doesn't. Then the people of Israel eventually turn away from God and break the laws, God guides them, corrects them, and punishes them, but he never fully rejects them. Even arguably now, when as a people they rejected Jesus and he broke up their country, God has kept a special plan for Israel.
Application: This is all pretty basic - our deal with God is two-way, too. We believe in Jesus, and he redeems us for eternal life in heaven. There are "rules" that come with that, but when we break the rules, Jesus forgives us, and we continue to receive his promise.
And again I see that the very basic things of the old testament complete apply to Jesus. All the components of the law teach us about the need for a savior, and the promises, rules, and rituals all create the framework to prove Jesus as the Messiah. Even the summary of God's covenant promise echoes of his covenant promise through Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, your wisdom is far beyond mine. I cannot even think deeply on this today because this is so simple, yet I know your amazing wisdom goes deeper than I can comprehend. Please forgive me of my sins and transgressions, and help me repent of those things in my life that are 'of the flesh'. I seek your will and your ways. Amen.
Observation: In summarizing the covenant between God and the Israelites, Moses says this plainly - The people declare the Lord is their God and they will obey him, and the Lord declares that Israel is his people. These promises are always two-ways.
However, when people break their side of the bargain, God still doesn't. Then the people of Israel eventually turn away from God and break the laws, God guides them, corrects them, and punishes them, but he never fully rejects them. Even arguably now, when as a people they rejected Jesus and he broke up their country, God has kept a special plan for Israel.
Application: This is all pretty basic - our deal with God is two-way, too. We believe in Jesus, and he redeems us for eternal life in heaven. There are "rules" that come with that, but when we break the rules, Jesus forgives us, and we continue to receive his promise.
And again I see that the very basic things of the old testament complete apply to Jesus. All the components of the law teach us about the need for a savior, and the promises, rules, and rituals all create the framework to prove Jesus as the Messiah. Even the summary of God's covenant promise echoes of his covenant promise through Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, your wisdom is far beyond mine. I cannot even think deeply on this today because this is so simple, yet I know your amazing wisdom goes deeper than I can comprehend. Please forgive me of my sins and transgressions, and help me repent of those things in my life that are 'of the flesh'. I seek your will and your ways. Amen.
Friday, March 11, 2016
It Takes Time to Mature
Scripture: Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. Galatians 2:1
Observation: Paul, in recounting the history of his faith, first laid out (in chapter 1) that God called him, then he waited three years, then met with Peter, then went off to begin a local ministry, where we see he learned and then lead for ... 14 years. It was only after this time he re-engaged with the church leaders in Jerusalem, received his commission to become an apostle to the Greek world, and was sent out on his famous mission trips.
In total, from the time of his conversion to the time that he was sent out, was therefore 17 years. Laurie and I were JUST talking about this Wednesday - that it takes a long time from the time someone first believes in Jesus, until they behave like someone who believes in Jesus, and that long time is normal ... it is expected, and in fact biblical. We even used the example of Paul taking 15-20 years from conversion to his first mission trip.
Application: We were having this discussion as we were reminding ourselves to be patient with many people in our church. Our church has done a GREAT job in reach the unchurched and those with very little faith. Therefore, behaviors ... struggle. We need to remember that this is normal and expected. Someone doesn't get baptized, and suddenly change their way of life. In fact, they don't immediately know they even should change! That realization alone may take years.
Paul was converted. Then he showed up for three years. Then he learned and grew for 14 years. Then he presented himself to others for leadership, still subservient not just to James, Peter, and John, but also still to Barnabas. And only then did he lead. I need to not place a burden of expectation on anyone that is greater than what would be expected of Paul.
What does that patience look like for me? First, it involves remembering my own journey. When I returned to faith, I effectively didn't change anything. Some of my realization - such as swearing - occurred only after I was married with kids 3-5 years later. Other behaviors have diminished slowly over time. Meanwhile, my service within the church was non-existent for years ... it was about eight years before I joined a ministry team of any kind. It was about ten years before I made my first attempt to tithe (and rationalized ways to fall short of that goal).
I need to add a lot of grace to how I look at my brothers and sisters at church. Many just show up and do nothing else. I need to remember that is normal. It was me for a long time. Eventually, IF I show them grace and love, they'll help. Then they will serve. Then they will give. Then they will tithe. Then they will lead. Then ... I will follow.
Prayer: Lord, this isn't about others, it is about my grace toward others. Intellectually I know better. However, Laurie and I grow tired from time to time. We wish others in the church would serve, or at the very least stop needing leadership. However, you remind us that this is actually a sign of your spirit working in our church - the fact we have people who are just showing up is a sign that they are new to faith and thus we are doing your work. Please give us patience, grace, and strength daily. Amen.
Observation: Paul, in recounting the history of his faith, first laid out (in chapter 1) that God called him, then he waited three years, then met with Peter, then went off to begin a local ministry, where we see he learned and then lead for ... 14 years. It was only after this time he re-engaged with the church leaders in Jerusalem, received his commission to become an apostle to the Greek world, and was sent out on his famous mission trips.
In total, from the time of his conversion to the time that he was sent out, was therefore 17 years. Laurie and I were JUST talking about this Wednesday - that it takes a long time from the time someone first believes in Jesus, until they behave like someone who believes in Jesus, and that long time is normal ... it is expected, and in fact biblical. We even used the example of Paul taking 15-20 years from conversion to his first mission trip.
Application: We were having this discussion as we were reminding ourselves to be patient with many people in our church. Our church has done a GREAT job in reach the unchurched and those with very little faith. Therefore, behaviors ... struggle. We need to remember that this is normal and expected. Someone doesn't get baptized, and suddenly change their way of life. In fact, they don't immediately know they even should change! That realization alone may take years.
Paul was converted. Then he showed up for three years. Then he learned and grew for 14 years. Then he presented himself to others for leadership, still subservient not just to James, Peter, and John, but also still to Barnabas. And only then did he lead. I need to not place a burden of expectation on anyone that is greater than what would be expected of Paul.
What does that patience look like for me? First, it involves remembering my own journey. When I returned to faith, I effectively didn't change anything. Some of my realization - such as swearing - occurred only after I was married with kids 3-5 years later. Other behaviors have diminished slowly over time. Meanwhile, my service within the church was non-existent for years ... it was about eight years before I joined a ministry team of any kind. It was about ten years before I made my first attempt to tithe (and rationalized ways to fall short of that goal).
I need to add a lot of grace to how I look at my brothers and sisters at church. Many just show up and do nothing else. I need to remember that is normal. It was me for a long time. Eventually, IF I show them grace and love, they'll help. Then they will serve. Then they will give. Then they will tithe. Then they will lead. Then ... I will follow.
Prayer: Lord, this isn't about others, it is about my grace toward others. Intellectually I know better. However, Laurie and I grow tired from time to time. We wish others in the church would serve, or at the very least stop needing leadership. However, you remind us that this is actually a sign of your spirit working in our church - the fact we have people who are just showing up is a sign that they are new to faith and thus we are doing your work. Please give us patience, grace, and strength daily. Amen.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
The Blessing and the Curse
Scripture: See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way that I am commanding you today, to go after other gods that you have not known. Deuteronomy 11:26-28
Observation: This of course is the great confusion of "the law" ... that it is both a blessing and a curse. Later, Paul will write that those who are "under the law" are "under its curse". However, with the ten commandments listed, and with other instructions and directions about eating and behavior and harvest and tithing, there is one thing consistent about the "curse". That consistency is that it always ties back to only one action - turning away from God and toward other gods.
In these verses, Moses twice summarizes the law. In verse 1, he summarizes it as loving the Lord and thus keeping his commands. In verse 13, he equates "obey my commands" with "love the Lord your God." Just before those, in 10:12, he says all the Lord requires of them is to fear the Lord, love him, walk in his ways, and obey his commands. This is almost word-for-word consistent with the teach of Jesus, and of the prophets, and of the apostles. It is fair character summary of David as documented by Samuel - a man after God's own heart despite his sins.
So obedience is loving God, which then brings a blessing - and that blessing is God's love. Then, what is the curse and the path to it? Moses repeatedly calls out the path. It isn't just sin, but rather starts with going after other gods and turning from God. This produces not just sin, but lack of repentance and eventually a distance from God. And that distance is then the curse ... separation from God.
Application: Here in the pacific northwest of the U.S., most people are very separated from God. However, not thinking about the obvious "lost" people today, I worry about those friends I have that are now very removed from any interaction with God. They have drifted ... they are going after the other gods of secular society. What are those gods? Money, social status, material comfort, professional success, public respect, nice houses, worldly experiences, fineries of all kinds, friendships, physical pleasure.
It sounds cliché because I have heard it many, many, many times, but in all cases, where someone invests their time and money is their god. If they work 12 hours a day ... if they go into revolving debt over food and drink ... if they spend all night on Facebook ... if they pursue sexual conquests ... these are their gods.
So honestly: What is my god? Do I spend the majority of my time pursuing my relationship with the Lord? It isn't possible for me to spend 12-16 hours a day at church or in prayer. However, I can do four things to ensure I pursue God's blessing by loving God.
1) Continually remember that my job is my holy vocation, the work here is his work, and thus focus my efforts on serving him and others.
2) Continually serve my family as part of his family, and by loving my wife and kids with attention and personal sacrifice know that I am loving God.
3) Pray continually about all things, placing trust in God for guidance, wisdom, and comfort.
4) As a product of my love for God, continually obey his commandments.
Prayer: Lord, I do ask you aid me in keeping these concepts at the forefront of my mind. I have written your law on my heart. Please bind it upon my hands and keep it before my eyes daily. Amen.
Observation: This of course is the great confusion of "the law" ... that it is both a blessing and a curse. Later, Paul will write that those who are "under the law" are "under its curse". However, with the ten commandments listed, and with other instructions and directions about eating and behavior and harvest and tithing, there is one thing consistent about the "curse". That consistency is that it always ties back to only one action - turning away from God and toward other gods.
In these verses, Moses twice summarizes the law. In verse 1, he summarizes it as loving the Lord and thus keeping his commands. In verse 13, he equates "obey my commands" with "love the Lord your God." Just before those, in 10:12, he says all the Lord requires of them is to fear the Lord, love him, walk in his ways, and obey his commands. This is almost word-for-word consistent with the teach of Jesus, and of the prophets, and of the apostles. It is fair character summary of David as documented by Samuel - a man after God's own heart despite his sins.
So obedience is loving God, which then brings a blessing - and that blessing is God's love. Then, what is the curse and the path to it? Moses repeatedly calls out the path. It isn't just sin, but rather starts with going after other gods and turning from God. This produces not just sin, but lack of repentance and eventually a distance from God. And that distance is then the curse ... separation from God.
Application: Here in the pacific northwest of the U.S., most people are very separated from God. However, not thinking about the obvious "lost" people today, I worry about those friends I have that are now very removed from any interaction with God. They have drifted ... they are going after the other gods of secular society. What are those gods? Money, social status, material comfort, professional success, public respect, nice houses, worldly experiences, fineries of all kinds, friendships, physical pleasure.
It sounds cliché because I have heard it many, many, many times, but in all cases, where someone invests their time and money is their god. If they work 12 hours a day ... if they go into revolving debt over food and drink ... if they spend all night on Facebook ... if they pursue sexual conquests ... these are their gods.
So honestly: What is my god? Do I spend the majority of my time pursuing my relationship with the Lord? It isn't possible for me to spend 12-16 hours a day at church or in prayer. However, I can do four things to ensure I pursue God's blessing by loving God.
1) Continually remember that my job is my holy vocation, the work here is his work, and thus focus my efforts on serving him and others.
2) Continually serve my family as part of his family, and by loving my wife and kids with attention and personal sacrifice know that I am loving God.
3) Pray continually about all things, placing trust in God for guidance, wisdom, and comfort.
4) As a product of my love for God, continually obey his commandments.
Prayer: Lord, I do ask you aid me in keeping these concepts at the forefront of my mind. I have written your law on my heart. Please bind it upon my hands and keep it before my eyes daily. Amen.
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Few See and Believe
Scripture: So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Mark 15:31-32a
Observation: In watching the death of Jesus, the priests and Pharisees claim they will believe he is Christ if he saves himself and comes down from the cross. However, God had something bigger in mind ... he would allow Jesus to die, and then resurrect him. Many people saw Jesus after the resurrection, and yet very few of the priests and Pharisees then believed in him. It seems very unlikely, then, they would have believed if Jesus had come off the cross. They would have chalked it up to poor work by the Romans and continued with killing Jesus.
It seems, then, that seeing the mighty power of God, manifested in the love of Jesus, has never had tremendous sway on faith. People claim they would believe if they saw signs, then ignore the majesty of nature; They claim they would believe if they saw God at work, then explain away the healing of diseases as mistaken diagnosis and/or the work of doctors.
Application: If people do NOT see and believe, then what is it that turns hearts? The answer is ... relationship. People believe in Jesus when he touches their lives and personally loves them. This is why the work of the church cannot be about showing and telling people things. It must be about loving them and discussing how Jesus has already interacted - and continues to interact - directly in their lives.
Prayer: Lord, as I go forward today, may I relate to others. May I show just a little bit of your relationship to others so they might learn of you. Amen.
Observation: In watching the death of Jesus, the priests and Pharisees claim they will believe he is Christ if he saves himself and comes down from the cross. However, God had something bigger in mind ... he would allow Jesus to die, and then resurrect him. Many people saw Jesus after the resurrection, and yet very few of the priests and Pharisees then believed in him. It seems very unlikely, then, they would have believed if Jesus had come off the cross. They would have chalked it up to poor work by the Romans and continued with killing Jesus.
It seems, then, that seeing the mighty power of God, manifested in the love of Jesus, has never had tremendous sway on faith. People claim they would believe if they saw signs, then ignore the majesty of nature; They claim they would believe if they saw God at work, then explain away the healing of diseases as mistaken diagnosis and/or the work of doctors.
Application: If people do NOT see and believe, then what is it that turns hearts? The answer is ... relationship. People believe in Jesus when he touches their lives and personally loves them. This is why the work of the church cannot be about showing and telling people things. It must be about loving them and discussing how Jesus has already interacted - and continues to interact - directly in their lives.
Prayer: Lord, as I go forward today, may I relate to others. May I show just a little bit of your relationship to others so they might learn of you. Amen.
Monday, March 7, 2016
For Our Good Always
Scripture: When your son asks you in time to come, 'What is the meaning of the testimonies and the statutes and the rules that the Lord our God has commanded you?' then you shall say to your son, 'We were Pharaoh's slaves in Egypt. And the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. And the Lord showed signs and wonders, great and grievous, against Egypt and against Pharaoh and all his household, before our eyes. And he brought us out from there, that he might bring us in and give us the land that he swore to give to our fathers. And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as we are this day.' Deuteronomy 6:20-24
Observation: In explaining how to answer children who ask "what is the meaning of the rules and statutes", God reviews the Exodus, but then gets to the point ... the Lord commands us to obey his statutes and to fear him for our good always.
These three words - our good always - are HUGE!
Our: The commandments aren't for God, they are for us. We don't obey to improve God, we obey to improve ourselves. We observe the commandments as a way to better and improve our lives and our conditions, which includes eternal life, but also includes benefits in this world.
Good: The commandments are meant for good in all ways, and not for bad. They never harm, they never injure, they never produce evil. Observing the commandments only produces good.
Always: The commandments are timeless. They did not apply just to the Israelites in the desert, or to the nation of Israel only, or to the ancient church - they will deliver good to all people, all the time, and for all time.
Application: Is there any chance I could explain this concept to someone who hates the commandments? The commandments are at the core of disbelief in God. As society distances itself from God, they have changed from being obvious moral law, to eventually fading into shades of gray, to being completely cast aside by many. When those who have cast God aside and abandon his commands still have "good lives" - and some who live in opposition to the commands believe their lives are better as direct result of that opposition - how do we explain that the commands always provide good to them?
I honestly don't know.
Prayer: Lord, guide me in my work this week. May I be a light in the dark corners, and an example of hope to those who struggle. Help me to change lives, whether that be through kindness, understanding and support, or a discussion about the law for which I don't now have the words. Amen.
Observation: In explaining how to answer children who ask "what is the meaning of the rules and statutes", God reviews the Exodus, but then gets to the point ... the Lord commands us to obey his statutes and to fear him for our good always.
These three words - our good always - are HUGE!
Our: The commandments aren't for God, they are for us. We don't obey to improve God, we obey to improve ourselves. We observe the commandments as a way to better and improve our lives and our conditions, which includes eternal life, but also includes benefits in this world.
Good: The commandments are meant for good in all ways, and not for bad. They never harm, they never injure, they never produce evil. Observing the commandments only produces good.
Always: The commandments are timeless. They did not apply just to the Israelites in the desert, or to the nation of Israel only, or to the ancient church - they will deliver good to all people, all the time, and for all time.
Application: Is there any chance I could explain this concept to someone who hates the commandments? The commandments are at the core of disbelief in God. As society distances itself from God, they have changed from being obvious moral law, to eventually fading into shades of gray, to being completely cast aside by many. When those who have cast God aside and abandon his commands still have "good lives" - and some who live in opposition to the commands believe their lives are better as direct result of that opposition - how do we explain that the commands always provide good to them?
I honestly don't know.
Prayer: Lord, guide me in my work this week. May I be a light in the dark corners, and an example of hope to those who struggle. Help me to change lives, whether that be through kindness, understanding and support, or a discussion about the law for which I don't now have the words. Amen.
Friday, March 4, 2016
I Wouldn't Choose Me First
This song has been reaching my heart again lately, and since I didn't feel like meditating about 'cities of refuge' and policies around murder vs. manslaughter this morning ...
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Not the Criteria
Scripture: Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” Mark 10:38-40
Observation: James and John have asked to sit at Jesus' right and left hand in his glory, and Jesus asks them a question. However, the question is NOT a test - Jesus is not saying that, if they can drink the cup he will drink, and bear the baptism he will bear, then their request will be granted. In fact, when they answer affirmative, Jesus agrees with them, saying they will do these things, yet he can't grant their request.
So what is Jesus asking? He is asking James and John: Will you believe in the Messiah and accept the Holy Spirit? Will you be willing to be persecuted and even die for your faith in God and Messiah? Their affirmative answer to these questions, which Jesus validates, then are not the criteria for sitting at Jesus' side. Jesus then explains:
And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. [Mark 10:42-44]
That is the criteria for honor in heaven ... not to believe, not to believe greatly, and not to be great ... but to serve.
Application: Faith in Jesus - and absolute obedience - has never been the criteria for honor. In fact, it is the opposite: True faith - the faith that would lead one to suffer all things for Christ - means you have also reached an understanding of humility whereby you will not elevate yourself, but rather be a servant to all.
I still fail to do this.
Recently, I have been proud of my actions. While part of me wants to be anonymous and behind the scenes, another part of me has been proud that Phil knows of our work, commitment, giving, and service. This is the pride that lead James and John to ask for honor in heaven; the pride that lead Peter to declare Jesus shouldn't die; the pride that lead Thomas to require physical proof of the resurrection.
It is humility that allowed John to die peacefully in exile; that lead Peter to be crucified upside down; that sent Philip running after a eunuch's chariot; that allowed Mary to wash feet with her own hair.
The season is coming for me to get behind the scenes. I need to renew my heart in this regard. I need to set aside my pride - to not only understand but also behave in a manner whereby I know what I do is not of my actions but only through God - so that I can become a good slave to all.
Prayer: Jesus, please make me a slave to all. Guide me to serve everyone at work. Help me to do thankless and hidden labor at church. And mostly, keep pride out of my heart so I do not seek, not even in my mind, praise and acknowledgment for my actions. Amen.
Observation: James and John have asked to sit at Jesus' right and left hand in his glory, and Jesus asks them a question. However, the question is NOT a test - Jesus is not saying that, if they can drink the cup he will drink, and bear the baptism he will bear, then their request will be granted. In fact, when they answer affirmative, Jesus agrees with them, saying they will do these things, yet he can't grant their request.
So what is Jesus asking? He is asking James and John: Will you believe in the Messiah and accept the Holy Spirit? Will you be willing to be persecuted and even die for your faith in God and Messiah? Their affirmative answer to these questions, which Jesus validates, then are not the criteria for sitting at Jesus' side. Jesus then explains:
And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. [Mark 10:42-44]
That is the criteria for honor in heaven ... not to believe, not to believe greatly, and not to be great ... but to serve.
Application: Faith in Jesus - and absolute obedience - has never been the criteria for honor. In fact, it is the opposite: True faith - the faith that would lead one to suffer all things for Christ - means you have also reached an understanding of humility whereby you will not elevate yourself, but rather be a servant to all.
I still fail to do this.
Recently, I have been proud of my actions. While part of me wants to be anonymous and behind the scenes, another part of me has been proud that Phil knows of our work, commitment, giving, and service. This is the pride that lead James and John to ask for honor in heaven; the pride that lead Peter to declare Jesus shouldn't die; the pride that lead Thomas to require physical proof of the resurrection.
It is humility that allowed John to die peacefully in exile; that lead Peter to be crucified upside down; that sent Philip running after a eunuch's chariot; that allowed Mary to wash feet with her own hair.
The season is coming for me to get behind the scenes. I need to renew my heart in this regard. I need to set aside my pride - to not only understand but also behave in a manner whereby I know what I do is not of my actions but only through God - so that I can become a good slave to all.
Prayer: Jesus, please make me a slave to all. Guide me to serve everyone at work. Help me to do thankless and hidden labor at church. And mostly, keep pride out of my heart so I do not seek, not even in my mind, praise and acknowledgment for my actions. Amen.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Doing Everything is Good
Scripture: So Moses told the people of Israel everything just as the Lord had commanded Moses. Numbers 29:40
Observation: There has now been a long list of sacrificial compliance just outlined by God. But in the end of all of that, it is all summarized this way - Moses told the people EVERYTHING the Lord had commanded him.
Here is what "everything" included:
-- The rituals - all the sacrificing to be done
-- The details - the exact numbers of animals, measures of grains, etc
-- The relaxation - they are never to do 'ordinary' work on these days
-- The reasons - to celebrate harvest, to remember their salvation, to unite together
By the time David came along and into the divided kingdom, the Israelites were forgetting the reasons. By the time Jesus came along, they had turned the relaxation into its own ritual with its own details. Today, when Christians read this, we are very likely to focus purely on the rituals and wonder at the compliance efforts involved. Jesus took away the rituals and details, and yet we fail to acknowledge what is left ... relaxing and celebrating.
Application: As we have discussed the tithe at church, we know that most Christians look at such instructions as just that - instructions that require compliance. However, the truth is they are the means for celebrating God and relaxing in his abundant blessing. We got to see that first-hand last night, as God took our tithe we are "supposed" to give anyway, and within two hours had increased six-fold in order to fill his purpose in our church.
And these are things to celebrate! None of this ... bringing the tithe to God, participating in a gathering of believers, singing worship and praise, serving at events ... NONE of this is to be a chore, a ritual, or a personal sacrifice. None of it is about numbers, or process, or ritual. It is all about joining God in celebration.
Doing "everything", then, is for our blessing. It brings us closer to God by joining with him in his work for his purposes.
Prayer: Dear God, your work last night is more than 'good', it was a miracle. It might have looked like just several people being faithful, but the need, the timing, the process, and the people involved all make it clear that it was more than that. Last night was your spirit, moving through Laurie, and through your people. May we celebrate your love and goodness forever. Amen.
Observation: There has now been a long list of sacrificial compliance just outlined by God. But in the end of all of that, it is all summarized this way - Moses told the people EVERYTHING the Lord had commanded him.
Here is what "everything" included:
-- The rituals - all the sacrificing to be done
-- The details - the exact numbers of animals, measures of grains, etc
-- The relaxation - they are never to do 'ordinary' work on these days
-- The reasons - to celebrate harvest, to remember their salvation, to unite together
By the time David came along and into the divided kingdom, the Israelites were forgetting the reasons. By the time Jesus came along, they had turned the relaxation into its own ritual with its own details. Today, when Christians read this, we are very likely to focus purely on the rituals and wonder at the compliance efforts involved. Jesus took away the rituals and details, and yet we fail to acknowledge what is left ... relaxing and celebrating.
Application: As we have discussed the tithe at church, we know that most Christians look at such instructions as just that - instructions that require compliance. However, the truth is they are the means for celebrating God and relaxing in his abundant blessing. We got to see that first-hand last night, as God took our tithe we are "supposed" to give anyway, and within two hours had increased six-fold in order to fill his purpose in our church.
And these are things to celebrate! None of this ... bringing the tithe to God, participating in a gathering of believers, singing worship and praise, serving at events ... NONE of this is to be a chore, a ritual, or a personal sacrifice. None of it is about numbers, or process, or ritual. It is all about joining God in celebration.
Doing "everything", then, is for our blessing. It brings us closer to God by joining with him in his work for his purposes.
Prayer: Dear God, your work last night is more than 'good', it was a miracle. It might have looked like just several people being faithful, but the need, the timing, the process, and the people involved all make it clear that it was more than that. Last night was your spirit, moving through Laurie, and through your people. May we celebrate your love and goodness forever. Amen.
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