Lesson Not Learned

Scripture: Those in Bethel sent Sharezer and Regem-Melek and their men to entreat the graces of the Lord, saying to the priests and prophets of the house of the Lord of Hosts, “Should I weep and dedicate myself during the fifth month as I have done in these many years?” Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: Say to all the people in the land and to the priests: When you fasted and lamented during the fifth and seventh months for these seventy years, did you really fast for Me? And when you eat and when you drink, do you not eat and drink for yourselves? Were these not the very words that the former prophets proclaimed when Jerusalem dwelled with ease along with her surrounding cities, and when the Negev and the Lowland were inhabited? And the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying: Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion, every man to his brother. Do not oppress the widow, orphan, sojourner, or poor. And let none of you contemplate evil deeds in your hearts against his brother. Zechariah 7:2-10

Observation: The remnant is just returning to Jerusalem, and immediately those in Bethel ask "does this mean we can stop our ritual mourning for the destruction of Jerusalem/Judah?" Similar (identical?) to the way Jesus answers questions about religious rituals, God's answer is in the form of a basic question ... "Why were you doing that in the first place?" And of course God knows the answer: They were doing these things for their own sake, and not to fulfill any command from - or worship to - God.

And just like that, God points out that the lesson was not learned. The Jews (especially in Judah) have always turned God into a set of ritual practices in the hopes of appeasing him. God destroyed Israel and Judah because he wanted them to return to him with love and relationship, and to honor him as their God, instead of treating him as just another lower-case-god they needed to appease in order to cover their butts. And when he is ready to relent, they come forward and ask if this means ... can they stop doing their NEW rituals they have been doing in order to cover their butts?

Application: I have stated before that I absolutely need to not rely on ritual, and to live my life out of my relationship with God and Jesus. I need to be about Micah 6:8, with behaviors taught in Romans 12. I need to walk humbly with my Lord every day, serving him with my body, mind, heart, and soul, as my true act of worship. I need to drive my actions out of justice and mercy, on a foundation of love for others.

I must not turn my relationship into religious "process" or a checklist. If I will only do his will, all the other things will take care of themselves.

Prayer: Again Lord, I ask that you protect me from evil attacks. I am clearly under attack, and I need your spirit and love as my strength and shield. I wish to only walk with you daily, taking the hand of my dad. Please allow me to simply engage in your work today. Amen.

God's Unlimited Plan

Scripture: And I lifted up my eyes, and I saw a man with a measuring cord in his hand.  And I said, “Where are you going?” And he responded, “To measure Jerusalem and to note what is its width and length.” Then the angel who was speaking with me went out, and then another angel came out to meet him, and said to him, “Run, say to this young man: Jerusalem will be inhabited as villages without walls, because of the multitude of men and animals in her. And I will be like a wall of fire all around her, says the Lord, and I will be as glory in her midst.” ... Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for I am coming and will dwell in your midst, says the Lord. And many nations will join themselves with the Lord in that day, and they will be My people. And I will reside in your midst, and you will know that the Lord of Hosts has sent Me to you. Zechariah 2:1-5,10-11

Observation: The Jews are about to be called back to Jerusalem after their 70 year exile, and Zechariah has this specific vision ... a worker is going to measure Jerusalem in order to determine its size and thus how many people can live there, however an angel intercedes. There will be no limit to the numbers that return and seek God! The city will overflow its walls, and be comprised of people from all nations - not just Jews - who will also all become the people of God.

This prophecy, of course, is not fulfilled immediately. At first, only Jews will return, and they will rebuild the city walls. When Jesus comes hundreds of years later, he will enter through those walls. It is not until the completion of the redemptive work of Jesus (prophesized in chapter 3) that faith will be extended to all nations and eventually Jerusalem will overflow.

However, even a holy vision attempted to put a limit on God's plan! This man is going to assume that God's plan for Jerusalem is to restore the remnant, but God's plan is actually to now redeem the entire world!! This will be the new thing he does ... not bring Israel back from the edge, but using that foundation to now draw the entire world out of the abyss.

Application: Even in doing God's work, I can aim too small. Like the man - a holy worker who is about to measure Jerusalem - I don't understand the real scope of God's plan. God says "are we ready to do this" and I say "yup, let me go work" ... and just like that, I'm doing the wrong thing. I'm putting limits on the plan due to my limited knowledge, understanding, and faith.

This applies to how I interact with people in the name of Jesus daily. This applies to service at church. This applies to my support of my wife and children. In all cases, I need to not just jump into action. I need to pray, seek God's true work, and join him in a grander plan.

Prayer: Abba, daddy, father, my Lord and God ... please forgive my human shortcomings. They manifest in my sins for certain, and I seek your forgiveness. However, my shortcomings can even manifest in my faithful action. I know you will not be limited by my limits. You cannot be contained in my constrained thinking. Again, please forgive my small thoughts and my small ways. I seek to know you better. Amen.

Step 1: Honor God

Scripture: Thus says the Lord of Hosts: These people say, The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord. Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying: Is it time for you yourselves to live in paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? You looked for much, and it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? says the Lord of Hosts. Because of My house that lies in ruins while each of you runs to his own house.  Therefore the heavens above you have withheld the dew, and the earth has withheld its crops.  Haggai 1:2-4,9-10

Observation: In this short book where the Lord commands the rebuilding of the temple, his first charge to the remnant who have returned to Jerusalem is this: You still struggle to make a living because you are taking care of yourself, but not honoring God.

At it's most basic, God says they have rebuilt their own houses, but not his temple. However, the temple is of course simply the earthly representation of a means to honor God. What God is really saying is that the returning remnant of rebuilt houses, planted crops, sown seed, planted vineyards and drank, begun their businesses ... yet have not done the work to honor God. In other words, in their daily activities and over a time that has lasted at least three years, they have looked every day to their own needs, and have not once put God first in their lives.

Application: This 'putting God first' charge in Haggai is not about the tithe. This is about daily walking-about life. This is a lesson that says "put God first in your work every day, then you can do the work you need to do with fruitfulness."

How do I put God first daily? I probably don't. Even by reading the bible first thing, that isn't about doing his work toward others, or actively putting him first at all times. Putting God first means doing his work as step 1 of every to-do list. It means entering meetings with a heart to serve others first then deal with business issues. It means caring about people, then the job. It doesn't mean NOT caring about the job or business issues ... it just means putting God first.

Prayer: Lord, I will seek to rebuild your temple where I am. I will seek to make your work my first order of business daily, hourly. Help me to keep you central in my heart as the starting point for that honor and service to you. May your will - not mine - be done. Amen.

No Turning Back

Scripture: Yet another said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go bid farewell to those at my house.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back at things is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:61-62

Observation: Jesus is very clear - if one is to follow him, they are not to look back at other things in their life.

While this specific example - saying goodbye to family - seems like an extreme example, it may not be based on the language used. The man who wishes to follow Jesus after saying goodbye is NOT saying "let me say farewell to my wife and kids." Rather, he wishes to bid farewell to "those at my house." This specific phrase could mean to go give directions to servants, or to look fondly one more time on his possessions before departing, or it might even mean to say farewell to idols. This certainly seems to be the manner in which Jesus responds.

In this context, the message of Jesus is clear and more complete. If someone is in fact a follower of Jesus, then those parts of their life that are in conflict with that faith - idol worship, honor to riches, and continued planning for the ongoing or future return to that life - must be all discarded. Following Jesus does, in fact, mean setting aside the old life, and never looking back at it.

Application: For all intents and purposes, I'm a total failure at this. I continually think of my past with some fondness. I seem too willing in my mind to think of old activities as fun, while forgetting the disastrous effect such things had on my life. Recently, I have realized more and more this is Satan attacking me directly. These are whispers intended to take me further from Jesus. I must, therefore, pray my way through them, direct my thoughts to things above, and focus on Jesus in my daily walk.

I must not look back on people I knew, or my old home, or the actions of my youth. I must put my hand to the plow and go straight forward. With Jesus' strength, I will.

Prayer: Lord, you are aware of my struggles. Please keep your spirit with me. I am in need of your strength. We know the attack that is being made on many in our church right now, and the enemy knows I am a weak link. Please make me strong for your sake and for your glory. Amen.

Just Another War

Every day we see just another ... destroyed life, murdered human, obliterated family, distraught community, mass explosion, grieving mother ...

 
We need a hero. Come, Lord Jesus.

Differentiating Jesus

Scripture: They said to Him, “Why do the disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees, but Yours eat and drink?” Luke 5:33

Observation: This is the first - but won't be the last - time the Pharisees question Jesus about compliance with 'traditional practices' that are outside the true law of God. However, as the Pharisees begin their efforts to question Jesus and trap him, they start with an intriguing example ... the actions and practices of the disciples of John the Baptist. In fact, they construct the question in a manner that gives John primacy over the Pharisees - that John's disciples fast and pray, and so do theirs.

There are two possible reasons as to why the Pharisees may seek to compare the teaching and leadership of Jesus to that of John. First, they acknowledge John's authority as a prophet and are attempting to determine if Jesus is himself a prophet and thus should be behaving in line with John. Second, they believe both Jesus and John are troublesome, and therefore they don't really care whom they "set up" in this conversation as long as they get one to discredit the other.

Jesus, of course, avoided both possibilities. He differentiated himself from John, thus allowing John the honorable status of prophet but himself as a new definition ... discussing himself as the bridegroom, or a new repair for old cloth, or new wine that cannot be placed into an old wineskin. John is doing that "old thing" (prophesying in a manner that completely aligns to the law and the other prophets); the Pharisees are doing some other "old thing" (living legalistically under Jewish traditions); Jesus is doing the "new thing" (being the Messiah prepared to redeem the entire world).

Application: Jesus - and his followers - must always be different. Behaving like others, even others that behave well and respectfully toward God, is suspect. We must remain careful of behaving in a manner that SOUNDS like it follows God's law, but does not align to his purposes. These types of things often fall into the category of "politically correct", and often sound a lot like "if you love people, you would support their behavior."

Jesus knew that loving people, and supporting their behavior, have very little to do with each other. Jesus loves people more than we can imagine, yet he had no inclination to have his disciples behave in line with Pharisees' teaching or even John's prophetic example. Especially in the case of ritual supplication, Jesus knew that his followers should be joyful in their experience with him instead.

Is there a place I am observing a cultural ritual that is unnecessary at best? Certainly in my opinions and thought life too often I align to cultural norms. I rely upon professional standards of behavior at work instead of showing the love of Jesus in real-time on occasion. In both of these, I need to think more like a disciple of Jesus - which I am - and learn from him.

Prayer: Lord, again I ask you to correct my thoughts and align my actions to you on a daily basis. I seek to be a light in the dark. Help me to recognize your work today, and guide me to joining you in that work every day. Amen.

Boring Omissions of Youth

Scripture: When they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom. And the grace of God was upon Him. Luke 2:39-40

Observation: There is SO much missing information here!! Clearly, Luke has directly interviewed Mary in order to produce the details of Luke 2 - information about the shepherds, the prophesies of Simeon and Anna, and later is days of teaching in the temple at age 12. However, the intervening period - from the age of 8 days to 12 years - is covered in 20 words. That said, those two sentences of verse 40 have some powerful phrases:

-- He "became strong in spirit" - While we generally would think that the oldest son would learn his father's work, and thus Jesus would become strong in body as a carpenter, the first description is a strength explicitly aligned to the Holy Spirit of God.

-- He was "filled with wisdom" - That alignment to the spirit gave Jesus even as a young child a supernatural gift of wisdom.

-- "The grace of God was upon him" - God's special blessing rested upon Jesus during these 12 formative years, likely both protecting him and extending to the way he behaved and interacted with other children and siblings.

Application: I am intrigued by these character traits that have been singled out to describe everything we know about Jesus from birth to just before the age of Jewish adulthood. His entire childhood I this ... he was spirit-filled, supernaturally wise, and uniquely blessed, and likely therefore interacted with others in a unique manner. However, I am equally intrigued by the details Luke and/or Mary have decided to leave out of the Bible. There is no explanation of any of these traits, no examples of behavior, no "for example" memories of his childhood, and no editorial about how he was different that other kids. They do not say, "his wisdom was so great that once he ..." or "God's grace on his life was so evident that one time ...". There is not a single act, word, or event presented to expound on these traits.

I believe the reason for this omission is simple and twofold. All of these traits - strong spirit, wisdom, and grace - do not lend themselves to "events", but rather just the opposite ... a child with these traits would be so mild and wise as to simply never create a stir or issue. That would, of course, be wildly unique for a child! However, it also would not create antidotes for future reminiscing. Second, Jesus's ministry was a public event for the world, and not a private event for his family. Therefore, his spirit-filled life of his private family life was not important ... however, his first public appearance in the temple at age 12 was an exception. Mary and Luke understood that recounting Mary's memories of a wonderful child was not part of God's redemptive message, and excluded it.

While it is interesting, therefore, to contemplate the child Jesus, it is correct that it is also meaningless. In presenting the authority of Jesus, we are best served by the facts of his ministry and by his own teaching. The boring childhood has no salvation in it, but belief in the resurrection has saving power. Talk of a wise child is meaningless, but an adult life that fulfilled thousands of years of prophesy is meaningful. As always, it is important to stick to the important elements of Jesus, and the stories of a proud mom was never part of that message.

Prayer: Abba, father, the birth of Jesus was the turning point of all creation! That story is so important, and that importance is in the context of your love and your willingness to sacrifice Jesus on the cross for my sins. Please help me stay focused on that act of love, and how I can align my actions daily to that love. Please give me just a little bit of the wisdom, spirit, and grace of the young boy Jesus. Amen.

I Say Again, the Lord Provides

Scripture:
Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,
    who walks in His ways.
For you shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
    you will be happy, and it shall be well with you.
Your wife shall be as a fruitful vine
    in your house,
your children like olive shoots
    around your table.
Behold, this man shall be blessed
    who fears the Lord.
Psalms 128:1-4

Observation: Of all God's promises, this one is repeated - that he who believes in the Lord will be blessed is the one. This blessing is not about abundant riches, rather it is simply "contentment" ... having enough to eat, enjoying a happy family, and being productive in your professional and personal life. That is all. That is blessing.

Application: After a long week I am reminded of this fact: I am blessed! My work, even when frustrating, provides more than I deserve for myself and my family. We enjoy our family life together, and have enough to eat, to drink, to share, to give away. We can provide for our children's lives and their future. This is simply blessing from God. May I never, ever lose sight of that, even for one moment.

Prayer: Dearest Lord, my father and my provider, I know that you have given to me in ways I do not understand, and in measures I do not deserve. My life is full and runs over. Even on the hectic and frustrating days, may I always have you at the center of my life, the center of my heart, and the center of my mind. Amen.

Twenty-Four Mysteries

Scripture: And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” Revelation 19:4

Observation: These 28 beings appear throughout the visions of Revelation. The 24 elders are not described or defined. The four living creatures are described as clearly being non-human, with bodily characteristics of animals and humans the make it clear they are some kind of special angel or heavenly creation of God. In almost every reference, the 24 elders especially are worshiping God ... they stand before the throne, and mutually declare God's greatness and power, and glory, giving him praise. They have a special place of honor, and a special purpose within heaven. However, at no time does John make any attempt to further identify the 24. It seems they could only be a select group from one of four other groups:

1) Individuals who pre-existed the Christian era (whom John would have known of)
2) Martyrs of the early church (whom John would have personally known)
3) Future leaders of the church (as this is a prophetic vision)
4) Non-humans created for this purpose (whom John would likely therefore have commented on as he did the four creatures)

Application: In thinking this through, the lesson becomes clear ... it doesn't matter where these 24 people came from, what their backstory is, or how the "earned" the position of elder before the throne of God. It doesn't matter because, however they came to be, it is a decision made by God, through his love, grace, and wisdom, and thus far beyond our understanding. Even if they "earned" the position, they ways of earning it would likely not make sense to us, as we continually think of earthly process and compliance as the means for earning reward. Jesus taught us that doesn't work with God.

For all I know, these elders are unnamed Jews who rebuilt the temple of Jerusalem ... or some of David's might men ... or ancient believers outside of the Jewish line that are never heard of in the Bible ... or the leaders of the reformation ... or the best popes ... or former prophets. Who knows.

But here is the truth: It is very unlikely these positions were "earned" in any manner that I could understand, just like the "earning" of salvation is a bewildering mystery. I am even now reminded of a non-believer who said that one of the incomprehensible things about Christian faith was that you could do anything you want, then on your deathbed decide you believe in Jesus, and receive thus receive eternal life in heaven. The connection between one act and the amazing award makes no sense in human understanding.

The origin of the 24 elders is a mystery. However, God's rewards are only a mystery if you apply human qualities to God. When you realize the magnitude of God's love, grace, mercy, judgment, and wisdom ... salvation through faith in Jesus makes sense.

Prayer: Lord, I humbly thank you. I know I am unworthy of any love, any grace, any mercy, and any reward from you. Yet you choose to bestow blessing and promise upon me. Jesus is my lord and savior, and I will follow and obey him. I won't obey him perfectly, and sometimes I won't even obey him well, but I will strive to do so daily. Thank you for loving me first. Amen.

Five Sheep

Scripture: Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord God: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep. The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them. So they were scattered, because there was no shepherd, and they became food for all the wild beasts. Ezekiel 34:2-5

Observation: Ezekiel 34 is a rich metaphor of sheep and shepherds. In this passage, God defined five types of sheep in need of care:

Weak sheep, who need to be strengthened
Sick sheep, who need healing
Injured sheep, who need their wounds cared for
Straying sheep, who need to be gathered back to the fold
Lost sheep, who need to be found

Application: I had heard a teaching on this many years ago, and did not know where it came from! That teaching was about five kinds of "sheep" whom the church - as shepherds - are to be caring for:

Weak sheep are those with a little faith but insecurities about their faith who need encouragement from others.

Sick sheep are those suffering from addiction and sin who need healing before they can accept the love of Jesus.

Injured sheep are people who have been hurt emotionally to the point of during away from God and need comfort.

Straying sheep are former believers who have left the church and turned from God, who need gentle correction and care.

Lost sheep are non-believers whom need the good news of Jesus.

This metaphor throughout Ezekiel is even deeper, though, as he declares that - because the shepherds (Judah) have lost their sheep - he will become the shepherd, and send the house of David to the sheep. Once gathered, he will then judge the sheep as well, taking action against those strong sheep that impede or bully other sheep. This is an amazing metaphor for today, with the church gathered under Jesus, but still in need of correction.

As a result, I see two questions for myself today:

1) Am I still looking to care for the five types of forlorn sheep?
2) Am I avoiding being a mean, pushy sheep within the flock?

I can honestly say that, at one time, the answer to both would have been a firm "no", however today it is a possible "yes" and certainly an improving conversation. I need to remain listening to my shepherd's voice.

Prayer: Father, abba, I am thankful you have gathered me to you! May I be a sheep content in the field and the water you provide at all times, not pushy and seeking more than my share, and not indifferent to others that struggle. Amen.

A First-Hand Conversion Account

Scripture: I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and prospering in my palace. ... Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble. Daniel 4:4,37

Observation: The fourth chapter of Daniel is interesting for several reasons. Not to be overlooked is that it tells the account of King Nebuchadnezzar's conversion to belief in God. This conversion involved convicting him of his sin of pride, reducing him through madness to a homeless man, and after a period (not well stated - may have been seven years, seven months, or seven seasons) returning him to power after he looked to God for hope. This is a story just as powerful as the others in Daniel, and should (though it isn't) taught right along with the fiery furnace and the lion's den, if not at least as often as the testing of the healthy diet and the writing on the wall.

However, I see this as insightful for another reason: The majority of this chapter of Daniel is written in the first person by Nebuchadnezzar himself. In other words, this is the first-hand account of the most powerful king of his day, confessing his conversion story. This is ... Nebuchadnezzar's testimony! In this, Nebuchadnezzar - a king so powerful that he effectively rules all of the middle east as we know it ... so famous that 2,500 years later pieces of his palace are on display in modern museums (and I've seen them) - that Nebuchadnezzar spells out a personal account of his acceptance of Yahweh:

1) He is first warned of his sinful life. While he doesn't understand the warning, he is sensitive to the fact that it is ominous and it troubles him.

2) He consults non-believers, who are of no help at all.

3) He then consults a believer (Daniel) who has already garnered his trust, and who has demonstrated his faith, and he empowers that believer to speak truth to him even if the news is bad.

4) Even upon receiving the true warning from the believer, he fails to change his ways, demonstrates pride, and the predicted punishment comes to pass.

5) Through an understanding of the sin and the resulting situation, he turns to God with hope for restoration and relief.

6) God responds to that hope, and Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges God.

Application: This is informative in its model, especially with the first three facts ... the non-believer at first is troubled by insight into his life, seeks empty advice, and only then turns to a believer whom he already trusts for advice. What we now call "pre-evangelism", then, begins when we take two steps with those around us. First, we establish trust as friends. Second, despite being friends, we remain clear in our faith that differentiates us personally from others.

I have been praying recently about how to improve my engagement with others at my place of work - my holy vocation. This provides a timely reminder and answer to that prayer. I need to continue to work on relationships and trust, while also actively differentiating myself as a Christian. As I do both, opportunities will emerge.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the timely answer to prayer. I am reminded anew of the greatness and relevance of your word. May I humbly walk with you every day in the place you have put me. Amen.

We Believe

This time in our reading plan is SO depressing ... the destruction of Jerusalem, and the future wrath of God upon the earth. It is all wrath and judgment, and while there are lessons to learn, I cannot focus on them to blog about them out of knowledge for the implications of the future of this world. I, too, lament for my nation, my city, and my friends. So instead of blogging, I'll simply enjoy a great song.

City of Disobedience

Scripture: And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit will make war on them and conquer them and kill them, and their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. Revelation 11:7-8

Observation: Jerusalem is symbolically - or spiritually - called "Sodom" and "Egypt", places of renown sin and disobedience. Likewise, in prior readings I have observed that the "new Jerusalem" cannot actually be the existing city, but new place (regardless of it's location). If these are both true - that Jerusalem is now a city known in heaven for its disobedience, and it will be completely replaced for the reign of Jesus - then that begs questions ...

What is the importance of Jerusalem today? Is it the holy city? Or is it the remnant of a once holy city that is now defiled and disobedient?

This is such a difficult and confusing matter. At once, Jerusalem is the former seat of God, the place where Jesus was crucified and resurrected, and a place dominated by Islamic sites and in the center of nearly continual conflict. Clearly, it is otherworldly important to be so central in the world while actually being a relatively small and out-of-the-way place. However, the question is, I believe, what is it's importance today?

Application: I believe Jerusalem is important as a place of action and events. It was the seat of David, the throne of God, the passion of Jesus. In the future, it is the site of the final battles, the hill for the final return. It was the place for the last stand of the Israel/Judah nation, and it will be the place for the last stand in the final days.

I do not understand the importance of Jerusalem and its selection as such a critical place. I acknowledge, however, that it must have been so selected given the disproportionate attention and centrality to human events that occur in a place that should be a water-starved hilltop village. We shouldn't have ever heard of the place, and instead every person on earth knows of it. Again, this can only be done by God.

Prayer: Lord, I do pray for Jerusalem and the people there. I pray for stability in that land, though I doubt that is possible or even your plan. I pray instead, then, for safety of individuals. Keep your hands upon the people, the children, and the defenseless. And may there be less division in your holy name, or Lord. While there may be anger and hate, it must never been in the name of the Lord. May that subside. Amen.

The Great Multitude

Scripture: After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Revelation 7:9-10

Observation: The great multitude is from every nation. Immediately after a remnant of 144,000 Jews are sealed for protection, a multitude so great that it cannot be possibly counted appears, and they are from every nation of the earth. This reinforcement that the salvation of God - the salvation that is the promise of faith in Jesus - is meant for all people. It is for Jews and Gentiles. It is for people from Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. It is for believers everywhere all over the world.

Application: I have needed to be reminded of the great hope of our lives ... the hope for good and for eternal life through faith in Jesus and by the love of God for his created. This passage gives me that hope today. This ensures me that the promise is real, as it spreads over the entire world and is delivered to so many people that their number cannot even be imagined.

Prayer: Dear Lord, my God and my salvation, thank you for your love. Please forgive me for being inadequate to earn your love, but thank you for providing a way by which that doesn't matter - for providing the way to bestow your love even while I was still in my sin. I know Jesus is my Lord and Savior, and you are my Father and my God. May I worship at your throne. Amen.

Worthless Wood

Scripture: Son of man, how does the wood of the vine surpass any wood, the vine branch that is among the trees of the forest? Is wood taken from it to make anything? Do people take a peg from it to hang any vessel on it? Behold, it is given to the fire for fuel. When the fire has consumed both ends of it, and the middle of it is charred, is it useful for anything? Behold, when it was whole, it was used for nothing. How much less, when the fire has consumed it and it is charred, can it ever be used for anything! Ezekiel 15:2-5

Observation: Grapes, the grape vine, and wine are used by God repeatedly as blessings. Vineyards are metaphors for the world and prosperity, and in real life in Judah a good grape harvest was essential for life. So God turns this around ... the vine itself - cut off from the plant - is worthless. As a source of wood, it has no purpose, and once burned in a fire it can't even be used to make charcoal or salvaged for any useful purpose at all. Once a grape vine is cut and therefore not producing fruit, it is a completely useless piece of wood.

This is certainly part of the metaphor of the vine for God. After centuries of blessing Israel and Judah with bountiful harvests from large vineyards to make good wine, he is cutting off the vines, and they will have no purpose whatsoever. More so once he burns Jerusalem, they will become even "much less" than useless.

However, there is really only one reason why someone cuts apart a vineyard in the first place: It has stopped producing good fruit, typically due to diseases within the roots. Of course, this has been at the core of God's wrath against Judah - their root of belief is diseased to the point that the only recourse is to tear out the vineyard.

Application: Going personal ... how are my roots? I know I struggle daily with keeping God central in my life and my thoughts. I am quick to pursue earthly issues and goals - on worldly challenges and my personal wisdom to solve them - rather than pursuing God's work and will around me. I am easily distracted by the wanderings of my own mind, rather than focusing on the reality of both good and evil around me, celebrating one and seeking God's plan for the other.

It is not good enough to think "well, I'm better than most". That is demonstrably wrong. I need to sink my roots deeper and make them healthy. I need to do that by focusing my thought life on Jesus, and aligning my daily work to those thoughts. There are days I do this well, and there are days I don't do this at all. I can start with an understanding of what I am doing right on the good days, and building on those behaviors, thoughts, words, and actions. I want to be a good vine, producing good fruit ... for I know that, as a cut-off piece of wood, I am worthless.

Prayer: Lord, I ask you to order my steps every day. I know this starts with surrendering my mind, and I do that today. Please aid me in keeping my mind both open to you, and filled with your thoughts and ways and work. In this manner, may my daily walk align with you. Amen.