Scripture: When they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, ritually unwashed hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees and all the Jews, unless they wash their hands ritually, do not eat, keeping the tradition of the elders. ... He answered, "Well has Isaiah prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written:
'These people honor Me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from Me.
In vain do they worship Me,
teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.'"
Mark 7:2-3,6-7
Observation: Once again, the Pharisees seek a reason to question Jesus. This challenge isn't strong - it is about washing hands - and the language isn't as strong as it is in other passages either (they "found fault"). However, once again they pronounce their questions of Jesus related to the behavior of others that he is willing to withstand.
Jesus answers with clear prophesy from Isaiah, and in the same theme he often responds ... that the Pharisees value their rules more than they value the love and relationship of God. They seek to understand their laws, but do not seek to understand God's laws. They value their rituals, not people.
Application: I have seen a demonstration of a ritual washing of hands. It is interesting in both its process and uselessness. It involves the use of specific instruments, the pouring of water in certain methods from elbow to wrist, and multiple steps. It does not involve actual cleaning of hands. In other words, it is purely a ritualistic process, and if someone hand dirty hands in need of washing before eating it would be almost useless.
God gave laws to help the people. He did tell the people to wash their hands before eating. Like most laws given in Exodus, he did this to ensure the health of the people in the wilderness. He actually wanted people to be healthy. The Jews - not God - turned it into a ritual to be judged.
So how do I judge others based on "practices" that are not intended by God? Many in the church do things like evaluate others on their worship. God desires our worship but gives no rules about how to do it. Lately, I have evaluated others based on their level of engagement in service. God expects our service as a free-flowing results of our faith and love for him. However, how and where others serve is not for me to decide or judge. I must find a way out of that trap.
Prayer: Lord, please be with my wife in her days this week. Keep her calm. Show her your love for her, and your pleasure in her work, so that she may again have love and pleasure in her work for you. Engage others to pick up the tasks that need to be done, and give some the strength to correct others with dignity and purpose. Amen.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Friday, October 21, 2016
Human Nature to Flee
Scripture:
Your hands have shaped me and made me completely,
yet You destroy me.
Remember, I pray,
that You have made me as the clay.
And would You return me to dust?
Have You not poured me out as milk
and curdled me like cheese?
You have clothed me with skin and flesh,
and have knit me together with bones and sinews.
You have granted me life and loyal love,
and Your care has preserved my spirit.
Job 10:8-12
Observation: Job makes a direct appeal to God about his situation, which can be summarized in three statements: I have tried to live a good life; Please remember that you created me; It would be better if you ignored me. In other words, Job has sunk to the level of appealing to God to just leave him be. Job himself is simply a humble part of God's creation, and while he cannot understand the judgment that is playing out upon him it would be better to simply to ignored.
This of course isn't true. First, it assumes the sorrow of Job is both a punishment, and from God. It isn't. In fact, the problems are a result of God removing his blessing and protection. It is effectively the result of what Job is asking for ... God removed his attentions as a blessed part of creation from Job.
Application: In my freewill, I once asked God to leave me alone. The amazing thing is that ... he did, but he didn't. He removed his love from my daily life, but I later saw that he always engaged when I needed him. Like Job, it seems that both those who believe in God and those who don't believe have an interaction with God where - when we are acknowledging that we are sinful beings - seek isolation from God. This idea goes back to Adam, who upon discovering the difference between good and evil immediately hid from God.
It takes a unique character to look toward God in our iniquity - to seek his light in the self-realization of our own darkness. That is where Jesus comes in as intermediary. Jesus is a person who we can turn to, and who in turn leads us into the light by promising the removal of our sins through belief in him.
Prayer: Dear Lord, may we always keep sight of the fact that our nature is to flee from your perfect love because of our awareness of our imperfection. This is true for non-believers, believers, and myself. Help me to always and immediately seek Jesus when this impulse strikes. Do not let me flee into the dark and thus be susceptible to Satan, but rather let me cling to the hand of Jesus, my rock and foundation. Amen.
Your hands have shaped me and made me completely,
yet You destroy me.
Remember, I pray,
that You have made me as the clay.
And would You return me to dust?
Have You not poured me out as milk
and curdled me like cheese?
You have clothed me with skin and flesh,
and have knit me together with bones and sinews.
You have granted me life and loyal love,
and Your care has preserved my spirit.
Job 10:8-12
Observation: Job makes a direct appeal to God about his situation, which can be summarized in three statements: I have tried to live a good life; Please remember that you created me; It would be better if you ignored me. In other words, Job has sunk to the level of appealing to God to just leave him be. Job himself is simply a humble part of God's creation, and while he cannot understand the judgment that is playing out upon him it would be better to simply to ignored.
This of course isn't true. First, it assumes the sorrow of Job is both a punishment, and from God. It isn't. In fact, the problems are a result of God removing his blessing and protection. It is effectively the result of what Job is asking for ... God removed his attentions as a blessed part of creation from Job.
Application: In my freewill, I once asked God to leave me alone. The amazing thing is that ... he did, but he didn't. He removed his love from my daily life, but I later saw that he always engaged when I needed him. Like Job, it seems that both those who believe in God and those who don't believe have an interaction with God where - when we are acknowledging that we are sinful beings - seek isolation from God. This idea goes back to Adam, who upon discovering the difference between good and evil immediately hid from God.
It takes a unique character to look toward God in our iniquity - to seek his light in the self-realization of our own darkness. That is where Jesus comes in as intermediary. Jesus is a person who we can turn to, and who in turn leads us into the light by promising the removal of our sins through belief in him.
Prayer: Dear Lord, may we always keep sight of the fact that our nature is to flee from your perfect love because of our awareness of our imperfection. This is true for non-believers, believers, and myself. Help me to always and immediately seek Jesus when this impulse strikes. Do not let me flee into the dark and thus be susceptible to Satan, but rather let me cling to the hand of Jesus, my rock and foundation. Amen.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
The Connotation of 'Christian'
Scripture: Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul. When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a considerable crowd. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Acts 11:25-26
Observation: While it is difficult to tell based on the timeline of Acts, Barnabas' preaching in Antioch is likely ~12 years after Jesus' resurrection. This accounts for the time of the church being established in Jerusalem before it was scattered (3 years), then the events of the scattered apostles, conversion of Saul, and his time of learning. It says Barnabas and Saul spent at least another year in Antioch. (Wikipedia says Barnabas returned from Antioch to Jerusalem in 44 AD.)
It was here - in modern Turkey - the word "Christian" was born. Prior to that, believers were referred to by phrases like "followers of The Way". It took a decade for someone to decide to "classify" them. Other people groups were classified - Jews, Romans, Greeks, Hellenists, Gentiles - and these classifications usually revolved around a nationality.
By labeling the believers Christians, the residents of Antioch have bestowed a status on the Church. That status, it seems, is double-edged. On the positive side, it gives the Church a standing as a people-group. It indicates it is large enough to require acknowledgment as a collective set of people with their own culture. On the negative side, it allows other to use a single word to establish a collective definition of the Church. Words like "roman" had a connotation to it, and now "Christian" can connote a meaning about believers. Individuals can be described by the stereotypes of the whole.
Application: Our modern challenge with this is that we - Christians - lost control of defining that stereotype of our own name. At one time, Christian would have meant someone who loves others. Now, in American culture it is more likely to be used as a slur for someone who is perceived to be intolerant of certain lifestyles.
I mean ... I guess it could be worse ... it could be used to connote a soldier killing over foreign land control (hello, Crusades) ... or it could refer to someone who tortures others to force public confessions of sin (no one expects the Spanish Inquisition!!). Intolerant isn't the worst thing I've been called (and neither is "conservative" by the way).
And this does speak to what I have been thinking about - a topic I heard Rick Warren talk about - which is 'source of authority'. What Christian REALLY means is this: I have decided that Jesus is my source of authority, as defined by the word of God in the bible, in determining my opinion and position on all matters. That means my 'source of authority' is NOT ... culture, friends, tradition, political leaders, my parents, my spouse or even ... myself.
I am a Christian. Jesus is my source of authority. That will put me in conflict with culture, popular opinion, tradition, other individuals, and even my own desires. So be it.
Prayer: Lord, you are my guide, my Lord, my master. Jesus is not just my savior, but my authority. I have prayed to you about my fear, but my fear is only an emotion to be put aside. You are my master, and I have granted you authority in my life. I thank you for the right you gave me, out of your great love, to make that choice of my own free will. I have and do so choose to follow you, Jesus. Amen.
Observation: While it is difficult to tell based on the timeline of Acts, Barnabas' preaching in Antioch is likely ~12 years after Jesus' resurrection. This accounts for the time of the church being established in Jerusalem before it was scattered (3 years), then the events of the scattered apostles, conversion of Saul, and his time of learning. It says Barnabas and Saul spent at least another year in Antioch. (Wikipedia says Barnabas returned from Antioch to Jerusalem in 44 AD.)
It was here - in modern Turkey - the word "Christian" was born. Prior to that, believers were referred to by phrases like "followers of The Way". It took a decade for someone to decide to "classify" them. Other people groups were classified - Jews, Romans, Greeks, Hellenists, Gentiles - and these classifications usually revolved around a nationality.
By labeling the believers Christians, the residents of Antioch have bestowed a status on the Church. That status, it seems, is double-edged. On the positive side, it gives the Church a standing as a people-group. It indicates it is large enough to require acknowledgment as a collective set of people with their own culture. On the negative side, it allows other to use a single word to establish a collective definition of the Church. Words like "roman" had a connotation to it, and now "Christian" can connote a meaning about believers. Individuals can be described by the stereotypes of the whole.
Application: Our modern challenge with this is that we - Christians - lost control of defining that stereotype of our own name. At one time, Christian would have meant someone who loves others. Now, in American culture it is more likely to be used as a slur for someone who is perceived to be intolerant of certain lifestyles.
I mean ... I guess it could be worse ... it could be used to connote a soldier killing over foreign land control (hello, Crusades) ... or it could refer to someone who tortures others to force public confessions of sin (no one expects the Spanish Inquisition!!). Intolerant isn't the worst thing I've been called (and neither is "conservative" by the way).
And this does speak to what I have been thinking about - a topic I heard Rick Warren talk about - which is 'source of authority'. What Christian REALLY means is this: I have decided that Jesus is my source of authority, as defined by the word of God in the bible, in determining my opinion and position on all matters. That means my 'source of authority' is NOT ... culture, friends, tradition, political leaders, my parents, my spouse or even ... myself.
I am a Christian. Jesus is my source of authority. That will put me in conflict with culture, popular opinion, tradition, other individuals, and even my own desires. So be it.
Prayer: Lord, you are my guide, my Lord, my master. Jesus is not just my savior, but my authority. I have prayed to you about my fear, but my fear is only an emotion to be put aside. You are my master, and I have granted you authority in my life. I thank you for the right you gave me, out of your great love, to make that choice of my own free will. I have and do so choose to follow you, Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Rue the Day
Scripture: After this Job opened his mouth, and cursed the day of his birth. Job said: ...
Why did I not die at birth?
Why did I not expire when I came out of the womb?
Why did her knees receive me?
And why her breasts that I should nurse?
For now I would be lying down and would be at peace;
I would have slept; then there would be rest for me,
with kings and counselors of the earth,
who built ruins for themselves,
or with princes who had gold,
who filled their houses with silver.
Job 3:1-2,11-15
Observation: The first words of Job's lament over his fate is to wish he had never been born. He proceeds to wish the day itself never existed, that the date would be expunged from record, and the day and night itself would be cursed. It is not a wish for non-existence, but rather for a "pass" from earthly life. Job wishes to simply be dead in the place of resting and peace, and therefore for the day he was born to have never existed.
This is an interesting "first target" for Job because it truly has no relevance or bearing on his situation or events. His birth provided him his entire life, which up until the most current events was very good. He does not lash out at the fate of his recent life, or at current events, or at the storm that killed his children, or even at thieves who took his livelihood and killed his servants. There are actual people whom Job could "blame". Instead, he goes after a somewhat irrelevant date in history.
Job is so distraught in life that he simply takes the "it would be better if I were never born" mantra. However, this approach again shows his piety. Even in his great sorrow, Job refused to blame anything that is of God. People and nature - the good and the bad - are the perfect creation of God, so Job does not attack the wicked people or bad circumstances. He instead curses the calendar, a man-made contrivance for marking history.
Application: I worship God, love Jesus, and lament his creation and created. I get mad and frustrated with people who are trying to just go about their business, let alone those who are wicked. I dislike a lot, and most of it is stuff God created. This cannot be.
As I continue to seek to soften my heart, I must include my attitude toward God's creation. "Stuff" cannot be hated if I claim to love God who made the stuff.
Prayer: Abba, father, thank you for this day, and for your great gifts. Please forgive me for not being a good steward of all you have provided, from my daily bread, to the earth around me, to people in my midst. May I love them all today with just a little bit of your great love. Amen.
Why did I not die at birth?
Why did I not expire when I came out of the womb?
Why did her knees receive me?
And why her breasts that I should nurse?
For now I would be lying down and would be at peace;
I would have slept; then there would be rest for me,
with kings and counselors of the earth,
who built ruins for themselves,
or with princes who had gold,
who filled their houses with silver.
Job 3:1-2,11-15
Observation: The first words of Job's lament over his fate is to wish he had never been born. He proceeds to wish the day itself never existed, that the date would be expunged from record, and the day and night itself would be cursed. It is not a wish for non-existence, but rather for a "pass" from earthly life. Job wishes to simply be dead in the place of resting and peace, and therefore for the day he was born to have never existed.
This is an interesting "first target" for Job because it truly has no relevance or bearing on his situation or events. His birth provided him his entire life, which up until the most current events was very good. He does not lash out at the fate of his recent life, or at current events, or at the storm that killed his children, or even at thieves who took his livelihood and killed his servants. There are actual people whom Job could "blame". Instead, he goes after a somewhat irrelevant date in history.
Job is so distraught in life that he simply takes the "it would be better if I were never born" mantra. However, this approach again shows his piety. Even in his great sorrow, Job refused to blame anything that is of God. People and nature - the good and the bad - are the perfect creation of God, so Job does not attack the wicked people or bad circumstances. He instead curses the calendar, a man-made contrivance for marking history.
Application: I worship God, love Jesus, and lament his creation and created. I get mad and frustrated with people who are trying to just go about their business, let alone those who are wicked. I dislike a lot, and most of it is stuff God created. This cannot be.
As I continue to seek to soften my heart, I must include my attitude toward God's creation. "Stuff" cannot be hated if I claim to love God who made the stuff.
Prayer: Abba, father, thank you for this day, and for your great gifts. Please forgive me for not being a good steward of all you have provided, from my daily bread, to the earth around me, to people in my midst. May I love them all today with just a little bit of your great love. Amen.
Monday, October 17, 2016
Evidence of the Spirit
Scripture: Now in those days, as the disciples were multiplied, there was murmuring among the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were overlooked in the daily distribution. So the twelve called the multitude of disciples together and said, "It is not reasonable for us to leave the word of God and serve tables. Brothers, look among yourselves for seven men who are known to be full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint over this duty." Acts 6:1
Observation: The first conflict in the Church is ... racial tension between Hebrew Jews and Greek Jews. We know the resolution is the selection of deacons - members who will care for other members, especially the disadvantaged ones. It is interesting to note the following characteristics of these deacons:
-- They were not selected from the Hellenists - the racial minority - but rather from the group at large.
-- They were not explicitly people who cared about the issues at hand, but rather were full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom.
In other words, the Church didn't look for people with passion for the issue, or a personal connection to the problem. They looked for people filled with the Holy Spirit, to therefore trust God working through those individuals to assist with the challenge.
Application: If I sincerely desire more of the Spirit in my life, I need to be open to being called into situations I don't necessary care about. This, in fact, would be the effect - not the cause - of a spirit-filled life ... being asked by leadership to do things I am not particularly interested in doing.
Stephen and Philip probably fall into this category. They are called into service to Greek widows. Stephen is clearly a scholar and great apologist (evidenced by his conviction of the Sanhedrin in chapter 7). Philip is a great evangelist (as we learn in chapter 8). In the church, we may consider these to be "more important" gifts or functions than ensuring a balanced disbursement of food to the weaker members of a minority ethnic group. However, the lesson here is the opposite ... it is the power of the Holy Spirit that enables those obvious gifts that also make someone capable to mercy and humble service.
I earnestly need to take this to heart.
Prayer: Dear Lord, today I pray into Micah 6:8. I want to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you every day. I see this must play out in my spirit-life, and be fulfilled in my service-life. I will be open to your call and your voice, both within and outside the context of the Body of Christ. Amen.
Observation: The first conflict in the Church is ... racial tension between Hebrew Jews and Greek Jews. We know the resolution is the selection of deacons - members who will care for other members, especially the disadvantaged ones. It is interesting to note the following characteristics of these deacons:
-- They were not selected from the Hellenists - the racial minority - but rather from the group at large.
-- They were not explicitly people who cared about the issues at hand, but rather were full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom.
In other words, the Church didn't look for people with passion for the issue, or a personal connection to the problem. They looked for people filled with the Holy Spirit, to therefore trust God working through those individuals to assist with the challenge.
Application: If I sincerely desire more of the Spirit in my life, I need to be open to being called into situations I don't necessary care about. This, in fact, would be the effect - not the cause - of a spirit-filled life ... being asked by leadership to do things I am not particularly interested in doing.
Stephen and Philip probably fall into this category. They are called into service to Greek widows. Stephen is clearly a scholar and great apologist (evidenced by his conviction of the Sanhedrin in chapter 7). Philip is a great evangelist (as we learn in chapter 8). In the church, we may consider these to be "more important" gifts or functions than ensuring a balanced disbursement of food to the weaker members of a minority ethnic group. However, the lesson here is the opposite ... it is the power of the Holy Spirit that enables those obvious gifts that also make someone capable to mercy and humble service.
I earnestly need to take this to heart.
Prayer: Dear Lord, today I pray into Micah 6:8. I want to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you every day. I see this must play out in my spirit-life, and be fulfilled in my service-life. I will be open to your call and your voice, both within and outside the context of the Body of Christ. Amen.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Scattered Infrastructure
Scripture: Now dwelling in Jerusalem were Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. Acts 2:5
Observation: "Jews" now live in EVERY nation. This is much different than the nation of Israel from the Old Testament, who represented one people group living in one land. While a Jew might live anywhere, they really lived in Israel and Judah, and even more explicitly within their designated land of their tribe. Now they live everywhere, and there are two reasons for this.
First, the two exiles - Israel at the hands of Assyria, and Judah at the hands of Persia - scattered them. When the exiles return after 70 years, that is primarily the tribe of Judah returning to Jerusalem. For others, who are now second and third generation families without roots in the Holy Land, they could have by then be anywhere.
Second, Jews are no longer synonymous with Hebrews. Rather, a Jew is a religion now. This is why Paul will preach in synagogues all over the Mediterranean area. While certainly all Hebrews and Jewish, it would seem not all Jews are Hebrews.
Application: Again I see how God uses every situation for his purposes. Israel rejects God so he punishes them. Five hundred years later, that punishment created the infrastructure that facilitated the Church of Jesus to grow. By scattering Israel and Judah, a network was created that allowed apostles to travel, establish common connections, and introduce Jesus through a common faith in both Jehovah and scriptures that promised a Messiah. We eventually see this play out in Greece, Rome, Spain ... places that believe in Jesus sometimes before an apostle even gets there to teach them ... but also in places like India and Ethiopia.
Again, God uses every situation for his purposes, and it is amazing to see.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I know you are always with us, never forsaking us, and in control of every situation. When things look dark, we know you are the light. May we look to you for that hope, but also may we be patient and trusting as we wait upon your timing. Amen.
Observation: "Jews" now live in EVERY nation. This is much different than the nation of Israel from the Old Testament, who represented one people group living in one land. While a Jew might live anywhere, they really lived in Israel and Judah, and even more explicitly within their designated land of their tribe. Now they live everywhere, and there are two reasons for this.
First, the two exiles - Israel at the hands of Assyria, and Judah at the hands of Persia - scattered them. When the exiles return after 70 years, that is primarily the tribe of Judah returning to Jerusalem. For others, who are now second and third generation families without roots in the Holy Land, they could have by then be anywhere.
Second, Jews are no longer synonymous with Hebrews. Rather, a Jew is a religion now. This is why Paul will preach in synagogues all over the Mediterranean area. While certainly all Hebrews and Jewish, it would seem not all Jews are Hebrews.
Application: Again I see how God uses every situation for his purposes. Israel rejects God so he punishes them. Five hundred years later, that punishment created the infrastructure that facilitated the Church of Jesus to grow. By scattering Israel and Judah, a network was created that allowed apostles to travel, establish common connections, and introduce Jesus through a common faith in both Jehovah and scriptures that promised a Messiah. We eventually see this play out in Greece, Rome, Spain ... places that believe in Jesus sometimes before an apostle even gets there to teach them ... but also in places like India and Ethiopia.
Again, God uses every situation for his purposes, and it is amazing to see.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I know you are always with us, never forsaking us, and in control of every situation. When things look dark, we know you are the light. May we look to you for that hope, but also may we be patient and trusting as we wait upon your timing. Amen.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Some Translation Needed
Scripture: Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people (because he was above all the people), and, as he opened it, all the people stood up. When Ezra blessed the Lord as the great God, all the people responded “Amen, Amen!” By lifting up their hands as they bowed their heads, they worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground. Then Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, explained the Law to the people while the people stood in their place. They read from the book, from the Law of God, with interpretation, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. Nehemiah 8:5-8
Observation: Ezra is reading the scriptures to all the remnant that has returned after the exile. However, while reading, 13 other people need to "explain" the law. This explanation is described as 'interpretation'. This was not that the people need to be teaching independent of the word of God - the people weren't having a more detailed explanation of what the law meant or having the plain meaning interpreted for them by a priest. Instead, this is a literal interpretation ... the scriptures were written in Hebrew, and after 70 years of exile the people all speak Aramaic.
This must have been devastating for the returning Jews. They have survived, they have rebuilt Jerusalem, and they are about to celebrate. Their priest begins reading the Law of Moses - the word of God, explicitly documented by Moses, that is to be the cornerstone and foundation of their lives ... the word that they failed to follow that lead to their destruction and now they must not stray again - and they don't speak their own national language well enough to understand it.
The Jews always functioned as independent clans within independent tribes, and even within two different nations. However, they were united by three things: Their designation as God's "chosen" people through ancestry from Abraham; Their traditions and behaviors under The Law; Their own language. God removed his favor because they forsook the Law, and now they find a barrier to recovering those things ... they have lost their language too.
Application: When it comes to understanding Jesus, God, the Bible, we ALL need some translation. In some cases, that translation is language-based ... words in Hebrew and Greek just aren't the same and even English translations disagree on the nuanced meaning of some words and phrases. More often, the translation we need is cultural ... we think in terms of our known world and culture, and thus need help understanding the intent of God's teaching.
I would love "we" here to mean "others and especially non-believers", but of course "we" includes "me". I need help understanding. I don't know it all, and many times what I "know" is bound to a personal interpretation, understanding, or experience that may not be correct.
I need to more regularly turn to the Holy Spirit for that interpretation. Yes, I believe pastors and other Christians can guide me too, but I do not trust in the Holy Spirit often enough for guidance and life-lessons. I need to lean into the Spirit more often, pray into the Spirit's teaching and knowledge and wisdom, and seek the Spirit's instruction and guidance more often.
Prayer: Lord, I often ask for your Spirit to be with me. However, then I don't seek to interact with the Holy Spirit. May I not just be "Spirit filled", but "Spirit lead". May I listen to the voice, trust in the Spirit's guidance, and allow him to interpret your word for me. Amen.
Observation: Ezra is reading the scriptures to all the remnant that has returned after the exile. However, while reading, 13 other people need to "explain" the law. This explanation is described as 'interpretation'. This was not that the people need to be teaching independent of the word of God - the people weren't having a more detailed explanation of what the law meant or having the plain meaning interpreted for them by a priest. Instead, this is a literal interpretation ... the scriptures were written in Hebrew, and after 70 years of exile the people all speak Aramaic.
This must have been devastating for the returning Jews. They have survived, they have rebuilt Jerusalem, and they are about to celebrate. Their priest begins reading the Law of Moses - the word of God, explicitly documented by Moses, that is to be the cornerstone and foundation of their lives ... the word that they failed to follow that lead to their destruction and now they must not stray again - and they don't speak their own national language well enough to understand it.
The Jews always functioned as independent clans within independent tribes, and even within two different nations. However, they were united by three things: Their designation as God's "chosen" people through ancestry from Abraham; Their traditions and behaviors under The Law; Their own language. God removed his favor because they forsook the Law, and now they find a barrier to recovering those things ... they have lost their language too.
Application: When it comes to understanding Jesus, God, the Bible, we ALL need some translation. In some cases, that translation is language-based ... words in Hebrew and Greek just aren't the same and even English translations disagree on the nuanced meaning of some words and phrases. More often, the translation we need is cultural ... we think in terms of our known world and culture, and thus need help understanding the intent of God's teaching.
I would love "we" here to mean "others and especially non-believers", but of course "we" includes "me". I need help understanding. I don't know it all, and many times what I "know" is bound to a personal interpretation, understanding, or experience that may not be correct.
I need to more regularly turn to the Holy Spirit for that interpretation. Yes, I believe pastors and other Christians can guide me too, but I do not trust in the Holy Spirit often enough for guidance and life-lessons. I need to lean into the Spirit more often, pray into the Spirit's teaching and knowledge and wisdom, and seek the Spirit's instruction and guidance more often.
Prayer: Lord, I often ask for your Spirit to be with me. However, then I don't seek to interact with the Holy Spirit. May I not just be "Spirit filled", but "Spirit lead". May I listen to the voice, trust in the Spirit's guidance, and allow him to interpret your word for me. Amen.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Unelected
Scripture:
While I live I will praise the Lord;
I will sing praises unto my God while I have my life.
Do not put your trust in princes,
nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.
His breath leaves him, and he returns to the earth;
on that very day his plans perish.
Psalms 146:2-4
Observation: Plain and simple ... put your trust in God, not in rulers, princes, presidents, leaders, officials, or any man or woman of the earth.
Application: I am downright distraught over the upcoming election. We are going to elect a person wholly unfit from almost every perspective. It is going to be bad. However, the scriptures remind us over and over again - I am not to place my trust in any elected person anyway. My trust is in the Lord, and the Lord alone. He is my leader, and my hope. He can work his will through whomever and under any circumstance.
My leader isn't elected, and cannot be unelected.
Prayer: Lord, I lift to you our nation and its leaders. On the face of it, we are heading into a dangerous situation. However, you are the Lord of all things, including this nation and its people. You are the only one in control, and your purposes will be carried out on earth regardless of the plots of men. Please be with us through these troubled and divided time, protecting your faithful, feeding the hungry, lifting the downtrodden, releasing those imprisoned by vice and addiction, caring for the fatherless and the widows, and providing justice to all, love for the righteous, and disaster on the wicked. Amen.
While I live I will praise the Lord;
I will sing praises unto my God while I have my life.
Do not put your trust in princes,
nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.
His breath leaves him, and he returns to the earth;
on that very day his plans perish.
Psalms 146:2-4
Observation: Plain and simple ... put your trust in God, not in rulers, princes, presidents, leaders, officials, or any man or woman of the earth.
Application: I am downright distraught over the upcoming election. We are going to elect a person wholly unfit from almost every perspective. It is going to be bad. However, the scriptures remind us over and over again - I am not to place my trust in any elected person anyway. My trust is in the Lord, and the Lord alone. He is my leader, and my hope. He can work his will through whomever and under any circumstance.
My leader isn't elected, and cannot be unelected.
Prayer: Lord, I lift to you our nation and its leaders. On the face of it, we are heading into a dangerous situation. However, you are the Lord of all things, including this nation and its people. You are the only one in control, and your purposes will be carried out on earth regardless of the plots of men. Please be with us through these troubled and divided time, protecting your faithful, feeding the hungry, lifting the downtrodden, releasing those imprisoned by vice and addiction, caring for the fatherless and the widows, and providing justice to all, love for the righteous, and disaster on the wicked. Amen.
Monday, October 10, 2016
Mixed Lies
Scripture: Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.” Luke 23:1-2
Observation: Jesus is accused before Pilot of three things:
Claiming to be Messiah - Jesus did state he was Messiah, which was a valid statement ... it would have been only a crime against the Jews to claim Messiahship if you were not the Messiah.
Subverting 'our' nation - Jesus never subverted any nation or government, though he did oppose the invalid laws imposed by religious leaders and had others who agreed with him.
Opposing payment of taxes - Jesus never did this.
In other words, of these three things, one is a truthful statement, one is a twisted statement, and one is an outright lie. And this is how, in a dispute of the church, one can tell the difference between the just and the unjust. The just will either answer valid questions or remain silent before invalid questions (Jesus does both).
The unjust, however, will make three types of accusations. The will make accusations that are observably truthful though not a wrongdoing unless some other condition applies. They will make misleading accusations by exaggerating a specific fact. And they will outright lie, but do so only in the context of the other two, thus making people who may believe one of the other accusations also believe the lie.
Application: I have discussed this FAR too much in the last two months ... a just claim from a spirit-filled person never contains a lie. Never. The spirit cannot lie. I am glad to see the biblical support for this concept today, and understand how lies intermix with other types of invalid claims. Again, this reinforces what I have known.
Prayer: Lord, please do continue to bless Evergreen Church, and our leaders, pastors, and elders. May our mission in the world bring glory always and only to you. Not upon any man, but may our light only reflect the love of Jesus. Amen.
Observation: Jesus is accused before Pilot of three things:
Claiming to be Messiah - Jesus did state he was Messiah, which was a valid statement ... it would have been only a crime against the Jews to claim Messiahship if you were not the Messiah.
Subverting 'our' nation - Jesus never subverted any nation or government, though he did oppose the invalid laws imposed by religious leaders and had others who agreed with him.
Opposing payment of taxes - Jesus never did this.
In other words, of these three things, one is a truthful statement, one is a twisted statement, and one is an outright lie. And this is how, in a dispute of the church, one can tell the difference between the just and the unjust. The just will either answer valid questions or remain silent before invalid questions (Jesus does both).
The unjust, however, will make three types of accusations. The will make accusations that are observably truthful though not a wrongdoing unless some other condition applies. They will make misleading accusations by exaggerating a specific fact. And they will outright lie, but do so only in the context of the other two, thus making people who may believe one of the other accusations also believe the lie.
Application: I have discussed this FAR too much in the last two months ... a just claim from a spirit-filled person never contains a lie. Never. The spirit cannot lie. I am glad to see the biblical support for this concept today, and understand how lies intermix with other types of invalid claims. Again, this reinforces what I have known.
Prayer: Lord, please do continue to bless Evergreen Church, and our leaders, pastors, and elders. May our mission in the world bring glory always and only to you. Not upon any man, but may our light only reflect the love of Jesus. Amen.
Friday, October 7, 2016
Everybody's God
Scripture: This is a copy of the letter King Artaxerxes had given to Ezra the priest, a teacher of the Law, a man learned in matters concerning the commands and decrees of the Lord for Israel: Artaxerxes, king of kings, To Ezra the priest, teacher of the Law of the God of heaven: Greetings. Ezra 7:11-12
Observation: King Artaxerxes believes that Yahweh - the Lord of Israel - is the true God of heaven. He not only is sending Ezra with his tribute and sacrifices to God, but five times in this letter is declares the Lord as the God of heaven, and three times states God dwells in Jerusalem.
I have observed this before but is bears repeated acknowledgment: Throughout the Old Testament, people and nations that are NOT the Jews believe in Yahweh. They seek to understand him, declare him Lord, honor him, seek prayer and guidance from Levites and priests, and fear his wrath. God is never owned only by the Jews - he was always the God of the entire world. It was only that the Jews were entrusted with the Law, and 'blessed to be a blessing' to others.
Application: May I always remember that God is NOT just the God of Christians, and Jesus does not reserve his love only for those who love him.
The Lord is God of the entire world. His heart breaks for those who do not know him as much as it does for those who bow to him. He loves, rules, judges, blesses, watches, and listens to everyone, everywhere, always.
Jesus is the savior of the entire world. The offer for eternal salvation is open to all, and it is an offer extended as a first gesture, not one withheld until asked for. Salvation is available to those who currently reject Jesus, those who don't know Jesus, those who hate Jesus, and those who have never heard the good news of Jesus.
The Lord was Artaxerxes God of heaven ... he was God to a Persian king as much as he was God to Ezra, an all-knowledgeable priest of Judah. Today he is God to all, not just to us pious Christians.
Prayer: Dear father, I know my sins are deep. I continue to seek your forgiveness and your strength in repentance. I know you love me and I am forgiven through my faith in Jesus - a gift I cannot (and certainly do not) earn. Please also remain jealous for those far from you, for those who do not believe in Jesus or you, or are even hostile toward you. May their hearts turn, for as the only God you are in fact their God, whether they know you or not. Amen.
Observation: King Artaxerxes believes that Yahweh - the Lord of Israel - is the true God of heaven. He not only is sending Ezra with his tribute and sacrifices to God, but five times in this letter is declares the Lord as the God of heaven, and three times states God dwells in Jerusalem.
I have observed this before but is bears repeated acknowledgment: Throughout the Old Testament, people and nations that are NOT the Jews believe in Yahweh. They seek to understand him, declare him Lord, honor him, seek prayer and guidance from Levites and priests, and fear his wrath. God is never owned only by the Jews - he was always the God of the entire world. It was only that the Jews were entrusted with the Law, and 'blessed to be a blessing' to others.
Application: May I always remember that God is NOT just the God of Christians, and Jesus does not reserve his love only for those who love him.
The Lord is God of the entire world. His heart breaks for those who do not know him as much as it does for those who bow to him. He loves, rules, judges, blesses, watches, and listens to everyone, everywhere, always.
Jesus is the savior of the entire world. The offer for eternal salvation is open to all, and it is an offer extended as a first gesture, not one withheld until asked for. Salvation is available to those who currently reject Jesus, those who don't know Jesus, those who hate Jesus, and those who have never heard the good news of Jesus.
The Lord was Artaxerxes God of heaven ... he was God to a Persian king as much as he was God to Ezra, an all-knowledgeable priest of Judah. Today he is God to all, not just to us pious Christians.
Prayer: Dear father, I know my sins are deep. I continue to seek your forgiveness and your strength in repentance. I know you love me and I am forgiven through my faith in Jesus - a gift I cannot (and certainly do not) earn. Please also remain jealous for those far from you, for those who do not believe in Jesus or you, or are even hostile toward you. May their hearts turn, for as the only God you are in fact their God, whether they know you or not. Amen.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Lifting Up My Heart
If you can calm the raging sea,
You can calm the storm in me.
You're never too far away,
You never show up too late.
So here I am lifting up my heart
To the one who holds the stars.
You can calm the storm in me.
You're never too far away,
You never show up too late.
So here I am lifting up my heart
To the one who holds the stars.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Fear of Losing
Scripture: When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:22-27
Observation: This commonly-referenced teaching from Jesus often focuses on the young, rich man who is told to sell all his possessions, becomes sad, and thus Jesus indicates it is hard for the rich to be saved. The teaching is often about the difficulty of sacrifice. However, there is another meaning here.
Jesus is actually telling the rich young man "try to buy your way into heaven by selling absolutely everything you have." He then points out that such an approach to salvation is impossible - like passing a camel through the eye of a needle. However ... God has another way!
The young man was told "you lack one thing" then told to give up everything. It was NOT the giving up of everything he lacked, it was the second part of the instructions ... come, follow Jesus!! The young man feared doing that one thing because of all his other possessions. Selling his riches would not enable salvation, but holding onto them got in the way of it.
Application: I follow Jesus, so what elements of my earthly life get in the way of my faith? The answer comes down to those items I'm afraid to lose. As I have said before, those things revolve around my family and what I have that makes my wife and children secure. Yes, I don't want to lose my job that pays for our house and tuition costs, which also means I don't want to lose my status/rate of pay. And I don't want to lose our house.
However, I also don't want to lose my free time, some of my recreation, our travel and freedom and money affords us. These are the selfish items that Jesus could reasonably ask of me. As a follower of Jesus, I need to prepare to give them up in order to make room for his call and work.
Prayer: Jesus, I know that I am saved through my faith in you. Thank you SO much for your amazing sacrifice, which bought me a priceless gift I could never earn and do not deserve! Please give me the courage to follow you deeper and deeper every day, and so I may better serve you here on earth. Amen.
Observation: This commonly-referenced teaching from Jesus often focuses on the young, rich man who is told to sell all his possessions, becomes sad, and thus Jesus indicates it is hard for the rich to be saved. The teaching is often about the difficulty of sacrifice. However, there is another meaning here.
Jesus is actually telling the rich young man "try to buy your way into heaven by selling absolutely everything you have." He then points out that such an approach to salvation is impossible - like passing a camel through the eye of a needle. However ... God has another way!
The young man was told "you lack one thing" then told to give up everything. It was NOT the giving up of everything he lacked, it was the second part of the instructions ... come, follow Jesus!! The young man feared doing that one thing because of all his other possessions. Selling his riches would not enable salvation, but holding onto them got in the way of it.
Application: I follow Jesus, so what elements of my earthly life get in the way of my faith? The answer comes down to those items I'm afraid to lose. As I have said before, those things revolve around my family and what I have that makes my wife and children secure. Yes, I don't want to lose my job that pays for our house and tuition costs, which also means I don't want to lose my status/rate of pay. And I don't want to lose our house.
However, I also don't want to lose my free time, some of my recreation, our travel and freedom and money affords us. These are the selfish items that Jesus could reasonably ask of me. As a follower of Jesus, I need to prepare to give them up in order to make room for his call and work.
Prayer: Jesus, I know that I am saved through my faith in you. Thank you SO much for your amazing sacrifice, which bought me a priceless gift I could never earn and do not deserve! Please give me the courage to follow you deeper and deeper every day, and so I may better serve you here on earth. Amen.
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Doing Your Job
Scripture: Which of you, having a servant plowing or herding sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come now and sit down for dinner’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare my supper, and dress yourself and serve me until I eat and drink. And afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? I think not. So you also, when you have done everything commanded you, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done our duty.’ Luke 17:7-10
Observation: In discussing the function of faithful disciples, Jesus uses this metaphor of a servant. When a servant performs their duty, they are not then rewarded. Instead, they are assigned to their next task. No one celebrates the fact the servant got their work done, because it was simply expected of them. Jesus explicitly aligns this to the disciples, stating that when they have done everything commanded of them, they are simply to acknowledge that they are 'unprofitable servants' who have done their duty.
Application: When talking to God, have I ever pointed out to him that I should receive some reward due to my faith and belief? That is clearly non-biblical. In all parts of scripture, God rewards based on his own criteria. While he may bless those who believe, even that blessing may not be what we always expect. In the case of people like Noah, Lot, Job, David, Moses, Samson, Daniel ... often their 'blessing' is that their lives are spared (and sometimes not even that), while their homes are destroyed, their loved ones die, and their world is overturned.
The point of Jesus is that we do not serve for profit. We do not serve in order to receive the rewards. We serve - we do our job - period. We do so without worrying about our reward, or without even worrying about what is fair today. Earthly rewards and daily fairness are not part of the deal. The love of God and eternal promise is.
Prayer: Lord, I have had a terrible 18 hours. Please guide me in the next 8 hours to do your will. Help me to change lives positively, to value others, to dismiss the idea that things should be fair, and to serve your purposes out of my situations at work. Amen.
Observation: In discussing the function of faithful disciples, Jesus uses this metaphor of a servant. When a servant performs their duty, they are not then rewarded. Instead, they are assigned to their next task. No one celebrates the fact the servant got their work done, because it was simply expected of them. Jesus explicitly aligns this to the disciples, stating that when they have done everything commanded of them, they are simply to acknowledge that they are 'unprofitable servants' who have done their duty.
Application: When talking to God, have I ever pointed out to him that I should receive some reward due to my faith and belief? That is clearly non-biblical. In all parts of scripture, God rewards based on his own criteria. While he may bless those who believe, even that blessing may not be what we always expect. In the case of people like Noah, Lot, Job, David, Moses, Samson, Daniel ... often their 'blessing' is that their lives are spared (and sometimes not even that), while their homes are destroyed, their loved ones die, and their world is overturned.
The point of Jesus is that we do not serve for profit. We do not serve in order to receive the rewards. We serve - we do our job - period. We do so without worrying about our reward, or without even worrying about what is fair today. Earthly rewards and daily fairness are not part of the deal. The love of God and eternal promise is.
Prayer: Lord, I have had a terrible 18 hours. Please guide me in the next 8 hours to do your will. Help me to change lives positively, to value others, to dismiss the idea that things should be fair, and to serve your purposes out of my situations at work. Amen.
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