Calling Out the Judges

Scripture: You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets have your fathers not persecuted? They have even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become the betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the disposition of angels, but have not kept it. Acts 7:51-53

Observation: Stephen has been arrested for his faith and will be stoned to death for his belief in Jesus Christ as Messiah. However, at his trial, he gives a very interesting defense. He does not defend himself, his faith, or prove Jesus' status. He does not explain "Christianity". Instead, he walks through all of Jewish history - from Abraham's first call from God, to Moses and the exodus, to all the prophets - and arrives at one definitive summary:

By continually rejecting every element of the Holy Spirit, the Jews are unworthy to judge those being faithful to God.

The Jews have rejected God's words and promises, laws and warnings. As such, it is no wonder they have now rejected, betrayed, and murdered the Messiah. It could even be said that the greatest proof of Jesus' lordship is this ... the Jews rejected him.

The most interesting phrase is this: "You always resist the Holy Spirit." It was always by the Spirit that the prophets received the word of God. In the times of the patriarchs and prophets, the Spirit would interact with a very limited set of individuals, chosen as God's messengers to the Jews. Jesus then promised the Holy Spirit to all believers. It is true, then, that by the Jews rejecting everyone who is of the Spirit, they have had a history of reacting to and resisting the Holy Spirit itself.

Application: The Spirit always leaves a mark on people, and clearly this mark bothers others. Since the Holy Spirit was active in Israel, it bothered the Jews. Now that the Spirit is active in the entire world, it bothers so many others.

Am I truly marked? Sometimes I feel I am. However, I am not 'bothering' anyone. There have been very few times (though their HAVE been some) when someone has lashed out at me over a matter of faith. Now days, in the U.S., there is much more likely to be personal confrontation over political alignment. However, the continued persecution of the Church in general will continue.

Again, though ... am I marked by the Spirit? Am I bothering anyone? Are there people who seek to reject me personally as a reaction to my general demeanor only? Are there people angered by my light of love mixed with the salty truth?

Prayer: Lord, again I ask for your Spirit to dwell within me in true power. I know you are in my heart, and I know I believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and savior, and I know I trust the Holy Spirit. May your same Spirit shine through me and affect others. May it show everyone love, and if that love offends some, so be it. I would gladly stand beside Stephen. Amen.

A Strange Request

Scripture: Tell the children of Israel to bring Me an offering. From every man who gives willingly with his heart you shall receive My offering. This is the offering which you shall take from them: gold, silver, and bronze, blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats’ hair, rams’ skins dyed red, porpoise skins, acacia wood, oil for the light, spices for anointing oil and for fragrant incense, onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate. Exodus 25:2-7

Observation: Of all the things needed for the tabernacle, the strangest must be ... porpoise skin. How was this even something the Israelites had? They left Egypt, to wandered into the wilderness, and eventually go to Canaan. The likelihood of having porpoise skin was low, and the usefulness of it was even less. Yet certainly they must have it, for God asks for it to be offered.

Application: In all of this, I can only wonder ... what do I have that I don't need, and may not even know I have, that God wants from me? I would gladly give it. I suspect this might come out in the next 10 weeks. Maybe he wants more serious attention. Maybe he just wants me to start showing up again. Maybe he actually wants something material that I don't know about. I am certain I will see.

Prayer: Lord, may I be worthy of you tonight. I hope to be able to serve you by simply serving others, listening to them, and helping them discover something about your truth and your meaning of life. May I stay out of the way, and at least not screw up. Amen.

The Once and Future Priests

Scripture: Now therefore, if you will faithfully obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My special possession out of all the nations, for all the earth is Mine. And you will be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel. Exodus 19:5-6

Observation: God uses three phrases to describe his intentions for the people of Israel:

-- My special possession
-- A kingdom of priests
-- A holy nation

In all these things, again he states that all the earth belongs to God. Israel is not to be the sole believers of God, but they are to serve a special purpose ... they are to have a specific relationship with God and with all other people groups.

Application: I am not sure why this theme is being brought into my heart lately. Even today, I saw it repeated also in Acts 3, when Peter tells the people they are part of the Abrahamic covenant whereby "all the families of the earth be blessed".

God was always the God of the 'gentiles'. He was always acting in the lives of people throughout the entire earth. While he might have special attention on Israel, this is as a vehicle to deliver his purposes.

I think my question today, then, is whether that attention has fully passed to 'the Church', has remained fully with Israel, or is divided. The Church is now the kingdom of priests pronouncing the good news of Jesus. If it is the linear continuation of Israel - with Jesus as the continuation of Moses as Peter also proclaims - then it would seem Israel does not have a special designation anymore. However, if this is just a branching of purposes - one striving to teach others of salvation and the other protecting both land and tradition for God's long-term objectives - then that carries with it a different perspective. I do not think I understand that perspective, but I continue to seek understanding.

Prayer: Lord, you are so great, so powerful, and so amazing. Your past acts prove both your authority and your love for us all. May I love the world as you love it, caring about all people even as we all struggle to obey your commands. Amen.

Murmuring Against God

Scripture: So Moses and Aaron said to all the children of Israel, “At evening, you shall know that the Lord has brought you out from the land of Egypt. And in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because He hears your murmurings against the Lord. And what are we that you murmur against us?” Exodus 16:6-7

Observation: Later, Moses makes a mistake and acts as if by his own authority, for which he is punished. However, here we see that Moses fully understood the relationship between Yahweh, himself, and the Israelites. When the Israelites "murmured against Moses", he know they were really murmuring against God. When the people question Moses about bringing them into the wilderness, that it was God who brought them into the wilderness. When the people blame Moses for the fact they are hungry, they are really challenging God's ability to provide.

Application: I believe God has placed me in this place, at this time. I believe he orders my steps and controls the path of my life. Then I get frustrated about daily events, challenges, and issues. I get upset with individuals and their decisions. It is very likely that, when I do this, I am murmuring against God. I am failing to connect my trust that he has put me in this situation, with my frustration within that situation ... and thus realize that my frustration is directed at God.

Of course, the solution is NOT to become frustrated at God instead of at others! The solution is to not become frustrated. I must understand God's sovereign control and allow his purposes to unfold. I must not murmur or grumble or complain. When things get tough, God has a reason ... maybe his reason is as simple as he has blessed me with certain gifts and knows I can handle tough things and thus serve others. It is either a test to see if I will be faithful with little things, or a call to serve others, and I need to respond accordingly.

Prayer: Father, you know these few weeks have and will be difficult. I have declared I will surrender my concern to you, yet I am still holding on to too much. Please be with me and Laurie today. Calm us both and keep us in your comforting hands. Help us truly serve others by aiding them in clarifying value and purpose in their lives, and let me be someone who absorbs issues and problems in order to ease their daily burdens. I see their broken situations. Only you can restore them fully, but I am here to aid. Send me. Amen.

The Great Clarification

Scripture: So when they had come together, they asked Him, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or the dates, which the Father has fixed by His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:6-8

Observation: The "great commission" was spoken not just as a final order, but also as a response and clarification to a misinterpretation of the disciples.

Just as Jesus is completing his time on earth, the disciples ask if he will now restore the kingdom to Israel. Jesus' response, then in twofold. He first answers the "at this time" question ... they are not to be told the date and time. Second, he addresses the "to Israel" clause ... Jesus' salvation is for the entire world, so while they may start in Jerusalem and Judea, they must also go to the entire world.

Application: Even in this final moment, Jesus gives an example of how to properly respond to a question that has one-too-many assumptions in it. The disciples assume his full salvation is for the Jews, and he gently corrects them with an answer that, instead of responding, gives alternative instructions.

I am reminded that God's responses to my prayers have often taken this form. I do not receive direct responses to my prayers, but may instead receive clear leading and instructions in a manner that will later connect to my prayer.

I find myself now in need of such guidance. However, I am having difficulty even formulating my prayers. They seem to focus around very specific activities at work. I know God cares about me and my situation, but I am confident my issues are trivial at best, and unworthy of my concern since I am to place my trust in him instead. That said, even things I don't fret about still require proper action.

In this time, I have been seeking ways to adopt better daily practices and habits. Prayer - as I've said before - needs to make the list of something I do well every day. In this manner, I can receive God's clarifying correction, and be open to his loving and fruitful instructions.

Prayer: Dear Lord and father, you know my heart and my challenges. You know my worries and my struggles. May I bring these to you not for resolution, but for clarification. I do not seek solutions, but guidance. Help me in my daily walk so that I may improve the lives of others by bringing you love into this place. Amen.

A Confusing Timeline

Scripture: These are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, and the years of the life of Levi were one hundred and thirty-seven years. ... The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, and the years of the life of Kohath were one hundred and thirty-three years. ... Now Amram married Jochebed his father’s sister, and she bore him Aaron and Moses. And the years of the life of Amram were one hundred and thirty-seven years. Exodus 6:16,18,20

Observation: In discussing the lineage of Moses, the author tracks Levi, to Kohath, to Amram, to Moses. The collective ages of Levi, Kohath, and Amram is 407 years old. By this lineage, Moses is the great grandson of Levi (or even just his grandson if it is true Amram married his aunt and thus the connection between Levi and Moses is one generation shorter on his mother's side).

So how long were the Jews in Egypt? Was it 400 years as is commonly taught? Or was it more like 150 - four generations?

These are places where the Bible in confusing, and for confusing reasons. If it does not matter how long the Jews were in Egypt and correspondingly in captivity, then why document it at all? If it does matter, then why is it confusing. Keep in mind the "shorter" duration would also mean that, given Levi's age at the time the Jews entered Egypt, that the sons of Jacob may have died as little as 40 years prior to the exodus, and all these subsequent generations were still alive. This fact would create a different understanding of the narrative of the patriarchs, as the stories of Genesis would still be just second-hand accounts (in the case of Jacob's sons).

Again, I did some research. One source says Jacob went down to Egypt in 1875 BC, died in 1859 BC, then the Exodus occurred in 1446 BC (413 years after Jacob's death). I found another source marking Jacob's entry in Egypt at 1711 BC and the Exodus at 1496 BC (215 years). This cannot be reconciled against the generation record of Moses.

Application: Again, while I am trying to figure out what is important in the Bible, I find new concepts. For example: One idea is there are biblical statements about the Jews misery lasting 430 years ... yet other statements that that number included the 215 years from Abraham's call to Jacob's move to Egypt ... just a perfect half-way point. The bottom line is that I will likely never understand the facts of the Bible. Yet another reason why debating facts is a waste of time for most 'laymen'.

Prayer: Lord, please provide me with your wisdom in my continued work over the next two weeks. Amen.

Misplaced Loyalty

Scripture: One day, as He taught the people in the temple and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up to Him, and said to Him, “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Who is he who gave You this authority?” He answered them, “I will also ask you one thing. Answer Me: Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?” They debated with themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.” So they answered that they did not know where it was from. Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” Luke 20:1-8

Observation: While it appears Jesus refuses to answer the question from the scribes about his authority, he in fact has made them answer it. Jesus and John have the same source of authority, as both a part of the same prophesy - John was the foretold prophet in the wilderness that prepared the way for Messiah.

The scribes deduced two possible answers to Jesus' question: John received his authority because either he was a prophet of God, or because the people believed him to be a prophet of God. Jesus' authority to teach is exactly the same ... he has that authority either because God granted him that authority, or because the people believe in him and therefore have granted him the authority. In other words, the scribes have answered their own question.

The mistake of the scribes, therefore, is fully in their understanding of the two possible answers: They fail to fear the authority of God, yet they do fear the opinions of the people. Jesus refuses to answer not because he fears the scribes, but because the scribes' loyalty is upside-down and thus no true answer can be correct in their context.

Application: This is an interesting insight into how even Jesus needed to reveal himself to the unfaithful world. In some situations (like the woman at the well for one), the context of the hearer was in line with God's truth and thus he could be direct. However, in the case where a non-believer has a complete misunderstanding about God's truth, clear answers cannot work because of the context of the receiver.

Today, the message of Jesus often falls on deaf ears because so many have vacated God's truth. For example, a message of love is rejected in the context of gay marriage. The message of salvation is rejected in the context of self-sufficiency. The message of blessing is rejected in the context of random violence.

Again I find this fact that Jesus knew: In many cases, the problem is not with understanding the answers, but in understanding the question. When a non-believer's question begins with an invalid assumption - like the scribes assumption that they should fear people more than God - helping others cannot begin by answering the question. It must begin by questioning the question.

Prayer: Lord, today please show me proper context in my interactions with others. Help me to understand how I may help others get to a point in their lives where their questions can be answered. Amen.

Jacob's Point of Departure

Scripture: Then He said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand shall close your eyes.” Genesis 46:3-4

Observation: Neither Jacob nor any of his sons have yet expressed concern about going to Egypt, according to the text. They have accepted the plan to move most of their items to Egypt, and for Jacob to be included in the trek to see Joseph. Yet here when they are already on the way, God tells Jacob not be afraid.

The location of this event is interesting. Beersheba has appeared several time already in Genesis. It was a place of a dispute with Abraham about a well, and another resolution involving Isaac. It is also the place where Jacob saw a ladder going up and down to heaven, and declared that God was in that place. This, then is a place of a beginning and an ending for Jacob. His first encounter with God at Beersheba was the first time he accepted God as his God, and the first time he thus accepted the mantel of the covenant. Now, it is the last place he speaks to God before leaving the 'promised land' to which his descendants will have to return. In other words, this is the point of his first and last encounters with God in Canaan.

Application: Jacob is a challenging figure for me. It seems he never fully "buys into" God, yet he might have the most real and personal encounters with God. In this last one, despite Jacob continuing his prideful strength, God knows his heart and comforts him with a "do not be afraid" pronouncement.

Jacob might be the patriarch I most identify with. I wrestle with God still. I work on my own for my own ends ... not quite like working 14 years for Rachael, but certainly working instead of praying and trusting. Despite having faith, I am surprised when God shows up. I try to solve my own problems. When Jacob did those things, God let him flounder and then loved him, lead him, advised him, and rewarded him. It would be better if I just put more trust in God to make things easier on myself.

Prayer: Dear Lord, as I said last night, my next three weeks will be busy and stressful. I turn that over to you. Please lead me. I will listen, and yes there are challenges to be solved, but I will follow your direction and most of all listen for that direction. I seek your hand and your guidance in my everyday life, in my holy vocation, in my daily walk. Amen.

A Praiseful Response

Scripture: As He entered a village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood at a distance. They lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned with a loud voice glorifying God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. Jesus said, “Were not the ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Were there not any found to return and give glory to God except this foreigner?” Then He said to him, “Rise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:12-19

Observation: The simple fact is that Jesus healed 10 men, but only one came and thanked him for it. That one was a Samaritan, not a Jew, and Jesus acknowledges that he is the only one who has come to not only give thanks to Jesus but to worship God. The real question, then is wondering why the others do not return. Understanding they are certainly happy about being healed, there are three likely reasons they did not return.

The first possibility is that they went to someone else to celebrate. They may have returned to their families. So even though God had given them a great gift, they chose to place others ahead of God in their priorities and celebrating.

The second is that they failed to give God and Jesus credit. Jesus did not touch them or take action to clean them, and it is possible they failed to connect their good fortune with Jesus. Instead, they somehow determined there was some other reason for their healing, and didn't acknowledge it as a result of Jesus acting in their lives.

The third possibility is that they were not believers, and nothing was going to change their belief system. Even having their lives completely altered was not going to overcome hearts hardened by their bad lives, and they effectively rejected the concept of God's mercy.

Application: These three issues exist in so many circumstances today. God acts in the world, and everyone decides how to respond, but it is the exception that the first response is worship.

I like this idea of worship as the proper response. This isn't about prayer or giving being the response, or going somewhere to celebrate, but it is about worship. The one man came in a loud voice glorifying God, falling to the ground to worship as has act of thankfulness.

This is a proper response to God's love and grace ... worship and thanksgiving. This is a worship directed toward God explicitly and immediately. He is not a secondary recipient of praise. He is not to be ignored as the provider of blessing. And he is certainly to be acknowledged as God.

Prayer: Dear Lord, may I be quick to worship. I do not want to just be quick to pray and acknowledge, though I want to do those things too, but I want to truly worship you and praise you. I raise my eyes to you and know my help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. May your praise forever be in my mouth. Amen.

Everything is Possible

After reading today, I have almost identical thoughts as I did last year related to Jacob, Leban, and Esau. Therefore, instead of writing, I will go with the latest video from one of my favorite bands, Sidewalk Prophets ...

Neutral and Non-Neutral Pestering

Scripture: Then He said to them, “Which of you has a friend and shall go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine on his journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give you anything’? I say to you, though he will not rise and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as much as he needs. Luke 11:5-8

Observation: As Jesus is teaching about prayer - and has just taught the disciples "The Lord's Prayer", he then explains prayer thusly ... even if you are disinclined to help a friend due to other reasons and circumstances, yet you will help if for not other reason than their persistence in asking, and so it is with prayer.

God answers prayer because we ask.

Application: I do not believe we can truly alter the mind of God, and I am confident we cannot alter or change his will. However, I do think there are things about which God is neutral - elements of life where God can work his will through any number of circumstances, and our asking therefore becomes something he is willing to respond to. These 'neutral' situations may not be 'trivial' matters, but might be ... healing of a loved one, assistance through a challenge in life, earthly debt or needs.

There is one thing about which God will never be neutral, and that is salvation and belief in Jesus. And Jesus never taught anyone to pray for an individual to change their heart. He and the apostles pray for people, pray for believers, pray for protection of others, and pray for guidance of hearts and minds of others. However, they never pray for someone to "believe".

I do this all the time. Maybe I need to focus my thoughts differently. God is not neutral to the belief of others. He is not neutral to the point of sacrificing his own son for that belief. Therefore my prayer does not motivate God to reach that individual. I need to think about the nature of my prayer with God, what perhaps what are the 'neutral' situations in which our conversations may in fact yield fruit.

Prayer: Dear Lord, you are all powerful and all knowing. Most of all, you are all loving. I ask your love to be poured upon your world this day. May we all be more patient, kinder, and loving, especially as it comes to interacting with those who do not know you, so that your kingdom will come in just a little more reality to those people. Amen.

Unexplained Grief

Scripture: Esau was forty years old when he took as wives Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and they brought grief to Isaac and to Rebekah. Genesis 26:34-35

Observation: Near the end of the passages about Isaac, there is suddenly one sentence about Esau taking two Hittite wives, with the statement that "they brought grief to Isaac and to Rebekah". Again, this is completely out of the blue - Esau wasn't even previously mentioned in the chapter. This begs the question, what type of grief could these two women have brought upon Isaac and Rebekah, but without any explanation in the text and no future reference to strife?

The one possible explanation from the text is that they were Hittites, and therefore taking them as wives violates prior instructions from God. Thus, their grief could be that Esau has continued his path away from his family and away from the covenant bond between their family and God. Esau already surrendered his inheritance, and now turns away from the promises of God. In this, Esau is really demonstrating impatience and disdain for long-term benefits.

-- He has chosen to ignore God's covenant and thus the possible legacy of his offspring.

-- He has chosen to forgo his future inheritance and thus future riches from a very rich father.

-- In return, he has received one good meal and two likely lovely women (their names mean "she will be praised" and "sweet smelling" ... yes, had to look that up ... but clearly these are complimentary names).

Application: When walked through methodically, the lesson of Esau becomes obvious. God makes a covenant promise for long-term and eternal blessing, and some instead choose earthly pleasure and surrender that blessing even with full knowledge of what they are forgoing. This decision isn't accidental - it is purposeful and informed, and whether it is performed methodically or hastily it is a reflection of a decision to reject God's promise.

Esau is all of us ... fully informed but worldly minded people, who make decisions every day about whether we will accept God's eternal promises or instead pursue short-term earthly gains. Too often, everyone - including me - choose the earthly gains. I seek a boost to my personal pride instead of humility toward another person. I choose fun instead of disciplined learning. I choose evil thoughts instead of meditation on the word.

Like Esau, I don't do this out of ignorance. I am fully aware of God's instructions and Jesus' teaching, and I act differently. For most around me, they too don't reject God out of complete ignorance. Even those with little understanding of Jesus have a basic concept of the Gospel message - eternal life through faith - and actively reject the concept. Today's pleasure is more important than eternal joy. And our acts grieve our dad, God, just like Esau grieved Isaac and Rebekah.

Prayer: Abba, daddy, I believe in you, I believe in Jesus, and I believe in your promises. Please forgive me when I possess a short-term way of life, and behave thinking about only today's opportunities and issues. I seek an eternal outlook, a kingdom view, and a heavenly mindset. May my actions reflect a 10,000 year plan, not a "Tuesday" plan. Amen.

Bilateral Religious Prejudice

Scripture: When the time came for Him to be received up, He was steadfastly set to go to Jerusalem, and sent messengers ahead of Him. They went and entered a village of the Samaritans to make things ready for Him, but they did not receive Him, because He was set to go to Jerusalem. When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, even as Elijah did?” But He turned and rebuked them and said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village. Luke 9:51-56

Observation: There are two things going on here, and both of them have to do with religious prejudice.

First, the Samaritans won't accept Jesus staying in their village because he is on his way to Jerusalem for the celebration of Passover. As we know from the woman at the well, not only do the Jews and Samaritans not agree over their Judaic practices, but the practice most front-of-mind is proper worship. The Jews believe the faithful must go to the temple in Jerusalem, while the Samaritans go to worship on mountains. Therefore, the Samaritans are discriminating against Jesus not because he is the Messiah, but because he is any Jew going to Jerusalem. They are discriminating against his religious practices.

Second, James and John are prepared to destroy anyone who does not honor Jesus. There is no room in their hearts for growth or repentance - as soon as the Samaritan village has rejected Jesus, they are ready to curse it. Jesus rebukes them, declaring that they are still failing to understand the true spirit of the teaching of Jesus. Whether or not the Samaritans are in the wrong, they are to first be loved and saved, and that is the mission of the faithful.

Application: This is too obviously parallel to today's world. As always, it is amazing how the unchanged word of God applies to all times and generations.

How often are Christians today being rejected socially due to basic practices non-believers don't understand, like Sunday church attendance, belief in prayer and miracles, and faithful marriage? And how often are Christians quick and ready to attack and destroy those who, through their beliefs and/or lifestyles, reject Jesus ... people groups like homosexuals, Muslims, and unmarried families?

It is critical to note that Jesus did NOT go to the Samaritan village and correct them. He corrected James and John - the core leaders of his faithful followers. This "issues" was only addressed to them ... they were thinking/acting outside of the spirit of God's love.

So this is the lesson here. The Church is to always think and act toward others in the spirit of love. The actions of others against Christians will either be sorted out, or judged by God in his time.

Prayer: Lord, I start this week prepared to love others. May my actions align to your will, and may I love others and seek good for them in all things. I have power and authority to help many, and pray that I keep that focus this week. Amen.

A Promise with Many Purposes

Scripture: So He said to him, "Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon." Then Abram brought all of these to Him and cut them in two and laid each piece opposite the other, but he did not cut the birds in half. ... When the sun went down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot with a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great Euphrates River." Genesis 15:9-10,17-18

Observation: In the passage with the most detailed information about Abraham's future inheritance of the land, there is this confusing offering. God asks for three animals and two birds. Abraham prepares them and leaves them out, then that night the Spirit of God walks between them all. God then declares Abraham will receive NOT just the "promised land" but effectively the entire middle-east. Based on the river boundaries, this includes AT LEAST parts of eight modern-day countries, and perhaps as many as 15. These 15 countries today represent the heart of all modern religious conflict in the world - a conflict that is primarily centered around Islam versus Israel (though now progresses to a more global version that is seemingly Islam vs. everything).

We then see over the next few chapters, two sons born. The oldest will be blessed by God, will be the founder of many nations, but will NOT be the covenant son of Abraham. The youngest will be blessed by God, will be the founder of ONE nation, will be the bringer of blessing through kings to the world, and WILL be the covenant son of Abraham. However, we also know that one nation will NOT possesses all this territory promised Abraham, but rather only a small portion. Meanwhile the older son is typically considered the father of the other nations, or at least the line through which Islam identifies its connection to God.

And the offering of Abraham ... it is divided into two pieces, and the Spirit of God walks between all the pieces.

So I openly wonder ... did God always intend for their to be two sons, with two portions of reward, who would be divided one against another?

Application: I can of course answer that question. God did know there would be two sons, he knew he would reward both, and he promised all that to Abraham. However, his master purpose was to create a covenant people through whom his son Jesus would come and bless the world with the gift of eternal salvation.

As Christians, I think we struggle with the idea that God could be working toward multiple outcomes in situations in our lives. God is SO huge that he can work toward the long-term, multi-millennial outcome of billions of people, while executing on his "redemption of the entire world" plan simultaneously. So of course he can address our daily challenge at work, and our problem with our family, and struggling health, all through one or two actions.

God promised a land to Abraham, and perhaps meant it specifically for the chosen people of the Jews AND for 14 other people-groups almost continually at conflict with the Jews. So when God shows blessing or direction in my life, it would be foolish to think it is for one and only one purpose or outcome.

Prayer: Lord, it has been a year since your guided me to leave a long-term job and make a change. I heard your call and understood the goal. I know there must be MANY objectives for why I am now where I am. Please continue to lead me in doing your will daily, here in my holy vocation, and guide me to each and every purpose you have for me, for others, and for your loved humanity. Amen.

God's Many Meanings (Maybe)

Scripture: After Lot had departed from him, the Lord said to Abram, "Lift up now your eyes, and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward. All the land that you see I will give to you and to your descendants forever. I will make your descendants like the dust of the earth, so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants could also be numbered. Genesis 13:14-16

Observation: God's promise to Abraham has always been understood to involve turning his descendants into a huge nation with so many people they cannot be counted. However, that isn't QUITE what God actually says in this interpretation. God says his descendants will be "like the dust of the earth." Yes, he stipulates that the dust cannot be counted by man, implying large numbers. However, there are other reasons why a human cannot count the dust of the earth:

-- It is everywhere.
-- It is blown around by even small breezes.
-- It is hard to collect.
-- It is nearly impossible to control.
-- It is impossible to identify one speck from another.

Then there is this - dust is ... irritating. It affects our eyes, nose, and throat, causing problems without us even knowing what the problem is and usually about our ability to prevent it.

So God called Abraham's nation of descendants "dust" that cannot be counted by man. Eventually the Israelites would be scattered, difficult to identify, with multiple men and people-groups in history striving to collect and control them, and irritating to their neighbor nations for reasons generally hard to understand. It seems God's "dust" metaphor might not have just been about numbers.  Maybe.

Application: All believers - myself included - seek to know God's will and follow his instructions. That become complicated when certain elements of God's will can be interpreted differently. If "dust" can mean "an incomprehensible number" but it can also mean "a totally uncontrollable, scattered irritant" ... then it's no wonder we get confused by topics ranging from ritual law, to the meaning of a treasure hidden in a field.

This reinforces a message from yesterday, about only engaging on very important "issues" and not trivial elements of faith. One very good reason not to engage on the trivial is that it can be very, very difficult to truly know the "right" information. Some scholars take years studying just one or two topical elements of God's word, so certainly I cannot know it all.

That said, the BIG issues - those items that are not open for negotiation, like Jesus' lordship - also do not have multiple biblical interpretations. They even have multiple statements that are both clear and consistent. These are the truths to cling to.

Prayer: Lord, may I seek your will in all matters every day. In addition, may I be careful of my interpretation and understanding of your will. Please help me to not let my biases or desires influence my understanding of you. Instead, may I be open to your pure word, spoken into me as an empty vessel, to then act upon your true heart of love. Amen.

Work and Faith Alignment

Scripture: The people asked him, “What then must we do?” John answered, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none. And he who has food, let him do likewise.” Then tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what must we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed you.” Then the soldiers likewise demanded of him, “And what must we do?” He said to them, “Do no violence to anyone nor accuse any falsely, and be content with your wages.” Luke 3:10-14

Observation: The people, in turning to John the Baptist for wisdom, both explicit and expected instructions for how to align themselves with God. They are to ... be kind to the poor, be honest in their dealings, and not to steal. John doesn't tell soldiers to stop being soldiers, or tax collectors to stop collecting taxes. He tells them to be honest, be content, do not do violence, and not to take what isn't rightfully theirs to take.

In other words, they are to do their jobs in a manner consistent with God's teachings.

Application: As I prepare to begin the new year, I must think about how I will align my work to God's word, teaching, and expectations in my life. I am to change lives through Jesus even at my place of work. The challenge is finding the right means for this, and I can think of three taught by John.

First, I must care for the weak. This includes seeking ways to foster joy and confidence in my teams. Second, I must perform my job consistent with its mission. I must not seek my own advancement by manipulating or overreaching, but rather I must simply perform my job very well. Third, I myself must exhibit contentment. I must be calm and uplifting at work so as not to agitate others.

These would be three basic areas to begin a new year based on my holy vocation.

Prayer: Lord, I seek your will and your way, both in my daily walk with you and my daily work. May these not be two separate things. May my time at work be part of my walk with you, and may there always be evidence of that fact. Amen.