Salvation is an Act of Relationship

Scripture: As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Mark 10:17

Observation: When the "rich young ruler" (as he is sometimes known) comes to Jesus, he has one question - what must he do to inherit eternal life. Jesus first gives an answer about following the commandments, and the young man confirm he in fact already does all that. In other words, this young man completely and totally obeys all of the law - both those components that related to his relationship with God (which is implicitly why he calls Jesus 'good') and his relations with others (the commands he confirms). And yet, he fully understands that something is lacking. The young man knows that total compliance with the law ... just isn't what it takes to inherit eternal life.

Studies often focus on what happens next - the man is told to give up his possessions and follow Jesus, and he balks because he is rich. However, it is this man's understanding of the insufficiency of the law to redeem us that triggered this conversation in the first place. This wasn't about an unbelieving heathen or sinful wretch searching for redemption ... this is about a faithful and honorable person, fully obedient to God, who knows that it just isn't enough. The fact he balks at the answer - give up everything and have a relationship with Jesus - overshadows the fact that he understands that simple obedience isn't the answer.

Application: The entire topic of salvation comes down to a relationship with Jesus. None of my acts of compliance can earn it, and actually none of my acts of sin can forfeit it. Yes, my sins sometimes exhibit a lack of trust or understanding that I need to correct, but even that is in the context of my faith and relationship with Jesus.

This is what meditating on the word is about. It is not about learning what to do, but about finding time with God, learning about Jesus as a person, and refining my thoughts to be more like him.

The rich young ruler knew legal compliance wasn't the answer. I now know that the answer is relational.

Prayer: Lord, this day may I improve my relationship with you. May I spend time with you, in my head, and in my heart, seeing you in my daily walk. You are here at work, and you are in my home. May I seek time with you in both places. Amen.

Desiring Just One Thing

Scripture:
I have asked one thing from the Lord;
it is what I desire:
to dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
gazing on the beauty of the Lord
and seeking Him in His temple.
Psalm 27:4

Observation: The author, David, recognized one great fact - in the end, while one may pray for protection, wisdom, strength, success, peace, and prosperity, there is actually only one thing to be asked from God ... to reside with him in his glory in heaven. This is the objective of life, to serve and worship the Lord, and through salvation granted by him to spend eternity in his presence.

Application: In all my prayers - whether I seek calmness at work, the ability to aid others, wisdom to do right, strength to avoid sin - this is the goal ... to please the Lord, demonstrate my belief and faith in Jesus, and receive the free gift of salvation. This is my belief and trust. I believe in the Lord, mighty and sovereign over creation, and also loving and just to his created. He has provided us with an understanding of good, the ability to select free will on a daily basis, but also a path to justification when our free will fails us. All of this is from his good and perfect love.

I only wish to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. I am not worthy of such an honor, but the Lord has provided a way. I am so very grateful, and ask for so many other things simply so I can strive to serve the Lord out of that gratitude.

Prayer: Lord, may I serve you well today. I know I will struggle and fail to do your perfect will, and I thank you for providing Jesus as a way to cover my sins through simple belief. I hope to be one of your small lights in this dark world today. Amen.

Making a Guest Appearance

Scripture: Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. Mark 9:4

Observation: During the transfiguration, these two great prophets appear and converse with Jesus. We never learn their conversation. However, the fact it is the two of them seems odd.

Elijah is on the mind of everyone due to a prophesy that Elijah will precede the Messiah. It was not fully understood that the prophesy relates to one who will have Elijah's message of national repentance, and that John the Baptist was this Elijah. That said, Elijah makes sense as someone who would return, as he was "taken up in a whirlwind" and did not die.

The same cannot be said for Moses. Moses died and was buried, though his burial was performed by God himself and no one every knew where it was. Whatever the case, it was understood that - in this matter of death - Moses and Elijah are very different.

So why are Moses and Elijah the two prophets who arrive to talk to Jesus? Why would it not be ... Elisha who had twice the portion of the spirit as Elijah, or Isaiah who wrote the majority of the messianic prophesies, or David the king and the man after God's own heart? To me, these don't seem like the obvious choices, and if they are it isn't because they have the same qualifications.

Or ... maybe they do. Both Moses and Elijah had ministries to large national groups. Moses lead the entire nation of Israel. Elijah had a mission to attempt to change the entire nation of Israel before it was too late to repent. Both dealt with national leaders who could not or would not remain true to God, and both were forced to pronounce God's judgment as a result. That judgment might be a plague of snakes, or wandering in the desert, or a total lack of rain. Both also were persecuted by the authorities. Moses fled Egypt and later was threatened by Israel's weary leaders, while Elijah ran from the king and lived in hiding while fed by ravens.

While that seems, then, what Moses and Elijah may have discussed with Jesus, that really can't be. They could not have been there to give Jesus council. They must have been there for companionship. These are men who completely and totally walked with God. Moses spoke to God face to face. Elijah was taken up by God will still living. These men are God's friends ... they are Jesus' friends. It seems, then this isn't necessarily about Jesus seeking advisors from the great prophets of history, but rather Jesus seeking time with his friends.

Application: While I have NO basis for these thoughts, I am glad that God allows room for us to explore his teaching. If true, this understanding of God's word gives us an understanding of his nature, specifically that he values friendships and companions. It is possible for Jesus to enjoy our company.

While this applies best to someone who themselves fully trusts and confides in the Lord - an attitude with which most of us struggle daily - it still provides and understanding of Jesus' love for all.

Prayer: Lord, may I focus on you today and every day. Clear my head of worldly items, and help me meditate on your word day and night. I need my head filled with your word, and not other thoughts. I seek to someday be called your friend, and ask for your assistance in preparing my heart for such love. Amen.

And He Laughs at Me

But the voice of truth
Tells me a different story,
The voice of truth
says do not be afraid.

Sin as an Excuse for Sin

Scripture: "Don’t be enraged, my lord," Aaron replied. "You yourself know that the people are intent on evil." Exodus 32:22

Observation: With Moses on the mountain receiving instructions from God, including the 10 commandments, the people create the golden calf and immediately break the commandments. Confronted, this is Aaron's first and immediate reply ... the people are evil, and therefore they are going to sin.

Application: Yes, I am evil. And yes, I am going to sin. That is not an excuse to sin. My weakness cannot be used as a reason for disobedience, or I will indeed stand before God's judgment at the appointed time as he indicates later in this chapter.

Prayer: Dear Lord, please do forgive me of my daily sins. I sin by action and by thought, and I know I am evil. I have only the forgiveness of Jesus to rely upon for protection from judgment, not any hope that I can avoid sin in my life forever. I thank you for your love in providing such a remedy, so that I may seek a relationship with you. Again, I am sorry for my ways, and rely upon Jesus as my salvation and intercessor before you. Please forgive me. Amen.

Example of Total Faith

Scripture: He instructed them to take nothing for the road except a walking stick: no bread, no traveling bag, no money in their belts. They were to wear sandals, but not put on an extra shirt. Mark 6:8-9

Observation: When the disciples were sent out, they went with exactly the bare minimum ... shirt, pants, shoes, and a walking stick. This is the opposite of how must of us take trips. We pack for what we know we will do, plus contingencies in case plans change, plus necessities required for personal care, plus some comfort items. The disciples went with nothing. They barely had what they needed to just walk from one town to the next, let alone what they would need when they got there.

That is total faith in God. The disciples went forward with nothing, trusting that all they would need would be handed to them by others. Moreover, they trusted that others would give them what they needed because they would be able to perform miracles once there as a way to 'earn their keep'. They took nothing because all would be just provided.

Application: I don't know how to have faith like that. Yes, I trust God to provide for me and my family daily - I know that what I have is in fact a provision from God and not of my own doing. And yes, I walk into situations like Alpha last night completely empty and mentally exhausted and totally unprepared, and trust that God will show up and guide all our conversations ... and he does. But would I simply go and make no plans for my survival and trust God to just give me everything, from food, to a warmer shirt, to a toothbrush, to a change of socks?

If there are degrees of trusting God, where am I on the scale? If I'm not a "10-level disciple casting out demons and healing the sick," am I a "7-level helping others discover Jesus during conversations about faith"? I hope so, and I hope I'm moving up.

Prayer: Lord, may my faith increase daily. I do not doubt you in any way, but that is not the same as fully surrendering. I thank you for your presence and care last night during our Alpha conversation, and for the men you have set there to learn and discover you and your love. May they hear your message, not from my mind, but from the Holy Spirit's truth. Amen.

Faith to Approach Jesus

Scripture: Having heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His robe. For she said, "If I can just touch His robes, I’ll be made well!" Instantly her flow of blood ceased, and she sensed in her body that she was cured of her affliction. Mark 5:27-29

Observation: Jesus performs many healings, but here we see a unique set of actions in the healing. Specifically, Jesus does not act. Jesus is walking to go somewhere else, and the woman sneaks behind him and clandestinely touches his robe. She is immediately healed, while Jesus is aware of the situation but is not entirely certain who has touched him or what of the circumstances of their need.

In other words, this healing is not about someone telling Jesus their need, and Jesus responding. It is about a person with so much faith they believe they can go to Jesus without expressing their need, and just by getting close to him they will receive blessing. The woman are entirely taken care of by her faith and her willingness to draw near to Jesus.

Application: I often lament when I do not "hear" from God. I wish I did more. However, this woman didn't feel the need to interact with Jesus. She knew that simply drawing near him in faith would take care of her situation.

I can draw near to Jesus - in daily devotions and prayer - and receive his blessings and love. I don't need to hear some words, for I can receive his guidance through my own faith. The point is to draw near ... to make the effort to approach the Lord, knowing that he is powerful and will provide. I do try to do this every day. My devotions have helped with this. More prayer would help more. Meditation on his word especially in the evenings would also help. These are disciplines I will continue to seek to improve my relationship with God, and to reach out to him in faith.

Prayer: Lord, may I be as humble as this sick woman, simply seeking to approach to you every day. I have faith that you can provide and bless and love, if I just come to you. I will find the discipline to do this more often, and in more ways, daily. Amen.

A Kingdom of Priests

Scripture: "You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Me. Now if you will listen to Me and carefully keep My covenant, you will be My own possession out of all the peoples, although all the earth is Mine, and you will be My kingdom of priests and My holy nation." These are the words that you are to say to the Israelites. Exodus 19:4-6

Observation: In his first instructions to Moses at Mount Sinai, the Lord confirms the terms of the covenant. If Israel will obey his commands, they will be a "holy nation" dedicated to the Lord. They will be the Lord's possession out of all the people ... they will be his "kingdom of priests".

These, then, are the first terms of the covenant. Obey the ten commandments (which will be the instructions provided in three days hence), and you will become the Lord's nation of priests. There is nothing about added blessing, perfect lives, riches and comfort, or any earthly benefits. They will be simply a nation set apart from the rest of the world, which God also points out he still owns and commands.

Yes, later God will get into the "blessed to be a blessing" and the inheritance of the holy land. At that time, he will also get into all the details of all the laws, and explicit and implicit components of some of the simple instructions. For now, thought, the deal is about faith and trust. Become a nation of priests ... you can figure out if that comes with a blessing later.

Application: Of course, we now know that serving God - being part of the nation of priests, or a believer who seeks to do his will - comes with the blessings of God's love and joy. We also know that the burden of his laws are not heavy. However, we also know that, as flawed humans, it is impossible to fully obey them. This is the challenge of Mount Sinai ... the inability to obey, yet attempting to do so out of total faith that it's the right thing to do.

And that is my life of faith in Jesus. I fail every day to obey God, in many little ways and sometimes in bigger ways, and yet I know it is the right thing to do. I wish for nothing more than to be his servant daily. I know his love and his promises, and those are reason enough to serve him. I wish I served him better.

Prayer: Almighty God, the Lord who can bring fire onto mountains and command nations, may I serve you better. May I be part of the new nation of priests striving to do your will, both in our lives and in your world. I try to carefully keep your covenant and your commands. May thy will be done today. Amen.

Proof in the Details

Scripture:
Everyone who sees me mocks me;
they sneer and shake their heads:
“He relies on the Lord;
let Him rescue him;
let the Lord deliver him,
since He takes pleasure in him.”
Psalm 22:7-8

Observation: I commented on this exact event just a few days ago, though it was recounted in the book of Matthew ... the mocking of Jesus by accusing him of believing in God. Psalm 22 is of course a prophesy about the crucifixion, and in these verses it proves accurate right down the mocking words of witnesses.

This is the strength of the old testament prophesies about the Messiah. While some seem a bit vague, most are specific, detailed, and clear. As pointed out in Alpha just this week, some are completely outside the control of the future Messiah, as in this case ... quoted words that will someday be spoken by his enemies while he is being forsaken and killed.

Application: I personally struggle with those who read this kind of evidence and don't believe in Jesus. Of course, the truth is that they have not read it, and convincing them to read the bible - let alone the old testament - isn't exactly a proven method of evangelism.

However, these sorts of details also enrich my faith. They reinforce my faith in hard times. They encourage me when I question my purpose and role on the earth. They remind me that it is all true - the Lord is in control, and by faith in his son Jesus I am forgiven of sin and may have eternal life. Irrefutable facts overcome any kind of temporary questions.

I am not in that place of doubt now. However, I am not exactly leaning into my faith recently, either. It isn't a matter of faith or belief, it is a matter of growth. The evidence is all around that the Lord is sovereign and in control, whether it be over words spoken across millennia or decisions made by officials here at work. I can trust in his control ... an enemy's words prove it.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your love, and for your authority over all things. That authority includes authority over my life. You are in control, and I continue to surrender to you. I wish to grow in that surrender. Help me to turn to you more and more often in all matters and at all times. Amen.

Consecration and Sacrifice

Scripture: "Consecrate every firstborn male to Me, the firstborn from every womb among the Israelites, both man and domestic animal; it is Mine." ... "When the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as He swore to you and your fathers, and gives it to you, you are to present to the Lord every firstborn male of the womb. All firstborn offspring of the livestock you own that are males will be the Lord’s. You must redeem every firstborn of a donkey with a flock animal, but if you do not redeem it, break its neck. However, you must redeem every firstborn among your sons." Exodus 13:2,11-13

Observation: Upon leaving Egypt, the Lord gives a command to Moses ... to consecrate the firstborn of Israel to him. Moses passes this along to all of Israel as ... wait until we are in Canaan, then sacrifice the firstborn animals, make a special provision for donkey's, and sacrifice a different animal in place of the firstborn sons.

There is an interpretive leap between these two verses that is not clear. These interpretations include timing, the nature of 'consecration', and added provisions for alternatives. Now certainly if Moses is the one writing Exodus, then he isn't documenting a mistake he made. Instead, he must be documenting both God's words, and the right interpretation of those words, which may have been provided by God himself or may be reflective of Moses' understanding of God's nature.

God's nature is not to harm, but to provide. God also expects our faith and trust. By sacrificing firstborn animals, the Israelites demonstrate faith in God's provision. However, by redeeming their sons and consecrating them, God's mercy shines through while also reinforcing the communities dedication to God. If just the firstborn were dedicated to Yahweh and remain dedicated to him, the nation will remain strong in faith. Eventually, we know this falls apart, to the point that the dedication of Samuel will be viewed as a unique and special personal sacrifice from his mother.

Application: The Lord - who can demand everything of us - asks for so little ... and even that we often withhold. I fear that I may withhold from him. I try not to. I tithe, and I give my time, and I encourage my family in their faith and service. I seek to grow in his word daily.

However, I also know that I lose patience with people, fail to love others, grow angry over small matters, and do not seek his counsel on daily issues. I give him time, talent, and treasure, but not my life. It is myself - a firstborn son - I withhold.

Prayer: Once again this morning, Lord, I find myself wanting when it comes to listening to you in my daily walk. You are my Lord and my God. You have authority over me, yet I pretend I can decide my actions. I do wish to surrender to you. I know my life is in better hands when it is in your control, and not my own. Please guide me this day and every day. Amen.

Accused of Trust

Scripture: He has put His trust in God; let God rescue Him now - if He wants Him! For He said, 'I am God's Son.' Matthew 27:43

Observation: The Jewish leaders - priests, Sadducees, and Pharisees - were so depraved in their ways that this is their final charge against Jesus ... that he trusts in God.

Previously, they have charged him with things that were in fact true, but could be interpreted as heresy if false. These charges included healing on the Sabbath, preaching a new type of message, declaring himself a king, stating he could destroy the temple, and calling himself the Messiah. But this charge - that "he has put his trust in God" - is one for which there is no explanation. It not only cannot be a crime, it is the proper state and attitude of the priests and leaders themselves. It cannot be a charge. It cannot be a negative declaration against any man, let alone Jesus. Yet here it is, as the final accusation.

Application: Would this be the final accusation against me! I have, in fact, been accused of this, by a coworker who wished I would take more direct action. That person said that I trusted in God to work out a situation, and that was a weakness of mine.

I can think of no greater honor than to have someone declare that one of my faults in an obvious trust in God. In fact, this is something to aspire to ... to have such as obvious trust in God that others would regularly think I am making a mistake, or consider it a character flaw. I wish I had such an obvious trust, all the time.

Prayer: Lord, I know that there is no way to proceed in life without trust in you. I do place trust in you when I remember to do so. May I leap to that attitude as my first response to situations more and more. May I become such a person that my enemies would accuse of me of trusting in you. Amen.

Blessing and Hardships: The Cyclical Promise

"Let us deal shrewdly with them; otherwise they will multiply further, and if war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country." So the Egyptians assigned taskmasters over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor. They built Pithom and Rameses as supply cities for Pharaoh. But the more they oppressed them, the more they multiplied and spread so that the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. Exodus 1:10-12

Observation: As Moses tells of the descent of the Jews into slavery, It is not a story of purely bitter oppression. The Jews also thrive. After being harbored in the land of Goshen ... their elders die ... but they grow and increase ... then a new Pharaoh forces them into labor ... but they multiply and spread with even more children. Over and over, the Jews are blessed, then have hardships, then are blessed during and in spite of those hardships. Even as Pharaoh looks to kill their sons, they grow.

Application: There are so many questions in today's world about the goodness of God within the evils of the world. It is critical to understand that there is no relationship between faith and a lack of hardships. In fact, there IS a relationship between the faith, hardships, and blessing. When we have faith despite hardships, we receive blessings.

I know hardships are ahead for me and my family. There are deaths looming on the horizon for our parents. There are troubles for our children as they enter a harsh world. There are likely to be career challenges during the twilight of our professional lives, and concerns about how we sustain our lives without income. Our faith will not "save" us from these things, and God in no way has ever promised that it would ... just the opposite

We will remain faithful throughout, however. I trust in the final outcomes God has promised - eternal life, life in the full, with the wonder of God sustaining us in all things. I fear imaginary issues of the present much more than I fear the guaranteed challenges of the future. I do not expect to be spared, yet I have full confidence that I will be loved and supported.

Prayer: Lord, I seek your promises this year, and this is the first, that you will sustain us through future hardships. I know they are coming. I accept your promise of love, support, and future blessing as I retain and lean into my faith in Jesus. Thank you so much for your love. Amen.

Answer in the Form of a Question

Scripture: Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind. He said ... Job 38:1

Observation: The Lord suddenly appears to confront Job and his friends - to "answer" him. However, there won't be any traditional answers, only questions. In the next two chapters alone, God asks Job about ... his own birth, creation, the earth, the seas, the wind, clouds, rain, snow, hail, dew, ice, deserts, grass, lightening, dawn, evening, light, night, stars, constellations, human wisdom, bears, lions, ravens, goats, donkeys, oxen, ostrich, horses, hawks, and eagles.

This is just a serious of "what do you know about ..." questions. He inquires into source, nature, dimensions, natural laws, motion, timing, habits, feeding, birthing, and hunting practices. The point is simple: God commands everything. From the creation of the earth, to the motion of the heavens, to the birth of a goat, to a lightening strike, to the growing of grass, to the kill made by an eagle ... God defined, created, and oversees it all.

Therefore, certainly whatever Job and his friends have debated about God's control, decisions, and practices associated with Job, his family, his fate, and the associated lives of both evil or righteous people ... God is in control, and all this talk is foolishness.

Application: God is in control of everything in and around my life. God "answered" Job with questions. When I then have questions about fairness, or future comfort, or direction for my children, God already has the answers, and those answers will be questions back to me about my faith, understanding, and love.

I don't grow my faith by asking more questions. I grow my faith by understanding the answers to God's questions - or understanding the unanswerable nature of his questions - and thus relying upon him without my questions being asked or answered.

Prayer: Lord, today I hand over more of myself. I surrender my questions and concerns. Please take any fears, doubt, or stress, as I release it to your control. You do control everything, and certainly a believe my life, and the lives of my family, are more valuable than a sparrow. It is all yours. Amen.

Different Question, Same Answer

Scripture: While He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached Him privately and said, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what is the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?” Matthew 24:3

Observation: The disciples ask Jesus about the end of days, and Jesus proceeds to tell them about five events - widespread conflict, false teachers, the persecution of the church, the 'great tribulation', and the true second coming of Christ. The question everyone since has tried to figure out is these are identifiable events, or long-running trends, leading up to the end times. I certainly am not able to address that question. However, through all of these items, Jesus is clear about two messages.

First, stay clear in your faith. Do not be deceived by false teachers, those who come declaring a new Messianic message. The second message is to stay calm. Do not be discouraged by wars, conflicts, and disasters. In both ways - clear faith and calm demeanor - endure persecution to the end. And those who do will see Jesus return in glory ... "they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

Application: Stay clear, and stay calm. These remain Jesus' charge for his church. Clarity comes with understanding - reading and learning together to understand Jesus' teachings. Calmness comes with faith - faith in salvation expressed through baptism.

In other words, Jesus might have just been telling us "who cares when the end times really come, but be a good church and you'll be prepared." He provided details, but the truth is he did not answer the 'when' question, and he didn't really answer the 'what sign' question. He simply said there will be challenges, and we are to remain focused on the work of the church that he has set before all his disciples.

I can hope for the end to come, but I am to be involved in making disciples ... of others, and of myself, every day.

Prayer: Lord, please give me joy entering another Alpha season. I know I will get down about 'losing' my Tuesday evenings every week. However, I also know this is the great work you would have me do. I am thrilled to be able to join you in your ministry, and I hope you can use me to guide someone to faith in Jesus as Lord and savior. Here I am. Amen.

Fear of the Lord is This

Scripture:
He said to mankind,
“The fear of the Lord is this: wisdom.
And to turn from evil is understanding.”
Job 28:28

Observation: Job provides a soliloquy on wisdom, discussing where to find it. It is not in mines, in the seas, or anywhere men can see. However, it is obvious everywhere - in the way the wind moves, how rain waters the land, and in all nature. Death cannot find wisdom, but God knows its location. In the end, wisdom is summarized in four words ... fear of the Lord.

Job has spent many chapters defending his righteousness. He has claimed that the calamities that have befallen him are unjust. However, here at the end, he returns to one truth, and that is that God is in control, and only he has understanding. Yes, Job wishes he could appeal to God - make his case that he is righteous and thus should be under more protection than evil people who appear to live lives of comfort - but the basis of that wish is that it is still to God one must appeal, but God is wise.

Application: In all things, God remains in control, and he is the source of hope and love. He has a path planned for me and my family, and as we turn to him that path will unfold. That is not to say he will show it to us or explain it. Rather, he will manage and control it.

I trust that today as I consider the future of my daughter. I trust God has her circumstances in his hands. The results may not be what she wishes, but they will be for God's plan. I look forward to how her next 12-18 months unfold, and pray it remains for the glory of God, and by his wisdom.

Prayer: Lord, I commend my daughter into your hands. I hope she receives joy, happiness, safety, and success. Moreover, I trust that whatever path you lay before her will be for your kingdom come, and hope she has both the wisdom and understanding to walk that path. Amen.