Ruling by God's Model

Scripture: Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." Matthew 20:25-26

Observation: As the disciples are upset with James' and John's request to have high positions, Jesus teaches that is not the way greatness works. He indicates that greatness comes from serving, not from promotion and honor.

Interestingly, Jesus uses a non-Jewish model for this. He takes a break from using the Pharisees as the example of people who have pride in their position. Instead, he calls out the "rulers of the Gentiles". The Gentiles always have this model ... the rulers are elevated and honored, receiving not just attention but actual authority and power of governance. The rulers go so far as to elevated to god status with expectations of worship. This is beyond a Pharisee just thinking their better than others and failing therefore to care and love others, but this is now lordship. Jesus even goes on to point out that the Son of Man - himself, Messiah, who is Lord - has come to serve.

Application: Being elevated as a ruler is a trap of Satan. God reminded me of this last night as I was praying a brief lament that I was now 'a nobody.' The truth he reminded me of is that ... no, I am actually finally somebody again, and that is an obedient child of God whom he loves. I was truly a nobody when I had a position of authority. While I may not have felt I "lorded it over" anyone, certainly I had pride in it. That is gone, and that is absolutely and truly for the better.

Jesus may not like Pharisees, who use God's law to set themselves up as superior and look down on others. However, he certainly likes Gentile rulers worse, who use societal structure to set themselves up as authorities over others and even as gods. May I never, never, ever fall into that trap of being part of society's ruling structure again.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you again this morning for your responses to prayer. I seek more of your Holy Spirit today, so I can further follow your instructions and live into your will. Again I say, please give me more Spirit. Amen.

Simply Unable to Understand

Scriptures:
But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
    or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;
or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
    or let the fish in the sea inform you.
Which of all these does not know
    that the hand of the Lord has done this?
In his hand is the life of every creature
    and the breath of all mankind.
Job 12:7-10

Observation: As Job repeats his defense, it is based on the idea that God is punishing him, yet it cannot be because of a sin he committed for he is good. The friends keep telling him to repent of his sin, and Job's primary fight is that he hasn't sinned and therefore the reasons for God's actions are unknown and thus unresolvable. Both Job and the friends, then, begin with the same premise ... God is doing this to Job, maybe for a reason.

The concept of bad things happening in the world remains one of the most complicated mysteries of God. In general, we get it ... mankind removed God from being central in our lives, God allows freewill, hardships condition us for good work, etc. That's all good, but even collectively all the explanations leave us with an incomplete understanding. In the case of Job, we even know that God has NOT done these things to Job, God himself has promoted Job as upright, yet God allowed this to happen.

Application: God is in full control. Bad things happen to good people. God loves us and wants the very best for us. Again, I get all that, and I totally get that I will never fully understand it because it is beyond my human understanding. And here is a context I need ... "bad things" is even relative. There are people who have such terrible lives that my worst day would be their unimaginably best day. And there are bad acts perpetrated against others I cannot image. Even Job's conditions - loss of wealth, dead children, disease - were things others suffered from.

So for me, I must simply have faith. I am unable to understand this aspect of God, and I am not meant to understand it. In fact, I am not meant to question it (which is the ultimate point of Job, too). I am meant to have faith regardless of any situation. That I can strive to achieve daily.

Prayer: Dear Lord, today and every day my faith is in you alone. I seek only your provision and whatever you decided I should have. Please forgive my sins, for I know I am not worthy of your blessing, and yet I have faith that you love me  and will provide. I hope to be better than I have been in your eyes, not to earn your love but to simply return your love in some small way. Amen.

What One Must Do

Scripture: Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" Matthew 19:16

Observation: This young man asks a basic question, what must one do to gain eternal life. Jesus will provide an answer that is both straightforward and confusing. His answer begins with a subset of the ten commandments - those that primarily deal with behaviors - and the rich young man says he complies with those. We know that's doubtful ... complete and total compliance with the full letter of the law and all its components, including how Jesus has included our thought life into the scenarios, are difficult to fully comply with, and made up for through ritual sacrifice. However, Jesus then tells the man to sell everything, give it to the poor, and thus store up treasures in heaven.

The confusion seems to be in the nature of the actions. First, Jesus skips over the commands associated with God himself ... honoring God, having no other Gods, keeping God's name and Sabbath holy. There seems, therefore, to be a connection between these commands and the second instructions to give all to the poor. Caring for others, especially the poor, is part of how we honor God. This has two components. First, in doing so we care for those whom God loves, and thus become God's partner in loving others. Second, we eliminate our reliance on earthly things and become ourselves dependent on God, leaning into his love for our daily needs, and thus becoming faithful.

And this then is the answer to the question. Jesus summarizes it with the final part of the answer ... "Then come, follow me" ... but the full response is that the good thing we must do is to have faith, and faith that isn't just a thought in our hearts but an actual full-life dependency on God.

Application: I have recently developed much more faith in this area - an actual dependency on God for my very life. This is the gift God gave me through my earthly struggles. He taught me reliance upon him alone for everything from my daily bread, to love from friends and family, to my own mental well being. He taught me that an hour in worship is better than an hour in mindless sports. He taught me that considering his world is far greater than my imagination.

I need to continue this forward. I fully know what I now have is from him and by him alone. I need to continue to give it back to him in my thoughts, word, and deeds. I must empty myself and my reliance on earthly or material things, and know that even when I have and enjoy those things they were in fact a gift from God. And most of all, I must continue daily to both exercise and increase my faith in God and Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, this day I ask for your strength in my life. May I succeed at work by your will and wisdom. May I find ways to give you glory, both internally and externally. To you be all my love, all my faith, and all my life. Amen.

Never Lose the Wonder

Scripture: There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Matthew 17:2

Observation: In front of only Peter, James, and John, Jesus experiences the transfiguration. He meets and talks to Moses and Elijah. This one sentence - stating his face shone and his clothes were white - are the only descriptions of this transfiguration. From this, however, it seems clear that Jesus exuded light. The part of his skin that was exposed, his face, created its own super-bright light, and his clothes could not contain the brightness and became purely white.

That said, this seems to not be the only "change" ... emitting light would likely not be considered "transfigured" but rather just an energy. Instead, it seems Jesus fully changed. He took on a different appearance. He didn't just become bright, but he became a different being. It seems more likely that he became his created heavenly being. He is in the form of a man, but he was a different man, with different features, a new and heavenly body. Moses and Elijah are not like him - they are humans, for they were humans - but Jesus is something different in this moment.

This is consistent with other moments throughout the bible when Jesus appears in a form that is aligned to his status and state in heaven. In Revelation, John sees him repeatedly, and never calls him Jesus, but rather he is one like the son of man. He is again seeing the transfigured son of man ... the bright radiance, the human form but heavenly features, and the great power.

Application: The transfiguration is covered so briefly and with so little detail, that it seems the most important element is what gets discussed, the appearance of Moses and Elijah. However, it must truly be the revelation of Jesus' true form that was indescribable and amazing. That, after all, is the point ... Jesus is not just a man, but is a heavenly being as the son of God, with a persona that rules at God's right hand.

This is the heroic nature of my savior. He is a unique, heavenly being, who also humbled himself in human form, suffered voluntarily, and sacrificed for my iniquities. The wonder of the transfiguration isn't the appearance of others, but the revelation of Jesus' true self. Though I cannot imagine it, may I never lose that wonder.

Prayer: Lord, as I just said, may I never lose my wonder in you and your gift of salvation. You are Lord, savior, father, friend, and master, and while I seek a familial relationship with you, and know that too is a gift I cannot earn, for your greatness is beyond my imagination. I praise you this and every day. Amen.

By Their Very Nature

Scripture: Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, “Don’t quarrel on the way!” Genesis 45:24

Observation: As the 11 brothers - sons of Israel and partriarchs of the tribes - are about to leave Joseph, these are his final instructions ... don't quarrel. He doesn't pray over them, or encourage them, or urge them to hurry, or give them a greeting to dad, or advise them on the route, or warn them of dangers. He speaks instead to the one element of their nature he remembers from his childhood ... their quarrelsome nature between and among them.

For this is what Joseph knows of his brothers, that it is their nature not to get along. He recalls that they often divided up based on the subdivisions of their mothers. He recalls that they would argue about who would do what work. He even remembers that they argued about how to dispose of him, whether they should kill him, imprison him, sell him, or even redeem him and save him. They were jealous of cloths, birth order, household status, and bickered about all of it. So now, they have one and only one task - go and get father and bring him to safety - and he therefore speaks of the one element of their nature that he knows could derail them. Historically speaking, this will be the same issue that ultimately undermines them as a nation, as it will be tribal jealousies over kingly leadership that will divide their nation.

Application: If those who knew me best gave me a final warning on my way out the door, what would it be? It would likely be about my temper. My anger is an element I strive to control, but every once I a while it still bests me. It is imbedded in my lack of patience, and my pride. It is my worst traits that manifest.

This is an element that only the Holy Spirit can help me with, and I do pray into that regularly. I need my heart changed! I want to be patient and humble. I also want to be calm, thoughtful, and kind toward all. As I seek more of the Spirit, these things will certainly grow, and my anger should certainly recede. I hope that, in years to come, others my no longer remember the worst of my nature, and consider me in better light.

Prayer: Lord, I do pray for more of your Spirit this day. Work on my heart so that it is new and soft toward others, and then can help others with your kindness, joy, patience, and self control. I thank you for what I have this day, knowing it is only from you. Amen.

God Does and Will Provide

Scripture:
But I trust in your unfailing love;
    my heart rejoices in your salvation.
Psalm 13:5

Observation: David cries out to the Lord with a question - how long will the Lord wait to respond to his situation? However, he immediately clarifies that, regardless the answer to that question, he trusts in the Lord and rejoices in the very fact of salvation from God.

David was struggling and in need of God's intervention, and he openly questioned how long it was taking. He asks how long if God has forgotten him (v1), if he must go it alone (v2), and if his enemies will prevail (v2). He asks God to look upon him (v3) and to spare his life (v3) so his enemies won't celebrate (v4). And then David knows ... God will do it. God will bring salvation upon him (v5), and David will sing praises for all God has already done (v6).

This is the man after God's heart - the one who knows that God is at work in the dark times. He may ask God "when" and may even "if", but he knows God's ways are just and that there is plenty to already celebrate. God will provide salvation.

Application: I have seen God provide in my life, and I know he will provide in the future. While this psalm now speaks incredibly clearly to my heart - asking God how long the dark times will last, and if enemies will truly prevail - I continue to praise the Lord and honor him for all he has already done in my life. My life is great, and has never been less, since I began trusting even just a little bit in the Lord.

Jesus is my salvation, and the Lord God almighty is my provider. I can be at peace, and trust in his unfailing love.

Prayer: Lord, your love is just that, unfailing. You are all I need in life, and all sufficient at all times. I pray this day for my daily bread, and for the daily provision of my family. May you be with my children as they continue on their walks, lighting their path in clear, obvious, and unmistakable ways, so we can all be faithful to your direction and continue to receive your provision. Amen.

Understanding Must be Revealed

Scripture: These were the kings who reigned in Edom before any Israelite king reigned. Genesis 36:31

Observation: Genesis chapter 36 is a full genealogy of Esau, starting with his wives and children, and continuing through generations of clans, tribal leaders, and marriages. Verse 31 introduces a line of kings, and then eight kings are listed. As indicated, these were Edom's kings before Israel had any kings.

Yet ... if Moses wrote Genesis ... and to his knowledge Israel was NEVER to have kings ... where did this line come from? Why compare the timing of the kings of Edom to the kings of Israel? And if these are eight kings right before Israel has a king, i.e., Saul, wouldn't that put them in the time of the judges well after Moses' death?

Application: I often see that the bible in non-linear and difficult to understand. Stories are not always chronological, and little facts may be added out of context. I often wonder why. Sometimes I think it is bad storytelling, but then remember God is the author. So the answer must be that ... the story isn't the point. Sometimes God is just saying something, and we need to get our heads out of our prescribed models for context in order to discover understanding.

In other words, understanding scriptures is itself as much about faith as it is about knowledge. We can read and study, but the Spirit reveals truth and insights. Often we can't do this because the knowledge his hidden too deeply, but sometimes our earthly knowledge interferes with heavenly understanding.

I have no idea why we have an entire chapter about the genealogy of Esau and the nation of Edom. I have no idea why it seems incongruent from both the context of the narrative, and the timing of the authorship of the book itself. Yet here it is, to be read and included in our understanding of God's word.

Prayer: Lord, my personal lesson today is not that Edom had kings, but that my understanding of your word is not of my doing. I need your Spirit to understand your teaching, and so I ask for more of your Spirit. May I continue to grow in wisdom, as you would grant it to me. Amen.

A Conversation that Never Happens

Scripture: While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you." He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Matthew 12:46-50

Observation: There has always been an implication around these verses that Jesus' family is there to speak some kind of logic to him. They are either there to warn him of his actions, or correct him about his message, or even to persuade him to rethink his direct and clear claiming of Messiah-ship. This makes sense in the context that they are outside of the believes, and Jesus calls that out ... his true family are those who believe, and not those who have the titles by birth alone.

Yet, we know Jesus' family does believe in him. Mary in particular has always believed since his conception, and pushes him into demonstrating his calling early during a wedding feast. James becomes the leader of the church in Jerusalem, and Jude authors a book of the New Testament. It is almost impossible, in that context, to think the family was attempting to tell him to 'stand down' or even to go as far as to consider him delusional. About the only logical assumption may be that they wished to warn him about the danger and impacts of his message, forgetting that - as the Messiah - he certainly was aware of all that.

His family was familiar with Jesus, and thus believed they were the best ones to speak 'logically' to him about his ministry. Jesus was clear, however, that there was no room for any sort of muted message. God's Messiah was delivering his word, and those who would listen would now constitute the family of God.

Application: As believers, we have an active relationship with Jesus Christ, and with God. However ... they are still our Lord, our master, our God. They are still in total authority over our lives. Relationship does not mean over-familiarity, and it must retain respect of position. God is God, and I am not. That applies to the universe, and it applies to my personal daily life. God gets to command my steps, and I don't get to rationalize, negotiate, or logically review that direction. At least, I shouldn't.

If I see myself debating with God's direction, I should consider Jesus' family. They wanted to discuss Jesus' approach, and were dismissed ... even knocked down a peg or two publicly. They recovered of course, once they had reset their understanding. I am sure I will need to reset my understanding from time to time, but I should remember this example.

Prayer: Lord, while you are my daddy, you are also my master. While I am your loved child, I am also your servant at your command. I will follow and obey, as much as I walk with and am guided by, you. May I be both protected and obedient. Amen.

Refilled by the Holy Spirit

Scripture: Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation. Matthew 12:44-45

Observation: As Jesus rails against the Pharisees, he provides this obscure lessons. It can be literal, as they have been discussing driving out demons. However, it is a lesson about the Holy Spirit, a topic Jesus also introduced here. He brought up blasphemy against the Holy Spirit as the unforgivable sin, and addressed the repentance of Nineveh as an example of how others should act.

Jesus' lesson is this - when one decides to turn away from evil, he must then also turn to and seek the Holy Spirit by means of faith. If he does not, then he is simply empty ... despite having evicted evil, evil will return if it is not replaced by faith and by the spirit of God. He goes so far as to declare that the Pharisees - who have purged evil spirits from their lives and thus created a "house" that is in perfect order - are a "wicked generation" by this very act.

Application: It is very clear that turning from evil is not the point of Christian faith, but it is about faith in God, through belief in Jesus. The Pharisees tried to do good, but had no faith ... thus, they were a brood of vipers, ripe for the influence of evil, even as they promoted their piety.

I continue to ask for more of the Holy Spirit ever day. This is my near-term work in Christ, to develop a better connect with the Holy Spirit. I am lacking in this area. I have a little spirit, which thus provides good work but troublesome thoughts. I want my inner life overhauled by the spirit as well.

I have faith in God the father, and in Jesus Christ my Lord and savior. And I believe in and seek more of the Holy Spirit. I need the Holy Spirit ever present in my daily life.

Prayer: Lord, please do give me more of your spirit this day. I seek your strength and wisdom through and by the spirit, and the ability to be better guided on a moment-by-moment basis. Come, Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Common End-Times Prayer

Scripture:
Arise, Lord, do not let mortals triumph;
    let the nations be judged in your presence.
Strike them with terror, Lord;
    let the nations know they are only mortal.
Psalm 9:19-20

Observation: As the psalmist prays to the Lord, he asks for justice. He seeks God's action against the wicked, individuals but especially nations or people-groups. He was them judged for their actions, and for them to learn the wrong they commit. In this way, they would be filled with terror, part of which is the knowledge of mortality.

However, this is interpreted, the bottom line is this ... the psalmist wishes for God's decision action against the wicked, once and for all.

Application: How often have I just prayed 'come Lord Jesus'? At some point, every believer wants this ... the end. We want to witness justice on the evil, and end suffering of the good and upright. We know God has full authority to address the issues of the wicked, and we just wish it would happen. Now. Again, I'm pretty confident we all pray that at some point in time, and for some they probably pray it often.

Perhaps, though, we should be careful. Asking for God to judge others sets us up as judge, assuming we are upright. We aren't, but we are forgiven. Wishing for the judgment of others is a slippery slope.

Prayer: Lord, today I ask not for your return, but instead for the redemption of those who do wrong. This is a better way, to reach them in the name of Jesus. I ask for continued hope in that mission. Amen.

Careful Even of Agreement

Scripture: Laban said, "It's better that I give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me." Genesis 29:19

Observation: In their dealings, neither Laban nor Jacob are to be trusted. They lie and cheat each other at every turn, be it with marriages, goats, or family treasure. After knowing each other one month, this is the conversation they have ... Laban wishes to hire Jacob, Jacob names the terms (seven years for Rachel), and Laban decides it is a favorable deal.

So ... why? Why would Laban - who always has an angle when it comes to how he treats Jacob - decided that giving his youngest daughter to Jacob is better than giving her to any other man? Perhaps the answer is evident in their future dealings. Laban gets Jacob for seven years, tricks him into another seven years, coerces him into even longer, then fights are argues that Jacob can ever leave because Jacob's children are his.

Laban wants to be the patriarch of a family, and appears from the beginning to have plan for that family to never leave him. I is thus better if Jacob, his nephew, marries his daughters, because as family he might stay, and as a man with an enemy (Esau) elsewhere, he might really stay. In other words, even when agreeing to Jacob's request, Laban had a plan that is contrary to Jacob's future and to God's plan, and it came out in the last little throw-on idea of his ... stay here with me. Laban created a term that wasn't just about marriage, but about dependency.

Application: It is an interesting thought ... that someone actually agreeing to my honest request may intend something sinister. This makes understand the consequences of a request, especially any added conditions, important. When someone dishonest agrees with me, I should be wary. When someone with an agenda agrees to my agenda, I should rethink my position. When someone whom has shown themselves to be devious joins my side of the discussion, I should reconsider.

All I want is for long-term stability in my professional life. I need to be paying attention to ensure that God's plan for my life, my work aligned to that plan, and other's discussions about my work, are all on the same page.

Prayer: Lord, I pray that there are honest and good people around me. I feel there are, but I certainly want to ensure that is the case. I would like to work with these people for a long time, and contribute value to their lives. Please guide me if there is anyone to be concerned about. Amen.

Time to be Different

I don't need to recognize
The man in the mirror,
And I don't wanna trade your plan
For something familiar ...

I wanna be different,
I wanna be changed,
'Til all of me is gone
And all that remains
Is a fire so bright
The whole world can see
That there's something different.
So come and be different
In me.

God's Revealed Perfect Timing

Scripture: Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. Genesis 21:2

Observation: Isaac is born at the time God had promised. He had before promised Abraham a son, and later promised him that he would have a son despite his old age, and finally promised him a son within one year. When Isaac was born, it happened at the exact time God promised.

Application: When I became unemployed, one of the things I tried to figure out was when God would respond and provide for my family. I thought it would be sooner, in timing with when my income expired, but I also knew that I had funds through another milestone, and believed God was indicating it was that milestone where he would respond. That milestone was January, and here I am today in my new job.

There is much made of God's timing, but perhaps the real issue is our timing. God not only has his own timing, but he often reveals what that timing will be. When it isn't what we think or hope, we discuss "God's timing" ... which we may try to call "perfect" but often we mean we are trying to reconcile our minds to it but we wish it were something (usually sooner). If we just adjusted to what God reveals to us, we would be content and well.

Even Abraham never quite fully adjusted to God's timing, which is why Sarah laughed in disbelief and even still marveled at the timing after Isaac was born. I struggle with some of God's timing, though I don't always hear clear messages on the chosen timing. However, I will consider his timing in the future, for when I align myself to his vision and timing I am likely to be content, happy, and even in wonder at his promises.

Prayer: Lord, please fill me with more of your spirit this day, so I can better understand your will and timing. I seek your way, in not just 'what' and 'how' but also 'when'. Amen.

Three Responses to the Broad Way

Scripture: Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14

Observation: This is one of the earliest statements by Jesus that makes it clear that a life of faith is the life of a minority. It is the hard life. It is the unpopular choice. Walking with God takes you through the small gate on the narrow road, that only a few people will choose, while the great majority walk the broad road through the wide gate.

Application: There was a time I would not have believed that most people are choosing death, because I just assumed most people were at least some kind of 'Christian'. There was another time in my life I would not have believed that Jesus had this sentiment, because certainly he would want the majority of people to choose life. However, I now know ... God has provided Jesus as the way to life, but afforded all people with free will, and the majority of people will choose death.

I can respond to this reality with three thoughts. First, I will choose life, and I will choose Jesus. I do not care who is against me, or who may think I am wrong-headed or odd, I will always and forever be a follower of Jesus Christ, who is my Lord and savior. Second, I recognize that most people around me are not believers, and I will do what I can to deliver the loving Gospel message to them. I will actively do this with evangelical intent, and I will passively do this with simple light and salt. But I will recognize that most people need to hear the good news, and I will try my best to deliver it.

Finally, I now know and will always remember that the majority of people are against these beliefs. They think faith in Jesus is odd, or even wrong, and they may react with anger, hate, and hostility. It may cost me again, and I will attempt to avoid that by being very alert and aware.

Prayer: Lord, I walk with you through the narrow gate, and the little path where you and I can simply be together. I reject the popular and easy way of life, for I know that it is unfulfilling, evil, and leads to death. May I grow in this journey with you, and may I find opportunity to tell the majority of this better way. Amen.

Learning Lessons First Hand

Scripture: And after he became the father of Arphaxad, Shem lived 500 years and had other sons and daughters. Genesis 11:11

Observation: If you add up how old every person was when their son was born, from Arphaxad to Abram, the total is ... 290 years. From there, we know Isaac was born when Abram was around 100, and Jacob was born when Isaac was around 60. In other words, Shem - Noah's son - lived 50 years into Jacob's life. Given that Jacob went back to Ur to work many years to earn his wives, he was still hearing the first-hand accounts of the arc well into his adult life.

Application: I am reminded by this how faithful scriptures are. We see an oral-tradition story handed down for hundreds of years but only through a handful of generations. The flood story is only a second-hand story to Jacob/Israel himself. This is in line with some of the historical analysis of the documentation of the new testament as well.

I love learning more and more of the scriptures, and hope to go deeper and deeper. I want to learn even more this year. The last six months have been dominated by one major lesson in my life, and I feel I have grown greatly. I hope I have more to learn - though in a better manner - this year. I truly want to get closer to God, and better live within his will, obeying his precepts, commands, and laws.

Prayer: Lord, I seek you and only you. May I grow in you this year. I wish to learn first-hand from you. Amen.

Mourning Mankind's Future

Scripture:
Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4

Observation: The second of the beatitudes is this ... those who mourn will be blessed, as they will be comforted. The question has always been, however, what do they mourn? There are three possible answers I have learned:

1) They mourn the death of a loved one, and their blessing is straightforward ... they will in fact be comforted.

2) They mourn the passing of their old lives when they discover the right way to live, and their blessing is in their new life ... they will receive joy in a better life.

3) They mourn the failure of everyone to uphold the Law and thus be saved from death, and their blessing is true and deep blessing from the Lord ... for they model Jesus by loving others enough to care about their eternal souls.

I wonder how many other possible answers there are? I wonder if any of these are correct? And I wonder if Jesus believed his audience would understand the nuances of what he was saying? Later in his ministry, Jesus teaches in parables, knowing not everyone will understand. However, I think that even in this early teaching he believed that others would understand his words in layered ways, as they pondered his words and received the Holy Spirit.

Application: I have lived in definition #2 for some time, but I am ready to move onto #3. I mourn the world we live in and those who live in the corrupt values of this world. I don't oppose them. I instead am sad for them and long for their redemption. I desire a new world, and weep for what we have done as people. I admit I am a part of that problem, and desire to be better myself, but I am sad for all the world. I wish the world were moving in a better direction, aligned to the Law of God, as discussed later in this same chapter of Matthew.

Prayer: Lord, may this world be ever so better aligned to your kingdom and your Laws. You know where we diverge from your will, and I don't expect us to truly correct society as your own prophesies indicate the path this world is on. But I mourn for many people, some specific, and some general. If I can help them, please use me. Amen.

Claiming the Promise of Protection

Scripture:
But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
    my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
I call out to the Lord,
    and he answers me from his holy mountain.
Psalm 3:3-4

Observation: As David laments his situation and observes the thousands of enemies allied against him, he counters with this one ally ... the Lord. God is his shield, his glory, his uplifter, and his answer. God is all he needs for protection. When He calls on the Lord, the Lord responds. He will deliver David, strike the enemies, and bless him.

This is a promise to all believers. Faith in the Lord - true faith, where one can find peace even in the face or mortal danger due to that belief - comes from the promise of the Lord to provide and protect. Again, God goes first ... he makes this promise, if we claim it in faith.

Application: I claim it! I claim the Lord's protection. And I claim the Lord's protection with my faith, produced by the fact that I have already seen and experienced God's first-response action many times in my life. God has always protected me, always shielded me, always lifted me, and always answered me. In that, my faith in the Lord is forever locked in.

As I am about to enter a new time in my life, I claim this promise ... in faith, I trust in the Lord's protection and blessing.

Prayer: Lord, I am nervous and scared about the changes in my life, yet I have faith in you. I will seek only you for guidance and direction, for you are the one with my future and my life in your hands. Please answer me, lift my head, and keep me every day. Amen.

Knowing the Worst Punishment

Scripture: Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is more than I can bear. Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” Genesis 2:13-14

Observation: When Cain details his terrible punishment - more than he can bear - he adds two elements to it. One is just a hypothetical fear, but one is a conclusion. Yes, he is being driven from the land to be a wanderer, and his fear is that others will therefore kill him. However, his greatest concern is that he will be hidden from the Lord's presence. This is the element that makes the punishment unbearable. Wandering isn't unbearable, struggling isn't unbearable ... but separation from God is.

Cain is expressing the fear of hell, which is separation from God. That is the last and greatest punishment for sin, which is itself the behavior that separates us from the Lord in spirit.

Application: My sins continue, as do all man's, for we are sinful by our very nature. However, as it is my true desire to draw closer to the Lord and be better connected to his spirit, so I must consciously resist sin more and more. Every time I just 'go with it' I am risking the unbearable punishment ... separation from God, even if it is just for a short period on this day. And I could wander into dangerous territory for longer-term punishment.

I do seek to be with God, to walk with him daily, even if it cannot be in a beautiful garden right now. I want to walk to the Lord here on earth, and I cannot do that when my mind wanders. I have continued effort ahead of me.

Prayer: Lord, I seek your assistance all my days. I desire to obey your laws and precepts. I pray for the strength and awareness and fortitude to keep you will and follow your path, so that I may find you and take your hand daily. Amen.