Scripture: "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." John 18:37
Observation: The dialogue between Jesus and Pilate is interesting, in both the questions asked and the answers provided. Pilate asks few direct questions, and Jesus gives no direct answers, and yet they seem to understand each other.
Pilate is seeking a fact - the truth - about why Jesus has been brought to him as a criminal. In turn, Jesus explains his kingdom as a place not of this world, and that his mission in this place is testify to the truth. He is not king of the Jews. Rather, he is one with authority, but his only threat to anyone is that they may not like what he has to say concerning the facts about God. By indicating that those on the side of truth listen to him, he makes the implicit assertion that anyone who refuses to listen to him and is opposed to him is therefore on the side of duplicity and falsehood. And Pilate gets it.
Jesus provided two defenses before Pilate. First, that he was from a kingdom that was both peaceful (not even there to defend him) and not of this world (of no threat to Rome). Second, that he spoke truth that many people now listened to - and could testify to (and the absence of any charge related to his spoken words is therefore evidence itself) - and thus it was his accusers who were not to be trusted based on their word.
Application: Jesus was executed without criminal charges, and after being found innocent, because ... truth isn't valued in the earthly kingdom. However, it is greatly valued to God and in Jesus' kingdom, and this is the only realm I must care about.
Jesus could have easily lied his way out of crucifixion. I could have said "I am not a king". He didn't. He instead said "I have publicly spoken the truth" and allowed the lies to drown out his innocence. That isn't a tragedy, it's a model.
I desire to be on the side of truth, both in my daily dealing with others, my personal life, and my interactions with the Lord. I don't always succeed at this. If I am ever again persecuted over lies, half-truths, and manipulations, so be it ... I have been through that before.
Prayer: Lord, may I keep my eye and heart focused on your kingdom, and may I live in that kingdom with your kingdom's values. That won't always be easy on earth, and I will fail from time to time, but your love is the foreign currency I carry with me. Thank you for that love. May I freely pay it to others. Amen.
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Ignoring the Publicly Known Facts
Scripture: Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.” John 18:19-21
Observation: Upon being questioned about what he said and did, Jesus gives a basic reply ... that what he said and did is known, done in public, and often with direct engagement between himself and the Pharisees and Sadducees. Therefore, it is pointless to question him on these matters, because they are effectively a matter of public record. Either the chief priest already knows the answers, or could have easily found out by asking anyone without arresting Jesus.
Of course, eventually they will question people who lie, and even when those people get caught up in their lies they will still find cause to seek the death of Jesus. The questioning had nothing to do with the truth, or facts about what Jesus did and said, or whom his disciples were. They were only seeking justification for pursuing a predetermined course of action.
Application: I truly cannot comment on this further than I have before as it relates to me personally, but I do take away this insight ... this is what persecution looks like. It starts with false accusations, and then being questioned about facts and events that are already well-known and publicly available. It proceeds to accusations that at best are manipulations, and often are observably false. Persecution culminates with actions being taken despite the falsity of the information provided.
In some areas of the world, of course, this persecution is more simple and direct. It involves simply declaring believers in Jesus must die. Locally, we are only beginning to see persecution as a spiritual battle, with the battleground not being an obvious fight between Satan and the faithful. I would like to hope we will reverse this trend and move away from an era of emerging persecution against the Church in 'the west'. However, as I have said before, I doubt that is truly an option for us. Jesus said persecution would come, and Jesus always speaks the truth "openly to the world."
Prayer: Please come, Lord Jesus. You have delayed your return so that none would be lost, but everyone would have a chance to receive your word and decide their faith in you. I have children with dreams that would love to see how they play out in this world. I have placed I have not seen and things I have not enjoyed yet. However, I know I would greatly prefer your presence in heaven. Please come. Amen.
Observation: Upon being questioned about what he said and did, Jesus gives a basic reply ... that what he said and did is known, done in public, and often with direct engagement between himself and the Pharisees and Sadducees. Therefore, it is pointless to question him on these matters, because they are effectively a matter of public record. Either the chief priest already knows the answers, or could have easily found out by asking anyone without arresting Jesus.
Of course, eventually they will question people who lie, and even when those people get caught up in their lies they will still find cause to seek the death of Jesus. The questioning had nothing to do with the truth, or facts about what Jesus did and said, or whom his disciples were. They were only seeking justification for pursuing a predetermined course of action.
Application: I truly cannot comment on this further than I have before as it relates to me personally, but I do take away this insight ... this is what persecution looks like. It starts with false accusations, and then being questioned about facts and events that are already well-known and publicly available. It proceeds to accusations that at best are manipulations, and often are observably false. Persecution culminates with actions being taken despite the falsity of the information provided.
In some areas of the world, of course, this persecution is more simple and direct. It involves simply declaring believers in Jesus must die. Locally, we are only beginning to see persecution as a spiritual battle, with the battleground not being an obvious fight between Satan and the faithful. I would like to hope we will reverse this trend and move away from an era of emerging persecution against the Church in 'the west'. However, as I have said before, I doubt that is truly an option for us. Jesus said persecution would come, and Jesus always speaks the truth "openly to the world."
Prayer: Please come, Lord Jesus. You have delayed your return so that none would be lost, but everyone would have a chance to receive your word and decide their faith in you. I have children with dreams that would love to see how they play out in this world. I have placed I have not seen and things I have not enjoyed yet. However, I know I would greatly prefer your presence in heaven. Please come. Amen.
Friday, May 24, 2019
Relationship and Intent
Scripture: "But I did obey the Lord," Saul said. "I went on the mission the Lord assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal." 1 Samuel 15:20-21
Observation: Saul was under orders to completely destroy the Amalekites. The original words here meant to totally devote everything to the Lord by destroying it so that no other person will benefit from it. By this definition, Saul sacrificing cattle and lambs to God would have aligned to the mission. However, certainly God knows that wasn't what was going on. The men took plunder for themselves. Saul either a) encouraged them, or b) allowed them. Either way, when confronted, he quickly tries to cover it up with a story about sacrifice.
Application: A relationship with God is not about deeds and works, but it is about intent. God knows my heart. There are many areas in my life where I intend to do good, but I fail and need forgiveness. God sees my desire and forgives me. However, there are other areas of my life where I likely intend to do wrong and sin, even if I then do not. It is in these areas that I fail to have a relationship with the Lord.
James may point out that the son who does the work - even when he said he wouldn't - is the faithful son. Yet even that wasn't intent ... that son intends to obey his father, so even if he says he won't out of frustration, he does.
I need to pay attention to the areas of my life where I don't really intend to follow God's ways, and correct myself, even if I ultimately do follow God's ways already. It is the intent of my mind that hold back my relationship with the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, I want to be like David, not Saul. I want to be a man after your own heart, even when I am flawed and failing. I reject success in the eyes of the world, and that includes false piety in the others of other believers. I only care about one opinion, and that is of you, who knows my heart. Please soften my heart, and focus my mind. Amen.
Observation: Saul was under orders to completely destroy the Amalekites. The original words here meant to totally devote everything to the Lord by destroying it so that no other person will benefit from it. By this definition, Saul sacrificing cattle and lambs to God would have aligned to the mission. However, certainly God knows that wasn't what was going on. The men took plunder for themselves. Saul either a) encouraged them, or b) allowed them. Either way, when confronted, he quickly tries to cover it up with a story about sacrifice.
Application: A relationship with God is not about deeds and works, but it is about intent. God knows my heart. There are many areas in my life where I intend to do good, but I fail and need forgiveness. God sees my desire and forgives me. However, there are other areas of my life where I likely intend to do wrong and sin, even if I then do not. It is in these areas that I fail to have a relationship with the Lord.
James may point out that the son who does the work - even when he said he wouldn't - is the faithful son. Yet even that wasn't intent ... that son intends to obey his father, so even if he says he won't out of frustration, he does.
I need to pay attention to the areas of my life where I don't really intend to follow God's ways, and correct myself, even if I ultimately do follow God's ways already. It is the intent of my mind that hold back my relationship with the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, I want to be like David, not Saul. I want to be a man after your own heart, even when I am flawed and failing. I reject success in the eyes of the world, and that includes false piety in the others of other believers. I only care about one opinion, and that is of you, who knows my heart. Please soften my heart, and focus my mind. Amen.
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Cause I Know Whose I Am
Another voice, another choice
To listen to the words somebody said.
Another day I'll replay
One too many doubts inside my head.
To listen to the words somebody said.
Another day I'll replay
One too many doubts inside my head.
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
Parting Water Can't Convince
Scripture:
Come and see what God has done,
his awesome deeds for mankind!
He turned the sea into dry land,
they passed through the waters on foot—
come, let us rejoice in him.
Psalm 66:5-6
Observation: The parting of the Red Sea gets mentioned so often as evidence of God's salvation of Israel ... it must have been an awesome site! Generations - centuries - later, it is recounted. Under attack, God rolled back deep water, perhaps several stories high, and allowed almost one million people to pass through it.
Yet there is a paradox in this. On one hand, this great act gets mentioned so often, it is almost as if God did nothing else. It must be recounted hundreds of times as God's great act for Israel, to the point that it discounts a massive number of other acts, wonders, miracles, and blessings. On the other hand, despite the fact that this is a massive, remembered, observed, and otherwise unexplainable miracle of God, Israel rejects God over and over. They began that cycle even just days after the event itself, and continue it even as every other promise for them is fulfilled.
Application: Again I am reminded of the futility of 'debating' about God Jesus with others as a means to faith. One of the aspects of such debates is wondering why God doesn't just "prove" himself to the world. It is in the Red Sea we find the answer to that. God did just that - proved without doubt his supreme authority let alone is absolute existence - and while that proof is remembered and revered ... God is ignored, his precepts rejected, his prophets killed, his authority discounted, and his blessings taken for granted.
This is the way of humans, and part of the work of Satan on earth, that even definitive proof that itself is believed in and accepted as miraculous, cannot keep some from rejecting the love and even existence of the Lord. In the same way, nothing Jesus did could convince everyone of his lordship. Faith, then, can only come from a personal decision to believe, and no amount of evidence can ever accomplish what God's love can do ... change a heart.
Prayer: Lord, may I listen to you and serve you this day. I desire to show your love to others, and to make my life, not my words or logic, the evidence of you. This day and every day, I serve you. Amen.
Come and see what God has done,
his awesome deeds for mankind!
He turned the sea into dry land,
they passed through the waters on foot—
come, let us rejoice in him.
Psalm 66:5-6
Observation: The parting of the Red Sea gets mentioned so often as evidence of God's salvation of Israel ... it must have been an awesome site! Generations - centuries - later, it is recounted. Under attack, God rolled back deep water, perhaps several stories high, and allowed almost one million people to pass through it.
Yet there is a paradox in this. On one hand, this great act gets mentioned so often, it is almost as if God did nothing else. It must be recounted hundreds of times as God's great act for Israel, to the point that it discounts a massive number of other acts, wonders, miracles, and blessings. On the other hand, despite the fact that this is a massive, remembered, observed, and otherwise unexplainable miracle of God, Israel rejects God over and over. They began that cycle even just days after the event itself, and continue it even as every other promise for them is fulfilled.
Application: Again I am reminded of the futility of 'debating' about God Jesus with others as a means to faith. One of the aspects of such debates is wondering why God doesn't just "prove" himself to the world. It is in the Red Sea we find the answer to that. God did just that - proved without doubt his supreme authority let alone is absolute existence - and while that proof is remembered and revered ... God is ignored, his precepts rejected, his prophets killed, his authority discounted, and his blessings taken for granted.
This is the way of humans, and part of the work of Satan on earth, that even definitive proof that itself is believed in and accepted as miraculous, cannot keep some from rejecting the love and even existence of the Lord. In the same way, nothing Jesus did could convince everyone of his lordship. Faith, then, can only come from a personal decision to believe, and no amount of evidence can ever accomplish what God's love can do ... change a heart.
Prayer: Lord, may I listen to you and serve you this day. I desire to show your love to others, and to make my life, not my words or logic, the evidence of you. This day and every day, I serve you. Amen.
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
When and Whom to Correct
Scripture: The crowd spoke up, "We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?" Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going." John 12:34-35
Observation: Jesus is met by many, many questions throughout his ministry, and seems to have three different ways of responding to such questions. With the Pharisees - the devoutly 'religious' - he responds with criticism to their own thinking, but rarely a comprehensive answer. To those seeking faith and true understanding, he responds with both correction and guidance toward the truth. However, to those who are simply 'lost', he often just responds with a continued conversation about the nature of God, including love, mercy, and grace.
That is the case here, where a crowd is questioning what Jesus is saying out of their limited understanding of Messiah. They do not believe Jesus is the Messiah, because they even ask who is the Son of Man. They are just the lost ... those who may be seeking faith, but are not yet pursuing a belief in Jesus. And Jesus doesn't answer their questions, but instead provides them with an answer that encourages them to seek deeper.
Jesus almost never "corrects" the lost seekers. It isn't until a person first engages with Jesus as the Messiah - either in faith or in contempt - that Jesus engages in such a way.
Application: I have again been thinking of the 'debate' surrounding Jesus ... thinking of ways to logically discuss the truth about Jesus with others. Jesus himself never did this. He simply discussed the truth, which is that God - the creator of the universe - loves everyone and has provided a way to eternal life by forgiveness of all sins, received as a gift through faith and belief in God's son. It is a way to find good, joy, and life. However, it isn't until someone actually wants this eternal life and therefore is prepared to pursue faith in Jesus that he ever engages in any learning.
Who do I know whom I would consider debating with, yet they likely aren't even seeking faith yet? I start ticking off names in my head ... and it's already half of everyone around me on a daily basis at work, and that's just the 'obvious' ones. This clarifies my daily activity, which would be not to directly engage in deep conversations, but to work God's love and grace into my daily language.
Prayer: Lord, may I have both the clarity of thought and conviction of hearts to talk of you every day. I sing of your love and mercy regularly. May I speak of it as well, even in the darkness. Amen.
Observation: Jesus is met by many, many questions throughout his ministry, and seems to have three different ways of responding to such questions. With the Pharisees - the devoutly 'religious' - he responds with criticism to their own thinking, but rarely a comprehensive answer. To those seeking faith and true understanding, he responds with both correction and guidance toward the truth. However, to those who are simply 'lost', he often just responds with a continued conversation about the nature of God, including love, mercy, and grace.
That is the case here, where a crowd is questioning what Jesus is saying out of their limited understanding of Messiah. They do not believe Jesus is the Messiah, because they even ask who is the Son of Man. They are just the lost ... those who may be seeking faith, but are not yet pursuing a belief in Jesus. And Jesus doesn't answer their questions, but instead provides them with an answer that encourages them to seek deeper.
Jesus almost never "corrects" the lost seekers. It isn't until a person first engages with Jesus as the Messiah - either in faith or in contempt - that Jesus engages in such a way.
Application: I have again been thinking of the 'debate' surrounding Jesus ... thinking of ways to logically discuss the truth about Jesus with others. Jesus himself never did this. He simply discussed the truth, which is that God - the creator of the universe - loves everyone and has provided a way to eternal life by forgiveness of all sins, received as a gift through faith and belief in God's son. It is a way to find good, joy, and life. However, it isn't until someone actually wants this eternal life and therefore is prepared to pursue faith in Jesus that he ever engages in any learning.
Who do I know whom I would consider debating with, yet they likely aren't even seeking faith yet? I start ticking off names in my head ... and it's already half of everyone around me on a daily basis at work, and that's just the 'obvious' ones. This clarifies my daily activity, which would be not to directly engage in deep conversations, but to work God's love and grace into my daily language.
Prayer: Lord, may I have both the clarity of thought and conviction of hearts to talk of you every day. I sing of your love and mercy regularly. May I speak of it as well, even in the darkness. Amen.
Monday, May 20, 2019
Should Have Known Better
Scripture: But God struck down some of the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy* of them to death because they looked into the ark of the Lord. The people mourned because of the heavy blow the Lord had dealt them. 1 Samuel 6:19 (* footnote: most manuscripts say 50,070)
Observation: After the ark causes death and disease to the Philistines and is returned to Israel, those who receive it are struck dead due to their actions. They can't help themselves, but they open the ark. Only Moses and Aaron of likely ever done that, and only when they were placing specific items inside the ark ... the tablets from of the ten commandments, the staff that sprouted, and a jar of manna.
God had a "heavy hand" toward the Philistines, but he was even more harsh toward Israel. With the Philistines, his actions were that of the Lord against a nation that had taken his personal belonging, and he acted toward them for the purpose of ensuring they realized their guilt and corrected the situation. However, with Israel, his actions are a direct response to impertinence. Israel knows the value of the ark, and yet they approach and inspect it.
The Philistines are an enemy who treats the ark as if it is an important and honored objected, and return it when hardship comes on them for taking it. Israel is supposed to be a nation of priests who obey and honor the Lord, but they treat the ark as a curiosity they should possess and understand.
Application: There is a major difference between communicating with God, and even questioning issues of life or debating current problems, and disrespecting the authority of God's word and the nature of his sovereignty. I can approach the Lord as my father and my teacher. I can speak to Jesus as my friend, and cry out through the Holy Spirit when I do not understand his way. However, the Lord's is the master, creator of the universe, with all power and authority. Instructions he gives are for me to obey.
I must begin to understand that I don't get to pick and choose what instructions to obey. I don't really get to inspect them, or probe into their meaning and purpose. God has provided guidance in my life, and my job is to follow that guidance. If I am adopted into Israel, and thus part of the nation of priests, there is an expectation that I will treat God with more respect that those with no knowledge of the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, I respect and honor your instructions. My thought life wanders, and my daily walk is not always in obedience to your laws and precepts. I do wish to correct that. I do not question your authority, over the world, nor over my life. I am yours. May thy will be done. Amen.
Observation: After the ark causes death and disease to the Philistines and is returned to Israel, those who receive it are struck dead due to their actions. They can't help themselves, but they open the ark. Only Moses and Aaron of likely ever done that, and only when they were placing specific items inside the ark ... the tablets from of the ten commandments, the staff that sprouted, and a jar of manna.
God had a "heavy hand" toward the Philistines, but he was even more harsh toward Israel. With the Philistines, his actions were that of the Lord against a nation that had taken his personal belonging, and he acted toward them for the purpose of ensuring they realized their guilt and corrected the situation. However, with Israel, his actions are a direct response to impertinence. Israel knows the value of the ark, and yet they approach and inspect it.
The Philistines are an enemy who treats the ark as if it is an important and honored objected, and return it when hardship comes on them for taking it. Israel is supposed to be a nation of priests who obey and honor the Lord, but they treat the ark as a curiosity they should possess and understand.
Application: There is a major difference between communicating with God, and even questioning issues of life or debating current problems, and disrespecting the authority of God's word and the nature of his sovereignty. I can approach the Lord as my father and my teacher. I can speak to Jesus as my friend, and cry out through the Holy Spirit when I do not understand his way. However, the Lord's is the master, creator of the universe, with all power and authority. Instructions he gives are for me to obey.
I must begin to understand that I don't get to pick and choose what instructions to obey. I don't really get to inspect them, or probe into their meaning and purpose. God has provided guidance in my life, and my job is to follow that guidance. If I am adopted into Israel, and thus part of the nation of priests, there is an expectation that I will treat God with more respect that those with no knowledge of the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, I respect and honor your instructions. My thought life wanders, and my daily walk is not always in obedience to your laws and precepts. I do wish to correct that. I do not question your authority, over the world, nor over my life. I am yours. May thy will be done. Amen.
Friday, May 17, 2019
Straight Results from Crooked Paths
Scripture: Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, "We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. Through the offspring the Lord gives you by this young woman, may your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah." Ruth 4:11-12
Observation: Boaz has gathered a 'minion' (10 witnesses) and negotiated to be the one who redeems Ruth and Naomi. This is then what the 10 pronounce over him:
-- Ruth will become a mother of the nation, like Leah and Rachel.
-- Boaz himself will become a man of standing in Israel and famous in Bethlehem.
-- The overall redemption of a widow will produce a great line, like it did for Tamar.
In other words ... they nailed it from a prophetic perspective, given that Boaz and Ruth will become the great grandparents of David, and of course then produce the line of Jesus.
Application: The Lord always finds a way to work out his plan. The case-study of Ruth is amazing from that perspective ... a Moabite widow who seduced a man to marry her, which directly produced Israel's great king and the world's savior. It doesn't get much more convoluted than that.
If God can work out his plans in such a manner, he can work out his plan for me through any number of indirect paths, and absolutely without me needing to be part of the planning process. If I could just trust and follow his leading, no amount of indirect, confusing, even painful events would matter. I am improving in this area, and I intend to improve even more, every day.
Prayer: Lord, you are my shepherd, and I am just a sheep who seeks your voice and desires to follow you. Lead me as you will. Amen.
Observation: Boaz has gathered a 'minion' (10 witnesses) and negotiated to be the one who redeems Ruth and Naomi. This is then what the 10 pronounce over him:
-- Ruth will become a mother of the nation, like Leah and Rachel.
-- Boaz himself will become a man of standing in Israel and famous in Bethlehem.
-- The overall redemption of a widow will produce a great line, like it did for Tamar.
In other words ... they nailed it from a prophetic perspective, given that Boaz and Ruth will become the great grandparents of David, and of course then produce the line of Jesus.
Application: The Lord always finds a way to work out his plan. The case-study of Ruth is amazing from that perspective ... a Moabite widow who seduced a man to marry her, which directly produced Israel's great king and the world's savior. It doesn't get much more convoluted than that.
If God can work out his plans in such a manner, he can work out his plan for me through any number of indirect paths, and absolutely without me needing to be part of the planning process. If I could just trust and follow his leading, no amount of indirect, confusing, even painful events would matter. I am improving in this area, and I intend to improve even more, every day.
Prayer: Lord, you are my shepherd, and I am just a sheep who seeks your voice and desires to follow you. Lead me as you will. Amen.
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Acting with a Divided Will
Scripture: Israel, apart from Benjamin, mustered four hundred thousand swordsmen, all of them fit for battle. The Israelites went up to Bethel and inquired of God. They said, “Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” The Lord replied, “Judah shall go first.” Judges 20:17-18
Observation: Israel gathers 400,000 troops, Benjamin rallies 26,000, and as they go into battle Israel ... attacks with approximately 1/11th of their men. In a battle where they should have a 15-to-1 advantage, they instead practically even up the odds.
Israel does this repeatedly. Throughout their history, they almost never act as a unified people, but as 12 independent states. They repeatedly value tribal boundaries, and even within that clan-level designations (later in this story they kill one single clan from Gad for failing to be part of the expedition). Israel is a people-group unified by their relationship with God, but often actively resistant to any other form of unity. This will eventually contribute to their downfall, when they tear their country apart due to tribal greed over kingship, which directly results in their rejection of God.
The subdivision of Israel always goes poorly for it. While it isn't explicitly stated, it would seem that all their times of problems arise when a sub-portion of Israel is oppressed while others ignore their plight. It would also seem that times of national unity - like festivals when everyone is to gather together - are often times of celebration and joy.
Application: Israel is a case study that shows division is problematic, and unity is preferred. This applies to the Church. This applies to families. And this applies to my own thoughts and deeds.
God does support "pruning". We did not see him tell Israel 'not' to attack Benjamin. There was evil that needed to be removed. However, when action is needed and/or taken, a unified action would seem more effective. For the Church, this does mean that some doctrine is flawed and needs to be pruned, but overall the body of Christ should be unified in its message, evangelism, and works. For me personally, this means that some thoughts and behaviors need to be corrected, but I should have a singled-minded purpose aligned to God's will for my life, and should be working toward that purpose instead of trying to balance worldly efforts and thoughts in the mix.
This is related to my current struggle ... attempting to find new value within earthly definitions of success, when I need to unify my goals around my faith in Christ. I do not yet know what that will look like for the next season of my life, but I am desirous to find out.
Prayer: Lord, again today I ask for your direction and guidance. May my work be for your glory and your purposes. I am in the place you chose, may my work be unified within myself and with others as you would have done on earth. Amen.
Observation: Israel gathers 400,000 troops, Benjamin rallies 26,000, and as they go into battle Israel ... attacks with approximately 1/11th of their men. In a battle where they should have a 15-to-1 advantage, they instead practically even up the odds.
Israel does this repeatedly. Throughout their history, they almost never act as a unified people, but as 12 independent states. They repeatedly value tribal boundaries, and even within that clan-level designations (later in this story they kill one single clan from Gad for failing to be part of the expedition). Israel is a people-group unified by their relationship with God, but often actively resistant to any other form of unity. This will eventually contribute to their downfall, when they tear their country apart due to tribal greed over kingship, which directly results in their rejection of God.
The subdivision of Israel always goes poorly for it. While it isn't explicitly stated, it would seem that all their times of problems arise when a sub-portion of Israel is oppressed while others ignore their plight. It would also seem that times of national unity - like festivals when everyone is to gather together - are often times of celebration and joy.
Application: Israel is a case study that shows division is problematic, and unity is preferred. This applies to the Church. This applies to families. And this applies to my own thoughts and deeds.
God does support "pruning". We did not see him tell Israel 'not' to attack Benjamin. There was evil that needed to be removed. However, when action is needed and/or taken, a unified action would seem more effective. For the Church, this does mean that some doctrine is flawed and needs to be pruned, but overall the body of Christ should be unified in its message, evangelism, and works. For me personally, this means that some thoughts and behaviors need to be corrected, but I should have a singled-minded purpose aligned to God's will for my life, and should be working toward that purpose instead of trying to balance worldly efforts and thoughts in the mix.
This is related to my current struggle ... attempting to find new value within earthly definitions of success, when I need to unify my goals around my faith in Christ. I do not yet know what that will look like for the next season of my life, but I am desirous to find out.
Prayer: Lord, again today I ask for your direction and guidance. May my work be for your glory and your purposes. I am in the place you chose, may my work be unified within myself and with others as you would have done on earth. Amen.
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
The Greatness of Our God
But there is only one God who can save the day,
So clear the stage, prepare the way,
Cause heaven and earth are singing
'Glory hallelujah'.
Let the whole world see
The greatness of our God!
So clear the stage, prepare the way,
Cause heaven and earth are singing
'Glory hallelujah'.
Let the whole world see
The greatness of our God!
Monday, May 13, 2019
Doing as I See Fit
Scripture: So after he returned the silver to his mother, she took two hundred shekels of silver and gave them to a silversmith, who used them to make the idol. And it was put in Micah’s house. Now this man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and some household gods and installed one of his sons as his priest. In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit. Judges 17:4-6
Observation: After a few hundred years, Israel is clearly devolving. The statement that in those days Israel had no king, and everyone did as they saw fit, will be repeated several times. This statement refers back to the idea of Israel being a nation of priests, with each individual charged with being a faithful believer in the Lord and obeying the commands. They have reached a point where individuals have actively abandoned the commands. In this case, a man named Micah builds his own shrine, his own gods, his own idols, and installs his own worship system.
Micah is one of many who have turned far away from the Lord. They have done this for many reasons, but it likely comes down to a lack of humility ... the decision that they don't need to understand God, learn his teaching, and obey his commands. They can do as they desire. There is no leader to correct them, and they don't turn to God for instruction.
Application: After a terrible day yesterday, I don't know where to turn for life instructions. I seek God's direction, but struggle to hear it. I am terribly alone. Does my pride continue to prevent my supplication to God's teaching? That is probably the case.
I am cut so low, and have had my "life" taken from me. This is a good thing, as it should create a clean slate for my future. I don't want to do my own thing - to do as I see fit. I want to do whatever God wants me to do.
Prayer: Lord, please give me your word and direction. I seek only your way and your will. Amen.
Observation: After a few hundred years, Israel is clearly devolving. The statement that in those days Israel had no king, and everyone did as they saw fit, will be repeated several times. This statement refers back to the idea of Israel being a nation of priests, with each individual charged with being a faithful believer in the Lord and obeying the commands. They have reached a point where individuals have actively abandoned the commands. In this case, a man named Micah builds his own shrine, his own gods, his own idols, and installs his own worship system.
Micah is one of many who have turned far away from the Lord. They have done this for many reasons, but it likely comes down to a lack of humility ... the decision that they don't need to understand God, learn his teaching, and obey his commands. They can do as they desire. There is no leader to correct them, and they don't turn to God for instruction.
Application: After a terrible day yesterday, I don't know where to turn for life instructions. I seek God's direction, but struggle to hear it. I am terribly alone. Does my pride continue to prevent my supplication to God's teaching? That is probably the case.
I am cut so low, and have had my "life" taken from me. This is a good thing, as it should create a clean slate for my future. I don't want to do my own thing - to do as I see fit. I want to do whatever God wants me to do.
Prayer: Lord, please give me your word and direction. I seek only your way and your will. Amen.
Friday, May 10, 2019
Who Isn't Driven Away
Scripture: But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. John 6:36-37
Observation: Jesus makes a very clear statement about the nature of faith and belief. He tells these people, some of whom are from Capernaum and some who sought him after the feeding of the 5,000, that there is a dynamic at play between believing in Jesus and in salvation. Those who believe will not only be saved, but will also remain in a relationship with Jesus. They will come to Jesus, and Jesus will keep them, never driving them away.
Almost immediately ... these people start being driven away. They beg Jesus for a sign and talk about more bread, so Jesus talks about the life-giving bread that comes from his sacrifice. In this, they grumble. All of this is reflected in verse 36 - it is evidence that, even though they have come to Jesus and have seen a miracle, they do not believe. Since they don't believe, and thus have not therefore been saved by faith, they are offended by Jesus' teaching.
And this is how it is with all people in history, and with everyone today. The message about Jesus is clear: Eternal life from God is available to anyone who believes that Jesus is the son of God and thus the Lord and savior of their life. Those that believe are drawn close and lean into the word of God and teaching of Jesus. However, those that don't believe are actually so offended by the message that they actively fight and resist it.
Application: In the church, we wonder out loud about why non-believers are so opposed to the good news that they angrily lash out at us. It doesn't really matter 'why', but we should understand that Jesus declared it would happen, and even demonstrated it. Jesus will not drive away any believer, but his words will, in fact, actively repulse non-believers. Thus, the first action in changing a person toward Jesus is not our evangelism, but rather it is God working on their heart. When God tries to bring a person to Jesus, only then will his words not repulse them. All we do is join him in the effort.
Prayer: Lord, evangelism isn't something we do independent of you, and bringing others to faith isn't something we do without you. In fact, these aren't really things we do at all, we only join you in your work that you are already doing. I know there are likely people around me in which you are working. Please guide me to join you there. Amen.
Observation: Jesus makes a very clear statement about the nature of faith and belief. He tells these people, some of whom are from Capernaum and some who sought him after the feeding of the 5,000, that there is a dynamic at play between believing in Jesus and in salvation. Those who believe will not only be saved, but will also remain in a relationship with Jesus. They will come to Jesus, and Jesus will keep them, never driving them away.
Almost immediately ... these people start being driven away. They beg Jesus for a sign and talk about more bread, so Jesus talks about the life-giving bread that comes from his sacrifice. In this, they grumble. All of this is reflected in verse 36 - it is evidence that, even though they have come to Jesus and have seen a miracle, they do not believe. Since they don't believe, and thus have not therefore been saved by faith, they are offended by Jesus' teaching.
And this is how it is with all people in history, and with everyone today. The message about Jesus is clear: Eternal life from God is available to anyone who believes that Jesus is the son of God and thus the Lord and savior of their life. Those that believe are drawn close and lean into the word of God and teaching of Jesus. However, those that don't believe are actually so offended by the message that they actively fight and resist it.
Application: In the church, we wonder out loud about why non-believers are so opposed to the good news that they angrily lash out at us. It doesn't really matter 'why', but we should understand that Jesus declared it would happen, and even demonstrated it. Jesus will not drive away any believer, but his words will, in fact, actively repulse non-believers. Thus, the first action in changing a person toward Jesus is not our evangelism, but rather it is God working on their heart. When God tries to bring a person to Jesus, only then will his words not repulse them. All we do is join him in the effort.
Prayer: Lord, evangelism isn't something we do independent of you, and bringing others to faith isn't something we do without you. In fact, these aren't really things we do at all, we only join you in your work that you are already doing. I know there are likely people around me in which you are working. Please guide me to join you there. Amen.
Monday, May 6, 2019
Singing of Reality
Scripture:
You who ride on white donkeys,
sitting on your saddle blankets,
and you who walk along the road,
consider the voice of the singers at the watering places.
They recite the victories of the Lord,
the victories of his villagers in Israel,
Judges 5:10-11
Observation: Deborah sings a song to the Lord for Israel's victory over the Canaanite army, and includes this line about singing and song itself. The songs, she says, tell of God's great work. These songs are not for entertainment, but for worship, and part of their worship is to recount and acknowledge the deeds God has already performed - his victories. Everyone then, including noble and rich people who can ride saddled white donkeys, should consider the songs as a lesson and teaching about God's greatness.
Application: In our modern worship songs, we sing of God's love and caring and blessing. We often sing of how the Lord has delivered us from hardship, or seek that he will provide deliverance. In these, then, it becomes clear that the writer has experienced that salvation, and when I sing I often recount how the Lord has likewise delivered me in times of sorrow and hardship and strife.
We worship God not by randomly offering praise, but by remembering the great things he has actually done. We acknowledge his greatness not in a vague and abstract way, but through very real actions and results. Just like delivering a strong army into the hands of ~18% of Israel, our Lord does great things for us every day that are worthy of praise, and our songs recount those as realities.
The Lord provides, and that provision is worthy of all praise and worship.
Prayer: Lord, today I sing with Deborah for the very real things you have done. There is nothing in my life that is not from you, and I celebrate you and your love. May I sing of your goodness forever and ever. Amen.
You who ride on white donkeys,
sitting on your saddle blankets,
and you who walk along the road,
consider the voice of the singers at the watering places.
They recite the victories of the Lord,
the victories of his villagers in Israel,
Judges 5:10-11
Observation: Deborah sings a song to the Lord for Israel's victory over the Canaanite army, and includes this line about singing and song itself. The songs, she says, tell of God's great work. These songs are not for entertainment, but for worship, and part of their worship is to recount and acknowledge the deeds God has already performed - his victories. Everyone then, including noble and rich people who can ride saddled white donkeys, should consider the songs as a lesson and teaching about God's greatness.
Application: In our modern worship songs, we sing of God's love and caring and blessing. We often sing of how the Lord has delivered us from hardship, or seek that he will provide deliverance. In these, then, it becomes clear that the writer has experienced that salvation, and when I sing I often recount how the Lord has likewise delivered me in times of sorrow and hardship and strife.
We worship God not by randomly offering praise, but by remembering the great things he has actually done. We acknowledge his greatness not in a vague and abstract way, but through very real actions and results. Just like delivering a strong army into the hands of ~18% of Israel, our Lord does great things for us every day that are worthy of praise, and our songs recount those as realities.
The Lord provides, and that provision is worthy of all praise and worship.
Prayer: Lord, today I sing with Deborah for the very real things you have done. There is nothing in my life that is not from you, and I celebrate you and your love. May I sing of your goodness forever and ever. Amen.
Thursday, May 2, 2019
Laying Aside One's Position
Scripture: He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” John 3:2
Observation: These are Nicodemus' first recorded words to Jesus, and they sound complimentary. Nicodemus acknowledges Jesus' status as a teacher, and as someone with special authority directly from God. In addition, he uses the plural 'we' implying that this is something the Sanhedrin have both discussed and are in agreement upon.
However, there is another way of interpreting this. Nicodemus could be putting Jesus in his place ... identifying him as 'just' an inspired teacher, and therefore clearly not on the level of the Sanhedrin. This, in fact, would explain Jesus' response, where beginning in verse 3 Jesus immediately begins teaching Nicodemus about faith requiring one to be born of the Holy Spirit and that he is testifying about what he absolutely knows and has personally seen. Nicodemus doesn't understand, and this emphasizes that Jesus isn't just some teacher with the inspired word of God, but is in fact Messiah who knows more than all the Sanhedrin combined.
Application: I remain inspired by Nicodemus, a high-ranking and extremely well-respected expert with position, status, and title, who was at least open to learning ... and eventually would humble himself in unique and public ways. Nicodemus would speak up on Jesus' side before the Sanhedrin (John 7) and later he would be among the people who removed Jesus from the cross (John 19), making himself ceremonially unclean at a critical time. In both of these, Nicodemus was acting in a way that would have had public consequences, and he was willing to accept those consequences for his faith.
Nicodemus encountered Jesus in order to compartmentalize his faith ... he wanted to create a way that he could believe what Jesus said and did but not "believe in" Jesus. I know I do that sometimes. I want to believe in heaven, salvation, grace, righteousness, etc., but on my own terms. Jesus is clear that we do, in fact, have all these blessings and gifts, but they are given to us by God's terms. Those terms are to believe in Jesus as Lord and savior, and thus obey his commands.
I am to feed Jesus' sheep ... love others especially other believers, care for the meek and struggling, and pronounce the gospel message. Everything of this earth - title, position, possessions, and intelligence - are pointless. Nicodemus learned this, and so can I.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for words whispered in the dark. I am one who believes. Please forgive me for my continued pride, and give me the strength to set aside my life, pick up my cross, and follow you daily. Amen.
Observation: These are Nicodemus' first recorded words to Jesus, and they sound complimentary. Nicodemus acknowledges Jesus' status as a teacher, and as someone with special authority directly from God. In addition, he uses the plural 'we' implying that this is something the Sanhedrin have both discussed and are in agreement upon.
However, there is another way of interpreting this. Nicodemus could be putting Jesus in his place ... identifying him as 'just' an inspired teacher, and therefore clearly not on the level of the Sanhedrin. This, in fact, would explain Jesus' response, where beginning in verse 3 Jesus immediately begins teaching Nicodemus about faith requiring one to be born of the Holy Spirit and that he is testifying about what he absolutely knows and has personally seen. Nicodemus doesn't understand, and this emphasizes that Jesus isn't just some teacher with the inspired word of God, but is in fact Messiah who knows more than all the Sanhedrin combined.
Application: I remain inspired by Nicodemus, a high-ranking and extremely well-respected expert with position, status, and title, who was at least open to learning ... and eventually would humble himself in unique and public ways. Nicodemus would speak up on Jesus' side before the Sanhedrin (John 7) and later he would be among the people who removed Jesus from the cross (John 19), making himself ceremonially unclean at a critical time. In both of these, Nicodemus was acting in a way that would have had public consequences, and he was willing to accept those consequences for his faith.
Nicodemus encountered Jesus in order to compartmentalize his faith ... he wanted to create a way that he could believe what Jesus said and did but not "believe in" Jesus. I know I do that sometimes. I want to believe in heaven, salvation, grace, righteousness, etc., but on my own terms. Jesus is clear that we do, in fact, have all these blessings and gifts, but they are given to us by God's terms. Those terms are to believe in Jesus as Lord and savior, and thus obey his commands.
I am to feed Jesus' sheep ... love others especially other believers, care for the meek and struggling, and pronounce the gospel message. Everything of this earth - title, position, possessions, and intelligence - are pointless. Nicodemus learned this, and so can I.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for words whispered in the dark. I am one who believes. Please forgive me for my continued pride, and give me the strength to set aside my life, pick up my cross, and follow you daily. Amen.
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Dangers of Self-Serving Faith
Scripture: Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person. John 2:23-25
Observation: As Jesus begins his ministry and performing miracles, the people begin to believe he is the Messiah. However, this passage tells us that Jesus knew the nature of the heart of others, and therefore didn't "entrust himself" to people. In other words, he did not himself make statements about his status as Messiah, because he understood that the people were believing selfishly in the miracles and were not in fact believing yet in his lordship.
Jesus knew mankind, and understood that their faith was selfish. People believed because they wanted what Jesus was offering, but not because they wanted ... to obey God, pursue love, serve others, and ultimately understand and receive grace.
Application: Jesus knows every person's heart, and he knows those who are pious for self-serving reasons, and those who want to be truly Christ-like.
Yes, this week I have lamented the idea that I am not involved in certain activities because I want to be a leader. However, I also want to serve others and celebrate what I know will happen ... a powerful movement of the Lord, one which I have been praying for for many, many years. Part of my heart, then, is like those Jesus knew ... a heart that wants self fulfillment out of Jesus' work. However, I know I truly want God's kingdom here on earth, and for the salvation of others through faith in Jesus to sweep across out town. I don't really care if I'm directly involved in that, as long as it happens.
Prayer: Lord, thy kingdom come. May you claim Bothell now, and see a revival of faith in this area that no one could have predicted. If you would like me to serve in this, I will. If you would like me to pray through this, I will continue to do so. Amen.
Observation: As Jesus begins his ministry and performing miracles, the people begin to believe he is the Messiah. However, this passage tells us that Jesus knew the nature of the heart of others, and therefore didn't "entrust himself" to people. In other words, he did not himself make statements about his status as Messiah, because he understood that the people were believing selfishly in the miracles and were not in fact believing yet in his lordship.
Jesus knew mankind, and understood that their faith was selfish. People believed because they wanted what Jesus was offering, but not because they wanted ... to obey God, pursue love, serve others, and ultimately understand and receive grace.
Application: Jesus knows every person's heart, and he knows those who are pious for self-serving reasons, and those who want to be truly Christ-like.
Yes, this week I have lamented the idea that I am not involved in certain activities because I want to be a leader. However, I also want to serve others and celebrate what I know will happen ... a powerful movement of the Lord, one which I have been praying for for many, many years. Part of my heart, then, is like those Jesus knew ... a heart that wants self fulfillment out of Jesus' work. However, I know I truly want God's kingdom here on earth, and for the salvation of others through faith in Jesus to sweep across out town. I don't really care if I'm directly involved in that, as long as it happens.
Prayer: Lord, thy kingdom come. May you claim Bothell now, and see a revival of faith in this area that no one could have predicted. If you would like me to serve in this, I will. If you would like me to pray through this, I will continue to do so. Amen.
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