Scripture: When anyone offers a grain offering to the Lord, his offering shall be of fine flour. ... And if you bring as an offering a grain offering baked in the oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with oil. Leviticus 2:1,4
Observation: The grain offering ... isn't grain. The choices for the grain offering involve either the delivery of fine flour mixed with oil, or of baked bread. In all cases, a portion of it is burned on the alter, and the rest is for the priests.
There is then a significant difference in the nature of a burnt offering versus a grain offering. For a burnt offering, a live animal is brought to be sacrificed. It is then killed, prepared, and placed on the alter, all by the priests and right there before God. However, with a grain offering, the giver does all the prep work at home, away from the priests and from the tabernacle. The work itself may be partial - the grinding of grain into flour only - or complete (baking it). In the larger type of work, it may be completed in several different ways ... baked as bread, dried as wafers, fried in a pan. The results of that work are then brought forward for a portion to be sacrificed.
Application: I have 'offerings' I just give to God, which are primarily my tithe. I give money, with no intent to further manage or control how God will use it. That money might be used to ... buy a new vacuum for the church, allow a pastor to buy someone a coffee during a counseling session, pay a drummer's stipend, fly in a guest speaker, fund repairs for a lawn mower ... who knows! I give the money "raw" without form or purpose.
I have other 'offerings' that are more prepared. Sometimes this is money given for a purpose, like when we run a campaign for new livestream equipment. Mostly, such prepared offerings are in the form of my time, like sacrificing extra time on Sunday to deliver the FPU class, or host an Alpha table, or help with Christmas lights. These are efforts that will result in God's work being done, and for which I am giving to help bring about, but not in a random way. I can decide a bit how I engage in this sacrifice, and the degree to which I do so.
There are times I have thought that all the sacrifices in Leviticus were a burden placed on God's people for them to show their commitment to and love of God. However, they also provide flexibility. They give God's people choices about how to serve the Lord, and the degree to which they want to be hands-on in that service. They can bring an animal and leave, or work a harvest, grind grain, kneed dough, sweat over a hot oven, and give the results of that work away.
I have the same choice in how I serve the Lord, and I love being able to do both.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the blessings you always return when I give to you in any manner. I feel closer to you when I can engage in your work, and I know you have blessed my general giving. That you seek our engagement with you, when you could simply demand it, is amazing. Amen.
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Jesus is Always Approachable
Scripture: Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah". Mark 9:5
Observation: During the transfiguration, as Jesus in his glory is talking to Moses and Elijah, Peter speaks up and addresses Jesus. However, he does not address him by name, as one would assume would be his normal day-to-day custom. Likewise, he does not address him by the title he himself has acknowledged - Messiah - which would seem most befitting of all at this exact moment given the amazing circumstance. Instead, he addresses him by what must surely have been a title he used at the beginning of his relationship with Jesus almost three years prior ... rabbi, or teacher.
This is so out of place, it seems awkward to the point of embarrassing or even insulting. It would be as if, during the most important meeting in US history, the secretary of state interrupted the president by saying "hey, boss". It is technically true, and it is a title that connotes superiority, but it is hardly the proper address in a formal setting. This is surly all the more so for Jesus at the transfiguration.
That said, Jesus does not correct Peter. He says nothing of this at all. God himself shows up and calls Jesus "son", a name Jesus himself also uses about himself, and carries on with his teaching of Peter, James, and John after the event.
Application: Jesus is ALWAYS approachable. There would never be a time - for myself or anyone else - where Jesus would be put off by the manner in which someone engages with him. While talking to Moses and Elijah, he didn't care what Peter called him, but was perfectly happy with the fact that Peter was there and beginning to understand more and more.
Jesus can't be interrupted by my prayers, or worries, or rants, or anything, because he is always open and available to anything I want to bring to him.
Prayer: Jesus, you are my Lord, and you are my teacher, and you are my friend, and you are my comforter, and you are my hope, and you are my savior. The first and last, Lord and savior, are the most important, but I thank you for being all of the other personas as well. Amen.
Observation: During the transfiguration, as Jesus in his glory is talking to Moses and Elijah, Peter speaks up and addresses Jesus. However, he does not address him by name, as one would assume would be his normal day-to-day custom. Likewise, he does not address him by the title he himself has acknowledged - Messiah - which would seem most befitting of all at this exact moment given the amazing circumstance. Instead, he addresses him by what must surely have been a title he used at the beginning of his relationship with Jesus almost three years prior ... rabbi, or teacher.
This is so out of place, it seems awkward to the point of embarrassing or even insulting. It would be as if, during the most important meeting in US history, the secretary of state interrupted the president by saying "hey, boss". It is technically true, and it is a title that connotes superiority, but it is hardly the proper address in a formal setting. This is surly all the more so for Jesus at the transfiguration.
That said, Jesus does not correct Peter. He says nothing of this at all. God himself shows up and calls Jesus "son", a name Jesus himself also uses about himself, and carries on with his teaching of Peter, James, and John after the event.
Application: Jesus is ALWAYS approachable. There would never be a time - for myself or anyone else - where Jesus would be put off by the manner in which someone engages with him. While talking to Moses and Elijah, he didn't care what Peter called him, but was perfectly happy with the fact that Peter was there and beginning to understand more and more.
Jesus can't be interrupted by my prayers, or worries, or rants, or anything, because he is always open and available to anything I want to bring to him.
Prayer: Jesus, you are my Lord, and you are my teacher, and you are my friend, and you are my comforter, and you are my hope, and you are my savior. The first and last, Lord and savior, are the most important, but I thank you for being all of the other personas as well. Amen.
Hope Found in Worship
Scripture:
Vindicate me, O Lord,
For I have walked in my integrity.
I have also trusted in the Lord;
I shall not slip.
Examine me, O Lord, and prove me;
Try my mind and my heart.
Psalm 26:1-2
Observation: Throughout this psalm, David declares his righteousness and calls upon God to examine him. He declares that God alone is before his eyes, that he has and will walk in God's ways and truth alone. He will never associated with any kind of sinful people, and he will forever declare God's greatness, worshiping the Lord at all times, while remaining blameless all his days.
In summary, David's three major declarations in this psalm are that he has and never will 1) associated with non-believers, 2) transgress from the commands of God, and 3) cease to worship the Lord.
This is the David who ... 1) actually joined the Philistines in their war against Saul, and 2) had a man killed because he slept with that man's wife. In other words, even David had no hope of avoiding the very acts he himself declares. David had no hope of ever avoiding sin. David had no hope of avoiding friendly association with unbelievers in the world.
So how is it that David is the man after God's own heart? Because he DID ... worship publicly, openly, joyously, and aggressively, whenever and wherever he could. He worshiped in front of every citizen in the streets of Jerusalem. He worshiped while hiding in caves. He worshiped while his son rebelled against him. He worshiped after the death of a child. David worshiped ... period.
Application: I will forever fail to live the life the Lord would ask me to live. I will disobey his commands, and I will ignore his voice, and I will fail to love others at least daily. However, I can worship. I can worship in my car during my commute. I can worship during a quick break at work. I can worship before bed at night.
Worship is our place our right relationship with the Lord. Yes, we pray for guidance, strength, provision, and forgiveness, but it seems clear that worship is the path by which our right standing with the Lord is confirmed. It is by worship that we demonstrate we are after God's heart.
Prayer: Lord, I praise you this day and every day. May songs of your greatness forever be upon my lips and flowing from my heart. I thank you for the chance to show my love for you in such a manner as worship. Amen.
Vindicate me, O Lord,
For I have walked in my integrity.
I have also trusted in the Lord;
I shall not slip.
Examine me, O Lord, and prove me;
Try my mind and my heart.
Psalm 26:1-2
Observation: Throughout this psalm, David declares his righteousness and calls upon God to examine him. He declares that God alone is before his eyes, that he has and will walk in God's ways and truth alone. He will never associated with any kind of sinful people, and he will forever declare God's greatness, worshiping the Lord at all times, while remaining blameless all his days.
In summary, David's three major declarations in this psalm are that he has and never will 1) associated with non-believers, 2) transgress from the commands of God, and 3) cease to worship the Lord.
This is the David who ... 1) actually joined the Philistines in their war against Saul, and 2) had a man killed because he slept with that man's wife. In other words, even David had no hope of avoiding the very acts he himself declares. David had no hope of ever avoiding sin. David had no hope of avoiding friendly association with unbelievers in the world.
So how is it that David is the man after God's own heart? Because he DID ... worship publicly, openly, joyously, and aggressively, whenever and wherever he could. He worshiped in front of every citizen in the streets of Jerusalem. He worshiped while hiding in caves. He worshiped while his son rebelled against him. He worshiped after the death of a child. David worshiped ... period.
Application: I will forever fail to live the life the Lord would ask me to live. I will disobey his commands, and I will ignore his voice, and I will fail to love others at least daily. However, I can worship. I can worship in my car during my commute. I can worship during a quick break at work. I can worship before bed at night.
Worship is our place our right relationship with the Lord. Yes, we pray for guidance, strength, provision, and forgiveness, but it seems clear that worship is the path by which our right standing with the Lord is confirmed. It is by worship that we demonstrate we are after God's heart.
Prayer: Lord, I praise you this day and every day. May songs of your greatness forever be upon my lips and flowing from my heart. I thank you for the chance to show my love for you in such a manner as worship. Amen.
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Provision is Fundamental
Scripture: "When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?" They said to Him, "Twelve." "Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?" And they said, "Seven." So He said to them, "How is it you do not understand?" Mark 8:19-21
Observation: Jesus tells the disciples to be wary of the 'yeast' of the Pharisees, and they think he is hinting that they forgot to bring enough bread for their trip. Jesus corrects them in this passage, effectively saying, "you have seen me twice multiply bread to serve thousands, why would you think I need more?" However, he doesn't re-teach them about the Pharisees, which appears to be the metaphorical point they missed, and instead indicates that they simply don't understand his true nature (and we will soon get to the point when Peter declares Jesus to be Messiah).
It therefore seems that what the disciples don't yet understand is that ... as Messiah, Jesus provides. He provides food for the hungry, healing for the sick, sight for the blind. He also provides hope for the those with faith, warning for those with false knowledge, teaching for those seeking understanding, wisdom for those seeking truth. So the disciples don't need to be worried about bread, for it - in fact, everything - will be provided.
Application: The Lord provides everything as it is needed, and this includes salvation through faith in Jesus. Our 'job' is so simple ... to believe he can and will provide, be that our bread for today, strength for the day, or mercy for eternal life.
And this is bedrock. The reason Jesus didn't repeat the lesson about the Pharisees is that he realized he needed to re-teach the basics instead, and thus discerning false understanding was still too advanced. The fundamental is faith, and that lesson had to be reinforced again. That same lesson has to be reinforced in me often. I know I am better at this than I was! However, there is room to improve. The more I simply trust that God will provide everything, in every situation, always, the better I will be able to serve him in other ways.
Prayer: Lord, you are my provider, Yahweh Yireh. You not only promise to provide, you have proven and delivered on your promise over and over and over again in my life. I trust in you for all things and in all ways, my Lord. May I lean into that trust more and more every day. Amen.
Observation: Jesus tells the disciples to be wary of the 'yeast' of the Pharisees, and they think he is hinting that they forgot to bring enough bread for their trip. Jesus corrects them in this passage, effectively saying, "you have seen me twice multiply bread to serve thousands, why would you think I need more?" However, he doesn't re-teach them about the Pharisees, which appears to be the metaphorical point they missed, and instead indicates that they simply don't understand his true nature (and we will soon get to the point when Peter declares Jesus to be Messiah).
It therefore seems that what the disciples don't yet understand is that ... as Messiah, Jesus provides. He provides food for the hungry, healing for the sick, sight for the blind. He also provides hope for the those with faith, warning for those with false knowledge, teaching for those seeking understanding, wisdom for those seeking truth. So the disciples don't need to be worried about bread, for it - in fact, everything - will be provided.
Application: The Lord provides everything as it is needed, and this includes salvation through faith in Jesus. Our 'job' is so simple ... to believe he can and will provide, be that our bread for today, strength for the day, or mercy for eternal life.
And this is bedrock. The reason Jesus didn't repeat the lesson about the Pharisees is that he realized he needed to re-teach the basics instead, and thus discerning false understanding was still too advanced. The fundamental is faith, and that lesson had to be reinforced again. That same lesson has to be reinforced in me often. I know I am better at this than I was! However, there is room to improve. The more I simply trust that God will provide everything, in every situation, always, the better I will be able to serve him in other ways.
Prayer: Lord, you are my provider, Yahweh Yireh. You not only promise to provide, you have proven and delivered on your promise over and over and over again in my life. I trust in you for all things and in all ways, my Lord. May I lean into that trust more and more every day. Amen.
Monday, February 24, 2020
Many Mysteries of the Bible
Scripture: Now those who had eaten were about four thousand. And He sent them away, immediately got into the boat with His disciples, and came to the region of Dalmanutha. Mark 8:9-10
Observation: Jesus has returned to the Decapolis region, fed 4,000 people, and then departs for a place called Dalmanutha. There is only one problem with this story, and it isn't the miracle of the feeding of the multitude. It is ... there is no such place as Dalmanutha.
Jewish and Roman historians generally agree that there was never a town or region in Judea with this name. Other gospels do not mention this place, citing a different place (Magdala) as the place Jesus goes after leaving the Decapolis. However, at least one scholar offers an explanation for this: Dalmanutha may have been the name of a field near Magdala where a battle occurred during the Jewish revolt against Rome. If this is the case, the location may have now been familiar to contemporary readers, though unknown to anyone at the actual time of Jesus or now looking back as a reader of the historical context of the bible.
Application: This is the challenge of understanding God's word ... trying to figure out the significance of certain items and contexts. I can personally come up with six different reasons for Mark referencing a more-or-less nonexistent place at this point in the bible:
1) Where Jesus went didn't matter, so let's not make it a focus by anyone.
2) The battlefield of Dalmanutha was now SO culturally significant to the Jews that it should be confirmed as a location relevant to Jesus.
3) The battlefield of Dalmanutha was relevant to Mark (maybe a family member fought/died there) so he wanted it honored as a place Jesus had been.
4) In narrating this gospel to Mark, Peter - a native of Galilee - knew the area so well that he knew the name of a field as well as the nearby town, so just called the location by the name of the field.
5) Where Jesus did go - Magdala - is the home town of Mary Magdalene, and therefore:
a) Other disciples were jealous of Mary's relevance in the early church so dodged naming her home;
b) Mark acknowledged that Mary was greatly honored and therefore didn't want to detract from the story of Jesus here by calling even more attention to her.
Are ANY of these accurate?? Probably not. They are all totally random guesses without knowledge, context, or education. The point is, the bible can be difficult to study because of elements like this ... variations in text that occur when interpreting any ancient writing.
This is why, for me at least, reading the bible should not be a study, but a conversation with God. I must allow the Lord to simply reveal to me what he would like to say to me. Today, he is likely telling me, "quit trying to Google strange place-names and just listen to me!"
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your reminder today that my understanding of you is not is research, but in relationship. May I listen to your guidance, teaching, and loving support. Amen.
Observation: Jesus has returned to the Decapolis region, fed 4,000 people, and then departs for a place called Dalmanutha. There is only one problem with this story, and it isn't the miracle of the feeding of the multitude. It is ... there is no such place as Dalmanutha.
Jewish and Roman historians generally agree that there was never a town or region in Judea with this name. Other gospels do not mention this place, citing a different place (Magdala) as the place Jesus goes after leaving the Decapolis. However, at least one scholar offers an explanation for this: Dalmanutha may have been the name of a field near Magdala where a battle occurred during the Jewish revolt against Rome. If this is the case, the location may have now been familiar to contemporary readers, though unknown to anyone at the actual time of Jesus or now looking back as a reader of the historical context of the bible.
Application: This is the challenge of understanding God's word ... trying to figure out the significance of certain items and contexts. I can personally come up with six different reasons for Mark referencing a more-or-less nonexistent place at this point in the bible:
1) Where Jesus went didn't matter, so let's not make it a focus by anyone.
2) The battlefield of Dalmanutha was now SO culturally significant to the Jews that it should be confirmed as a location relevant to Jesus.
3) The battlefield of Dalmanutha was relevant to Mark (maybe a family member fought/died there) so he wanted it honored as a place Jesus had been.
4) In narrating this gospel to Mark, Peter - a native of Galilee - knew the area so well that he knew the name of a field as well as the nearby town, so just called the location by the name of the field.
5) Where Jesus did go - Magdala - is the home town of Mary Magdalene, and therefore:
a) Other disciples were jealous of Mary's relevance in the early church so dodged naming her home;
b) Mark acknowledged that Mary was greatly honored and therefore didn't want to detract from the story of Jesus here by calling even more attention to her.
Are ANY of these accurate?? Probably not. They are all totally random guesses without knowledge, context, or education. The point is, the bible can be difficult to study because of elements like this ... variations in text that occur when interpreting any ancient writing.
This is why, for me at least, reading the bible should not be a study, but a conversation with God. I must allow the Lord to simply reveal to me what he would like to say to me. Today, he is likely telling me, "quit trying to Google strange place-names and just listen to me!"
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your reminder today that my understanding of you is not is research, but in relationship. May I listen to your guidance, teaching, and loving support. Amen.
Friday, February 21, 2020
Understanding Mandates to Serve
Scripture: When you
take the census of the children of Israel for their number, then every man
shall give a ransom for himself to the Lord,
when you number them, that there may be no plague among them when you number
them. Exodus 30:12
Observation: God here gives Moses instruction for the future census he will take of Israel in the wilderness, including this instruction - every man will give a ransom for himself to the Lord. This does happen, and we know the ransom has both heavenly and earthly purposes. The earthly purpose is to fund the ministry of the temple. This money will be the initial income to the temple to pay for future needs and support the priests. The heavenly purpose is that this will be the initial offering of the overall populace to seek the forgiveness of the Lord. While there will be ritual offerings for the nation, this is the first offering mandated for all to participate.
Application: As a believer, I see three ways I participate in worship. One is through group rituals of the church, and another is my personal time. However, there is a third way, which is more of a personal compliance ... I do it myself, but also it is required of all believers. The ransom of Israel fell into this category. Today, this category includes tithing and participation in certain projects outside of Sunday services. Even my daily devotions fall into this category, as our pastor expects that all leaders are doing devotions, yet I (gladly!) choose to spend this time in the word of God.
Yes, there is an element of compliance in these, but there is also a personal and private choice. There may be a little personal sacrifice, but there is obvious long-term good. I will continue to look for these sorts of activities, as it feels like they often offer the best chance to participate in the work of the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, I appreciate your instructions about what and how we should do every day, for I see these instructions provide a way to serve you. I do love it when I know I am aligned to your will. Amen.
Observation: God here gives Moses instruction for the future census he will take of Israel in the wilderness, including this instruction - every man will give a ransom for himself to the Lord. This does happen, and we know the ransom has both heavenly and earthly purposes. The earthly purpose is to fund the ministry of the temple. This money will be the initial income to the temple to pay for future needs and support the priests. The heavenly purpose is that this will be the initial offering of the overall populace to seek the forgiveness of the Lord. While there will be ritual offerings for the nation, this is the first offering mandated for all to participate.
Application: As a believer, I see three ways I participate in worship. One is through group rituals of the church, and another is my personal time. However, there is a third way, which is more of a personal compliance ... I do it myself, but also it is required of all believers. The ransom of Israel fell into this category. Today, this category includes tithing and participation in certain projects outside of Sunday services. Even my daily devotions fall into this category, as our pastor expects that all leaders are doing devotions, yet I (gladly!) choose to spend this time in the word of God.
Yes, there is an element of compliance in these, but there is also a personal and private choice. There may be a little personal sacrifice, but there is obvious long-term good. I will continue to look for these sorts of activities, as it feels like they often offer the best chance to participate in the work of the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, I appreciate your instructions about what and how we should do every day, for I see these instructions provide a way to serve you. I do love it when I know I am aligned to your will. Amen.
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Obedience as a Blessing
Scripture:
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Psalm 23:3
Observation: David writes Psalm 23 as a prayer pronouncing God's blessings in his life. These blessing include ... patient guidance, rest, comfort, protection from evil and danger, presence, food and drink, companionship, honor, abundance, goodness, mercy, and eternal life. Verse 3 also includes the idea that being led in righteousness - for the honor of God's own name - is also one of these blessings.
In other words, being shown a correct and honorable life, guided in the way that is proper behavior, and doing so explicitly because one has faith in God and thus behaving properly honors the Lord, is a blessing. Righteousness is therefore no more a "burden" than rest, or good food, or comfort is a burden. Being taught righteousness, and obeying for the honor the God, should be a an element of life that fills our lives with gladness and peace and joy.
Application: Psalm 23 is a short 6-verse psalm that many people memorize, yet it is this verse 3 that trips up many including myself. We get the imagery of God as our good shepherd, watching over us as we sleep, guiding us through the valley of death, protecting us from evil, feeding us a meal, and showing us "goodness and mercy all the days of my life". Yet ... telling us to be obedient to righteousness for his honor is part I and others would easily gloss over.
Logically, I have learned that right behavior is in fact a blessing. It is the lifestyle that will honor God, which he in turn will honor. However, it doesn't always seem easy in the world today. I even know that openly honoring the Lord can lead to persecution - sometimes in the extreme - in the modern world. Yet this most comforting and gentle of the psalms is here to remind us that being led by our Father on his path, obeying his words, and doing so explicitly for his honor and his glory, is a privilege and a blessing to me.
Prayer: Lord, Abba, today I desire your blessings in all their fullness and all their circumstances. I wish to be protected, to be devoid of want, to be fed made comfortable. And I wish to be led along your path, by you, in righteousness, for your glory and honor and praise. You are the Lord, the one God, maker of heaven and earth, provider and ruler and instructor. You are love and mercy and justice. May I honor your name by obeying your word. Amen.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Psalm 23:3
Observation: David writes Psalm 23 as a prayer pronouncing God's blessings in his life. These blessing include ... patient guidance, rest, comfort, protection from evil and danger, presence, food and drink, companionship, honor, abundance, goodness, mercy, and eternal life. Verse 3 also includes the idea that being led in righteousness - for the honor of God's own name - is also one of these blessings.
In other words, being shown a correct and honorable life, guided in the way that is proper behavior, and doing so explicitly because one has faith in God and thus behaving properly honors the Lord, is a blessing. Righteousness is therefore no more a "burden" than rest, or good food, or comfort is a burden. Being taught righteousness, and obeying for the honor the God, should be a an element of life that fills our lives with gladness and peace and joy.
Application: Psalm 23 is a short 6-verse psalm that many people memorize, yet it is this verse 3 that trips up many including myself. We get the imagery of God as our good shepherd, watching over us as we sleep, guiding us through the valley of death, protecting us from evil, feeding us a meal, and showing us "goodness and mercy all the days of my life". Yet ... telling us to be obedient to righteousness for his honor is part I and others would easily gloss over.
Logically, I have learned that right behavior is in fact a blessing. It is the lifestyle that will honor God, which he in turn will honor. However, it doesn't always seem easy in the world today. I even know that openly honoring the Lord can lead to persecution - sometimes in the extreme - in the modern world. Yet this most comforting and gentle of the psalms is here to remind us that being led by our Father on his path, obeying his words, and doing so explicitly for his honor and his glory, is a privilege and a blessing to me.
Prayer: Lord, Abba, today I desire your blessings in all their fullness and all their circumstances. I wish to be protected, to be devoid of want, to be fed made comfortable. And I wish to be led along your path, by you, in righteousness, for your glory and honor and praise. You are the Lord, the one God, maker of heaven and earth, provider and ruler and instructor. You are love and mercy and justice. May I honor your name by obeying your word. Amen.
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
How Quickly we Forget God
Scripture: Then Moses went up, also Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity. But on the nobles of the children of Israel He did not lay His hand. So they saw God, and they ate and drank. Exodus 24:9-11
Observation: After the Lord has given Moses instruction about various topics and clarifications around the commandments, he holds a feast in which ... 74 Israelites attend and see the Lord. Moses, Aaron, Aaron's two oldest sons, and 70 elders all see God, and eat and drink a meal in his presence. They also see a glimpse into heaven, perceiving a beauty that is difficult to describe and supernatural in its glory.
In about a month, these same people will decide that Moses has taken too long in his conversation with God, and will build a golden calf. Aaron will lead this himself, requested by the people but certainly surrounded by the elders. They will declare that calf to be God and worship it. After being personally greeted by the Lord himself, seeing him, being provided for by him, and glimpsing heaven itself ... they turn away from that experience in just a matter of weeks.
Application: I do this almost daily. I know everything the Lord has done for me, and then I will ignore and forget him for days at a time. I feel strongly connected to God after reading his word, and pray thanks for everything he has done in my life to deliver and guide me ... then I ignore him, commit sin without thought, seek to solve problems without prayer, and in general forget God.
It is shocking to discover that 74 people met God in person, and reverted to their own ways in 40 days. However, I have experienced God in my life in many ways, and I revert to old ways, maybe in weeks, maybe in days, but maybe even in hours.
Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for my 'golden calves', for failing to keep your love and precepts front-and-center in my mind and my life day-by-day. I forget you moment by moment, please forgive me for that. I desire to keep you as the purpose of my life not just as a high-level concept, but in every moment, every action, and every thought. Thank you for how you have loved me and guided my life, and I seek to never forget that. Amen.
Observation: After the Lord has given Moses instruction about various topics and clarifications around the commandments, he holds a feast in which ... 74 Israelites attend and see the Lord. Moses, Aaron, Aaron's two oldest sons, and 70 elders all see God, and eat and drink a meal in his presence. They also see a glimpse into heaven, perceiving a beauty that is difficult to describe and supernatural in its glory.
In about a month, these same people will decide that Moses has taken too long in his conversation with God, and will build a golden calf. Aaron will lead this himself, requested by the people but certainly surrounded by the elders. They will declare that calf to be God and worship it. After being personally greeted by the Lord himself, seeing him, being provided for by him, and glimpsing heaven itself ... they turn away from that experience in just a matter of weeks.
Application: I do this almost daily. I know everything the Lord has done for me, and then I will ignore and forget him for days at a time. I feel strongly connected to God after reading his word, and pray thanks for everything he has done in my life to deliver and guide me ... then I ignore him, commit sin without thought, seek to solve problems without prayer, and in general forget God.
It is shocking to discover that 74 people met God in person, and reverted to their own ways in 40 days. However, I have experienced God in my life in many ways, and I revert to old ways, maybe in weeks, maybe in days, but maybe even in hours.
Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for my 'golden calves', for failing to keep your love and precepts front-and-center in my mind and my life day-by-day. I forget you moment by moment, please forgive me for that. I desire to keep you as the purpose of my life not just as a high-level concept, but in every moment, every action, and every thought. Thank you for how you have loved me and guided my life, and I seek to never forget that. Amen.
Friday, February 7, 2020
Understanding is Not Faith
Scripture:
I know that You can do everything,
And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.
You asked, 'Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?'
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
Job 42:2-3
Observation: After God corrects Job, Job does in fact answer him, and this is that response ... He knows and believes God is the almighty creator, that his will and purposes are just and right, and God alone has all wisdom and authority. Therefore, he has spoken incorrectly out of ignorance.
And ... this was the point from the beginning. Job was God's example of a man who fears and honors the Lord, and in the very end Job - despite the emotional words he has spoken in response to both physical and personal attacks - still stands as a man who fears and honors the Lord. He knows God is the Lord of the universe, and that he himself is nothing in comparison, and yields his life, his thoughts, his will, his emotions, and his all to the Lord.
While it was never said, that was the original conflict between God and satan: That Job would rebel against God when attacked. Job did not. Job, his wife, and all his friends have no idea why this all happened, and it is never, ever revealed to them. There is no explanation for his suffering. Yet God saw the outcome, and even Job's suffering served the Lord's purpose of an example of how faith in the Lord advances his kingdom.
Application: Again, it is important that Job never has any of this explained to him. Just like none of us ever have anything associated with our pain and hardship explained to us. Instead, I am simply to trust God. For all I know, in that way I may serve God's great purposes even more than if I accomplished some mission here on earth.
When God was looking for a great man, his measure was ... would that man still honor God even after having all blessing removed. This is God's measure of greatness. May I try, to the best of my ability, to have that kind of great faith.
Prayer: Lord, I trust in you in all things, and I trust in you alone. May I not lean on my own understand. May I not lean on any understanding, for understanding is meaningless. May instead I lean on faith in Jesus Christ. Amen.
I know that You can do everything,
And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.
You asked, 'Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?'
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
Job 42:2-3
Observation: After God corrects Job, Job does in fact answer him, and this is that response ... He knows and believes God is the almighty creator, that his will and purposes are just and right, and God alone has all wisdom and authority. Therefore, he has spoken incorrectly out of ignorance.
And ... this was the point from the beginning. Job was God's example of a man who fears and honors the Lord, and in the very end Job - despite the emotional words he has spoken in response to both physical and personal attacks - still stands as a man who fears and honors the Lord. He knows God is the Lord of the universe, and that he himself is nothing in comparison, and yields his life, his thoughts, his will, his emotions, and his all to the Lord.
While it was never said, that was the original conflict between God and satan: That Job would rebel against God when attacked. Job did not. Job, his wife, and all his friends have no idea why this all happened, and it is never, ever revealed to them. There is no explanation for his suffering. Yet God saw the outcome, and even Job's suffering served the Lord's purpose of an example of how faith in the Lord advances his kingdom.
Application: Again, it is important that Job never has any of this explained to him. Just like none of us ever have anything associated with our pain and hardship explained to us. Instead, I am simply to trust God. For all I know, in that way I may serve God's great purposes even more than if I accomplished some mission here on earth.
When God was looking for a great man, his measure was ... would that man still honor God even after having all blessing removed. This is God's measure of greatness. May I try, to the best of my ability, to have that kind of great faith.
Prayer: Lord, I trust in you in all things, and I trust in you alone. May I not lean on my own understand. May I not lean on any understanding, for understanding is meaningless. May instead I lean on faith in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thursday, February 6, 2020
Your Name is Power
... Power ... Freedom ... Mercy ... Faithful ... Glory ... Mighty ...
Lord, your name is!
Lord, your name is!
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Living in the Pre End Times
Scripture: Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you." Matthew 23:3-4
Observation: The disciples ask about the end times, and Jesus first instruction is not to be deceived. He then goes on to lists the following types of events: False Messiahs; Many wars; Ethnic conflicts; Major regional wars; Famines; Other pestilence; Multiple natural disasters; Societal hatred of the church; General betrayal and hatred within the church; False teaching in the church; Communities living outside God's laws; A redefinition of love that is cold.
Jesus ends this list by then stating the gospel message will be preached to all the world, and "then the end will come" (v14). However, based on this reading, it seems that all these other items ... having nothing to do with the end times. In fact, it is possible Jesus is saying the opposite, that these things will occur throughout the world, but do not be deceived by people that declare these represent the end times, for they do not. Instead, these are just examples of how the world and societies and the church will function prior to the end times, as influenced by satan in the world who is trying to prevent this very last success ... the worldwide spreading of the gospel of Jesus.
Application: Oh, how I wish the end times would come. Do I truly want to live during the 'great tribulation'? Okay, probably not, and I'm not sure I understand prophesy about that and the 'rapture' enough anyway. But everything else Jesus talked about is upon us ... both national and ethnic wars, natural disasters and the changing of global climate to cause broad famine and pestilence, church struggles both internal and external, huge populations entirely rejecting God, and an active rejection of the love that even defines God himself.
If these aren't signs of the end times, at least we know they all had to come to pass first, and they have. All of them, in crystal clear fulfillment of Jesus' word. I don't know where the gospel still needs to go - maybe some places in the middle east, or corners of small Asian countries, or even to my neighbor's house - but I hope we get it there soon.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I know that Jesus will return like a thief in the night, at an appointed time that is so secret not even he knew it. But we have passed through, and live within, all the pre-end-times challenges. I would love to see you and see your return. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Observation: The disciples ask about the end times, and Jesus first instruction is not to be deceived. He then goes on to lists the following types of events: False Messiahs; Many wars; Ethnic conflicts; Major regional wars; Famines; Other pestilence; Multiple natural disasters; Societal hatred of the church; General betrayal and hatred within the church; False teaching in the church; Communities living outside God's laws; A redefinition of love that is cold.
Jesus ends this list by then stating the gospel message will be preached to all the world, and "then the end will come" (v14). However, based on this reading, it seems that all these other items ... having nothing to do with the end times. In fact, it is possible Jesus is saying the opposite, that these things will occur throughout the world, but do not be deceived by people that declare these represent the end times, for they do not. Instead, these are just examples of how the world and societies and the church will function prior to the end times, as influenced by satan in the world who is trying to prevent this very last success ... the worldwide spreading of the gospel of Jesus.
Application: Oh, how I wish the end times would come. Do I truly want to live during the 'great tribulation'? Okay, probably not, and I'm not sure I understand prophesy about that and the 'rapture' enough anyway. But everything else Jesus talked about is upon us ... both national and ethnic wars, natural disasters and the changing of global climate to cause broad famine and pestilence, church struggles both internal and external, huge populations entirely rejecting God, and an active rejection of the love that even defines God himself.
If these aren't signs of the end times, at least we know they all had to come to pass first, and they have. All of them, in crystal clear fulfillment of Jesus' word. I don't know where the gospel still needs to go - maybe some places in the middle east, or corners of small Asian countries, or even to my neighbor's house - but I hope we get it there soon.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I know that Jesus will return like a thief in the night, at an appointed time that is so secret not even he knew it. But we have passed through, and live within, all the pre-end-times challenges. I would love to see you and see your return. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Becoming Good at Love
Scripture: But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. Matthew 23:13
Observation: Jesus pronounces eight 'woes' upon the scribes and Pharisees, this being the first. It is related to all the rituals and requirements they have placed on everyone, and Jesus' message is very, very clear ... these rules subvert the true teaching of and will of God. God wants people to simply love him, and love one another, and all actions and behaviors that flow from those two objectives will be honorable.
The Pharisees define rules and procedures, and condemn people for failing to comply, this telling them they are unworthy of grace - and ultimately heaven - due to these failures. Meanwhile, they themselves comply with the rules, but in doing so they treat others poorly and judgmentally, and thus truly fall short of God's will. It is by the rules of the Pharisees that they tell others shut up heaven is shut to them, while they themselves are not entering it either.
Application: We want God to see us for what we are good at. The Pharisees thought they were good at complying with rules, and therefore wanted that to be the criteria by which they were judged. In turn, they made that the criteria upon which others were judged. Jesus is clear ... there is only one criteria, and that is the love of God, expressed by faith and belief in Messiah. This thought is directly associated with the end of chapter 22, where Jesus answered the question about the greatest commandment (love God and love others) and then immediately questioned the Pharisees about the identity of the Messiah. These points - love God and believe in Messiah - are clearly linked.
I believe in Jesus as the Messiah, the son of God. I need to generate the emotion of love in my heart more, however. I love God, but I don't always love his created. Yes, that isn't uncommon, but it is something to improve. I need to love others more. If I did, surely my actions would be different, and I would make better decisions and take better actions more often. I would comply with the best of the 'rules' ... not the ceremonial actions, but the moral behaviors. If I became good at love, everything else would improve.
Prayer: Lord, may I love you more every day, and in the outpouring of that love may I improve my love of others. I know I fail in this area, and it is that failing that is at the core of wrong behavior. All your laws hang on the idea of loving you and others. I love you, my Lord. May I love your created as much, and even more, than I love myself. Amen.
Observation: Jesus pronounces eight 'woes' upon the scribes and Pharisees, this being the first. It is related to all the rituals and requirements they have placed on everyone, and Jesus' message is very, very clear ... these rules subvert the true teaching of and will of God. God wants people to simply love him, and love one another, and all actions and behaviors that flow from those two objectives will be honorable.
The Pharisees define rules and procedures, and condemn people for failing to comply, this telling them they are unworthy of grace - and ultimately heaven - due to these failures. Meanwhile, they themselves comply with the rules, but in doing so they treat others poorly and judgmentally, and thus truly fall short of God's will. It is by the rules of the Pharisees that they tell others shut up heaven is shut to them, while they themselves are not entering it either.
Application: We want God to see us for what we are good at. The Pharisees thought they were good at complying with rules, and therefore wanted that to be the criteria by which they were judged. In turn, they made that the criteria upon which others were judged. Jesus is clear ... there is only one criteria, and that is the love of God, expressed by faith and belief in Messiah. This thought is directly associated with the end of chapter 22, where Jesus answered the question about the greatest commandment (love God and love others) and then immediately questioned the Pharisees about the identity of the Messiah. These points - love God and believe in Messiah - are clearly linked.
I believe in Jesus as the Messiah, the son of God. I need to generate the emotion of love in my heart more, however. I love God, but I don't always love his created. Yes, that isn't uncommon, but it is something to improve. I need to love others more. If I did, surely my actions would be different, and I would make better decisions and take better actions more often. I would comply with the best of the 'rules' ... not the ceremonial actions, but the moral behaviors. If I became good at love, everything else would improve.
Prayer: Lord, may I love you more every day, and in the outpouring of that love may I improve my love of others. I know I fail in this area, and it is that failing that is at the core of wrong behavior. All your laws hang on the idea of loving you and others. I love you, my Lord. May I love your created as much, and even more, than I love myself. Amen.
Monday, February 3, 2020
Only the Relationship Matters
Scripture:
Oh, that I had one to hear me!
Here is my mark.
Oh, that the Almighty would answer me,
That my Prosecutor had written a book.
Job 31:35
Observation: Job ends his entire defense by wondering what sins he has committed. He outlines several sins he did not commit, and wishes that God would have simply documented what he did do wrong so he may understand it. The sins he does claim in this chapter that he has not committed are ... lust and adulatory, lying or cheating others, suppressed or repressed the poor, been greedy for money, shown hate toward others, failed to care for strangers, and stolen from the land.
However, in his final defense, Job skips over his relationship with God. This isn't because he didn't have a relationship with God, but that his anger of his situation has left him alienated from God. He feels he cannot engage with God, approach or speak with God about his plight, or stand before him for his defense. In the end, that is what he wants ... not an understanding of his sins, but clarity on his relationship with God, and a conversation with God about his circumstances.
Application: A relationship with God is everything. When I feel close to God, I am better mentally, and I am better behaved in all circumstances. When that relationship just becomes an exercise is behavioral compliance, however, everything goes wrong.
Job's example then is this: When the going got tough, he (and his friends) tried to riddle out the reason, when all he really should have done is engaged with God is prayer. He says over and over that he needs an intermediary to do this, and certainly Jesus helps us in this regard.
I have been in hard times, and I still hurt from time to time. It is good to know there is a proper way to proceed through such times, and it is by simply turning to God in prayer.
Prayer: Lord, I do thank you for your love, and for Jesus as our intercessor, and your Spirit to guide me daily. May I look to you for my daily needs, and my guidance, and my comfort. I will not lean on my own understanding or behavior, but look to you alone for meaning and strength. Amen.
Oh, that I had one to hear me!
Here is my mark.
Oh, that the Almighty would answer me,
That my Prosecutor had written a book.
Job 31:35
Observation: Job ends his entire defense by wondering what sins he has committed. He outlines several sins he did not commit, and wishes that God would have simply documented what he did do wrong so he may understand it. The sins he does claim in this chapter that he has not committed are ... lust and adulatory, lying or cheating others, suppressed or repressed the poor, been greedy for money, shown hate toward others, failed to care for strangers, and stolen from the land.
However, in his final defense, Job skips over his relationship with God. This isn't because he didn't have a relationship with God, but that his anger of his situation has left him alienated from God. He feels he cannot engage with God, approach or speak with God about his plight, or stand before him for his defense. In the end, that is what he wants ... not an understanding of his sins, but clarity on his relationship with God, and a conversation with God about his circumstances.
Application: A relationship with God is everything. When I feel close to God, I am better mentally, and I am better behaved in all circumstances. When that relationship just becomes an exercise is behavioral compliance, however, everything goes wrong.
Job's example then is this: When the going got tough, he (and his friends) tried to riddle out the reason, when all he really should have done is engaged with God is prayer. He says over and over that he needs an intermediary to do this, and certainly Jesus helps us in this regard.
I have been in hard times, and I still hurt from time to time. It is good to know there is a proper way to proceed through such times, and it is by simply turning to God in prayer.
Prayer: Lord, I do thank you for your love, and for Jesus as our intercessor, and your Spirit to guide me daily. May I look to you for my daily needs, and my guidance, and my comfort. I will not lean on my own understanding or behavior, but look to you alone for meaning and strength. Amen.