Scripture: But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” Luke 8:23-25
Observation: As they cross the lake a storm arises, the disciples are afraid, they awaken Jesus, and he calms the storm then questions them for their faith. This is a story many of us learned as little children.
However, in this telling by Luke, there are details that are a little different. First, the boat was is "jeopardy" ... it was in actual trouble. This wasn't a panicked cry for help from the disciples, but rather there was real danger in the boat sinking. Second, Jesus "rebuked" the storm, but ... he did not rebuke the disciples, it says that he "said" to them, and asked where is their faith. That isn't someone who sound cross. In fact, taken together, this sounds like a teacher who has just made a huge point during a lecture, and then emphasizes it with a catchy phrase or memorable quip. In other words ...
-- In true danger, Jewish disciples who would have been trained to pray to Yahweh in times of crisis, instead cry out to Jesus for help, and he saves them.
-- To emphasize that there is some deep meaning to the fact that - just like God - Jesus has the authority to save when people cry out to him, Jesus gives the disciples a sly smile, raises an eyebrow, and knowingly asks "okay, so what do you believe now?"
-- The disciples ... actually start to get it, putting two and two together and immediately discussing Jesus identity and Messiahship.
Application: I so quickly jump to a certain narrative in the bible, maybe out of self-doubt, or maybe I was taught this way. That narrative is that ... the disciples are tested, they fail, Jesus exasperatedly teaches them, and they still don't get it. In this model, I am to learn from Jesus, despite my failings.
That might not always be the right narrative. Sometimes, the test comes, the disciples did right, and Jesus says, 'okay, now let's ponder and explore it deeper,' and the disciples do in fact learn even more.
I know there are things I get wrong. However, there are things I absolutely get right as well. This model shows me that God would, in fact, agree with that, and thus his response isn't to nit-pick, but rather to guide me into even deeper thoughts and actions and relationship.
It is easy to beat ourselves up and believe God teaches us out of our failings. However, Jesus modeled that he would prefer to teach us out of our successes. When we fail, he has to correct us and re-teach us the basics. When we succeed, he can use that as the foundation for even deeper conversations. It is in this deeper learning where I can discover the true nature - the identity - of the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, today I pray as always for your help and guidance as I struggle to do right every day, and for your forgiveness and mercy when I fail. However, I also add that I desire your deeper love and wisdom to be part of my success. When I serve you well, may I learn even more. When I avoid temptation, sidestep anger, or bless others as your hands and mouth on earth, may I in turn discover you in new and exciting ways. Thank you for your love and your teaching. Amen.
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Monday, March 30, 2020
The Only Response is Prayer
Scripture:
Do not forsake me, O Lord;
O my God, be not far from me!
Make haste to help me,
O Lord, my salvation!
Psalm 38:21-22
Observation: The psalmist (David) declares how his enemies are pursuing him, and how he is responding. In their pursuit, they are multiplying in both number and intensity of attack. They wrongly accuse, and not only accuse but now lie. They attack and anger, and not only anger but now evil. Meanwhile, David's response is silence. He acknowledges and laments about his own iniquities and failures, but won't respond to the accusations of others. He acts as a deaf mute, saying nothing.
But he does do one thing ... he submits to the Lord. He acknowledges his failure to God, speaks and prays to God, and places all of his faith and hope in the Lord's love and protection. He concludes that action with this, praying that the Lord will not forsake him, nor be far from him, but will soon provide help and salvation.
Application: Under attack, David models for me the only acceptable response, which is to re-focus on the Lord. There is no answer for false and evil attacks, other than simply trusting in the Lord.
This is a lesson I have taken to heart in my life. I have refused public comment and defense against the attacks made by others, who in fact did multiply and turn evil. And while the situation did not turn out as I hoped at the time, I remain trusting in the Lord that the outcome is as he wills it and in my best interest. There is no evidence of anything to the contrary in fact ... it is clear the Lord has cared for me and my family, and delivered me from evil.
Today, I worship the Lord, for he is worthy of all praise. He never forsakes me. He is never far from me. I will remain silent on all these matters forever, except to pray and worship the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, you are my strong tower and my protector. Your grace and mercy covers me. May my words and actions today demonstrate my thanksgiving for your love. Amen.
Do not forsake me, O Lord;
O my God, be not far from me!
Make haste to help me,
O Lord, my salvation!
Psalm 38:21-22
Observation: The psalmist (David) declares how his enemies are pursuing him, and how he is responding. In their pursuit, they are multiplying in both number and intensity of attack. They wrongly accuse, and not only accuse but now lie. They attack and anger, and not only anger but now evil. Meanwhile, David's response is silence. He acknowledges and laments about his own iniquities and failures, but won't respond to the accusations of others. He acts as a deaf mute, saying nothing.
But he does do one thing ... he submits to the Lord. He acknowledges his failure to God, speaks and prays to God, and places all of his faith and hope in the Lord's love and protection. He concludes that action with this, praying that the Lord will not forsake him, nor be far from him, but will soon provide help and salvation.
Application: Under attack, David models for me the only acceptable response, which is to re-focus on the Lord. There is no answer for false and evil attacks, other than simply trusting in the Lord.
This is a lesson I have taken to heart in my life. I have refused public comment and defense against the attacks made by others, who in fact did multiply and turn evil. And while the situation did not turn out as I hoped at the time, I remain trusting in the Lord that the outcome is as he wills it and in my best interest. There is no evidence of anything to the contrary in fact ... it is clear the Lord has cared for me and my family, and delivered me from evil.
Today, I worship the Lord, for he is worthy of all praise. He never forsakes me. He is never far from me. I will remain silent on all these matters forever, except to pray and worship the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, you are my strong tower and my protector. Your grace and mercy covers me. May my words and actions today demonstrate my thanksgiving for your love. Amen.
Friday, March 27, 2020
Understanding Jesus as Lord
Scripture: But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? Luke 6:46
Observation: More than once Jesus pronounces a similar question, asking others why they call him 'Lord' while questioning his teaching or disobeying his instruction. This is a question straight from God, asking who it is even logical to declare someone as your Lord, and then to disobey them. By the very definition, someone you yourself declares to be your sovereign master has the authority to give orders you must obey.
This is both a serious and a rhetorical question when Jesus asks. Rhetorically, he never allows anyone to answer because he knows the truth ... that people are deceptive and weak in their hard hearts. We honor those from which we want praise with politeness and titles, but we wish to serve only our own desires and will therefore ignore what these same people say if it does not fit our purposes. The word for this is 'selfish'. However, the serious part of the question occurs after this first issue is exposed. If we are selfish, then we have placed ourselves above our Lord ... we have placed our own ways and thoughts above God's ways and thoughts. This is the violation of the first and greatest command. We are to have only one God, and it is not ourselves.
Application: I am reminded today of the three minute speech of a high school girl whose name I do not know. She spoke of Jesus as her "Lord and savior". While every other youth spoke of their love for the "savior" aspect of Jesus, she convicted all of ignoring the title "Lord" and that, by agreeing to these joint title of Jesus - Lord and savior - we were not just being baptized into God's love and mercy ... we were also swearing obedience to his commands.
I am selfish, just like everyone else. I do like to pick and choose the commands and precepts and instructions I will obey every day. More and more, and need to acknowledge that Jesus is not just my savior, but he is first my Lord.
Prayer: Lord, today I will strive to obey you better. May your word be before me, and my I find in my heard the obedience to stay on the path. Your path. Amen.
Observation: More than once Jesus pronounces a similar question, asking others why they call him 'Lord' while questioning his teaching or disobeying his instruction. This is a question straight from God, asking who it is even logical to declare someone as your Lord, and then to disobey them. By the very definition, someone you yourself declares to be your sovereign master has the authority to give orders you must obey.
This is both a serious and a rhetorical question when Jesus asks. Rhetorically, he never allows anyone to answer because he knows the truth ... that people are deceptive and weak in their hard hearts. We honor those from which we want praise with politeness and titles, but we wish to serve only our own desires and will therefore ignore what these same people say if it does not fit our purposes. The word for this is 'selfish'. However, the serious part of the question occurs after this first issue is exposed. If we are selfish, then we have placed ourselves above our Lord ... we have placed our own ways and thoughts above God's ways and thoughts. This is the violation of the first and greatest command. We are to have only one God, and it is not ourselves.
Application: I am reminded today of the three minute speech of a high school girl whose name I do not know. She spoke of Jesus as her "Lord and savior". While every other youth spoke of their love for the "savior" aspect of Jesus, she convicted all of ignoring the title "Lord" and that, by agreeing to these joint title of Jesus - Lord and savior - we were not just being baptized into God's love and mercy ... we were also swearing obedience to his commands.
I am selfish, just like everyone else. I do like to pick and choose the commands and precepts and instructions I will obey every day. More and more, and need to acknowledge that Jesus is not just my savior, but he is first my Lord.
Prayer: Lord, today I will strive to obey you better. May your word be before me, and my I find in my heard the obedience to stay on the path. Your path. Amen.
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Kind to the Unthankful and Evil
Scripture: But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Luke 6:35
Observation: In this briefer telling of the sermon on the mount, Jesus discusses loving others, including your enemies, with instructions about both treating them well and lending them money. He compares it to how you would treat your friends ... you would be kind to them, and you would give them money without concern for repayment. So, do the same to your enemies. Love your enemies by treating them well and lending them money, expecting nothing in return. Your reward is from God.
This is a well-known teaching, but the next sentence is not ... "For He [God] is kind to the unthankful and evil." This is a statement out of the blue. It is not about how God is kind to the believer and the giver. It is not about the great reward to be received by loving others. It is rather about God's attitude toward our enemies who are clearly evil and unthankful. God himself is kind to them. God takes care of them. Therefore, when we do good to these evil enemies, and when we give to them without expectation of reward, we are truly doing God's own work. God would care for them and show his kindness toward them without us, but - again - he offers us the chance to join in his work with him and thus receive his great reward.
Application: We are in a time where many, many people will need assistance. And we are in a place where many, many people are enemies of Christianity. The vast majority in the "pacific northwest" are not Christian. However, beyond just not being Christian, there are many (perhaps now a majority) who would declare themselves opposed to Christianity. They hate the moral teachings of God, reject the salvation of Jesus, and actively oppose the activity of the Church. And yes, over the months to come, many of them will need help.
Jesus is clear ... we are to help them. There is no ambiguity. There is no "if" clause to qualify their worthiness of help. There is no "unless" statement define exceptions. God wants to be kind to the people in this region who have actively and fully rejected him, his son, and his teaching. These are people who have redefined his love, mocked his message, and declared self-sovereignty over his creation.
And so we will, in fact, love these people, do good things for them, and give to them. I hope they see these as the act of a merciful God who is real and loving and only wishes to provide for their eternal joy. Some will. I pray many will.
Prayer: Lord, Abba, my father in heaven, I thank you for this plague upon the earth, for I know that it is a way that your love and mercy can and will shine. As was said last night and at many other times, you have the world's attention. May we be able to join with you to bring your love and message into this attentive world. I pray, Lord, that these enemies will become believers, that they will discover your truth in the midst of this trial. This is for your purposes, and I pray we see a great awakening in this part of the nation, and in the entire world. Amen.
Observation: In this briefer telling of the sermon on the mount, Jesus discusses loving others, including your enemies, with instructions about both treating them well and lending them money. He compares it to how you would treat your friends ... you would be kind to them, and you would give them money without concern for repayment. So, do the same to your enemies. Love your enemies by treating them well and lending them money, expecting nothing in return. Your reward is from God.
This is a well-known teaching, but the next sentence is not ... "For He [God] is kind to the unthankful and evil." This is a statement out of the blue. It is not about how God is kind to the believer and the giver. It is not about the great reward to be received by loving others. It is rather about God's attitude toward our enemies who are clearly evil and unthankful. God himself is kind to them. God takes care of them. Therefore, when we do good to these evil enemies, and when we give to them without expectation of reward, we are truly doing God's own work. God would care for them and show his kindness toward them without us, but - again - he offers us the chance to join in his work with him and thus receive his great reward.
Application: We are in a time where many, many people will need assistance. And we are in a place where many, many people are enemies of Christianity. The vast majority in the "pacific northwest" are not Christian. However, beyond just not being Christian, there are many (perhaps now a majority) who would declare themselves opposed to Christianity. They hate the moral teachings of God, reject the salvation of Jesus, and actively oppose the activity of the Church. And yes, over the months to come, many of them will need help.
Jesus is clear ... we are to help them. There is no ambiguity. There is no "if" clause to qualify their worthiness of help. There is no "unless" statement define exceptions. God wants to be kind to the people in this region who have actively and fully rejected him, his son, and his teaching. These are people who have redefined his love, mocked his message, and declared self-sovereignty over his creation.
And so we will, in fact, love these people, do good things for them, and give to them. I hope they see these as the act of a merciful God who is real and loving and only wishes to provide for their eternal joy. Some will. I pray many will.
Prayer: Lord, Abba, my father in heaven, I thank you for this plague upon the earth, for I know that it is a way that your love and mercy can and will shine. As was said last night and at many other times, you have the world's attention. May we be able to join with you to bring your love and message into this attentive world. I pray, Lord, that these enemies will become believers, that they will discover your truth in the midst of this trial. This is for your purposes, and I pray we see a great awakening in this part of the nation, and in the entire world. Amen.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Wisdom is Up in My Face
Scripture:
Does not wisdom cry out,
And understanding lift up her voice?
She takes her stand on the top of the high hill,
Beside the way, where the paths meet.
She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city,
At the entrance of the doors.
Proverbs 8:1-3
Observation: Before Lady Wisdom pronounces her knowledge and teaching, she takes up her position. This is not in an alleyway, or in the shadows. It is not a place of great mystery out of sight. It is not a whispered word from a hiding place. No, Wisdom is out in the open, standing on a hilltop and shouting. She is standing in the place of prominence at the city gates, crying out to everyone. Wisdom is way beyond not secretly and quietly waiting to be found ... she is yelling in your face from the most visible place possible.
And this is the truth about the wisdom of the Lord ... it is right here, yelling in our faces, front and center in our daily life. Respect the Lord! Follow his precepts! Be kind and love others! Do what is morally right! Every day, all the time, these teachings are known to everyone, and you almost have to go out of your way to figure out how to re-interpret your actions in life to ignore this wisdom. You have to invent excuses to treat others mean and violate God's laws.
Application: And ... we do ... I do ... find excuses to ignore wisdom every day. I can be rude to someone who cuts me off in traffic. I can curse when I get frustrated with work. I can ignore God for long stretches at a time. While others in society may do even worse, that doesn't matter. Wisdom is in my face, yelling the truth, and I find a way to brush her aside and do foolish things.
The wisdom of obeying God is obvious. Again, I should define ways to continue to remind me to do it every day, as if listening to wisdom herself wasn't enough.
Prayer: Lord, I do thank you that your wisdom and your word is available to guide our lives. Oh, how I wish I was more obedient so that my days may go better and easier and gentler! Please forgive the errors I make, and the times and ways I ignore your wise council. May I look more and more to your purposes and instructions as the true way to make my life more fruitful and enjoyable. Amen.
Does not wisdom cry out,
And understanding lift up her voice?
She takes her stand on the top of the high hill,
Beside the way, where the paths meet.
She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city,
At the entrance of the doors.
Proverbs 8:1-3
Observation: Before Lady Wisdom pronounces her knowledge and teaching, she takes up her position. This is not in an alleyway, or in the shadows. It is not a place of great mystery out of sight. It is not a whispered word from a hiding place. No, Wisdom is out in the open, standing on a hilltop and shouting. She is standing in the place of prominence at the city gates, crying out to everyone. Wisdom is way beyond not secretly and quietly waiting to be found ... she is yelling in your face from the most visible place possible.
And this is the truth about the wisdom of the Lord ... it is right here, yelling in our faces, front and center in our daily life. Respect the Lord! Follow his precepts! Be kind and love others! Do what is morally right! Every day, all the time, these teachings are known to everyone, and you almost have to go out of your way to figure out how to re-interpret your actions in life to ignore this wisdom. You have to invent excuses to treat others mean and violate God's laws.
Application: And ... we do ... I do ... find excuses to ignore wisdom every day. I can be rude to someone who cuts me off in traffic. I can curse when I get frustrated with work. I can ignore God for long stretches at a time. While others in society may do even worse, that doesn't matter. Wisdom is in my face, yelling the truth, and I find a way to brush her aside and do foolish things.
The wisdom of obeying God is obvious. Again, I should define ways to continue to remind me to do it every day, as if listening to wisdom herself wasn't enough.
Prayer: Lord, I do thank you that your wisdom and your word is available to guide our lives. Oh, how I wish I was more obedient so that my days may go better and easier and gentler! Please forgive the errors I make, and the times and ways I ignore your wise council. May I look more and more to your purposes and instructions as the true way to make my life more fruitful and enjoyable. Amen.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Beware of All Stereotypes
Scripture: And they were all amazed, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen strange things today!" Luke 5:26
Observation: Jesus has first forgiven the sins of the paralytic brought to him on a mat, and when the Pharisees who were present - so many Pharisees and teachers that the crowd prevented entry to the house - questioned Jesus' authority to forgive, he healed the paralytic. This, then, is their response to the healing ... amazement, glory given to God, fear in the Lord, and outward wonder of the thing they have seen that day.
In a few more verses, they will again challenge Jesus about eating a feast with "sinners" (tax collector friends of Levi, aka Matthew). However, even here there are two ways to read this. It could be a challenge of Jesus about dining with sinners. However, it could also just be a question. Verse 30 says they "complained" but then has them pose a simply question of "why" Jesus does this without any scriptural reference indicating a challenge to the act, and seemingly accepting his response.
From a simple reading, it seems likely that these scribes and Pharisees are ... genuinely learning from Jesus. They packed out a house to learn. They witnessed miracles, they explored Jesus' reasoning for how he behaved, and they came away from it not with anger and wrath, but with amazement and glorification of God. In fact, again from a simple reading, throughout the gospels we see Pharisees who at least respect, if not believe in, Jesus. When testing him, we see those who ultimately agree with his responses. When he teaches, we see some who simply listen. We even know that some in the Sanhedrin did not vote to convict Jesus in the end. Especially at this point, it seems these leaders were positively engaged with Jesus, and that likely some - maybe a minority, but some - remained positively engaged and even faithful.
Application: There is a stereotype of "Pharisees" that they were all opposed to Jesus because he threatened their status as keepers of the law, but as with all stereotypes that certainly cannot be true of all of them. Every Pharisee had their own choice to make about Jesus, and at least some chose wisely.
There is a joke statement that "all stereotypes are bad" ... an ironic statement stereotyping stereotypes. Yet I know I apply stereotypes to others. I struggle with certain people - often at work - and chalk it up to some attribute that I have attributed to them. Maybe it's a cultural issue, or a language barrier. I try not to do this, but ... I do.
I think I do this because it's easier to categorize and thus file away a difference of opinion as if it were a pre-ordained difference, instead of taking time to understand. I don't want to understand their position in case I find they're right and I'm wrong, and I don't want to take the time in case I find I'm right and they're wrong ... and in the exploration I now need to invest time to help them grow.
In this way, stereotyping others may be a way I fall short of loving others, because I do it to simply ... get beyond the person and not engage with them. If I want to love others, I should not use this excuse to brush past conversations. Like MOST of the Pharisees, I may find the original perception was accurate, but like ALL of the Pharisees, I will see that every action is an individual decision, and I will respect others enough to learn about them as individuals.
Prayer: Lord, I have struggled in the last few days with certain people. Please give me more patience with them, and allow me to slow down and lean into them. Not into their issues or topics, but into them as people. May I take the time to learn about them and their ideas, never presuming intent. Amen.
Observation: Jesus has first forgiven the sins of the paralytic brought to him on a mat, and when the Pharisees who were present - so many Pharisees and teachers that the crowd prevented entry to the house - questioned Jesus' authority to forgive, he healed the paralytic. This, then, is their response to the healing ... amazement, glory given to God, fear in the Lord, and outward wonder of the thing they have seen that day.
In a few more verses, they will again challenge Jesus about eating a feast with "sinners" (tax collector friends of Levi, aka Matthew). However, even here there are two ways to read this. It could be a challenge of Jesus about dining with sinners. However, it could also just be a question. Verse 30 says they "complained" but then has them pose a simply question of "why" Jesus does this without any scriptural reference indicating a challenge to the act, and seemingly accepting his response.
From a simple reading, it seems likely that these scribes and Pharisees are ... genuinely learning from Jesus. They packed out a house to learn. They witnessed miracles, they explored Jesus' reasoning for how he behaved, and they came away from it not with anger and wrath, but with amazement and glorification of God. In fact, again from a simple reading, throughout the gospels we see Pharisees who at least respect, if not believe in, Jesus. When testing him, we see those who ultimately agree with his responses. When he teaches, we see some who simply listen. We even know that some in the Sanhedrin did not vote to convict Jesus in the end. Especially at this point, it seems these leaders were positively engaged with Jesus, and that likely some - maybe a minority, but some - remained positively engaged and even faithful.
Application: There is a stereotype of "Pharisees" that they were all opposed to Jesus because he threatened their status as keepers of the law, but as with all stereotypes that certainly cannot be true of all of them. Every Pharisee had their own choice to make about Jesus, and at least some chose wisely.
There is a joke statement that "all stereotypes are bad" ... an ironic statement stereotyping stereotypes. Yet I know I apply stereotypes to others. I struggle with certain people - often at work - and chalk it up to some attribute that I have attributed to them. Maybe it's a cultural issue, or a language barrier. I try not to do this, but ... I do.
I think I do this because it's easier to categorize and thus file away a difference of opinion as if it were a pre-ordained difference, instead of taking time to understand. I don't want to understand their position in case I find they're right and I'm wrong, and I don't want to take the time in case I find I'm right and they're wrong ... and in the exploration I now need to invest time to help them grow.
In this way, stereotyping others may be a way I fall short of loving others, because I do it to simply ... get beyond the person and not engage with them. If I want to love others, I should not use this excuse to brush past conversations. Like MOST of the Pharisees, I may find the original perception was accurate, but like ALL of the Pharisees, I will see that every action is an individual decision, and I will respect others enough to learn about them as individuals.
Prayer: Lord, I have struggled in the last few days with certain people. Please give me more patience with them, and allow me to slow down and lean into them. Not into their issues or topics, but into them as people. May I take the time to learn about them and their ideas, never presuming intent. Amen.
Monday, March 23, 2020
Cues to Recall God's Word
Scripture: Speak to the children of Israel: Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue thread in the tassels of the corners. And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and that you may not follow the harlotry to which your own heart and your own eyes are inclined. Numbers 15:38-39
Observation: God gives this instruction to the Jews - to adorn their garments with a special tassel. They are to be on the corners of their robes, and have a blue thread. However, this is not an ornamental adornment for appearance purposes, but have an explicit function. The tassels are to remind the Jews, when they look at them, to remember the commandments of the Lord and to then obey the commands once remembered.
In other words, God understood that there are times a human mind wanders and either doesn't recall the right teachings of the law, or may simply not be thinking clearly. These tassels are to be a cue to trigger their right thinking and behavior. They are unique and ever-present, and thus even in just casual motion and talking the wearer will brush them and see them, and since they explicitly exist for no other reason than to remind them of the law, the wearer will surely recall God's word.
Application: I saw these tassels on the clothes and prayer shawls of over 100 Jewish men who were all on my flight to Rome a couple months ago. They were all dressed similarly, and their clothes had distinctive items, tassels included. In addition, I have noted before how God's instructions have also included tips to help us be obedient ... tips like this, to have a reminder that makes us remember his teaching and thus obey his word or correct our behavior in real time.
In my life, I have been taught various visual and physical cues intended to help me recall a mental state or memory. God understood this psychological state of us humans - the need for reminders.
The second - and harder - step, of course, is to apply meaning to these items. It isn't enough to see them, I must associated God's goodness and love and kindness, exemplified by his teachings, to them. Ultimately, the Jews associated the tassels to routine compliance, and while obedience is part of the point, the truth is compliance is a means to receiving blessing out of God's love.
I could use this in my spiritual life ... a cue to help me remember God's instructions, or return my attention out of some activity I am in and prioritize God's teaching in that moment, and to extend that thought into knowing God's love. Using such practical reminders isn't just wise, it is clearly biblical! I could place a verse on a post-it on my monitor. I already wear a wristband with a bible reference printed on it. This is a practice I can implement today.
Prayer: Lord, you are so wise in all your ways that you even give us simple and practical help. May I use your guidance to improve my behavior, thoughts, words, and deeds, and in turn to understand your amazing love even more. Amen.
Observation: God gives this instruction to the Jews - to adorn their garments with a special tassel. They are to be on the corners of their robes, and have a blue thread. However, this is not an ornamental adornment for appearance purposes, but have an explicit function. The tassels are to remind the Jews, when they look at them, to remember the commandments of the Lord and to then obey the commands once remembered.
In other words, God understood that there are times a human mind wanders and either doesn't recall the right teachings of the law, or may simply not be thinking clearly. These tassels are to be a cue to trigger their right thinking and behavior. They are unique and ever-present, and thus even in just casual motion and talking the wearer will brush them and see them, and since they explicitly exist for no other reason than to remind them of the law, the wearer will surely recall God's word.
Application: I saw these tassels on the clothes and prayer shawls of over 100 Jewish men who were all on my flight to Rome a couple months ago. They were all dressed similarly, and their clothes had distinctive items, tassels included. In addition, I have noted before how God's instructions have also included tips to help us be obedient ... tips like this, to have a reminder that makes us remember his teaching and thus obey his word or correct our behavior in real time.
In my life, I have been taught various visual and physical cues intended to help me recall a mental state or memory. God understood this psychological state of us humans - the need for reminders.
The second - and harder - step, of course, is to apply meaning to these items. It isn't enough to see them, I must associated God's goodness and love and kindness, exemplified by his teachings, to them. Ultimately, the Jews associated the tassels to routine compliance, and while obedience is part of the point, the truth is compliance is a means to receiving blessing out of God's love.
I could use this in my spiritual life ... a cue to help me remember God's instructions, or return my attention out of some activity I am in and prioritize God's teaching in that moment, and to extend that thought into knowing God's love. Using such practical reminders isn't just wise, it is clearly biblical! I could place a verse on a post-it on my monitor. I already wear a wristband with a bible reference printed on it. This is a practice I can implement today.
Prayer: Lord, you are so wise in all your ways that you even give us simple and practical help. May I use your guidance to improve my behavior, thoughts, words, and deeds, and in turn to understand your amazing love even more. Amen.
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Determining the Debt Owed to God
Scripture: For they are wholly given to Me from among the children of Israel; I have taken them for Myself instead of all who open the womb, the firstborn of all the children of Israel. For all the firstborn among the children of Israel are Mine, both man and beast; on the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I sanctified them to Myself. I have taken the Levites instead of all the firstborn of the children of Israel. Numbers 8:16-18
Observation: The Lord claims the Levites for himself and for service in the temple. He does this not as a benefit or reward for the Levites, but rather for the benefit of all the rest of Israel. In redeeming Israel from Egypt by means of the plague of the firstborn, it means that all firstborn of Israel actually belong to the Lord. In exchange for EVERY firstborn, the Lord instead takes the Levites into service.
To be clear, God is both fully merciful and fully just. It is not just his right, but his responsibility due to his nature, to hold us accountable for our actions. It is also in his nature to provide for us a merciful means to escape justice. When the Jews owe their firstborn to the Lord, he provides mercy by setting aside just one tribe for service, which in turn even honors that tribe.
Application: How much do I owe to the Lord? He sacrificed his son for my redemption, provided me with love and a family and earthly blessing, and has given me happiness and joy at many times throughout my life. If I had to repay him like-for-like ... I couldn't. I would owe him simply everything. More than my firstborn or a tenth of my income, I would owe him my entire life, and that's a debt I can't truly pay.
Perhaps this was Paul's ultimate point about making my life a 'living sacrifice'. I can't give everything to God, but Jesus did pay the dept. Therefore, I can give my heart and purpose and thoughts and direction to the service of the Lord. In that context, leading a prayer team, or a mowing team, or a finance class, certainly isn't a burden at all.
Prayer: Lord, you yourself provided the example of truly paying your my debt. I owe you everything, but you ask instead for so little. When I feel burdened, or tired, or frustrated, may I recall your great love and mercy. Amen.
Observation: The Lord claims the Levites for himself and for service in the temple. He does this not as a benefit or reward for the Levites, but rather for the benefit of all the rest of Israel. In redeeming Israel from Egypt by means of the plague of the firstborn, it means that all firstborn of Israel actually belong to the Lord. In exchange for EVERY firstborn, the Lord instead takes the Levites into service.
To be clear, God is both fully merciful and fully just. It is not just his right, but his responsibility due to his nature, to hold us accountable for our actions. It is also in his nature to provide for us a merciful means to escape justice. When the Jews owe their firstborn to the Lord, he provides mercy by setting aside just one tribe for service, which in turn even honors that tribe.
Application: How much do I owe to the Lord? He sacrificed his son for my redemption, provided me with love and a family and earthly blessing, and has given me happiness and joy at many times throughout my life. If I had to repay him like-for-like ... I couldn't. I would owe him simply everything. More than my firstborn or a tenth of my income, I would owe him my entire life, and that's a debt I can't truly pay.
Perhaps this was Paul's ultimate point about making my life a 'living sacrifice'. I can't give everything to God, but Jesus did pay the dept. Therefore, I can give my heart and purpose and thoughts and direction to the service of the Lord. In that context, leading a prayer team, or a mowing team, or a finance class, certainly isn't a burden at all.
Prayer: Lord, you yourself provided the example of truly paying your my debt. I owe you everything, but you ask instead for so little. When I feel burdened, or tired, or frustrated, may I recall your great love and mercy. Amen.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Praying for Spiritual Health
Scripture: And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. Luke 2:25
Observation: Simeon is in Jerusalem, and in faith he is "waiting for the Consolation of Israel". This seems to not be like a prophet who receives the word of God about an event (like he does in assuring him he will see Messiah). Instead, this is like one who understands the words of other prophets, and in prayer and obedience is awaiting the fulfillment of the prophesy.
However, this phrase - the Consolation of Israel - is interesting. "Consolation" is similar to "comforter", which is itself the name used by Jesus not for himself, but for the Holy Spirit. Therefore, while Simeon believes he will get to see Messiah before he dies, it may not be for the coming of Messiah that he prays. Instead, he may be praying for a revival of the Holy Spirit in Israel.
There are many who believe that the Holy Spirit was abnormally quiet in the restored Israel during the intertestamentary period of about 500 BC to the start of John the Baptist's ministry around 25 AD. The prophecies about Messiah agreed he would be introduced by a re-awakening, ushered in by a new Elijah, full of the Holy Spirit.
Simeon knows that Messiah will not really comfort Israel. He himself refers to the mission to reconcile the Gentiles, cause many in Israel to fall, and the painful future death of Jesus. Therefore, again while Simeon has been promised a glimpse of Messiah, it seems that his daily devout prayers and hope is to see the reawakening of the Holy Spirit in Israel.
Application: We are in a unique time in history. A disease has brought the entire world to a screeching halt. I hear stories of hopelessness and despair from many crippled with fear. While I know God is in control, I also know that our world and our nation has turned away from God. These "birth pangs" are one way God is reminding the world to turn to him.
I would pray for such a reawakening in our land. I see pastors full of the Holy Spirit delivering the message of truth to many in this fearful time. I hope I see those far from God receive that truth, consider their relationship with the creator of the universe, and seek Jesus.
Unlike Simeon, I have not received any promise that I will witness any specific person or event. However, like Simeon, I can pray and fast for a revival of the Holy Spirit ... for the Consolation of the United States.
Prayer: Lord, there are so, so many people living is fear and increasing isolation, both physically and emotionally. May this be a time not of distress, but of hope, not of loss, but of victory. Lord, I desire to see this disease usher in a time of spiritual health throughout my community, my town, my region, my nation, and the world. Amen.
Observation: Simeon is in Jerusalem, and in faith he is "waiting for the Consolation of Israel". This seems to not be like a prophet who receives the word of God about an event (like he does in assuring him he will see Messiah). Instead, this is like one who understands the words of other prophets, and in prayer and obedience is awaiting the fulfillment of the prophesy.
However, this phrase - the Consolation of Israel - is interesting. "Consolation" is similar to "comforter", which is itself the name used by Jesus not for himself, but for the Holy Spirit. Therefore, while Simeon believes he will get to see Messiah before he dies, it may not be for the coming of Messiah that he prays. Instead, he may be praying for a revival of the Holy Spirit in Israel.
There are many who believe that the Holy Spirit was abnormally quiet in the restored Israel during the intertestamentary period of about 500 BC to the start of John the Baptist's ministry around 25 AD. The prophecies about Messiah agreed he would be introduced by a re-awakening, ushered in by a new Elijah, full of the Holy Spirit.
Simeon knows that Messiah will not really comfort Israel. He himself refers to the mission to reconcile the Gentiles, cause many in Israel to fall, and the painful future death of Jesus. Therefore, again while Simeon has been promised a glimpse of Messiah, it seems that his daily devout prayers and hope is to see the reawakening of the Holy Spirit in Israel.
Application: We are in a unique time in history. A disease has brought the entire world to a screeching halt. I hear stories of hopelessness and despair from many crippled with fear. While I know God is in control, I also know that our world and our nation has turned away from God. These "birth pangs" are one way God is reminding the world to turn to him.
I would pray for such a reawakening in our land. I see pastors full of the Holy Spirit delivering the message of truth to many in this fearful time. I hope I see those far from God receive that truth, consider their relationship with the creator of the universe, and seek Jesus.
Unlike Simeon, I have not received any promise that I will witness any specific person or event. However, like Simeon, I can pray and fast for a revival of the Holy Spirit ... for the Consolation of the United States.
Prayer: Lord, there are so, so many people living is fear and increasing isolation, both physically and emotionally. May this be a time not of distress, but of hope, not of loss, but of victory. Lord, I desire to see this disease usher in a time of spiritual health throughout my community, my town, my region, my nation, and the world. Amen.
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Leaning Into the Sabbath
Scripture: What grows of its own accord of your harvest you shall not reap, nor gather the grapes of your untended vine, for it is a year of rest for the land. And the sabbath produce of the land shall be food for you: for you, your male and female servants, your hired man, and the stranger who dwells with you. Leviticus 25:5-6
Observation: As the Lord pronounces the sabbath year - that every seven years will be a year of rest - he clarifies the food Israel will eat. They will not plant or harvest crops. Instead, they will eat "sabbath produce or the land". He clarifies this later. The majority of their food will be from a vast blessing of food to come in the sixth year, which will be enough for the seventh and at least until the time of harvest in the eighth years. It also seems they may take of the abundance of the land ... wild fruits and trees and plants that are not necessarily part of their crops they may eat as long as they are not formally working to harvest them.
In other words ... the Lord will provide for them in such a way that they can take a full year off of working and have plenty of provision for comfortable and worry-free living.
Application: I find it hard to truly rest for a day. The sabbath is a time of rest, which is an act of faith; we are to trust in God so much that we feel no stress about not providing for ourselves for a time. I can do that once a week because I know it's okay with my employer and even permitted by law. However, I know the stress I sometimes feel on vacation, checking email and ensuring I respond to certain matters. This is, in a word, faithless.
God is so wonderful and powerful that he can provide everything an entire nation needs for three years without any effort on their part. Certainly I should know he can provide my daily bread. I feel a need to lean into that, and to likewise lead my wife and family into that same trust.
Prayer: Lord, you have given me thoughts today. I will pray on this matter for some days. May you reveal to me a path you have me take to improve how we all, myself, my wife, my family, and perhaps my extended family of Christ, can lean into your sabbath by faith. Amen.
Observation: As the Lord pronounces the sabbath year - that every seven years will be a year of rest - he clarifies the food Israel will eat. They will not plant or harvest crops. Instead, they will eat "sabbath produce or the land". He clarifies this later. The majority of their food will be from a vast blessing of food to come in the sixth year, which will be enough for the seventh and at least until the time of harvest in the eighth years. It also seems they may take of the abundance of the land ... wild fruits and trees and plants that are not necessarily part of their crops they may eat as long as they are not formally working to harvest them.
In other words ... the Lord will provide for them in such a way that they can take a full year off of working and have plenty of provision for comfortable and worry-free living.
Application: I find it hard to truly rest for a day. The sabbath is a time of rest, which is an act of faith; we are to trust in God so much that we feel no stress about not providing for ourselves for a time. I can do that once a week because I know it's okay with my employer and even permitted by law. However, I know the stress I sometimes feel on vacation, checking email and ensuring I respond to certain matters. This is, in a word, faithless.
God is so wonderful and powerful that he can provide everything an entire nation needs for three years without any effort on their part. Certainly I should know he can provide my daily bread. I feel a need to lean into that, and to likewise lead my wife and family into that same trust.
Prayer: Lord, you have given me thoughts today. I will pray on this matter for some days. May you reveal to me a path you have me take to improve how we all, myself, my wife, my family, and perhaps my extended family of Christ, can lean into your sabbath by faith. Amen.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Trusting in God's Forgiveness
Scripture:
When I kept silent, my bones grew old
Through my groaning all the day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah
I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
Psalm 32:3-5
Observation: The psalmist knows and believes in God's forgiveness for his sins and wrongdoing. He declares the blessing of those who are forgiven by the Lord, and here in these three verses shows how that forgiveness is achieved. Those who hide their sin from God, and keep silent about it, will have the full burden of that sin upon them impeding their work every day. However, those who acknowledge their failures to God and do not hide it - those who confess to the Lord - are forgiven and have the weight removed from them.
Selah.
Application: Even a thousand years before Jesus, it was revealed that forgiveness was not earned through work, but rather was a gift resulting from relationship with God. One who trusts in the Lord enough to openly confess their failure ... this is the man who can be forgiven. One who does not understand God's love and thus hides his wrongdoing in secret ... this is a man cursed in his daily life.
I know God knows my sins and wrongdoing. I can hide nothing, and I trust he loves me. By may faith in Jesus, and learning of my relationship with the Lord through that faith, I have confidence in forgiveness, and can live each day in his blessing.
Prayer: Lord, I do confess to you every day my sins. I indeed need my feet washed daily, for they get dirty during my daily walk, no matter how well I hold your hand. Please forgive my thoughts and deeds when they transgress from your will. And I thank you for revealing your love to me every day. Amen.
When I kept silent, my bones grew old
Through my groaning all the day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah
I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
Psalm 32:3-5
Observation: The psalmist knows and believes in God's forgiveness for his sins and wrongdoing. He declares the blessing of those who are forgiven by the Lord, and here in these three verses shows how that forgiveness is achieved. Those who hide their sin from God, and keep silent about it, will have the full burden of that sin upon them impeding their work every day. However, those who acknowledge their failures to God and do not hide it - those who confess to the Lord - are forgiven and have the weight removed from them.
Selah.
Application: Even a thousand years before Jesus, it was revealed that forgiveness was not earned through work, but rather was a gift resulting from relationship with God. One who trusts in the Lord enough to openly confess their failure ... this is the man who can be forgiven. One who does not understand God's love and thus hides his wrongdoing in secret ... this is a man cursed in his daily life.
I know God knows my sins and wrongdoing. I can hide nothing, and I trust he loves me. By may faith in Jesus, and learning of my relationship with the Lord through that faith, I have confidence in forgiveness, and can live each day in his blessing.
Prayer: Lord, I do confess to you every day my sins. I indeed need my feet washed daily, for they get dirty during my daily walk, no matter how well I hold your hand. Please forgive my thoughts and deeds when they transgress from your will. And I thank you for revealing your love to me every day. Amen.
Monday, March 9, 2020
Modeling the Answer that Matters
Scripture: But He kept silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, "Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" Jesus said, "I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven." Mark 14:61-62
Observation: Jesus stands accused of many things before the priests and Sanhedrin, however he refuses to answer anything. Then he is asked one question - are you the Christ - and he answers 'yes'.
There was likely no obvious punishment for almost anything else Jesus was accused of. There was no punishment for healing, or claiming the ability to tear down the temple. And Jesus had no need to respond to anything, as various accounts of everything were contradictory. Yet he is asked this question, which implicitly caries the charge of blasphemy, and he answers. It may be easy to understand that he answers because he had to fulfill the scriptures and be sentenced to death, but it isn't that easy ... the prophecy is specific to the manner of his death, and blasphemy isn't a Roman law, so responding to this question did not mean crucifixion was likely.
Jesus answered this question because it is the one question EVERY believer must answer, every time we are asked, without failure. When asked, is Jesus the Chris, the answer is always and forever "yes". This is the only requirement of salvation, and disclaiming this truth is the only guaranteed path to damnation. As such, Jesus - at his moment of judgment - modeled the behavior we are all to follow ... he was asked if Jesus is the Messiah, and he answered yes.
Application: When I stand before God some day, the list of things I COULD be asked about will be ... oh, so very long, and so very bad. I could be asked about every thoughtless word, every mean act, every sin, and every failure to provide love and kindness and mercy to others. That interrogation could take a long, long time, as I tried to explain away the wrong things I do many times every day.
Instead, God will ask me one question ... Who is Jesus? I will answer the same way I would answer anyone, anywhere, anytime ... Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, and my Lord and Savior. With that, the questions will be done.
That is the only question that matters. Jesus showed me what to answer.
Prayer: Lord, Jesus is my Lord and Savior. He is the Messiah, the Christ, who died for my sins, and lives again. This I know and believe. I will keep that before me and within me, and I will always respond with it when asked. May my life ever improve so that others would know my answer without me ever saying it. Amen.
Observation: Jesus stands accused of many things before the priests and Sanhedrin, however he refuses to answer anything. Then he is asked one question - are you the Christ - and he answers 'yes'.
There was likely no obvious punishment for almost anything else Jesus was accused of. There was no punishment for healing, or claiming the ability to tear down the temple. And Jesus had no need to respond to anything, as various accounts of everything were contradictory. Yet he is asked this question, which implicitly caries the charge of blasphemy, and he answers. It may be easy to understand that he answers because he had to fulfill the scriptures and be sentenced to death, but it isn't that easy ... the prophecy is specific to the manner of his death, and blasphemy isn't a Roman law, so responding to this question did not mean crucifixion was likely.
Jesus answered this question because it is the one question EVERY believer must answer, every time we are asked, without failure. When asked, is Jesus the Chris, the answer is always and forever "yes". This is the only requirement of salvation, and disclaiming this truth is the only guaranteed path to damnation. As such, Jesus - at his moment of judgment - modeled the behavior we are all to follow ... he was asked if Jesus is the Messiah, and he answered yes.
Application: When I stand before God some day, the list of things I COULD be asked about will be ... oh, so very long, and so very bad. I could be asked about every thoughtless word, every mean act, every sin, and every failure to provide love and kindness and mercy to others. That interrogation could take a long, long time, as I tried to explain away the wrong things I do many times every day.
Instead, God will ask me one question ... Who is Jesus? I will answer the same way I would answer anyone, anywhere, anytime ... Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, and my Lord and Savior. With that, the questions will be done.
That is the only question that matters. Jesus showed me what to answer.
Prayer: Lord, Jesus is my Lord and Savior. He is the Messiah, the Christ, who died for my sins, and lives again. This I know and believe. I will keep that before me and within me, and I will always respond with it when asked. May my life ever improve so that others would know my answer without me ever saying it. Amen.
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Giving the Vineyard to Others
Scripture: Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vinedressers, and give the vineyard to others. Mark 12:9
Observation: This parable of Jesus is a thinly-veiled insult of the Jewish religious leaders, and they know it. The owner is God, the vinedressers are the Jews, the vineyard is the covenant relationship between God and the Jews, and the people the owner sends are his prophets. The vinedressers kill all the prophets, and then they kill the owner's own son. And what will the owner do next? He will destroy the vinedressers. This is all pretty easy to understand.
However, it is the final clause that is interesting. The owner will then give the vineyard to others. He won't return and take his own grapes or work the land himself. Neither will he lament the vineyard and therefore turn his back on it and let it go fallow. No ... he will instead establish a new covenant with a new group of people.
The covenant with the Jews was that of a two-way relationship. By their honor and love of the Lord, he would love and bless them. Out of that relationship, the rest of the world would understand and learn how to honor and love the Lord, and the resulting blessing would flow to all people. When the people have finally killed the son, this covenant relationship will now pass to ... others.
Application: One of my areas of doubt is about God's true intentionality with us 'gentiles'. I am sometimes concerned that there is, at the very least, a hierarchy of God's people, and the Jews remain at the top, with believing Christians at least one step down. In this parable, Jesus is saying something very different. He is clearly stating that, upon his death, a new people will be given a new covenant with the Lord. Jesus will say this even more clearly to the disciples.
The old covenant is not now with the gentiles. Rather, a new, better covenant is now with Christians. I am one of the others, given the vineyard to care for. May I be aware of the owner's requests, and honor him when they come.
Prayer: Lord, your wine, your blessing, is sweet and loving and kind. You are great in your mercy and justice and love. Please forgive my failures on a daily basis, and guide me in strength to better serve you in deed and thought. May your name be forever on my lips in worship and prayer. Amen.
Observation: This parable of Jesus is a thinly-veiled insult of the Jewish religious leaders, and they know it. The owner is God, the vinedressers are the Jews, the vineyard is the covenant relationship between God and the Jews, and the people the owner sends are his prophets. The vinedressers kill all the prophets, and then they kill the owner's own son. And what will the owner do next? He will destroy the vinedressers. This is all pretty easy to understand.
However, it is the final clause that is interesting. The owner will then give the vineyard to others. He won't return and take his own grapes or work the land himself. Neither will he lament the vineyard and therefore turn his back on it and let it go fallow. No ... he will instead establish a new covenant with a new group of people.
The covenant with the Jews was that of a two-way relationship. By their honor and love of the Lord, he would love and bless them. Out of that relationship, the rest of the world would understand and learn how to honor and love the Lord, and the resulting blessing would flow to all people. When the people have finally killed the son, this covenant relationship will now pass to ... others.
Application: One of my areas of doubt is about God's true intentionality with us 'gentiles'. I am sometimes concerned that there is, at the very least, a hierarchy of God's people, and the Jews remain at the top, with believing Christians at least one step down. In this parable, Jesus is saying something very different. He is clearly stating that, upon his death, a new people will be given a new covenant with the Lord. Jesus will say this even more clearly to the disciples.
The old covenant is not now with the gentiles. Rather, a new, better covenant is now with Christians. I am one of the others, given the vineyard to care for. May I be aware of the owner's requests, and honor him when they come.
Prayer: Lord, your wine, your blessing, is sweet and loving and kind. You are great in your mercy and justice and love. Please forgive my failures on a daily basis, and guide me in strength to better serve you in deed and thought. May your name be forever on my lips in worship and prayer. Amen.
Monday, March 2, 2020
Understand Ones Own Prayer
Scripture: So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." Mark 11:22-24
Observation: The disciples are a little surprised to find the fig tree that Jesus cursed the prior day withered and dead 24 hours later. However, Jesus certainly is not, as he teaches that this is simply the result of faith. Jesus made a plea to the Lord with the faith that the Lord would do it, and it happened.
However, it is interesting to note that Jesus' prayer was NOT "please kill this tree." His prayer was "Let no one eat fruit from you ever again" (v14). The method by which this prayer was answered was not to simply prevent the tree from ever producing fruit, or by through some process over time ensuring no one ever picked fruit from this tree. No, God killed the tree immediately. This outcome surprised even the disciples who heard the prior day's declaration.
Application: In faith, I pray so often for ... very, very vague outcomes. I pray for "health" and "guidance" and "protection" and "wisdom" and "patience". I probably don't even understand what God's response to these kinds of prayers looks like. Certainly he answers them, but in what manner I don't even try to predict and therefore likely don't recognize.
Jesus' prayer about the fig tree produced an outcome that fulfilled the prayer. However, the disciples weren't quite expecting that. How often have my own prayers been fulfilled in an unexpected way and thus I didn't know they had been fulfilled? Would praying more specifically even change that, or is God so creative that his solutions would always baffle my problems?
I will pay attention to my prayers, and I will learn to wonder at the Lord's creativity in fulfilling them, for in faith I know he will.
Prayer: Lord, this day I pray for my friends who have a sudden and major health battle in their lives. I ask for total healing. Please give doctors wisdom and skill, and where they cannot act please intervene in power and remove the issue yourself. I desire to see joy, celebration, and a chance to enjoy more years on earth from this couple, as an outcome of this trial. Amen.
Observation: The disciples are a little surprised to find the fig tree that Jesus cursed the prior day withered and dead 24 hours later. However, Jesus certainly is not, as he teaches that this is simply the result of faith. Jesus made a plea to the Lord with the faith that the Lord would do it, and it happened.
However, it is interesting to note that Jesus' prayer was NOT "please kill this tree." His prayer was "Let no one eat fruit from you ever again" (v14). The method by which this prayer was answered was not to simply prevent the tree from ever producing fruit, or by through some process over time ensuring no one ever picked fruit from this tree. No, God killed the tree immediately. This outcome surprised even the disciples who heard the prior day's declaration.
Application: In faith, I pray so often for ... very, very vague outcomes. I pray for "health" and "guidance" and "protection" and "wisdom" and "patience". I probably don't even understand what God's response to these kinds of prayers looks like. Certainly he answers them, but in what manner I don't even try to predict and therefore likely don't recognize.
Jesus' prayer about the fig tree produced an outcome that fulfilled the prayer. However, the disciples weren't quite expecting that. How often have my own prayers been fulfilled in an unexpected way and thus I didn't know they had been fulfilled? Would praying more specifically even change that, or is God so creative that his solutions would always baffle my problems?
I will pay attention to my prayers, and I will learn to wonder at the Lord's creativity in fulfilling them, for in faith I know he will.
Prayer: Lord, this day I pray for my friends who have a sudden and major health battle in their lives. I ask for total healing. Please give doctors wisdom and skill, and where they cannot act please intervene in power and remove the issue yourself. I desire to see joy, celebration, and a chance to enjoy more years on earth from this couple, as an outcome of this trial. Amen.
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