Moving Into the Emptiness

Scripture: So all Israel was recorded by genealogies, and indeed, they were inscribed in the book of the kings of Israel. But Judah was carried away captive to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. And the first inhabitants who dwelt in their possessions in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and the Nethinim. 1 Chronicles 9:1-2

Observation: After eight chapters of lineages (and there is about to be more names again), that phase of Jewish history is brought to a close with the fact that Judah was sent into exile by Babylon. Now this occurred about 150 years after the northern kingdom of Israel was taken captive by Assyria, and for this reason it is interesting who the chronicler says occupied the land at first after the exile. It lists three categories of holy servants - priests, Levites, and Nethinim - but also ... Israelites.

There is an indication here of something always suspected, which is that certainly some Jews simply left the land when war came, and of the northern kingdom they were scattered by could still move about. As a result, when Babylon empties Judah entirely, it makes sense that these Jews would return. Moreover, it makes sense that when God speaks of a remnant he preserves, that he is not only speaking of those who will be released in 70 years, but of a number who have survived the circumstance entirely. It is these people who come to Judah, possess the cities including a burned-out Jerusalem, and in their very small numbers continue as a people.

Application: As many people think more and more about the collapse of our society, a question never asked or answered is ... who then occupies this place when the socio-political structure is gone?

I am confident God is watching our situation, and that he will not permanently reward those in open rebellion against him (which is very different than rebellion against human authority ... though in most recent cases the ven diagram may have a LOT over overlap). In the case of Israel, after the entire country was wiped away in two waves due to their lack of faith in the Lord, those who returned were a remnant who had faith in the Lord. It wasn't even enemies who had long tried to take the land - they couldn't even just walk into the empty land as they had also been destroyed - but rather it was the faithful who had watched from nearby.

Having thought about it, I simply have no idea how God is preparing to respond to the issues of this land and this time. Yes, he has taken global actions to alter current practices, and yet for some this has only stirred up more hate. Some respond in faith, but others rebel with renewed intensity. Perhaps it is simply time to empty this place and let others move in.

Prayer: Lord, I know you have called us to this place and time, and many are hear trying to love others in our communities, cities, neighborhoods, and towns. But you know this place is getting darker. I ask for more light, for more spirit, and for more of your strength and love, to be available to those who love you, to be poured out. Amen.

You are a Faithful God

Earlier this week, I watched a video of prophesy ... a woman who had a vision of revival. In that vision she found herself at the beach with signs of a tsunami coming. She saw she was surrounded by evil creature. She was warned of the wave, but instead of running she suddenly stood on solid rock. There were storm clouds but she couldn't see anything on the horizon. She waited through loud roars and an earthquake. Then the wave came and gently carried her. In her interpretation, she saw these events in phases, and one was an emergence of new music that would encourage us before a great revival arrived, and that Christians should listen to the lyrics of songs.

Later that same day, this song was released ...

I am surrounded on every side,

You won't let go of me,

You will not be late,

I will sing through fire and thunder,

I trust you with my life,

In darkest of weather though I can't see,

Through crashing waves I know I'm safe with you,

You hold my life,

Lord, I am convinced that your promises will hold together!

Balancing Roles in Christ

Scripture: For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function. Romans 12:3-4

Observation: As Paul goes into his instructions for how to behave as a church - both corporately and individually - this is the first instruction, to think about each others with respect for functions, skills, and strengths, within the one body of Christ, and each individual with different functions. He goes into more details about using spiritual gifts, and about how to interact, but the core is this ... no one should be proud of their calling over another's calling.

While this verse is notable for defining the metaphor of the "body of Christ", and perhaps for Sunday school songs it inspires talking about the differences between eyes and ears and feet, the real issue he is addressing is prideful attitudes. He is pointing out equality in the church, regardless of how each individual relates to others. It is when that attitude of equality - and especially the elimination of the attitude of pride - exists, that the church members can then love one another, give freely to each other, and have the community Paul describes in the rest of the chapter.

Application: Just this morning, my wife and I were talking about our pride in the context of wishing others would take on new responsibilities in the church. Mostly, we were saying this because we see value in others and want them to assume some leadership. However, my wife was right when she said that, at least in part, we were saying that we have a lot of 'value' and others should step up and provide the same value to the body of Christ.

The truth is God has those people doing what he wants them to do, and they are perhaps of far more value to him than we are. I was in my old trap of valuing certain activities more than others. It is a good reminder that I still can have that poor aptitude ... and that I still have far too much pride.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your gentle correction today. You are right that my pride remains a stumbling block for me, and I repent from that attitude. I truly do enjoy humble service, and I thank you for the chance I have to do some of it this week. May I serve you as you desire, as others do as well. Amen.

Everyone is Cut Off

Scripture: For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all. Romans 11:30-32

Observation: Paul is discussing at some length the fate of the Jews who have rejected the gospel of the Messiah, as both encouragement and warning for the Roman gentiles. He has discussed how the non-believing Jews have been cut off from the root of the tree, and gentiles grafted into that life. However, the gentiles could still be cut off due to lack of faith, and Jews grafted in by faith, so continue in firm belief.

One curious line is Paul stating that God has "committed" the Jews "to disobedience" so that he may have mercy on them. The word "committed" here is not like dedication, but rather like imprisonment. Paul is, I believe, discussing free will. While there may yet be debate about what it truly means for the Jews to be a "chosen" people, Paul is indicating a significant point ... that salvation by faith in Jesus Christ is a free-will choice and not a birthright.

Everyone, even the Jews, are ensnared by sin and temptation and a will that rejects the law, and therefore is cut off from God and his promise of eternal life in him ... unless they declare faith in Jesus so that the Lord may have mercy on them.

Application: In my life, I would consider this as the difference between churched and unchurched children. Those who do not learn of Jesus, but who come to Jesus as adults, know that they needed to make a decision about faith, and they chose belief. However, like myself, kids raised in the church often think they believe simply because they know bible stories and how to pray and how to do sacraments, but the truth is ... they are actually committed to disobedience, and still must make a personal decision about Jesus to receive God's mercies and salvation.

I discovered this only when I realized how imprisoned by disobedience I truly was ... how pursuit of earthly things was all my life was about, and my life wasn't good.

I was born and grew as a branch of the tree, but I was cut off. I was grafted back on at age 27. I am glad Paul spoke the truth to Jews and gentiles alike, so all my learn the truth about declaring faith in Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, Abba, my father, my salvation, and my true vine and tree of life, I thank you for your mercy and love, manifest by giving Jesus up to death as the sacrifice for my sins. I believe in his resurrection and in your salvation, and I declare that of my own will at all times. You have chosen to love me enough to show this to me, and to allow me to make my decision about it. You are so great, so wonderful, so wise, so powerful, so tender, so loving, so just. May I dwell in your kingdom forever and ever. Amen.

Written Out of the Story

Scripture: Now these were the sons of David who were born to him in Hebron: The firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second, Daniel, by Abigail the Carmelitess. 1 Chronicles 3:1

Observation: The chronicler uses chapter 3 to outline the entire kingly lineage of David and thus the southern kingdom. After covering all of David's sons, he will trace just the lineage of Solomon for all 16 generations of kings, then follow that last king for 13 more generations (I think ... it's hard to tell sometimes when someone is a son or a brother based on the wording).

However, back to David. There is a name missing in verses 1-9, that being Michal. Michal was Saul's daughter, and the first wife of David. At the time he fled from Saul, he had to leave her behind, taking only his other wife Ahinoam, and then meeting Abigail, however Michal is the one he trusts to aid his escape. When he becomes king, he has Michal restored to him even though by now she has been remarried to another man. She remains part of David's inner circle, though not in a good way, most notably criticizing him for dancing when the ark of the covenant is moved.

At one time, Michal was honoring God's path laid out by his divine plan, and she was then trusted by David and could have been the great love of the greatest king in history. Instead, she rebelled from God's plan and later resisted every action by David that was inspired by God, and ends up childless and even unmentioned in the royal family.

Application: Michal is a study of a person who loves the concepts of life more than she loves the realities of God. In the brief glimpses we see of her, we see that she loves the idea of being ... the future queen, a daring adventuress, a wife to another man. However, she dislikes the idea of being ... queen of Israel, worshipful toward God, and a loving wife to David. She likes her idyllic concepts even more than the fulfillment of God's promises.

I'm sure I can be like this. I elevate my own plans while ignoring how great God is doing things in and around me. This is true even of my service at church, where I can end up scrutinizing things that are actually producing good fruit.

I don't mind being a supporting character in God's great plan for the church. However, I don't want to be written out of the story entirely. I need to see God's work and follow his plan, not my own ideas or concepts or wishes for life.

Prayer: Lord, may I spend more and more time daily meditating on your word. I wish to renew my focus on your truths found in the bible, and in your plans and purposes made evident by the movement of your spirit in the world. In this, I wish spend less time in my own thoughts and ideas. Amen.

Desperate Cries or Exaltation

Scripture:
My people are bent on backsliding from Me.
Though they call to the Most High,
None at all exalt Him.
Hosea 11:7

Observation: As the prophet continues to declare the Lord's justice against the northern kingdom, he makes this distinction ... calling out to the Lord for help is NOT the same as placing your love and faith in the Lord.

Israel has placed golden calves on high places, worshipped gods of human design, and lamented (or will lament) as these idols are stolen away. Turning to Yahweh at this desperate hour is then not a reflection of faith in the Lord, but rather just one of the litany of things they are trying to avoid judgment. God isn't falling for it. He know their hearts aren't in it, and this action is about savings themselves.

Application: So very many people are looking to God for help, especially now. While God may intercede, he also knows whom among us are doing this out of desperation, and who is doing it by faith.

Desperation in itself isn't bad ... it is a way for some to discover God's mercy and love, and therefore to turn to him. The case of Israel was compounded by other beliefs, where the Lord was just of many things they believed in. The case in the US as a nation may be equally compounded, as turning to the Lord may be just one of the options, along with our "own" resources, wisdom, intelligence, and growing love for earthly concepts.

As for me and my house, we exalt the Lord, and know he will care for us out of that relationship. We also know that his care may or may not "save" us from certain perils and hardships. The Lord sees us, and provides for us, not just because we call to him, but because we sing to him, we contemplate upon his word, we seek his will, and when failing we ask forgiveness by his son.

Prayer: Lord, I do call to you, but my primary prayer is that your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. There are many who will call to you now, Lord, out of desperation. I pray for them, so that by receiving your mercy they may change their hearts and seek you, turning from those who cry to those who exalt. May this be a time of harvest, and not of burning, in the great name and love of Jesus. Amen.

Holding Peace by Withholding Words

Scripture:
He who has knowledge spares his words,
And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.
Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace;
When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.
Proverbs 17:27-28

Observation: The nature of this proverb is clear, that speaking foolishly is a sign of a fool, and therefore holding your tongue allows others to perceive you as wise. When a person doesn't speak, the assumption is that he is perceptive, observing, contemplative. In fact, a wise person uses words sparingly, and remains calm because he understands the situation.

Application: Yesterday, I talked to my wife the debates on social media about schools reopening. Some are against it, some are for it, and both sides are becoming louder, bolder, and more militant in their declarations that their opinions are the only logical possibilities and the other side are ... reckless and cruel idiots. Then last night I saw a video about how arguments occur on the internet and how they foster division between two sides in a manner similar to a virus. I almost posted the video on social media ... but didn't.

I must hold my peace in the matters - shut my digital lips - not because I don't have an opinion in the matter, but because my words would be counted foolish to some. When spoken, my words become a way to division, and a point of contention no matter what I say, just as I have seen other's posts become a source for a thread of arguments.

However, I see the Lord's wisdom in another way here as well. A wise man who spares his words and simply observes in understanding ... can be of calm spirit. Engaging in debates raises anger, and anger raises responses, contention, defense, and conflict. Remaining silent gives me space to also remain calm, peaceful, joyful, and loving.

And, if I am a fool, at least I don't have to open my mouth and prove that fact to others.

Prayer: Lord, your wisdom is my food. May I walk with you on your path this day, with a clear understanding that your path is nowhere near the arguments of worldly matters covered in the daily news. Thank you. Amen.

You've Got a Reason to Smile

There's always a reason to always choose joy.
There's something deeper the world can't destroy.
Smile when you think you can't.
Smile, get up and dance.
Smile, there's a bigger plan.
The storm only lasts for a while.

So smile!

Living a Life of Slavery

Scripture: For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. Romans 6:20-22

Observation: Paul compares and contrasts a life lead 'under sin' versus 'under the law', using a metaphor of slavery (a human term as he says). He begins by saying that people are slaves to sin, and when they repent and place their faith in Jesus they become slaves to righteousness. As a slave, you are compelled to obey, and thus this means there is a shift as to which master you will obey, sin or righteousness.

However, Paul goes a step further, asking the question ... what fruit, or what outcome, does one receive for their work as a slave? When a slave to sin, the fruit was ... shame, pain, and in the end death. When a slave to righteousness, the fruit is ... holiness, hope, joy, and in the end eternal life.

Application: I have had multiple conversations with non-believing friends where their objection to "Christianity" is the issue of ... compliance. They see belief as a control system designed to govern both thought and behavior. Paul declares us slaves to righteousness, and slavery requires obedience, and so he would agree with non-believers. However, what the non-believers miss are two elements:

1) They are already slaves to something else, be it a lifestyle, behavior, habit, or addiction, and in such they govern their behavior to comply with the expectations of that thing.

2) There is an outcome to both choices of what/whom to obey, and one of them certainly does not end well.

I need to have this knowledge for my next conversation with a non-believer. It goes in line with the question "what do you believe?", as we know everyone believes something. Having some (gentle but direct) language to be able to discuss how non-believers are still slaves - still with requisite obedience, and still with a future outcome associated with that choice - may help.

Yes, I am a slave to righteousness. I am expected to obey Jesus Christ. And the fruit I receive is great.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for friends, coworkers, and acquaintances who this day believe they are "free" because they don't believe, and thus are actually slaves of a terrible taskmaster who is taking them away to death. They fight against obedience to you, while obeying that which will destroy them. May they learn your truth, and discover the gentleness of your yoke. Amen.

Living For and Dying To

Scripture: For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:10-11

Observation: Paul begins this chapter talking about if we should continue to sin because we have grace, and immediately answers 'no' because we have died to sin. The then plays with death both metaphorically and literally. He discusses Jesus and his death, his sacrifice. He talks about our baptism as a way of dying with Christ. He speaks of then sharing in a resurrection ... for both Jesus and us, we are raised to a life both eternally in heaven, but also separated from our sin here on earth.

Paul's message is interwoven, but not so difficult to pull apart ... faith in Jesus means we must die to our sins, and live in Christ, and in so doing we will some day die, but live eternally. The dual metaphor continues. We are not live "for" our sin, whereby our actions are motivated by a desire or behaviors of earth, but rather live for God and our desire to obey him. Likewise, we are not to live life motivated by some fear death whereby we make that fear a motivating factor in how we interact with others and run our daily lives, but rather we are to live motivated by eternity and how we can someday present ourselves to the Lord as "instruments of righteousness".

Application: We become what we live for, and we live for our highest priority. So what is my highest priority? Is my priority outwardly demonstrating the love of Jesus? Or is it my career? Is my priority pursuing God's statutes, or is it enjoying earthly fun?

On some days, my priorities are the latter things. It is by these that, on any given day, I may get angry, have lustful thoughts, overdrink, or make golf important. In these ways, I am not placing Jesus first.

Yes, there are other days and other times Jesus is first, and I behave as such. But if I am truly dead to my old life, then only the new life should survive. There can be only one thing I live for, and everything else I must die to.

At all times, my highest priority must be Jesus. Not everything else is wrong ... just secondary.

Prayer: Lord, I confess that there are parts of my life that need a full and proper death. They need to die. I surrender these to you. May you be my purpose in life, today and every day, and may anything that is secondary exist only as a means to finding opportunity to serve you. Amen.

Seeking a Harvest for our Land

Scripture:
Love and faithfulness meet together;
    righteousness and peace kiss each other.
Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
    and righteousness looks down from heaven.
The Lord will indeed give what is good,
    and our land will yield its harvest.
Psalm 86:10-12

Observation: The psalmist discusses how peace will be delivered to the people, and points out that peace is based on the acts of the faithful. The faithful practice love toward others, as these go hand-in-hand. When that faithfulness exists, the righteousness of heaven sees it, and it is God's righteousness that welcomes peace - with a kiss - into the world. With this, the Lord gives what is good.

Application: We have so little that is good right now. It has even become a joke that new terrible things happen every day and we are almost numb to them. Disastrous disease is worsening and ethnic conflict kills people ... and I could list another five of six items that aren't even on everybody's radar because it is so bad here. God tells us why.

The healing of our land - of our nation - starts with faithfulness, which then calls forth love to meet together. When this faithful comes forth, then the Lord can look down in his righteousness and "give what is good", and "our land will yield its harvest."

How can we recover faithfulness in a nation so strongly turning away from the Lord? How can the remnant of believers here in the northwest influence a revival among people bent on personal causes, angry resistance to authority, and personal definitions of 'good'?

Perhaps the best we can do is be faithful ourselves, externally represent love, and hope the faithfulness of others responds to meet us. Otherwise, we are more likely to receive the curses of Amos than the blessings of righteousness.

Prayer: Lord, we are hear in modern Samaria, among a people who once believed but now establish their own gods and practices on high places, to the extent that they do not even know how to believe if they wished. Of course, they don't wish. Please give us this day the strength to shine your light of love, and in your wisdom may faithfulness simply spring forth in our communities, towns, cities, region, and nation. We are in desperate need of a turning of the tide, and of a good yield to emerge within our land. Have mercy on us, your faithful. Amen.

The Impact of Modern Hypocricy

Scripture: You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written. Romans 2:23-24

Observation: As one of the first logical elements of Paul's letter to the Romans, he examines the theme of the Law being a stumbling block. This is the first way that happens ... Jews who declare that they know God because they know the law actually visibly break the law, and as a result Gentiles have questions about the nature of God himself.

If knowledge of God is from the Jews, and it is by the Jews and their teaching of the law and prophets that God can be understood, and then the Jews openly exhibit hypocrisy by how they behave and break the law while also acting contrary to the nature of God that they teach ... well, then how can Gentiles understand God or maybe even believe the teaching of the prophets?

And yes, this is completely relevant to the church, both in the first century and the 21st century!

Application: We know that the behavior of the Church is one of the primary influencers in others hearing about and believing the good news of Jesus Christ. We talk of love while seemingly hating others. We espouse unconditional forgiveness by faith alone while verbally decrying and judging behaviors. At every turn in this hypocrisy, someone is watching us ... and actively making a decision about belief in Jesus, the nature of God, and the concept of eternal life, based on our failure.

Until I fully change my heart, I will remain part of that problem. Until I love others so much and learn to properly contextualize worldly issues to the point that it changes my outward behaviors and words, I will fail to serve Jesus well. When I act or speak with judgment, I blaspheme the name of Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, when I stand before you one day and you ask me what I did about your son, I will answer that I believed in him and put my faith in Jesus as my Lord and savior. However, I know I have also failed to represent his love, your love, through my disobedient heart. As Paul says, please circumcise my heart, soften me toward others, and help me to be your witness by my words and actions, and not a stumbling block for others to trip over. Amen.

Upon Returning from Isolation

Scripture:
Lord, You have been favorable to Your land;
You have brought back the captivity of Jacob.
You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people;
You have covered all their sin. Selah
Restore us, O God of our salvation,
And cause Your anger toward us to cease.
Will You be angry with us forever?
Will You prolong Your anger to all generations?
Psalm 85:1-2,4-5

Observation: This is a prayer said as the remnant of Israel returns from exile. They are thankful they have returned to the land, and hopeful that - as the prophets previously declared - their time in exile will have been penance for their sins. Now they see full restoration. They wish that another calamity will not come upon them, that they will be able to restore their homes and farms. Specifically, they pray that the Lord's anger has in fact ceased, and that they may live at peace with God.

Application: This Sunday, our church returned to services for the first time, as is happening in difference stages across the country. Is it possible that the Lord has used disease and pestilence to shut down the church, send his people - Christians - into isolation, as part of a lesson to be learned due to our shortcomings?

As we now return to community and group worship, may we understand the Lord's intent. If this was to redirect our ministries and efforts, may his wisdom inform our church leaders as to what we should be doing for his kingdom. If this was to change our hearts - my heart - may we all be softened to love that which the Lord loves. If this was necessary to redefine worship, or clarify the gospel of Jesus, or create new avenues of evangelism, may we all, myself included, have the courage to accept the guidance and changes.

Prayer: Lord, you have brought us back from isolation. I now pray as the remnant prayed. May you lift your anger for our shortcomings, give us wisdom for your new direction and courage to pursue your kingdom with new energy. Please do not be angry at us forever for missing the mark. Show us your mercy, grant us your salvation by Jesus, and allow us to serve you and pronounce your love once again. Amen.

Evil is Never Satisfied

Scripture: Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, Shebna, and Joah said to the Rabshakeh, "Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, for we understand it; and do not speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people who are on the wall." 2 Kings 18:26

Observation: The Assyrian who is declaring war upon Jerusalem is named by the title 'Rabshkeh' (likely 'governor'). Interestingly, he is speaking in Hebrew, the language spoke exclusively by Israel, and is doing this very specifically to make himself understood to the residents of Jerusalem. He has also misunderstood the actions of Hezekiah, interpreting that his destruction of the "high places" and requiring that worship be conducted in the temple was not a return to compliance with the Lord's covenant commands, but rather an affront to the Lord by removing his holy places and instead seizing control of religion in Judah.

Let's see ... what kind of person would ... believe that proper worship of Yahweh required also worship to Asherah, speaks Hebrew, and carries a title connoting local authority? The most likely answer is ... a Samarian who pledged loyalty to the Assyrian king early in his conquest of the northern kingdom and thus rose in rank until he is the local administrator of Samaria. After centuries of perverted worship practices, this is exactly the kind of person who would now intermix honor of the gods with the Lord, and thus misinterpret Hezekiah's loyalty to God. He would speak Hebrew fluently. He would be the likely candidate to lead negotiations for surrender with the southern kingdom.

If true, Judah isn't just being attacked by Assyria. It is being betrayed by Israel. From the time of splitting the kingdom, Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, worshipping other gods in greater and more vile ways. The Lord finally handed Israel over and had it removed from the earth. Yet, that wasn't enough to evil ... the next act is to undermine and betray the best king since David. Evil wasn't satisfied to destroy Israel, and it wasn't satisfied to simply attack with force ... it sought more, and to perform its work in sinister ways.

Application: In our society - and against us as individuals - evil isn't satisfied to simply cause us to commit sin and thus attempt to damage our relationship with the Lord. Evil always tries to go further ... destroy families, rip apart communities, create chaos, foster widespread violence.

What does evil attack? Three things: faith, hope, and love.

By tricking us into sin, satan works on our faith ... creating a gap in our relationship with God, and then lying to us that Jesus' sacrifice isn't enough to bridge that gap, and thus shaking our faith. By introducing famine, plague, and chaos, satan clouds our ability to see goodness and thus dims our hope for future outcomes. By inciting hate, anger, and violence, satan explicitly attacks our love of people, both intimate love with individuals we are close to, and general love of mankind.

As a man of faith, I must cling to these three things. I must rely on Jesus as my savior, knowing full-well that his sacrifice - and my faith in that sacrifice - is the bridge that ensures my relationship with the Lord. I must place all hope in the reality of God's justice and mercy, never lacking in trust that he is on the throne and in command of all the world. I must take forward the love of God and of Jesus into the world as a light to my community, to the downtrodden, to the faithless, to the fellow believers, to the haters, to the widows and orphans, to the rich and powerful, and to all people, to the ends of the earth.

Prayer: Lord, you have told us that there are three things that endure, faith, hope, and love. I see these under attack 2,700 years ago, and today, and always and forever before, after, and in between. May I serve you today by holding to your truth, and taking that truth to others. Amen.

Upon Ignoring the Prophets

Scripture: Yet the Lord testified against Israel and against Judah, by all of His prophets, every seer, saying, "Turn from your evil ways, and keep My commandments and My statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by My servants the prophets." 2 Kings 17:13

Observation: The northern nation of Israel, now called Samaria, has been captured and sent into exile by Assyria do to their non-stop rebellion against God. They worshipped other gods, which even escalated to child sacrifice. God therefore destroyed them and completely removed them from the earth, but not without first warning them over and over.

God warned them through the voice of prophets and teachers. Several are mentioned in Samaria, foremost being Elijah and Elisha, but despite efforts by some of the kings to kill them there were hundreds of God's prophets at any given time. In a nation actively practicing evil, many were declaring God's word, pronouncing his laws, teaching of correct behavior and belief, all as an attempt to turn back the nation and obey the Lord, and thus save the entire people from retribution and exile. But Samaria didn't listen.

Application: In our darkest days here in these modern times, we lament that as a people group we are actively turning away from God. We have huge movements opposed to the Lord's statutes, and even those of us who believe sin regularly and knowingly. Where are our prophets, warning us?

They are all around. There are thousands and thousands ... good pastors and teachers and evangelists pronouncing the truth. Some of wide - even global - reach with their message. Others speak to dozens only. But they are there, and their message is amplified when those of us who hear it can then repeat it to others.

The Lord is testifying against our nation by all his prophets, saying 'turn from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes.' Our nation is not doing so. We know the outcome, be it soon or not.

May I listen and obey myself, every moment of every day.

Prayer: Lord, today I ask forgiveness for my sins, for the times when I disobey your commandments and statutes. I do it too often. I desire to follow your will and observe your teaching, so please help me to not stumble this day. Again I say, please forgive me, for our nation cannot pursue you if your own believers do not. Please guide my path. Amen.

Only One Point to Settle

Scripture: When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such things as I supposed, but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. Acts 25:18-19

Observation: The Jews are accusing Paul of crimes before the judge from Rome, Festus. In describing this event to the king of Judah, Festus says that the Jews originally had all kinds of claims, and we previously in this chapter we saw them accuse him of many things but without proof, and even before that wish to plan for Paul's assassination without any hearing at all. However, in the end, the Jews cannot prove anything, and instead all that was really at odds was this one issue of faith ... whether or not Jesus was alive.

Paul has now been imprisoned for years. The Jews don't like that he preaches a message that the promised Messiah has come, and that faith in the Messiah - completely independent from Jewish practices, temple worship, and sacrificial rites - is all that is needed for salvation. Even through all this rhetoric, the ultimately rises only one issue, and that is the person of Messiah ... that Jesus is the son of God, who has died for all sins and been resurrected, so that anyone who believes may be saved. Through it all, this is the one and only point of debate that must be settled.

Application: In all our lives, there is only one point that must be settled ... who is Jesus? Every other element of the world is just earthly issues.

What is going on in the world right now that SEEMS amazingly important and requires our attention and decisions? Among others ... race relations, equity, social justice, economic policy, police violence, monument status, global health, interpersonal safeguards, community gathers, social norms ... and these are just the current items, beyond 'normal' issues like child protection, violent crime, environmental concerns, etc.

For everyone, while these things seem important in our daily lives, they don't truly matter. The only question that matters who ... who is Jesus? And the only follow-up question that then matters is ... what are you going to do with your decision about that?

If you believe Jesus is the son of God, then it makes logical sense that what a person would do with that decision is to confess this, place faith in him, obey his teaching, serve others, and love his community. Most who make this decision so some version of this, though with varying degrees along the continuum.

If you believe Jesus is inconsequential, then what you are doing about that decision may range from nothing, to actively accusing Christians of disrupting society and sedition against governments, up to and including active persecutions. This is where the Jews were in relation to Paul, and the real issue with our current society, I believe, is that this is where more and more Americans are heading. It is this general motion that is causing other elements of society to crack.

Prayer: Lord, every day I will confess that Jesus Christ is Messiah, and my Lord and savior. I seek to continue to move further and further toward a model of loving and serving all others. You know this is becoming more and more difficult in this place and time. If I am to be persecuted, directly or indirectly, for my faith, so be it, but may I find a way to advance your kingdom in all coming circumstances. Amen.

Living More Like an Apostle

Scripture: Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! For you sit to judge me according to the law, and do you command me to be struck contrary to the law?" Acts 23:3

Observation: As Paul is on trial before the Sanhedrin, the chief priest orders that he be struck. Paul respond by recalling the law, which forbid such actions, and points out the irony of this order ... that the chief priest is challenging Paul on the basis of the Law, while then violating the Law.

Paul knew the Law very, very well, and knew all of scripture as well. He was able to have any 'logical' discussion about Jesus, Messiah, God, and the Law. He uses that to even incite disagreement at his own trial, pitting the members against each other over the matter of resurrection and the Holy Spirit. He well understands hypocrisy that occurs when a person leverages the Law for their purposes while violating it for their other purposes. This is likely why he chose to preach "Christ crucified" and found that successful in his preaching, instead of converting Jews by logic.

Application: In most cases, discussing the love of God is more likely to influence beliefs than is a logical argument about rules, laws, and sins. This is because ... we - myself included - are hypocrites and just as likely to violate those same laws. I am more like a Sadducee or Pharisee than I am like an apostle.

How can I be more apostle-like? First would be by loving others and seeking to simply tell them of Jesus. I shouldn't try to argue, and I certainly shouldn't judge. This alone would be a huge step forward. And frankly, until I can do this, there is no second step. I need to get right about loving others at all times, and focusing my life on simply the love of Jesus. Since all other "compliance" flows from that anyway, there is no better way to live.

Prayer: Lord, again I ask it today, please guide me in my love of others. May I serve others more and more as we head into a new era of your church. Amen.