Faith vs. The Impossible

Scripture: Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed, for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. John 20:8-9

Observation: After Mary reports that Jesus is no longer in the tomb, it is Peter and John who investigate the matter. They enter the tomb, find Jesus gone but the burial cloths in place and the headpiece folded. It is only then, with physical evidence that Jesus has truly risen (not just been stolen), that John believes in the resurrection, because prior to that he did not understand. In truth, he couldn't previously believe, because the idea of resurrection from death by crucifixion was so far beyond his understanding that when the scriptures were discussed by Jesus it seemed metaphorical ... like Jesus must be talking about another parable or analogy when he discussed leaving, dying, but then returning.

John was possibly the disciple with the most "general" faith in Jesus, and who certainly embraced the facts of Jesus as Messiah and savior. However, as seen by the resurrection, even John could not find faith in all of Jesus' teaching when he couldn't find logical context for that teaching. Faith is difficult when juxtaposed with an idea that worldly teaching declares as impossible.

Application: Thanks to the resurrection, there are so many things I now know to be possible. If the Lord can resurrect Jesus - himself - dead three days, he can do anything. The natural world is no longer a restriction against the actions of the God who created it!

However, are there elements of life that seem impossible to me ... so impossible that I doubt the Lord's ability to overcome them? In truth, I struggle to understand what is going on with our society today, and if there can be a revival. Maybe I partially doubt if the Lord plans for there to be a revival in the U.S., but even setting that aside, the inertia of lawlessness in our country seems impossible to overcome. I do wonder how the Lord could completely correct the hearts of literally hundreds of millions of people who have actively declared opposition to him, his precepts, and his love.

John would have wondered the same, thinking that the situation was so impossible to rationally consider that the solution must be metaphorical. For example, I could believe that the Lord will strengthen the faith of his Church and guide us through the terrible times to come ... instead of altering the trajectory of the world. His grace and protection and love I get, but not supernational alteration of all mankind.

That said, I do know the Lord could do it, because I have faith he can do all things. Perhaps I don't understand how it could be done, but I don't need to understand the 'how'. The Lord can do the impossible. I can have faith in that fact.

Prayer: Lord, I pray today for the impossible. I have no idea what it could even look like to radically overhaul the hearts and minds millions, or billions, of people, but I have faith you can do it. If it be your will, please change the world today. Amen.

Revealing the Covetous Heart

Scripture: Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan. He said to him, "You son of a rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives upon the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Now send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die." 1 Samuel 20:30-31

Observation: Throughout the narrative of Saul's desire to kill David, the reasons for such hostility are tough to discern. In just the previous chapter, Saul has even sworn that will not kill David, but then immediately flips and decides to kill him again, and the intervening action is ... David successfully leading Saul's troops in the defeat of Saul's enemies.

But here it is, for once laid out. Saul hates David because David will be the next king - not his son Jonathan - and he is the only one who cannot accept this. Saul wants to control his succession. This isn't even about bloodline, for David is married to Saul's daughter. This isn't about Jonathan, for Saul is angry that Jonathan himself has agreed and 'chosen' David as the next king. This is about how Saul wants to control the historical narrative of his kingship.

Saul has everything. He has a good family aligned for long-term success. He has power emanating from a strong army that wins battles, and in return provides him physical wealth. He has peace of mind provided by soothing entertainment in the palace. And all these things are actually provided by the courage, kindness, faith, and skill of ... David. Yet Saul hates David because he covets the one thing that David cannot provide, which is his own obedience to the Lord, and the resulting will of God to make David the next king.

By David, Saul has 99 of the 100 things he could want in life, and his covetous heart burns with hate over that 1 thing, which itself is insignificant within the context of Saul's own life for it will not even matter until after his death.

Application: Easily, the "10th commandment" is the one most overlooked ... thou shalt not covet. Desiring the things of the world is effectively the source of all (or most) other sin. It is all the worse when in the context of every great thing we do have in our lives, but then generate negative feelings because we dwell on insignificant things we don't have.

Yes, I am overwhelmingly blessed, and yet I dwell on a great many things. There are so many things I desire to have, but the truth is they are SO pointless. Most are just more/bigger things than the ones I already have, when what I have is even more than I can use ... and certainly far more than I deserve. And of course, dwelling on such things only destroys the joy found in the blessing we do have, and in the presence of the Lord within those blessings.

Saul is a great example. He had everything, but David was the source of it. When he turned on David by coveting just one more thing, he lost literally every other good thing.

I should not live life by coveting more in my heart, and thus losing the joy of the great life I have.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your great blessings in my life. You have given me so much. Please forgive me when I covet more, for this is not only a sin, but is a sin within which I am the greatest victim. You have given me this lesson so that I may truly have a wonderful life, a life full of joy. You are all sufficient. Amen.

This is the True Desire

Scripture:
May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us,      Selah
that your way may be known upon earth,
your saving power among all nations.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
Psalm 67:1-3

Observation: This psalm opens with this wonderful prayer ... that the Lord would look upon the earth with his glory. It is desired that the Lord would be known throughout the world - known to all nations - and that all the people of every nation would praise him.

This is the true desire, the true goal and purpose of life ... that we would be in such a relationship with the Lord that we would spend our time in prayer and praise, and he would shine his love upon us all. This would be a condition for all the world, and for every nation and people group.

Selah ... think and ponder how wonderful that would be.

Application: I know that our fallen nature impedes this ideal scenario. The Lord would gladly shine upon us, and he desires to make himself and his saving power known to all the nations. Yet all the people will not praise him. In some places - like where I currently live - most people would even deny him.

I am sad for this. However, I can praise the Lord. I can praise him in my daily work, in my thoughts, in my words to others, and even in actual praise and singing. I can seek his face and his grace and his blessing. I can help to make him known upon the earth and to the nations.

May all glory and honor and praise and worship be given to the Lord God almighty, and to his son Jesus Christ!

Prayer: Lord, my God, may I honor you today and every day. May your face shine upon us, the entire earth, all nations, my nation, my community, and my family, according to your will. Amen.

The Mystery of Revelation

Scripture: Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?" Jesus answered him, "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words, and the word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me." John 14:22-24

Observation: In Jesus' final teaching, he discusses the fact that all who believe in him will be able to understand his teaching and even better know his words. It is these people who will continually experience his love, and the love of the Father. However, those who do not love Jesus will not experience these things, and in fact will not be able to perceive Jesus at all. This confuses the disciples, with Judas asking how this is logistically possible ... how can some people see, hear, and know Jesus, and others cannot?

This is the mystery of the human experience with the Lord. A person's ability to experience the Lord is greatly influenced by their freewill decision to pursue the Lord. Those who choose to seek the Lord experience his presence and love. Those who reject a relationship with the Lord fail to experience him. This is not to say he isn't present around them, but that they refuse the experience they should have with the Lord.

The disciples saw this was true within their lifetimes. As they told others the gospel message, they saw people accept it, love Jesus, and then know the truth of the Lord. Likewise, they saw people reject the good news, and even though some of them believed in the Lord, they failed to understand the truth and the word of God.

Faith in Jesus begets knowledge about the Lord, and active decisions to reject Jesus creates a division from that knowledge.

Application: High on the list of 'supernatural' things that reveal the truth about God's existence is this ... those who reject the idea of faith tend to struggle to even understand general knowledge and wisdom found in the bible. I have seen general misunderstanding of biblical information in secular commentaries, and I have seen fairly uneducated believers who can discover interesting wisdom within the bible. This can only be understood within a supernatural context.

Somehow, faith is a determinant in one's ability to find revelation in the word of God. Those without faith lack a key element to understand the Lord.

I do not consider myself 'wise' when it comes to the bible. However, I do know that I have found truths I could not have uncovered on my own. In this, I am so thankful, for those truths have involved comfort, help, advice, instruction, and correction. I hope I continue to find God's revelation in his word all the days of my life.

Prayer: Lord, your word is indeed a light unto my feet and a lamp unto my path. May I walk in your way, following your word, daily. Thank you for your revelation, and for your love through Jesus. Amen.

Deceit is Evidence of Evil

Scripture:
Deceit is in the mind of those who plan evil,
but those who counsel peace have joy.
Proverbs 12:20

Observation: There is a relationship between evil and deception. As part of any evil plot or plan, the individual has in their mind some element of deceit. This deceit may take the form of outright lies, or it may involve some lesser activity that causes others to misunderstand a situation. Whatever the case, this relationship must be understood ... those conducting deception are in engaging in an evil plan, and those who are plotting in evil will as part of their plot create some deception.

Application: The Lord told me clearly that the attacks I experienced four years ago were an evil plan. As part of that, I did not previously understand some of the "side issues" that occurred. There were direct lies, but there were also a collection of one-off lies, half-truths, and out-of-context reports that had nothing to do with the lies, but were pursued and confused any hope of the truth emerging.

These were deceptions, and thus are evidence reinforcing the existence of evil at work.

I am encouraged by this. It did bother me to be attacked by evil, but at least I knew the source and also know that the Lord is in control of my life. It is good to be reminded of this truth.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your love and salvation. Your eternal salvation through faith in Jesus is so amazing, but just as wonderful is your daily salvation from evil. Yes, life can be difficult, but you are always a comfort. May I relax in your love all the days of my life. Amen.

Oath's Aren't Needed; Truth Is

Scripture: Eli said, "What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide anything from me of all that he told you." 1 Samuel 3:17

Observation: Several times in the Old Testament, a threat very similar to this one is pronounced ... "May God do unto you and more so if you ...". Alternatively, as same structure is used as a swearing or promise, very often associated with taking action against someone ... "May God do unto me and more so if I do not do ...".

In this manner, the Jews use Yahweh as a threat. Yes, this statement indicates a trust that the Lord can take decisive action. However, it also assumes that the Lord takes sides in matters based on whomever first invokes his name, and that his actions will involve punishment and retribution. It seems so many of the times this form of swearing is used involve people who are themselves operating in a questionable manner, such as pursuing a righteous person to punish them, or seeking knowledge to advance some plot. Either way, over and over, this is the oath - "May the Lord do unto X and more so if" - and over and over it feels like manipulation, threatening, or both.

Application: I am a person prone to lying. I know this. I wish I wasn't. At the same time, I have never understood the idea of "swearing" on something. Maybe this is why I take notice of this kind of oath in the Bible.

That said, I do perceive a pattern that this oath is commonly attributed to people who are pursuing some personal objective outside of the Lord's plan. By pronouncing it, perhaps they are attempting to make it appear that the Lord is on their "side" and their actions align to the Lord's will.

I do wish I was more in line with James in this matter. I agree with him that we should not need to swear on things. However, I wish I was better at my yes being yes, and my no being no ... that I could better repent of the sin of lying.

Prayer: Lord, this day I do pray for this, that I would be able to repent of my way of telling deceptions, fibs, and lies. I bend truth, sometimes for absolutely no reason, and honestly I don't usually even know why. May this be removed from me, and may I seek your goodness in my live more and more. Amen.

Unwilling to Accept the Truth

Scripture: Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me, but you do not believe because you do not belong to my sheep." John 10:25-26

Observation: The people directly ask Jesus if he is Messiah, specifically asking him to just tell them. His answer is equally blunt ... he has told them, but they refuse to believe it. He goes on and tells them again, and for this they attempt to stone him for blasphemy, then seek to arrest him.

There is no response Jesus can give these people that they will believe except for the denial of being Messiah. They refuse to believe what he has said, they refuse to believe what he has done, and they violently react to what he now says. This is because they have no desire for the truth, and Jesus knows this when he says that they won't believe because they do not belong to his sheep. What Jesus is really saying is ... these people are full of pride and self-determination, looking to be fully in command and control of their own lives and their own wills, and therefore they reject any belief that would make them obedient to a Lord and savior.

Application: There are times I disobey the Lord, and I know the source of my disobedience is ... myself. It is my own desire to run some aspect of my life, even if it is just related to short-term pleasure like having another drink. I know there are times the Lord tells me I shouldn't, and I do, because I simply want to.

That is the wrong way to live in that moment. Overall I want to be obedient in my life, and I do strive to walk the Lord's path. I fail from time to time.

Jesus shows us this is at the very heart of "belief" ... willingness to obey the voice of the good shepherd. Many people fully reject Jesus, and thus are unwilling to accept the truth about faith and salvation. I am very willing to obey the good shepherd, but again sometimes I consciously fail and choose a different action. That is never a good idea.

Prayer: Lord, please forgive me of my sins, my departures from your precepts, and my actions that reject your direction. I desire to obey and live the life you have for me. I wish others would choose the same. May I be of obedient service to you this day, and every day. Amen.

Redemption both Active and Passive

Scripture: Then the women said to Naomi, "Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without next-of-kin, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him." Ruth 4:14-15

Observation: This version of Ruth uses the term "next-of-kin" to describe Boaz's relationship to Naomi and Ruth; other versions use the term "kinsman redeemer", and the footnote here says, "one with the right to redeem." This all relates to the Jewish law of property. In the law, property was perpetual to a family, but when someone died without heirs their property could first be 'redeemed' their family, in order of relationship.

Boaz may have married Ruth, but he did so by claimed the right to redeem the property of Elimelech, which most significantly included his destitute widow Naomi. It is this act of redemption that has saved Naomi, a woman who had no future and no means to a life. Naomi was destined to be both outcast and destitute, however Boaz intervened as "one with the right to redeem." Boaz and Ruth would be the great grandparents of David, and thus part of the lineage of Jesus.

This metaphor is quite obvious. Without the Lord in one's life, we are all destined to live and die a meaningless life, effectively the equivalent of destitute. Jesus is the one with the right to redeem, and secures that right to also pursuing a marriage with his bride, the Church. 

One can consider the lesson of Boaz - one who is rewarded for his kindness, generosity, and obedience - as the point of this story. One can also consider Ruth - one who is loving, loyal, and industrious - as the point of this book named for her. However, the unifying storyline beginning to end is actually that of Naomi ... a woman who suffers through hard times, is taken to a foreign land by her husband, loses everything and everyone she has, receives the mercy of a foreigner, creates a plan for survival, and is saved by the actions of others.

While Naomi is involved in every aspect of the story, her arc - from troubles to redemption - is mostly passive. She is the victim of local famine caused by the unfaithfulness of Judah's king. She is taken to Moab by her husband. She watches her husband and sons die. She excuses her daughter in-laws only to see Ruth refuse to leave her. She stays home while Ruth gleans the fields. She eats the food provided by Boaz. She lets Ruth proposition Boaz. She waits for Boaz to negotiate the redemption. She sees Boaz and Ruth bare a child. And in the end, she is declared blessed by the other women.

"All" Naomi does is ... remain faithful and obedient. She does what she can for her family, follows the law, and trusts that the Lord will provide for her. Throughout the story, the Lord does provide, and then fully redeems her.

Application: I cannot "redeem" myself. Only the person with the right to redeem - Jesus - can do that. What I can do is have faith that the Lord will provide in my life, and be obedient to his guidance as he works out his plan for me and for the world.

While receiving redemption is passive, therefore, obedience is not. Yes, this is the "faith vs. works" conversation, and again I see that redemption actually involves both. I may receive eternal salvation by faith, but how I live my life plays a role in the redemption of my earthly life. Again, obedience doesn't result in there being no hardships, but it gives guidance for the path to walk through the hardship ... through the valley of the shadow of death.

Prayer: Lord, may I have the passive faith, but the active obedience, of Naomi. I desire to care a lot less about taking action to solve my problems. Instead, I would like my actions to center on your direction and instructions, so I can passively allow you to provide for my life. I have faith in your love, mercy, and redemption. Amen.

Claiming the Promise of Refuge

Scripture:
You have set up a banner for those who fear you,
to rally to it out of bowshot.   Selah
Psalm 60:4

Observation: As David gives a short lament for the challenges he has, he adds this comforting fact. The Lord provides a refuge from the problems. In the metaphor, the Lord provides a banner - a flag - far enough away from the battlefield to be untouchable by the activities of the battle. It is there for anyone in need of safety, and who look to the Lord for their safety.

Application: I have still been in thought about the problems of our current time, and about how society is so lost that there is clear conflict between the "rightness" of societal norms, and the truth of the Lord. I wonder if there is any hope for me to live out my life in safety from greater persecution, and if there is any hope for my children to be prosperous within such a context. Further still, I wonder how we can a peaceful life when around us is such continual anger and pain.

However, David reminds me ... Yahweh-Nissi ... the Lord is my banner.

It isn't just that the battle about widespread culture is not mine to fight. It is that, even in the context of such a battle, there is refuge for anyone who looks to the Lord as their hope. Yahweh is my (our) rallying point. He is where we turn to and find that, even when the battle is occurring, we are out of range from the danger. We are in a place of peace.

Prayer: Lord, today I embrace the promise of your peaceful refuge. I know hard times and persecution will come. I know it is possible that I may lose my very life itself, and probably I will lose elements of my life, as I hold to my faith, obey your word, reject the world, and cling to your hope. Yet you are a source of calm, peace, and safety. You will keep me safe according to your plans. I pray this for myself, but even more so for my family and for the faithful around me. As earthly anger thrives, may we rally to you and find joy and peace. Amen.

So Many are Inheriting the Wind

Scripture:
Those who trouble their households will inherit wind,
and the fool will be servant to the wise.
Proverbs 11:29

Observation: As the writer of proverbs continues in warning about what is foolish behavior - in this case, troubling one's own household - he states that such fools will "inherit wind". That is to say, they receive as their reward something that can never be possessed, for wind cannot be held or captured in any way, but simply is energy that rushes past us. Yes, it is real and we can feel it, but it cannot be owned.

Application: This phrase was used in a provocative way in the 1960s, as the title of a play and movie "Inherit the Wind". It was about the historical trial that analyzed the teaching of creationism vs. evolution. I have never seen nor read it, and I am troubled by the very idea that as some level our society continues to believe there is a mutually exclusive nature about this topic, and by extension about the existence of God.

Whether or not the title was intended this way or not, this entire historical event and the related debates is the very definition of a fool troubling their household. Fools have created a false equation - either creationism or evolution must be true and thus the other must be false - and then used that equation to attack faith itself. Over time, the erosion of faith has negatively impacted every aspect of society, from values and morals, to quality of family life, to mental stability of individuals.

And to be clear, the result is that fools have become servants. Those who struggle with all kinds of elements in their lives - and do so while adamantly denying the Lord's word and even his very existence, using 'scientific' arguments as the foundation of their denial - now live as slaves. While the enemy who deceives them may not be 'wise' as the author of Proverbs used the word, he is formidably intelligent, crafty, cunning, and deceptive.

Those who trouble their households - who take up flawed arguments based on such deceptions, which then cause real problems within their own homes, families, communities, people, nations, and society - will in fact inherit wind. They will feel the results, but they actually receive nothing.

Prayer: Lord, I say it again today, we are in need of revival. I fear for all aspects of our world. I know I am personally helpless to do anything, yet I know you are all-powerful and can do all. May your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Amen.

With Me All Along

I have NEVER been alone!!

The Logic of God's Provision

Scripture: So now the Lord, the God of Israel, has conquered the Amorites for the benefit of his people Israel. Do you intend to take their place? Should you not possess what your god Chemosh gives you to possess? And should we not be the ones to possess everything that the Lord our God has conquered for our benefit? Judges 11:23-24

Observation: In his message to the Ammonites, Jephthah uses logic to dissuade their attack. By this argument, the Lord gave Israel victory 300 years ago, therefore all they are doing is living in a land that the Lord has given them. If the Ammonites have a quarrel then, it is with their god who has ... given them a different land, or maybe no land at all. He questions the king of the Ammonites if he truly believes it is in his right to overturn what his own god has decided, let along what the Lord has done.

Application: Everyone today, myself included, seeks to earn more and more. We desire what we don't have, and work hard to have more. I have ideas about what I will do, how I will earn, where my job should progress, what 'stuff' I can buy with my money.

It is hard to know if I am simply living within the Lord's provision for my life, or if I am taking what the Lord has not given. However, certainly one way of telling is when someone takes from someone else. At the extreme, we call that theft, and it is driven by covetousness. However, at a less extreme end of the spectrum is simply taking things in life - opportunities, experiences, advancements, property - by using resources that were not intended for those purposes, or by competing and beating others. These may be situations where I am not following God's plan, and thus taking something he did not intend. These are things of which I must be careful, because I am not meek in my nature, and can certainly take what I should not simply by proceeding strongly on a course of action.

And this applies to many in this generation. There are SO many who just take ... who declare the "deserve" or feel that they (or their ancestors) were wronged and thus are "owed" something. This is, in fact, a driving force in societal issues today, just like the Ammonites declaring they were owed certain possessions despite the outcome of a matter that occurred 300 years prior.

It is difficult to know the Lord's for every possession, and his intention for every good thing. I know the Lord has blessed me, and I hope I live content in his blessing without taking more. I desire a society in which everyone does the same, for if they did the Lord's love would so richly bless everyone. What a paradise that would be.

Prayer: Lord, I long to live truly in your kingdom, where only thy will is done. It would be paradise. It will be paradise! Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

What are They, Indeed

Scripture: One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?" John 6:8-9

Observation: The feeding of the 5,000 begins with Jesus challenging the disciples for a solution to the dilemma of how to feed everyone (John says Jesus already knew what he would do, but was testing the disciples). Philip declares it would take a large sum of money to buy food, and other accounts state that enough food wasn't even available to buy in the area and the disciples recommended sending everyone away.

However, Andrew makes the strangest of all comments. Andrew brings forward a boy with what is basically enough for one family to eat. While many lessons have been taught about the faith involved with a boy offering the little he had - and this has become famous in the telling of the miracle - Andrew even bringing this as a potential solution is almost ludicrous ... and he knew it. What he says "what are they among so many people", it is almost like he wasn't saying "here is a solution", but rather "this is all there is, so certainly the situation is hopeless."

Application: I recognize there are SO many lessons here ... giving God even the little bit we have, faith in miracles when we seem to have nothing, innocent surrender of all we possess, etc. Yet perhaps the reality of the situation is found in this idea ... the wonder and power of God is discovered when we know and acknowledge the situation is hopeless.

And this is where I am today, knowing that the situation in the Pacific Northwest is hopeless. I have given up on any wonderful future for my home city, Seattle. I have advised my children to consider living elsewhere. I have thought of when my wife and I can leave. I lean into the idea to reach people for Christ here as individuals who need to the good news, but the deeply rooted issues of the region give me no hope for a future of this area that involves anything approaching kingdom values.

I have reached the point of Andrew. Here, Lord, are churches attempting to proclaim your name, pronounce the gospel message of Jesus, to heal the sick and the broken-hearted. But what are they among so many people, when we now know that less than 3 percent of the people in the region even go to church?

I sincerely hope Jesus is about to show me how weak my faith is, and that he already knows what he is going to do about this.

Prayer: Lord, please come in power. I cannot see a way in this region, but with you all things are possible. May it be that not only does the situation turn, but that when it does the evidence of your mighty hand is so obvious that it cannot be refuted. Amen.

Wanting to be Left Alone

Scripture: Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had disappeared in the crowd that was there. Later Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you have been made well! Do not sin any more, so that nothing worse happens to you.” The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. John 5:13-15

Observation: Jesus heals a man who for so long could not become healed in the pool at Bethesda. When questioned about improper activity on the Sabath, the healed man does not name Jesus. However, Jesus later confronts him again ... this time he is in the temple, presumably begging even though he is healed and no longer in need of alms. Jesus warns the man that this deception is sin, and with that the healed man reports Jesus to the authorities.

It is possible this is a simple matter of knowledge. It is possible the healed man did not know who Jesus was, but upon meeting him again in the temple learns his identity, and thus complies with the request of the authorities. It is also possible this is a friendly 'telling'; that the man wanted to tell others about Jesus but didn't know his name, then learned it and publicizes it. However, that isn't quite how the narrative feels. This feels like the healed man wanted to live off public pity. He waited an unreasonable amount of time to be healed. Once healed, he simply continued to beg. And when Jesus called him out for this, he didn't appreciate being scolded and "turned him in".

What a complicated relationship this man had with the Lord. He acted like he wanted a miracle to heal him, but certainly after 38 years he could have figured out how to receive such a healing from the pool ... so he didn't really want it. He is healed, and gives no thanks to Jesus. Once healed, he just keeps his old life. When corrected about the nature of his actions, he reports Jesus to authorities.

Most people define a "full life" as one with family, friends, joy, health, and meaning. Within a few short sentences, we learn that this unnamed man literally had none of the above. We then learn ... he didn't even want them, and when given the opportunity to have them he got miffed and resentful.

He didn't want a life ... he wanted God to leave him alone.

Application: I am becoming more and more sad by the realization of the relationship many people have with God, and how their attitude toward God poisons their entire life. How many people, if convinced God exists, would actually declare they would prefer that God totally leave them alone? Many, I think. And many of those actually have lives that can best be described as a "shambles". 

I have been writing about this often lately. That must mean my heart is breaking for these people.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the softening of my heart. I do mourn for those who would prefer an empty, broken, hopeless, painful life, than to simply ask for - and than you for - any kind of healing. I am sure you weep for them, as I am saddened today too. Amen.

Recognizing First-Hand Knowledge

Scripture: Moreover, that whole generation was gathered to their ancestors, and another generation grew up after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals. Judges 6:10-11

Observation: When Joshua dies, it says that Israel remained faithful throughout the lives of the people and elders who had seen and experienced all the Lord had done for Israel. However, that generation completely dies, and a new generation rises that "did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel." Immediately it says they did what was evil and turned to other gods.

It becomes clear that first-hand knowledge of the Lord - and especially knowledge of what the Lord has done to bless and protect someone - is a component of faith and therefore obedience. Even with the amazing stories Israel has of the Lord rescuing them, feeding them for years, guiding them into the promised land, and vanquishing established nations ... those who hear the story struggle to believe and obey as those who lived through the experience did. Their faith waivers, what should be the anchor tenants of their lives weaken, and they seek "meaning" or "foundation" or "purpose" for their lives outside of Yahweh. This leads to evil, sin, disobedience, and misplaced service to other 'gods'.

Application: It is critical to remember what the Lord has done for me. I absolutely know for certain that the Lord has taken action in my life to guide, restore, and bless me! My faith is strongest when I remember this first-hand knowledge of his work and love and goodness and grace.

So how difficult it is for others to find faith in Jesus when they refuse to believe that God has aided them in their lives!! Perhaps they don't even believe God exists. Perhaps they believe as I once did, in a passive, ambivalent kind of god who may or may not get involved in the lives of people ... and even in doing so may or may not care if his actions are helpful or harmful anyway.

When you don't believe in a loving God, you can't see the first-hand experiences you have had with God. Over and over, we know that such an experiential void impedes faith (even for a strong disciple like Thomas).

Part of evangelism, therefore, must be experiential. We must help people realize the truth of experiences they have had in life, and recognize the role of the loving, compassionate, merciful creator.

Prayer: Lord, I pray generally for all those who don't believe, that they may both have experiences by your hand, and be awakened in their hearts to know first-hand it is you working in their lives. I specifically pray for Eric, whom I know had such experiences and has been trying to discern the reality of those experiences. May he recognize the knowledge he has, and gain faith by that knowledge. Amen.

Worship in Every Action, Everywhere

Scripture: Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:21-24

Observation: As the woman at the well begins to discover whom Jesus really is, she asks him about proper worship of Yahweh, as there was disagreement on this matter between Jews and Samaritans. Jesus clarifies that the question is now irrelevant. Yes, the Lord gave laws about the proper location for complying with sacrificial rules, however with the arrival of Messiah there is a new manner of worship. Differentiated from "temple or mountain", he calls the new manner or worship "spirit and truth".

Worship in the spirit is to honor the Lord in your heart, and to truly engage with him through the Holy Spirit. In this manner, we join our spirit with his and with others. We know the living God, and worship him as a key interaction in our relationship with him. Worship in truth is to serve and love others as part of obeying the teaching of the Lord. We acknowledge that the word of the Lord is true, and thus obey it out of honor of that truth.

In this way, worship is not just singing. It is our daily activities. Worship includes prayer, contemplation, and our words and actions, especially toward others. As Paul puts it, it is making ourselves a living sacrifice, so that all our thoughts and actions are in fact acts of true worship.

Jesus is teaching that we do not need to go to a specific hill to 'worship' ... rather, by the Holy Spirit, our every action, everywhere, can be worshipful to the Lord.

Application: This lesson shows me how much more closely I need to guard my daily behavior, words, and deeds. I can worship the Lord in everything, but of course my bad actions are not acts of worship at all, and they remove me from the presence of the Lord available through worship. I desire to worship continually, by obeying the Lord and loving others. This is not always simple, but it is always possible.

Prayer: Lord, I would like to worship you in every action, everywhere, continually. My spirit yields to the Holy Spirit. May there be more of him, and less of me. Amen.

Defining Two Other Gods

Scripture: Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

Observation: While the last clause of this verse is famous - it is even on a framed picture in this very room - the first part describes the alternative to serving Yahweh. The alternative is to serve other gods, and Joshua describes two different options, the gods of their ancient ancestors, and the gods of the local nations they have conquered. 

It seems these two options represent two lifestyles or sets of priorities available to fix as primary in one's life. One option is the path of success and prosperity. This was important to Abraham's family, as evidenced by the behavior of Laban. The family sought earthly comfort and success. They desired to have the largest and best flocks, servants, and successful estates. The second option is the path of desire and pleasure. The dispossessed nations honored fertility, and gave honor to false gods who would bring about sexual success. They desired physical pleasure and pursued it daily, placing their minds to it so often that it became part of their supernatural pursuits.

Interestingly, by rejecting these gods and honoring the Lord, Israel receives both. Abraham became abundantly rich, and receiving that blessing of earthly comfort was passed to the entire nation. Meanwhile, the nation reproduced at such a rate that they increased from a dozen to a million in the course of a few generations, clearly receiving physical pleasure they wanted. However, they achieved all this while remaining true to the commands of the Lord, and while worshipping Yahweh.

Application: These two 'gods' remain at the forefront of mankind today. Most humans seek riches that provide earthly comfort, and/or sexual pleasure in various forms. When told to make a choice, these are almost always the two alternatives to Jesus that others pursue. They fail to see that, while they may be independent of Jesus and certainly must be subordinate to faith in the Lord, they are not exclusive of Jesus.

Me and my house ... we choose to serve the Lord. Whatever comes with that is secondary, for the Lord is our portion. I am comfortable in the knowledge that anything I need, he will provide.

Prayer: Lord, I have permanently chosen you. I have no other gods before or after you. I wish I made better choices on a moment-by-moment basis, but for my life and hope you are my Lord and my God. May I serve and worship you better every day. Amen.

Love of the Darkness

Scripture: And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life ... And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. John 3:14-15,19

Observation: In one of the most famous sections of the bible, Jesus recalls one of the more overlooked foreshadowings of the Old Testament, the curse of the snakes. In the wilderness, Israel was attacked by a curse of poisonous snakes, and at God's instruction Moses created bronze snake wrapped on a cross, and lifted it up. Anyone who had faith in God could simply look at the snake on the cross, and be healed, but anyone who did not look would die. In this same way, Jesus is clear that he as Messiah will be lifted up on a cross, and anyone who in faith looks to Messiah will have eternal life, but anyone who refuses to do so will die.

However, after telling the purpose of Messiah - to bring eternal life - Jesus is just as clear about why people will refuse to look upon Messiah when salvation is so easily obtained. It is not because of a lack of faith, it is because of love of the darkness. People love their sin, their misguided ways, their deeds and lives that follow their own paths. In this love of darkness, they are given a choice to simply look to the light of the Messiah ... and they refuse. They would rather die of the poison in their lives, than admit that their personal decisions are flawed and simply look to the light of Jesus to guide their path.

Application: Speaking 2,000 years ago, Jesus knew the world ... the world he lived in, the history of mankind, but also the future world we now see. Everyone has determined how they will live, and what they consider to be good and right. They base this on public sentiment and their own opinions. They measure the results on their own measures of success. They actively fight for evil causes as if achieving acceptance of them is their life's purpose, and celebrate when society moves closer to 'normalizing' such causes.

They love the darkness rather than the light.

Jesus has been lifted up. All people have to do is look to him in faith, and will have not just a healed and eternal life, but life in the full, walking in the light of the Lord. And most won't do this ... and that is how people have always been.

Prayer: Lord, I do understand why people love the darkness and love their evil ways. There are still elements of sin that I struggle with, because they are so embedded in the human condition of original sin. I get it. May I always look to you, and may I always love the light more than the dark. The truth is, I don't know how to even pray for those who are so entrenched in the dark that they deny the light even exists. I grown for our society, with no words to even ask for how to move next within this world. I know I am born from above. May others who are not find their way to look up and see the light. Amen.