Where There is No Law

Scripture: "But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves; I do not wish to be a judge of these matters." And he dismissed them from the tribunal. Then all of them seized Sosthenes, the official of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of these things. Acts 18:15-17

Observation: When the Jewish officials united and charged Paul with a crime, he never even needed to defend himself because the Roman governor Gallio refused to hear the matter. In his declaration, he says that since the matter is not about actual rules of law, but about the Jew's own issues, then there is no crime to consider.

The very next thing that happens is that the Jews attack their synagogue leader Sosthenes. They do this opening, in public, and in fact in front of the legal authorities. Again, Gallio does nothing, because the matter is a Jewish matter and thus doesn't involve Roman law.

In this way, we see an example of what happens when the government declares that certain acts are within the law, and other acts will be ignored. This latter decision - to ignore a specific class of action - creates free reign to perpetrate acts that are within that classification. Certain assault was a crime in the Roman empire! However, once the governor said that the classification of actions related to Jewish customs was not his concern, Jews could assault Sosthenes and simply declare it a Jewish matter.

Application: We are in the midst of several legal debates, but whether we are talking about abortion, drugs, civil rights, hate, or property crime in underpoliced areas, we see a pattern ... people get hurt when the government basis law not on God's moral instructions, but rather on some classification system.

We have a lot of complicated problems, and I refuse to arrogantly give my solutions. However, I do know that, if we just tried to love each other and obey the Lord's commands, we would have much fewer problems. Many of the conflicting attitudes themselves would disappear before disagreements and conflicts even existed.

How close we must be to the time of lawlessness.

Prayer: Lord, while I want to great future life for myself and my family and my children and their friends, I can't help but also pray, come, Jesus. Amen.

A Sign of Darkness

Scripture: When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, "Is it you, you troubler of Israel?" 1 Kings 18:17

Observation: Ahab, king of Israel, hates Elijah because as the great prophet of the Lord Elijah called down a drought upon the land. They are about to have a showdown - Elijah against ~850 prophets of Baal and Asherah - and this is how Ahab greets Elijah, as the "troubler of Israel". By this greeting in this context, it is clearly defined that Ahab accepts BOTH of these two ideas:

-- The Lord Yahweh is not the great God of Israel, the creator of heaven and earth, and instead the gods that he believes in are Baal and Asherah.

-- In the name of Yahweh, Elijah has altered the weather, controlled creation, and brought great hardship upon Israel.

It is literally impossible for both of these ideas to be true. They are mutually exclusive. If simply by faith in Yahweh Elijah can control the natural elements of the planet, then surely the Lord is the all-powerful creator to be honored and worshipped. If the Lord is powerless at best and perhaps doesn't even exist, then the current drought cannot be caused by one person's belief is such a non-entity.

Ahab cannot believe both of these ideas ... and yet he does.

Application: I have seen it around me many times, that the true indication of dark deception is when people believe two mutually exclusive ideas, and refuse to juxtapose those ideas and consider the logical conflict. Such examples exist all around our society, and within the hearts of many. Some such examples relate directly to faith, some to general lifestyle choices. I have come to understand that such logical conundrums are a sign of the true influence of darkness and of satan.

For years now, I have looked for such conflicts of thought - situations where people are adamantly believing two concepts where either could be true but both absolutely cannot be true - as a sign of the work of evil in the world. The chief liar of this world can do this to those not defending themselves. The result is confusion and turmoil, distress and fear, anger and conflict, hardship and suffering.

The Lord did, in fact, create us to not only believe and worship him, but to do so logically with an understanding of his wonder and love and power and greatness. This is part of our nature, to rationally know and understand, and God desires us to use that to relate to him. When evil shuts down our rationality, it truly separates us from the Lord, and becomes a gateway for all kinds of problems.

Prayer: Lord, I believe in you and love you, not just with a childlike emotion, but also with rational thought and reason. You have given us that gift, in your image, to consider, hypothesize, and imagine, and we can use that to know you. May our society find a way back to you, realizing the rational errors of our ways. Amen.

Sin is the Harder Life

Scripture: Then Jeroboam said to himself, “Now the kingdom may well revert to the house of David. If this people continues to go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, the heart of this people will turn again to their master, King Rehoboam of Judah; they will kill me and return to King Rehoboam of Judah.” So the king took counsel and made two calves of gold. He said to the people, “You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” 1 Kings 12:26-28

Observation: The great sin of Jeroboam is this, setting up idols designed to explicitly prevent the worship of the Lord. This goes beyond any act of simply improper worship or the violation of a law. Rather, this was Jeroboam explicitly decided that he would have the people deny the Lord and turn away from Yahweh. He created the calves, rejected the Lord's temple, renounced for Israel any affiliation with Yahweh, and even set up new celebrations ... even therefore denying simple and joyful celebrations of the Lord.

Jeroboam rejected everything about the Lord, even to the extent that it was less pleasant and joyful for his own people. He replaced joyful celebrations in a beautiful city in order to honor Yahweh, with meaningless travel to nowhere places to look at statues, and maybe hold a pointless party. And it would be this "trade" that would be the great sin that destroyed Israel.

Application: How true it is that, when sin is at its greatest, it is actually more burdensome and difficult than actually not sinning. Great sin harms ourselves more than not committing the sin would have. It often introduces hardship and anguish and guilt and illness upon the one who sins, let alone any victims.

I know that, even when obedience to the Lord is difficult, that sinning is actually more difficult in the long run. I would prefer to have an easier life, and that would be a life obeying the Lord. I certainly reject the idol worship of this world. I would prefer the better life, where the burden is light.

Prayer: Lord, may I keep your laws and precepts in my heart, and day and day be better at complying with your ways. I would prefer to reject sin, and thus not incur the associated hardships. Please allow me to take your hand and walk in your ways today. Amen.

Eating Where Love Is

Scripture:
Better is a dinner of vegetables where love is
than a fatted ox and hatred with it.
Proverbs 15:17

Observation: This proverb uses the example of a meal to represent richness, or having little ... the fatted meal of meat represents a life of plenty, and a dinner of vegetables represents a life of meager existence. With that context, the lesson is obvious. Having meager life, but in a place of love and joy, is good; Enjoying a rich life, but within the context of hate and strife, is bad.

Application: I have learned this lesson well. Having a "good life" is not about wealth or status, but is all about peace and joy and love. These are three things that Jesus offers ... in fact, they are the first three fruits of the Holy Spirit. It is living a life full of the spirit that is far more important than a life full of money. In fact, when that money and physical comfort is surrounded by hate and anger and mistrust, life truly ... sucks.

Again, I have learned that. I desire a life of peace and joy and love. I'll be very, very happy with whatever dinner is served in that context.

Prayer: Lord, may I keep this truth in my mind, that happiness in my life is found in you, and not in any element of my work in the physical world. I will seek your joy, and therefore enjoy your provision. Amen.

A Renamed People Set Apart

Scripture: Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians.” Acts 11:35-36

Observation: While there have been gentile believers already, we see here that it was Barnabas who first truly began targeting the gospel to the gentiles, and who got Paul to help. We know the term "Christians" is Greek for "little Christs", but there is another reason - both practical and biblical - for introducing this (now universal) term for believers.

When the Lord set apart a people for himself, he gave them a name. He first changed the name of Abram and Sarai to Abraham and Sarah. However, once he was prepared to expand the family to truly become his chosen nation ... a nation set apart, established to demonstrate the Lord to other nations, and blessed to be a blessing ... he changed Jacob's name, and thus established them as Israel. From this, their nationality was also known as the Hebrews or Jews, but in all manner they were now defined by a name that told others there was something special about their relationship with Yahweh.

And now, in the first place where Greeks and gentiles are becoming believers in Jesus in significant numbers, they receive a name that tells others there is something special about their relationship with Jesus. They are not just "believing Greeks" anymore. Nor are they Messianic Jews ... the term still used for Jews who believe in Jesus. Gentiles who believe in Jesus have a special name. This is a name that ... sets us apart, established to demonstrate Jesus to other people, and blessed to be a blessing.

Application: I am so frustrated and angry with myself for behaving as if I am NOT set apart! Every day, I behave as if I'm just another American, with the same problems, hopes, and ambitions as everyone. However, the Lord himself gave me a name with a purpose. I am part of a special people group ... Christians, not Americans. I am personally an adopted son of the Lord most high, creator of the universe.

Behaving like a Christian does not - cannot - mean "acting like a good person". It MUST mean "NOT acting like the nations around me", just like it was supposed to mean for Israel. Just as the Lord has always done, he designated us with a new name to define his dedicated people-group. I need to start taking that seriously.

Prayer: Lord, again today I ask for your forgiveness. I am sinful and prideful and self-centered. Please forgive my sins of both action and thought, and continue to work into me a softer heart. And I add to this, please guide me in truly becoming a person set apart, part of your special nation, defined by actions that are different than the unbelieving people all around, so that our light will shine all the brighter. Amen.

Renown for Little Things

Scripture: Meanwhile, he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner. ... "He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside." Acts 9:43,10:6

Observation: Peter has been ministering in the area of Lydda and Joppa, and has just raised Dorcas from the dead in Joppa. He now stays with Simon the Tanner. Simon is mentioned twice, first as just a statement of fact as the home where Peter is staying, and then by the angel who appears to Cornelius when giving instructions as to where to find Peter. Simon himself never does anything, never says anything, and in fact is never described as doing anything at all.

Simon the Tanner was just a faithful believer in Jesus, whom - when Peter needed it - provided a place to stay. For this simple act of hospitality, and with no additional action ever credited to him, Simon is known by name to the "angel of God", and is also forever memorialized within the word of God for us to read about two thousand years later. His service to Jesus was so very simple ... all he did was give Peter lodging ... and his contribution to God's kingdom was honored in heaven and recorded for eternity.

Application: While I consider how this lesson - the importance of even the smallest acts of service to Jesus - applies specifically to something like the July 4th parade for us, I am thinking deeper about little things I could be doing. There are likely little things I could do every day that don't immediately appear to have any relevance to the kingdom of God, but that may in fact be of eternal impact ... at least to someone.

The little things may be a kind word, or a simple act of service, or a calming tone of voice, or a little act of assistance. Each of these could influence a heart to change a direction of a day for someone. If such action is done with the heart of Jesus, and with a vision to bringing God's love to others ... God could do so much with such an act.

If Simon the Tanner doesn't lodge Peter, does Peter leave Joppa, and then Cornelius can't find him, and then the connection between Peter's leadership and the salvation of gentiles is lost? Certainly the Lord would have found a way, but Simon was part of that plan, and he did so little. May I find a way to be part of the Lord's plan this day, even through small acts.

Prayer: Lord, this is my prayer, may I be part of your plan this day, even through small acts. Amen.

Avoiding any Misunderstanding

Scripture:
In my distress I called upon the Lord;
to my God I called.
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry came to his ears.
2 Samuel 22:7

Observation: David is recounting one of his songs of praise, from when he was under attack from enemies. In this paragraph, he simply states the fact that, in those times when he was in distress, he called on the Lord, and the Lord heard him. However, one small detail is David stating that the Lord was in his temple when he heard David.

The temple in Jerusalem did not exist. It would be built by Solomon, years after David's death. Therefore, this reference is not to "the" temple, but rather it is to a more generic location in heaven ... the throne room of Yahweh, a place where the Lord is honored by the heavenly hosts, and where he sits in absolute authority over all of creation.

So often, it seems the Jews put too much reverence in the temple as the seat of the Lord. Yes, it was specially created to honor the Lord, but it was also a place built by human hands, and not the heavenly home of the creator of the universe. In reading the bible, it seems easy enough to read this passage and think 'well, there is David talking about the temple and the Lord's presence in Jerusalem, invoking the special status of God's chosen nation.' But David isn't talking about the temple at all ... he can't be. So he isn't invoking any special characteristic of God's dwelling in Jerusalem. So he isn't basing his prayer on the Abrahamic promise of Israel as God's chose and favored people. Every assumption that could be quickly - almost dismissively - applied to the invocation of the temple, is inaccurate.

Application: This is an example of how easy it is to read the bible, see a simple word with a clear and understood meaning, and create a collection of inferences that are inaccurate. One word triggers a mental connection, and we run with it to inform our understanding.

It is true that David is the chosen king of the Lord's chosen people, and that the entire scenario concerning them is structured to highlight Messiah, who will come from David's lineage. There is a lot David could say that does invoke the image of God's great favor on David and Israel. However, stating that the Lord heard him from his temple is not one such invocation. It is instead a simple fact demonstrating David's understanding of the Lord and his strong relationship he has as a man after God's own heart ... from his throne room in heaven, the Lord hears the prayers of those who love him, and he responds.

Prayer: Lord, may I seek understanding of you during my daily bible reading. It is easy to adopt simple understandings based on my own mind. I instead ask for your Holy Spirit to reveal your knowledge and wisdom and will to me. May I find your truth, and not mine. Amen.

Defining the Work of the Church

Scripture: And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. Acts 3:2-3

Observation: The story of this beggar is best known for what is about to happen to him ... specifically, his is about to represent the first miraculous healing of a person afflicted from birth NOT by Jesus, but by believers of Jesus, powered by the Holy Spirit exercising that power in Jesus' name. However, there are three characteristics of this person both stated and implied that add to the story.

First, the beggar is very often at the temple. He has people who bring him to the gate every day, and once healed everyone inside the temple recognizes him. This has been his routine for many years. Second, he is bold enough to be noticed. While he may avoid eye contact with Peter and John, he explicitly asks them for alms. Again, he is bold enough that he is recognized by everyone, meaning they take time to see him every day.

These are two stated characteristics, but the implicit third item is ... he was very likely seen by - and yet NOT healed by - Jesus. Jesus entered the temple often, and given the first two observations, this man was there when Jesus and his disciples entered, and asked them for alms. Many times Jesus healed people in these circumstances, yet he did not heal this man.

The most basic reason might be the correct - and deepest - reason. Jesus did not heal this man so that the disciples would be able to heal him instead. Jesus could have done so, but he left behind work for his disciples to do. By leaving one person who was both highly visible, and also in need of a miracle that was indicative of messianic authority, Jesus created a scenario where his believers would successfully continue his work, and do so with great visibility to others.

Jesus effectively provided the scenario that would to prove to both his believers and to others that the work of Messiah was now the work of the Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Application: Jesus told us his mission ... to show God's love to all, and to provide the way to eternal salvation through faith in him. He then very clearly showed us that this mission is now the mission of every believer, as the universal Church, and that we have the tools, power, and authority to pursue that mission.

I don't even need to ask the next question of myself ... I am not doing so well at this mission. I absolutely fail to love others and show them God's love. I try to show them Jesus, but not often very explicitly. And I sure am not taking any action to heal anyone from any issues in their lives, let alone healing life-long cripples.

The definition of a church of believers is a group whose faith is in Jesus as Messiah. However, the work of the Church - and of all believers - is to take up the mission of Jesus as Messiah. I am falling short of this work.

Prayer: Lord, again I ask today, may I have more of your Spirit within me. I do desire to find your love of others within my heart. I have so long conditioned my heart otherwise, so I ask for your action because I struggle to make the change on my own. May I do your work. Amen.

Defining the Kingdom of Israel

Scripture: So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:6-8

Observation: Even after his resurrection, there are questions about the mission of Messiah and the protection/restoration of Israel. The disciples ask Jesus, and he gives them an indirect answer, saying that it isn't for them to necessarily understand all things, but that indeed the Holy Spirit will soon come, and then they will go and pronounce the good news to the entire world.

This appears to dodge the question about Israel ... they ask when Israel will be restored, and Jesus instead tells them that they cannot know, but the Holy Spirit will soon come. However, another interpretation is that Jesus is clarifying what the intent of Israel always was, and that indeed soon that kingdom will in fact be restored, and by the very hands of the disciples.

Israel was to be the Lord's nation of priests, and they were to universally represent the Lord to the world. It was by being set apart - as a people group, and by their practices - that they could show to others the existence, love, and power of Yahweh. And JUST like that, when the Holy Spirit comes upon the believers, they become an entire assembly of priests. With the Holy Spirit, believers can universally pronounce the love and salvation of Jesus to the world. Believers with the Spirit are set apart - a people group with beliefs and practices - to show others the existence, love, and power of Yahweh ... and also to baptize and teach them the path to salvation through the Messiah.

The question was ... as Messiah, will Jesus restore the kingdom of Israel? The answer was ... yes, by the power of the Holy Spirit, believers in Messiah are now restoring the mission of the kingdom of Israel.

Application: I am a member of the kingdom of Israel. I am a priest, set apart from the ways of the world, to witness to everyone.

I often wish the Holy Spirit were stronger within me. I do know I have the Spirit, but I also know that my sins keep the Holy Spirit at a certain distance from my heart. The Lord works within me, but not as greatly as he might if I fully surrendered. I desire to do that. I am proud to be a follower of Jesus, and to inherit both the honor and responsibility of the original kingdom of Israel.

Prayer: Lord, may I be closer to you, and may I be a better priest in your kingdom, every day. Amen.

Upon Openly Offending the Lord

Scripture:
I have become a stranger to my kindred,
an alien to my mother’s children.
It is zeal for your house that has consumed me;
the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.
Psalm 69:8-9

Observation: David is lamenting how he is treated, with insults, hate, and threats, and his only offense is obedience to the Lord. It is due to that zeal that others are against him. David knows he is not faultless - he admits he is not a blameless man and that the Lord knows his 'folly' - yet that is not at issue between himself and others. They hate him because he is obedient to the Lord, observing his will, precepts, and laws. This is the cause of his hardships.

Application: This year, my employer is dramatically over-promoting "pride month". We are having celebrations, games, and acknowledgment of the recognition of this time at every general meeting. Words like "celebrate" and "support" and "welcome" are tossed around. And I feel within myself and on behalf of other believers in the company ... emptiness, for we know this is an abomination to our Lord, yet saying so would bring swift rebuke.

We are at a point where openly offending the Lord is expected and celebrated, and obeying the Lord's commands and recognizing his word is at least marginalized. My friends and neighbors embrace lives they feel are 'above' such thoughts and opinions, and the labels they would place on any word or action that declared the Lord's truth would be 'bigotry' and 'hate' and 'injustice'.

My kindred - Americans - have so turned from the truth and love of Jesus that they interpret such truth as lies, and embrace the lies of sin with joy-filled celebrations. I am sincerely distressed and heartbroken.

Prayer: Lord, I am just one full day into the discussions that swirl on this subject, which I know must distress you. You certainly love all mankind and every person as your son and daughter, and in such you urgently desire them to know you and find faith in Jesus. Yet here we are, in a time and place where rejection of the wonderful life you have for all is expected and celebrated. How to really act during all of this, I do not know. May your love, your truth, your justice, your grace, and your will, all prevail during this time. Amen.