A Hundred Times More Persecutions

Scripture: "Truly I tell you," Jesus said, "there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time — houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions — and eternal life in the age to come." Mark 10:29-30

Observation: As Jesus explains the challenges of following him, Peter is quick to point out that he and the other disciples have given up everything in their lives to follow Jesus. Jesus responds with this statement, which sounds like a reward ... but may not be.

Yes, Jesus promises eternal life. However, his promise of "a hundred times more" is a double-edged sword. It includes all that has been given up, yet they all come "with persecutions". These would be potentially the same earthly hardships that go into accumulating earthly wealth. In other words, as a follower, you may have the potential for more 'stuff', but you also have the same potential for the same roadblocks, issues, and impediments that make earthly riches difficult and dangerous in the first place.

In context then, this is a warning as much as a promise. Peter is seeking reward for his sacrifices. Jesus is pointing out that his reward will be in heaven, however if he tries to pursue earthly riches while also being a believer, he may be very successful, but the hardships that come along with such pursuits will be equally increased. It would be better to humbly follow Jesus - just like the children in verses 13-16 - than to be the rich young man in verses 17-22 who was desiring to both follow Jesus and have earthly wealth.

Application: This warning has applied directly to my life. My greatest earthly persecution came as a direct outcome of achieving my career goal. There is no possibility of disassociating this message of Jesus from how my professional life and faith have interplayed. As a believer, pursuing earthly goals is ... problematic at best.

Over and over, I ask the Lord for a professional direction I can pursue. His response is becoming clearer and clearer ... that I have a direction, but it is not important that I know it nor that I try to pursue it. He has my direction. He knows my path. If I just hold his hand and walk with him, all will be well.

Prayer: Lord, I do place my life into your hands. It is all I desire to humbly walk with you, my Lord. May I grow in faith enough to no longer care about knowing my path, for thou art with me. Amen.

God's Mercy in Our Pain

Scripture: They said, “Moses permitted us to write divorce papers and send her away.” But Jesus told them, “He wrote this command for you because of the hardness of your hearts. But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Mark 10:4-9

Observation: As an attempt to entrap Jesus in his teaching, the Pharisees ask a question about divorce. Does God allow it? Jesus effectively gives the answer that ... God did write a law that allows divorce, but that is not his will for our lives.

By stating this, Jesus is calling out an important aspect of God's mercy. God wants what is best for all of us, and what is best is to receive love according to God's plan. However, there are times when someone else will disobey the Lord, and we are not necessarily to remain on a certain path when others are creating earthly pain along that path. Therefore, while the Lord has rules and laws and plans and purposes, he also IS love. In that love, his mercy is upon those under the weight of earthly matters, and under the pain of others' sins.

Application: This topic may be confusing, however the context of God's love makes sense to me. God loves everyone - including me - enough to allow for a path toward a wonderful life when others have created hardships and attacks and pain for us. I have seen how this applies to so many people.

The Lord wants us all to obey him, and in so doing to experience a wonderful life. However, he knows there are those who reject his direction, and he makes a way forward for us anyway. That way includes faith in Jesus, where even our own shortcomings and mistakes can be overcome through faith and forgiveness.

For me, this lesson holds true, as I have found joy in life despite hardships caused by others. The Lord provided a way, and every step I take may not comply with the Lord's every word, but he keeps me going in the right general direction.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your love and your mercy. I continue to seek your direction in life. Your love manifests in so many ways, including forgiveness and understanding beyond reconciliation. I love you, my Lord and my God. Amen.

Praying for Israel, Literally

Scripture: God, redeem Israel, from all its distresses. Psalm 25:22

Observation: We know that the scriptures are timeless. They are written related to specific events occurring for their time period, but also apply to us today. While reading passages with a mind and heart for our current situation - such as interpreting an ask for protection as applying to our own fears during the current economic downturn - we see a specific call that applies to the need 3,000 years ago ... redemption of Israel from distress.

However, even that passage applies today! It could be interpreted as protection for God's people, and thus can still align to the desire for personal protection as a Christian, and a personal calm that comes with secure trust in the Lord. However, this same request can still even be literal today ... Lord, please redeem and protect Israel from all its distress.

It is the distress of Israel today that may in fact be the greatest proof of the Lord's love and plan ... that his nation, raised up from one ancient man, promised a specific yet nothing-too-special land, bounded as a nation of priests to inform the world about Yahweh, and blessed to be a blessing by launching Messiah as the salvation of all mankind ... this small country roughly the same size and population of just New Jersey would be the recipient of open hatred, and nearly continual attack. This is so prevalent that we have words that describe the general idea of hating other people-groups, but we created one unique word specific to just hating Jews. We have a unique name for one specific, atrocious act carried out against Jews during wartime. We are numb to the idea of open international hostility occurring in their part of the world. And we are concerned - but not overly surprised - to learn that an Israeli friend has been openly hunted with a bounty placed on his head while he was on a humanitarian mission to help people.

Application: It is easy for me to read this line - "God, redeem Israel, from all its distress" - and to think 'yes, Lord, please protect and redeem your people who believe in you and protect us during this time of distress.' Instead, today I declare ... Lord, please redeem and protect Israel.

Prayer: Lord, again I say, please redeem and protect Israel. Remember your covenants, and even though they may have been broken or fulfilled already, recall your heart for the people of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Protect them in their land, in their homes, and in their everyday coming and going. And continue to raise in their hearts the truth of Jesus, which is that Messiah has in fact come, and that good news is still to this day first for the benefit of the Jews, and then for the Gentiles like myself. Please turn your face toward Israel, and turn their hearts toward Jesus. Amen.

Revealing Forgiveness vs. Judgment

Scripture: The Lord passed in front of him and proclaimed: The Lord — the Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth, maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But he will not leave the guilty unpunished, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation. Exodus 34:6-7

Observation: Moses asked the Lord to reveal himself to him, and Lord told him he would. He would pass by Moses, covering Moses' eyes so that he could not see the Lord's face, but otherwise allowing him to perceive the Lord. This he does, and while doing so he declares this proclamation about himself. Beginning with his name, the proclamation describes the nature of Yahweh himself.

-- He is compassionate

-- He is gracious

-- He is patient and not easily angered

-- He is completely truthful

-- He is so full of love it overflows from him beyond comprehension

-- He forgives all kind of sin, even rebellion

-- He punishes the truly guilty so strongly it can impact a family generationally

It is in the last two items that humans struggle. All humans do things wrong and break commandments; All humans lust and lie and covet and get angry. However, it is difficult to discern how it is the Lord will both forgive yet punish such sin. The explanation must be in one key word ... guilty. It isn't the sin that triggers the punishment, but rather it is some moment of judgment when one is found guilty of wrongdoing.

In parables, Jesus teaches us to rectify situations in life before we appear in court. We are to try to resolve situations with our neighbors before we appear before a judge, and this same model applies to spiritual life where we are to seek reconciliation with others before presenting our offerings to God. These parables both relate to the moment of judgment ... the moment we stand before the person with the authority to judge us and receive a decision. If we first seek forgiveness, judgment is unnecessary. However, if we open ourselves to judgment, punishment and consequences are now on the table.

And this is the reconciliation of forgiveness and judgment. Forgiveness is available to anyone who appeals to the Lord's overflowing, steadfast love. Judgment and punishment for wrongdoing is passed on those who decide to opt out of the Lord's compassion because they embrace a life that is outside of his truth and grace.

Application: Yes, the Lord simplified the method for 'opting into' his truth ... faith in Jesus, not the law. However, it all comes down that decision. The Lord himself revealed this to us all.

I absolutely seek to receive the Lord's forgiveness, and thus never reach a moment of judgment where I stand before him and await his decision about my unforgiven life. I know that would not go well. I am so glad Jesus mediates that for me, for I could never withstand nor survive the Lord's judgment.

Prayer: Lord, you are compassion, gracious, patient, truthful, and so very, very loving. Please do forgive my iniquities, and protect me from the ways and influence of a world that is always trying to convince me of different truths. I desire to live within your glory alone. Amen.

Teaching of Many Things Today

Scripture: When he went ashore, he saw a large crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things. Mark 6:34

Observation: The "feeding of the 5,000" occurs after an extended period of teaching by Jesus. In v35, Mark says the teaching continued until it was very late in the day. Other gospels imply this entire event may have occurred over multiple days, which is why everyone had run out of food. Either way, Jesus taught the people ... a lot! And yet, while every gospel records the miracle of the feeding, not one single gospel records a single word of Jesus.

Certainly, Jesus taught these people a great wonderous lessons. Why else would they stay and listen for many hours or even days? The lessons may have been deep with explaining the mysteries of the Lord, and in unpacking the truth about the promised Messiah and (at least implicitly) how those prophesies pointed to him, and in expanding upon the nature of Yahweh himself, and in explaining right behavior and how we might all please and honor the Lord. However, we will never know. All of this is just white space described as "teaching them many things", after they went ashore and before he performed one of the greatest miracles ever.

This white space, however, leaves room for the work of the Holy Spirit today. If every ... single ... word of Jesus had been recorded, there would be no room for a relationship with the Lord today. We could all study God as if he was facts in a textbook. Instead, we get to explore thoughts during our prayer time, or listen to wise teachers who are themselves filled with the messages from and truth of the Lord. 

Application: It is very likely that I have in fact heard and learned what Jesus spoke to this large crowd, but I have heard it much more recently, spoken from the mouths of divinely inspired men and women. While I spend time frustrated by the words and actions of some pastors I know, I need to remember this truth ... they may very well be quoting Jesus and I just don't know it.

Prayer: Lord, please forgive my hard heart when it comes to honoring and trusting your servants. I do know how you work through your Spirit within the hearts and minds of others, and yet I look at their actions and words through my human mind and get frustrated. Again, please forgive me. May I hear Jesus as your Holy Spirit speaks through others. Amen.

Frankincense, Gold, Myrrh, and Mystery

Scripture: Tell the Israelites: This will be my holy anointing oil throughout your generations. It must not be used for ordinary anointing on a person’s body, and you must not make anything like it using its formula. It is holy, and it must be holy to you. Anyone who blends something like it or puts some of it on an unauthorized person must be cut off from his people. Exodus 30:31-33

Observation: As God tells Moses how to prepare the tabernacle, he provides recipes for the anointing oil to be used on priests to purify them in the presence of the Lord, and the incense to be burned on the alter that sits before the Lord. The alter is covered in gold. The incense is 50 percent frankincense. The primary scenting agent in the oil is myrrh. Surely it cannot be a coincidence that these are the three things that are before the Lord at all times in the tabernacle, and are the three gifts specifically called out as presented before Jesus at his birth.

Application: While I could deep-dive on this topic all day, the truth is that all of this - from the rituals of the tabernacle, to the meaning of all elements surrounding it, to the foreshadowing of Messiah, to even the rules and restrictions for all of it - is a mystery.

At first, I was going to consider the restriction in the verses above (which is why I copied them in) ... that no one must ever copy this recipe for anointing oil ever ... when there are exact replicas of this oil proudly proclaiming they are this exact recipe for sale on Amazon today. One review I read even attributes a healing miracle to the oil. Is there sense to that? Is it possible God forbid replicating this oil, then blesses replicating this oil? Does this fall under the debates about the applicability of Old Testament law, or old vs. new covenant?

However, all of this is equally a mystery. And yet in the midst of all these ideas and elements and items and rituals and rules we truly cannot fully grasp, there is an inescapable truth and undeniable fact ... it somehow ALL points to Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, it is true that I do not understand your mysteries. Someday they may be revealed to me, but I am more likely to believe that someday there will be no need for understanding as I will simply experience it all. May my life be an offering to you, laid upon your alter, a pleasing aroma. No understanding is necessary. Amen.

Proper Context for Provision

Scripture: Then he told them, "The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath." Mark 2:27

Observation: It is Jesus' violation of the Sabbath that will get him in the most direct 'trouble' with the Pharisees. In this passage, his disciples are picking heads of raw grain, which is considered harvesting ... expressly forbidden work. Jesus justifies it with a recount of David eating the bread of presence. In other words, in a time of need and hunger, human need outweighs laws.

However, Jesus' summary about the Sabbath provides a different context. He clarifies that the Sabbath is a gift to mankind. In is a day in which we are allowed to completely and totally rest, in the trust that the Lord will provide - even has already provided - for our needs that day. We do not need to be self-sufficient ever, and the Sabbath is the day of rest that proves this fact, for we absolutely do not provide for ourselves that day and yet we have what we need.

And that is exactly what the disciples are experiencing. They are hungry, and behold, the Lord has provided grain for them to casually eat - to pluck without even breaking stride - right there where they are. They aren't going out of their way to find food, or going into a field to labor. They are just taking a stroll, and the Lord has given a food source within arm's reach. It is a situation of total provision ... yet the Pharisees challenge it because they have wrapped layers and layers of definitions around the concept of "working", and lost sight of the majesty of the Lord and how he works out his will and purposes all around us.

Yes, the Sabbath is a day that allows us to honor the Lord by keeping him central in our hearts, through a reminder of his love and provision. Yet it is also a day of rest the Lord has gifted to us, where we can enjoy that love and provision by understanding the wonder of how, when, and where he works to give us his love and provision.

Application: I know my job is one form of provision of the Lord. I am so very thankful that I don't do my job seven days a week ... my work provides plenty for me to then enjoy weekends and fully relax at least one day a week. Due to my wife's job as a pastor, we do not always get a true Sabbath day together, but I do rest abundantly most Sundays.

I recognize God in the provisions all around me, and absolutely know that none of it was provided by me through some knowledge, skill, or ability of mine. Perhaps this is the best thing about me being generally directionless in my career ... I can never claim that I am personally good enough at anything to be the provider of a good life.

The Lord has given me everything. In my times of rest, I know he has given me even that as well, along with the resources to enjoy the rest. May my rest to be tribute to him.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you again for the provisions of my life, for I know you are my provider, with all I have being an overflow of your love. May my life somehow honor you. Amen.

Considering the Unspoken Word 'Chosen'

Scripture: 'Now if you will carefully listen to me and keep my covenant, you will be my own possession out of all the peoples, although the whole earth is mine, and you will be my kingdom of priests and my holy nation.' These are the words that you are to say to the Israelites. Exodus 19:5-6

Observation: This is how the Lord states his covenant with Israel. Israel is to do as God instructs them. In return, the Lord will set them apart from the rest of the world - which he owns in total - as a holy nation, a kingdom of priests.

Here is what the Lord does NOT say here ... that Israel is "chosen" as some people to whom the Lord is exclusively their personal God. In fact, he says exactly the opposite ... that the whole entire earth belongs to him, and thus he is the God of everything and everywhere and everybody. The covenant is that all of Israel will receive special instructions about how to live and behave, and this will include witnessing to the rest of the world about Yahweh, as they will all be priests.

In a nutshell, this is what chosen really means for Israel. They are not chosen for an "exclusive" relationship, but rather for a "special" relationship, which involves instructions designed to both honor God and a mission to provide guidance about God to the rest of God's world.

Application: All of us who believe in the Lord and in Jesus use the word "chosen" often ... we use it to describe the honor of receiving salvation. Though the word isn't used here, that doesn't make it wrong. The Lord initiated this entire endeavor with Israel - thus he chose them, not they chose him - and the Lord later chose to offer salvation to the world, including me. However, there are two key elements in defining the concept of "chosen" that certainly still apply today.

-- Being chosen into a covenant is still a two-way deal, and requires that I observe the Lord's instructions as well.

-- Just because believers are chosen does NOT mean non-believers are rejected. They are still loved by God, with a zeal that someday they will decide to join the covenant.

It is far too easy to forget these elements, as Israel did forget them over time as well. Instead of forgetting them, I hope I have the knowledge and Spirit-filled wisdom to keep them central in my heart.

Prayer: Lord, I do thank you for choosing me. As the song I was listening to yesterday says, 'I was found before I was lost, I was yours before I was not'. For a reason I cannot possibly understand, you chose me. I choose you back. May my actions and words reflect at least my weak attempt to uphold my end of the covenant. Amen.

John Did what God Always Does

Scripture: The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;
he will prepare your way.
Mark 1:1-2

Observation: Mark declares the "beginning of the gospel of Jesus" as being this ... the ministry of John the Baptist. That is how this telling of the story begins, by calling out the prophesy of Isaiah that says, before the Messiah comes, there will be a messenger who prepares the way. Mark spends verses 4-8 then outlining John's ministry and message. The message is that the Messiah is indeed coming. The ministry is to baptize many to prepare them for this new era of relationship with the Lord.

And come they do! This is not just a handful of young men who are still seeking their way in life and perhaps a bit zealous in jumping into a new idea. Verse 5 says that that "the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem" came out and were baptized. This is likely hundreds of thousands, from a large area ... it is kinda like just saying 'everyone' came.

It sometimes seems strange that the gospels all discuss John the Baptist. However, it shouldn't be strange ... the importance of John's ministry cannot be overstated. He prepared hearts to receive the Messiah. Perhaps more importantly, he was a component of messianic prophesy that could not be 'faked' by Jesus himself. No matter what anyone could say about Jesus, having a third party undertake a completely independent ministry - exactly as Isaiah said would happen - again validates the Messiah.

Application: I am one of those who often undersell John's importance. I see information about him in every gospel, and wonder why everyone thought it was important to introduce Jesus through the lens of John. Then I am reminded of three facts.

First, this is important because God thinks it's important. He literally designed and planned it this way, and told us so through Isaiah. Therefore, it is immaterial that I even think about 'why' ... it just is important.

Second, this is consistent with God's way. God uses people to introduce himself, and always has. Even when mankind had removed God from their thoughts, he didn't create a big show to reintroduce himself, but rather he selected one man and began a small family that grew into the longest-standing people-group in recorded history, all just to be the group that told others about him.

Third, this is how most people still meet Jesus. Most people don't just out-of-the-blue encounter Jesus. Rather, they are prepared by someone else. Maybe they are told about Jesus or taught about his life. Maybe they receive hope through a message about love and eternity. Whatever the message, someone prepares their heart ... someone delivers a message that prepares the way for Jesus to enter their life.

Jesus is the Messiah, the new thing God did for the salvation of the world. But John is the thing the Lord has always been doing ... telling everyone what they need to know to prepare their hearts for Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, it took years and years of heart-preparation before I was ready to receive you into my life and accept Jesus. It is interesting to learn that you have always been doing this with everyone, preparing them for Jesus. Thank you for your patient love, with me and with everyone. Amen.

Skipping Over the Good Stuff

Scripture: Then the prophetess Miriam, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women came out following her with tambourines and dancing. Miriam sang to them:
Sing to the Lord,
for he is highly exalted;
he has thrown the horse
and its rider into the sea.
Exodus 15:20-21

Observation: After crossing the Red Sea and the defeat of the Egyptians, the Israelites sing a long song. Here, the first stanza is repeated to introduce how the song was sang. We learn Miriam led them all in the song, playing the tambourine.

In fact, the actual description is brief yet quite grand. If "all" the women came out singing and dancing and playing, that could be hundreds of thousands of dancing, singing, festive women. Conservatively, if it were just the women of - say - 17 to 50, it could be in the 300,000 range easily. This could be quite an amazing scene! It would rival the largest of any modern-day festival ... thinking Carnival, or Mardi Gras, or a Super Bowl parade. And everyone is adorned spectacularly, having escaped with the spoils of Egypt (grand clothes and gold jewelry everywhere!).

Imagine this! In the desert, a collection of women 4-5 times larger than can fit into a modern football stadium - and all the others, doubling this size - all singing and dancing, waiving around clattering cymbals and light drums, in full-on celebration mode, all while standing on the desolate, isolated shore of an unpopulated part of an ocean.

Application: There are parts of the bible that are one sentence long, so we pass over them quickly when we read them, and thus we miss their full scope. We just had chapters about the crossing of the Red Sea, and are about to have chapters of initial life in the wilderness where Israel grumbles often. It is easy to shake our heads and wonder how they could all be so thick about what the Lord has done for them. However, they weren't really ... in between, they had a celebration so amazing and spectacular that it compares to the largest modern-day events we can even imagine.

Many of us, including myself, miss these things in the bible. We miss key words and sentences that have huge implications or describe major activities. I can therefore be quick to study the lessons about grumbling against God and failing to acknowledge his blessings in my life, while skipping over the lessons of ... showing how to actually acknowledge those blessing with celebration and worship.

The result is that, when I get low and grumble about life, I then chide myself for being like Israel ... however, when blessing come, I don't know how to really be like Israel by celebrating like crazy with dancing and singing. I skip the good stuff - some of the best stuff - in the bible. May I continue to try to find these special nuggets of truth in the word of God.

Prayer: Lord, your word is wonderful, and it is so rich with information, wisdom, and instruction. May I truly learn anew every day from your word, finding truth about how to honor you more and more. Amen.

Wandering from the Path

Scripture:
Let your eyes look forward;
fix your gaze straight ahead.
Carefully consider the path for your feet,
and all your ways will be established.
Don’t turn to the right or to the left;
keep your feet away from evil.
Proverbs 4:25-27

Observation: The proverbs exhort the faithful to stay firm in their path of following the Lord. The metaphors used are that of a focused, concentrated journey. We are to look forward and stay fixed on looking straight ahead. We are to focus on the path before us and on our footfalls. And we are not to turn off the path at all.

Application: I am struggling greatly with my concentrated following of the Lord's path. In my mind, my daily activity, my service ... I am wandering all over the place. My thoughts are on everything except the Lord and his word. I resist serving him. I get angry and frustrated and do not honor him. In short, I am off the path, and even when on it I am without focus, looking all around.

I wish I would be obedient. While I recognize my struggle, I also know I cannot fix it alone. I need to get back on the path, and renew my fixed gaze straight ahead.

Prayer: Lord, again I say, please help me. I need your strength and your Spirit, for I am weak. I desire to serve you with all my heart and soul and mind and strength. May I walk only your path every day. Amen.

Only by the Holy Spirit

Scripture:
Who perceives his unintentional sins?
Cleanse me from my hidden faults.
Moreover, keep your servant from willful sins;
do not let them rule me.
Then I will be blameless
and cleansed from blatant rebellion.
Psalm 19:12-13

Observation: After declaring how great and wonderful are the ways and teachings of the Lord, he asks for forgiveness for sin ... for the times he fails to follow the Lord's instructions. These include unintended sins - time he does things wrong without even knowing they are wrong - and "moreover" willful sin when he just ignores God and knowingly does that which he should not.

Application: This verse - this entire passage - speaks to my mind and my heart. I agree that the ways of the Lord are wonderful. I know that his instructions, teachings, precepts, guidance, and directions are so perfect, and if I were to obediently follow them my life would be exceptional. However, I don't do that. Yes, I make unintended mistakes. Moreover, I willfully sin ... I have times where I say "I shouldn't do this" as I actively proceed.

I do not understand this aspect of human character, nor of the weakness that seems to exist in our hearts and minds - my heart and mind - when it comes to obedience to the Lord. There must be some element of self-importance in this; Some element of deciding in the moment that my passing thoughts and momentary impulses are superior to the Lord's proven wisdom and loving teaching. It is illogical, yet consistent for all people.

Like the psalmist, I acknowledge I need the Lord to "keep" me from sin. I cannot do it myself. I need the Spirit to work in me and to overpower my own mind. In this - the desire to avoid sin and follow the Lord's direction for right living - I willingly surrender my will to the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, I say this again, please fill me even more with your Spirit, and give me the strength to avoid sin. I truly wish to follow your will and your precepts. Please forgive me of past sins, and fill me again and again with your Spirit and your love. Amen.

Losing Sleep for Wickedness

Scripture:
For they can’t sleep
unless they have done what is evil;
they are robbed of sleep
unless they make someone stumble.
Proverbs 4:16

Observation: In referring to the wicked, the wise teacher says these words ... that they are so pre-occupied by doing evil that they cannot sleep until they have done so every day.

While they do exist, I have never met a person so consumed by evil that they cannot even sleep until their evil plot is done for the day. However, I know plenty of people who lie awake at night with their thoughts consumed by ... issues. Those issues are about social causes, angry protests to be planned, community conflicts, and problems at work. They have two common themes. First, they generate emotion within the person. Second, they involve personal plotting and planning.

Application: This is what keeps the wicked up at night ... their own plans in their heads, advancing their earthly causes. This is what keeps me up at night when I can't sleep. I am robbed of sleep when I am planning what I need to do at work, or thinking about what I could do in response to some wrong I perceive.

May this be a sign for me. When I am up at night, unable to sleep, spinning in my head about 'things' that need doing or planning actions and words for the next day, I am on the road of the wicked. I am plotting evil. And I must let these things go, and surrender them to the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for this lesson today. May I sleep better because I learn how to avoid the path of the wicked, starting with my own thoughts and plans. I do not need to fret over earthly problems, as they are either worthless, or they are in your control. May I instead meditate on your word more and more. Amen.

Historical Context of Faith-Based Oppression

Scripture: A new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt. He said to his people, "Look, the Israelite people are more numerous and powerful than we are." Exodus 1:8-9

Observation: Exodus begins with a quick outline of Jacob's family; there were 11 sons who came to Egypt with him and in total they brought 70 family members (and Joseph was already there). They move to and live in Egypt, with new family being born while elders grow old and die, and soon ... Pharoh is talking about them as if they are an independent people-group. He doesn't view them as a minority population of Egyptians, but rather as their own race - their own nation in fact - with an independence so great that he fears they could act as an independent country and join against Egypt of a different third country attacks them.

There is a significant implication in this mindset of Pharoh. It says Pharoh did not know about Joseph, implying he did not know that one of the sons of Jacob was once the right hand of Pharoh himself, saving the nation during a crisis while firmly establishing Pharoh's domestic control. However, he does know about how, based on decedents from one patriarch who is known by the name Israel, this huge family has segregated themselves from the Egyptians. That segregation is not in location, for the entire point of the first verses is that they remain in Egypt. Therefore, it must be based on behavior.

The implication is that Israel behaves in a manner that is SO distinct from the rest of Egypt, that they are identifiable not just as a different family or perhaps a minority race, but as a completely different country. It is very, very likely that this different behavior is 100 percent religious ... that it is totally founded in the worship of the Lord alone, and not the multiple Egyptian gods. This behavior is so pronounced and different from Egyptian behavior that it is believed they could easily rebel against their own homeland. 

And it is out of that fear that Pharoh justifies the oppression of the Israelites, up to and including murder of babies. He marginalizes, enslaves, and tortures the Israelites, and finally pronounces that even their children should be killed in order to repress them.

Application: I have thought on this before, but it continues to warrant careful consideration. In our time, there are active discussions about the treatment of 'groups', and how society treats people of different races, genders, or even behaviors. However, at the same time, society has no problem taking up fights that would oppress or oppose the actions and beliefs of Christians. Our faith in the Lord, our belief in Jesus as the Messiah, and our resulting desire to serve the Lord by observing his will and his teaching, is viewed negatively by the rest of society. This occurs to the point where they see no issue with restricting our actions, and legislating against our belief system.

And yes, they use the word "Christian" as a label identifying us as a negative influence on the world, and do so despite the fact we are - in every way other than our commitment to the truth about Jesus - just like them.

I know I am oppressed by the society I live in. It isn't as terrible as having my son killed at birth, and not even as terrible as being beaten if I don't work hard enough. However, it remains a fact that, historically, faith in the Lord produces scorn and oppression from the world. I will take heart in this.

Prayer: Lord, I declare again today, you are my Lord and my God, and Jesus Christ is my savior. I desire to follow your word this day. Please forgive my sins and wrong I do and say and think, and help me to obey your teaching. And forgive those who would look down upon me or act with a mean spirit toward me due to my faith, for they are misguided by the world. I hope they will soon discover your love. Amen.

Those Afraid of God

Scripture: The man who had received one talent also approached and said, "Master, I know you. You’re a harsh man, reaping where you haven’t sown and gathering where you haven’t scattered seed." Matthew 25:24

Observation: During the parable of the three servants who receive talents, these are the first words out of the third servant's mouth. He has buried the one talent he received in the ground, and thus safely returns the Master's money to him. He failed to earn even basic interest on it, let alone risk the money in order to make a better return. He acted this way out of fear, stating "I know you" to the Master, and declaring him harsh, clearly shrewd and opportunistic. Therefore, fearing failure, he took no meaningful action at all.

By evidence that this servant received the fewest talents, it is clear he didn't really "know" the Master. He likely knew him least of all, perhaps by passing observation and thus some limited perception. The Master knew him well enough to be suspect of his ability, and thus gave him a minimal responsibility. However, the servant knew the Master so poorly that he saw this not as a responsibility, but as a burden - a hardship designed to test him - and he proceeded to live out of fear over it.

Application: There was a time when this was the God I feared. I thought he could be a harsh tyrant, quick to punish out of anger over my failure, judging me on criteria I probably couldn't understand and certainly couldn't achieve anyway. As a God who could do everything, yet tested us to see if we could do anything, he was certainly illogical and unfair. Eventually, I chose to wish he would be ambivalent, uncaring, and passive, and that whether or not he even existed was unimportant since pleasing him was impossible anyway. I am so delighted I was wrong, and instead discovered how much my father loves me.

Yet there are so many who believe they "know" this wrong version of God. They "know" an almighty ... tyrant. They "know" a version of God who gives mankind hardship, tests that are rigged for their failure, and they then function out of fear to avoid wrath and punishment, or at the very least to try to win a future they aren't sure they can earn anyway.

Is this the God Patty knows? She spent two years living in daily fear because she allowed herself to absorb the brunt of a hardship, and it changed her attitude toward God. She used to declare all these things she knew about God, and now she doubts every attribute about him. Is she now afraid of God? Has her former "knowledge" of God as the creator, and her new deep fear of the created, made her afraid of God, and thus desire to move far from him?

Prayer: Abba, my daddy in heaven, I know that in all our greatness, your grandest and greatest quality is love. How could I ever fear you now?! Please show your love again to my friend. We are saddened by what has happened in the world for certain, yet like Job there is no need for explanation, only trust that you command and control everything. If there are ways we can help our friends no longer fear you, Lord, please show us what to do in your name. Amen.

Evidence of the Enemy

Scripture:
They cry for help, but there is no one to save them—
they cry to the Lord, but he does not answer them.
Psalm 18:41

Observation: The psalmist talks about how the Lord gives him strength and victory over his enemies. He pursues the enemies, overtakes them, and soundly defeats. In the battle, the enemies repent - they even cry out to the Lord to save them - but the Lord does not. In the battle between good and evil, when the evil invoke the name of the Lord for help, he does not respond.

Application: I am disturbed today by the magnitude of the battle against the true enemy, satan. Yesterday it arrived at our doorstep in the form of disturbed and drugged individuals. They invoked the name of Jesus while creating chaos. However, more disturbing was the investigation of this person's life, which is filled with drug-addled ramblings of despair, all while trying to claim some kind of supernatural connection to the Lord.

I don't understand how we defeat this enemy, a power so evil it can warp and destroy the very mind of people in ways that remove them from reality while some part of them tries to cling to some hope.

How can we know who earthly enemies are, as opposed to those who are victims of a broken world? Where is the line that defines when someone's choices have led them into opposition of goodness, as opposed to having been taken there against their will? Once there, how should we respond when they cry to the Lord ... has the Lord decided not to answer, or are we to be the answer?

I know I cannot judge this situation ... this is evidence that judgment is far beyond my understanding. This is also evidence of the work of the enemy, so very active and aggressive in the world around us, actively devouring and destroying lives. This is all we can truly fight against.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for those under the influence of satan, and all his means and minions. I understand many have gotten there of their own choices and actions. Yet may your mercy be upon them. You know their hearts; when they cry to you, may you answer accordingly. Amen.

Your Name is Power

I just wanna speak the name of Jesus
Over every heart and every mind,
I know there is peace within Your presence.

Revisiting the Source of Wisdom

Scripture:
Where then does wisdom come from,
and where is understanding located? ...
But God understands the way to wisdom,
and he knows its location ...
He said to mankind,
"The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom.
And to turn from evil is understanding."
Job 28:20,23,28

Observation: As a statement not about his own situation but about the Lord's wisdom, Job gives several stanzas about the source of wisdom. The conclusion is that wisdom cannot be found by anyone. It is not discoverable on earth, in any location, nor by any means. Instead, only God understands the wisdom of the created universe, and his summary to mankind about wisdom is, therefore, that the source of wisdom is fear of the Lord himself, and to turn away from the world and toward the Lord is how one understands wisdom.

This is almost exactly how Proverbs is introduced by it's author a thousand years later. It is a kindred concept of the Shemah, which is highlighted by Jesus himself ... to love the Lord your God as the first and greatest commandment.

It is not possible to find true wisdom within the worldly constructs of mankind. Instead, one can only turn to the Lord and trust in him. This is the only possible source of understanding.

Application: I have spent so many hours trying to find "logic" in circumstances. Even today, I began my devotions at 6:50am, and had already had two conversations with co-workers about trying to define logical arguments to present to 'management' about short-term staffing and longer-term business strategy. Such arguments require agreement about worldly logic to influence the worldly thoughts of worldly people.

And I am immediately reminded ... there is zero wisdom to be found in this. True wisdom can only be found in the Lord, and finding the Lord means to place him first, love him with all my heart and soul and mind and strength, and to trust him in all things. This, I do.

Prayer: Lord, every day brings its own troubles. Today and every day, I surrender those troubles to you, and seek only your wisdom and your love. You have a plan that is so much better than anything I could devise, and includes the lives and livelihoods of billions of people, not just a handful. I release to you my heavy heart and daily concerns, and instead seek your advice both practical and logical, and emotional and spiritual. Thy will be done. Amen.

No Decision is a Decision

Scripture: “Did John’s baptism come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” They discussed it among themselves, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we’re afraid of the crowd, because everyone considers John to be a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Matthew 21:25-27a

Observation: In response to the question about his own authority, Jesus poses this question about John the Baptist's authority.  As we see, the Pharisees see they are trapped by the logic, and thus cannot safely answer. However ... what DID they believe? It had to be one or the other.

The debate in their mind is actually a decision about harming their reputation, versus opposing public opinion. The public opinion is that John was a prophet, so declaring his actions as human stand opposed to that thinking. However, if they agree John was sent from heaven, then as religious leaders they should have obeyed - not opposed - John, and thus this would damage their personal and professional reputation.

Yet here is the real issue and failure of the Pharisees. In an attempt to avoid any such judgment, they respond "we don't know" and therefore openly and publicly declare that ... they care far more about earthly opinions than they do about discovering what God is doing. By refusing to make a decision, they have made a different decision ... that they reject God's authority, as they aren't using their understanding of God's authority as criteria for analyzing this question.

"We don't know" really means "we don't care" ... or at least they care more about the world than they care about God.

Application: There are several themes throughout scriptures - major themes that express absolute truth about God - and one of those absolute truths is this: When it comes to faith and ultimately salvation, there is no such option as not deciding.

Not deciding if you will follow Jesus is a decision not to follow Jesus. Not deciding whether or not you believe in the Lord, creator of heaven and earth, is a decision not to believe in the Lord. Again, as my favorite secular band even recorded ... "if you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice."

Oh Lord, how so many people have been deceived in this matter in our world today. They believe there is freedom in simply ignoring the matter of Jesus. They think they have found some kind of neutral ground that allows them a peaceful life without any 'religious conflicts'. And as they comfortably sit there in this place of neutral ignorance, satan laughs and laughs and laughs at the success of his own lie.

Even Pharisees didn't care enough about God to engage in a non-neutral decision about his purposes. How hard it is now for the unreached and ignorant to engage in a non-neutral decision about his love.

Prayer: Lord, it is so difficult to move people to a place of decision, and I know some of us, including me, are fearful that taking someone to a place of decision may result in a bad outcome. May we all understand the truth, which is that the bad outcome already exists for many, and may we love you enough to care about you more than we care about the world. Amen.