Thursday, June 29, 2023

Look for the Aggressive Response

Scripture: Then Zedekiah son of Chenaanah made iron horns and said, “This is what the Lord says: ‘You will gore the Arameans with these until they are finished off.’” And all the prophets were prophesying the same: “March up to Ramoth-gilead and succeed, for the Lord will hand it over to the king,” ... Then Zedekiah son of Chenaanah came up, hit Micaiah on the cheek, and demanded “did the Spirit of the Lord leave me to speak to you?” 1 Kings 22:11-12,24

Observation: While Ahab is intent on going to battle at Ramoth-gilead, Jehoshaphat wants to hear from a prophet about if they should. Ahab calls ... 400 prophets who all say the battle will succeed, even invoking the name of the Lord in doing so. However, Jehoshaphat knows these prophets are false and are not prophets of Yahweh, and asks for another one to be brought.

Most people would be convinced of something any time 400 advisors came together and unanimously agreed on a plan of action, yet how did Jehoshaphat know the falseness of 400 prophets in unanimous agreement? There may be a few basic indicators. First, when Ahab first calls the prophets, they are not defined as being from the Lord. And second ... there are SO many of them! The Lord has never needed large numbers to proclaim his truth, but rather he almost always uses one voice, filled with his spirit, to pronounce the truth.

Final confirmation likely occurs through the actions of Zedekiah. This one prophet is called out by name twice. In verse 11, he crafts a prop in order to play-act the message he is delivering. While this isn't unique - true prophets also take actual action as metaphorical representations of events to come, including Ezekiel and Hosea - this example feels like it is bordering on attention-seeking entertainment. Then in verse 24, Zedekiah physically assaults Micaiah for his contrary prophesy.

There is not any example of a true prophet, when declaring the truth as spoken through them by the Holy Spirit, taking violent action against someone who contradicts that truth. In fact, the case may always be the opposite ... when a person speaks the truth of the Lord, empowered by the Holy Spirit, the evil side of the world is left without the ability to refute that truth and will lash out with physical aggression. As a very basic overview, this is evident in the circumstances of ... Moses, David, Elijah, Daniel, and in the New Testament Paul, Peter, and of course Jesus himself.

Application: There is so much violence and aggression in the world today, and while it may be right to say that violence is evil, it is wrong to simply declare that all violence is an act of evil opposing God. However, when calm truth is declared in the name of the Lord, we can expect the response to be aggressive because that is the tool evil always responds with. That aggression can take many forms, but it seems that at its most fundamental it can be described as ... the attempt to harm the wellbeing of an individual.

Truth is not found in numbers; as I have heard said, the truth is never decided by a majority vote. Truth is found in the Lord alone, expressed by the Holy Spirit, even if the 'vote' is 400-1 against. And when those 400 respond to the 1 with aggression ... well, that would seem to reenforce the truth. Again, not all aggression is evil attacking truth, but I do hope all believers, including myself, will have the discernment of Jehoshaphat, and understand the signs when it comes to hearing God's truth.

Prayer: Lord, this is my prayer, for the discernment of your people. May your truth be known, and may your Spirit be clear with within us and around us. And may we withstand the aggression that will be the response toward your truth. Amen.

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Completely Transformed Understanding

Scripture: The God who made the world and everything in it—he is Lord of heaven and earth—does not live in shrines made by hands. Neither is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives everyone life and breath and all things. Acts 17:24-25

Observation: On Mars Hill in Athens, Paul declares a truth that is completely opposed to ... every teaching and every action of his former life.

As a Jewish Pharisee, Paul had dedicated his life to knowing everything about God's laws, obeying those laws, and judging everyone else based on just this criteria ... their compliance with those laws through their actions. Many of those laws orbited around temple practices, a place constructed as a special building dedicated to the Lord, and where he originally lived among the people, or at the very least his footstool on earth. As his vocation, Paul is in fact a tentmaker, a profession made important by the feast of tabernacles, a festival with the temple in Jerusalem at its center.

In other words, as a Jewish Pharisee, Paul believed the Lord lived in a shrine made by hands, and was served by human hands through compliant deeds and rituals. Yes, these elements took different forms than what the Greeks are doing with their false gods and idols around the city, but there is a similar spirit ... the Lord expected to be honored by the acts of the people, and especially in his special man-made place. Paul now knows better.

And to be clear, God never intended this either. He provided the Jews with instructions and even physical locations as a way of assisting them in their worship, and ensuring their quality of life. Mankind turned those into rituals and acts of false hope placed in earthly things. Paul now knows and proclaims that Jesus - the availability of salvation through faith in the Messiah - has restored the availability of a proper relationship with Yahweh.

Application: As I get older, I wonder about ... when will I actually get wiser? I feel like I continue to fail in the understanding of the Lord, and in maturing my relationship with him. I see Paul as an example of someone who not only understood the Lord, but did so in a manner that completely transformed his every belief, knowledge, and understanding he ever had about life.

My only encouragement is that this Paul we see in Athens is a couple decades into his journey with the Lord. However, so am I, and I still cannot understand all I should.

Prayer: Lord, again today I pause and consider how my past life and all the learnings in it create a barrier to my future life, and I am sad because I know I have less and less of that future life in order to figure this out. I cannot get to where I should be on my own. May I do better at seeking your assistance in everything, every act, every thought, every word, every minute of every day. Amen.

Monday, June 26, 2023

Understanding Lost Opportunities

Scripture: At that time the people of Israel were divided: half the people followed Tibni son of Ginath, to make him king, and half followed Omri. However, the people who followed Omri proved stronger than those who followed Tibni son of Ginath. So Tibni died and Omri became king. 1 Kings 16:21-22

Observation: Just prior to this, Zimri becomes king of Israel by murdering Elah and the entire family line of Baasha, thus eliminating all familial claims to the throne. However, the army immediately declares Omri king instead. As a result, Zimri kills himself and thus his "reign" will last only seven days. However, Omri has competition for the throne, Tibni.

The acts of Zimri occurred in the 27th year of King Asa of Judah. The crowning of Omri occurred in the 31st year. Therefore, this civil war that warrants no actual discussion and is only illuded to in these two verses, lasted four years ... twice as long as the prior two kings' reigns combined. This seems like a notable historical period worthy of documentation, given the duration. However, perhaps the focus isn't duration, but purpose.

Elah ruled only two years, but the point was that he would be the last member of the family line that has taken Israel into rebellion against the Lord. Zimri ruled only one week, but the point was that he is the one who killed off that line, as prophesized. Omri will emerge ruler from this civil war, and the point will be that he will build Samaria and father Ahab, thus introducing the most terrible chapter in the descent of Israel, the rise of the Baals, and the Lord's call of Elijah to resist Ahab and Jezebel.

All of these matters are about how Israel interacts with the Lord, represented by their kings. The four years without a king ... had to do with how the Israelites were interacting with each other, and nothing to do with Yahweh. Therefore it is mentioned as a historical passing of years, but it is not covered in any detail as there is little for future generations to learn from it.

Application: This is the point of the word of God ... to instruct us all regarding the will, the ways, and the nature of Yahweh. While it is true that every element in the bible can provide such instruction, there is a proportionality to certain elements it would seem.

While I as a human may think a four-year war is important, to the Lord all that matters is that, during that time, Israel never corrected their path, and in fact proceeded to back the worst of the worst when it comes to family lines to lead Israel. No other detail matters, because it is this fact - the existence but rejection of an opportunity to change course - that provides insight into our relationship with God.

The civil war is a minor event. The lost opportunity is noteworthy.

I have opportunities every day to change my life, correct my actions, repent of past ways, and find a new path to walk with God. I lose those opportunities more often than not. I am grieved to the point of despondency by my failures in this area. And I know that, if I keep missing these opportunities, I will only end up in some darker place.

Prayer: Lord, I say it again today, please give me the strength to walk with you and in your ways every moment of every day. I ask again for forgiveness of sins. May I turn to you more and more. Amen.

Friday, June 23, 2023

Is God's Right Hand Changing?

Scripture:
So I say, “I am grieved
that the right hand of the Most High has changed.”[*Hebrew obscure]
Psalm 77:10

Observation: The writer of this psalm is lamenting how times have turned against Israel. According to the footnote, it is unclear how he is describing this change, however this translation is that God's "right hand" has "changed". Regardless the exact interpretation, the sentiment is that, whatever way the Lord had been taking mankind as represented by the glory of his chosen people, that way has changed.

Israel is no longer his right hand, his instrument of his great deeds and glory. This is reenforced as the writer then retells how the Lord has in fact guided Israel, and how his acts of guidance have in fact been signs and wonders that demonstrate his power and splendor to all the world.

For 1,500 years, the Lord guided mankind after they rejected the ability to live in his care, attempting to show them that his wisdom is good. Mankind rejected God's wisdom and pursued false gods. For another 1,000 years, the Lord defined a path for one family to become a kingdom or priests, for the purpose of showing God's blessing to the world. Mankind - even this blessed people - rejected God's blessings and pursued false gods.

And now, for 2,000 years, the Lord has created a way for mankind to freely receive his awesome love through nothing but belief in his son. Mankind is actively rejecting this perfect love, pursuing false gods that offer empty lives and personal pain.

Application: Do we live in a time when God's right hand will change? We know what the "next thing" is ... when the Lord decides it is no longer time to build the church of believers in Jesus, he will instead bring final judgment on all people. The church will cease to be his right hand - the instrument on earth through which he acts to display his love - and instead a very different right hand ... the risen Christ come again ... will take over.

There are so many in need to the Lord's true, great love. They desire that love, but seek it in terrible, ignorant places. It seems to me that this cannot endure much longer.

Prayer: Lord, Yahweh, Jehovah, Adonai, El Shaddai, Elohim, El Roi, Abba, I thank you for your love. I do wish those who seek love and attention would actually learn where they can find it, and find it in great and perfect abundance, in you. However, it does feel like your right hand is about to change. May I, my family, my friends, and your church, be ready. Amen.

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Calling Out the Cultural Conflicts

Scripture: Therefore, in my judgment, we should not cause difficulties for those among the Gentiles who turn to God, but instead we should write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from blood. Acts 15:19-20

Observation: The council of Jerusalem makes this determination ... that Gentiles do not need to be converted to Judaism in order to be Christians. Specifically, being selected for faith in Jesus Christ is not dependent upon being set apart as a Jew. That said, of course it is necessary to believe in Yahweh if one is declaring faith in the Messiah - the son of the Lord - and thus they define non-negotiables that are important for anyone professing such belief.

-- Rejection of false gods
-- Purity in sexual practices
-- Avoidance of unprepared or raw food

It is important to note that, while these are all part of Jewish law, these were not called out for that reason. These three elements are called out because they are elements of faithful living, but were actively promoted in Greco-Roman culture. The culture of that day actively declared as not just normal, but good, worship of Greek and Roman gods, unnatural and open sexual acts, and gluttonous consumption.

Therefore, while compliance with the law wasn't mandated, proper lifestyles in a manner that complies with God's instructions is a hallmark of anyone who is faithful to the Lord, and it is especially necessary to pay attention to those elements where culture has formulated ideas that contradict the Lord.

Application: My heart hurts even thinking about this in the context of my time within the Presbyterian Church (USA). The major issues of that large denomination began with one debate ... that it wasn't necessary to "call out" purity of sexual practices as one individual element of the law to be obeyed. As it turns out, in U.S. culture here in the early 21st century, it is obvious that this is in fact very necessary to call out, just as it was for the early church in the 1st century culture of Rome.

In my heart, I know this is the element of the law that needs to most attention. Our society flaunts its rejection of sexual purity, and finds it odd for anyone who upholds God's teaching. I wish I was better in my mind in this area as well.

Prayer: Lord, our Gentile society needs your strong word. We Gentile believers in Jesus need your loving correction and guidance and forgiveness. Amen.

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Claiming the Promise of Promises

Scripture: Solomon and all Israel with him—a great assembly, from the entrance of Hamath to the Brook of Egypt—observed the festival at that time in the presence of the Lord our God, seven days, and seven more days—fourteen days. 1 Kings 8:65

Observation: The dedication of the temple includes this detail ... the actual size and extent of Israel as secured by David. The brook of Egypt was an understood brook south of the Negev. However, "the entrance of Hamath" is a little confusing, however it is most likely a point halfway between the cities of Damascus and Hamath. The modern village of Laboueh is probably the location. This northern border of Israel is significantly north, well into Lebanon. It brings places like Damascus and modern-day Beirut well within the land of Israel.

Solomon has just prayed that, when Israel someday falls away from the Lord, that they will be restored when their hearts return to Yahweh. It is a prayer very similar to what Moses prayed. However, the establishment of Israeli kings occurred after the period of the judges, where we did see this turning away, and how bad it had become. David has done more than expanded Israel to significant size; he has strengthened the faith of the nation throughout that entire expansion. The people are again a nation of priests, set apart to demonstrate the Lord to the world, and at this moment they have significant size, abundance, and peace.

The Lord promised Israel all these things if they would obey his word, and they have received it in full. Like Moses, Solomon knows it won't last, but they have obeyed now, and they have received the promises now at this time.

Application: I am still unclear about God's promises in my life. I do see all that he does - all the way he has blessed me - and I am so very grateful for all of that. However, I am not sure about other promises.

Then again, I am also unclear about the purpose and mission of my life. I fully understand how I am to behave and honor the Lord ... and I am fully aware I fail at that too often. I also fully understand my salvation is based in faith in Jesus as the Messiah and son of the Lord, and I embrace that faith in full. Still, I am trying to figure out what I really should be doing to serve the Lord, and how that relates to situations in my life.

I am struck by just how grand the Lord had fulfilled his promise to Israel, completed in the time of David and Solomon. It was a comprehensive fulfillment of the promise of the land as far as Abraham could have possibly seen.

I am blessed. There is no doubt about this fact. May I find more mental and physical strength to serve the Lord in response to that blessing, and live into his promises.

Prayer: Lord, this is my prayer today. May I serve you better, and all the more, in my mind and with my body and from my heart and through my soul. Amen.

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Perhaps it is Personal

Scripture: The priests and the Levites brought the ark of the Lord, the tent of meeting, and the holy utensils that were in the tent. 1 Kings 8:4

Observation: At the completion of the temple, Solomon has the Ark brought into the most holy place in the center of the temple. Along with it, the priests bring the tent of meeting ... the tent created by Moses' command as the original tabernacle where the Lord would dwell while Israel was in the wilderness. This is a tent-like structure made out of fabric - primarily woven fabrics and decorative yarns - with some leather coverings and interwoven gold thread.

At this time, the tent of meeting is approximately 480 years old! While there are examples of fabrics that can survive for such periods of time, there are no other examples in world history where such fabrics have survived for so long, retaining their appears and quality, while continually outdoors and as a working structure.

Application: For whatever reason, before reading today I thought about the tent of meeting, and where in scriptures it is discussed for the last time. It crossed my mind in the "I wonder where it is now" type of way, wondering if it could still exist. And then ... here it is, in today's very reading.

Perhaps there is no meaning to this. However, I would like to think that perhaps the Lord is letting me know that he is influencing my thoughts - speaking quietly to me - and if I would just think on him and ponder his ways, I could hear him more. If he can just influence my casual thinking, certainly he could direct me when I turn to him intentionally.

Prayer: Lord, I do desire to hear from you, and you know this. May my heart be turned to you more and more, finding ways to keep you central in my mind every day. Amen.

Friday, June 16, 2023

Seriously Lord, How Long?

Scripture:
God, how long will the enemy mock?
Will the foe insult your name forever?
Why do you hold back your hand?
Stretch out your right hand and destroy them!
Psalm 74:10-11

Observation: This is a very straightforward appeal to Yahweh ... there are enemies - of you and of your people - and they appear to be winning, so when will take action and crush them? Why do you wait? Why do you allow even this temporary scenario to exist? Why do you do nothing so that they believe they are powerful and you are either weak or even non-existent? We know you will defeat your enemies, so why not do it now? Please, Lord, destroy them!

Application: In our best minds and most loving hearts, those of us with faith in the Lord look at the world around us - at the moral confusion rampant in our society right now - and we have pity on all the mislead people. We desire that they know better, but we also feel sorry for the pain and sorrow that must be so prevalent in their hearts and minds. We with they would discover the Lord because we also know that the life they lead is not up to the life they could have, and we truly wish for the best for them.

But then we know the source of all these lies ... and honestly, my heart burns against the enemy. This declaration from Psalm 74 is both true questions about God's ways and timing, and also a call to action spoken from a place of frustration.

Yahweh, my Lord and my God, how long will you allow this evil to exist, to gloat over your people and your world, to act as if you are powerless to do anything and useless as a concept? Jehovah Sabaoth, when will you bring your power to utterly destroy the enemy? How can you see this and allow it, even as the people mock your faithful servants, your saints, and both your name and the name of your beloved son?

Lord, your love is infinite, but your patience ... oh, I know your patience has limits, and while you are slow to anger, you do respond. So why oh why is this happening? Why are millions of young people having their entire lives destroyed by the lies of the evil enemy? While people insult you in public places, mock the very idea of your existence and mislead others in that same mocking, you stay your wrath, but why, and when will that change?

Yes, in my heart, I am so sad for others, and wish to love them back to the Lord. But there are times I just want to say ... Lord, stretch out your right hand and destroy them!

Prayer: My Lord and my God, if my thoughts are a sin, please forgive me. I do desire your will above all else, and I know that you wish for none to die, but to be reconciled to you. That said, it's hard down here to simply see all the evil and wonder how long this will be tolerated. Yes, may thy will be done, but also, come Lord Jesus. Amen.

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Where Things Really Stand

Scripture: The Lord’s anger burned against Israel again, and he stirred up David against them to say, "Go, count the people of Israel and Judah." 2 Samuel 24:1

Observation: This chapter is about David doing that which the Lord does not like - taking a census of fighting-eligible men as a way of measuring his own strength - and punishing David. However, the very first verse of this section tells something different. Yes, David will take a census, thus registering 1.3 million men for military service, and then an undefined plague of retribution will kill 70,000 of those men. However, this all happens because ... "the Lord's anger burned against Israel again."

This is an issue common to the era of the Judges. The people are sinning, turning away from the Lord. For hundreds of years, when this would happen, the Lord would send an enemy to oppress them until they cried out for relief. That isn't going to happen now, because the Lord's anointed king is the protector of Israel. So instead, the Lord stirs that king to act in a manner to correct the people.

And so we see that having a king has not changed the cycle of behavior of Israel. It is true that, in the future, several kings will lead the people into even worse behavior, but even with a godly king the people turn away from God. We don't know how, but likely they were at the very least passive toward God ... withholding offerings, failing to pray, not participating in festivals, overlooking blessings they have and not giving thanks for them. And God took direct and hands-on action to wake them back up.

Application: I would say that the passive behavior I just outlined describes many today. Even those who believe in God do not engage in daily communication and communion with the Lord, fail to give him his due in either worldly offerings or regular thanks or personal worship, and exclude thoughts about God's faithfulness even from celebrations intended to honor him.

And I would say that I see the Lord's direct and hands-on action in the 'plagues' we see inflicting us, which are destroying the lives of younger people in our society, and creating anguish both mentally and emotionally for older generations that cannot comprehend the circumstances.

When and where will the Lord relent? Who is a leader that will accept accountability and humbly submit to the Lord? Will all of us just return to the Lord? Or have we moved beyond those mile posts, and now simply await destruction and exile?

Prayer: Lord, I pray, have mercy on us. Our nation in this land have sinned beyond anything imaginable, and this is truth, the place where we are today could not have been imagined one generation ago. We deserve your anger, your wrath, and your punishment. We are in your hands. May you relent and restore us as only you can. However, if you will not, may those faithful in Jesus Christ be spared in your sight. And in all of this, thy will be done. Amen.

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Ananias Helps Ananias

Scripture: There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” “Here I am, Lord,” he replied. Acts 9:10

Observation: Saul is on a mission to arrest, take into captivity, and perhaps turn over for execution, every believer in Jesus in Damascus. Yes, along the way he is miraculously confronted by Jesus, blinded, made helpless while he contemplates his fate. And then ... Ananias enters the conversation. Ananias knows of Saul and knows why he is in town. However, he is a disciple, and the moment the Lord speaks to him, he responds.

In other words, at that exact moment, Ananias knows he is about to be hunted down and persecuted, yet when the Lord calls him to action, he responds. As a result, Ananias gets to participate in his own salvation from persecution, and become part of the long story of the apostle who will go on to teach the good news throughout much of the Hellenistic world.

Application: When the Lord does give me something to do, it might be for the good of others. However, it could also be part of the good the Lord plans for me as well. It is possible that the first benefactor of some good deed the Lord shows me is not the person to whom the deed is performed, but it is me. Yes, there could be some long-term benefit to others, and that benefit may be all the more prominent and obvious. That the Lord decided to have me participate in that, however, could be just the way he decides to love me, too.

Prayer: Lord, again I say today, may I have more courage and faith in responding to your prompting. As I hear your words of knowledge, I will speak them, knowing that doing so may even help me, too. Amen.

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

No Word on the Outcome

Scripture: “Pray to the Lord for me,” Simon replied, “so that nothing you have said may happen to me.” So, after they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they traveled back to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. Acts 8:24-25

Observation: The incident in the Samaritan village involving Simon the Sorcerer is complex. Simon was a trickster, however when Philip arrives with the ability to do miracles Simon becomes a believer in Jesus, but also loses his influence in the village. Then when Peter and John come next with the ability to lay hands on others to receive the Holy Spirit, Simon attempts to buy that power, and Peter aggressively chastises him for this sin.

However, Simon seemingly responds to that correction, asking Peter to pray for him. And with that ... the entire scene ends. Peter, John, and Philip will move on, and there is no word at all about Simon. His outcome is left unknown. Did Simon truly repent and simply live the life of a 'Christian' in Samaria? In his repentance, did he eventually receive the ability to lead others to Christ? Or was even his repentance selfish and false, and not only did he not receive forgiveness, but he regressed in his faith? I mean ... did Peter and John even say 'okay' and pray for Simon?

Application: As a former English Lit major, I understand certain literary structures, like the "hero's journey". In that, we expect to see a protagonist who strives, struggles, even fails, then overcomes and produces a happy-ending outcome. Meanwhile, we see antagonists who emerge, fight, temporarily succeed, but are eventually defeated. These are the simplistic overviews of traditional narrative.

Simon appears to be an antagonist. He emerged as a sorcerer, misleading the people, was defeated by our heroes (who themselves are striving to overcome violent oppression), and his last-ditch attempt to recover his fame is smacked down. The end, roll credits. It is because his 'journey' mirrors the model of the 'bad guy' that we are tempted to believe he was not redeemed by his error.

However ... I hope he was redeemed. Verse 8:13 is clear that Simon became a Christian. It says he believed, was baptized, followed Philip everywhere, and was amazed by the miracle power of Jesus' name. Yes, then he screwed up. And maybe he screwed up for bad reasons ... maybe he wasn't just trying to become a 'leader' out of misplaced enthusiasm or overzealous belief, but rather out of a selfish heart to return to fame in the eyes of others. That's bad, but he was a believer.

I have done bad things even in my Christian life. Pride is at the heart of many of my wrong acts. I know in my heart I have been rightly chastised as directly as Simon was for the wrongness in my heart and my thoughts and my words and my deeds. If Simon couldn't be redeemed, then there is no hope for me. Yet I believe he could be redeemed ... yes, corrected, but also forgiven ... as I believe I am.

Prayer: Lord, I do pray for my redemption from the pride and resulting sins I fall into from time to time. I hear the correction, and respond with humble repentance. Amen.

Monday, June 12, 2023

When I Need Grace

Even when it's all my fault
You never push me away.
When all my bridges have been burned,
You make another way.

When I need grace you give it wholehearted!!


Friday, June 9, 2023

Wisdom vs. Manipulation

Scripture: So Joab sent someone to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there. He told her, “Pretend to be in mourning: dress in mourning clothes and don’t put on any oil. Act like a woman who has been mourning for the dead for a long time. Go to the king and speak these words to him.” Then Joab told her exactly what to say. 2 Samuel 14:2-3

Observation: Joab wants to manipulate David to reinstate Absolom as a prince. To do this, he hires a woman to play-act a false event, trick David into swearing out a judgment, then convince David that Absolom's situation is identical. To be very, very clear ... it is not identical. Absolom killed his brother in anger and through an intentional plot, not by accident; There is no innocent-victim widow who will starve if Absolom dies; Absolom is himself in no danger of dying as he is living fine in his new city.

Joab has woven a metaphorical tale that is based on the law of Moses ... it explicitly aligns to laws concerning accidental manslaughter and proper care for widows. Joab then convinced someone to completely lie about the facts and manipulated it to make another situation seem the same, creating a logical fallacy. This is NOT what Nathan did when David sinned with Bathsheba. Nathan told a hypothetical situation that did not leverage the convoluted law but rather relied on only the foundational truth of the Lord's nature (love others), allowed David's love of God to understand God's heart in that matter (there should be justice), then made the connection to David's life using truth and facts.

The difference between Nathan and Joab seems clear. Nathan is a man who follows the word of the Lord, listening for divine instruction that aligns to the very nature of Yahweh, and then with courage speaks that truth. Joab is a man who follows his own ambition and objectives, claiming that his thinking is wise because it invokes the laws of the Lord while also playing upon human logic and emotion, and then manipulates circumstances to deliver the false wisdom, maintaining just enough deniability that - if received poorly - he could avoid personal punishment.

Application: Last night, my wife and I were having another conversation about the woman in our church whose adult daughter died. I know this woman is a faith-filled believer in Jesus Christ. There is no denying this. However, she also is the woman from Tekoa ... she is listening to false prophets and manipulators, adamantly believes the logical fallacies, and is even complicit in propagating the lies as she herself declares them to be of God.

What hope do we have against the manipulation of false prophets, when such tactics even worked against David?

How can we lift up and show others the wisdom coming from true prophets, when both the true and the false use similar techniques, tools, and scriptural authority to declare their messages?

Prayer: Lord, we are in a time that is confusing and convoluted beyond any other time in the history of your creation. It is so difficult for your believers to understand the word, even when we call upon you for clarity. I know the answers to my questions are found exclusively in you, Jesus. May I help others, somehow, if you would have me to, and only, please, if I can be like Nathan with your own truth, and not anything of my own mind. Amen.

Thursday, June 8, 2023

When Words Become Action

Scripture: Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas (which is translated Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:36-37

Application: As the early church is sharing their wealth with each other to advance the good news, Barnabas is held up as one example of a person selling their land to fund the church. Barnabas will be a mainstay of the early church, going on to be the apostle commissioned with Paul as the joint missionaries to gentiles, directly mentioned many times in Paul's letters, and potentially himself even the author of the book of Hebrews.

Yet his name is Joseph. He is given the name Barnabas, as we see meaning "son of encouragement." Imagine being SO positive and upbeat - during a time of fear and unknown about the future - that everyone just decides to call you 'encouragement'! As everyone is a bit worried about officials being angry with their new gatherings, tentative about how to publicly speak for the first time, ultimately concerned about getting arrested, flogged, and even killed for their beliefs in Jesus ... this young man is just there telling everyone how awesome they're doing, pointing out their good actions, pronouncing their best qualities, and motivating them to be strong.

Barnabas was full of uplifting words. However, in this passage, he steps into his faith and sacrifices his earthly security for this kingdom mission. His own work and strength will grow and grow from there, but it was this moment that his words became action ... that his talking about how great everyone was doing, became him doing something great. And God saw it.

Observation: I am often just a person who speaks words, and most of the time not even good and encouraging words. I talk about my faith, about work and service, and about what's going on at church. I don't do enough.

Sure, I do some, and I could say I do more than most. However, that's dangerously close to justification through acts, which isn't a 'thing'. There isn't a timeclock or goal chart that shows who does 'enough' work for Jesus and who doesn't. There is only this ... all kinds of work to be done, people doing it, and others talking about that work and those people. Good, encouraging talk is valuable - even honorable - but so is the doing.

Prayer: Lord, I do some. I don't need to list anything, because you see it, and no matter how much I would list it would fall short because there is so much to do for your kingdom and your people and your church and for you. I desire joy in serving you; in serving you all the more. I know both the service and the joy are choices. May I stop talking and choose action. Amen.

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Consequences for Forgiven Sins

Scripture: David responded to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Then Nathan replied to David, “And the Lord has taken away your sin; you will not die. However, because you treated the Lord with such contempt in this matter, the son born to you will die.” 2 Samuel 12:13-14

Observation: In the matter of David's greatest sin - the killing of Uriah in order to claim his wife Bathsheba - David receives three punishments. First, he is destined to never have peace in his reign. Second, there will be a future coup that will disgrace on he and his wives. Finally, the child born from the sin will die. However, there is another statement made about this sin ... the Lord has "taken away" the sin, and David will not die.

While David will receive consequences, he does also receive forgiveness. This forgiveness is extended due to his remorse and repentance, and his acceptances of the criticism for his sin. He acknowledges the word that he has sinned, and accepts God's wise judgment.

Forgiveness is not a promise that stems from faith in Jesus. The Lord has always forgiven people for their sin. Here, David is forgiven, though he will have consequences. These two ideas are independent.

Application: I am forgiven of my sins through my faith in Jesus. Yes, I wish I sinned less and were better in turning away from all kinds of sin, yet when I sin I can receive forgiveness, and thus 'will not die'. However, I do know there can be consequences - even punishment - for my sin.

My life has not always gone well, and I am sure many issues are the consequence of my sin ... directly as in a chain of events that produce outcomes, or indirectly as in hardships that are part of judgment for sinful actions. The Lord is a loving God, and he is a just God. My sins, even though forgiven, should have consequences, otherwise there would not be justice.

Yes, I am thankful there is forgiveness, for I could not ever be good enough to earn sanctification in the eyes of the Lord. May I fear the Lord more and in a better manner, so that I seek to avoid consequences too.

Prayer: Lord, as I grow in you and in your Spirit, may I know enough fear to check my heart and my mind, and replace my sin with service to you. Amen.

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Concerned About the Right Person's Reaction

Scripture: So he jumped up and started to walk, and he entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God ... While he was holding on to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astonished, ran toward them in what is called Solomon’s Colonnade. Acts 3:8,11

Observation: Over and over, when Jesus healed people, we saw them react in different ways. Sometimes they wanted to follow Jesus (but were often told they should not). Sometimes they would be delighted, but would then go away, perhaps not even really saying thanks, and ending up in almost a lost state where their behavior did not much change. However, with this man - the first miraculous healing by the disciples after Pentecost - we see a reaction of clear gratitude.

Once standing, the man celebrates, jumping around with joy, and ... he won't leave Peter and John alone! He enters the temple courtyard with them, leaping around and declaring praises, clearly bringing attention to all three of them. He holds onto Peter and John; he doesn't jump around the entire temple complex, but he stays right there with the disciples. It seems clear that he is going to remain that way, desiring to be part of this movement of faith being led by the disciples. Perhaps he wants to learn more about Jesus, the name pronounced over him that healed him. He certainly is willing to embrace whatever Peter and John are about to do and say next. And if he is an informed person who knows what has transpired in Jerusalem over the past two months, he has no issues with the risks ... he is clearly willing to declare to everyone throughout the entire temple that he was the lame man, now healed, by the disciples, in the name of Jesus.

This man's life changed in an instant, and he embraces it immediately. He doesn't care about perceptions, rules, backlash, questions, or any fear about how such changes may alter his future. He leans into it, accepts the salvation of Jesus, and praises the Lord.

Application: I have way too much fear about my life. I don't have fear as in I'm afraid I might die or life will be terrible. I have fear about FAR less fearful items, like ... am I prepared for my next meeting, what will my performance review be like, if we are spending too much at restaurants. And mostly, I fear others thinking badly of me. I forget two very important truths:

1) People DO think badly of me, and for reasons I really can't control.
2) Whether they do or don't is utterly meaningless compared to what God thinks of me.

I have a post-it note right in front of me that says, "I have nothing to prove, I have someone to please." If only I would live that out.

Prayer: Lord, I do not wish to offend, anger, or in any way hurt others today. However, you are truly the only one I have to please. May my words toward others, and my acts in all situations, please you, today and every day. How others receive that is a matter between you and them that really doesn't even involve me. Amen.

Monday, June 5, 2023

Humble Courage to Speak God's Word

Scripture: The king said to the prophet Nathan, “Look, I am living in a cedar house while the ark of God sits inside tent curtains.” So Nathan told the king, “Go and do all that is on your mind, for the Lord is with you.” But that night the word of the Lord came to Nathan. 2 Samuel 7:2-4

Observation: Nathan is an interesting figure in the scriptures. He is never listed as an official nor leader within David's government, and is not a priest. He is referred to as simply a 'prophet', however it is well accepted that David himself is also a prophet. Despite being a prophet, there are no writings of Nathan's in the scriptures, and he is never mentioned as one of the great prophets of the old testament era.

All that said, Nathan is the one who speaks correction to David more than once. Here, he is consulted about the temple, and while - thinking as a simple man - Nathan advises David to proceed, he will then receive a divine word that David is not to build a temple ... instead, the work currently being done is that the Lord himself is building David's 'house' and legacy in order to establish the legend of a worthy lineage for a future eternal king. Later, it will be Nathan who admonishes David's sin with Bathsheba, and he also appears several other times, always at times when David needs advice or correction.

Nathan is important to the story of Israel, but not because he is raised up and established as some great prophet who led a revival, or called down miracles, or guided the people in repentance, or poetically wrote down predictions about future events. Nathan was never thought of like Elijah, Moses, Isaiah, or Ezekiel ... he was never even seen like Joel, Amos, Micah, or Jonah ... he wasn't even David himself, whom Peter, speaking at Pentecost, reminded everyone was a true prophet and quoted him at the foundational moment of Christianity.

Nathan simply did two things. First, he listed for the true word of God, with the humility to accurately receive and understand that word, even when it defied his own human logic. Second, he had the courage to tell that word of God to one of the most powerful kings who ever lived, even when that word was critical of the king's thoughts and actions.

Application: Three days ago, a member of our church died. She was a young woman, married with three young daughters. While her illness was major, it was treatable, but she refused medical treatment because her mother - a person with extreme views fed by social media echo chambers - radically declares that modern medicine is sinful, and the Lord would heal her. The mother is one of those people even us in the church step back from due to over-the-top, near-militant declarations about God, often including wild "prophesies", grounded in conspiracy logic, that never, never, ever come true.

I know the family as anyone knows people they have been around for a dozen years but without interaction outside the church. That is to say, I know their stories, and I speak with them at functions. However, I am left with a problem in my heart ... did I receive a word of knowledge that could have influenced this outcome, and not have the courage to speak it?

I wouldn't be alone in this ... our staff is also struggling with the idea that none of the pastors ever chose to stand up to this mother and provide correction, nor did they advise the daughter or her husband about how they might make different choices. However, I feel I might have received a word, and I didn't speak it. My issue is ... I'm not sure I did hear God's word, or if I simply had my own thoughts and logic on the issue.

If I were closer to the Lord - if I were maintaining my heart and my soul in a better, strong relationship with the Lord, making me a better vessel for the Holy Spirit and thus better equipped to interact with the Spirit - perhaps I could have better discerned the word. If it had been a true word, perhaps I would have had more courage to speak it, even knowing the likely vitriolic response. Perhaps it would have been heard, and today over a dozen lives would be in a better place. Then again, maybe it was just my human logic in my head all along, I would now know that, and nothing would be different except for my thoughts today.

I wish I were more like Nathan ... humble in God's presence, with wisdom and discernment from the Holy Spirit, and with the courage to speak to others.

Prayer: Lord, if I have failed you, please dear Lord forgive me. I desire to never fail you again. May your Spirit be closer to me, strongly living within me, while in my own heart and mind and soul I make myself a better vessel for your same Spirit, aligning myself more and more every day to your precepts and will. Amen.

Friday, June 2, 2023

Reminded of the Cost

Scripture:
Those who hate me without cause
are more numerous than the hairs of my head;
my deceitful enemies, who would destroy me,
are powerful.
Though I did not steal, I must repay.
Psalm 69:4

Observation: David again cries out to the Lord with familiar themes. These include the fact that while he is NOT blameless in his life, and he does make mistakes, he still has SO many enemies against him. These enemies hate him seemingly for no other reason than because of his faith, and through that his success and promised success from the Lord.

In other words, David has more enemies than he can even count simply because he obeys the Lord. This is a truth that echos through all history, and throughout the bible. It first started when Cain killed Abel because Abel properly honored the Lord and the Lord acknowledged that honor. It continues in every story where anyone actively follows the Lord, and the rest of the world stands opposed to that person seemingly for no reason other than to mock and hate that faith ... it happens to Noah, Abraham, Lot, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Samson, Elijah, Daniel, just to name a few of the obvious ones. And Jesus told the disciples it would keep on happening.

Application: I am reminded today of the cost of following Jesus ... there is no such thing as a believer in Jesus Christ who is also beloved and honored by the world. Those who do receive widespread honor, do so primarily because others respect their message and practices, and relate to some element of their life or death that relates to advancing that cause (I think of ML King, who most people honor but conveniently forget that he was a minister).

If I honor the Lord and follow Jesus, I will be mostly disliked by coworkers, neighbors, and strangers. And there will be no clear reason why such people act with deceit and animosity toward me, nor why they think I am an enemy who owes them something because of how their lives have gone.

Prayer: Lord, you are all I need in life. I thank you for believers around me, and for my family. Please forgive me for the things I do wrong, for I know well they are many and I am absolutely not as good as I should be. However, I love you and seek to do your will, and as a result I do and will have enemies. May your hand be upon me, my wife, my children, my family, and my brothers and sisters in Christ. Protect us from those who seek to destroy us financially, morally, mentally, and even physically. Amen.