Addressing My Settled Matters

Scripture: I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. Still, to someone who considers a thing to be unclean, to that one it is unclean. Romans 14:14

Observation: Paul is discussing the nature of internal conflict in the church, and the general principle is simple ... do not argue about the unsettled matters of faith and faithful living, do not judge others for which side of those issues they align with, and do not hurt each other by imposing your opinion of those issues on others or judging them for theirs.

Of course, in the first century and especially in the context of Christianity - with roots in Judaism - this issue is best summarized with the example of food purity. Jews had strict laws about clean and unclean food and Gentiles had no such rules, and thus Christian gatherings involving Jews and non-Jews became problematic quickly. It is very, very interesting to see Paul's take on this matter. He states that he is "persuaded" that "nothing is unclean in itself." This is certainly a total reversal from his life as a Pharisee, who would have not only known in very clear detail which foods were clean and unclean, but would have been very careful observing those laws, would have harshly judged anyone violating those laws, and would have gone a step further to even have rituals and practices in the handling of clean foods to ensure they remained ceremonially clean.

Paul now understands ... nothing is unclean "in itself". Yes, for the Jews, God gave them laws, and those laws required certain actions as part of the nation's obedience to the Lord. That did not make these items bad ... what was bad was willfully disobeying the Lord.

Paul also now understands a second element of this ... not everyone is under the same set of laws, commands, and instructions. Gentiles are not subject to Jewish food purity laws, for example. However, they may be under some other instruction. For example, a person who has heard from the Lord that should fast must therefore fast, and not be judged by others for skipping a festival meal.

Yes, Paul does recognize there are certain settled matters of faith and obedience. He differentiates settled vs. "disputed" matters (v1), and in other letters calls out compliance with moral law since these were reiterated by Jesus. He gives guidelines to some churches while sometimes himself acting differently, because he recognized certain rules apply to the unique circumstances of a specific situation. In all this, Paul's heart has been flipped to understand this ... we have common moral laws with which we strive to comply, but we also have our own individual instructions from the Lord.

Application: I know that much of the conflict of our current society - the part that the Church itself is struggling to reconcile - revolves around this matter of what elements of the Lord's teaching require moral compliance, and what aspects have flexibility that involves individual relationship with God ... and how do we love others my understanding when to correct and when to avoid conflict. I believe we have individuals who hear God's word today just like Paul did, and they seem unified in understanding this matter. Therefore, I'm not too worried about how the Church decides such matters. However ... how do I understand my "settled" matters?

I am mad because of the attacks against my family right now, and most of these attacks are coming from human actions. Hit-and-run accidents, vandalism and theft, hostile words ... these all come against us in the last few days alone. That said, these are coming from outside the body of believers - from non-believers - and thus there is a different standard to apply for assessing and responding to such behavior,

It is the behavior of believers that Paul is addressing, and that includes me. Some of my behavior is outside of the settled, understood instructions of Jesus and I must correct that. Some of my behavior may not be completely understood by other believers, but I hope it aligns to God's instructions for my life. And likewise, I must respect what other believers are called to do.

I judge others too easily, and fail to judge my own actions within the correct context of God's instructions. This I must address.

Prayer: Lord, again I ask you to help me in my mind and my heart and my soul. I go down paths in my heart every day that are against your will, and I wish to stop such actions. Please help. As a secondary matter, please be with my family. Yes, we are clearly under attack, and we desire your protection. We can lean into your love and gain your strength, but it would be wonderful if these attacks would cease. Between violence and sickness, we are all exhausted. Thank you for your love. Amen.

In Need of Spiritual Reliance

Scripture: These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. He was the firstborn, but his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, because Reuben defiled his father’s bed. He is not listed in the genealogy according to birthright. Although Judah became strong among his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright was given to Joseph. 1 Chronicles 5:1-2

Observation: As the chronicler outlines the tribes and clans from the patriarchs, the section about Reuben begins with this clarification ... that the firstborn birthright was given not to him, but to the sons of Josheph (those would be Ephraim and Manasseh). This is an interesting clarification that I have often overlooked - or I should say, misunderstood - in Genesis.

Reuben, the firstborn, angered Jacob by sleeping with one of his wives and spent much of his later life trying to appease his father, but never did. His punishment was removal of his birthright. Simeon and Levi - the next two sons by birth - also angered Jacob in the matter concerning their revenge for the rape of Dinah. Their punishment was the declaration they would not receive an allotment in the promised land, and neither tribe did (Simeon was absorbed within Judah, Levi became the priestly servants without land). The fourth son, Judah ... received the greatest of prophetic blessings from Jacob, was declared a strong leader, and stated he would produce the greatest of all kings, and of course both David and Jesus come from Judah. That always sounded like "birthright" to me.

However, Chronicles is saying the birthright actually went to Ephraim and Manasseh, likely through the act when he laid hands on them to adopt them as his own sons (with his right hand resting on the younger Ephraim). Joseph was the first born of Rachel, the wife Jacob wished to originally marry, therefore there is logic in the idea that the birthright should pass to this firstborn line.

Then again ... Jacob wasn't that into firstborn birthrights. He stole the birthright from his older brother. His father was also not the firstborn of Abraham, but was the firstborn of Sarah.

As for the nation of Israel, there is some interesting context that supports Joseph's sons as the inheritance of Israel. When the nation splits after Solomon's reign, the name 'Israel' goes with the non-Davidic kings. The northern capital, Samaria, will end up within the land of Manasseh. As Israel sins and shrinks, the last tribe standing is Ephraim ... a few of the prophets even use the name Ephraim interchangeably with Israel as the name of the country.

Still, in my mind, this idea that Joseph's sons received Jacob's birthright/blessing is new news to me. I always assumed it was Judah who received this, and that blessing culminated in Jesus being of the tribe of Judah.

Application: I have good skill in understanding written information and interpreting metaphors, allegories, and symbolism. At one time, I would have said that was my greatest intellectual skill. I have used this skill to understand the bible as best I can. Today I am reminded that I still have so much to learn, and so many details to discover.

OF COURSE the birthright involved laying on of hands by the patriarch near the time of his death, and that only occurs with Ephraim and Manasseh. OF COURSE if that act had only been an act of adoption, which son had which hand doesn't matter much, but Josheph himself called out the significance of Jacob crossing his hands and placing his right on the younger Ephraim.

I lack some of the knowledge needed to understand certain components of the bible ... cultural context, ancient languages, memorization of names, geography knowledge, etc. However, the Holy Spirit does not lack these! I need to rely upon the Holy Spirit more often to guide my mind, and allow him to show me the word the Lord has for me each day.

Prayer: Lord, I do read the bible so I can hear you and your word, not just so I can exercise my mind. May there be less of my thoughts, and more of your Holy Spirit in my mind and my ears and my heart every day as I read your word. Amen.

A Proper Gospel Message

Scripture: How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. But not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our message? So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ. Romans 10:14-17

Observation: In one of the better-known passages of Romans, Paul is specific about the process of evangelism. Since he is outlining a philosophy to believers he says it backwards, so in the logical order his process is this:

1) People must first hear about Jesus Christ.

2) They hear that gospel message from someone sent to deliver it.

3) Once will delivered, the believe the good news in their hearts.

4) In that belief, they can call on Jesus, confessing faith with their words.

It seems very important to understand every element of this process ... not because faith is procedural or formulaic, but because evangelism can be impeded and even prevented by evil forces that would undermine the message by subverting any of these steps. How does evil do that?

1) Evil wants people to hear about all the science and call into question elements of the created world, and about judgment that comes from believers, and a large assortment of other messages that have nothing to do with salvation by faith in Jesus.

2) Evil provides all sorts of information through all sorts of channels, including through believers who are disconnected from God's word and thus don't know how to engage, thus producing confusion, disinformation, and even conflict that impedes hearing the good news.

3) Evil works hard to prevent human hearts from accepting Jesus, introducing all kinds of earthly inducements and convincing people that pursuing Jesus precludes their opportunity for happiness.

4) Evil gives an outsized public voice to those who have rejected Jesus, and thus makes the idea of publicly confessing Jesus seem like an awkward, unpopular, even shameful act.

Paul was very clear in many of his writings about the true nature of the gospel, which is simple, clear, and truly good news ... Jesus is the promised Messiah, who died as a sacrifice for all sin and was raised to heaven, so that "if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (v9)

Application: This is so relevant in an age when many people - perhaps now even most people - have only false sources about Jesus. They hear stories via social media, produced by believers with limited understanding and intent, non-believers who themselves are uninformed, or outright evil actors. They cannot believe - let alone confess - because they never hear the true message about Jesus Christ.

It is too easy for me to excuse myself from this conversation, making some vague statement that I haven't been "sent" by God. But I have been sent. I am likely better equipped than most, in both knowledge of the gospel and skill in speaking, and I have been placed in a location, situation, and time where the message is so very, very needed. I should be bolder in telling others the simple, proper gospel message of Jesus Christ, for I am keenly aware of the false messages most are receiving from other sources.

Prayer: Lord, here I am. Where you lead me, I will follow. Amen.

Living with God's Decisions

Scripture: For he tells Moses, I will show mercy to whom I will show mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then, it does not depend on human will or effort but on God who shows mercy. Romans 9:15-16

Observation: About the confusing topic of predestination vs. free will, Paul ... makes it all the more confusing. However, it is important to understand that he is not actually talking about the free will of individuals to select their faith in the Lord. Instead, he is talking about the Lord's free will to show mercy and compassion on anyone, regardless of their faith, background, ancestry, or works.

Yes, the Lord chose the Jews as his people. It breaks Paul's heart that many of them are not acknowledging Jesus as their Messiah. On the other hand, many Gentiles are hearing and believing in Jesus. All these facts have little to do with mercy or earthly protection. The Jews will be destroyed by the Romans. Christians will be persecuted and executed. Evil doers may even receive supernatural protection in a time of need. None of these are dependent on the actions of people and the free will we all practice. Rather, mercy is simply a decision made by God. Living within those decisions about mercy and compassion - and maintaining faith despite how we interpret those decisions - is our call.

Application: This was likely a very difficult topic in the time of Paul, as Christians were trying to reconcile their faith in a world that was downright violent toward everything having to do with any kind of belief in Yahweh and/or Jesus, while seeing those her persecuted them thrive. That same world is re-emerging today, as "popular culture" is actively turning against faith.

It is important to keep our minds fixed on Paul's basic concept ... God is God, and he makes decisions in a manner and within a context we cannot possibly hope to understand, let along question. We must not "talk back" to God, or question the purpose to which he has assigned us (verses 20-21).

I do not understand the bad things that have happened to me in life. That said, I do not understand the good things, either. I have been shown great kindness and blessing and mercy without any justification, far beyond anything I have earned from the Lord. I have received hardships and insults and harm without any justification, and even been told by the Lord I did not deserve them. I have total faith that the Lord has a plan and purpose for my life, and for the lives of others, and that somehow all of this advances his good. My future - good or bad - does not depend on my human will or effort, but on God.

Prayer: Lord, more and more every day, may I simply trust in your plan, seek your plan, and do as you would have me do within your plan. I know there will be hardships, and your hand will be in those hardships, both to correct me and to guide me. May I only be clay, made into whatever vessel you want, to do your work. Amen.

Action is Still Expected

Scripture: For the hearers of the law are not righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be justified. Romans 2:13

Observation: In very clear language, Paul addresses the idea of 'works'. It is NOT that we are saved by works. However, it is true that we are condemned by knowing yet rejecting the will of God. Those who do as the Lord asks of them are "justified," but we are not "righteous" just because we hear the law.

Application: There is a further implication here that I need to take to heart. No one - even those who know the law - are "righteous." That especially includes me. I am not righteous, and I have no right to therefore be critical of anyone else's lack of righteousness.

Even as I think about all the errors people make ... I am way out of line in that thought process. Of course they aren't righteous; no one is, and neither am I.

What I can do is seek justification - be acquitted from judgment - by desiring and pursuing the will of God. Yes, this begins with faith in Jesus, but extends to the rest of my actions and life.

Prayer: Lord, I know I fail to do your will daily, and that probably goes against me as an idea that I lack faith. I have faith, but I am flawed for certain. May I at least release judgment from my heart, and find the grace to give to everyone, in all matters, all the time. Amen.

Peace through the Lord of Armies

Scripture:
How lovely is your dwelling place,
Lord of Armies.
Psalm 84:1

Observation: Despite this being a beautiful, poetic psalm, with its first line invoked in many songs over the ages, it twice attributes to the Lord his most intimidating military title ... Lord of Armies, Yahweh Tzevaot, Jehovah Sabaoth. This is the Lord of the strong tower, the military deliverer and protector, the one who leads the nation in war, the God who will defend his people through might and conflict.

It is this title that is then placed side-by-side with images that would invoke thoughts of peaceful harmony ... lovely dwellings, a sparrow's nest, the happy house of the Lord in heaven, a pleasant walk past springs of water. Selah

Application: It is obvious that I have been reflecting on the conflicts of our day and age lately, and openly wondering what the Lord will do. Will he defend his Church? Will he attack and destroy the evil influencing our culture? Will he allow our nation to be destroyed for its transgressions? Will there by any discrimination in his fury that is to come? Have we even done enough to earn his grace? Should I be desiring the Lord's wrath, or fearing it?

Well, maybe ... I should be simply leaning into the Lord's love and joys, finding peace in him, experiencing his peaceful Shalom by taking in wonderful walks, pleasant animals in nature, and the beautiful creation I dwell in, while I trust in the Lord's great might to simply do whatever it is he will do.

I need to quit worrying about the coming war. Jehovah Sabaoth's got that taken care of. I get to enjoy his love, pursue his will, and tell others of his loving mercy found in Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord, may I have your Shalom more and more every day. Your love is so great, and I spend so little time enjoying it. Whatever are the conflicts of the future, today or tomorrow or long off, I know you are in control of them. May that give me peace today. Amen.

When We Deny Sovereign Creation

Scripture: Manasseh set up the carved image of Asherah, which he made, in the temple that the Lord had spoken about to David and his son Solomon: "I will establish my name forever in this temple and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel." 2 Kings 21:7

Observation: The first list of Manasseh's sins is terrible, including human sacrifice of his own son, and every other wicked thing. However, this one sin is the retold ... that Manasseh set up the Asherah, which he himself made, in the temple. It is also this act that is explicitly aligned to King Ahab, the king who sent Israel down their darkest path, in verse 3.

It is this establishment of an idol to Asherah that is clearly very, very serious to the Lord, and that may be because it is this belief in a female counterpart that explicitly denies the Lord's authority as sovereign creator. The Lord did not co-create with a female, and he does not have an equal side-by-side with him that is independent of himself.

There are so many very serious sins performed by many throughout scripture, and Manasseh seems to rapidly compile most of them himself. However, it is this act - worshipping a co-creator side-by-side with Lord God almighty, denying the Lord's authority over all creation - that truly crosses the line.

Application: As I consider all my sins, I do see how this one idea is beyond all others. I may do things contrary to the law, even harming others along the way. However, none of these sins approach the idea of declaring the Lord is not God.

And yet, I can imagine that. I almost did it once. I actively questioned if God existed, and if he did, if he was really some kind of all-powerful creator of heaven and earth. I challenged that idea to the point of thinking that, if he did exist, he probably couldn't really act in the world, or wasn't really powerful enough to do anything within the world.

This is the mindset of our society, and it is rapidly crossing the line into a cultural behavior that says creation itself is so flawed that it must be fixed by human hands, right down to the very nature of individuals. We celebrate the idea that 'nature' has variability and flaws in a manner that denies intelligent creation, purposefully created by a great creator. In this manner, our society has set up a model that declares we can choose how we are created, denying the Lord's sovereign creation.

I am living in a time that embodies the sins of Manasseh and Ahab. The Asherah's are all around me, they are very intentionally made by leaders, and uninformed masses who have lost the truth in their hearts follow the example in their ignorance.

I have many sins, for which I am sad and upset. However, I have a creator who is all-powerful, and has a plan and purpose for all, encompassed by a love so strong that he would allow his creation to deny him, while offering salvation from that false belief through simple hope in his son. I hope we can remove the Asherah's from the hearts of this time.

Prayer: Lord, please forgive me of my sins, and give to me your gentle, soft heart. I have so many flaws, and I understand the mind that infests others, so I try not to judge. However, we need a major repair job in the temple of this world. May one of two things come: revival, or final judgment. Amen.

God Sees Everyone

Scripture:
But I know your sitting down,
your going out and your coming in,
and your raging against me.
2 Kings 19:27

Observation: Assyria has destroyed Israel and arrived to do the same to Judah, King Hezekiah prays, and Isaiah reveals the Lord's response. Yes, protection will come that very night when 185,000 soldiers just die in their sleep and Assyria is forced to withdraw, never to return. However, the response given as a message to the king of Assyria is less about military protection, and much more about the sovereign control of Yahweh.

God says that yes, the king brags about all he has accomplished, but certainly he must know that all he has done was God's plan. More than that, God's knowledge of the king is personal. God knows everything he does ... how he goes about during his days, when he leaves his tent and when he returns, and even all the raging he declares against the Lord himself. God sees those who seek him, but he sees the evil people opposed to him as well.

Application: We had another minor issue yesterday with a person coming to our church and seeking to hold fort for their own agenda, and to be honest I am just exhausted by it. Even if she was seeking God's love for others, she chooses to do so by fighting publicly, appealing to human governments, and creating angst for believers in Jesus. I am sure she isn't evil, but she used lies to oppose pastors in order to advance her cause and engage in a secular fight.

And God sees her. The greatest comfort that has ever been spoken to me by the Lord in my entire life ... applies the same to literally everyone. It applies to the very good and the very bad, to the very honest and to the very evil. It isn't just that it applies to me when I am being good and bad, in need or in comfort.

Of course, that sentiment - that the Lord sees me - can be a comfort, a threat, a challenge, a reminder, a conviction, or a blessing. Personally, I wish it were always a comfort and blessing, but that is dependent on me and knowing when I am and am not acting in a manner that would please God as he sees me. Still, this promise I claim, and the joy I get from being reminded that the Lord sees me and guides my life, isn't just not unique to me ... it isn't special for faithful believers. The Lord sees those who are angry and violent, who are confused and conflicted, who are mislead in their approach to good. He sees them all the same.

My greatest comfort is the status quo for wonderful saints, tyrannical kings, heartbroken servants, social cause warriors, middle-aged nobodies ... the list goes on.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for Debbie's friend. I know you see her. I doubt she is evil, but she sought conflict, used deception, and refused your authority. And she is equal in your eyes, worthy of love, one of your created. May she find a better peace in you today. Amen.

Seeing the Pattern of Attacks

Scripture: I found that he had not done anything deserving of death, but when he himself appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him. I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore, I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after this examination is over, I may have something to write. For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without indicating the charges against him. Acts 25:25-27

Observation: As Paul stands before the Jewish King Agrippa, this is Festus' explanation for the hearing ... he is going to send Paul to Ceasar as a prisoner, but doesn't have any crime to charge him with, so maybe Agrippa can help figure it out. The Jews want Paul put to death, and yet Festus can't find even the smallest thing wrong with him.

This statement gets to the heart of everything everyone has ever had against Paul. His "crime" is ... he believes that Jesus is the Messiah, went through the hardships - and resurrection - exactly as the prophets said he would, and thus now provides an avenue for redemption and salvation through faith.

Paul understands this, and his entire conversation with Agrippa will be about this fact. Paul will explain his personal history as a Pharisee, walk through his conversion on the road to Damascus, and proclaim that all he has done ever since that event is point out to everyone that the prophets all declared the need for a future Messiah, they described the life and actions of that Messiah, and now Jesus has fulfilled that hope that all Jews have had for centuries.

However, none of this is a crime. None of this is worthy of any kind of Roman action, let alone a trial, and certainly not a trial to be heard by Ceasar. Yet Festus wants to maintain peace in Judea, and thus is going to send Paul to Ceasar anyway, and needs to make up a reason. And the important takeaway of that statement is that ... it absolutely won't work. For reasons unrelated to Christianity, Judea will refuse to be a peaceful Roman province, and in only a few more years Rome will need to enforce its rule in Judea, and will mark that enforcement through a military siege of Jerusalem, resulting in the permanent (at least to this day) destruction of the temple.

Application: There is an important pattern here to be observed, when people motivated by evil attack people motivated by the Lord's truth and love. That pattern has three components I can see:

1) Those opposed to the Lord's truth desire, as an outcome, some violent retribution against the believers, which often itself seems immoral and wrong.

2) The accusers invent ideas - new words, new rules, new policies, new ideals, new morality - as a basis for accusations.

3) When they succeed in their attacks ... and yes, make no mistake, their attacks often succeed ... nothing changes. Their lives aren't better, their circumstances aren't better, and in fact their society is much worse.

I have seen first-hand how this happens in relatively small ways, with false attacks against single individuals regarding a very small social construct, and how the outcome made everything worse for everyone. And I know why this is the case ... because the Lord is on the throne, picking up the pieces for the faithful and restoring their strength and hope, while providing justice on all.

I wish I had more peace in my life over my past circumstances. It is finally getting better, but it all still lingers even after several years. I would like to better follow Paul's example, and simply live in peace, while I continue to know that the Lord is with me and my family.

Prayer: Lord, I do in fact you are with me, and see your hand in every aspect of every circumstance. May I find your Shalom. Amen.

Next Gen Scriptural Rejection

Scripture: But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, replied to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem to be tried before me there on these charges?” Paul replied, “I am standing at Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as even you yourself know very well. If then I did anything wrong and am deserving of death, I am not trying to escape death; but if there is nothing to what these men accuse me of, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar!” Acts 25:9-11

Observation: Paul's formal trial with Festus is brief. The Jews accuse him of ... nothing illegal, as Festus himself will point out. However, Festus asks if Paul is willing to be tried by the Jews, and Paul refuses. He is done submitting to the Jewish high priest, who continues to reject the fact that Jesus is the Messiah.

Over and over again, Paul's hardships are the result of Jewish resistance to any discussion about the Messiah. They are not just resistant, but violent and illogical. They reject debate that is based on their own scriptures, and instead do all they can to protect their own status quo. And Paul is done with this. Never again will Paul engage in debate and disagreement over Jewish prophesy and scriptural interpretation. Instead, he will lean into the core tenants of what faith in Messiah truly means ... the manifestation of the Lord's love, with a path to salvation through simple belief.

Application: The Jews lost sight of their own purpose and thus violently rejected the very savior they had been promised, compromising their own belief system to retain their lifestyle. Christians are now the adopted heirs to the promises of the Lord ... and we are doing the exact same thing. We have entire denominations, comprised of millions of believers, who now reject the teaching of the Lord, as found in the bible, and do so because they think they are being 'relevant' and 'appealing' to modern culture. They have compromised their call and mission in order to try to retain their lifestyle.

I know I could do the same, and I probably do. I am not proud of who I am, what I think and do, or how I uphold the Lord's word in my life. I am a failure in almost every respect. However, my heart literally breaks when I see Christians in opposition to the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, a pray again today for so many churches that have cast aside your word. I believe they have faith in Jesus, but have lost their understanding of what that truly means in their earthly life. I will not mourn the loss of their lampstand, but I pray for the people that they can find your heart again. And when I lose my way, I pray that same prayer for myself as well. Amen.

I Belong to a Loving Father

Today I praise the Lord God, my father, my Abba. When it feels like I won't make it, I call on Jesus! I may not know what a day may bring, but I know who brings the day.