Everywhere the Lord Touches

Scripture: Go now to the place in Shiloh where I first made a dwelling for my Name, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of my people Israel. Jeremiah 7:12

Observation: As the Lord declares what he will do to Jerusalem and the temple due to the false worship of the people, he points out Shiloh as an example of his wrath. And what did God "do" to Shiloh? He destroyed it so thoroughly that it was never again inhabited.

From the time of Joshua entering the promised land, until Samuel was a boy - approximately 1406 BC to 1050 BC, or 350 years - the Tent of Meeting (Tabernacle) was set up on the hill of Shiloh with a village built around it, and an amphitheater made out of the hillsides surrounding it. Every festival occurred, there, and every priest served there. However, as their sacrificial practices become more and more corrupt, and as all of Israel turned away from the Lord, eventually this ended. The Lord brough the Philistines into the land, settled them where the tribe of Dan was supposed to be, and they attacked, destroyed Shiloh, and even took the Ark of the Covenant for seven months. When the Ark was recovered (returned), there was never even a thought of returning it to Shiloh, so destroyed was the location, and to this day Shiloh is nothing but a ruined archeological site.

Jerusalem is a fortified city, not some hilltop village. The Temple is a large complex with one of the largest buildings on earth, not a tent. However, the Lord is declaring that, unless the people correct their worship practices and return to him, he will turn it all into a heap of burned stone.

But here's the point of Jeremiah's warning ... the people don't have to image what the Lord might do, they can go and see it! The ruins of Shiloh were, at that time, still just ruins. It was a burned-down village that never recovered. They didn't need a tour guide to show them where things might have been in and around the new construction. Shiloh remained destroyed, and if anyone wanted to they could go see that and learn its lesson. However, here's betting ... they didn't go and see it.

Application: I am becoming more and more fascinated in the places where the Lord well and truly 'came down' and touched the earth. Shiloh is one of them, as he dwelled there in the Tent, spoke to Samuel there, and had it destroyed for Israel's transgression.

However, it is important to remember that ... the Lord is everywhere. Creation and everything in it is the Lord's, and he manages and guides and controls it all. The Lord has been in my house, and he has been in the woods out back, and he has been in the park down the street. He has 'touched' it all, and within every place and every space I should act honorably toward his presence, seeking his peace and his love.

The Lord could destroy my house, reducing it to burned-out rubble, for my transgressions. I need only look to a village that was the epicenter of the Lord's own power, then permanently erased from existence, to know he can do this to correct behavior. The Lord has touched my life and all aspects and places surrounding it, and I need to honor him in that context, with my life, daily.

Prayer: Lord, again today I ask for your forgiveness for my sins. My sins harm me the most, and drive a wedge between us. I repent and desire your forgiveness in the name of Jesus. May I improve this day, doing your will more and more, by the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

There’s Some Things that Need to Die

I’m at war with my humanity
Trying to reclaim my sanity
Nothing in my veins but vanity
It's the same old, same old

Service that Lasts Millennia

Scripture: But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Philippians 2:25-26

Observation: Epaphroditus appears as one of those mysterious one-time characters in the bible, upon whom ancient church tradition then grows.

What is known for certain (within the bible) is exactly what is in these six versus written by Paul; Epaphroditus was sent to Paul by the church in Philippi to assist his work while in prison, once there he became sick and almost died, but once recovered Paul sent him back to Philippi with this letter. Based on some of the ancient Greek used in this letter, there are some interpretations of these six verses that conclude Epaphroditus was himself rather rich, and a leader of the church in Philippi. Extra-biblical tradition states Epaphroditus was at some point THE leader of the church in Philippi, recognized as the bishop of that city, one of the 70 most prominent disciples in all of the first century, and the bishop of even a different city too. (The last of these claims is almost impossible due to the timing and practicality.)

There is no doubt Epaphroditus was a faithful Christian and a good man. He traveled at his own peril to aid Paul, and impressed Paul enough to not only be entrusted with the letter but to also receive instructions about certain other church issues. Traditions established real-time are more trustworthy than those created decades or centuries later, therefore the idea he was one of the 70 greatest early-church leaders is possible but not certain. The fact that the Lord inspired Paul to discuss him in what is now part of the bible, thus commemorating his service for millennia, is evidence enough of his great faith.

And that is the great point. Epaphroditus was such a good and faithful servant of the Lord that the Lord himself decided to document his faith in a manner that would pass down to us as an example, for thousands of years. The titles and positions he held are meaningless. Whether or not he belongs on some list of '70 greatest' is meaningless. The fact he was a beacon of service that shone so brightly that the Lord himself chose to aim that light at us through the generations as an example ... that's infinitely meaningful.

Application: I have never once done anything positive for someone else that would be remembered for even a year or two, let alone generations. That is a very strong statement - and even as I write it I know it isn't completely true because I've been told by people that I have positively changed their lives - however it is true that my work is small ... and it is becoming smaller as I get older.

I am doing less, and I am messing up more. I am becoming less passionate, less mission-focused, and less active. I am finding excuses for not engaging rather than ways to serve more, or even just ways to serve differently.

Even the things I did in the past that are continuing and lasting ... my role in them has been forgotten, and soon my name will be so disassociated with them that within a decade I won't even be remembered as a part of anything.

I will never do anything that is remembered for millennia. I would like to do more, in the name of and in service to Jesus, that is remembered positively by someone, for their lifetime. To do that, I need to reprioritize my time, quit doing the empty things in life, and start filling that time with love and service.

Prayer: Lord, this is the worst thing of how I spend my time; it distracts me from meditating on your word, and doing your work. I am trying, but I struggle. I need your strength. Please, today and every day, give me the strength of the Holy Spirit so I can fight the demons, ignore the temptations and distractions, and do your work. Amen.

Wondering if It will be Enough

Scripture:
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11

Observation: Paul discusses the good work and good practices of the church in Philippi. He hopes to someday leave prison and come see them, but if he cannot he wants to encourage their faithfulness. In this, he discusses the nature of Jesus, and that he is exalted as the Messiah, and that one day everyone will acknowledge Jesus as Lord, giving glory to Yahweh.

And who is 'everyone'? Paul says it will be everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. However, "under the earth" isn't a clear description of a location.

-- In heaven = Those dead who have received eternal blessing in Yahweh ... or those never born

-- On earth = All the living

-- Under the earth = Those dead who have received damnation in hell ... or just those dead

The common interpretation is that this was all just Paul's way of saying "everyone". Every person past, present, and future will bow and worship Jesus as Messiah, even if they never before believed that. At some point, there will be a great revelation, and even the most evil person who rejected Jesus will come to the realization that the Lord is real, Jesus is the savior of the world, and their most proper act is to bow and worship him.

Application: I started with questions about this interpretation of this passage ... a common reading of these words could lead to an understanding we're talking about the future worshippers being the angels in heaven, and the believers on earth both alive and dead. However, as I think on this and pray on this, I am more inclined to accept the common theology. There will be a day when all these people I see every day who actively reject everything about the Lord, about Jesus, and about faith, will bow on their knees and declare with all their heart that Jesus Christ is Lord.

I wonder, will that be enough to save them? Will bowing to worship in the face of some event that removes any and all ability to even fathom any other truth about the entire universe, be acceptable as 'faith'?

Here is the answer to this question I receive: That is not my concern to know and understand. My job is just to rejoice in knowing that some day everything about Jesus will be proven to such a degree that no one who has ever opposed it will be able to stand. They will all surrender, realizing their errors. I can celebrate that now, during every hard and frustrating and sad day, knowing that this 'someday' is a forgone conclusion. How that affects the salvation of those individuals is not mine to figure out or even think upon.

Prayer: Lord, I do thank you for the joy in knowing that one day everyone will just know the truth. I celebrate that future day in my heart today. May I know you better today. Please keep me strong in my faith, in my love for others, and in my obedience today. Amen.

Clarifying Salvation in a Sinful Land

Scripture:
Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land,
you who do what he commands.
Seek righteousness, seek humility;
perhaps you will be sheltered
on the day of the Lord’s anger.
Zephaniah 2:3

Observation: During the time of the last kings of Judah - during the reign of Josiah the 'last good' king - the Lord declares that he will utterly destroy Judah, and all the surrounding nations. He will lay waste to the temple, and kill all those in Jerusalem, their great lives full of gold and wine amounting to helplessness and nothingness. As a form of protection to the remnant that survives, he will also destroy all the surrounding enemies, including Moab, Ammon, Philistia, Cush, and Assyria.

And who will be that remnant? It will be a small handful who humble themselves and seek the Lord. However, it is important to note that 'remnant' doesn't mean 'protected from hardship.' They will be sheltered from the Lord's anger and survive. They will not retain their lives, their riches, their homes, or their temple. They will likely be allowed to flee to places like Ashkelon (called out in v7 as a place for them), but fleeing with nothing but your lives to the land of the Philistines doesn't sound like salvation.

Judah is going down. Jerusalem will be destroyed, and the temple will be completely torn down and burned, purging it of everything corrupt that the Jews have done within it, and purging it of the corrupted people who have lost sight of the Lord. For the righteous who remain faithful to the Lord, they will be sheltered - aka allowed to live - but the Lord's anger will be complete within the land. They must seek humility ... not only should be the humble in their faith, but their future lives will be the most humble of experiences.

Application: I remain convinced that this is the future of America ... there will come a time when the Lord will decide he has had enough of our nation. We aren't some "chosen" people, so this isn't like the interaction between the Lord and his nation of priests, but we are a nation that was founded with a measure of faith and blessed, and has now so turned against the Lord that we are the gateway for evil into the world.

And those of us who have faith in Jesus Christ and who seek righteousness ... what will become of us? We will be sheltered, but we better have a good understanding of what that "sheltered" may look like. It might look like ... living as refugees in small shacks in Mexico, or residing in small European apartments with just enough 'retirement savings' to provide for our small daily meals, or becoming migrant farm hands working for those who now operate the infrastructure of rural North America.

And here's the deal ... I want to be found as one of those "humble in the land". I act too prideful, and behave in a manner of my own choosing too often. In faith in Jesus, I wish to live a more humble life of service to him and to others. Yea, I'm not really looking forward to what "shelter" might look like when the Lord acts against America, and I'm very disturbed by how Christians are now being attacked already in America, but that's all part of the call. That's all part of faith. I live in a sinful land that is in full rebellion against the Lord, and when he chooses to bring it down I hope to be found faithful and humble.

Prayer: Lord, my acts every day are truly rooted in pride and arrogance. Please forgive me sins and my arrogance. May I keep my heart humble, and find ways to instead serve you, love others, and do good work that you have prepared for me. Amen.

Those who are Vexed and Hopeless

Scripture:
The wicked will see and be vexed,
they will gnash their teeth and waste away;
the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.
Psalm 112:10

Observation: This psalm of praise begins with extoling the Lord for the blessings he gives to those who worship and believe in him. Verse 10 is the first to focus on the 'wicked', and their interaction with the world is rather specific. They are ... perplexed in a way that leaves them frustrated, exhausted, and longing for more, yet knowing that what they have amounts to nothing.

This is surprisingly accurate. Even when we see "wicked" people who seem to "have it all" by earthly standards - riches, fame, comfort, praise - we see their interaction with the world remain consistent with the attitude of confusion with the world. It isn't just that they champion ill-conceived or even evil concepts, but that they do so for confusing, inconsistent, and misinformed reasons, then become frustrated and angry about certain outcomes or scenarios. The people who "have it all" are always either fighting for more because they don't understand the life they have, or fighting for causes that run inconsistent with the world, and these things they long for are meaningless to God's plan.

Application: As I ponder this ... the manner in which I see celebrities and athletes and big-time executives who live their lives and 'influence' the world to pursue ill-conceived and immoral pursuits ... the more I believe that such people truly are "vexed" by the world. They are confused. They don't understand the truth and the purpose and the plan of the created world, and of the love of the Lord within creation, and therefore get locked into other concepts. They pursue those concepts (riches, celebrity, and 'causes' they can promote) to the point of being angry and frustrated and unhappy because no outcome ever fulfills them.

And all the while they believe one fact ... they will die, everything will end, and nothing they have will be theirs anymore. They will do so much and then it all comes to nothing and is meaningless ... a wise person might describe it as 'vapor' that just is gone.

Yes, I see the wicked who pursue earthly success as operating from a place of confusion, frustration, and vexation ... and hopelessness.

Prayer: Lord, it is hope that gives me every purpose in my life, and you are the only true source of hope in my life. My hope is in you, Lord, as I have faith in your love, in your promises, and in your salvation. Amen.

Everything Else is Noise

Scripture: There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-6

Observation: Paul's encouragement for unity in the church is based on this principle ... that there is one collection of true beliefs that form the foundation of the Christian way. There is one universal Church, all empowered by the same Holy Spirit, and by whom we all have the same, singular hope, which is salvation through faith in Jesus. It is by that hope that we agree Jesus is the singular Lord and Messiah, in whom we place are faith a pledged that faith through baptism. And Jesus as Messiah is, of course, the son of the one true God, creator of heaven and earth.

In one (albeit a little run-on) sentence, Paul defines the "non-negotiables" of faith. Add to this list one more item - the bible as the unerring and divinely spoken word of God - and that basically covers it. Everything else is noise.

Application: So, given everything else is noise, why is that noise so loud sometimes? Why does there exist factions that would declare a false doctrine that contradicts these basics, and they are the ones working so hard to be heard? Why do some Christians yell and scream about the nature of certain sins, and get in fights with other members of their church about how to respond to such sins?

This isn't true of all, but there remains a vocal component of believers who want to shout about secondary issues. And it feels like those are the ones on Youtube talking about topics ranging from transgenderism to the source of the Nephilim to the rapture timing. Throw the 'American politics' wrapper around all of that, and it becomes more than noise ... it becomes a clanging gong or a squeaky fence gate, which doesn't mean anything as is just irritating.

Let's unify around, talk about, and teach others of, the non-negotiables, and most notably the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord, as my family remains ill this week, may your healing come upon us. As my family remains stressed this week, may your peace come upon us. As my family remains concerned with the world this week, may your opportunities to speak 'Christ crucified' to others come before us. Amen.

Predestined for this Timing

Scripture: In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:11-12

Observation: Paul's introduction to the church in Ephesus twice mentions the idea of "predestination". He states that the Lord "predestined us" for adoption into the family of God through faith in Jesus, and here that those who "were also chosen" are predestined to bring praise and glory to Jesus. This, of course, illudes to the difficult topic of ... free will, and the possibility that some people are destined by the Lord's own plan to accept Jesus. The uncomfortable corollary to this is that anyone who does not believe in Jesus - and thus cursed to eternal damnation - was not pre-selected by the Lord and therefore their curse is not a result of their rejection of Jesus, but rather that Jesus rejected them before they had a say in the matter.

That is exactly the way satan wants people to think about this word "predestined". It becomes a reason for non-Christians to reject faith, as it sounds like they have been rejected by God first ... and who would want to believe in a divine entity that rejects them before they even existed. However, this is absolutely not what Paul is talking about. Paul is not talking about predestination in terms of a decision about faith. Rather, Paul is talking about predestination in the context of time and place.

The early Christians - like the ones in Ephesus - were predestined to exist in the first century AD, in order to be the ones who would first accept Jesus, and spread the gospel through the Roman empire. As Paul even says, they were predestined to be the ones who first put hope in Christ, to create the foundation for praise and glory to continue to future generations.

Individuals within the timing of the first century had a choice when they heard the good news of The Way. They had free will to accept or reject the message. However, the context of when and where they heard the gospel was determined by their lifespans, located in the largest unified empire in history. These people were destined to hear the news through traveling apostles that were mostly Jews, some of whom had seen Jesus first-hand and some who understood the Messiah directly within the context of the scriptures and prophesy. They were destined to form communities that would ultimately oppose the Greek and Roman system of gods, and the concept of the godship of Caesar. They were destined to receive letters as a form of teaching from experts, and then to preserve those letters so they could be shared for generations, over millennia.

Choosing to believe in Jesus was their free-will choice. What that choice would mean in terms of interaction with society was predestined by their time and place.

Application: I have free will to choose to follow Jesus, and that is a choice I absolutely make. I believe in Jesus as the Christ and Messiah, savior and Lord. However, what I am then called to do by faith is very much based on the fact I live in what must reasonably be understood to be the 'end times'. It is a timing that involves unique circumstances involving everything from AI-powered digital experiences, to open acceptance of identity and gender confusion, to global real-time communications placed in the hands of (effectively) everyone. I don't have a choice about the circumstances of my era.

As for the end times, there are some who think Jesus is returning this week. I sincerely hope so. I have not been overly obedient recently to his work. I have faith and a desire to be better, but I am also weary with the issues of this age. It would be nice for this to end. But if the end does not come this week, I will renew my work for the Lord in this time and place. I will seek more and more of the Holy Spirit, and by his strength I will find new work to do, as the Lord would call me.

I choose Jesus. I hope the Lord has predestined me to still do more for his kingdom on earth.

Prayer: Lord, I do pray this week, come Lord Jesus. However, if this is not the timing, may I be faithful in doing the work that you have already selected for me to do. Amen.

We have Reached the Tipping Point

Scripture: For you this whole vision is nothing but words sealed in a scroll. And if you give the scroll to someone who can read, and say, “Read this, please,” they will answer, “I can’t; it is sealed.” Or if you give the scroll to someone who cannot read, and say, “Read this, please,” they will answer, “I don’t know how to read.” Isaiah 29:11-12

Observation: After pronouncing both a threat against Jerusalem (a future war and siege) and salvation (the Lord's defeat of that enemy) - both events that soon happened under King Hezekiah - Isaiah then writes that through all of this the people just don't understand. Part of the prophesy itself is that they have ignored and silenced their prophets.

However, Isaiah then clarifies this lack of understanding of prophesy in this passage of prose. It isn't just that the people don't comprehend, or have shut down the words of their prophets, but rather that they willfully ignore the attempts of the Lord to even communicate with them. As a metaphor ... when handed a scroll with clear warnings and instructions, some people will say they can't read (when just having someone who can read this aloud would be easy); some people will say the scroll is sealed (when opening the scroll is the easiest thing to do). They won't even make a tiny bit of effort to comprehend the great truths and messages and warnings and blessings of God.

Application: I have been saying for years - privately with friends and family, and publicly in this blog - that our nation is coming apart ... that we as a people are failing to recognize that we are in the midst of a spiritual war between good and evil ... that a tipping point is coming when Christians will be openly attacked and killed for their faith, and we will know who is evil not by who does the killing, but by who cheers it on and/or justifies it.

There have been signs this has happened with the killing of some lesser-known individuals over the last few months, but with the murder of Charlie Kirk, we now know the tipping point is here.

Thankfully, I have seen many Christians responding to his by declaring the truth ... that this is evidence of the spiritual war that is already raging in the U.S. We are not in a political divide, we are in a war between good and evil, where satan is influencing many into a pattern of thinking and behavior in a war against the Lord, against the plans and purposes and instructions of the Lord, and against the Lord's beloved creation - mankind - and by extension our reconciliation to the Lord through faith in Jesus Christ.

As Christians, our method of "fighting back" needs to be love, not violence. Our weapon needs to be the gospel message of salvation, not shouted rhetoric and anger. Our outward posture needs to be peaceful, not fearful. HOWEVER ... we must know we are in a war, and the enemy has, as his goal, our spiritual death. The enemy - satan, and originator of all lies - has spiritually killed many among us who have declared themselves opposed to God, rejected Jesus, and now act as part of satan's army in influencing others in order to bring them to spiritual death. However, if satan cannot kill us spiritually because we remain strong in Christ, he will seek to kill us emotionally, professionally, relationally, and mentally. What might these types of 'killing' look like?

Emotionally = Creating environments and situations that cause us to fear for the safety of ourselves and our families, to the point that we withdraw and remain silent.

Professionally = Implementing policies and practices whereby acting upon our faith can cost us our jobs or opportunities to advance in our earthly vocation.

Relationally = Turning friends and others us into alignment with his evil schemes so that discussions about the truth create division, strife, and separation.

Mentally = Leveraging platforms like social media to alter our minds, ultimately distracting and undermining our ability to keep our eyes and focus on the truth.

And those he cannot kill in these manners, he will kill physically to remove them from the fight here on earth.

We - mankind in general and the U.S. specifically - have been handed the scroll. It very clearly states that the evil enemy is attacking, turning millions and millions of people into his minions who violate the Lord's precepts, willingly forfeit their God-created identity, declare their loyalty to concepts derived from lies and hate, and then fight for those same lies. Those who accept and read the scroll will have to decide what to do, and prepare to be attacked emotionally, professionally, relationally, mentally, and physically.

My biggest concern is for all the Christians - all the churches - who are saying that they can't read the scroll.

Prayer: Lord, the situation is clear. I have two prayers today. The first is to help me overcome the attacks against myself. I am failing in this regard. I need your strength, and I need to redouble my strength and awareness of the source and cause of these attacks and live into my calling in this spiritual war. Second, please awaken the churches who have declared they can't or won't read the scroll. Please give them a new heart and a renewing of their faith and belief in your word. Amen.

Wishing I Could Someday Boast

Scripture: Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 2 Corinthians 11:21b-23

Observation: In responding to criticism about himself, Paul gets both direct and sarcastic. He gets direct by listing all of his credentials as perhaps the preeminent apostle of the world, not only discussing his background but all the challenges and hardships he has endured because of his boldness throughout the eastern Mediterranean. He is being sarcastic as he calls himself a crazy fool for even saying these things, and what he is really doing is calling out false teachers and church members who have criticized him while self-aggrandizing their qualifications. He is effectively saying, "I am greater than all of them, but I'm not saying so because to promote oneself is foolish and conceited."

Paul will go on to state the one thing he will boast of, which is his weakness, for it is only in overcoming weakness that the power of Jesus can be evident. Jesus doesn't show himself strong because Paul is a Jew, or a learned Pharisee, or even that Paul has been flogged. Jesus shows himself strong because of Paul's conversion, Paul's ability to speak in the spirit despite his shortcomings, and Paul's inner strength through faith while being insulted by others.

Application: I have the ability to make a list much like Paul has done. I was raised a Christian, always attending Sunday School, professed faith at age 16, publicly baptized as an adult, elected an Elder of the church, married to a Pastor, leader of several ministries, coordinator of large evangelistic events over a span of decades, ostracized at work for my beliefs, formally written up and disciplined for proclaiming Jesus, repeatedly publicly insulted for my understanding of God's word, fired due to lies as a backlash for my faith.

And here's the deal ... none of that matters. In fact, I am one of the lesser, weakest Christians I know right now. I have done 'things' but have failed to overcome my weaknesses, and failed to rely upon the Lord to fully assist me in overcoming my weaknesses. The result is a diminishing focus on what is good and right and true, and a pervasive sadness in my life.

This is my goal: To someday add more and more to the things I could boast of - but won't - because I will have a story to tell about the one weakness that the Lord, by his spirit, helped me overcome ... and of that I will boast.

Prayer: Lord, again today I sit here in my weakness, and ask for your forgiveness, your mercy, and your strength. May I find a way to rely upon you today, and not on my own mind and willpower, which always fails. Please, Lord, help me to turn aside from the ways of my own abilities, and rely on you for everything, receiving your guidance in both my work and my leisure. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Administrators Trust in the Lord

Scripture: In that day I will summon my servant, Eliakim son of Hilkiah. I will clothe him with your robe and fasten your sash around him and hand your authority over to him. He will be a father to those who live in Jerusalem and to the people of Judah. I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. Isaiah 22:20-22

Observation: This passage is a prophesy concerning a man named Shebna. Shebna is the palace administrator - the person who runs the king's household and personal affairs - under Judah's king, and apparently Shebna did three things. First, he was openly afraid of the message of the Assyrians when they arrived at Jerusalem. Second, he counseled the king to hire Egyptian mercenaries to aid them. Third, he assumed Judah would fall so carved a tomb for himself in preparation for his death. In response to this lack of faith, the Lord will replace Shebna with Eliakim.

What is most interesting about this passage is what is said about this transition of power. Eliakim will receive "authority", he will become a "father" to the faithful, and he will be given the "key" to the house of David whereby what he opens (or unlocks) no one can shut (or lock against him) and what he shuts no one else can open.

There is an unmistakable parallel here to what Jesus says to the apostles, and especially Peter when Peter declares Jesus to be the Messiah. Jesus himself is the promised eternal ruler from the line of David. Eventually, Jesus will reveal to the apostles that he is giving them all authority. At one point, he declares that those things Peter and the disciples unlock on earth will be unlocked in heaven, and those things they lock on earth will be locked in heaven.

Through these parallels, there seems to be a transition in the stewardship and administration of faith. The transition of the 'palace administrator' meant that a different person now had authority over the administrative affairs of Judah, which was the priestly nation the Lord appointed to reveal himself to the world. Likewise, and using much of the same phrasing, Jesus transitions that same authority - the appointment of what people-group will serve David's family line and reveal the Lord to the world - from the Jews to the Christians.

Application: As Christians who have received this commission - the commission to be the 'administrators' of faith - we may try to figure out what we should do. However, not much is known about what Eliakim did in his lifetime. Therefore, we can at least look at Shebna and know what poor administration looks like, and thus what we should avoid.

First, we must not be afraid, but rather know that the Lord is above and more powerful than any earthly threat. Second, we must look to the Lord for assistance in everything in life, seeking his plan and direction, instead of seeking earthly methods or our own earthly wisdom to solve our challenges. Thirdly, we must live life with confidence the Lord will provide for us, rather than living in a manner that effectively just plans for our own demise.

In summary ... we must simply trust in the Lord, in all ways, at all times.

Prayer: Lord, every day I do what I want, using my own thoughts and my own solutions to address challenges, and forgetting to simply hand my life over to you and seek your solutions. I may not act like it, but I do trust in you, Lord. May my actions reflect my beliefs more and more. Amen.

Interpretation without Conclusion

Scripture: At that time gifts will be brought to the Lord Almighty
from a people tall and smooth-skinned,
from a people feared far and wide,
an aggressive nation of strange speech,
whose land is divided by rivers—
the gifts will be brought to Mount Zion, the place of the Name of the Lord Almighty. Isaiah 18:7

Observation: This passage refers to other nations that will someday come to Jerusalem with gifts to present to the Lord. The commentaries about this passage vary greatly about who this other nation - people tall, with different skin, who speaks a strange language and are from a land divided by rivers - might be. The three prevailing guesses in order to apparent popularity are a) Ethiopia, b) the United States, and c) India. There is a scattering of other opinions about northern Persia, Europe (especially Rome), and China as well.

Here's the deal ... none of those quite make sense, yet they all do make sense, especially the U.S. and India. These are both far-off lands who have received visitors by boat (v2) with a message about the Lord, both would be accurately described as speaking a language very different from ancient Hebrew, both are populated by people with skin different than middle easterners, and the U.S. is very rightly described as an aggressive nation who a feared. This overall passage also talks about the rivers of Cush, which at that time was understood to mean the Nile and its tributaries, which is where the idea of modern Ethiopia and Sudan comes in, and this is reenforced when the next section discusses the 'land of Ham' (aka Egypt and northeastern Africa). You can even say ... the Roman empire absolutely came to Jerusalem as an aggressive and feared people, then brought Jesus as the supreme 'gift' onto a hill in Zion.

The concerning thing is that it seems clear that Isaiah - speaking the words of the Lord - had a definitive idea of who this people-group was who would come to Zion and presents gifts to the Lord, yet modern-day scholars who should be understanding this prophesy by the power of the Holy Spirit don't agree.

Application: This is an interesting component of bible study. On one hand, I like going down a bit of a rabbit hole and trying to figure out these sorts of things. I often learn a lot when I do. I discover context I didn't know, and word meaning that wasn't obvious, and feel the Holy Spirit guides me to a deeper understanding when I do.

Likewise, these sort of issues lend themselves to personal encouragement. For example, this is vague enough even after research that I could say ... "This is the U.S. and believers are supposed to be taking a pilgrimage to Jerusalem" ... or "This is India and believers need to be traveling there to give them the good news so they'll want to support Israel" ... or "This was Rome and look, it's another Messianic prophesy Jesus already fulfilled!" Interestingly, any one of those could lead me to a right and encouraging thought and action, and at the same time all three of those are probably wrong (as this was probably about Africa).

I truly do like reading the bible, leaning into the Holy Spirit's direction, and knowing that whatever revelation I get from the spirit is for me. It is God's word for me today, and that represents the true living power of words written a millennia ago.

Prayer: Lord, please give me your spirit today to do what is right, understand everything with your wisdom, and serve others. Amen.

Thinking Upon my Greatest Sin

Scripture:
The prudent see danger and take refuge,
but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
Proverbs 22:3

Observations: Multiple proverbs in this passage have to do with how evil, wicked, simple, and foolish people persist in their activities. Either they intentionally push into their deceptive ways that are opposed to the Lod, or they don't pay attention to warnings and just keep going. However, the wise take heed, humble themselves, and either turn away from their flawed pursuits or never put themselves on the path in the first place.

Application: Absolutely, my greatest sin is pride. I don't want to do anything wrong, but I do decide that I will do certain things simply because ... I want to, and it's my life. That is pure hubris.

First of all, it's not my life. I have pledged myself to the Lord. I am supposed to make my body a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to him. I am to obey the Lord with all my heart and soul and mind and strength. None of that - NONE - says that my life is my own to do as I please. My daily activities are a reflection of my attitude toward the Lord, and when my activities exhibit sin and anger and a lack of love toward others, that clearly states I am not being a disciple of, and believer in, Jesus. Second, the idea I 'want' to do things is actually quite wrong. I literally do things I don't want to do, simply because I momentarily decide it is something to do right now.

All of this is pride, and based in the idea that I have some innate ability to direct my own life and make 'good' decisions. I have actually proven over and over again that I don't have that ability.

One of the things I take pride in is my intelligence. Even though that is misdirected - the Lord grants me both wisdom and a mind to use it - even my pride should help me fight my pride in this case. The proverb is true ... it is the 'simple' person, without thought or knowledge or wisdom or understanding or intelligence or awareness, who persists in their wrong behavior. I need to be prudent, see the danger of such a path, and take refuge, turning away from wrongdoing.

Prayer: Lord, my Lord and creator, God almighty, help me to heed your will and your word today. I know your precepts. Please forgive me as I transgress in any way, and help me to return and remain on your path with every step, every moment, every day. I desire to love you with all my heart and soul and mind and strength. Please renew my mind. May my daily activity no longer be flawed, but become a living sacrifice to you. Amen.

Woe to the Nation of Dry Grass

Scripture:
Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter.
Isaiah 5:20

Observation: As Isaiah pronounces woes over Judah and Israel, this is included ... a curse upon individuals and groups that confuse evil and good. These individuals are core to the wrong behavior of their nations, for it is from such twisted understandings of good and evil that rebellion against the Lord is founded.

Application: I have probably written on this verse before, but this truly is the curse for modern-day America. Everywhere, all the time, we see individuals declaring those things that are undeniably 'evil' as being good, even excellent and aspired for. Not quite as pronounced - but absolutely existing as well - are the people who declare things that the Lord states are 'good' as being evil, hateful, and wrong.

I could create a list of all the examples of these situations, but that list would be so long that it is worthless to document.

The scary part is what the Lord will do about this. In the case of Israel and Judah - and as Isaiah prophesied in verses 24-25 of this passage - the Lord's anger burned against the people and they were wiped away, just alike a wildfire engulfing a hillside of dried-out grass destroys everything on the hill. However, even with the destruction of the people who perpetrate these acts, that wasn't enough, as the Lord's arm was still raised in anger.

I believe that, in my children's lifetime, Jesus will return to earth. One of the reasons I believe that is not biblical, but from my own logic (which I understand is VERY unreliable and not in any way valid logic), and that personal logic is that the United States cannot survive another 50 years, and thus I don't understand what could happen to global society and mankind when this nation collapses.

I believe the Lord's arm is uplifted against the U.S. We are a nation that declares evil good, and good evil. People will be wiped away like a wildfire consumes dry grass, and then something even more powerful will come to overthrow it all. I sincerely hope that power is Jesus and his mercy.

Prayer: Lord, I am too sad and broken to pray today. Please forgive my sins, and help me at all moments, all day. Amen.

Perceiving Others in a New Way

Scripture: From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective. Even if we have known Christ from a worldly perspective, yet now we no longer know him in this way. 2 Corinthians 5:16

Observation: As Paul discusses the relationship between believers, he presents the idea that each believer should have a new and different understanding of their fellow believers. They should begin being proud of each other, for each of them is actually a new person and does not exist as the old, prior person they were. Therefore, especially relevant in the context of Corinth, one should not judge their fellow believers based on their prior occupations or practices or beliefs, but rather be proud that such people are now faithful to Christ.

Application: There are many great bible verses that people don't quite apply as they were originally intended, and 2 Corinthians 5:17 - the verse after this one - is one of them. Verse 17 says that, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation, the old has died and the new has been born. This verse is often presented as encouragement to tell believers that their 'old self' no longer exists, and they are now new. While this is very true, verse 17 was originally written in the context of verse 16 ... which is that, when we view other Christians, we should ignore their old selves for that person no longer exists, as they are a new creation.

It is a matter of perspective. Paul is instructing us not necessarily to view ourselves differently, but to view other Christians differently.

I absolutely need encouragement that I am a new creation in Christ and need to live into that identity, therefore I am thankful for the traditional understanding of this part of Paul's teaching. However, I also struggle in my relationships with other Christians. I just don't 'do life' with them the way I should ... I don't live into the Christian community the way Christ - and Paul - teach it. Furthermore, I even dislike it when I see a few others doing so, as if the fact they surround themselves with Christians all the time is a bad thing.

I need to be a better Christian. I also need to find a way to live in Christian community. Perhaps that can be a focus over the next year.

Prayer: Lord, as you know, there is a time coming when my wife and I will seek a new community within which to serve you. May you guide and direct us to a place where we can live in proper community with others. Meanwhile, may I also see others as you would have me see them, not from a worldly perspective. Amen.

I Just Want to Smell

Scripture: To some we are an aroma of death leading to death, but to others, an aroma of life leading to life. Who is adequate for these things? 2 Corinthians 2:16

Observation: As Paul is telling the church in Corinth about some of his recent work, he describes his work - and explicitly his preaching the gospel message of Christ - as a metaphorical aroma that passes through communities. That singular aroma smells differently to people. To some is it pleasant, and when they inhale it they are revived in their souls and find life. To some the aroma is unpleasant, reminding them of death, and they turn away from it.

This metaphor works well for all people, across all times. For one, the idea of aroma rising is a very, very Old Testament component of the covenant with the Lord, as effectively the rituals and practices of sacrifices required a continual grilling of animals ... there was a constant and distinctive aroma rising from the tabernacle and later the temple for centuries. The metaphor remains consistent for New Testament believers, as visions of heaven often include a large incense bowl before the Lord, with the prayers of believers rising out of it as a fragrant aroma.

To a modern reader, we know different people respond very differently to the same scents. Some love the smell of certain cooked foods, others are physically reviled by the same smell. People can be either physically attracted to or revile the same perfume. This is a timeless metaphor for all people ... the gospel is an aroma that either brings life to those who love it, or death to those who hate and reject it.

Application: Once again, the truth about Jesus is black-and-white. Jesus doesn't exist in some middle ground where you can know of him and then be ambivalent about who he is and what his life, death, and resurrection means. If the truth about Jesus is something you believe in, you are forgiven of your sins and will receive eternal joy and blessing in abundance. If the truth about Jesus is something you don't believe in, you will be judged by the Lord based your own actions and receive an eternity in accordance to that judgment.

And also once again, this is how we see people receive the gospel ... they either are attracted to it, or repulsed by it. I have seen people physically recoil at discussions of Jesus. I have seen people swear and become angry and run away from the simple mention of Jesus, very much as if a skunk just sprayed them. However, I have also seen people who don't know Jesus physically lean in to listen about him, or smile when told there is hope for their lives, very much like someone opens a pot a delicious stew and wants a big whiff of it.

I might be tempted to say I want to 'smell good' to everyone. However, I don't. I just want to smell ... I want to smell more often, to more people ... and they get to decide if they like the aroma or not.

Prayer: Lord, I know I am far from you lately. May you still find a way to use me today, this weekend, and every day, for your glory. Amen.

Couriers Seeking the 'Some'

Scripture: The couriers traveled from city to city in the land of Ephraim and Manasseh as far as Zebulun, but the inhabitants laughed at them and mocked them. But some from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 30:10-11

Observation: King Hezekiah of Judah has restored the temple and the temple practices after his evil father had repurposed it for idol worship, and he now declares Judah will celebrate Passover. Israel has relatively recently been destroyed and taken into exile by Assyria, so he sends couriers into the northern kingdom to invite any Jews who want to now repent of the past practices of their fallen country and return to the Lord, to come celebrate Passover in Jerusalem. Some do, but in general "the inhabitants" (aka most people) do not.

It is important to note the designation of who it is who mock the couriers. They are called "inhabitants." When Assyria destroyed Israel, what they did was deported most of the residents, and then imported new residents ... either people from their homeland or other defeated nations who could now just take and live in the land. In this manner, every people-group Assyria defeated was made a foreigner in a new, strange land, without national identity or allies. As a result, the couriers likely were encountering three distinct people-types as they delivered their invitation to Passover:

-- Foreigners who have no context of Yahweh, relocated to Israel by Assyria

-- Various people who may have heard of Yahweh but live traumatized lives

-- Jews who still want to believe in Yahweh and were open to returning to true faith

Application: Every day, I have the chance to be a courier for Jesus ... to tell someone that they are invited by the Lord, creator of the universe, to partake in a grand and eternal celebration if they would just come and meet the true Passover lamb, the Messiah. And every day, these are the three kinds of people I'll likely encounter when I deliver the good news.

There are those who completely reject the idea of there even being God, or maybe embrace some other belief system. They are likely to mock and scoff at any discussion of Jesus and salvation. There are those who live lives of trauma, and as a result have adopted lifestyles that take them far away from the Lord. Typically, their minds and hearts aren't open to any conversation about the unconditional love of God and hope found in Jesus. However, there are those who want to believe ... who have a hope that there is more to life, there is a potential for salvation, and there must be a creator who they don't know or understand but that might be able to give their lives purpose.

I know I live in a place where most of the people I encounter fall into the first two categories. However, those in the third category ... they are gold, they are precious, and they are the reason we suffer the mocking of others. When I tell others about Jesus, I will be mocked by the inhabitants of this region. However ... some will humble themselves and come.

Prayer: Lord, I desire to serve you better each day by being bolder in telling others about Jesus. May I find ways to do that day by day, in your name. Amen.

And That's a Good Thing

Scripture:
He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve
or repaid us according to our iniquities.
Psalm 103:10

Observation: This psalm has multiple declarations that the Lord not only loves and forgives us of our sins, but that he does so in a manner that is far greater than is deserved. The psalm declares he removes our sins from us as far as the east is from the west. This verse is very simple and clear ... the Lord simply has not dealt with us in the manner our sins deserve.

Our sins deserve death, and at the very least they punishment from the Lord, which might include permanent rejection by the Lord. Instead, the Lord does none of the above, but forgives and blesses. This is written by David, a man beloved and blessed by the Lord despite committing one of the greatest sins imaginable ... killing a man to cover up the affair he had with his wife.

Application: The Lord has not dealt with me as my sins deserve. My sins do deserve death, punishment, and rejection. I should be repaid according to my iniquities. For some reason - truly reasons I cannot fully understand - the Lord has not done this to me.

I 'get' the promise. The Lord promises forgiveness and everlasting life to those who put their faith in Jesus. However, there is no actual reason for him to do this, and even so certainly my continued sinning ... over and over and over and over again ... would be justification for declaring that I have broken the covenant promise and/or do not truly believe in Jesus as my Lord and savior if I cannot obey him. The Lord is justified to dismiss me, ignore me, sentence me, and punish me. He doesn't.

I don't get what I deserve, and that's a good thing.

Prayer: Lord, please forgive my sins. They are numerous. I continue to need your assistance and strength to overcome them and protect me from deceptions of this world, and I again ask for that assistance and strength today. Please renew my mind through the Holy Spirit so I may do your good work and help others, today and every day. Amen.

Encouraged by the Curse

Scripture: This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. If anyone does not love the Lord, a curse be on him. Our Lord, come! 1 Corinthians 16:21-22

Observation: While Paul is the 'writer' of 1 Corinthians, the person who actually penned the letter was likely a man named Sosthenes. He is named in the first paragraph of the letter as the second person sending this letter, and Paul used a scribe for all his letters (which it is believed was because his penmanship was so bad). However, as in other letters, Paul would sometimes add the last few sentences in his own writing, and that's what happens here ... Paul writes verses 16:21-24 in his "own hand". Verses 23-24 are a standard bless-and-peace conclusion, but verse 22 is very, very different.

Paul declares he is writing these last verses and immediately pronounces ... a curse. Now, he is writing to the believers of Corinth, so this curse is not a curse upon them. He trusts in their faith, and even says so several times, stating that while he is being harsh on them for some of their behaviors, that does not change the fact he understands they believe in Jesus. In fact, by giving correction throughout the letter, Paul is actually saying he knows they are such good believers that they want to improve. Therefore, when Paul is about to write something for himself ... why make it a curse against non-believers?

The answer is likely that Paul intended this curse as comfort, inspiring to the church in Corinth. By his authority - an authority the believers all knew involved the Holy Spirit that the Lord has bestowed powerfully upon Paul - Paul is declaring that those in Corinth who stand opposed to the Lord are cursed. This means that all those who ignore God, and especially those who act in opposition to the faithful who believe in Jesus, are now under a curse from the Lord.

Application: There are three ways to feel about the idea that non-believers live under a curse. One way to feel is sad, as many of these people are also friends, relatives, loved ones, or even just strangers who may still be kind people. The idea they are cursed and won't respond to attempts to know Jesus is indeed sad. Another way to feel is ambivalent. As believers we fully understand the future black-and-white scenario of salvation by faith alone, and we also understand that during life on earth 'good' events and 'bad' events can happen to anyone. Therefore, we know the curse, we know the blessing, we know everyone has had a choice, and that's just the way of it.

However, the third way to feel is joyful, and there is one great reason to feel this way ... because we are cursed too! Specifically, as sinners, we stand in the Lord's judgment, and are cursed to death, however by faith in Jesus forgiveness will come to us and the judgment will pass by us. When we love the Lord, the curse we deserve is lifted, replaced with forgiveness, restoration, and hope.

Today, I am reminded of this ... I am actually cursed, yet by my faith in Jesus the curse is lifted. This is, indeed, encouraging.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for Jesus, and Jesus I do love you and believe in you. I know I should be cursed, yet somehow by your love that curse is removed, and replaced with hope, love, and joy. You are great, and greatly to be praised. Amen.

Belief in Life After Death

Scripture: If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation is in vain, and so is your faith. Moreover, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified wrongly about God that he raised up Christ—whom he did not raise up, if in fact the dead are not raised. 1 Corinthians 15:13-15

Observation: As Paul addresses the question of life after death for the faithful, he uses a simple argument against those who say that resurrection of the dead is impossible ... if that is the case, then Jesus couldn't have been resurrected, and if Jesus wasn't resurrected then the entire gospel - in fact, everything about God - is a lie, so faith is a lie.

This is a core element of faith. We believe in certain facts, which some might call the 'essentials' of faith. These include the existence of the Lord, the revelation of the Lord's will through the bible, and the reality of Jesus as the promised Messiah including all he was prophesized to do. While 'understanding' may involve interpreting certain elements of these essentials and thus could create differing opinions, 'faith' involves simply knowing that the essentials are true and real.

The resurrection of Jesus, and in turn eternal life promised through belief in Jesus, is one of the essentials. It is predicted, documented, and promised in the bible, and Paul is simply pointing out that it is illogical to declare you believe in Jesus but don't believe in the resurrection of Jesus, and in the promise of resurrection by faith in Jesus.

Application: Whenever I read about someone discussing one of the four or five core essential components of faith, I am often shocked by how many people actually believe in the essentials ... but don't believe in God. This is one example. It is very, very common for someone who has absolutely no belief in God - who actively declares God doesn't exist and thus every element of monotheism is a deception - to believe in 'life after death' and even to declare they believe they have spoken to and/or seen dead relatives. This to me is confusing at best.

Of course, it remains one of the great deceptions of satan that he will deceive people not by hiding God from them, but by convincing them that God and all his ways and his love is something else. He convinces people that the wonder of creation is an inevitable conclusion of random chance. He makes people think that their free will allows them to decide right and wrong, instead of to choose right over wrong. And he shows false images to make people think life-after-death can exist while doubting the idea that heaven and hell exist.

I believe in the essentials of faith. I may have strong, informed thoughts about many other elements of faith, but those are just informed thoughts ... the essentials are not. I know Jesus resurrected, and that by faith I will join him in everlasting life.

Prayer: Lord, may thy will be done. May I keep my faith in you, and my eyes on your glory and wonder and love today. Amen.

Conforming to the World is Wrong

Scripture: And now you are saying you can assert yourselves against the Lord’s kingdom, which is in the hand of one of David’s sons. You are a vast number and have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods. Didn’t you banish the priests of the Lord, the descendants of Aaron and the Levites, and make your own priests like the peoples of other lands do? Whoever comes to ordain himself with a young bull and seven rams may become a priest of what are not gods. 2 Chronicles 13:8-9

Observation: Abijah, King of Judah and David's great grandson, shouts this out to the Israel army of King Jeroboam, and in so doing he accurately identifies the 'sin of Jeroboam' ... the sin that every Israel king fails to reverse, and thus ultimately takes them into destruction. That sin is an attempt to control the people by altering their worship of Yahweh and preventing them from engaging in proper worship in the temple because it is located in Judah. To do this, Jeroboam creates new worship practices focused on two idols - gold calves - and banishes the rightful priests that would correct this error.

While this is known to be the 'sin of Jeroboam', Abijah also gives this a new descriptor. He calls it, and most specifically the idea that anyone who wishes to lead worship practices may become a priest, activities that are "like the peoples of other lands do." In other words, Israel was always called out to be a unique people, a kingdom of priests, and repeatedly told they must not assume the practices of other nations regarding a variety of topics and practices. The northern kingdom has now specifically pursued activities to be just like other people-groups. While the idol worship of the calves is an abomination against the Lord, it is the adoption of earthly practices - including worship leadership - that prove they have fully abandoned the Lord.

Application: This is a significant source of sin in life ... I often do things that are 'normal' in societal terms. That can be as simple as watching a popular TV show that has some questionable moral values, or using certain apps on my phone because others play games on their phone to pass the time. I know those games are chemically destroying my brain, and they steal time from better activities in life like paying attention to my wife, meditating on the Lord's words, and just doing more work.

I don't even know why I really do these things. It isn't to conform. It's just ... they are what the world does, and I see it as normal, so there's no real reason not to do it. Well, conforming to the world - to embrace the activities and standard practices of people groups that reject the Lord - is wrong. It was always wrong, and has been actively declared wrong with those who do so held accountable, for over 3,000 years.

Again, I need to transform and renew my mind. I need to consider Psalm 1 and meditate on the word of the Lord, to thrive like a tree planted by a stream. And again I say it today ... I say it in agreement with at least three different sermon teachings I have heard over the last four weeks ... I cannot do this without the Holy Spirit. I am too weak to renew my own mind. I need the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, again I say, please help me. I am far too weak, and that fact is well established. Please, Lord, transform and renew my mind. May your Spirit within me give me the strength to simply not do the wrong things, so I can find my way, guided by you, to the right things in life. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Rebelling Against David until Today

Scripture: Israel is in rebellion against the house of David until today. 2 Chronicles 10:19

Observation: After Solomon dies, Rehoboam is to become king, but receives bad advice, offends many in Israel, and the kingdom divides with only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin (and implicitly Simeon) remaining with Rehoboam and becoming known as Judah. The tribes that leave as the 'northern kingdom' become known as Israel (then later, also Samaria).

What the northern tribes declared, however, was not a rebellion against Rehoboam's kingship, which would have been logical given their reasons for leaving. Instead, they declared they have no "portion" in David and "no inheritance in the son of Jesse". This is problematic for their future, as there is clear prophesy that the Lord will honor David by establishing his eternal throne. They are even acknowledging this primacy of David by tying their departure not to David's living grandson, but to David himself.

The writer of chronicles emphasizes this when he declares that this northern kingdom - Israel - is in rebellion against the house of David. However, he adds a modifier to this statement ... he makes this declaration present-tense by saying they are in rebellion "until today". What is fascinating is that, to a great degree, Israel remained - and remains - in rebellion against the house of David, by how they have rejected the eternal king from the line of David that now rules the entire world ... Jesus.

Applications: Prophesy comes in interesting forms. Even in today's New Testament reading, Paul talked about the importance of prophesy - far more important than tongues - and how it is intended to uplift people. This is always true of prophesy ... it isn't a threat or a negative declaration, but rather it is uplifting, and even when it discusses negative possibilities it gives hope of correction and change.

This verse in 2 Chronicles is absolutely prophesy. It isn't a historical report that the northern kingdom divided away from Rehoboam ... which is actually what happened, as they left over his threats for hard labor. Rather, it restates and reframes the narrative, declaring this as a "rebellion" against "David" by "Israel" that is ongoing "today". It is not a stretch to see how the Jews also rebelled against Jesus, David's heir and the promised Messiah to establish the eternal rule of David's throne. It is not a stretch to see issues in modern Israel as most Jews not only still reject Jesus, but as a result now question the very promise of Messiah despite it being a clear topic in their scriptures.

The Jews are still the chosen people of the Lord, and Israel is still the nation of priests that exists to make Yahweh known to the world. However, Israel is in rebellion against the house of David ... even until today ... and the greatest thing that could happen in all of human history is for Israel to discover Jesus, end their rebellion, and usher in a new Messianic age for the benefit of all mankind.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for Israel today. You have a plan, and it is so large and complex that it is a waste of time for me to pretend to understand even a piece of it and pray into that piece, so instead I simply pray for Israel. May Israel be blessed to be a blessing to the world. May the people of Israel live under your Shalom. May they be safe and protected in the special land you have given them. As a nation and as millions of individuals, may they know you more and more every day. And, through your will and partnered with the deeds of Messianic Jews living in Israel, may the people of Israel come to know and accept Jesus as the Christ. Amen.

Working in the World

Scripture:
Do not stare at me because I am dark,
for the sun has gazed on me.
My mother’s sons were angry with me;
they made me take care of the vineyards.
I have not taken care of my own vineyard.
Song of Songs 1:6

Observation: The Song of Songs is a metaphor between a man (Yahweh) and a woman (those who love Yahweh). There are several themes that occur, such as the times the woman needs to seek the man, and other times the man calls the woman to join him out in nature. One of the themes is that the woman is someone who works. She is not a noble woman who sits around, but a common woman. Furthermore, often others treat her poorly. In this case, her brothers make her work out in their vineyard, so that her skin isn't soft and pale like the skin of noble women, but is tanned marking her as a laborer for others to see her as such.

However, when this theme comes up - of believers as those who have to work diligently for what they get in the world - we see that the Lord's response is often ... well, come work with me then and I will honor you. In this section, the woman follows up her comments about vineyards with an inquiry about where she should pasture her goats. The man responds by telling her to come pasture them near his tent, where he tends to his sheep. There, he will honor her tanned skin with fine jewelry. So as the woman works two outdoor jobs, the man invites her to partake in company, with rewards, in the shade.

That said, the most interesting part of the work in the vineyard is why the woman does it. She doesn't do it to produce wine ... in fact, her own vineyard suffers while she works. She does it because ... others make her work. There may even be an implication that they force her to labor so they have life a little easier. They are stronger than her and instead of using that strength in a positive manner to work, they use it to intimidate their sister into working while they work less. They are angry with the woman - for seemingly no reason - which puts this dynamic in motion.

Application: Being a Christian involves work. It isn't easy. In fact, there are times when being faithful to the Lord is harder than not being faithful. There are times when simply being faithful to the Lord makes non-believers angry, and they will make life harder on us. They don't do so as a punishment or as retaliation, but simply because of who we are.

I know there are places in the world, and even in the U.S., where Christians are a majority group. However, even in those places, they are being pressured regarding their beliefs. I continue to work in the fields, and there have been times when I have been criticized and been forced to work harder simply because others don't like what I believe.

I hope that, in my new job, I'll find a place to take my flocks near to the Lord's tent. Despite hard work, I hope I'll be able to find time in the Lord's kind and refreshing presence every day. I hope I will carry the markings of someone who works, but does so in the name of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, may I find myself near your tent today. Help me to work well, make progress, perform in a manner that brings earthly success for the benefit of others, so I can honor you as my true master. Amen.

Thinking About Really Expensive Symbolism

Scripture: But who is able to build a temple for him, since even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain him? Who am I then that I should build a temple for him except as a place to burn incense before him? 2 Chronicles 2:6

Observation: As Solomon begins building the temple, he sends a letter to King Hiram of Tyre to ask for both supplies and workers. He reveals he is building a temple for Yahweh, and we know that it will actually be the grandest building in the ancient world. However, Solomon describes its purpose much more humbly than others would state.

Others declare it as the place the Lord dwells, and state that the Lord himself sits on top of the cherubim that decorate the lid of the Ark of the Covenant that is placed in the Holy of Holies. The Lord doesn't state that as the purpose. In fact, the Lord says he doesn't need a temple, but if built it will be the place where his name dwells ... in other words, it is a place people can see and thus declare the Lord's greatness. In his letter to Hiram, Solomon is even more humble than that. He has plans to build the grandest structure on earth, and says it will be a worthy place to ... burn incense, and maybe stack some bread.

Solomon understands that the temple will not be the Lord's residence, but will be a symbolic gateway to heaven. The temple actually exists for people, so they have something grand to look upon and thus consider the Lord's greatness. Since others will interpret its importance, it must be worthy of bringing honor to the Lord within the minds of people, but the fact is it could never be worthy of the greatness of the Lord's presence, who has all of creation as his footstool.

This is the greatness of the Lord ... the most wonderous things that we humans can even imagine are insignificant to the Lord, to the point that their best-case scenario is as really expensive symbolism.

Application: The Israelites had the same problem all people have, which is that they struggled to interact with the Lord in the spiritual realm, so they needed to create a physical experience. The temple was to inspire visually, and then be a destination for connecting with Yahweh through sacrifice and rituals and celebrations. Today, we like seeing symbols like crosses, then attend church so we can worship and experience connecting with the Lord. It isn't that people who don't go to church automatically aren't Christians, however they do drift away because, on their own, they cannot connect and grow as disciples and believers.

This is a fascinating component of humans' relationship with the Lord. We struggle to connect with him through the Holy Spirit when we don't have anchor points within physical creation to remind and inspire us, and we often seek to create those anchor points using earthly concepts. However, we also discover that these anchor points themselves are meaningless, and eventually disillusionment in these places and things causes us to question the Lord himself.

We need to all stop caring about connecting to symbols, and find better ways to connect with the Lord and with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. I know this is my biggest challenge ... I just can't connect with the Holy Spirit well enough (likely because I ignore him or drive him away by my thoughts and actions). I need to realize more and more often that the Lord is literally everywhere - the world is his footstool - and he is not just sitting in some building, or near some river, or on a beach, waiting for me to come and say 'hello'.

Prayer: Lord, may I find your spirit here with me today and every day, and may I not drive it away, or go seeking it in some manmade place. Amen.

No End to the Making of Books

Scripture: But beyond these, my son, be warned: there is no end to the making of many books, and much study wearies the body. Ecclesiastes 12:12

Observation: As the teacher (Solomon) concludes his thoughts, he says two interesting points. The first is that he himself is the writer of many proverbs, one who has taught many about wisdom, and in fact there are many others who write down great wisdom that comes from the Lord as well. The second is that there is really just one core piece of wisdom, which is to fear the Lord and keep his commandments.

However, verse 12 sits between these two points as a transition. It stands out because it effectively creates a structure that could read as follows: There is a lot of wise advice written in a massive volume of books ... but you don't need to read it if you remember one thing ... honor and obey the instructions and precepts and commandments of Yahweh.

Application: I just spent 15 minutes writing (then deleting) about a person that is harsh and judgmental ... about a person I know who has caused angst, hardship, and anger within my household, and whose life includes affairs, lies, and ridicule ... all while declaring they are an absolute expert Christian because they have read every book by every famous Christian author on every topic and thus know more than effectively anyone. I want to lash out at this person for the pain they cause others through judgmental declarations of their book knowledge, while simultaneously proving by their words and actions they don't know the Lord at all.

However, I have read enough of the bible to know that is wrong. I will never actually confront this person. I may offer wise advice if the Lord guides me to it, but I will allow this person to remain foolish while they talk on and on, creating conflict as they go. Maybe one day we will just not have this person in our lives, or at least have them in it less. And I have seen improvement in the last six months after my wife laid down some heavy-duty 'wisdom' on them.

I would likely do well to read some good books written by wise teachers to augment my knowledge of the Lord. However, I also know I would do better if I just ... better obeyed THE book and the instructions, precepts, and commandments the Lord as already given to us all in the bible. If I simply obey the Lord, I don't need to concern myself with others.

Prayer: Lord, please soften my heart and give me peace when it comes to interacting with this person. You know their heart, and I do not, so may I judge them less and less. I will concern myself with myself and my lack of obedience to your word, which again today I pray you give me the strength to overcome sin, and act only within your precepts and your love, bringing your peace and joy as I go. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Avoid Being Disgusting

Scripture:
Do not harden your hearts as at Meribah,
as on that day at Massah in the wilderness
where your ancestors tested me;
they tried me, though they had seen what I did.
Psalm 95:8-9

Observation: The psalmist discusses knowing the Lord - of hearing his voice and instruction - and remind everyone to not be like the exodus generation, and the example of what they did is telling. They were camped at a place, and began complaining that they didn't have water. They openly questioned the ability of the Lord to provide for them, even going so far as to say they would have been better dead or remaining slaves in Egypt. The issue here isn't just a lack of faith, but this total lack of faith by people who had seen the parting of the Red Sea.

This message is pretty clear. When someone has witnessed, seen, and understood the Lord's great power, authority, and love, and then questions whether the Lord is capable of even smaller acts, they frustrate the Lord the point that he questions if he should allow them into his "rest" (v11).

Application: I know the Lord's love and power. I have seen it, and I have heard of it in even greater measure. Do I believe he can do more, or do it again?

The short answer is, 'yes'. However, there are times I solve problems on my own without turning to the Lord, or I think earthly issues are 'mine' to solve and don't even take them to the Lord in the first place. I'm sure that frustrates him ... in fact, the word used in this translation is "disgusted". I do not wish to disgust the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, may I seek you today for every issue and challenge of my life. Guide me in both big and small things, but also may I simply know in my heart that you can and will do everything, that you are in control, and you are able and willing in your abounding love. Amen.