Identity Attacks are Nothing New

Scripture: Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. Daniel 1:6-7

Observation: When the first wave of Judah is taken into exile, there are four young men who will eventually rise into positions of prominence in the Babylonian court. When we first meet them, we see they are being "conditioned" for this new service, and that conditioning involves realigning their lives to depend on the Babylonian gods. They are now given food from sacrifices made to false gods, and their names are changed. The name changes are especially radical, as the four all had names that honor the Lord, and are given names in competition to that attitude.

Daniel (my judge is Elohim) becomes Belteshazzar (Bel is my judge)

Hananiah (under Yahweh's grace) becomes Shadrach (under Aku's command)

Mishael (who is what God is) becomes Meshach (who is what Aku is)

Azaria (servant of Yahweh) becomes Abednego (servant of Nego)

Without knowing the languages, these name changes may seem like simply changing a person's name into words within the local language, something that happens regularly in the New Testament. (Example: Cephas = Peter, as the first is Aramaic, the second is Greek.) However, that isn't what happens to these four in Babylon; This is an attack on their identity. Their new names were designed to give them the same characteristics, but aligned to a new god. These names are intended to remove their 'anchor point' in Yahweh, and realign them to an image that is entirely of the world.

Application: Satan's attack on human identity is nothing new. Yes, he has renewed 'traction' and broader success in this form of attack right now, as we see people struggle and even argue in anger over something as basic as pronouns. However, this form of attack against God's created humans is ancient.

And here is why satan uses this attack ... it works. In Daniel 1, many Jews are brought into this training program, presumably all receive the same treatment, yet only four resist. (Side note: Daniel so resists that, when writing of this years later, he turns the table and actually doesn't use the term 'Babylon', but calls the land by the Hebrew name Shinar, and the people the Chaldeans.) These four resist, and become the only four who pass the training and are drafted into the king's court. In fact, their ability and wisdom exceeds even the experienced advisors. However, all the others - again, likely dozens - who accept the identity reassignment to the point they embrace new diets and pagan names, fail. They surrender their heavenly allegiance in exchange for short-term comfort, and ultimately receive no earthly reward for doing so.

This is consistent with satan's attacks today. Those who have gone along with such issues like identity confusion and other forms of 'pop culture' behavioral changes get nothing out of it. Maybe the feel a little 'seen' now. However, they receive no rewards as a result of such activities, and in fact end up with many areas of their lives that are empty and depressing.

We know identity issues are of satan because we have millennia of evidence showing that this is what he does. This is his M.O. And I hate that it works so well.

Prayer: Lord, as we hope and pray for revival in our country, may it begin with overcoming the terrible attacks upon our young people when it comes to identity. Let us set aside the genericizing of individuals, and teach our young people that they are strong individuals, created unique by you, Lord, with an identity found in Jesus. Amen.

Knowing He is There

Scripture: The distance all around will be 18,000 cubits. And the name of the city from that time on will be: "The Lord is There." Ezekiel 48:35

Observation: This is how the visions of Ezekiel end, by giving the Lord's holy city a new name. Ezekiel has been shown the temple, then the city. He is then told of the holy territory set aside for this location, and shown the river that flows from the temple the brings life and health to everything it touches. Finally, he is told of the territory of Israel and which areas the tribes will occupy. However, in the end, he is returned to the city, shown its gates, and given this name ...

Yahweh-Shammah

This is not defined as a scriptural covenant, on the same level as the Lord enters into with Abraham, Noah, Moses, or David. This isn't a statement that "if you do this, I will do this" that the Lord has done with them. Instead, this is just a declaration that, in the place where peace dwells forever, the Lord is there. He will dwell with the people, and send forth his love and peace and prosperity from his throne.

Application: There are a few ancient Hebrew words I really love. Shalom is one, effectively Hebrew's version of 'aloha', as today it is used as both a greeting and a farewell, but it means 'peace' and typically in context would mean 'peace to you'. Shemah is another, just the word 'hear', it is the first word of the greatest commandment and thus connotes the command to 'obey', beginning the phrase "hear, oh Israel," it is the name of the prayer Jews have now said for millennia, declaring the Lord as the one God and that we are to love him with all our heart and soul and strength. And of course, there are the names of God I truly love ... Yahweh, Abba, El Roi, Adonai, Elohim, etc.

I will add this one to the list ... Shammah. Every day I know the Lord is right here with me, his spirit working, his love present, his grace covering my mistakes. He sees me and he provides. Now I also know that someday, when I am "there", the Lord will be "there", too.

Prayer: Lord, I love you. I ask you to be with my family today in our trials, to be with my wife, my mother inlaw, and my father inlaw especially as they go through a very difficult issue. Please relieve the pain in my mother inlaw, and give doctors wisdom and sure hands to help and heal her. In all of this, I know for certain you are there, right there with her, as sure as you are right here with us. Amen.

Finding Peace in a Pagan World

Scripture: Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. 1 Peter 3:7

Observation: Peter gives instructions to both wives and husbands, beginning both sets of instructions with the words "in the same way". This certainly begs the question, in the same way as ... what? Looking back, Peter has just discussed at length how to live in a pagan society, and specifically teaches the believers they are to live in a manner that is humble and peaceful. He specifically says to submit to government authority, to show respect to everyone, and if you are a slave (perhaps now days, an employee) be humble and obedient in your work. Peter points out that this was Jesus' own attitude, as he submitted to authority even unto the cross, and even as the 'government' and human officials crucified him, he entrusted his soul to the true judge of the world.

Therefore, as spouses live "in the same way" with each other, we are to live with peaceful respect for each other. Perhaps the husband has authority over certain aspects of the home, but the wife is to be respected for her contributions, for it is the wife who makes one's life a 'family home' if you will. In this manner, there must always be mutual respect, mutual peace, and mutual humility.

Application: I do know my wife is a gracious gift from the Lord, and that gift transformed my life. Just as I love Jesus and choose to be a disciple every day, I love my wife and choose to be considerate and kind and good to her every day. And just as I disobey the Lord from time to time, I get angry toward my wife from time to time. I dislike it when I do that, for I do respect and love her so much.

It is interesting that Peter ties all of this together ... the manner in which believers are to live as exiles in the pagan world we find ourselves, in peace and submission to worldly authority, is the same way we live in peace within our homes. It is a peace found in humble partnership, not angry opposition. It is a peace found in collaborating within a structure while holding firm to our faith and beliefs and knowledge of the Lord, instead of fighting and protesting and shouting in conflict to impose our ideals and desires.

The blessing that is upon peacemakers is simply the fact that you don't feel the anger that the world thinks you should have toward everything. And in that peace - where we maintain our humility and simply operate in obedience to the Lord - we find joy in our lives, relaxation in our days, and love in our homes.

Prayer: Lord, as I consider the life of a peacemaker, I see I am in fact making progress toward this. May that continue, and may it continue within my marriage and my home as well. I desire to show respect and honor toward my wife every day, keeping peace in our house as well as in the world. Amen.

Between the Past and Future

Scripture: In the twenty-fifth year of our exile, at the beginning of the year, on the tenth of the month, in the fourteenth year after the fall of the city—on that very day the hand of the Lord was on me and he took me there. Ezekiel 40:1

Observation: Ezekiel is about to get the vision for the new temple. He will be taken in the spirit to Zion, and an angel with measuring tools will show him the layout of a new temple, complete with the walls, courtyard, rooms, sacrificial stations and the temple proper. This vision begins by telling us not when this new temple will exist, but when the vision is being given.

This is the 25th year of exile. most of Ezekiel's prophesies occurred in the 6th through 14th years of their exile (the time between when he and others were part of the first wave of exiles, and when Babylon finally destroyed Jerusalem). We know the exiles will remain in Babylon for 70 years, and that Ezekiel will not live to return to the promised land. This vision, therefore, is given at an odd time. It is both many years since the temple was destroyed, and many many years until they'll be able to return and begin reconstruction. So why now?

Perhaps this timing has to do with exactly what the exiles are experiencing at that moment ... nothingness. More specifically, they are experiencing a time when there is neither a recent catastrophe from which they are recovering, nor a pressing opportunity for which they are preparing. They are somewhere in the middle, just ... quietly living faithfully, ideally following the instructions of Jeremiah.

With the absolute and final destruction of Jerusalem now well in the past, they no longer have some false expectation of returning. They have settled in, built homes, gotten jobs, and started families. They now just live in Babylon. They have returned their faith to Yahweh and set aside their idols and other gods. They cannot engage in rote temple rituals, so instead their faith and worship to Yahweh has become personal, and exists in their homes where they can discuss and teach the Lord's precepts and love to their children. They are in the midst of "getting it" ... the exile life means living for the Lord even when you are both far removed from the grandeur of his past, and cannot yet see his miracles in the future.

It is in that moment, between the past and the future - a timing that seems like an empty and meaningless 'present' - that the Lord offers hope.

Application: If I have learned anything about the Jewish exile, it is that it is the model for living as a Christian. As we - myself and all Christians - continue to live in a time and place where we are surrounded by pagens and don't have access yet to our heavenly home, and as we simply seek to keep Jesus and the Lord central in our lives, it is sometimes difficult to recognize this fact ... we are somewhere between the past and future, and while we may think that this 'present' is empty and meaningless, it absolutely is not. It is full of hope.

We have the vision of the future, a life both in heaven and in a perfected world where Jesus reigns after the second coming. We know the past, where Jesus was resurrected and defeated death, and therefore by his perfect sacrifice we receive grace from the Lord. And here - right here and now - we can help others have hope that both of those things are as true and as real as the very air they're breathing.

I need to remember to "lock in" as an exile every day. I need to live a life focused on Jesus, and focused on the Lord, while also living within the world as it surrounds me. I need to ignore cultural influence, political angst, and sinful distractions, yet also engaging with earthly work within the towns and cities and neighborhoods and social settings of this time and place. I need to allow the Lord to continue to bless me and my family within this world, without embracing this world and its indulgences.

I live between the past and the future; between the revelation of Jesus as Messiah and savior, and the return of Jesus as Lord and eternal king. And every day, I can find hope, and offer that hope to others.

Prayer: Lord, please forgive my weaknesses. There are clearly times when the present world gets to me, and gets into me, in ways that it should not. I ask for your forgiveness of my sins, and for your daily hope in my heart. I know I am an exile, temporarily denied access to my true home. May I do good work for your glory, and offer hope to others. Amen.

Avoid Slandering Brothers and Sisters

Scripture: Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. James 4:11

Observation: This passage is specifically about how we interact with believers in the church ... the Greek word translated "brothers and sisters" is the generic word for "believers". That makes this instruction very clear, and very pointed. Believers are not to slander or judge other believers. Yes, we can and should correct them in a collaborative and helpful way when necessary, but we are not to speak ill of them. This is because, as believers, they are attempting to live by the Lord's will, and therefore we should not judge them, for only the Lord is their judge.

Application: This is a good reminder for me as I will prepare to be part of a "panel" speaking at church Sunday about giving and tithing. There are many people in our church who are not being faithful in this area, and part of me really wants to judge them. However, that is wrong.

I may instruct and correct, gently, in love, as if they are my brothers and sisters who need good information in order to then align their hearts to the Lord. If they do not, then the Lord is their judge, not me.

Yes, our household is very faithful in our giving. However, we fail in other areas. It is likely that those who fail at tithing are strong in those other areas where I am weak. This is the way the "body of Christ" works. I do hope that the Lord gives me wisdom and the words to help others understand how giving to Christ works in their own lives, and that I am able to educate, communicate, and maybe even offer correction as the Holy Spirit may convict others. But I will not judge.

Prayer: Lord, as I just said, may I be a voice for your will and your Holy Spirit this Sunday, giving good information and advice as you would have others hear it. Please remove my own judgment from the situation, and protect me from even having that judgment in the first place. Amen.

Pursuing the Purity of Wisdom

Scripture: Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom ... But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:13,17

Observation: James clarifies the kind of life that is produced by wisdom by discussing two different types of wisdom. First, he clarifies that wisdom produced a "good life" in which someone does good deeds. However, he then states that some people can do this while still being selfish, boastful, and lying, and therefore their wisdom is "demonic" (or we may say, earthly) and does not come from heaven. Wisdom from heaven has clear qualities, which James outlines.

Note that the first quality of heavenly wisdom is "pure". It is a wisdom that produces a pursuit of the Lord's precepts and guidance and obedience. From there, it assumes qualities that can be more visible on earth, but certainly don't often sound like 'wisdom'. People might appreciate someone who is peace-loving, considerate, sincere, and merciful, however they often look down upon those who are submissive, and now days even 'impartial' is considered bad because you're supposed to have a strong position on every issue.

Application: For years, I know I was none of the above when it comes to fruit of the spirit. Now days, while I sometimes talk with opinions, I am much more peace-loving, considerate, merciful, impartial, and even submissive than I used to be. No, I'm nowhere near good enough in any of these, I'm only saying I am improving.

What I am NOT is pure.

I remain so sin-filled - and so unable to just keep my mind and my heart focused on the precepts of the Lord and teaching of Jesus - that it's as if my heart truly is made of stone, totally impenetrable to the spirit. And I mean it with every fiber within me when I say, I hate this about myself. It is probably the number one reason why, when I look at myself, I know myself to be a fraud and a failure. I want to be 'wise' but I fail at step one, and certainly that is because I fail to allow the Holy Spirit to work within me. I ask the spirit to give me more strength and wisdom, then push the spirit away over and over again.

That said ... despite how frustrated and disappointed I am in myself ... I will not stop pursuing wisdom. I will not stop pursuing becoming better, and desiring the Holy Spirit to work within me. Even as I reach the final quarter of my life, I will desire to be better in the eyes of the Lord, and to be a better disciple of Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, in the name of Jesus I ask, please give me more wisdom by your Holy Spirit, so I may become more pure, more obedient, living a life in line with your precepts. Amen.

Jealous of What Was Rejected

Scripture: Because you have said, “These two nations and countries will be ours and we will take possession of them,” even though I the Lord was there, therefore as surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I will treat you in accordance with the anger and jealousy you showed in your hatred of them and I will make myself known among them when I judge you. Ezekiel 35:10-11

Observation: In this next prophesy against Edom, Ezekiel pronounces the Lord's decision to wipe out Edom and make its mountain cities desolate. He does this as Jerusalem falls and Edom rejoices, anticipating they will be able to take over the land of Judah. This is similar to the prophesies against Moab and Ammon, all of whom rejoice over Israel's downfall.

These three nations - Edom, Moab, and Ammon - are the three other nations founded by Abraham's family, and in every case their founder chose their current location hundreds of years before Israel even arrived, and were perfectly content with it for centuries. In fact, they chose their current location when offered the choice between it and Canaan. When Lot and Abraham became too prosperous to continue living together, Abraham gave Lot the choice, and Lot chose the move east of the Jordan. When Jacob and Esau last met Jacob decided that, wherever Esau went he would go in the opposite direction, Esau went into the mountains southeast of the Dead Sea.

These people-groups chose their homes, were perfectly content with them, lived in them for centuries, then when Israel arrived and took over Canaan they became "jealous" and wanted THAT land instead of their land. Once Israel removed the dangerous residents, and the Lord blessed their efforts by making the land prosperous as he had promised, only then did they perceive it as an upgrade. Prior to that, they could have chosen that land for themselves, and they could have invaded that land any time, but they rejected it.

Application: I think this is the way many people think in their lives, and I know this relates to how I think in my life, too. I become jealous of a certain lifestyle and want it, thinking I should have always had it, but in truth I never made the choices in the past necessary to have that lifestyle. Maybe I could have, or maybe I couldn't have. In my case, those former choices would have been very difficult and thus I took an easy path.

I could have been a lawyer - I even had guaranteed admission and free tuition to law school - but that would have required very hard work. I was offered guaranteed admission to an Ivy League school, and based on how I know several childhood friends who parlayed that into business success, I could be rich beyond my dreams now, but again that seemed like a challenge that represented too much effort. The list of things I "could" have done and intentionally didn't is long.

However, there is another side to this, and that is that my life is wonderful as-is. I wandered a path I didn't fully pursue, took jobs I barely cared about, moved to places of convenience, and ended up with an amazing wife, a wonderful family, good friends, comfort and safety and blessings beyond what I deserve, and daily joy.

And this gets to the real issue with Edom, Moab, and Ammon. They didn't choose poorly ... they were jealous of Israel. They made perfectly fine choices, then became jealous that they didn't have what they rejected, and hated the people who took the leftovers and worked to make the most of it.

I never again want to be jealous of any life I "could" have had, because I have a life that billions of others would be jealous of. And I have this life because of Jesus, and because of the Lord's great love for me and my family, not by any act or decision of my own.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you today for my life, which is all just a blessing from you. I have no desire for more, and I have no desire for a different past. You led me here, even when I didn't know I was following you, and by your great love I thank you again. May I continue to follow you now, with even more intention, every day. Amen.

Asking God for Wisdom

Scripture: If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5

Observation: James begins his letter with a discussion about how to properly live as a Christian, and it is one of the most direct instructions ever given. It discusses living with hardships, having faith in God's response to prayer, being humble in good times and confident in hard times, persevering when tested, and fighting against sin. It is summarized as simply ... do what the Lord taught us to do, instead of just talking about it.

However, high up on the list is this advice as almost a precursor to all of it ... if anyone lacks wisdom, ask for it. The gift of wisdom is not intelligence. It is a spirit-filled understanding that goes beyond head-knowledge, and instead applies that knowledge to our actions in a way that fulfills the Lord's plans and intentions. It might be a type of 'insight' that isn't learned, but is revealed. When someone has this sort of spirit-provided wisdom, all the other elements James instructs become possible, for we have not only the instructions of the Lord that we know, but an understanding of how they apply to our lives on a day-by-day and moment-by-moment basis.

Application: I ask the Lord over and over and over again for 'guidance' and 'direction'. I ask him to lead me. I ask him to tell me what to do. I say I know what I should do and ask him for 'strength'. However, I never ask him for ... wisdom. And the truth is, none of the other things I just listed ... direction, guidance, followership, instruction, strength ... are spiritual gifts, yet wisdom is.

Wisdom is, in fact, what I need in my life, in my heart, in my mind, and in my soul. I need more than just knowledge about biblical instruction. I need more than just a sense that there is a path the Lord would have me walk today. I need wisdom ... that power provided by the Holy Spirit that doesn't just tell me what to do, but gives me the combination of insight and forethought and understanding to do it.

I want to persevere through the trials I am in right now. I want to be humble in my earthly successes (for I absolutely know I didn't earn them!) and be proud of my testimony about Jesus (so I can proclaim it to others). I want to overcome evil temptations, avoid anger, and rid myself of all moral filth ... all of that! Clearly, it is by wisdom that the Lord can grant the power to do this, so that is what I ask for, the wisdom of the Lord's Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Lord, I do ask this. Please give me your wisdom, dear Lord, by the Holy Spirit, to understand how I should proceed in all things and at all times, and then to have the tools to do it. May your Holy Spirit intervene for me and with me when I face hardships of all kinds, granting me the wisdom to see through the situation and respond as you would have me do, and thus build my faith more and more. Amen, and amen.

Looking Ahead to Reward

Scripture: He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. Hebrews 11:26

Observation: In the list of the faithful in Hebrews, this is what is said of Moses. Moses could have lived like a prince, but instead embraced his Jewish life, did slave labor, and eventually was forced to flee as a murderer. The writer declares he did this because he wasn't living within a present treasure, but was looking to the future reward of Jesus and life with God.

This is one of the major tenants of faith, that there is a future situation where faith produces reward. We may have current blessings, and we may also have current hardships, but they are both temporary and small. Rather, the greatest thing in our lives is a future we have to look ahead to, and involves eternity in the presence of the Lord.

Application: This is the hope I do cling to. I have ... issues ... in my life. They range from pain in my body, to mental turmoil reconciling my thoughts and actions, to difficult tasks I struggle to do at work, to conflict from time to time with others. However, I have hope that, by my faith in Jesus, one day all these things will go away and I will live forever in the presence of the Lord.

I do truly know that. I hope to cling to it more and more, and be able to enter into that hope in a positive way one day. Also, I'd like to live more and more within the teachings of Jesus so that my current life - while I know it would still have issues - would have fewer challenges, for I know the Lord's will is for the best in my life.

I do regard disgrace for the sake of Christ to be of the greatest value. I would rather be known for my faith, than known for any other activity.

Prayer: Lord, today as I sit here, I am not truly known for my faith. I know myself for my sins, and most others know me for my work. I would like to change both of those situations, beginning within my own heart and in your wonderful eyes. I know you see me. May I remember that daily. Amen.

Reflecting on a Better Heart

Scripture:
As water reflects the face,
so one’s life reflects the heart.
Proverbs 27:19

Observation: In this section of proverbs, the writer focuses on how someone's actions ultimately reveal what they think and feel. Just as a portrait of someone doesn't truly show what they look like, but rather their reflection does, so someone's words don't truly show what they think, but rather their actions do.

Application: Over and over, I know I fail the Lord by my actions. I declare I love the Lord and have faith in Jesus, then I swear and lust and lie and get angry with others over meaningless things. I spend my time engaged in meaningless activities instead of meditating on the word of the Lord, praying, or worshipping. In summary, my life reflects a heart that is not aligned to what I say or wish.

Prayer: Lord, I understand that my actions are flawed and wrong. I do want your strength to fix my life, correct my actions, focus my heart, and become more and more steadfast in you. Please, Lord, lead me and my family along your path every day. Please hold my hand and help my life reflect faith in you alone. Amen.

And Now the Time Approaches

Scripture: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25

Observation: As the writer of Hebrews continues his instructions to the Jewish Christians about proper living and remaining strong in their faith, he includes this, which is that they are to encourage each other's faith and activities. They are to gather together and give each other motivation for continuing to love others and perform good deeds.

Application: This is a famous verse, often declared in the context of supporting church attendance. It is true that one of the major benefits of going to church is to be with other Christians who encourage your good work, and where leaders teach about what we should be doing both collectively and individually. Our pastor is currently doing a series on just this - what we should be doing in our lives as Christians - and the first two weeks have been about reading the bible, and prayer. These are good reminders for all, and good lessons for new believers.

And we do have new believers! We had 15 baptisms - adult professions of faith - two weeks ago, and many were powerful testaments of lives completely changed by Jesus. Our church still sees these kinds results regularly, with 30-50 baptisms a year, and it is moving and meaningful every time, to know that heaven rejoices with us for every soul finding faith in Jesus.

Within just a couple months, my wife and I will begin attending a different church. As she retires, we know we cannot remain at our church, at least in the short-term, for she will need to allow space for her successors to succeed and learn without her. We too need this, for we both could use some advanced teaching from other pastors. However, we will miss the heart of our church for the lost, and the focus on creating a path for those who have previously rejected Jesus but now can find their way 'home'.

We poured a lot into our church, obviously my wife the most as it has been her career for 14 years, but we have collectively given of our time, talents, and treasure. The truth is, I love it all, and when someone comes up out of the water simultaneously smiling, crying, and shouting for joy ... and in my heart I hear all of heaven celebrate ... it just lets me know these have been special years. And we will not give up meeting together, especially as we see the day approaching.

Prayer: Lord, may your hand alone guide us to where you would have us be in the future, both in the broad sense of our life, and in the immediate sense of every Sunday. When we follow your instruction, may we also find new energy and new ways to serve your kingdom on earth. Amen.

As I Re-enter the Land of Kedar

Scripture:
What will he do to you,
and what more besides,
you deceitful tongue?
He will punish you with a warrior’s sharp arrows,
with burning coals of the broom bush.
Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek,
that I live among the tents of Kedar!
Too long have I lived
among those who hate peace.
Psalm 120:3-6

Observation: The psalmist is discussing the life he lives outside of the Promised Land, in the land of the descendants of Ishmael. He lives in a place where everyone is cruel toward him. They lie and deceive, and take actions to always make his life - an honest and God-fearing man - more difficult. When he speaks truth and kindness, they take advantage of him. When he tries to simply live a peaceful and honest life, they hate his lifestyle. He will not resort to their tactics, but he prays for their punishment.

Application: The other night I read back through a few of my blog posts from 2014 (when I began this) to 2018, and recalled ... how terrible it was working in local government. Back then I often prayed about how hard it was being a Christian and working in a place where policy and daily rules were opposed to the Lord's teachings. I recalled liars who made my life hard just because of who I was. I remembered a list I started of all the people at work I could truly 'trust' to be honest collaborators with me, and for a long time that list had only one name ... and then I had to erase that name, too. Over and over, I asked the Lord why I was even there, and I left only when the lies and hate of the people finally rose to a level that they destroyed by career. After that, my prayers did change to inviting God's punishment - his burning coals and sharp arrows - to fall upon them.

Now, I am about to re-engage in these places. It will be different, as from a professional perspective I am but a visitor, not a resident. Also, it has been many years and many of the worst of the people have left (and yes, some are gone because of the turns in their lives that I know is a response from the Lord).

I am concerned about how it will all go. I think there is a good chance the same people - or the same types of people - will again reject me and I will fail professionally. If that happens, so be it, for that truly means nothing to me. I am so much more content now in understanding how the Lord will be with me in these circumstances.

That said, I am not quite sure why I am re-entering this arena. It is my calling, clearly, and I know it is by the Lord's own hand that I am being brought back into this. There is clearly unfinished business ... either for someone I will meet and work with, or for myself. Whatever the mission, I will again be among those who hate truth and peace on a regular basis. I know I can only do this by the grace and strength of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, you took time last night to remind me of the truth, which is that I need you in my daily walk, and all the more when I am among the hateful liars who hate peace. As I am now beginning to engage in earnest, please be at my side. I ask that you protect me, but also that you show me your mission and purpose so I can serve you by serving others. Amen.

He's Working on Me

I've been doing a lot of writing lately about my own failures in life, and especially how much I'm struggling to repent and to keep my heart aligned to the Lord on a daily basis. I feel like I'm failing every day ... sliding backwards instead of moving forward, and certainly being a disappointment in my heavenly father's eye ... and I really should be better after all these years. And yes, I probably should be, but today I'm reminded that I am still a work in progress, and the fact I care about my failure is evidence that God is still working on me to improve, and to that I sing hallelujah!

Still got a couple problems, never seem to solve 'em,
I keep thinking I'm letting you down still.
Ain't making you proud still, why am I trying?
Spinnin' my wheels up a hundred-mile hill,
Sliding back down 'til I'm stuck here in a standstill,
But oh, that's when I remember ...
He's working on me still,
Changing me piece by piece still.

Where the Lord's Judgment Begins

Scripture: He then brought me into the inner court of the house of the Lord, and there at the entrance to the temple, between the portico and the altar, were about twenty-five men. With their backs toward the temple of the Lord and their faces toward the east, they were bowing down to the sun in the east. Ezekiel 8:16

Observation: As Ezekiel is shown a vision of idols and idol worship occurring in the temple, it ends with this ... 25 men who are gathered in the temple, yet instead of worshiping the Lord they are bowing down toward the sun, rising in the east. This is the last of the components of the visions Ezekiel is shown, and all the other previous times he is told by the Lord that he will be shown something 'even more detestable'. However, which this vision, that is not said, implying this is the pinnacle of the adulterous idol worship being done in the temple. There are three key qualities that likely make this so:

First, the number and location of the men - a significant group between the portico and the alter - indicates they are in a central and obvious location. Unlike others in the vision who are worshiping in private, worshiping alone, or both, this is a prominent group standing front-and-center before everyone - including even the Lord himself, right in the center of his temple and near his altar - worshipping that which is not the Lord.

Second is the orientation of the men. By indicating they are between the portico and the altar, that means they are east of the altar facing east, and the Holy of Holies is behind them (as the text validates, their backs are toward the temple of the Lord). They are actively turning their backs toward the Lord, and bowing in a manner that would be offensive to anyone, let along the Lord. Also, they are facing east, which is therefore toward Babylon. As we learn in the book of Daniel, the exiles themselves are praying every day, facing west toward the temple in Jerusalem. The exiles to whom Ezekiel reveals this vision would understand that not only are these 25 men dishonoring the Lord, they are disrespecting them as the remnant of Israel.

Thirdly, the men are subsequently described as old men, aka elders (verse 9:6). Of course, under the Law this means these are the people who should be deciding and judging on behalf of others, leading all others by example, and teaching the Law to others. They aren't just visibly dishonoring the Lord ... they are precisely the ones who are supposed to be doing the exact opposite. This is the very lowest of low actions, because they are leading all others into the same depravity.

And for this, when the Lord commands his angels to execute judgment, the same verse that described these men as elders (9:6) also tells us ... they are the ones killed first. It is with old, disobedient men where the Lord's judgment begins.

Application: I'm going to make this simple on myself. I'm now an old man. Too often, I am disobedient. Do the math.

I talk all the time about the Lord's impending judgment upon our nation and our society, but when that judgment comes ... it should begin by killing me. I understand I am forgiven and redeemed by faith in Jesus, but that does not mean I get a free pass from doing the will of the Lord right here, right now, here on earth.

If that isn't motivation enough to get my daily priorities in order, to spend my idle time with the Lord's word and serving his purposes, then I deserve his future punishment.

Prayer: Again, Lord, today I ask for your strength and guidance. Please forgive my sins, and continue to strengthen me so that I may repent of all kinds of evil in my heart. I desire to serve you, serve others, and walk in your ways as I humbly take your hand for guidance today. Amen.

God as the Lord Lord

Scripture: Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: You have been more unruly than the nations around you and have not followed my decrees or kept my laws. You have not even conformed to the standards of the nations around you. Ezekiel 5:7

Observation: As Ezekiel begins his true, outward prophesy, he is instructed to act out the Lord's judgment against Israel and Judah. He spends over 14 months laying on the ground, 'laying siege' to a model of Jerusalem and eating rationed bread and water, and he shaves his head and beard then discards the hair in a number of ways. Throughout all this, he uses a specific name for the Lord, "Sovereign Lord".

This name is used 282 times in the entire bible, and 210 of those are by Ezekiel (of course I had to look that up). The Hebrew is also two words - "Adonai Yahweh" - which kinda translates "Lord Lord", however has a much deeper meaning for the Jews. Yahweh is the holy and unspeakable name of God, the 'Great I Am' ... the name he revealed to Moses. Because the Jews feared speaking it and thus breaking the commandment of using it in vain, the Hebrew word they use to mean "Lord" is Adonai, which means Lord or Master, and became the most-holy name of God actually spoken by the Jews. (Side note: While it's confusing due to how spellings changed over the centuries, the name Jehovah is actually a mash-up of taking the Tetragrammaton YHWH and mixing in the vowels from Adonai ... and some to this day consider the proper full spelling of the Tetragrammaton to be Yahowah.)

By using the phrase Sovereign Lord - Adonai Yahweh - over and over, the Lord is making a point to the Jews who are now in exile. It doesn't matter what the Jews call the Lord, he is their sovereign master, their Lord and God, and the one in complete and total authority. While these are the names of great reverence toward the Lord, some may revere one of these names over the other, and that doesn't matter ... he is both, he is all, he is truly the authority over the entire world, and he was always worthy of the devotion and obedience they failed to show him.

Application: One of the most amazing things about God ... the almighty creator of the universe who has all power and authority ... is that, when he reveals himself to people, he does so in a way they can receive. For the Jews in exile, who were now facing hardship and were likely to want to return to the Lord with humble reverence, he presented himself using both of his most reverent names ... the one he declared for himself, and the one the Jews adopted over 900 years.

He didn't correct them by declaring he was one name or the other, or confuse them by giving himself even a new name that would apply to their current issues. If they were now going to live as exiles, seeking to be reverent toward him while in the midst of living in a foreign land, he was willing to simply reveal himself as that Sovereign Lord they needed.

This is probably why the Lord has given the name Abba to me so often for himself. I would be crushed in my iniquity if I knew him only as the Sovereign Lord of the universe who had every right to curse and condemn me. Instead, he allows me to know him as my daddy who loves me. I don't always remember that, and I need to.

Prayer: Abba, my Lord and my father, I need you. I need you to take me in your arms and tell me I'm going to be okay. Looking back, I know I'm down right now, lower than I have been in years, and it feels like that's not a current condition but a trajectory. Please help me. Please pick me back up. Amen.

Taking Time to Process God

Scripture: Above the vault over their heads was what looked like a throne of lapis lazuli, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. Ezekiel 1:26

Observation: The Lord appears to Ezekiel to make him the prophet to the exiles, and his appearance - the manner and description of how he arrives - is confusing at best. Ezekiel describes it in a way that is both plain yet confusing, however there is also an interesting pattern to it, which is this ... what he perceives LAST is God.

In fact, here are the elements of the Lord's arrival, in the order in which Ezekiel seems to perceive them:

-- A windstorm

-- Thunder and lightening

-- Four human-like creatures with multiple faces and wings

-- The actual faces of the creatures

-- The configuration of the hands, legs, and wings of the creatures

-- Movement of the creatures in relation to each other

-- Fire that seems to shoot out from the creatures

-- Wheels that are associated with each creature

-- A unique configuration of the wheels that seems to make them nonfunctional

-- The fact the wheels have eyes on them

-- A 'vault' or platform being held up by the creatures and the wheels

-- A commanding voice that comes from the vault

-- A great throne sitting on the vault

-- A man sitting on this throne

That's right ... the Lord is coming to talk to Ezekiel, and is doing so by riding upon his very throne of heaven - and the part of heaven itself that he sits in - and Ezekiel's first observations are of a storm, then other human-hybrid-like creatures, then of strange wheels that seem to function oddly. One would think seeing the Lord ... on his throne ... commanding creation ... in heaven ... would be the order he would see this. It's as if he takes in and processes the entire event exactly backwards.

Application: There is an interesting idea here about how we all receive, perceive, and process God in our lives, which is that we tend to begin with items that are familiar, and which our brain can handle. This is actually true of how we are created, and how we think and problem-solve ... we begin with known concepts and extrapolate into new ideas and concepts from there.

Ezekiel demonstrates this perfectly. He understands ... desert storms, the human form, animal faces and wings, and the movement of wheeled vehicles like carts. From there he processes and analyzes elements of the 'known' that are strange, like the hybrid combination of the creatures, and the configuration of the wheels within each other. Then, finally, he can move into that which is completely knew and difficult to fathom, like the expanse of heaven's throne room, and the Lord sitting in all his glory on the throne.

How does that inform the way I can perceive the Lord's work, movement, and instructions in my life? It likely should tell me that, when the Lord gives me information, I am most likely to understand first at a very basic level, interpreting it in a way that fits with my knowledge and experience. However, it also means I shouldn't stop there because there is likely more to it, and I need to continue to search and examine the experience.

Of course, the Lord isn't arriving here in Bothell with the throne room of heaven carried on his holy chariot. He likely is barely whispering into my ear, while expecting me to remain more and more invested in meditating on his words and precepts in the bible. However, as I listen and do that, I should take the time to consider and meditate deeper ... to find the parts of his word that don't necessarily fit immediately into my experiences and knowledge and understanding. It is likely in the new and the unknown where I will see the Lord, who was actually there all the time just waiting for me to look up a little higher.

Prayer: Lord, may I find more and more time in my day to meditate on your word, seeking you as I consider you deeper, and thus have less and less time to spend on worthless and idle thoughts and actions. Amen.