Scripture: And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. Mark 3:2-4
Observation: The Pharisees are looking to accuse Jesus based on another part of today's reading - Number 15. In that, a man is gathering sticks on the Sabbath, and the people consult God because the punishment for Sabbathbreaking was not known. God orders Moses to have the man stoned to death.
However, here in Mark, Jesus addresses the Sabbathbreaking issue with a very clear distinction - the question is about whether or not it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. In other words, there is a big difference between doing good, loving others, and engaging with God in his work on the Sabbath, versus ... just doing idle work, gathering firewood, laboring off on your own, without community with man or God.
Application: Jesus tells us that the Sabbath is made for man, not man for the Sabbath, and that he himself is Lord of the Sabbath. It is clear by his example and his words that the Sabbath is a special day, but NOT just because it's a day for rest - a day for man to do nothing. It is a special day because it is explicitly intended to be a day we commune with God. This may (and likely should) involve rest, prayer, and meditation. It can involve love and carrying for others, engaging in mutual discussion about Jesus, or participating in group service for others.
The Sabbath is about having our heart unite with God. It is about being near him, through activities that in fact join with him. This often involves rest. Even when it involves work, it often bring peace of mind, joy, and a rest for our souls.
This is an idea I am going to take with me in the coming weeks, and see how I can incorporate some changes into my family activities to engage my heart with God in a more meaningful Sabbath.
Prayer: Abba, you care about us so much that you truly want us to spend time with you. I will seek that time, and seek your face. May you grant your rest upon not just me, but my family, especially my wife. Give her the time, the peace, the rest, the love, and the engagement with you that she needs to restore her heart and soul. Amen.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Monday, February 22, 2016
Make a Trumpet
Scripture: And when you go to war in your land against the adversary who oppresses you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets, that you may be remembered before the Lord your God, and you shall be saved from your enemies. Numbers 10:9
Observation: The very last thing God has the Israelites do in Sinai before heading to the promised land is make trumpets - ceremonial trumpets that will be used in celebration and in war in order to connect with God. After the Israelites refuse to enter the promised land and instead are forced to wander in the wilderness 40 years, when they finally to enter the land, the very first thing they will do is ... use the sound of trumpets to conquer Jericho.
While they are different trumpets (two silver horns compared to seven rams horns), the connection is still there. God thought through what it was that the people would need, and prepared it in advance, so that later his will could be accomplished. The order to this is important:
-- God makes us a promise.
-- God knows what will be needed in the future.
-- God instructs us to prepare, work, and obey.
-- In the future, that which we have prepared is required for God's work.
-- When the work is given to God, God's will is accomplished and we receive his promise.
Application: Do I know what God has promised me, and what work I must be doing to prepare for that? I think I tend to focus on just doing work it seems I have been told to do, and forgetting to focus on his promises.
The truth is, outside of eternal life promised through Jesus, I do not know God's promises for me. I have never heard him make me a promise, or show me a future. I know he has blessed me beyond measure ... if my current life were his intended promise for me, it would certainly be more than enough and much more than I am worthy to receive. However, I don't really know his plans for me. I don't know what my work is preparing for (not that we should understand the connections ... no one understood that horns would destroy city walls). I don't hold onto a promise from God for my life on earth, only to his promise for my eternal soul.
I believe this is something I should be reflecting on this week ...
Prayer: Dear Lord, I know your love is abundant and your ways are great, and that you have a plan and purpose for my life. I have no idea what that is, but I totally trust it. If you are willing, I would welcome knowledge about the promise and purpose you have for me. If you are not willing, I am completely happy trusting in you, seeing just the path ahead of my next step, and following you. Amen.
Observation: The very last thing God has the Israelites do in Sinai before heading to the promised land is make trumpets - ceremonial trumpets that will be used in celebration and in war in order to connect with God. After the Israelites refuse to enter the promised land and instead are forced to wander in the wilderness 40 years, when they finally to enter the land, the very first thing they will do is ... use the sound of trumpets to conquer Jericho.
While they are different trumpets (two silver horns compared to seven rams horns), the connection is still there. God thought through what it was that the people would need, and prepared it in advance, so that later his will could be accomplished. The order to this is important:
-- God makes us a promise.
-- God knows what will be needed in the future.
-- God instructs us to prepare, work, and obey.
-- In the future, that which we have prepared is required for God's work.
-- When the work is given to God, God's will is accomplished and we receive his promise.
Application: Do I know what God has promised me, and what work I must be doing to prepare for that? I think I tend to focus on just doing work it seems I have been told to do, and forgetting to focus on his promises.
The truth is, outside of eternal life promised through Jesus, I do not know God's promises for me. I have never heard him make me a promise, or show me a future. I know he has blessed me beyond measure ... if my current life were his intended promise for me, it would certainly be more than enough and much more than I am worthy to receive. However, I don't really know his plans for me. I don't know what my work is preparing for (not that we should understand the connections ... no one understood that horns would destroy city walls). I don't hold onto a promise from God for my life on earth, only to his promise for my eternal soul.
I believe this is something I should be reflecting on this week ...
Prayer: Dear Lord, I know your love is abundant and your ways are great, and that you have a plan and purpose for my life. I have no idea what that is, but I totally trust it. If you are willing, I would welcome knowledge about the promise and purpose you have for me. If you are not willing, I am completely happy trusting in you, seeing just the path ahead of my next step, and following you. Amen.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
I Want to be Guilty
I wasn't going to blog today. However, I did a little internet research into the shipwreck of Paul (Acts 27), and one of the top 10 Google hits on my search was a site claiming that Jesus never existed, and the entire new testament is fiction ... and thus the shipwreck of Paul never occurred.
I didn't ready anything more than the intro sentences. It is just too sad to know that there are people who believe that. Instead, I just decided I needed a little Newsboys.
Friday, February 19, 2016
God Draws Near
Scripture: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them,
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:23-26
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:23-26
Observation: This is a specific blessing, given by God to Moses, to give to Aaron, to speak over Israel. In it, I see two important elements. First, God will care for the people being blessed - he will bless them, be gracious toward them, and give them peace. In these things, grace and peace are the keys - God will grant them a special kind of comfort.
Second, God will personally engage and draw near to the people being blessed. He will keep them, turn his face to them, shine upon them, and lift up his countenance upon them. These are actions of direct engagement. God is not far off or disengaged - he is right there, reaching out, holding on, looking directly at us, shining down, and engaged with us.
Application: The perception of God's engagement is critical to understand. In fact, it is critical to desire it. Believers in Jesus Christ seek to fully engage with God. This is done in continual prayer, collaboration with the Holy Spirit, and in joining with God in his work. By contrast, those who are struggling with Jesus - non believers, atheists, agnostics, or even believers who are deeply trapped in sin - fear being near to God. If they consider God at all, they fear his judgment, his presence, and his correction.
This is a test, then, for me to evaluate when I am 'right' with God. If I am delighted by his presence and seeking his face to shine upon me, then I am in a place that is ready for his grace and peace. However, if in my heart I am worried about him being near or evaluating my actions and my heart, then I have strayed to a place that cannot have his blessing.
Prayer: Lord, I so love and long for your every blessing ... your blessings of love, peace, comfort, rest, grace, and joy. May I be reminded of your promise in this blessing, and know that your blessings and your attentions go hand-in-hand, and when I am far from your attentions then I am outside of your blessings. Since I long for your blessings, I will also long for your attention in all things. Amen.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Substitution
Scripture: And the Lord said to Moses, “List all the firstborn males of the people of Israel, from a month old and upward, taking the number of their names. And you shall take the Levites for me—I am the Lord—instead of all the firstborn among the people of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the cattle of the people of Israel.” So Moses listed all the firstborn among the people of Israel, as the Lord commanded him. And all the firstborn males, according to the number of names, from a month old and upward as listed were 22,273. Numbers 3:40-43
Observation: The firstborn males of all the tribes of Israel is within 1 percent of the males of the Levites. It's effectively a statistical margin of error. The Lord is laying claim to Israel, and instead of placing into service all the firstborn, he substitutes the Levites.
Application: God substituted Jesus in place of me for my sins. I can only imagine what he could have decided to take from me instead:
-- My firstborn son?
-- My own life, as a firstborn son?
-- My wife, as the blessing of my life?
In so doing, I would have resented him. I would have wondered how a loving God can take such a great price from me. So instead ... he offered a price of his own choosing and his own sacrifice, which was infinitely greater in value than anything I could ever give. In light of this knowledge, how can I ever refuse God anything in my life? I can't and I won't.
Prayer: Lord, I love you all the more when I understand how you first loved me!! Your love for me began in the desert of Sinai, thousands of years ago, as you demonstrated your willingness to not take from your believers, but rather to give to them. Your love is beyond what I deserve even in my best moments. I can't even pray to try to be worthy. Instead I can only pray ... thank you.
p.s. Tonight, one of my best friends contacted me, just to say he missed me and hoped I was alright. This is a man who has had a similar journey as me, though he was always better and stronger than I was. He did not stray as far as I did (physically or emotionally or spiritually), and he returned before me. In my mind, he is simply a man I would aspire to be like. He is one of only two or three men I truly trust ... probably one of only two men in the world whom I would truly say I trust with my life. I am again so blessed to have someone in my life who - even when we go months without speaking and live a thousand miles apart - would still do anything I needed, as I would do anything for him. I look forward to playing golf with him in heaven, where MAYBE I'll be able to outdrive him ... but probably not.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Evaluating the Truth
Scripture: But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets. Acts 24:14
Observation: As Paul defends himself before the Roman governor, the core of his defense is this ... he believes EVERYTHING in the old testament.
He doesn't just believe in ceremonial practices, or selected commands, or rules about food. Paul believes in everything. He believes in the Messiah of Isaiah. He believes in the behavior of that Messiah as told by Malachi. He believes in the raising of the dead as seen by Ezekiel. The list goes on. Paul believes in the prophets, and that the predictions of those prophets are now coming to pass. It is this fact, having nothing to do with Roman law, that Paul confesses.
Application: This is the only test that anyone can use to evaluate truth - the alignment of what is being said and done against the word of God found in the Bible. This was true of Paul, but it is also true in our church today. It is the way to evaluate a pastor, to evaluate a sermon or lesson, to evaluate doctrine or policy of a denomination or single church, or even to evaluate advice from a friend. If the concept claims to be truth, how does it align to the Bible?
I was again sad today when I drove by a church of the PCUSA, my former denomination. However, this verse reminds me why I left. It was simple, really: They have made formal declarations that are contrary to scripture. That being the only way to evaluate the truth - a fact that was fact even with Paul standing before the Romans - leaving the denomination remains the only correct choice. I may look back with sadness, but I am so excited about the great work my church is now doing to advance the name of Jesus that I will never look back with second guesses. I am confident of the path God has laid out for me and my family.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your love and your guidance. I do look back and see the signposts in my life that show your movement in me, and I do look ahead with anticipation of further serving you. You are great and greatly to be praised. Amen.
Observation: As Paul defends himself before the Roman governor, the core of his defense is this ... he believes EVERYTHING in the old testament.
He doesn't just believe in ceremonial practices, or selected commands, or rules about food. Paul believes in everything. He believes in the Messiah of Isaiah. He believes in the behavior of that Messiah as told by Malachi. He believes in the raising of the dead as seen by Ezekiel. The list goes on. Paul believes in the prophets, and that the predictions of those prophets are now coming to pass. It is this fact, having nothing to do with Roman law, that Paul confesses.
Application: This is the only test that anyone can use to evaluate truth - the alignment of what is being said and done against the word of God found in the Bible. This was true of Paul, but it is also true in our church today. It is the way to evaluate a pastor, to evaluate a sermon or lesson, to evaluate doctrine or policy of a denomination or single church, or even to evaluate advice from a friend. If the concept claims to be truth, how does it align to the Bible?
I was again sad today when I drove by a church of the PCUSA, my former denomination. However, this verse reminds me why I left. It was simple, really: They have made formal declarations that are contrary to scripture. That being the only way to evaluate the truth - a fact that was fact even with Paul standing before the Romans - leaving the denomination remains the only correct choice. I may look back with sadness, but I am so excited about the great work my church is now doing to advance the name of Jesus that I will never look back with second guesses. I am confident of the path God has laid out for me and my family.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your love and your guidance. I do look back and see the signposts in my life that show your movement in me, and I do look ahead with anticipation of further serving you. You are great and greatly to be praised. Amen.
Monday, February 15, 2016
Seeking God's Instruction
Scripture:
Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
Psalm 25: 4-5
Observation: The psalmist (David) is asking God to teach him. In this request, he defines the type of person who can be taught by God, and what we might be taught. These include: Someone who sins in their youth, so by being forgiven they reflect God's love; The humble, who will learn to the right way to live; Those who keep God's covenant, so they can follow God's path and plan for their lives; Those who fear the Lord, so they can be taught how to make wise decisions; The ones who look to God for salvation will indeed be saved from traps in their lives; The lonely, afflicted, and afraid will be taught how to trust God when he brings them out of their distress; Someone who seeks God's protection from persecution will further learn integrity and how to lead an upright life.
Application: I often ask God for guidance in my life - I state that I am open to his lessons and teaching and ask him to lead my life. David would advise me that there is an order to this request, and that therefore I must have a certain quality of heart in my request to God. I need to mentally set aside the sins of my youth, be humble before God and man, learn and keep the covenant by believing in Jesus, fear God's authority and thereby obey his commands, look to him only for salvation through surrendering my problems to him and trusting in him, and extending that trust to all worldly issues and attacks with faith that he controls all things.
Do I do those things? I fear I do each of them in limited measure only ... not whole-heartedly and completely. I try but fail to repent from old sins, and fail to obey God's commands, and I often pray for his assistance by struggle to completely turn problems over to him without myself stressing over them. Of course, as a human I will always fail to get "all the way there" in all these areas. However, if I truly am clay in the hands of the potter - if I truly want to be molded by God to be his servant in whatever he would choose for me to do - then I must make person progress in these areas.
In other words: When I truly surrender my life - fully - to God, then he can teach, guide, and lead me as I so fervently wish he would.
Prayer: Lord, in my heart I surrender to you. I believe in Jesus, in your laws, in your authority, in your sovereignty, and in your majesty. I know that what holds me back is my humility. I seek your face, but I need to learn to seek your feet, which is where my eyes should be because my head should be bowed before you. May I continue to seek humility, so that I may someday learn your ways more and more. Amen, and amen.
Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
Psalm 25: 4-5
Observation: The psalmist (David) is asking God to teach him. In this request, he defines the type of person who can be taught by God, and what we might be taught. These include: Someone who sins in their youth, so by being forgiven they reflect God's love; The humble, who will learn to the right way to live; Those who keep God's covenant, so they can follow God's path and plan for their lives; Those who fear the Lord, so they can be taught how to make wise decisions; The ones who look to God for salvation will indeed be saved from traps in their lives; The lonely, afflicted, and afraid will be taught how to trust God when he brings them out of their distress; Someone who seeks God's protection from persecution will further learn integrity and how to lead an upright life.
Application: I often ask God for guidance in my life - I state that I am open to his lessons and teaching and ask him to lead my life. David would advise me that there is an order to this request, and that therefore I must have a certain quality of heart in my request to God. I need to mentally set aside the sins of my youth, be humble before God and man, learn and keep the covenant by believing in Jesus, fear God's authority and thereby obey his commands, look to him only for salvation through surrendering my problems to him and trusting in him, and extending that trust to all worldly issues and attacks with faith that he controls all things.
Do I do those things? I fear I do each of them in limited measure only ... not whole-heartedly and completely. I try but fail to repent from old sins, and fail to obey God's commands, and I often pray for his assistance by struggle to completely turn problems over to him without myself stressing over them. Of course, as a human I will always fail to get "all the way there" in all these areas. However, if I truly am clay in the hands of the potter - if I truly want to be molded by God to be his servant in whatever he would choose for me to do - then I must make person progress in these areas.
In other words: When I truly surrender my life - fully - to God, then he can teach, guide, and lead me as I so fervently wish he would.
Prayer: Lord, in my heart I surrender to you. I believe in Jesus, in your laws, in your authority, in your sovereignty, and in your majesty. I know that what holds me back is my humility. I seek your face, but I need to learn to seek your feet, which is where my eyes should be because my head should be bowed before you. May I continue to seek humility, so that I may someday learn your ways more and more. Amen, and amen.
Friday, February 12, 2016
Room for Change
Scripture: When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. Acts 19:17-19
Observation: Phil talked about this exact issue several weeks ago in the Sunday prayer circle. When it comes to individuals believing in Jesus, they do not 1) change their behavior, then 2) believe. It is instead exactly the opposite ... someone believes, and then (very slowly) begins to evaluate their own behavior based on the moving of the Holy Spirit within them.
Application: While I know this fact, it remains way too easy for me to judge the behavior my fellow church members. Sometimes I go so far as to question in my heart if someone truly believes based on their behavior. That is - of course - hypocritical and flat-out wrong.
So I am reminded today that I continue to struggle with judgement in my life. I do it far too often, to no useful ends. In fact, all it does is hurt the other person's feelings (if they know I do it), and destroy my reputation in the eyes of God as he will return that judgement upon my own head (whether or not anyone knows I'm doing it).
Prayer: Lord, please do continue to do good work in me - in my heart and in my mind and I seek to love others and be a peacemaker. May I quit wounding others, and may I fear your judgement. Amen.
Observation: Phil talked about this exact issue several weeks ago in the Sunday prayer circle. When it comes to individuals believing in Jesus, they do not 1) change their behavior, then 2) believe. It is instead exactly the opposite ... someone believes, and then (very slowly) begins to evaluate their own behavior based on the moving of the Holy Spirit within them.
Application: While I know this fact, it remains way too easy for me to judge the behavior my fellow church members. Sometimes I go so far as to question in my heart if someone truly believes based on their behavior. That is - of course - hypocritical and flat-out wrong.
So I am reminded today that I continue to struggle with judgement in my life. I do it far too often, to no useful ends. In fact, all it does is hurt the other person's feelings (if they know I do it), and destroy my reputation in the eyes of God as he will return that judgement upon my own head (whether or not anyone knows I'm doing it).
Prayer: Lord, please do continue to do good work in me - in my heart and in my mind and I seek to love others and be a peacemaker. May I quit wounding others, and may I fear your judgement. Amen.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
The Scapegoat
Scripture: Then he is to take the two goats and present them before the Lord at the entrance to the tent of meeting. He is to cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the Lord and the other for the scapegoat. Aaron shall bring the goat whose lot falls to the Lord and sacrifice it for a sin offering. But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the Lord to be used for making atonement by sending it into the wilderness as a scapegoat. ... When Aaron has finished making atonement for the Most Holy Place, the tent of meeting and the altar, he shall bring forward the live goat. He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites—all their sins—and put them on the goat’s head. He shall send the goat away into the wilderness in the care of someone appointed for the task. The goat will carry on itself all their sins to a remote place; and the man shall release it in the wilderness. Leviticus 16:7-10,20-22
Observation: This must surely be the source of the definition of the term "scapegoat". On the annual day of atonement, God designates a goat that will not be sacrificed. Instead, Aaron will confess all the sins of Israel and "put them on the goat's head", then have the goat walked away from the people and released into the wilderness.
There is an interesting juxtaposition in this order. This goat has its life spared, yet is cast away ... God provides for a sacrifice to atone for sin, yet lays the sins also on a living animal to be carried into the world ... the curse of sin is placed on the animal's head, then an individual is designated to care for the animal.
Today, we use the term "scapegoat" to mean the person being blamed for failure. In a way, the definition still holds - the "sins" of the situation (a failed project, a mistake, a team loss, poor service) are assigned to one person, and that person sometimes sent away. Cast into the wilderness. However, there are two elements to the atonement ritual we forget now days. First, that the other goat is actually sacrificed. And second, that the reason for a scapegoat is because of the sins of others.
Application: As a leader, I have and will see employees who are "scapegoated" when things go wrong. The biblical source of this concept would advise me to consider several other issues when I see this happen:
-- What is the real problem (the 'sin') that is being placed on the head of the scapegoat, and how should that be addressed?
-- Who else is about to be (metaphorically) sacrificed for this issue?
-- How can I provide for the care of the scapegoat?
Prayer: Dear Lord, I find Leviticus challenging because, while there seems to be both strange and practice instructions about basic issues like hygiene and human interactions, what I keep finding are metaphors that guide modern life. From cleaning leather, to caring for goats, to preventing the spread of disease, there must be a reason you - the creator of the universe - chose to discuss such minutia. Please help me to find your wisdom, truth, teaching, and love every day. Amen.
Observation: This must surely be the source of the definition of the term "scapegoat". On the annual day of atonement, God designates a goat that will not be sacrificed. Instead, Aaron will confess all the sins of Israel and "put them on the goat's head", then have the goat walked away from the people and released into the wilderness.
There is an interesting juxtaposition in this order. This goat has its life spared, yet is cast away ... God provides for a sacrifice to atone for sin, yet lays the sins also on a living animal to be carried into the world ... the curse of sin is placed on the animal's head, then an individual is designated to care for the animal.
Today, we use the term "scapegoat" to mean the person being blamed for failure. In a way, the definition still holds - the "sins" of the situation (a failed project, a mistake, a team loss, poor service) are assigned to one person, and that person sometimes sent away. Cast into the wilderness. However, there are two elements to the atonement ritual we forget now days. First, that the other goat is actually sacrificed. And second, that the reason for a scapegoat is because of the sins of others.
Application: As a leader, I have and will see employees who are "scapegoated" when things go wrong. The biblical source of this concept would advise me to consider several other issues when I see this happen:
-- What is the real problem (the 'sin') that is being placed on the head of the scapegoat, and how should that be addressed?
-- Who else is about to be (metaphorically) sacrificed for this issue?
-- How can I provide for the care of the scapegoat?
Prayer: Dear Lord, I find Leviticus challenging because, while there seems to be both strange and practice instructions about basic issues like hygiene and human interactions, what I keep finding are metaphors that guide modern life. From cleaning leather, to caring for goats, to preventing the spread of disease, there must be a reason you - the creator of the universe - chose to discuss such minutia. Please help me to find your wisdom, truth, teaching, and love every day. Amen.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
He Has Set a Day
Scripture: Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead. Acts 17:29-31
Observation: Paul begins his speech in Athens by observing that the people are "very religious." However, he ends it by making a very clear differentiation between religion and faith. In these verses, Paul clarifies that "the rules have changed" - so to speak - with the resurrection of Jesus. That act was proof of God's divine being, of his authority, of his love for mankind, and ... that judgment will come upon those who do not believe.
Application: Everywhere Paul went - in this chapter alone, Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens - he preached the "good news". He told them about redemption and eternal life through faith in God and belief in Jesus as the promised Messiah and savior of the world. However, it is at the very end of his speech here where Paul provides the clarification of why Jesus is "good news", and it is this: God will no longer overlook ignorance and lack of faith ... he has now provided his proof, and set the day for when judgment will come.
This means Jesus is in fact GREAT news - he is the only news that could save us from God's judgment. However, for anyone who refuses to believe, this final message of Paul is terrifying ... they live under God's impending judgment. You would think this would make everyone flock to Jesus, but of course it doesn't. It didn't then, and it doesn't now. Why?
Today, that answer is clear: They don't believe in God in the first place. They look at life, the universe, everything, and they see ... a series of one-in-a-billion accidents, which resulted in them being born with no purpose but to live for a random amount of time before ceasing to exist. Or more confusingly, they DON'T believe that, but believe is some random religion (just like the people of Athens) that somehow rejects both the concept of accidental existence and the concept of God the creator.
I personally understand the people at the (albeit wildly impossible) extreme more than I understand those in the irreconcilable middle ground. However, that's the ground we must seek. Those people "believe" something - just like Paul identified the Athenians were "very religious" - and thus provide a source for conversations.
Prayer: Lord, in this place you have put me, help me to find those who are in the middle ground. Help me speak to those who have a belief in something they cannot reconcile, and then please give me the wisdom and knowledge to present to them the clear, simple, and loving Good News of Jesus. I know you have set the day of your judgment, and the clock is ticking. There are times when I wish it would be now, but until it comes may I act with urgency to do your will. Amen.
Observation: Paul begins his speech in Athens by observing that the people are "very religious." However, he ends it by making a very clear differentiation between religion and faith. In these verses, Paul clarifies that "the rules have changed" - so to speak - with the resurrection of Jesus. That act was proof of God's divine being, of his authority, of his love for mankind, and ... that judgment will come upon those who do not believe.
Application: Everywhere Paul went - in this chapter alone, Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens - he preached the "good news". He told them about redemption and eternal life through faith in God and belief in Jesus as the promised Messiah and savior of the world. However, it is at the very end of his speech here where Paul provides the clarification of why Jesus is "good news", and it is this: God will no longer overlook ignorance and lack of faith ... he has now provided his proof, and set the day for when judgment will come.
This means Jesus is in fact GREAT news - he is the only news that could save us from God's judgment. However, for anyone who refuses to believe, this final message of Paul is terrifying ... they live under God's impending judgment. You would think this would make everyone flock to Jesus, but of course it doesn't. It didn't then, and it doesn't now. Why?
Today, that answer is clear: They don't believe in God in the first place. They look at life, the universe, everything, and they see ... a series of one-in-a-billion accidents, which resulted in them being born with no purpose but to live for a random amount of time before ceasing to exist. Or more confusingly, they DON'T believe that, but believe is some random religion (just like the people of Athens) that somehow rejects both the concept of accidental existence and the concept of God the creator.
I personally understand the people at the (albeit wildly impossible) extreme more than I understand those in the irreconcilable middle ground. However, that's the ground we must seek. Those people "believe" something - just like Paul identified the Athenians were "very religious" - and thus provide a source for conversations.
Prayer: Lord, in this place you have put me, help me to find those who are in the middle ground. Help me speak to those who have a belief in something they cannot reconcile, and then please give me the wisdom and knowledge to present to them the clear, simple, and loving Good News of Jesus. I know you have set the day of your judgment, and the clock is ticking. There are times when I wish it would be now, but until it comes may I act with urgency to do your will. Amen.
Friday, January 29, 2016
No Just Cause to Sin
Scripture: You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice, nor shall you be partial to a poor man in his lawsuit. Exodus 23:1-3
Observation: God's law is clear - 'thou shall not bear false witness' - it is a sin to lie. However, as God is expanding on the base teaching of the ten commandments, he clarifies further the parameters of lying. In this verse, he goes beyond the commandment to not bear "a false report" to give warning about the conditions under which one may be tempted to lie. A person may be tempted to lie for bad reasons, neutral reasons, or even for noble causes:
-- To join with a wicked man
-- To agree with the majority
-- To aid a poor man
Application: There is never a good reason to sin. Jesus put it another way - not to return evil with evil - and today we have the saying that "two wrongs don't make a right". In Exodus, as God clarifies the ten commandments, he is not giving new laws, but rather he is clarifying the importance of his laws by making it clear that there is no good reason to ever break the law.
I think this way sometimes ... that I should oppose some evil or wrongdoing through whatever means possible. When I do this, I may lie to manipulate an evil person and thwart their efforts. Or I may become aggressively angry to oppose their goals. Or I may become envious of their results knowing they were ill gained. In all these situations, God is clear: I am now sinning, and there is never a good reason to sin.
This is the level of discipleship required to be a "peacekeeper", and that is my ambition of faith this year. When I do not return evil with evil - or use evil to overcome evil - I end the cycle of sin. In earthly terms, that may look like "losing" from time to time, however I know that in heavenly terms it is "winning" and brings blessing.
May I remain focused on doing God's will, by his means and methods, and under his laws, despite what that may look like to others.
Prayer: Father in heaven, please forgive me for my sins, as I do commit them daily. I know that there is no good reason to sin, that there is never an excuse. When I think that sinning will bring about good, I am forgetting that you are in control and you don't want to need my wrongful actions - that you are fully capable of making the situation right and would rather see me simply obey you. Such sins are therefore a lack of faith, and I ask for your forgiveness and strength with that as well. May I be strong enough in mind and faith to obey you daily. Amen.
Observation: God's law is clear - 'thou shall not bear false witness' - it is a sin to lie. However, as God is expanding on the base teaching of the ten commandments, he clarifies further the parameters of lying. In this verse, he goes beyond the commandment to not bear "a false report" to give warning about the conditions under which one may be tempted to lie. A person may be tempted to lie for bad reasons, neutral reasons, or even for noble causes:
-- To join with a wicked man
-- To agree with the majority
-- To aid a poor man
Application: There is never a good reason to sin. Jesus put it another way - not to return evil with evil - and today we have the saying that "two wrongs don't make a right". In Exodus, as God clarifies the ten commandments, he is not giving new laws, but rather he is clarifying the importance of his laws by making it clear that there is no good reason to ever break the law.
I think this way sometimes ... that I should oppose some evil or wrongdoing through whatever means possible. When I do this, I may lie to manipulate an evil person and thwart their efforts. Or I may become aggressively angry to oppose their goals. Or I may become envious of their results knowing they were ill gained. In all these situations, God is clear: I am now sinning, and there is never a good reason to sin.
This is the level of discipleship required to be a "peacekeeper", and that is my ambition of faith this year. When I do not return evil with evil - or use evil to overcome evil - I end the cycle of sin. In earthly terms, that may look like "losing" from time to time, however I know that in heavenly terms it is "winning" and brings blessing.
May I remain focused on doing God's will, by his means and methods, and under his laws, despite what that may look like to others.
Prayer: Father in heaven, please forgive me for my sins, as I do commit them daily. I know that there is no good reason to sin, that there is never an excuse. When I think that sinning will bring about good, I am forgetting that you are in control and you don't want to need my wrongful actions - that you are fully capable of making the situation right and would rather see me simply obey you. Such sins are therefore a lack of faith, and I ask for your forgiveness and strength with that as well. May I be strong enough in mind and faith to obey you daily. Amen.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
When Evil Attacks
Scripture: And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” Exodus 1:9-10
Observation: We learn elsewhere that there were three generations between Levi and Moses. Therefore, assuming large families of 10-14 children for every generation (since the bible says they were "fruitful and increased greatly"), the Israelites could number more than 20,000-25,000 by now. That would certainly be a large population given a time in history when cities were rare and certainly nowhere near this size. Add in one more generation of kids, and they are at a quarter million ... truly huge for that era.
That said, one interesting element is that the Israelites in this time have become their own people-group. They arrived in Egypt simply as Joseph's family - a (very rich) father with 11 other sons, at least 1 other daughter, and all the attendants that come with that. Even though the new Pharaoh doesn't know Joseph, he acknowledges these people as an independent group ... a separate nation that is independent from Egyptians and therefore could pick sides against Egypt in the event of war.
This delineation requires a behavioral prerequisite - that the decedents of Jacob have themselves isolated from Egypt and refused to marry or even associate with others. Given the fact that, after the Exodus and when they enter the promised land, the Hebrews refuse to obey God when he orders just such behavior, it is telling that now they comply with that behavior without any such instruction from God.
Application: Why is it that, as soon as God gives us a rule, defying that rule is EXACTLY what we seek to do?
This is of course the source of original sin - rebellion against God. We are perfectly happy to ... live in a garden, marry our own people, live within our means, be happy among others. At least right up until God says not to eat the fruit, or intermarry, or steal, or lie and covet. Then we immediately do it. I do too. I know God's teaching, and I know the wisdom of it, and I break his teaching daily anyway.
To me, this is all evidence of Satan. Satan has no interest in leading us astray UNTIL there is a law from God to define what 'astray' looks like, and THEN he is quick to get to work. When God says "do" or "don't", now Satan whispers "don't" or "do". The fact mankind rebels not at random but directly against God's teaching proves that there is evil at work in the world, and it gives me resolve to know that I must resist it even more.
Prayer: Lord, please renew my strength daily in my personal battle against evil. You are my protector - my sword and my shield - and I know I cannot succeed if I only depend upon my own willpower. I am a flawed and weak human. You are the almighty God, sitting on your throne, in command of all things. In my freewill, I grant you full authority to command me ... to guide me, control me, lead me, teach me, and make me as you see fit according to your purposes. I love you and trust you. Please help me. Amen, and amen.
Observation: We learn elsewhere that there were three generations between Levi and Moses. Therefore, assuming large families of 10-14 children for every generation (since the bible says they were "fruitful and increased greatly"), the Israelites could number more than 20,000-25,000 by now. That would certainly be a large population given a time in history when cities were rare and certainly nowhere near this size. Add in one more generation of kids, and they are at a quarter million ... truly huge for that era.
That said, one interesting element is that the Israelites in this time have become their own people-group. They arrived in Egypt simply as Joseph's family - a (very rich) father with 11 other sons, at least 1 other daughter, and all the attendants that come with that. Even though the new Pharaoh doesn't know Joseph, he acknowledges these people as an independent group ... a separate nation that is independent from Egyptians and therefore could pick sides against Egypt in the event of war.
This delineation requires a behavioral prerequisite - that the decedents of Jacob have themselves isolated from Egypt and refused to marry or even associate with others. Given the fact that, after the Exodus and when they enter the promised land, the Hebrews refuse to obey God when he orders just such behavior, it is telling that now they comply with that behavior without any such instruction from God.
Application: Why is it that, as soon as God gives us a rule, defying that rule is EXACTLY what we seek to do?
This is of course the source of original sin - rebellion against God. We are perfectly happy to ... live in a garden, marry our own people, live within our means, be happy among others. At least right up until God says not to eat the fruit, or intermarry, or steal, or lie and covet. Then we immediately do it. I do too. I know God's teaching, and I know the wisdom of it, and I break his teaching daily anyway.
To me, this is all evidence of Satan. Satan has no interest in leading us astray UNTIL there is a law from God to define what 'astray' looks like, and THEN he is quick to get to work. When God says "do" or "don't", now Satan whispers "don't" or "do". The fact mankind rebels not at random but directly against God's teaching proves that there is evil at work in the world, and it gives me resolve to know that I must resist it even more.
Prayer: Lord, please renew my strength daily in my personal battle against evil. You are my protector - my sword and my shield - and I know I cannot succeed if I only depend upon my own willpower. I am a flawed and weak human. You are the almighty God, sitting on your throne, in command of all things. In my freewill, I grant you full authority to command me ... to guide me, control me, lead me, teach me, and make me as you see fit according to your purposes. I love you and trust you. Please help me. Amen, and amen.
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Properly Honored
Scripture: Then he commanded them and said to them, "I am to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, in the cave that is in the field at Machpelah, to the east of Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite to possess as a burying place. There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife. There they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leah." Genesis 49:29-31
Observation: Jacob (Israel) gives deathbed instructions on his burial - that he is to be buried not in Egypt but his the family tomb. He calls out that therefore the people who will be buried there will be the patriarchs and their wives: Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and himself and ... Leah.
Jacob worked 14 years in order to "earn" the right to marry Rachael. In the ensuing battle for his affections between Leah and Rachael, he eventually fathered children by four women, but his two favorites were always Rachael's children - Joseph, and then Benjamin. Throughout this, Leah openly declares that she is unloved, lamenting the situation and at least once paying her sister off just so she can sleep with her own husband once more. However, in the end, it is Leah - the first wife, mother of the oldest sons, mother of Judah, and mother of the most sons - who is buried in the place of honor with Israel.
Application: I believe this passage indicates that Leah earned Jacob's love. He may not have loved her like he did Rachael in his youth, but in his old age she was the one whom he would eventually self-identify as his wife and the one worthy of honor in the tomb of the patriarchs.
This is the way I wish to metaphorically look upon my sinful past life. There were things in my old life that I loved - behaviors, thoughts, and people who were not good to have in my life. However, as I have learned, those things pale in comparison to the blessings of God and a happy life spent attempting to honor his will. That said, I still look too kindly on the memories. I have been forgiven for my past transgressions, and it is important that I expunge them from my mind in both their good and bad forms.
Instead, I need to honor God, and honor the amazing things he has brought into my life. I also need to honor the great work he hands me from time to time ... often hard work, often thankless work, maybe even 'ugly' work (can work have "weak eyes" like Leah?) ... but great work worthy of my honor through devotion to it. I now love God and love serving his people. In time I will love more people - seeing them as creations of God worthy of my love - as Jacob learned to love Leah through his maturing relationship with God and an understanding of the great work God was doing in his life.
Prayer: Lord, my sin life needs to be like Rachael - something I loved at one time, but now something dead and not to be returned to. My life with Jesus needs to be like Leah - loved in my mature life of understanding, properly honored, and the results of which I know will be amazing great like Judah's prophesy. Amen.
Observation: Jacob (Israel) gives deathbed instructions on his burial - that he is to be buried not in Egypt but his the family tomb. He calls out that therefore the people who will be buried there will be the patriarchs and their wives: Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and himself and ... Leah.
Jacob worked 14 years in order to "earn" the right to marry Rachael. In the ensuing battle for his affections between Leah and Rachael, he eventually fathered children by four women, but his two favorites were always Rachael's children - Joseph, and then Benjamin. Throughout this, Leah openly declares that she is unloved, lamenting the situation and at least once paying her sister off just so she can sleep with her own husband once more. However, in the end, it is Leah - the first wife, mother of the oldest sons, mother of Judah, and mother of the most sons - who is buried in the place of honor with Israel.
Application: I believe this passage indicates that Leah earned Jacob's love. He may not have loved her like he did Rachael in his youth, but in his old age she was the one whom he would eventually self-identify as his wife and the one worthy of honor in the tomb of the patriarchs.
This is the way I wish to metaphorically look upon my sinful past life. There were things in my old life that I loved - behaviors, thoughts, and people who were not good to have in my life. However, as I have learned, those things pale in comparison to the blessings of God and a happy life spent attempting to honor his will. That said, I still look too kindly on the memories. I have been forgiven for my past transgressions, and it is important that I expunge them from my mind in both their good and bad forms.
Instead, I need to honor God, and honor the amazing things he has brought into my life. I also need to honor the great work he hands me from time to time ... often hard work, often thankless work, maybe even 'ugly' work (can work have "weak eyes" like Leah?) ... but great work worthy of my honor through devotion to it. I now love God and love serving his people. In time I will love more people - seeing them as creations of God worthy of my love - as Jacob learned to love Leah through his maturing relationship with God and an understanding of the great work God was doing in his life.
Prayer: Lord, my sin life needs to be like Rachael - something I loved at one time, but now something dead and not to be returned to. My life with Jesus needs to be like Leah - loved in my mature life of understanding, properly honored, and the results of which I know will be amazing great like Judah's prophesy. Amen.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
God is Even Closer
Scripture:
Why, O Lord, do you stand far away?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
Why, O Lord, do you stand far away?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor;
let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised.
For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul,
and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord.
In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him;
all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”
let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised.
For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul,
and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord.
In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him;
all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”
Psalms 10:1-4
Observation: The psalmist is not fretting about God's distance from him - he is not saying that God is far away from his life or his situation. Instead, he is wondering about God's justice. Specifically, he is noting that wicked and prideful men do all kinds of evil without punishment from God.
Throughout this psalm, the wicked men ... a greedy, assault the weak, take advantage of the poor, cheat everyone, and all the while they defy God himself, going so far as to openly declare that God does not exist. In fact, the proof of their disbelief in the existence of God is their own actions - they do evil with no punishment, therefore there must not be a just god.
Application: I feel like this psalm must have been written recently! How many non-believers declare there is no God, and their proof is the existence of unpunished evil. As a result, they then commit evil themselves - sexual immorality, cheating, lying, hatred of others, and greedy pursuit of wealth. In some cases, they even go so far as to declare these things 'good' since - without God - the law is ignored and thus their judgment of good and evil can be assessed using secular values.
The last line of verse 4 is so telling: "All his thoughts are, 'there is no God.'" This itself is a paradox. If there was no God, then why think about God at all?! Even in these situations, God is SO close to the situation that he is every thought in the minds of evil doers.
So for the psalmist ... the original question wondering why God is so far away and hiding is answered ... God is even CLOSER than can be seen. He isn't external to the situation handing down justice, but he is internal - in the heads of others - trying to correct them.
As believers, we can trust in the fact that God IS in the situations involving non-believers who reject his teaching, and that he talks to them. It is our job to only serve within that relationship.
Prayer: Lord, the issue of course is that those who aren't your sheep don't know your voice. They know no voice, ignore your voice, reject your voice, and even argue with your voice. May I re-enforce your voice. May I be a sheep that hears and knows your voice, follows your direction, and shows other sheep what life may be like in your arms. When I see others doing evil, and they reject your existence, may I be one standing there pointing out to them that even the act of actively rejecting you is an act of acknowledging your ... and that you are not far away allowing their actions, but in fact you are in their heads loving them. Amen.
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Blessings for All
Scripture: The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. Genesis 39:2-3
Observation: Potiphar, an Egyptian, knows God well enough to understand God's favor. As a result, promotes Joseph. Pharaoh does the same thing in two chapters - recognizes God's hand upon Joseph and thus promotes him.
It is interesting that these individuals acknowledge "God" - the one true God. They don't know the Hebrews as a nation yet, nor God as the "God of Abraham", but they wish to align themselves with God's favor.
Application: In the world today I sometimes see people I believe are 'non-believers' seek God's favor. I often ask myself: Does this work? I see three possible answers:
1) Yes it works, because God loves them just as much as he loves everyone else. They may therefore receive favor not by faith, but just God's love.
2) Yea it works, because it is God's will and plan. He is working out a different path (such as eventually saving an entire nation) and so blessing a non believer serves his purpose.
3) Yes it works, because it aligns to the prayers and needs of a believer. As Potiphar was blessed in order to sustain and bless Joseph, a non believer can be answered by God as an answer to a believer.
This is part of how we can help others learn about God - through conversations about their blessings by God. They receive them just like I do.
Prayer: Thank you for your blessings Lord ... for me and for all mankind.
Observation: Potiphar, an Egyptian, knows God well enough to understand God's favor. As a result, promotes Joseph. Pharaoh does the same thing in two chapters - recognizes God's hand upon Joseph and thus promotes him.
It is interesting that these individuals acknowledge "God" - the one true God. They don't know the Hebrews as a nation yet, nor God as the "God of Abraham", but they wish to align themselves with God's favor.
Application: In the world today I sometimes see people I believe are 'non-believers' seek God's favor. I often ask myself: Does this work? I see three possible answers:
1) Yes it works, because God loves them just as much as he loves everyone else. They may therefore receive favor not by faith, but just God's love.
2) Yea it works, because it is God's will and plan. He is working out a different path (such as eventually saving an entire nation) and so blessing a non believer serves his purpose.
3) Yes it works, because it aligns to the prayers and needs of a believer. As Potiphar was blessed in order to sustain and bless Joseph, a non believer can be answered by God as an answer to a believer.
This is part of how we can help others learn about God - through conversations about their blessings by God. They receive them just like I do.
Prayer: Thank you for your blessings Lord ... for me and for all mankind.
Friday, January 15, 2016
When the Color is Gone
Scripture: Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors. Genesis 37:3[a]
[a] See Septuagint, Vulgate; or (with Syriac) a robe with long sleeves. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.
Observation: Wait ... the robe might NOT have had many colors? This phrase might mean it had ... long sleeves??
Application: Since everyone knows the robe was "many colors" (Sunday School lesson) or "Technicolor" (Broadway promotion), this insight would make the actions of the brothers even more petty. A colorful robe would have been costly and unique, generating jealousy. However, long sleeves are just ... different from theirs.
Prayer: As the story of Joseph unfolds, Lord, we see how you are at work in EVERY situation for your plan. May my impending change be within your plan as well. Amen.
(I don't have a lot to say today. Instead, I have had this secular song stuck in my head - was even humming it on my way into my workout today - which my daughter was singing the other night. It applies to my immanent departure from work. I wonder if Joseph would have sung it to his brothers when they sold him into slavery!)
[a] See Septuagint, Vulgate; or (with Syriac) a robe with long sleeves. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.
Observation: Wait ... the robe might NOT have had many colors? This phrase might mean it had ... long sleeves??
Application: Since everyone knows the robe was "many colors" (Sunday School lesson) or "Technicolor" (Broadway promotion), this insight would make the actions of the brothers even more petty. A colorful robe would have been costly and unique, generating jealousy. However, long sleeves are just ... different from theirs.
Prayer: As the story of Joseph unfolds, Lord, we see how you are at work in EVERY situation for your plan. May my impending change be within your plan as well. Amen.
(I don't have a lot to say today. Instead, I have had this secular song stuck in my head - was even humming it on my way into my workout today - which my daughter was singing the other night. It applies to my immanent departure from work. I wonder if Joseph would have sung it to his brothers when they sold him into slavery!)
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
The Other Side of the Story
Scripture: "These twenty years I have been in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times. If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been on my side, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God saw my affliction and the labor of my hands and rebuked you last night." Then Laban answered and said to Jacob, "The daughters are my daughters, the children are my children, the flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine." Genesis 31:41-43a
Observation: Last year, I noted how Jacob seemed to have a lot of tricks - the way he secured the best of the flocks for himself then had to flea from Laban. However, there is another side to this story. Jacob outlines a case where Laban has cheated Jacob, changing his wages, changing the 'rules', and placing all risk and burden on Jacob. Jacob even outlines how God revealed to him which flocks would be successful.
In other words, God has blessed Jacob in abundance, even as Laban himself was manipulating the situation to cheat him. However, even now Laban cannot accept that situation. He goes so far as to state that not only are Jacob's flocks actually his, but Jacob's own children by being the offspring of his daughters are actually his children.
And pivotal in the story is the revelation that Laban does not worship God ... he has his own gods and idols, and even though he acknowledges the existence of God (even fearing the authority of God) he refuses to be part of a relationship with God.
Application: These situations strike me as similar to modern-day dynamics between believers and non-believers. Non-believers:
-- May accept that God exists
-- Even if they do, they do not fear him
-- They worship their own possessions
-- They believe they are "owed" prosperity
-- When someone else is more prosperous, they blame that person for their lot in life
Meanwhile, strong believers:
-- Listen to God's direction in their lives
-- Are often blessed by following that direction
-- The blessing isn't always easy ... it can be hard work and take a long time
-- Blessing is still just in context of being loved by God regardless their circumstance
-- Are often persecuted by others simply due to the peace in their lives
Often, I believe self-centered, godless living is a characteristic of our times. However, this story shows it's been around forever. And anyone who believes in God and is content in their life as a result is likely to be hated by "the world" - scorned by others who are living for themselves and for their next dollar (or sheep or euro or goat or whatever).
(Quick side note: I am NOT talking about a "prosperity gospel" ... the goal is contentment in whatever blessing God wishes to provide, and NOT that believing in God produces abundant blessing.)
Prayer: My great father, you have truly blessed me far beyond anything I could hope. I have material comfort, personal happiness, familial love, and daily peace. I know people who resent me for it. Please help me to keep one truth in mind - these people are not to be hated in return, but to be loved because they have a tremendous hole in their lives that only you can fill. I need to turn my cheek and love them, showing them both the love of Jesus and the hope of eternal life that brings your true peace. May I more and more become a peacemaker. Amen.
Observation: Last year, I noted how Jacob seemed to have a lot of tricks - the way he secured the best of the flocks for himself then had to flea from Laban. However, there is another side to this story. Jacob outlines a case where Laban has cheated Jacob, changing his wages, changing the 'rules', and placing all risk and burden on Jacob. Jacob even outlines how God revealed to him which flocks would be successful.
In other words, God has blessed Jacob in abundance, even as Laban himself was manipulating the situation to cheat him. However, even now Laban cannot accept that situation. He goes so far as to state that not only are Jacob's flocks actually his, but Jacob's own children by being the offspring of his daughters are actually his children.
And pivotal in the story is the revelation that Laban does not worship God ... he has his own gods and idols, and even though he acknowledges the existence of God (even fearing the authority of God) he refuses to be part of a relationship with God.
Application: These situations strike me as similar to modern-day dynamics between believers and non-believers. Non-believers:
-- May accept that God exists
-- Even if they do, they do not fear him
-- They worship their own possessions
-- They believe they are "owed" prosperity
-- When someone else is more prosperous, they blame that person for their lot in life
Meanwhile, strong believers:
-- Listen to God's direction in their lives
-- Are often blessed by following that direction
-- The blessing isn't always easy ... it can be hard work and take a long time
-- Blessing is still just in context of being loved by God regardless their circumstance
-- Are often persecuted by others simply due to the peace in their lives
Often, I believe self-centered, godless living is a characteristic of our times. However, this story shows it's been around forever. And anyone who believes in God and is content in their life as a result is likely to be hated by "the world" - scorned by others who are living for themselves and for their next dollar (or sheep or euro or goat or whatever).
(Quick side note: I am NOT talking about a "prosperity gospel" ... the goal is contentment in whatever blessing God wishes to provide, and NOT that believing in God produces abundant blessing.)
Prayer: My great father, you have truly blessed me far beyond anything I could hope. I have material comfort, personal happiness, familial love, and daily peace. I know people who resent me for it. Please help me to keep one truth in mind - these people are not to be hated in return, but to be loved because they have a tremendous hole in their lives that only you can fill. I need to turn my cheek and love them, showing them both the love of Jesus and the hope of eternal life that brings your true peace. May I more and more become a peacemaker. Amen.
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Ready for Action
Scripture: Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Luke 12:37-40
Observation: The parable of the servant being awake and attentive for his master's return quickly becomes a prophesy about Jesus's second coming. The message is clear: Do the work Jesus has commanded - keep the commands he has stated - however the timing of his return will be completely unexpected.
Ironically, the entire history of Christianity from that point forward has attempted to figure out when Jesus's return will occur. Even Paul hypothesized about the near-term return of Jesus, and Peter asked at least twice a follow-up question about the timing. Jesus is clear ... the timing is unexpected and cannot be known, it is likely to be late when you least expect it, and believers better be ready anyway.
Application: What does "ready" look like for me and all believers today? It certainly means at least three things:
1) Following the commands of Jesus, which includes loving God, loving others, spreading the good news, baptizing and teaching, and obeying the law
2) Staying awake and alert and paying attention so that as soon as he 'knocks' we can respond
3) Remaining vigilant in both of these attitudes, without falling into traps that would cause one to assume Jesus is not coming and backside in behavior
This is what I must do - I must follow Jesus's instructions, stay awake, and remain vigilant. I do these things by knowing God's will (through reading the Bible and prayer), remaining engaged in the community of believers, and serving God consistent with the ways God wishes us to love others.
Prayer: Lord, I do believe I am awake, prepared, alert, and vigilant in being prepared for your return. I know I cannot know the timing, but how I YEARN for it to be soon ... even now. This world needs you, and your faithful do grow weary at the hour. I will remain on guard, ready to jump at your knock at the door, and seeking ways to love others every day. Amen.
Observation: The parable of the servant being awake and attentive for his master's return quickly becomes a prophesy about Jesus's second coming. The message is clear: Do the work Jesus has commanded - keep the commands he has stated - however the timing of his return will be completely unexpected.
Ironically, the entire history of Christianity from that point forward has attempted to figure out when Jesus's return will occur. Even Paul hypothesized about the near-term return of Jesus, and Peter asked at least twice a follow-up question about the timing. Jesus is clear ... the timing is unexpected and cannot be known, it is likely to be late when you least expect it, and believers better be ready anyway.
Application: What does "ready" look like for me and all believers today? It certainly means at least three things:
1) Following the commands of Jesus, which includes loving God, loving others, spreading the good news, baptizing and teaching, and obeying the law
2) Staying awake and alert and paying attention so that as soon as he 'knocks' we can respond
3) Remaining vigilant in both of these attitudes, without falling into traps that would cause one to assume Jesus is not coming and backside in behavior
This is what I must do - I must follow Jesus's instructions, stay awake, and remain vigilant. I do these things by knowing God's will (through reading the Bible and prayer), remaining engaged in the community of believers, and serving God consistent with the ways God wishes us to love others.
Prayer: Lord, I do believe I am awake, prepared, alert, and vigilant in being prepared for your return. I know I cannot know the timing, but how I YEARN for it to be soon ... even now. This world needs you, and your faithful do grow weary at the hour. I will remain on guard, ready to jump at your knock at the door, and seeking ways to love others every day. Amen.
Friday, January 8, 2016
Knowing a Man's Heart
Scripture: So Abimelech rose early in the morning and called all his servants and told them all these things. And the men were very much afraid. Then Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? And how have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and my kingdom a great sin? You have done to me things that ought not to be done.” And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What did you see, that you did this thing?” Abraham said, “I did it because I thought, ‘There is no fear of God at all in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.’ Genesis 20:8-11
Observation: Abimelech took Sarah as his wife, but God revealed to him in a dream that this was a sin and he must return her. In addition, God revealed that he himself had prevented Abimelech from sleeping with Sarah. Abimelech immediately responds, all his men being afraid of God, and returning Sarah to Abraham.
Yet Abraham says he told that Sarah was his sister because he thought Abimelech had no fear of God - that he had no faith in God - and thus that they would gladly sin and murder him. It appears quite the opposite is true: Abimelech acknowledges God, knows it is God who speaks to him in his dream, knows that what he had done was a sin, pleads for his life, and upon telling his men they are immediately afraid of God as well. It turns out, they seem very much to fear the Lord. Abraham has misjudged Abimelech's faith.
Application: It seems to me that Abraham misjudged Abimelech because he chose to judge Abimelech based on his own standard. Abraham has such a strong relationship with God that no one could match that level of faith, and thus everyone who falls short must be godless. Abraham doesn't understand lesser levels of relationship with God.
I mess this up both directions. I see those with less faith than me as lacking, and I see those with greater faith then me as having a unique circumstance ... perhaps they are too zealous, or at least they have more time on their hands. If I really think that, then only I have the "right" level of faith. That, of course, is completely foolish.
As I am about to meet hundreds of new people and learn how to interact with them on a daily basis, I need to be sensitive to the types of faith I will find. Just because I fear it may be a "land" without fear of God, that doesn't mean that is what I will discover. Nor does it mean that people who aren't exactly like me are the only ones who will have faith. I need to look for brothers and sisters who have faith - maybe expressed differently - as those I can connect with as I go forward.
Prayer: Lord, I do hope that I will find other men of God in my new job. Allow me to enter that place with fresh eyes - to not assume that it will be a desolate and sinful place, but rather to keep a fair perspective. Amen.
Observation: Abimelech took Sarah as his wife, but God revealed to him in a dream that this was a sin and he must return her. In addition, God revealed that he himself had prevented Abimelech from sleeping with Sarah. Abimelech immediately responds, all his men being afraid of God, and returning Sarah to Abraham.
Yet Abraham says he told that Sarah was his sister because he thought Abimelech had no fear of God - that he had no faith in God - and thus that they would gladly sin and murder him. It appears quite the opposite is true: Abimelech acknowledges God, knows it is God who speaks to him in his dream, knows that what he had done was a sin, pleads for his life, and upon telling his men they are immediately afraid of God as well. It turns out, they seem very much to fear the Lord. Abraham has misjudged Abimelech's faith.
Application: It seems to me that Abraham misjudged Abimelech because he chose to judge Abimelech based on his own standard. Abraham has such a strong relationship with God that no one could match that level of faith, and thus everyone who falls short must be godless. Abraham doesn't understand lesser levels of relationship with God.
I mess this up both directions. I see those with less faith than me as lacking, and I see those with greater faith then me as having a unique circumstance ... perhaps they are too zealous, or at least they have more time on their hands. If I really think that, then only I have the "right" level of faith. That, of course, is completely foolish.
As I am about to meet hundreds of new people and learn how to interact with them on a daily basis, I need to be sensitive to the types of faith I will find. Just because I fear it may be a "land" without fear of God, that doesn't mean that is what I will discover. Nor does it mean that people who aren't exactly like me are the only ones who will have faith. I need to look for brothers and sisters who have faith - maybe expressed differently - as those I can connect with as I go forward.
Prayer: Lord, I do hope that I will find other men of God in my new job. Allow me to enter that place with fresh eyes - to not assume that it will be a desolate and sinful place, but rather to keep a fair perspective. Amen.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
It's Always Something
Scripture: For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Luke 7:33-34
Observation: Jesus is pointing out a basic fact - that the Pharisees and leaders rejected both John and himself, giving reasons that actually contradict each other. Something must be wrong with John because he fasts too much and doesn't drink wine ... and something must e wrong with Jesus because he drinks wine and doesn't fast. These judgments do not have anything to do with quantity, but rather they are simply both stating contradictory reasons for rejecting both of these two men.
Clearly, the true reason for rejected both John and Jesus has nothing to do with their diets. It has to do with their message. John and Jesus both have a message that is contradictory to the concepts of the Pharisees, however they cannot find the logical or legal means to attack the message. Therefore, they instead take any characteristic or action of the two men and attack that instead.
Application: This happens all the time professionally ... people who have good ideas rejected because the ideas conflict with the status quo and/or don't originate from the "right" person. However, do I ever do this to people personally? Do I reject people - not their professional ideas, but them as people, or the personal instruction they may pour into my life - simply because I don't like what they have to say or how they say it?
Probably. This is probably most true of people at church who I don't believe are "doing enough". I just had a conversation last night about someone who does not serve in any way at church, and thought to myself about how I didn't value their opinions. This is wrong of me. I need to consider everyone's opinions on the merits of the opinions, weighed against scripture, and independent of my attitude toward the person.
If the Pharisees had done that, they would have accepted Jesus as Messiah based on alignment to scripture. Jesus even points that out in this same chapter - when John's disciples ask Jesus about who he is, Jesus doesn't answer directly, but instead quotes prophecy to show he is Messiah.
And that's the key: I need to judge input from others based on scripture and truth, not on our opinion of the messenger.
Prayer: Lord, this aligns to my issues related to judging others. If I wasn't quick to judge others, I would be more open to correction and teaching and improvement. As I head into a season of massive learning, please do help me in ALL circumstances to be open and correctable by ALL people. Amen.
Observation: Jesus is pointing out a basic fact - that the Pharisees and leaders rejected both John and himself, giving reasons that actually contradict each other. Something must be wrong with John because he fasts too much and doesn't drink wine ... and something must e wrong with Jesus because he drinks wine and doesn't fast. These judgments do not have anything to do with quantity, but rather they are simply both stating contradictory reasons for rejecting both of these two men.
Clearly, the true reason for rejected both John and Jesus has nothing to do with their diets. It has to do with their message. John and Jesus both have a message that is contradictory to the concepts of the Pharisees, however they cannot find the logical or legal means to attack the message. Therefore, they instead take any characteristic or action of the two men and attack that instead.
Application: This happens all the time professionally ... people who have good ideas rejected because the ideas conflict with the status quo and/or don't originate from the "right" person. However, do I ever do this to people personally? Do I reject people - not their professional ideas, but them as people, or the personal instruction they may pour into my life - simply because I don't like what they have to say or how they say it?
Probably. This is probably most true of people at church who I don't believe are "doing enough". I just had a conversation last night about someone who does not serve in any way at church, and thought to myself about how I didn't value their opinions. This is wrong of me. I need to consider everyone's opinions on the merits of the opinions, weighed against scripture, and independent of my attitude toward the person.
If the Pharisees had done that, they would have accepted Jesus as Messiah based on alignment to scripture. Jesus even points that out in this same chapter - when John's disciples ask Jesus about who he is, Jesus doesn't answer directly, but instead quotes prophecy to show he is Messiah.
And that's the key: I need to judge input from others based on scripture and truth, not on our opinion of the messenger.
Prayer: Lord, this aligns to my issues related to judging others. If I wasn't quick to judge others, I would be more open to correction and teaching and improvement. As I head into a season of massive learning, please do help me in ALL circumstances to be open and correctable by ALL people. Amen.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Time to Go
Scripture: Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you." Genesis 12:1
Observation: The first act of obedience for Abram/Abraham was not to trust that is wife would have a child, or to trust his own safety in battle, or even to trust that he should sacrifice his only son. The first act of obedience was to go ... to leave his country and his father and his friends, and travel to a different land. The first recorded word God says to Abram is here: "Go".
Application: Today this resonates with me, as I have decided to "go". After a month of prayer that continued through a process, I believe God has called me to leave my job and go to another job. The new position isn't just a promotion and advancement, and it isn't the work I am doing now performed in a different location. I am moving to a job I have not done, in a place where I know no one, and into a situation I do not yet have the information I need to be successful.
I am doing this because I believe that - in a new situation and in a new position - I can reach lives for Jesus. God wants me to establish an environment where I can influence lives with the light of Jesus, and make the Gospel both real and practical for others. To do this, I need a different circumstance, with a different level of influence, and in a completely different location.
Am I ready for the new responsibilities of this job? My answer to that question doesn't matter. God will provide me with the readiness I need. My only task is to obediently go.
Prayer: Lord, in my mind I am afraid, but in my heart I am not. I know that you have always - and in all ways - been faithful in your guidance of my life, and I fully trust you now. I am not ready to do this job. I do not have the knowledge, the skills, or the aptitude. However, I do have you as my Lord. That is all I need. Amen.
Observation: The first act of obedience for Abram/Abraham was not to trust that is wife would have a child, or to trust his own safety in battle, or even to trust that he should sacrifice his only son. The first act of obedience was to go ... to leave his country and his father and his friends, and travel to a different land. The first recorded word God says to Abram is here: "Go".
Application: Today this resonates with me, as I have decided to "go". After a month of prayer that continued through a process, I believe God has called me to leave my job and go to another job. The new position isn't just a promotion and advancement, and it isn't the work I am doing now performed in a different location. I am moving to a job I have not done, in a place where I know no one, and into a situation I do not yet have the information I need to be successful.
I am doing this because I believe that - in a new situation and in a new position - I can reach lives for Jesus. God wants me to establish an environment where I can influence lives with the light of Jesus, and make the Gospel both real and practical for others. To do this, I need a different circumstance, with a different level of influence, and in a completely different location.
Am I ready for the new responsibilities of this job? My answer to that question doesn't matter. God will provide me with the readiness I need. My only task is to obediently go.
Prayer: Lord, in my mind I am afraid, but in my heart I am not. I know that you have always - and in all ways - been faithful in your guidance of my life, and I fully trust you now. I am not ready to do this job. I do not have the knowledge, the skills, or the aptitude. However, I do have you as my Lord. That is all I need. Amen.
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Hallelujah
Scripture: Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,
"Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns."
For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns."
Revelation 19:6
Observation: I look forward to singing Hallelujah before the throne of God, along with billions of others. What an amazing life it will be to celebrate the wedding of the lamb - to sing rejoice, and bask in the love of God forever.
Application: As we end another year, I know that the coming of Jesus is closer. I do not know the day or hour of his return, so I know I must be ready in heart, mind, and body. I must make my life - my daily, everyday, walking-around life - a living sacrifice to God, as my spiritual act of continual worship.
Prayer: Lord, I have a HUGE decision ahead of me, and I am praying for your guidance explicitly in this context - that whatever I am to do is directly connected to where I can best serve you and bring your word and grace and love and joy and good news into this dark corner of the world. I want to make my waking moments a sacrifice to you, and someday I want to sing with the multitude - to sound like roaring water - with songs that celebrate you. Please give me your guidance and wisdom. Amen, and amen.
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