Ignoring the Publicly Known Facts

Scripture: Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.” John 18:19-21

Observation: Upon being questioned about what he said and did, Jesus gives a basic reply ... that what he said and did is known, done in public, and often with direct engagement between himself and the Pharisees and Sadducees. Therefore, it is pointless to question him on these matters, because they are effectively a matter of public record. Either the chief priest already knows the answers, or could have easily found out by asking anyone without arresting Jesus.

Of course, eventually they will question people who lie, and even when those people get caught up in their lies they will still find cause to seek the death of Jesus. The questioning had nothing to do with the truth, or facts about what Jesus did and said, or whom his disciples were. They were only seeking justification for pursuing a predetermined course of action.

Application: I truly cannot comment on this further than I have before as it relates to me personally, but I do take away this insight ... this is what persecution looks like. It starts with false accusations, and then being questioned about facts and events that are already well-known and publicly available. It proceeds to accusations that at best are manipulations, and often are observably false. Persecution culminates with actions being taken despite the falsity of the information provided.

In some areas of the world, of course, this persecution is more simple and direct. It involves simply declaring believers in Jesus must die. Locally, we are only beginning to see persecution as a spiritual battle, with the battleground not being an obvious fight between Satan and the faithful. I would like to hope we will reverse this trend and move away from an era of emerging persecution against the Church in 'the west'. However, as I have said before, I doubt that is truly an option for us. Jesus said persecution would come, and Jesus always speaks the truth "openly to the world."

Prayer: Please come, Lord Jesus. You have delayed your return so that none would be lost, but everyone would have a chance to receive your word and decide their faith in you. I have children with dreams that would love to see how they play out in this world. I have placed I have not seen and things I have not enjoyed yet. However, I know I would greatly prefer your presence in heaven. Please come. Amen.

Relationship and Intent

Scripture: "But I did obey the Lord," Saul said. "I went on the mission the Lord assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal." 1 Samuel 15:20-21

Observation: Saul was under orders to completely destroy the Amalekites. The original words here meant to totally devote everything to the Lord by destroying it so that no other person will benefit from it. By this definition, Saul sacrificing cattle and lambs to God would have aligned to the mission. However, certainly God knows that wasn't what was going on. The men took plunder for themselves. Saul either a) encouraged them, or b) allowed them. Either way, when confronted, he quickly tries to cover it up with a story about sacrifice.

Application: A relationship with God is not about deeds and works, but it is about intent. God knows my heart. There are many areas in my life where I intend to do good, but I fail and need forgiveness. God sees my desire and forgives me. However, there are other areas of my life where I likely intend to do wrong and sin, even if I then do not. It is in these areas that I fail to have a relationship with the Lord.

James may point out that the son who does the work - even when he said he wouldn't - is the faithful son. Yet even that wasn't intent ... that son intends to obey his father, so even if he says he won't out of frustration, he does.

I need to pay attention to the areas of my life where I don't really intend to follow God's ways, and correct myself, even if I ultimately do follow God's ways already. It is the intent of my mind that hold back my relationship with the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, I want to be like David, not Saul. I want to be a man after your own heart, even when I am flawed and failing. I reject success in the eyes of the world, and that includes false piety in the others of other believers. I only care about one opinion, and that is of you, who knows my heart. Please soften my heart, and focus my mind. Amen.

Cause I Know Whose I Am

Another voice, another choice
To listen to the words somebody said.
Another day I'll replay
One too many doubts inside my head.

Parting Water Can't Convince

Scripture:
Come and see what God has done,
    his awesome deeds for mankind!
He turned the sea into dry land,
    they passed through the waters on foot—
    come, let us rejoice in him.
Psalm 66:5-6

Observation: The parting of the Red Sea gets mentioned so often as evidence of God's salvation of Israel ... it must have been an awesome site! Generations - centuries - later, it is recounted. Under attack, God rolled back deep water, perhaps several stories high, and allowed almost one million people to pass through it.

Yet there is a paradox in this. On one hand, this great act gets mentioned so often, it is almost as if God did nothing else. It must be recounted hundreds of times as God's great act for Israel, to the point that it discounts a massive number of other acts, wonders, miracles, and blessings. On the other hand, despite the fact that this is a massive, remembered, observed, and otherwise unexplainable miracle of God, Israel rejects God over and over. They began that cycle even just days after the event itself, and continue it even as every other promise for them is fulfilled.

Application: Again I am reminded of the futility of 'debating' about God Jesus with others as a means to faith. One of the aspects of such debates is wondering why God doesn't just "prove" himself to the world. It is in the Red Sea we find the answer to that. God did just that - proved without doubt his supreme authority let alone is absolute existence - and while that proof is remembered and revered ... God is ignored, his precepts rejected, his prophets killed, his authority discounted, and his blessings taken for granted.

This is the way of humans, and part of the work of Satan on earth, that even definitive proof that itself is believed in and accepted as miraculous, cannot keep some from rejecting the love and even existence of the Lord. In the same way, nothing Jesus did could convince everyone of his lordship. Faith, then, can only come from a personal decision to believe, and no amount of evidence can ever accomplish what God's love can do ... change a heart.

Prayer: Lord, may I listen to you and serve you this day. I desire to show your love to others, and to make my life, not my words or logic, the evidence of you. This day and every day, I serve you. Amen.

When and Whom to Correct

Scripture: The crowd spoke up, "We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?" Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going." John 12:34-35

Observation: Jesus is met by many, many questions throughout his ministry, and seems to have three different ways of responding to such questions. With the Pharisees - the devoutly 'religious' - he responds with criticism to their own thinking, but rarely a comprehensive answer. To those seeking faith and true understanding, he responds with both correction and guidance toward the truth. However, to those who are simply 'lost', he often just responds with a continued conversation about the nature of God, including love, mercy, and grace.

That is the case here, where a crowd is questioning what Jesus is saying out of their limited understanding of Messiah. They do not believe Jesus is the Messiah, because they even ask who is the Son of Man. They are just the lost ... those who may be seeking faith, but are not yet pursuing a belief in Jesus. And Jesus doesn't answer their questions, but instead provides them with an answer that encourages them to seek deeper.

Jesus almost never "corrects" the lost seekers. It isn't until a person first engages with Jesus as the Messiah - either in faith or in contempt - that Jesus engages in such a way.

Application: I have again been thinking of the 'debate' surrounding Jesus ... thinking of ways to logically discuss the truth about Jesus with others. Jesus himself never did this. He simply discussed the truth, which is that God - the creator of the universe - loves everyone and has provided a way to eternal life by forgiveness of all sins, received as a gift through faith and belief in God's son. It is a way to find good, joy, and life. However, it isn't until someone actually wants this eternal life and therefore is prepared to pursue faith in Jesus that he ever engages in any learning.

Who do I know whom I would consider debating with, yet they likely aren't even seeking faith yet? I start ticking off names in my head ... and it's already half of everyone around me on a daily basis at work, and that's just the 'obvious' ones. This clarifies my daily activity, which would be not to directly engage in deep conversations, but to work God's love and grace into my daily language.

Prayer: Lord, may I have both the clarity of thought and conviction of hearts to talk of you every day. I sing of your love and mercy regularly. May I speak of it as well, even in the darkness. Amen.

Should Have Known Better

Scripture: But God struck down some of the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy* of them to death because they looked into the ark of the Lord. The people mourned because of the heavy blow the Lord had dealt them. 1 Samuel 6:19 (* footnote: most manuscripts say 50,070)

Observation: After the ark causes death and disease to the Philistines and is returned to Israel, those who receive it are struck dead due to their actions. They can't help themselves, but they open the ark. Only Moses and Aaron of likely ever done that, and only when they were placing specific items inside the ark ... the tablets from of the ten commandments, the staff that sprouted, and a jar of manna.

God had a "heavy hand" toward the Philistines, but he was even more harsh toward Israel. With the Philistines, his actions were that of the Lord against a nation that had taken his personal belonging, and he acted toward them for the purpose of ensuring they realized their guilt and corrected the situation. However, with Israel, his actions are a direct response to impertinence. Israel knows the value of the ark, and yet they approach and inspect it.

The Philistines are an enemy who treats the ark as if it is an important and honored objected, and return it when hardship comes on them for taking it. Israel is supposed to be a nation of priests who obey and honor the Lord, but they treat the ark as a curiosity they should possess and understand.

Application: There is a major difference between communicating with God, and even questioning issues of life or debating current problems, and disrespecting the authority of God's word and the nature of his sovereignty. I can approach the Lord as my father and my teacher. I can speak to Jesus as my friend, and cry out through the Holy Spirit when I do not understand his way. However, the Lord's is the master, creator of the universe, with all power and authority. Instructions he gives are for me to obey.

I must begin to understand that I don't get to pick and choose what instructions to obey. I don't really get to inspect them, or probe into their meaning and purpose. God has provided guidance in my life, and my job is to follow that guidance. If I am adopted into Israel, and thus part of the nation of priests, there is an expectation that I will treat God with more respect that those with no knowledge of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, I respect and honor your instructions. My thought life wanders, and my daily walk is not always in obedience to your laws and precepts. I do wish to correct that. I do not question your authority, over the world, nor over my life. I am yours. May thy will be done. Amen.

Straight Results from Crooked Paths

Scripture: Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, "We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. Through the offspring the Lord gives you by this young woman, may your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah." Ruth 4:11-12

Observation: Boaz has gathered a 'minion' (10 witnesses) and negotiated to be the one who redeems Ruth and Naomi. This is then what the 10 pronounce over him:

-- Ruth will become a mother of the nation, like Leah and Rachel.
-- Boaz himself will become a man of standing in Israel and famous in Bethlehem.
-- The overall redemption of a widow will produce a great line, like it did for Tamar.

In other words ... they nailed it from a prophetic perspective, given that Boaz and Ruth will become the great grandparents of David, and of course then produce the line of Jesus.

Application: The Lord always finds a way to work out his plan. The case-study of Ruth is amazing from that perspective ... a Moabite widow who seduced a man to marry her, which directly produced Israel's great king and the world's savior. It doesn't get much more convoluted than that.

If God can work out his plans in such a manner, he can work out his plan for me through any number of indirect paths, and absolutely without me needing to be part of the planning process. If I could just trust and follow his leading, no amount of indirect, confusing, even painful events would matter. I am improving in this area, and I intend to improve even more, every day.

Prayer: Lord, you are my shepherd, and I am just a sheep who seeks your voice and desires to follow you. Lead me as you will. Amen.

Acting with a Divided Will

Scripture: Israel, apart from Benjamin, mustered four hundred thousand swordsmen, all of them fit for battle. The Israelites went up to Bethel and inquired of God. They said, “Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” The Lord replied, “Judah shall go first.” Judges 20:17-18

Observation: Israel gathers 400,000 troops, Benjamin rallies 26,000, and as they go into battle Israel ... attacks with approximately 1/11th of their men. In a battle where they should have a 15-to-1 advantage, they instead practically even up the odds.

Israel does this repeatedly. Throughout their history, they almost never act as a unified people, but as 12 independent states. They repeatedly value tribal boundaries, and even within that clan-level designations (later in this story they kill one single clan from Gad for failing to be part of the expedition). Israel is a people-group unified by their relationship with God, but often actively resistant to any other form of unity. This will eventually contribute to their downfall, when they tear their country apart due to tribal greed over kingship, which directly results in their rejection of God.

The subdivision of Israel always goes poorly for it. While it isn't explicitly stated, it would seem that all their times of problems arise when a sub-portion of Israel is oppressed while others ignore their plight. It would also seem that times of national unity - like festivals when everyone is to gather together - are often times of celebration and joy.

Application: Israel is a case study that shows division is problematic, and unity is preferred. This applies to the Church. This applies to families. And this applies to my own thoughts and deeds.

God does support "pruning". We did not see him tell Israel 'not' to attack Benjamin. There was evil that needed to be removed. However, when action is needed and/or taken, a unified action would seem more effective. For the Church, this does mean that some doctrine is flawed and needs to be pruned, but overall the body of Christ should be unified in its message, evangelism, and works. For me personally, this means that some thoughts and behaviors need to be corrected, but I should have a singled-minded purpose aligned to God's will for my life, and should be working toward that purpose instead of trying to balance worldly efforts and thoughts in the mix.

This is related to my current struggle ... attempting to find new value within earthly definitions of success, when I need to unify my goals around my faith in Christ. I do not yet know what that will look like for the next season of my life, but I am desirous to find out.

Prayer: Lord, again today I ask for your direction and guidance. May my work be for your glory and your purposes. I am in the place you chose, may my work be unified within myself and with others as you would have done on earth. Amen.

The Greatness of Our God

But there is only one God who can save the day,
So clear the stage, prepare the way,
Cause heaven and earth are singing
'Glory hallelujah'.
Let the whole world see
The greatness of our God!

Doing as I See Fit

Scripture: So after he returned the silver to his mother, she took two hundred shekels of silver and gave them to a silversmith, who used them to make the idol. And it was put in Micah’s house. Now this man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and some household gods and installed one of his sons as his priest. In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit. Judges 17:4-6

Observation: After a few hundred years, Israel is clearly devolving. The statement that in those days Israel had no king, and everyone did as they saw fit, will be repeated several times. This statement refers back to the idea of Israel being a nation of priests, with each individual charged with being a faithful believer in the Lord and obeying the commands. They have reached a point where individuals have actively abandoned the commands. In this case, a man named Micah builds his own shrine, his own gods, his own idols, and installs his own worship system.

Micah is one of many who have turned far away from the Lord. They have done this for many reasons, but it likely comes down to a lack of humility ... the decision that they don't need to understand God, learn his teaching, and obey his commands. They can do as they desire. There is no leader to correct them, and they don't turn to God for instruction.

Application: After a terrible day yesterday, I don't know where to turn for life instructions. I seek God's direction, but struggle to hear it. I am terribly alone. Does my pride continue to prevent my supplication to God's teaching? That is probably the case.

I am cut so low, and have had my "life" taken from me. This is a good thing, as it should create a clean slate for my future. I don't want to do my own thing - to do as I see fit. I want to do whatever God wants me to do.

Prayer: Lord, please give me your word and direction. I seek only your way and your will. Amen.

Who Isn't Driven Away

Scripture: But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. John 6:36-37

Observation: Jesus makes a very clear statement about the nature of faith and belief. He tells these people, some of whom are from Capernaum and some who sought him after the feeding of the 5,000, that there is a dynamic at play between believing in Jesus and in salvation. Those who believe will not only be saved, but will also remain in a relationship with Jesus. They will come to Jesus, and Jesus will keep them, never driving them away.

Almost immediately ... these people start being driven away. They beg Jesus for a sign and talk about more bread, so Jesus talks about the life-giving bread that comes from his sacrifice. In this, they grumble. All of this is reflected in verse 36 - it is evidence that, even though they have come to Jesus and have seen a miracle, they do not believe. Since they don't believe, and thus have not therefore been saved by faith, they are offended by Jesus' teaching.

And this is how it is with all people in history, and with everyone today. The message about Jesus is clear: Eternal life from God is available to anyone who believes that Jesus is the son of God and thus the Lord and savior of their life. Those that believe are drawn close and lean into the word of God and teaching of Jesus. However, those that don't believe are actually so offended by the message that they actively fight and resist it.

Application: In the church, we wonder out loud about why non-believers are so opposed to the good news that they angrily lash out at us. It doesn't really matter 'why', but we should understand that Jesus declared it would happen, and even demonstrated it. Jesus will not drive away any believer, but his words will, in fact, actively repulse non-believers. Thus, the first action in changing a person toward Jesus is not our evangelism, but rather it is God working on their heart. When God tries to bring a person to Jesus, only then will his words not repulse them. All we do is join him in the effort.

Prayer: Lord, evangelism isn't something we do independent of you, and bringing others to faith isn't something we do without you. In fact, these aren't really things we do at all, we only join you in your work that you are already doing. I know there are likely people around me in which you are working. Please guide me to join you there. Amen.

Singing of Reality

Scripture:
You who ride on white donkeys,
    sitting on your saddle blankets,
    and you who walk along the road,
consider the voice of the singers at the watering places.
    They recite the victories of the Lord,
    the victories of his villagers in Israel,
Judges 5:10-11

Observation: Deborah sings a song to the Lord for Israel's victory over the Canaanite army, and includes this line about singing and song itself. The songs, she says, tell of God's great work. These songs are not for entertainment, but for worship, and part of their worship is to recount and acknowledge the deeds God has already performed - his victories. Everyone then, including noble and rich people who can ride saddled white donkeys, should consider the songs as a lesson and teaching about God's greatness.

Application: In our modern worship songs, we sing of God's love and caring and blessing. We often sing of how the Lord has delivered us from hardship, or seek that he will provide deliverance. In these, then, it becomes clear that the writer has experienced that salvation, and when I sing I often recount how the Lord has likewise delivered me in times of sorrow and hardship and strife.

We worship God not by randomly offering praise, but by remembering the great things he has actually done. We acknowledge his greatness not in a vague and abstract way, but through very real actions and results. Just like delivering a strong army into the hands of ~18% of Israel, our Lord does great things for us every day that are worthy of praise, and our songs recount those as realities.

The Lord provides, and that provision is worthy of all praise and worship.

Prayer: Lord, today I sing with Deborah for the very real things you have done. There is nothing in my life that is not from you, and I celebrate you and your love. May I sing of your goodness forever and ever. Amen.

Laying Aside One's Position

Scripture: He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” John 3:2

Observation: These are Nicodemus' first recorded words to Jesus, and they sound complimentary. Nicodemus acknowledges Jesus' status as a teacher, and as someone with special authority directly from God. In addition, he uses the plural 'we' implying that this is something the Sanhedrin have both discussed and are in agreement upon.

However, there is another way of interpreting this. Nicodemus could be putting Jesus in his place ... identifying him as 'just' an inspired teacher, and therefore clearly not on the level of the Sanhedrin. This, in fact, would explain Jesus' response, where beginning in verse 3 Jesus immediately begins teaching Nicodemus about faith requiring one to be born of the Holy Spirit and that he is testifying about what he absolutely knows and has personally seen. Nicodemus doesn't understand, and this emphasizes that Jesus isn't just some teacher with the inspired word of God, but is in fact Messiah who knows more than all the Sanhedrin combined.

Application: I remain inspired by Nicodemus, a high-ranking and extremely well-respected expert with position, status, and title, who was at least open to learning ... and eventually would humble himself in unique and public ways. Nicodemus would speak up on Jesus' side before the Sanhedrin (John 7) and later he would be among the people who removed Jesus from the cross (John 19), making himself ceremonially unclean at a critical time. In both of these, Nicodemus was acting in a way that would have had public consequences, and he was willing to accept those consequences for his faith.

Nicodemus encountered Jesus in order to compartmentalize his faith ... he wanted to create a way that he could believe what Jesus said and did but not "believe in" Jesus. I know I do that sometimes. I want to believe in heaven, salvation, grace, righteousness, etc., but on my own terms. Jesus is clear that we do, in fact, have all these blessings and gifts, but they are given to us by God's terms. Those terms are to believe in Jesus as Lord and savior, and thus obey his commands.

I am to feed Jesus' sheep ... love others especially other believers, care for the meek and struggling, and pronounce the gospel message. Everything of this earth - title, position, possessions, and intelligence - are pointless. Nicodemus learned this, and so can I.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for words whispered in the dark. I am one who believes. Please forgive me for my continued pride, and give me the strength to set aside my life, pick up my cross, and follow you daily. Amen.

Dangers of Self-Serving Faith

Scripture: Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person. John 2:23-25

Observation: As Jesus begins his ministry and performing miracles, the people begin to believe he is the Messiah. However, this passage tells us that Jesus knew the nature of the heart of others, and therefore didn't "entrust himself" to people. In other words, he did not himself make statements about his status as Messiah, because he understood that the people were believing selfishly in the miracles and were not in fact believing yet in his lordship.

Jesus knew mankind, and understood that their faith was selfish. People believed because they wanted what Jesus was offering, but not because they wanted ... to obey God, pursue love, serve others, and ultimately understand and receive grace.

Application: Jesus knows every person's heart, and he knows those who are pious for self-serving reasons, and those who want to be truly Christ-like.

Yes, this week I have lamented the idea that I am not involved in certain activities because I want to be a leader. However, I also want to serve others and celebrate what I know will happen ... a powerful movement of the Lord, one which I have been praying for for many, many years. Part of my heart, then, is like those Jesus knew ... a heart that wants self fulfillment out of Jesus' work. However, I know I truly want God's kingdom here on earth, and for the salvation of others through faith in Jesus to sweep across out town. I don't really care if I'm directly involved in that, as long as it happens.

Prayer: Lord, thy kingdom come. May you claim Bothell now, and see a revival of faith in this area that no one could have predicted. If you would like me to serve in this, I will. If you would like me to pray through this, I will continue to do so. Amen.

Complaining About Free Gifts

Scripture: The people of Joseph said to Joshua, “Why have you given us only one allotment and one portion for an inheritance? We are a numerous people, and the Lord has blessed us abundantly.” “If you are so numerous,” Joshua answered, “and if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go up into the forest and clear land for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaites.” The people of Joseph replied, “The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have chariots fitted with iron, both those in Beth Shan and its settlements and those in the Valley of Jezreel.” Joshua 17:14-16

Observation: As Joshua begins to allot territory to the tribes, the second one he hands out creates complaints. Ephraim wants more territory, despite the fact that their territory is really blended with Manasseh, and Manasseh has by far the largest territory of all. For the sons of Joseph, they get a territory that is effectively a third of the entire promised land, plus half the land on the east side of the Jordan. It includes the current operating capital, Shiloh.

And yet, in the midst of being handed land, they complain. Worse, when told they could have more, they complain about the strength of the Canaanites. They exhibit a lack of faith of the Lord, stating they won't be able to claim the land in question, and in the preceding verses their failure to even claim the current land is called out.

Yes, this means that Ephraim complains about a free gift, complains about the remedy offered them, and then doesn't take the action needed to even claim the gift they were given in the first place. The fact that future prophets may call the northern kingdom "Ephraim" instead of Israel when discussing their lack of faith may actually be a reflection of this ... a people without the faith to act, who complain about even what the Lord gives them.

Application: I have seen others do this, but I'll keep this personal: Have I ever complained because the Christian life isn't all I want it to be? I have been given the gift of eternal life, produced by the brutal sacrifice of Jesus himself, as a result of God's amazing love ... have I ever complained that the rules are too strict, or I've missed out on worldly happiness, or the labor is too time consuming, or the criticism is hard? And have I ever done this while actively refusing to ... enjoy the happiness of my blessings, worship with amazing joy, and foster friendships at church.

God gives us great lives, from the great things he has stored up for us, out of his great love. Like Ephraim, we are likely to complain about what we aren't getting instead of celebrate what we are getting. We do this even when it should be obvious that what we are getting is FAR superior to the alternative!

I will not complain, even about the hardships that are, in fact, part of the Christian life. I know those come with the territory, and they can be endured through the strength of the Holy Spirit. I have been given gifts beyond measure, when I deserve to receive nothing but pain and death. How can I complain.

Prayer: Abba, I thank you for your good gifts, your wonderful love, and your amazing grace. May I keep my thanks to you upon my lips every day, every hour, and every minute. I join with you in maturing and growing those gifts as well. Please, this day, protect me from any of the problems that may come with them, for I know you will overcome them. Amen.

Pointing to Jesus

Scripture: Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.” They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” John 1:19-21

Observation: The "leaders" take note of John the Baptist's ministry, and come to inquire about whom he may be. They first ask about Messiah and Elijah - two people the Jews well understood from scripture to be coming - before moving to a generic "prophet", yet it is unclear what is meant by this third question. Some suggest they were repeating the 'messiah' question again, but generically in case he was being cautious about directly answering that question. Others suggest the Jews believed Jeremiah was also to return and thus this was his title. However, it is just as likely they were asking if he was a generic prophet.

In all cases, John answers 'no'. He will not claim any right, honor, or title that honors him. This is the case even though he could have claimed the title of 'Elijah', for he was the promised metaphorical return of the messenger coming before Messiah (Jesus even says so), and he certainly could have declared himself as some generic prophet for he was. Instead, he ultimately gives them the answer from Isaiah 40 ... he is the voice calling in the wilderness to make straight the way of the Lord ... he is the one who will point to Messiah. In other words, his life exists only to point toward Jesus.

Application: John was immediately perceived as being meaningful and important to the Jewish leaders, even to the point where they thought he may be the Messiah. Yet John understood one great fact, which was that the meaning of his life was always to show others Jesus. He actively baptized, but only as a way of preparing them for Jesus. He declared Jesus' status publicly. He ultimately surrendered his own followers to Jesus, and even died at a time that allowed for the expansion of Jesus' message.

How do I point to Jesus? I probably don't on a regular basis. Maybe some activities of my life do, but those are often in evidence around other believers. On a daily basis, I should find a way to point to Jesus more, in word and deed.

John pointed to Jesus even when he could have claimed honor and status for himself. This is an example to learn and emulate.

Prayer: Lord, how great and amazing is your word, that you provided guidance for people to see and know you, and you still do. May I grow more and more into one who points to you, Jesus. Amen.

Not Necessarily 'For' Anyone

Scripture: Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?" "Neither," he replied, "but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come." Joshua 5:13-14a

Observation: Joshua meets an angel of the Lord, prepared for battle, and with instructions for how to take Jericho. Upon meeting, however, there is a clarification needed - is this messenger for or against Israel - and the answer is a decisive ... none of the above. Yes, the angel has the message that Israel will take and destroy Jericho, and even has the battle plan to deliver to Joshua. Yet the angel is not 'for' Israel, and in contrast is not necessarily 'against' Jericho.

The angel is for God, and God is for his purposes and plan. He may have chosen Israel as his vessel for his plan and nation of priests on earth, but he loves everyone. The only question is, when God's instructions are delivered, he will be 'for' the one who obeys the instructions.

Application: The psalms are full of prayers asking God to protect the faithful and destroy our enemies. There is an "us and them" mentality. Jesus himself faced opposition, and especially as he was arrested and executed there was an "us and them" tone to events. However, the angel reminds me that, while events may transpire under this model, God's love is mutual toward all parties. God is on the side of his perfect will, and his precepts and instructions. He loves everyone, and thus the starting point of a conversation is not whether he is for or against anyone. Instead, it is ... am I for or against God?

I am for God! I seek his will and purposes and plan. I strive to align to his laws and guidance. I fail daily in some ways, yet my faith is in Jesus as my only path to the Lord. I am for God, his kingdom, and his son who is my savior.

Prayer: Lord, please forgive my sins this day, both those of my mind and those of my actions. I know I miss the mark daily, but I sincerely wish to align my life to you. I am for you. May this day my words and actions support your plan and instructions. Amen.

Setting a Reminder

Scripture: So the Israelites did as Joshua commanded them. They took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, as the Lord had told Joshua; and they carried them over with them to their camp, where they put them down. Joshua set up the twelve stones that had been in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood. And they are there to this day. Joshua 4:8-9

Observation: As a reminder of this great act - a second parting of waters to provide for the safety of Israel - the people are commanded to create a memorial. The 12 stones are significant in size, and set up with intention and man-made organization, to clearly be a symbol. That symbol is to remind Israel of the blessing and love and might of the Lord. When they see the stones, they are to tell their children about what happened. The stones are to remind Israel of the truth about the Lord.

Application: The Lord has provided for me in so many ways, the reminders are around me. My wife, children, and home are reminders, and I thank the Lord for them regularly. When I think of my family, I often think about how great God has been in my life. I am reminded that he delivered me from a life of death, provided joy and a future, and guided me into a relationship with him.

I should have more such reminders, for they do work well. I should see elements of my current job as a reminder of his carrying me through struggles. I should see my church as a reminder of the wonders I have seen there and the lives I have seen changed through his spirit.

I have been seeking ways to keep the Lord central in my daily thought, and physical items that remind me of his greatness would be a way. These are not idols, as the rocks from the Jordan were not an idol to be worshipped, but rather something that reminds me of the truth about God's love, and triggers in my heart a thought and an attitude of worship, reverence, thanksgiving, and love.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your help this day, in guiding me in finding ways to connect with and serve you. May I be reminded of your love, laws, grace, judgment, precepts, and mercy daily. I seek to be closer to you, and I thank you for loving me first. Amen.

Kinder and Gentler Words

Scripture:
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
    but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence ...
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,
    but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense ...
Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips
    and spreads slander is a fool.
Sin is not ended by multiplying words,
    but the prudent hold their tongues.

The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,
    but the heart of the wicked is of little value.

Proverbs 10:11,13,18-20

Observation: In the space of 10 proverbs, five are about the power and insight of the spoken word. For the good and the wise, their speech represents positive life and wisdom to others, and is absent of deceit, slander, and duplicity. The good speak positive words to others, and simultaneously do not speak lies about others or themselves. As a result, their tongue is "choice silver" - of great value to themselves and others.

For the wicked and foolish, however, their words are forever untrustworthy. They lie to conceal their intent, spread slander, and so loquaciously explain away their sins. They will talk and talk in order to deflect truth and explain their actions, instead of simply staying quiet and allowing a good life to speak for itself. In all this, their heart is revealed ... and it has little value.

Application: In many places of the Bible, it is shows that my words reveal my heart. My words are angry too often still ... less than they were, but there remains room for improvement. This is especially true in talking about others, and saying discouraging and judgmental things about them. These words reveal my lack of love for others, which is a condition of my heart that absolutely needs improvement.

I should speak kindly and softly toward others, and about others. In this way, I can improve my heart, for it will follow. I should be slow in anger and judgment, and this should especially be true with how I speak, holding my tongue when I think otherwise. I would do well to be prudent in my words about others, and to not speak about their shortcomings, or to attempt to justify my own.

Prayer: Lord, may my daily walk be filled with kinder and gentler words towards and about others. I am sinful, with a sin deep-rooted in pride and judgment. I know this is a failure of mine, and I struggle with it still. While I pray for continued softening of my heart so I can find more and more love toward others, may I at least have the wisdom to not speak in harsh and hurtful ways. May I instead bless others with my words. Amen.

Your First Love

Scripture: Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. Deuteronomy 30:11-14

Observation: As Moses concludes his final teaching of the law, he provides final words of encouragement. He does tell them the law represents both blessing and curse, but here he directly tells Israel "you can do this!". Moses shows them that all of this obedience to the Lord is doable ... they don't have to perform some mighty feat or send a hero on a quest to obtain knowledge, power, and wisdom, but rather all they need to know is already in their own hearts and minds. All they need to do is love the Lord, and as a result of that love to speak and do his word.

God will soon inform Moses that they will fail. If Moses is correct - that this isn't really all that hard - then the fact they will fail (and they will) is difficult to accept. If God is truly in their hearts and in their minds, poured out from them through their words and deeds, then there should be no problem. Clearly, this conundrum resolves itself ... God is not truly in their hearts, because at the end of the day their first love is not God, but themselves.

Application: I will not point a finger at Israel, because I am the same. I think regularly about myself - what I want, need, feel, hope - far more than about what God wants. I say I love the Lord and love Jesus, but I spend most of my day wondering how to improve my future life, with the great irony being that I have no idea what the future might even look like and often understanding that I have little ability to influence it.

I love myself so much more than I love God that I will fill my head with hypotheticals about me that are not in any possible realm of reality, and not think about what I could simply do or say right now to bring just a little of the kingdom of God.

We will all do whatever best aligns to our true first love. Am I willing to remove myself from that place in my heart, and ensure that Jesus is in that place all the time and not just when I remember him?

Prayer: Lord, I will answer my own question. Yes, I am willing, but I am weak. I have been well manipulated to love myself, as have all humans. Please forgive me, and help me to supplant my selfish perspective with a fuller attention on you and your will. I love you more than I love myself. Please help me to make that statement true in every second of my life. Amen.

You Love Me as You Find Me

I was found
Before I was lost.
I was yours
Before I was not.

You love me as you find me.

Seeking the Internal Kingdom

Scripture: Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you." Luke 17:20-21

Observation: Jesus uses the term "kingdom of God" often, and just as often it seems to be misunderstood as a time of an earthly reign. Sometimes this reign will be by God, sometimes by Messiah, but that is the general understanding. This makes sense when the prophets repeatedly spoke of a future king that would rule the earth. However, Jesus repeatedly speaks of the kingdom of God as a vague and unidentifiable thing. Eventually it becomes clearer that he is talking about the Christian era ... the time from the revelation of Messiah when the Holy Spirit will be available to all people, Yahweh will become known through Jesus to the entire world, and salvation by faith will be available.

It is interesting in this passages that Jesus tells them that the kingdom of God is within them - in their midst - and yet he is not directly addressing the disciples. He is addressing ... a question from the Pharisees. This questioning does not appear to be done in conflict either, as is the context with some similar encounters, but perhaps the Pharisees are asking a genuine question for which they do not understand the answer.

Application: I believe Jesus saw the potential for faith in the Pharisees. We do understand both in the scriptures and historical sources that eventually some of them did believe. Jesus repeatedly calls out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, and yet he continues to interact with them regularly. He doesn't avoid, but engages, and (when they allow it) engages constructively.

The kingdom of God can be within the Pharisees because the Holy Spirit and participation in the body of Christ is available to all people, from outcasts to hypocrites to laborers to foreigners. However, they must consciously seek the truth.

I cannot be like the people in Noah's time, or those who ignored Jesus, or Lot's wife. I must actively pay attention to the kingdom - which is right here with me - and engage in that kingdom. I don't need to go looking for it here or there, for it is within me, and the within the Church of Christ.

Prayer: Lord, may I find your kingdom today, not because I seek it, but because I bring it with me to this place. Amen.

Obedience as the Baseline

Scripture: So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.' Luke 17:10

Observation: As Jesus tells several parables, he includes this one about a servant who works all day, and what happens next. Jesus points out that the master will not then sit and eat with the servant, but instead will have the servant serve him dinner. In other words, the servant's job is to serve, and therefore doesn't earn special treatment by doing his job. The servant is to serve, and isn't praised just because he does so.

Jesus tells this in the context of other stories about basic faith. Their meaning seems to be that of paying attention to the law and the prophets, and to Jesus' teaching himself. Faithful believers are to love and serve the Lord. Doing so does not earn you special praise, but rather it is the baseline measure that demonstrates your faith ... doing what has been instructed by God himself, through Moses, Jesus, and all the prophets, simply shows you indeed have the minimal faith of a mustard seed.

Application: Obeying Jesus is the most basic element of acknowledging Jesus' lordship in our lives. It is by obedience that I can claim I have faith, for if I have faith that Jesus is in fact the Lord of all the earth then of course I would do what he says. My recent thoughts are about this ... ensuring alignment in my daily activity to the instruction of Jesus. I don't succeed all the time, but I am making progress. With God's help, that will continue. I have faith in Jesus as my Lord and savior, and he therefore has authority over my life.

Prayer: Lord, this day I strive to take captive of my thoughts and actions. Please forgive my sins, for I am a human who struggles, and I can only be saved through your love and not my actions. Even so, may my actions today glorify you in some small way. Amen.

Self Worship in Context

Scripture: Do not sacrifice to the Lord your God an ox or a sheep that has any defect or flaw in it, for that would be detestable to him. Deuteronomy 17:1

Observation: In the middle of a section about worshiping other gods is this sentence about acceptable sacrifice. In fact, right before this, Moses, tells Israel not to erect any Asherah poles or any other alters to any other gods. Right after this, Moses tells Israel not to engage in practices to worship other gods, and to put to death anyone who does. So ... why this one sentence interlude about properly sacrificing an ox or sheep to the Lord that has a flaw?

Because withholding the best from God is ... self-sacrifice. Giving to God a sacrifice that is not the best a person has - and thus keeping the best for yourself - is placing your own desires and ambitions above God. In this context, it is clear ... no one is to worship any other god, and that includes one's self.

Application: I need to consider what things in my life I place above my love and service to God. Do I place my free time above service time or worship time? Do I place any of my possessions above my offerings to the Lord? Do I place my personal comfort above any discomfort that may come in doing what God asks?

I think my answer to these questions are MOSTLY 'no' ... but certainly not always. And always matters. This is the difference between true discipleship and basic Christianity. I need to always place God first, not mostly.

Prayer: Lord, as I start a new commitment in my life, please guide me, and be patient with me. I am learning, just like any child, how to reprioritize my life, and it is my one true desire to place you first in all things. I thank you for your great love. May I return my best to you every day, all the time. Amen.

Struggling with Poverty

Scripture: There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land. Deuteronomy 15:11

Observation: As Moses reminds Israel of the law concerning the forgiveness of debts every seven years, he also reminds them of the fact they are not to consider that law when lending. The especially are not to withhold their lending practices just because the year of forgiveness is soon. The idea they may lend the money and have to soon forgive the debt is an act of generosity toward the poor.

Moses points out that there will always be poor people in the land, a fact Jesus also states ... you will always have the poor among you. Moses puts the treatment of the poor into the context of Israel. There will be poor, therefore be generous toward Israelites. The law of debt forgiveness, in fact, does not extend to foreigners (v3) or other nations (v6). The people of Israel, in this way, are creating a special provision for the poor of their own nationality only.

Application: We have SO many poor in our world today. This is a struggle every Christian has ... how to show mercy and care for the poor in a time and place where poverty is both overwhelming and socially complex. There are poor in other nations caused by oppression and lack of resources. There are poor on our own streets caused by self-inflicted drug abuse. And there is every type of poverty and cause in between.

We need guidance for caring for the poor, and it is likely there in the bible if we pay attention. By my reading, I see two types of care.

First, within the body of Christ, give generously without any hesitation or expectation of return. This is the nature of the laws of Moses.

Second, for all of mankind, show loving mercy toward their afflictions. This is the model of Jesus, who did not give to the poor but compared their afflictions to any unfortunate circumstance and actively healed them even on the sabbath.

Prayer: Lord, you know we have terrible societal problems around us, especially in Seattle. Drug issues compound mental health problems, and create an ever-present scene of poverty. In this, we also know that there are places in Africa and Asia where, by any standard, people starve and die due to basic need. It is hard to understand what to do about all of this. May your people, myself included, find your instructions. Amen.

The More You Know

Scripture: The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:47-48

Observation: As Jesus is giving warnings about his return - parables about the future day when the master will return to see if his servants are doing his will or not - Peter asks a question in verse 41 ... "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?". Jesus doesn't respond. However, his parable shifts. He changes from a general discussion of servants awaiting and being prepared for the return of the master, to a more specific conversation about managers who are not only ill-prepared, but actually ill-treating the other servants.

In the former case, ill-prepared servants will not receive a reward. In the latter case, misbehaving masters will be severely punished. Jesus then clarifies in verse 47-48, and in this way we find he has addressed Peter's question, but by clarifying his pronouns ... 'us' and 'everyone'. 'Us' isn't the disciples while 'everyone' is everyone else. 'Us' is all who have received God's word, and 'everyone' is the collective ignorant of the world who do not know God.

Believers are the servants of the master. As we have been given much, our service is expected. For the managers to whom much has been given, even more is expected. Yet as for the ignorant who know nothing of God, very little is expected.

Application: I have known this for some time ... the more I understand about Jesus' teachings and God's love, the more I am expected to serve in the context of that knowledge. This, of course, makes my failings now much worse than the failings of my youth, when it is more accurate to say I only had one failing ... rejection of Jesus as Lord and savior. Yes, that's a big one, but once overcome the expectations for my life are not different.

And I am improving, or at least actively pursuing improvement. I strive to be a servant doing the will of my master, not knowing the day or time of his return, but sincerely trying to be found doing his work when he arrives. I know more and more about Jesus, and I desire to be more and more prepared as a result.

Prayer: Lord, you have placed new ideas on my heart, and I hope to embrace those teachings in the days and months to come. I do hope you return soon. Amen.

One Clear and Constant Instruction

Scriptures: And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good? Deuteronomy 10:12-13

Observation: Here are the things the Lord requires of those who would be his people ...

-- Respect the Lord, the creator of all heaven and earth.
-- Live a life in daily reverence and obedience to him.
-- Love the Lord.
-- Serve the Lord both outwardly and inwardly.
-- Obey the commandments.

Moses has boiled every instruction of God - every element of faith - into five items, and truly those five things can be summarized as two verbs ... love and obey. If we treat the Lord as our father, then we will love him, and flowing out from that love will be respect for what has told us to do. Over and over again, this same lesson is repeated. It is the same as the 'Shema'; it is the same as Micah's summary; it is the same as Isaac's corrections; it is the same as David's example; it is the same as Joshua's final words; it is the same as Jesus' teaching; it is the same as Paul's writings; it is the same as James' lesson.

Believers in the Lord are to love him, and thus obey his most basic commands ... respect the Lord, treat all his creation - including others - with that same love and respect, and make all of that both your outward behavior and your inner attitude.

Application: I fully embrace all of this, but struggle with ... actual application. My outward behavior can be angry and even mean. My inner attitude can be prideful and condescending. I continue to pray into this. I need to continue the work the Lord has begun within me in this regard, so I may someday be presented to him.

Prayer: Lord, you have begun this work within me, and you have set me on a path of correction in order to protect me from future destruction. You have done what is best for me, even when it hasn't felt that way. May I continue to improve in this area, especially involving inner thoughts. I seek a new heart, soft and caring about the world and your created people, and I seek a new mind that thinks of others better than myself. I can only do this by your Spirit, so please renew your Spirit within me this day, and every day. I ask forgiveness of my sins, in word, thought, and deed, so I may be your servant this day. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

The One True Blessing

Scripture: I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. Luke 10:19-20

Observation: As the disciples and followers of Jesus recount how they were able to heal the sick and cast our demons, Jesus clarifies the proper order of things. Yes, his followers can perform miracles, speak with wisdom, heal the sick, be supernaturally protected, and even overcome demons. However, their true blessing is that their names are written in the book of life, and by faith they will have an eternal life in heaven. This is the one great blessing they have received.

Application: I thank the Lord daily for the blessings in my life, but honestly they are all moot compared to this one promise ... eternity in the presence of the Lord in heaven. This is the only gift that matters, and it is a gift. It is a blessing that I do not deserve and cannot earn, but is freely given by God to those who believe in Jesus as the Crist and Messiah of the world, and Lord of my life. This is the only blessing that truly matters.

Prayer: Abba, father, your love is so great and amazing, and your gifts so perfect. Thank you for this one true blessing, the promise of eternal life within your love and presence. I seek and desire it, and I trust in it. May I do your will on earth this day as part of your kingdom, and may I remain thankful for a long-term life in your heavenly kingdom. Amen.

Division in the Faith

Scripture: And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. Luke 9:52-53

Observation: The rejection of Jesus by the Samaritan village is, interestingly, rooted in the argument about proper worship of God. It is, in fact, this same question that the woman at the well in the book of John brings up to Jesus when she first discovers he is some kind of prophet. The Samaritans - who have some Jewish beliefs but differing practices - worship God at Mount Gerizim, and one of the complaints by the Jews is that it is only Jerusalem where true worship and sacrifice can occur.  Again, this is such a point of tension that the woman at the well jumps to that topic out of the blue, and here a village refuses Jesus request for lodging because he is on his way to Jerusalem.

Two people groups, both worshiping the Lord, yet in deep conflict partly because ... they don't agree about the logistics of that worship. When the woman at the well understood that this conflict was moot, she was freed to discover that Jesus was the Messiah. By contrast, by clinging to this conflict, this entire village is denied the chance to even meet Jesus.

Application: I try to be more and more open to all kinds of Christian denominational thought. I even enjoyed the Catholic podcast I listened to last weekend, and found their in-depth discussion about the dual nature of Jesus informative. However, I know it is often with the "practices" where I get hung up ... certain routines in certain churches where the members of that denomination cling to the process as if it is mandated by God, and I react to that with thoughts that they are heretics.

Neither is true. Church liturgical practices were not handed down by God, and having liturgical practices is not bad as long as it enhances - and not detracts from - the relationship with and worship of God.

As I understand it, the Samaritans were effectively Jews from the first exile, and they certainly worshiped Yahweh, and yet the "Jews" hated them. It seems the Samaritans hated the Jews right back, and so much of it had to do with procedures. I know I do not feel that way about any Christian denomination that meets the standard of discipleship defined by Jesus ... to simply believe in him as the Messiah of God, our Lord and savior. I hope the universal Church can continue to embrace all brothers and sisters worldwide.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for your Church today. We are a flawed organization not because of any imperfection in what you have taught us, but because of the imperfections of us. Our activities and plans are entangled with us, who are of sinful flesh, and as a result none of us are true and perfect reflections of your intended body. Yet we try. May we continue to try, and continue to unite as one body, for your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Give You All my Praise

I have thought many times in the last couple of weeks about the man I used to be. That is probably wrong, for I have put that behind me and the Lord and has made me new, but in one regard the remembering is good ... that is when I recall God's love for me in my lowest place.

The Lord has truly been the God of all my days. He has healed my heart, made me new, wisely answered my questions, saved my in troubles, pursued me in my struggles, covered me with his grace, upheld my head, and made a way for my life. God has done all this and more, and is the reason that I sing.

Harder to Believe

Scripture: Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. Luke 9:7-8

Observation: Jesus is going about healing people in great and miraculous ways. So many are witnessing this that he is nearly crushed by crowds, and no one can even tell who is coming and going and pressing in around him. He responds by commissioning the 12 disciples to go and heal in his name as well, and they do. In all this, we know that these acts are all a direct and specific fulfillment of the scriptures about Messiah.

And how do those around Herod interpret this? They think that Jesus is either John the Baptist recently raised from the dead, or Elijah returned to earth after being taken in a whirlwind ~800 years previously, or one of the other prophets who died 600-1,100 years prior.

These people are witnessing miracles that are consistent with the prophetic words of Isaiah, Joel, Micah, Malachi, etc. They could believe that either a) the prophets - whose word they believe and greatness their revere - were correct and Messiah has come, or b) one of the prophets themselves has been resurrected after centuries and is performing miracles they never performed when they were previously alive. By the time of Jesus, the scriptures were formed and the words of the prophets were well understood. Jesus himself quotes or references Isaiah and Jonah and Hosea and the Psalms (at least). Yet again we see that the officials themselves cling to the law and repeatedly place Jesus in the context of those rules, but cannot place Jesus in the context of the writings of faith.

It is WAY harder to believe that Jesus is some long-dead prophet than it should be to believe he is Messiah, yet they go with the former. It should be much easier for them to understand how Jesus fulfills the prophets than to harp on interpretations of rabbinical law, yet they repeatedly go with the latter.

Application: Why do people in general tend to believe that which is hard to believe or understand, and reject that which is clear? How can someone believe in thousands of relatively mean eternal creatures of misshapen forms and limited authority who manipulate all lives, than in one creator who simply loves them? Why do people believe in a future of total hopelessness and pointlessness, in the face of evidence of a design and purpose for all things?

Yes, this is they way of it for people. I am sure I believe in some ideas that are far more complex than the simple truth. I hope I can be a light that helps others see the simple things.

Prayer: Lord, may we simplify belief around us. So many believe things that are so mind-blowingly hard to believe and understand, yet reject your simple love. I hope I can be a part of changing that. Amen.