Scripture: And they were all amazed, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen strange things today!" Luke 5:26
Observation: Jesus has first forgiven the sins of the paralytic brought to him on a mat, and when the Pharisees who were present - so many Pharisees and teachers that the crowd prevented entry to the house - questioned Jesus' authority to forgive, he healed the paralytic. This, then, is their response to the healing ... amazement, glory given to God, fear in the Lord, and outward wonder of the thing they have seen that day.
In a few more verses, they will again challenge Jesus about eating a feast with "sinners" (tax collector friends of Levi, aka Matthew). However, even here there are two ways to read this. It could be a challenge of Jesus about dining with sinners. However, it could also just be a question. Verse 30 says they "complained" but then has them pose a simply question of "why" Jesus does this without any scriptural reference indicating a challenge to the act, and seemingly accepting his response.
From a simple reading, it seems likely that these scribes and Pharisees are ... genuinely learning from Jesus. They packed out a house to learn. They witnessed miracles, they explored Jesus' reasoning for how he behaved, and they came away from it not with anger and wrath, but with amazement and glorification of God. In fact, again from a simple reading, throughout the gospels we see Pharisees who at least respect, if not believe in, Jesus. When testing him, we see those who ultimately agree with his responses. When he teaches, we see some who simply listen. We even know that some in the Sanhedrin did not vote to convict Jesus in the end. Especially at this point, it seems these leaders were positively engaged with Jesus, and that likely some - maybe a minority, but some - remained positively engaged and even faithful.
Application: There is a stereotype of "Pharisees" that they were all opposed to Jesus because he threatened their status as keepers of the law, but as with all stereotypes that certainly cannot be true of all of them. Every Pharisee had their own choice to make about Jesus, and at least some chose wisely.
There is a joke statement that "all stereotypes are bad" ... an ironic statement stereotyping stereotypes. Yet I know I apply stereotypes to others. I struggle with certain people - often at work - and chalk it up to some attribute that I have attributed to them. Maybe it's a cultural issue, or a language barrier. I try not to do this, but ... I do.
I think I do this because it's easier to categorize and thus file away a difference of opinion as if it were a pre-ordained difference, instead of taking time to understand. I don't want to understand their position in case I find they're right and I'm wrong, and I don't want to take the time in case I find I'm right and they're wrong ... and in the exploration I now need to invest time to help them grow.
In this way, stereotyping others may be a way I fall short of loving others, because I do it to simply ... get beyond the person and not engage with them. If I want to love others, I should not use this excuse to brush past conversations. Like MOST of the Pharisees, I may find the original perception was accurate, but like ALL of the Pharisees, I will see that every action is an individual decision, and I will respect others enough to learn about them as individuals.
Prayer: Lord, I have struggled in the last few days with certain people. Please give me more patience with them, and allow me to slow down and lean into them. Not into their issues or topics, but into them as people. May I take the time to learn about them and their ideas, never presuming intent. Amen.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Monday, March 23, 2020
Cues to Recall God's Word
Scripture: Speak to the children of Israel: Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue thread in the tassels of the corners. And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and that you may not follow the harlotry to which your own heart and your own eyes are inclined. Numbers 15:38-39
Observation: God gives this instruction to the Jews - to adorn their garments with a special tassel. They are to be on the corners of their robes, and have a blue thread. However, this is not an ornamental adornment for appearance purposes, but have an explicit function. The tassels are to remind the Jews, when they look at them, to remember the commandments of the Lord and to then obey the commands once remembered.
In other words, God understood that there are times a human mind wanders and either doesn't recall the right teachings of the law, or may simply not be thinking clearly. These tassels are to be a cue to trigger their right thinking and behavior. They are unique and ever-present, and thus even in just casual motion and talking the wearer will brush them and see them, and since they explicitly exist for no other reason than to remind them of the law, the wearer will surely recall God's word.
Application: I saw these tassels on the clothes and prayer shawls of over 100 Jewish men who were all on my flight to Rome a couple months ago. They were all dressed similarly, and their clothes had distinctive items, tassels included. In addition, I have noted before how God's instructions have also included tips to help us be obedient ... tips like this, to have a reminder that makes us remember his teaching and thus obey his word or correct our behavior in real time.
In my life, I have been taught various visual and physical cues intended to help me recall a mental state or memory. God understood this psychological state of us humans - the need for reminders.
The second - and harder - step, of course, is to apply meaning to these items. It isn't enough to see them, I must associated God's goodness and love and kindness, exemplified by his teachings, to them. Ultimately, the Jews associated the tassels to routine compliance, and while obedience is part of the point, the truth is compliance is a means to receiving blessing out of God's love.
I could use this in my spiritual life ... a cue to help me remember God's instructions, or return my attention out of some activity I am in and prioritize God's teaching in that moment, and to extend that thought into knowing God's love. Using such practical reminders isn't just wise, it is clearly biblical! I could place a verse on a post-it on my monitor. I already wear a wristband with a bible reference printed on it. This is a practice I can implement today.
Prayer: Lord, you are so wise in all your ways that you even give us simple and practical help. May I use your guidance to improve my behavior, thoughts, words, and deeds, and in turn to understand your amazing love even more. Amen.
Observation: God gives this instruction to the Jews - to adorn their garments with a special tassel. They are to be on the corners of their robes, and have a blue thread. However, this is not an ornamental adornment for appearance purposes, but have an explicit function. The tassels are to remind the Jews, when they look at them, to remember the commandments of the Lord and to then obey the commands once remembered.
In other words, God understood that there are times a human mind wanders and either doesn't recall the right teachings of the law, or may simply not be thinking clearly. These tassels are to be a cue to trigger their right thinking and behavior. They are unique and ever-present, and thus even in just casual motion and talking the wearer will brush them and see them, and since they explicitly exist for no other reason than to remind them of the law, the wearer will surely recall God's word.
Application: I saw these tassels on the clothes and prayer shawls of over 100 Jewish men who were all on my flight to Rome a couple months ago. They were all dressed similarly, and their clothes had distinctive items, tassels included. In addition, I have noted before how God's instructions have also included tips to help us be obedient ... tips like this, to have a reminder that makes us remember his teaching and thus obey his word or correct our behavior in real time.
In my life, I have been taught various visual and physical cues intended to help me recall a mental state or memory. God understood this psychological state of us humans - the need for reminders.
The second - and harder - step, of course, is to apply meaning to these items. It isn't enough to see them, I must associated God's goodness and love and kindness, exemplified by his teachings, to them. Ultimately, the Jews associated the tassels to routine compliance, and while obedience is part of the point, the truth is compliance is a means to receiving blessing out of God's love.
I could use this in my spiritual life ... a cue to help me remember God's instructions, or return my attention out of some activity I am in and prioritize God's teaching in that moment, and to extend that thought into knowing God's love. Using such practical reminders isn't just wise, it is clearly biblical! I could place a verse on a post-it on my monitor. I already wear a wristband with a bible reference printed on it. This is a practice I can implement today.
Prayer: Lord, you are so wise in all your ways that you even give us simple and practical help. May I use your guidance to improve my behavior, thoughts, words, and deeds, and in turn to understand your amazing love even more. Amen.
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Determining the Debt Owed to God
Scripture: For they are wholly given to Me from among the children of Israel; I have taken them for Myself instead of all who open the womb, the firstborn of all the children of Israel. For all the firstborn among the children of Israel are Mine, both man and beast; on the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I sanctified them to Myself. I have taken the Levites instead of all the firstborn of the children of Israel. Numbers 8:16-18
Observation: The Lord claims the Levites for himself and for service in the temple. He does this not as a benefit or reward for the Levites, but rather for the benefit of all the rest of Israel. In redeeming Israel from Egypt by means of the plague of the firstborn, it means that all firstborn of Israel actually belong to the Lord. In exchange for EVERY firstborn, the Lord instead takes the Levites into service.
To be clear, God is both fully merciful and fully just. It is not just his right, but his responsibility due to his nature, to hold us accountable for our actions. It is also in his nature to provide for us a merciful means to escape justice. When the Jews owe their firstborn to the Lord, he provides mercy by setting aside just one tribe for service, which in turn even honors that tribe.
Application: How much do I owe to the Lord? He sacrificed his son for my redemption, provided me with love and a family and earthly blessing, and has given me happiness and joy at many times throughout my life. If I had to repay him like-for-like ... I couldn't. I would owe him simply everything. More than my firstborn or a tenth of my income, I would owe him my entire life, and that's a debt I can't truly pay.
Perhaps this was Paul's ultimate point about making my life a 'living sacrifice'. I can't give everything to God, but Jesus did pay the dept. Therefore, I can give my heart and purpose and thoughts and direction to the service of the Lord. In that context, leading a prayer team, or a mowing team, or a finance class, certainly isn't a burden at all.
Prayer: Lord, you yourself provided the example of truly paying your my debt. I owe you everything, but you ask instead for so little. When I feel burdened, or tired, or frustrated, may I recall your great love and mercy. Amen.
Observation: The Lord claims the Levites for himself and for service in the temple. He does this not as a benefit or reward for the Levites, but rather for the benefit of all the rest of Israel. In redeeming Israel from Egypt by means of the plague of the firstborn, it means that all firstborn of Israel actually belong to the Lord. In exchange for EVERY firstborn, the Lord instead takes the Levites into service.
To be clear, God is both fully merciful and fully just. It is not just his right, but his responsibility due to his nature, to hold us accountable for our actions. It is also in his nature to provide for us a merciful means to escape justice. When the Jews owe their firstborn to the Lord, he provides mercy by setting aside just one tribe for service, which in turn even honors that tribe.
Application: How much do I owe to the Lord? He sacrificed his son for my redemption, provided me with love and a family and earthly blessing, and has given me happiness and joy at many times throughout my life. If I had to repay him like-for-like ... I couldn't. I would owe him simply everything. More than my firstborn or a tenth of my income, I would owe him my entire life, and that's a debt I can't truly pay.
Perhaps this was Paul's ultimate point about making my life a 'living sacrifice'. I can't give everything to God, but Jesus did pay the dept. Therefore, I can give my heart and purpose and thoughts and direction to the service of the Lord. In that context, leading a prayer team, or a mowing team, or a finance class, certainly isn't a burden at all.
Prayer: Lord, you yourself provided the example of truly paying your my debt. I owe you everything, but you ask instead for so little. When I feel burdened, or tired, or frustrated, may I recall your great love and mercy. Amen.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Praying for Spiritual Health
Scripture: And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. Luke 2:25
Observation: Simeon is in Jerusalem, and in faith he is "waiting for the Consolation of Israel". This seems to not be like a prophet who receives the word of God about an event (like he does in assuring him he will see Messiah). Instead, this is like one who understands the words of other prophets, and in prayer and obedience is awaiting the fulfillment of the prophesy.
However, this phrase - the Consolation of Israel - is interesting. "Consolation" is similar to "comforter", which is itself the name used by Jesus not for himself, but for the Holy Spirit. Therefore, while Simeon believes he will get to see Messiah before he dies, it may not be for the coming of Messiah that he prays. Instead, he may be praying for a revival of the Holy Spirit in Israel.
There are many who believe that the Holy Spirit was abnormally quiet in the restored Israel during the intertestamentary period of about 500 BC to the start of John the Baptist's ministry around 25 AD. The prophecies about Messiah agreed he would be introduced by a re-awakening, ushered in by a new Elijah, full of the Holy Spirit.
Simeon knows that Messiah will not really comfort Israel. He himself refers to the mission to reconcile the Gentiles, cause many in Israel to fall, and the painful future death of Jesus. Therefore, again while Simeon has been promised a glimpse of Messiah, it seems that his daily devout prayers and hope is to see the reawakening of the Holy Spirit in Israel.
Application: We are in a unique time in history. A disease has brought the entire world to a screeching halt. I hear stories of hopelessness and despair from many crippled with fear. While I know God is in control, I also know that our world and our nation has turned away from God. These "birth pangs" are one way God is reminding the world to turn to him.
I would pray for such a reawakening in our land. I see pastors full of the Holy Spirit delivering the message of truth to many in this fearful time. I hope I see those far from God receive that truth, consider their relationship with the creator of the universe, and seek Jesus.
Unlike Simeon, I have not received any promise that I will witness any specific person or event. However, like Simeon, I can pray and fast for a revival of the Holy Spirit ... for the Consolation of the United States.
Prayer: Lord, there are so, so many people living is fear and increasing isolation, both physically and emotionally. May this be a time not of distress, but of hope, not of loss, but of victory. Lord, I desire to see this disease usher in a time of spiritual health throughout my community, my town, my region, my nation, and the world. Amen.
Observation: Simeon is in Jerusalem, and in faith he is "waiting for the Consolation of Israel". This seems to not be like a prophet who receives the word of God about an event (like he does in assuring him he will see Messiah). Instead, this is like one who understands the words of other prophets, and in prayer and obedience is awaiting the fulfillment of the prophesy.
However, this phrase - the Consolation of Israel - is interesting. "Consolation" is similar to "comforter", which is itself the name used by Jesus not for himself, but for the Holy Spirit. Therefore, while Simeon believes he will get to see Messiah before he dies, it may not be for the coming of Messiah that he prays. Instead, he may be praying for a revival of the Holy Spirit in Israel.
There are many who believe that the Holy Spirit was abnormally quiet in the restored Israel during the intertestamentary period of about 500 BC to the start of John the Baptist's ministry around 25 AD. The prophecies about Messiah agreed he would be introduced by a re-awakening, ushered in by a new Elijah, full of the Holy Spirit.
Simeon knows that Messiah will not really comfort Israel. He himself refers to the mission to reconcile the Gentiles, cause many in Israel to fall, and the painful future death of Jesus. Therefore, again while Simeon has been promised a glimpse of Messiah, it seems that his daily devout prayers and hope is to see the reawakening of the Holy Spirit in Israel.
Application: We are in a unique time in history. A disease has brought the entire world to a screeching halt. I hear stories of hopelessness and despair from many crippled with fear. While I know God is in control, I also know that our world and our nation has turned away from God. These "birth pangs" are one way God is reminding the world to turn to him.
I would pray for such a reawakening in our land. I see pastors full of the Holy Spirit delivering the message of truth to many in this fearful time. I hope I see those far from God receive that truth, consider their relationship with the creator of the universe, and seek Jesus.
Unlike Simeon, I have not received any promise that I will witness any specific person or event. However, like Simeon, I can pray and fast for a revival of the Holy Spirit ... for the Consolation of the United States.
Prayer: Lord, there are so, so many people living is fear and increasing isolation, both physically and emotionally. May this be a time not of distress, but of hope, not of loss, but of victory. Lord, I desire to see this disease usher in a time of spiritual health throughout my community, my town, my region, my nation, and the world. Amen.
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Leaning Into the Sabbath
Scripture: What grows of its own accord of your harvest you shall not reap, nor gather the grapes of your untended vine, for it is a year of rest for the land. And the sabbath produce of the land shall be food for you: for you, your male and female servants, your hired man, and the stranger who dwells with you. Leviticus 25:5-6
Observation: As the Lord pronounces the sabbath year - that every seven years will be a year of rest - he clarifies the food Israel will eat. They will not plant or harvest crops. Instead, they will eat "sabbath produce or the land". He clarifies this later. The majority of their food will be from a vast blessing of food to come in the sixth year, which will be enough for the seventh and at least until the time of harvest in the eighth years. It also seems they may take of the abundance of the land ... wild fruits and trees and plants that are not necessarily part of their crops they may eat as long as they are not formally working to harvest them.
In other words ... the Lord will provide for them in such a way that they can take a full year off of working and have plenty of provision for comfortable and worry-free living.
Application: I find it hard to truly rest for a day. The sabbath is a time of rest, which is an act of faith; we are to trust in God so much that we feel no stress about not providing for ourselves for a time. I can do that once a week because I know it's okay with my employer and even permitted by law. However, I know the stress I sometimes feel on vacation, checking email and ensuring I respond to certain matters. This is, in a word, faithless.
God is so wonderful and powerful that he can provide everything an entire nation needs for three years without any effort on their part. Certainly I should know he can provide my daily bread. I feel a need to lean into that, and to likewise lead my wife and family into that same trust.
Prayer: Lord, you have given me thoughts today. I will pray on this matter for some days. May you reveal to me a path you have me take to improve how we all, myself, my wife, my family, and perhaps my extended family of Christ, can lean into your sabbath by faith. Amen.
Observation: As the Lord pronounces the sabbath year - that every seven years will be a year of rest - he clarifies the food Israel will eat. They will not plant or harvest crops. Instead, they will eat "sabbath produce or the land". He clarifies this later. The majority of their food will be from a vast blessing of food to come in the sixth year, which will be enough for the seventh and at least until the time of harvest in the eighth years. It also seems they may take of the abundance of the land ... wild fruits and trees and plants that are not necessarily part of their crops they may eat as long as they are not formally working to harvest them.
In other words ... the Lord will provide for them in such a way that they can take a full year off of working and have plenty of provision for comfortable and worry-free living.
Application: I find it hard to truly rest for a day. The sabbath is a time of rest, which is an act of faith; we are to trust in God so much that we feel no stress about not providing for ourselves for a time. I can do that once a week because I know it's okay with my employer and even permitted by law. However, I know the stress I sometimes feel on vacation, checking email and ensuring I respond to certain matters. This is, in a word, faithless.
God is so wonderful and powerful that he can provide everything an entire nation needs for three years without any effort on their part. Certainly I should know he can provide my daily bread. I feel a need to lean into that, and to likewise lead my wife and family into that same trust.
Prayer: Lord, you have given me thoughts today. I will pray on this matter for some days. May you reveal to me a path you have me take to improve how we all, myself, my wife, my family, and perhaps my extended family of Christ, can lean into your sabbath by faith. Amen.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Trusting in God's Forgiveness
Scripture:
When I kept silent, my bones grew old
Through my groaning all the day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah
I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
Psalm 32:3-5
Observation: The psalmist knows and believes in God's forgiveness for his sins and wrongdoing. He declares the blessing of those who are forgiven by the Lord, and here in these three verses shows how that forgiveness is achieved. Those who hide their sin from God, and keep silent about it, will have the full burden of that sin upon them impeding their work every day. However, those who acknowledge their failures to God and do not hide it - those who confess to the Lord - are forgiven and have the weight removed from them.
Selah.
Application: Even a thousand years before Jesus, it was revealed that forgiveness was not earned through work, but rather was a gift resulting from relationship with God. One who trusts in the Lord enough to openly confess their failure ... this is the man who can be forgiven. One who does not understand God's love and thus hides his wrongdoing in secret ... this is a man cursed in his daily life.
I know God knows my sins and wrongdoing. I can hide nothing, and I trust he loves me. By may faith in Jesus, and learning of my relationship with the Lord through that faith, I have confidence in forgiveness, and can live each day in his blessing.
Prayer: Lord, I do confess to you every day my sins. I indeed need my feet washed daily, for they get dirty during my daily walk, no matter how well I hold your hand. Please forgive my thoughts and deeds when they transgress from your will. And I thank you for revealing your love to me every day. Amen.
When I kept silent, my bones grew old
Through my groaning all the day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah
I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
Psalm 32:3-5
Observation: The psalmist knows and believes in God's forgiveness for his sins and wrongdoing. He declares the blessing of those who are forgiven by the Lord, and here in these three verses shows how that forgiveness is achieved. Those who hide their sin from God, and keep silent about it, will have the full burden of that sin upon them impeding their work every day. However, those who acknowledge their failures to God and do not hide it - those who confess to the Lord - are forgiven and have the weight removed from them.
Selah.
Application: Even a thousand years before Jesus, it was revealed that forgiveness was not earned through work, but rather was a gift resulting from relationship with God. One who trusts in the Lord enough to openly confess their failure ... this is the man who can be forgiven. One who does not understand God's love and thus hides his wrongdoing in secret ... this is a man cursed in his daily life.
I know God knows my sins and wrongdoing. I can hide nothing, and I trust he loves me. By may faith in Jesus, and learning of my relationship with the Lord through that faith, I have confidence in forgiveness, and can live each day in his blessing.
Prayer: Lord, I do confess to you every day my sins. I indeed need my feet washed daily, for they get dirty during my daily walk, no matter how well I hold your hand. Please forgive my thoughts and deeds when they transgress from your will. And I thank you for revealing your love to me every day. Amen.
Monday, March 9, 2020
Modeling the Answer that Matters
Scripture: But He kept silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, "Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" Jesus said, "I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven." Mark 14:61-62
Observation: Jesus stands accused of many things before the priests and Sanhedrin, however he refuses to answer anything. Then he is asked one question - are you the Christ - and he answers 'yes'.
There was likely no obvious punishment for almost anything else Jesus was accused of. There was no punishment for healing, or claiming the ability to tear down the temple. And Jesus had no need to respond to anything, as various accounts of everything were contradictory. Yet he is asked this question, which implicitly caries the charge of blasphemy, and he answers. It may be easy to understand that he answers because he had to fulfill the scriptures and be sentenced to death, but it isn't that easy ... the prophecy is specific to the manner of his death, and blasphemy isn't a Roman law, so responding to this question did not mean crucifixion was likely.
Jesus answered this question because it is the one question EVERY believer must answer, every time we are asked, without failure. When asked, is Jesus the Chris, the answer is always and forever "yes". This is the only requirement of salvation, and disclaiming this truth is the only guaranteed path to damnation. As such, Jesus - at his moment of judgment - modeled the behavior we are all to follow ... he was asked if Jesus is the Messiah, and he answered yes.
Application: When I stand before God some day, the list of things I COULD be asked about will be ... oh, so very long, and so very bad. I could be asked about every thoughtless word, every mean act, every sin, and every failure to provide love and kindness and mercy to others. That interrogation could take a long, long time, as I tried to explain away the wrong things I do many times every day.
Instead, God will ask me one question ... Who is Jesus? I will answer the same way I would answer anyone, anywhere, anytime ... Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, and my Lord and Savior. With that, the questions will be done.
That is the only question that matters. Jesus showed me what to answer.
Prayer: Lord, Jesus is my Lord and Savior. He is the Messiah, the Christ, who died for my sins, and lives again. This I know and believe. I will keep that before me and within me, and I will always respond with it when asked. May my life ever improve so that others would know my answer without me ever saying it. Amen.
Observation: Jesus stands accused of many things before the priests and Sanhedrin, however he refuses to answer anything. Then he is asked one question - are you the Christ - and he answers 'yes'.
There was likely no obvious punishment for almost anything else Jesus was accused of. There was no punishment for healing, or claiming the ability to tear down the temple. And Jesus had no need to respond to anything, as various accounts of everything were contradictory. Yet he is asked this question, which implicitly caries the charge of blasphemy, and he answers. It may be easy to understand that he answers because he had to fulfill the scriptures and be sentenced to death, but it isn't that easy ... the prophecy is specific to the manner of his death, and blasphemy isn't a Roman law, so responding to this question did not mean crucifixion was likely.
Jesus answered this question because it is the one question EVERY believer must answer, every time we are asked, without failure. When asked, is Jesus the Chris, the answer is always and forever "yes". This is the only requirement of salvation, and disclaiming this truth is the only guaranteed path to damnation. As such, Jesus - at his moment of judgment - modeled the behavior we are all to follow ... he was asked if Jesus is the Messiah, and he answered yes.
Application: When I stand before God some day, the list of things I COULD be asked about will be ... oh, so very long, and so very bad. I could be asked about every thoughtless word, every mean act, every sin, and every failure to provide love and kindness and mercy to others. That interrogation could take a long, long time, as I tried to explain away the wrong things I do many times every day.
Instead, God will ask me one question ... Who is Jesus? I will answer the same way I would answer anyone, anywhere, anytime ... Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, and my Lord and Savior. With that, the questions will be done.
That is the only question that matters. Jesus showed me what to answer.
Prayer: Lord, Jesus is my Lord and Savior. He is the Messiah, the Christ, who died for my sins, and lives again. This I know and believe. I will keep that before me and within me, and I will always respond with it when asked. May my life ever improve so that others would know my answer without me ever saying it. Amen.
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Giving the Vineyard to Others
Scripture: Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vinedressers, and give the vineyard to others. Mark 12:9
Observation: This parable of Jesus is a thinly-veiled insult of the Jewish religious leaders, and they know it. The owner is God, the vinedressers are the Jews, the vineyard is the covenant relationship between God and the Jews, and the people the owner sends are his prophets. The vinedressers kill all the prophets, and then they kill the owner's own son. And what will the owner do next? He will destroy the vinedressers. This is all pretty easy to understand.
However, it is the final clause that is interesting. The owner will then give the vineyard to others. He won't return and take his own grapes or work the land himself. Neither will he lament the vineyard and therefore turn his back on it and let it go fallow. No ... he will instead establish a new covenant with a new group of people.
The covenant with the Jews was that of a two-way relationship. By their honor and love of the Lord, he would love and bless them. Out of that relationship, the rest of the world would understand and learn how to honor and love the Lord, and the resulting blessing would flow to all people. When the people have finally killed the son, this covenant relationship will now pass to ... others.
Application: One of my areas of doubt is about God's true intentionality with us 'gentiles'. I am sometimes concerned that there is, at the very least, a hierarchy of God's people, and the Jews remain at the top, with believing Christians at least one step down. In this parable, Jesus is saying something very different. He is clearly stating that, upon his death, a new people will be given a new covenant with the Lord. Jesus will say this even more clearly to the disciples.
The old covenant is not now with the gentiles. Rather, a new, better covenant is now with Christians. I am one of the others, given the vineyard to care for. May I be aware of the owner's requests, and honor him when they come.
Prayer: Lord, your wine, your blessing, is sweet and loving and kind. You are great in your mercy and justice and love. Please forgive my failures on a daily basis, and guide me in strength to better serve you in deed and thought. May your name be forever on my lips in worship and prayer. Amen.
Observation: This parable of Jesus is a thinly-veiled insult of the Jewish religious leaders, and they know it. The owner is God, the vinedressers are the Jews, the vineyard is the covenant relationship between God and the Jews, and the people the owner sends are his prophets. The vinedressers kill all the prophets, and then they kill the owner's own son. And what will the owner do next? He will destroy the vinedressers. This is all pretty easy to understand.
However, it is the final clause that is interesting. The owner will then give the vineyard to others. He won't return and take his own grapes or work the land himself. Neither will he lament the vineyard and therefore turn his back on it and let it go fallow. No ... he will instead establish a new covenant with a new group of people.
The covenant with the Jews was that of a two-way relationship. By their honor and love of the Lord, he would love and bless them. Out of that relationship, the rest of the world would understand and learn how to honor and love the Lord, and the resulting blessing would flow to all people. When the people have finally killed the son, this covenant relationship will now pass to ... others.
Application: One of my areas of doubt is about God's true intentionality with us 'gentiles'. I am sometimes concerned that there is, at the very least, a hierarchy of God's people, and the Jews remain at the top, with believing Christians at least one step down. In this parable, Jesus is saying something very different. He is clearly stating that, upon his death, a new people will be given a new covenant with the Lord. Jesus will say this even more clearly to the disciples.
The old covenant is not now with the gentiles. Rather, a new, better covenant is now with Christians. I am one of the others, given the vineyard to care for. May I be aware of the owner's requests, and honor him when they come.
Prayer: Lord, your wine, your blessing, is sweet and loving and kind. You are great in your mercy and justice and love. Please forgive my failures on a daily basis, and guide me in strength to better serve you in deed and thought. May your name be forever on my lips in worship and prayer. Amen.
Monday, March 2, 2020
Understand Ones Own Prayer
Scripture: So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." Mark 11:22-24
Observation: The disciples are a little surprised to find the fig tree that Jesus cursed the prior day withered and dead 24 hours later. However, Jesus certainly is not, as he teaches that this is simply the result of faith. Jesus made a plea to the Lord with the faith that the Lord would do it, and it happened.
However, it is interesting to note that Jesus' prayer was NOT "please kill this tree." His prayer was "Let no one eat fruit from you ever again" (v14). The method by which this prayer was answered was not to simply prevent the tree from ever producing fruit, or by through some process over time ensuring no one ever picked fruit from this tree. No, God killed the tree immediately. This outcome surprised even the disciples who heard the prior day's declaration.
Application: In faith, I pray so often for ... very, very vague outcomes. I pray for "health" and "guidance" and "protection" and "wisdom" and "patience". I probably don't even understand what God's response to these kinds of prayers looks like. Certainly he answers them, but in what manner I don't even try to predict and therefore likely don't recognize.
Jesus' prayer about the fig tree produced an outcome that fulfilled the prayer. However, the disciples weren't quite expecting that. How often have my own prayers been fulfilled in an unexpected way and thus I didn't know they had been fulfilled? Would praying more specifically even change that, or is God so creative that his solutions would always baffle my problems?
I will pay attention to my prayers, and I will learn to wonder at the Lord's creativity in fulfilling them, for in faith I know he will.
Prayer: Lord, this day I pray for my friends who have a sudden and major health battle in their lives. I ask for total healing. Please give doctors wisdom and skill, and where they cannot act please intervene in power and remove the issue yourself. I desire to see joy, celebration, and a chance to enjoy more years on earth from this couple, as an outcome of this trial. Amen.
Observation: The disciples are a little surprised to find the fig tree that Jesus cursed the prior day withered and dead 24 hours later. However, Jesus certainly is not, as he teaches that this is simply the result of faith. Jesus made a plea to the Lord with the faith that the Lord would do it, and it happened.
However, it is interesting to note that Jesus' prayer was NOT "please kill this tree." His prayer was "Let no one eat fruit from you ever again" (v14). The method by which this prayer was answered was not to simply prevent the tree from ever producing fruit, or by through some process over time ensuring no one ever picked fruit from this tree. No, God killed the tree immediately. This outcome surprised even the disciples who heard the prior day's declaration.
Application: In faith, I pray so often for ... very, very vague outcomes. I pray for "health" and "guidance" and "protection" and "wisdom" and "patience". I probably don't even understand what God's response to these kinds of prayers looks like. Certainly he answers them, but in what manner I don't even try to predict and therefore likely don't recognize.
Jesus' prayer about the fig tree produced an outcome that fulfilled the prayer. However, the disciples weren't quite expecting that. How often have my own prayers been fulfilled in an unexpected way and thus I didn't know they had been fulfilled? Would praying more specifically even change that, or is God so creative that his solutions would always baffle my problems?
I will pay attention to my prayers, and I will learn to wonder at the Lord's creativity in fulfilling them, for in faith I know he will.
Prayer: Lord, this day I pray for my friends who have a sudden and major health battle in their lives. I ask for total healing. Please give doctors wisdom and skill, and where they cannot act please intervene in power and remove the issue yourself. I desire to see joy, celebration, and a chance to enjoy more years on earth from this couple, as an outcome of this trial. Amen.
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Raw Versus Prepared Sacrifices
Scripture: When anyone offers a grain offering to the Lord, his offering shall be of fine flour. ... And if you bring as an offering a grain offering baked in the oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with oil. Leviticus 2:1,4
Observation: The grain offering ... isn't grain. The choices for the grain offering involve either the delivery of fine flour mixed with oil, or of baked bread. In all cases, a portion of it is burned on the alter, and the rest is for the priests.
There is then a significant difference in the nature of a burnt offering versus a grain offering. For a burnt offering, a live animal is brought to be sacrificed. It is then killed, prepared, and placed on the alter, all by the priests and right there before God. However, with a grain offering, the giver does all the prep work at home, away from the priests and from the tabernacle. The work itself may be partial - the grinding of grain into flour only - or complete (baking it). In the larger type of work, it may be completed in several different ways ... baked as bread, dried as wafers, fried in a pan. The results of that work are then brought forward for a portion to be sacrificed.
Application: I have 'offerings' I just give to God, which are primarily my tithe. I give money, with no intent to further manage or control how God will use it. That money might be used to ... buy a new vacuum for the church, allow a pastor to buy someone a coffee during a counseling session, pay a drummer's stipend, fly in a guest speaker, fund repairs for a lawn mower ... who knows! I give the money "raw" without form or purpose.
I have other 'offerings' that are more prepared. Sometimes this is money given for a purpose, like when we run a campaign for new livestream equipment. Mostly, such prepared offerings are in the form of my time, like sacrificing extra time on Sunday to deliver the FPU class, or host an Alpha table, or help with Christmas lights. These are efforts that will result in God's work being done, and for which I am giving to help bring about, but not in a random way. I can decide a bit how I engage in this sacrifice, and the degree to which I do so.
There are times I have thought that all the sacrifices in Leviticus were a burden placed on God's people for them to show their commitment to and love of God. However, they also provide flexibility. They give God's people choices about how to serve the Lord, and the degree to which they want to be hands-on in that service. They can bring an animal and leave, or work a harvest, grind grain, kneed dough, sweat over a hot oven, and give the results of that work away.
I have the same choice in how I serve the Lord, and I love being able to do both.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the blessings you always return when I give to you in any manner. I feel closer to you when I can engage in your work, and I know you have blessed my general giving. That you seek our engagement with you, when you could simply demand it, is amazing. Amen.
Observation: The grain offering ... isn't grain. The choices for the grain offering involve either the delivery of fine flour mixed with oil, or of baked bread. In all cases, a portion of it is burned on the alter, and the rest is for the priests.
There is then a significant difference in the nature of a burnt offering versus a grain offering. For a burnt offering, a live animal is brought to be sacrificed. It is then killed, prepared, and placed on the alter, all by the priests and right there before God. However, with a grain offering, the giver does all the prep work at home, away from the priests and from the tabernacle. The work itself may be partial - the grinding of grain into flour only - or complete (baking it). In the larger type of work, it may be completed in several different ways ... baked as bread, dried as wafers, fried in a pan. The results of that work are then brought forward for a portion to be sacrificed.
Application: I have 'offerings' I just give to God, which are primarily my tithe. I give money, with no intent to further manage or control how God will use it. That money might be used to ... buy a new vacuum for the church, allow a pastor to buy someone a coffee during a counseling session, pay a drummer's stipend, fly in a guest speaker, fund repairs for a lawn mower ... who knows! I give the money "raw" without form or purpose.
I have other 'offerings' that are more prepared. Sometimes this is money given for a purpose, like when we run a campaign for new livestream equipment. Mostly, such prepared offerings are in the form of my time, like sacrificing extra time on Sunday to deliver the FPU class, or host an Alpha table, or help with Christmas lights. These are efforts that will result in God's work being done, and for which I am giving to help bring about, but not in a random way. I can decide a bit how I engage in this sacrifice, and the degree to which I do so.
There are times I have thought that all the sacrifices in Leviticus were a burden placed on God's people for them to show their commitment to and love of God. However, they also provide flexibility. They give God's people choices about how to serve the Lord, and the degree to which they want to be hands-on in that service. They can bring an animal and leave, or work a harvest, grind grain, kneed dough, sweat over a hot oven, and give the results of that work away.
I have the same choice in how I serve the Lord, and I love being able to do both.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the blessings you always return when I give to you in any manner. I feel closer to you when I can engage in your work, and I know you have blessed my general giving. That you seek our engagement with you, when you could simply demand it, is amazing. Amen.
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Jesus is Always Approachable
Scripture: Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah". Mark 9:5
Observation: During the transfiguration, as Jesus in his glory is talking to Moses and Elijah, Peter speaks up and addresses Jesus. However, he does not address him by name, as one would assume would be his normal day-to-day custom. Likewise, he does not address him by the title he himself has acknowledged - Messiah - which would seem most befitting of all at this exact moment given the amazing circumstance. Instead, he addresses him by what must surely have been a title he used at the beginning of his relationship with Jesus almost three years prior ... rabbi, or teacher.
This is so out of place, it seems awkward to the point of embarrassing or even insulting. It would be as if, during the most important meeting in US history, the secretary of state interrupted the president by saying "hey, boss". It is technically true, and it is a title that connotes superiority, but it is hardly the proper address in a formal setting. This is surly all the more so for Jesus at the transfiguration.
That said, Jesus does not correct Peter. He says nothing of this at all. God himself shows up and calls Jesus "son", a name Jesus himself also uses about himself, and carries on with his teaching of Peter, James, and John after the event.
Application: Jesus is ALWAYS approachable. There would never be a time - for myself or anyone else - where Jesus would be put off by the manner in which someone engages with him. While talking to Moses and Elijah, he didn't care what Peter called him, but was perfectly happy with the fact that Peter was there and beginning to understand more and more.
Jesus can't be interrupted by my prayers, or worries, or rants, or anything, because he is always open and available to anything I want to bring to him.
Prayer: Jesus, you are my Lord, and you are my teacher, and you are my friend, and you are my comforter, and you are my hope, and you are my savior. The first and last, Lord and savior, are the most important, but I thank you for being all of the other personas as well. Amen.
Observation: During the transfiguration, as Jesus in his glory is talking to Moses and Elijah, Peter speaks up and addresses Jesus. However, he does not address him by name, as one would assume would be his normal day-to-day custom. Likewise, he does not address him by the title he himself has acknowledged - Messiah - which would seem most befitting of all at this exact moment given the amazing circumstance. Instead, he addresses him by what must surely have been a title he used at the beginning of his relationship with Jesus almost three years prior ... rabbi, or teacher.
This is so out of place, it seems awkward to the point of embarrassing or even insulting. It would be as if, during the most important meeting in US history, the secretary of state interrupted the president by saying "hey, boss". It is technically true, and it is a title that connotes superiority, but it is hardly the proper address in a formal setting. This is surly all the more so for Jesus at the transfiguration.
That said, Jesus does not correct Peter. He says nothing of this at all. God himself shows up and calls Jesus "son", a name Jesus himself also uses about himself, and carries on with his teaching of Peter, James, and John after the event.
Application: Jesus is ALWAYS approachable. There would never be a time - for myself or anyone else - where Jesus would be put off by the manner in which someone engages with him. While talking to Moses and Elijah, he didn't care what Peter called him, but was perfectly happy with the fact that Peter was there and beginning to understand more and more.
Jesus can't be interrupted by my prayers, or worries, or rants, or anything, because he is always open and available to anything I want to bring to him.
Prayer: Jesus, you are my Lord, and you are my teacher, and you are my friend, and you are my comforter, and you are my hope, and you are my savior. The first and last, Lord and savior, are the most important, but I thank you for being all of the other personas as well. Amen.
Hope Found in Worship
Scripture:
Vindicate me, O Lord,
For I have walked in my integrity.
I have also trusted in the Lord;
I shall not slip.
Examine me, O Lord, and prove me;
Try my mind and my heart.
Psalm 26:1-2
Observation: Throughout this psalm, David declares his righteousness and calls upon God to examine him. He declares that God alone is before his eyes, that he has and will walk in God's ways and truth alone. He will never associated with any kind of sinful people, and he will forever declare God's greatness, worshiping the Lord at all times, while remaining blameless all his days.
In summary, David's three major declarations in this psalm are that he has and never will 1) associated with non-believers, 2) transgress from the commands of God, and 3) cease to worship the Lord.
This is the David who ... 1) actually joined the Philistines in their war against Saul, and 2) had a man killed because he slept with that man's wife. In other words, even David had no hope of avoiding the very acts he himself declares. David had no hope of ever avoiding sin. David had no hope of avoiding friendly association with unbelievers in the world.
So how is it that David is the man after God's own heart? Because he DID ... worship publicly, openly, joyously, and aggressively, whenever and wherever he could. He worshiped in front of every citizen in the streets of Jerusalem. He worshiped while hiding in caves. He worshiped while his son rebelled against him. He worshiped after the death of a child. David worshiped ... period.
Application: I will forever fail to live the life the Lord would ask me to live. I will disobey his commands, and I will ignore his voice, and I will fail to love others at least daily. However, I can worship. I can worship in my car during my commute. I can worship during a quick break at work. I can worship before bed at night.
Worship is our place our right relationship with the Lord. Yes, we pray for guidance, strength, provision, and forgiveness, but it seems clear that worship is the path by which our right standing with the Lord is confirmed. It is by worship that we demonstrate we are after God's heart.
Prayer: Lord, I praise you this day and every day. May songs of your greatness forever be upon my lips and flowing from my heart. I thank you for the chance to show my love for you in such a manner as worship. Amen.
Vindicate me, O Lord,
For I have walked in my integrity.
I have also trusted in the Lord;
I shall not slip.
Examine me, O Lord, and prove me;
Try my mind and my heart.
Psalm 26:1-2
Observation: Throughout this psalm, David declares his righteousness and calls upon God to examine him. He declares that God alone is before his eyes, that he has and will walk in God's ways and truth alone. He will never associated with any kind of sinful people, and he will forever declare God's greatness, worshiping the Lord at all times, while remaining blameless all his days.
In summary, David's three major declarations in this psalm are that he has and never will 1) associated with non-believers, 2) transgress from the commands of God, and 3) cease to worship the Lord.
This is the David who ... 1) actually joined the Philistines in their war against Saul, and 2) had a man killed because he slept with that man's wife. In other words, even David had no hope of avoiding the very acts he himself declares. David had no hope of ever avoiding sin. David had no hope of avoiding friendly association with unbelievers in the world.
So how is it that David is the man after God's own heart? Because he DID ... worship publicly, openly, joyously, and aggressively, whenever and wherever he could. He worshiped in front of every citizen in the streets of Jerusalem. He worshiped while hiding in caves. He worshiped while his son rebelled against him. He worshiped after the death of a child. David worshiped ... period.
Application: I will forever fail to live the life the Lord would ask me to live. I will disobey his commands, and I will ignore his voice, and I will fail to love others at least daily. However, I can worship. I can worship in my car during my commute. I can worship during a quick break at work. I can worship before bed at night.
Worship is our place our right relationship with the Lord. Yes, we pray for guidance, strength, provision, and forgiveness, but it seems clear that worship is the path by which our right standing with the Lord is confirmed. It is by worship that we demonstrate we are after God's heart.
Prayer: Lord, I praise you this day and every day. May songs of your greatness forever be upon my lips and flowing from my heart. I thank you for the chance to show my love for you in such a manner as worship. Amen.
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Provision is Fundamental
Scripture: "When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?" They said to Him, "Twelve." "Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?" And they said, "Seven." So He said to them, "How is it you do not understand?" Mark 8:19-21
Observation: Jesus tells the disciples to be wary of the 'yeast' of the Pharisees, and they think he is hinting that they forgot to bring enough bread for their trip. Jesus corrects them in this passage, effectively saying, "you have seen me twice multiply bread to serve thousands, why would you think I need more?" However, he doesn't re-teach them about the Pharisees, which appears to be the metaphorical point they missed, and instead indicates that they simply don't understand his true nature (and we will soon get to the point when Peter declares Jesus to be Messiah).
It therefore seems that what the disciples don't yet understand is that ... as Messiah, Jesus provides. He provides food for the hungry, healing for the sick, sight for the blind. He also provides hope for the those with faith, warning for those with false knowledge, teaching for those seeking understanding, wisdom for those seeking truth. So the disciples don't need to be worried about bread, for it - in fact, everything - will be provided.
Application: The Lord provides everything as it is needed, and this includes salvation through faith in Jesus. Our 'job' is so simple ... to believe he can and will provide, be that our bread for today, strength for the day, or mercy for eternal life.
And this is bedrock. The reason Jesus didn't repeat the lesson about the Pharisees is that he realized he needed to re-teach the basics instead, and thus discerning false understanding was still too advanced. The fundamental is faith, and that lesson had to be reinforced again. That same lesson has to be reinforced in me often. I know I am better at this than I was! However, there is room to improve. The more I simply trust that God will provide everything, in every situation, always, the better I will be able to serve him in other ways.
Prayer: Lord, you are my provider, Yahweh Yireh. You not only promise to provide, you have proven and delivered on your promise over and over and over again in my life. I trust in you for all things and in all ways, my Lord. May I lean into that trust more and more every day. Amen.
Observation: Jesus tells the disciples to be wary of the 'yeast' of the Pharisees, and they think he is hinting that they forgot to bring enough bread for their trip. Jesus corrects them in this passage, effectively saying, "you have seen me twice multiply bread to serve thousands, why would you think I need more?" However, he doesn't re-teach them about the Pharisees, which appears to be the metaphorical point they missed, and instead indicates that they simply don't understand his true nature (and we will soon get to the point when Peter declares Jesus to be Messiah).
It therefore seems that what the disciples don't yet understand is that ... as Messiah, Jesus provides. He provides food for the hungry, healing for the sick, sight for the blind. He also provides hope for the those with faith, warning for those with false knowledge, teaching for those seeking understanding, wisdom for those seeking truth. So the disciples don't need to be worried about bread, for it - in fact, everything - will be provided.
Application: The Lord provides everything as it is needed, and this includes salvation through faith in Jesus. Our 'job' is so simple ... to believe he can and will provide, be that our bread for today, strength for the day, or mercy for eternal life.
And this is bedrock. The reason Jesus didn't repeat the lesson about the Pharisees is that he realized he needed to re-teach the basics instead, and thus discerning false understanding was still too advanced. The fundamental is faith, and that lesson had to be reinforced again. That same lesson has to be reinforced in me often. I know I am better at this than I was! However, there is room to improve. The more I simply trust that God will provide everything, in every situation, always, the better I will be able to serve him in other ways.
Prayer: Lord, you are my provider, Yahweh Yireh. You not only promise to provide, you have proven and delivered on your promise over and over and over again in my life. I trust in you for all things and in all ways, my Lord. May I lean into that trust more and more every day. Amen.
Monday, February 24, 2020
Many Mysteries of the Bible
Scripture: Now those who had eaten were about four thousand. And He sent them away, immediately got into the boat with His disciples, and came to the region of Dalmanutha. Mark 8:9-10
Observation: Jesus has returned to the Decapolis region, fed 4,000 people, and then departs for a place called Dalmanutha. There is only one problem with this story, and it isn't the miracle of the feeding of the multitude. It is ... there is no such place as Dalmanutha.
Jewish and Roman historians generally agree that there was never a town or region in Judea with this name. Other gospels do not mention this place, citing a different place (Magdala) as the place Jesus goes after leaving the Decapolis. However, at least one scholar offers an explanation for this: Dalmanutha may have been the name of a field near Magdala where a battle occurred during the Jewish revolt against Rome. If this is the case, the location may have now been familiar to contemporary readers, though unknown to anyone at the actual time of Jesus or now looking back as a reader of the historical context of the bible.
Application: This is the challenge of understanding God's word ... trying to figure out the significance of certain items and contexts. I can personally come up with six different reasons for Mark referencing a more-or-less nonexistent place at this point in the bible:
1) Where Jesus went didn't matter, so let's not make it a focus by anyone.
2) The battlefield of Dalmanutha was now SO culturally significant to the Jews that it should be confirmed as a location relevant to Jesus.
3) The battlefield of Dalmanutha was relevant to Mark (maybe a family member fought/died there) so he wanted it honored as a place Jesus had been.
4) In narrating this gospel to Mark, Peter - a native of Galilee - knew the area so well that he knew the name of a field as well as the nearby town, so just called the location by the name of the field.
5) Where Jesus did go - Magdala - is the home town of Mary Magdalene, and therefore:
a) Other disciples were jealous of Mary's relevance in the early church so dodged naming her home;
b) Mark acknowledged that Mary was greatly honored and therefore didn't want to detract from the story of Jesus here by calling even more attention to her.
Are ANY of these accurate?? Probably not. They are all totally random guesses without knowledge, context, or education. The point is, the bible can be difficult to study because of elements like this ... variations in text that occur when interpreting any ancient writing.
This is why, for me at least, reading the bible should not be a study, but a conversation with God. I must allow the Lord to simply reveal to me what he would like to say to me. Today, he is likely telling me, "quit trying to Google strange place-names and just listen to me!"
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your reminder today that my understanding of you is not is research, but in relationship. May I listen to your guidance, teaching, and loving support. Amen.
Observation: Jesus has returned to the Decapolis region, fed 4,000 people, and then departs for a place called Dalmanutha. There is only one problem with this story, and it isn't the miracle of the feeding of the multitude. It is ... there is no such place as Dalmanutha.
Jewish and Roman historians generally agree that there was never a town or region in Judea with this name. Other gospels do not mention this place, citing a different place (Magdala) as the place Jesus goes after leaving the Decapolis. However, at least one scholar offers an explanation for this: Dalmanutha may have been the name of a field near Magdala where a battle occurred during the Jewish revolt against Rome. If this is the case, the location may have now been familiar to contemporary readers, though unknown to anyone at the actual time of Jesus or now looking back as a reader of the historical context of the bible.
Application: This is the challenge of understanding God's word ... trying to figure out the significance of certain items and contexts. I can personally come up with six different reasons for Mark referencing a more-or-less nonexistent place at this point in the bible:
1) Where Jesus went didn't matter, so let's not make it a focus by anyone.
2) The battlefield of Dalmanutha was now SO culturally significant to the Jews that it should be confirmed as a location relevant to Jesus.
3) The battlefield of Dalmanutha was relevant to Mark (maybe a family member fought/died there) so he wanted it honored as a place Jesus had been.
4) In narrating this gospel to Mark, Peter - a native of Galilee - knew the area so well that he knew the name of a field as well as the nearby town, so just called the location by the name of the field.
5) Where Jesus did go - Magdala - is the home town of Mary Magdalene, and therefore:
a) Other disciples were jealous of Mary's relevance in the early church so dodged naming her home;
b) Mark acknowledged that Mary was greatly honored and therefore didn't want to detract from the story of Jesus here by calling even more attention to her.
Are ANY of these accurate?? Probably not. They are all totally random guesses without knowledge, context, or education. The point is, the bible can be difficult to study because of elements like this ... variations in text that occur when interpreting any ancient writing.
This is why, for me at least, reading the bible should not be a study, but a conversation with God. I must allow the Lord to simply reveal to me what he would like to say to me. Today, he is likely telling me, "quit trying to Google strange place-names and just listen to me!"
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your reminder today that my understanding of you is not is research, but in relationship. May I listen to your guidance, teaching, and loving support. Amen.
Friday, February 21, 2020
Understanding Mandates to Serve
Scripture: When you
take the census of the children of Israel for their number, then every man
shall give a ransom for himself to the Lord,
when you number them, that there may be no plague among them when you number
them. Exodus 30:12
Observation: God here gives Moses instruction for the future census he will take of Israel in the wilderness, including this instruction - every man will give a ransom for himself to the Lord. This does happen, and we know the ransom has both heavenly and earthly purposes. The earthly purpose is to fund the ministry of the temple. This money will be the initial income to the temple to pay for future needs and support the priests. The heavenly purpose is that this will be the initial offering of the overall populace to seek the forgiveness of the Lord. While there will be ritual offerings for the nation, this is the first offering mandated for all to participate.
Application: As a believer, I see three ways I participate in worship. One is through group rituals of the church, and another is my personal time. However, there is a third way, which is more of a personal compliance ... I do it myself, but also it is required of all believers. The ransom of Israel fell into this category. Today, this category includes tithing and participation in certain projects outside of Sunday services. Even my daily devotions fall into this category, as our pastor expects that all leaders are doing devotions, yet I (gladly!) choose to spend this time in the word of God.
Yes, there is an element of compliance in these, but there is also a personal and private choice. There may be a little personal sacrifice, but there is obvious long-term good. I will continue to look for these sorts of activities, as it feels like they often offer the best chance to participate in the work of the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, I appreciate your instructions about what and how we should do every day, for I see these instructions provide a way to serve you. I do love it when I know I am aligned to your will. Amen.
Observation: God here gives Moses instruction for the future census he will take of Israel in the wilderness, including this instruction - every man will give a ransom for himself to the Lord. This does happen, and we know the ransom has both heavenly and earthly purposes. The earthly purpose is to fund the ministry of the temple. This money will be the initial income to the temple to pay for future needs and support the priests. The heavenly purpose is that this will be the initial offering of the overall populace to seek the forgiveness of the Lord. While there will be ritual offerings for the nation, this is the first offering mandated for all to participate.
Application: As a believer, I see three ways I participate in worship. One is through group rituals of the church, and another is my personal time. However, there is a third way, which is more of a personal compliance ... I do it myself, but also it is required of all believers. The ransom of Israel fell into this category. Today, this category includes tithing and participation in certain projects outside of Sunday services. Even my daily devotions fall into this category, as our pastor expects that all leaders are doing devotions, yet I (gladly!) choose to spend this time in the word of God.
Yes, there is an element of compliance in these, but there is also a personal and private choice. There may be a little personal sacrifice, but there is obvious long-term good. I will continue to look for these sorts of activities, as it feels like they often offer the best chance to participate in the work of the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, I appreciate your instructions about what and how we should do every day, for I see these instructions provide a way to serve you. I do love it when I know I am aligned to your will. Amen.
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Obedience as a Blessing
Scripture:
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Psalm 23:3
Observation: David writes Psalm 23 as a prayer pronouncing God's blessings in his life. These blessing include ... patient guidance, rest, comfort, protection from evil and danger, presence, food and drink, companionship, honor, abundance, goodness, mercy, and eternal life. Verse 3 also includes the idea that being led in righteousness - for the honor of God's own name - is also one of these blessings.
In other words, being shown a correct and honorable life, guided in the way that is proper behavior, and doing so explicitly because one has faith in God and thus behaving properly honors the Lord, is a blessing. Righteousness is therefore no more a "burden" than rest, or good food, or comfort is a burden. Being taught righteousness, and obeying for the honor the God, should be a an element of life that fills our lives with gladness and peace and joy.
Application: Psalm 23 is a short 6-verse psalm that many people memorize, yet it is this verse 3 that trips up many including myself. We get the imagery of God as our good shepherd, watching over us as we sleep, guiding us through the valley of death, protecting us from evil, feeding us a meal, and showing us "goodness and mercy all the days of my life". Yet ... telling us to be obedient to righteousness for his honor is part I and others would easily gloss over.
Logically, I have learned that right behavior is in fact a blessing. It is the lifestyle that will honor God, which he in turn will honor. However, it doesn't always seem easy in the world today. I even know that openly honoring the Lord can lead to persecution - sometimes in the extreme - in the modern world. Yet this most comforting and gentle of the psalms is here to remind us that being led by our Father on his path, obeying his words, and doing so explicitly for his honor and his glory, is a privilege and a blessing to me.
Prayer: Lord, Abba, today I desire your blessings in all their fullness and all their circumstances. I wish to be protected, to be devoid of want, to be fed made comfortable. And I wish to be led along your path, by you, in righteousness, for your glory and honor and praise. You are the Lord, the one God, maker of heaven and earth, provider and ruler and instructor. You are love and mercy and justice. May I honor your name by obeying your word. Amen.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Psalm 23:3
Observation: David writes Psalm 23 as a prayer pronouncing God's blessings in his life. These blessing include ... patient guidance, rest, comfort, protection from evil and danger, presence, food and drink, companionship, honor, abundance, goodness, mercy, and eternal life. Verse 3 also includes the idea that being led in righteousness - for the honor of God's own name - is also one of these blessings.
In other words, being shown a correct and honorable life, guided in the way that is proper behavior, and doing so explicitly because one has faith in God and thus behaving properly honors the Lord, is a blessing. Righteousness is therefore no more a "burden" than rest, or good food, or comfort is a burden. Being taught righteousness, and obeying for the honor the God, should be a an element of life that fills our lives with gladness and peace and joy.
Application: Psalm 23 is a short 6-verse psalm that many people memorize, yet it is this verse 3 that trips up many including myself. We get the imagery of God as our good shepherd, watching over us as we sleep, guiding us through the valley of death, protecting us from evil, feeding us a meal, and showing us "goodness and mercy all the days of my life". Yet ... telling us to be obedient to righteousness for his honor is part I and others would easily gloss over.
Logically, I have learned that right behavior is in fact a blessing. It is the lifestyle that will honor God, which he in turn will honor. However, it doesn't always seem easy in the world today. I even know that openly honoring the Lord can lead to persecution - sometimes in the extreme - in the modern world. Yet this most comforting and gentle of the psalms is here to remind us that being led by our Father on his path, obeying his words, and doing so explicitly for his honor and his glory, is a privilege and a blessing to me.
Prayer: Lord, Abba, today I desire your blessings in all their fullness and all their circumstances. I wish to be protected, to be devoid of want, to be fed made comfortable. And I wish to be led along your path, by you, in righteousness, for your glory and honor and praise. You are the Lord, the one God, maker of heaven and earth, provider and ruler and instructor. You are love and mercy and justice. May I honor your name by obeying your word. Amen.
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
How Quickly we Forget God
Scripture: Then Moses went up, also Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity. But on the nobles of the children of Israel He did not lay His hand. So they saw God, and they ate and drank. Exodus 24:9-11
Observation: After the Lord has given Moses instruction about various topics and clarifications around the commandments, he holds a feast in which ... 74 Israelites attend and see the Lord. Moses, Aaron, Aaron's two oldest sons, and 70 elders all see God, and eat and drink a meal in his presence. They also see a glimpse into heaven, perceiving a beauty that is difficult to describe and supernatural in its glory.
In about a month, these same people will decide that Moses has taken too long in his conversation with God, and will build a golden calf. Aaron will lead this himself, requested by the people but certainly surrounded by the elders. They will declare that calf to be God and worship it. After being personally greeted by the Lord himself, seeing him, being provided for by him, and glimpsing heaven itself ... they turn away from that experience in just a matter of weeks.
Application: I do this almost daily. I know everything the Lord has done for me, and then I will ignore and forget him for days at a time. I feel strongly connected to God after reading his word, and pray thanks for everything he has done in my life to deliver and guide me ... then I ignore him, commit sin without thought, seek to solve problems without prayer, and in general forget God.
It is shocking to discover that 74 people met God in person, and reverted to their own ways in 40 days. However, I have experienced God in my life in many ways, and I revert to old ways, maybe in weeks, maybe in days, but maybe even in hours.
Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for my 'golden calves', for failing to keep your love and precepts front-and-center in my mind and my life day-by-day. I forget you moment by moment, please forgive me for that. I desire to keep you as the purpose of my life not just as a high-level concept, but in every moment, every action, and every thought. Thank you for how you have loved me and guided my life, and I seek to never forget that. Amen.
Observation: After the Lord has given Moses instruction about various topics and clarifications around the commandments, he holds a feast in which ... 74 Israelites attend and see the Lord. Moses, Aaron, Aaron's two oldest sons, and 70 elders all see God, and eat and drink a meal in his presence. They also see a glimpse into heaven, perceiving a beauty that is difficult to describe and supernatural in its glory.
In about a month, these same people will decide that Moses has taken too long in his conversation with God, and will build a golden calf. Aaron will lead this himself, requested by the people but certainly surrounded by the elders. They will declare that calf to be God and worship it. After being personally greeted by the Lord himself, seeing him, being provided for by him, and glimpsing heaven itself ... they turn away from that experience in just a matter of weeks.
Application: I do this almost daily. I know everything the Lord has done for me, and then I will ignore and forget him for days at a time. I feel strongly connected to God after reading his word, and pray thanks for everything he has done in my life to deliver and guide me ... then I ignore him, commit sin without thought, seek to solve problems without prayer, and in general forget God.
It is shocking to discover that 74 people met God in person, and reverted to their own ways in 40 days. However, I have experienced God in my life in many ways, and I revert to old ways, maybe in weeks, maybe in days, but maybe even in hours.
Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for my 'golden calves', for failing to keep your love and precepts front-and-center in my mind and my life day-by-day. I forget you moment by moment, please forgive me for that. I desire to keep you as the purpose of my life not just as a high-level concept, but in every moment, every action, and every thought. Thank you for how you have loved me and guided my life, and I seek to never forget that. Amen.
Friday, February 7, 2020
Understanding is Not Faith
Scripture:
I know that You can do everything,
And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.
You asked, 'Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?'
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
Job 42:2-3
Observation: After God corrects Job, Job does in fact answer him, and this is that response ... He knows and believes God is the almighty creator, that his will and purposes are just and right, and God alone has all wisdom and authority. Therefore, he has spoken incorrectly out of ignorance.
And ... this was the point from the beginning. Job was God's example of a man who fears and honors the Lord, and in the very end Job - despite the emotional words he has spoken in response to both physical and personal attacks - still stands as a man who fears and honors the Lord. He knows God is the Lord of the universe, and that he himself is nothing in comparison, and yields his life, his thoughts, his will, his emotions, and his all to the Lord.
While it was never said, that was the original conflict between God and satan: That Job would rebel against God when attacked. Job did not. Job, his wife, and all his friends have no idea why this all happened, and it is never, ever revealed to them. There is no explanation for his suffering. Yet God saw the outcome, and even Job's suffering served the Lord's purpose of an example of how faith in the Lord advances his kingdom.
Application: Again, it is important that Job never has any of this explained to him. Just like none of us ever have anything associated with our pain and hardship explained to us. Instead, I am simply to trust God. For all I know, in that way I may serve God's great purposes even more than if I accomplished some mission here on earth.
When God was looking for a great man, his measure was ... would that man still honor God even after having all blessing removed. This is God's measure of greatness. May I try, to the best of my ability, to have that kind of great faith.
Prayer: Lord, I trust in you in all things, and I trust in you alone. May I not lean on my own understand. May I not lean on any understanding, for understanding is meaningless. May instead I lean on faith in Jesus Christ. Amen.
I know that You can do everything,
And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.
You asked, 'Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?'
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
Job 42:2-3
Observation: After God corrects Job, Job does in fact answer him, and this is that response ... He knows and believes God is the almighty creator, that his will and purposes are just and right, and God alone has all wisdom and authority. Therefore, he has spoken incorrectly out of ignorance.
And ... this was the point from the beginning. Job was God's example of a man who fears and honors the Lord, and in the very end Job - despite the emotional words he has spoken in response to both physical and personal attacks - still stands as a man who fears and honors the Lord. He knows God is the Lord of the universe, and that he himself is nothing in comparison, and yields his life, his thoughts, his will, his emotions, and his all to the Lord.
While it was never said, that was the original conflict between God and satan: That Job would rebel against God when attacked. Job did not. Job, his wife, and all his friends have no idea why this all happened, and it is never, ever revealed to them. There is no explanation for his suffering. Yet God saw the outcome, and even Job's suffering served the Lord's purpose of an example of how faith in the Lord advances his kingdom.
Application: Again, it is important that Job never has any of this explained to him. Just like none of us ever have anything associated with our pain and hardship explained to us. Instead, I am simply to trust God. For all I know, in that way I may serve God's great purposes even more than if I accomplished some mission here on earth.
When God was looking for a great man, his measure was ... would that man still honor God even after having all blessing removed. This is God's measure of greatness. May I try, to the best of my ability, to have that kind of great faith.
Prayer: Lord, I trust in you in all things, and I trust in you alone. May I not lean on my own understand. May I not lean on any understanding, for understanding is meaningless. May instead I lean on faith in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thursday, February 6, 2020
Your Name is Power
... Power ... Freedom ... Mercy ... Faithful ... Glory ... Mighty ...
Lord, your name is!
Lord, your name is!
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Living in the Pre End Times
Scripture: Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you." Matthew 23:3-4
Observation: The disciples ask about the end times, and Jesus first instruction is not to be deceived. He then goes on to lists the following types of events: False Messiahs; Many wars; Ethnic conflicts; Major regional wars; Famines; Other pestilence; Multiple natural disasters; Societal hatred of the church; General betrayal and hatred within the church; False teaching in the church; Communities living outside God's laws; A redefinition of love that is cold.
Jesus ends this list by then stating the gospel message will be preached to all the world, and "then the end will come" (v14). However, based on this reading, it seems that all these other items ... having nothing to do with the end times. In fact, it is possible Jesus is saying the opposite, that these things will occur throughout the world, but do not be deceived by people that declare these represent the end times, for they do not. Instead, these are just examples of how the world and societies and the church will function prior to the end times, as influenced by satan in the world who is trying to prevent this very last success ... the worldwide spreading of the gospel of Jesus.
Application: Oh, how I wish the end times would come. Do I truly want to live during the 'great tribulation'? Okay, probably not, and I'm not sure I understand prophesy about that and the 'rapture' enough anyway. But everything else Jesus talked about is upon us ... both national and ethnic wars, natural disasters and the changing of global climate to cause broad famine and pestilence, church struggles both internal and external, huge populations entirely rejecting God, and an active rejection of the love that even defines God himself.
If these aren't signs of the end times, at least we know they all had to come to pass first, and they have. All of them, in crystal clear fulfillment of Jesus' word. I don't know where the gospel still needs to go - maybe some places in the middle east, or corners of small Asian countries, or even to my neighbor's house - but I hope we get it there soon.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I know that Jesus will return like a thief in the night, at an appointed time that is so secret not even he knew it. But we have passed through, and live within, all the pre-end-times challenges. I would love to see you and see your return. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Observation: The disciples ask about the end times, and Jesus first instruction is not to be deceived. He then goes on to lists the following types of events: False Messiahs; Many wars; Ethnic conflicts; Major regional wars; Famines; Other pestilence; Multiple natural disasters; Societal hatred of the church; General betrayal and hatred within the church; False teaching in the church; Communities living outside God's laws; A redefinition of love that is cold.
Jesus ends this list by then stating the gospel message will be preached to all the world, and "then the end will come" (v14). However, based on this reading, it seems that all these other items ... having nothing to do with the end times. In fact, it is possible Jesus is saying the opposite, that these things will occur throughout the world, but do not be deceived by people that declare these represent the end times, for they do not. Instead, these are just examples of how the world and societies and the church will function prior to the end times, as influenced by satan in the world who is trying to prevent this very last success ... the worldwide spreading of the gospel of Jesus.
Application: Oh, how I wish the end times would come. Do I truly want to live during the 'great tribulation'? Okay, probably not, and I'm not sure I understand prophesy about that and the 'rapture' enough anyway. But everything else Jesus talked about is upon us ... both national and ethnic wars, natural disasters and the changing of global climate to cause broad famine and pestilence, church struggles both internal and external, huge populations entirely rejecting God, and an active rejection of the love that even defines God himself.
If these aren't signs of the end times, at least we know they all had to come to pass first, and they have. All of them, in crystal clear fulfillment of Jesus' word. I don't know where the gospel still needs to go - maybe some places in the middle east, or corners of small Asian countries, or even to my neighbor's house - but I hope we get it there soon.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I know that Jesus will return like a thief in the night, at an appointed time that is so secret not even he knew it. But we have passed through, and live within, all the pre-end-times challenges. I would love to see you and see your return. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Becoming Good at Love
Scripture: But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. Matthew 23:13
Observation: Jesus pronounces eight 'woes' upon the scribes and Pharisees, this being the first. It is related to all the rituals and requirements they have placed on everyone, and Jesus' message is very, very clear ... these rules subvert the true teaching of and will of God. God wants people to simply love him, and love one another, and all actions and behaviors that flow from those two objectives will be honorable.
The Pharisees define rules and procedures, and condemn people for failing to comply, this telling them they are unworthy of grace - and ultimately heaven - due to these failures. Meanwhile, they themselves comply with the rules, but in doing so they treat others poorly and judgmentally, and thus truly fall short of God's will. It is by the rules of the Pharisees that they tell others shut up heaven is shut to them, while they themselves are not entering it either.
Application: We want God to see us for what we are good at. The Pharisees thought they were good at complying with rules, and therefore wanted that to be the criteria by which they were judged. In turn, they made that the criteria upon which others were judged. Jesus is clear ... there is only one criteria, and that is the love of God, expressed by faith and belief in Messiah. This thought is directly associated with the end of chapter 22, where Jesus answered the question about the greatest commandment (love God and love others) and then immediately questioned the Pharisees about the identity of the Messiah. These points - love God and believe in Messiah - are clearly linked.
I believe in Jesus as the Messiah, the son of God. I need to generate the emotion of love in my heart more, however. I love God, but I don't always love his created. Yes, that isn't uncommon, but it is something to improve. I need to love others more. If I did, surely my actions would be different, and I would make better decisions and take better actions more often. I would comply with the best of the 'rules' ... not the ceremonial actions, but the moral behaviors. If I became good at love, everything else would improve.
Prayer: Lord, may I love you more every day, and in the outpouring of that love may I improve my love of others. I know I fail in this area, and it is that failing that is at the core of wrong behavior. All your laws hang on the idea of loving you and others. I love you, my Lord. May I love your created as much, and even more, than I love myself. Amen.
Observation: Jesus pronounces eight 'woes' upon the scribes and Pharisees, this being the first. It is related to all the rituals and requirements they have placed on everyone, and Jesus' message is very, very clear ... these rules subvert the true teaching of and will of God. God wants people to simply love him, and love one another, and all actions and behaviors that flow from those two objectives will be honorable.
The Pharisees define rules and procedures, and condemn people for failing to comply, this telling them they are unworthy of grace - and ultimately heaven - due to these failures. Meanwhile, they themselves comply with the rules, but in doing so they treat others poorly and judgmentally, and thus truly fall short of God's will. It is by the rules of the Pharisees that they tell others shut up heaven is shut to them, while they themselves are not entering it either.
Application: We want God to see us for what we are good at. The Pharisees thought they were good at complying with rules, and therefore wanted that to be the criteria by which they were judged. In turn, they made that the criteria upon which others were judged. Jesus is clear ... there is only one criteria, and that is the love of God, expressed by faith and belief in Messiah. This thought is directly associated with the end of chapter 22, where Jesus answered the question about the greatest commandment (love God and love others) and then immediately questioned the Pharisees about the identity of the Messiah. These points - love God and believe in Messiah - are clearly linked.
I believe in Jesus as the Messiah, the son of God. I need to generate the emotion of love in my heart more, however. I love God, but I don't always love his created. Yes, that isn't uncommon, but it is something to improve. I need to love others more. If I did, surely my actions would be different, and I would make better decisions and take better actions more often. I would comply with the best of the 'rules' ... not the ceremonial actions, but the moral behaviors. If I became good at love, everything else would improve.
Prayer: Lord, may I love you more every day, and in the outpouring of that love may I improve my love of others. I know I fail in this area, and it is that failing that is at the core of wrong behavior. All your laws hang on the idea of loving you and others. I love you, my Lord. May I love your created as much, and even more, than I love myself. Amen.
Monday, February 3, 2020
Only the Relationship Matters
Scripture:
Oh, that I had one to hear me!
Here is my mark.
Oh, that the Almighty would answer me,
That my Prosecutor had written a book.
Job 31:35
Observation: Job ends his entire defense by wondering what sins he has committed. He outlines several sins he did not commit, and wishes that God would have simply documented what he did do wrong so he may understand it. The sins he does claim in this chapter that he has not committed are ... lust and adulatory, lying or cheating others, suppressed or repressed the poor, been greedy for money, shown hate toward others, failed to care for strangers, and stolen from the land.
However, in his final defense, Job skips over his relationship with God. This isn't because he didn't have a relationship with God, but that his anger of his situation has left him alienated from God. He feels he cannot engage with God, approach or speak with God about his plight, or stand before him for his defense. In the end, that is what he wants ... not an understanding of his sins, but clarity on his relationship with God, and a conversation with God about his circumstances.
Application: A relationship with God is everything. When I feel close to God, I am better mentally, and I am better behaved in all circumstances. When that relationship just becomes an exercise is behavioral compliance, however, everything goes wrong.
Job's example then is this: When the going got tough, he (and his friends) tried to riddle out the reason, when all he really should have done is engaged with God is prayer. He says over and over that he needs an intermediary to do this, and certainly Jesus helps us in this regard.
I have been in hard times, and I still hurt from time to time. It is good to know there is a proper way to proceed through such times, and it is by simply turning to God in prayer.
Prayer: Lord, I do thank you for your love, and for Jesus as our intercessor, and your Spirit to guide me daily. May I look to you for my daily needs, and my guidance, and my comfort. I will not lean on my own understanding or behavior, but look to you alone for meaning and strength. Amen.
Oh, that I had one to hear me!
Here is my mark.
Oh, that the Almighty would answer me,
That my Prosecutor had written a book.
Job 31:35
Observation: Job ends his entire defense by wondering what sins he has committed. He outlines several sins he did not commit, and wishes that God would have simply documented what he did do wrong so he may understand it. The sins he does claim in this chapter that he has not committed are ... lust and adulatory, lying or cheating others, suppressed or repressed the poor, been greedy for money, shown hate toward others, failed to care for strangers, and stolen from the land.
However, in his final defense, Job skips over his relationship with God. This isn't because he didn't have a relationship with God, but that his anger of his situation has left him alienated from God. He feels he cannot engage with God, approach or speak with God about his plight, or stand before him for his defense. In the end, that is what he wants ... not an understanding of his sins, but clarity on his relationship with God, and a conversation with God about his circumstances.
Application: A relationship with God is everything. When I feel close to God, I am better mentally, and I am better behaved in all circumstances. When that relationship just becomes an exercise is behavioral compliance, however, everything goes wrong.
Job's example then is this: When the going got tough, he (and his friends) tried to riddle out the reason, when all he really should have done is engaged with God is prayer. He says over and over that he needs an intermediary to do this, and certainly Jesus helps us in this regard.
I have been in hard times, and I still hurt from time to time. It is good to know there is a proper way to proceed through such times, and it is by simply turning to God in prayer.
Prayer: Lord, I do thank you for your love, and for Jesus as our intercessor, and your Spirit to guide me daily. May I look to you for my daily needs, and my guidance, and my comfort. I will not lean on my own understanding or behavior, but look to you alone for meaning and strength. Amen.
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Lacking Context for Social Justice
Scripture: He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, "‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’" Matthew 19:18-19
Observation: The "rich young ruler" is told by Jesus to obey God's commands. When he asks, "which ones", he is told ... a partial and edited list. First, he is told only really five of the ten commandments (not murdering, committing adultery, stealing, lying, and obedience to parents). The sixth item, loving your neighbor as yourself, is not one of the ten, but is an edited version of not coveting, which originally lists several of your neighbors items (house, wife, etc.). This leaves four commandments completely unlisted, and interestingly they are the first four regarding the relationship with God ... having no other God, worshiping idols, honoring God's name, and observing the sabbath.
Why did Jesus skip these? I can only logically think of one answer: Without a relationship with God, the very idea of obeying the commandments is moot - it doesn't even really exist within one's heart - and therefore there is no reason to discuss these four commands within the context of this question. To put this another way, it is only by having a relationship with God that anyone can properly consider their relationship with others, therefore teaching about cultural and moral behavior only makes sense to those who already know, love, and seek to honor the Lord.
Application: I spent 15 minutes last week reading about the "tyranny of the woke", and how confused our society has become about social justice. I then went down a little rabbit hole about examples of recent issues where all communication on social issues is breaking down due to a total lack of mutual context, and wondered how we can ever find sensible dialogue again. Jesus knew this would happen, and he knew why.
Worldwide, societies that have systematically rejected God have also systematically embraced injustice. However, those that seek to embrace justice actually have no idea what justice means, what it looks like, or how it operates. We now see our "post-truth" society falling into a spiral of rejecting God, thus adopting policies and norms outside of God's precepts, which then encourage society to further reject God. The very idea of having cultural norms that align to God's moral guidelines is moot - the idea doesn't really exist within most people's hearts - because the relationship with God is leaving our society.
Prayer: Lord, I have prayed for my nation, my town, my neighborhood, my friends, and even for my era. All things are possible through you, so therefore I now simply pray into your will. May I and others find the way to be faithful to your word, telling others you good news. If this creates a revival, so be it, and if this merely saves a handful of souls, so be it. Thy will be done. Amen.
Observation: The "rich young ruler" is told by Jesus to obey God's commands. When he asks, "which ones", he is told ... a partial and edited list. First, he is told only really five of the ten commandments (not murdering, committing adultery, stealing, lying, and obedience to parents). The sixth item, loving your neighbor as yourself, is not one of the ten, but is an edited version of not coveting, which originally lists several of your neighbors items (house, wife, etc.). This leaves four commandments completely unlisted, and interestingly they are the first four regarding the relationship with God ... having no other God, worshiping idols, honoring God's name, and observing the sabbath.
Why did Jesus skip these? I can only logically think of one answer: Without a relationship with God, the very idea of obeying the commandments is moot - it doesn't even really exist within one's heart - and therefore there is no reason to discuss these four commands within the context of this question. To put this another way, it is only by having a relationship with God that anyone can properly consider their relationship with others, therefore teaching about cultural and moral behavior only makes sense to those who already know, love, and seek to honor the Lord.
Application: I spent 15 minutes last week reading about the "tyranny of the woke", and how confused our society has become about social justice. I then went down a little rabbit hole about examples of recent issues where all communication on social issues is breaking down due to a total lack of mutual context, and wondered how we can ever find sensible dialogue again. Jesus knew this would happen, and he knew why.
Worldwide, societies that have systematically rejected God have also systematically embraced injustice. However, those that seek to embrace justice actually have no idea what justice means, what it looks like, or how it operates. We now see our "post-truth" society falling into a spiral of rejecting God, thus adopting policies and norms outside of God's precepts, which then encourage society to further reject God. The very idea of having cultural norms that align to God's moral guidelines is moot - the idea doesn't really exist within most people's hearts - because the relationship with God is leaving our society.
Prayer: Lord, I have prayed for my nation, my town, my neighborhood, my friends, and even for my era. All things are possible through you, so therefore I now simply pray into your will. May I and others find the way to be faithful to your word, telling others you good news. If this creates a revival, so be it, and if this merely saves a handful of souls, so be it. Thy will be done. Amen.
Monday, January 27, 2020
God at the Center of Marriage
Scripture: The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” Matthew 19:3
Observation: The Pharisees are always asking Jesus trick questions, and here it is about the sensitive matter of divorce. This has always been problematic. God was opposed to divorce, but Moses' law permitted it. There are issues and nuances in the various conversations, but it seems to come down to this one thing ... if two people marry, and both are obedient to the Lord, there will be no divorce, however if one of them is disobedient to the Lord then the other has a way to remove themselves from marriage.
At the heart of this is what it means to be unified, and that unity is in God. A right relationship involves three people - the couple, and God. A person who then leaves God within the context of that relationship has actually left the relationship.
Application: I am not a great husband. I try to be a good husband, but I know there are gaps in how I treat my wife and family. I can be distant, quick to anger, sullen and moody, and inattentive. I know there are times my wife and I don't really "mesh" when it comes to daily activities and interests. I probably can't even say I make up for it by being a great provider anymore, not that that was ever the requirement of being a husband.
Jesus teaches me that, to be a good husband, I must be obedient to the Lord. If I do this, other matters will resolve themselves. I also know that my marriage is a blessing from God - he created our relationship for us - and that can and should always look for the Lord in my wife, and strive to show her the love of God through me.
We have friends struggling with this. I don't know what to say to them. I trust in their love of God, and therefore trust that God will reconcile their hearts and minds.
Prayer: Lord, I pray today for our friends. They are both hurting in their hearts and in their souls. May your love emerge in a way that not only reconciles their arguments, but restores their hearts and minds in a way that strengthens their bonds and love. I pray they find you today, Lord, in the center of their marriage. Amen.
Observation: The Pharisees are always asking Jesus trick questions, and here it is about the sensitive matter of divorce. This has always been problematic. God was opposed to divorce, but Moses' law permitted it. There are issues and nuances in the various conversations, but it seems to come down to this one thing ... if two people marry, and both are obedient to the Lord, there will be no divorce, however if one of them is disobedient to the Lord then the other has a way to remove themselves from marriage.
At the heart of this is what it means to be unified, and that unity is in God. A right relationship involves three people - the couple, and God. A person who then leaves God within the context of that relationship has actually left the relationship.
Application: I am not a great husband. I try to be a good husband, but I know there are gaps in how I treat my wife and family. I can be distant, quick to anger, sullen and moody, and inattentive. I know there are times my wife and I don't really "mesh" when it comes to daily activities and interests. I probably can't even say I make up for it by being a great provider anymore, not that that was ever the requirement of being a husband.
Jesus teaches me that, to be a good husband, I must be obedient to the Lord. If I do this, other matters will resolve themselves. I also know that my marriage is a blessing from God - he created our relationship for us - and that can and should always look for the Lord in my wife, and strive to show her the love of God through me.
We have friends struggling with this. I don't know what to say to them. I trust in their love of God, and therefore trust that God will reconcile their hearts and minds.
Prayer: Lord, I pray today for our friends. They are both hurting in their hearts and in their souls. May your love emerge in a way that not only reconciles their arguments, but restores their hearts and minds in a way that strengthens their bonds and love. I pray they find you today, Lord, in the center of their marriage. Amen.
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Speaking in Literal Metaphors
Scripture: And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:18-19
Observation: Simon declares the belief that Jesus is the Messiah, and Jesus immediately declares that Simon's name is now Peter, meaning rock, then expounds upon this. However, while it may appear he is talking about Peter, there is also a more likely interpretation that there is wordplay here. Jesus calls the man "rock," but from then on he is talking about a different "rock" and a different person's mission. Instead, the "rock" is the truth Peter has declared. Therefore, Jesus is saying:
-- This truth - Jesus is Messiah - will be the foundational principle of the church.
-- Satan himself cannot stand up against anything built upon that truth.
-- The church will be the gateway to heaven, because faith in Messiah is the gateway to heaven.
-- Whomever declares that truth as witnessed by the church on earth will be bound to heaven.
-- Whomever declares against that truth will be lost to heaven.
In other words, the Church on earth is the group that believes Jesus is Messiah, and it is faith in that truth that provides all hope and all authority and all foundation in life.
Application: Jesus did love wordplay. He can rename Peter "rock" while discussing the foundational truth of the universe. It is also in these wordplays we see the power of God, as he can make all variations of the wordplay come true ... establishing the church based on faith, empowering Peter to be the first teacher of that truth, then building the largest church on top of Peter's grave. God does this throughout the bible - inspiring a prophetic statement that has multiple meanings, then having all the meanings including the literal concept come to pass - so of course Jesus can do this, too.
Where is God doing this in my life? Where is he guiding me, my wife, and my family, where we may believe he is telling us to do something metaphorical, but he will lead us to both a metaphorical and literal result? As I find new promises from God in my life, I should certainly look for these.
Prayer: Lord, I think you for the guidance in my life. May I watch for your direction, and know that you may be telling me many things with just a few words. I will not get locked into one concept, for I see your ways. Amen.
Observation: Simon declares the belief that Jesus is the Messiah, and Jesus immediately declares that Simon's name is now Peter, meaning rock, then expounds upon this. However, while it may appear he is talking about Peter, there is also a more likely interpretation that there is wordplay here. Jesus calls the man "rock," but from then on he is talking about a different "rock" and a different person's mission. Instead, the "rock" is the truth Peter has declared. Therefore, Jesus is saying:
-- This truth - Jesus is Messiah - will be the foundational principle of the church.
-- Satan himself cannot stand up against anything built upon that truth.
-- The church will be the gateway to heaven, because faith in Messiah is the gateway to heaven.
-- Whomever declares that truth as witnessed by the church on earth will be bound to heaven.
-- Whomever declares against that truth will be lost to heaven.
In other words, the Church on earth is the group that believes Jesus is Messiah, and it is faith in that truth that provides all hope and all authority and all foundation in life.
Application: Jesus did love wordplay. He can rename Peter "rock" while discussing the foundational truth of the universe. It is also in these wordplays we see the power of God, as he can make all variations of the wordplay come true ... establishing the church based on faith, empowering Peter to be the first teacher of that truth, then building the largest church on top of Peter's grave. God does this throughout the bible - inspiring a prophetic statement that has multiple meanings, then having all the meanings including the literal concept come to pass - so of course Jesus can do this, too.
Where is God doing this in my life? Where is he guiding me, my wife, and my family, where we may believe he is telling us to do something metaphorical, but he will lead us to both a metaphorical and literal result? As I find new promises from God in my life, I should certainly look for these.
Prayer: Lord, I think you for the guidance in my life. May I watch for your direction, and know that you may be telling me many things with just a few words. I will not get locked into one concept, for I see your ways. Amen.
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Eternal Timeline for Exaltation
Scripture:
Consider and hear me, O Lord my God;
Enlighten my eyes,
Lest I sleep the sleep of death;
Lest my enemy say,
“I have prevailed against him”;
Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
Psalm 13:3-4
Observation: The psalmist (David) asks how long will it be that his enemies exalt over him, and then he states his fear of the ultimate timeline ... until his death. His prayer is that he will be acquitted and saved from his enemy soon, but at the very least this will happen before he dies so that his enemy cannot have the final say, both pronouncing the final statement that they have won, and celebrating that victory as final and permanent.
Application: It is only in the context of God's judgment and mercy that we can understand that death is not final. I have enemies. These enemies have not only defeated me, but it is possible they have "permanently" defeated me ... that there will never be a time where they are not exalted over me.
Yet, this isn't true. There will be a time when I die, and am raised in Christ to reside in heaven. And there will be a time when they die, and what happens to them is a matter between them and God, for them to work out for themselves. If they eventually realize the truth about Jesus, place their faith in him, and are raised as me, that would be wonderful. There would be no condemnation either way, and in fact the old hurts won't matter in any way. If they do not choose this path ... again, that is a matter for them to work out with God, and I do not believe it will go well for them.
True judgment doesn't occur before death, with a hope of 'victory' in this life. Victory is about eternal life in Christ alone. This is the only personal victory and outcome I care about.
Prayer: Lord, into your hands I commend my soul, this day and every day. I do not pray as David did for a timeline to be exalted above my enemies, for that does not matter within the timeline of earth. I will someday simply be with you, and that is so much more than any earthly status. Amen.
Consider and hear me, O Lord my God;
Enlighten my eyes,
Lest I sleep the sleep of death;
Lest my enemy say,
“I have prevailed against him”;
Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
Psalm 13:3-4
Observation: The psalmist (David) asks how long will it be that his enemies exalt over him, and then he states his fear of the ultimate timeline ... until his death. His prayer is that he will be acquitted and saved from his enemy soon, but at the very least this will happen before he dies so that his enemy cannot have the final say, both pronouncing the final statement that they have won, and celebrating that victory as final and permanent.
Application: It is only in the context of God's judgment and mercy that we can understand that death is not final. I have enemies. These enemies have not only defeated me, but it is possible they have "permanently" defeated me ... that there will never be a time where they are not exalted over me.
Yet, this isn't true. There will be a time when I die, and am raised in Christ to reside in heaven. And there will be a time when they die, and what happens to them is a matter between them and God, for them to work out for themselves. If they eventually realize the truth about Jesus, place their faith in him, and are raised as me, that would be wonderful. There would be no condemnation either way, and in fact the old hurts won't matter in any way. If they do not choose this path ... again, that is a matter for them to work out with God, and I do not believe it will go well for them.
True judgment doesn't occur before death, with a hope of 'victory' in this life. Victory is about eternal life in Christ alone. This is the only personal victory and outcome I care about.
Prayer: Lord, into your hands I commend my soul, this day and every day. I do not pray as David did for a timeline to be exalted above my enemies, for that does not matter within the timeline of earth. I will someday simply be with you, and that is so much more than any earthly status. Amen.
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Released from a Life of Shame
Scripture: Then Reuben spoke to his father, saying, “Kill my two sons if I do not bring him back to you; put him in my hands, and I will bring him back to you.” Genesis 42:37
Observation: Chapter 41 says Joseph was 30 when he stood before Pharaoh. The 7 years of plenty have then passed, and they are likely into year 3 of famine since other nations are having to seek aid, so Joseph is now 40. He was 17 when his brothers sold him into slavery, and at that time Reuben was going to save Joseph so that he could gain atonement from his father for the sin he had committed in sleeping with Bilhah.
It is 23 years later, and Reuben is STILL trying to find a way to make atonement with his father.
Reuben committed one (albeit, bad) sin, and he has spent the majority of his adult life trying to reconcile it. And he can't. How many times has a similar situation arose? Something goes wrong in the house of Jacob ... a herd of sheep is lost, or a stranger causes strife, or another local family threatens their property, or a storm destroys a barn ... and Reuben declares, "I will take care of it for you, father, a swear this on everything I own!" And Jacob says ... no, Reuben, there is no way for me to trust this to you.
It is in this model we understand that, when a person commits a terrible act against someone, there really isn't anything one can 'do' to undo it. Instead, there is only the possibility of forgiveness. If the victim won't forgive, then the perpetrator is without recourse for restoring the relationship.
Application: As the family and history of Israel is our revelation of God's love, Reuben is the example of the reason God's love is so critical. Reuben is the first born and should be the pride of the father, but he is instead untrusted and despised even after years and years and years of trying to make the situation right, and living with the shame that entire time. If this was the way God treated us, we would all languish in grief forever, or else give up and resent God.
Instead, God freely forgives through our faith and simple request. Knowing no action of ours can erase sin, God instead just erases it anyway.
I was reminded last week that God promises not only to forgive me for my past, but to remove my shame about that past. I can forget it! This is God's promise, not only that he forgets the sin, but that I can no longer dwell in it mentally or have remorse for it. God has completely erased it. He doesn't just forgive, he erases it from my life's story.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the promise of removing my shame of my past. I will try to live in a manner that moves forward in your love. Reuben couldn't do that, but you created the way for me to do so. Thank you for your amazing, perfect love. Amen.
Observation: Chapter 41 says Joseph was 30 when he stood before Pharaoh. The 7 years of plenty have then passed, and they are likely into year 3 of famine since other nations are having to seek aid, so Joseph is now 40. He was 17 when his brothers sold him into slavery, and at that time Reuben was going to save Joseph so that he could gain atonement from his father for the sin he had committed in sleeping with Bilhah.
It is 23 years later, and Reuben is STILL trying to find a way to make atonement with his father.
Reuben committed one (albeit, bad) sin, and he has spent the majority of his adult life trying to reconcile it. And he can't. How many times has a similar situation arose? Something goes wrong in the house of Jacob ... a herd of sheep is lost, or a stranger causes strife, or another local family threatens their property, or a storm destroys a barn ... and Reuben declares, "I will take care of it for you, father, a swear this on everything I own!" And Jacob says ... no, Reuben, there is no way for me to trust this to you.
It is in this model we understand that, when a person commits a terrible act against someone, there really isn't anything one can 'do' to undo it. Instead, there is only the possibility of forgiveness. If the victim won't forgive, then the perpetrator is without recourse for restoring the relationship.
Application: As the family and history of Israel is our revelation of God's love, Reuben is the example of the reason God's love is so critical. Reuben is the first born and should be the pride of the father, but he is instead untrusted and despised even after years and years and years of trying to make the situation right, and living with the shame that entire time. If this was the way God treated us, we would all languish in grief forever, or else give up and resent God.
Instead, God freely forgives through our faith and simple request. Knowing no action of ours can erase sin, God instead just erases it anyway.
I was reminded last week that God promises not only to forgive me for my past, but to remove my shame about that past. I can forget it! This is God's promise, not only that he forgets the sin, but that I can no longer dwell in it mentally or have remorse for it. God has completely erased it. He doesn't just forgive, he erases it from my life's story.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the promise of removing my shame of my past. I will try to live in a manner that moves forward in your love. Reuben couldn't do that, but you created the way for me to do so. Thank you for your amazing, perfect love. Amen.
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