Rejecting One's Own Hope

Scripture: They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I have belonged to the strictest sect of our religion and lived as a Pharisee. And now I stand here on trial on account of my hope in the promise made by God to our ancestors, a promise that our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship day and night. It is for this hope, Your Excellency, that I am accused by Jews! Acts 26:5-7

Observation: Paul begins his defense before King Agrippa with this summary statement ... He himself is very well educated in Jewish principles, which include the hope of a Messiah who will provide new meaning and restoration for the Jews as the Lord's kingdom of priests, and this Messiah actually came and fulfilled every hope of the prophets. It is for declaring the joy that all hope has been fulfilled that the Jews now seek Paul's execution.

Paul will go on to tell his testimony, and in fact will encourage Agrippa to believe in Jesus, however it is this first fact that is the entire cause of the trial. The Jews - those who hope for purpose and meaning and peace as a people - have rejected the truth, even though that truth completely fulfilled the prophetic promises they believe would bring about their purpose and meaning and peace.

Application: What do so many people hope for today? They hope for ... their lives to have purpose; their daily activities to be joyful; their interactions to be positive; their hearts to find love. What do so many people reject today? They reject ... Jesus as the Messiah, and by extension the love, joy, wisdom, and purpose that is found in God's perfect love.

It is easy to see the illogical decisions of those people who are of the world. However, the bible shows us that this has always been the way of humans, influenced by satan, driven by the pride of self-determination, seeking to actualize their own solutions to life's problems instead of accepting God's very simple solution.

The majority of people reject that which they hope for when it is provided to them by the miraculous, wise, loving hand of the Lord. This has always been the case.

Prayer: Lord, again today I am reminded to how strongly the evil in the world has corrupted human hearts and minds. I am just as likely to fall victim to this regarding daily matters and activities as anyone. Please guard my heart and mind, so I may depend on your hand and wise direction in my daily walk. Amen.

When the Context is a Lie

Scripture: When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: "Because of you, most excellent Felix, we have long enjoyed peace, and reforms have been made for this people because of your foresight. In every way and everywhere we welcome this with utmost gratitude." Acts 24:2-3

Observation: Paul's trial before the Roman governor Felix begins with this statement ... a declaration that the Romans have brought both peace and excellent changes to the Jews, and that the Jews themselves have welcomed the reforms across their entire land while being very, very grateful for them. These statements are so utterly false in every way that it barely requires analysis; even reading such statements borders on comedic irony.

It is in the context of such a wild lie that the accusations against Paul begin. From this moment forward, we know that all future statements will be lies, partly because they will now align to this false context. We don't even need to be told exactly what is said in Paul's trial. We are told he "agitated" certain Jewish sects, and then that other Jews joined in "asserting that all this was true".

Application: I have grown so weary of this exact pattern of behavior in society ... a declarative context being created that is so completely false, and then the "truth" being defined within the scope of that lie. This is everywhere. Within noble sounding concepts like love, choice, human rights, justice, and equity, we find one master lie that is declared over and over until it is believed by many. Once that is accomplished, every subsequent concept that aligns to that context is considered good and true.

Satan has worked diligently and patiently in establishing his lies in this age. He has left us with a world where we think killing babies is a right, violent criminals are victims of oppression, race is the primary catalyst of interpersonal conflict, and genders don't actually exist. We have manmade laws that themselves are the very definition of lawlessness.

We always knew this age would come. That doesn't make it easy to live in.

Prayer: Lord, we have reached a place where seemingly the context of every conversation is a foundational lie. Please help us reach others in the name of Jesus, despite these foundational challenges in our society. And please, come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Taking Action to Meet God

Scripture: Then she saddled the donkey and said to her servant, “Urge the animal on; do not hold back for me unless I tell you.” So she set out and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel. 2 Kings 4:24-25

Observation: Throughout this section, people come to Elisha to express their need. The three kings from Edom, Israel, and Judah are wondering without provision and thus go to Elisha for clarity of their mission. The poor widow brings her money problem to Elisha. The Shunammite woman goes to Elisha herself to tell him of her son's death.

Elisha is capable of engaging with the Lord through the Holy Spirit and understanding any situation. He does so when asked, repeatedly. He tells people to take actions, knowing how the Lord will intervene into their situation when they demonstrate faith. However ... he always waits to be asked. He did not go find the poor woman to help her avoid slavery for her children. He did not walk out to the armies to aid the king of Judah. He did not go to the Shunammite's house to heal or restore the son. He waited, gave instructions, then allowed faith to act.

Application: This is the model for prayer, and one I would do better to understand. Yes, the Lord can do absolutely anything. However, he often waits to be asked. This is not because he desires our begging attitude. Rather, he desires our faith and worship. He wants to respond to our faith, not just do for us, and in this way help us to truly see and acknowledge his great hand in our lives.

I am slow to pray for what I need. When I do, and have difficulty listening for instructions I should follow next. True, I don't often (ever?) have a prophet standing there spelling it out for me. But this process needs to start with me, bringing my challenges to the Lord, setting them at his feet, and then waiting for instructions about what to do next.

Prayer: Lord, I do set before you the challenges of my life, which is understanding my purpose. I am 56, with my life two-thirds done, and have no idea what I am supposed to be doing. May I await your answer and instructions. Amen.

Where There is No Law

Scripture: "But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves; I do not wish to be a judge of these matters." And he dismissed them from the tribunal. Then all of them seized Sosthenes, the official of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of these things. Acts 18:15-17

Observation: When the Jewish officials united and charged Paul with a crime, he never even needed to defend himself because the Roman governor Gallio refused to hear the matter. In his declaration, he says that since the matter is not about actual rules of law, but about the Jew's own issues, then there is no crime to consider.

The very next thing that happens is that the Jews attack their synagogue leader Sosthenes. They do this opening, in public, and in fact in front of the legal authorities. Again, Gallio does nothing, because the matter is a Jewish matter and thus doesn't involve Roman law.

In this way, we see an example of what happens when the government declares that certain acts are within the law, and other acts will be ignored. This latter decision - to ignore a specific class of action - creates free reign to perpetrate acts that are within that classification. Certain assault was a crime in the Roman empire! However, once the governor said that the classification of actions related to Jewish customs was not his concern, Jews could assault Sosthenes and simply declare it a Jewish matter.

Application: We are in the midst of several legal debates, but whether we are talking about abortion, drugs, civil rights, hate, or property crime in underpoliced areas, we see a pattern ... people get hurt when the government basis law not on God's moral instructions, but rather on some classification system.

We have a lot of complicated problems, and I refuse to arrogantly give my solutions. However, I do know that, if we just tried to love each other and obey the Lord's commands, we would have much fewer problems. Many of the conflicting attitudes themselves would disappear before disagreements and conflicts even existed.

How close we must be to the time of lawlessness.

Prayer: Lord, while I want to great future life for myself and my family and my children and their friends, I can't help but also pray, come, Jesus. Amen.

A Sign of Darkness

Scripture: When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, "Is it you, you troubler of Israel?" 1 Kings 18:17

Observation: Ahab, king of Israel, hates Elijah because as the great prophet of the Lord Elijah called down a drought upon the land. They are about to have a showdown - Elijah against ~850 prophets of Baal and Asherah - and this is how Ahab greets Elijah, as the "troubler of Israel". By this greeting in this context, it is clearly defined that Ahab accepts BOTH of these two ideas:

-- The Lord Yahweh is not the great God of Israel, the creator of heaven and earth, and instead the gods that he believes in are Baal and Asherah.

-- In the name of Yahweh, Elijah has altered the weather, controlled creation, and brought great hardship upon Israel.

It is literally impossible for both of these ideas to be true. They are mutually exclusive. If simply by faith in Yahweh Elijah can control the natural elements of the planet, then surely the Lord is the all-powerful creator to be honored and worshipped. If the Lord is powerless at best and perhaps doesn't even exist, then the current drought cannot be caused by one person's belief is such a non-entity.

Ahab cannot believe both of these ideas ... and yet he does.

Application: I have seen it around me many times, that the true indication of dark deception is when people believe two mutually exclusive ideas, and refuse to juxtapose those ideas and consider the logical conflict. Such examples exist all around our society, and within the hearts of many. Some such examples relate directly to faith, some to general lifestyle choices. I have come to understand that such logical conundrums are a sign of the true influence of darkness and of satan.

For years now, I have looked for such conflicts of thought - situations where people are adamantly believing two concepts where either could be true but both absolutely cannot be true - as a sign of the work of evil in the world. The chief liar of this world can do this to those not defending themselves. The result is confusion and turmoil, distress and fear, anger and conflict, hardship and suffering.

The Lord did, in fact, create us to not only believe and worship him, but to do so logically with an understanding of his wonder and love and power and greatness. This is part of our nature, to rationally know and understand, and God desires us to use that to relate to him. When evil shuts down our rationality, it truly separates us from the Lord, and becomes a gateway for all kinds of problems.

Prayer: Lord, I believe in you and love you, not just with a childlike emotion, but also with rational thought and reason. You have given us that gift, in your image, to consider, hypothesize, and imagine, and we can use that to know you. May our society find a way back to you, realizing the rational errors of our ways. Amen.

Sin is the Harder Life

Scripture: Then Jeroboam said to himself, “Now the kingdom may well revert to the house of David. If this people continues to go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, the heart of this people will turn again to their master, King Rehoboam of Judah; they will kill me and return to King Rehoboam of Judah.” So the king took counsel and made two calves of gold. He said to the people, “You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” 1 Kings 12:26-28

Observation: The great sin of Jeroboam is this, setting up idols designed to explicitly prevent the worship of the Lord. This goes beyond any act of simply improper worship or the violation of a law. Rather, this was Jeroboam explicitly decided that he would have the people deny the Lord and turn away from Yahweh. He created the calves, rejected the Lord's temple, renounced for Israel any affiliation with Yahweh, and even set up new celebrations ... even therefore denying simple and joyful celebrations of the Lord.

Jeroboam rejected everything about the Lord, even to the extent that it was less pleasant and joyful for his own people. He replaced joyful celebrations in a beautiful city in order to honor Yahweh, with meaningless travel to nowhere places to look at statues, and maybe hold a pointless party. And it would be this "trade" that would be the great sin that destroyed Israel.

Application: How true it is that, when sin is at its greatest, it is actually more burdensome and difficult than actually not sinning. Great sin harms ourselves more than not committing the sin would have. It often introduces hardship and anguish and guilt and illness upon the one who sins, let alone any victims.

I know that, even when obedience to the Lord is difficult, that sinning is actually more difficult in the long run. I would prefer to have an easier life, and that would be a life obeying the Lord. I certainly reject the idol worship of this world. I would prefer the better life, where the burden is light.

Prayer: Lord, may I keep your laws and precepts in my heart, and day and day be better at complying with your ways. I would prefer to reject sin, and thus not incur the associated hardships. Please allow me to take your hand and walk in your ways today. Amen.

Eating Where Love Is

Scripture:
Better is a dinner of vegetables where love is
than a fatted ox and hatred with it.
Proverbs 15:17

Observation: This proverb uses the example of a meal to represent richness, or having little ... the fatted meal of meat represents a life of plenty, and a dinner of vegetables represents a life of meager existence. With that context, the lesson is obvious. Having meager life, but in a place of love and joy, is good; Enjoying a rich life, but within the context of hate and strife, is bad.

Application: I have learned this lesson well. Having a "good life" is not about wealth or status, but is all about peace and joy and love. These are three things that Jesus offers ... in fact, they are the first three fruits of the Holy Spirit. It is living a life full of the spirit that is far more important than a life full of money. In fact, when that money and physical comfort is surrounded by hate and anger and mistrust, life truly ... sucks.

Again, I have learned that. I desire a life of peace and joy and love. I'll be very, very happy with whatever dinner is served in that context.

Prayer: Lord, may I keep this truth in my mind, that happiness in my life is found in you, and not in any element of my work in the physical world. I will seek your joy, and therefore enjoy your provision. Amen.

A Renamed People Set Apart

Scripture: Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians.” Acts 11:35-36

Observation: While there have been gentile believers already, we see here that it was Barnabas who first truly began targeting the gospel to the gentiles, and who got Paul to help. We know the term "Christians" is Greek for "little Christs", but there is another reason - both practical and biblical - for introducing this (now universal) term for believers.

When the Lord set apart a people for himself, he gave them a name. He first changed the name of Abram and Sarai to Abraham and Sarah. However, once he was prepared to expand the family to truly become his chosen nation ... a nation set apart, established to demonstrate the Lord to other nations, and blessed to be a blessing ... he changed Jacob's name, and thus established them as Israel. From this, their nationality was also known as the Hebrews or Jews, but in all manner they were now defined by a name that told others there was something special about their relationship with Yahweh.

And now, in the first place where Greeks and gentiles are becoming believers in Jesus in significant numbers, they receive a name that tells others there is something special about their relationship with Jesus. They are not just "believing Greeks" anymore. Nor are they Messianic Jews ... the term still used for Jews who believe in Jesus. Gentiles who believe in Jesus have a special name. This is a name that ... sets us apart, established to demonstrate Jesus to other people, and blessed to be a blessing.

Application: I am so frustrated and angry with myself for behaving as if I am NOT set apart! Every day, I behave as if I'm just another American, with the same problems, hopes, and ambitions as everyone. However, the Lord himself gave me a name with a purpose. I am part of a special people group ... Christians, not Americans. I am personally an adopted son of the Lord most high, creator of the universe.

Behaving like a Christian does not - cannot - mean "acting like a good person". It MUST mean "NOT acting like the nations around me", just like it was supposed to mean for Israel. Just as the Lord has always done, he designated us with a new name to define his dedicated people-group. I need to start taking that seriously.

Prayer: Lord, again today I ask for your forgiveness. I am sinful and prideful and self-centered. Please forgive my sins of both action and thought, and continue to work into me a softer heart. And I add to this, please guide me in truly becoming a person set apart, part of your special nation, defined by actions that are different than the unbelieving people all around, so that our light will shine all the brighter. Amen.

Renown for Little Things

Scripture: Meanwhile, he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner. ... "He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside." Acts 9:43,10:6

Observation: Peter has been ministering in the area of Lydda and Joppa, and has just raised Dorcas from the dead in Joppa. He now stays with Simon the Tanner. Simon is mentioned twice, first as just a statement of fact as the home where Peter is staying, and then by the angel who appears to Cornelius when giving instructions as to where to find Peter. Simon himself never does anything, never says anything, and in fact is never described as doing anything at all.

Simon the Tanner was just a faithful believer in Jesus, whom - when Peter needed it - provided a place to stay. For this simple act of hospitality, and with no additional action ever credited to him, Simon is known by name to the "angel of God", and is also forever memorialized within the word of God for us to read about two thousand years later. His service to Jesus was so very simple ... all he did was give Peter lodging ... and his contribution to God's kingdom was honored in heaven and recorded for eternity.

Application: While I consider how this lesson - the importance of even the smallest acts of service to Jesus - applies specifically to something like the July 4th parade for us, I am thinking deeper about little things I could be doing. There are likely little things I could do every day that don't immediately appear to have any relevance to the kingdom of God, but that may in fact be of eternal impact ... at least to someone.

The little things may be a kind word, or a simple act of service, or a calming tone of voice, or a little act of assistance. Each of these could influence a heart to change a direction of a day for someone. If such action is done with the heart of Jesus, and with a vision to bringing God's love to others ... God could do so much with such an act.

If Simon the Tanner doesn't lodge Peter, does Peter leave Joppa, and then Cornelius can't find him, and then the connection between Peter's leadership and the salvation of gentiles is lost? Certainly the Lord would have found a way, but Simon was part of that plan, and he did so little. May I find a way to be part of the Lord's plan this day, even through small acts.

Prayer: Lord, this is my prayer, may I be part of your plan this day, even through small acts. Amen.

Avoiding any Misunderstanding

Scripture:
In my distress I called upon the Lord;
to my God I called.
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry came to his ears.
2 Samuel 22:7

Observation: David is recounting one of his songs of praise, from when he was under attack from enemies. In this paragraph, he simply states the fact that, in those times when he was in distress, he called on the Lord, and the Lord heard him. However, one small detail is David stating that the Lord was in his temple when he heard David.

The temple in Jerusalem did not exist. It would be built by Solomon, years after David's death. Therefore, this reference is not to "the" temple, but rather it is to a more generic location in heaven ... the throne room of Yahweh, a place where the Lord is honored by the heavenly hosts, and where he sits in absolute authority over all of creation.

So often, it seems the Jews put too much reverence in the temple as the seat of the Lord. Yes, it was specially created to honor the Lord, but it was also a place built by human hands, and not the heavenly home of the creator of the universe. In reading the bible, it seems easy enough to read this passage and think 'well, there is David talking about the temple and the Lord's presence in Jerusalem, invoking the special status of God's chosen nation.' But David isn't talking about the temple at all ... he can't be. So he isn't invoking any special characteristic of God's dwelling in Jerusalem. So he isn't basing his prayer on the Abrahamic promise of Israel as God's chose and favored people. Every assumption that could be quickly - almost dismissively - applied to the invocation of the temple, is inaccurate.

Application: This is an example of how easy it is to read the bible, see a simple word with a clear and understood meaning, and create a collection of inferences that are inaccurate. One word triggers a mental connection, and we run with it to inform our understanding.

It is true that David is the chosen king of the Lord's chosen people, and that the entire scenario concerning them is structured to highlight Messiah, who will come from David's lineage. There is a lot David could say that does invoke the image of God's great favor on David and Israel. However, stating that the Lord heard him from his temple is not one such invocation. It is instead a simple fact demonstrating David's understanding of the Lord and his strong relationship he has as a man after God's own heart ... from his throne room in heaven, the Lord hears the prayers of those who love him, and he responds.

Prayer: Lord, may I seek understanding of you during my daily bible reading. It is easy to adopt simple understandings based on my own mind. I instead ask for your Holy Spirit to reveal your knowledge and wisdom and will to me. May I find your truth, and not mine. Amen.

Defining the Work of the Church

Scripture: And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. Acts 3:2-3

Observation: The story of this beggar is best known for what is about to happen to him ... specifically, his is about to represent the first miraculous healing of a person afflicted from birth NOT by Jesus, but by believers of Jesus, powered by the Holy Spirit exercising that power in Jesus' name. However, there are three characteristics of this person both stated and implied that add to the story.

First, the beggar is very often at the temple. He has people who bring him to the gate every day, and once healed everyone inside the temple recognizes him. This has been his routine for many years. Second, he is bold enough to be noticed. While he may avoid eye contact with Peter and John, he explicitly asks them for alms. Again, he is bold enough that he is recognized by everyone, meaning they take time to see him every day.

These are two stated characteristics, but the implicit third item is ... he was very likely seen by - and yet NOT healed by - Jesus. Jesus entered the temple often, and given the first two observations, this man was there when Jesus and his disciples entered, and asked them for alms. Many times Jesus healed people in these circumstances, yet he did not heal this man.

The most basic reason might be the correct - and deepest - reason. Jesus did not heal this man so that the disciples would be able to heal him instead. Jesus could have done so, but he left behind work for his disciples to do. By leaving one person who was both highly visible, and also in need of a miracle that was indicative of messianic authority, Jesus created a scenario where his believers would successfully continue his work, and do so with great visibility to others.

Jesus effectively provided the scenario that would to prove to both his believers and to others that the work of Messiah was now the work of the Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Application: Jesus told us his mission ... to show God's love to all, and to provide the way to eternal salvation through faith in him. He then very clearly showed us that this mission is now the mission of every believer, as the universal Church, and that we have the tools, power, and authority to pursue that mission.

I don't even need to ask the next question of myself ... I am not doing so well at this mission. I absolutely fail to love others and show them God's love. I try to show them Jesus, but not often very explicitly. And I sure am not taking any action to heal anyone from any issues in their lives, let alone healing life-long cripples.

The definition of a church of believers is a group whose faith is in Jesus as Messiah. However, the work of the Church - and of all believers - is to take up the mission of Jesus as Messiah. I am falling short of this work.

Prayer: Lord, again I ask today, may I have more of your Spirit within me. I do desire to find your love of others within my heart. I have so long conditioned my heart otherwise, so I ask for your action because I struggle to make the change on my own. May I do your work. Amen.

Defining the Kingdom of Israel

Scripture: So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:6-8

Observation: Even after his resurrection, there are questions about the mission of Messiah and the protection/restoration of Israel. The disciples ask Jesus, and he gives them an indirect answer, saying that it isn't for them to necessarily understand all things, but that indeed the Holy Spirit will soon come, and then they will go and pronounce the good news to the entire world.

This appears to dodge the question about Israel ... they ask when Israel will be restored, and Jesus instead tells them that they cannot know, but the Holy Spirit will soon come. However, another interpretation is that Jesus is clarifying what the intent of Israel always was, and that indeed soon that kingdom will in fact be restored, and by the very hands of the disciples.

Israel was to be the Lord's nation of priests, and they were to universally represent the Lord to the world. It was by being set apart - as a people group, and by their practices - that they could show to others the existence, love, and power of Yahweh. And JUST like that, when the Holy Spirit comes upon the believers, they become an entire assembly of priests. With the Holy Spirit, believers can universally pronounce the love and salvation of Jesus to the world. Believers with the Spirit are set apart - a people group with beliefs and practices - to show others the existence, love, and power of Yahweh ... and also to baptize and teach them the path to salvation through the Messiah.

The question was ... as Messiah, will Jesus restore the kingdom of Israel? The answer was ... yes, by the power of the Holy Spirit, believers in Messiah are now restoring the mission of the kingdom of Israel.

Application: I am a member of the kingdom of Israel. I am a priest, set apart from the ways of the world, to witness to everyone.

I often wish the Holy Spirit were stronger within me. I do know I have the Spirit, but I also know that my sins keep the Holy Spirit at a certain distance from my heart. The Lord works within me, but not as greatly as he might if I fully surrendered. I desire to do that. I am proud to be a follower of Jesus, and to inherit both the honor and responsibility of the original kingdom of Israel.

Prayer: Lord, may I be closer to you, and may I be a better priest in your kingdom, every day. Amen.

Upon Openly Offending the Lord

Scripture:
I have become a stranger to my kindred,
an alien to my mother’s children.
It is zeal for your house that has consumed me;
the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.
Psalm 69:8-9

Observation: David is lamenting how he is treated, with insults, hate, and threats, and his only offense is obedience to the Lord. It is due to that zeal that others are against him. David knows he is not faultless - he admits he is not a blameless man and that the Lord knows his 'folly' - yet that is not at issue between himself and others. They hate him because he is obedient to the Lord, observing his will, precepts, and laws. This is the cause of his hardships.

Application: This year, my employer is dramatically over-promoting "pride month". We are having celebrations, games, and acknowledgment of the recognition of this time at every general meeting. Words like "celebrate" and "support" and "welcome" are tossed around. And I feel within myself and on behalf of other believers in the company ... emptiness, for we know this is an abomination to our Lord, yet saying so would bring swift rebuke.

We are at a point where openly offending the Lord is expected and celebrated, and obeying the Lord's commands and recognizing his word is at least marginalized. My friends and neighbors embrace lives they feel are 'above' such thoughts and opinions, and the labels they would place on any word or action that declared the Lord's truth would be 'bigotry' and 'hate' and 'injustice'.

My kindred - Americans - have so turned from the truth and love of Jesus that they interpret such truth as lies, and embrace the lies of sin with joy-filled celebrations. I am sincerely distressed and heartbroken.

Prayer: Lord, I am just one full day into the discussions that swirl on this subject, which I know must distress you. You certainly love all mankind and every person as your son and daughter, and in such you urgently desire them to know you and find faith in Jesus. Yet here we are, in a time and place where rejection of the wonderful life you have for all is expected and celebrated. How to really act during all of this, I do not know. May your love, your truth, your justice, your grace, and your will, all prevail during this time. Amen.

Faith vs. The Impossible

Scripture: Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed, for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. John 20:8-9

Observation: After Mary reports that Jesus is no longer in the tomb, it is Peter and John who investigate the matter. They enter the tomb, find Jesus gone but the burial cloths in place and the headpiece folded. It is only then, with physical evidence that Jesus has truly risen (not just been stolen), that John believes in the resurrection, because prior to that he did not understand. In truth, he couldn't previously believe, because the idea of resurrection from death by crucifixion was so far beyond his understanding that when the scriptures were discussed by Jesus it seemed metaphorical ... like Jesus must be talking about another parable or analogy when he discussed leaving, dying, but then returning.

John was possibly the disciple with the most "general" faith in Jesus, and who certainly embraced the facts of Jesus as Messiah and savior. However, as seen by the resurrection, even John could not find faith in all of Jesus' teaching when he couldn't find logical context for that teaching. Faith is difficult when juxtaposed with an idea that worldly teaching declares as impossible.

Application: Thanks to the resurrection, there are so many things I now know to be possible. If the Lord can resurrect Jesus - himself - dead three days, he can do anything. The natural world is no longer a restriction against the actions of the God who created it!

However, are there elements of life that seem impossible to me ... so impossible that I doubt the Lord's ability to overcome them? In truth, I struggle to understand what is going on with our society today, and if there can be a revival. Maybe I partially doubt if the Lord plans for there to be a revival in the U.S., but even setting that aside, the inertia of lawlessness in our country seems impossible to overcome. I do wonder how the Lord could completely correct the hearts of literally hundreds of millions of people who have actively declared opposition to him, his precepts, and his love.

John would have wondered the same, thinking that the situation was so impossible to rationally consider that the solution must be metaphorical. For example, I could believe that the Lord will strengthen the faith of his Church and guide us through the terrible times to come ... instead of altering the trajectory of the world. His grace and protection and love I get, but not supernational alteration of all mankind.

That said, I do know the Lord could do it, because I have faith he can do all things. Perhaps I don't understand how it could be done, but I don't need to understand the 'how'. The Lord can do the impossible. I can have faith in that fact.

Prayer: Lord, I pray today for the impossible. I have no idea what it could even look like to radically overhaul the hearts and minds millions, or billions, of people, but I have faith you can do it. If it be your will, please change the world today. Amen.

Revealing the Covetous Heart

Scripture: Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan. He said to him, "You son of a rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives upon the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Now send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die." 1 Samuel 20:30-31

Observation: Throughout the narrative of Saul's desire to kill David, the reasons for such hostility are tough to discern. In just the previous chapter, Saul has even sworn that will not kill David, but then immediately flips and decides to kill him again, and the intervening action is ... David successfully leading Saul's troops in the defeat of Saul's enemies.

But here it is, for once laid out. Saul hates David because David will be the next king - not his son Jonathan - and he is the only one who cannot accept this. Saul wants to control his succession. This isn't even about bloodline, for David is married to Saul's daughter. This isn't about Jonathan, for Saul is angry that Jonathan himself has agreed and 'chosen' David as the next king. This is about how Saul wants to control the historical narrative of his kingship.

Saul has everything. He has a good family aligned for long-term success. He has power emanating from a strong army that wins battles, and in return provides him physical wealth. He has peace of mind provided by soothing entertainment in the palace. And all these things are actually provided by the courage, kindness, faith, and skill of ... David. Yet Saul hates David because he covets the one thing that David cannot provide, which is his own obedience to the Lord, and the resulting will of God to make David the next king.

By David, Saul has 99 of the 100 things he could want in life, and his covetous heart burns with hate over that 1 thing, which itself is insignificant within the context of Saul's own life for it will not even matter until after his death.

Application: Easily, the "10th commandment" is the one most overlooked ... thou shalt not covet. Desiring the things of the world is effectively the source of all (or most) other sin. It is all the worse when in the context of every great thing we do have in our lives, but then generate negative feelings because we dwell on insignificant things we don't have.

Yes, I am overwhelmingly blessed, and yet I dwell on a great many things. There are so many things I desire to have, but the truth is they are SO pointless. Most are just more/bigger things than the ones I already have, when what I have is even more than I can use ... and certainly far more than I deserve. And of course, dwelling on such things only destroys the joy found in the blessing we do have, and in the presence of the Lord within those blessings.

Saul is a great example. He had everything, but David was the source of it. When he turned on David by coveting just one more thing, he lost literally every other good thing.

I should not live life by coveting more in my heart, and thus losing the joy of the great life I have.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your great blessings in my life. You have given me so much. Please forgive me when I covet more, for this is not only a sin, but is a sin within which I am the greatest victim. You have given me this lesson so that I may truly have a wonderful life, a life full of joy. You are all sufficient. Amen.

This is the True Desire

Scripture:
May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us,      Selah
that your way may be known upon earth,
your saving power among all nations.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
Psalm 67:1-3

Observation: This psalm opens with this wonderful prayer ... that the Lord would look upon the earth with his glory. It is desired that the Lord would be known throughout the world - known to all nations - and that all the people of every nation would praise him.

This is the true desire, the true goal and purpose of life ... that we would be in such a relationship with the Lord that we would spend our time in prayer and praise, and he would shine his love upon us all. This would be a condition for all the world, and for every nation and people group.

Selah ... think and ponder how wonderful that would be.

Application: I know that our fallen nature impedes this ideal scenario. The Lord would gladly shine upon us, and he desires to make himself and his saving power known to all the nations. Yet all the people will not praise him. In some places - like where I currently live - most people would even deny him.

I am sad for this. However, I can praise the Lord. I can praise him in my daily work, in my thoughts, in my words to others, and even in actual praise and singing. I can seek his face and his grace and his blessing. I can help to make him known upon the earth and to the nations.

May all glory and honor and praise and worship be given to the Lord God almighty, and to his son Jesus Christ!

Prayer: Lord, my God, may I honor you today and every day. May your face shine upon us, the entire earth, all nations, my nation, my community, and my family, according to your will. Amen.

The Mystery of Revelation

Scripture: Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?" Jesus answered him, "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words, and the word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me." John 14:22-24

Observation: In Jesus' final teaching, he discusses the fact that all who believe in him will be able to understand his teaching and even better know his words. It is these people who will continually experience his love, and the love of the Father. However, those who do not love Jesus will not experience these things, and in fact will not be able to perceive Jesus at all. This confuses the disciples, with Judas asking how this is logistically possible ... how can some people see, hear, and know Jesus, and others cannot?

This is the mystery of the human experience with the Lord. A person's ability to experience the Lord is greatly influenced by their freewill decision to pursue the Lord. Those who choose to seek the Lord experience his presence and love. Those who reject a relationship with the Lord fail to experience him. This is not to say he isn't present around them, but that they refuse the experience they should have with the Lord.

The disciples saw this was true within their lifetimes. As they told others the gospel message, they saw people accept it, love Jesus, and then know the truth of the Lord. Likewise, they saw people reject the good news, and even though some of them believed in the Lord, they failed to understand the truth and the word of God.

Faith in Jesus begets knowledge about the Lord, and active decisions to reject Jesus creates a division from that knowledge.

Application: High on the list of 'supernatural' things that reveal the truth about God's existence is this ... those who reject the idea of faith tend to struggle to even understand general knowledge and wisdom found in the bible. I have seen general misunderstanding of biblical information in secular commentaries, and I have seen fairly uneducated believers who can discover interesting wisdom within the bible. This can only be understood within a supernatural context.

Somehow, faith is a determinant in one's ability to find revelation in the word of God. Those without faith lack a key element to understand the Lord.

I do not consider myself 'wise' when it comes to the bible. However, I do know that I have found truths I could not have uncovered on my own. In this, I am so thankful, for those truths have involved comfort, help, advice, instruction, and correction. I hope I continue to find God's revelation in his word all the days of my life.

Prayer: Lord, your word is indeed a light unto my feet and a lamp unto my path. May I walk in your way, following your word, daily. Thank you for your revelation, and for your love through Jesus. Amen.

Deceit is Evidence of Evil

Scripture:
Deceit is in the mind of those who plan evil,
but those who counsel peace have joy.
Proverbs 12:20

Observation: There is a relationship between evil and deception. As part of any evil plot or plan, the individual has in their mind some element of deceit. This deceit may take the form of outright lies, or it may involve some lesser activity that causes others to misunderstand a situation. Whatever the case, this relationship must be understood ... those conducting deception are in engaging in an evil plan, and those who are plotting in evil will as part of their plot create some deception.

Application: The Lord told me clearly that the attacks I experienced four years ago were an evil plan. As part of that, I did not previously understand some of the "side issues" that occurred. There were direct lies, but there were also a collection of one-off lies, half-truths, and out-of-context reports that had nothing to do with the lies, but were pursued and confused any hope of the truth emerging.

These were deceptions, and thus are evidence reinforcing the existence of evil at work.

I am encouraged by this. It did bother me to be attacked by evil, but at least I knew the source and also know that the Lord is in control of my life. It is good to be reminded of this truth.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your love and salvation. Your eternal salvation through faith in Jesus is so amazing, but just as wonderful is your daily salvation from evil. Yes, life can be difficult, but you are always a comfort. May I relax in your love all the days of my life. Amen.

Oath's Aren't Needed; Truth Is

Scripture: Eli said, "What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide anything from me of all that he told you." 1 Samuel 3:17

Observation: Several times in the Old Testament, a threat very similar to this one is pronounced ... "May God do unto you and more so if you ...". Alternatively, as same structure is used as a swearing or promise, very often associated with taking action against someone ... "May God do unto me and more so if I do not do ...".

In this manner, the Jews use Yahweh as a threat. Yes, this statement indicates a trust that the Lord can take decisive action. However, it also assumes that the Lord takes sides in matters based on whomever first invokes his name, and that his actions will involve punishment and retribution. It seems so many of the times this form of swearing is used involve people who are themselves operating in a questionable manner, such as pursuing a righteous person to punish them, or seeking knowledge to advance some plot. Either way, over and over, this is the oath - "May the Lord do unto X and more so if" - and over and over it feels like manipulation, threatening, or both.

Application: I am a person prone to lying. I know this. I wish I wasn't. At the same time, I have never understood the idea of "swearing" on something. Maybe this is why I take notice of this kind of oath in the Bible.

That said, I do perceive a pattern that this oath is commonly attributed to people who are pursuing some personal objective outside of the Lord's plan. By pronouncing it, perhaps they are attempting to make it appear that the Lord is on their "side" and their actions align to the Lord's will.

I do wish I was more in line with James in this matter. I agree with him that we should not need to swear on things. However, I wish I was better at my yes being yes, and my no being no ... that I could better repent of the sin of lying.

Prayer: Lord, this day I do pray for this, that I would be able to repent of my way of telling deceptions, fibs, and lies. I bend truth, sometimes for absolutely no reason, and honestly I don't usually even know why. May this be removed from me, and may I seek your goodness in my live more and more. Amen.

Unwilling to Accept the Truth

Scripture: Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me, but you do not believe because you do not belong to my sheep." John 10:25-26

Observation: The people directly ask Jesus if he is Messiah, specifically asking him to just tell them. His answer is equally blunt ... he has told them, but they refuse to believe it. He goes on and tells them again, and for this they attempt to stone him for blasphemy, then seek to arrest him.

There is no response Jesus can give these people that they will believe except for the denial of being Messiah. They refuse to believe what he has said, they refuse to believe what he has done, and they violently react to what he now says. This is because they have no desire for the truth, and Jesus knows this when he says that they won't believe because they do not belong to his sheep. What Jesus is really saying is ... these people are full of pride and self-determination, looking to be fully in command and control of their own lives and their own wills, and therefore they reject any belief that would make them obedient to a Lord and savior.

Application: There are times I disobey the Lord, and I know the source of my disobedience is ... myself. It is my own desire to run some aspect of my life, even if it is just related to short-term pleasure like having another drink. I know there are times the Lord tells me I shouldn't, and I do, because I simply want to.

That is the wrong way to live in that moment. Overall I want to be obedient in my life, and I do strive to walk the Lord's path. I fail from time to time.

Jesus shows us this is at the very heart of "belief" ... willingness to obey the voice of the good shepherd. Many people fully reject Jesus, and thus are unwilling to accept the truth about faith and salvation. I am very willing to obey the good shepherd, but again sometimes I consciously fail and choose a different action. That is never a good idea.

Prayer: Lord, please forgive me of my sins, my departures from your precepts, and my actions that reject your direction. I desire to obey and live the life you have for me. I wish others would choose the same. May I be of obedient service to you this day, and every day. Amen.

Redemption both Active and Passive

Scripture: Then the women said to Naomi, "Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without next-of-kin, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him." Ruth 4:14-15

Observation: This version of Ruth uses the term "next-of-kin" to describe Boaz's relationship to Naomi and Ruth; other versions use the term "kinsman redeemer", and the footnote here says, "one with the right to redeem." This all relates to the Jewish law of property. In the law, property was perpetual to a family, but when someone died without heirs their property could first be 'redeemed' their family, in order of relationship.

Boaz may have married Ruth, but he did so by claimed the right to redeem the property of Elimelech, which most significantly included his destitute widow Naomi. It is this act of redemption that has saved Naomi, a woman who had no future and no means to a life. Naomi was destined to be both outcast and destitute, however Boaz intervened as "one with the right to redeem." Boaz and Ruth would be the great grandparents of David, and thus part of the lineage of Jesus.

This metaphor is quite obvious. Without the Lord in one's life, we are all destined to live and die a meaningless life, effectively the equivalent of destitute. Jesus is the one with the right to redeem, and secures that right to also pursuing a marriage with his bride, the Church. 

One can consider the lesson of Boaz - one who is rewarded for his kindness, generosity, and obedience - as the point of this story. One can also consider Ruth - one who is loving, loyal, and industrious - as the point of this book named for her. However, the unifying storyline beginning to end is actually that of Naomi ... a woman who suffers through hard times, is taken to a foreign land by her husband, loses everything and everyone she has, receives the mercy of a foreigner, creates a plan for survival, and is saved by the actions of others.

While Naomi is involved in every aspect of the story, her arc - from troubles to redemption - is mostly passive. She is the victim of local famine caused by the unfaithfulness of Judah's king. She is taken to Moab by her husband. She watches her husband and sons die. She excuses her daughter in-laws only to see Ruth refuse to leave her. She stays home while Ruth gleans the fields. She eats the food provided by Boaz. She lets Ruth proposition Boaz. She waits for Boaz to negotiate the redemption. She sees Boaz and Ruth bare a child. And in the end, she is declared blessed by the other women.

"All" Naomi does is ... remain faithful and obedient. She does what she can for her family, follows the law, and trusts that the Lord will provide for her. Throughout the story, the Lord does provide, and then fully redeems her.

Application: I cannot "redeem" myself. Only the person with the right to redeem - Jesus - can do that. What I can do is have faith that the Lord will provide in my life, and be obedient to his guidance as he works out his plan for me and for the world.

While receiving redemption is passive, therefore, obedience is not. Yes, this is the "faith vs. works" conversation, and again I see that redemption actually involves both. I may receive eternal salvation by faith, but how I live my life plays a role in the redemption of my earthly life. Again, obedience doesn't result in there being no hardships, but it gives guidance for the path to walk through the hardship ... through the valley of the shadow of death.

Prayer: Lord, may I have the passive faith, but the active obedience, of Naomi. I desire to care a lot less about taking action to solve my problems. Instead, I would like my actions to center on your direction and instructions, so I can passively allow you to provide for my life. I have faith in your love, mercy, and redemption. Amen.

Claiming the Promise of Refuge

Scripture:
You have set up a banner for those who fear you,
to rally to it out of bowshot.   Selah
Psalm 60:4

Observation: As David gives a short lament for the challenges he has, he adds this comforting fact. The Lord provides a refuge from the problems. In the metaphor, the Lord provides a banner - a flag - far enough away from the battlefield to be untouchable by the activities of the battle. It is there for anyone in need of safety, and who look to the Lord for their safety.

Application: I have still been in thought about the problems of our current time, and about how society is so lost that there is clear conflict between the "rightness" of societal norms, and the truth of the Lord. I wonder if there is any hope for me to live out my life in safety from greater persecution, and if there is any hope for my children to be prosperous within such a context. Further still, I wonder how we can a peaceful life when around us is such continual anger and pain.

However, David reminds me ... Yahweh-Nissi ... the Lord is my banner.

It isn't just that the battle about widespread culture is not mine to fight. It is that, even in the context of such a battle, there is refuge for anyone who looks to the Lord as their hope. Yahweh is my (our) rallying point. He is where we turn to and find that, even when the battle is occurring, we are out of range from the danger. We are in a place of peace.

Prayer: Lord, today I embrace the promise of your peaceful refuge. I know hard times and persecution will come. I know it is possible that I may lose my very life itself, and probably I will lose elements of my life, as I hold to my faith, obey your word, reject the world, and cling to your hope. Yet you are a source of calm, peace, and safety. You will keep me safe according to your plans. I pray this for myself, but even more so for my family and for the faithful around me. As earthly anger thrives, may we rally to you and find joy and peace. Amen.

So Many are Inheriting the Wind

Scripture:
Those who trouble their households will inherit wind,
and the fool will be servant to the wise.
Proverbs 11:29

Observation: As the writer of proverbs continues in warning about what is foolish behavior - in this case, troubling one's own household - he states that such fools will "inherit wind". That is to say, they receive as their reward something that can never be possessed, for wind cannot be held or captured in any way, but simply is energy that rushes past us. Yes, it is real and we can feel it, but it cannot be owned.

Application: This phrase was used in a provocative way in the 1960s, as the title of a play and movie "Inherit the Wind". It was about the historical trial that analyzed the teaching of creationism vs. evolution. I have never seen nor read it, and I am troubled by the very idea that as some level our society continues to believe there is a mutually exclusive nature about this topic, and by extension about the existence of God.

Whether or not the title was intended this way or not, this entire historical event and the related debates is the very definition of a fool troubling their household. Fools have created a false equation - either creationism or evolution must be true and thus the other must be false - and then used that equation to attack faith itself. Over time, the erosion of faith has negatively impacted every aspect of society, from values and morals, to quality of family life, to mental stability of individuals.

And to be clear, the result is that fools have become servants. Those who struggle with all kinds of elements in their lives - and do so while adamantly denying the Lord's word and even his very existence, using 'scientific' arguments as the foundation of their denial - now live as slaves. While the enemy who deceives them may not be 'wise' as the author of Proverbs used the word, he is formidably intelligent, crafty, cunning, and deceptive.

Those who trouble their households - who take up flawed arguments based on such deceptions, which then cause real problems within their own homes, families, communities, people, nations, and society - will in fact inherit wind. They will feel the results, but they actually receive nothing.

Prayer: Lord, I say it again today, we are in need of revival. I fear for all aspects of our world. I know I am personally helpless to do anything, yet I know you are all-powerful and can do all. May your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Amen.

With Me All Along

I have NEVER been alone!!

The Logic of God's Provision

Scripture: So now the Lord, the God of Israel, has conquered the Amorites for the benefit of his people Israel. Do you intend to take their place? Should you not possess what your god Chemosh gives you to possess? And should we not be the ones to possess everything that the Lord our God has conquered for our benefit? Judges 11:23-24

Observation: In his message to the Ammonites, Jephthah uses logic to dissuade their attack. By this argument, the Lord gave Israel victory 300 years ago, therefore all they are doing is living in a land that the Lord has given them. If the Ammonites have a quarrel then, it is with their god who has ... given them a different land, or maybe no land at all. He questions the king of the Ammonites if he truly believes it is in his right to overturn what his own god has decided, let along what the Lord has done.

Application: Everyone today, myself included, seeks to earn more and more. We desire what we don't have, and work hard to have more. I have ideas about what I will do, how I will earn, where my job should progress, what 'stuff' I can buy with my money.

It is hard to know if I am simply living within the Lord's provision for my life, or if I am taking what the Lord has not given. However, certainly one way of telling is when someone takes from someone else. At the extreme, we call that theft, and it is driven by covetousness. However, at a less extreme end of the spectrum is simply taking things in life - opportunities, experiences, advancements, property - by using resources that were not intended for those purposes, or by competing and beating others. These may be situations where I am not following God's plan, and thus taking something he did not intend. These are things of which I must be careful, because I am not meek in my nature, and can certainly take what I should not simply by proceeding strongly on a course of action.

And this applies to many in this generation. There are SO many who just take ... who declare the "deserve" or feel that they (or their ancestors) were wronged and thus are "owed" something. This is, in fact, a driving force in societal issues today, just like the Ammonites declaring they were owed certain possessions despite the outcome of a matter that occurred 300 years prior.

It is difficult to know the Lord's for every possession, and his intention for every good thing. I know the Lord has blessed me, and I hope I live content in his blessing without taking more. I desire a society in which everyone does the same, for if they did the Lord's love would so richly bless everyone. What a paradise that would be.

Prayer: Lord, I long to live truly in your kingdom, where only thy will is done. It would be paradise. It will be paradise! Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

What are They, Indeed

Scripture: One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?" John 6:8-9

Observation: The feeding of the 5,000 begins with Jesus challenging the disciples for a solution to the dilemma of how to feed everyone (John says Jesus already knew what he would do, but was testing the disciples). Philip declares it would take a large sum of money to buy food, and other accounts state that enough food wasn't even available to buy in the area and the disciples recommended sending everyone away.

However, Andrew makes the strangest of all comments. Andrew brings forward a boy with what is basically enough for one family to eat. While many lessons have been taught about the faith involved with a boy offering the little he had - and this has become famous in the telling of the miracle - Andrew even bringing this as a potential solution is almost ludicrous ... and he knew it. What he says "what are they among so many people", it is almost like he wasn't saying "here is a solution", but rather "this is all there is, so certainly the situation is hopeless."

Application: I recognize there are SO many lessons here ... giving God even the little bit we have, faith in miracles when we seem to have nothing, innocent surrender of all we possess, etc. Yet perhaps the reality of the situation is found in this idea ... the wonder and power of God is discovered when we know and acknowledge the situation is hopeless.

And this is where I am today, knowing that the situation in the Pacific Northwest is hopeless. I have given up on any wonderful future for my home city, Seattle. I have advised my children to consider living elsewhere. I have thought of when my wife and I can leave. I lean into the idea to reach people for Christ here as individuals who need to the good news, but the deeply rooted issues of the region give me no hope for a future of this area that involves anything approaching kingdom values.

I have reached the point of Andrew. Here, Lord, are churches attempting to proclaim your name, pronounce the gospel message of Jesus, to heal the sick and the broken-hearted. But what are they among so many people, when we now know that less than 3 percent of the people in the region even go to church?

I sincerely hope Jesus is about to show me how weak my faith is, and that he already knows what he is going to do about this.

Prayer: Lord, please come in power. I cannot see a way in this region, but with you all things are possible. May it be that not only does the situation turn, but that when it does the evidence of your mighty hand is so obvious that it cannot be refuted. Amen.

Wanting to be Left Alone

Scripture: Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had disappeared in the crowd that was there. Later Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you have been made well! Do not sin any more, so that nothing worse happens to you.” The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. John 5:13-15

Observation: Jesus heals a man who for so long could not become healed in the pool at Bethesda. When questioned about improper activity on the Sabath, the healed man does not name Jesus. However, Jesus later confronts him again ... this time he is in the temple, presumably begging even though he is healed and no longer in need of alms. Jesus warns the man that this deception is sin, and with that the healed man reports Jesus to the authorities.

It is possible this is a simple matter of knowledge. It is possible the healed man did not know who Jesus was, but upon meeting him again in the temple learns his identity, and thus complies with the request of the authorities. It is also possible this is a friendly 'telling'; that the man wanted to tell others about Jesus but didn't know his name, then learned it and publicizes it. However, that isn't quite how the narrative feels. This feels like the healed man wanted to live off public pity. He waited an unreasonable amount of time to be healed. Once healed, he simply continued to beg. And when Jesus called him out for this, he didn't appreciate being scolded and "turned him in".

What a complicated relationship this man had with the Lord. He acted like he wanted a miracle to heal him, but certainly after 38 years he could have figured out how to receive such a healing from the pool ... so he didn't really want it. He is healed, and gives no thanks to Jesus. Once healed, he just keeps his old life. When corrected about the nature of his actions, he reports Jesus to authorities.

Most people define a "full life" as one with family, friends, joy, health, and meaning. Within a few short sentences, we learn that this unnamed man literally had none of the above. We then learn ... he didn't even want them, and when given the opportunity to have them he got miffed and resentful.

He didn't want a life ... he wanted God to leave him alone.

Application: I am becoming more and more sad by the realization of the relationship many people have with God, and how their attitude toward God poisons their entire life. How many people, if convinced God exists, would actually declare they would prefer that God totally leave them alone? Many, I think. And many of those actually have lives that can best be described as a "shambles". 

I have been writing about this often lately. That must mean my heart is breaking for these people.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the softening of my heart. I do mourn for those who would prefer an empty, broken, hopeless, painful life, than to simply ask for - and than you for - any kind of healing. I am sure you weep for them, as I am saddened today too. Amen.

Recognizing First-Hand Knowledge

Scripture: Moreover, that whole generation was gathered to their ancestors, and another generation grew up after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals. Judges 6:10-11

Observation: When Joshua dies, it says that Israel remained faithful throughout the lives of the people and elders who had seen and experienced all the Lord had done for Israel. However, that generation completely dies, and a new generation rises that "did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel." Immediately it says they did what was evil and turned to other gods.

It becomes clear that first-hand knowledge of the Lord - and especially knowledge of what the Lord has done to bless and protect someone - is a component of faith and therefore obedience. Even with the amazing stories Israel has of the Lord rescuing them, feeding them for years, guiding them into the promised land, and vanquishing established nations ... those who hear the story struggle to believe and obey as those who lived through the experience did. Their faith waivers, what should be the anchor tenants of their lives weaken, and they seek "meaning" or "foundation" or "purpose" for their lives outside of Yahweh. This leads to evil, sin, disobedience, and misplaced service to other 'gods'.

Application: It is critical to remember what the Lord has done for me. I absolutely know for certain that the Lord has taken action in my life to guide, restore, and bless me! My faith is strongest when I remember this first-hand knowledge of his work and love and goodness and grace.

So how difficult it is for others to find faith in Jesus when they refuse to believe that God has aided them in their lives!! Perhaps they don't even believe God exists. Perhaps they believe as I once did, in a passive, ambivalent kind of god who may or may not get involved in the lives of people ... and even in doing so may or may not care if his actions are helpful or harmful anyway.

When you don't believe in a loving God, you can't see the first-hand experiences you have had with God. Over and over, we know that such an experiential void impedes faith (even for a strong disciple like Thomas).

Part of evangelism, therefore, must be experiential. We must help people realize the truth of experiences they have had in life, and recognize the role of the loving, compassionate, merciful creator.

Prayer: Lord, I pray generally for all those who don't believe, that they may both have experiences by your hand, and be awakened in their hearts to know first-hand it is you working in their lives. I specifically pray for Eric, whom I know had such experiences and has been trying to discern the reality of those experiences. May he recognize the knowledge he has, and gain faith by that knowledge. Amen.

Worship in Every Action, Everywhere

Scripture: Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:21-24

Observation: As the woman at the well begins to discover whom Jesus really is, she asks him about proper worship of Yahweh, as there was disagreement on this matter between Jews and Samaritans. Jesus clarifies that the question is now irrelevant. Yes, the Lord gave laws about the proper location for complying with sacrificial rules, however with the arrival of Messiah there is a new manner of worship. Differentiated from "temple or mountain", he calls the new manner or worship "spirit and truth".

Worship in the spirit is to honor the Lord in your heart, and to truly engage with him through the Holy Spirit. In this manner, we join our spirit with his and with others. We know the living God, and worship him as a key interaction in our relationship with him. Worship in truth is to serve and love others as part of obeying the teaching of the Lord. We acknowledge that the word of the Lord is true, and thus obey it out of honor of that truth.

In this way, worship is not just singing. It is our daily activities. Worship includes prayer, contemplation, and our words and actions, especially toward others. As Paul puts it, it is making ourselves a living sacrifice, so that all our thoughts and actions are in fact acts of true worship.

Jesus is teaching that we do not need to go to a specific hill to 'worship' ... rather, by the Holy Spirit, our every action, everywhere, can be worshipful to the Lord.

Application: This lesson shows me how much more closely I need to guard my daily behavior, words, and deeds. I can worship the Lord in everything, but of course my bad actions are not acts of worship at all, and they remove me from the presence of the Lord available through worship. I desire to worship continually, by obeying the Lord and loving others. This is not always simple, but it is always possible.

Prayer: Lord, I would like to worship you in every action, everywhere, continually. My spirit yields to the Holy Spirit. May there be more of him, and less of me. Amen.

Defining Two Other Gods

Scripture: Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

Observation: While the last clause of this verse is famous - it is even on a framed picture in this very room - the first part describes the alternative to serving Yahweh. The alternative is to serve other gods, and Joshua describes two different options, the gods of their ancient ancestors, and the gods of the local nations they have conquered. 

It seems these two options represent two lifestyles or sets of priorities available to fix as primary in one's life. One option is the path of success and prosperity. This was important to Abraham's family, as evidenced by the behavior of Laban. The family sought earthly comfort and success. They desired to have the largest and best flocks, servants, and successful estates. The second option is the path of desire and pleasure. The dispossessed nations honored fertility, and gave honor to false gods who would bring about sexual success. They desired physical pleasure and pursued it daily, placing their minds to it so often that it became part of their supernatural pursuits.

Interestingly, by rejecting these gods and honoring the Lord, Israel receives both. Abraham became abundantly rich, and receiving that blessing of earthly comfort was passed to the entire nation. Meanwhile, the nation reproduced at such a rate that they increased from a dozen to a million in the course of a few generations, clearly receiving physical pleasure they wanted. However, they achieved all this while remaining true to the commands of the Lord, and while worshipping Yahweh.

Application: These two 'gods' remain at the forefront of mankind today. Most humans seek riches that provide earthly comfort, and/or sexual pleasure in various forms. When told to make a choice, these are almost always the two alternatives to Jesus that others pursue. They fail to see that, while they may be independent of Jesus and certainly must be subordinate to faith in the Lord, they are not exclusive of Jesus.

Me and my house ... we choose to serve the Lord. Whatever comes with that is secondary, for the Lord is our portion. I am comfortable in the knowledge that anything I need, he will provide.

Prayer: Lord, I have permanently chosen you. I have no other gods before or after you. I wish I made better choices on a moment-by-moment basis, but for my life and hope you are my Lord and my God. May I serve and worship you better every day. Amen.

Love of the Darkness

Scripture: And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life ... And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. John 3:14-15,19

Observation: In one of the most famous sections of the bible, Jesus recalls one of the more overlooked foreshadowings of the Old Testament, the curse of the snakes. In the wilderness, Israel was attacked by a curse of poisonous snakes, and at God's instruction Moses created bronze snake wrapped on a cross, and lifted it up. Anyone who had faith in God could simply look at the snake on the cross, and be healed, but anyone who did not look would die. In this same way, Jesus is clear that he as Messiah will be lifted up on a cross, and anyone who in faith looks to Messiah will have eternal life, but anyone who refuses to do so will die.

However, after telling the purpose of Messiah - to bring eternal life - Jesus is just as clear about why people will refuse to look upon Messiah when salvation is so easily obtained. It is not because of a lack of faith, it is because of love of the darkness. People love their sin, their misguided ways, their deeds and lives that follow their own paths. In this love of darkness, they are given a choice to simply look to the light of the Messiah ... and they refuse. They would rather die of the poison in their lives, than admit that their personal decisions are flawed and simply look to the light of Jesus to guide their path.

Application: Speaking 2,000 years ago, Jesus knew the world ... the world he lived in, the history of mankind, but also the future world we now see. Everyone has determined how they will live, and what they consider to be good and right. They base this on public sentiment and their own opinions. They measure the results on their own measures of success. They actively fight for evil causes as if achieving acceptance of them is their life's purpose, and celebrate when society moves closer to 'normalizing' such causes.

They love the darkness rather than the light.

Jesus has been lifted up. All people have to do is look to him in faith, and will have not just a healed and eternal life, but life in the full, walking in the light of the Lord. And most won't do this ... and that is how people have always been.

Prayer: Lord, I do understand why people love the darkness and love their evil ways. There are still elements of sin that I struggle with, because they are so embedded in the human condition of original sin. I get it. May I always look to you, and may I always love the light more than the dark. The truth is, I don't know how to even pray for those who are so entrenched in the dark that they deny the light even exists. I grown for our society, with no words to even ask for how to move next within this world. I know I am born from above. May others who are not find their way to look up and see the light. Amen.