Let's Talk About Sports

Scripture: Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air, but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Observation: Writing to a church in a Greek city (Corinth), Paul discusses how he positions the gospel. He has just outlined with them how he will adopt his lifestyle to align to the lives of others - that he "becomes all things to all people" (v22) - so that whom he is does not interfere with the gospel message. At this, he immediately uses the analogy of an athlete as a way of encouraging the Corinthians to no longer sin, but rather to train their bodies, leveraging self-control to instill healthy habits, so they can 'win' the race of salvation.

Application: Throughout the entirety of scripture, there is no evidence I can think of regarding the Jews engaging in any kind of athletic competition. We know that much of what we consider to be practice of athletic competition for entertainment originated with the Greeks, and by ~50 A.D. the Olympics games included various forms of racing, fighting, and field/skill competitions.

And it is after telling the church how he adopts his personal practices to best relate to his audience that Paul immediately does so; a Jew using Olympic competition analogies to tell Greeks how to behave. They are to win the race ... they are pursuing a prize that is greater than a perishable wreath ... they are not just air boxing but truly in event ... they must exercise intentionally and with self-control ... it is not aimless work ... and proceed by the rules so you are not disqualified. This is a masterclass of speaking to the audience using the metaphor they can culturally understand.

I am SO tired of church people judging my church for the way we reach the unchurched of our community. We hold family food truck nights, show a Christmas light show, work a city parade ... and Christians think we are being only secular in our activities, question or practices if not our motives, and actively declare that, if we aren't delivering some traditional message we are dishonoring God.

I am proud to belong to a congregation courageous enough to try to be all things to all people, in order to try to save some. As our world becomes less and less familiar with the basics of Christianity, may I and others lean into this teaching from Paul.

Prayer: Lord, while even I sometimes have mixed feelings about evangelism and how we do it, may your word work within me more and more. I know we must balance how we are 'in but not of' the world, but the lost and hurting need a bridge to meet you. May we be better, and more relatable, bridges. Amen.

Retelling a Great Lesson

Scripture: Guard your steps when you go to the house of God; to draw near to listen is better than the sacrifice offered by fools, for they do not know how to keep from doing evil. Ecclesiastes 5:1

Observation: The wise teacher juxtaposes two types of faithful people ... the ones who strive to listen to the Lord and learn what is right, and those who only comply with the laws of sacrifice. Both go to the temple. Both appear righteous. However, the latter does not know or understand the will of the Lord, and thus they commit sin and do evil then take the prescribed actions to absolve their sin. The former learns the will of God and improves their wisdom and path in life.

This is another way of giving one of the most important lessons of the entire bible. Micah explicitly tells of all Israel that the Lord never truly wanted any amount of sacrifice, but rather desired the people to simply seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with the Lord. Jesus quotes scripture and challenges the Pharisees to re-learn what was meant when the Lord said he desired mercy, not sacrifice ... acknowledgement of God, not burnt offerings. Yahweh never wanted ritualistic practices of absolution. Rather, he wanted us to simply love him enough to try to learn from him, draw near him, and show love to others in his name. He may have provided avenues to absolution for when we would fail, but compliance with those instructions was never the goal.

Application: Yes, I sin, and need to both pray for forgiveness, and to find absolution through faith in Jesus Christ. However, I truly desire to instead have a changed heart, to become more empathetic to everyone, to grow in humility, and to (in short) draw near to the Lord and listen to him.

Once a day I probably think about how to be nearer to the Lord. This is not nearly good enough ... it needs to be a continual mindset. Too often, I am neutral at best when it comes to considering the will of the Lord in my thoughts and actions and attitudes.

I would rather approach the Lord with the goal of listening and learning - in love and humility - than to approach him in need of absolution and forgiveness and correction for what I have done. The Lord loves me enough to give that absolution, but my life will never improve while on that cycle.

Prayer: Lord, I sincerely desire to walk humbly with you daily, hourly, and moment by moment. I desire a softened and broken heart. You have blessed me so richly in all aspects of my life, may I use that blessing to bless and serve others in your name. Amen.

On Managing Conflict

Scripture: In fact, to have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? 1 Corinthians 6:7

Observation: As Paul continues the address the issues he has heard about the church at Corinth, he comes to the matter of legal conflict between Christians. At first he challenges the issue of suing each other in a worldly court instead of resolving the matter between wise church leaders. However, he then gets to the heart of the matter ... why at all do they have conflicts so severe they rise to the level of suits? Why can't they just forgive and leave in peace?

It is best not to wrong brothers and sisters, but if it happens it is better to just be wronged than to create conflict. In a community of true love, Christians wouldn't wrong one another, but of course we are all human so when we do something, treat it as a forgivable mistake and move on. Initiating angry actions is an unworthy practice, and taking the matter external to a worldly system of judgment is worse.

Application: I have an old friend who has reached out to me many times to just say hi. I have never responded. That has nothing to do with that friend, and everything to do with how my wife and I have withdrawn from ... well, the world. We have done this not as a mutually planned attempt at isolation, but out of pain from attacks from others. We strive to 'decrease our attack surface' as it were, by limiting interactions.

That probably isn't good, but it is a learned behavior caused by conflict initiated by others. Some have been against my wife within the church. We can delve into the validity and authenticity of all such attacks, and certainly discuss the enemy as the source of them, and in that context we understand that the attackers were operating by an evil influence and are certainly forgiven for being deceived. But they still hurt.

My wife and I have never attacked back. We defend ourselves, but do not initiate counteraction. We understand that doing so can only ultimately cause Christ himself to be considered in a lesser light, as the world would assess our actions in his context. I hope our pain in this is acknowledged by Christ, because ... it does hurt. It hurts to the point of losing touch with other friends to limit and manage all interactions, and thus reduce the numbers of individuals we know who may try to attack us in the future.

Prayer: Lord, I do know that we do the right thing when we do not respond with worldly actions and aggression when morally and verbally attacked, be it by secular to believing people here on earth. I hope we have done right in your eyes in these matters. May your love guide us daily in our interactions with others. Amen.

Receiving Impossible Instructions

Scripture: “All this, in writing at the Lord’s direction, he made clear to me—the plan of all the works.” 1 Chronicles 28:19

Observation: As David prepares for the succession of Solomon, he announces the building of the temple and gives Solomon full instructions for the temple. It includes blueprints for the construction itself, plus detailed instructions about lampstands, pillars, and other gold, silver, and bronze ornamentation. There is only really one unstated problem with the plans ... they are impossible.

At that time, in the history of the world, no enclosed building of such size has ever been built. Israel not only doesn't have the materials on hand, it lacks the sources of such resources necessary to do it. David gives his treasury, but all Israel does not have the wood the metals needed to do this.

Basically, David gives to Solomon a plan for a building which is beyond the known engineering of the time to build, and which will require a series of future events to transpire in just the right way that will even provide the hardwoods, stone, gold, and bronze needed to fulfill the design. And guess what ... the events transpire, the engineering works, and a temple is created that will overwhelm foreign visitors for generations to come.

Application: I am reminded again today that God does not give us a bunch of raw materials and resources, and then give us instruction about what to do with them. Instead, he gives us instructions about what we are to do, and once we step into those instructions he provides us with the materials and abilities to do it.

I have seen others understand and behave this way, and it weighs on my sensibilities of organization. It always seems reckless. However, it is actually faithful. Sometimes I feel like I am on the verge of such instructions, but I don't get them. Perhaps I am not ready in my faith to make such leaps.

Prayer: Lord, I do not know what the future holds or how to serve you best. When your instructions come, may I recognize your voice and spirit, and have the faith to obey, even though I know I will not yet have the ability or resources to succeed. Amen.

Stewards of God's Mysteries

Scripture: Think of us in this way: as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. 1 Corinthians 4:1

Observation: Paul is leaning into one issue in the church at Corinth, specifically their division over which teachers they prefer. Some prefer Paul, some (most?) prefer Apollos, and now they have young Timothy with them too. In supporting one, they often speak ill of the others, and the result has been some mean rumors and lies told about Paul. In this section, he is dealing kindly with this topic, and introduces this idea as a baseline for thinking about all apostles ... they are "servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries". 

That is an interesting thought to be applied to all church leaders, especially senior pastors. They are first and foremost two things ... servants who are following the express direction of Jesus Christ, and confidants of the Lord who have been entrusted special information. Now to be clear, if they do not meet this criteria, perhaps there is cause to worry about their proper position and service to the Lord. But to the extent they do align with this description, there is a level of honor and trust to be extended to them. Both of these attributes - servant to Messiah and confidant of Yahweh - imply that their actions and decisions should at the very least not be hastily judged but others.

Application: As someone privy to information about church workings and leadership decisions, I am far too quick to judge some decisions. I have opinions about my pastor that are mostly good ... but I know his weaknesses as well. The result is that, when I see an action that seems born from those weaknesses, I make hasty decisions about such actions.

However, I do know that my pastor has a gift of prophesy, and I have seen how this has played out in service to the Lord and the evangelism of the good news of Jesus. In most cases, there is a good chance the Lord has revealed a mystery to our pastor, or maybe even the Lord still withholds the mystery but has given direction that will later prove important and aligned to God's plans.

When I judge my pastor, I am acting like the church at Corinth. That may be common, but it is also quite bad and can only lead to bad things. I would never follow any human blindly - every human errs - but I need to be slower to judge, and quicker to pray about how I may consider church actions and their alignment to the Lord's purposes and plans. 

Prayer: Lord, please forgive my judgment of all others, especially my judgment of the saints, teachers, and apostles of Jesus. I recognize that similar earthly and unwarranted judgments have affected and hurt me, so I should have learned how you dislike such judgmental hearts. I know people around me who are stewards of your own mysteries, entrusted to hear your directions. I am likely jealous of that, so please forgive my covetousness as well. May I simply serve you in humility, today and every day. Amen.

Assuming Evil Intent

Scripture: David said, “I will deal loyally with Hanun son of Nahash, for his father dealt loyally with me.” So David sent messengers to console him concerning his father. When David’s servants came to Hanun in the land of the Ammonites to console him, the officials of the Ammonites said to Hanun, “Do you think, because David has sent consolers to you, that he is honoring your father? Have not his servants come to you to search and to overthrow and to spy out the land?” So Hanun seized David’s servants, shaved them, cut off their garments in the middle at their waists, and sent them away. 1 Chronicles 19:2-4

Observation: The war that makes both the Ammonites and the Arameans subject to Israel is caused because Hanun and his advisors assumed evil intent from David. The evidence for such an assumption is unclear, as the history between the Ammonites and Israelites - and David and Nahash - is a bit mixed, however it is clearly not based in reality as David's intent was in fact to recognize and honor Hanun.

That said, the emotional cause for such an assumption is obvious ... it is fear. The Ammonites knew of Israel's strength under David, and assumed evil intent because they feared his future attack. When they offended him, they immediately hired mercenary assistance fearing David's retribution. They then went out to battle, and in response David defeated them. By being fearful - and acting on that fear - what Hanun and his advisors feared manifested.

Application: I just read a statement yesterday that the cause of all anger is fear. I have seen fearful people act in ways that are completely and totally illogical. We are just now finishing a time in human history where massive numbers of people have lived in fear, and their actions resulting from that fear - not the thing feared but their fear-filled actions - have caused ... mental health issues, personal financial hardship, social violence, widespread isolation, breakdowns in education for youth, and a global economic crisis.

How often is the root cause of conflict just ... fear? So often, of course, that it is the most addressed emotion throughout the bible, as the Lord tells us not to be afraid; to the point, not to react to situations we are experiencing, especially those that involve the actions of the Lord himself, with fear. And since the Lord is in the midst of every situation, and in control of all things, that would apply to everything.

I feel confident I do not act often motivated by fear. However, I do know that I have begun to assume evil intent by most people around me. This causes me to react to them in a manner that may best be described as self-preserving. The lesson from Hanun is that such assumptions and reactions represents fear. For me, that is a fear of again being lied about, professionally attacked, and placed at risk to care for my family.

Then again, most people around me are not David. They are not people who love God, obey moral law, and desire peace. They are people who love money, pursue professional advancement, and desire social recognition. Their framework is not biblical teaching founded in God's love, but it is earthly definitions of success and justice founded by the lies of satan. And they fear falling short of those definitions.

Can I cease the cycle of NOT assuming evil intent, and then not being hurt and attacked by those to whom I offer trust? Possibly not. However, I can reject the fear of such attacks, and thus surrender my life to the protection of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, may I not be afraid, even of those who likely mean me harm. I know they still exist, I know they still attack, and I know they will find earthly success by such actions. I desire not to fear these outcomes, for I absolutely know you are with me. Amen.

God's Will, General and Specific

Scripture: Nathan said to David, "Do all that you have in mind, for God is with you." 1 Chronicles 17:2

Observation: When David has the idea to build a temple for the Lord and to house the ark, Nathan the prophet ultimately gives David two answers. When David first tells Nathan the idea, Nathan accurately tells David that God is with him. However, Nathan then receives a message that David must not build a temple, but rather that responsibility will fall to his son.

Nathan was not inaccurate or misaligned with the Lord in his first answer ... God was with David. However, God has a specific plan and timing and purpose for the temple, which was to also represent his continued covenant with David's line, a line that would include the ultimate king of the entire world, Jesus. The Lord was making clear that he was not JUST 'with' David, but was now entering a covenant in which he was with a royal line that had a massive final objective - the salvation of all mankind.

So again, Nathan was not inaccurate in his prophetic gift. God was with David, but also David was not to proceed. God's subsequent words and actions even re-enforce that he is generally with David in all matters, however God also has specific instructions that are explicit to what actions David must do, and what he therefore must leave for others to do.

Application: For all of us, God has both a general love and desire for our lives, but also has prescribed directions and missions and plans for us to fulfill. I am more and more concerned that ... I don't fully understand either part of God's will and purpose for my life.

Generally, I know he loves me and wants me to peacefully lead my family, and to do so in this region of the country. Specifically, I know he has placed me in a particular job for now. However, for the most part these are secular structures of my life, and I do not have any idea on the general ways I can participate in the Kingdom of God, nor the specific missions he may have for me to do.

Do I not know these things because I don't listen? Or because he hasn't yet told me? Or because I'm not worthy to even have anything meaningful to do?

Prayer: Lord, you know that this issue of my work and purpose is weighing on my heart recently. I seek your direction. I will continue to seek your will and purpose for both my life in general, and for my specific daily walk with you. Amen.

In a World That's Breaking

I'm gonna stand.

They can call me a fool.

I'm not ashamed, I've considered the cost.

I'll stay right here at the foot of the cross.

Guidance by Unanswered Prayer

Scripture: I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in earnest prayer to God on my behalf, that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my ministry to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints. Romans 15:30-31

Observation: Paul has outlined his plans to the Romans; He is delivering an offering to Jerusalem, then will make way for Spain but first stopping in Rome. While this plan is firm, Paul asks for one personal prayer, that the Romans pray for his "rescue from the unbelievers in Judea."

This prayer ... will not be answered. Paul will be arrested, tried at least three times, and finally sent to Rome as a prisoner where he will eventually be executed. While there may be debate about what did or did not happen to Paul between his arrival in Rome and his later martyrdom, there is no debate that he was not rescued from the unbelieving Jews.

However, it is by this special connection that Paul and later Peter will have with Rome that the gospel will truly spread globally. It was by the very existence of a major empire that travel and transport of the story of Jesus was even possible. It was through the broad education of the general populous on a common language that anyone could tell others about Jesus as the Messiah. It was by a broad understanding of religion, but through acceptance of local customs, that people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds could describe Yahweh and his authority, explain his existence as the creator, and outline his plan for salvation of all mankind.

And for all this, Paul needed to go to Rome - to the western part of the empire - and stay there as a person cut off from ever returning to his homeland. This was done.

Application: I am so frustrated when my mind wanders to my 'career' and what I may desire to do as future jobs. This has been happening often lately, and by Paul's example the Lord has shown me the truth.

I once prayed for rescue from persecutors. I was not rescued. Instead, I suffered exactly the wrath they desired to inflict upon me, and was cast out of my career in such a way that I can never return to that profession. There can be no thought of even trying. The Lord's refusal to answer my prayer is actually his guidance and direction for me. My longstanding career is a place to which I can never return. And there a better times ahead of me.

Prayer: Lord, Hallelujah!! Bless your wonderful name, for your steadfast love endures forever. You have shown my your will as an outpouring of your love, and I thank you, my Lord and my God. Hallelujah!! Amen.

Once Again Seeking Purpose

Scripture: We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor. For Christ did not please himself, but, as it is written, "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." Romans 15:1-3

Observation: As Paul is closing his letter to the Romans, he gives this instruction about believers relating to each other ... that there is a responsibility to simply build up and please each other, even those who are weak in their faith. We are to put up with each other, and even to the point of knowing that insults that fall on us may be handed over to the Lord. Jesus understood that insults directed at him were actually out of a misunderstanding of the Lord, and thus were born from weak faith and not personal animosity.

Application: I find I have returned from vacation in a ... cloud. Once again, I feel lost and directionless in my daily life. I don't see any purpose in what I am doing, except that it funds the pastimes I want to do. there is no eternal objective, and little earthly objective. I cannot find personal fulfillment, but worse is that I cannot conceive what would bring such fulfillment.

Paul teaches that I should bear everything from personal insult to daily burdens in order to please and build up others. Is that my purpose? Am I doing the things I am doing simply to make others feel fulfilled? I indeed know there is an element of truth in that question, for the Lord has shown me that my daily walk should involve giving others the chance to feel better about themselves.

Truly, depression comes when I think life is about what I am doing, only to find emptiness in my current work. My life will be full of insults, scorn, and pointless work. None of that matters next to how I can help others discover the joy of Jesus Christ. Maybe I'll still be a bit depressed by my daily activity, but I can find comfort in the love of God.

Prayer: Lord, Abba, my father in heaven, please hold me in your hands today. I am empty, but for all the wrong reasons. I desire to be filled, so I may then be emptied into your good work. Amen.

Repentance Available in Jesus

Scripture:
“Come, let us return to the Lord,
for it is he who has torn, and he will heal us;
he has struck down, and he will bind us up.
After two days he will revive us;
on the third day he will raise us up,
that we may live before him.
Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord;
his appearing is as sure as the dawn;
he will come to us like the showers,
like the spring rains that water the earth.”
Hosea 6:1-3

Observation: The unofficial heading of these three verses says this is "a call to repentance". It clearly is a reference to the repentance available in Jesus. It illuded to Jesus' death and resurrection ... he is struck down but on the third day raised up, and not just in his soul but living again before God. "His appearing is as sure as the dawn," which was in fact the moment Jesus appeared resurrected.

It is by Jesus that Israel, Judah, and all mankind may return to the Lord (v7 invokes Adam, thus all humans are said to need redemption). Jesus was torn and struck down, then healed and bound up. It is by this redemption that the many sins and the breaking of covenants can be restored ... by the new covenant of Jesus' blood.

Application: Again I saw, the wonder of the bible shows itself to be true and trustworthy. May I praise the Lord every day, in thanks to him for his love, and for my savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord, I do praise you and thank you for redemption and grace, through repentance and faith in Jesus. Please do forgive me of my transgressions and failures, the sins that work within my mortal body that are so difficult to repress, and give me new strength to serve you well and do good. Amen.

No Punishment for Individuals

Scripture:
My people consult a piece of wood,
and their divining rod gives them oracles.
For a spirit of prostitution has led them astray,
and they have prostituted themselves, forsaking their God.
Hosea 4:12

Observation: Hosea is describing the actions of the unfaithful of Israel literally. They actually go and bow down in front of a wooden pole carved in the image of a goddess ashera, and speak to it. They go to trees growing on top of hills and seek wisdom. They look to wooden rods to perform actions and thus tell them how to act. It literally sounds crazy.

Yet it is not different than modern times. People today consult so many sources for guidance in their lives. While many times those sources take the form of other people, those people do not have definitive sources, but rather derive "understanding" from peculiar activities.

In the end, so few people consult with the living God, creator of heaven and earth, but instead would consult 'things' that have no wisdom or capabilities at all. It made no sense in Israel, and it makes no sense here and now.

Application: Where to begin in considering the lost concepts of our society? So many not only do these things, but firmly, adamantly, and even angrily defend their logic.

Hosea goes on to say (v13-19) that God reached a point where he wouldn't even punish these people, because they are so ignorant there is no way that punishment could correct them. He says to "leave them alone" and just let their ignorant behavior play out. Yes, he goes on to say he will destroy their entire nation because as a people-group they have forsaken him, yet he does not condone any action concerning individuals.

Is this our future? Will our communities, cities, nation, and society be destroyed, but in the meantime no action will or should be taken to address individual behavior? This makes sense, because the logical associated behavior of the Church would be to communicate the good news of Jesus to individuals and people groups, while ensuring we remain distinct and different from the culture of the society around us. And this is, indeed, the commission.

Prayer: Lord, it seems clear that our society is heading for a great reconning. May I simply obey you every day. Allow me the times and places and situations to offer others to opportunity to feel better about themselves and their lives, in the love of Jesus. Amen.

Harder to Say I'm Undefeated

The world looks so different than we were dreaming ...

The best my heart can hope for is breaking even ...

But I'm not afraid for you are my refuge!

Submission to the Illogical

Scripture: Therefore just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. Romans 5:18

Observation: As Paul juxtaposes Adam and Jesus, he arrives at this summary, that the juxtaposition is about their single acts of trespass versus righteousness. But what were those single acts?

For Adam, we know the 'original sin' was NOT eating an apple. Rather, it was the desire to actively seek one's own definition of knowledge of good and evil. It was this pursuit - to makes oneself like God in the area of defining what is right and wrong - that is the act of trespass.

For Jesus then, the act of righteousness is not his everyday perfection and repeated love for many. It is his one act of sacrifice. Paul himself calls the crucifixion one of the most illogical ideas ever. It was in that moment that God personified did something that was had no logical outcome that was self-fulfilling. Instead, it was an act of fully surrendering to the Lord, without knowledge or understanding. In that moment, Jesus truly declared "but not mine but your will be done" and allowed whatever God thought was right to transpire.

That one act of righteousness created the only possible scenario for his resurrection, and it is by faith in Jesus as Messiah - evidenced by the resurrection - that we find justification, grace, forgiveness, and eternal life.

Observation: I am reminded daily that I should not be personally seeking truth, knowledge, understanding, or even 'good'. These are not mine to define and determine, and thus I really should not judge anything against my standard for these characteristics. Instead, I should simply seek the will of the Lord, guided by the Holy Spirit. This is righteousness.

Prayer: Lord, I do seek your will, your purpose, your direction, and your wisdom today. By the Holy Spirit I desire to know you better, and to know what you would have me do. I know I am a problematic believer at best, often deep in my own flawed thoughts. May I find your patience and forgiveness this day, and may I instead walk your path, holding your hand, in humility. Amen.

Father of Many Nations, and Me

Scripture: For this reason the promise depends on faith, in order that it may rest on grace, so that it may be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (who is the father of all of us, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”), in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Romans 4:16-17

Observation: In discussing the faith of Abraham, Paul makes this claim on behalf of the entire world ... all believers are in fact children of Abraham and thus recipients of the Lord's covenant. There are the Jews, the descendants of Abraham, but there are also "those who share the faith of Abraham", which is a faith of hope that the Lord has provided the Messiah, and by faith we are redeemed.

Paul's logic is in the fact that Abraham is promised to be the "father of many nations". This must only be true through adoption of all the nations into faith in Jesus. By lineage, Abraham is the patriarch of millions of people, but only three nations - the Israelites (Jews), Edomites, and Ishmaelites (Arabs) - and only two of those continue. Two or three isn't 'many'. However, through faith in Jesus, Abraham is now "the father of us all" extending to every nation and nationality that has existed over the last two thousand years, which has heard the good news. That is in fact "many nations", and since we know that the Lord's promises are always true, this is a reliable interpretation of the Lord's promise to Abraham.

Application: It is wonderful to know that the Lord had all mankind in mind ... in fact, had me in mind ... when making the covenant with Abraham. The Lord promised Abraham that he would be the patriarch of many nations, and has fulfilled that through a model of faith-based progeny that spans millennia.

A deeper analysis might also remind me of the obligations that comes with this, that if I am now adopted into the family of Abraham, I am a member of a priesthood intended to model the Lord to all others, and blessed to be a blessing to the world. However, for today I prefer to linger on the surface of grace, finding comfort in the idea that the Lord adopted me simply because I have said 'yes' to Jesus as my Lord and savior.

Prayer: Abba, my daddy in heaven, I thank you for your love. I can think of nothing greater than to be in your family, a child of the one true God, and a descendent of Abraham. Again I say, thank you. Amen.

A Different Path for Brothers

Scripture:
Thus says the Lord:
For three transgressions of Edom,
and for four, I will not revoke the punishment,
because he pursued his brother with the sword
and cast off all pity;
he maintained his anger perpetually
and kept his wrath forever.
So I will send a fire on Teman,
and it shall devour the strongholds of Bozrah.
Amos 1:11-12

Observation: Amos pronounces God's future judgement on Israel, Judah, and its surrounding nations. This is his pronouncement of Edom, who are the descendants of Esau.

Edom is unique when it comes to the neighboring nations of Israel. They were supposed to be kindred people to Israel, as their origins come from twin brothers. The Lord made them a nation, too, and they occupied the land that Esau went to when he and Jacob departed one another. However, Edom always treated Israel with contempt. They refused to allow Israel to cross their land during their wandering years, over the years they acted as any other neighbor with border disputes and refused alliances, and in the end they were jealous of the land of Judah and celebrated Israel's downfall.

Yes, when the Lord blessed the patriarchs and selected to have that blessing pass through Jacob, it created a different path for Israel and Edom ... a different type of national identity and mission. Yet Esau's descendants were not excluded from a type of blessing, and themselves became a nation with an identity and land. However, through their attitude toward the chosen people of God, they would be ultimately cursed, and by the end of the era their nationality would be wiped from the face of the earth, while the Jews survive thousands of years later.

Application: By faith in the Messiah, Christians are now the chosen people and non-believers are a kindred people we live near. These kindred do in fact appear to have blessings ... they have wealth, power, comfort, and daily happiness, living a nice lands with national borders protected by their own power. We are all related people with a common history and (generally speaking) shared bloodlines.

And these people ... pursue believers with the sword of offensive behaviors. They are perpetually angry at what they perceive as undue righteousness, interpreting an effort to obey God's laws as arrogance, judgement, and often just wrong-headed. In some places, the persecute and kill believers, and in others they marginalize and repress and deride the intelligence and integrity of believers.

The Lord has blessed non-believers, and for this they reject both the Lord and those whom are obedient to the Lord. There will come a time when their strongholds are devoured.

Prayer: Lord, I know I am not above judgement, and even in my faith I deserve your anger just as Israel and Judah did. Thank you for the forgiveness found in Jesus, without which I would have no hope and no future. Your judgement comes in your own timing and in your own way, and while it will come upon your faithful in the way Jesus tells us, it will also come upon today's Edomites in a type of manner Amos tells us. If that is to be soon, then come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

More About the Sign of Jonah

Scripture: Then the sailors were afraid, and each cried to his god. They threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea, to lighten it for them. Jonah, meanwhile, had gone down into the hold of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep. Jonah 1:5

Observation: While many would consider to the story about a man swallowed by a whale to be metaphorical if not irrelevant and untrue, Jesus himself declares that he will give "the sign of Jonah" as evidence of his authority. That sign is typically considered being inside the whale (the grave) for three days then returning. It could be the mission to redeem a non-Jewish population with the message of God's repentance. And here is another option ... it could be sleeping during a raging storm, then calming that storm by action (commanding it, or being thrown into it).

The fact is, Jonah provides many parallels to Jesus. He sleeps during a storm. He has lots cast to decide part of his fate. His calming of the storm causes true worship and loyalty to the Lord. He prays to the Lord to save him from Shoel and the Lord does. His prayer further points out he has been driven from the Lord's sight, but the Lord brought him out of the Pit; these are all images used to describe Jesus' descent and ascension after the crucifixion. He proclaims the need to repent to all people, even explicitly non-Jews, and they respond. He is even from Galilee very near Nazareth, which is relevant with the Jewish leaders challenge Jesus' authority because no prophet has ever come from there. And even though non-biblical, like Jesus Jonah is included as a prophet in the Quran.

Application: I have heard a great pastor say many times that, if you see something in the New Testament, you can find the prediction, lesson, and/or parallel for it in the Old Testament. One would think that specifics about Messiah - a unique act intended by God to redeem the world - would be the exception to this. It isn't. And it is by this very fact that we can logically trust in the authenticity of Jesus.

So many want logic to justify faith, and yet they always reject such logic. In the case of Jonah, many even reject the entire book as a work of fiction. The truth is ... that doesn't matter. If the book was written ~700 years before Christ, and then predicts the life of Christ, that is still logical evidence. I know logic doesn't truly work when discussing faith, but understanding it can help in certain discussions.

I love the logic of the bible, and the way it can reinforce faith and hope. For this reason, Jonah has changed from a fascinating children's story about a man swallowed by a fish, to become a comforting study that reinforces God's plan through Jesus, especially as it applies to the salvation of Gentiles like me.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your plan and intentionality, that makes faith both emotional and logical. May my faith grow stronger every day. Amen.

Describing Those who Reject God

Scripture: They were filled with every kind of injustice, evil, covetousness, malice. Full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, craftiness, they are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, rebellious toward parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Romans 1:29-31

Observation: Paul spends time defining the characteristics of those who reject the Lord. They do not do so out of ignorance, but rather they know of the Lord and his instructions, and choose not to believe or serve him. Here he gives an outline of what their behavior looks like. This list ... effectively describes modern society in the United States.

Those who reject God are filled with every kind of injustice (racist), evil (broad), covetousness (hate the rich), malice (hold hateful grudges for perceived wrongs), full of envy (want what others have), murder (think killing the unborn is a human right), strive (seek out public conflicts), deceit (twist facts to their purposes), craftiness (confuse issues on purpose), they are gossips (turn talking about others into entertainment), slanderers (openly accuse others), God-haters (declare there is no creator), insolent (resist any logical discussion of faith), haughty (angry toward those who disagree with them), boastful (proudly brag of their own sinful life), inventors of evil (accuse the faithful of being in the wrong), rebellious toward parents (engage in fights between generations), foolish (reject common wisdom), faithless (reject Jesus), heartless (truly hate those whom disagree with them), ruthless (declare that disagreements are a zero-sum war).

Paul further tells us what the Lord is doing about these kinds of people. He is ... allowing them to live these kinds of hateful, angry, stressful, painful lives. He "gives them over" to the things they want, to their unfit minds. He allows them to receive the "due penalty for their errors." He lets them become "futile in their thinking" and with "senseless hearts". Ultimately, "claiming to be wise, they become fools."

Application: While it may be comforting to know that not only does God see and know what is going on, it is less comforting to know that he is addressing it by allowing those who hate them to effectively dig their own graves. I would prefer that the Lord intervene and immediate correct these attitudes and behaviors through wonderous acts of power, but I know that instead he will let it simply play out. It is not comforting to know how this worked out for Christians in Rome, who eventually would fall under heavy persecution even unto death.

When the social norm is to violate every precept and instruction ever given by the Lord - and even to declare the Lord and his good and perfect will for our lives as evil - then honoring the Lord makes us an outcast, abnormal ... exiles.

More and more, I see the truth of this society. Supernatural evil has taken hold, and the lies of the deceiver have been adopted as true standards to live by. With that understanding, the clear and evident fact that our society is disintegrating into ideological clans filled with anger and hate is no surprise.

The logical conclusion is that it is NOT right to hate the people who hate the Lord, but to empathize with them ... to see them as people deceived by satan, and strive to love them into a new understanding of the truth about the world.

Prayer: Lord, the world is so dark, and getting darker. I cling to you and your truth and your love, and I declare again today my faith in Jesus Christ as my savior and redeemer. May I be a light in the darkness. And may I continue to understand what it means to live as an exile in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Seeking a Crown of Glory

Scripture:
Gray hair is a crown of glory;
it is gained in a righteous life.
Proverbs 16:31

Observation: This proverb is a call for wisdom from the elders. Those who have reached old age have ideally found peace, as a result of their walk with the Lord, and now have wisdom to impart on others. In this way, their gray hair is a sign of that status.

Application: I always assumed I would go very gray, as that is natural in my family. My paternal grandfather, my dad, and his brother all went pure white-gray in their 50s, and I am well on my way ... at the current rate, I would expect to have my hair color be officially "white" before I'm 60.

But have I gained wisdom? I am wiser than when I was young, and that wisdom has been earned through years of experience (including stresses caused by mistakes), but I would not say I am yet worthy of a "crown of glory". I desire to be a wise man within my community so that I may serve others with wisdom, but I know I am not nearly there yet from the perspective of God's wisdom.

That is a gift I would like from the Holy Spirit ... wisdom. Not Solomon-like wisdom to lead, but God's words of wisdom that I may bless others with kind and true advice. Not advice based on my knowledge, but based on the Lord's will and vision and precepts and love.

With that, I could then look in the mirror and see my gray hair as a reminder of the Lord's goodness in my life ... and perhaps that I have matured to experience a righteous life myself.

Prayer: Lord, I know I have been slow to learn, yet I have not remained where I was when I was so young, angry, reckless, and naive. I thank you for your Spirit who has guided the maturity I have. I desire more of that Spirit. Please give me a heart more worthy to be a home for your Holy Spirit, and may I have wisdom to serve my family, my friends, my coworkers, my community, and your people in Christ. Amen.

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.