Revisiting the Source of Sin

Scripture:
Then Zophar the Naamathite replied:
This is why my unsettling thoughts compel me to answer,
because I am upset!
I have heard a rebuke that insults me,
and my understanding makes me reply.
Job 20:1-3

Observation: Job's friends continue in their effort to council him. Though he wishes comfort, they prefer to offer him correction, believing that Job is being punished for his sins, and if he were to revisit his sin and wrongdoing that perhaps God would relent in his punishment for those sins. As Job declares himself innocent, the friends are more direct in their accusations. Interestingly, when the Lord arrives on the scene, he will declare that the friends are indeed in the wrong, have sinned, and require prayer to absolve their misdeeds. And it is here that their sin is most evident.

Zophar begins this passage stating that he himself is insulted by Job, and "my understanding makes me reply." Zophar will go on to state things that ... on their face, are actually pretty consistent with scripture. He will outline how wicked people are greedy and accumulate wealth and comforts, and yet all these things will be taken from them. He says God is offended by the arrogance of the wicked, but the wicked will die and vanish from the face of the earth. He points out that the riches the wicked accumulate and enjoy will actually become the curse upon them. These are strong words, but ... they aren't wrong.

Instead, where Zophar and the friends are sinning is in this: They themselves are deciding, of their own understanding and by their own wisdom, if and how these ideas apply to Job, and are then judging him by that human wisdom.

This is, again, original sin. This is taking proper concepts, but then using earthly logic and human thinking to interpret and apply them. In this case, the idea that Job was prosperous and now is not aligns to the fact that wicked people enjoy prosperity then are punished. Even Job will point out this logic is flawed (as will the future writer of Ecclesiastes).

The sin of the friends is not in rebuking Job. It is in deciding they have the authority to rebuke Job because, using their own understanding, they have determined the will of God and believe they have the right to pronounce that will and resulting judgment.

Application: I do think about original sin often and what I have learned about it. I recognize that I must not seek truth, knowledge, good, or understanding, through the means of applying my own thoughts and logic to a situation. Rather, I must simply pray and seek God's direction about situations around me and the behavior of others.

That is SO difficult to do, and such a rare mindset in Christians all around me. Of course, that's what makes this such an embedded sin within us all, and gives us such great dependence on salvation found not in our own actions, but by faith in Jesus. We truly cannot avoid sin, and a mindset that claims godlike status for ourselves.

Prayer: Lord, may I surrender my thoughts and opinions to you today. Help me to not judge, even when it is possible to apply your word to a situation. I seek your decisions and your will and your truth, not the knowledge and truth I have from decades on this earth. Thank you for your perfect love. Amen.

Save Me from Men of the World

Scripture:
With your hand, Lord, save me from men,
from men of the world
whose portion is in this life:
You fill their bellies with what you have in store;
their sons are satisfied,
and they leave their surplus to their children.
Psalm 17:14

Observation: The psalmist - David - asks the Lord for protection from one enemy ... men of the world. These are men who live for the things and ideals of earth. They satisfy their earthly desires for food, riches, and comfort, even to such a great extent that they stockpile extra wealth to leave as an inheritance to their children.

These are the men David fears ... those motivated to achieve worldly success.

Application: There is a terrible 'worldly' fear growing right now, related to financial downturns and potential unemployment as layoffs occur all around. It's a bad time, especially if someone were to cling to a definition of personal success that aligns to earthly wealth. I know there are aspects of that alignment which applies to me, as I enjoy great meals, comfortable living, a lovely house, and nice vacations. While I am aware that I am unworthy of such blessings in my life, I also enjoy them.

It is for this reason that, like David, I fear men and women who themselves desire only these things, for they will wield earthly power and authority to maintain, retain, and acquire their portion of all this. I know several such people who literally have more than they could ever need or even want - SO much that all they can possibly do with it is store it to pass on to their children because they themselves could never spend it all in their lifetimes - who are even now taking away comfort and hope from others in order to ensure the security of their own riches. Earthly logic justifies this. However, certainly the Lord does not.

In the earthly context, like David I fear men of the world, and pray to the Lord to save me from them and their decisions. That said, I also have full confidence in the Lord, and with my prayer I trust the Lord will order my path to align to his plan and purposes.

Prayer: Lord, please, with your hand, save me and my family from men of the world. They are men whose entire portion is found in this life, for they have no portion with you, and for this reason they store up everything they can in the material world. This is a motivation that can hurt others here on earth, however it has no eternal context. I trust in you in this life, and hope in you for eternal life. Amen.

The Mystery of Collateral Damage

Scripture: A messenger came to Job and reported, "While the oxen were plowing and the donkeys grazing nearby, the Sabeans swooped down and took them away. They struck down the servants with the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!" Job 1:14-15

Observation: In the first attack on Job, four messengers report four catastrophes to Job. These involve the destruction of all his riches and possessions, and the death of his children. In every report, Job is told of what was lost, but also that the messenger himself is the only survivor ... sons, daughters, and servants of untold numbers were killed by the events.

This was supposed to be an attack on Job to test his faith and fear of the Lord. However, the execution of it brought utter destruction on an untold number of individuals - likely numbering in the dozens - who are caught in the wash so to speak. They die for no other reason than they are in relational proximity to Job. From any rational perspective, this is by far the worse of the outcomes. Job loses his family and property, but all these people are completely wiped from earthly existence, mostly just because they were properly doing their chores.

Application: There is a mystery I have often considered but never been able to get my head around. There are times that bad things happen to people here on earth, but the victims actually have no relationship to the bad event that impacts them. We see this all the time with disasters. However, it also happens with regards to what appears to be negative events either directed toward or triggered by an individual. I am especially reminded of a friend who lost 100 percent of his retirement funds when it was discovered that his company's executives committed fraud ... they were severely punished, but my friend lost so much in the way of earthly future security, yet he did nothing other than just being there in that company.

We see this happen all the time ... two people fight, violence breaks out, and a bystander is killed. And we still see this manifest in ways that are part of the crossover from the spiritual to physical world ... radicals who hate God perpetrate acts that kill hundreds of people who may or may not even have faith in the Lord, and are just going about their days.

This is a mystery to me, however we do see how this can be generated by the spiritual fight originating from satan - the source of lies of evil - directed at the Lord. Evil is so pervasive that it doesn't care about the collateral damage of the attacks. This creates a perception of randomness to the pain and suffering that is hard to understand let alone rationalize.

As a believer, there are negative things that happen to me and my family. Between family health concerns, personal pain, job stress, home repair issues, and even pet behavior, we are in fact currently standing in a major wave of such things in our lives that feels uncoincidental. These may be attacks against us. These may be attacks against someone else and we are just caught up in it. Either way, we will continue to look to God for comfort and strength, trusting in his ever-present love and long-term blessing.

Prayer: Lord, we do know you are not the storm that rages around us right now, but you are instead the still, small voice speaking to us about love, hope, and joy. Thank you for your protection that we know is here, even as problems rise. Amen.

Explicit and Implicit Response

Scripture: But Joseph said to them, "Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?" Genesis 50:19

Observation: Upon the death of Jacob, his sons realize that now there is no restriction from Joseph finally seeking revenge upon them, so they go to him in humility and lie to him about their father's words. All Joseph does is correct them about the proper authority for judgement. Judgement belongs to the Lord alone, and in fact the very thing for which they are seeking forgiveness was something the Lord orchestrated for good. Joseph will not judge them, and he will not take any actions that could be considered judgement to punish them.

These are the words of Joseph. The actions of Joseph are ... to comfort his brothers, and in fact to never take any action. From his position of authority, the family keeps the land of Goshen and dwell there throughout their generation. Joseph said he would not judge his brothers, and by his actions he did not judge nor punish them.

Application: Not judging some who has wronged me is difficult. It may be easy to say I don't judge them and/or forgive them, but it is the subsequent behavior and attitude that is most difficult. How do you truly treat someone good after they have done evil against you?

Who knows how much interaction Joseph truly had with his brothers. At his father's death, they send him a letter before coming to see him, so likely they were not anywhere near each other, and the last verses of Genesis say nothing of any subsequent interaction between the brothers. So yes, it wasn't likely that Joseph was actually interacting with his brothers and thus treating them kindly face-to-face on a semi-daily basis. However, he took no negative action ever. He had aided them and saved them, and he didn't just do that for his father's sake.

Joseph explicitly said he did not judge his brothers, then he implicitly did not judge them by never taking judgmental action. His words explicitly gave authority to God, and his actions implicitly yielded to God's authority in this matter. This is a lesson to truly take to heart.

Prayer: Lord, I have stated forgiveness toward others, and I have never in any way taken action to punish or seek revenge. May that always be true. Yes, in my heart I sometimes think of scenarios where I would have such an opportunity, however I sincerely pray for your strength so that I never act against anyone. Judgement is yours and yours alone, and frankly I am thankful for that as I hope to never be victim to any other human's judgement against me. Thank you for Joseph's example. Amen.

What We Call Foreshadowing

Scripture: At that time Judah left his brothers and settled near an Adullamite named Hirah. There Judah saw the daughter of a Canaanite named Shua; he took her as a wife and slept with her ... Judah got a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. Genesis 38:1-2,6

Observation: Chapter 37 ends with Joseph being sold into slavery by all his brothers, and resold in Egypt to Potiphar. Chapter 39 begins with Joseph being bought by Potiphar. In between is this story about Judah's life. In this chapter, Judah ... leaves his brothers, gets married, has three sons, has all the sons fully grow up, marries them off, two son's die, he doesn't give the widow Tamar to the third son when he finally becomes fully grown, Judah's wife dies, Judah moves again, Tamar tricks Judah and has twin sons, and the twins themselves have a strange birth regarding who is the first born.

Let's be clear: This is a timeline that encompasses at least 20 years. It effectively is the only history we will learn about Joseph's brothers and what they did during his entire time in Egypt, up until the famine hits and Jacob sends his sons to Egypt for food. This is it, one story about the strange nature of how Judah's line is established.

At this point, Judah is nothing special compared to his brothers. He's the fourth born of Leah's six sons. And the likely author of this - Moses - isn't from the tribe of Judah, he's from Levi. There is absolutely ZERO reason why, of all the people, activities, topics, and exploits that could be covered about the house of Jacob during the ~20 years between the "death" of Joseph and the famine, that Judah's family origin would possibly be the one and only item covered. This makes no sense at all.

Unless ...

Application: I recently wrote a narrative about the history of golf in Scotland. At one point, while discussing all the famous places and people, I suddenly interjected a paragraph about a course called Prestwick, and about a young child who grew up playing golf at that course. After the paragraph, I pointed out that this interlude was what we call 'foreshadowing'. Of course, this is because I knew historically what would come later ... Prestwick would invent The Open Championship, and that young boy was Young Tom Morris who would win The Open three times in a row at Prestwick and become the #1 golfer in the world. So I interrupted the flow of my narrative with what seemed to be an unrelated tale, because I knew what would happen later.

And here, in Genesis, God interrupts the narrative with a completely unrelated tale. Two chapters end then start with almost the exact same words, and in between is a seemingly meaningless - or at the very least, low-priority - story about Judah's lineage. This is because, 1,500 years later, Jesus will be born, from the lineage of Judah, and from the first-born twin Perez.

No one at no time in history prior to Jesus could possibly have known the significance of Judah's lineage compared to that of any other of Jacob's sons. Moses could not possibly have known this when he chose to write about this incident - and this incident alone - to summarize two decades of family activity. No one who organized the "scriptures" could have understood the significance of this. ONLY a person who actually knew the future ... who could think of a future that was millennia away as if it were historically significant ... would write chapter 38 of Genesis.

Again I say today, the proof of the bible's authenticity is unassailable. Such structure and content cannot be accidental. In fact, for humans it takes expertise and training to create such narrative. With God, this is just ... the plan all along, and that cannot be logically denied.

Prayer: Lord, once again today, as I look for ways to strengthen my faith, here it is smacking me right in the face. I know your word is good and true and perfect, and I love that you remind me of that, in ways my own educational history has taught me to recognize, understand, and appreciate. I love you so much, my Lord and my God. Thank you for loving me first. Amen.

Hope in the Baker

Scripture: He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into fifty pounds of flour until all of it was leavened." Matthew 13:33

Observation: The concept of this parable is basic for those who understand ... even just a tiny amount of yeast can work its way throughout a large batch of bread. Yeast is a living organism - a domesticated animal if you will - that feeds on sugars and produces gases, with the net affect being in bread that is causes the bread to rise, giving it a soft texture, improved baking quality, and even a special flavor character.

But in this parable, the amount of bread being made is ... massive! By today's standards, this would make approximately 60 loaves of bread, or (guestimating) 1,200 slices of bread. This is possible from just a tiny bit of yeast, because as the yeast is worked into the dough, it reproduces and grows and moves and transforms the other ingredients. And in the day of Jesus, this would have been very hard for the woman to do! She would have had to be very intentional that she was making this much bread. This isn't a family-size batch of bread, but more like the city's bakery. This is work ... its a job-size effort.

This is the depth of the parable. The kingdom of heaven isn't just like a little yeast someone uses to make some bread. The kingdom is like a little yeast that enters into a very, very large setting, spreads and grows making everything around it better and better, nurtured by an expert who is truly working to progress the situation until it is perfect, and in the end influencing the results for a massive environment that far outweighs its microscopic origins.

Application: This is truly the hope I have for the world today ... that what feels like the small messages we can communicate about Jesus within the massively broken culture of the Pacific Northwest will somehow grow and grow and grow until it permeates everything and everywhere, making everything better. This, in fact, is the only way I can find hope in this dark place in the world. This specific culture is so wildly 'unleavened' that the only hope is that the kingdom of heaven will grow like yeast.

The best news - the best part of the hope - is that I am not the baker! I am just one microbe of the yeast, who has the chance to tell others and perhaps reproduce that yeast in them. God is the baker. He is not only working at his purposes, he is doing so expertly, continually, with effort and intentionality. This process isn't an accident, nor is it just being passively watched. The kingdom of heaven is here and the Lord is in control of how it grows. I just have to try to produce a little more yeast by telling others about Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for hope today. We have earthly challenges within our household. They are likely small to you, but every small issue adds into distraction and hardship and stress. Perhaps we can see some yeast multiply today. Amen.

Understanding in Context

Scripture: That is why I speak to them in parables, because looking they do not see, and hearing they do not listen or understand. Matthew 13:13

Observation: As the explanation for why he teaches using parables, Jesus effectively says he does this so that the listeners won't understand. In other words, there must be context in order to understand the teaching of Jesus, and that context is faith in him as the Messiah. Those without that context won't understand parables that teach about ... forgiveness, love, hope, salvation, and eternal life.

Application: At one time I was confused about this idea, that Jesus intentionally used parable/metaphor in order to make his message difficult to understand. However, I feel I now understand this well, especially when considering how people today receive the good news about Jesus, faith, and salvation. For those who have faith, and even those who want to have faith, the parables make senses. However, for those who are of the mind to reject Jesus, or even question the existence of God and thus have no value in a Messiah as the son of God, the parables are literally meaningless stories.

What is even more curious are those people who desire some kind of "spiritual" influence in their lives. They often hear a parable, and then apply meaning to it that is so far off the mark as to laughable. They also make up their own parables of Jesus; they create interesting proverbs and metaphors that they claim Jesus said, when such things are not in the scriptures. This is because they have never read the bible, and/or they have some idea they believe relates to Jesus, and this pithy 'quote' conveys the same message.

The context of eternal salvation through faith in Jesus as Christ, and thus surrendering to the Lord God almighty as the authority of our lives, creates an understanding of scriptures that is magnificent and comprehensive. That lack of context results in confusion over meaning, disconnected and conflicting 'truths', and lostness.

Prayer: Lord, you are my Lord and my God, and Jesus is my savior in whom I have total belief. Please forgive my sins, for they are terrible and deep. Help me to repent in my heart and mind, and remain firm in my following of you every day and every minute. Amen.

Considering the Cross I Carry

Scripture: And whoever doesn’t take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:38

Observation: Jesus talks about what it really means to follow him, which is to place your faith in him above all else, including family. However, he uses this phrase - that believers must "take up his cross and follow" him - as one of the ways of proving faith and being worthy of Jesus' love. It is difficult to understand the meaning of this term.

The cross refers to crucifixion, and it was part of that death sentence for the convicted to carry their cross to the spot of execution. It was big and heavy, and the exertion of effort was a final insult ... it was hard work done in futility, as the end result would be painful death anyway with no reward for doing it well, so to speak. Jesus himself would do this after being heavily flogged. The term to 'take up the cross' could be foreshadowing that refers to believing in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, but that interpretation doesn't really fit.

The way Jesus is using it seems much more direct and personal, yet also metaphorical. So this seems to mean that disciples must laboriously carry some hardship, even though doing so is difficult and with no benefit, as an act of faith. That hardship might be the negative ridicule and contempt from society that comes with faith, as Jesus has touched on how others - even family - will reject believers to the point of conflict. Or the hardship may be some issue that is unique to each individual ... a specific element of harm and pain that enters ones life as a result of faith, and the faithful must simply bear that burden instead of seeking ways to cast it off (as such ways would involve diminished faithfulness).

This term - to "take up one's cross" - has been used so often by so many teachers and pastors as the catch-all phrase for problems in life, that such teaching only convolutes Jesus' meaning more.

Application: While sometimes I would rather skip over this lesson of Jesus, and chalk up the phrase as I have heard it from pastors - a simple metaphor for life's hardships - I feel that Jesus meant something much deeper and personal, and it would be valuable to figure it out.

If this is a way of saying "people will randomly hate you when they learn you're a Christian" ... well, I get that. I've experienced that. I encounter some level of negative interpersonal interaction caused by this dynamic at least weekly, and sometimes daily or more. And yea, it hurts, and it hurts less when I receive Jesus lesson that this is both normal and is part of identifying as a worthy follower.

However, I also wonder if there isn't some unique issue that is upon me as a result of my faith, and I need to simply 'suck it up buttercup' and carry it with me every day. I can think of a couple big items in life that have altered my life, and which I am confident happened because of reaction to my faith. I can do nothing about these, so I should just acknowledge that I now carry them with me. When I dwell on how bad they were/are, nothing changes other than my mental health, so while carrying them his hard and futile, dwelling on that problem is equally futile. I would do better overall to simply carry the cross, and accept the blessing to come as a faithful believer.

Prayer: Lord, may I take up my cross daily and follow you. I don't think I truly and fully understand your lesson in this, but I also know that understanding is not important. Rather, simply following you despite all else is the task at hand. I do so today, and every day. Amen.

Changing of the Names

Scripture: Once when Jacob was cooking a stew, Esau came in from the field exhausted. He said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stuff, because I’m exhausted.” That is why he was also named Edom. Genesis 25:29-30

Observation: Esau sells his financial inheritance for a bowl of lentil stew. It is an act that is nonsensical and impulsive. However, this act also introduces the name Edom into scriptures. This is the name of the nation that will come from Esau, Edom, or the Edomites, who will settle in modern day Jordan. These are the ancient people who will use caves to carve great villages into rock cliffs that are still a marvel today. They are also a people who will despise Israel despite their common faith, and eventually be cursed to destruction explicitly because of how they celebrate Israel's downfall.

As it turns out, both Jacob and Esau will be renamed. Jacob will be called Israel, one who wrestles with God, as a reflection of his strong will and resistance to the will and direction of Yahweh, culminating with a moment where he literally fights with the Lord. Esau will be called Edom, meaning 'red', and it is a word that echos back to the moment where Esau acted so impetuously and contemptuously that he set himself down a path of subservience to his brother.

Application: I wonder what my name would be if it were to be some defining attribute of mine, manifested in a specific action that occurred in my 20s or 30s? I feel it would have something to do with 'directionless' or 'professionless'. In my professional life, I have never really had a plan or a specific knowledge set that would be called a profession. This led me to eventually get contract work with a government to help them create a strategy for integrating criminal justice data ... there isn't one single word in that sentence that relates to anything I had ever done in my life before then.

I pray often for God to guide me on his path. However, I have to admin that ... I sure haven't been intentionally walking my own path. Maybe I sometimes end up on 'this' path - whatever seems like the direction I'm going, I insistently to a fault keep going that way - but that doesn't mean I have direction.

So how will my directionless wandering affect my family? Is that a legacy they'll inherit? I see it some in my children. Though they both have defined ideas about what they want to do, and intentional skills developed to do it, my son can also just go with the flow of his current situation, sometimes to a fault. That feels familiar to me.

Prayer: Abba, my daddy, it is comforting to realize that I do not have my own direction, because that alone should liberate me to follow your path for my life. I do not wish to cling to some random direction in my life, but I also am content wandering when you are the one taking me on the journey. May thy will be done. Amen.

Loving One Without Hating the Other

Scripture: Now Isaac was returning from Beer-lahai-roi, for he was living in the Negev region. In the early evening Isaac went out to walk in the field, and looking up he saw camels coming ... Then the servant told Isaac everything he had done. And Isaac brought [Rebekah] into the tent of his mother Sarah and took Rebekah to be his wife. Isaac loved her, and he was comforted after his mother’s death. Genesis 24:62-63,66-67

Observation: Isaac is the most obscure of the three patriarchs of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Even his betrothal is about Abraham requiring he marry someone from his family and not a Canaanite. This may be the first insight into him, and that insight is ... he is sad about the death of his mother, and in his sadness he spends his evenings walking alone near the location connected with his half-brother and the slave-woman Hagar.

This seems like an odd location for Isaac to live, as it is associated more closely with a period in which Abraham and Sarah were confused about the Lord's promises in his life. The result was the anger of Sarah, whom Isaac now morns. Isaac now spends his evenings visiting the well where Hagar received words of encouragement, was told to return to Sarah, and thus the young Isaac would have known Hagar and Ishmael, yet there would always be an element of discomfort in their relationship.

Isaac seems to have big emotions. He is clearly grieving his mom's death, but also seems to have a connection to the slave woman whom his mom grew to dislike. He will eventually love his oldest son greatly, and thus will be emotionally distraught when tricked by the younger son into misplacing his blessing, yet will allow his blessing to stand with the younger. Isaac, it would appear, had the capacity to love deeply, but at the same time not 'hate' anyone who was different or even in conflict with that which he loved. The result seems to be a prevailing peace, as Isaac will seemingly live his life in Canaan without significant conflict with any of the other people around him.

Application: So much of our "issues" today in society evolve from the 'us vs. them' setup of ... everything. Many, many of us feel we belong to a people-group - by race, political party, gender, country, or even some relatively small opinion on a singular topic - and we develop two emotions around this position. First, we love our group. Second, we hate the other group. This creates so much division in society that conflict seems unavoidable.

I wish we could all understand Isaac's example. Isaac clearly had deep love, but with regards to the forces that were not the things and people he loved deeply, he felt ... love also, or at least some level of connection and understanding. And if that shift in attitude toward the "other side" could create an air of peace, how greatly that could improve all our lives, so much more than any effort to influence or change others into another way of thinking.

Yes, there are ideals that are wrong and to be resisted. I do hope I don't hate people with those ideals, however.

Prayer: Lord, our society is so divided, in so many ways. May I have the heart of Isaac, even if it means appearing naive to the world. I would much rather be at peace following your ways and wise by your standards, than be thought of well by earthly standards while embroiled by the conflicts of this world. Amen.

Just a Simple Word of Hope

Scripture: For which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? Matthew 9:5

Observation: In the healing of the paralytic, Jesus first pronounces his sins as forgiven, by evidence of the faith of he and his friends who brought him. It is for this the Pharisees think evil of Jesus, questioning his authority to forgive sins. However, the depth of that criticism may be misunderstood.

The most common reading is that, since only God can forgive sins, Jesus is claiming to be God by forgiving sins. However, for the Jews, sins were often 'forgiven' through their sacrificial practices. They even have "sin offerings" that are required for just that purpose ... take that offering for sacrifice, and your sins are forgiven. A priest acknowledging such forgiveness for the completion of a sacrifice would have likely been common, but such pronouncement wasn't mandatory. Jesus was doing no more than to recognize sacrificial faith - in this case, the hard work of the friends and the mutual belief that Jesus could heal - and acknowledging that sacrifice out loud.

This makes the thoughts of the Pharisees even more cynical. It could easily be understood, especially very early in Jesus' ministry, that people could doubt he is the Messiah. That revelation is still a ways off despite all the healing miracles. However, the Pharisees are doubting his authority to simply ... offer a word of hope. They are questioning much more than any claim to be Messiah or priest, and are more at the level of saying "how dare you offer this person a kind, positive word" ... "how dare you offer hope when the person hasn't followed the prescribed procedure".

Of course, Jesus challenges them on this, and it could be said his real question to them is ... "Really? I'm just offering a simple word of hope. Wouldn't it be worse to give him the almost-impossible hope by promising of a completely altered life?" Commanding him to walk would be that tangible, unimaginable level of life-changing hope, which is what happens next.

Application: Offering people a simple word of hope can, in fact, be life changing. No, I don't have the 'authority' to forgive sins, but I do know that sins are forgiven by faith in Jesus, and I can acknowledge that faith when I see it in others, and thus remind them of the truth behind that faith. I can also offer hope in other ways, through encouragement and kindness.

Hope is real, even when it doesn't physically manifest in a changed ability. And our world desperately needs more hope.

Prayer: Lord, this day, may our world receive an overflowing of hope, coming from the lips of your believers, your Church, and your saints here on earth. May we all find ways to encourage and uplift others, for there is no finite supply of hope we are giving away, but it is an infinite river of lifegiving water that flows through us all. May we have and give hope today and every day. Amen.

Leading the Other Society

Scripture: The two angels entered Sodom in the evening as Lot was sitting in Sodom’s gateway. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them. He bowed with his face to the ground. Genesis 19:1

Observation: Yahweh has visited Abraham and told him he is going to send these two angels to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, and has promised he will spare Lot. When the angels get to Sodom, the only person to greet them at the city gate is, indeed Lot, and they are able to engage with him and eventually send him to safety.

The fact Lot is at the city gate is interesting. The city gate is where the wise elders of the city sit and meet. They may socialize, but also they address public matters, assist with decisions, and provide council. Lot is treated as a foreigner by the city leaders, even called an "alien" in verse 9, and is attacked both verbally and physically for 'judging' them. He seems to be alone at the gate at this time of evening. This may mean that he is not someone who convenes with the elders and leaders during the day, and has instead come to sit here as almost a 'secondary' shift.

Lot is the anti-leader of the city. He is not included with the council of leaders who sit at the gate during the day and make decisions that have created a hate-filled, sinful, dangerous, and morally corrupt society. Instead, Lot sits alone and offers a safe, honorable, and hospitable version of the city. He is leading a movement in the city that is completely different than the city that operates during the day, run by the majority leaders. The city leaders run one society - which is followed by almost everyone - and Lot runs the other, alternative society (of which he might be the only participant).

Application: I am given hope that there is in fact an "other" society in the U.S. right now that continues to honor the Lord and have deep faith in Jesus. I have seen this emerge with the injury to a football player, seen by billions. As a young man almost died, people on TV ... actively implored the Lord for intervention, prayed out loud and publicly, and declared their faith in a healing miracle. As the healing occurred, they openly gave credit to God, broadly pronounced the power for prayer and faith, and declared proof in the existence and goodness of the Lord.

I had lost hope that such a society existed in the U.S. As our leaders sit at the gate and fight and hate and curse ... as they pronounce as normal and good that which destroys the moral fabric of mankind, and then enact policy that criminalizes righteous moral rebuttal ... I forgot that there was still an other, alternative society. And there are leaders who go to the gate in the evening and look to ensure that society is represented, even if they - we - have been kicked out of the mainstream running of the land.

Prayer: Lord, today I thank you for the men and women who have been bold enough to declare your greatness publicly, at all times in all places, but especially on U.S. television over the past week. Please protect them from the backlash I fear will come in months ahead, and continue to give them all your strength and your love. May your Church, myself included, find our place to lead this other society, the society that loves you, loves others, fosters peace, feels joy, practices hospitality, and reflects Jesus Christ to everyone around. Amen.

How to Make Bad Choices

Scripture: So Lot chose the entire plain of the Jordan for himself. Then Lot journeyed eastward, and they separated from each other. Abram lived in the land of Canaan, but Lot lived in the cities on the plain and set up his tent near Sodom. Genesis 13:11-12

Observation: The Lord has promised the land of Canaan to Abram, and he has already lived in some of its best central places, Shechem and Bethel, and will soon move on to Hebron. However, when he and Lot separate, he gives Lot the choice about where he will go. Lot goes to the eastern shore of the Dead Sea. He does this because of how it looks from a distance ... the entire plain looked "well watered" and he describes it as being like "the Lord's garden" and like Egypt.

We can be pretty sure it isn't. The Dead Sea is a harsh place below sea level. The water is undrinkable. The land is rocky and requires work. Moreover, at the time the area's population centers are two cities that have become synonymous with - even verbs for - debauchery, Sodom and Gomorrah.

Lot chose a land that looked good from a distance. In truth, it was a place where life was hard and the people were evil. His offspring may populate the area in the future, but this choice would produce death and turmoil for Lot's family.

Application: So often, the Lord tells us - tells me - "this is what you should do", then also gives a choice. How often to I take God's instructions as just one of the potential inputs, add to it my own observations and calculations, then choose?

Just like Lot, my own inputs are probably very flawed. They are incomplete, focused on the wrong priorities. I have made bad decisions in both my personal and professional life because I made choices based on the wrong information, and not on the only information that matters ... God's direction.

I do wish I would receive the Lord's direction more often so I can make good choices. I'm sure the Lord wishes I would listen to his direction more often and stop making bad choices.

Prayer: Lord, it is only your will I wish to obey, and your provision and plans and purpose I wish to pursue. May I listen to you more and more in the choices and direction of my life, so I may arrive in your ideal place. Amen.

I am Yours Lord, I Believe

I stand in front the mirror,

But I don't like who’s looking back at me.
Wish I could see things clearer,

Like who I’m supposed to be.

I have been struggling with this lately ... who am I supposed to be? I'm a 56 year old man who has never once known his direction in life. Yet this song reminds me of the ONLY aspect about my identity that matters. 

Who I was, I left at the alter.

Who I am is a child of the most-high God. And he's for me.

Become Wise and Discerning

Scripture:
—let a wise person listen and increase learning,
and let a discerning person obtain guidance—
Proverbs 1:5

Observation: Proverbs opens with six verses that explain its origins and purpose. These are thoughts from Solomon, and they exist "for" ... learning and understanding, teaching and receiving instruction, and understanding all kinds of mysteries. However, in the midst of these "for" items that define the purpose, verse 5 interrupts with a "who". It is a wise person who will actually learn; It is a discerning person who will allow themselves to be guided.

Application: I can read God's word every day, but until I submit to him I can learn nothing, and my ways cannot change. Sure, I may become smarter, but I truly cannot take God's instruction into my heart and have it become active in a manner that drives my behaviors.

So ... am I wise and discerning? No, or at least, not enough so. I know that the beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord, and I do fear him. I have full understanding that the Lord is everything in the world, with all power and authority and knowledge and wisdom. However, I fail to trust him in everything. Even though I know he can do everything, I try to act on my own, applying my own thoughts and decisions.

Again I say that my goal this year is to further trust in the Lord in my everyday walk, and this clearly begins by discerning his will. With that discernment, I must then be wise and trust it. Both wisdom and discernment will come from the word of the Lord, when I submit to it.

Prayer: Lord, beyond asking you to guide me this day, may I also submit to you. I wish to not just walk with you, but to do so with my eyes closed, never caring about the path, for I know you are guiding me. Amen.

Fruit Consistent with Repentance

Scripture: When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he [John] said to them, "Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance." Matthew 3:7-8

Observation: The actions of the Jewish leaders are complicated. They often align themselves to Jewish law and traditional rituals as their form of religious practices. However, it also seems like many of them will explore - at least hear about - new ideas, practices, and teaching. We know they often come to listen to Jesus, especially in the first half of his ministry. Here we see that they make the trek to the Jordan River to learn what John is teaching, and the implication is "many" of them actually get baptized.

While this seems extraordinary at first, there is something overlooked about John's activity: By birthright, John is in fact a priest. He is the oldest son of a respected priest who directly served in the temple, and some might even know that his birth is connected with his father's encounter with the Lord within the Holy of Holies. Therefore, while the baptism being performed by John is not necessarily consistent with a bathing one might be subject to as part of becoming ceremonial clean, there is logic to Pharisees and Sadducees both investigating and agreeing to receive baptism from John.

John knows that the Jewish religious leaders are double-minded in their relationship with the Lord ... that they are proud of their status gained by outward righteousness founded only on behaviors and not a relationship with Yahweh. Just like Jesus will, he calls out their behaviors that actually harm the faithful, and challenges them to act according to their desire for repentance. Yet he acknowledges their choice and baptizes them anyway.

Application: As I begin the new year, I want to remove any pride I have in thinking I am a good and faithful disciple, and instead simply ... pray, listen to the Lord, and proceed as he would have me do. I want a better relationship, that results in the Lord actually giving me instruction, and me following those instructions.

I don't want this year to be about "doing" church things and feeling righteous because I do. I want this year to be about experiencing the Lord's direction every day, and doing whatever he tells me to do.

I want to repent of pride and false righteousness. And I want to produce fruit consistent with that repentance.

Prayer: Lord, as we begin a new earthly calendar, I renew my desire to simply hold your hand and humbly walk with you every day. I am so utterly lost in life. However, I know you have a plan and a path for me, even when I cannot see it. I don't need to see it. I trust in you, my father and my God. May I do what you would have me do, not what any tradition would make me think is righteous, for I only desire to know you more. Amen.

God can Redeem my Failures

Scripture:
The words of King Lemuel,
a pronouncement that his mother taught him:
...
Don’t spend your energy on women
or your efforts on those who destroy kings.
Proverbs 31:1,3

Observation: There is no king of Israel named Lemuel, however the census is that this is not a name, but rather a title Solomon is invoking upon himself. Lemuel means 'given (or consecrated) to God'. In this way, Solomon is declaring his commitment to Yahweh. In this proverb, he states these are words taught to him by his mother, and begins the wise council this way ... that men - especially kings - should not spend energy chasing after women or other activities sure to destroy them.

This clearly caries exceptional weight in the context of Solomon's mother. Bathsheba was a woman who David immorally pursued, first taking her despite the fact she was married, then arranging for the death of her husband. For this sin, David was greatly punished in a manner that almost destroyed his kingship ... in addition to the child conceived by David's sin dying, Absolom's rebellion was also part of the punishment.

And here, as Solomon recounts the lessons learned from his mother - the woman at the center of this, the most terrible act of David's recounted in the bible - the very first warning is not to do what David did with her. To take this a step further, Solomon would not be king, and would not even exist, if David had not immorally and aggressively pursued Bathsheba. Yet from this sin, and while everyone involved understands that pursuing such sin is terrible and should not be done, Solomon is now the wisest king in history who reigns over a time of unprecedented peace in the land.

Application: This connection reminds me that the Lord can manage his purposes and his plan in the midst of even my great failures. As I continue to be a man of sin, with a problematic collection of opinions, actions, and emotions, the Lord can still put me to use in communicating his good news of Jesus, and in providing his love to others.

I do regularly hear in my mind that I am worthless for the acts and thoughts I have. I know this is the deceiver trying to discourage me. That said, I do fall short of God's intentions and directions for my life and my daily walk. However, I strongly believe that the Lord can redeem my failures to still produce his outcomes. If he could do that with David and Solomon - use terrible actions to produce the wisest and most peaceful era in Israel, while the very people involved in those sins declare their knowledge of how wrong they were - then he can do some little good deeds for others through me.

Prayer: Lord, you know I am down right now. I cannot find my way in my earthly life, and I am struggling with every aspect of my thought life. Hour by hour I find circumstances that bring me lower. I fail at everything. Please redeem my failures, as only you can, for your glory and your honor and your purposes and your splendor and your wonder and your kingdom. Amen.

Time to Test the Hearts

Scripture: The beast was given a mouth to utter boasts and blasphemies. It was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. Revelation 13:5

Observation: As the vision of the dragon, the great beast, and the lesser beast continue, the designation of time is curious. John is given three different measures of time during the vision. Here, he is given 42 months (3.5 years). Before, he saw a time lasting 1,260 days (1,260/30 days = 42 months ... 3.5 years). He has also been told events will last for 'time, times, and half a time' (potentially translated to 1+2+.5 = 3.5 years).

This amount of time - 3.5 years - seems significant. It was said Jesus' ministry, from the time of his baptism to his crucifixion, was 3.5 years, and this may relate. It seems there were other periods of 3.5 years in the bible ... the time without rain commanded by Elijah comes to mind. And of course 3.5 is half of 7, and we have several examples of 7 year periods in the bible, such as the famines in both Egypt and Babylon, the predictions of which elevated Joseph and Daniel respectively.

Perhaps all these times indicate a duration required to test the hearts of people and determine their true faith. Whether it be related to economic blight, evil oppression, or the manifestation of the Lord himself, there is a pattern for how long it takes to sway the collective opinions of mankind.

Application: This timeframe of 3.5 years is a mystery for certain. I cannot understand it. However, if it does relate to the time it takes for mankind for adopt a collective mindset - and the resulting 'test' of believers to buy into such a mindset - then it is informative to understand how that may apply to the world today.

It may mean (for example) that the societal pressures caused by the pandemic will continue until approximately September 2023, and only at that time will the "pandemic" actually end and the resulting changes in human behavior - widespread fear to human interaction, loss of interpersonal skills, constant fear of illness and death, resulting economic recession and widespread financial strife - will be permanently adopted ... with believers in Jesus needing to overcome such fears and strive to reset the hearts of others.

I am critical of the faithful who have overreacted to these influences. That said, there is a level of resistance that is required, as these elements of fear are negatively impacting the love of God upon all mankind. I wish all this were over, but it probably won't be. I wonder how much longer this all drags on ... maybe still another 'time'?

While I acknowledge that I have suffered some during this time, I am not afraid. I desire to love others. I am glad I can warmly greet people at a light show, and I know better days are ahead.

Prayer: Lord, your mysteries are so deep and so great. May we as your created being seek your truth, and not fall into the worldly traps of fear of hate created by these times of tribulation. And may your people who believe in your great name and in your love stay faithful and true. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

Origin of Unbelieving Prayers

Scripture:
All you have made will thank you, Lord;
the faithful will bless you.
Psalm 145:10

Observation: As the psalmist continues to praise the Lord, he delineates between two types of people. One is people of faith, who believe in Yahweh. They will give glory to God, blessing his name with their praise, and teaching everyone else about his wonder and glory. However, the second is everyone else. This group is included in terms like "all" and "everyone". They are still blessed and loved by God. Even more interesting is this fact ... though they do not have faith, they will thank the Lord.

Application: I have very, very often seen something I cannot understand ... people who actively declare they do not have any faith and perhaps do not believe in God - and certainly don't believe in Jesus - praying. They prayers may not be structured, but they are intentional and clearly directed to God. They may be for help or thanks. They are often a spontaneous word triggered by an event. And I have often wondered how in the world such statements can be made. If a person has absolutely no belief that God exists, what could possibly occur in their mind that would produce any kind of response directed to God?

This action is predicted by this psalm. ALL will thank the Lord. Everyone knows somewhere in their hearts that God exists, and that knowledge will come out. Yes, they have lies told to them, and their response to believing those lies is that the repress the knowledge and feelings that there is a creator who loves them ... but they know it.

Again I am reminded that one evidence of the Lord lies in the fact that all humans have an internal, embedded knowledge that something like the Lord must exist. This is not a learned aspect of human existence, but quite the opposite ... it is known despite earthly learning and worldly influences to the contrary.

Prayer: Lord, at this moment, so many people who actively declare they do not believe in you are crying out to you. Some are doing it by name, and others are doing it even with so little understanding that they do not know any name for you. Please hear them and give them your love, even when they return ambivalence to you. May we have the ability and opportunity to teach them of your love. Amen.

Keep Everyone Down

Scripture: From Rehum the chief deputy, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their colleagues—the judges and magistrates from Tripolis, Persia, Erech, Babylon, Susa (that is, the people of Elam), and the rest of the peoples whom the great and illustrious Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the cities of Samaria and the region west of the Euphrates River. Ezra 4:9-10

Observation: As the Jews who have returned to Jerusalem rebuild the city, the local population seeks to oppress them and does this by writing to the king for permission to stop the work. This is how those locals introduce themselves ... as those who themselves have ben exiled from other parts of the kingdom, and forced to resettle the region of Samaria.

These people were resettled for reasons undetermined, but which can be guessed based on historical context. They were either originally part of other conquered nations who were themselves forcibly sent to this land, or they were marginalized people within Babylon who were offered the chance to go try to make a go of life in a region that had been captured and destroyed. Either way, they were likely not part of any preferred people within the kingdom.

One would think they would empathize with the Jews who had been oppressed and exiled. Instead, they are jealous of their return to the land. They harass and harangue the Jews working on the city, creating impediments and outright obstacles to the return to normalcy.

This is one of the worst aspects of human nature ... even when we should be able to sympathize with others and find common ground within our hardships of life, people tend to instead try to keep others down through pettiness. If one group cannot succeed, neither can any other. If a people group has struggles, all other groups must struggle. Forget the idea that maybe the definition of 'groups' is artificial and flawed in the first place. It isn't that we will allow some people to have an easy/good life, instead everyone must have life equally hard/bad.

Application: This idea would summarize the news every day ... a type of people who perceive they have a bad life, and that some other type of people have a better life, and therefore someone is to blame - probably that better-life people group - and the government better take action to suppress that better-life group.

The amazing thing is that it is very, very unlikely the groups even really exist, and that one group has a better life. The Jews absolutely did not have a 'better life' than other nationalities within the Persian empire, nor within any subsequent oppressive empire that came along. To be jealous of the Jewish people is borderline insane. Yet that attitude exists even to this day, and similar attitudes exist within our own society, be it across ethnic, economic, gender, regional, religious, or political groupings.

Yes, it is one thing to love others to the point that you wish to raise everyone up. However, we would be so well served as a nation - as humans - if we just stopped trying to keep everyone down.

Prayer: Lord, I am called to be different. I am called to love others. May I begin by simply not classifying people in groups, comparing circumstances, and seeking any kind of level ground. That is not your way; may it not be mine. Amen.

A Song for my True Daddy

Time for a unique song today ... searched and found this. A very different sound for me, but a wonderful message.

Abba like no other!

Benefits of Pondering Mysteries

Scripture: Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones sat twenty-four elders dressed in white clothes, with golden crowns on their heads. Revelation 4:4

Observation: There are several images of the Lord and of heaven in scriptures, and there are also a few of the residents of heaven. The most common may be the four living creatures (here in verses 6-8). The people on the 24 thrones are very interesting. They are "elders", presuming this to be a title of respect though it may indicate evidence that they appear mature in nature. Given the descriptions used of others and the lack of such descriptions here, they appear to be human. They are dressed in white and wear golden crowns. It is not totally clear how they are arranged; "around" the throne of God may mean a true circle, or it may mean a semi-circle either before the thrown or extending to either side of the throne. The are zealous in their worship of the Lord.

However, what seems to never be disclosed is ... who these 24 are.

There are common guesses, such as that they are the two groups of 12 ... the 12 sons of Israel that comprise the tribes, plus the 12 apostles designated by Jesus. This doesn't make a ton of sense since John, who is writing this account, would thus recognize half of them as his closest friends (and would be one himself). There are also guesses that these are great people of faith, but that would mean they are likely the judges and prophets of the Old Testament, and that no one from more recent times is elevated to such a status.

Perhaps their nature was hidden from John, or perhaps the members or this group of elders change over time, or perhaps this is already a projection into the future and the members are determined near the end time. And in all of this, who is to say what qualifies an individual for such eldership? Would this be based on great acts of faith, or earthly deeds, or historical selection, or some other criteria? Are these even humans, or are they another type of heavenly creature created by God for such a purpose?

Application: The mysteries of the Lord are deep. Even as I ponder these 24 elders, I also wonder ... why are they even there? There are billions of people in heaven worshiping the Lord, so why 24 with a special worship? And why show it to John without explanation?

These are interesting elements of the Lord, and in some way I believe the Lord gives us mysteries so we have ideas to ponder, not just 'things to do'. God made humans with an ability to rationalize and hypothesize, to wonder and experiment in our minds. So then he also gave us things to hypothesize about so that we may consider him, explore his nature, and know him better despite our difficulty to perceive him. We can ponder mysteries as a way of developing an understanding of God, even if we cannot reach a definitive understanding of the mystery itself.

Prayer: Lord, as I consider the mystery of the 24 elders, may I be encouraged by my ignorance to discover that I am really just meditating on your word. I do wish to do that more, day and night. Thank you for the ability to think on you as we can, and may I remain in your word daily. Amen.

The Price of Hate

Scripture: Still, none of this satisfies me since I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the King’s Gate all the time. Ester 5:13

Observation: Haman is so full of hate toward Mordecai that he cannot enjoy a single element of his life. Haman is the most powerful man in the kingdom. Haman even boasts that the queen honors him (not yet knowing why). And Haman is so exceedingly rich that the amount he pledged for the right to kill the Jews is more than $280 million. Yet here he sits, his daily life ruined because one man doesn't treat him with respect.

This hate is generational. Haman is said to be an Agagite. While not exactly clear, it is likely this means Haman is an Amalekite - a nation that has long hated the Jews - and Haman may be a descendent of the kings of the Amalekites. These were a people who have hated the Jews almost before they were Jews. They are a branch of the descendants of Esau, and their king was the one who hired Balaam to curse the Jews as they were about the enter the promised land.

Once again, we see the leader of the Amalekites paying money to destroy the Jews ... and it will fail. We see that individual's daily life ruined - in this case, over his hate of one individual - despite everything else in his life. That hate will cost him ... his family fortune, his honor, his family, and his life.

Application: I do still find that there are thoughts in my daily life that rob me of the joy I should have. I should be pleased with the career I have, and not lament a different one I might have had. I have no reason to ever think ill of anyone, despite what they have said about me or done toward me. Any amount of anger can only rob me and deny me of the happiness found in the blessings I have.

I know I do not hate, and especially have no hatred like Haman did. Yet certainly there is no reason to even let thoughts of anyone ruin my day. That is the most noted item of this one verse today ... Haman just had a truly GREAT day, and all he can think about is negative thoughts because one person didn't honor him (not dishonored him, just didn't honor him) during his walk home.

How often to I allow negative thoughts and memories of others to rob me of joy? How often do I allow a good day to be ruined because of something trivial someone does ... maybe done to me, or just done in a general way?

I would like more joy in my life. That can happen simply by rejecting the negative thoughts and memories I have toward others.

Prayer: Lord, may I be more and more open to your joy every day, by rejecting hate and negative thoughts of others. They are of no consequence to me, and of no bearing on the great life you have provided. I choose joy. Amen.

How God's Word Encourages

Scripture: Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was one like the Son of Man, dressed in a robe and with a golden sash wrapped around his chest ... He had seven stars in his right hand. Revelation 1:12-13,16a

Observation: John begins Revelation with context about its origin and purpose. It was shown to him and intended to be read aloud by many people (vs 1-3), is being included in a letter from him to the churches (vs 4-8), and this occurred while he was in exile and meditating in Patmos (vs 9-10). With this context, the Son of Man - Jesus - arrives and commands John to write what he is told, and the description of the Jesus is that he is dressed in glory standing among seven lampstands and holding seven stars. Jesus himself says these lampstands are the seven churches to be addressed, and the stars are the spirit that exists in those churches.

In other words, Jesus is among and near those churches. He is within them and interacting with them, and he is even in connection with the Holy Spirit that guides the activities of those churches. Now Jesus wants to give those churches guidance, correction, encouragement, and instruction. However, he chooses not to communicate with the churches directly, or to have the Holy Spirit that is within those churches deliver the message directly. Instead, he goes to John, commanding John to write an open letter to all of them.

There are three likely reasons why the Lord chose this 'indirect' method of communicating to the churches. First, these words - the commendations, the corrections, and the encouragement - are not just for any individual church. Rather, they are for the universal Church, for all time. Telling the seven congregations their one message would have ended the communication and not created a scenario for it to permeate through the entire body of Christ, across all time. Second, the bulk of this letter - the end-time revelation - is complex and nuanced, and required a very faithful prophet to receive and trust it. John was able to faithfully receive and record it, but likely other church leaders would have struggled. By delivering the prophesy through a senior leader who would both be trusted throughout history and who himself would act in full faith, it ensured proper delivery through the ages.

And lastly ... John needed encouragement. He was in exile "because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus". John had been such a faithful servant of the Lord that the government removed him from the field of play so to speak. He wasn't just imprisoned as Paul had been (who was still effective in converting believers even from prison), and he wasn't martyred as Peter had been (whose very death inspired belief). John was put on an island to disappear, losing all influence and interaction with the world. This prophesy delivered to him here would be one final way he could serve God, with a long-term impact for Jesus' glory. John was, in fact, so loved, that even in his isolation the Lord gave him one more way to be part of his plan.

Application: The Lord speaks to people directly about their lives and circumstances, but I do know he also often speaks through others. I have been a part of both sides of those conversations. It is good to know that the Lord uses third parties to deliver messages because sometimes it is that third party who is in need of participating in the Lord's work.

I often feel that way ... that I struggle to find value in the work I do for the Lord. Being able to deliver words to others - words provided by the Holy Spirit - helps in this.

Prayer: Lord, I know you have given me words of knowledge for others on at least two occasions. I thank you for that, not only for the sake of those people but for my own as well. May I have the boldness and courage to serve you as you would have me serve you, today, this month, and forever. Amen.

An Example of the Lord's Authority

Scripture: Now I want to remind you, although you came to know all these things once and for all, that Jesus saved a people out of Egypt and later destroyed those who did not believe. Jude 1:5

Observation: As Jude discusses the apostacy of some people within the church, he uses this analogy from the exodus. Every Jew was brought out of Egypt. However, once in the wilderness, there were situations when many showed their true nature, which was that they did not believe in the Lord, and they died.

As the Lord knows every man's heart, it would have been a simple matter to just leave the nonbelieving Jews in Egypt. He could have simply given them a clearer choice at the time of their departure, and some would have opted to stay. Or he could have given Moses and Aaron understanding of who should be left behind, and simply sorted them out. God did neither.

In such cases, those who didn't believe would have been delivered into the hands of Egypt - into the hands of men - where they would have received their just punishment for unbelief ... death. Instead, God delivered everyone out of Egypt, then delt with their unbelief himself. They were not turned over to human authority, but in the matter of faith their judgment resided only with the Lord.

Application: Today, this is another reminder of whom judges others ... and it sure ain't me. I have no right to even think that I know someone's heart, and thus their fate. Yes, in some cases I know those who are non-believers, and I am confident in the fate that awaits them, but that entire dynamic is a matter between them and the Lord, and not for me to consider let along pronounce.

At the Exodus, the Lord "delivered" tens of thousands of people he knew actually did not love him. He did that to give them a chance, but also to be clear that in the matter of life by faith, authority belongs to him. As I interact with unbelievers every day, this is good for me to remember.

Prayer: Lord, I see earthly favor on so many people who actively reject you and your son, and sometimes it frustrates me. Give me strength in both heart and soul to know that those situations are truly none of my business. You are in control of life and death, mercy and judgment. And I thank you daily for your mercy upon a sinner such as me. Amen.

Finding Comfort in the Turmoil

Scripture: They reported to the angel of the Lord standing among the myrtle trees, “We have patrolled the earth, and right now the whole earth is calm and quiet.” Then the angel of the Lord responded, “How long, Lord of Armies, will you withhold mercy from Jerusalem and the cities of Judah that you have been angry with these seventy years?” Zechariah 1:11-12

Observation: Zechariah is shown a series of visions, which relate to the end of the exile and re-establishment of the Jews in Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem. As the first part of the vision, Zechariah is shown horses that patrol the earth, and this is their report and resulting conversation: First, that all the earth is under an unnatural calm; Second, a question about when Judah will be re-established.

In other words, a calm and quiet world is a sign the Jews are in exile and oppressed, and that calm will soon end with the return of the Jews.

The turmoil of the world is absolutely spiritual. It involves the evil one hating God so much that he does everything he can to attack that which God loves ... his chosen people. When the Jews were oppressed, satan had no target, and as a result the world itself - within the spiritual realm where these envisioned horses patrol - was calm. The angels knew that that would change with the Jews were restored to favor.

Application: There is comfort to be found in the absolute turmoil of the current world. We are in a time of total havoc, chaos, anger, and strife. From economic stress to deteriorating mental health, "calm and quiet" would be the absolutely last words to describe the condition of the earth. The comfort found in this fact is this ... satan is in full panic mode and pulling out all the stops because he is afraid of God, Jesus, and his people.

If God were at all defeated, there would be no fight taking place. Instead, that fight is everywhere, on every front. It is overwhelming in its breadth and scope. It is preemptive against a formative generation, violent against the general populace, destructive against the vulnerable, and deadly against both the oldest and the youngest. Evil is attacking everywhere. And it is by that very fact we know that the good news of Jesus - the fact that anyone can have the favor of God and eternal life through simple faith in Messiah - is not just right, but it is winning. It is in fact victorious, a settled matter, despite these most desperate acts to overcome the truth.

To those of us in the Church today, this all feels very hard, just like 70 years of exile was hard for the Jews. However, the difficulty proves the fact we are not defeated.

Prayer: Lord, to your glory be the victory, in the name of Jesus Christ. You are the alpha and omega, Lord of Armies, Yahweh Sabaoth. May your name be glorified forever and ever. Amen.

Hoping to Avoid Thieves

Scripture:
To be a thief’s partner is to hate oneself;
he hears the curse but will not testify.
Proverbs 29:24

Observation: This section of proverbs has straightforward advice about the righteous and the wicked. However, this one proverb is a bit different, for it implies that there can be an issue for someone who is the partner of a wicked person. It is not about one's own behavior, but his associates. In addition, being associated with such a person doesn't make you wicked, but it does create ... a complicated issue. A good person who will not testify against the wicked hates oneself.

Application: This is indeed complicated ... that a good person will have stress and self-hatred if they are associated with a wicked person. The stress comes from withholding truth. The self-hatred comes from the internal festering of allowing wrong to go unpunished.

So I must ask myself, am I a thief's partner? Are there individuals around me for whom I withhold information about "wickedness" so that I may remain viably active in the world?

The obvious place to look is at work. I feel I work with good people, though I do not always understand the moral direction of the corporation. In prior jobs, I actively experienced this very problem, very much knowing that wicked people worked around me, and I kept my mouth shut about every situation. Of course, I became detestable to many of them (as predicted in v27), and more than one took actions to harm me. I remember keeping a list of people I "trusted" and having that list contain only three names out of ~500 I interacted with on a weekly basis. And my stress was palpable.

I sincerely do not know what to do on a daily basis. I don't know where to turn and where to go in order to ensure I am not a thief's partner.

Prayer: Lord, I continue to wander. Even if I am walking on your path, I don't know where it goes. I trust that is okay, for I do know you are with me. Please show me your direction, and lead me to your peace. Amen.

Trying to Understand the Water

Scripture: Jesus Christ—he is the one who came by water and blood, not by water only, but by water and by blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement. 1 John 5:6-8

Observation: John calls out that the Lord himself testifies as to the authority and Messiahship of Jesus, and that certainly the Lord's testimony is of much greater influence than even any man's. He discusses three things that testify about Jesus, the Spirit, the water, and the blood. The Spirit is the Holy Spirit, which is the word and will of Yahweh himself. The blood would be the death and resurrection of Jesus, for there is no denying the death of Jesus through the spilling of his blood at the crucifixion, and thus his resurrection testifies to his divinity. However, the water is not obvious as to what it is.

John says Jesus is the only one "who came by water and blood, not by water only." If all other humans come from "water only", then water could mean childbirth. Thus the testimony of Jesus as Messiah is the nature of his birth. Every person exists as a result of their birth, yet Jesus had a second creation when he was resurrected and thus is of both water and blood, not water only.

However, if this same passage refers to the chosen people of God, then the "water only" could be a reference to the Laws of Moses, where ceremonial washing was necessary to ensure purity ... in that manner, all who followed the Law and washed were pure before the Lord. It is these practices that then created baptism, as a single washing - along with faith - that cleans our lives before the Lord. John could be saying that many people have been deemed righteous and pure by following the prescribed rites of water, but Jesus is the only one who survived a sacrifice of the blood, and also has the testimony of God himself.

Application: As a person struggling to understand God's word, I am not certain of either interpretation above. Both have logic as a reference to being "by water", yet neither has great context within John's letter. John in fact gave so little context that the term must have had some normal, well-understood meaning to his audience ... both of my ideas fit that, yet other ideas may too.

I could spend hours of research to find what the great scholars of the last 2,000 years agree this all means. However, I prefer to pray on it and meditate. John says in v9 that God's testimony is greater than any man's, so I'd rather see if I can't learn his meaning, not man's interpretation. And if it remains a mystery to me, that does not change the fact that I believe his testimony about Jesus, which is the great point after all.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for how your Spirit reveals your word to me. So often you speak to me exactly when I need it. May I learn more and more from you every day. Amen.

Trying to Love a Brother

Scripture: This is how God’s children and the devil’s children become obvious. Whoever does not do what is right is not of God, especially the one who does not love his brother or sister. 1 John 3:10

Observation: John writes in very strong terms about the idea of sin vs. righteousness. His strong message is that true believers cannot sin because the Holy Spirit is inside them, therefore anyone who sins is not 'of God' ... cannot be a true believer. This is certainly hyperbole, as if such were true then continued forgiveness of sin would be unnecessary for believers. John is making a point that believers should be very actively striving to control their sin and live as Jesus has taught, seeking the power of the Holy Spirit to aid them in this. This is not dissimilar to the Jews, for whom laws associated with "ceremonial cleanliness" required them to think about even small actions and to self-reflect on their behavior.

John summarizes the failure to do right as "especially" involving failure to love one's brother or sister; that is, failure to love other believers. That behavior is absolutely "not of God".

Application: Last night, we had a prayer meeting at church. A certain man said he had a word and was invited to speak. This is a man I struggle to respect. I am certain he believes in Jesus, but I find his actions self-aggrandizing. For this, I regularly disregard what he thinks. Last night, I actively tune out the brief 'word' he had to declare.

I fail to love this brother. That has nothing to do with him, but is my failure, my shortcoming ... my given evidence that I am "not of God". If that man does act out of self-promotion, that is his issue. If I believe that is what he does, attributing false motives to him, and dislike him for it, that is my issue. It demonstrates a flaw in my relationship with the Lord. The only exception would be is if this man actually is not a believer and is a false agent of satan, and I absolutely do NOT think that at all, not for one second.

I try to love my brothers and sisters. I often fail. However, my heart is improving in this matter, as I often see others out of gladness and joy even when they bother my earthly sensibilities. That said, I can and must do better at softening my heart, through the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Lord, please forgive my dislike toward my brother, and toward all my brothers and sisters. I love your church, and thus it is only logical that I love your people that comprise the church. I ask that my heart be softened, and my eyes widened, to embrace your love within me and have it flow out. Amen.