Bold Lies over Hard Truths

Scripture: “We are descendants of Abraham,” they answered him, “and we have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will become free’?” John 8:33

Observation: In one of the more direct debates between Jesus and the Jews, both sides throw accusations at each other. The Jews question everything about Jesus' ministry, decide he is a Samaritan, declare him demon-possessed, denounce his prophetic status, and try to stone him. Jesus points out the lies and hypocrisy of the Jews, says they are sinners, explicitly declares they are totally misaligned with the faith of Abraham, clarifies that they have no understanding at all about their own ancestry and mission as Jews, and peacefully yet literally disappears from their midst when they get violent.

This argument orbits the idea of how one legitimizes their faith. Jesus is clear that legitimacy is found through faith in him as Messiah, yet the Jews claim it as a birthright through Abraham. Yet even as they claim that, they get it wrong. Jesus is offering them freedom, but they declare they have never been enslaved and cannot therefore need his offered freedom.

This statement is ... ridiculous. Every Jew knew their people had been enslaved by the Egyptians, Assyrians, and Babylonians. It was practically the Egyptian enslavement and resulting liberation that defined them as a people-group. Furthermore, they may not be enslaved but they were actively repressed by the Romans at that exact moment. Yet they boldly declare lies they know are false, rather than listen to teaching that tells them how to improve their lives. They go so far as to invent a completely different definition of who they are as a people, then declare that type of people as good by its inherent nature, rather than to admit that ... just maybe ... they should listen to hard truths from the Lord.

Application: This is a model repeated everywhere today. People - individually, but mostly by opting into a classification of a people-group - totally invent some classification for themselves, declare that classification by its very nature and definition to have a claim on goodness, and then through some transitive property decide they themselves are good based on those definitions of their group.

Here's the point ...

a) "Good" isn't something for humans to define.

b) Alignment to people-groups is a lie invented by satan.

c) The groups aren't even real either.

Everyone is telling bold lies to align themselves to fake groups, manipulated by satan, instead of simply listening to God's truth about life, hope, joy, salvation, fulfillment, and most of all, love.

Prayer: Lord, there is only one people-group in the world, and that is everyone, created by you, or God and father. May this truth become known. Amen.

So Full of Righteous Anger

Scripture:
But I will sing of your strength
and will joyfully proclaim
your faithful love in the morning.
For you have been a stronghold for me,
a refuge in my day of trouble.
Psalm 59:16

Observation: The psalmist has spent 15 verses seeking the Lord's retribution upon his enemies. He has pronounced all the wrongs they have done to him through no fault of his own, and described their sins that they direct toward himself and toward God. He has asked God to punish them, and not just punish but to do so in a torturous manner ... not to just kill them, but to drive them into poverty and anguish and humiliation.

However, he then summarizes his own action. His is going to worship the Lord. He is going to acknowledge God's greatness and love, declare his protection that has been provided now and in the past. He simply seeks to take no action at all toward anyone who has done anything, but instead will direct his positive attention and works toward the honor of Yahweh.

Application: Even as I have forgiven wrongs done toward me, and received the Lord's absolution for anything I may have done, yet every time I read psalms about the wrongs done toward faithful people I sink into righteous anger. I desire revenge ... the same revenge this psalmist has spelled out, public and painful and humiliating. And I wish to see it, maybe even have a hand in it, or at the very least have the connection between what was done toward me and the punishment imposed by the Lord be clear and known.

I need to drop all this and just worship. The anger only hurts me, in my heart, in my mind, and in my relationship with God. No one else cares about these people and what they've done. I trust God cares, but what he decides to do about it is actually meaningless in the scope of my life and my purpose. I would be so much happier if I just focused on the future path I should walk with God, and not on the past issues of my life.

Prayer: Lord, I pray often to just be able to hold your hand and walk my daily path with you. So why do I keep looking backwards? And why do I do so with such anger? Only you can calm my heart, quiet my mind, and warm me with your love. May I turn aside from all this angst forever. Please help me. Amen.

Seek Eternal, Not a Better, Life

Scripture: Jesus answered, "Truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Don’t work for the food that perishes but for the food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal of approval on him." John 6:26-27

Observation: After the feeding of the 5,000, the people have been looking for Jesus. Here he will give a major lesson about being "the bread of life", with all kinds of references to ... physical vs. spiritual fulfillment, the meaning of the manna provided in the wilderness, and understanding what it means to receive from the Messiah.

In all of this passage, and summarized by this introduction, the main point of this entire lesson is this: There is a major difference between having faith in the Lord because he provides for your life, and having faith in the Messiah because he is simply the son of the Lord and thus makes the way for your salvation. The first of these is faith, but it is based on earthly ideas around safety, comfort, and needs. The second of these is true faith, where hope is placed - and joy is found - in the promises of the Lord, the truth and authority of his word, and eternal life in heaven.

Those who 'see the signs' - who perceive the truth about Jesus as their Lord and savior - have a faith that will remain rooted in Jesus. Those who are simply 'filled' - who are delighted because God has provided blessing and seen them through hardship - have faith in that provision but are missing the deeper connection. And in verses 36, Jesus even calls this out as a lack of belief. Instead, he calls everyone into a deeper desire for eternal life, and not just a better earthly life ... to eat the bread he offers by his life and sacrifice, and not just the bread he feeds them for lunch.

Application: Belief in Jesus that comes from some kind of saving event - an answered prayer that miraculously delivers a person - is common. It is in fact a very acceptable way of first discovering that God is real, and Jesus is in fact the Messiah. However, faith must go deeper.

I have so many blessing in my life, and I thank God every day for those blessings. However, I must continue to go deeper in my relationship with Jesus, to the point that all earthly 'things' are secondary to the hope I have in salvation, and my desire to serve the Lord in bringing others that same hope.

Prayer: Lord, I do in fact thank you for the blessings of my life. My daily provision is truly a measure that overflows beyond what I could ever need. However, my true hope is not for more blessing, but rather for your promise of eternal life in heaven. May I do all the more every day with that hope in front of me. Amen.

First Turned; First Returned

Scripture: In this way, God brought back Abimelech’s evil—the evil that Abimelech had done to his father when he killed his seventy brothers. God also brought back to the men of Shechem all their evil. So the curse of Jotham son of Jerubbaal came upon them. Judges 9:56-57

Observation: This is the ending of a three-year distraction for Israel. Upon the death of Gilead, his illegitimate son Abimelech declares himself ruler. He has 70 (all but one) of the other sons of Gilead murdered by the people of Gilead, and is anointed ruler. The one surviving son curses both Abimelech and the city of Shechem. The truth is, Abimelech never truly rules Israel, and in a short time the people turn against him. He kills many of them in retribution, but they then kill him. It is a short time in the history of Israel, and likely an insignificant if not completely meaningless to 95 percent of Israel at the time.

However, Shechem is an interesting place. While the place where Gilead came from to become Judge, they then embraced a strange form of honor to Yahweh ... they worshipped the ephod Gilead created, and a god they named the "god of the covenant", all of which appears to be a twisted attempt to idolize the Lord. Shechem is very central in Israel. It is located between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, and this area would become a place of worship in various forms after the fall of the 'northern kingdom'. It is close to Jacob's well.

All of this sounds like the characteristics of another village in the bible, some 1,100 years later. It is a village is in the central area of Judea, practices a twisted form of believing in Yahweh, is conflicted about alignment to traditional Jewish practices, believes worship can occur on the nearby mountaintops, and has ... a woman who visits Jacob's well midday to get water. While the New Testament says that village was Sychar, the two are close enough to have been considered the same region "ruled" by Abimelech.

As described in the book of Judges, Shechem is the place where the people of Israel have first really fallen away from the Lord and into some new form of their own worship of Yahweh. They aren't just being led astray to worship a different god ... they have created their own physical items, attributed to them some different view of Yahweh, and created their own worship. As a result, murder and curses are handed down, and we will begin to see the spiral downward of the Jewish people. A millennia later, the gospel of John indicates that the Samaritan woman - in this same place - is the very first person that Jesus definitively tells he is the Messiah.

In other words ... perhaps ... these are the Jews who are the very first to lose their understanding of whom Yahweh truly is and create a different form of worship, and thus these are the people to whom the Messiah first really declares whom Yahweh truly is and embrace Jesus as their savior.

Application: My mind keeps coming back to this idea ... Messiah and salvation was first for the Jews, then for the Gentiles. Jesus actually exhibited this, and this parallel - that the first people to really turn away from the nature of God are the first people to whom Jesus demonstrates the nature of God - reinforces it.

There is a motion of prayer for Israel occurring worldwide this week. I truly don't fully understand why, but Israel, and the Jewish people, matter a lot when it comes to all of us understanding God. Even at their worst, we learn from the lessons of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for Israel and for the Jewish people. May the land be under your protection, covering, and blessing, knowing how dear it is to you. May your hand be upon the Jews, and may those who do not yet accept Messiah come to discover and embrace Jesus. Amen.

Seeking the Glory from Only God

Scripture: I have come in my Father’s name, and yet you don’t accept me. If someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe, since you accept glory from one another but don’t seek the glory that comes from the only God? John 5:43-44

Observation: As Jesus is responding to questions about who he is - and proof of that identity - he provides a comprehensive list of those who "testify" about him. In no particular order, that list includes: the Lord, the Holy Spirit, John the Baptist, Moses, all the scriptures, and the works he has done in the name of Yahweh. To the Jewish leaders, that is effectively 'everyone and everything'.

Jesus is directly criticizing their understanding of Messiah, calling out how everything in the history of the Jews - from the first writings of Moses, to the one voice crying in the wilderness to prepare the way - provided every indication of Messiah, and now that Jesus fulfills all those elements, they want some earthly testimony from him before they will accept it. Jesus points out this as their major failure ... they are experts in the Law, memorizing everything it says, yet clearly do not and cannot understand nor apply it to the truth they are witnessing. In this way, it is the Law itself that will judge them, for they claim to believe it, yet clearly do not believe it.

And what do they believe? They believe in the things of the earth. They don't believe in the truth that is testified before them by the Lord, through his word, yet they will believe an earthly human who answers their questions. They will look at someone who does good work on earth and accept them as strong, good, and glorious, yet they reject the person who does the glorious work of God as direct evidence of greatness. Even as 'religious' leaders, they have learned to judge quality based on earthly criteria, and not based on the Lord's criteria, even when such criteria are defined in scripture.

Application: This is truly a core issue for society today ... a collectively mindset that defines greatness based on earthly criteria, then judges everyone and everything against that criteria. It even reaches the point whereby, as the criteria changes, so too do judgments of who and what is good retroactively. Since by definition something that is "true" cannot change, this is by definition a rejection of truth. And yet this approach to seeking "truth" and "greatness" is everywhere, embraced by our society today.

God's truth should be the only criteria for judging ... anything, and that truth comes from an understanding of his word. Yes, I personally fail to use God's word as my measuring rod for everything, every day, however I do know that should be the criteria. So many reject that criteria.

My heart breaks most for the churches that have rejected the criteria. There is a major difference between ignorance and rejection of God's word ... Jesus is very clear about that. Declaring that one loves God, yet rejects the authority of his word, is a dangerous path.

Personally, I hope I care less and less about 'glory' that comes from one another - from the criteria of this world - and seek more and more the glory that comes from only God. And that glory is love found in Jesus as my Lord and savior.

Prayer: Lord, may I care less and less about the things of this world, and the issue, values, and truths of this society and time in which I live. May I care more and more every day about you, and about your people whom you love. Amen.

Confusing Success and Failure

Scripture: The men of Judah fought against Jerusalem, captured it, put it to the sword, and set the city on fire ... At the same time the Benjaminites did not drive out the Jebusites who were living in Jerusalem. The Jebusites have lived among the Benjaminites in Jerusalem to this day. Judges 1:8,21

Observation: The first references to Jerusalem are ... confusing. For some reason, the tribe of Judah attacks Jerusalem successfully, even though it isn't part of their territory. However, the tribe of Benjamin also fails to take Jerusalem, yet still does live in it.

At best, this is ... confusing. Why would Judah 'take' a city not in their claim? How can they destroy the city - "set the city on fire" - then Benjamin moves in? How can the kill - "put it to the sword" - the Jebusites, and have them still living there? How can the first action of Judah be officially declared a success, and then the immediately in the same place Benjamin is declared to have failed? It seems every component of these two verses is in conflict.

However, this may be more revelation about the true "conquering" of the land. The point of taking of promised land was not a massacre of hundreds of thousands of people. Rather, it was the utter destruction of the belief systems of Canaanite people-groups, and driving them out of the land so it would be populated by only Israel, worshiping only Yahweh. What Judah put to the sword was the pagan idols of the Jebusites. What Judah burned was he wooden images and shrines that housed them. What Benjamin then needed to do was to enforce that change, driving the Jebusites to depart the land and go to worship their gods in a new and different place.

Again, it is impossible to burn a city, kill everyone in it and then ... have those same people still living in that same city. This didn't happen. Judah killed and burned the Jebusite gods. Benjamin allowed the Jebusites to rebuild and continue their practices.

Application: I have a problem in my life of thinking about my past in a favorable light. I was angry, sinful, and sometimes even hate-filled in my past. How could I ever think any of that was desirable? The answer is that ... I killed it and burned it down, but failed to evict it from my heart and mind.

This is the thorn that remains in my side, as the Lord even points out to Israel in Judges 2:3 today. This is something that holds me back from fully receiving the Lord's promise of the full power of the Holy Spirit.

I want to evict my former self. I don't just want to be a believer in Jesus Christ striving to do the will of the Lord every day ... I want to completely forget my past life, casting it aside without any fondness. I want it to effectively go away, and never again be part of any thought process.

Prayer: Lord, I desire more of you Holy Spirit, and I feel caught in a cycle I cannot figure out on my own. I need your Spirit to overcome my thoughts about the past, but I feel my thoughts about the past prevent your Spirit from giving me more of you. Please fill me so my joy may be in you alone, and in the things and promises that are of you. Amen.

Judgment as Evidence of Promise

Scripture: Since every good thing the Lord your God promised you has come about, so he will bring on you every bad thing until he has annihilated you from this good land the Lord your God has given you. If you break the covenant of the Lord your God, which he commanded you, and go and serve other gods, and bow in worship to them, the Lord’s anger will burn against you, and you will quickly disappear from this good land he has given you. Joshua 23:15-16

Observation: Joshua's farewell to Israel is effectively a warning about remaining faithful to the Lord. In this, he is very clear about the fact that, if Israel turns away from the Lord and worships other gods, they will receive all the wrath and punishment that was pronounced to them in the law of Moses. However, in order to make clear that such judgment and punishment is certain, he juxtaposes it against everything the Lord has done for Israel. The Lord promised to deliver them into the land and drive out the other nations, and he has done so. He promises to bless them as they uphold his laws and worship him, and he has done so. Therefore, his word is trustworthy, and if he has also said he will punish due to transgression, he will do so.

Application: The confusion over how a loving God can also judge and punish people has existed since ... well, probably since the beginning. It seems even Cain was surprised by his punishment. Joshua's explanation is actually very enlightening.

It is by the fact that the Lord cares for us, blesses us, and helps us, that he must also judge us. All of this is evidence of promise. The Lord has promised to love everyone, but to especially uphold those faithful to him, and to determine as evidence of that faithfulness simple belief in Jesus. He has also promised that there are ramifications for rejecting Jesus. If the Lord abandoned that promise - if there were no ramifications for rejecting Jesus - we could not be sure in the promise of salvation.

In this way, judgment is a comfort, for it provides proof of the promise and thus encourages faith. Perhaps that does not make it less painful when we worry that someone has died is a state of rejection of Jesus, and thus is under judgment ... but it does provide assurance for a future in heaven.

Prayer: Lord, your promises are sure. You have given us so much in life, including proof that your word is true as evidenced by your actions. I cling to your word and your promised salvation through faith in Jesus, knowing it is trustworthy. Amen.

Judged for Avoiding Judgment

Scripture: This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. John 3:19-20

Observation: As Jesus discusses the topic of salvation by faith in him as the Messiah, these strong words conclude the teaching ... that this truth - the light - has now arrived in the world, but the people are going to reject it and thus be subject to God's judgment. However, the reason they have rejected is the harsher statement. They reject God's truth because they do evil and are ashamed, and thus don't want to face the reality of judgment. They will be judged because they desire to avoid judgment.

The truth is that God is real. He is alive, the creator of the universe, and the loving father of all. This does not change based on one's faith, beliefs, or behaviors. As a result, God will judge everyone. However, there are many who reject that judgment and wish to be left outside of that process. Some know they are doing evil and don't want the light of truth of highlight that fact. Others love the ways of the world and don't want or accept any authority that even tells them that what they are doing is wrong. These individuals reject Jesus - and thus reject God's truth and light and love - to avoid God's judgment.

Jesus is pretty clear ... that isn't how it works. Avoiding the light doesn't mean you aren't seen by the light. Rejecting the truth doesn't make it untrue. And there will be judgment for those who love darkness and hate the light.

Application: Our society today is taking this process to another level, attempting to create 'norms' that describe the darkness as "enlightened" and "good".

And make no mistake about this ... those in society who do this, even the everyday people falling into the trap, know they are rejecting Jesus. Even if they don't "know" Jesus, they do know there is a concept of faith in the creator God, and they have chosen to avoid and reject that in favor of worldly concepts. For many, they do this because they have at least a vague understanding that the Lord disapproves of their lifestyle, and they have no desire to even hear or care about that kind of 'judgment'.

They love darkness. They avoid the light. They reject the light because they don't want their deeds exposed. Thus, they try to avoid judgment. It is in that context they will be judged.

Prayer: Lord, perhaps the hardest part of being a Christian is knowing that I do wrong, I commit sin, and my sins are seen by you, in the light. Yet I would rather be exposed in your light, with my hope for forgiveness through Jesus, than to embrace the dark. May we find a way to lead others into the light, for my heart breaks for their future judgment. Amen.

Contesting the Coastline Forever

Scripture: When the territory of the descendants of Dan slipped out of their control, they went up and fought against Leshem, captured it, and struck it down with the sword. So they took possession of it, lived there, and renamed Leshem after their ancestor Dan. Joshua 19:47

Observation: The last tribe discussed to receive their allotment, Dan's description also ends differently. While all the others just say "this was the allotment ..." after listing the boundaries and cities, Dan's states that ... they failed to control their land, and instead took one other city far north (in the far northeast corner of the land, within Naphtali) as their only claim.

Dan's original claim wasn't in a bad place, along any border. It was right next to Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim, the area that would remain the very core of Israel for centuries. However ... it was on the coast, and was the northern extension of the Philistine's land. It included Ekron inland. In other words, this is the part of Israel that was most contested, and would remain most contested throughout Israel's history. By the time of the divided kingdom, as other nations overtook Israel's claims, this was well within Philistia. And even today, this is part of the region still contested as an extended part of Gaza.

Application: Even with the initial organization of Israel, it was clear this part of Israel - this eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea - would be problematic from the perspective of world peace. It makes little sense that one coastal area of relative insignificant size could possibly generate such consistent conflict for 3,500 years, and yet it has.

I feel this is significant for understanding ... something about the Lord. Yes, there was a time under David that this area was subdued, but much of the time it was not, Dan as a tribe never really settled it, and it remains in conflict even today. And even in Joshua's lifetime, as the author of this very passage, this fact was effectively documented and understood.

Did God want the Philistines to remain strong and a thorn to educate Israel? Did God punish Israel to the point of cursing this area because Dan gave up to easily on their promised territory? These and other scenarios seem possible. However, the outcome is the same ... millennia of conflict in the "chosen land".

Prayer: Lord, I pray for Israel, and for the land. I do not know why that is your chosen center of the world, but there is no denying that it is. It is a place full of wonder, yet full of violence. It is not something I can understand, but may all that happens there be for your glory and your purposes. Amen.

Faith is Always Public

Scripture: After worshiping him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they were continually in the temple praising God. Luke 24:52-53

Observation: The gospel of Luke ends with this ... after Jesus' ascension, the disciples wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit, and they spend their days in the temple, worshipping and praising the Lord. This is very different than the fractured and fearful group huddled in the upper room immediately after the crucifixion. At that time, the disciples were afraid for their lives, and doubtful of everything they had believed. Those who wandered out - like the two who went to Emaus - talked of their confusion, sadness, and lost hope.

However, now secure in their faith and understanding the true nature of Jesus, they are boldly standing in the most public place in Judea. They do so with "great joy", and they publicly show themselves to be praising God. This would have been irrational to those around them, knowing them as disciples of Jesus who was crucified, and it would have been visible to the very authorities - both Jewish and Roman - who had taken such drastic action to suppress Jesus. They are doing this because ... they know the truth, and that truth gives them joy and hope and peace and faith that cannot be kept secret or quiet.

Application: True faith in Jesus as Messiah - true understanding of the gospel and of the hope we have by faith - must always be publicly evident. It cannot be a secret, like a lamp under a basket. Faith is, and must be, part of who we are every day, and thus seen by everyone.

I discuss my faith ... maybe not boldly or repeatedly in every public setting, but it is known to others. It comes up in work settings, and though I work in a time and place where I have been personally and professionally attacked for my faith, it is known I am a believer. However, I am not exactly in the middle of the city singing praise and declaring that faith in a loud voice. I do most of my worship alone and unseen. And my default words to anyone in need of encouragement - while coming from a heart that desires to love them like Jesus - typically will not include the name of Jesus or a pronouncement of Christian hope.

I could be more public in my faith. And true faith is always public as part of who I must authentically be.

Prayer: Lord, culture today says we must accept everyone's "authentic self". Well, I am a disciple of Jesus, with faith and hope in you. I will bring that forward more. I do know how it will really be received and responded to by others, but that is not important. My faith will be public. Amen.

I Feel a Little Unfixable

I am a little unstable, loose wires always getting tangled.

I am a little bit difficult, and I can be a little self-critical.

I am a little unable to put all my cards on the table.

I am a little uneven, in need of a little more healing.

It's amazing that you can love me like I am!!

Awaiting for This to Perish

Scripture:
The hope of the righteous is joy,
but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
Proverbs 10:28

Observation: The proverbs offer several point/counterpoint observations between the ways of the righteous and the wicked. In this one, the difference is in how their goals will be perceived by others, taken up, and thus propagate and survive. The hopes of righteous people bring joy, and thus others will enjoy them as well. However, the goals and work - expectations - of the wicked do not bring joy, and once the wicked are no longer there to advance the idea, no one will take up the work. They will perish.

Application: I can only hope this is true. We are surrounded by a culture where the "expectations of the wicked" have momentum from the sheer number of wicked who exist. The ideas they advance are destroying the lives of young people, undermining the hope of generations, damaging minds and emotions, tearing apart families, dividing entire communities, and causing harm physically, emotionally, and mentally to millions.

Yes, we pray for it to end. However, we absolutely pray for this proverb to be true ... for these goals and expectations, created by wicked people who are opposed to the Lord and deny his love, to perish along with the wicked that is establishing them.

Prayer: Lord, may your word be fulfilled, if not immediately, then as time passes and those advancing the wickedness of this era pass away. May the wickedness of this dark time perish. Amen.

The Next Thing You Know

Scripture: Afterward, Joshua read aloud all the words of the law—the blessings as well as the curses—according to all that is written in the book of the law. There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read before the entire assembly of Israel, including the women, the dependents, and the resident aliens who lived among them. Joshua 8:34-35

Observation: Israel has defeated Ai, and Joshua proceeds to act as commanded by the law. As the leader, he writes down his own copy of the law, then reads it to absolutely everyone. That is the summary of chapter 8. The very next thing that happens in chapter 9 is ... Israel is tricked into signing a treaty by the Gibeonites - people from the city right next door to where Israel is now camped - an act expressly forbidden by the law.

Israel is on a cycle of obedience and disobedience. They followed instructions in battling Jerico, were rewarded with success, then disobeyed by keeping some spoils and were punished by a defeat. They followed instructions in purifying themselves, were rewarded with success against Ai, renewed their commitment to obedience, and then disobeyed by entering a treaty with others.

Part of the issue seems to be a lack of consistency in engaging with the Lord. When they engage with Yahweh, he tells them what to do and they obey, and all goes well. Then the fail to consult Yahweh, make their own decisions, and immediately get it wrong. This echos back to original sin ... trusting one's own judgment and decision-making instead of listening for the Lord's guidance.

Application: In watching Israel, I am sure they also think of things as big vs. small decisions. They look to God for all the big decision - what cities to attack, how to fight and not die - but then make their own decisions on small matters. I am sure they didn't think being kind to a bunch of scraggly wanderers was a big deal, but it would turn out to be a major problem for their settlement of the land for decades to come.

I know I don't consult the Lord on little matters. I pray about big things, but not about just daily life. I'm sure this is a problem, and causes me problems all the time. I do wish I would knee-jerk respond to everything in life by turning to the Lord ... from what to say at a meeting, to determining deadlines on work, to finding time to relax, to how to help my family on a daily basis. Otherwise, the next thing that will happen might not be what I want.

Prayer: Lord, may I better develop a nearly reflex reaction to simply seek your guidance in everything, every day. Amen.

A Very Special Designation

Scripture: However, Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, her father’s family, and all who belonged to her, because she hid the messengers Joshua had sent to spy on Jericho, and she still lives in Israel today. Joshua 6:25

Observation: In the defeat of Jericho, Rahab is called out multiple times in special ways. She had hid the spies, and thus was saved from destruction along with her entire family. However, more than that, Joshua himself gives special commands about her, and there is detail about where she is taken. In the last line about this, it is explicitly said that "she still lives in Israel today."

There are questions about when this was written. Tradition says Joshua wrote the book of Joshua himself, and thus the idea that Rahab continued to live with Israel isn't shocking. Others would indicate that the book would have had an oral tradition - not written - for nearly 700 years, and therefore it is curious that, when it was first written, this line about Rahab still living was kept. Either way, however, there is a special designation and attention being given to Rahab and to her wellbeing. Once again, regardless of when the information was recorded, the author has decided to highlight a relatively meaningless event, surrounding a rather meaningless person, for what appears to be no reason at all.

However, over a millennia later, that reason will be revealed, as Rahab is an ancestor of Jesus, called out in Joseph's genealogy by Matthew.

Application: As I previously discussed about the circumstances surrounding Judah and Tamar, the scriptures contain information about irrelevant details, that then don't become relevant until Jesus is born. In the case of Rahab, we have a prostitute whom helped out Israel in scouting Jericho (and as a side note, the scouting was completely, 100 percent pointless, accomplishing nothing, as the Lord had his own plan and no intelligence was used in any way), and thus she was not killed. From this, she becomes the second or third most important person documented surrounding this most notable victory of Israel entering the promised land.

Again I say it, this type of writing detail cannot be accidental, and cannot be intentionally performed by men operating independently across centuries and centuries of time. Only the Lord can author such a narrative.

Prayer: Lord, your word remains alive for me. As I meditate on the meaning of all you have to teach me, I am very aware of how accurate and true that teaching is, because there is no way it cannot be true. I refuse to believe the lies of this world, and rely upon your truth. Thank you for your word. Amen.

Expunging the Generational Curses

Scripture:
Let Reuben live and not die
though his people become few.
Deuteronomy 33:6

Observation: As Moses goes through a final message of blessing, he mentions all the tribes ... except one. Moses skips Simeon entirely, and this "blessing" of Reuben is dubious at best, basically asking for his tribes' borderline survival.

Reuben and Simeon were the eldest of Jacob's sons, followed by Levi and Judah. Both Reuben and Simeon raised the anger of Jacob and were 'downgraded' in status. Levi did also, but was effectively redeemed as a tribe. When Jacob blessed his sons when he was dying, he declared hardship for Reuben, and effectively cursed Simeon and Levi to be "scattered" and eventually not receive land in Canaan.

Now hundreds of years later, Moses has laid out a land-claim model whereby Reuben will end up in the most contested of all the land and will struggle to even survive as a tribe ... the best 'blessing' Moses can muster for this tribe is that perhaps it won't be completely killed off. Levi will receive no inheritance as the priestly workers scattered through the land. Simeon will receive a claim embedded within Judah's and will fade from existence as a standalone area.

The downfall of Reuben was the sin he committed with Bilhah. However, the downfall of Simeon was the same as Levi - the slaughter of the Shechemites - yet Levi is now redeemed (still scattered but the priests and temple workers), and Simeon is totally ignored as a tribe by Moses.

Application: This omission by Moses really jumped out at me, and there must be a deeper reason behind it. Of course I did quick research, and there are several explanations that all seem valid. Most of these include some version of a) Simeon having been cursed by Jacob, b) Simeon not receiving an independent allotment of land, and c) Simeon as a tribe failing to redeem itself during the Exodus and Numbers saga the way Levi did.

Whatever the reason, the omission of even a side-comment acknowledgement of existence must have been obvious and received as an intentional slight. It remains part of the strange dynamic of Israel, how tribes that now number in the tens and hundreds of thousands each are still considered to have group attributes of one founding son of Jacob, and continue to receive treatment based on actions that individual performed as a teenager.

I have thought this before ... are their curses that will be passed to my children and descendants that stem from my bad actions when I was younger? I think I know the answer. If not for Jesus, the answer would be yes. However, because of Jesus, those wrongs and sins are completely expunged from my record, and my family is no longer cursed by my errors. In this way Jesus has not just redeemed me, but he has removed generational curse from my family.

Prayer: Lord, for all the reasons I am humbled and thankful for Jesus, this may be top of the list. I have been wicked and evil and sinful in my past, however you have fully forgiven and redeemed and restored me through faith in Jesus, and that extends to the removal of generational curse. Thank you, thank you, thank you my Lord and my savior! Amen.

Upon This Rock ... the OG Reference

Scripture:
The Rock—his work is perfect;
all his ways are just.
A faithful God, without bias,
he is righteous and true.
Deuteronomy 32:4

Observation: As Moses pronounces his song to Israel, he uses the term "Rock" many times as a reference to the Lord. Yes, he uses other names for the Lord too, including Yahweh and God (likely various words like Adonai), however the term Rock - capitalized - is used five times, and is also lowercased in quotes ('rock') twice when referring to false gods. Therefore, Moses is very intentionally introducing the word "Rock" as a description of, if not an outright name for, the Lord. The term is introduced in verse 4 as a name for the Lord. Later, the term Rock is used to state that ... the people rejected salvation, they ignored their creator, and God is so strong that the only way Israel could ever be defeated is by God's own choice.

In looking at the Hebrew word for 'rock' (eben) when written in Hebrew, it is comprised of three characters. The first is also the first letter of their alphabet, which became commonly used as the symbol for God when the Jews would not write out the full name. The second two characters together, when alone, are the spelling of the word 'son'. Thus, there is a way of looking at the word "rock" to represent "God the father and his son." (And yes, had to look all this up of course.)

Jesus will pick up this same theme. Jesus refers to himself as Messiah as the rock or cornerstone that will cause others to stumble, and that truth as the rock upon which his church will be built. He compares faith in him as Messiah to the bedrock upon which to build one's life.

In all of this, in Moses' very last contribution to everyone's understanding of the Lord, he has introduced as complex concept. The Lord is the Rock, comprised as both the father and creator of the universe, and the son of God. That Rock is contained in and demonstrated through his works, which are perfect, just, righteous, and true. The Rock is strong and cannot be broken, and it is only by the Lord's own will that anything on earth can happen.

Application: My college major is English Literature, and thus I understand how someone can study the intricacies of written works as a full-time vocation. I can even see studying one author's work, or a single era of collected works. However, it is the depth and complexity of the bible that is so unrivaled that millions of people can study this one book for thousands of years. And this is because God was always so amazing in his love for us, and his desire that we have faith in Jesus as a path to redemption, that he created all the signposts for us to follow millennia before Jesus even arrived on earth.

Jesus is the Messiah. This is the truth, and it is the redemptive gift of the Lord, provided out of his love and mercy and justice. And this is the Rock upon which I place my life.

Prayer: Lord, again I say it, thank you for your word, and the power found by your word and your teaching. It is by your word that I know you and know the truth about life, about Jesus, and about you. You are my hope, my rock, and my Lord. Amen.

Worse than Poor Service

Scripture: But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We don’t want this man to rule over us.’ ... But bring here these enemies of mine, who did not want me to rule over them, and slaughter them in my presence. Luke 19:14,27

Observation: In this telling of the parable of the good and faithful servants, there are actually four types of people. There is the master of course. There are the good servants who work and earn money for the master, and there is the bad servant who simply holds the money and does nothing out of fear. However, there are also subjects who want to completely reject the rule of the master. When the master leaves on his journey, they take action to try to remove the master from his position and status. Therefore, when the master returns and has judged his servants, he turns to the matter of the rebellious subjects and has them executed.

This rebellion is treated much more harshly than the unfaithfulness of the servant. The unfaithful servant feared his master and thus failed to serve him well. However, the rebellious subjects have outright animosity toward the master, seeking to reject him entirely as the master and king. The unfaithful servant has his resources taken away and is sent off. The rebellious subjects are killed ... not just a standard type of death, they are "slaughtered", and right in front of the master so they know this is being done on his orders.

Application: This is the parable so many people should fear ... but don't. Yes, as disciples of Jesus, I take away from this the lesson of the servants, desiring to act and serve the Lord instead of doing nothing with the knowledge I have about his love and mercy. However, most people around me are in full rebellion. They have declared that the Lord is not their master, and they desire to have him removed as their ruler. The two great points for them are:

1) It doesn't matter what you want when it comes to God's rule, for he IS the ruler and will never be removed from that position.

2) The response to your rebellion is not a lack of resources or to be cast away, but rather the response is death.

I have been thinking regularly about others - friends and acquaintances - who are likely living under this death sentence and just don't know it yet. I wish they would fear the Lord and accept Jesus, even if they don't know how to serve him yet.

Prayer: Lord, may I bring your truth to others, as you would have me do, wherever you place me every day. My heart does break for those in rebellion. May I and your church be better and teaching them how to be servants. Amen.

Chicken or Egg; Satisfied or Crave

Scripture:
The Lord will not let the righteous go hungry,
but he denies the wicked what they crave.
Proverbs 10:3

Observation: In a chapter explicitly said to be Solomon's proverbs, he makes this observation about how the Lord cares for the righteous versus the wicked. The righteous are satisfied; the Lord will never let them go hungry. However, the wicked are never satisfied; he denies them whatever they crave.

However, there is an element of this that is found in other proverbs, other bible stories, and even the New Testament teachings. Righteous people ARE satisfied. They do not covet nor chase after things of this world. They find comfort and peace in the hands of God. In this manner, they do not go hungry because they simply do not have wants that extend beyond their means. Conversely, wicked people are never satisfied. They covet and desire a great many things. Once they have something they want, they want more, and they scheme and plan how they can get it. In this manner, they always crave because they simply want more and more.

There is a wisdom to be found in exploring which comes first. Is a righteous person satisfied because everything they want has been provided to them, or do they simply have no wants and therefore are satisfied? Does a wicked person crave more because what they want is withheld from them, or does their wicked want for more produce craving?

Application: I fall into a trap of wanting more sometimes. I was doing it just last night, exploring ideas of houses I could never have. The truth is, I don't really even want to live in the place I was looking at (Kauai), and the homes I could afford are no more than what I already own, just with an ocean view (and corresponding mortgage-payment-size monthly HOA fees).

It doesn't make me wicked to look. It would make me wicked if I pursued the actions needed to obtain such possessions. Instead, I know very well that the Lord has given me just what I need, where I need it, and will continue to provide for our modest comfort. I never go hungry. I pray I also never crave.

Prayer: Lord, I say it again, may I never crave. Help me to never fall into the trap of covetousness, but instead always be content in your provision and blessing. I know there is no better life than one simply cared for by you, my father, my daddy, my Lord. Amen.

Curse Upon People, not Nations

Scripture: The Lord will bring you and your king that you have appointed to a nation neither you nor your ancestors have known, and there you will worship other gods, of wood and stone. You will become an object of horror, scorn, and ridicule among all the peoples where the Lord will drive you. Deuteronomy 28:36-37

Observation: This section is one of the saddest in the Old Testament. Amidst the excitement of preparing to enter the promised land, Moses delivers curses. The curses are brutal and terrible. They are also conditional - IF they turn away from Yahweh these will happen - however he also declares it is a certainty they will turn away. We know they do, and all these terrible curses come to pass.

However, these curses are not about the nation of Israel. Rather, they are about the people of the Jews, the descendants of Jacob. As a result, the curses are not (just) about how their nation will be overthrown and destroyed. They also discuss what will happen to them as individuals once Israel is overthrown. As an ethnic people-group, they will be "an object of horror, scorn, and ridicule." They will be persecuted and oppressed by every other people-group to where they are scattered, and they will be scattered ... to so many other nations. Even as they lose the identity that made them a special people - they will lose their focus on Yahweh, effectively ceasing as his nation of priests, and will worship other gods - they will still be repressed to the point of continual worry and fear.

God's blessing and curse is not upon a nation ... it is not upon the government that Israel will create. Instead, it applies to people. Yes, those people are a group, and their fate is intertwined with each other as an entity. However, it extends beyond that concept, to people who either do or don't obey the Lord's commands and precepts and instructions.

Application: Many in our age believe that our nation cannot survive given the current direction of our culture. However, God is likely not directly opposed to the "United States" or any other country. He is likely opposed to the people who have come to drive the downward spiral of our culture, and everyone who is complicit is that spiral. And yes, all that may be intertwined with both government structure and political manipulation, requiring the country to be deconstructed as part of the correction, but the Lord's correction will be about people's hearts, not national rhetoric.

The U.S. is NOT the chosen nation of priests, as Israel was. Thus we have never been part of their same covenant, and therefore not likely cursed in the same manner. That isn't to say, however, that as a people-group we haven't failed to comply with the Lord, and thus are subject to retribution.

I don't want to be destroyed personally. Yet I expect my country to be destroyed someday, and I do not find any promise for Christians to be spared from the earthly repercussions of God's nationwide correction. My greatest hope is that my children may find God's grace and mercy, with a fruitful path forward, regardless of how this all plays out.

Prayer: Lord, you are right in your judgment. You are merciful and patient, but certainly your patience and mercy are near an end regarding our rebellious generation. In Jesus' name, thy will be done. Amen.

Shrewdly Making Friends

Scripture: The master praised the unrighteous manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the children of this age are more shrewd than the children of light in dealing with their own people. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of worldly wealth so that when it fails, they may welcome you into eternal dwellings. Luke 16:8-9

Observation: Jesus tells this confusing story about a dishonest manager. In it, a rich man confronts his home manager/overseer about misuse of his possessions. The manager immediately realizes he will be fired - because the accusations are true - so he takes actions to further use the rich man's wealth to make friends for himself so he can receive assistance once fired. He effectively cheats his rich boss by altering the debt owed him by others. When the rich man learns this, he "praises" the "unrighteous manager". He actually admires the effort and foresight of the manager, using the resources at his disposal to help others.

The story doesn't say if the manager was retained or fired. However, Jesus' point is that the manager used wealth at his disposal to help others. The motivation doesn't seem to care as much as the outcome, and even the rich man - who was seemingly taken advantage of in the first place, then outright cheated out of wealth owed him - thinks the manager did the right thing. It seems likely the rich man has so much, that a few measures of wheat and oil are meaningless, however the mercy and resulting joy of others is more important. And again, if this is the right deed, the motivation for doing right is less important.

Jesus turns this rather confusing story into an indictment of the Pharisees, who "love money". Rich Pharisees know the law - to care for others - and could do so with their wealth, but instead hold onto it themselves. The master - the Lord - is now saying they are going to be called to account for their behavior, and now would be a good time for action, using their money to aid others.

Application: I have enough money to "make friends" shrewdly ... to give money to causes and to individuals with specific needs ... to gain their friendly response. That feels like the wrong motivation, but again perhaps motivation is unimportant, or at least less important than outcomes.

I wonder where my wife and I can look to find such need, and respond to it. She has a position where she learns of need regularly. It may be fun to, once again, be the ones God uses to answer prayers. And to make friends.

Prayer: Lord, please guide us in thinking about this parable and responding to this direction. I absolutely do now want to go the way of Pharisees, appearing to love money despite knowing your teaching. You are my Lord, not the comfort of this world. Amen.

Learnings About Lost Sheep

Scripture: When he has found it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, and coming home, he calls his friends and neighbors together, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my lost sheep!’ Luke 15:5-6

Observation: One of the best-known parables of Jesus, the lost sheep is a metaphor for a lost soul - a lost person - and God is seeking them. He celebrates their recovery, which doesn't mean he doesn't love the 99 sheep that didn't wander away, but that the finding of this sheep was special. It was only just this week, however, that it was explained to me the deeper implications of finding a lost sheep.

Sheep are ... dumb herd animals. A sheep doesn't just up and wander away from the rest, but rather there must be something wrong with it. Often, the issue is physical. Wounded animals will find isolation in order to die, and a blind animal will wander without knowing it. Sheep can even have mental issues that cause them to behave differently. A sheep can also just be foolish and get stuck on a fence or thorny bush, or fall into a crevice from where it can't get out.

Therefore, in this parable, when one sheep wanders off, that sheep is a weakened, at-risk, damaged animal. It is that sheep that the shepherd celebrates when he finds it ... the weak and defective and damaged and lame and blind and foolish and wounded and unlucky and hurting sheep. It is the one sheep that probable has less actual earthly value, and thus is the one likely to be missed the least economically, but due to its issue has a tender spot in the shepherd's heart.

Application: I can attest to this, that when I wandered away from the Lord I was very, very hurt, and every subsequent hurt drove me further away. If I can understand this so easily, then I must apply it to others whom I see wandering.

My wife and I are struggling with the suicide seven days ago of a person we knew. She was a young woman who was immensely sweet and caring and in every way lovely. She had also told many of her struggles and hurts ... from harmful relationships, to failed career goals, to her father's own suicide, to the mental health challenges she carried inside. We have both wondered, together and individually, if she had ever known Jesus and accepted him into her heart. She was a lost sheep, but had she at one time belonged to the shepherd? And yes, she was clearly now wandering, isolating herself, and was not found in time for an earthly celebration to occur. Yet we hope and pray that she had, at one time, been part of the flock.

There are so many more wandering. Whether I can see it or know about it, do I understand that they are wandering due to their hurt and pain and innocent defects? Can I help Jesus find them in the midst of that weakness and confusion? Do I have empathy to look past such issues and only see the person that the tenderhearted shepherd cherishes and wants to celebrate?

Prayer: Lord, in my pain, you came for me. As I learn to love others more, may I understand the truth about the wandering and lost, and know of their pain and hurt even when I can't see it. If I can aid in the searching for others, here I am. Amen.

Speaking of Crazy Ideas

Scripture: But the prophet who presumes to speak a message in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods—that prophet must die.’ You may say to yourself, ‘How can we recognize a message the Lord has not spoken?’ When a prophet speaks in the Lord’s name, and the message does not come true or is not fulfilled, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him. Deuteronomy 18:20-22

Observation: As Moses differentiates between prophets and divination, he makes this statement about false prophets and false prophesies. Those who pronounced the word of God falsely are to die, and the criteria is this ... that the prophesies are in fact false and do not come true.

Application: I personally know a few dozen Christians who need this information emailed to them immediately.

I am so very weary of this issue ... certain individuals being zealous over some "fact" they know through some "prophet" - a prophet on social media - who declares with great certainty everything we need to know and observe about ... presidential elections, government policies, vaccines, public health, gun control, local violence, war schedules and outcomes, hurricanes, medical outcomes.

They are never right. I don't mean that they are not 100 percent accurate, or that their prophetic results are subject to interpretation. I mean they are NEVER EVER correct in any form or manner. They provide details, outcomes, with dates, and nothing even similar to what they say occurs. And those around me, every time this happens, double-down with even crazier ideas about 'why' these things didn't come to pass, and with the next wild declaration they are choosing to believe and share this week.

How is it that people who believe in the Lord, then embrace false prophets? They don't just embrace them with hope intermixed with a touch of ignorance, but with enthusiastic fervor bordering on radical mania. They don't just pursue the wisdom of the Lord over the wisdom of the world, but rather they reject all wisdom for illogical and contradictory concepts, all because such false statements align to worldly hope they hold in their own hearts.

And this last element is the true issue ... that there are individuals who formulate goals for society within their own hearts, and then seek a 'truth' that supports that social model.

It is enough that the world itself stands opposed to the wisdom of the Lord, and against the hope of his Messiah Jesus Christ. Now we have false prophets misleading so many, and thus directing their time and efforts to meaningless pursuits, pointless topics, and wrong messages.

Prayer: Lord, in my heart and mind right now are several members of my church, and members of my own family. These are people who could do so much for your kingdom. May their hearts be reminded of what true prophets are, and where your true word comes from. Amen.

Source of Human Standards

Scriptures: Be careful that there isn’t this wicked thought in your heart, ‘The seventh year, the year of canceling debts, is near,’ and you are stingy toward your poor brother and give him nothing. He will cry out to the Lord against you, and you will be guilty. Deuteronomy 15:9

Observation: As Moses teaches the precepts for lending - especially the canceling of debts every seven years - he warns of this pitfall, which is that people may choose not to lend money to help others when that seventh year is near, for the debt will certainly have to be canceled before it is paid back. He warns not to do that, and of course the great point is that the Lord blesses the generous person ... of course you won't receive the money back that you lent, but you will receive blessing from the Lord that will exceed that loan.

However, this is a loophole that Moses is calling out. He is warning about the hearts of men, and how they will now change how they behave due to the rules about forgiving debt. Debt forgiveness will not then be a blessing to the recipient of the forgiveness, but a burden on the poor who cannot receive a loan. So is there any acceptable limitation on how much can or should be lent in each year within the seven year cycle? This feels like exactly the kind of loophole question people would ask, and exactly the kind of thing that some "legal expert" ... a Pharisee ... may eventually establish as a man-made component of obedience to the law.

Most of the rules and precepts Moses wrote had some element of vagueness. The how/where/what components were often missing. Wash before eating ... what do you wash? Meet in the place ... where is that, a city or single building or type of building? Do no work ... what is considered work? Give freely ... how much is normal for that? In time, it is human nature to come up with "standards" for all these elements, and then to have people who teach the standards. The danger comes when those standards become themselves the law, ignoring the spirit and purpose of the original teaching.

Application: It is in this manner I can understand the existence of the Pharisees and Jewish experts we find judging Jesus in the gospels. That same activity still takes place today, in all aspects of life. For example, there are accepted standards for hours of work every day, but the truth is those standards are effectively arbitrary ... they exist instead to establish a common understanding of expectations, and thus close a loophole for someone looking to find the absolutely minimum they can do, and since such people can create burden on others, a standard is established.

I wonder how much of Jesus' teaching we have turned into "standards" that we now teach and enforce, losing the heart of the matter in the process? I'm sure there are procedural activities like taking communion that don't look like what Jesus intended, and in some churches there are people who are a stickler for their procedures that are nothing like what Jesus did. I get angry at how some things are done in church, and I know that is wrong.

More and more, it is important that we obey the heart of Jesus, not the human process we have created to achieve that obedience.

Prayer: Lord, I ask today for your forgiveness for when I have cared too much about how, where, and what we are doing in the church, and not enough about your love as the reason why we do it. May I not have strong opinions about process, but simply love others as you have taught. Amen.

Not Because of the Door

Scripture: Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will say, ‘I tell you, I don’t know you or where you’re from. Get away from me, all you evildoers!’ There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth in that place, when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves thrown out. They will come from east and west, from north and south, to share the banquet in the kingdom of God. Note this: Some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last. Luke 13:26-30

Observation: When Jesus speaks of entering the kingdom by "the narrow door" or gate, it is confusing. The question is even asked if this means only a few people can enter. Jesus does not directly answer that. Instead, he says everyone needs to enter by that narrow door, for someday it will be closed up and those outside will not get in, even though they claim they were friends with the Lord in the place where he ate and drank and taught.

There is almost no other interpretation possible about this ... Jesus is the door, by faith in him everyone enters the kingdom, and this is a warning for the Jews. It is the Jews who can claim that the Lord was in their presence. It is the Jews who can say Jesus now - and Yahweh for generations - ate and drank with them, and taught in their streets. It is the Jews who would recognize that the patriarchs and all the prophets taught them and warned them and themselves believe, but the populace rejected it. Furthermore, it is the gentiles who will come from all directions to share in the kingdom. It is the gentiles who are the last to be reached, and will greatly accept Jesus, while the Jews - the first to be reached - will not, and will thus be 'last'.

Application: My son is in Israel right now, and last night my in-laws wondered about why the Jews continue to reject Jesus as the Messiah. I don't know the answer as to 'why'. I do know that Jesus knew it would happen, and he tried to warn anyone who would listen.

Yes, fewer people will enter by the "narrow door" than will not. That is not because of the dimensions of the door. It is because of the decisions of the individuals. Most people look at the door - Jesus as the way - and choose not to enter. And yes, that door locks at some point for everyone, and once locked perhaps they recognize the lost situation but can do nothing about it then.

It isn't just the Jews who reject Jesus, but most people do. This has probably always been true from a purely numbers perspective. But again, that isn't because the door is too narrow to allow anyone who chooses to enter to pass through. The door is narrow, but it's also open.

I am thankful that God specifically opened the door to gentiles like me ... those who would "come from the east and west, from north and south, to share the banquet in the kingdom of God." I have entered through the narrow door, knowing Jesus is the way.

Prayer: Lord, I pray today for Israel and for your chosen people. I am not wise enough to understand your ways, and therefore I do not know how the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants apply today. I do not know how or why your chosen people can know everything about Messiah, and not know Messiah himself. Yet I do know you have always had a plan that involves the function of the Jewish people in the world, as a method of making yourself known. May many, many more of them choose the narrow door. Amen.

Proceed at Your Own Peril

Scripture: When your son asks you in the future, ‘What is the meaning of the decrees, statutes, and ordinances that the Lord our God has commanded you?’ ... The Lord commanded us to follow all these statutes and to fear the Lord our God for our prosperity always and for our preservation, as it is today. Deuteronomy 6:20,24

Observation: As Moses is about to reteach all the ordinances, statutes, and precepts of the law, he also tells Israel why they have the law. It exists for our prosperity and preservation.

He will spend the next couple chapters re-enforcing this idea, which is that within the obedience to God's word lies the love, care, and blessing of God. The Lord will provide good harvests, abundant resources, natural resources, personal health, and peaceful living to those who obey and honor him. However, he will withdraw all these things from anyone who rejects his word, pursues other gods, and defiles God's own nature.

It cannot be stated any clearer than what Moses says. Obey the word of the Lord, and you will live a blessed life .. yes, it will still require work and sacrifice, but it will be better than any possible alternative. However, reject the word of the Lord, and you will proceed at your own peril, subject to every hardship the world can avail, from nature and from mankind.

Application: These words of Moses are specific to Israel in the promised land, to be certain. I mean, I don't have any Girgashites in need of being driven out of my city! However, the nature of God never changes, and thus his guidance for our lives is the same. We are to listen to him, love the Lord with all that we are, and obey his word. In doing these things, he will be with us.

I don't want to proceed in life independent of the Lord. I do wish I did a better job of obedience. The Lord has given me so much in my life, none of which I have earned. While I cannot earn it, I can obey and do a better job of walking with God, aligned to his statutes, commands, and instructions.

Prayer: Lord, I am listening. I carry items on my hand to remind me of your words. May I do better every day at true obedience, so I may live within the shadow of your wings, walking hand in hand with you along your chosen path, every day. Amen.

When I Was a Prodigal

I’ve seen shame,
The kind that comes from mistakes.
I’ve seen regret,
The kind that messes with your head.

Now I see grace!!

When I was a prodigal
You saw a son,
When I left the 99
You saw the one!

The Modern Question NOT Asked

Scripture: He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself.” “You’ve answered correctly,” he told him. “Do this and you will live.” But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:27-29

Observation: As the lead-in to the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus asks an "expert in the law" about the law. The man answers well, citing the two greatest commands, effectively "love God and love others". However, the man then asks Jesus to clarify ... exactly who is "my neighbor".

Yes, Jesus will use a parable to respond, and the answer is effectively 'everyone', including strangers and even those you may have low opinions of. However, it is important to note that, even though the legal expert was looking for a loophole to "justify himself", he did NOT ask the question that would be most prevalent in modern culture ... exactly who is God?

Application: There are massive numbers of people today who, if you told them to 'love God and love others,' they would have no problem at all in loving others. In fact, they would demonstrate how greatly they love others by how they champion the thoughts, opinions, and behaviors of absolutely everyone. They declare their love for others by identifying themselves as advocates and partners of people-groups who may be nothing like themselves. This very idea that Jesus promoted in the good Samaritan parable - to love everyone - is almost the defining characteristic of a good society or culture today.

However, there are massive numbers of people today who, if you told them to 'love God and love others,' they would ask ... who is God? They would be confused by the very idea of a definitive God, or even reject that idea entirely. They might wonder about how a myriad of gods and spiritual concepts has any applicability to their mission and purpose in life. They would almost certainly renounce the statement that caring about a conceptual being that probably doesn't exist - and thus demonstrating that care through obedience to ancient instructions about right behavior - has any place in their model of the proper way to live.

Many people love others, and demonstrate that by opposing the Lord, denying his existence and/or authority, and even describing his guidance for loving others wrong and 'evil'. It is this shift ... 'experts' who now know whom their neighbor is, but don't know whom the Lord God is ... that needs response today.

Prayer: Lord, you know of this change, and how the evil one has twisted the concept of loving others against our society and against you. Yes, I wish to love others better. However, I will always love you first and best. Please help your people to know how to best respond to the experts all around who know nothing of your love. Amen.

Claiming the Promise of Covenant

Scripture: When you get close to the Ammonites, don’t show any hostility to them or provoke them, for I will not give you any of the Ammonites’ land as a possession; I have given it as a possession to the descendants of Lot.’” This too used to be regarded as the land of the Rephaim. The Rephaim lived there previously, though the Ammonites called them Zamzummim, a great and numerous people, tall as the Anakim. The Lord destroyed the Rephaim at the advance of the Ammonites, so that they drove them out and settled in their place. This was just as he had done for the descendants of Esau who lived in Seir, when he destroyed the Horites before them; they drove them out and have lived in their place until now. Deuteronomy 2:19-22

Observation: Moses begins this book reviewing the history of why the Jews have spent 40 years wandering the wilderness. The story is simple ... the Lord gave them the promised land, they were afraid of the people there and thus refused to go, so the Lord punished that generation by forcing them to wander and die without entering the land.

During this time of wandering, they pass through other lands. Three such lands they are expressly told they cannot settle in - the land of the Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites - as these are lands already settled by the descendants of Esau and Lot, relatives of the Jews.

Moses points out one common detail about all three lands, which is that these lands were also originally populated by tall and numerous people, yet the small number of descendants of both Esau and Lot overcame them and took their land years and years ago. This is a very clear message ... even when these people groups, the families of Esau and Lot, were relatively small, they overcame a larger group because the Lord had decided to give them the land. Now Israel, which numbers over a million people, is about to enter Canaan. The prior generation had witnessed the Lord completely destroy Egypt through incredible miracles, yet feared taking on a significant armed enemy. This generation has not seen this, so instead they must understand that the Lord has done this exact thing before, for a small group that did not have his covenant. How much more will he do for Israel!

In fact, it is this covenant that makes all the difference. For Edom and Lot, the Lord was with them because he simply said he would be, for the sake of Abraham and his descendants. However, the Lord has a special promise with Israel. They are his kingdom of priests, to be his messengers to all the world, with a unique set of laws designed to demonstrate the Lord's authority, justice, and love. He is giving them the better inheritance, and will certainly be with them as he has shown himself to be already. Israel may rely on the covenant of the Lord, and they may have faith in entering the land.

Application: I am part of a covenant with the Lord. In this, I may have total faith that the Lord has promised me salvation by my faith in Jesus. In return, I am to ... go where he tells me to go.

More and more, I am wondering if there will soon be another sending of me to something or somewhere new. I am not where I expected to be now, and I truly have no idea if I am to stay here or proceed to something else, but I do know that is not my decision. I will instead listen to the Lord, and go where he sends me, when he sends me. I will live within his promise, receiving the goodness of a life lived for Jesus, and seeking to live that life following his direction and word. I have seen how he has cared for others around me, and know that his word is true.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your promises found in Jesus. May I live for you more and more. Yes, there is uncertainty around me, but I am certain in your blessing and goodness, and in your directions and plan. You may have me stay for a long time, or you may send me elsewhere today. Either way, my comfort and joy is found in your Messianic covenant. Amen.

Speaking of His Departure

Scripture: Suddenly, two men were talking with him—Moses and Elijah. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish in Jerusalem. Luke 8:30-31

Observation: During the transfiguration, when Moses and Elijah appear with the glorified Jesus, the topic of their discussion is described in this way ... "speaking of his departure". This departure would be completed in Jerusalem, and obviously it refers to the events of holy week. However, there are three events that could be considered Jesus' "departure":

-- His death by crucifixion (departure from life)

-- His resurrection (departure from death)

-- His ascension (departure from earth)

These all make sense, however which of these would have best involved consultation with Moses and Elijah? In my personal opinion, it isn't the crucifixion, as this form of departure seems unlikely to warrant council unless it is context of the other two events. While Elijah might be able to discuss ascension based on first-hand experience, I feel this "departure" best fits with resurrection.

It was resurrection that would be unique to Jesus, as Jesus would be dead and then be raised back to physical life, fully restored. It was also during the act of resurrection that Jesus would accomplish his true mission ... proving victory over death through faith and thus the forgiveness of sin, which he himself had been sacrificed to atone for. In addition, it was this same act that would involve the final trial of evil, and the salvation of all those before and after Jesus who had/have faith.

Crucifixion was something many had experienced, and ascension was miraculous but not complex ... resurrection is the "departure" that transforms every aspect of human existence for eternity, and is unique to Jesus.

Application: This event - the transfiguration - is one of those mysteries that is so interesting yet confusing. Three eyewitnesses testify to it, but are seemingly overwhelmed to the point of never being able to fully describe it. This one nugget - what Jesus, Moses, and Elijah discussed - isn't even quoted ... they just vaguely state the topic of discussion.

Is it possible that Peter, James, and John heard the entire plan of salvation, and couldn't ever process or understand it? Or did the Lord simply prevent them from revealing the conversation on earth? Or in their state of mind did they not hear it well enough to be certain?

There are times I wish I understood scripture better, so I could definitively understand things like this passage. Then there are times when I recognize that ... the answer about what was being discussed here simply isn't knowable. Any biblical scholar who says otherwise is either guessing, or had received spiritual information independent of the bible. I can do both of those, but not with authority or true understanding.

Prayer: Lord, we are in fact in "holy week" this week, when we remember your great sacrifice, but mostly we celebrate your resurrection and thus salvation given to us. For all time, you knew your plan for redemption of corrupt people like me. Thank you for your great love. Amen.