Trusting and Understanding Prophesy

Scripture: Listen to this message that I am singing for you, a lament, house of Israel:
She has fallen;
Virgin Israel will never rise again.
She lies abandoned on her land
with no one to raise her up.
Amos 5:1-2

Observation: Amos begins a new section of prophecy this way, declaring with sadness the fact that Israel will be destroyed and sent into exile. This isn't the harsh warnings about destruction, but a lament that it comes to this.

The primary way to test prophecy is to see if it comes true. Certainly, Amos' warning that Israel would fall and go into exile came true. However, what about this line ... that "Israel will never rise again"? Israel exists again today, so did this prophecy fail? Obviously, no. This line is and was about the "northern kingdom" now also calling itself Samaria. It is also about the activities of that nation - the worship of idols at the high places of Bethel and Gilgal - which get called out just one verse later.

Samaria fell and never rose again, and those idols were destroyed and have never existed again. Just as importantly, the people of the northern kingdom did not have the same exile experience as Judah did under Babylon, but rather they were scattered and never returned. It is important to understand all of this when examining prophesy, for the Lord's true word never fails.

Application: Today, I stand with Israel, as I have declared before. I still strongly believe that the Lord is active in that part of the world in a way that is supernatural and powerful. I believe the enemies of Israel are actually enemies of Yahweh, and identified and cursed as such. I believe the Lord works through Israel to reveal himself and his plan for mankind.

And I know that 'Israel' of the first millennia BC was absolutely destroyed and never rose again. The prophesies of the past were true and accurate, giving us faith in both the prophesies of the future, and in the prophesies about Jesus as the Messiah. I trust in the word of the Lord, as I have declared before.

Prayer: Lord, may your word always comfort, inform, instruct, and teach me every day. Please be with Israel and those there today as they continue in danger and hardship, and may your will for the world, and the spiritual war that is occurring all around us, be revealed through Israel. Amen.

Snatched Like a Burning Stick

Scripture:
I overthrew some of you
as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah,
and you were like a burning stick
snatched from a fire,
yet you did not return to me—
This is the Lord’s declaration.
Amos 4:11

Observation: Amos pronounces the word of the Lord, outlining what the Lord has done already to Israel to wake them up and return them to obedience. Beginning with the last line of chapter 3, Amos ends statements with this line - "This is the Lord's declaration."

It is not just the words that are this "declaration" of the Lord, but it is also the acts he performs to make himself known. Some of the acts are future tense, and include the destruction of the idols they worship, and their future exile. Others are past tense and include past droughts, plagues of locus, military losses, diseases, blights of destructive nature, and disease and death. Like a sad father, five times the Lord says, "yet you did not return to me."

This is certainly the point. The Lord is not threatening Israel, and the Lord is not boasting about his power and authority that he has demonstrated. The Lord is lamenting that, despite the fact he has shown correction to Israel - correction exactly as he told them he would through Joshua and therefore they should have clearly understood - and even though in the midst of such corrective punishments he pulled them out and helped them still survive ... they did not return to the Lord.

Application: This is the cycle of it with the Lord ... the Lord shows us what is good and right, we don't do it, he allows the consequences of our actions BUT then saves us and pulls us out and again shows us what is right, and we repeat the cycle. This applies to people-groups, and it applies to individuals, and it applies to me.

I cannot believe how greatly the Lord has helped me, answered my prayers, shown great patience and mercy, while I sit here becoming almost sad for the inability to do what is wrong.

I may not always believe the Lord punishes our nation in the same manner he interacted with Israel, but I know this model described throughout these declarations is true ... bad things of the world happen, and while the Lord allows them he also gives hope and help to those who believe in Jesus, and then we turn around and mourn the bad things, returning to our flawed thoughts and actions. I want to break that cycle in my life. I want to see that the Lord has snatched me from the fire, and as a damaged stick I want to be grafted into the vine.

Prayer: Lord, all praise and glory and honor to you, for you are able and willing to hear the prayers of even flawed and broken people like me and give us hope, strength, and salvation. You take action to help us, and strength for our bodies and souls. Again I say, praise to you, Lord! Thank you for removing me from the fire. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Let God be True, Even Though

Scripture: What then? If some were unfaithful, will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? Absolutely not! Let God be true, even though everyone is a liar. Romans 3:3-4a

Observation: Paul is in the middle of his philosophical discussion about the alignment between the Jewish law and the salvation of the Lord. It is confusing, but includes various ways of discussing Jewish behavior - and especially their failure to obey the Law - juxtaposed to the faithfulness of the Lord. The fact Jews struggle to obey the Law does not nullify it as good, nor weaken the Lord himself.

That is the key point of this specific section ... people are not Jews by outward appearances, but rather by their efforts to comply with the Law, and yet when they fail in those efforts that doesn't mean the Lord fails, nor does it mean the Law is bad. It simply means individuals are flawed and sinful and should now be judged by a righteous God. (This philosophical point will come full circle ... the Jews have the Law so shouldn't sin ... yet people sin and should be judged ... yet Jesus gives salvation by faith alone without judgement for actions ... yet that isn't a free ticket to sin ... so people shouldn't sin.)

Paul's statement about the Lord in all of this is powerful ... the Lord is true, even though everyone else is a liar. The Lord is holy and righteous, even when everyone who believes in the Lord - everyone who declares they are children of God and obedient to him as the Lord of the universe - utterly fails to actually obey him, and instead commits every sin he taught us not to do. Our sin does not tarnish the Lord. And his decision to offer us grace instead of the punish we deserve only glorifies him all the more.

Application: Almost every day my wife and I discuss our church because it is her job. As a pastor, she cares for her coworkers and serves the congregants, so she sees everyone either just as they are at work, or even at their low points when they are struggling in life. The hardest part of the job is knowing that everyone - us included - utterly fails to obey the Lord. We declare we know the one glorious and all-powerful Lord God almighty, creator of heaven and earth ... and then disobey his clear instructions several times a day. No wonder we fail to influence and communicate the gospel to those outside of faith, who don't believe in the Lord. When it comes to what is "right", why would anyone EVER listen to ... me?

Today, I cling to Paul's words, "Let God be true, even though everyone is a liar". Yes, Let God be true, even when I lie. Let God be virtuous, even when I lust. Let God by kind, even when I ignore the poor. Let God be peace, even when I am angry. Let God be merciful, even when I judge others' actions.

I fail at everything. May that never tarnish the Lord, and may somehow those in need of the Lord see his love and goodness despite the hypocrisy of myself and other Christians.

Prayer: Lord, you are the great father of us all. You have told us what you wish we would do, and I fail to obey over and over. Please forgive me of my failings. I thank you for your strength and goodness to assist me in my endeavor to be improved. Amen.

Sitting Around Brooding and Angry

Scripture: As the sun was rising, God appointed a scorching east wind. The sun beat down on Jonah’s head so much that he almost fainted, and he wanted to die. He said, “It’s better for me to die than to live.” Then God asked Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” “Yes, it’s right!” he replied. “I’m angry enough to die!” Jonah 4:8-9

Observation: Jonah has preached against Ninevah, and they have responded with repentance. The Lord thus relents from destroying them, and will soon even use them to punish Israel for its sin. Jonah, waiting to see what happens, not only doesn't witness the destruction of the enemy, but suffers under a hot sun because the plant that gave him shade has died.

In other words, Jonah (reluctantly) obeys the Lord, as a result over 120,000 repent to the Lord, and Jonah ...

-- Hopes the people will die instead

-- Voluntarily sits in the sun for no reason but his wish for death on 120,000 people

-- Proclaims it would be best for him to die he is so hot and angry

-- Declares he is 'angry enough to die' over the life and death of a meaningless plant

Jonah's misery is 100 percent self-inflicted. There was no reason for him to even remain at Ninevah once he had proclaimed God's word. He could be at home, comfortably eating breakfast. Instead, he decides to sit on a hill brooding. He leans into his hate for a people-group, wishing and hoping for the chance to witness the death of thousands. He does so in intense heat to the point of physical exhaustion. He becomes so angry that when a basic plant dies ... I mean, plants die when it's hot ... he argues with God and wishes for his own death.

Application: How many times do Christians - myself included - just sit around angry about some group of people that are in open defiance to the Lord, and wonder why the Lord hasn't just erased them from the face of the earth yet? And how often does this act ... our brooding, our anger ... negatively affect us, not that group of people? The answers are, of course, 'too often' and 'every time'.

Sitting around angry at the people who are disobeying the Lord affects us just like it did Jonah. Our lives become drained of energy. We don't enjoy the blessings in our lives that the Lord has given us. We become so angry about little, meaningless things that we lose rational thinking. Worst of all, we argue with God himself over the situation, pridefully assuming our righteous anger and logic is best, and the Lord's mercy and timing and plan are flawed.

Prayer: Lord, it is true that we all often ask for your action against people of this era. I totally and completely love your love and mercy, but every once in a while I desire to see some rebellious group or cause crushed by your righteous judgment in an obvious move of your authority. I pray that I not become Jonah, brooding in discomfort and anger, when instead I can just live within your love and blessing, because in either circumstance your plan is best. Thy will be done. Amen.

Doing God's Will in My Bubble

Scripture: Then they said to him, "We haven’t received any letters about you from Judea. None of the brothers has come and reported or spoken anything evil about you." Acts 28:21

Observation: A few days after arriving in Rome, Paul presents himself to Jewish leaders just as he always did during his travels. He explains why he has arrived in Rome as a prisoner, even through there are not criminal charges against him, and this is their response ... they've never heard of him or the issues surrounding him. No one in Judea or Jerusalem - where Paul was accused and tried multiple times - told anyone in Rome about him.

But here's the deal ... Paul's journey to Rome took a LONG time. Months. They 'wintered' in a port along the way! Jerusalem was the Jewish center of life, Judea was the region where the Jews lived, but Rome was the capital of the empire where all important people needed to go or at least communicate with others to conduct key business and trade. By boat, it is 1,800 miles from Jerusalem to Rome, which means it should take about two weeks to sail. Basic communications from Jerusalem to Rome should be measured in weeks, not months, and Rome would have had methods to ensure that given the need to remain in communications with local governors and military units.

There is only one reason why the Jews in Rome had not heard of Paul, and that is ... the Jews in Jerusalem knew they had lost control of the narrative. They knew Paul was going to Rome, and instead of alerting local leaders about the terrible threat to the Jewish fate who was about to arrive on their doorstep, they just went quiet The Jews back home couldn't control what would happen in Rome, so they exited any and all participation in the process.

In Jerusalem, they tried to be in charge and impose a verdict and punishment. Now they could do nothing, so instead of remaining strong in their convictions and seeking to do the will of God as they claimed was their mission, they stopped acting and went on to other business.

Application: I have been thinking lately - obviously - about local issues and challenges. There is a real question to be asked in the context of the lack of action by the Jews in Jerusalem. What does it say about our faith if we try to do the Lord's will when it is easy, but stop when it becomes difficult or dangerous?

Now, of course the Jews in Jerusalem were wrong about Paul and Jesus. However, they thought they were right and that they were doing God's will. But then when doing that will moves outside of their well-known and controlled ecosystem and likely draw unwanted attention, they stopped.

We need to do what is right, and to properly discern the Lord's will. However, we don't get to 'do' his will only when it's easy, safe, and comfortable.

I probably need to get more uncomfortable with doing the Lord's will, and quit trying to just obey the Lord within the context of my own bubble.

Prayer: Lord, today I want to turn the corner and quit living in my bubble, with my pride saying I can do as I please. Please, Lord, give me more of your strength today. Amen.

Care More than Hezekiah

Scripture: "'Look, the days are coming when everything in your palace and all that your predecessors have stored up until today will be carried off to Babylon; nothing will be left,' says the Lord. ‘Some of your descendants—who come from you, whom you father—will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.'" Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, "The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good," for he thought, "Why not, if there will be peace and security during my lifetime?" 2 Kings 20:17-19

Observation: Isaiah tells Hezekiah the prophesy about the fall of Judah ... Babylon will come and destroy all of Judah and Jerusalem, they will take all the riches, burn everything down, and they will deport everyone, and even Hezekiah's own royal descendants will be castrated and made slaves to the king of Babylon.

And Hezekiah declares this as "good" because ... hey, at least it won't happen to him.

Application: Every day, I am forced to watch as the region I once loved - and I truly loved Seattle and this region ("Once a place touches you like this, the wind never blows so cold again") - is utterly and completely morally destroyed. Almost every position of authority - from city and county officials, to school district superintendents, to major business executives - is held by a person who is openly and actively driving agendas designed to destroy what is right and good and moral. Every day I see or hear about something that makes the situation just a little bit worse. And it's all celebrated! I don't know if I should cry, yell, or just ... leave.

But I also know that many Christians ... don't care. While this has been happening over the last 50 years, all they really cared about was whether or not their own church would survive. As our society swung in favor of issues and policies they should abhor, they shook their heads while just turning inward, keeping their programs alive, and hoping their stone building and the aging community of friends inside it would hold together for their lifetime. Younger Christians today have just left, moved to places where they aren't criticized or even ostracized for their faith.

They'd call the future of Seattle "good" because ... hey, it isn't happening to them.

I want to storm into local churches and just yell at them 'get up off you a**** and get in the fight!!' And that isn't fair because some are. But some aren't. Of course, many just don't exist anymore. And then there are those who have decided to set aside scriptural truth and instead agree with the new social norms and morals, and they are for the Lord to address not me.

I know how flawed I am. I know I don't do enough. But I also know I've been ostracized, criticized, disciplined, and fired due to my faith. Small prices to pay compared to some (I mean, I'm not getting enslaved and castrated). We all need to care a lot more about how the social decline of today will destroy people 25 years from now. We need to care a LOT more than Hezekiah.

Prayer: Lord, I know as an absolute fact that you could flip everything going on in this part of the world on its head, in a heartbeat, and bring revival and deliverance for millions here. I also know you could just let everyone self-determine their destruction. All I really see right now is, we are losing this fight. If that is your will, then thy will be done. Amen.

More Proof of the Bible

Scripture: "'I am about to put a spirit in him, and he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword.'" When the royal spokesman heard that the king of Assyria had pulled out of Lachish, he left and found him fighting against Libnah. 2 Kings 19:7-8

Observation: Placing context around this, Assyria has just destroyed and exiled Israel, and is now invading Judah. The bible says that the king of Assyria - Sennacherib - even declares he is doing this because the Lord has sent him to destroy all other nations, and lists the nations he has defeated. He comes against Jerusalem, but instead of winning, Isaiah prophesizes that Sennacherib will hear false rumors about other fighting and will withdraw from Israel.

In this video from the archeologist who wrote the book "Where God Came Down", he reviews the archeological site of ancient Ninevah, capital of Assyria, where they have found rooms commemorating their empire. Bible Evidence Unearthed at Nineveh! The key details they have found written in Ninevah include:

-- The name Sennacherib

-- Details of him defeating every nation he boasted of

-- A statement he destroyed the Judean city of Lachish

-- A drawing of him sieging and attacking Lachish

-- Information that he died soon after returning from Judah

-- A statement that Lachish was the biggest Judean city he destroyed (thus admitting he never destroyed Jerusalem)

In other words, the bible provides detailed information about an ancient, non-Jewish king, and what he did and didn't do during war within the region, and every word - including names and places - is proved true by words and drawings in a non-Jewish historical site.

Application: I am becoming troubled more and more by people who will read self-help advice, and also declare the bible is fictional. At worst ... the very, very worst any logical person could say about the bible ... is that it is an ancient historical book which may therefore have some inaccuracies and translation challenges. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't have inaccuracies, I'm just saying that's the worst way someone could logically describe and accept the bible.

Instead, I know the bible is the inspired word of the Lord, good for teaching, advising, and correcting us. If we have problems in our life, or if we want to learn more about the purpose of life, or if we want advice on our future, all we need do is read the bible.

Prayer: Lord, again today, please direct my path and give me strength. Amen.

Everything I Need You've Got

Scripture:
But he would feed Israel with the best wheat.
“I would satisfy you with honey from the rock.”
Psalm 81:16

Observation: The psalmist is lamenting the fall of Israel, going back and forth about how the Lord promises to provide for the faithful, but those that turn away lose out on those blessings. For those that believe, they will receive all they need, and even from unexpected sources like rocks.

Application: I am always fascinated by where and how certain songs get their lyrics. I'm familiar with the worship song "Honey in the Rock" but thought that was such a strange line, then suddenly ... it's a psalm! So I really listened to the song for the first time and ... every line is just about how the Lord provides plenty to us, in all circumstances, all the time, everywhere. And WOW I SO need this!

Yes, I'm now unemployed and looking for a job, but that isn't even the provision I need. I need a reset of my brain, as too much free time has led to lazy activities like phone games that generate dopamine to the point I can feel my mind changing. I need my back healed (again) as this recent minor setback has escalated to where I'm becoming immobile on some days. I need to hear the plan for my job, not because the Lord hasn't provided, but because unknowns create stress no matter how much faith we have. I need to somehow wake up in a place someday where every ... single ... little ... issue ... isn't a zero-sum fight to the death. Then I listen to this song and realize that in fact ...

There's honey in the rock, water in the stone, manna on the ground no matter where I go. There's purpose in your plan, power in the blood, healing in your hands. And I don't need to worry now that I know ...

Prayer: Dear Lord, Abba, I feel like I can only say two words to you today. Sorry. Please. You know my heart, so please prune the bad, grow the good, and give me direction so I may in fact follow your plan. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

A Brief Reminder on Pride

Scripture:
Pride comes before destruction,
and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
...
There is a way that seems right to a person,
but its end is the way to death.
Proverbs 16:18,25

Observation: The Lord is very clear in these words. Prideful people do what they want and what feel is right in their lives, but without the Lord's direction, it isn't. Such actions lead to a fall, and to death.

Application: I am struggling right now to find the Lord's direction and instructions. I am also struggling with doing my own things. So the Lord reminds me today that this is my old nemesis - pride - returning.

Prayer: Lord, please give me more strength, and far, far less pride. Amen.

Upon Being Uniquely Qualified

Scripture: The commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes,” he said. The commander replied, “I bought this citizenship for a large amount of money.” “But I was born a citizen,” Paul said. Acts 22:27-28

Observation: As the Romans bind Paul and are about to torture him for information about the unrest he seems to be causing, this is the exchange between him and the commander of the garrison in Jerusalem. Now ... for a little research ...

At one time, there were classes of Roman citizenship based on how it was acquired. By the mid 1st century, these had been somewhat simplified and had mostly to do with the location of one's birth and its status as a province of the empire at that time, though the rights of individuals still changed based on a hierarchy of citizenship status. Paul, being from Tarsus (a town in modern day Turkey), was born there when it was already part of the Roman empire, and likely had 'Latini' status, giving him some basic legal protections and the right to travel freely throughout the empire, but he could not vote or hold office. By stating he had to buy his citizenship, the commander is LIKELY indicating that he is aligned to the 'Socii' class of citizenship, meaning he was born in a non-Roman area, later annexed by Rome, and that then he acquired citizenship. This makes some sense since the most common means of acquisition was military service, so it's possible this man joined the Roman Legion to gain citizenship (which would, indeed, be a high personal price, and could be called a 'sum of money' if he had to surrender personal property to join the legion).

In fact, given that Judea falls under this classification of territories, it is POSSIBLE this commander is Jewish, and his questioning of Paul includes that context of effectively saying, "we're both Jewish, but you're not in the military so how did you get your legal status?" And yes, in terms of citizenship, this means Paul outranks the commander.

Perhaps the most interesting part of this research is that, while Paul's citizenship status is not very "high" and has limits, the one explicit and special right he has that lesser citizens don't have is ... total freedom of travel. This made Paul interestingly qualified to be Jesus' apostle to the gentiles. Paul was a full Jew and a Pharisee, yet could freely travel the entire Mediterranean simply by showing status as he went, without any need for special permission, and without any interference from government authorities. This combination of heritage, education, and legal status was absolutely rare, and maybe even unique.

And ... that's exactly how the Lord calls people into service. He grants them some level of uniqueness, which might seem meaningless or might not be known even to the individual, then calls them into a role or activity for which that uniqueness somehow prepared them.

Application: This revelation today makes me both excited and depressed. I am excited by the idea that, still in my life, the Lord may have prepared me for some future service and calling, and it's okay that I don't know what that is because I might not be even aware of the preparation. I am depressed because ... I so doubt that to be true, as I believe more and more every day that I am unworthy of being trusted with a call from the Lord.

I am no longer a coordinator of services and outreach activities. I am no longer easily able to move equipment to set up physical spaces for service. I now don't even have an income where I can just write a check and pay for entire programs with an anonymous gift.

Maybe there is some combination of abilities I don't understand, but for which the Lord will someday see the wisdom to call an old man with just those things. I can hope.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your mercy in my life. You answer my prayers, forgive my sins, and show both mercy and love toward me, and I am so very, very grateful. May my heart begin a journey to be worthy of your call to service, in some way, more and more every day. Amen.

Daily Peace by Simple Kindness

Scripture: When they entered Samaria, Elisha said, “Lord, open these men’s eyes and let them see.” So the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw that they were in the middle of Samaria. When the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “Should I kill them, should I kill them, my father?” Elisha replied, “Don’t kill them. Do you kill those you have captured with your sword or your bow? Set food and water in front of them so they can eat and drink and go to their master.” 2 Kings 6:20-22

Observation: In this amazing story, an entire Aramean army is sent to try to capture just one person, Elisha. The Lord shows up with the full army of heaven, and when the Aramean army attempts to attack the city they are blinded - or maybe confused - and Elisha convinces them they are in the wrong place. He leads them to the heart of Samaria, where the king of Israel captures them. However, Elisha declares they should not be killed or even held, but instead they are given a grand feast and sent away. As a result, Aram will never raid Israel again.

This is a clear and basic example of how to defuse an enemy with love. The mindset of the king of Aram is that Elisha is powerful (though in truth he is doing nothing at all against Aram) so he must destroy him. The mindset of the king of Israel is that Aram is a neighbor who raids his land and therefore he must kill this army when given the chance. The mindset of Elisha is that ... the Lord is with him, the entire situation can be deescalated and defused, and then through kindness all the conflicts will be ended by choice.

Application: I know very well that ... I have enemies. However, I have also been keenly aware that, over the last six years, I have not added to that number. In fact, those I have collaborated and worked and interacted with during this time generally like me, and certainly don't have any ill feelings. This seems tied to one thing ... I no longer fight anyone. Even those who disagree with me, oppose my actions and decisions, impose pointless work upon me, or even take credit for things I have done, even if I get angry or frustrated or disheartened I simply won't fight.

Does that make me passive? Does that inhibit progress when they are wrong and no one corrects them? Does that create extra effort for others? Maybe. But I have now learned from the Lord that it also makes my life so much easier. Sure, perhaps I end up with some work to do that didn't really need to get done, and maybe my name doesn't end up on a congratulatory email, and maybe someone else gets a nice bonus check. But I'm happier, and actually those people are happier to, and no one is 'out to get me'. All I really have to do to have more peace in my life is show simple kindness.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the lesson of loving others. I'm still a long, long way from saying I truly love everyone and all people. However, I don't hate people anymore, and I have found much more peace in may daily activities. Again I say, thank you, Lord. Amen.

The Wonder of an Old Tent

Scripture:
God heard and became furious;
he completely rejected Israel.
He abandoned the tabernacle at Shiloh,
the tent where he resided among mankind.
Psalm 78:59-60

Observation: The psalmist talks about the time of the judges, and about how Israel turned away from the Lord. In this specific stanza, the Lord has become angry at how they have abandoned his teachings, and so he abandons the tabernacle. Later, he will return to them, raise up David, and reside in his temple in Jerusalem. However, during the time that he is not residing with Israel, they are turned over to their enemies, and need to be regularly rescued by judges that the Lord anoints for a period of time.

The idea of the tabernacle at Shiloh is somewhat glossed over, but is truly amazing when considered. After it stood in the wilderness for 40 years, the tabernacle resides in Shiloh for over 250 years, then continues to exist - though it needs to be moved around - for another 150 years or so. In total, the tent lasts for approximately 480 years, and for most of that it stands as a structure being actively used for worship and sacrifice.

At the same time, the fixed location of the tabernacle is Shiloh, which isn't much more than a unique hill, surrounded amphitheater-style by even higher hills. It isn't a city, but a gathering place where Israel can come and participate in the festivals, bring their sacrifices, then all leave again. It was a place of immense importance, but never of immense size (or really of any size).

Application: This feels like how the Lord is pleased to interact with humans. He is so great, so amazing, so grand, and so powerful. However, he meets us ... anywhere, but often in the humble places. He meets us alone in our rooms, or at small prayer gatherings, or while we wander in the woods far from others. He speaks to the individual hearts of weak individuals, and not to a grand assembly of leaders.

We see that even for the Jews, he was content with just a tent on a small hill as long as the people came to him with honor, obedience, love, and joy. When they went after other gods, he simply abandoned that hill.

I am a nobody of a man, who too often goes after other 'gods'. I want the Lord to meet me in my simple home and guide me, but I make my own decisions, pursue earthly fun, and take actions even after the Lord tells me not to. When the Lord does give me direction, I am quick to ignore it for it seems like maybe it wasn't really the Lord because it wasn't some booming message or grand event.

Shiloh is the example that says the Lord would come and meet with us anywhere, and do so in quiet intimacy, as long as we humble ourselves and simply come to him with honor, obedience, love, and joy. At any given time, I tend to only have one of these four, obedience being my rarest attitude. That needs to change.

Prayer: Lord, again today I say, please forgive my sins. You give me direction, and I disobey, and truly I say I do not know why. However, please may I have the strength to do your will and to obey your instructions. When you show up in the humble place and your spirit gives instructions, by no means should I ever disregard that. Please continue to reach me. Amen.

Rejecting the Written Truth

Scripture: Ahaziah had fallen through the latticed window of his upstairs room in Samaria and was injured. So he sent messengers, instructing them, “Go inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I will recover from this injury.” 2 Kings 1:2

Observation: Ahab has finally died, and now Ahaziah is injured and wants to know if he will live. He sends the messenger to inquire of Baal-zebub, but instead Yahweh responds when Elijah intercepts the messenger and says that no, Ahaziah will die.

Baal-zebub means "lord of the flies". The outline of the modern novel by that same name is as follows:

-- Boys are stranded on an island.

-- Their only task is to keep a fire burning to signal rescue.

-- One other boy rebels, extinguishes the fire, and their camp divides into two.

-- The second camp begins worshiping a "beast" that doesn't actually exist.

-- Violence ensues when the second camp decides to kill the others.

-- As they totally destroy the island by fire, a man arrives to save them.

Obviously, the modern novel borrowed heavily from Israel and the divided kingdom. This is what has happened ... the northern kingdom divided away the Lord's priestly nation, rejected the burnt offerings done in the temple in favor of idols, worship completely false and non-existent gods, and respond to correction and wisdom from prophets with violence. Soon, their nation will be burned down and destroyed, and they'll have to wait for the one man - Jesus - to eventually come save everyone.

This is a book almost universally taught in schools still. It seems everyone has read it, and it has been made into movies multiple times. Literary critics and analysts describe it as a commentary on the animalistic tendencies of base human character, the lust for power, and a warning of how societal differences devolve into violence. Yet I have never, ever once heard it described as a modern fictional account of the divided kingdom of Israel, which is almost too obviously what it is.

Application: I was thinking of this the other day when I looked up information about biblical places and read the Wikipedia articles about them. The tone on information sites has changed. It used to be "this is in the bible, this is what the bible says, and this is other information from other historical or scientific sources." Then it was "this is in the bible, this is what the bible says, this is other information that other historical or scientific sources say, and we are actively editorializing about if and how these sources don't exactly align." Now the general tone is "this is factual information; there is also information in the bible but that's fictional so doesn't matter, and we are editorializing to tell that when the bible matches the facts it is only because the author of bible fiction borrowed from the facts." This isn't always quite this obvious, but it's there. Even for somethings as "factual" as mountains ... named in the bible, surrounded by events, that online sources then describe as "this is the mountain, its name comes from a story in the bible, but even though the bible says certain things occurred here there's no evidence of it so clearly that's a lie."

This is the reality we face ... the world rejects the written truth about - and from - the true Lord. The world rejects the bible. Even when the world studies biblical topics, it ignores and rejects the information, and therefore misses the lessons and the wisdom of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, I know only one true and reliable source of truth in this world, and it is your word. I cling to you as my only source of absolute truth. May I be strong enough in the spirit today to be in your word, relying on your direction, instruction, and correction. Please, send your Holy Spirit to help me, for I am too weak on my own. Amen.

The Original 'Hail Mary'

Scripture: Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said, "People of Athens! I see that you are extremely religious in every respect. For as I was passing through and observing the objects of your worship, I even found an altar on which was inscribed, ‘To an Unknown God.’ Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you." Acts 17:22-23

Observation: Paul begins his speech at Mars Hill this way. It is well-known that he called out this 'unknown god' alter and used it to then tell them about Yahweh and Jesus, effectively saying that they already do worship Yahweh but just don't know him. However, there is another interpretation, which is that the people of Athens - while being "religious" - are so desperate for help from any 'god' that they will even pray to empty and nameless nothingness in the hope that something might happen. It's a very literal "a hope and a prayer" action, or the original "Hail Mary".

It is this that Paul is then addressing with the Athenians ... hope. They have hope, in fact they have so much hope that it overflows into undirected vagueness. However, this means that they have hope for something, but they don't know to whom they should take their hopes and turn them into trusted help. Therefore, what the Athenians do in ignorance, Paul can now proclaim to them in a concrete manner so their hope can be realized through faith in Jesus.

Application: This remains the great truth of Jesus ... those who are lost and hurting, who wander through life in sadness and despair, who yearn for meaning and understanding about life ... they have undirected hope, but Jesus now gives them the Messiah to give their hopes to, and who will return to them trusted help and answers and comfort and direction and joy.

Paul was able to take a concept of nothingness and use it to speak to philosophers about faith, hope, and love. Still today, people are in their own minds as their own philosophers, and they still wonder about the nature of faith, hope, and love. May we find elements of the world that are already all around them and have the wisdom to introduce Jesus to them by those simple things.

Prayer: Lord, you are our wisdom, and you are our hope. May I and all of us have opportunities to tell others of the hope found in Jesus, and may your wisdom alone guide our words. Amen.

Setting the Stage for the Pit

Scripture: When these troops heard that Zimri had not only conspired but had also struck down the king, then all Israel made Omri, the army commander, king over Israel that very day in the camp. Omri along with all Israel marched up from Gibbethon and besieged Tirzah. 1 Kings 16:16-17

Observation: The kingship of Omri is ominous and immediately different from the other kings of Israel. It begins with this rapid military coup ... Zimri kills Elah and every single male of the king's entire household, but is king only seven days before Omri arrives. Then the people of Israel actually support Tibni as the next king, but during a four-year fight Omri wins.

Omri is declared to be just as bad as the preceding kings, however the Lord doesn't curse him because Omri is just the precursor, setting the stage for the real terror. First, Omri purchases land and builds a new capital - Samaria - which will become the name of the entire land, eventually becoming the name of the quasi-Jewish people group that occupy the place a millennia later. However, more than that, Omri will be the father of Ahab, the king that deep-dives into baal worship and requiring Elijah to be raised up to confront him.

To summarize ... Omri takes the throne by military coup and civil war, rebrands the entire nation into a model that will become synonymous with questionable faith and worship practices, and raises one of the most evil men in history to succeed him.

We have now seen several kings of the northern kingdom who are declared to be taking Israel into sin and thus a prophet is sent to curse them ... they will have their entire line cut off and killed, and their sons will not hold the throne. Omri does exactly as they have done - even worse (v16:25) - and does NOT get this curse because his son WILL become king. The Lord has seen where Israel is going, and instead of continuing the same warnings and action to reverse them, he will now allow them to go 'all the way' into the pit of sin. It will be a pit from which the northern kingdom never returns.

Application: Obviously, what happens to Israel is not because the Lord "gives up" on them or decides he doesn't love them. Instead, he just decides to allow them - as his beloved humans - to exercise their free will, just as he always does. There will be many who remain loyal to the Lord throughout this. In the next chapters Elijah, Obadiah, and the 100 hidden prophets are all given as examples, and certainly there are thousands more. However, Israel as a nation is going down.

I hate to belabor this and dwell on this, for it is not probably healthy for my heart and mind, but I am just waiting for the obvious signs that this is what the Lord is doing with the Pacific Northwest. I feel it, but I'm not complete sure ... that he has just had enough and is giving us over to our collective free will, to go down to the pit, never to return. And there are thousands of us here holding onto the Lord for sure. We aren't yet hiding, but our loud-and-proud moments are drowned out and attacked both individually and collectively. We don't even have a prophet telling the local 'kings' how messed up they are, pointing out that the plagues of this area (rampant homelessness, emergency-level drug use, deteriorating infrastructure) are curses upon the land.

So no, our modern-day Ahab isn't yet here, but maybe ... maybe ... the stage is being set right now.

Prayer: Lord, clearly this is on my mind and my heart these last few days. I do continue to pray for our town, our city, and our region. May we find a way back from the sinful direction we are headed, and may revival break out miraculously across this entire area. However, if that is not to be, and if you are now preparing this place for the real downfall, please care for your faithful here. May the ravens aid us. May we find safety. And may we be strong enough to declare your word even in the face of danger. Amen.

Awaiting Future Public Oppression

Scripture: The jailer reported these words to Paul: "The magistrates have sent orders for you to be released. So come out now and go in peace." But Paul said to them, "They beat us in public without a trial, although we are Roman citizens, and threw us in jail. And now are they going to send us away secretly? Certainly not! On the contrary, let them come themselves and escort us out." Acts 16:36-37

Observation: Paul and Silas have just successfully evangelized to "Europeans" for the very first time in history, and while staying there to raise up the church they cast a 'spirit' out of a slave girl, whose owners have them publicly beaten. The officials know they have done wrong and attempt to convince Paul and Silas to simply leave, but they refuse to go in secret since they were punished publicly. The officials will, in fact, yield, fearful because Paul and Silas are Roman citizens with rights, and do in fact publicly release them.

The question must be, why did the city officials violate Roman rights and beat/imprison Paul and Silas without trial? And the answer must be ... because the issue in question was about commerce and money. The public charge against them was that their teachings were opposed to Roman "customs", but this accusation wasn't made in a government or court setting, but in the marketplace. It was, in fact, to the marketplace where the accusers "dragged" them (v19), and Philippi actually had a very impressive forum-style market given its size. Furthermore, the 'real' issue is money related, as casting out the spirit from the slave girl has impacted the revenue stream for her owners.

This perspective is reenforced by the nature of Philippi itself. It is a city exceptionally rich for its size due to local mining. It is considered the most important city in the region or Macedonia, though it is not the capital, and it included a large theater for both shows and games ... leisure activities. In general, it is assumed that people here lived far better than in most places in the Roman empire. Therefore, acts that disrupt commercial operations likely are viewed as a higher 'crime' than acts like speaking about worship practices or just violating Roman "customs".

Of course Paul and Silas are brave in their public acts. However, they were also brave in setting an example, and in this case the example was that their preaching was not illegal, and therefore the people of Philippi needed to see they were released and forgiven for it, instead of just being punished. This was necessary to give the new church security.

Application: As I write this, I see parallels between Philippi and Seattle. Both are cities where residents have far more wealth than is average. Both are the major economic centers of their regions. Both are not the capitals. And both have values that ignore the larger laws of their countries and instead place greater importance on a local cultural system of behavior and life. And yes, that is the only way to characterize Seattle. This is a place that has 'legalized' so many problematic issues, refuses to enforce property crime laws, funds infrastructure to assist in the use of illegal drugs, and promotes violent protests against the central rulers of the land.

When the time comes ... when Christians are publicly oppressed and our basic actions are unjustly punished by government leaders, then those leaders ask us to simply go away ... will we have the courage to demand public acknowledgment of the evil that caused the oppression? Or will we just leave?

Prayer: Lord, despite the fact I am not as active as I should be in the church, we are still here. We are angry that others don't come to help, but we haven't left. You know better than I, of course, that the oppression has begun, and it will become worse, and it will eventually become violent, and it will eventually become endorsed by the local government. May we have the strength of Paul and Silas to continue to sing in the midst of it. Amen.

Death is Not a Punishment

Scripture: As for you, get up and go to your house. When your feet enter the city, the boy will die. All Israel will mourn for him and bury him. He alone out of Jeroboam’s house will be given a proper burial because out of the house of Jeroboam something favorable to the Lord God of Israel was found in him. 1 Kings 14:12-13

Observation: Jeroboam - the first king of the northern kingdom - has committed all the sins against the Lord, installing idols and new self-serving festivals. The Lord declares he will destroy his entire family, including his sickly son. However, this is part of the prophesy about how Jeroboam's family will be destroyed ... this son will not die of violence or retribution from the Lord like the rest of the family, but instead he will die now as a result of his illness, and receive both a proper burial and honored, nationwide mourning, because he alone if the family has been found favorable to the Lord.

This is the manner in which the "good" son (in the eyes of the Lord) will be treated ... he will die immediately yet painlessly. It isn't that he will be the one who inherits the kingship. It isn't even that he will be allowed to live. No, the punishment against Jeroboam must be total and complete, so instead this young boy will die mercifully. Again, this is his reward for having "something favorable" about himself in the eyes of the Lord ... an easy and young death, without facing violence, war, rebellion, or betrayal.

Application: This is what I expect to happen in our day ... the Lord will see something favorable in many Christians, and as a result we will die easier deaths and not face the terrible times ahead. I'm not sure if this aligns to concepts like the 'rapture' and the 'tribulation' in my mind, or if there are simply times ahead when the earth continued to devolve into evil and somehow Christians will be removed from the scene before this happens.

In this, I am reminded that death is not a punishment. When prepared through faith in Jesus, death is the ending of life on earth and the beginning of life with the Lord. Furthermore, being on the side of the Lord does not give someone the ability to escape the outcome decried by the Lord against a people-group, but may change the pain and suffering associated with that outcome on earth.

Prayer: Lord, you know that my wife and I discussed the upcoming Independence Day holiday, and how it feels different this year for a variety of reasons. I am unsure what you plan to do about our nation, and about the radical path of many to abandon your teaching, but whatever it is, please have mercy upon your Church. If we cannot be spared from your actions, may we come to you with less hardship and pain. Amen.

Judging One's Self Unworthy

Scripture: Paul and Barnabas boldly replied, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first. Since you reject it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we are turning to the Gentiles." Acts 13:46

Observation: Paul and Barnabas continue to tell the good news in Antioch. At first many Jews receive the truth about Jesus as Messiah, but then Jewish leaders become jealous of their popularity and argue against them. It is to this action that Paul and Barnabas reply, and the nature of their reply is telling.

There is a judgment against the resistant Jews, however it is not Paul and Barnabas doing the judging. It is not Yahweh or Jesus doing the judging. It is not even a debate about the truth that is revealing judgment against them. Instead, the Jews are judging themselves, and declaring themselves unworthy of salvation.

Truly this is the issue Paul and Barnabas are addressing ... they are speaking the truth, straight out of scripture, identifying alignment between Jesus and the promised Messiah, and thus the fulfillment of salvation and thus eternal life through faith in the promise, and the Jews are declaring this false. This goes beyond a lack of faith, but rather they are contradicting and therefore rejecting God's Messianic covenant promise. And if a person rejects the validity of that entire covenant, they are well and truly declaring themselves unworthy of receiving the resulting promise.

Application: In this way, the challenge in our lost world - and especially in our lost corner of the U.S. - is not an issue of 'faith in Jesus as Messiah'. Rather, it is the broad rejection of the entire covenant promise of the Lord. However, beyond that, I am a little 'haunted' by this characterization of the condition by Paul and Barnabas ...

Such people judge themselves unworthy.

This is so alarmingly accurate. Over and over, we see people who have fully rejected the Lord and embraced crazy, radical ideals that run opposed to biblical teaching, and over and over we know they have a root-cause issue involving personal pain and suffering, which has left them in a state where they are seeking value and esteem in all the wrong places. They are judging themselves unworthy - and yes, probably because they have been hurt by the world - and turn to the wrong things to find their self-worth and "identity". Just like the Jewish leaders, they decide they want some form of 'attention' from people, instead of the promised love of the Lord.

They declare that, by pursuing this attention, they are fighting against all the forces that have made them feel unworthy. However, the truth is, they are embracing that unworthiness and then seeking value in lesser, worldly places. They do not turn to the loving creator of the universe, to the point that they reject all truth about him, and in their self-judged unworthiness they opt out of his promises. That is a tragedy.

Prayer: Lord, you are the loving father of everyone. Somehow, Lord, may we find a way to serve you by revealing to others that they are worthy of the very best love in the universe, and not just some form of earthly attention. Amen.

What's in the Act of Naming

Scripture: He set up the pillars at the portico of the sanctuary: he set up the right pillar and named it Jachin; then he set up the left pillar and named it Boaz. 1 Kings 7:21

Observation: After constructing the rest of the temple, Solomon commissions two great pillars ... between the pillars and their capital on top they are both 34.5 feet tall, and made of solid bronze. And then he names them. One is named "he will establish" and the other "in him is strength".

The Jews have a way of naming places after historical characteristics of either some land feature or of an event that occurred there, but they do not typically name things. Throughout the time constructing objects to honor the Lord, they call things by their function and design, but do not give them formal names. The ark, the tabernacle, the wash basin, the alter, the ephod, the temple, the giant cherub, the lampstands, the table of incense, and the table of the bread of presence ... none of these are named. Even the Lord himself has an unspoken name, and names they call him are typically adjectives of his character. This makes the naming of these bonze pillars interesting not only in their meaning, but also in the logic of why it was done.

And in fact, there is ONE object representative of the Lord that has a name. It is the bronze snake made by Moses - Nehushtan - that is lifted up on a staff during a plague of snakes in the wilderness, so that anyone who looked upon the snake would not die from poison. What we know about this event is that it is foreshadowing of Messiah. The Jews are sinning, which brings with it earthly pain and death. However, the embodiment of Messiah is lifted up on a wooden pole, and anyone who looks upon and trusts in that Messiah is redeemed from sin and saved from death.

As for Solomon's pillars, "he will establish" is future tense, and "in him is strength" implies a dependency for salvation. Is it possible that Solomon named the pillars because, while the entire temple was built as the resting the place for the Lord, the pillars represent the Lord's redemptive covenant, which is to be fulfilled by Jesus?

Application: It is possible that my ol' English Lit analytics have kicked in, and I'm connecting dots that don't exist. However, I have also learned that everything in the Old Testament has a connection to the New Testament, so it makes sense to wonder about the random naming of these two objects - and nothing else - during the temple construction.

The Lord has in fact established his kingdom through Jesus. The Lord has in fact placed the strength of salvation in Jesus. It is by that strength, while striving to live in his kingdom, that we can have salvation from sin and death by simple faith in Jesus and adoption into the Messianic promise.

Prayer: Abba, my wonderful daddy, you are great and your name is great. There is no name above you, and no name worthy of you, which is why we simply honor you without the need for named symbols. May your kingdom truly come to the earth and all around us, this day and every day, and may I find ways to live into your kingdom values and teachings today. As you have declared in heaven, may we find ways to do and accomplish and serve your will on earth. Please give me what I need this day, and especially forgive the sins I commit. I have been baptized in the name of Jesus, but I walk in a fallen world as a weak man, so I need my feet washed every day. May your ways be near to me, and thus may evil remain far away from my home and my family. You are my master and my God, Jesus is my Lord and my savior, and the Holy Spirit is my ally and strength. Amen.

Absolutely, Positively, Without a Doubt

Arrows flying, devil’s trying
To make me think I’m going down this time.
You might think that I’d be afraid,
Running scared with a shaken faith,
But the God I know says it ain’t over.
The God I know is gonna make a way.

God's over my life, so I will have ... No Fear!!!

Returning to Reliance in the Garden

Scripture: "So give your servant a receptive heart to judge your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of yours?" Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had requested this. 1 Kings 3:9-10

Observation: Once Solomon has carried out the instructions his father David gave him in order to secure the kingship, the Lord appears to Solomon in a dream and offers him whatever he wants. Solomon famously asked for 'wisdom' ... actually (and I think I've covered this before) he never says 'wisdom', but asks for discernment. To be even more accurate, Solomon asks for a "receptive heart" that will enable him to "discern between good and evil" so he can govern and judge well. This pleases the Lord and he proceeds to give Solomon riches, power, peace, and success in all he does, especially in building the temple.

However, this request and the Lord's response must be juxtaposed against Adam and Eve's original sin in Genesis 3. They eat from the tree of 'the knowledge of good and evil', and their sin is that they chose to seek that knowledge and thus to be able to judge between good and evil. The difference here is reliance upon the Lord.

Adam and Eve sought the ability to judge between good and evil based on their own minds ... to decide for themselves instead of relying upon the Lord's guidance. Solomon is actually seeking the EXACT opposite. He declares he is unable to judge for himself and lacks experience, so he asks for a "receptive heart" ... for the character and ability to not make decisions for himself, but rather to listen to the Lord ... and that the Lord would then speak to him in matters of discernment between good and evil. In other words, Solomon's request is to return to the ways of the garden and rely on the Lord in matters of good and evil instead of relying upon his own understanding.

Application: "Original sin" is called to my mind over and over. I have that sin in my heart. Every day I consider what I should do, thinking only with my own mind and applying my experience to act as I decide, instead of relying upon the Lord alone for guidance and wisdom and discernment. However, the worst part of our society - of the 'human condition' if you will - is that this is now our collective nature. We judge between good and evil without reliance upon the Lord, and we are moving away from that reliance more and more every day.

How could we collectively return to the garden? It would be great if we at least began moving that direction, if more people would turn to the Lord and to scriptures for truth and wisdom. It would be wonderful if our collective discernment involved reliance upon the Lord's perfect will.

That is a huge component of the Lord's kingdom, which won't fully come until Jesus returns. However, I can personally and consciously return to the garden and rely more and more upon the Lord in all matters, every day.

Prayer: Lord, again today I pray this, may I seek your will and wisdom on all matters. As Solomon asked, please, oh Lord, give me a receptive heart to discern between good and evil, based on your will alone, guided by the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Deceit in the Who, Where, When, and How

Scripture: Adonijah sacrificed sheep, goats, cattle, and fattened cattle near the stone of Zoheleth, which is next to En-rogel. He invited all his royal brothers and all the men of Judah, the servants of the king, but he did not invite the prophet Nathan, Benaiah, the royal guard, or his brother Solomon. 1 Kings 1:9-10

Observation: Adonijah is conducting a coup to claim kingship of Israel. While by birth he has a valid claim, it is known that Solomon is the heir named by David. The logistics of what he does to conduct this coup is quite telling.

First, Adonijah includes many of the visible leaders of Israel, including Joab the military commander, and Abiathar who was David's personal priest. However, he excludes the leaders who are closest to God, Nathan the prophet, Zadok the high priest, and Benaiah who is one of David's "mighty men" and whose father's name (Jehoiada) means "Yahweh knows". In this manner, he includes those who have earthly influence, but excludes those who would look to the Lord for their proper direction.

Second, Adonijah unifies his support at a feast "near the stone of Zoheleth, which is next to En-rogel." This location is interesting for what it is and is not. It is not inside Jerusalem, and it is not central and obvious to others ... in fact, it must be concealed as it was used as a hiding place by David's spies during Absolom's rebellion. It is in a place with some significance as the well, being the designated boundary marker between Judah and Benjamin, but the fact there is a 'named' stone in the Kidron Valley also illudes to the idea that it may be a place of Canaanite worship. In other words, at best this is a place hidden to the population of Jerusalem.

Third, Adonijah conducts this act while David is still alive, but is so weakened that he is bedridden. If he had attempted this while David was still strong, he knows David would publicly oppose and likely kill him. If he waits until David is dead, then the people will question David's true intent. By doing this now, it perfectly implies David's consent, excludes the possibility of David's public objection, and thus will be viewed as David's will by the rest of Israel. Adonijah has chosen his timing well.

Fourth, Adonijah solidifies his coup through sacrifices and a resulting feast. The feast of course implies that he is bestowing rich favor on his supporters. However, by doing this via a sacrificial process implies Yahweh's blessing ... and the Lord has rules, all of which Adonijah is ignoring. This sacrifice is not being done on the Lord's alter, by a priest, following neither the sacrificial procedures nor the prescribed purposes for offerings.

To pursue his agenda to become king, Adonijah has exercised worldly logic. He has included influential people, gathered them at a place of significance, planned the timing to perfectly align with circumstances, and unified all in a grand ceremony. However, in all of this, he excluded the Lord, even violating the Lord's laws and precepts and instructions, and it is the Lord who decides and defines the kingship of Israel.

Application: Those who wish to control, manipulate, and deceive will use worldly structures to make worldly plans, then execute on those plans using worldly authority. This defines the politics of our day, where all who participate in such debates are driven by worldly logic, and almost never rely on any sort of authority derived from the Lord. Even "moral" arguments involve worldly logic that is built upon itself, and not on the truth in God's word.

Of the groups shouting about all the issues of the world, I don't see any of them doing so by publicly praying to the Lord, discerning his will, and seeking his timing. There are pockets of people doing this, which generally involve only the most faithful churches (and synagogues).

All I see when I look around is people acting like Adonijah ... making plans in private, holding big 'shows' as if that connotes rightness, conducting these on just the right dates, and including people who are 'important' only by a worldly definition of the word. Where are the people who want to improve the world by going to the Lord, asking him what he would like to see happen, and then doing that?

Again, they are those pockets faithful to the Lord, being persecuted in places like Tehran, Tel Aviv, Bejing, Riyadh, Pyongyang ... and Seattle.

Prayer: Lord, I know I do not do enough in your name, but neither do I ever want to act in a manner that leverages worldly models. Please give us all your strength to both seek and do only your will for the advancement of your kingdom in the world. Amen.

Anyone and Everyone Fails

Scripture: In addition, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those after him, have also foretold these days. You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your ancestors, saying to Abraham, "And all the families of the earth will be blessed through your offspring". God raised up his servant and sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your evil ways. Acts 3:24-26

Observation: Peter makes his next great speech to the Jews in Jerusalem, this time after he and John heal a cripple at the temple gate. He again tells them who Jesus really is - the promised Messiah - and reiterates that the Messiah was promised by prophets for centuries to fulfill the Abrahamic covenant ... the Jews are first, Yahweh's own nation of priests, 'blessed to be a blessing'.

Application: Today, my mind is occupied with yet another sinful fall of a major and very prominent Christian leader. Clearly all men sin, but to see another succumb to such a terrible act and now be engaged in a public fall from grace is difficult. My heart breaks.

And here is Peter, 2,000 years ago, reminding the Jews that they have always been chosen and blessed, given the greatest mission in all world history along with the most wonderful promise to go along with it, and they too miss the mark. Jesus was sent to bless them and turn them from evil, but they actually tortured and killed God's son. Peter tells them the truth, then offers them repentance and redemption in the name of Jesus.

Christians are adopted heirs of the covenant. We are now blessed to be a blessing, and satan knows it. Those that are greatly blessed are greatly attacked, and we are weak humans. My wife and I say over and over that we just hope there won't be another major public fall of a prominent Christian leader ... but there will always be another major fall, because human's fail. The Lord never fails us, but we fail, sometimes for a moment, sometimes for a season, sometimes in a specific area of our lives.

The Jews knew they were Abraham's descendants and thus heirs to the covenant - they declared that over and over - yet they would commit all the sins. All of us Christians profess our belief in Jesus Christ and declare him as our Lord and savior, and we commit all the sins.

Prayer: Lord, I have no hope of being good and blameless before you. Amazingly, you know this, and love me anyway. Please forgive me for my daily sins, and give me strength to walk on your path, holding your hand, more and more every day. In the same way, please be with other Christians, helping us all to find the better way to live every moment of every day. I especially pray over Church leaders, whose stumbles are not just harmful to them but impediments to your mission on earth. Where there are victims, may your peace and love cover them. Where there is shame, may your peace and love recover them. Amen.

I am Part of the You

Scripture: Though he was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge, you used lawless people to nail him to a cross and kill him. Acts 2:23

Observation: As Peter preaches under the power of the Holy Spirit, he describes the trial of Jesus this way ... that the Jews "used lawless people" to crucify him. This echos back to one of the core issues of Jesus' trial, which is what charges the Jews were even trying to pin on Jesus.

Their motivation was jealousy and fear for a loss of personal authority, but the one scriptural law they were leaning on was breaking the Sabbath. However, when they got to Pilot and he effectively said he didn't care about enforcing Jewish law, their charge became rebellion against Ceasar. This was a charge for which Pilot found Jesus innocent. Therefore, the Jewish leaders simply manipulated the circumstances, getting Jesus crucified as a substitute for Barabas, and nothing more.

In this way, Peter's words ring true and not even the high priest and the members of the Sanhedrin who took those actions would be able to publicly contest them ... the Jews "used" the Romans, and not only are the Romans "lawless" by the Jewish definition of the law, the crucifixion itself occurred without any law - Jewish or Roman - being violated by Jesus.

Application: I have often read this section of Acts and wondered exactly who Peter is addressing with this specific sentence. Is the High Priest there to hear him? Are members of the Sanhedrin there so that when he says "you" did this he is speaking to them directly? Or are just thousands and thousands of people there, and even though this is seven weeks removed from Passover they are willing to be lumped in en masse with the actions of that day?

Here is what I think the answer is. I think ... it doesn't matter, because the Holy Spirit is actively reminding and revealing to everyone the truth about the Messiah. The Messiah was to be an honest man, descended from David, killed without fault, yet somehow reigning as king of the world forever. Peter's words are opening their eyes to the fact that, indeed, this has happened, Jesus is Messiah, now living eternally and worthy of their faith. The "you" is just everyone who didn't already believe this truth, and now needs to repent, be baptized, and receive forgiveness by faith.

And this means very clearly that ... I am part of the 'you'. By my one-time rejection of Jesus as Messiah and my savior, I was part of the lawlessness that nailed him to a cross and killed him.

Fortunately, this also means that the promise of Jesus' redemption was for me, one of those "far off" (v39). I was in need of discovering Jesus as Messiah, declaring my faith in that fact, repenting of my sin, being baptized, and living then in faith and hope and joy. I am now part of a much better 'you' ... the redeemed 3,000 from that day.

Prayer: Jesus, you are my Lord. Please forgive me for my sins that I commit every day, and give me strength to better seek and serve you daily. I am no longer lawless, but desire to live under your law, which is your wisdom, your guidance, your precepts, and your ways. In your great name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Trust in the Rock, not Stone

Scripture: When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of David, but he heard about it and went down to the stronghold. So the Philistines came and spread out in Rephaim Valley. 2 Samuel 5:17-18

Observation: From a military tactics perspective, this is an interesting move by the Philistines. David has just captured Jerusalem, the most well-defended city in the region, and one that had repelled all other attackers for centuries. Right away, the Philistines take action and David prepares for an assault on Jerusalem, but the Philistines "spread out" in a valley that is a major trade route to Jerusalem. It would seem they had the idea that, now that David was secured in a stronghold, they didn't want to just attack him, and they didn't want to directly siege him. Instead, they cut off one of his major trade routes and almost dared him to leave his uber-secure city and come fight them.

David does - twice - and defeats them easily. Both times, David prays to the Lord for instructions and advice. The first time, the Lord tells him to attack, and David breaks the Philistines with such force he compares it to flooding waters breaking through a barrier. The second time, the Lord tells David to flank the Philistines and to coordinate his attack with the Lord's own actions, and again that works easily.

Here's the deal ... Jerusalem and its legendary defenses was NOT David's stronghold. David's stronghold was the Lord, and he knew that when the Lord went with him into any situation, he was well-protected. Sure, Jerusalem was a great capital because it was eminently defendable, but walls and towers on hilltops are earthly defenses designed to protect against human attacks. David's trust was not in stone, but in the Rock, the Lord.

Application: Over and over, David models what it means to be "a man after God's own heart". He has all these earthly blessings ... just listed in this section he has a kingdom, many children, loyal friends, and strength enough to defeat cities ... but all he cares about is figuring out how the Lord wants him to act next. He doesn't make life decisions based on the earthly things, but on the will of the Lord.

I SO want this to be the model of the next steps in my life. I have blessings all around me, but I don't want to take action where the primary motivation is to preserve the blessings. I want to do whatever the Lord wishes of me. I am truly very thankful that, even today, the blessings he has given us can be a joy to others around us. This reminds me that, indeed, my basket contains a full measure, pressed down, and overflowing. I can't fill it with more anyway. I wish to do whatever the Lord wants me to do, to advance his purposes.

Prayer: Lord, I do ask this today, what would you have me do to attack this challenge before me? Where should I go, and how should I do it? You have a plan and outcome in mind for certain, and I want to arrive at that outcome having been faithful to your plan. I trust in you alone. You are my stronghold. Amen.

I Truly Prefer Spiritual Power

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

Observation: The disciples have been with Jesus, observed his works, and personally witnessed his resurrection from death. And what do they now ask him? They ask him ... if he is going to NOW fully restore Israel. Somehow, they still think that the primary mission of the Messiah is about the sovereign authority and capability of the Jewish people.

And once again, Jesus gives quite the interesting answer ... they don't get to know specific timings of future events, but they WILL receive "power". However, that power won't be about national governance or military liberation, it will be about heavenly authority to carry out the ministry of Jesus.

This answer is consistent with a key fact, which is that "power" is actually a spiritual force that comes from Yahweh. It always has been. This was true for Moses, who liberated and then defended a million people but in truth it was the Lord who brought down the plagues and split open the sea. This was true for judges like Gilead who defeated enemies without even a true army. This was true for Solomon who ruled over a time of peace without ever fighting simply because his father loved the Lord so much.

So the disciples ask Jesus if he will be giving the Jews earthly power, and he responds ... he is actually going to give believers spiritual power.

Application: Multiple times again recently, I have been thinking about the 'battles' we have all around us, and the fact that they are really all spiritual. It doesn't matter if it involves middle eastern war and terrorism, or local protest conflicts, or trolls on social media, all of these look like fights that are occurring around us and affecting our lives in the material world, but the truth is they are spiritual conflicts that would be best resolved by love, faith, hope, and yielding to the Holy Spirit.

Yes, there are two sides to every 'fight' and in almost every case one side isn't going to yield to the Holy Spirit because they don't believe the Lord, or Jesus, or the Holy Spirit, even exists. That doesn't much matter. When we lean in on our true source of power, we win because the world cannot defeat it. And again, it might sometimes look like the ways of the world - the evil that exists is this material existence - sometimes wins individual fights, but the Lord is and will win the war.

Prayer: Lord, may I have and rely more and more on spiritual power. I desire more of your Holy Spirit, so please help me make my body and my heart and my soul and my mind a vessel worthy of such power. I see the spiritual challenge, and I both see and hope for your kingdom here on earth. Amen.

Ready and Waiting for Us

Scripture: When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus told them. John 21:9-10

Observation: When Jesus appears to the disciples on the shore of Galilee, they rush to him as fast as they can. Jesus is there waiting. However, he isn't just standing there waiting to greet them. He has a fire that he has already burned for a while and then let it settle into hot coals, perfect for roasting fish. He already has some fish cooking as a starter, and also has bread already baked and ready to go with the fish. In other words, Jesus has made preparations in anticipation of the disciples coming to him.

Application: There is a lot going on metaphorically during this scene, but this is another example ... Jesus is ready and waiting for us to come to him, and has made preparations for our arrival. This is true for non-believers who learn the gospel and become faithful. This is true for all of us who have placed our faith in Jesus, and come to him daily for wisdom and hope and encouragement and love. And ultimately, this is true when we die and arrive in heaven to find the place the Lord has prepared for us in advance.

When we come to Jesus, he doesn't just say 'here I am' and listen to us. He already has what we need - what we will ask for - prepared for us. He didn't make the preparations suddenly, and we don't find him in the midst of making the preparations so that he'll be ready for us soon, but rather he knew we would come and already took time to be ready, and is in fact fully prepared to meet our need.

Every time I go to Jesus, he already has what I need, and is ready and waiting for me to just show up and be with him.

Prayer: Lord, what a wonderful thought, that you are just right here, waiting for me to come to you, and you already have what I need. Today, I need your love and direction as I take actions that may move my life into the direction you already have planned. I am delighted to know that the outcome is already prepared for my arrival. Amen.