Location Location Location

Scripture: When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’ Luke 13:25-27

Observation: Where you come from is meaningless.

In the parable of the narrow door, the Lord is saying that he does not know those who are outside - who did not enter his house when they had the opportunity. Their plea - their response to the fact that God does not know them - is that he MUST know them because he visited them. But he repeats that he doesn't know them; he doesn't know where they are from.

This is because this exchange is all about whom is making the effort in the relationship. God came to visit them, but they did not come to his house. Their knowledge of God is therefore that he made the effort to meet them, therefore he must accept them.

Where you are "coming from" means everything!

We enter heaven through the 'narrow door' when WE make the effort - when we go to see God. It isn't enough for us to acknowledge that God visited us, we must engage, make the effort to meet him, to enter his house. At the minimum, that effort requires active faith ... not just a "I believe God exists" faith, but a "I believe Jesus died for my sins and the Lord is sufficient to care for me and he loves me" faith. More appropriately, father involves responding to God's love through active engagement, worshipping him and trusting in him, praying to him and learning about him, and obeying his commands.

Application: I have never understood the narrow door ... I have sometimes feared that I'll "miss" the open door or that there is a timing issue and I might now be late. But now I understand ... the door doesn't close at a time in earthly history, it is open for every person because God has visited everyone and invited them, and they need to respond. I have responded to God - I have returned his love through my faith, love, trust, worship, and communication with him.

I am not perfect. If I am reclined at his table, my table manners need some serious work. But I have entered the house.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the invitation! Your love is so amazing, and the fact you came to visit me and invite me is still the greatest blessing of my life. May I always return your love to the best of my ability, which will never be good enough, but I hope will continue to improve to become the best I am capable of. Amen.

Our Judgment

Scripture: Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?” Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments. And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” Zechariah 3:1-4

Observation: Joshua is being redeemed through judgment, standing before the angel of the Lord with Satan as his accuser. However, the Lord forgives Joshua, takes away all his sin, and washes his clothes white.

While this is a VERY confusing passage, it appears there are actually FOUR participants in this.

-- Satan, who is accusing Joshua.
-- The Lord, who rebukes Satan and accepts Joshua.
-- Joshua, who does nothing.
-- The "angel of the Lord", who stands before Joshua - between Joshua and the Lord? - and is the one who washes Joshua clean and removes his iniquities/sins.

If this is true, this is certainly the model of how our judgment before God will appear some day ... with Jesus as our intercessor, between us an God, removing our iniquities and thus creating the situation where the Lord will ignore and rebuke Satan's accusations about us.

Application: If this is true, I am comforted by one element of this: the role and actions of Joshua. Joshua does not make his own defense ... likely because he has none, as we all fall short of upholding God's law and thus are deserving of punishment. However, with the "angel of the Lord" there, purifying Joshua, no other actions are needed.

I am comforted by this because there is no way I will ever be worthy to stand before God on my own. I cannot be good enough, and I would never be able to justify anything about myself before the perfect love of God. However, with the "angel of the Lord" - Jesus Christ - on my side, I will be forgiven, washed clean, forgiven, redeemed, and accepted.

Prayer: Lord, please do forgive me of my sins - all actions I do every day that cause me to fail to uphold your teaching, to harm others, and to disobey. To you is ALL glory, which is most manifested by this - you love us all so much that you provide Jesus as the perfect offering to intercede for us and allow us to receive your redemption. Jesus is the way!! I know this, I profess it, and I embrace it. Again, please forgive me when I lose sight of this moment by moment, and please give me the strength to cling to your promise in those moments more often. Amen, and amen.

God Engages Everyone

Scripture: "Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah." Ezra 1:2

Observation: The exile is over after 70 years. This has been effectively one generation for the Jews. They will be a changed people, however it is amazing how much the OTHER nations of the region have actually been changed. What has happened during those 70 years?

-- Judah has been punished and exiled as prophesized due to the disobedience.

-- The surrounding enemies have been punished and destroyed as prophesized due to their gloating over the downfall of Judah.

-- Babylon has been defeated and taken over by the Persians as prophesized due to their pride in assuming it was their strength and not God's will that defeated Judah.

... but this is the amazing part ...

-- The Persian king has become a believe in Yahweh, acknowledging him as the supreme God of the world, and that it is Yahweh that has in fact granted he himself power, and thus he has heard God command him - as prophesized - to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.

In one generation, God didn't just correct the Jews ... he completely overhauled everything about every people group in the entire middle east.

Application: As a history book, the Bible is written by the Israelites and therefore focuses on them and their unique relationship with God. However, throughout that narrative, God is ALWAYS engaged with all the other nations/people too! He is always changing, correcting, guiding, and punishing the Egyptians, Ammonites, Hittites, Cushites, Persians, Philistines, etc. He may often bring his message "through" the Israelites, but we repeatedly see his hand - in blessing and punishment - in the glimpses of other people.

Today, Christians are the Israelites, which means God is actively at work in the lives of ... Atheists, Hindis, Muslims, Agnostics, Buddhists, etc. That work is an attempt to guide them into a right relationship with himself, through faith in Jesus Christ and alignment of their lives with his purposes. Their conversions can be just as unlikely - and just as possible - as King Cyrus.

So how am I doing as an "Israelite"? Am I being different - truly exhibiting a different life and behavior compared to others around me? Am I vocal in my profession of faith during my daily activities? Does my behavior reflect God's expectations even when those around me don't care? Do I pass God's blessings in my life on to others?

I am currently in exile, and I need to understand that my calling is no less than to convert kings ... for God's message and love to come "through" me to others.

Prayer: Lord, please do give me courage and strength to be different. After reading about the examples of Ezekiel and Daniel, we see the results of their simple faithful lives. Keep me living the life you want me to live, through all circumstances and situations among all people I encounter every day, so that I may bring your kingdom to this place and reflect your love into their lives. Amen.

Expect Nothing in Return

Scripture: But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:35-36

Observation: In all of this lesson about giving to others, doing good, turning the other cheek, etc., Jesus points to one example: God the Father. God himself is kind and loving to the ungrateful and evil. God has been merciful to us - showing mercy to us as we love Jesus - as the example of true mercy we should show to everyone.

God loves - even blesses - those who do evil, and he loves and is merciful toward us. Therefore, we must love, bless, and show mercy to others.

Application: I am keeping this short today, as this message is a DIRECT and IMMEDIATE response - once again! - to a conversation my wife and I had last night. I LOVE it when God does that as only he can!!!! So I need to take some time today to act ... not write, not consider, but take action.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your love to everyone. Yes, I thank you for loving me so much that you would honor me by inviting me into doing your work! But even more, I thank you for loving others ... the faithful, the lost, the broken, the serving, the hurting, the poor, and happy ... you love everyone and continually keep your plan and purposes in motion for the good of all. Thank you, Abba. Amen.

Rejection is Punished

Scripture: And you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this, but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. Daniel 5:22-23a

Observation: Daniel is about to interpret the handwriting on the wall for Belshazzar, but before he does, he takes off on QUITE the lecture of the king. It includes a summary of the fact the Nebuchadnezzar had been driven mad by God until he accepted God as the true Lord of the earth, and that Belshazzar knew the lesson ... but was now ignoring and even mocking God.

Throughout the book of Daniel, the king of Babylon clearly has supreme authority to put anyone to death for any kind of disrespect. Yet here is Daniel lecturing the king openly, with no mention of anger from Belshazzar at all. Why is this the case? I'd say for two reasons:

1) Daniel is right that Belshazzar did, in fact, know of the Lord.
2) Belshazzar was therefore afraid.

And God immediately struck him dead that very night.

Application: There is a dynamic with God that is repeated in the Bible. Those who don't know God, or have never heard of Jesus, are offered opportunities to learn the truth. However, those who know of God, and have rejected God and Jesus despite having all the information they need, are actively punished by God. Plain and simple, there is a different standard: If you don't know God, he'll try to reach you; If you reject God, there will be punishment.

This is critical for society today. Almost everyone I know knows about God. Many were raised in the church, and certainly all have received some level of exposure to God and Jesus during their lives. Now the majority of them reject Jesus, reject anything about faith, and reject even the concept of a creator.

As a result, we may be living in the most 'cursed' time in human history. That makes our message to the "de-churched" among so desperately important.

Prayer: Lord, I know what is in the head of people who have known but then rejected you. I don't know what to say to them, but I am here among them ... send me. Amen.

A Faithful Role-Reversal

Scripture: And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
    for he has visited and redeemed his people
and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
    in the house of his servant David.

Luke 1:67-69

 

Observation: Zechariah doubted the message of God delivered by Gabriel, and became a mute for ~10 months. When John was born and Zechariah proved himself faithful in naming his son as commanded, his punishment was removed. However, beyond that, he was then blessed with the Holy Spirit and delivers the message of God ... he pronounces (albeit restated) the message he received from Gabriel, that the Messiah is about to come, and his son John will be the one who prepares the way for he Lord.

 

By showing faith, Zechariah immediately goes from doubter to deliverer of the word of God.

 

Application: There are times when I want to deliver the word of God, and for some reason I don't. I need to honestly evaluate my heart and ask myself this question: Do I fail because I doubt?

 

If I doubt God, then it becomes problematic for God to fill me with the Holy Spirit in order to do his work, whether it be actions toward others, service in the church, or speaking of his word. Doubt is rooted in a lack of faith, which becomes fear, and eventually grows into a lack of obedience and potential sin. Doubt is a lens I can use to evaluate my faith, then, and see where I stand.

 

Zechariah had prayed for a child, but when he was told he would have one he doubted. God responded by telling Zechariah the good news of the coming of the Messiah, but sealing his voice so he couldn't deliver the message. When Zechariah cast aside his doubt and fear, God allowed him to speak, and Zechariah boldly delivered God's message.

 

Do I have a word from God given to me right now, but I cannot deliver it because I doubt God in some way? I should evaluate this, and if so cast aside the fear and doubt so I can become his voice to those around me.

 

Prayer: Lord, please show me if and where I may be doubting you right now ... guide me toward any area where I may be hesitating out of fear, and help to me renew my faith. I wish to always say 'yes' to you - to be your servant and do your will - so please forgive me if there is an area in my life where my doubt is inhibiting your Spirit from using me. Cleans me of that so I may do all you ask of me. Amen.

 

 

Invitation Without Correction

Scripture: And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” ... The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. Revelation 22:10-11,17

Observation: The Holy Spirit works with the bride of Christ - the Church - to deliver one message: "Come to Jesus." It is the invitation of the Gospel. The Church is charged with that invitation, and anyone who has heard and believed that invitation must also give the invitation ... and anyone who even hopes the invitation is true can also give the invitation ... all are invited to drink the free, living water of Jesus Christ.

However, there will be those who hear and believe, and those who do not. Those who believe are to be holy and righteous. However, those who do not will do evil and be filthy, and we are to allow them ... to let them do as they wish.

Application: The Church has one mission ... to spread the Gospel message - to invite others to salvation through faith in Jesus the Messiah. The Church is NOT here to "fix" the world. We are not here to protest against sin, prevent others' actions, or legislate against evil.

This is how the Church has lost ground with non-believers in the U.S., AND why it is gaining ground in a place like China. In China, the message is simple - people are being told about Jesus, and are believing and being saved. In the U.S., many churches are not talking about Jesus - they are protesting Planned Parenthood, wailing about (or condoning) gay marriage, and actively protesting other (often 'good') causes ranging from racism to poverty to drug use to violence.

I need to be a leader in my local church that drives us to a singular purpose - taking the Gospel of Jesus to a lost and hurting world. And while we must actively discuss behavior standards within our community of faith, I must work with others to ensure our church does not engage in some "cause-based" external mission.

It isn't about whether or not such action is wrong ... it's that it's non-Biblical. The Bible says we baptize THEN teach - we reach THEN preach - we comfort THEN correct. The Holy Spirit is with the Church when we deliver the good news.

Prayer: Dear Lord, may your will be done on earth, every day. Please help me have a calm and patient heart, and may my message be always and only about the love of Jesus. Amen.

I Found My Life

Today's readings - Ezekiel and Revelation - both prophesy about the future destruction of "Armageddon" ... which might be good because we know God wins, but otherwise is sort of a depressing read. Instead, I have had this AWESOME song stuck in my head for 3-4 days now, and I love it more every time I hear it. It reminds me of how I felt when I finally "figured it out." So let's dwell there - swept up in God's love, on the wings of forever, touching the sky, in the promise of Jesus' free gift - today ...

All to God's Glory

Scripture: Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came. And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them. And the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Lord God, when through you I vindicate my holiness before their eyes. I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God. And I will deliver you from all your uncleannesses. And I will summon the grain and make it abundant and lay no famine upon you. I will make the fruit of the tree and the increase of the field abundant, that you may never again suffer the disgrace of famine among the nations. Then you will remember your evil ways, and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and your abominations. It is not for your sake that I will act, declares the Lord God; let that be known to you. Be ashamed and confounded for your ways, O house of Israel. Ezekiel 36:22-32

Observation: God acts for our benefit out of his love for us, but it's ends is for God's glory. When he restored Israel - gathering them together, cleansing them with water, forgiving their sins providing a new heart, and providing his Spirit to dwell within them - it was for his own glory.

Application: I like to often think about how God loves me ... how many times in this blog have I thanked God for his love, forgiveness, and promises that provide me with a promise of eternal salvation?! However, Christians need to remember that there is a mission - a purpose - and that purpose is NOT to bless us. God's purpose is to be glorified, and he loves us in order that we may bring glory to him.

How do we bring glory to God? We do the work commanded of us! We exemplify a changed life. We love others. We pray for miracles that manifest in the lives of others. We use our spiritual gifts. We serve others in humility. We show mercy and kindness to all. We give credit to God for every good thing. We function in a manner that is unique in the world. We worship. We simply believe.

This again speaks to the "eternal gospel" of Revelation. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, but the eternal truth is that God is the loving creator who we get to honor and glorify forever. His forgiveness of us, and love of us, and gifts to us, and blessing upon us, is NOT for us ... it is all for his glory, and designed to make him known to the lost and hurting world.

Prayer: Lord, all Christian, including myself, can enjoy focusing on the fact that you love us and saved us. However, that creates a situation where I am focusing on myself and how loved I am. Help me to stay focused on you - to ensure I remember daily that your love of me is the means by which you are glorified. Your blessing exist not for me, but as evidence I can show others of your great love, mercy, and glory, so that they may believe in you as well and seek eternal life in the name of Jesus Christ. Glory and honor to you alone, oh God! Amen.

Draw the Line

Scripture: But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs. Daniel 1:8-9

Observation: Daniel, a member of the royal household, has been taken into exile in Babylon, (implicitly) turned into a eunuch, and forced to serve in the king's court. However, he refuses to eat the food of the king's court - rich meat and choice wine - because it has been used in ceremonial offering to other gods. In other words, Daniel knew where to draw the line when it came to honorable living in the sight of God:

-- Live in a foreign land, no problem
-- Be physically denied a future family, okay
-- Perform a distasteful job, will-do
-- Break God's commands ... no way!

Application: This is an issue I have been mentally preparing myself for for some time now. I work for a government that was one of the first to license gay marriage. The surrounding area is not just unchurched, it is anti-Christian. I am prepared for the time when I have to make a choice, and I had better know where the line is drawn.

-- I can live in a place that is anti-Christian ... in fact, Christians are called to be a light in dark places.

-- I can moderate certain behavior in order to not alienate others ... in fact, Christians are called to speak gently to others in order to keep dialogue open.

-- I can work in a job where others actively perform tasks that I do not approve of ... in fact, Christians are called to bring justice and mercy to lost and hurting people.

-- However, I cannot do tasks that violate the commandments, I will never disavow God or Jesus, I will never engage in celebrating sin.

So I cling to Verse 9 of today's passage, and not just Verse 8 ... God gave Daniel favor and compassion, which included a way out of the situation without punishment.

Prayer: Lord, I know there will come a time when I will be presented with this line, and I will pray to you for strength and guidance, and you will absolutely provide me that strength through your amazing love. I also know you will give me a path through the situation. It may not be the one obvious to me, or even the easiest path, but it will be the best path, paved with your love, and leading to the narrow gate where Jesus calls me. I thank you now for this future provision and assistance in my life. Amen.

The Eternal Gospel

Scripture: Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” Revelation 14:6-7

Observation: The gospel of Jesus is that God has provided a Messiah and redeemer to reconcile everyone to him, and that by faith in Jesus Christ all can receive the forgiveness of sins and eternal life in heaven. However, this angel brings a different message, and it is the "eternal gospel" - a gospel that pre-existed the arrival of Jesus, and still exists in Revelation after the second coming of Jesus. That eternal gospel is that God is the creator of all things, and we are to glorify and honor and worship him.

Application: This, too, is good news, and I would personally summarize it as follows:

-- When it comes to questions of belief, there is an absolute truth ... God, the one God, father of Jesus, is the creator of heaven and earth.

-- We are to love God, giving him all glory and honor, for that is how we will be judged in the end.

For Christians, we have the added good news of an intercessor - by our faith in Jesus, he is able to provide us with salvation. However, our faith in Jesus never exists in a state that does not include belief in and worship of God. You cannot believe Jesus is the son of God, sent to earth out of God's love for us, and then not believe there is a loving God who created earth.

Therefore, this is the "eternal" gospel ... the good news that there is a loving God!! God's love for us pre-existed us, and it continues forever. We get to live forever in that love when we choose to return that love to him - when we choose to honor our father in heaven and worship him. And in heaven, that love-and-worship relationship will go on for eternity.

Meanwhile, on earth ... the hour of judgment approaches for those who do not worship God ...

Prayer: Lord, this is why I cry during worship ... I know it is a burden you have placed on me, to be so moved when I worship because worship is at the core of relationship with you. May my worship continue far beyond any singing I do. May it be evidenced in my work, and my words, and my service, and my daily walk. In everything I do, may I become a living sacrifice to you, holy and pleasing in your sight, as my true act of worship. Amen, and amen.

Cause and Effect

Scripture: Then all the men who knew that their wives had made offerings to other gods, and all the women who stood by, a great assembly, all the people who lived in Pathros in the land of Egypt, answered Jeremiah: “As for the word that you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord, we will not listen to you. But we will do everything that we have vowed, make offerings to the queen of heaven and pour out drink offerings to her, as we did, both we and our fathers, our kings and our officials, in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. For then we had plenty of food, and prospered, and saw no disaster. But since we left off making offerings to the queen of heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, we have lacked everything and have been consumed by the sword and by famine.” Jeremiah 44:15-18

Observation: Judah is ravaged. Jerusalem is burned to the ground. The survivors asked Jeremiah for guidance, swearing to obey God, and Jeremiah delivers the word of God - Stay in the land, do not go to Egypt, and stop worshiping idols. So of course the people ...

... immediately go to Egypt and declare they are going to resume worshiping idols because, when they did that before, they had no issues. You know ... right up until God absolutely destroyed them.

In other words, the Jews totally misunderstood God, and misaligned the cause of their destruction. They didn't understand God's love and patience, and therefore attributed their original time of peace not as a time of God's mercy as he attempted to guide them back to righteousness, but rather as credited to idols. They didn't understand God's judgment of their idol worship, and therefore attributed their destruction to their leaders' abandonment of idols.

They got it backwards.

Application: When I talk to non-believers about issues of faith, this "backwards thinking" is ALWAYS at the center of the issue ... they don't understand God's love and corresponding judgment, and therefore cannot make sense of life. They get EVERYTHING backwards: Success is a result of their hard work; Blessing doesn't actually exist; Major life issues have nothing to do with their own bad choices and sin; If the believe in God, they believe he ignores or is the source of suffering.

Our discussion about God, therefore, must address first the concept of God's love - that he loves everyone, and provided Jesus as the means to eternal life. Our discussions must also rightly position the results of long-term rejection of Jesus - there is an eternal consequence for non-belief, and a loving God will in fact deliver judgment upon those who reject Jesus.

This is truth, and whether or not others listen or they reject it as the Jews did, our job is to simply speak truth as Jeremiah did.

Prayer: Lord, I seek to speak the truth about your love to those around me. I already know that most of them will reject it - they are "locked in" to a backwards understanding of your love, and firmly set on their path toward judgment. As both Jeremiah and Ezekiel have show, that is an issue between you and them ... we are not here to save people, we are here to tell them about the love of Jesus Christ. Help me become better, stronger, and bolder in doing that every day. Amen.

We Won't be Shaken

I have been sick for several days and unable to work out, which unfortunately also limits my ability to find quite time to reflect on God's word. However, I have been in the reading, and struggling through the desolation of God that is in Ezekiel and Revelation ... yes, the reading plan actually paired these two doomsday prophetic books together.

Of course, what I realized is, in the midst of curses, destruction, disaster, attacks, death, and famine ... as believers we are forgiven and protected by the love of Jesus Christ, and forgiveness of our sins by God. Even we live through these things, we have hope for an amazing eternity. I have nothing to fear about the future curses of God upon the earth, and the proof of his strong hand as evidenced in the past, because Jesus has died for me, and I place my faith in him.

As believers, we won't be shaken.

Bless the Believers

Scripture:
May all who seek you
    rejoice and be glad in you!
May those who love your salvation
    say evermore, “God is great!”
But I am poor and needy;
    hasten to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer;
    O Lord, do not delay!
Psalms 70:4-5

Observation: The psalmist (David) opens and closes this chapter with a plead for God to rush to his aid. He is in trouble, and wishes for God to intercede for him now. However, in verse 4 he takes time to introduce one more request - blessing upon other believers.

Application: So often I dwell on two types of issues when it comes to the people I know. One if for non-believers to discover Jesus, declare their faith, and thus be blessed. The other theme I dwell on is for believers to be corrected in their actions ... for the Church to receive better understanding of our mission, and believers not to quarrel or gossip.

However, I am missing a critical and joyful concept: Believers are blessed, and should be blessing them too! In the midst of his fear and danger, David calls out for blessing upon his fellow believers - that those who seek God and love his salvation will rejoice, be glad, and know God is great. This should be my attitude toward others in my church - in the Church of Jesus Christ - that I wish them to be blessed and happy and rewarded and joyful and loved!! This is the attitude I need to adopt about my fellow believers far more than I dwell on our shortcomings.

Prayer: Lord, give me the strength to serve my fellow believers, and to become part of the love and joy and blessing bestowed upon them. Those who have faith in Jesus are joyful of your promises, and may we all always receive your love. Amen.

On Freewill

Scripture: Then the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet. He spoke to me and said: "Go, shut yourself inside your house. And you, son of man, they will tie with ropes; you will be bound so that you cannot go out among the people. I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth so that you will be silent and unable to rebuke them, for they are a rebellious people. But when I speak to you, I will open your mouth and you shall say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says.’ Whoever will listen let them listen, and whoever will refuse let them refuse; for they are a rebellious people." Ezekiel 3:24-27

Observation: Ezekiel has been chosen to be a prophet to the scattered Israelites in exile. He will be given words to speak by God. He is now being told that he will not always be free to do as he pleases - he will be held and bound, unable to defend himself, even unable to speak - until God chooses to allow him freedom to act and speak.

However, the rebellious Israelites will be allowed to listen, or allowed to refuse ... repeatedly God tells Ezekiel that whomever will listen will listen, and whomever won't won't, because they are rebellious.

In other words, once Ezekiel agreed to become a prophet, he surrendered his freewill. However, rebellion against God is marked by this characteristic: You have freewill.

Ah, but THERE is the irony ... the Israelites have exercised their freewill, and are now captive, oppressed, and brutalized in Babylon.

Application: This is almost too obvious to talk about. The entire bible talks about surrendering oneself to God through faith and belief in God and Jesus. Non believers feel that makes Christian 'captive' to some set of rules. However, throughout the entire bible we see that surrendering your freewill to God results in a fulfilled life, while refusing to do so - retaining your "freewill" - makes you a slave to sin, other people, desires, vices, emotional trauma, and even physical and mental ailments.

How often do I seek to retain my own freewill? I believe I am doing so less and less, but it still creeps into my thought life a lot ... I consider my own goals and plans and wishes and dreams. There are huge parts of my life I willingly surrender to God, and other parts I may still surrender though less than willingly perhaps. I must continue on this path, aligning my thoughts also to God's will.

Prayer: Abba, father, you are the Lord of my life. My future is yours - from my family, to my career, to my daily walk, may I always and only follow your instruction without my choices impeding your wonderful and perfect plan for my life. I wish others could understand how their rejection of you on the grounds of "freewill" is actually the great lie - the very real prison - leading to their eternal doom. May they somehow discover the freedom of surrender, Lord. Amen.

Cursed Babylonians

Scripture:
"Because you rejoice and are glad,
    you who pillage my inheritance,
because you frolic like a heifer threshing grain
    and neigh like stallions,
your mother will be greatly ashamed;
    she who gave you birth will be disgraced.
She will be the least of the nations—
    a wilderness, a dry land, a desert.
Because of the Lord’s anger she will not be inhabited
    but will be completely desolate.
All who pass Babylon will be appalled;
    they will scoff because of all her wounds."
Jeremiah 50:11-13

Observation: Jeremiah has now gone into exile in Babylon ... all his prophesies about Judah and Jerusalem have come true. His writings now end with a final prophesy - God pronouncing his future judgment against Babylon. The question to ask is why God would punish Babylon for destroying the Jews when all they were doing was performing as his chosen instrument of punishment against his rebellious people?

God answers this. They will be punished because they celebrated this act as THEIR victory. They did not acknowledge that they were functioning as God's weapon, but rather proudly pillaged and burned as if it was their might that conquered Jerusalem.

Once again, God responds to a situation not because of actions, but because of the attitude and heart - not because of deeds, but because of belief. God had ordained and blessed the deed of destroying Judah, but he cursed Babylon due to their lack of belief in him.

Application: I see here that in the discussion of "faith vs. acts", God reinforces the fact that his judgment has always been upon non-believers.

When believers debate the function of sin and the commandments, we do so from a position of debating issues such as the applicability of certain old testament laws, different types of sin, the nature of absolute forgiveness through belief in Jesus, the need for confession, acts related to unrepentant sin, etc. All of these are important as they relate to a right relationship with Jesus, and how we all mature in order to better align ourselves to God's will.

However, belief has always been the "fulcrum" for God. If you believe in God and have faith in Jesus Christ, you receive eternal life and now need to concern yourself with God's teachings for proper living. However, if you do not believe, no actions can save you ... even acting exactly as God wants you to act isn't enough without faith.

Babylon has just finished doing everything God wanted them to do, and ... they will be destroyed due to lack of faith.

I have so friends, colleagues, coworkers, and family who are nice people and live good lives, and ... they will be cast into eternal flames if we can't reach them with the good news of Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, you wish for no one to die, but everyone to come to faith in Jesus. Statistics say that, of the 1,000 people in this building, 960 of them are under your curse ... of the 440 people in my department, 422 are under your curse. I place myself in your hands to reach them, Lord. May I be a light in this dark and ever darkening place. My call is to change lives ... send me. Amen.

Whom Do I Fear?

Scripture: Obey the Lord by doing what I tell you. Then it will go well with you, and your life will be spared. But if you refuse to surrender, this is what the Lord has revealed to me: All the women left in the palace of the king of Judah will be brought out to the officials of the king of Babylon. Those women will say to you:

‘They misled you and overcame you—
    those trusted friends of yours.
Your feet are sunk in the mud;
    your friends have deserted you.’

Jeremiah 38:20b-22

 

Observation: Zedekiah doesn't fear the Lord. He is inquiring of Jeremiah only because he fears the Babylonians, and when Jeremiah instructs him on how to save his life he then fears the Jews who have already surrendered to the Babylonians. Jeremiah tells him that, if he fails to follow the Lord's instructions, then the women of his own household will mock him ... a fate he fears. And the mocking words of the women will be that Zedekiah's friends - whose opinions he clearly feared - have misled him.

 

In other words, out of the fear of death, harm, shame, and public opinion, Zedekiah feared everyone ... except God, who was the one person in control of everything else.

 

Application: At some point in time, we are all Zedekiah. In some situation we fear the opinions or actions of others in the present, more than we fear the opinion and future actions of God. We may fear to express our faith to others, or join in an inappropriate conversation, or gossip about others, or boast about ourselves, or any other number of things that God wouldn't approve of, because we seek approval of others, or in some cases to avoid harm from others.

 

This is a huge stumbling block, so I need to take time to see where I may be doing that. I don't lie about my faith, but are there times I should be bolder in expressing it and I don't because I fear a backlash from others? This is a great offense to God. Jesus taught that, if we deny him, he will deny us. In Zedekiah's case, his entire fate hung in the balance on one issue ... did he care more about the opinion of God, or the opinions of people?

 

I think I fail to acknowledge that this is an issue critical to my salvation. I must always care about God's opinion of my words and actions more than I care about the opinions of others. When I do, God will protect me and care for me. When I fail ... I'll be on my own, and that never works out well.

 

Prayer: Lord, you are the center of my life. While I do care about what others think of me, it is critical to my life to always act with the understanding that I only care about what you think of me. I need to play to an audience of one. May my words and actions always be pleasing to you, and however others react to them will be a matter between you and them. Amen.

 

 

You are My King

Scripture:
But God is my King from long ago;
    he brings salvation on the earth.
Psalms 74:12
 
Observation: The "issue" - all issues - are resolved as simply as this ... God is my king, and he brings salvation on the earth.
 
What kind of "issues" are resolved with this simple idea? For the psalmist, it was about every possible hardship. The problem involved the total destruction of a nation, the death of tens of thousands, the desolation of the entire land, the expunging of their entire belief system, and the total removal of all blessing, joy, happiness, and comfort. All hope and goodness is destroyed. However, the entire thought process about life pivots on this thought ... God is my king, and he brings salvation.

Application: Last week, I had some tentative good news delivered to me. However, in my heart I know that there are hardships ahead. I know that in the overall scheme of life that some professional accomplishments are meaningless, as the world around me is actually getting darker. I dwell on this, and pray on it, and have ideas on things to do, though I know that my best case scenario is that these acts will bring only targeted accomplishments for God's kingdom, while the world itself continued to move toward its doom.

However ... God is my king! He is my king from long ago - he has always been, and even at the beginning he was my king before I existed. As my king he commands me, and I obey him. He brings salvation! He brings salvation of my soul, and of my life. As my savior he grants me eternal life and love simply through my belief in Jesus. He offers this salvation to the entire earth - to my friends, my family, my coworkers, and strangers - anyone who will believe and receive.

Life is as simple as this: God is my king, and he brings salvation! There is no issue, hardship, problem, task, or future challenge that matters in that context.

Prayer: Lord, you are SO big, that one simply truth about you is bigger than every possible thing I can think of about my life. I do trust you with my life - I trust you to command me on upcoming decisions I may have about my employment, and anything else that comes along for that matter. You are my king, oh Lord! Amen.

Love God's World

Scripture: Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:15-16

Observation: "Do not love the world or anything in the world" can be confusing. There are many things in the world that we do love - and are commanded to love - by God's design. This includes other people (specific instruction for spouses and children and orphans and widows) and God's creation (for which we are explicit caretakers). Therefore, verse 16 is critical, as it clarifies what it means for something to be "from the world" ... it is those things we desire. This can range from typical lust, to honor and accomplishment in the eyes of others.

Application: There is an important enlightenment about this definition of something being in/from the world. This phrase does not apply to everything in life - everything that is anywhere in reality. Instead, it is specific to desire.

What would my life look like if I did not wrongly desire anything? I would never look twice at another woman (that's an obvious one); I would not want a new car; I would not seek a promotion at work; I would not wish for pizza for dinner tonight; I wouldn't care about respect from subordinates; I would not be concerned about my next vacation.

And HERE is the key: Imagine what I could replace those things with! I could give more money to causes; I could be healthier; I could talk to people in a way that would open up conversations about Jesus; I could find more time to volunteer; I could serve in an overseas mission; I could better serve my wife and kids.

In other words, not loving the world opens our time, eyes, and heart to loving GOD'S world. It isn't (just) about avoiding sin, it is also about doing his will.

Prayer: Abba, father, thy kingdom come, and thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. This is how I can live that prayer ... by not loving the world, and freeing my body and mind and heart and soul to loving your creation and your created just as you would have us do in heaven. Continue to refine my heart in this way, Lord, for I know that you are at work in me on this - I feel it, and I see progress - and I continue to strive in this. Please keep your spirit strengthening me, Lord. I cannot run this race without your strength. Thank you. Amen.

Blessed to be a Blessing

Scripture:
May God be gracious to us and bless us
    and make his face shine on us -
so that your ways may be known on earth,
    your salvation among all nations.
Psalms 67:1-2

Observation: The psalmist prays for God's blessing - not just enough to live but also for God's grace, blessing, and his very presence to radiate upon us - for a specific purpose. That purpose is so that God may be known on earth ... that his ways may be known to others, and his salvation may be known throughout the entire world.

Application: Yesterday we discussed what God's "promise" - his covenant with mankind - really was. The promise isn't about abundant blessing, but about eternal life. That does not mean God doesn't provide abundant blessing ... he does! However, as the psalmist is indicating, that blessing has a Godly purpose. That purpose is NOT what most Christians believe (or wish) it to be:

-- Blessing is NOT our reward for faith.
-- Blessing is NOT the prize for following the commandments.
-- Blessing is NOT the natural result of sinless living.
-- Blessing is NOT our payment for tithing.
-- Blessing is NOT gifts of love from our heavenly father.

Again, all of those are what our eternal life is. Instead, blessing a tool God provides in order to make himself manifestly known to others.

There are only three ways I can think of to make that work. First, I have to give God the glory for all my blessings. I have to do this not just in my heart, but outwardly ... I must tell others that God provided me with my blessings, and publicly give him acknowledgment and glory for that. Second, I must put the blessings to the work of making God known to those who don't know him. I must tithe it to the work of the church, gift it to missions, and give it to others in need. Thirdly, I must use the resources to personally demonstrate Christ to others. I must be generous with my belongings and time in order to warrant time to discuss the Gospel with non believers. I must open my home to others to foster relationships where I can share my faith. I must be prepared to sacrifice my own comfort to take the message to others.

Too often, we all think of God's blessing as something we get as a reward for belief. However, the lesson is different: Eternal life is our reward for our faith; Blessing is something God entrusts us with so we can further his purposes on earth.

Prayer: Lord, I strive to be a faithful steward of your blessings so I can make you known. Please put upon my heart your lesson of where I may be failing in this, and guide me to be more faithful. I do not wish your blessing withdrawn, but likewise I strive not to covet your blessings ... I wish to be a conduit that can pass your blessing to others - that I am blessed to be a blessing - and thus show the love of Jesus to others. Not to me, but to you only be all honor and glory! Amen.

The Only True Promise

Scripture: When Baruch son of Neriah wrote on a scroll the words Jeremiah the prophet dictated in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, Jeremiah said this to Baruch: “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch: You said, ‘Woe to me! The Lord has added sorrow to my pain; I am worn out with groaning and find no rest.’ But the Lord has told me to say to you, ‘This is what the Lord says: I will overthrow what I have built and uproot what I have planted, throughout the earth. Should you then seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them. For I will bring disaster on all people, declares the Lord, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.’” Jeremiah 45:1-5

Observation: Baruch has just heard the word that God is going to destroy Judah, and every Israelite will either be killed or exiled. In his distress, God provides Baruch with both a promise and instruction. The promise is that Baruch's life will be spared throughout the ordeal. The instruction, however, is related to a right understanding of God's authority, and thus what it really means to be faithful.

To paraphrase: God has authority over all the world - he can create everything, and thus everything is his to destroy if he were to so choose. Therefore, why is Baruch worried about what he is trying to accomplish in his life? Baruch cannot accomplish anything for himself, but only as the Lord provides. Therefore, quit trying to seek earthly accomplishments, and if you're faithful God will take care of your life.

However, the promise is also still interesting. The promise is not to prosper Baruch, or to allow him to escape the punishment that is coming, or in any way to honor him. It is simply to let him know he won't be killed throughout the curse that is about to befall Judah.

Application: While I absolutely know God has provided all things in my life, what I fear in life is the "promise" that Baruch received. I do know I cannot accomplish earthly things without God's provision, but I wish that what God would then promise me IS earthly accomplishments. I want security in retirement, my comfortable house, promotion at work, leisure time, quality lifestyle. I have all these things through God's blessing, but I want them promised.

That is NOT the promise. The promise is very simple - life. In fact, the only true promise of faith in Jesus is eternal life. Everything else is a result of a temporary decision God is making to reflect his love for me in certain ways, right now. The sooner I can let go of that - the sooner I can accept the idea that when (not if) these things are removed from me - I'll be ready to understand that hardships are not the removal of blessing, but rather they are part of earthly life and by my faith in Jesus I will never lose the true promise of an amazing eternal life.

Baruch lamented the loss of earthly accomplishment, and God corrected him ... those accomplishments were not Baruch's, but they were God's blessing, and thus they were his to command; Baruch would be rewarded for his faith not by material provision, but life.

Prayer: Lord, you are my provider - Yahweh-yireh. I often thank you for the provision in my life, but I fail to focus on what you have REALLY provided me, which is a relationship with Jesus Christ and eternal life through my belief in Jesus. This is a blessing beyond measure, greater than all treasure or even the whole world. Thank you for your promise of life. As I mature, may I focus on that as not only the only true promise, but that it is also the only thing I even need - the only promise of any true value. Amen.