Scripture: You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’ Mark 10:19
Observation: Jesus is about to drop a bombshell on the rich young man, that to receive eternal life he must leave all his possessions and follow him. However, he begins his answer to the question by reinforcing six of the ten commandments. Of the ten commandments, four are specific to our interaction with God, and six deal with our personal, earthly interactions. It is these six Jesus calls out.
While there are several explanations why Jesus limits his list to these six, I think the true reason is clear. The other four commandments - behaviors that are about our relationship with God - are about to be summarized in Jesus' next instruction. By leaving behind earthly things and following Jesus, we are aligning ourselves to God. Following Jesus wholeheartedly means God is our Lord ... that we have no other Gods, that we worship no other thing, that we respect and honor his name, and that we trust him with our time and very lives.
Choosing to follow Jesus IS our choosing of a right relationship with God. Choosing a right relationship with others is our choosing to obey Jesus.
Application: In this structure, I see how the commandments 'pivot'. They are even written this way ... the first four commandments have explanations and details, yet the next six are bullet points. On a PowerPoint slide, the slide title would be "Do Not:" followed by six words.
Jesus came to "fulfill the law". He did this by directly becoming the means by which we can achieve a relationship with God, and providing us with the sacrifice we need to be right with God when we struggle with the behaviors of our earthly lives. Jesus is my relationship with God. My real task is to better align my life to his instructions.
Prayer: Lord, again today I see that my relationship with others is something you care about. May I continue to improve in this as I interact with all people, from friends, to Christian brothers and sisters, to colleagues, to strangers. May my relationship with you improve my relating to others. Amen.
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Find Protection in God's House
Scripture:
One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.
Psalm 27:4
Observation: This psalm begins in a way common to the psalms of David - declaring trust in God for protection from enemies. David is always confident that enemies will be defeated and he leans into God's protection often. However, in verse 4 David calls out his method for truly pursuing that protection.
David has only one purpose in life, one true request from the Lord ... to live with the Lord. He only wishes to be in God's presence every day, to gaze on his beauty and wonder, and seek him in his temple. While he desires protection and love, he knows those will simply be byproducts of relationship.
Application: So often in the last year I have prayed for protection, and I think the trials have brought me into closer relationship with the Lord. This is truly what I want to continue to improve and pursue - my relationship with God. I want to be in communication, communion, and cooperation with the Lord during my daily work. I want my work to align to his will, both in the realm of my "job" and in the efforts of my service. I want to gaze on his beauty all around me, and know that this world is his temple where I can experience him every day. I wish to dwell with the Lord all the days of my life.
Prayer: Lord, this one thing I ask, that I may dwell in your house. May I pursue a relationship with you more and more every day. Please be near to me as I strive to make you central not just in my heart, but in may thoughts, deeds, and life. Thank you for your love and protection, and please continue to extend that to my family. Amen.
One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.
Psalm 27:4
Observation: This psalm begins in a way common to the psalms of David - declaring trust in God for protection from enemies. David is always confident that enemies will be defeated and he leans into God's protection often. However, in verse 4 David calls out his method for truly pursuing that protection.
David has only one purpose in life, one true request from the Lord ... to live with the Lord. He only wishes to be in God's presence every day, to gaze on his beauty and wonder, and seek him in his temple. While he desires protection and love, he knows those will simply be byproducts of relationship.
Application: So often in the last year I have prayed for protection, and I think the trials have brought me into closer relationship with the Lord. This is truly what I want to continue to improve and pursue - my relationship with God. I want to be in communication, communion, and cooperation with the Lord during my daily work. I want my work to align to his will, both in the realm of my "job" and in the efforts of my service. I want to gaze on his beauty all around me, and know that this world is his temple where I can experience him every day. I wish to dwell with the Lord all the days of my life.
Prayer: Lord, this one thing I ask, that I may dwell in your house. May I pursue a relationship with you more and more every day. Please be near to me as I strive to make you central not just in my heart, but in may thoughts, deeds, and life. Thank you for your love and protection, and please continue to extend that to my family. Amen.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Faith in Everything
Scripture: When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them ... "What are you arguing with them about?" he asked. Mark 9:14,16
Observation: Jesus comes down from the transfiguration and finds this scene, and when asking why they are arguing a man steps forward with a possessed boy. There is a LOT going on here. The disciples have failed to drive out the spirit ... they are arguing with the Pharisees who presumably have also failed to address this ... the evil spirit is strong and of a special kind according to Jesus ... and notably, the boy's father doesn't really have faith that Jesus can do anything. The father says "if" you can do something - a fact Jesus jumps on and corrects him for - and even before he says that Jesus condemns the entire crowd for their lack of faith, asking how long must he put up with them.
But ... what were the disciples and Pharisees actually arguing about? Were they simply fighting about the boy's situation, with the Pharisees saying "see, you can't fix this either, so your discipleship in Jesus is meaningless" and the disciples saying "we've been driving out evil spirits all over the region for months, just wait until Jesus gets here"? That sounds just about right for a playground fight. The hint about the argument is probably in who Jesus is rebuking for their faithlessness.
It likely isn't the disciples. He has before corrected them for their lack of understanding, but not for their lack of faith. He has sent them out two by two and they succeeded in faith, and in the end he doesn't call out a 'faith-issue' with them. However, the people - led by the Pharisees - do not come to Jesus out of faith, they come because of what Jesus can do for them. They are overwhelmed by 'wonder' when he arrives (v15) but not faith. The father is quick to doubt the disciples (v18) and doesn't know if Jesus can help (v22). Jesus knows they are without faith even before the father explicitly says it (v19).
I would guess the disciples and Pharisees are arguing about the reason they cannot drive out the spirit. The Pharisees are explaining it under the Law ... that the family's lack of obedience prevents God's intervention. The disciples are explaining it by their experience ... the lack of faith of everyone is the issue. It's a "faith versus works" argument! Though in this case, it's about improving life, not earning salvation. Jesus' decision to heal despite that lack of faith is actually his response to the argument. He fully addresses this as a faith issue, but also shows that, as Lord, he has authority.
Application: As I consider every situation in life, I need to confirm ... do I have faith? Faith is the heart of discipleship and life in Jesus Christ. Without faith, Jesus can still do great things, but with faith we can achieve his kingdom work through the power of the Holy Spirit. If every challenge begins with a gut-check on faith, success as aligned to God's will is assured. Simply trying to do the right thing, or follow some set of instructions, still might work as Jesus reaches out to us in love, but faith is still critical.
Prayer: Lord, I have faith in you as my Lord and savior, and I have faith in your direction in my life. I am following you daily, and seek your path. May I apply my faith to every footfall as well. May I have faith in small things and big things. I seek not just your will for my life, but for the next two minutes. In faith, I ask that you restore me emotionally as you have done so logistically in my life, so I never feel depressed again. Amen.
Observation: Jesus comes down from the transfiguration and finds this scene, and when asking why they are arguing a man steps forward with a possessed boy. There is a LOT going on here. The disciples have failed to drive out the spirit ... they are arguing with the Pharisees who presumably have also failed to address this ... the evil spirit is strong and of a special kind according to Jesus ... and notably, the boy's father doesn't really have faith that Jesus can do anything. The father says "if" you can do something - a fact Jesus jumps on and corrects him for - and even before he says that Jesus condemns the entire crowd for their lack of faith, asking how long must he put up with them.
But ... what were the disciples and Pharisees actually arguing about? Were they simply fighting about the boy's situation, with the Pharisees saying "see, you can't fix this either, so your discipleship in Jesus is meaningless" and the disciples saying "we've been driving out evil spirits all over the region for months, just wait until Jesus gets here"? That sounds just about right for a playground fight. The hint about the argument is probably in who Jesus is rebuking for their faithlessness.
It likely isn't the disciples. He has before corrected them for their lack of understanding, but not for their lack of faith. He has sent them out two by two and they succeeded in faith, and in the end he doesn't call out a 'faith-issue' with them. However, the people - led by the Pharisees - do not come to Jesus out of faith, they come because of what Jesus can do for them. They are overwhelmed by 'wonder' when he arrives (v15) but not faith. The father is quick to doubt the disciples (v18) and doesn't know if Jesus can help (v22). Jesus knows they are without faith even before the father explicitly says it (v19).
I would guess the disciples and Pharisees are arguing about the reason they cannot drive out the spirit. The Pharisees are explaining it under the Law ... that the family's lack of obedience prevents God's intervention. The disciples are explaining it by their experience ... the lack of faith of everyone is the issue. It's a "faith versus works" argument! Though in this case, it's about improving life, not earning salvation. Jesus' decision to heal despite that lack of faith is actually his response to the argument. He fully addresses this as a faith issue, but also shows that, as Lord, he has authority.
Application: As I consider every situation in life, I need to confirm ... do I have faith? Faith is the heart of discipleship and life in Jesus Christ. Without faith, Jesus can still do great things, but with faith we can achieve his kingdom work through the power of the Holy Spirit. If every challenge begins with a gut-check on faith, success as aligned to God's will is assured. Simply trying to do the right thing, or follow some set of instructions, still might work as Jesus reaches out to us in love, but faith is still critical.
Prayer: Lord, I have faith in you as my Lord and savior, and I have faith in your direction in my life. I am following you daily, and seek your path. May I apply my faith to every footfall as well. May I have faith in small things and big things. I seek not just your will for my life, but for the next two minutes. In faith, I ask that you restore me emotionally as you have done so logistically in my life, so I never feel depressed again. Amen.
Monday, February 25, 2019
No Further Explanation Given
Scripture: He said to them, "Do you still not understand?" Mark 8:21
Observation: Jesus makes a somewhat cryptic statement about the "yeast of the Pharisees", the disciples misunderstand it to be a reference to a lack of bread, and Jesus reminds them that he has multiplied bread in the past. He ends his correction of the disciples with this question. Of course ... Jesus never does explain his original cryptic statement.
Given the imagery of yeast in other contexts, it makes sense that the "yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod" has something to do with how a little deception or misinterpretation can create a change in an entire society. Jesus uses this same metaphor in positive ways, as an example of how just a little faith can work its way through a person's life. However, referring to the Pharisees and Herod, Jesus is certainly addressing things like the misapplication of the law as a thing that can affect all of society.
And yet, when the disciples do not understand this, Jesus does not explain it. He calls out their misunderstanding, but does not give them a new, correct understanding. There is no new information. Instead, the disciples are simply told they are failing to see and understand, reminded of other events, and left to reconsider the teaching.
Application: Jesus doesn't always spell out our lessons for us. In my life, there are certainly times when I know I have been corrected, and yet and I don't know necessarily what to do about it. This is likely a matter of faith - the first step is to change or stop what I am doing wrong, and God will later give me what I need to do differently. When I don't understand, that may mean I have missed the mark. It may also mean that I am simply to record the lesson and learn how to apply it later.
Prayer: Lord, I do not understand everything, despite all you have done and shown me. I hope that's okay. It may be that my heart is hard, but it is also that I am just limited as a human. I have prayed over and over for a softer heart, and I know you have been answering that prayer. May I continue to seek your direction and path, even when I don't understand, as I place my total faith in you. Amen.
Observation: Jesus makes a somewhat cryptic statement about the "yeast of the Pharisees", the disciples misunderstand it to be a reference to a lack of bread, and Jesus reminds them that he has multiplied bread in the past. He ends his correction of the disciples with this question. Of course ... Jesus never does explain his original cryptic statement.
Given the imagery of yeast in other contexts, it makes sense that the "yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod" has something to do with how a little deception or misinterpretation can create a change in an entire society. Jesus uses this same metaphor in positive ways, as an example of how just a little faith can work its way through a person's life. However, referring to the Pharisees and Herod, Jesus is certainly addressing things like the misapplication of the law as a thing that can affect all of society.
And yet, when the disciples do not understand this, Jesus does not explain it. He calls out their misunderstanding, but does not give them a new, correct understanding. There is no new information. Instead, the disciples are simply told they are failing to see and understand, reminded of other events, and left to reconsider the teaching.
Application: Jesus doesn't always spell out our lessons for us. In my life, there are certainly times when I know I have been corrected, and yet and I don't know necessarily what to do about it. This is likely a matter of faith - the first step is to change or stop what I am doing wrong, and God will later give me what I need to do differently. When I don't understand, that may mean I have missed the mark. It may also mean that I am simply to record the lesson and learn how to apply it later.
Prayer: Lord, I do not understand everything, despite all you have done and shown me. I hope that's okay. It may be that my heart is hard, but it is also that I am just limited as a human. I have prayed over and over for a softer heart, and I know you have been answering that prayer. May I continue to seek your direction and path, even when I don't understand, as I place my total faith in you. Amen.
Friday, February 22, 2019
I Need to Get Better
Scripture: But when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid." Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened. Mark 6:49-52
Observation: Mark covers the walking on the water story, acknowledging some failures of the disciples. They didn't recognize Jesus, they were afraid, and they continued to misunderstand the greatness of Jesus as evidenced by a lack of understanding of the feeding of the 5,000. These were failures of faith by all the disciples.
However, Mark doesn't cover the failure of Peter to walk on the water. Peter steps out onto the water, and personally loses faith and sinks, needing to be saved by Jesus. Mark skips this, likely because Mark's primary source of information is Peter himself. Peter is fine saying, "we all screwed up,", but not so much saying "I failed."
Application: Of course I am the same as Peter! I am always happy to say "the church is failing to ...:" or "we believers need to get better about ...". I'm not happy to say "I am failing" or "I need to get better."
Well ... I need to get better. I especially need to understand that I am part of the body of Christ, so any time I think 'the church' needs to improve, that means I need to improve. I know I have things I need to be doing, and I need to make that a personal - not collective or communal - mission, more and more.
Prayer: Lord, I echo David today is saying that I ask for you to show me your ways, and teach me your paths. This is not a prayer for the collective 'us' but for me. Please forgive me for the ways of my youth, and now, as an old man, lead me into an ever improving way. Thank you, my Lord and God and Savior, for your love and correction and guidance. Amen.
Observation: Mark covers the walking on the water story, acknowledging some failures of the disciples. They didn't recognize Jesus, they were afraid, and they continued to misunderstand the greatness of Jesus as evidenced by a lack of understanding of the feeding of the 5,000. These were failures of faith by all the disciples.
However, Mark doesn't cover the failure of Peter to walk on the water. Peter steps out onto the water, and personally loses faith and sinks, needing to be saved by Jesus. Mark skips this, likely because Mark's primary source of information is Peter himself. Peter is fine saying, "we all screwed up,", but not so much saying "I failed."
Application: Of course I am the same as Peter! I am always happy to say "the church is failing to ...:" or "we believers need to get better about ...". I'm not happy to say "I am failing" or "I need to get better."
Well ... I need to get better. I especially need to understand that I am part of the body of Christ, so any time I think 'the church' needs to improve, that means I need to improve. I know I have things I need to be doing, and I need to make that a personal - not collective or communal - mission, more and more.
Prayer: Lord, I echo David today is saying that I ask for you to show me your ways, and teach me your paths. This is not a prayer for the collective 'us' but for me. Please forgive me for the ways of my youth, and now, as an old man, lead me into an ever improving way. Thank you, my Lord and God and Savior, for your love and correction and guidance. Amen.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Equal Price per Head
Scripture: The rich are not to give more than a half shekel and the poor are not to give less when you make the offering to the Lord to atone for your lives. Exodus 30:15
Observation: As part of the initiation of operations for the temple/tabernacle and the jobs of the priests, God proclaims a one-time offering as an atonement for all who were redeemed from Egypt. I defines the amount - a half shekel - and then provides this instruction, that all are to give it, and the rich are not to give more, nor the poor less. This is not consistent with a tithe, which is dependent upon wealth, nor is it consistent with other offerings that have the ability to change based on the giver's means.
In other words, all who are redeemed are worth the same. The rich, the leaders, the priests, the skilled, the wise, the strong, the men ... they are not worth more. The poor, the infirm, the laborers, the immoral, the uneducated, the weak, the women ... they are not worth less. Everyone who is redeemed is of equal value, and the price to redeem them is fixed and unilateral.
Application: When Jesus redeemed all of us, the paid the same for each person. His sacrifice was the same for me as it was for anyone else. There wasn't a greater sacrifice for noble and great people, and some lesser means for redeeming poor people. Nor was there a greater sacrifice for the wretched and wicked sinners that there was for good and upright and faithful believers. We are of equal value to the Lord.
I would do well to always remember that every person is of equal value to the Lord, and our salvation then is of equal cost. I am no better, and I am also no worse. Especially when interacting with other believers, I should recall that the Lord paid the same for their belief as he did for mine.
Prayer: Lord, as I draw closer to my community of faith, please continue to give me your eyes and your heart and your mind in considering others. I seek community with these brothers and sisters more than I have in the past. Thank you for revealing the wonder of their love to me. Amen.
Observation: As part of the initiation of operations for the temple/tabernacle and the jobs of the priests, God proclaims a one-time offering as an atonement for all who were redeemed from Egypt. I defines the amount - a half shekel - and then provides this instruction, that all are to give it, and the rich are not to give more, nor the poor less. This is not consistent with a tithe, which is dependent upon wealth, nor is it consistent with other offerings that have the ability to change based on the giver's means.
In other words, all who are redeemed are worth the same. The rich, the leaders, the priests, the skilled, the wise, the strong, the men ... they are not worth more. The poor, the infirm, the laborers, the immoral, the uneducated, the weak, the women ... they are not worth less. Everyone who is redeemed is of equal value, and the price to redeem them is fixed and unilateral.
Application: When Jesus redeemed all of us, the paid the same for each person. His sacrifice was the same for me as it was for anyone else. There wasn't a greater sacrifice for noble and great people, and some lesser means for redeeming poor people. Nor was there a greater sacrifice for the wretched and wicked sinners that there was for good and upright and faithful believers. We are of equal value to the Lord.
I would do well to always remember that every person is of equal value to the Lord, and our salvation then is of equal cost. I am no better, and I am also no worse. Especially when interacting with other believers, I should recall that the Lord paid the same for their belief as he did for mine.
Prayer: Lord, as I draw closer to my community of faith, please continue to give me your eyes and your heart and your mind in considering others. I seek community with these brothers and sisters more than I have in the past. Thank you for revealing the wonder of their love to me. Amen.
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Unexplained Foreshadows
Scripture: In the tent of meeting, outside the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the Lord from evening till morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come. Exodus 27:21
Observation: As God continues to instruct Moses on how to set up the tabernacle, he returns to the lampstand. He gave instructions on how to fashion it in a prior chapter, but now he addresses the placement and lighting. It is to be in the tabernacle, as is to always burn all night long. In other words, there must never be darkness within the tabernacle.
From an earthly perspective, this requirement requires care and planning. We also know this is the requirement at stake that eventually becomes the celebration of Hanukkah, when the lamp is miraculously kept lit despite a limited supply of oil. From a heavenly perspective, this reinforces the fact that it is never dark in heaven, because their is a source of continual light, and that source is Jesus.
The tabernacle will never go dark. This is not because the people continually stoke a huge bonfire as a result of their earthly sacrifices. Rather, it is because there is one source of light in the presence of God. Our efforts outside of heaven cannot make heaven right. Our attention to Jesus is required.
Application: The minor metaphors of the tabernacle are confusing, unclear, and obscure. I have no idea what 90 percent of them mean, and probably don't even realize that another portion exist at all. However, Jesus is the light of the world, and the perpetual light of heaven, and we know that there is never darkness nor fear in his presence.
A candelabra is a very poor earthly replacement for Jesus, just like we - the church - are a poor embodiment of Jesus. That said, we are his lamps here on earth. We need to always give light. When it is dark, that it when it is most critical that we are lit and shining.
Prayer: Lord, our society is dark. May our oil never run out in these times. We cannot be your light from the perspective of quality, but we can be lit and providing earthly light to the best of our ability. Please guide me in the weeks to come as I seek your will in where and how to burn. Amen.
Observation: As God continues to instruct Moses on how to set up the tabernacle, he returns to the lampstand. He gave instructions on how to fashion it in a prior chapter, but now he addresses the placement and lighting. It is to be in the tabernacle, as is to always burn all night long. In other words, there must never be darkness within the tabernacle.
From an earthly perspective, this requirement requires care and planning. We also know this is the requirement at stake that eventually becomes the celebration of Hanukkah, when the lamp is miraculously kept lit despite a limited supply of oil. From a heavenly perspective, this reinforces the fact that it is never dark in heaven, because their is a source of continual light, and that source is Jesus.
The tabernacle will never go dark. This is not because the people continually stoke a huge bonfire as a result of their earthly sacrifices. Rather, it is because there is one source of light in the presence of God. Our efforts outside of heaven cannot make heaven right. Our attention to Jesus is required.
Application: The minor metaphors of the tabernacle are confusing, unclear, and obscure. I have no idea what 90 percent of them mean, and probably don't even realize that another portion exist at all. However, Jesus is the light of the world, and the perpetual light of heaven, and we know that there is never darkness nor fear in his presence.
A candelabra is a very poor earthly replacement for Jesus, just like we - the church - are a poor embodiment of Jesus. That said, we are his lamps here on earth. We need to always give light. When it is dark, that it when it is most critical that we are lit and shining.
Prayer: Lord, our society is dark. May our oil never run out in these times. We cannot be your light from the perspective of quality, but we can be lit and providing earthly light to the best of our ability. Please guide me in the weeks to come as I seek your will in where and how to burn. Amen.
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Jesus' First Evangelist
Scripture: Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. Mark 5:19-20
Observation: The Decapolis was a collection of 10 Roman-controlled, gentile-dominated cities east of the Jordan river. They were not part of Judea at that time. Most were in the area of the trans-Jordan tribal lands, which is today Jordan, and one of them evolved to now be Amman, the modern capital of Jordan.
Here we have a man, healed of demon possession, who begins a ministry of telling everyone in this 10 city region about Jesus. This would have been an area significantly larger than the region of Galilee, and maybe the size of Galilee and the northern part of Judea combined. In other words, from the perspective of territory, this man is about to undertake evangelism on a similar scale of Jesus himself. That is certainly a stretch, of course, but yet this man does without a doubt take the message of Jesus to this primarily gentile territory.
There is a surprising evangelical emphasis here. This early in Jesus' ministry, this unnamed man becomes the first major evangelist, reaching a people-group the disciples would not attempt to reach for years. The existence of a heard of pigs immediately indicates this is not a Hebrew place. The fact this man heads off into a named region implies a major undertaking. And the fact he was sent on this assignment by Jesus is clear. Jesus sends this man to his 'own people' with one simple message ... the Lord, and specifically Jesus himself, has provided for this man and had mercy on him. We see later how this might have played out ... it is near this same place where the feeding of the 5,000 occurs, so perhaps that crowd is the result of this man generating curiosity about Jesus.
Application: When God chooses to act, he does so both decisively and surprisingly. Jesus may have spent less than a day on the east side of Galilee, and in so doing identifies one crazy man to become the biggest single evangelist of his day. His choice of messengers is surprising, and yet logical, as it is a local with a great story to tell.
I wonder where, when, and how I am a local with a story to tell. I wonder what my simple message should be. I would like to be able to start telling my story in an easy way to others, where I am, in order to point others toward curiosity about Jesus. It is probably time for me to start figuring that out.
Prayer: Lord, forgive my slowness in action. You have done so much for me in life! May I have enough faith and humility to tell others of your great mercy and love. Amen.
Observation: The Decapolis was a collection of 10 Roman-controlled, gentile-dominated cities east of the Jordan river. They were not part of Judea at that time. Most were in the area of the trans-Jordan tribal lands, which is today Jordan, and one of them evolved to now be Amman, the modern capital of Jordan.
Here we have a man, healed of demon possession, who begins a ministry of telling everyone in this 10 city region about Jesus. This would have been an area significantly larger than the region of Galilee, and maybe the size of Galilee and the northern part of Judea combined. In other words, from the perspective of territory, this man is about to undertake evangelism on a similar scale of Jesus himself. That is certainly a stretch, of course, but yet this man does without a doubt take the message of Jesus to this primarily gentile territory.
There is a surprising evangelical emphasis here. This early in Jesus' ministry, this unnamed man becomes the first major evangelist, reaching a people-group the disciples would not attempt to reach for years. The existence of a heard of pigs immediately indicates this is not a Hebrew place. The fact this man heads off into a named region implies a major undertaking. And the fact he was sent on this assignment by Jesus is clear. Jesus sends this man to his 'own people' with one simple message ... the Lord, and specifically Jesus himself, has provided for this man and had mercy on him. We see later how this might have played out ... it is near this same place where the feeding of the 5,000 occurs, so perhaps that crowd is the result of this man generating curiosity about Jesus.
Application: When God chooses to act, he does so both decisively and surprisingly. Jesus may have spent less than a day on the east side of Galilee, and in so doing identifies one crazy man to become the biggest single evangelist of his day. His choice of messengers is surprising, and yet logical, as it is a local with a great story to tell.
I wonder where, when, and how I am a local with a story to tell. I wonder what my simple message should be. I would like to be able to start telling my story in an easy way to others, where I am, in order to point others toward curiosity about Jesus. It is probably time for me to start figuring that out.
Prayer: Lord, forgive my slowness in action. You have done so much for me in life! May I have enough faith and humility to tell others of your great mercy and love. Amen.
Monday, February 18, 2019
Subverting Justice is Not Mercy
Scripture: Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness. Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, and do not show favoritism to a poor person in a lawsuit. Exodus 23:1-3
Observation: Moses tells the laws of God, which here this subsection is titled the laws of "justice and mercy". These laws primarily deal with ... lying, and especially lying in a manner that manipulates an outcome. The people are warned they are not to do this, even if they are doing so in a manner that appears to provide mercy, such as to aid a poor person, or to support the majority opinion. Justice and mercy and not to be confused. Mercy involves aiding people - even your enemy - when they have need. Justice involves telling the truth and being honest in all dealing. At no time does mercy involve controverting justice.
Application: There is certainly an element of our society today that believe "justice" is best served by retaliating against those who have perceived advantage, be it by race, gender, status, or title. God is clear - we are to have mercy on the disadvantaged, but exercise proper justice independent of that concept.
Our society is so divided, and getting worse, and this concept is close to the heart of that division. We have many people with advantage who refuse mercy on others. We have many people who would achieve 'mercy' by retaliating against others through lies, manipulation, and outright public attacks in which they feel justified. Convoluting mercy and justice is a problem God has warned us about. They are two different concepts yet core to God's instructions, as Micah calls out. It seems important that we find a way to separate and balance them again.
Prayer: Lord, I see your instructions, though I have very, very little ability to influence this in society. In fact, I may be exactly the type of person who cannot speak into society on this issue. That said, may your love do the talking. I pray that your message be heard, and your will be done. I desire to see a rebirth of civility in our nation and our community, driven by an understanding of your love for all. I can show that love, and I will strive to do so. Amen.
Observation: Moses tells the laws of God, which here this subsection is titled the laws of "justice and mercy". These laws primarily deal with ... lying, and especially lying in a manner that manipulates an outcome. The people are warned they are not to do this, even if they are doing so in a manner that appears to provide mercy, such as to aid a poor person, or to support the majority opinion. Justice and mercy and not to be confused. Mercy involves aiding people - even your enemy - when they have need. Justice involves telling the truth and being honest in all dealing. At no time does mercy involve controverting justice.
Application: There is certainly an element of our society today that believe "justice" is best served by retaliating against those who have perceived advantage, be it by race, gender, status, or title. God is clear - we are to have mercy on the disadvantaged, but exercise proper justice independent of that concept.
Our society is so divided, and getting worse, and this concept is close to the heart of that division. We have many people with advantage who refuse mercy on others. We have many people who would achieve 'mercy' by retaliating against others through lies, manipulation, and outright public attacks in which they feel justified. Convoluting mercy and justice is a problem God has warned us about. They are two different concepts yet core to God's instructions, as Micah calls out. It seems important that we find a way to separate and balance them again.
Prayer: Lord, I see your instructions, though I have very, very little ability to influence this in society. In fact, I may be exactly the type of person who cannot speak into society on this issue. That said, may your love do the talking. I pray that your message be heard, and your will be done. I desire to see a rebirth of civility in our nation and our community, driven by an understanding of your love for all. I can show that love, and I will strive to do so. Amen.
Friday, February 15, 2019
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Some Near-Term Doubt
Scripture: Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Matthew 28:16-17
Observation: After the resurrection, Jesus meets the core disciples. In other accounts, this occurs in Jerusalem before moving on to some other locations, and Thomas is explicitly called out as doubting that Jesus has resurrected until he sees him personally, then even he believes. In this account, they go to Galilee and worship him, but some doubt.
It is not clear what they doubt. Do they doubt he is alive? That he ever died? That they should worship him? That his continued teachings are accurate? That he has, in fact, been granted all authority in heaven and on earth (verse 18)? That they should, in fact, proceed in an evangelical ministry without his presence?
Matthew leaves this completely up to interpretation, however given the context - just the 11, at a time of worship, with Jesus face-to-face - it seems most likely the 'doubt' is about the future and if they should continue "following" Jesus after he leaves them ... and the vagueness leaves the possibility that the doubter is Matthew himself.
Application: Thomas doubted Jesus has risen, until he saw Jesus. "Doubting" Jesus while interacting with him, then, is about doubting what to do next. It's about doubting and trusting instructions. The Israelites today did the same thing, collecting manna incorrectly because they didn't trust God's instructions. Now, perhaps Matthew is unsure if he should trust the instruction and direction in his life.
This helps me when I find it hard to trust. When I wonder about the turns in my life and the short-term path, that is a form of distrust, and I'm probably in good company with that. It is also encouraging to see that Matthew - or any/all of the 11 - overcame that distrust and became great servants of Jesus. And I will overcome any doubt ... which is really in the form of worry, and sometimes more about self-doubt that I am worthy of instruction or love or guidance.
I trust in the world long-term, and I strive to trust in Jesus at all times and in every circumstance. Sometimes I doubt little things, despite evidence of God's love all around me. I will continue my efforts to believe not only in the resurrect Christ, but in the daily protection, promises, and instructions of the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, again today I seek to walk with you, and this begins with trusting where you would have me go. Like a child, I desire to humbly take your hand and simply go with you. Thank you for your continued love. Amen.
Observation: After the resurrection, Jesus meets the core disciples. In other accounts, this occurs in Jerusalem before moving on to some other locations, and Thomas is explicitly called out as doubting that Jesus has resurrected until he sees him personally, then even he believes. In this account, they go to Galilee and worship him, but some doubt.
It is not clear what they doubt. Do they doubt he is alive? That he ever died? That they should worship him? That his continued teachings are accurate? That he has, in fact, been granted all authority in heaven and on earth (verse 18)? That they should, in fact, proceed in an evangelical ministry without his presence?
Matthew leaves this completely up to interpretation, however given the context - just the 11, at a time of worship, with Jesus face-to-face - it seems most likely the 'doubt' is about the future and if they should continue "following" Jesus after he leaves them ... and the vagueness leaves the possibility that the doubter is Matthew himself.
Application: Thomas doubted Jesus has risen, until he saw Jesus. "Doubting" Jesus while interacting with him, then, is about doubting what to do next. It's about doubting and trusting instructions. The Israelites today did the same thing, collecting manna incorrectly because they didn't trust God's instructions. Now, perhaps Matthew is unsure if he should trust the instruction and direction in his life.
This helps me when I find it hard to trust. When I wonder about the turns in my life and the short-term path, that is a form of distrust, and I'm probably in good company with that. It is also encouraging to see that Matthew - or any/all of the 11 - overcame that distrust and became great servants of Jesus. And I will overcome any doubt ... which is really in the form of worry, and sometimes more about self-doubt that I am worthy of instruction or love or guidance.
I trust in the world long-term, and I strive to trust in Jesus at all times and in every circumstance. Sometimes I doubt little things, despite evidence of God's love all around me. I will continue my efforts to believe not only in the resurrect Christ, but in the daily protection, promises, and instructions of the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, again today I seek to walk with you, and this begins with trusting where you would have me go. Like a child, I desire to humbly take your hand and simply go with you. Thank you for your continued love. Amen.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Faith as a Footnote
Scripture: Moses took the bones of Joseph with him because Joseph had made the Israelites swear an oath. He had said, "God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up with you from this place." Exodus 13:19
Observation: As this entire section is about the departure of the Israelites from Egypt, this one short paragraph comes up. Joseph had always had faith that the people would leave Egypt and go back to the promised land, and had made this request about the final burial of his bones. He was the only one of Jacob's sons to make such a request, and he is the only one for which a tribe is not named.
Joseph's faith is unique. He could be the obscure son who disappeared from history, and in his younger years he was brash, arrogant, and foolish in dealing with his brothers. However, it was almost exclusively by his faith - throughout his time in slavery and prison and then exalted status - that literally saved Israel. As they begin their epic journey as a nation, his faith gets one final nod.
Application: Like most Christians, I probably want my faith to be loud and proud. I would like that to be the headlines of all stories. That just isn't the case, however. In most cases, I'd be happy if my faith were just mentioned at all in a third-party retelling of my day. I likely fail to even make faith a side comment about my activities on most days.
And here is Israel, rescued by God, marching into the desert, and there is a side comment of faith. As a nation of hundreds of thousands - who will very soon lament an impending attack and fear for their lives - there is a faith reflected in the hope of Joseph.
Faith is almost a footnote, but it is there. That is better than me on most days. I hope that, in the retelling of my daily life, faith can become more evident to any third-party narrator ... that faith would be a side comment, then a theme, and then the protagonist that drives my story.
Prayer: Lord, I know I am not the central figure in my life, you are. May this become more visible to others. May everyone have something to think about me every day, even if it's just a short sentence, that comments on my faith. Amen.
Observation: As this entire section is about the departure of the Israelites from Egypt, this one short paragraph comes up. Joseph had always had faith that the people would leave Egypt and go back to the promised land, and had made this request about the final burial of his bones. He was the only one of Jacob's sons to make such a request, and he is the only one for which a tribe is not named.
Joseph's faith is unique. He could be the obscure son who disappeared from history, and in his younger years he was brash, arrogant, and foolish in dealing with his brothers. However, it was almost exclusively by his faith - throughout his time in slavery and prison and then exalted status - that literally saved Israel. As they begin their epic journey as a nation, his faith gets one final nod.
Application: Like most Christians, I probably want my faith to be loud and proud. I would like that to be the headlines of all stories. That just isn't the case, however. In most cases, I'd be happy if my faith were just mentioned at all in a third-party retelling of my day. I likely fail to even make faith a side comment about my activities on most days.
And here is Israel, rescued by God, marching into the desert, and there is a side comment of faith. As a nation of hundreds of thousands - who will very soon lament an impending attack and fear for their lives - there is a faith reflected in the hope of Joseph.
Faith is almost a footnote, but it is there. That is better than me on most days. I hope that, in the retelling of my daily life, faith can become more evident to any third-party narrator ... that faith would be a side comment, then a theme, and then the protagonist that drives my story.
Prayer: Lord, I know I am not the central figure in my life, you are. May this become more visible to others. May everyone have something to think about me every day, even if it's just a short sentence, that comments on my faith. Amen.
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
God Gives Us Joy
Scripture:
The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully,
though they cannot compare
with the wings and feathers of the stork.
Job 39:13
Observation: As God responds to Job, questioning him to show his lack of understanding, he describes dozens of ways he provides for animals. He feeds, shelters, and protects them, caring for them in childbirth, and daily life. He says this about the ostrich, that it flaps its wings joyfully, despite the fact we know the wings of an ostrich are effectively worthless. It cannot fly, they wings seem to have no purpose, and they are small. They cannot even compare the wings of a stork, by God's own admission.
He goes on to describe how an ostrich is truly ignorant ... leaving its eggs unguarded, failing to care for its young. God gave the ostrich no wisdom and no good sense. And yet, it flaps it wings and runs, filled with joy and laughter. God boasts of a witless ostrich flapping its worthless wings just like he does the hunting of lions, birthing of goats, labor of oxen, feeding of ravens, power of horses, and majesty of a hawk. He does this because joy is just as great a gift to creation as any other daily provision.
Application: God grants me joy in so many ways. From happiness with my wife, to love from and for my children, to daily pleasures, to good food and drink, to even enjoying humor. Joy is a gift God gives to his created people. When I reject joy by focusing on negative aspects of life and the world, I am rejecting God's grace and love just as if I had refused a meal or a healthy life or protective shelter.
Joy is on par with all provisions. For some, like the ostrich, it is the "leading" gift from God. For all, the gift of joy is spiritual gift that we should not only receive with gladness and thanks, but even seek and rejoice.
Prayer: Today, Lord, I choose joy as a way of life. That isn't easy, as we know this world has hardships that seek to destroy our joy. However, I do know that your gifts and your love provide us with joy, and to reject joy is to reject your love, comfort, and care. Your joy can open my heart to so much more in life. May I find your joy all around me, this day and every day. Amen.
The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully,
though they cannot compare
with the wings and feathers of the stork.
Job 39:13
Observation: As God responds to Job, questioning him to show his lack of understanding, he describes dozens of ways he provides for animals. He feeds, shelters, and protects them, caring for them in childbirth, and daily life. He says this about the ostrich, that it flaps its wings joyfully, despite the fact we know the wings of an ostrich are effectively worthless. It cannot fly, they wings seem to have no purpose, and they are small. They cannot even compare the wings of a stork, by God's own admission.
He goes on to describe how an ostrich is truly ignorant ... leaving its eggs unguarded, failing to care for its young. God gave the ostrich no wisdom and no good sense. And yet, it flaps it wings and runs, filled with joy and laughter. God boasts of a witless ostrich flapping its worthless wings just like he does the hunting of lions, birthing of goats, labor of oxen, feeding of ravens, power of horses, and majesty of a hawk. He does this because joy is just as great a gift to creation as any other daily provision.
Application: God grants me joy in so many ways. From happiness with my wife, to love from and for my children, to daily pleasures, to good food and drink, to even enjoying humor. Joy is a gift God gives to his created people. When I reject joy by focusing on negative aspects of life and the world, I am rejecting God's grace and love just as if I had refused a meal or a healthy life or protective shelter.
Joy is on par with all provisions. For some, like the ostrich, it is the "leading" gift from God. For all, the gift of joy is spiritual gift that we should not only receive with gladness and thanks, but even seek and rejoice.
Prayer: Today, Lord, I choose joy as a way of life. That isn't easy, as we know this world has hardships that seek to destroy our joy. However, I do know that your gifts and your love provide us with joy, and to reject joy is to reject your love, comfort, and care. Your joy can open my heart to so much more in life. May I find your joy all around me, this day and every day. Amen.
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Wisdom is Bought at a Price
Scripture:
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you.
Proverbs 4:7-8
Observation: Per the writer of Proverbs, the start of wisdom is ... to get wisdom. It is first wise to seek wisdom and understanding. Or to say it a different way, the first step in understanding the will of God is to wish to understand the will of God. For this, we should be willing to give up everything. Then, with wisdom, if we hold onto and cling fast to that wisdom, we will be honored through that wisdom and understanding.
Application: This is what I was really praying last night. I have recently acquired wisdom, and that wisdom in in the value of meditating on God's word while seeking the Holy Spirit. I wish to spend my "free cycles" thinking about God's laws and precepts and teaching and guidance. I desire to truly think deeply and regularly about God, and part of this is to release and cease the other thoughts in my head at night.
But I bought this wisdom at a price, and it wasn't cheap. I paid for this wisdom with ... lost security in life, the destruction of my professional reputation, a total disruption and permanent loss of my career, the removal of both station and title, elimination of several professional relationships, and the long-term loss of seven figures in money. This wisdom has been costly. For that reason, I better remember that it is amazingly valuable! It cost me a lot, and therefore needs to be treasured, remembered, embraced, and observed.
And the truth is, this wisdom cost me ONLY in earthly terms. Everything above - from reputation to position to money - is relevant only within the value structure of worldly life. Those things that are eternal ... true and Godly friends, a loving family, personal happiness, heavenly blessing, and opportunity to serve the Lord ... I did not lose one single sliver of any of these.
Everything of God, with eternal value, I kept. Everything of earthly and temporal consequence, I paid. And with it, I got wisdom. Maybe I didn't know I was doing it at the time, but ... I sold everything I had to buy the one pearl. I will now cherish and embrace it.
Prayer: Lord, as I said last night, please bring your spirit to strengthen me every day. I fix my heart and mind on you and your laws, precepts, and instruction. I strive to set aside all other thoughts. I now rejoice that I was able to sell the worthless clutter of this world in order to find the eternal treasure I lacked. May my life serve you. Amen.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you.
Proverbs 4:7-8
Observation: Per the writer of Proverbs, the start of wisdom is ... to get wisdom. It is first wise to seek wisdom and understanding. Or to say it a different way, the first step in understanding the will of God is to wish to understand the will of God. For this, we should be willing to give up everything. Then, with wisdom, if we hold onto and cling fast to that wisdom, we will be honored through that wisdom and understanding.
Application: This is what I was really praying last night. I have recently acquired wisdom, and that wisdom in in the value of meditating on God's word while seeking the Holy Spirit. I wish to spend my "free cycles" thinking about God's laws and precepts and teaching and guidance. I desire to truly think deeply and regularly about God, and part of this is to release and cease the other thoughts in my head at night.
But I bought this wisdom at a price, and it wasn't cheap. I paid for this wisdom with ... lost security in life, the destruction of my professional reputation, a total disruption and permanent loss of my career, the removal of both station and title, elimination of several professional relationships, and the long-term loss of seven figures in money. This wisdom has been costly. For that reason, I better remember that it is amazingly valuable! It cost me a lot, and therefore needs to be treasured, remembered, embraced, and observed.
And the truth is, this wisdom cost me ONLY in earthly terms. Everything above - from reputation to position to money - is relevant only within the value structure of worldly life. Those things that are eternal ... true and Godly friends, a loving family, personal happiness, heavenly blessing, and opportunity to serve the Lord ... I did not lose one single sliver of any of these.
Everything of God, with eternal value, I kept. Everything of earthly and temporal consequence, I paid. And with it, I got wisdom. Maybe I didn't know I was doing it at the time, but ... I sold everything I had to buy the one pearl. I will now cherish and embrace it.
Prayer: Lord, as I said last night, please bring your spirit to strengthen me every day. I fix my heart and mind on you and your laws, precepts, and instruction. I strive to set aside all other thoughts. I now rejoice that I was able to sell the worthless clutter of this world in order to find the eternal treasure I lacked. May my life serve you. Amen.
Friday, February 1, 2019
The Revisionist History Perspective
Scripture:
Is not your wickedness great?
Are not your sins endless?
You demanded security from your relatives for no reason;
you stripped people of their clothing, leaving them naked.
You gave no water to the weary
and you withheld food from the hungry,
though you were a powerful man, owning land—
an honored man, living on it.
And you sent widows away empty-handed
and broke the strength of the fatherless.
Job 22:5-9
Observation: As Job's friends continue to assess Job's condition, they make up significant accusations. They now say Job's sins are "endless" ... he sinned against his own family, the poor, the weary, widows, orphans ... he is outright wicked!! These accusations outline a downright mean person who is being righteously punished. And of course the issue is that none of it is true. Job was, in fact, loving toward family and strangers, and was held up by God himself as the example of goodness.
Application: This is, I'm sure, what people think of me ... that I was punished for my wrongdoing. It doesn't matter if it has any alignment to facts. Job's friends know he was a very good man, and now accuse him of endless wickedness for no reason other than they believe God is punishing him and therefore they are retroactively rewriting what they know of Job. Again, I'm sure this is what some people did about me. They believe I am not a good man because of "punishment" regardless of what they knew of me.
I know God does not punish. He may correct, and he certainly uses the world to teach us. And I have learned. I will never dwell on what people may now think of me. I will instead live for the only audience that matters. I will seek a life that pleases only God. I will find where I can serve the Lord and then serve him. Others may think what they like.
Prayer: Lord, I declare it today, you are the only one whom I seek to serve and honor. I will do this by loving your people, and striving to do you will. Please guide my life, hourly, daily, and long term. May I do your will alone. Amen.
Is not your wickedness great?
Are not your sins endless?
You demanded security from your relatives for no reason;
you stripped people of their clothing, leaving them naked.
You gave no water to the weary
and you withheld food from the hungry,
though you were a powerful man, owning land—
an honored man, living on it.
And you sent widows away empty-handed
and broke the strength of the fatherless.
Job 22:5-9
Observation: As Job's friends continue to assess Job's condition, they make up significant accusations. They now say Job's sins are "endless" ... he sinned against his own family, the poor, the weary, widows, orphans ... he is outright wicked!! These accusations outline a downright mean person who is being righteously punished. And of course the issue is that none of it is true. Job was, in fact, loving toward family and strangers, and was held up by God himself as the example of goodness.
Application: This is, I'm sure, what people think of me ... that I was punished for my wrongdoing. It doesn't matter if it has any alignment to facts. Job's friends know he was a very good man, and now accuse him of endless wickedness for no reason other than they believe God is punishing him and therefore they are retroactively rewriting what they know of Job. Again, I'm sure this is what some people did about me. They believe I am not a good man because of "punishment" regardless of what they knew of me.
I know God does not punish. He may correct, and he certainly uses the world to teach us. And I have learned. I will never dwell on what people may now think of me. I will instead live for the only audience that matters. I will seek a life that pleases only God. I will find where I can serve the Lord and then serve him. Others may think what they like.
Prayer: Lord, I declare it today, you are the only one whom I seek to serve and honor. I will do this by loving your people, and striving to do you will. Please guide my life, hourly, daily, and long term. May I do your will alone. Amen.
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Ruling by God's Model
Scripture: Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." Matthew 20:25-26
Observation: As the disciples are upset with James' and John's request to have high positions, Jesus teaches that is not the way greatness works. He indicates that greatness comes from serving, not from promotion and honor.
Interestingly, Jesus uses a non-Jewish model for this. He takes a break from using the Pharisees as the example of people who have pride in their position. Instead, he calls out the "rulers of the Gentiles". The Gentiles always have this model ... the rulers are elevated and honored, receiving not just attention but actual authority and power of governance. The rulers go so far as to elevated to god status with expectations of worship. This is beyond a Pharisee just thinking their better than others and failing therefore to care and love others, but this is now lordship. Jesus even goes on to point out that the Son of Man - himself, Messiah, who is Lord - has come to serve.
Application: Being elevated as a ruler is a trap of Satan. God reminded me of this last night as I was praying a brief lament that I was now 'a nobody.' The truth he reminded me of is that ... no, I am actually finally somebody again, and that is an obedient child of God whom he loves. I was truly a nobody when I had a position of authority. While I may not have felt I "lorded it over" anyone, certainly I had pride in it. That is gone, and that is absolutely and truly for the better.
Jesus may not like Pharisees, who use God's law to set themselves up as superior and look down on others. However, he certainly likes Gentile rulers worse, who use societal structure to set themselves up as authorities over others and even as gods. May I never, never, ever fall into that trap of being part of society's ruling structure again.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you again this morning for your responses to prayer. I seek more of your Holy Spirit today, so I can further follow your instructions and live into your will. Again I say, please give me more Spirit. Amen.
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Simply Unable to Understand
Scriptures:
But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;
or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
or let the fish in the sea inform you.
Which of all these does not know
that the hand of the Lord has done this?
In his hand is the life of every creature
and the breath of all mankind.
Job 12:7-10
Observation: As Job repeats his defense, it is based on the idea that God is punishing him, yet it cannot be because of a sin he committed for he is good. The friends keep telling him to repent of his sin, and Job's primary fight is that he hasn't sinned and therefore the reasons for God's actions are unknown and thus unresolvable. Both Job and the friends, then, begin with the same premise ... God is doing this to Job, maybe for a reason.
The concept of bad things happening in the world remains one of the most complicated mysteries of God. In general, we get it ... mankind removed God from being central in our lives, God allows freewill, hardships condition us for good work, etc. That's all good, but even collectively all the explanations leave us with an incomplete understanding. In the case of Job, we even know that God has NOT done these things to Job, God himself has promoted Job as upright, yet God allowed this to happen.
Application: God is in full control. Bad things happen to good people. God loves us and wants the very best for us. Again, I get all that, and I totally get that I will never fully understand it because it is beyond my human understanding. And here is a context I need ... "bad things" is even relative. There are people who have such terrible lives that my worst day would be their unimaginably best day. And there are bad acts perpetrated against others I cannot image. Even Job's conditions - loss of wealth, dead children, disease - were things others suffered from.
So for me, I must simply have faith. I am unable to understand this aspect of God, and I am not meant to understand it. In fact, I am not meant to question it (which is the ultimate point of Job, too). I am meant to have faith regardless of any situation. That I can strive to achieve daily.
Prayer: Dear Lord, today and every day my faith is in you alone. I seek only your provision and whatever you decided I should have. Please forgive my sins, for I know I am not worthy of your blessing, and yet I have faith that you love me and will provide. I hope to be better than I have been in your eyes, not to earn your love but to simply return your love in some small way. Amen.
But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;
or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
or let the fish in the sea inform you.
Which of all these does not know
that the hand of the Lord has done this?
In his hand is the life of every creature
and the breath of all mankind.
Job 12:7-10
Observation: As Job repeats his defense, it is based on the idea that God is punishing him, yet it cannot be because of a sin he committed for he is good. The friends keep telling him to repent of his sin, and Job's primary fight is that he hasn't sinned and therefore the reasons for God's actions are unknown and thus unresolvable. Both Job and the friends, then, begin with the same premise ... God is doing this to Job, maybe for a reason.
The concept of bad things happening in the world remains one of the most complicated mysteries of God. In general, we get it ... mankind removed God from being central in our lives, God allows freewill, hardships condition us for good work, etc. That's all good, but even collectively all the explanations leave us with an incomplete understanding. In the case of Job, we even know that God has NOT done these things to Job, God himself has promoted Job as upright, yet God allowed this to happen.
Application: God is in full control. Bad things happen to good people. God loves us and wants the very best for us. Again, I get all that, and I totally get that I will never fully understand it because it is beyond my human understanding. And here is a context I need ... "bad things" is even relative. There are people who have such terrible lives that my worst day would be their unimaginably best day. And there are bad acts perpetrated against others I cannot image. Even Job's conditions - loss of wealth, dead children, disease - were things others suffered from.
So for me, I must simply have faith. I am unable to understand this aspect of God, and I am not meant to understand it. In fact, I am not meant to question it (which is the ultimate point of Job, too). I am meant to have faith regardless of any situation. That I can strive to achieve daily.
Prayer: Dear Lord, today and every day my faith is in you alone. I seek only your provision and whatever you decided I should have. Please forgive my sins, for I know I am not worthy of your blessing, and yet I have faith that you love me and will provide. I hope to be better than I have been in your eyes, not to earn your love but to simply return your love in some small way. Amen.
Monday, January 28, 2019
What One Must Do
Scripture: Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" Matthew 19:16
Observation: This young man asks a basic question, what must one do to gain eternal life. Jesus will provide an answer that is both straightforward and confusing. His answer begins with a subset of the ten commandments - those that primarily deal with behaviors - and the rich young man says he complies with those. We know that's doubtful ... complete and total compliance with the full letter of the law and all its components, including how Jesus has included our thought life into the scenarios, are difficult to fully comply with, and made up for through ritual sacrifice. However, Jesus then tells the man to sell everything, give it to the poor, and thus store up treasures in heaven.
The confusion seems to be in the nature of the actions. First, Jesus skips over the commands associated with God himself ... honoring God, having no other Gods, keeping God's name and Sabbath holy. There seems, therefore, to be a connection between these commands and the second instructions to give all to the poor. Caring for others, especially the poor, is part of how we honor God. This has two components. First, in doing so we care for those whom God loves, and thus become God's partner in loving others. Second, we eliminate our reliance on earthly things and become ourselves dependent on God, leaning into his love for our daily needs, and thus becoming faithful.
And this then is the answer to the question. Jesus summarizes it with the final part of the answer ... "Then come, follow me" ... but the full response is that the good thing we must do is to have faith, and faith that isn't just a thought in our hearts but an actual full-life dependency on God.
Application: I have recently developed much more faith in this area - an actual dependency on God for my very life. This is the gift God gave me through my earthly struggles. He taught me reliance upon him alone for everything from my daily bread, to love from friends and family, to my own mental well being. He taught me that an hour in worship is better than an hour in mindless sports. He taught me that considering his world is far greater than my imagination.
I need to continue this forward. I fully know what I now have is from him and by him alone. I need to continue to give it back to him in my thoughts, word, and deeds. I must empty myself and my reliance on earthly or material things, and know that even when I have and enjoy those things they were in fact a gift from God. And most of all, I must continue daily to both exercise and increase my faith in God and Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, this day I ask for your strength in my life. May I succeed at work by your will and wisdom. May I find ways to give you glory, both internally and externally. To you be all my love, all my faith, and all my life. Amen.
Observation: This young man asks a basic question, what must one do to gain eternal life. Jesus will provide an answer that is both straightforward and confusing. His answer begins with a subset of the ten commandments - those that primarily deal with behaviors - and the rich young man says he complies with those. We know that's doubtful ... complete and total compliance with the full letter of the law and all its components, including how Jesus has included our thought life into the scenarios, are difficult to fully comply with, and made up for through ritual sacrifice. However, Jesus then tells the man to sell everything, give it to the poor, and thus store up treasures in heaven.
The confusion seems to be in the nature of the actions. First, Jesus skips over the commands associated with God himself ... honoring God, having no other Gods, keeping God's name and Sabbath holy. There seems, therefore, to be a connection between these commands and the second instructions to give all to the poor. Caring for others, especially the poor, is part of how we honor God. This has two components. First, in doing so we care for those whom God loves, and thus become God's partner in loving others. Second, we eliminate our reliance on earthly things and become ourselves dependent on God, leaning into his love for our daily needs, and thus becoming faithful.
And this then is the answer to the question. Jesus summarizes it with the final part of the answer ... "Then come, follow me" ... but the full response is that the good thing we must do is to have faith, and faith that isn't just a thought in our hearts but an actual full-life dependency on God.
Application: I have recently developed much more faith in this area - an actual dependency on God for my very life. This is the gift God gave me through my earthly struggles. He taught me reliance upon him alone for everything from my daily bread, to love from friends and family, to my own mental well being. He taught me that an hour in worship is better than an hour in mindless sports. He taught me that considering his world is far greater than my imagination.
I need to continue this forward. I fully know what I now have is from him and by him alone. I need to continue to give it back to him in my thoughts, word, and deeds. I must empty myself and my reliance on earthly or material things, and know that even when I have and enjoy those things they were in fact a gift from God. And most of all, I must continue daily to both exercise and increase my faith in God and Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, this day I ask for your strength in my life. May I succeed at work by your will and wisdom. May I find ways to give you glory, both internally and externally. To you be all my love, all my faith, and all my life. Amen.
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Never Lose the Wonder
Scripture: There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Matthew 17:2
Observation: In front of only Peter, James, and John, Jesus experiences the transfiguration. He meets and talks to Moses and Elijah. This one sentence - stating his face shone and his clothes were white - are the only descriptions of this transfiguration. From this, however, it seems clear that Jesus exuded light. The part of his skin that was exposed, his face, created its own super-bright light, and his clothes could not contain the brightness and became purely white.
That said, this seems to not be the only "change" ... emitting light would likely not be considered "transfigured" but rather just an energy. Instead, it seems Jesus fully changed. He took on a different appearance. He didn't just become bright, but he became a different being. It seems more likely that he became his created heavenly being. He is in the form of a man, but he was a different man, with different features, a new and heavenly body. Moses and Elijah are not like him - they are humans, for they were humans - but Jesus is something different in this moment.
This is consistent with other moments throughout the bible when Jesus appears in a form that is aligned to his status and state in heaven. In Revelation, John sees him repeatedly, and never calls him Jesus, but rather he is one like the son of man. He is again seeing the transfigured son of man ... the bright radiance, the human form but heavenly features, and the great power.
Application: The transfiguration is covered so briefly and with so little detail, that it seems the most important element is what gets discussed, the appearance of Moses and Elijah. However, it must truly be the revelation of Jesus' true form that was indescribable and amazing. That, after all, is the point ... Jesus is not just a man, but is a heavenly being as the son of God, with a persona that rules at God's right hand.
This is the heroic nature of my savior. He is a unique, heavenly being, who also humbled himself in human form, suffered voluntarily, and sacrificed for my iniquities. The wonder of the transfiguration isn't the appearance of others, but the revelation of Jesus' true self. Though I cannot imagine it, may I never lose that wonder.
Prayer: Lord, as I just said, may I never lose my wonder in you and your gift of salvation. You are Lord, savior, father, friend, and master, and while I seek a familial relationship with you, and know that too is a gift I cannot earn, for your greatness is beyond my imagination. I praise you this and every day. Amen.
Observation: In front of only Peter, James, and John, Jesus experiences the transfiguration. He meets and talks to Moses and Elijah. This one sentence - stating his face shone and his clothes were white - are the only descriptions of this transfiguration. From this, however, it seems clear that Jesus exuded light. The part of his skin that was exposed, his face, created its own super-bright light, and his clothes could not contain the brightness and became purely white.
That said, this seems to not be the only "change" ... emitting light would likely not be considered "transfigured" but rather just an energy. Instead, it seems Jesus fully changed. He took on a different appearance. He didn't just become bright, but he became a different being. It seems more likely that he became his created heavenly being. He is in the form of a man, but he was a different man, with different features, a new and heavenly body. Moses and Elijah are not like him - they are humans, for they were humans - but Jesus is something different in this moment.
This is consistent with other moments throughout the bible when Jesus appears in a form that is aligned to his status and state in heaven. In Revelation, John sees him repeatedly, and never calls him Jesus, but rather he is one like the son of man. He is again seeing the transfigured son of man ... the bright radiance, the human form but heavenly features, and the great power.
Application: The transfiguration is covered so briefly and with so little detail, that it seems the most important element is what gets discussed, the appearance of Moses and Elijah. However, it must truly be the revelation of Jesus' true form that was indescribable and amazing. That, after all, is the point ... Jesus is not just a man, but is a heavenly being as the son of God, with a persona that rules at God's right hand.
This is the heroic nature of my savior. He is a unique, heavenly being, who also humbled himself in human form, suffered voluntarily, and sacrificed for my iniquities. The wonder of the transfiguration isn't the appearance of others, but the revelation of Jesus' true self. Though I cannot imagine it, may I never lose that wonder.
Prayer: Lord, as I just said, may I never lose my wonder in you and your gift of salvation. You are Lord, savior, father, friend, and master, and while I seek a familial relationship with you, and know that too is a gift I cannot earn, for your greatness is beyond my imagination. I praise you this and every day. Amen.
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
By Their Very Nature
Scripture: Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, “Don’t quarrel on the way!” Genesis 45:24
Observation: As the 11 brothers - sons of Israel and partriarchs of the tribes - are about to leave Joseph, these are his final instructions ... don't quarrel. He doesn't pray over them, or encourage them, or urge them to hurry, or give them a greeting to dad, or advise them on the route, or warn them of dangers. He speaks instead to the one element of their nature he remembers from his childhood ... their quarrelsome nature between and among them.
For this is what Joseph knows of his brothers, that it is their nature not to get along. He recalls that they often divided up based on the subdivisions of their mothers. He recalls that they would argue about who would do what work. He even remembers that they argued about how to dispose of him, whether they should kill him, imprison him, sell him, or even redeem him and save him. They were jealous of cloths, birth order, household status, and bickered about all of it. So now, they have one and only one task - go and get father and bring him to safety - and he therefore speaks of the one element of their nature that he knows could derail them. Historically speaking, this will be the same issue that ultimately undermines them as a nation, as it will be tribal jealousies over kingly leadership that will divide their nation.
Application: If those who knew me best gave me a final warning on my way out the door, what would it be? It would likely be about my temper. My anger is an element I strive to control, but every once I a while it still bests me. It is imbedded in my lack of patience, and my pride. It is my worst traits that manifest.
This is an element that only the Holy Spirit can help me with, and I do pray into that regularly. I need my heart changed! I want to be patient and humble. I also want to be calm, thoughtful, and kind toward all. As I seek more of the Spirit, these things will certainly grow, and my anger should certainly recede. I hope that, in years to come, others my no longer remember the worst of my nature, and consider me in better light.
Prayer: Lord, I do pray for more of your Spirit this day. Work on my heart so that it is new and soft toward others, and then can help others with your kindness, joy, patience, and self control. I thank you for what I have this day, knowing it is only from you. Amen.
Observation: As the 11 brothers - sons of Israel and partriarchs of the tribes - are about to leave Joseph, these are his final instructions ... don't quarrel. He doesn't pray over them, or encourage them, or urge them to hurry, or give them a greeting to dad, or advise them on the route, or warn them of dangers. He speaks instead to the one element of their nature he remembers from his childhood ... their quarrelsome nature between and among them.
For this is what Joseph knows of his brothers, that it is their nature not to get along. He recalls that they often divided up based on the subdivisions of their mothers. He recalls that they would argue about who would do what work. He even remembers that they argued about how to dispose of him, whether they should kill him, imprison him, sell him, or even redeem him and save him. They were jealous of cloths, birth order, household status, and bickered about all of it. So now, they have one and only one task - go and get father and bring him to safety - and he therefore speaks of the one element of their nature that he knows could derail them. Historically speaking, this will be the same issue that ultimately undermines them as a nation, as it will be tribal jealousies over kingly leadership that will divide their nation.
Application: If those who knew me best gave me a final warning on my way out the door, what would it be? It would likely be about my temper. My anger is an element I strive to control, but every once I a while it still bests me. It is imbedded in my lack of patience, and my pride. It is my worst traits that manifest.
This is an element that only the Holy Spirit can help me with, and I do pray into that regularly. I need my heart changed! I want to be patient and humble. I also want to be calm, thoughtful, and kind toward all. As I seek more of the Spirit, these things will certainly grow, and my anger should certainly recede. I hope that, in years to come, others my no longer remember the worst of my nature, and consider me in better light.
Prayer: Lord, I do pray for more of your Spirit this day. Work on my heart so that it is new and soft toward others, and then can help others with your kindness, joy, patience, and self control. I thank you for what I have this day, knowing it is only from you. Amen.
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
God Does and Will Provide
Scripture:
But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
Psalm 13:5
Observation: David cries out to the Lord with a question - how long will the Lord wait to respond to his situation? However, he immediately clarifies that, regardless the answer to that question, he trusts in the Lord and rejoices in the very fact of salvation from God.
David was struggling and in need of God's intervention, and he openly questioned how long it was taking. He asks how long if God has forgotten him (v1), if he must go it alone (v2), and if his enemies will prevail (v2). He asks God to look upon him (v3) and to spare his life (v3) so his enemies won't celebrate (v4). And then David knows ... God will do it. God will bring salvation upon him (v5), and David will sing praises for all God has already done (v6).
This is the man after God's heart - the one who knows that God is at work in the dark times. He may ask God "when" and may even "if", but he knows God's ways are just and that there is plenty to already celebrate. God will provide salvation.
Application: I have seen God provide in my life, and I know he will provide in the future. While this psalm now speaks incredibly clearly to my heart - asking God how long the dark times will last, and if enemies will truly prevail - I continue to praise the Lord and honor him for all he has already done in my life. My life is great, and has never been less, since I began trusting even just a little bit in the Lord.
Jesus is my salvation, and the Lord God almighty is my provider. I can be at peace, and trust in his unfailing love.
Prayer: Lord, your love is just that, unfailing. You are all I need in life, and all sufficient at all times. I pray this day for my daily bread, and for the daily provision of my family. May you be with my children as they continue on their walks, lighting their path in clear, obvious, and unmistakable ways, so we can all be faithful to your direction and continue to receive your provision. Amen.
But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
Psalm 13:5
Observation: David cries out to the Lord with a question - how long will the Lord wait to respond to his situation? However, he immediately clarifies that, regardless the answer to that question, he trusts in the Lord and rejoices in the very fact of salvation from God.
David was struggling and in need of God's intervention, and he openly questioned how long it was taking. He asks how long if God has forgotten him (v1), if he must go it alone (v2), and if his enemies will prevail (v2). He asks God to look upon him (v3) and to spare his life (v3) so his enemies won't celebrate (v4). And then David knows ... God will do it. God will bring salvation upon him (v5), and David will sing praises for all God has already done (v6).
This is the man after God's heart - the one who knows that God is at work in the dark times. He may ask God "when" and may even "if", but he knows God's ways are just and that there is plenty to already celebrate. God will provide salvation.
Application: I have seen God provide in my life, and I know he will provide in the future. While this psalm now speaks incredibly clearly to my heart - asking God how long the dark times will last, and if enemies will truly prevail - I continue to praise the Lord and honor him for all he has already done in my life. My life is great, and has never been less, since I began trusting even just a little bit in the Lord.
Jesus is my salvation, and the Lord God almighty is my provider. I can be at peace, and trust in his unfailing love.
Prayer: Lord, your love is just that, unfailing. You are all I need in life, and all sufficient at all times. I pray this day for my daily bread, and for the daily provision of my family. May you be with my children as they continue on their walks, lighting their path in clear, obvious, and unmistakable ways, so we can all be faithful to your direction and continue to receive your provision. Amen.
Friday, January 18, 2019
Understanding Must be Revealed
Scripture: These were the kings who reigned in Edom before any Israelite king reigned. Genesis 36:31
Observation: Genesis chapter 36 is a full genealogy of Esau, starting with his wives and children, and continuing through generations of clans, tribal leaders, and marriages. Verse 31 introduces a line of kings, and then eight kings are listed. As indicated, these were Edom's kings before Israel had any kings.
Yet ... if Moses wrote Genesis ... and to his knowledge Israel was NEVER to have kings ... where did this line come from? Why compare the timing of the kings of Edom to the kings of Israel? And if these are eight kings right before Israel has a king, i.e., Saul, wouldn't that put them in the time of the judges well after Moses' death?
Application: I often see that the bible in non-linear and difficult to understand. Stories are not always chronological, and little facts may be added out of context. I often wonder why. Sometimes I think it is bad storytelling, but then remember God is the author. So the answer must be that ... the story isn't the point. Sometimes God is just saying something, and we need to get our heads out of our prescribed models for context in order to discover understanding.
In other words, understanding scriptures is itself as much about faith as it is about knowledge. We can read and study, but the Spirit reveals truth and insights. Often we can't do this because the knowledge his hidden too deeply, but sometimes our earthly knowledge interferes with heavenly understanding.
I have no idea why we have an entire chapter about the genealogy of Esau and the nation of Edom. I have no idea why it seems incongruent from both the context of the narrative, and the timing of the authorship of the book itself. Yet here it is, to be read and included in our understanding of God's word.
Prayer: Lord, my personal lesson today is not that Edom had kings, but that my understanding of your word is not of my doing. I need your Spirit to understand your teaching, and so I ask for more of your Spirit. May I continue to grow in wisdom, as you would grant it to me. Amen.
Observation: Genesis chapter 36 is a full genealogy of Esau, starting with his wives and children, and continuing through generations of clans, tribal leaders, and marriages. Verse 31 introduces a line of kings, and then eight kings are listed. As indicated, these were Edom's kings before Israel had any kings.
Yet ... if Moses wrote Genesis ... and to his knowledge Israel was NEVER to have kings ... where did this line come from? Why compare the timing of the kings of Edom to the kings of Israel? And if these are eight kings right before Israel has a king, i.e., Saul, wouldn't that put them in the time of the judges well after Moses' death?
Application: I often see that the bible in non-linear and difficult to understand. Stories are not always chronological, and little facts may be added out of context. I often wonder why. Sometimes I think it is bad storytelling, but then remember God is the author. So the answer must be that ... the story isn't the point. Sometimes God is just saying something, and we need to get our heads out of our prescribed models for context in order to discover understanding.
In other words, understanding scriptures is itself as much about faith as it is about knowledge. We can read and study, but the Spirit reveals truth and insights. Often we can't do this because the knowledge his hidden too deeply, but sometimes our earthly knowledge interferes with heavenly understanding.
I have no idea why we have an entire chapter about the genealogy of Esau and the nation of Edom. I have no idea why it seems incongruent from both the context of the narrative, and the timing of the authorship of the book itself. Yet here it is, to be read and included in our understanding of God's word.
Prayer: Lord, my personal lesson today is not that Edom had kings, but that my understanding of your word is not of my doing. I need your Spirit to understand your teaching, and so I ask for more of your Spirit. May I continue to grow in wisdom, as you would grant it to me. Amen.
Thursday, January 17, 2019
A Conversation that Never Happens
Scripture: While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you." He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Matthew 12:46-50
Observation: There has always been an implication around these verses that Jesus' family is there to speak some kind of logic to him. They are either there to warn him of his actions, or correct him about his message, or even to persuade him to rethink his direct and clear claiming of Messiah-ship. This makes sense in the context that they are outside of the believes, and Jesus calls that out ... his true family are those who believe, and not those who have the titles by birth alone.
Yet, we know Jesus' family does believe in him. Mary in particular has always believed since his conception, and pushes him into demonstrating his calling early during a wedding feast. James becomes the leader of the church in Jerusalem, and Jude authors a book of the New Testament. It is almost impossible, in that context, to think the family was attempting to tell him to 'stand down' or even to go as far as to consider him delusional. About the only logical assumption may be that they wished to warn him about the danger and impacts of his message, forgetting that - as the Messiah - he certainly was aware of all that.
His family was familiar with Jesus, and thus believed they were the best ones to speak 'logically' to him about his ministry. Jesus was clear, however, that there was no room for any sort of muted message. God's Messiah was delivering his word, and those who would listen would now constitute the family of God.
Application: As believers, we have an active relationship with Jesus Christ, and with God. However ... they are still our Lord, our master, our God. They are still in total authority over our lives. Relationship does not mean over-familiarity, and it must retain respect of position. God is God, and I am not. That applies to the universe, and it applies to my personal daily life. God gets to command my steps, and I don't get to rationalize, negotiate, or logically review that direction. At least, I shouldn't.
If I see myself debating with God's direction, I should consider Jesus' family. They wanted to discuss Jesus' approach, and were dismissed ... even knocked down a peg or two publicly. They recovered of course, once they had reset their understanding. I am sure I will need to reset my understanding from time to time, but I should remember this example.
Prayer: Lord, while you are my daddy, you are also my master. While I am your loved child, I am also your servant at your command. I will follow and obey, as much as I walk with and am guided by, you. May I be both protected and obedient. Amen.
Observation: There has always been an implication around these verses that Jesus' family is there to speak some kind of logic to him. They are either there to warn him of his actions, or correct him about his message, or even to persuade him to rethink his direct and clear claiming of Messiah-ship. This makes sense in the context that they are outside of the believes, and Jesus calls that out ... his true family are those who believe, and not those who have the titles by birth alone.
Yet, we know Jesus' family does believe in him. Mary in particular has always believed since his conception, and pushes him into demonstrating his calling early during a wedding feast. James becomes the leader of the church in Jerusalem, and Jude authors a book of the New Testament. It is almost impossible, in that context, to think the family was attempting to tell him to 'stand down' or even to go as far as to consider him delusional. About the only logical assumption may be that they wished to warn him about the danger and impacts of his message, forgetting that - as the Messiah - he certainly was aware of all that.
His family was familiar with Jesus, and thus believed they were the best ones to speak 'logically' to him about his ministry. Jesus was clear, however, that there was no room for any sort of muted message. God's Messiah was delivering his word, and those who would listen would now constitute the family of God.
Application: As believers, we have an active relationship with Jesus Christ, and with God. However ... they are still our Lord, our master, our God. They are still in total authority over our lives. Relationship does not mean over-familiarity, and it must retain respect of position. God is God, and I am not. That applies to the universe, and it applies to my personal daily life. God gets to command my steps, and I don't get to rationalize, negotiate, or logically review that direction. At least, I shouldn't.
If I see myself debating with God's direction, I should consider Jesus' family. They wanted to discuss Jesus' approach, and were dismissed ... even knocked down a peg or two publicly. They recovered of course, once they had reset their understanding. I am sure I will need to reset my understanding from time to time, but I should remember this example.
Prayer: Lord, while you are my daddy, you are also my master. While I am your loved child, I am also your servant at your command. I will follow and obey, as much as I walk with and am guided by, you. May I be both protected and obedient. Amen.
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Refilled by the Holy Spirit
Scripture: Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation. Matthew 12:44-45
Observation: As Jesus rails against the Pharisees, he provides this obscure lessons. It can be literal, as they have been discussing driving out demons. However, it is a lesson about the Holy Spirit, a topic Jesus also introduced here. He brought up blasphemy against the Holy Spirit as the unforgivable sin, and addressed the repentance of Nineveh as an example of how others should act.
Jesus' lesson is this - when one decides to turn away from evil, he must then also turn to and seek the Holy Spirit by means of faith. If he does not, then he is simply empty ... despite having evicted evil, evil will return if it is not replaced by faith and by the spirit of God. He goes so far as to declare that the Pharisees - who have purged evil spirits from their lives and thus created a "house" that is in perfect order - are a "wicked generation" by this very act.
Application: It is very clear that turning from evil is not the point of Christian faith, but it is about faith in God, through belief in Jesus. The Pharisees tried to do good, but had no faith ... thus, they were a brood of vipers, ripe for the influence of evil, even as they promoted their piety.
I continue to ask for more of the Holy Spirit ever day. This is my near-term work in Christ, to develop a better connect with the Holy Spirit. I am lacking in this area. I have a little spirit, which thus provides good work but troublesome thoughts. I want my inner life overhauled by the spirit as well.
I have faith in God the father, and in Jesus Christ my Lord and savior. And I believe in and seek more of the Holy Spirit. I need the Holy Spirit ever present in my daily life.
Prayer: Lord, please do give me more of your spirit this day. I seek your strength and wisdom through and by the spirit, and the ability to be better guided on a moment-by-moment basis. Come, Holy Spirit. Amen.
Observation: As Jesus rails against the Pharisees, he provides this obscure lessons. It can be literal, as they have been discussing driving out demons. However, it is a lesson about the Holy Spirit, a topic Jesus also introduced here. He brought up blasphemy against the Holy Spirit as the unforgivable sin, and addressed the repentance of Nineveh as an example of how others should act.
Jesus' lesson is this - when one decides to turn away from evil, he must then also turn to and seek the Holy Spirit by means of faith. If he does not, then he is simply empty ... despite having evicted evil, evil will return if it is not replaced by faith and by the spirit of God. He goes so far as to declare that the Pharisees - who have purged evil spirits from their lives and thus created a "house" that is in perfect order - are a "wicked generation" by this very act.
Application: It is very clear that turning from evil is not the point of Christian faith, but it is about faith in God, through belief in Jesus. The Pharisees tried to do good, but had no faith ... thus, they were a brood of vipers, ripe for the influence of evil, even as they promoted their piety.
I continue to ask for more of the Holy Spirit ever day. This is my near-term work in Christ, to develop a better connect with the Holy Spirit. I am lacking in this area. I have a little spirit, which thus provides good work but troublesome thoughts. I want my inner life overhauled by the spirit as well.
I have faith in God the father, and in Jesus Christ my Lord and savior. And I believe in and seek more of the Holy Spirit. I need the Holy Spirit ever present in my daily life.
Prayer: Lord, please do give me more of your spirit this day. I seek your strength and wisdom through and by the spirit, and the ability to be better guided on a moment-by-moment basis. Come, Holy Spirit. Amen.
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
The Common End-Times Prayer
Scripture:
Arise, Lord, do not let mortals triumph;
let the nations be judged in your presence.
Strike them with terror, Lord;
let the nations know they are only mortal.
Psalm 9:19-20
Observation: As the psalmist prays to the Lord, he asks for justice. He seeks God's action against the wicked, individuals but especially nations or people-groups. He was them judged for their actions, and for them to learn the wrong they commit. In this way, they would be filled with terror, part of which is the knowledge of mortality.
However, this is interpreted, the bottom line is this ... the psalmist wishes for God's decision action against the wicked, once and for all.
Application: How often have I just prayed 'come Lord Jesus'? At some point, every believer wants this ... the end. We want to witness justice on the evil, and end suffering of the good and upright. We know God has full authority to address the issues of the wicked, and we just wish it would happen. Now. Again, I'm pretty confident we all pray that at some point in time, and for some they probably pray it often.
Perhaps, though, we should be careful. Asking for God to judge others sets us up as judge, assuming we are upright. We aren't, but we are forgiven. Wishing for the judgment of others is a slippery slope.
Prayer: Lord, today I ask not for your return, but instead for the redemption of those who do wrong. This is a better way, to reach them in the name of Jesus. I ask for continued hope in that mission. Amen.
Arise, Lord, do not let mortals triumph;
let the nations be judged in your presence.
Strike them with terror, Lord;
let the nations know they are only mortal.
Psalm 9:19-20
Observation: As the psalmist prays to the Lord, he asks for justice. He seeks God's action against the wicked, individuals but especially nations or people-groups. He was them judged for their actions, and for them to learn the wrong they commit. In this way, they would be filled with terror, part of which is the knowledge of mortality.
However, this is interpreted, the bottom line is this ... the psalmist wishes for God's decision action against the wicked, once and for all.
Application: How often have I just prayed 'come Lord Jesus'? At some point, every believer wants this ... the end. We want to witness justice on the evil, and end suffering of the good and upright. We know God has full authority to address the issues of the wicked, and we just wish it would happen. Now. Again, I'm pretty confident we all pray that at some point in time, and for some they probably pray it often.
Perhaps, though, we should be careful. Asking for God to judge others sets us up as judge, assuming we are upright. We aren't, but we are forgiven. Wishing for the judgment of others is a slippery slope.
Prayer: Lord, today I ask not for your return, but instead for the redemption of those who do wrong. This is a better way, to reach them in the name of Jesus. I ask for continued hope in that mission. Amen.
Monday, January 14, 2019
Careful Even of Agreement
Scripture: Laban said, "It's better that I give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me." Genesis 29:19
Observation: In their dealings, neither Laban nor Jacob are to be trusted. They lie and cheat each other at every turn, be it with marriages, goats, or family treasure. After knowing each other one month, this is the conversation they have ... Laban wishes to hire Jacob, Jacob names the terms (seven years for Rachel), and Laban decides it is a favorable deal.
So ... why? Why would Laban - who always has an angle when it comes to how he treats Jacob - decided that giving his youngest daughter to Jacob is better than giving her to any other man? Perhaps the answer is evident in their future dealings. Laban gets Jacob for seven years, tricks him into another seven years, coerces him into even longer, then fights are argues that Jacob can ever leave because Jacob's children are his.
Laban wants to be the patriarch of a family, and appears from the beginning to have plan for that family to never leave him. I is thus better if Jacob, his nephew, marries his daughters, because as family he might stay, and as a man with an enemy (Esau) elsewhere, he might really stay. In other words, even when agreeing to Jacob's request, Laban had a plan that is contrary to Jacob's future and to God's plan, and it came out in the last little throw-on idea of his ... stay here with me. Laban created a term that wasn't just about marriage, but about dependency.
Application: It is an interesting thought ... that someone actually agreeing to my honest request may intend something sinister. This makes understand the consequences of a request, especially any added conditions, important. When someone dishonest agrees with me, I should be wary. When someone with an agenda agrees to my agenda, I should rethink my position. When someone whom has shown themselves to be devious joins my side of the discussion, I should reconsider.
All I want is for long-term stability in my professional life. I need to be paying attention to ensure that God's plan for my life, my work aligned to that plan, and other's discussions about my work, are all on the same page.
Prayer: Lord, I pray that there are honest and good people around me. I feel there are, but I certainly want to ensure that is the case. I would like to work with these people for a long time, and contribute value to their lives. Please guide me if there is anyone to be concerned about. Amen.
Observation: In their dealings, neither Laban nor Jacob are to be trusted. They lie and cheat each other at every turn, be it with marriages, goats, or family treasure. After knowing each other one month, this is the conversation they have ... Laban wishes to hire Jacob, Jacob names the terms (seven years for Rachel), and Laban decides it is a favorable deal.
So ... why? Why would Laban - who always has an angle when it comes to how he treats Jacob - decided that giving his youngest daughter to Jacob is better than giving her to any other man? Perhaps the answer is evident in their future dealings. Laban gets Jacob for seven years, tricks him into another seven years, coerces him into even longer, then fights are argues that Jacob can ever leave because Jacob's children are his.
Laban wants to be the patriarch of a family, and appears from the beginning to have plan for that family to never leave him. I is thus better if Jacob, his nephew, marries his daughters, because as family he might stay, and as a man with an enemy (Esau) elsewhere, he might really stay. In other words, even when agreeing to Jacob's request, Laban had a plan that is contrary to Jacob's future and to God's plan, and it came out in the last little throw-on idea of his ... stay here with me. Laban created a term that wasn't just about marriage, but about dependency.
Application: It is an interesting thought ... that someone actually agreeing to my honest request may intend something sinister. This makes understand the consequences of a request, especially any added conditions, important. When someone dishonest agrees with me, I should be wary. When someone with an agenda agrees to my agenda, I should rethink my position. When someone whom has shown themselves to be devious joins my side of the discussion, I should reconsider.
All I want is for long-term stability in my professional life. I need to be paying attention to ensure that God's plan for my life, my work aligned to that plan, and other's discussions about my work, are all on the same page.
Prayer: Lord, I pray that there are honest and good people around me. I feel there are, but I certainly want to ensure that is the case. I would like to work with these people for a long time, and contribute value to their lives. Please guide me if there is anyone to be concerned about. Amen.
Friday, January 11, 2019
Time to be Different
I don't need to recognize
The man in the mirror,
And I don't wanna trade your plan
For something familiar ...
I wanna be different,
I wanna be changed,
'Til all of me is gone
And all that remains
Is a fire so bright
The whole world can see
That there's something different.
So come and be different
In me.
The man in the mirror,
And I don't wanna trade your plan
For something familiar ...
I wanna be different,
I wanna be changed,
'Til all of me is gone
And all that remains
Is a fire so bright
The whole world can see
That there's something different.
So come and be different
In me.
Thursday, January 10, 2019
God's Revealed Perfect Timing
Scripture: Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. Genesis 21:2
Observation: Isaac is born at the time God had promised. He had before promised Abraham a son, and later promised him that he would have a son despite his old age, and finally promised him a son within one year. When Isaac was born, it happened at the exact time God promised.
Application: When I became unemployed, one of the things I tried to figure out was when God would respond and provide for my family. I thought it would be sooner, in timing with when my income expired, but I also knew that I had funds through another milestone, and believed God was indicating it was that milestone where he would respond. That milestone was January, and here I am today in my new job.
There is much made of God's timing, but perhaps the real issue is our timing. God not only has his own timing, but he often reveals what that timing will be. When it isn't what we think or hope, we discuss "God's timing" ... which we may try to call "perfect" but often we mean we are trying to reconcile our minds to it but we wish it were something (usually sooner). If we just adjusted to what God reveals to us, we would be content and well.
Even Abraham never quite fully adjusted to God's timing, which is why Sarah laughed in disbelief and even still marveled at the timing after Isaac was born. I struggle with some of God's timing, though I don't always hear clear messages on the chosen timing. However, I will consider his timing in the future, for when I align myself to his vision and timing I am likely to be content, happy, and even in wonder at his promises.
Prayer: Lord, please fill me with more of your spirit this day, so I can better understand your will and timing. I seek your way, in not just 'what' and 'how' but also 'when'. Amen.
Observation: Isaac is born at the time God had promised. He had before promised Abraham a son, and later promised him that he would have a son despite his old age, and finally promised him a son within one year. When Isaac was born, it happened at the exact time God promised.
Application: When I became unemployed, one of the things I tried to figure out was when God would respond and provide for my family. I thought it would be sooner, in timing with when my income expired, but I also knew that I had funds through another milestone, and believed God was indicating it was that milestone where he would respond. That milestone was January, and here I am today in my new job.
There is much made of God's timing, but perhaps the real issue is our timing. God not only has his own timing, but he often reveals what that timing will be. When it isn't what we think or hope, we discuss "God's timing" ... which we may try to call "perfect" but often we mean we are trying to reconcile our minds to it but we wish it were something (usually sooner). If we just adjusted to what God reveals to us, we would be content and well.
Even Abraham never quite fully adjusted to God's timing, which is why Sarah laughed in disbelief and even still marveled at the timing after Isaac was born. I struggle with some of God's timing, though I don't always hear clear messages on the chosen timing. However, I will consider his timing in the future, for when I align myself to his vision and timing I am likely to be content, happy, and even in wonder at his promises.
Prayer: Lord, please fill me with more of your spirit this day, so I can better understand your will and timing. I seek your way, in not just 'what' and 'how' but also 'when'. Amen.
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Three Responses to the Broad Way
Scripture: Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14
Observation: This is one of the earliest statements by Jesus that makes it clear that a life of faith is the life of a minority. It is the hard life. It is the unpopular choice. Walking with God takes you through the small gate on the narrow road, that only a few people will choose, while the great majority walk the broad road through the wide gate.
Application: There was a time I would not have believed that most people are choosing death, because I just assumed most people were at least some kind of 'Christian'. There was another time in my life I would not have believed that Jesus had this sentiment, because certainly he would want the majority of people to choose life. However, I now know ... God has provided Jesus as the way to life, but afforded all people with free will, and the majority of people will choose death.
I can respond to this reality with three thoughts. First, I will choose life, and I will choose Jesus. I do not care who is against me, or who may think I am wrong-headed or odd, I will always and forever be a follower of Jesus Christ, who is my Lord and savior. Second, I recognize that most people around me are not believers, and I will do what I can to deliver the loving Gospel message to them. I will actively do this with evangelical intent, and I will passively do this with simple light and salt. But I will recognize that most people need to hear the good news, and I will try my best to deliver it.
Finally, I now know and will always remember that the majority of people are against these beliefs. They think faith in Jesus is odd, or even wrong, and they may react with anger, hate, and hostility. It may cost me again, and I will attempt to avoid that by being very alert and aware.
Prayer: Lord, I walk with you through the narrow gate, and the little path where you and I can simply be together. I reject the popular and easy way of life, for I know that it is unfulfilling, evil, and leads to death. May I grow in this journey with you, and may I find opportunity to tell the majority of this better way. Amen.
Observation: This is one of the earliest statements by Jesus that makes it clear that a life of faith is the life of a minority. It is the hard life. It is the unpopular choice. Walking with God takes you through the small gate on the narrow road, that only a few people will choose, while the great majority walk the broad road through the wide gate.
Application: There was a time I would not have believed that most people are choosing death, because I just assumed most people were at least some kind of 'Christian'. There was another time in my life I would not have believed that Jesus had this sentiment, because certainly he would want the majority of people to choose life. However, I now know ... God has provided Jesus as the way to life, but afforded all people with free will, and the majority of people will choose death.
I can respond to this reality with three thoughts. First, I will choose life, and I will choose Jesus. I do not care who is against me, or who may think I am wrong-headed or odd, I will always and forever be a follower of Jesus Christ, who is my Lord and savior. Second, I recognize that most people around me are not believers, and I will do what I can to deliver the loving Gospel message to them. I will actively do this with evangelical intent, and I will passively do this with simple light and salt. But I will recognize that most people need to hear the good news, and I will try my best to deliver it.
Finally, I now know and will always remember that the majority of people are against these beliefs. They think faith in Jesus is odd, or even wrong, and they may react with anger, hate, and hostility. It may cost me again, and I will attempt to avoid that by being very alert and aware.
Prayer: Lord, I walk with you through the narrow gate, and the little path where you and I can simply be together. I reject the popular and easy way of life, for I know that it is unfulfilling, evil, and leads to death. May I grow in this journey with you, and may I find opportunity to tell the majority of this better way. Amen.
Sunday, January 6, 2019
Learning Lessons First Hand
Scripture: And after he became the father of Arphaxad, Shem lived 500 years and had other sons and daughters. Genesis 11:11
Observation: If you add up how old every person was when their son was born, from Arphaxad to Abram, the total is ... 290 years. From there, we know Isaac was born when Abram was around 100, and Jacob was born when Isaac was around 60. In other words, Shem - Noah's son - lived 50 years into Jacob's life. Given that Jacob went back to Ur to work many years to earn his wives, he was still hearing the first-hand accounts of the arc well into his adult life.
Application: I am reminded by this how faithful scriptures are. We see an oral-tradition story handed down for hundreds of years but only through a handful of generations. The flood story is only a second-hand story to Jacob/Israel himself. This is in line with some of the historical analysis of the documentation of the new testament as well.
I love learning more and more of the scriptures, and hope to go deeper and deeper. I want to learn even more this year. The last six months have been dominated by one major lesson in my life, and I feel I have grown greatly. I hope I have more to learn - though in a better manner - this year. I truly want to get closer to God, and better live within his will, obeying his precepts, commands, and laws.
Prayer: Lord, I seek you and only you. May I grow in you this year. I wish to learn first-hand from you. Amen.
Observation: If you add up how old every person was when their son was born, from Arphaxad to Abram, the total is ... 290 years. From there, we know Isaac was born when Abram was around 100, and Jacob was born when Isaac was around 60. In other words, Shem - Noah's son - lived 50 years into Jacob's life. Given that Jacob went back to Ur to work many years to earn his wives, he was still hearing the first-hand accounts of the arc well into his adult life.
Application: I am reminded by this how faithful scriptures are. We see an oral-tradition story handed down for hundreds of years but only through a handful of generations. The flood story is only a second-hand story to Jacob/Israel himself. This is in line with some of the historical analysis of the documentation of the new testament as well.
I love learning more and more of the scriptures, and hope to go deeper and deeper. I want to learn even more this year. The last six months have been dominated by one major lesson in my life, and I feel I have grown greatly. I hope I have more to learn - though in a better manner - this year. I truly want to get closer to God, and better live within his will, obeying his precepts, commands, and laws.
Prayer: Lord, I seek you and only you. May I grow in you this year. I wish to learn first-hand from you. Amen.
Friday, January 4, 2019
Mourning Mankind's Future
Scripture:
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4
Observation: The second of the beatitudes is this ... those who mourn will be blessed, as they will be comforted. The question has always been, however, what do they mourn? There are three possible answers I have learned:
1) They mourn the death of a loved one, and their blessing is straightforward ... they will in fact be comforted.
2) They mourn the passing of their old lives when they discover the right way to live, and their blessing is in their new life ... they will receive joy in a better life.
3) They mourn the failure of everyone to uphold the Law and thus be saved from death, and their blessing is true and deep blessing from the Lord ... for they model Jesus by loving others enough to care about their eternal souls.
I wonder how many other possible answers there are? I wonder if any of these are correct? And I wonder if Jesus believed his audience would understand the nuances of what he was saying? Later in his ministry, Jesus teaches in parables, knowing not everyone will understand. However, I think that even in this early teaching he believed that others would understand his words in layered ways, as they pondered his words and received the Holy Spirit.
Application: I have lived in definition #2 for some time, but I am ready to move onto #3. I mourn the world we live in and those who live in the corrupt values of this world. I don't oppose them. I instead am sad for them and long for their redemption. I desire a new world, and weep for what we have done as people. I admit I am a part of that problem, and desire to be better myself, but I am sad for all the world. I wish the world were moving in a better direction, aligned to the Law of God, as discussed later in this same chapter of Matthew.
Prayer: Lord, may this world be ever so better aligned to your kingdom and your Laws. You know where we diverge from your will, and I don't expect us to truly correct society as your own prophesies indicate the path this world is on. But I mourn for many people, some specific, and some general. If I can help them, please use me. Amen.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4
Observation: The second of the beatitudes is this ... those who mourn will be blessed, as they will be comforted. The question has always been, however, what do they mourn? There are three possible answers I have learned:
1) They mourn the death of a loved one, and their blessing is straightforward ... they will in fact be comforted.
2) They mourn the passing of their old lives when they discover the right way to live, and their blessing is in their new life ... they will receive joy in a better life.
3) They mourn the failure of everyone to uphold the Law and thus be saved from death, and their blessing is true and deep blessing from the Lord ... for they model Jesus by loving others enough to care about their eternal souls.
I wonder how many other possible answers there are? I wonder if any of these are correct? And I wonder if Jesus believed his audience would understand the nuances of what he was saying? Later in his ministry, Jesus teaches in parables, knowing not everyone will understand. However, I think that even in this early teaching he believed that others would understand his words in layered ways, as they pondered his words and received the Holy Spirit.
Application: I have lived in definition #2 for some time, but I am ready to move onto #3. I mourn the world we live in and those who live in the corrupt values of this world. I don't oppose them. I instead am sad for them and long for their redemption. I desire a new world, and weep for what we have done as people. I admit I am a part of that problem, and desire to be better myself, but I am sad for all the world. I wish the world were moving in a better direction, aligned to the Law of God, as discussed later in this same chapter of Matthew.
Prayer: Lord, may this world be ever so better aligned to your kingdom and your Laws. You know where we diverge from your will, and I don't expect us to truly correct society as your own prophesies indicate the path this world is on. But I mourn for many people, some specific, and some general. If I can help them, please use me. Amen.
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