Scripture: Now when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not resort to divination as at other times, but turned his face toward the wilderness. When Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came on him. Numbers 24:1-2
Observation: Finally, Balak takes Balaam to a mountain that can overlook the entire Israel camp. At this sight, Balaam is no longer in need of his tricky ways to discern instructions of God, but the Spirit comes upon him and he prophesizes about Israel, including the downfall of Moab, Edom, the Amalekites, and Kenites. It is revealed to him that this nation camped in tents is so blessed by God, that any and all enemies that come against them will be destroyed.
Balaam ultimately speaks true prophesy about a future leader coming from Israel who will rule all other nations. He speaks true prophesy about how blessing will flow from Israel, those who bless him will be blessed, and those who curse him will be cursed. He speaks true prophesy about future dynasties that will subdue Israel but then be subdued by this future purpose.
In other words, Balaam goes from using spiritualism to hear God's instruction, to being filled with the Holy Spirit to see God's vision for Israel and all of mankind.
Application: How awesome it must have been to stand on a cliff, and see a camp of ... 1.4 million ish? ... in orderly formation around a tabernacle, filled with a supernatural pillar of smoke and light, and realizing this is more than just a hoard of people figuring out where to live. This is the people of the Lord, blessed and guided and protected, and there is no established nation now or in the future that can be sustained without positive interaction with the Lord and by extension his people.
Balaam sees this, and opens his heart to the Lord. He changes from one who simply tries to hear facts from God, to one who partners with God in his purposes.
This is the Spirit I seek ... one where I can join with God in his purposes here on earth. And perhaps that is the Spirit I have received ... not one that hears short fragments of instructive words, but one that gets to engage in evangelical work to help others hear about Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, I seek today your Spirit more and more, but in this manner. May I be part of your purpose and work on earth. Amen.
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
When There is No Right Action
Scripture: Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey and went with the Moabite officials. But God was very angry when he went, and the angel of the Lord stood in the road to oppose him. Numbers 22:21-22a
Observation: Balaam, having been twice summoned by the king Balak, consulted God. God told him not to go the first time, and he didn't. He told him to go this second time, and he does. Yet God ... is angry with him. The angel of the Lord will later state he was prepared to kill Balaam for going to Balak (v33). That said, later Balak is angry at Balaam for not coming the first time, and more urgently (v37).
Balaam can seemingly do nothing right here. Even when he obeys God, God is angry. Even when he comes to the summons, the summoner is angry.
The Lord is just and unchanging, therefore there is an element not reported, and that certainly is Balaam's attitude and intent. The Lord has told Balaam that he can only say what he has been told to say concerning Israel, but Balaam ... didn't really agree to that. He likely is loaded up with all his items for divination - the reason he needs a donkey to transport him perhaps - and thus is actually prepared to curse Israel and collect a fee from Balak. In other words, while his actions align to God, his attitude perhaps does not yet. Meanwhile, while his attitude aligns to Balak's wishes, his original actions did not.
Fortunately for him, Balaam will align to the Lord, not Balak, thanks in part to his talking donkey.
Application: What does it take for me to align both actions and attitude to the Lord? I remain faithful in action to the Lord's guidance in my life, but melancholy and even depressed in my heart and mind. I continue to wonder, question, and hurt.
Certainly this is a lack of faith manifesting as an inability to fully align my attitude and thoughts to the new direction of my life, provided lovingly by the Lord himself. And I'm not going to have a donkey talk to me to get me over this ... no one is talking to me over it. I am again isolated and alone in this part of my journey.
I must not be like Israel, complaining at every turn while God himself is actively blessing them in every way. I must not be like Balaam, consulting with God and following basic directions while figuring out how I can profit and advance myself. I must just surrender. Certainly in doing so I will experience God's full love and receive the joy I actually seek. I must align my actions and attitude to the Lord alone.
Prayer: Lord, I am a weak and prideful human. I do accept humility, and know that all of this is truly for my good and in alignment to your purpose for my life. I strive to surrender align my thoughts and my heart to your guidance. Amen.
Observation: Balaam, having been twice summoned by the king Balak, consulted God. God told him not to go the first time, and he didn't. He told him to go this second time, and he does. Yet God ... is angry with him. The angel of the Lord will later state he was prepared to kill Balaam for going to Balak (v33). That said, later Balak is angry at Balaam for not coming the first time, and more urgently (v37).
Balaam can seemingly do nothing right here. Even when he obeys God, God is angry. Even when he comes to the summons, the summoner is angry.
The Lord is just and unchanging, therefore there is an element not reported, and that certainly is Balaam's attitude and intent. The Lord has told Balaam that he can only say what he has been told to say concerning Israel, but Balaam ... didn't really agree to that. He likely is loaded up with all his items for divination - the reason he needs a donkey to transport him perhaps - and thus is actually prepared to curse Israel and collect a fee from Balak. In other words, while his actions align to God, his attitude perhaps does not yet. Meanwhile, while his attitude aligns to Balak's wishes, his original actions did not.
Fortunately for him, Balaam will align to the Lord, not Balak, thanks in part to his talking donkey.
Application: What does it take for me to align both actions and attitude to the Lord? I remain faithful in action to the Lord's guidance in my life, but melancholy and even depressed in my heart and mind. I continue to wonder, question, and hurt.
Certainly this is a lack of faith manifesting as an inability to fully align my attitude and thoughts to the new direction of my life, provided lovingly by the Lord himself. And I'm not going to have a donkey talk to me to get me over this ... no one is talking to me over it. I am again isolated and alone in this part of my journey.
I must not be like Israel, complaining at every turn while God himself is actively blessing them in every way. I must not be like Balaam, consulting with God and following basic directions while figuring out how I can profit and advance myself. I must just surrender. Certainly in doing so I will experience God's full love and receive the joy I actually seek. I must align my actions and attitude to the Lord alone.
Prayer: Lord, I am a weak and prideful human. I do accept humility, and know that all of this is truly for my good and in alignment to your purpose for my life. I strive to surrender align my thoughts and my heart to your guidance. Amen.
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Treatment of the Ungrateful
Scripture: But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Luke 6:35
Observation: As Jesus gives this abbreviated version of the sermon on the mount, he discusses the treatment of enemies. He has delivered is more famous lines about turning the other cheek, and not just loving those whom love you. Specifically to enemies, he calls his disciples to love their enemies, and here gives two reasons to do this. The first is that this is one way to be recognized as a child of God. The second is that this is a way to love like God, for God himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.
This is a thought to be analyzed. The way one becomes ungrateful is to first be given gifts, and then to respond to those gifts with reactions ranging from hostility to ambivalence. It is this way that one discerns believers and non-believers. It is not whom has received good gifts from God, but how one acknowledges them. The wicked receive good gifts, are ungrateful, and yet God continues to give to them out of his love. He does this over and over again, out of his love and kindness, and therefore expects his people to do the same.
Application: I have given thought to God in this regard - his treatment of enemies, and expectations of me regarding those who hate, mistreat, curse, and take from me. I know what I am to do. Of course I struggle with it, but I am praying into that and seeking a way. Therefore, it is this idea of God's treatment of the ungrateful that is interesting.
Everyone has received blessing from God, be it even just life itself, but certainly in many positive circumstances. Any many either ignore God, or even are indignant toward him over some other issue or challenge in their lives. God responds by ... continuing to give to them.
Likewise, what I have to give is not just for my friends. It should be given almost indiscriminately. This is my time and kindness, not just possessions. Some of these are more difficult just logistically, but kindness - love - I can give to anyone. This is likely my starting point in seeking God's Spirit in my daily life.
Prayer: Lord, you see me in my low state, and you love me with your word. I do seek your Holy Spirit this day and every day. May I embrace your love toward others, in all situations and circumstances, and regardless of their stance toward me. Thank you for your love and your kindness in my life. I am grateful for every little thing. I will pay it on to others. Amen.
Observation: As Jesus gives this abbreviated version of the sermon on the mount, he discusses the treatment of enemies. He has delivered is more famous lines about turning the other cheek, and not just loving those whom love you. Specifically to enemies, he calls his disciples to love their enemies, and here gives two reasons to do this. The first is that this is one way to be recognized as a child of God. The second is that this is a way to love like God, for God himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.
This is a thought to be analyzed. The way one becomes ungrateful is to first be given gifts, and then to respond to those gifts with reactions ranging from hostility to ambivalence. It is this way that one discerns believers and non-believers. It is not whom has received good gifts from God, but how one acknowledges them. The wicked receive good gifts, are ungrateful, and yet God continues to give to them out of his love. He does this over and over again, out of his love and kindness, and therefore expects his people to do the same.
Application: I have given thought to God in this regard - his treatment of enemies, and expectations of me regarding those who hate, mistreat, curse, and take from me. I know what I am to do. Of course I struggle with it, but I am praying into that and seeking a way. Therefore, it is this idea of God's treatment of the ungrateful that is interesting.
Everyone has received blessing from God, be it even just life itself, but certainly in many positive circumstances. Any many either ignore God, or even are indignant toward him over some other issue or challenge in their lives. God responds by ... continuing to give to them.
Likewise, what I have to give is not just for my friends. It should be given almost indiscriminately. This is my time and kindness, not just possessions. Some of these are more difficult just logistically, but kindness - love - I can give to anyone. This is likely my starting point in seeking God's Spirit in my daily life.
Prayer: Lord, you see me in my low state, and you love me with your word. I do seek your Holy Spirit this day and every day. May I embrace your love toward others, in all situations and circumstances, and regardless of their stance toward me. Thank you for your love and your kindness in my life. I am grateful for every little thing. I will pay it on to others. Amen.
Monday, March 25, 2019
Wisdom is Not Hidden
Scripture:
Does not wisdom call out?
Does not understanding raise her voice?
At the highest point along the way,
where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
beside the gate leading into the city,
at the entrance, she cries aloud:
"To you, O people, I call out;
I raise my voice to all mankind."
Proverbs 8:1-4
Observation: This chapter begins with Lady Wisdom calling out to all to listen to her. She encourages all to listen to her, and to seek her words and knowledge, for true wisdom is the most valuable thing one can find - more valuable than good silver, pure gold, or fine gems. Wisdom isn't something we have to go hunting for ... Lady Wisdom stands shouting for all to listen to her. She stands at the city gates, and on the hill along the road, raising her voice so she can be easily heard. Wisdom is, in other words, where we are every day, and trying hard to be learned.
Application: The wisdom of God is right here, being offered to me every day. This isn't hidden knowledge. God makes his wisdom known, and all I have to do is listen while I go about my everyday activities.
Yet how often do I actively ignore wisdom? I often do I think "this would be wise to do" and then do not do it? And how many days do I fail to read God's word because I think I have something more pressing to do?
Just today, I see examples of ... how to properly obey instructions, how to avoid making enemies, understanding the role of fasting, and learning the true value of the sabbath. And all I have to do is listen to God to receive this wisdom. He isn't hiding or withholding it.
Prayer: Lord, I desire to seek your wisdom every day, and at all times. May I look for your instruction in all circumstances, every day. Please remind me to listen a lot more, and speak and act a lot less, so I may learn your perfect will. Amen.
Does not wisdom call out?
Does not understanding raise her voice?
At the highest point along the way,
where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
beside the gate leading into the city,
at the entrance, she cries aloud:
"To you, O people, I call out;
I raise my voice to all mankind."
Proverbs 8:1-4
Observation: This chapter begins with Lady Wisdom calling out to all to listen to her. She encourages all to listen to her, and to seek her words and knowledge, for true wisdom is the most valuable thing one can find - more valuable than good silver, pure gold, or fine gems. Wisdom isn't something we have to go hunting for ... Lady Wisdom stands shouting for all to listen to her. She stands at the city gates, and on the hill along the road, raising her voice so she can be easily heard. Wisdom is, in other words, where we are every day, and trying hard to be learned.
Application: The wisdom of God is right here, being offered to me every day. This isn't hidden knowledge. God makes his wisdom known, and all I have to do is listen while I go about my everyday activities.
Yet how often do I actively ignore wisdom? I often do I think "this would be wise to do" and then do not do it? And how many days do I fail to read God's word because I think I have something more pressing to do?
Just today, I see examples of ... how to properly obey instructions, how to avoid making enemies, understanding the role of fasting, and learning the true value of the sabbath. And all I have to do is listen to God to receive this wisdom. He isn't hiding or withholding it.
Prayer: Lord, I desire to seek your wisdom every day, and at all times. May I look for your instruction in all circumstances, every day. Please remind me to listen a lot more, and speak and act a lot less, so I may learn your perfect will. Amen.
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Jealous for the Spirit
Scripture: But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!” Number 11:29
Observation: This, in fact, will come to pass. All the Lord's people do have the Spirit given to them, through Jesus Christ. While this was something held for a small number of prophets and leaders in the past - though clearly not reserved for just one person - it is not available to all of us.
That said, it is telling to see that these elders prophesy at this event, but do not do so again (v25). However, we know this took place so that these elders could share some leadership burdens with Moses, and thus the Spirit must have remained upon them. It certain, then, took the form of other gifts, like wisdom, administration, mercy, encouragement, knowledge, and faith. These were elements Moses would have needed ... other leaders who could listen to the masses and give them answers, guidance, correction, and optimism regarding God's directions.
Application: I remain hungry for more of the Holy Spirit. I have some gifts from the Spirit, I know. I am not jealous for other gifts like prophesy. However, I do wish to better apply what I have to God's service, and to have more spirit-filled experiences.
Prayer: Lord, I do pray for your Spirit today and every day. May what I have in the way of ability be put to your use this day, for your glory, and for the aid of those you love. Amen.
Observation: This, in fact, will come to pass. All the Lord's people do have the Spirit given to them, through Jesus Christ. While this was something held for a small number of prophets and leaders in the past - though clearly not reserved for just one person - it is not available to all of us.
That said, it is telling to see that these elders prophesy at this event, but do not do so again (v25). However, we know this took place so that these elders could share some leadership burdens with Moses, and thus the Spirit must have remained upon them. It certain, then, took the form of other gifts, like wisdom, administration, mercy, encouragement, knowledge, and faith. These were elements Moses would have needed ... other leaders who could listen to the masses and give them answers, guidance, correction, and optimism regarding God's directions.
Application: I remain hungry for more of the Holy Spirit. I have some gifts from the Spirit, I know. I am not jealous for other gifts like prophesy. However, I do wish to better apply what I have to God's service, and to have more spirit-filled experiences.
Prayer: Lord, I do pray for your Spirit today and every day. May what I have in the way of ability be put to your use this day, for your glory, and for the aid of those you love. Amen.
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Prepare by Kindness not Work
Scripture: Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely - be content with your pay.” Luke 3:12-14
Observation: In this part of Luke, we get the most complete understanding of John the Baptist's ministry and message. He is explicitly baptizing people not into a new belief, but into repentance from sin. We see people ask what they should then do, and his teaching echoes back to the proper way to treat others ... aid the poor, do not lie.
Here we see two types of people - both employed by Rome - ask the question, and his answer is NOT that they should quit working for Rome. Instead, it is simply to deal honestly with others. Go ahead and collect taxes for the ruling foreign nation, but don't cheat about it and over-collect. Go ahead a be a soldier who fights and kills in battle and enforces the rule and laws of the occupying nation, but don't lie about how others are complying with the law and thus extort from the people.
In other words, in repenting from sin, it is not necessary to turn away from ones jobs even when those jobs are provided by an enemy nation. It is only necessary to understand the commandments, and to repent of the behavior that is in conflict with those commands. And most of all, it is important to treat each other well.
John was there to "prepare the way" for the Messiah - to "make straight paths" - and this is what that looks like ... treating each other with kindness and obeying the most basic commands.
Application: Alignment of my heart to Jesus has nothing to do with my job, but everything to do with how I treat others. This is a clear message for me daily. I am to treat others with kindness. I am to be kind to strangers, and seek friends with whom I can have community. For most of my life, I have had none of this, except maybe for short periods of very exclusive communities ... of which I cannot now even remember many of their names.
For my entire life, I have completely failed to have positive interactions with all but a literal handful of people. This is the correctable action I need to take, so God can have my heart prepared in the condition he likes to work through me.
Prayer: Lord, again I ask today for your assistance in softening my heart, so I may draw closer to you and receive your Spirit. In this, I seek to be kind to others. As it depends on me, I will proceed here at work with a gentle manner and helpful attitude. I will strive to not be quick to anger. I will desire to find community with friends in the body of Christ. Thank you for your word, and your love. Amen.
Observation: In this part of Luke, we get the most complete understanding of John the Baptist's ministry and message. He is explicitly baptizing people not into a new belief, but into repentance from sin. We see people ask what they should then do, and his teaching echoes back to the proper way to treat others ... aid the poor, do not lie.
Here we see two types of people - both employed by Rome - ask the question, and his answer is NOT that they should quit working for Rome. Instead, it is simply to deal honestly with others. Go ahead and collect taxes for the ruling foreign nation, but don't cheat about it and over-collect. Go ahead a be a soldier who fights and kills in battle and enforces the rule and laws of the occupying nation, but don't lie about how others are complying with the law and thus extort from the people.
In other words, in repenting from sin, it is not necessary to turn away from ones jobs even when those jobs are provided by an enemy nation. It is only necessary to understand the commandments, and to repent of the behavior that is in conflict with those commands. And most of all, it is important to treat each other well.
John was there to "prepare the way" for the Messiah - to "make straight paths" - and this is what that looks like ... treating each other with kindness and obeying the most basic commands.
Application: Alignment of my heart to Jesus has nothing to do with my job, but everything to do with how I treat others. This is a clear message for me daily. I am to treat others with kindness. I am to be kind to strangers, and seek friends with whom I can have community. For most of my life, I have had none of this, except maybe for short periods of very exclusive communities ... of which I cannot now even remember many of their names.
For my entire life, I have completely failed to have positive interactions with all but a literal handful of people. This is the correctable action I need to take, so God can have my heart prepared in the condition he likes to work through me.
Prayer: Lord, again I ask today for your assistance in softening my heart, so I may draw closer to you and receive your Spirit. In this, I seek to be kind to others. As it depends on me, I will proceed here at work with a gentle manner and helpful attitude. I will strive to not be quick to anger. I will desire to find community with friends in the body of Christ. Thank you for your word, and your love. Amen.
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Faith when it's Easy
Scripture: So Moses told the Israelites to celebrate the Passover, and they did so in the Desert of Sinai at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. The Israelites did everything just as the Lord commanded Moses. Number 9:4-5
Observation: It remains the first month of the second year, the Israelites of built the arc and the tabernacle and the alter and the lampstand and all other amenities for the house of the Lord. They have dedicated it all and offered sacrifices, and now celebrate the first Passover since the true Passover that brought them out of Egypt. And they continue to do everything just as the Lord tells them. Israel is faithful, good, and living in order and harmony.
This day may be the height of Israel's relationship with God. They will soon break camp on their way to the promised land and ... complain about hardships, have a mini rebellion lead by Aaron himself, and eventually refuse to enter the land due to lack of faith. In other words, they've are great with God when all they have to do is follow procedures, but soon as action is required - real action, like moving around, not just ceremonial eating of a meal - they fall apart.
Application: Where is my faith when God wants me to act? We have been learning about the traits Jesus exemplified when healing others, and while certain actions were common (like laying on hands), he also exhibited faith and love. My faith isn't really 'real' when I'm just relaxing and acknowledging the blessings God has provided, but it is when I need to take action.
Israel looked so good when times were easy, but fell apart when action was called for. So again, where am I on this? Am I faithful in action at least as much if not more than I am in thought? Am I listening for God's instructions on how to act, and then proceeding without issue or grumbling? I need to ensure I'm not just being Israel eating Passover, but grumbling and fearfully refusing instructions that involve taking action in God's name.
Prayer: Lord, may I be faithful to you in my actions, or as James said, may I show my faith in my actions. Please fill my heart with love, and with your word, and with your spirit, and with your direction. Amen.
Observation: It remains the first month of the second year, the Israelites of built the arc and the tabernacle and the alter and the lampstand and all other amenities for the house of the Lord. They have dedicated it all and offered sacrifices, and now celebrate the first Passover since the true Passover that brought them out of Egypt. And they continue to do everything just as the Lord tells them. Israel is faithful, good, and living in order and harmony.
This day may be the height of Israel's relationship with God. They will soon break camp on their way to the promised land and ... complain about hardships, have a mini rebellion lead by Aaron himself, and eventually refuse to enter the land due to lack of faith. In other words, they've are great with God when all they have to do is follow procedures, but soon as action is required - real action, like moving around, not just ceremonial eating of a meal - they fall apart.
Application: Where is my faith when God wants me to act? We have been learning about the traits Jesus exemplified when healing others, and while certain actions were common (like laying on hands), he also exhibited faith and love. My faith isn't really 'real' when I'm just relaxing and acknowledging the blessings God has provided, but it is when I need to take action.
Israel looked so good when times were easy, but fell apart when action was called for. So again, where am I on this? Am I faithful in action at least as much if not more than I am in thought? Am I listening for God's instructions on how to act, and then proceeding without issue or grumbling? I need to ensure I'm not just being Israel eating Passover, but grumbling and fearfully refusing instructions that involve taking action in God's name.
Prayer: Lord, may I be faithful to you in my actions, or as James said, may I show my faith in my actions. Please fill my heart with love, and with your word, and with your spirit, and with your direction. Amen.
Monday, March 18, 2019
No Room for Personal Vengeance
Scripture:
May those who seek my life
be disgraced and put to shame;
may those who plot my ruin
be turned back in dismay.
May they be like chaff before the wind,
with the angel of the Lord driving them away;
may their path be dark and slippery,
with the angel of the Lord pursuing them.
Observation: David calls for God to contend against and defeat his enemies, specifically those enemies that have plotted against him ... those that plotted to kill him, and pursued him attempting to trap and destroy him, for absolutely no reason. David seeks God's vengeance upon those enemies that have wickedly deceived and moved against David without cause, and prays for their ruin and their own destruction.
David had external enemy nations who warred against him, but they did so openly and in the context of national conflicts. However, two people plotted and pursued David during his life - Saul and Absalom. In the case of Saul, David expressly refused his opportunity to kill him at least twice, declared no one should lay a hand on God's anointed, and eventually killed the servant who confessed to killing Saul out of mercy over his wounds. In the case of Absalom, David actively desired to see his son survive their conflict, and mourned his death to the point of needing correction from his officials about the morale of his men.
Therefore, it is interesting that David openly lamented and actively refused to participate in vengeance against his lying, conniving enemies who pursued him, yet prayed to God for their downfall and death. This may seem at odds, however it is consistent with one of God's commands to the extreme, and that is that vengeance belongs only to the Lord.
Application: I know I have nothing to be vengeful about, or more precisely, that any feeling I have is wrong because any correction or action toward others is not mine to claim. The Lord is responsible for all actions toward others. If David could live with that in the midst of his very life and all authority being taken away by traitors closest to him, I can certainly live with that in the midst of relative strangers simply slandering me.
Prayer: Lord, I don't want to just be okay with the idea that vengeance is yours, I want to live without any further thought of this ever in my mind or heart. Please remove it from me. Give me a soft heart of love that can't even take the time to consider anger or any other negative thought. I wish to move forward in only love. Amen.
May those who seek my life
be disgraced and put to shame;
may those who plot my ruin
be turned back in dismay.
May they be like chaff before the wind,
with the angel of the Lord driving them away;
may their path be dark and slippery,
with the angel of the Lord pursuing them.
Since they hid their net for me without cause
and without cause dug a pit for me,
may ruin overtake them by surprise—
may the net they hid entangle them,
may they fall into the pit, to their ruin.
Psalm 35:4-8and without cause dug a pit for me,
may ruin overtake them by surprise—
may the net they hid entangle them,
may they fall into the pit, to their ruin.
Observation: David calls for God to contend against and defeat his enemies, specifically those enemies that have plotted against him ... those that plotted to kill him, and pursued him attempting to trap and destroy him, for absolutely no reason. David seeks God's vengeance upon those enemies that have wickedly deceived and moved against David without cause, and prays for their ruin and their own destruction.
David had external enemy nations who warred against him, but they did so openly and in the context of national conflicts. However, two people plotted and pursued David during his life - Saul and Absalom. In the case of Saul, David expressly refused his opportunity to kill him at least twice, declared no one should lay a hand on God's anointed, and eventually killed the servant who confessed to killing Saul out of mercy over his wounds. In the case of Absalom, David actively desired to see his son survive their conflict, and mourned his death to the point of needing correction from his officials about the morale of his men.
Therefore, it is interesting that David openly lamented and actively refused to participate in vengeance against his lying, conniving enemies who pursued him, yet prayed to God for their downfall and death. This may seem at odds, however it is consistent with one of God's commands to the extreme, and that is that vengeance belongs only to the Lord.
Application: I know I have nothing to be vengeful about, or more precisely, that any feeling I have is wrong because any correction or action toward others is not mine to claim. The Lord is responsible for all actions toward others. If David could live with that in the midst of his very life and all authority being taken away by traitors closest to him, I can certainly live with that in the midst of relative strangers simply slandering me.
Prayer: Lord, I don't want to just be okay with the idea that vengeance is yours, I want to live without any further thought of this ever in my mind or heart. Please remove it from me. Give me a soft heart of love that can't even take the time to consider anger or any other negative thought. I wish to move forward in only love. Amen.
Friday, March 15, 2019
The Power of Inspired Confirmation
Scripture:
And Mary said:
Observation: Mary's song goes on, acknowledging God's sovereign authority over the world, and his long-term deliverance of Israel through history. However, here it starts personal. Mary is delighted that the Lord is there to care for her.
This is shocking in the context of Mary's situation. She is effectively in a situation perilous to her life, pregnant out of wedlock. Nothing about her circumstance changed when she arrived to see Elizabeth except for one detail ... someone else actively acknowledged to her that the child within her is the Lord. Elizabeth declares blessing on Mary, and calls her "the mother of my Lord" (v43) understanding that Mary's child is Messiah. Elizabeth knows this because she herself trusts the message of the Lord, who declared that her own child would be filled with the Holy Spirit before it was even born (prior reading, Luke 1:15).
Yesterday, Mary was a willing servant despite the dangers. Today, she is celebrating and declared 'blessed' ... Elizabeth calls her blessed, and Mary immediately adopts that mantle. And nothing has changed. Her danger remains. However, she is now confirmed by another believer, who is inspired by the Holy Spirit, and this is cause of song.
Application: I have been thinking a lot lately that I have very few people with whom I 'walk' in the Christian life. My wife for certain, but almost no one else. I do need to change this, as it is so important for believers to have confirmation, assistance, support, and affirmation. I need this, and perhaps more importantly I can be that to others.
I can support others - and be supported - when I am both leaning in to listen to the Holy Spirit, and in community with believers who are discussing God's movement in our lives. We aren't talking about anything as profound as giving birth to Jesus, but we can be talking about ... challenges and hardships in our lives, opportunities to bless our community, and joys to celebrate. I need to engage in that community, for the benefit of others, and myself.
Prayer: Lord, you know I continue to consider how I can improve my engagement in your family of believers. I seek your direction in this, deciding where I should be. You have, in fact, been mindful of your humble servants, including myself, and I seek to love others as you have loved them. Amen.
And Mary said:
My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed.
Luke 1:46-48and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed.
Observation: Mary's song goes on, acknowledging God's sovereign authority over the world, and his long-term deliverance of Israel through history. However, here it starts personal. Mary is delighted that the Lord is there to care for her.
This is shocking in the context of Mary's situation. She is effectively in a situation perilous to her life, pregnant out of wedlock. Nothing about her circumstance changed when she arrived to see Elizabeth except for one detail ... someone else actively acknowledged to her that the child within her is the Lord. Elizabeth declares blessing on Mary, and calls her "the mother of my Lord" (v43) understanding that Mary's child is Messiah. Elizabeth knows this because she herself trusts the message of the Lord, who declared that her own child would be filled with the Holy Spirit before it was even born (prior reading, Luke 1:15).
Yesterday, Mary was a willing servant despite the dangers. Today, she is celebrating and declared 'blessed' ... Elizabeth calls her blessed, and Mary immediately adopts that mantle. And nothing has changed. Her danger remains. However, she is now confirmed by another believer, who is inspired by the Holy Spirit, and this is cause of song.
Application: I have been thinking a lot lately that I have very few people with whom I 'walk' in the Christian life. My wife for certain, but almost no one else. I do need to change this, as it is so important for believers to have confirmation, assistance, support, and affirmation. I need this, and perhaps more importantly I can be that to others.
I can support others - and be supported - when I am both leaning in to listen to the Holy Spirit, and in community with believers who are discussing God's movement in our lives. We aren't talking about anything as profound as giving birth to Jesus, but we can be talking about ... challenges and hardships in our lives, opportunities to bless our community, and joys to celebrate. I need to engage in that community, for the benefit of others, and myself.
Prayer: Lord, you know I continue to consider how I can improve my engagement in your family of believers. I seek your direction in this, deciding where I should be. You have, in fact, been mindful of your humble servants, including myself, and I seek to love others as you have loved them. Amen.
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Called by Name to Serve
Scripture: You and Aaron are to count according to their divisions all the men in Israel who are twenty years old or more and able to serve in the army. One man from each tribe, each of them the head of his family, is to help you. These are the names of the men who are to assist you. Numbers 1:3-5
Observation: Based on the dates provides, the events of Numbers are immediately after the conclusion of Exodus. The tabernacle has been made, and now God commands a census to determine Israel's strength before entering the promised land. God himself calls out 12 men by name to help. It isn't a hard task ... they are simply counting all men age 20 and older, and they do it by organizing each family and having them report their facts, and rolling up the information. However, this is a task given by God, and the 12 men are named by God - given to Moses in the tent of meeting - to faithfully perform the task.
Despite the lack of complexity, and perhaps even monotony of simply counting names, joining with God in this task make these men leaders. They are then identified as leaders of their tribes, and later as the camp is organized they are again identified as the leaders of the camps.
Application: It is certainly an honor to be called by name by God into service! I believe this has happened to me before, though not in such an obvious manner. To be known by the Lord, and then identified as a person equipped to perform a task for him, is the greatest honor in the world. In my heart, I fear I am not worthy of such a call, and I certainly don't need such a call if it also implies leadership as I am not a good candidate for such a position among my peers.
That said, I am here to serve. I can join others in service. I am willing to be called and would be faithful to the task. I suspect there is purpose for me in God's kingdom still ahead of me in life, and I look forward to learning what it is someday.
Prayer: Lord, here I am. May I serve you when called, and in the mean time may I continue to grow, worship, pray, listen, and love. Amen.
Observation: Based on the dates provides, the events of Numbers are immediately after the conclusion of Exodus. The tabernacle has been made, and now God commands a census to determine Israel's strength before entering the promised land. God himself calls out 12 men by name to help. It isn't a hard task ... they are simply counting all men age 20 and older, and they do it by organizing each family and having them report their facts, and rolling up the information. However, this is a task given by God, and the 12 men are named by God - given to Moses in the tent of meeting - to faithfully perform the task.
Despite the lack of complexity, and perhaps even monotony of simply counting names, joining with God in this task make these men leaders. They are then identified as leaders of their tribes, and later as the camp is organized they are again identified as the leaders of the camps.
Application: It is certainly an honor to be called by name by God into service! I believe this has happened to me before, though not in such an obvious manner. To be known by the Lord, and then identified as a person equipped to perform a task for him, is the greatest honor in the world. In my heart, I fear I am not worthy of such a call, and I certainly don't need such a call if it also implies leadership as I am not a good candidate for such a position among my peers.
That said, I am here to serve. I can join others in service. I am willing to be called and would be faithful to the task. I suspect there is purpose for me in God's kingdom still ahead of me in life, and I look forward to learning what it is someday.
Prayer: Lord, here I am. May I serve you when called, and in the mean time may I continue to grow, worship, pray, listen, and love. Amen.
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Meaningless Identity
Scripture: In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Luke 1:5
Observation: John the Baptist is born of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Jesus is born of Mary and Joseph. In the gospels, we get Jesus' lineage back to David, of the tribe of Judah. Here we get insight into John the Baptist. His parents are both descendants of Aaron, thus certified as part of the priestly lineage, of the tribe of Levi. The fact Mary and Elizabeth a cousins but from different tribes is interesting, but after ~1,400 years, not surprising. With intermarriages, it seems easy enough to understand how most people could probably find a ancestral path back to several tribes, and likely with the four southern tribes of Judah (Judah, Benjamin, Simeon (which was contained in Judah), and Levi (who lived everywhere)).
How someone therefore identified may have had to do with the emphasis of their family. Mary's family remained loyal to their tie to the line of David. Elizabeth's family retained their status as part of the priestly line. They chose how they wanted their backstory to inform their lives.
Application: I myself can say different things about my ancestry. I am Dutch ... or German. I'm only third generation born in the US ... or my family began living in the Northwest before 1800. I am born and raised in Seattle ... or am from Southern California. I can claim all these things, so the question is, does it matter?
The answer is 'no'. My identity is found only in my adopted sonship of the Lord, through faith in Jesus. My brothers and sisters are those in Christ. My home is the church family. I live in God's blessing. Ultimately, that was all that mattered, to Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, and Elizabeth, that they chose to live within God's purpose and plan for their lives. Their stories begin with their ancestry, but they matter in their faith.
Prayer: Lord, my identity is in you alone. I am a child of the one true king, creator of heaven and earth. May that be what my life is about, and not about any history, background, or past story. Amen.
Observation: John the Baptist is born of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Jesus is born of Mary and Joseph. In the gospels, we get Jesus' lineage back to David, of the tribe of Judah. Here we get insight into John the Baptist. His parents are both descendants of Aaron, thus certified as part of the priestly lineage, of the tribe of Levi. The fact Mary and Elizabeth a cousins but from different tribes is interesting, but after ~1,400 years, not surprising. With intermarriages, it seems easy enough to understand how most people could probably find a ancestral path back to several tribes, and likely with the four southern tribes of Judah (Judah, Benjamin, Simeon (which was contained in Judah), and Levi (who lived everywhere)).
How someone therefore identified may have had to do with the emphasis of their family. Mary's family remained loyal to their tie to the line of David. Elizabeth's family retained their status as part of the priestly line. They chose how they wanted their backstory to inform their lives.
Application: I myself can say different things about my ancestry. I am Dutch ... or German. I'm only third generation born in the US ... or my family began living in the Northwest before 1800. I am born and raised in Seattle ... or am from Southern California. I can claim all these things, so the question is, does it matter?
The answer is 'no'. My identity is found only in my adopted sonship of the Lord, through faith in Jesus. My brothers and sisters are those in Christ. My home is the church family. I live in God's blessing. Ultimately, that was all that mattered, to Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, and Elizabeth, that they chose to live within God's purpose and plan for their lives. Their stories begin with their ancestry, but they matter in their faith.
Prayer: Lord, my identity is in you alone. I am a child of the one true king, creator of heaven and earth. May that be what my life is about, and not about any history, background, or past story. Amen.
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Taking the Truth into Babylon
Scripture: As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. Mark 16:5
Observation: Clearly, Mary, Solame, and Mary encountered a heavenly messenger when they arrived at the tomb, who informed them of Jesus' resurrection and gave them instructions for communicating to the disciples. We know so little about heavenly beings. There are traditions about certain archangels like Michael and Gabriel, but almost nothing about others. This prompted a search of whom this was in the tomb.
And ... holy smokes. Search results are, in a word, nuts. One Christian explanation is that this is the same "young man" who lost his robe while fleeing the scene in Gethsemane ... which was Mark himself, a person well known to the women, and thus that makes no sense. The first result, however, is that this was Dionysus, the androgynous son of Zeus. Other accounts explain this man is similar non-Christian ways, that he was some individual just there.
What is most amazing is the attempt by non-Christians to create complex explanations for this person. These are people who believe other "religions". By explaining the identity of this person, they are in fact declaring that they actually believe the event - the resurrection - occurred! How is it possible to believe that Jesus was resurrected from the dead, yet not believe in his Messiahship? They do this, of course, by rooting their belief system in other myths and therefore inventing evidence to advance those beliefs.
Application: This is the world we live in today ... a society that is readily willing to adopt wild and impossible systems of belief and then leverage those systems to guide their life, while simultaneously rejecting God. They accept the impossible and unexplainable, while explaining away the obvious and relatively easy. They would rather embrace a complex collection of supernatural phenomenon wrapped by a loose theory, than the truth about a loving creator who seeks only to include them in his family for eternity.
This is post-Christian America. This is Babylon. This is a place where people will believe anything and everything, except the truth. In fact, they actively reject the very concept of truth, declaring that there is no such thing except for what each person experiences in their own life. How can we take the truth into Babylon? How can we engage in conversations in a society that rejects the idea the conversation should even occur?
The answer is, we can't. We can only show love, and tell of Christ crucified. Jesus will take care of the rest.
Prayer: Lord, may I be your love today. That is all. I don't want to be your logic, your justification, your explanation, your evidence, your purpose. Not in this place and time. But I can be your love. Help me to have that heart for others. Amen.
Observation: Clearly, Mary, Solame, and Mary encountered a heavenly messenger when they arrived at the tomb, who informed them of Jesus' resurrection and gave them instructions for communicating to the disciples. We know so little about heavenly beings. There are traditions about certain archangels like Michael and Gabriel, but almost nothing about others. This prompted a search of whom this was in the tomb.
And ... holy smokes. Search results are, in a word, nuts. One Christian explanation is that this is the same "young man" who lost his robe while fleeing the scene in Gethsemane ... which was Mark himself, a person well known to the women, and thus that makes no sense. The first result, however, is that this was Dionysus, the androgynous son of Zeus. Other accounts explain this man is similar non-Christian ways, that he was some individual just there.
What is most amazing is the attempt by non-Christians to create complex explanations for this person. These are people who believe other "religions". By explaining the identity of this person, they are in fact declaring that they actually believe the event - the resurrection - occurred! How is it possible to believe that Jesus was resurrected from the dead, yet not believe in his Messiahship? They do this, of course, by rooting their belief system in other myths and therefore inventing evidence to advance those beliefs.
Application: This is the world we live in today ... a society that is readily willing to adopt wild and impossible systems of belief and then leverage those systems to guide their life, while simultaneously rejecting God. They accept the impossible and unexplainable, while explaining away the obvious and relatively easy. They would rather embrace a complex collection of supernatural phenomenon wrapped by a loose theory, than the truth about a loving creator who seeks only to include them in his family for eternity.
This is post-Christian America. This is Babylon. This is a place where people will believe anything and everything, except the truth. In fact, they actively reject the very concept of truth, declaring that there is no such thing except for what each person experiences in their own life. How can we take the truth into Babylon? How can we engage in conversations in a society that rejects the idea the conversation should even occur?
The answer is, we can't. We can only show love, and tell of Christ crucified. Jesus will take care of the rest.
Prayer: Lord, may I be your love today. That is all. I don't want to be your logic, your justification, your explanation, your evidence, your purpose. Not in this place and time. But I can be your love. Help me to have that heart for others. Amen.
Monday, March 11, 2019
Acknowledge and Confess
Scripture:
When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night
your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
Observation: David is very open in this psalm about his desire for forgiveness of sin, and he gives the reason why here. When he - or any faithful believer - keeps their sin to themselves, they waste away. They have the heavy hand of God's judgment upon them, for they have sin in them that removes them from God's presence. However, when they confess their sin, acknowledging it to the Lord, the Lord forgives them and removes the sin. They can now enjoy God's peace and love.
Application: I continue to struggle with my transgressions, and while I seek forgiveness for them I feel like I am not turning away from them. I am missing the 'repentance' part of forgiveness, I feel. I don't know how to get there. I confess my failures ... clearly that is the start. I need to continue to turn my heart to the Lord daily, confessing my sins and iniquity and transgressions, and seeking a deeper connection to the Holy Spirit. It seems it is through that connection that I can truly experience a change in my heart.
Prayer: Lord, I do submit to you today my failures. I remain angry and prideful. I am quick to judge others and be frustrated by their actions even in meaningless circumstances. That certainly gets in the way of loving others, and thus in growing closer to you. Please forgive me. I seek your Spirit this day and every day. I desire to be filled by your Spirit in new ways, so I may better live in you and serve your purposes here on earth. Please continue this good work you have begun to give me a new heart. Amen.
When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night
your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
Psalm 32:3-5and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
Observation: David is very open in this psalm about his desire for forgiveness of sin, and he gives the reason why here. When he - or any faithful believer - keeps their sin to themselves, they waste away. They have the heavy hand of God's judgment upon them, for they have sin in them that removes them from God's presence. However, when they confess their sin, acknowledging it to the Lord, the Lord forgives them and removes the sin. They can now enjoy God's peace and love.
Application: I continue to struggle with my transgressions, and while I seek forgiveness for them I feel like I am not turning away from them. I am missing the 'repentance' part of forgiveness, I feel. I don't know how to get there. I confess my failures ... clearly that is the start. I need to continue to turn my heart to the Lord daily, confessing my sins and iniquity and transgressions, and seeking a deeper connection to the Holy Spirit. It seems it is through that connection that I can truly experience a change in my heart.
Prayer: Lord, I do submit to you today my failures. I remain angry and prideful. I am quick to judge others and be frustrated by their actions even in meaningless circumstances. That certainly gets in the way of loving others, and thus in growing closer to you. Please forgive me. I seek your Spirit this day and every day. I desire to be filled by your Spirit in new ways, so I may better live in you and serve your purposes here on earth. Please continue this good work you have begun to give me a new heart. Amen.
Friday, March 8, 2019
Withholding of the Sacrifices
Scripture: This is so the Israelites will bring to the Lord the sacrifices they are now making in the open fields. They must bring them to the priest, that is, to the Lord, at the entrance to the tent of meeting and sacrifice them as fellowship offerings. Leviticus 17:5
Observation: This instruction to Israel is that every animal that is killed is to be presented as a sacrifice. The Israelites are not to kill it and cook it outside to camp. There are two reasons for this. First, the killing of an animal outside of camp was a way to sacrifice the animal to a different god, and that is completely forbidden. Israel is to have no other gods, so sacrifice to other gods is certainly forbidden. The second reason is likely less obviously stated, and that is that, by sacrificing to the Lord, a portion - the tithe - will be kept by the priests, thus giving that to the Lord, and by sacrificing outside of camp an Israelite is actually withholding the tithe for themselves.
This is the way of God, in faith. It is a way of honor and faith. We honor God by acknowledging him as our true and only God. We express that honor through faith in our willingness to give to him a portion of all things, understanding it is by his blessing we have received them. If one starts with these practices toward God, much of the rest of our relationship with God will go well, or at least have a strong foundation.
Application: I know it took time to learn this, but I believe that I do not withhold my tithe in any way. I do not keep any of it secret or hide it away. However, do I use any of my blessings to honor other gods? Money itself must not come to represent another passion or god, but do I use that money in wrong ways? If I were to have a passion higher than God in my life, spending on that passion would be what that would look like.
I believe I am in a right place with this command, but I should remain on watch. If I am not, I would welcome instruction.
Prayer: Lord, I do welcome your instruction. You are my one Lord and God, and I have none other to 'sacrifice' to. I thank you for your blessings and love, and seek your direction where I need to be a better steward of your resources here on earth. I wish to be a faithful servant. Amen.
Observation: This instruction to Israel is that every animal that is killed is to be presented as a sacrifice. The Israelites are not to kill it and cook it outside to camp. There are two reasons for this. First, the killing of an animal outside of camp was a way to sacrifice the animal to a different god, and that is completely forbidden. Israel is to have no other gods, so sacrifice to other gods is certainly forbidden. The second reason is likely less obviously stated, and that is that, by sacrificing to the Lord, a portion - the tithe - will be kept by the priests, thus giving that to the Lord, and by sacrificing outside of camp an Israelite is actually withholding the tithe for themselves.
This is the way of God, in faith. It is a way of honor and faith. We honor God by acknowledging him as our true and only God. We express that honor through faith in our willingness to give to him a portion of all things, understanding it is by his blessing we have received them. If one starts with these practices toward God, much of the rest of our relationship with God will go well, or at least have a strong foundation.
Application: I know it took time to learn this, but I believe that I do not withhold my tithe in any way. I do not keep any of it secret or hide it away. However, do I use any of my blessings to honor other gods? Money itself must not come to represent another passion or god, but do I use that money in wrong ways? If I were to have a passion higher than God in my life, spending on that passion would be what that would look like.
I believe I am in a right place with this command, but I should remain on watch. If I am not, I would welcome instruction.
Prayer: Lord, I do welcome your instruction. You are my one Lord and God, and I have none other to 'sacrifice' to. I thank you for your blessings and love, and seek your direction where I need to be a better steward of your resources here on earth. I wish to be a faithful servant. Amen.
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Knowing your Current Standing
Scripture: Everything the man sits on when riding will be unclean, and whoever touches any of the things that were under him will be unclean till evening; whoever picks up those things must wash their clothes and bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening. Leviticus 15:9-10
Observation: In this section, levitical law outlines all the ways people and things become unclean through bodily discharges. This is an entire chapter. In these two verses alone, when a man is unclean, everything he sits on or touches becomes unclean, and anyone who touches any of those things becomes unclean. This is the common rule ... when one is unclean, things they touch become unclean, and whomever touches those unclean things becomes unclean.
Uncleanliness was not a sin. It is just a condition that defines whether you are worthy to be in God's presence. It is generally short-term, with a procedure to become clean. The point is, everyone must know when they are in an unclean state, must be careful what they do and touch, and must communicate to others to assist each other in avoiding - or at least knowing about - such a state.
And for the most part, this seems to be the point. The law produces a scenario where people must continually be thinking and talking about their standing in relationship with God. They must know if they are in "clean" or "unclean" standing, must proceed in their daily activities in accordance with that standing, and must continually tell others of their standing. In this way, almost every day, they must be thinking about their right relationship with God, and acting and talking with other in accordance to that current relationship.
Application: Imagine my life if every 10 minutes or so I thought about "am I in good standing with God right now?" and then adjusted my every activity to ensure a 'yes' answer. Today, this thought doesn't have to be about ... bodily discharges ... but instead about my faith in and love for Jesus.
Jesus takes the place of the law, but that doesn't mean my approach to a relationship with God should be less pervasive. My day should be consumed by ensuring I am in right relationship through my faith, tuning and adjusting my behavior accordingly, and communicating that status to others.
Prayer: Lord, while you laws were ever so confusing, your purpose has always been clear and has never changed. You seek a relationship with us, and with me. Thank you for being my father, my Abba, and for loving me. May I respond and seek you not just daily, but by every minute. Amen.
Observation: In this section, levitical law outlines all the ways people and things become unclean through bodily discharges. This is an entire chapter. In these two verses alone, when a man is unclean, everything he sits on or touches becomes unclean, and anyone who touches any of those things becomes unclean. This is the common rule ... when one is unclean, things they touch become unclean, and whomever touches those unclean things becomes unclean.
Uncleanliness was not a sin. It is just a condition that defines whether you are worthy to be in God's presence. It is generally short-term, with a procedure to become clean. The point is, everyone must know when they are in an unclean state, must be careful what they do and touch, and must communicate to others to assist each other in avoiding - or at least knowing about - such a state.
And for the most part, this seems to be the point. The law produces a scenario where people must continually be thinking and talking about their standing in relationship with God. They must know if they are in "clean" or "unclean" standing, must proceed in their daily activities in accordance with that standing, and must continually tell others of their standing. In this way, almost every day, they must be thinking about their right relationship with God, and acting and talking with other in accordance to that current relationship.
Application: Imagine my life if every 10 minutes or so I thought about "am I in good standing with God right now?" and then adjusted my every activity to ensure a 'yes' answer. Today, this thought doesn't have to be about ... bodily discharges ... but instead about my faith in and love for Jesus.
Jesus takes the place of the law, but that doesn't mean my approach to a relationship with God should be less pervasive. My day should be consumed by ensuring I am in right relationship through my faith, tuning and adjusting my behavior accordingly, and communicating that status to others.
Prayer: Lord, while you laws were ever so confusing, your purpose has always been clear and has never changed. You seek a relationship with us, and with me. Thank you for being my father, my Abba, and for loving me. May I respond and seek you not just daily, but by every minute. Amen.
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Preaching to the Nations
Scripture: On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. Mark 13:9b-11
Observation: As a few disciples have asked Jesus about the end times, or at least when the temple will be destroyed. Jesus will talk about wars, ethnic fights, false messiahs, 'the abomination that causes desolation', and other signs. However, this passage relates to action by believers themselves.
Jesus does not just generically say that all nations on earth must hear the gospel, as some have paraphrased verse 10. He instead is explicitly saying that the disciples - believers - must preach the gospel to national leaders. They must stand before kings and governors. When arrested and brought before judges, they must preach there, too, with help from the Holy Spirit. This isn't a generic 'go and spread the gospel' instruction, but rather a specific prophesy that believers will face times where they are challenged before governments, heads of state, and kings, and they are to pronounce the gospel as their message and defense to those national leaders. (This, of course, they will do, as we know by tradition that many did do this, and Paul was challenged by a Roman governor of attempting to convert him to Christianity during his trial.)
Application: The good news isn't just to be declared to "all nations" as part of a missions effort. It is to be proclaimed to world leaders, preached in government halls and gatherings, and used as defense in trials. It is to be such a part of what we do, that it would be both cause and covering in our interactions with those of authority.
As I have given thought to my life, I know I want to take actions that proclaim Jesus wherever I am. Today, business leaders are every bit as much 'world leaders' as kings once were. I would seek an opportunity to proclaim the good news to such leaders, to stand in their halls and speak as the Holy Spirit would lead. This is something to ponder as I pray into God's plan for my 'second half'.
Prayer: Lord, as I consider your will, please do guide me in understanding your direction for me. I seek only your path. I will pray more, and listen for your still, small voice. Amen.
Observation: As a few disciples have asked Jesus about the end times, or at least when the temple will be destroyed. Jesus will talk about wars, ethnic fights, false messiahs, 'the abomination that causes desolation', and other signs. However, this passage relates to action by believers themselves.
Jesus does not just generically say that all nations on earth must hear the gospel, as some have paraphrased verse 10. He instead is explicitly saying that the disciples - believers - must preach the gospel to national leaders. They must stand before kings and governors. When arrested and brought before judges, they must preach there, too, with help from the Holy Spirit. This isn't a generic 'go and spread the gospel' instruction, but rather a specific prophesy that believers will face times where they are challenged before governments, heads of state, and kings, and they are to pronounce the gospel as their message and defense to those national leaders. (This, of course, they will do, as we know by tradition that many did do this, and Paul was challenged by a Roman governor of attempting to convert him to Christianity during his trial.)
Application: The good news isn't just to be declared to "all nations" as part of a missions effort. It is to be proclaimed to world leaders, preached in government halls and gatherings, and used as defense in trials. It is to be such a part of what we do, that it would be both cause and covering in our interactions with those of authority.
As I have given thought to my life, I know I want to take actions that proclaim Jesus wherever I am. Today, business leaders are every bit as much 'world leaders' as kings once were. I would seek an opportunity to proclaim the good news to such leaders, to stand in their halls and speak as the Holy Spirit would lead. This is something to ponder as I pray into God's plan for my 'second half'.
Prayer: Lord, as I consider your will, please do guide me in understanding your direction for me. I seek only your path. I will pray more, and listen for your still, small voice. Amen.
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
I'm Held by the Father Above
You could've run away
Leaving me there in my shame,
Leaving me fighting my pain,
But you made a better way.
... getting a little bluesy today ...
Leaving me there in my shame,
Leaving me fighting my pain,
But you made a better way.
... getting a little bluesy today ...
Monday, March 4, 2019
Obeying Ancient Instructions
Scripture: When the days of her purification for a son or daughter are over, she is to bring to the priest at the entrance to the tent of meeting a year-old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a dove for a sin offering. ... But if she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean. Leviticus 12:6,8
Observation: As God continues to address the procedures for cleanliness, he addresses a woman at childbirth. In addition to days when she cannot present herself to the Lord, she is then to redeem both herself and her child with a prescribed offerings. These are consistent with the redemption of children as well. The lamb - the burnt offering - is for general faith, celebration, and redemption before the Lord, while the bird is to purify her from the issues and blood associated with childbirth.
We see about 1,400 years later, Mary presents the 'poor' offering of two pigeons as her redemption of Jesus, who himself is the lamb. She does this consistent with an ancient law, and it is evidence that Mary (and Joseph) remain faithful to God in their total obedience.
Application: The obedience of Mary should be inspiring and informative to me. She knew Jesus was special. She also knew there was something so different about his conception and birth that was yet to be fully understood. Yet she totally obeyed ancient laws about her own purification, and made a sacrifice for the joyous delivery of a son conceived in circumstances she likely did not yet understand.
Mary saw no "exception" to the Levitical instructions, even in this extraordinary circumstance. Therefore, there should never be an exception for me in obeying Jesus. He commands us to love others ... there is not room for exclusion of anyone. He instructs us to love through service ... there is no act of service less than another. In the example of Mary, I am to love and serve others, without exception, because I was instructed to do so 2,000 years ago.
Prayer: Lord, may I obey you today and every day, just as Mary obeyed you. In any situation I find myself, may I know what I should do, and do it. Amen.
Observation: As God continues to address the procedures for cleanliness, he addresses a woman at childbirth. In addition to days when she cannot present herself to the Lord, she is then to redeem both herself and her child with a prescribed offerings. These are consistent with the redemption of children as well. The lamb - the burnt offering - is for general faith, celebration, and redemption before the Lord, while the bird is to purify her from the issues and blood associated with childbirth.
We see about 1,400 years later, Mary presents the 'poor' offering of two pigeons as her redemption of Jesus, who himself is the lamb. She does this consistent with an ancient law, and it is evidence that Mary (and Joseph) remain faithful to God in their total obedience.
Application: The obedience of Mary should be inspiring and informative to me. She knew Jesus was special. She also knew there was something so different about his conception and birth that was yet to be fully understood. Yet she totally obeyed ancient laws about her own purification, and made a sacrifice for the joyous delivery of a son conceived in circumstances she likely did not yet understand.
Mary saw no "exception" to the Levitical instructions, even in this extraordinary circumstance. Therefore, there should never be an exception for me in obeying Jesus. He commands us to love others ... there is not room for exclusion of anyone. He instructs us to love through service ... there is no act of service less than another. In the example of Mary, I am to love and serve others, without exception, because I was instructed to do so 2,000 years ago.
Prayer: Lord, may I obey you today and every day, just as Mary obeyed you. In any situation I find myself, may I know what I should do, and do it. Amen.
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Jesus is My God-Relationship
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.
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.
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.
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