Whom Jesus Stays With

Scripture: He left them, went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there. Matthew 21:17

Observation: After Jesus has his famous arrival in Jerusalem, the week he will be crucified, he leaves to stay in Bethany. It isn't said, but he is likely staying with Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, who live there.

Jesus knows this is the week everything culminates in Jerusalem, and he was just celebrated and praised while making this same >2 mile walk into the city. His coming days will be full of both Passover-related events, and chaotic confrontations. However, instead of simplifying his time by remaining close to everything to come, he prefers to put out a little extra effort, leave the city, and stay with friends.

Application: Am I a person Jesus would want to stay with for the night? If Jesus came to visit the town of Bothell, at the end of his day would he walk a mile up to my house? We would certainly provide him with a good meal and a better bed than he could find on Main Street, but ... would Jesus consider me his friend and want to spend time with me?

Probably not. I am too structured in my faith to be called a friend. I fail to simply chat with Jesus and interact with him as a familiar companion. I doubt that is unique, as many certainly have great faith but a relationship with Jesus that is more about worshipful reverence, respectful lordship, and praise-filled recipient of salvation. We are more like the worshipful crowd along the road ... actively telling others that Jesus is great, following him all day, celebrating his miracles, listening to his teaching ... but that night he'll go sleep somewhere else, enjoying conversation with others.

It makes me sad to recognize my shortcomings in this regard. I don't think I should be Jesus' best friend, and wouldn't think he would have any reason to see me over anyone else, not matter what I did. But I could have a better daily relationship with the Lord. I should have a better daily relationship with the Lord.

Prayer: My Lord God almighty, and Jesus Christ my Lord and savior, I desire to simply chat with you more each day. My mind remains filled with too much other stuff. May I remember today and every day to simply be with you, to chat with you, and to share my life with you. Amen.

Attributing Hardship to Sin

Scripture:
Think now, who that was innocent ever perished?
Or where were the upright cut off?
Job 4:7

Observation: Eliphaz is the first of the friends to speak to Job in his misery, and he actually begins with some good observations and truth. He correctly points out that no person can truly be righteous before Yahweh. He discusses how the Lord is faithful in grace and mercy, lifting us out of hardships and providing all kinds of blessing and provision. He encourages Job to simply surrender to God and seek his redemption.

However, his first statements introduce a significant error in understanding ... that there is a judgment that involves earning rewards or receiving punishment based on our righteousness. He calls this out directly, asking if anyone has ever seen a righteous person punished by God. Of course the answer is 'no', but not because of the implied cause-and-effect. Rather, no righteous person has ever been punished because there are no fully righteous people.

We know Job is not being punished, but he is the victim of evil that has infested the world. His condition has nothing to do with any sin, which is not to say he is sinless. It is to say that the circumstances of this world, and our relationship with the Lord, are independent paths that influence our lives.

Application: I see this attitude toward Christians from others ... that if our faith were real, we would have better lives. By this logic, the fact that we have hardships means that, at best, faith in Jesus has no value. However, often the conclusion is that there are actually dire consequences to believing but sinning.

Yes, our sin may be evidence of a failure of ours to fully accept, follow, and obey the Lord. But we are not punished because we have forgiveness through faith in Jesus. Our hardships and our faith are independent, except where the Lord chooses to demonstrate his love by assisting us out of trouble and then using those issues for good in our lives.

Prayer: Lord, I see your hand in the goodness of my life, and I feel your love when it is with me during the troubles and storms of life. Please forgive my sin and help me to be better at obeying you. I cannot be fully innocent and upright, and my life will not be without troubles. I thank you that these two statements are not directly tied to each other. Amen.

Identifying the True Enemy

Scripture: A messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were feeding beside them, and the Sabeans fell on them and carried them off, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword." ... Another came and said, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants." ... Another came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three columns, made a raid on the camels and carried them off, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword" ... Another came and said, "Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house, and suddenly a great wind came across the desert, struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead" Job 1:14-19 (excerpts)

Observation: The Lord said that satan was in control of all that Job has, and this is the result. Everything is destroyed, and his children are all killed. However, there is something interesting about all of this. At no time of satan ... actually appear to do anything.

There are four events that cause the destruction of Job's world. Two are caused by other people - the Sabeans and Chaldeans raid his livestock. Two are caused by nature - a fire from above (lightening) and a great wind strike and kill his sheep and family.

In this way, it would be natural for Job to blame mankind, or to blame God (the second servant even does that, calling if the 'fire of God'). And this is what almost everyone in the world does during times of hardships ... they look at the immediately "causes" of the issue - which may be other people acting as individuals up to large society movements, or natural disasters that appear to be violent moves of the created world - and they question the role of God in these causes. Certainly the problems are the result of either God's created world, or God's ambivalence toward 'wrong' people.

The bible is very clear here. The problems are completely controlled, orchestrated, and initiated by satan.

Application: This is a great lesson for me to remember when hardships strike ... there is one and only one perpetrator of evil in the world. Yes, there are many people who yield to satan's manipulation and lies, and thus are the instruments of chaos and pain and hardship and hurt. Yes, there is a created nature with elements that can destroy earthly items and even kill people. However, it is satan who plants in our minds that God is to blame for any and all such hardships, and then it is satan who brings such hardships as attacks, especially against the Lord's faithful.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for reminding me of the true nature of the enemy this day. I know you are my source of strength and my protector and my provider, and I know who stands against me. May I continue to forgive those who have been used by him daily for evil and destruction and harm. Amen.

Another Lesson on Flawed Questions

Scripture: When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, "Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?" He said, "Yes, he does." And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?" When Peter said, "From others," Jesus said to him, "Then the children are free." Matthew 17:24-26

Observation: At this time, the 'temple tax' was a Jewish tax specifically for the upkeep of the temple. Priests were exempt from paying. For this reason, this again is a kind of trick question posed to Peter ... the officials are effectively asking Peter if Jesus believes himself to be a priest or not. By his answer, Peter accidentally denies Jesus' "status" as a religious leader.

The lesson here is about understanding how to respond to challenging questions about faith in Jesus. Peter felt intimidated into needing to respond to the question with an affirmative. He felt a 'yes or no' question about Jesus required a yes or no answer. He failed to recognize that the question itself was based on an incomplete understanding of Yahweh (that Jews paid a temple tax, and only God's priests were exempt). Jesus actually pointed out this flawed logic in his lesson ... that God's son was certainly exempt also, and therefore it was the temple tax collector who did not understand the truth about the nature of Jesus.

Application: So many challenges against Jesus these days are based on totally flawed assumptions, logic, and understanding of God. Even just yesterday I heard a message about a totally different topic, talking about God's goodness, that went into the failed understanding of how badness can exist in the context of God's good.

Am I prepared to respond to flawed questions with the proper clarification? I believe I am better prepared to do than I was years ago before reading the bible regularly. I do want to be able to engage in constructive conversations when led into such situations by the circumstances God presents.

Prayer: Lord, may I always be prepared to give an account for my faith in you, as I am guided by the Holy Spirit. I am here to respond to others today and every day, if you so desire. Amen.

Blessing for Bodily Health

Scripture:
It will be a healing for your flesh
and a refreshment for your body.
Proverbs 3:8

Observation: This collection of proverbs admonishes us to look to the ways of the Lord, and we will have a good life. They tell us to remember the teaching and keep the commandments, trust in the Lord rather than on our own insight, follow God's wisdom and not ours, and give materially to God. With these, we are promised, long life, abundance, good repute, an easy life's journey, an abundance. Verse 8 also make this promise, that being of bodily health.

Application: Since good health is a blessing from God, it makes sense that satan is using fear of health to attack our world today. He has spread lies about the threat of poor health to confuse and create conflict, and to most critically drive many into isolation away from those of faith, and thus further from God.

I know many people who need to return to gathering together in faith. They need to accept this promise, that by leaning into their faith and belief in the Lord, they will receive "refreshment for your body" and physical health. That may not mean they do not get disease, but it does mean they can trust in the Lord to help them manage their health.

Prayer: Lord, I pray today specifically for friends and family who have remained in fear outside of church gatherings. I think of them by name. Please give them your peace, and remove the lies of the evil one. As they lean into your love and your wisdom, let them know that they will receive your healing and your refreshment. Amen.

Warnings about Remembering God's Provision

Scripture: Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house.” The second he named Ephraim, “For God has made me fruitful in the land of my misfortunes.” Genesis 41:51-52

Observation: Later, the tribe of Joseph will actually be divided into two tribes, one for each of his sons and so named for them. Fast-forward on the history of Israel in the promised land, and we see that first Israel divides north and south - Israel and Judah - but later the north shrinks and shrinks until the prophets refer to it by just the one tribal holding that is left ... Ephraim.

Rewind to here in Egypt, where we will eventually see Jacob/Israel come to see Joseph. When he blesses his sons, he crosses his hands to give Ephraim the right-hand blessing despite being the second-born. In this, it is interesting to see how one can put together the two names of the sons in this order ordained by Israel, to tell the entire summary of the shortcoming of Israel in one sentence.

God made Israel fruitful in the land he gave them, but they forgot all about their father the Lord.

In addition, Joseph himself focuses on the negative part of life. The names of his sons mean "making to forget" and "to be fruitful", however in both explanations he adds a memory of his problems. He is pleased to forget "my hardship", and he is fruitful in the land "of my misfortunes". He focuses on the struggles, but not the blessings of having been the favorite son of a rich man, nor the delivery from his struggles to be the most powerful person in Egypt.

Application: The Lord is my provider. If I would spend my time in total wonder and thankfulness for his blessings, two things would happen in my life. First, I would be - in this act and the resulting mindfulness - worshipping and praying continuously. This is the right heart to have on a daily basis. Second, I would never forget all the Lord has done, and all that he can do, for me, my family, and everyone. I would never move away from that knowledge and that relationship.

I am sure that even Joseph moved a little away from God after 20 years in Egypt, married to the daughter of a priest of another god, and this is reflected in his memory of his past. However, the naming of his sons also give us the warning about how to avoid that state.

God has made me fruitful here in the time and place he has given me. Will I forget about him, forget about his blessing, and focus on the hardships of my life? Or will I celebrate the fact that I live in my father's embrace, in his love, and in his kingdom?

Prayer: Lord, again I pray today, may I forget about all the problems, evil, and failures of the past, and remember only your love and blessing in my life. And may my thoughts, attitudes, and actions in all things and at all times overflow from that memory of your great love in my life. Amen.

God Reveals Himself to Anyone

Scripture: Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, "Pharaoh’s dreams are one and the same; God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do." Genesis 41:25

Observation: Joseph is about to be liberated by prison, through the fact that God allows him to discern the meaning of dreams. However, Joseph makes an interesting statement in verses 25 and 28. In both, he states the fact that God has revealed to Pharaoh what he (God) is about to do.

God could have revealed his objectives to Joseph, as the most fervent of the believers of Yahweh in Egypt. Instead, he revealed his objectives to a person who had no faith at all. God didn't want to bring about plan just by using Joseph, but instead he wanted to directly use Pharaoh, communicating with him and then allowing all the other dominos that had already been put in place - the cupbearer's time in prison, Potiphar's wife's false accusations, and the selling of Joseph by his brothers - to now fall orderly.

It isn't just that God can make a good outcome from bad situations. God can in fact actively use non-believers within the bad circumstances to fulfill his long-term plan.

Application: There is so much happening in the 'bad situation' of our lives today. Believers in Jesus Christ know he can turn it for good. However, do we also believe that he can use those non-believers who are currently operating out of fear and hopelessness to actually produce that 'turn'?

I do believe that, as long as I am also willing to do my part, speaking in love and truth about Jesus when given the chance. Joseph was bold to say that God would reveal through him what Pharaoh's dream meant. But he was also discerning when he understood God himself had revealed his purpose to Pharaoh, employing Pharaoh in the revelation of the plan. God can reveal his plan to ... anyone, in any station, with any mindset, and in any state of faith.

Prayer: Lord, you love all people, and we believers do not own a monopoly on your love and kindness and blessing and support. May we all look for opportunities to do your will, especially when that will is to discern your love when it is given to those who are far from you. Amen.

Selling Out for the Kingdom

Scripture: The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Matthew 13:44

Observation: In this parable and the subsequent one, Jesus is very plain in his metaphor. When a person truly discovers the kingdom of heaven - and discovers its great value to their life - that person sells everything else in order to possess the kingdom. In this example about the field, it is not even the treasure itself that the person buys, but rather the field. The important point is that he sold everything else to buy the field.

Jesus is clear that we are to give up our other worldly goods in order to be part of the kingdom of heaven. We do this joyfully, because we know that the kingdom is actually of greater value than everything of the world. We are getting the better end of the bargain when we sell everything we have, and buy just the one thing that is the treasure of the kingdom.

Application: I wonder if I have kept anything of my old life that prevents me from fully owning the kingdom of heaven. I still hold onto some past memories and hopes that have evolved into a fantasy life that never existed, and that reflects the ways of the world and not God. However, I have left behind my life and lifestyle from circa 1992 and before.

I have followed the Lord into a life of family, peace, and even cats ... a life so much better than I dared hope for back then. I gave up hopelessness and emptiness and artificial living. I bought a family and joy.

The last thing I need to sell is any and every thought about worldly treasures that may or may not even have existed, but are shiny distractions anyway from the true treasure of heaven. I need to set my sights and my thoughts on only the treasure of Jesus Christ, which is no longer hidden from me, but in fact I own the field where it resides and have it now in my hands.

Prayer: Lord, please give me your spirit and spiritual protection from the thoughts that distract me from your kingdom. I desire to set my mind on things above, and to meditate on your word only, day and night. May I release the last bit of anything from my previous life so I may fully own the hidden treasure of the kingdom. Amen.

This is the Story of Us All

Scripture: This is the story of the family of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was shepherding the flock with his brothers; he was a helper to the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives; and Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. Genesis 37:2

Observation: This section of Genesis begins by saying that Jacob settles in Canaan, then has this simple line, 'this is the story of the family of Jacob.' Immediately, the story is about ... Joseph. To the extent anyone else appears, they are doing wrong but always in the context of Joseph's actions. First, Joseph is helping the four sons of the servant wives and is required to report them. Then the family reacts poorly to Joseph's prayers. Then the brothers plot against Joseph when he comes to check on them.

Indeed, this is the story of the family of Jacob ... people who react with anger and jealousy about one another. Every thought is a plot. Even good ideas - like Reuben planning to save Joseph - is a plot to win back good favor with his father. The sons are angry even when told about prophetic dreams in which someone else may be considered greater than themselves.

Jacob is Israel, so declaring this the story of Jacob's family means this is the story of Israel. And indeed the traits we see in the brothers reflect traits we see in all people, both in the history of Israel to come, and in the history of mankind still being played out.

Application: There is a literary technique where an author tells the reader "this is the story I'm about to tell" and immediately appears to tell a different story. The reader is to keep in mind the original intent stated by the author, for a larger point is likely being made that relates to that intent. In Genesis, the writer says he is about tell of the family of Jacob (Israel), and immediately tells the story of Josheph. And the point is that all along, all of this is actually the story of Israel; how personalities and attitudes and actions related to anger, hate, laziness, deception, arrogance, jealousy, pride, cunning ... drive their national narrative.

And these traits drive the narrative of mankind, and of me. There are certainly days where every single of these traits could be applied to something I have done that day. Some of these define major elements of my personality.

This is the story of Jacob/Israel, which by the covenant with Abraham became God's chosen people, which by the covenant of Jesus Christ is now all mankind. This story of bad actors who are eventually saved by one faithful person - who was thought dead but is alive - is the story of us all.

Prayer: Lord, I see my bad behavior in the sons of Jacob. Certainly Jesus could bring a bad report about me, and yet he does not. Instead, he covers my sins and gives me new hope every day. Thank you for your salvation and mercy and love. May I strive to be more than the status quo of mankind, and do your will wherever you have me serve today. Amen.

Actively Inventing Fault

Scripture: For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds. Matthew 11:18-19

Observation: Jesus is addressing the Jews, explicitly discussing their lack of understanding of the Messiah. In these verses, he explicitly calls out their judgmental attitude. The judge John the Baptist as unworthy because of his behavior, but then judge Jesus unworthy because of the exact opposite behavior. It is this attitude - actively inventing fault with everyone - that prevents them from accepting the good news that is proclaimed by Jesus, and the truth that was proclaimed by John.

Application: In this verse, I see two sets of fingers pointing to the truth. First, this is of course the attitude of society today toward believers. Some believers are over-the-top strict, some churches are far too relaxed, and thus unbelievers use these facts to state why they don't believe and won't listen to the gospel. However, more importantly, I see a finger pointing at me and my judgmental attitude.

I certainly have a problem with certain lifestyles and attitudes about the meaning of life. I need to examine myself and ensure that I am not judging people simply because ... they do something irrelevant that I feel is 'off'. It is one thing to embrace sin, and surprising I find myself 'judging' that less (though ... some). Instead, I will judge stupid things like how people dress, their written communications, when they arrive for appointments. I observe these things, then apply a negative interpretation of that behavior to the person.

Yes, in the context of faith in Jesus Christ, I may have preferences in style and message, but I do understand the value of all types of Christian faith. As Jesus says, "wisdom is vindicated by her deeds," so looking at the outcome of Christian practices - and not the methods - is the right way to assess faith. However, in the context of the world, I am simply too judgmental, and I care too much about meaningless behaviors. It is this that does no one - especially me - any good.

Prayer: Lord, again today I come to you seeking a heart of humility. It is in my prideful heart where I define those behaviors that I believe are proper and improper, and then apply that to others. Please forgive my judgment of others, and remove that attitude from me, so I may love others better and better as Jesus would have me do. Amen.

Intentionally Acting in Ignorance

Scripture: So Jacob went up to his father Isaac, who felt him and said, “The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” He did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him. Genesis 27:22-23

Observation: Jacob and Rebeka have completed the plot to steal the Abrahamic blessing from Esau. Certainly this was already in motion long ago, when Esau gave away his birthright, and married contentious foreign women, thus placing himself in a position of disqualification to be the line if Israel. However, no matter how angry Isaac may be in the subsequent scene, he is absolutely complicit in the deceit as he discerns the speaker is Jacob yet decides to make his final decision not by the sound of Jacob's voice, but by toughing his skin and smelling his clothes.

Jacob has the evidence that something is amiss. He hears the speaker is Jacob. He knows that not enough time passed for Esau to hunt a wild animal game. He should be able to taste that the dinner is actually just goat. He could call in Rebeka, or Jacob, or any servant, to help him discern the truth. Instead, he gathers barely enough information to justify his false assumption, and proceeds. Of all the methods of identifying a person, the texture of the skin on the back of their hands, and the smell of their coat, are limited methods at best. Isaac decides the future of God's chosen people using those methods.

In summary, Isaac actually knows he is operating with limited knowledge of the truth, and instead of admitting he is ignorant and exploring the situation more deeply, he chooses to proceed with the belief that his method for determining reality is complete.

Application: In almost every topic relevant to society today, people make major decisions using limited knowledge, of gathered through highly questionable methods/sources. One example alone: How many arguments about vaccines occur between people who have gathered their "truth" through Youtube videos published by sources they don't even know?

Isaac is not a bad or stupid person, he is just a man who assumes good intent - and thus sincerity and honesty - from others. He is more willing to act in ignorance and accept a lie, than he is willing to pursue the truth and potentially uncover someone's flaw.

I feel that is true of our society today ... we fail to explore the truth because it is easier we assume everyone has SOME element of accuracy in what they say, and thus we can find the truth by piecing together several elements. This applies to topics such as ... politics, morals, disease, sexuality, equality, poverty, and all kinds of conflicts between people groups. I am sure I form opinions and decision on limited knowledge related to these same issues, because it is hard to ask harder questions.

The most important decision is whether or not Jesus is the Messiah. On this point, I know people make decisions based on what they wish to be true to governing their lives, in the context of lies they have been told about what "religion" is, and not based on full research. I do hope we can help individuals who, when they do decide to seek more of the facts, find the truth.

Prayer: Lord, it seems that one of the flaws we have as people is our willingness to be deceived by lies, and satan takes advantage of that every day, in my life and in the lives of everyone. Please protect me from such lies, and help others to recognize your truth more and more. Amen.

But the Lord Will Not Answer

Scripture:
Because I have called and you refused,
have stretched out my hand and no one heeded,
and because you have ignored all my counsel
and would have none of my reproof,
I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when panic strikes you,
when panic strikes you like a storm,
and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
when distress and anguish come upon you.
Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;
they will seek me diligently, but will not find me.
Proverbs 1:24-28

Observation: Wisdom cries out in the street, trying to teach everyone the true wisdom that comes from knowing the Lord. However, because the world has rejected to listen to this, Wisdom will ignore their cries when calamity strikes. She will mock and laugh at their fear. Even when they now want guidance, she will turn away and allow their previous attitudes to dictate their fate.

This is of course the metaphor of the Lord's relationship with those who reject him. He has shown them wisdom, shouted it from the mountaintops, and made this truth to reign over the earth for millennia ... that he is the Lord God almighty, and salvation comes from faith in Jesus Christ. Nearly everyone has heard this, and now we see that those who have rejected it are filled with fear. The calamity has come like a whirlwind, and the words that best describe their mental state are ... panic, distress, anguish.

And God says this ... I am laughing at you, mocking you, and I will not answer your cries for help. You - those who rejected me - will not find the Lord in your time of calamity.

Application: I am so thankful I live in the promise of verse 33 of this same section ... as one who listens to the Lord, I live in security without dread of disaster. However, I have prayed for others, desiring that the current global crisis would awaken many to Christ. It has and it still will. Yet the Lord also makes it clear that he not only allows people to choose to reject him, but also will not simply respond when those who have dug in deep to their rejection panic over the earthly catastrophe that decision creates.

The Lord has spent years attempting to correct the people in our region of the U.S. They have instead turned further and further away. Today, in the midst of disaster, we are the most fear-filled and anxious region of the U.S. The Lord is clear ... this is cause-and-effect. Reject wisdom, and fear the calamity. He proclaimed this as wise counsel 3,100 years ago, and no one now should be surprised that it is true.

Prayer: Lord, while I pray for those who are removed from you so that they may be called to know Jesus, I also pray 'thy will be done.' You have given us your wisdom, and many fools have refused it. May your truth now prevail in their lives as you would see it done. Amen.

How to Create a Crowd

Scripture: When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." Matthew 9:36-38

Observation: This fairly famous verse is an obvious metaphor. The people are the harvest of the Lord who are coming to learn about Messiah, and Jesus is telling the disciples to seek laborers who will engage with those seekers, tell them the good news about Jesus, and guide them to salvation. However, the circumstances preceding this situation are interesting.

In this chapter - in fact over the course of 16 verses - Jesus has healed two blind me, cast out a demon, healed the of woman who touched his cloak, and raised a young girl back to life. He continues in this work, going from village to village to teaching, but also healing everyone. It is in this context of healing that the crowds form.

It seems consistent in all scripture that 'laborers' are believers willing to proclaim the good news of Jesus and the kingdom of God. However, the great harvest comes about when non-believers actively seek Jesus, due to some attraction ... even an earthly or selfish attraction. This describes this crowd. It is large, but they have come for healing and hope, for they are harassed, helpless, and directionless.

This then describes part of the challenge for the Church. It isn't enough to be laborers declaring the good news if no 'harvest' is there to hear it. It is also necessary to create the crowd in the first place. The world remains in the state of harassment, helplessness, and confusion, so they need to first see and hear about the hope of Jesus that generates their desire to come and see.

Application: One of the best ways I can serve Jesus is by embodying and demonstrating the hope I have in Jesus. Continuing daily without fear - but not condemning others for their fear - is part of this. Actively expressing joy in the future is part of this. Declaring confidence in the direction of the world is part of this.

As believers, we need to understand how to generate a crowd. Certainly some of our events and programs like Alpha do this. How can I do more?

Prayer: Lord, I am a laborer willing to be sent into the harvest. Also please show me how to better plant seed in order to create that plentiful harvest for your glory, your purposes, and your great name. Amen.

Rejecting Jesus on First Appearance

Scripture: The swineherds ran off, and on going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the demoniacs. Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood. Matthew 8:33-34

Observation: This village has a problem, which is two demon-possessed men who torment anyone who comes near them. Upon Jesus casting out the demons into a heard of pigs, the townspeople hear about it, and immediately ask Jesus to leave them alone. They want nothing to do with the son of God, who can help and heal and restore and teach them, leading to their opportunity to know the Lord and find eternal happiness. They would rather Jesus be on his way and quit upsetting their farmers.

These townspeople are outside of Israel and likely not Hebrew. They are likely decedents of the nationalities that use to live across the Jordan and/or north of Israel - Assyrian, Amorites, Amalekites, Hittites, Moabites, etc. - and have no real interest in Yahweh. So when a group of Jews come, and the outcome is the death of some pigs, they have no desire to hear any good news about salvation. Despite the fact that Jesus just performed a miracle that saved two men and likely eliminated a major issue in their community, they reject Jesus on first appearances, before any message is even spoken.

Application: I live in an area of the country where there are many, many people with absolutely no context for Jesus at all. And I have seen such people reject a conversation about Jesus - cutting it off in mid-sentence at the mere pronouncement of his name - because they don't want to hear anything about him. This is the way of it for many ... without context, or even rejecting the context itself, those who have this level of unbelief in God often reject Jesus without even a message being told.

I still do believe that "pre-evangelism" at least begins to create context about God. I am sad that not all Christians see the value. Tradition tells us that after Jesus' resurrection, apostles returned to this area to find a population ready to believe in Jesus ... that this event created soil for future planting of the good news. May I have the strength to continue to believe that conversations that are completely rejected at the first mention of Jesus will still have value for the long-term salvation of others.

Prayer: Lord, give me strength this day, in this dark corner of our world, to say the name of Jesus to anyone you put in my path with such a need to hear it. Amen.

Claiming the Promise of Attention

Scripture: And the angel of the Lord said to her,
"Now you have conceived and shall bear a son;
you shall call him Ishmael,*
for the Lord has given heed to your affliction."
Genesis 16:11

Observation: When the Lord comes to Hagar, he comforts her and gives her instructions to return to Sarai. But he also gives her unborn son a name, and that name* means "God hears". The Lord himself says he has heard her affliction, and has come to her. Hagar will in turn give God the name "El Roi" - God sees me - completing the sensory-based theme that, in Hagar's time of need, God absolutely paid attention and responded.

Application: I have before discovered how much I associate with Hagar. I have claimed the word of God that he sees me and has seen me in times of distress. Combined with the name Ishmael, there is a deeper promise here. God completely pays attention to me.

In a day and age where SO many people are yearning to "be seen" and "be heard", we see God promises that he does exactly that! Today, young people are seeking to fill that seen/heard void in their life through social media likes, viral video trends, texting rules of etiquette, and empty physical interactions. They feel unloved when they are "unseen" or "not heard" based on the definition of how technology platforms define being seen and heard. However, God promises that he sees and hears everyone, from pregnant foreign slaves, to his most beloved worshipper, to me.

Prayer: Lord, today I claim your promise, that you are paying attention to me, and to everyone else. You see me. You hear me. You love me. I claim that for myself, and moreover and pray that for millions of others, that they may discover and learn and claim this same promise. Amen.

Perfection Defined: Love Everyone

Scripture: Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48

Observation: Jesus corrects the statement about loving neighbors but hating enemies by stating that we are to love our enemies. Even those who hate us and do harm against us are loved by God, so we are to treat them just as God wishes for them to be treated ... with love. He concludes this lesson with one short "therefore" statement, which is to "be perfect, therefore". The structure of this conclusion is clear: Perfection - a level of perfection that is even just like our heavenly father's perfection - is achieved when we love literally everyone.

Application: There is a HUGE difference between forgiving those who have done me wrong, and loving them. Forgiveness is an internal attitude, and even when it is difficult to achieve it is doable. Loving them becomes actionable, with tangible activities such as providing assistance and sincerely meaning kind words.

If literally everyone loved everyone, it is true there would be no room for evil. There would be no wrongdoing toward each other, and no resulting anger. This would create perfection. However, there are so many people who are not living within the context of Jesus Christ or Yahweh that this is not universally possible, and thus finding this perfection is very difficult for believers who are harmed, attacked, and genuinely wronged by enemies.

Jesus knew this. He was able to rise above it as God incarnate, even speaking well of soldiers who beat and killed him. However, certainly he knew how difficult it is for us - for me - to love enemies. He gave us this as an aspiration and defined it as perfection, knowing that perfection cannot be attained on earth by anyone other than himself. And yet, the more and more I do pursue this one objective ... love everyone ... the closer I can come to being Christlike and perfect.

Prayer: Lord, you know my heart, and you know I certainly love more people, and more kinds of people, than I used to. However, you also know I struggle with this, and especially when it comes to those who have harmed me. I sincerely ask for your spirit's strength in this matter. I would like to love more. I would like to see others as you see them more often, and to strive toward being better through love, though I know I cannot be perfect. I seek your heart. Amen.

God in the Tangential Details

Scripture: So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Genesis 12:4

Observation: The Lord has given Abram (Abraham) instructions ... go to 'the land that I will show you' ... and Abram at age 75 leaves his ~145 year old father and obeys, going to Canaan. Despite the great promise, this would have been a hard decision, as when his father moved to Haran he took just Abram with his wife Sarai (Sarah), and his grandson (Abram's nephew) Lot. Abram takes both of them with him, leaving his father without family.

This is what obedience to the Lord looks like. It isn't just about doing what God says, but it is also about trusting that he has other situations handled as part of his plan. There is no word here about Abram expressing concern for his father or their holdings. There is no word about any thoughts about his ancestral family east in the land of Ur. God tells Abram to go, indicates west to Canaan, and he goes west. He trusts that God has all the tangential details covered.

Application: I am certainly a person who tries to understand all aspects of a situation. I may not have always had a plan for my life, but I do concern myself with risk. That is not conducive to obeying God's instructions. Or perhaps more accurately, failing to have faith in God concerning the secondary issues and risks of a situation impedes my ability to obey God, and thus my ability to be used by God.

Do I trust God with the tangential details of every situation? I'd say I do, but I would likewise analyze them for myself.

When Abram was called, the promise required him to take action, but with no mention of any other detail being taken care of for his father for anyone else. He was fine with that and obeyed the Lord, trusting that God could handle both the explicit and implicit aspects of the situation. That is a good example.

Prayer: Lord, here I am. May I be called to your work as you would like to include me in your activities here on earth. And may I have trust in you for all the details of every situation. Amen.

There was Always a Lamp

Scripture: No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:15-16

Observation: Jesus begins the "sermon on the mount" with the beatitudes, then follows them with this metaphor about light. He will follow this by clarifying that he has come to fulfill the law and prophets, and that all must continue to obey the law and act in righteousness. In this manner, Jesus is clarifying that the instructions, laws, and precepts of the Lord - given to Israel - remain intact, and Jesus as Messiah is here to reinforce and fulfill the related promises.

The lighted lamp is of course the gospel, but it has always been the gospel of the Lord, given to Israel. Their original gospel was that the Lord is loving and just, available to provide blessing to all, and Israel as the nation of priests was to spread that message to all. To some degree they did. And the metaphor should not have been lost on the audience, as a great lamp was a centerpiece of the tabernacle, which transitioned into the temple that is on a great hill, where holy activities are apparent for everyone from all nations to see.

Now a new lamp will be lit in Israel, and this new light will go out to the entire world. Those who carry it must have certain characteristics, alignment to the ways of the Lord, righteousness that is founded in love rather than memorization, and a willingness to tell others all about it.

Application: There was always a lamp. As the light of the world, Jesus was there at the creation, throughout the history of mankind, and still with us today. He has told us about the light of truth and of love. Now he expects us to exemplify that love and that truth through our behavior, as a way of putting the light on a lampstand to shine upon others.

I have the light. Do I shine brightly enough? Am I well placed on a lampstand? My guess is I am regularly one of the other, but not often both. By my improved behavior, I must turn up my brightness, and by my bolder faith I must better position my lamp. We Christians are the direct continuation of God's plan with Israel, and I must do a better job as part of the nation of priests.

Prayer: Lord, it is an honor to be a Christian who serves you and desires to serve you better. May I do so. May I place the light of Jesus on a lampstand, and give light to all around me. Amen.

Claiming the Promise of Provision

Scripture: Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him. Matthew 4:11

Observation: One of the underrated details of the temptation of Jesus is this, that when satan left Jesus, angels arrived and cared for on him. The implication of "waiting" on Jesus is that they fed him. Therefore, what happened immediately after Jesus resisted the temptations of satan was that everything with which satan tempted Jesus was then done for him by God:

-- Satan tempted Jesus to eat, and the angels fed him.

-- Satan tempted Jesus to test if angels would protect him, and angels arrived to care for him.

-- Satan tempted Jesus to receive earthly authority, and by sending God's own angels he showed that Jesus had all authority on earth and in heaven.

Application: Both God and satan know what I want and what I need, and they both know human desires and motivations and ambitions. Temptation involves being offered those things through earthly means that are opposed to the ways and will of God, often through sin and the harm of others. However, Jesus shows me that when I reject those paths to the things I desire, God will provide them in his time and his way, because he loves me and knows I need them.

The apostles teach this exact message. Jesus says these exact lesson. The Lord pronounces these exact promises through Moses and other prophets.

Prayer: Lord, this is my first claimed promise this year, that you will provide for both my needs and my desires, when I resist pursuing them through earthly means. Thank you for your promise and your love, and for your daily provision in my life. Amen.

Curses yet Blessings for the Other Enoch

Scripture: Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch; and he built a city, and named it Enoch after his son Enoch. Genesis 4:17

Observation: Upon being banished, Cain fathers a son named Enoch. This is not to be confused with the seventh generation of Adam in the line of Seth, also named Enoch, the grandfather of Noah who was so righteous that he was taken up by God. Cain's son Enoch seems to have no discernable notoriety, however it appears that centuries later the Samaritans established a tradition that this Enoch was buried on Mount Ebal. Mount Ebal is notable as one of the two mountains used when the Israelites entered the promised land ... they were divided by tribe, stood on two mountains and one group pronounced the blessings that would be theirs as they obeyed God, and the other pronounced the curses that would befall them if they disobeyed ... Ebal was the mountain of the curses.

Application: It is very possible that the Samaritans created this relationship between Enoch and Mount Ebal explicitly for this reason ... to align the Enoch born with Cain with the concept of curses from the Lord. Of course, Enoch was under a curse placed upon Cain, likely the first person born outside of Eden and thus outside of the Lord's blessing within the garden.

However, that is not to say he was born outside of the Lord's protection, watchfulness, or provision. Even this Enoch lives a life, has children and several more generations of descendants, and has a city named for him. He is associated with the curses of the Lord, but even as such still received a full life on earth. In this manner, we see that the Lord still provides and even blesses the lives of those who are removed from him. Those that have turned from God, he still loves and tries to aid in their lives, certainly in the hope they will return that love and honor.

The best-known Enoch was so honorable that it is said he walked with the Lord and was taken to heaven without knowing death. This lesser-known Enoch was the first of the cursed generation of Cain, becomes (perhaps mythologically) associated with curses, and yet must have been loved by God.

Prayer: Lord, even those who have fully turned away from you, you love. You are the greatest of fathers to all. I pray for our communities today, and those who have forsaken you. May they yet still find your provision and proof of your love, and turn back to you and to Jesus. Amen.

Considering the Eternal Gospel

Scripture: Then I saw another angel flying in midheaven, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation and tribe and language and people. ... Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and hold fast to the faith of Jesus. Revelation 14:6,12

Observation: John sees three angels proclaim messages. He introduces the first, stating the angel proclaims an "eternal gospel" to everyone on earth. However, after all three angels speak, he concludes them collectively as a call for believers, and therefore it seems that the three messages collectively are the good news. There is apocryphal imagery about these statements ... Babylon the Great referenced, discussion of the mark of the beast, etc. However, keeping it simple, the three messages summarize as follows:

-- We are to worship the Lord of all creation.

-- The kingdom of evil that oppresses faith has fallen.

-- Those who believed in evil lies have been judged.

Again, John is told this is an "eternal gospel" ... these messages represent a permanent proclamation of good news that lasts forever and ever. It is a declaration of both the victory of Lord, and of the victory of faith in Jesus over the lies of satan that causes others to reject faith. Permanently and forever, faith in Yeshua, and worship of Yahweh, are the way of life for joy and peace and love. This is for all people, of all nations and races and language, for all time.

Application: As Christians, we carry and proclaim the specific gospel of Jesus, which is that forgiveness and salvation is available to all people through simple faith in Jesus as the son of God. However, this gospel is for just this ... forgiveness and salvation ... which are critically important but are also part of a broader truth. The full truth is that the Lord of creation loves us, and seeks to provide for those who believe in and worship him forever and ever, but will indeed judge those who reject his love, his ways, and his truth.

I will worship only Yahweh, the Lord of all creation. I may fail often, but I desire to serve him, honor him, and obey him. I desire the endurance to keep his commandments and to hold fast to the faith of Jesus. This is what I will do for my entire life, and for all eternity.

Prayer: Lord, by your Holy Spirit, please give me your strength and your endurance, so I may better honor and obey you. I do worship you and only you, and I place my faith in Jesus Christ as my savior and redeemer. I will never worship another, and I know all truth and love and joy comes from you alone, and from your ways. Amen.

All Praise and Blessing for the Lord

Scripture: Blessed be the Lord, the God of our ancestors, who put such a thing as this into the heart of the king to glorify the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, and who extended to me steadfast love before the king and his counselors, and before all the king’s mighty officers. Ezra 7:27-28a

Observation: Ezra has been ordered by the king of Persia to truly become the priest of Yahweh in the temple in Jerusalem. He has been given materials to reinstate temple practices, authority to execute all the laws of the Lord, and commission by the king to prove the right of the Israelites to do so. After repeating the orders written by the king, this is Ezra's response ... blessed be the Lord! Ezra acknowledges that this is all the act of God, who has moved the heart and mind of the Persian king into honor for the Lord, respect for the Israelites, and action to align both into worship.

The Lord has created the scenario to honor himself, but has also done so by reestablishing the honor of Israel, and specifically ensuring that earthly honor and respect has been bestowed upon Ezra as the earthly representation of that respect for the name of the Lord.

Application: Earthly honor certainly must point back to the Lord. When I, my family, or my church community receive honor or respect, it is because the Lord has moved the situation to create it.

As we conclude a week where our church has been publicly respected and thanked for maintaining holiday traditions, may we give the honor to the Lord who has protected and aided us in all matters. It is only by the Lord that any honor may come, and it is truly only FOR the Lord that earthly honor exists. He is the only one worthy of praise and honor and glory, and such accolades are for him alone.

Prayer: Lord, blessed be your name, and blessed by Jesus Christ, who has created a scenario where unbelievers who do not know you would yet thank you for your love and kindness. May we pass those praises on to you in the days to come. Amen.

We are Truly at War

Scripture: So when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle, so that she could fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to her place where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. ... Then the dragon was angry with the woman, and went off to make war on the rest of her children, those who keep the commandments of God and hold the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 12:13-14,17

Observation: This vision from heaven involves a great red dragon, identified as satan. He is the antagonist against a woman. She has given birth, and the child is taken to heaven while the woman is hidden away in the wilderness for care and protection. The dragon - who has along the way lost a battle to Michael and been cast out of heaven - pursues the woman. However, when he fails, he "makes war on the rest of her children" who are the Christians of earth.

Application: I truly understand almost nothing of this entire section of the bible. I can understand the basics about the fall of satan, and maybe I can come up with a couple interpretations about the woman, her child, her place of seclusion, the passing of time, etc. Certainly, every concept and idea I guess at would be just that ... guesses, which would require true divine inspiration to understand.

However, I can understand verse 17 ... the dragon makes war on those who keep the commandments of God and hold the testimony of Jesus. This is the primary issue for the Church of Jesus Christ today ... satan makes war against us. He makes war against the entire Church, each individual congregation, and one-by-one against every believer. He makes war in our private lives, and he makes war in public venues. He engaged in war within our very homes, at our churches themselves, in our communities, and across out entire culture. He uses as his weapons our personal sin, lies about what is right and wrong, earthly political practices, modern technology and media, and even our own flawed practices that have evolved over the passage of time.

This is the truth we as believers in Christ must understand: Satan cannot harm the Lord, he cannot harm Jesus, and he has already been cast out of heaven, so he has turned his wrath upon God's creation and especially upon the believers in Jesus Christ, in an attempt to destroy that which God loves.

God loves us, so satan hates us. And make no mistake, satan is powerful, and he acts. He plans and convinces and attacks. He uses all his abilities on earth to truly 'make war' against the faithful followers of Christ, which includes the lies he has imbued into all the rest of society. The battleground is the unbelieving ... it is to them whom Christ sends us to spread the good news, and it is they who have been given the weapons of satan - the lies about salvation and lies about the nature of God - to fight against the truth and love of Jesus.

We are at war. Satan first tries to prevent the good news, then looks to destroy us believers. He looks to destroy our belief system, our overall unity, our individual communities, our own families, and our very earthly lives. So warns the Lord himself.

Prayer: Lord, I know my terrible thought life is the result of the whispers of satan. Please, Lord, protect me and my mind and my heart from his deceptions. Furthermore, please protect my family, my friends, my church, and the entire community of those who follow the way of Jesus. Satan is strong, but your, my Lord, are so much stronger, and it is upon you I place my hope and my faith. Amen.

Go Tell It on the Mountain

That Jesus Christ is born!!

Memorizing my Lines

Scripture: After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!" Revelation 7:9-10

Observation: As John looks upon heaven, he sees a gathering of believers celebrating the salvation that comes from the Lord through Jesus Christ. The Lamb is their shepherd, and he gives them life-giving water and comfort from all their earthly sorrows. This great multitude declares that the salvation of heaven is from the Lord, afforded by the Lamb.

Application: I declare this as a believer in Jesus Christ ... salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb! The Lord God himself is the arbiter and provider of all grace and salvation, and it is a gift I cannot earn or in any way acquire for myself, except as a gift offered through faith in Jesus.

Salvation belongs to the Lord God almighty. I will worship him forever as the creator father of mankind, the only source of truth, and the great provider of love, mercy, grace, and hope. The Lord is seated on his throne, and my greatest hope is to celebrate his authority in heaven.

Salvation is granted by Jesus and his redeeming love, which provides the sacrifice needed for me to receive eternal salvation. He has covered my transgressions, even though I have no reason to hope for such mercy. I celebrate and worship Jesus as my savior and Lord and Messiah.

Prayer: Abba, Lord, salvation belongs to you, the ruler of heaven and earth, and to your son Jesus. I worship you with my heart and my life. Thank you for your gift of salvation. I look forward to bowing before your and worshipping you in heaven. Amen.

Interpreting the Purpose of Earthly Work

Scripture: When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature call out, “Come!” I looked, and there was a black horse! Its rider held a pair of scales in his hand, and I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a day’s pay, and three quarts of barley for a day’s pay, but do not damage the olive oil and the wine!” Revelation 6:5-6

Observation: As the seven seals of the scroll are opened, each reveals a new action. The first four involve horses with riders. They involve violence, war, and death itself. However, amongst them is this third horse, which appears to represent ... commerce. It wields market scales, and the voice of heaven declares prices for food. This is about the need to work for the day to earn enough to by one's own daily bread, and barely that as perhaps it is not enough to also buy the oil to make the bread, and wine to drink.

If the "four horsemen" represent a level of despair, hardship, and violence against mankind, then this hardship includes modern economics. As part of the earthly hardship, humans have to trade daily work for what it takes to survive. Working every day becomes a requirement to live, and therefore living itself involves working every day. If the end-time interpretation of the four horsemen is about hardship and death, then that death begins when we align ourselves to the model for work, and rely upon that earthly work to provide for our earthly lives.

Application: The alternative for me is that I must rely upon the Lord for my provision in life. Yes, I still need to work, as on earth we have a way to manage exchanges in goods and services. However, my work must never become the purpose of my life, as that is - by God's definition - death.

I dwell too often on the value of my work, and that value also only has earthly meaning and thus should be ignored. My work should be judged only in how it contributes to the Lord. Am I a witness of Jesus Christ in the workplace? Do I give my tithe to God? Does my work align to the will of God, based on how I see him acting around me? Do I do my job well enough so as to avoid anyone from bringing charges against me and thus tarnishing their understanding of Christ?

I am in good standing on these elements, though I know I could do better at the actual quality of my work. This is something I must return to as a focus of my work. The money, the outcomes, the large-context 'meaning' of it ... these only matter in the way that they point to Jesus as the savior of all mankind.

Prayer: Lord, may I improve my focus at work, and may my work reflect your love toward others and your character. Help me to release all pride I have about my earthly value within the worldly economy, for such cares are just another form of death. Amen.

Considering the Implicit Illicit Acts

Scripture:
This is the way of an adulteress:
she eats, and wipes her mouth,
and says, “I have done no wrong.”
Under three things the earth trembles;
under four it cannot bear up:
a slave when he becomes king,
and a fool when glutted with food;
an unloved woman when she gets a husband,
and a maid when she succeeds her mistress.
Proverbs 30:20-23

Observation: This proverb addresses the danger of those who truly sin through treachery and deceit. The first example is an adulteress who will sin and then sincerely declare she has done nothing wrong once the evidence is gone. However, the four other items reflect similar behaviors. In every case, they are about people who have exceeded their station, but very likely through a scheme of lies, deception, treachery, and theft. While it is implicit, in all cases it is unreasonable to assume the individual can achieve their ends without illicit action.

In the four examples that cause society to tremble and crash, the individual has achieved a noble goal, but certainly has done so in an illicit manner:

-- The slave has nicely improved his position in the world, but likely through rebellion and violence

-- The fool has earned enough money to eat well, but having great excess while still being a "fool" implies improper procurement - theft - of such resources

-- The unloved woman - who is thus still unloved even by the man who marries her - can only get a husband through improper seduction or coercion

-- The maid has improved her status in the household, but did so by improperly seducing the master of the house

This is the warning of the wise to the world ... that behaviors such as these - behaviors that create what many might consider desirable outcomes but are the result of harmful actions - will be the downfall of the world. This is not to say that improving the lives of those who struggle is the problem, but rather the scheming acts of people is the problem. When everyone is doing whatever it takes to advance themselves and achieve only their own ends - and then declares they have done nothing wrong because the outcome is perfectly acceptable - society cannot "bear up".

Application: Still today we talk about the means justifying the ends. We have so very many "causes" now whereby people are seeking to change the lives of people ... and many of those causes are valid. However, we are pursuing these causes through campaigns driven by hate and anger against others.

Our society is trembling ... it cannot bear up. The implicit actions that drive toward the just outcome cannot be dismissed ... they cannot be wiped away with a declaration that no wrong has been done.

Prayer: Lord, I ask that you help give us all wisdom. May we find ways to address issues of justice and equity, without introducing new methods of hatred and disunity. Amen.

On God's Timing and Our Patience

Scripture: Then the king said, “What honor or distinction has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” The king’s servants who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.” Esther 6:3

Observation: The plot of Haman against Mordecai is about to unfold the very next day. However, the king cannot sleep, and in his unrest he is reminded that Mordecai once saved his life, but also that - at that time - nothing was done to thank Mordecai. He was not acknowledged, honored, or rewarded for his loyalty. It is now that the king corrects that oversight, and it is that timing that saves Mordecai from Haman's plot.

While Esther's work to undo Haman's larger plot against the Jews is already in motion, it is at this micro level - the actions of Haman to kill just one man - where the Lord acts exactly when needed. At the same time, this perfect timing required Mordecai to live with the fact that he had acted honorably toward the king, but had received no reward or even acknowledgment for an extended time.

Application: When it comes to the Lord's provision in our lives, we all talk often about his "perfect timing". However, we likely ignore our need for "faithful patience." This is beyond a type of patience where we just wait because ... well, because there is nothing to do BUT wait. If we need God's help, and it doesn't yet come, then we don't really get a choice. However, faithful patience means we also do not dwell on that, we do not care, we do not feel overlooked for forsaken. Beyond just saying we trust that God will still take care of us, we even just reconcile the idea that the Lord has something so important in mind in the future that waiting will make a future provision even better.

If Mordecai had been rewarded immediately by the king, then there would have been no action to take now. In addition, when Haman came and accused him and asked for him to be executed, the king could permit it even knowing the past ... perhaps he would have thought Mordecai had changed, or that he had grown arrogant due to his past reward. Instead, the fact Mordecai is never rewarded creates a scenario that saves his life, which is a reward far beyond what he would have received if the reward had been ... some gold provided real-time, or a feast years earlier.

I do not know if I am in need of God's protection and provision at this time. I suspect I will be in need someday. When that day comes, I am faithfully certain I will receive just what I need, just when I need it, and perhaps without even knowing I did need it. I hope I can be a patient as Mordecai.

Prayer: Lord, may your peace and patience be upon my heart at all times. I hope to wait upon you with joy, and maybe even with ignorance of need, as I certainly trust in your provision for myself and my family. Amen.

Recognizing our Life in Pergamum

Scripture: I know where you are living, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you are holding fast to my name, and you did not deny your faith in me even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan lives. But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the people of Israel, so that they would eat food sacrificed to idols and practice fornication. So you also have some who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Revelation 2:13-15

Observation: John is writing to the church of Pergamum. They are in a city at the very heart of the evil ways of the time, and doing well to be Christ's witness there. However, they also fall into a dangerous category ... believers who effectively interpret the forgiveness of sin by Jesus to mean that all Mosaic law is void, and immoral practices are now permitted - maybe even encouraged as ritual practices - because if they are sin, they are also forgiven.

To put this another way: This church exists in a place that is actively opposed to Yahweh, and yet they have the courage to declare Jesus Christ as Lord and savior, to proclaim the good news, to publicly demonstrate their faith. However, they also choose to embrace certain activities that would be more aligned to that local culture, especially laying aside certain moral principles, likely due to both their own upbringing within the worldly culture, and a misapplication of the Jesus' redemptive gift.

Jesus - through John - praises the former actions, and corrects the latter behavior.

Application: Seattle is the center of secular behavior in the United States. We are the home of the largest modern transportation company, the largest online retail company, the largest technology company, the largest warehouse wholesale company, the largest coffee company ... in the world. With the exception of entertainment and politics, these are the very industries/organizations that now influence thought and cultural norms on our planet.

Meanwhile, Seattle is the least-churched place in the United States, aligned more closely to the "10-40 window" when it comes to Christian faith. The politics, culture, and attitude of Seattle are radically leaned toward behaviors that are the very definition of "anti-Mosaic law". In fact, most people wouldn't know what that means ... they have no concept of any connection between "morals" and any teachings of the bible. They are more likely to adamantly deny there is any possibility of such a connection. They actively declare as 'right' those things that are morally wrong beyond debate, and declare morally wrong any person who doesn't agree.

Our church - my friends, my wife, and I - live in Pergamum. We believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and savior, declare his gospel, and seek to show his love to others. So I must ask myself ... do I fall into the teaching and the stumbling block of Balaam? Do I hold to the ways of the Nicolaitans? Are there elements of my life that are a conflict to the laws and teachings of the bible, but which I actively embrace (or at least tolerate) in my life?

This is a warning I must take very, very seriously. Clearly the first churches, still receiving teaching and council from the apostles, could fall into such a trap. And clearly the Revelation of Jesus was meant to be timeless and heeded by all churches throughout history.

I want the 'hidden manna' and the 'white stone' with a new name, promised to those who overcome. I do not want war waged against my city and my country.

Prayer: Lord, please show to me the elements of my life where I have embraced cultural norms that are opposed to your teaching, and help me to repent. I want to live a life you would teach, and not a life that looks like all the others in this region. Amen.

Woe to Be a Shepherd

Scripture: Thus said the Lord my God: Be a shepherd of the flock doomed to slaughter. Those who buy them kill them and go unpunished; and those who sell them say, “Blessed be the Lord, for I have become rich”; and their own shepherds have no pity on them. Zechariah 11:4-5

Observation: The Lord declares that he has lost his patience with the 'shepherds' of the world. Previously in v10:2, he pointed out that those people who pretend to give direction to the people - seers and diviners ... leaders - speak lies, and the sheep therefore have no shepherd. Now he points out even the wickedness of the shepherds. The shepherds raise sheep for their own prophet. Those who buy the sheep kill them for their own sustenance. There is no one who actually raises the sheep out of love, compassion, and support. For this reason, the Lord declares he will care no longer for such people.

Application: Jesus declared himself to be the "good shepherd" and used the metaphor several times. He is the one who will protect and care for sheep, not for prophet, but just by his love. If it is true that Jesus is the shepherd, and earthly shepherds are despised by the Lord due to their motives, then I should actively conclude that I have no desire to be a shepherd on earth.

I sometimes think about what I should do to reassume some kind of leadership position, at work or in the church. I need to set that aside. In fact, I need to reconcile the fact that I shouldn't even want that. I have a leader to follow! To the extent he would use me to help others, that just makes me a well-behaved sheep. Jesus is still the shepherd, at all times, in all situations. And Jesus is the only person I - or anyone else - should truly follow.

Prayer: Lord, please be my shepherd. I ask for your nurturing protection. I will follow you as you lead me, and if others in the flock also walk where I am going, it must only be because they also follow you. Amen.

Examples of Foolish Pride

Scripture: But these people slander whatever they do not understand, and they are destroyed by those things that, like irrational animals, they know by instinct. Woe to them! For they go the way of Cain, and abandon themselves to Balaam’s error for the sake of gain, and perish in Korah’s rebellion. Jude 1:10-11

Observation: As Jude calls out certain members of the church for their wrong thinking, he gets specific about their errors. He blames them of obeying their worldly instinct and not the instructions of God. He then aligns them to three Old Testament figures:

-- Cain, who withholds his best offering and jealously murders his brother

-- Balaam, who accepted money to curse the chosen people

-- Korah, who challenged the priestly structure pronounced by Moses

All three suffered from greed and pride, hand in hand. Cain wanted to keep the best of his flock for himself, but was angry when his offering was therefore rejected as inferior. Balaam was personally instructed by the Lord about the Israelites, but wanted the money offered him and was proud of how kings turned to him for help. Korah declared himself and others as equally holy and thus fully allowed to serve in any capacity they desired.

In all three cases, these people - again motivated by their greed and pride - reject God's authority. Cain didn't want to give God the best of his offering; Balaam didn't want to obey instructions to not accept the king's money; Korah didn't want to accept others as priestly leaders. As Jude says in verse 8, such people "defile the flesh, reject authority, and slander the glorious ones."

Application: This, too, is how my pride manifests ... I reject God's authority in my daily life and take actions I know to be wrong, simply because I can choose to do so.

In all circumstances, I can choose to turn to God for instruction and guidance and direction, or I can use my own 'instinct' and intelligent - or may just my prideful will - and decide for myself what course of action to take. Far too often, I take the latter path.

God's instructions are clear ... turn to him and follow his plan and path, for he loves me and wants what is best for me. My lack of understanding, and my personal pride that seeks authority, position, status, or wealth, must not guide my actions. In my own life, these actions cause me pain and trouble. However, especially if I apply these to my actions toward others, I would then be operating in a manner far outside of Jesus' love for believers, and for all mankind.

Prayer: Lord, I confess again today that it is my own pride that causes me to sin and to take actions and express thoughts I know in my heart to be wrong. Please forgive my sin, and my pride. I wish to seek your will, and then obey that will, both in my daily walk, and in my ongoing life journey with you. Amen.

Once Again, Love One Another

Scripture: I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father. But now, dear lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning, let us love one another. 2 John 1:4-5

Observation: As John is an apostle full of the Holy Spirit, he writes a letter in the most spirit-filled manner. It is addressed metaphorically to a "lady" - which is the bride of Christ, his church - and discusses her children ... the body of believers. In that same spirit, John clarifies the true "work" of believers. He is overjoyed to see that many believers live their daily lives in full belief that Jesus is the Messiah, and obeying his teaching. It is this faith and obedience that is the command of the father. However, he then reenforces the "new commandment" that is directly from Jesus at the last supper ... to love one another.

It is critical that this command truly be at the heart of Christian life, pertaining to the interaction of believers. It is the one thing Jesus adds to the differentiate believers. And if John is "overjoyed" to see that believers are truly walking in the truth of Jesus, yet needs to remind us to love one another, it is clearly one of the hardest instructions to obey.

Application: I know there are Christians I don't like. I can make a lot of excuses about their behaviors, attitudes, or flawed perspectives initiating that attitude, but those are just excuses.

Loving everyone in the Church is a journey ... even John knew that. He is the disciple who repeatedly talks of love and tells of the command to love one another, so he knew that this was a struggle. He likely struggled to love the other disciples, and we know he had conflicts associated with respect with some church leaders in later life. So loving everyone else in the church is not a switch I can just flip. But it is an attitude I can adopt and strive to practice. It is a 'default' position I can begin with upon meeting others.

Prayer: Lord, may I more and more love others in the church. I believe I have improved in this, but I have a long way to go as well. This is important, and it is your command, Jesus. I will strive to do it. Amen.