It Wasn't Actually a Parking Lot

Here's the deal ... I have told my testimony before, about praying to the Lord in my despair, and him changing my life. The part of the story I don't tell is about the moment I actually realized - sat bolt upright and acknowledged and declared to the Lord - that he had in fact changed ME, happened while I was driving.

"With tears in my eyes in the driver's seat" ... "like you were right there with me on the passenger side" ... really happened!

Yes, I already knew my life had changed. And I had told the Lord in prayer that I recognized what he had done. However, it was this other moment when I had to completely declare that my past was gone, and my future was now filled with hope. More than my life ... my mind and my heart were now changed. It wasn't the outside - where I was going - that he had changed, but it was the inside.

May I never, ever forget the great things he has done for me!

Hope Always Overcomes Despair

Scripture: In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:4-5

Observation: John begins as a callback to Genesis 1, aligning Jesus himself to creation. As himself part of Yahweh, Jesus was part of creation ... Jesus himself was the 'word' that is part of speaking creation into existence. That said, this overall metaphor about Jesus is a little confusing.

-- First, Jesus is the word that was with - and a part of - God at creation.

-- Second, that creating word contains the power of life itself.

-- Third, life is strongest as a light that is part of the existence of mankind itself.

-- Finally, that light shines in darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it.

Therefore, there is another way of summarizing metaphorical introduction. The almighty God created mankind in his image, which looks a lot like Jesus, and put within him a special and unique kind of life that is explicitly interconnected with himself via the Holy Spirit (aka our souls). These spiritual souls are designed to change and improve - to light - the world itself, which at the spiritual level is the realm of satan and thus full of darkness. When we align ourselves to the Lord - with faith in Messiah, and connected to the Holy Spirit - our very life battles and overcomes evil, and in fact evil cannot win such a battle.

In short, what is really going on here on earth is ... a battle between the despair shaped by the lies of satan, and the hope found in the truth about Jesus. And faith-empowered hope ALWAYS wins.

Application: I know this when it comes to the ways of this world ... very often lies defeat the truth. This happens every day, and everyone would agree with that statement no matter what side of any issue on any topic anyone believes. On almost every issue, everyone believes their thoughts about it are true, anyone opposed is lying, and the other side is 'winning'. Even myself - who would declare that there are certain absolute truths found in the word the Lord God almighty, creator and ruler of the universe - would state that there are lies within this world that are defeating these truths within our society today.

However, I also know that hope prevails, and faith in Jesus lifts me to an eternal life beyond this flawed world. It doesn't protect me from pain and sorrow and hardships found in this world, but it gives me knowledge of the future. My soul - my light - connects with the Holy Spirit, and darkness will not overcome my light, because it is empowered by Jesus himself.

Yes, some days my light dims a bit, and on those days my life becomes a struggle. This is just further evidence that what John said - while confusing - is true. I exist by the word of the Lord himself, with life imbued by his will, and a light full of hope to shine in this place and time.

Prayer: Lord, I am here and now for a purpose. May my light shine for the glory of your will, your truth, and your word. Amen.

When Old Friends Remember

Scripture: The descendants of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, "You know what the Lord promised Moses the man of God at Kadesh-barnea about you and me." Joshua 14:6

Observation: As Joshua is assigning the promised land my lots, Caleb comes to Joshua to discuss his personal inheritance. He was to receive a special reward, because 45 years earlier, when the spies were sent into the land, 10 of the spies gave fear-filled reports about danger ... but Caleb and Joshua talked about how great the land was, and that certainly the Lord would conquer whatever people were there. When the fearful report swayed the people to not enter the land, the Lord punished them all, but rewarded Joshua and Caleb.

And here they are together, 45 years later. They are the only two men still alive from the rebellious generation that was forced to wander the wilderness. Joshua's reward was to become the leader that replaced Moses. Caleb's reward is to receive the land they visited, and thus he will be given the city of Hebron and its surrounds.

However, more than that, these two men have this (perhaps final) conversation. Caleb recounts that they were the ones faithful, and the Lord made promises to both of them. Joshua's reward has already been fulfilled, and it is actually up to Joshua to fulfill Caleb's promised reward. Of course, remaining faithful, Joshua will do so. And with that, the only two men who placed their faith in the Lord to be their warrior protector, are united in their old age, and their faith - and resulting bond - remains obvious and intact.

Application: There are so many things I thought about writing about today. One was from today's psalm, with David calling out those motivated by wicked intent, and how so many people are like that today ... and worthy of the curses David calls out. Another was from earlier in Joshua, where Israel failed to conquer the cities in their southwest area along the sea, which today is a place commonly called the 'Gaze strip' and from which terrorist groups still strike at Israel ... showing how failure to fulfill the Lord's full instructions can reverberate for millennia.

Instead, how about thinking on a kind and peaceful conversation between old friends! While it isn't said, certainly Caleb and Joshua has a special bond. They were on the spy mission together, which resulted in only the two of them being faithful to the Lord in their report. They united in their effort to overcome the nay-sayers, and when that failed and the Lord cursed the Israelites to wandering, they were given special long-term promises. All of this must have created a united past, and one would think a friendship for the future. That bond would have been obvious to everyone even decades later as everyone of that generation ... even Moses ... but not these two ... perished. However, these two not only survived but were allowed to enter the promised land.

I imagine this meeting involved much more than is reported. However, even just reading the report, there is an acknowledgement by Caleb that there were promises made by the Lord, and Joshua has received his (and Caleb honors that reward). It is in that understanding that Joshua received his reward that Caleb now will likewise receive his reward. That said, I imagine this was more like old friends remembering their past adventures together. Maybe they had not been around each other, especially for the last 5 years as Joshua had to lead a million people, but likely even longer as the overall size of Israel's camp and their advanced age may have kept them apart. But here they are now, recalling the grape fields they say, maybe still a little bitter that no one would listen to them ("but where are they now?" they laugh together). There is a final hug as Caleb departs and prepares to take his family out of camp and to Hebron. Joshua smiles, enjoying the distraction from the burden of leadership, before having to return to the assignment of all the other lands.

I am not yet 85, still decades from that. I hope to someday have old friends, and hope we will have good memories to talk about. I also know there will be a time when such a conversation with an old friend concludes with the knowledge that that will be our very last, final meeting. What I hope for the most is that, when that occurs, it only means it is our final meeting 'on earth'. I know some of my friends are bound for heaven. I need to be motivated to up that number.

Prayer: Lord, please give me the earthly courage to talk more and more about my faith to those closest to me. I have confidence in Rob and Brian, so my first thoughts are for Peter and Mark, but there are others that need to hear my testimony, and know your heart for them. Someday, when I remember life with these old friends, I sincerely hope it never involves a truly final meeting. Amen.

Service Marks the Leaders

Scripture: Then the Day of Unleavened Bread came when the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” Luke 22:7-8

Observation: It is the last day of Jesus' ministry, the day he will celebrate Passover and afterwards be betrayed, arrested, tried, and crucified. Passover will take place in the "upper room," which will be generously provided to them by a stranger. However, the room must be prepared, and whom Jesus sends to do the work of preparation are ... Peter and John.

Later in this verse we see the disciples discuss which of them will be greatest, and Jesus teaches them that - just as he serves and will be sacrificed - greatness in kingdom-terms is defined by humbly serving. We know Jesus had a hierarchy of his disciples, though, and that among all of them James, John, and Peter were the inner circle. The fact he sent two of them to do this work - to serve others - cannot be overlooked. When something was important and needed to be done just right, Jesus would rather have two top leaders actually do the task, than to assign it down to any number of lower followers. By Peter and John being the one who had to do all the prep work that day, he was marking them as leaders.

Application: I have lost my heart to 'do' at church, and it is a problem. For a long while, I recognized that what I should be doing at church is just showing up and 'doing' whatever needed to be done. Now, I want to sometimes show up, and mostly talk. I want to be seen as a leader, and am not doing much of anything. It is in this changed attitude that I am failing Jesus.

I need to return to the heart of just showing up, serving others, and doing work. That is all I am worthy of anyway ... having my head down and working tasks to which I have been assigned. I shouldn't want to do more. In fact, I should actively want to simply do that well, under the watch of my Lord.

Prayer: Lord, I do know I am failing when it comes to serving you, serving others, and being obedient, and that my failure is that I just am not doing the tasks. May I fix that, with your strength and guidance. Amen.

How About Just Shutting Up

Scripture:
When there are many words, sin is unavoidable,
but the one who controls his lips is prudent.
Proverbs 10:19

Observation: This section of Proverbs has much to say about ... saying. Verse 11 says the mouth of the righteous produces life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Verse 13 begins saying wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, while verse 14 ends saying the mouth of the fool hastens destruction. Verse 18 warns about lying lips and slander, and verse 20 calls the tongue of the righteous "pure silver."

Throughout these, there is a theme, and it isn't as a simple as 'good people say nice things that encourage, and bad people say mean things and lie'. It seems more like the theme is ... bad people will willingly say whatever they think, and since man has a sinful nature the words they say will be foolish and cruel, therefore wise people are not just less likely to speak foolishly, they are less likely to speak, period.

Application: This observation says a lot about an era in which everyone can say anything to everyone. Literally.

We live in a time of cruel communications that are so bad that we have fights over whether or not third party monitors of communications channels are working properly. Anyone, anywhere, can send a message that could potentially reach everyone, everywhere, and one of our biggest problems in society is ... they do.

Proverbs has a very simple solution to all this. Just shut up. If you want to be kind, don't say anything mean. If you want to appear wise, don't say anything stupid. If you want to become smart, don't participate in forums that are informed by fools. If you want to live in peace, don't engage in argument.

Living a life surrounded by kindness, wisdom, intelligence, and peace seems like something everyone would want. If only they would stop commenting, posting, criticizing, and complaining long enough to have it.

Prayer: Lord, we know social media is a problem. May I have the wisdom not to engage. May I have desire peace so much that I just don't engage in conversations in forums where people stir up strife. May we all find a little more joy in our lives, by doing a little less mindless talking. Amen.

Sinful versus Lost

Scripture: When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down because today it is necessary for me to stay at your house.” So he quickly came down and welcomed him joyfully. All who saw it began to complain, “He’s gone to stay with a sinful man.” But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, I’ll give half of my possessions to the poor, Lord. And if I have extorted anything from anyone, I’ll pay back four times as much.” “Today salvation has come to this house,” Jesus told him, “because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:5-10

Observation: The story of Zacchaeus is only retold in the gospel of Luke. This is interesting, because it means that the eyewitnesses of the event had a different perspective on its significance than did a gentile writer doing research decades later.

As a Jewish tax collector working for Rome, Zacchaeus is labeled a "sinful man" by the other Jews. However, that is not the label Jesus gives him.  Jesus calls him "lost". God - and therefore Jesus - do not overlook sin, so therefore it seems there is a difference of opinion about what it is that Zacchaeus is actually doing, and it likely involves the broad reputation of tax collectors. Some tax collectors would cheat the Jewish taxpayers, over collecting the taxes and skimming the surplus for themselves. This is, indeed, sinful. However, by the text itself, it seems Zacchaeus is not doing that. When he declares that he will give half his wealth to the poor AND repay four-fold anyone he has cheated ... well, that wouldn't be mathematically possible if Zacchaeus were rich because of sinful cheating.

While Zacchaeus is 'sinful' insomuch that all humans are sinful, he was not rich due to his sin. Due to his profession, he was labeled sinful by the Jews, but Jesus understood that Zacchaeus was really just "lost" ... he was living a life outside of faith in Yahweh. Zacchaeus was drawn to Jesus, quickly agreed to host him, and had a complete change in heart by this meeting, because Jesus created a way for Zacchaeus to be "found" ... to enter a life acceptable to Yahweh.

Those watching the event saw a typical bad person repent. However, decades later, a gentile researching the facts understood that what really happened was that a typical 'normal' person who didn't have God in their life was offered the chance to allow God into their life, and that offer changed him forever.

Application: This may be nuanced ... or it may be massively differentiating ... but this thought process today makes me think that there is a major difference between trying to reach people for Jesus who are actively rebelling against the Lord through sinful lives and even championing the causes of sin, and reaching those who are just "lost" and wandering through life, trying to do their best to just live in this world, without any connection to God.

In addition, it makes me think that we as Christians need to be careful about labeling the latter as the former. There is a distinction between people who structure their lives as a pursuit of sin, and those who structure their lives as just normal people living in the world as they find it, but without knowledge of the Lord and faith in Jesus.

We all sin. We can all be labeled "sinful". I make mistakes daily that result in sin, and I am so thankful for the forgiveness and redemption I receive through faith in Jesus. However, for those without faith, there are many who are just "lost", and maybe all they need is to be found and invited to dinner ... into a life where they discover the love, hope, and acceptance of Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, as we meditate this day and this weekend on your greatest gift, your sacrifice on the cross and resurrection that opened the way for our forgiveness and reconciliation and salvation, may be keep in our hearts the lost of this world. They don't know you, and even if they did they don't feel accepted by you. Help us show them differently, and guide them to discovering you. May thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Amen.

Considering the Secondary Lesson

Scripture: Will not God grant justice to his elect who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay helping them? I tell you that he will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? Luke 18:7-8

Observation: Jesus gives a parable about prayer, and especially the direction to believers that they should be praying continually and often, appealing to the Lord for their needs. The parable involves a woman who appeals to a self-centered judge, and as a result of her continual appeals even he hears her case and responds to her. If an evil judge will listen to repeated appeals, certainly the Lord will listen to our prayers. If we "cry out to him day and night", he won't even delay, but will respond quickly.

However, there is a final sentence to Jesus' lesson that presents a secondary lesson. Jesus asks the question ... when he as the Messiah returns someday, despite the fact that believers have received this first lesson as the truth about prayer and faith in the Lord's faithful and loving response to our requests, will there actually be faithful people praying on earth?

This is a difficult question. For certain, Christians pray, but the real nature of Jesus' question is about their faith - aka confidence - that the Lord answers prayers. When we believe the Lord does answer prayer, it would be logical that we would bring every issue to the Lord in prayer. And if we don't ... maybe that means we don't really have faith.

Application: I have faith because of one major event in my life ... I prayed to the Lord, and he answered. I have told the story to non-believers, and they have doubted it really happened (specifically, that it wasn't just coincidence), however I absolutely know, without a shadow of doubt, that it did happen. I prayed, asked for the Lord to do the impossible to totally 'fix' my life, and he did it.

In addition, I have seen the Lord respond to other prayers, where there is no doubt that as a response to an abundance or prayer by faithful believers the Lord acted. I would declare, for certain, the Lord responds to prayer, and if any believer in faith prays to the Lord he will provide for their needs.

This begs two questions, and the first is general: If we have a Lord who loves all people, and he will respond to every need of every person who asks of him, why do people reject the Lord? Part of the core answer to that question is that they don't believe the Lord does respond to prayer. Maybe this is because they have had life experiences where those who 'love' them have rejected them, so they can't comprehend a loving God who would be kind toward them. Maybe they have so rejected the idea of the existence of God there isn't even a logical context to prayer. It is interesting when people like this DO pray during times of desperation, and it is by that we know that, somewhere in the heart of all people, there is a natural understanding that God is real.

But now for the second WAY bigger question: Why don't I pray more about everything? I know it isn't because of a lack of faith. It is because I get busy and just don't have prayer in my mind as a response to a problem. And unfortunately I know why I don't have a habit of prayer ... I believe I am not worth the Lord's time and attention. There are bigger issues in the world than my job, my health, my back pain, my vision quality, my minor depression, my work calendar, my time management, etc. etc. etc. I am trivial, bordering on meaningless, so when I pray it isn't about what I need or want, but about the issues of our world and the needs of others, and as general topics those don't pop up every minute or hour of every day.

Yes, I wish I prayed more often, and I wish a brought more of my daily challenges to the Lord in prayer. I know my life would be better if I did. However, I do know the worldly issues are big issues, and I'm glad to be part of a chorus bringing those matters to the Lord every day, too.

Prayer: Lord, in this venue I pray often, asking for your Holy Spirit to remind me to pray to you much more continually, about my personal life and challenges and needs. I do wish for that. I struggle with the idea that I might be worth listening to, but I hear Jesus' words and do wish to be found faithful in my prayer life. May I just be closer to you. Amen.

It Is Not Observable

Scripture: When he was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with something observable; no one will say, ‘See here!’ or ‘There!’ For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Luke 17:20-21

Observation: In response to questions about the coming "kingdom", Jesus tells those asking - the Pharisees - this response ... that the kingdom is not observable, but rather is just something in your midst (and some translations say "within you"). He further clarifies this to the disciples that in the future they should not go chasing after stories of his second coming, for that is not how it will work.

In retrospect, it seems clear that Jesus is referring to the kingdom of God as the era when the Holy Spirit - God's own spirit - is active in the world. The Holy Spirit is not seen with one's eyes, but the impact and affect within people (in their midst) is experienced and known. In this way, the kingdom is very real to us who have both witnessed and understood the work of the Holy Spirit, and therefore the active participation of the Lord, in our lives and in our world. We see people healed both body and soul. We see hearts and minds changed by divine revelation. We see the paths of entire nations altered, and we see nature itself bring both hardship and relief to millions. We don't have to chase after all these things to understand they are the work of the Lord, and that they do not indicate that Jesus' second coming has occurred.

Application: I say often how I can observe the work the Lord all around me, though as Jesus points out ... I have never seen Jesus, I have never seen the Holy Spirit, and I have never seen the Lord. I do see the results of spirit-driven acts, spirit-guided faith, and spirit-inspired words, all the time. And I do see the glory of the loving creator who invented the world and all life upon it.

God sitting on a throne, with Jesus at his right hand, ruling the world as his kingdom ... that is not observable. The Holy Spirit influencing all good actions in the world, fighting against evil, exercising the very strength and wisdom of the world's creator, unified by faith in Jesus as Messiah and savior of the world ... this is very observable every day, and almost everywhere.

Prayer: Lord, may I see and experience you today, not because I am chasing after the concepts of 'finding' Jesus or evidence of his return, but because I simply see the work of the Holy Spirit everywhere. And may that same spirit be found in me. Amen.

Those who Actually Want Good News

Scripture:
The one who corrects a mocker
will bring abuse on himself;
the one who rebukes the wicked will get hurt.
Don’t rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you;
rebuke the wise, and he will love you.
Proverbs 9:7-8

Observation: As Lady Wisdom calls people to her - specifically calling those who are "inexperienced" to learn from her - she makes this statement about whom should receive wisdom. There are those who embrace wisdom by desiring to learn more about the Lord, and giving correction to such individuals will bring reward. However, those who mock the Lord cannot even receive correction, and anyone who attempts to correct them will just bring insult and pain upon themselves.

Application: I have seen this over and over ... those who completely reject the Lord, and mock the very idea of heavenly goodness, cannot receive wise correction. Attempts to correct such people bring pain, and wisdom herself gives an interesting instruction, which is that we shouldn't even attempt it for we will only get hurt.

This again reminds me of a consistent teaching from God. Christians are to evangelize to those who are, at some level, opening themselves up to the Lord. Those who have rejected every idea about God and Jesus can be left to be God's issue, softened and corrected (or not) based on his plan and timing. We are to give the good news to those who actually want the good news. If someone agrees they are inexperienced and would like to receive wise council about how to have a good life, then the wisdom of Jesus should be on our lips to pass along. As for mockers, they will only hate such teaching.

Prayer: Lord, may those who are open to you and your good news be placed in my path today, and on the path of other believers, so we may deliver your wisdom. Amen.

Both Us and Everyone

Scripture: “Lord,” Peter asked, “are you telling this parable to us or to everyone?” Luke 12:41

Observation: Jesus is giving instruction about how servants are to be prepared for their master's return, on alert, and doing his will. In the middle of this lesson, Peter asks this question, which as actually quite vague when it comes to understanding who "us" and "everyone" are. At the very least, it seems Peter is considering "us" to be the core believers of Jesus as Messiah - maybe just the very core group, or maybe the ~100 or so traveling with Jesus - and he isn't clear exactly who should need to be prepared.

Jesus' answer isn't as clear as one would hope. He keeps talking about servants who should be alert for their master's return, and about the difference between those servants who do the will of the master when he is gone versus those who don't. However, in verses 47-48 he does clarify that there are those servants who know the will of the master, and those who don't, and the worst punishment is for those who know the master's will but act contrary to that will. It seems, perhaps, that this therefore answers Peter's questions.

This lesson isn't for 'us or everyone' ... it is for 'us AND everyone'. The most core believers are instructed to be prepared for Jesus return, and to be always doing his will. As for those who have no knowledge at all about master ... well, just because one doesn't know the master and his will does not mean there isn't a master or that he will come home one day.

Application: As I consider this idea - that believers will be held accountable for doing Jesus' work, and non-believers are still accountable but considered differently - one thought strikes me. If those who know the master model his behavior and his will, those who don't know the master would be more likely to be doing his will.

This speaks to the behavior of the Church. The more we align to society, the further we are from the work of Jesus. The more we simply do the work Jesus gave us to do, the more likely we are to influence society in a manner that more closely aligns to the kingdom of heaven.

There are days when I know my work - the activities I do throughout the day - are well-aligned to Jesus' assignments, and I can tell that I have had a positive on others even without 'preaching' or in any way instructing them about Christianity. There are other days when I know I have not done anything of the sort. I do hope, more and more, I have days where I am completely active in the work of the master.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your patient instruction. May my family and I remain on alert for your return, and all the more so as we see the day of the Lord approaching. Amen.

His Deep Calls to My Deep

Scripture:
Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your breakers and your billows have swept over me.
Psalm 42:7

Observation: As the psalmist continues this song, he reflects back and forth about the theme of internal emotions vs. peace from the Lord. He is depressed, but thinks upon the calming rush of water and waves. He feels oppressed by the world, but recalls that his hope remains in the Lord.

Application: Just before beginning today's reading, I prayed. I asked the Lord why it is that, in my thought life, I seem to dwell in a cycle of anger. I actually have a running fictional narrative where I am in debate and conflict with others ... scenarios that are 100 percent fictional without any tie to reality in my life, and yet this is a recurring thought narrative for me. Why would I be like that? Why would I actively place myself into a mental state of anger and stress?

And here is the truth, immediately said back to me by the Lord ... this mental state is not from him. No, he is the deep, rushing mountain waterfalls that give joy and comfort. He is the warm ocean breeze and calming lap of waves on the beach. He is the beauty of a forest or field full of wildflowers, containing nothing but peace and comfort.

The Lord reaches out to me with his love, and offers me a life of peace. I actively retreat into a life of anger and angst and stress and trials.

Even Jesus today points out that all I need to do in life is retreat into the love and support of the Lord. I am more important than birds and grass, and so the Lord will absolutely provide for me. And he does! I so greatly love the quiet calm of lapping ocean waves on the beach, and the Lord has given me regular access to that. I love mountain views, and I live with them out my own window.

The deep of the Lord - his deep love and calm and reassuring sounds of his natural creation - calls to the deep of my soul. All I need to do is allow his love to sweep over me. Oh, how I wish I would just learn and receive his love.

Prayer: Lord, I do not even know what to pray today, for I realize that what I would ask for you have actually already given me. You offer everything, I then I ask for it because I just don't know enough to open my hands and receive your love and blessings. May my heart be softened and my mind renewed by the roar of your waterfalls, as your breakers and billows sweep over me. Amen.

Draw Closer to a Shema-Centered Life

Scripture: Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:4-5

Observation: This is the true beginning of Moses' final speech and teaching to Israel, and this first sentence is the heart of the entire message. Jesus himself will declare this the greatest of all the commandments ever given by Yahweh to mankind, and it effectively breaks down into two parts:

1) Yahweh is the one and only God of the universe.

2) We are all to completely and totally love Yahweh with our entire being.

Every good thing in the entire world is manifested by those two concepts. Knowing that the all-powerful and loving creator is in charge of all things brings peace and joy to our lives. Being focused on how we can serve and obey the Lord keeps our lives in a right place. Of course, this works when everyone does this, and the fact most don't creates problems and issues and pain and sadness for us. However, the Lord remains in control.

Application: I cannot fathom how much better my life would be if I were more obedient with regards to the Shema. If I would only "listen" and make this fact the true anchor of my life - that the Lord is the great God of heaven and earth, and all my actions should be to love him with my heart, soul, mind, and strength - really nothing could be wrong in life. Sure, there would be evil people who hurt me. Yes, satan would create plots using the lost people of this fallen world to bring hardships against me. There would remain disease and disaster that cause difficulty in varying degrees. However, through all these things, the joy and love the Lord would permeate.

I know and I believe the Shema, but I don't live it in every moment of every day. That was what Moses encouraged, even knowing how difficult it is given the fallen nature of mankind. So the challenge remains, can I draw closer to a Shema-centered life?

This begins with one discipline, which is taking every thought and action captive and presenting to the Lord. When that is done, it manifests the "love God" part of the command as a "submitting your heart/soul/body" discipline. It looks like a Romans 12:1 kind of life, making my entire life a living sacrifice. It also creates a continual dialogue and thus a relationship with the Lord ... a true act of worship.

A Shema-centered life entails discipline, control, and attention ... soul, strength, and heart. I lack all three.

Prayer: Lord, I recognize that Moses set a high bar, at your wise direction, with the knowledge that most would fail. However, this is also your vision and goal for my life, to live in a Shema-based relationship with you. I do wish I could be better at this, and I desire to try. Amen.

Rejoice for Selection and Salvation

Scripture: Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing at all will harm you. However, don’t rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. Luke 10:19-20

Observation: The additional 72 disciples have returned from their mission, telling wonderful stories about how the Holy Spirit gave them power to help others, cure the diseased, and even command evil spirits. This is wonderful, as it shows how the future church can serve Jesus by helping others. However, Jesus makes a point of clarity. The true reason to rejoice is not because of some kind of new authority or power granted by the Holy Spirit, or because evil spirits submit to that authority ... the reason to rejoice is that the disciples themselves have been saved by faith, appointed for this work, and their names written in the book of life.

Application: This is such a basic concept ... despite all the blessings and love we receive from the Lord, and despite good work we see come from Christians around the world, the true reason to celebrate is that Jesus called me to follow him, and when I accepted he wrote my name in heaven.

I do praise the Lord when we reach thousands on non-believers with the message of salvation at Christmas Lights. I do rejoice when I hear that Reach mission has successfully started a new church for the homeless in downtown. I celebrate when I see other local churches growing in size and influence, knowing this means there is positive motion in the kingdom of God. And yes, it is good to celebrate these things and to praise God for them, giving him all the honor and glory for the victories any of us might have, for it is only by the Holy Spirit that such victories come in the first place. However, Jesus is so right. The absolute number one thing I rejoice in is my salvation.

There is NO reason I even have salvation. I was and am a sinner. I struggled with, and outright rejected, belief. I continue to struggle with obedience and self-control. I very sincerely believe that I do not bring anything of unique or special value to the kingdom of God; nothing that any other random person couldn't do instead of me, and probably do it better. I truly mean this next statement ... I have no special value at all.

And yet ... AND YET ... Jesus saved me anyway. I sincerely don't know why. I am so not worth it, but he responded to my cry, changed my life, allowed me the opportunity to say 'yes' to him, and wrote my name in heaven.

That is very truly the great reason to rejoice.

Prayer: Lord, thank you. Amen.

Welcoming the Little Children

Scripture: An argument started among them about who was the greatest of them. But Jesus, knowing their inner thoughts, took a little child and had him stand next to him. He told them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes him who sent me. For whoever is least among you—this one is great." Luke 9:46-48

Observation: As the disciples are debating which of them is the greatest (a quality that it would seem they are not defining correctly), Jesus presents the powerful metaphor of welcoming a child. Effectively, he says that greatness is the quality of being kind, gentle, good, and welcoming toward the weakest of people. It has nothing to do with any major act and grand gesture. To put it another way ... the "greatest" disciple is the one who shows the most love toward the "least of you".

Application: I have SO much to say on this explicitly about one person - one Christian - who is so great in her arrogance that she declares herself "greater" than even pastors in knowledge and works ... despite all evidence in her life and behaviors to the contrary. Instead of going into details that infuriate me, I will instead simply think about this.

The greatest issue this person exhibits - and therefore that I would want to avoid myself - is that nothing she puts into practice in her "Christian walk" in any way serves the "little children" among us, when "child" is defined and Jesus intended in this metaphor ... in spiritual terms.

We have so many lost souls all around us, and I just wish more Christians would just find ways to be kind to unbelievers. We don't need to agree with them, but we can just ... welcome ... them with a smile and kindness.

I am not perfect at this, but my heart is growing and moving toward it. I sincerely hope that, as my years progress, I get better and better at seeing such people for who they are - spiritual children - and welcoming the least of these with kindness, gentleness, and goodness.

Prayer: Lord, may I have a soft heart, this day and every day, toward the spiritual children who cross my path. May I welcome them in your name, with kindness and love, that reflects your love for them. Amen.

Pursuing the Good, Not the Blessing

Scripture: "For your eastern border, draw a line from Hazar-enan to Shepham. The border will go down from Shepham to Riblah east of Ain. It will continue down and reach the eastern slope of the Sea of Chinnereth. Then the border will go down to the Jordan and end at the Dead Sea. This will be your land defined by its borders on all sides." So Moses commanded the Israelites, "This is the land you are to receive by lot as an inheritance, which the Lord commanded to be given to the nine and a half tribes. For the tribe of Reuben’s descendants and the tribe of Gad’s descendants have received their inheritance according to their ancestral families, and half the tribe of Manasseh has received its inheritance. The two and a half tribes have received their inheritance across the Jordan east of Jericho, toward the sunrise." Numbers 34:10-15

Observation: In a prior chapter, the tribes of Reuben and Gad begged Moses to let them stay in land east of the Jordan, and after negotiating about their level of support for the future insurgence into Canaan, Moses relented.

Now, we see Moses define the "promised land" for the very first time. The Lord never even defined it for Abraham, just stating it was "Canaan" and "all he could see" at different times. Now we have borders, and the eastern border is the Jordan River. Reuben, Gad, and one clan of Manasseh ... are NOT part of the promised land. By choice - in fact, by their urgent pleading and negotiation - they have opted out of the promise made to Abraham, chosen to forgo inclusion in Yahweh's blessing, all because they thought this other land was good for their sheep.

Yes, they found good grazing grounds, and decided it was preferrable to be excluded from God's blessing in favor of these grounds, instead of trusting that there would be even better land to be found in the promises of the Lord.

Application: At first, I thought this interpretation - that Reuben and Gad are now excluded from the promised land - may be overreaching. However, Moses was a man obedient to Lord, accurate in conveying the Lord's words, and specific when the Lord gave him specifics. Chronologically, just days or weeks earlier, the decision was made about Reuben and Gad, and now comes the promised land borders discussion, and there is no doubt Reuben and Gad are excluded. Moses then calls this out, stating they have "received their inheritance" as an act completely separate from the process of assigning the promised land of Canaan by lots.

I behave like Reuben and Gad often. I find something I like in life, and I 'make it happen' or pursue it, without discussing with God his plan and intention for my life. I pursue the 'good' and not the 'blessing'. I am content with something I currently have that is 'good enough' or brings me comfort or happiness, and I fail to consider the greater joy and blessing that could exist, and that the Lord might have planned for me. Maybe this current think is a blessing from God, or maybe it is just 'good pasture land' that I settle for, and which therefore prevents me from receiving the Lord's true blessing in my life.

Are there elements like this in my life right now? In some aspect of my life, have I landed on some fixed position or activity that I wasn't supposed to? Have I claimed the "good" instead of pursuing the "blessing"?

Prayer: Lord, you are my good shepherd, and light unto my path, that I wish to follow. If I have stopped in a place I should not have, please take my by the hand and lead me on to whatever you have for me instead. I may even think something is good, but if it is not from you, then I know that there is something better ahead. Please lead me on. Amen.

If I had Less to Forgive

Scripture:
You do not delight in sacrifice and offering;
you open my ears to listen.
You do not ask for a whole burnt offering or a sin offering.
Psalm 40:6

Observation: As the psalmist (David) praises the Lord for all he has done, he makes this statement ... the Lord doesn't actually delight in sacrifices and offerings. Sin offerings exist because of sin, and the Lord would much rather have faithful believers who study his word and instruction, and live a life compliant with the Lord's will. Yes, that is impossible, which is why first sacrifice was required, and later the salvation of Jesus was granted, but the very act of sacrifice and offering means we acknowledge we were not compliant to the Lord in the first place.

Application: I find I need to pray for forgiveness more often than I do, and the truth of the matter is that the Lord would love it if I prayed more ... but if those prayers were less about forgiveness because I had less to forgive.

If I had less to forgive, I would find ever aspect of my life was better. It is wonderful that the Lord has provided a path to salvation and forgiveness, but it is even better that the Lord has provided his word to guide a good and proper life.

Prayer: Lord, I have sinned often, and I do ask for your forgiveness. May I draw closer to you and your word, so I have less to forgive, and more of a life simply within your love and grace. Amen.

Safety is Today's Big-Gun Temptation

Scripture: After the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time. Luke 4:13

Observation: Jesus has been in the wilderness 40 days, and satan tempts him. Specifically, the scriptures describe three temptations satan sets before Jesus:

1) Self-fulfilment of earthly needs (comfort) - Jesus hasn't eaten for a long time, and satan tempts him to turn stones into bread to ease his hunger.

2) Achievement of earthly greatness (pride) - Satan shows Jesus the entire world and every kingdom in it, and says he will hand over all of it to Jesus and surrender his earthly authority to Jesus if he will worship him.

3) Earthly proof of God's love (safety) - From the very pinnacle of the temple, satan reminds Jesus that surely Yahweh has promised to protect him, so to prove it he could jump and angels will save him.

At the conclusion of these, it is said that these trials represent "every" temptation. Upon careful consideration, it may be true that all temptation - every trick and scheme and lie satan tells everyone - actually does, in fact, fall into only these three categories.

Pride has long been the "big gun" for satan. He offers everyone the chance to do things to make themselves bigger, better, popular, famous, respected, powerful. He does this through invalid constructs - the ways of this world and the systems that are in place within this world that define those concepts - and then temps us with ways of achieving those statuses through evil and harmful means.

Historically, comfort may have long been satan's secondary option. People worked hard to live basic lives, and comfort could be had by compromising principles for resources. Comfort also synergizes with the other categories, as prosperity that provides comfort is often achieved through the same means that produce earthly success (aka pride), and itself creates an earthly level of safety.

However, safety may be today's 'big-gun' temptation. Satan has created a series of lies about a lack of safety - in some cases these lies have created false narratives about hatred between different groups of people, in some cases the lies have produced actual hatred, and often he has used lies to create and define the differences in the first place - and then tempted people into actions to address their perceived lack of safety.

Application: This is, in my opinion, what "woke culture" is about ... safety being sought by people who have believed the lies of satan telling them a) they are different, and b) there are people who hate them because of their differences.

I feel like "safety" is so powerful as a temptation because in and of itself it is clearly good and desirable. Pride has obvious evil outcomes as seeking it hurts others. Comfort too can involve obvious, evil exploitations and actions. When presented with these, Jesus directly confronted the temptations with counter-truths from the word of God. However, safety is actually something promised us by the Lord. Jesus is described as our good shepherd ... the one who will care for us, feed us, protect us, find us when lost, lead us through unsafe places. As believers, we are told that belief does not promise an easy life, but that the Lord will see us through hardships. In some ways, safety is the goal. And when Jesus is tempted with this concept ... just jump to prove you are, in fact, safe as a result of your faith in Yahweh ... Jesus doesn't actually respond with a counter-word, but quotes the fact we are not to challenge and test the Lord in this way. Desiring safety wouldn't have been the sin, but challenging the Lord is not to be done.

We are in a bad situation now where people feel unsafe, but they do so because they have been lied to about their own identity, and in that context do not know where to turn for safety. Jesus knew his identity as Messiah, and thus he was safe without testing the Lord to prove it. I know my identity as a believer in Jesus and thus an adoption child of the Lord, and don't need further proof that I am loved and safe. However, those who don't know their identity don't know where to find safety, and have been deceived into seeking it through satan's evil plans.

Prayer: Lord, I condemn the plans of the evil one. I am so thankful you have a plan for all of this, and we know how it all ends. Please help restore truth to the world around us today. May thy kingdom come. Amen.

A Life Without Stuff

Scripture: Sometimes the cloud remained only from evening until morning; when the cloud lifted in the morning, they set out. Or if it remained a day and a night, they moved out when the cloud lifted. Whether it was two days, a month, or longer, the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle. But when it was lifted, they set out. They camped at the Lord’s command, and they set out at the Lord’s command. Numbers 9:21-23a

Observation: The second year in the wilderness is complete, and Israel is on the march. They have lived in tents this entire time, and will do so for another 40 years, and during all that time they move about at the Lord's command. As this section calls out, the decision to move might occur immediately, and they stopped only to sleep for the night. Other times, they might stay in one place for months (later on, perhaps years).

Imagine the flexibility involved in living that way. The pillar of cloud stops, so you stop and set up your entire earthly home ... and then the pillar picks up the next morning and you pack it all up and go again ... or the pillar stays and you now live for months in a place that is so simple is COULD be picked up and moved every day. This is a "simple" life, where "stuff" isn't desired, but is a burden. Even as they stay in one place, they wouldn't accumulate items of value for themselves, for those items would just become a burden at a moment's notice. They may make utilitarian items to aid their daily lives, but then just cast them aside and make more when they settle again.

Application: How interesting it is that, in this modern day and age, I almost could not imagine a life without 'stuff'. I have completely and totally useless things on this very desk that I don't throw away! Literally, I find value in holding onto items simply because I might see them every couple years and be reminded of a good thought.

This is a problem. Most of the stuff in my life is of little value and my daily activities would never change whether or not I still had it. Much of it is so worthless that my life would actually be better without it because all it does is keep a part of my thinking about the past now and then. And yet here it is.

Having 'stuff' is clearly not part of God's plan for our lives. Yes, he blesses us with good homes, and one of the primary benefits of homes is as a place to keep your stuff dry and safe and near, but that does not meaning having stuff is the goal.

It is likely time for me to starting cleaning out. I have too much of even the good items, and I have WAY too much of the meaningless junk. If God called me to break camp and move right now, I effectively couldn't, and that must not be the case.

Prayer: Lord, I see it is time to simplify and return to a way of living that is far less cluttered. Help us to find our way to your way of life, so that nothing we 'have' could ever interfere with serving you. Amen.

Be Quick in Praising the Lord

Scripture:
I will praise you in the great assembly;
I will exalt you among many people.
Psalm 35:18

Observation: As the psalmist (David) laments the behavior of other - he declares how wrong they have been, treating him poorly when he has cared about them, strangers even 'piling on' when others accuse him of mistakes, taking advantage of his small errors, and repaying his goodness with evil - he ends with praise to the Lord. Even though he is wishing the Lord would act in the circumstance created by others, the bottom line is that the Lord is to be exalted, and will be exalted, publicly and privately.

Application: When I read this passage, I am so quick to jump on the issue with David, declaring who wrong the people are for acting this way. I have been in this situation. I have cared for others, sad at their sadness, trying my very best to do everything for their good, only to have some of them lash out and attack me ... and then for others with no cause or reason to just jump in as well. The lies and stories, the attacks and exaggerations, turn mole hills into mountains, and they do it just because they can, and because the evil one influences them. Yes, I am quick to put myself into David's situation.

Well, then I better also be quick - quicker! - in praising the Lord!! I better exalt the Lord before all the people, and praise him before the great assembly. I must stand and sing and praise and dance, telling everyone about how great the Lord has been to me, how faithful his love has been, how merciful his grace has been despite my failures. For this is the REAL story. What happened to me is nothing ... it is meaningless, smoke on a windy day, a vaper, already gone mere moments after it existed ... but what the Lord does for me every day, and what he has done for me my entire life, is eternally everything.

I praise the Lord! I will exalt him forever. May I do so more and more before others. I wish to no longer think upon the events of the past, but when I do I will praise the Lord for his kindness and love and mercy upon me. His blessings truly do renew every day, while the evil of this world is just memories I can choose to ignore.

Prayer: Lord, I praise you today! Your love is so wonderful. May I always put every issue of this world and of my life in the context of your love, for all else becomes meaningless when I do. Thank you. Amen.

Reminded of the Plan All Along

Scripture: And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were finished, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord) and to offer a sacrifice (according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons). Luke 2:22-24

Observation: Joseph and Mary will dedicate Jesus on the eighth day, and will also make the sacrifice of two birds for their firstborn son. This is an instruction from the very first laws in Exodus, just as the tabernacle was being constructed and the first offerings were being defined by the Lord. The Lord declared that firstborns belong to the Lord, and thus the first born of any animal is to be dedicated and sacrificed to the Lord, however that was not true for people of course. Instead, animals were used to redeem them, typically a lamb except the poor could substitute two birds.

Therefore, we see centuries later that the first public event involving Jesus - the lamb that will be sacrificed to redeem all of mankind - is a sacrifice to redeem him, in full compliance with the law.

Application: Once again, we see that something the Lord declared back in the very earliest conversation about the law, had a metaphorical meaning that was fulfilled by Jesus. The sacrifice of a lamb to redeem a firstborn son was defined in the law. The replacement by two birds was allowed for the poor. Messiah - the lamb of God - will be sacrificed to redeem God's firstborn, the descendants of Adam. And as part of this, the poor-family's offering is sacrificed to redeem Jesus.

It is amazing to understand the Lord's plan and model, to see it move from slightly illogical instructions, to then play out centuries later as a choreographed plan with the clear intention of showing to all the order and magnitude and authority of the Lord.

The Lord had a plan all along, and the Lord has a plan all along, right now. Whatever elements of this world I believe are in chaos and languishing in evil, the Lord has a plan ... he has had that plan for centuries upon centuries, for all of creation ... and it is a good plan that will not fail. No, I cannot possibly understand it. However ...

Yes, I trust it.

Prayer: Lord, again I declare, I trust your plan. I know it is good, that it has as its intention to love the entire world and offer redemption and restoration to all, and that it will not fail in achieving your ends. Please forgive me when I doubt the plan itself, but also please know my heart, that I never doubt you. I just don't understand, and I don't need to. Amen.

Becoming Available to Sin

Scripture:
I saw among the inexperienced,
I noticed among the youths,
a young man lacking sense.
Crossing the street near her corner,
he strolled down the road to her house

at twilight, in the evening,

in the dark of the night.
Proverbs 7:7-9

Observation: A man is about to engage in an affair with the wife of another man, and this is how he is introduced. He is naive, young, and without sense. While he doesn't speak and doesn't propose to do anything, he does cross the street to her house at night. From there, she will take all the action, propose what they are to do, where to do it, and discuss how well she has prepared for this moment.

And this was all the man had to do ... make himself available to it. He was naive and thus willing to walk to the wrong place. He did so with intent, crossing a street to get there, and also did so at night. He effectively took all the actions necessary to demonstrate to sin that he was willing, and sin took it from there.

Application: This is, indeed, how sin works. In my foolishness, I just have to be available. I have to go to the wrong place, witness the wrong thing, engage in the wrong conversation. If I ignore my wisdom and do stupid things, sin - in the form of wicked thoughts, inflicted anger, or hurtful actions - is waiting to initiate everything else within me.

The first way to prevent that is clear ... to not place myself into those situations. I need to exercise more wisdom, for I am not a youth. I must not metaphorically cross the street and walk down the road at night. That should not be so difficult to do.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for this response to prayer, and for your wisdom. May I take your wisdom to heart, and live the life you would have for me by simply not making myself available to sin. Amen.

Difficult to Receive God's Love

Scripture: And the angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.” But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be. Luke 1:28-29

Observation: The angel Gabriel - the divine appointed messenger of the Lord - goes to Mary, and greets her. He calls her "favored" and declares that the Lord himself is with her. Mary's response to this is ... worry and concern. She is "troubled" by these statements and confused about what "kind" of a greeting this is.

Mary is a woman of faith. She would not have been chosen for her role if she was not. She believes in the Lord, is honorable in her compliance to the law, and is proven responsive to his commands in her life. However, even she is skeptical of an angel arriving in the name of Yahweh and telling her she is "favored" and that the Lord is with her. It would seem that kind words and declarations of honor from the Lord's own messenger are difficult to trust. Even Mary, a woman of such great virtue and faith that she is the singular individual throughout all human history worthy to be the mother of the Messiah, struggles to receive kindness from the Lord.

Application: If Mary - one of the most faithful people of all time - was troubled when told that the Lord favored her, imagine how problematic is can be for those who doubt God even exists to make the leap to understand God loves them.

God's love for all humans is one of those core components of faith, a non-negotiable. However, like other non-negotiables, the degree and scope and conditions can get debated, and in this case those secondary topics could be tied to the fact that it is simply hard to get our heads around unconditional love from a being that hates sin. The more we believe in the Lord, the more we understand our own depravity. Meanwhile, those who don't know God - maybe even doubt he really exists - don't care so much about sin, but also don't care so much about his love. I have a feeling that the charting "how much do I believe God loves me" and "how much do I know I don't deserve God's love" scale pretty similarly, and that anywhere along that chart, the difficulty of processing and receiving the Lord's love is the same.

I do believe I am loved, but I also know I am unworthy of that love. I see the Lord's blessings and love and joy all around me every day, but I am also confident that if Gabriel showed up here and greeted me in a respectful manner, I would be much more than 'troubled'. At my core, I know the Lord is with me because his very nature is love, but at the center of that core I know I don't deserve him to be, and perhaps that he regrets loving me because I am so ... problematic.

It is difficult to receive God's love. Blessed are those who know his love, and accept it joyfully.

Prayer: Abba, my daddy in heaven, thank you for your love. Yes, I understand I am not worthy of your love, but I guess that doesn't disqualify me from being favored by your love and joy every day. May I find ways to pay that love forward to others today. Amen.

Because It is Mine

Scripture: The land is not to be permanently sold because it is mine, and you are only aliens and temporary residents on my land. Leviticus 25:23

Observation: The Lord goes into quite a bit of detail about redeeming sold land. Effectively, if a person needs to sell their land, they may either redeem it at a later date, or have it returned to their family for free in the year of jubilee. This may sound unfair - after all, when a person buys something, they now own it, so why would they be forced to sell it back or even give it back for free? - but the Lord makes it clear why this is allowed. No one actually owns anything anyway, because it all belongs the Lord and everyone is just temporary residents on HIS land.

Application: Our church is in a financial crisis, and to a great degree it is because the people who attend our church just don't give. Their idea of giving is to maybe give $100 a month, maybe a couple thousand dollars a year. As a result, we are going broke fast. And it is this fact that is at the heart of the matter ... most do not understand that the Lord owns their money, their property, their homes, their cars, their appliances, and their land. Therefore, they resist the idea of ever giving a significant amount to the Lord.

Sure, I could give more. A tithe is the minimum. That said, I know all I have is the Lord's, on loan to me. I am just an alien living temporarily within the Lord's created earth. I do wish we all understood this better.

Prayer: Lord, our church strives to do your will, and to be a light in the community. Please forgive us all in the areas in which we are not faithful. Please help us all to mature in our faith and our understanding of you, so that we may do your will. And if we have found favor in your eyes in manner, may your resources be available to we may continue to do your work. They kingdom come. Amen.

Upon Becoming Worthy of Death

Scripture: Now the son of an Israelite mother and an Egyptian father was among the Israelites. A fight broke out in the camp between the Israelite woman’s son and an Israelite man. Her son cursed and blasphemed the Name, and they brought him to Moses. (His mother’s name was Shelomith, a daughter of Dibri of the tribe of Dan.) Leviticus 24:10-11

Observation: Israel has been liberated from Egypt through 10 unfathomable miracles, taken across the parted sea, sustained and provided for as a people-group of approximately one million, witness to the great pillar of fire and great cloud of presence, and spoken to from a mountaintop. They have now built the tabernacle and the Lord has visibly shown up, made it his dwelling place, and publicly struck dead those who defile it. And now, with all that done ... a man blasphemes the Lord.

The point is that, at this moment, there is absolutely, positively no possible way for anyone to doubt both the existence of the Lord, and his goodness toward the people. They have literally seen and heard is powerful presence. They have been supernaturally cared for through undeniable and amazing miracles. Yet this person speaks against the Lord, apparently triggered by a human conflict. His punishment will be as one would expect ... death, as this is clearly a conscious effort to separate one's self from the Lord, and the Lord will make this an example for all the people. Unlike others, he won't even have his name recorded. In addition, the Lord now starts to re-iterate and build upon the laws he has given them, for the people cannot seem to figure out how to simply obey the most simple of instructions.

Application: To me, the most shocking part of this the idea that someone who has witnessed everything that has occurred would blasphemy the Lord. Then again ... so many people do this every day, and I myself knowingly violate the Lord's instructions regularly.

We do this again and again. we have witnessed the Lord's love and power, his mercy and blessings, his justice and authority, and then we sin. I commit sin knowing it is sin ... sure, I feel bad about and ask for forgiveness, acknowledging my failure and joyful that Jesus exists to offer such forgiveness ... but I still do it.

I have seen the Lord's greatness, witnessed his miracles, received his love firsthand, heard his voice, experienced his presence, and then I do wrong. I should be sentenced to death, and my name erased from the world. The fact everyone else falls into the same category doesn't change this fact. I am worthy of death, and unworthy of salvation. This is, of course, what makes the Lord's grace all the more amazing.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your love and grace. I know I do not deserve, and I could not earn it. May I never judge others for their failures to obey, for I am the worst of the sinners and I know it. Again I say, thank you, my Lord. Amen.

Love Out in the Open

Scripture:
How great is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you.
In the presence of everyone you have acted
for those who take refuge in you.
Psalm 31:19

Observation: As the psalmist declares the Lord's love and protection and goodness and blessing, he also says that the Lord has done all these things for him in the presence of everyone. The Lord's actions and blessings are not secret. The Lord doesn't just act in the shadows, or in ways that are so mysterious and unknown that they cannot be seen. The Lord doesn't provide for people in a manner that others cannot perceive. Indeed, the Lord acts, and does so out in the open.

Application: I sometimes think of the fact that it requires work to disbelieve in God, because the Lord's works are in fact public and seen by all. Certain people work to explain away much of the visible love of God as phenomena or evolution or coincidence, and even then there remains so many examples of miracles and provision that cannot have any other explanation than the provision of the loving God.

The list of things people have to believe in order to disbelieve is extensive and nonsensical. God's love is so visible, and his provisions and blessings are so tangible, and his actions so public. Truly, the Lord does act in the presence of everyone.

Prayer: Lord, may your actions remain obvious, and all the more so as the day of Jesus' return approaches. Amen.

I've Lived Enough Life to Say

I don't have anything to say about today's readings, so perhaps it's time for a little Toby Mac!

Not Knowing the 'These Things'

Scripture: While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives across from the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, "Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?" Mark 13:3-4

Observation: These four disciples ask Jesus this question - the timing of 'the end' and the signs to accompany it - and Jesus gives a chapter-long response. However, there are two ways of reading BOTH the questions AND the response, and only one produces an actual answer.

The 'traditional' reading is that the question being asked is about the end-times. This is even the heading of this section that is standard in most translations (labeled 'end times' or 'end of the age'). The "these things" are therefore about the second coming of Jesus and the end-times judgements. Under this reading, the response from Jesus is about signs that lead up to the end - wars, famines, a potential antichrist defiling the temple, a 'tribulation' and a need to urgently flee, the darkening of the sun and moon and stars, and false prophets. Believers are to pay attention and wait, for eventually they will be able to interpret the signs and be prepared.

In other words, Jesus speaks for a chapter and yet doesn't answer the question at all.

However, the ... literal ... reading is that this is a question about the destruction of the temple. Jesus JUST told them the temple would be destroyed, and so the "these things" the disciples ask about are 'when' and 'how' they'll know to anticipate that destruction. Under this reading, Jesus accurately prophesizes about the eventual destruction of Jerusalem by Rome, and the scattering of the Jews from Judea. He predicts rumors of attack, and internal conflict and chaos within the empire. He accurately declares the Romans will defile the temple. He provides a word portrait of Jerusalem being burned with smoke so think it blocks out the sky, and with that comes the warning that, upon that sign, the Jews will need to flee the land in haste, being pursued even to death if they disobey. He tells them this will happen in their lifetime. He warns the disciples that for Christian Jews the prosecution will be even worse. He tells them that, during that time, some Jews will declare themselves to be the anointed saviors of the people, but do not believe them for they aren't saviors and they can't save the Jews. However, as believers in Jesus, the disciples are not to worry, for the destruction of Jerusalem and obliteration of Judea cannot in any way prevent Jesus' great work of salvation from being completed ... someday long after all this badness has happened and this temple is long-gone, Jesus will return to redeem the faithful.

In other words, with the exception of providing an explicit date and time, Jesus fully and completely answers the question, with even more detail than they asked for.

Application: We all ask Jesus for information and answers. We pray for clarification about what is going on, for insights into his purposes, for 'when' and 'how' things will happen. I know I ask these questions.

And I think Jesus answers. The problem is the answers don't fit our presumed context. We hear the answer, and wrongly assume which topic it is that Jesus is responding to. We ask about 'these things' and then don't even know the 'these things' we ourselves were referring to.

Maybe I ask about if I should be looking at new job opportunities, and I don't get any 'yes' or 'no'. However, I end up spending two hours with a friend who is struggling financially. Is that the answer to my question? If so ... can I figure out that answer? Do I even know what question I REALLY asked?

Yes, again I say, I think Jesus answers our questions. I think most of us don't know what our question was.

Prayer: Lord, I don't need to repeat any questions I have asked recently, for not only do you know them, but yes, you've answered them. Please give me your discernment and wisdom to understand your answers. Amen.

Being on Jesus' Side

Scripture: Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, teacher. You have correctly said that he is one, and there is no one else except him. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, is far more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to question him any longer. Mark 12:32-34

Observation: One of the scribes poses the question to Jesus about the greatest commandment, and Jesus directly answers, quoting the Shema, and including as the next most important being the love your neighbor as yourself. Given that this is Jesus, it likely wasn't necessary for this random scribe to then confirm for Jesus that he is right.

However, the scribe actually goes one step further. He invokes a sentiment of many of the prophets, making the statement that complying with these two foundational teachings - love God, and love others - is more important than "all the burnt offerings and sacrifices." This is a truth declared by many of the Old Testament prophets, include Jeremiah and Micah. It would not have been popular to declare this in the present context, which was effectively a collection of Pharisees and Sadducees all attempting to trick Jesus based on the "law".

With many witnesses all trying to find some law-based concept with which to trap Jesus, this scribe gives Jesus the opening to declare that which is truly important, pronounces Jesus as correct (and therefore effectively in alignment with Old Testament commands), and adds on the fact that the rest of the law is significantly less important. For that, Jesus publicly declares that this scribe is "not far from the kingdom of God."

Application: I have often understood that what happened with this last question was this scribe asked Jesus a very difficult trap of a question ... name the 'most important' commandment. When Jesus answers so directly and so wisely, everyone decides it is a waste of time to continue this game of entrapment. However, perhaps what was really happening was the scribe created a scenario for Jesus to shut down this game by opening showing that not only was Jesus wise, but that all their questions were based on legalistic trivialities that were meaningless, and had in fact been declared meaningless by a dozen prophets in the scriptures, beginning with Moses.

When Jesus said the scribe was "not far from the kingdom of God," maybe he meant the scribe was close to understanding. However, what he may have been saying was that this man had now placed himself on "team Jesus", and thus was now closer to him, and closer to true faith. This scribe didn't just agree with Jesus as a wise teacher. He stepped into a confrontation, took Jesus side in opposition to his fellow scribes and Pharisees, and eloquently defended the truth about Jesus and Yahweh in the face of 'logical opposition'.

I think this scribe, then and there, declared himself to be on Jesus' side.

I have publicly declared myself on Jesus's side, and I have done so in groups where I have known it wasn't the popular position. I hope this brings me "not far from the kingdom of God."

Prayer: Lord, I do not know who this scribe was, but you do. I hope he held onto his faith to the end. Amen.

We are All Mistaken

Scripture: Jesus spoke to them, "Isn’t this the reason why you’re mistaken: you don’t know the Scriptures or the power of God?" Mark 12:24

Observation: Several groups of Jews have (it seems) prepared their best trick question for Jesus, and the Sadducees use a question about resurrection and marriage. There will not be a 'trick answer' from Jesus ... he gives them an answer, explains it, then even corrects their (flawed) underlying assumption. However, he begins all of that with a very clear insult, that the reason their question even exists is because they don't know the word or the power of the Lord.

The fact they openly question the resurrection (the idea of eternal life) is proof they don't understand the power of God, and doubt his authority over creation. The fact they use marriage in heaven as the context for their question demonstrates ignorance in scripture, for while Jesus isn't apparently referring to a specific passage, he is discussing a well-understood concept about the nature of people in heaven, and that we are more like angels and thus without marriage.

Application: I watched a show last night, and part of it involved a man who says he "has faith" dating a Mormon. Both he and the woman's family said several times they were glad the other believed the same basic things about God, and I thought over and over that somehow both sides clearly had no idea what each other believed. Then I realized ... it's pretty clear both sides don't even know what they themselves believe.

This is at the core of so many Christian debates, and probably one of the reasons Christianity isn't appealing to many non-believers. Many of us don't know the scriptures and thus don't know what we believe. I see this while teaching at my own church, where people in conversation will make statements that are somewhere on the continuum of "strange and not based on anything in the bible" to "provably completely wrong", but they'll make such statements with confidence and conviction, as if they are factual common knowledge.

I am NOT saying I know the truth flawlessly, nor am I saying I judge others for their understandings. I am just saying that we - believers in Jesus - end up with so many debates about the truth, often because the Lord has told us the truth and we don't know how to understand it. We cherry-pick certain verses in the bible, and don't place them in context to understand their true meaning. We are all mistaken in some of our firm beliefs about Jesus and about God, myself included.

Prayer: Lord, I desire to know and understand you better. May that start with my relationship with you, for it is by the revelation of the Holy Spirit I can have the best understanding of you, of your word, of your power, and of your love. I know little, and I understand less. Please fill me with your spirit today. Amen.