SCRIPTURE
"But they were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus." (Luke 6:11)
OBSERVATION
Jesus was teaching in the synagogue and healed a man with a shriveled hand. The problem: it was on the Sabbath. It ticked off the religious leaders because he did not follow their preconceived ideas of right Sabbath behavior. Jesus did not conform to their expectations. The fact is Jesus purposely healed the man on the Sabbath to challenge the Pharisees theology.
The bible says they were furious and trying to decide what to do with him....more like do away with him. What happens when Jesus does not conform to our expectations or teaches something we don't like? We have a few options. Try to do away with him by ignoring him, live life without an awareness of his presence. Or minimize his teaching by disregarding it and rationalizing our behavior as a way to avoid obedience.
APPLICATION
What do I do with Jesus? I've been guilty of both responses. If I want to do what I want, I pretend he doesn't see or isn't around. If I don't' like what he teaches I can explain it away or think it applies to someone else. I need to allow those moments to teach me and help me grow closer to him. Jesus made it clear the reason he was healing the man on the Sabbath (not conforming to people's expectations) was to do good and save a life (vs. 9). If I keep those two thoughts in mind, he's doing good and saving my life, that would revolutionize the way I see him when he doesn't conform to my plans. What do I do with Jesus? In the end I can only trust and submit to who he is.
PRAYER
Father, I long to see Jesus for who he truly is. When I find him, help me to trust with a childlike faith.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Conscientious Objector
SCRIPTURE
"Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before." (Daniel 6:10)
OBSERVATION
King Darius, made it illegal to worship anyone besides himself. Actually he was put up to it by his administrators so they could find a charge against Daniel (sounds like partisan politics). After the king put the decree in writing, Daniel didn't bat an eye. He went to an upstairs room (providing a better view) and prayed three times a day (increasing his odds of getting caught). Daniel was a conscientious objector. He disobeyed the law because he could not comply. In fact, it did not alter his routine of worship because he did it "just as he had done before." Only now it was illegal. Daniel had to make a decision. Follow God or the law?
APPLICATION
This passage made me wonder if I would continue to worship God, just as I had done before, if it became illegal. What if there was a law that made it illegal to pray in public? Would I continue to pray at a restaurant? I like to think I would. However, what I do find is there is a tension to be more of a subconscious acquiescer (as opposed to a conscientious objector). This is yielding to the things that are sanctioned by society but may not be what God desires. For example, I have the right to own stuff (actually encouraged by society) but not to hold it so tightly that I do not help someone in need. I'm learning more and more that God's ways are not the ways of man. It's dangerous to read the book of Daniel. It's so much more than fiery furnaces and lions' dens. It's about taking a stand for God and his ways in the face of opposition from culture.
PRAYER
God, give the wisdom to view the world as you do.
"Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before." (Daniel 6:10)
OBSERVATION
King Darius, made it illegal to worship anyone besides himself. Actually he was put up to it by his administrators so they could find a charge against Daniel (sounds like partisan politics). After the king put the decree in writing, Daniel didn't bat an eye. He went to an upstairs room (providing a better view) and prayed three times a day (increasing his odds of getting caught). Daniel was a conscientious objector. He disobeyed the law because he could not comply. In fact, it did not alter his routine of worship because he did it "just as he had done before." Only now it was illegal. Daniel had to make a decision. Follow God or the law?
APPLICATION
This passage made me wonder if I would continue to worship God, just as I had done before, if it became illegal. What if there was a law that made it illegal to pray in public? Would I continue to pray at a restaurant? I like to think I would. However, what I do find is there is a tension to be more of a subconscious acquiescer (as opposed to a conscientious objector). This is yielding to the things that are sanctioned by society but may not be what God desires. For example, I have the right to own stuff (actually encouraged by society) but not to hold it so tightly that I do not help someone in need. I'm learning more and more that God's ways are not the ways of man. It's dangerous to read the book of Daniel. It's so much more than fiery furnaces and lions' dens. It's about taking a stand for God and his ways in the face of opposition from culture.
PRAYER
God, give the wisdom to view the world as you do.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Yet
SCRIPTURE
"Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope. Because of the Lord's faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! I say: The Lord is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in Him." (Lamentations 3:21-24)
OBSERVATION
In Lamentations Jeremiah laments about his circumstances. He has seen affliction, dwelt in darkness, forgotten what happiness is, has become a laughingstock, and is depressed from remembering all of the above. He laments about God. He is a bear in ambush, a lion in hiding, he rejects Jeremiah's prayers, and has turned his hand against him.
In the midst of all that is going on, Jeremiah utters a great theological word, "yet." It's the word that turns the table on the circumstances, because whatever happens God is still God. It's as if to say: "Do you see all these terrible things. Nevertheless, think about who God is and you will find hope." The mere fact that we are able to get up in the morning and lament over our circumstances is evidence of God's faithfulness. It's a choice we make as to where we focus (call to mind). We can allow circumstances to fill our days or we can allow God to be our portion. Life can dish it out but only God can fill it up.
APPLICATION
I need to continually call to mind the "yet." The "yet" that says God has the final word. No matter what happens. No matter what I have to mourn, grieve, or bewail...yet, God is faithful. The fact that I'm alive to lament is a sign of God's mercy. No matter what the world serves up..."yet", God is my portion and tomorrow I'll have a second helping.
PRAYER
God, each day you reveal yourself anew. You are the God of faithful love, mercy, and hope.
"Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope. Because of the Lord's faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! I say: The Lord is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in Him." (Lamentations 3:21-24)
OBSERVATION
In Lamentations Jeremiah laments about his circumstances. He has seen affliction, dwelt in darkness, forgotten what happiness is, has become a laughingstock, and is depressed from remembering all of the above. He laments about God. He is a bear in ambush, a lion in hiding, he rejects Jeremiah's prayers, and has turned his hand against him.
In the midst of all that is going on, Jeremiah utters a great theological word, "yet." It's the word that turns the table on the circumstances, because whatever happens God is still God. It's as if to say: "Do you see all these terrible things. Nevertheless, think about who God is and you will find hope." The mere fact that we are able to get up in the morning and lament over our circumstances is evidence of God's faithfulness. It's a choice we make as to where we focus (call to mind). We can allow circumstances to fill our days or we can allow God to be our portion. Life can dish it out but only God can fill it up.
APPLICATION
I need to continually call to mind the "yet." The "yet" that says God has the final word. No matter what happens. No matter what I have to mourn, grieve, or bewail...yet, God is faithful. The fact that I'm alive to lament is a sign of God's mercy. No matter what the world serves up..."yet", God is my portion and tomorrow I'll have a second helping.
PRAYER
God, each day you reveal yourself anew. You are the God of faithful love, mercy, and hope.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Needed Rest
SCRIPTURE
There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or anyone who receives the mark of his name. Here is the endurance of the saints, who keep the commands of God and the faith in Jesus. (Rev. 14:11-12)
OBSERVATION
When John wrote Revelation, the Roman Emperor was considered a god. In order to enter the marketplace, a person had to first offer incense to the emperor and would then receive a mark (a kind of admission ticket) granting him access. For Christians this was unthinkable. Jesus cannot be Lord if Caesar is lord (a clash of crowns). So they were faced with a dilemma. Refuse to worship Rome (the beast) and not be allowed to participate in the economy of the day, or bow down to the beast and gain access.
Why not receive the mark and not really mean it? Cross your fingers behind your back, offer the incense, and enjoy the favor of the culture. John reminds his readers there is no rest, day or night, for compromise. It is through endurance, keeping God's commands and faith in Jesus that we can have rest. This explains why Christians who are persecuted for their faith have a deep sense of joy, peace, and rest. They have not bowed down to the gods of this world.
APPLICATION
It is hard to live counter-culturally. It is much easier to go with the flow of society than to really discern if what I'm doing is bowing down to the gods of this world. It's not about making my own clothes and churning my own butter. It comes in more subtle ways from the smorgasbord of philosophies and worldviews promoted in the marketplace. Faith in Jesus means I persevere and listen to God's voice about the clamor of competing voices. The irony is, that when I try to quiet those voices by giving in, there is no rest, even if it is dead quiet, because only God gives true rest.
PRAYER
God, thank you for the rest that only comes from following you.
There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or anyone who receives the mark of his name. Here is the endurance of the saints, who keep the commands of God and the faith in Jesus. (Rev. 14:11-12)
OBSERVATION
When John wrote Revelation, the Roman Emperor was considered a god. In order to enter the marketplace, a person had to first offer incense to the emperor and would then receive a mark (a kind of admission ticket) granting him access. For Christians this was unthinkable. Jesus cannot be Lord if Caesar is lord (a clash of crowns). So they were faced with a dilemma. Refuse to worship Rome (the beast) and not be allowed to participate in the economy of the day, or bow down to the beast and gain access.
Why not receive the mark and not really mean it? Cross your fingers behind your back, offer the incense, and enjoy the favor of the culture. John reminds his readers there is no rest, day or night, for compromise. It is through endurance, keeping God's commands and faith in Jesus that we can have rest. This explains why Christians who are persecuted for their faith have a deep sense of joy, peace, and rest. They have not bowed down to the gods of this world.
APPLICATION
It is hard to live counter-culturally. It is much easier to go with the flow of society than to really discern if what I'm doing is bowing down to the gods of this world. It's not about making my own clothes and churning my own butter. It comes in more subtle ways from the smorgasbord of philosophies and worldviews promoted in the marketplace. Faith in Jesus means I persevere and listen to God's voice about the clamor of competing voices. The irony is, that when I try to quiet those voices by giving in, there is no rest, even if it is dead quiet, because only God gives true rest.
PRAYER
God, thank you for the rest that only comes from following you.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
No Greater Joy
SCRIPTURE
I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in the truth." (3 John 4)
OBSERVATION
John's joy came from the spiritual maturity of people he taught and discipled (affectionately called children). Nothing brought him greater joy. There are a lot of things we can get excited about for other people: promotions, new house, job, the birth of a child. How often do we rejoice over spiritual growth and advancement?
John invested in the church personally...they were his children. It's a term of endearment, intimacy, and relationship. He was their spiritual father who saw to their well being. They were not talking the life but walking the life. Walking in the truth was following the way of Jesus, truth with a capital "T".
APPLICATION
Yesterday, I heard a mom talking about how excited she was that her son had just earned his Ph.D.. That is exciting stuff. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication and if Josiah pursues such a direction in his life I'll be the first one in the proud-parent, "that's my boy" line. Yet, when I read John, I can't help but think that there would be no greater joy (even a Ph.D.) than to have Josiah walking in the truth. Knowing Jesus and walking in relationship with him. Not just Josiah, but those who I disciple (my spiritual family). What could be better than to see people walking in the truth? No greater joy is a term of comparison...there is nothing higher than that. There are lesser joys (Ph.D.'s, promotions, etc.) but my heart should be the fullest when people seek God and walk after him. I need to cultivate those moments, spiritual father to spiritual children, encouraging others to walk in the truth.
PRAYER
God, give me eyes to see people walking in the truth and to recieve no greater joy.
I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in the truth." (3 John 4)
OBSERVATION
John's joy came from the spiritual maturity of people he taught and discipled (affectionately called children). Nothing brought him greater joy. There are a lot of things we can get excited about for other people: promotions, new house, job, the birth of a child. How often do we rejoice over spiritual growth and advancement?
John invested in the church personally...they were his children. It's a term of endearment, intimacy, and relationship. He was their spiritual father who saw to their well being. They were not talking the life but walking the life. Walking in the truth was following the way of Jesus, truth with a capital "T".
APPLICATION
Yesterday, I heard a mom talking about how excited she was that her son had just earned his Ph.D.. That is exciting stuff. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication and if Josiah pursues such a direction in his life I'll be the first one in the proud-parent, "that's my boy" line. Yet, when I read John, I can't help but think that there would be no greater joy (even a Ph.D.) than to have Josiah walking in the truth. Knowing Jesus and walking in relationship with him. Not just Josiah, but those who I disciple (my spiritual family). What could be better than to see people walking in the truth? No greater joy is a term of comparison...there is nothing higher than that. There are lesser joys (Ph.D.'s, promotions, etc.) but my heart should be the fullest when people seek God and walk after him. I need to cultivate those moments, spiritual father to spiritual children, encouraging others to walk in the truth.
PRAYER
God, give me eyes to see people walking in the truth and to recieve no greater joy.
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