Do As I Say...

Today's Reading Acts 16:1-5 - A short one!

Text:

1He came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek. 2The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. 3Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. 5So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

The fact that Timothy had not been circumcised tells us a lot about how he grew up. His father was obviously the head of the household and ruled in matters of key religious rituals or his mother would have insisted that he be circumcised on the eighth day as required by her faith. She may have continued to follow the laws of Moses as best as she could, and may have passed on her faith to her children when possible, but it can be presumed that Timothy was also well versed in whatever religion his father professed. The text doesn't tell us that his father was a believer in Christ, so it is logical to presume that he wasn't.

We have just read about a major meeting of the elders and apostles where they determined that circumcision was not necessary for Gentile believers. Why would Paul, who was the primary speaker against circumcision, require that Timothy undergo this painful ritual? Wouldn't it have been a good example to show that it wasn't necessary since the purpose of their trips at this point was still to deliver the decisions of the council in Jerusalem? Besides, how would they know?

It is encouraging to see that the churches were strengthened in their faith and grew daily in numbers. Do you believe the church is still doing that?

First Letter of the New Testament

Today's Reading Acts 15:22-41

Text: Acts 15:22-23

22Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, two men who were leaders among the brothers. 23With them they sent the following letter: The apostles and elders, your brothers, To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia: Greetings. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

This is the first evidence of a letter sent from any of the apostles or church elders to a group of believers in the early church. It is interesting that they sent both a written letter and two men to confirm what was written about the issue of what was to be required of Gentile believers. No mention was made of circumcision, the key issue that caused the uproar in the first place.

It says the people were glad for its encouraging message. I'm sure they were encouraged that there were very few rules to follow in the message, but if you look at the message itself, it doesn't give very much information about how to live as a Christian -- not nearly as much as we have today from all the later letters of Paul. Here's the text of the letter:

24We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. 25So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul— 26men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. 28It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: 29You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.

I think I'd be asking for more...so what do we need to do to be closer to Christ, to be more like him? How do we get closer to God? How do we go deeper in our faith? Could it be that those weren't the most important things to discuss?

How Come He Doesn't Have To Follow The Rules?

Today's Reading Acts 15:1-21

Context:
In Antioch some men were teaching that people could not be saved if they were not circumcised and were not following the laws of Moses. Paul and Barnabas began a sharp debate with them, causing several people to go up to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders about the issue. After much discussion, Peter got up and talked about how God had given the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles and had purified them by their faith alone, not by having them follow the law.

Today's Text Acts 15:12-21

12The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. 13When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me. 14Simon[a] has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. 15The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:
16" 'After this I will return
and rebuild David's fallen tent.
Its ruins I will rebuild,
and I will restore it,
17that the remnant of men may seek the Lord,
and all the Gentiles who bear my name,
says the Lord, who does these things'[b]
18that have been known for ages.[c]

19"It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. 21For Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath." (NIV)
Footnotes:

1. Acts 15:14 Greek Simeon, a variant of Simon; that is, Peter
2. Acts 15:17 Amos 9:11,12
3. Acts 15:18 Some manuscripts things'— / 18 known to the Lord for ages is his work

taken from www.biblegateway.com

It is interesting to see how the early church leaders decided what should and what should not be a 'rule' in the church. Since they only had the Old Testament law, which was now superseded by the sacrifice of Jesus, it was hard to know for sure what must be followed and what was covered by grace. Jesus himself said that the law was important, yet God had given the gift of the Spirit to those who where totally ignorant of the law. So what did that mean?

The elders looked first at what actions God had taken, then they verified them with scripture to be sure they were consistent with God's character. Then they chose to ensure that they weren't applying anything additional to the new Gentile Christians that God wasn't requiring. It is interesting to see the things that they thought were still important for the Gentiles to remember -- food polluted by idols, sexual immorality, strangled animals, and blood.

Why would they choose these things and not the myriad of other things that were listed in Leviticus? Later Paul himself would say that eating food dedicated to idols was ok if you believed God said it was ok for you. Other times they would say to remember the widows and the poor.

What would we say were the most important things for new Christians to remember today? Do we make it too hard for them to become believers?

Sticks and Stones

Today's Reading Acts 14

Context:
Paul and Barnabas went to Iconium and preached so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. But again the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the crowds and they were chased out of the city. They preached in the surrounding countryside. In Lystra they healed a man who was lame since birth, and the crowd believed Paul and Barnabas were the gods Zeus and Hermes in the flesh. They tried to offer sacrifices to them but Paul and Barnabas shouted back at them the truth about the only living God, barely keeping the crowd contained.

Today's Text Acts 14:19-23

¹⁹Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. ²⁰But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.
²¹They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, ²²strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said. ²³Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

The first time we ever hear about Paul/Saul is in Acts 8:1, when he is watching over the cloaks of those who are stoning Stephen. During that episode, Stephen fell to his knees in prayer and vocally forgave his persecutors. I imagine that scene was heavily imprinted in his mind as each stone hit his body. Do you think he felt that he deserved this punishment? I wonder if he knew that he would live through this or if he was hoping he would die sooner rather than later. Was he able to muster up forgiveness for his tormentors?

Just a few days later he is again preaching the Good News. As he revisits the very city where he was stoned, maybe even before all the cuts and bruises have faded, he tells the believers of Jesus' words that there will be trouble in this world. I'm not able to find any information in my reference books about Paul's statement that "we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God." It almost sounds like there is a need for us to be persecuted and complete difficult tasks to accomplish entrance, although there are many passages that convince me that salvation is attained at the moment of repentance/surrender.

I know that entire religions have been formed to address passages like this, and I won't pretend to have theological wisdom for this argument. I do know that we in America are pretty clueless about the realities of persecution the folks suffered in the early days of the church. I've never been purposely hit with stones for what I believe, have you? Regardless, Paul was a very credible witness. I think I would have gone far out of my way to avoid revisiting a city that had caused so much physical pain and I would have let someone else strengthen the members of that church. How about you?

Shake off the dust

Today's Reading Acts 13:13-52
NOTE: While we are in Acts, I'll add a link for daily reading in case you want to read both chapters before we have class. Just click on the text reference above and it will take you directly to http://biblegateway.com and the verses for the day.

Context:
Paul and his companions sailed to Pisidian Antioch (please note this is not the Antioch where they started this first missionary journey) and they went to the synagogue on the Sabbath. Upon the request of the rulers, Paul told how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament and many of the Jews followed him to hear more. The following week almost the whole city gathered to hear Paul preach and the Jewish leaders were jealous and began speaking abusively against Paul and Barnabas.

Today's verses -- Acts 13:46-52

⁴⁶Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. ⁴⁷For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
" 'I have made you^a]">[a] a light for the Gentiles,
that you^b]">[b] may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'^c]">[c]"

⁴⁸When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

⁴⁹The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. ⁵⁰But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. ⁵¹So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. ⁵²And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (NIV)

Footnotes:

1. Acts 13:47 The Greek is singular.
2. Acts 13:47 The Greek is singular.
3. Acts 13:47 Isaiah 49:6

I wonder what it must have felt like to be a Gentile in those days. The Good News had always been preached first to the Jews and most likely not many had heard of the few times Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit up to this point. I imagine they stood outside the synagogue (because they weren't allowed in) or on the edges of the crowd anxious to understand what all the excitement was about.

If they heard the message and believed, did they think that they first had to become a Jew to receive the gifts of Christ and the Holy Spirit? Were they facing the pain of circumcision and significant life changes due to all of those rules? It says that they were glad when they heard that Paul and Barnabas were commanded to turn to the Gentiles -- what a relief that must have been! They honored the word of the Lord and they believed.

I do find Paul's words interesting in verse 46. Instead of berating the Jews for their disbelief, he instead lays full blame for their decision at their feet, "Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life . . .." I wonder how that technique would work today for some of the folks we witness to? I imagine we'd have to use those words carefully.

It would have been easy for Paul and Barnabas to be discouraged as they left Pisidian Antioch since they were expelled from the region amidst great persecution, however the text tells us they were filled with joy as they shook the dust from their feet (verse 52). Aren't you discouraged when you give others good news and advice that can change their lives forever but they refuse to listen -- they even go so far as to tell you to butt out of their lives? We've had several situations in our lives where we have had direct experience and training in the very thing others are struggling with, but even when they requested our help they refused to believe our recommendations were better than the way they had always done it. And to be honest, we were never filled with joy as we watched them continue to struggle.

Maybe we need to shake the dust off of our feet and admit that they have rejected the advice and they don't consider themselves worthy of what it is they seek. Let them take the responsibility for their choices and move on to other areas, allowing ourselves to be filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and work in areas where His light can shine more brightly.

I wish it were as easy to do as it is to type. . .

Following Blindly?

After a long 'vacation', I am starting up the daily devotions again since we are once more on a regular study schedule with our Sunday School lessons. We are back in the book of Acts, and this week we are studying chapters 13 and 14.

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Today's Verses: Acts 13:6-12

Context:
There was a meeting of prophets and teachers at the church in Antioch, and the Holy Spirit requested that Barnabas and Saul be set aside for special work. After fasting and prayer, they went to preach the word of God in Jewish synagogues in Cyprus, and John (probably John Mark) was there to help.

Text:

⁶They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, ⁷who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. ⁸But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. ⁹Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, ¹⁰"You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? ¹¹Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind, and for a time you will be unable to see the light of the sun."

Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. ¹²When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Verse 9 is the first time that Saul's new name, Paul, is referenced. Saul is a Hebrew name meaning "asked (of God)", and Paul is a Roman name which means "little". From this point on, he is called Paul in Acts. We don't know if Paul chose his new name himself or if someone else gave it to him. Some believe that he earned this new name at the time of this particular passage -- from preaching so successfully to Sergius Paulus. I've also heard (but can't quickly find a valid reference) that when people got baptized in Bible times they often took on a new name to reflect their new life in Christ. Kind of a neat concept! What does your given name mean and what new name would you take on to reflect your life in Christ?

As we read a little further, we see that Paul chastises Bar-Jesus, a false prophet and Jewish sorcerer, the same person whom is also called Elymas later in the passage, for being a "child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right!" Then Paul performs his first recorded miracle -- to cause someone else to be blind as a way for him to see the true light. It is interesting that he uses this treatment on someone who is "perverting the right ways of the Lord" just as he was (maybe not with exactly the same intent, but with the same end result -- anything against the will of God takes people further away from God), most likely with the hope that it will turn Elymas around just as significantly as it did himself.

We see in this situation it had a significant effect on Sergius Paulus, the proconsul, but we don't know what happened to Elymas. Did he convert? Did he get his sight back? Did he become an advocate for Christ? His name means 'sorcerer' in Hebrew, so I imagine he changed it if he converted to Christianity, so he could well be referenced in future texts, but we may never know. And we don't hear any more information about Cyprus, although Barnabas and Mark spent time there after they separated from Paul's ministry for a time.

I wonder if any of the people who were with Saul at the time of his conversion were also amazed at the work of the Lord?

More Thoughts from Robert Jeffress' Clutter Free Christianity

On Forgiveness

Two of the greatest examples of forgiveness in the Bible are Jesus on the cross saying, "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34 NIV), and Steven crying out "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!" as he is stoned to death. (Acts 7:59-60 NIV) Both of those are amazing situations where truly godly witnesses were able to overcome severe pain to remember to request good for their tormentors. We aspire to be that holy. I think I would have instead cried out something like "God, why is this happening to me? I've been good....please make it stop."

But in reality, how do we feel others people who forgive. Do we truly believe it is possible for a child to forgive a molester? For a parent to forgive the one who murders his child? For an Auschwitz survivor to forgive her captors? For someone like Jeffrey Daumer to be forgiven by God?

And what about those who are forgiven? Will those who are forgiven for heinous crimes think that it's ok to kill or mutilate again -- especially in those cultures where forgiveness is expected? Would that make groups like the Amish, who forgave the man who killed ten school children, or Christians, who forgave the man who killed their preacher, targets?

And when we feel like the wrongs against us are just too big to forgive...do we lose the forgiveness of God? Look at the following verse:

Mark 11:25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your transgressions.

And how about the servant who had a huge debt forgiven, only to demand payment of a small debt owed to him. When this was discovered, the man to whom he owed a fortune threw him into prison and tortured him until he could pay (essentially for the rest of his life).

Our salvation is secure, but will God withhold our forgiveness for sins perpetrated after we refuse forgiveness for others?

You may want to do some Bible study on that one -- I'm not going to profess to know the answer.

We've all heard that unforgiveness hurts us more than the one against whom we hold a grudge. Writer Anne Lamott suggests it is like drinking rat poison and expecting the rat to die!

We are not capable of truly forgiving on our own. It takes the assistance of Jesus. But do you truly want to forgive? Do you think the things done to you are worse than the things done to Jesus or to Stephen?

Where do you really stand?

Daily Devotions for the week of Mar 30 - Apr 3

I'm reading a new book, Clutter-Free Christianity by Robert Jeffress, that is really causing me to think. So much that my brain is filled with so many questions about where I am in my faith that I'm having trouble coming up with devotions that seem worthwhile.

So for the rest of the week, I'll just send some of these questions to you. I think they are really valid and valuable for us to chew on for a while.

Verse:

2 Corinthians 3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.(NIV)

Tuesday's Question:
Do you really want to be like Jesus?

My first response is "Of course I do!" But if I'm really honest, there are several difficult things that I have to do in order to make this happen, and I don't know that I want to do them. I have to commit to daily, intense time with God. I must seek him first in everything I do, then obey immediately. It's okay to question once, but then I must do his will, not mine. I must be willing to give up all creature comforts, talk to everyone I see about the gospel, pray for the good of my enemies, forgive anyone who does me wrong, treat my body like a temple of God with appropriate food and exercise, and be willing to accept humiliation, pain, and even death that I don't deserve. If I really wanted to be like Jesus, I'd be doing these things.

God, help me want to want to be like Jesus!

God in a Box

Today's Verses Luke 20:27-40

Context:
Continuation of Jesus' activities the week of his crucifixion.

Text:
27Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. 28"Teacher," they said, "Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and have children for his brother. 29Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman and died childless. 30The second 31and then the third married her, and in the same way the seven died, leaving no children. 32Finally, the woman died too. 33Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?"
34Jesus replied, "The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, 36and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God's children, since they are children of the resurrection. 37But in the account of the bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord 'the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.'[a] 38He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive."
39Some of the teachers of the law responded, "Well said, teacher!" 40And no one dared to ask him any more questions. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Luke 20:37 Exodus 3:6
taken from www.biblegateway.com

The Bible doesn't really tell us much about the Sadducees, so I checked out the Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary. It says that the Sadducees came from the most powerful families in Israel -- merchants, priests, and aristocrats. The most powerful members of the priesthood were usually Sadducees.

The key difference between them and the Pharisees was the basis of their beliefs. Sadducees believed only the Pentateuch, the five books of the Law written by Moses. If something wasn't clearly stated there, they didn't believe it. Over time, others had created 'traditions' by trying to explain what the laws meant in specific situations, and the Sadducees vehemently disagreed with this practice. In addition, if something wasn't covered in the Pentateuch (like Heaven or Hell), they didn't believe it existed. They put God in a very tight box.

Apparently they enjoyed trying to lock others into a box, too. They liked to make fun of their opponents by showing how others beliefs led to ridiculous conclusions through such 'what if' questions as we see in this text.

To us, well at least to me, Jesus' answer seems pretty confusing. But when taken in context with the culture and the beliefs of the Sadducees, his response made them look more foolish than they'd intended to make him look! He spoke knowingly about several Biblical concepts, resurrection and angels, in which the Sadducees did not believe.

So, if we look at the text in chapter 20, Jesus has summarily made the Pharisees, Sadducess, teachers of the law, and priests all look foolish for trying to trap him. And since they had tried to do this in public, all of Jerusalem was buzzing with the public humiliation of the self-revered leaders of the people.

Do we ever use scripture to put God in a box like the Sadducees did? They picked and chose which books to believe and how to interpret them -- any one who interpreted a passage differently than they did was wrong. I think we do the same thing today when we try to apply passages that were specific to the culture of Biblical times to our current world -- AND when we write a passage off because of cultural differences by saying that the world was so different then that it surely must not apply today. Yes, I know that sounds like I'm on both sides of the fence, but we have to be careful not to blindly apply everything or to do the opposite and blindly write everything off because of such cultural differences. How can we maintain the proper balance?

Questions

Today's Verses -- Luke 20:20-26

Context:
Jesus' final days before the crucifixion. He's been regularly showing the Pharisees how ungodly they were in subtle and not so subtle ways.

Text:
20Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be honest. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. 21So the spies questioned him: "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 22Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"
23He saw through their duplicity and said to them, 24"Show me a denarius. Whose portrait and inscription are on it?"
25"Caesar's," they replied. He said to them, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
26They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

It is so clear to me that the Pharisees had no idea who Jesus really was -- sending spies who pretended to be honest? Come on -- the Son of God could easily see through that! I wonder if he just shook his head, or even smiled a little when he saw these poor fools sauntering up to him. Did he wonder, "Is that the best they've got? They just don't get it!"

Can't you see it now -- the chief priests and teachers of the law meeting in a secret place trying to come up with questions that would trap Jesus? I'm sure they thought there was no possible answer for this one that didn't break either the Roman law or cause his faithful followers to be disappointed by his agreement to continue paying tax to extortioners.

But God always has a right answer -- and it's usually beyond the foresight of mere humans.

How often do we ask God questions, especially tough ones that we can't possibly comprehend the answers to? Such as 'why do good people have to suffer?' 'why didn't you make me ....(rich, beautiful, smart, whole, taller, talented, you fill in the blank)?', and 'how come I can't have ..... (again, fill in the blank)...so and so does and he doesn't appreciate it'.

I imagine he smiles a little and shakes his head at our ignorance. He may see these questions in the same manner as he saw the questions of those trying to trap him. No matter what he answers, we won't think it's fair. We can't begin to comprehend the big picture from Heaven's side of the universe, and until we walk through those pearly gates we will just have to trust that he is right.

Do you trust him when life doesn't make any sense?

Parable of the Tenants

Today's Verses -- Luke 20:9-19

Context:
Continuation from yesterday -- the Pharisees had questioned Jesus' authority and he asked them a question in return that they chose not to answer.

Text:
9He went on to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time. 10At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. 12He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out.
13"Then the owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.'
14"But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. 'This is the heir,' they said. 'Let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' 15So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.
"What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others." When the people heard this, they said, "May this never be!"
17Jesus looked directly at them and asked, "Then what is the meaning of that which is written: " 'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone[a]'[b]?
18Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed."
19The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Luke 20:17 Or cornerstone
Luke 20:17 Psalm 118:22
I've heard this parable several times, but I guess I never paid attention to the context before. Jesus just finished telling the chief priests and teachers of the law that he would not tell them by whose authority he was teaching and performing miracles. The parable is a very slightly camouflaged story of himself, his authority, and the sins of the Pharisees!

Based on the response of the people (see the blue writing, above), it seems like the meaning of this parable was pretty clear to them. They seemed to feel fearful for themselves that the parable was to become truth!

Were they, like us, indicating that they would never make the choices that the tenants made in the story? How many times have we scoffed at the Jews because of their regular pattern of disobedience despite the miracles they had personally witnessed? Or were they, like the teachers of the law and the chief priests, realizing that Jesus had spoken this parable against them?

This would probably be a good text to study using Mark Moore's methodology. Just reading it over brought lots of questions to my mind. I wanted to understand what the people who were listening actually heard and thought about the parable. Were the different servants who were sent to collect fruit from the farm treated with increasing violence? Why was the second one shamed, and in what way? Why is the response of the people to the parable interpreted so differently in the NIV and King James versions (in King James the people responded with "God forbid", which seems so much stronger to me)?

I don't really understand Jesus' use of Psalm 118 here, either. I can guess at it's meaning, but obviously the teachers of the law and the chief priests took this very personally. What was it about the culture of the time that made them so sure it was directed at them?

Sorry -- more questions than thoughts today, but I think Steve's overview of the methodology is really helping it to sink in!

The Unanswerable Question

Today's Verses -- Luke 20:1-8

Context:
We are still looking at the days prior to Jesus' crucifixion. We don't know exactly what day this is, but it is most likely Tuesday or Wednesday of Passover Week.

Text:
1One day as he was teaching the people in the temple courts and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders, came up to him. 2"Tell us by what authority you are doing these things," they said. "Who gave you this authority?"
3He replied, "I will also ask you a question. Tell me, 4John's baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?"
5They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Why didn't you believe him?' 6But if we say, 'From men,' all the people will stone us, because they are persuaded that John was a prophet."
7So they answered, "We don't know where it was from."
8Jesus said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things." (NIV)

taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/

When you think of someone 'preaching the gospel', what message do you expect? I expect something similar to Peter's speech on Pentecost when he talks about how Jesus came to be the ultimate sacrifice for us on the cross then rose again three days later. What do you think Jesus himself was telling the people the very week this was to happen?

Since we have been watching Mark Moore's lessons on how to study the Bible, I thought I'd try out some of the tools. I went to BlueLetterBible.org and clicked on the 'lexicon' button. I typed in 'gospel' and looked at the New Testament uses of that word. I saw that there were three words used in the the New Testament that were translated as 'gospel'. I clicked on the first one (euaggeizo) and it showed all the places where it was used, and Luke 20:1 was listed. That was quick!

So, according to this site, this particular use of the word means:
1) to bring good news, to announce glad tidings
a) used in the OT of any kind of good news
1) of the joyful tidings of God's kindness, in particular, of the Messianic blessings
b) in the NT used especially of the glad tidings of the coming kingdom of God, and of the salvation to be obtained in it through Christ, and of what relates to this salvation
c) glad tidings are brought to one, one has glad tidings proclaimed to him
d) to proclaim glad tidings
1) instruct (men) concerning the things that pertain to Christian salvation

So without trying to take anything out of context, I think it's safe to say that Jesus was talking about the coming kingdom of God, and possibly even hinting at how he was the one who would provide salvation to all. I wonder if it was harder to believe him when he spoke about coming events than it was for people to believe Peter when he talked about what had happened in the past?

I also especially like those texts where he stumps the Rabbis! How much trouble do we get into when we try to come up with answers that will be politically correct, as they did, instead of just speaking what we truly believe?

Righteous Anger

Today's Verses -- Luke 19:45-48

Context:
Continuation of Jesus' last days. He's just entered Jerusalem and wept for its future.

Text:
45Then he entered the temple area and began driving out those who were selling. 46"It is written," he said to them, " 'My house will be a house of prayer'[a]; but you have made it 'a den of robbers.'[b]"
47Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. 48Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words. (NIV)

Footnotes:
Luke 19:46 Isaiah 56:7
Luke 19:46 Jer. 7:11
taken from www.biblegateway.com

This specific situation at the beginning of "Passion Week" is covered in both Matthew and Mark. In addition, John tells of a temple cleansing event near the beginning of Jesus' ministry. When you first enter the temple, there is an area called the 'Outer Court of the Gentiles', which was a large area (many acres) where the Gentiles were allowed to enter and worship God. Many Jews arrived in Jerusalem for the week of Passover to be cleansed and to celebrate the holiday. It was difficult for them to bring their sacrifices from long distances, so merchants set up table to sell all kinds of animals and birds necessary for the Jewish rituals. In addition, anyone visiting had to pay their temple tax in the proper currency of Jerusalem, but often they had to exchange their local currency for the appropriate coins. Budding entrepreneurs jumped right in to meet the needs of the people -- charging exorbitant rates for these services. We don't know if the merchants were Jews or Gentiles, but it doesn't really matter -- the priests allowed a marketplace (probably a very noisy one) to invade the spaces reserved for prayer and worship.

Think about the mindset of Jesus at this time. He had been weeping for the people -- distraught by their lack of obedience and the punishment they were facing. Then, to add to that pain he sees people profiting off of those who have sacrificed much to travel long distances to worship. Instead of a quiet, worshipful environment the pilgrims encountered loud vendors trying to lure them to purchase all kinds of animals and other religious tokens. There was no sense of reverence to be found. This must have been a final affront to Jesus' sensibilities.

To be honest, I'm surprised that Jesus didn't call on his full power as God to create an earthquake or lightning storm to wipe the merchants away completely! This is the most angry we see him during his entire three year ministry. I imagine he is thinking of the horrors he will face in the next week and is totally insulted by the fact that people are profiting from the sacrificial ritual -- knowing that he will become the ultimate sacrifice in just a few days.

I appreciate the writers of the Bible showing us the many different facets of Jesus' emotions. Yes, righteous anger is definitely a quality of God, but Jesus shows us that it's ok for us to be angry too. But it's that 'righteous' part that is most important! Jesus doesn't get angry because his meals aren't prepared on time or because someone is discriminating against him, he gets angry when people aren't revering his father and obeying the law.

What makes you angry? How can we as Christians display righteous anger without letting our human pettiness show? What issues today require us to be vocal in our representation of Jesus? How do you respond?

To Feel What He Feels

Today's Verses -- Luke 19:41-44

Context:
Jesus has just entered the city of Jerusalem. He was welcomed by a crowd of disciples who were loudly praising God for the miracles they had witnessed.

Text:
41As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you." (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

In the entire New Testament we only see Jesus weep twice. The first time was at the death of his friend Lazarus when he saw how distraught Martha and Mary were at their brother's death. This time it is for the children of God, knowing the future they faced because of their disobedience and disbelief.

For centuries Christians have been trying to live their lives in such a way that they could be more Christ-like. We want to see the world with his eyes, love others as he does, and make choices he would make. But can we really feel what he felt? One of the times when I believe we get to experience a small portion of his emotion is when we are witnessing to beloved family members and friends.

When those who are closest to us close their eyes to the truth, it hurts us to the core. We know what the eternal future holds for them, yet they refuse to accept the gifts of grace and salvation. Especially when that loved one is close to death, our efforts become more desperate and we would do anything to help him or her make the right decision. We feel like failures and the pain of our beloveds' eternity weighs on our lives for years. It's at that point that we understand how Jesus felt when the Jews denied his deity.

On the other hand, when our loved ones' eyes are opened and they finally release their own will to accept the help of Jesus, our joy is immeasurable. Again, we get to sense a small portion of what Jesus feels when he knows that he will personally be able to spend eternity with on of his Father's children. For each and every new convert, God runs to the individual and embraces him as if he or she were the only one to return to the truth. And our peace expands knowing that we will get to spend eternity with one more cherished soul.

I guess the key thought today is that we are to strive to be as Jesus is, even to feel what he feels. He would rather we try to open the eyes of others to the truth, risking the pain or the joy that will result with that person's response, than to walk through this world not caring enough to try.

15 Minutes of Fame

Today's Verses -- Luke 19:28-40

Context:
Continuation of Jesus' final trip to Jerusalem

Text:

28After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29As he
approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent
two of his disciples, saying to them, 30"Go to the village ahead of you, and as
you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden.
Untie it and bring it here. 31If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' tell
him, 'The Lord needs it.' "
32Those who were sent ahead went and found
it just as he had told them. 33As they were untying the colt, its owners asked
them, "Why are you untying the colt?"
34They replied, "The Lord needs
it."
35They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and
put Jesus on it. 36As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
37When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of
Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices
for all the miracles they had seen: 38"Blessed is the king who comes in
the name of the Lord!"[a]
"Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
39Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke
your disciples!"
40"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the
stones will cry out." (NIV)
Footnotes:
Luke
19:38 Psalm 118:26

taken from www.biblegateway.com

In 1968, famed artist Andy Warhol stated: "In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes."

Have you had your moment of fame yet? Due to our widespread technology, people can be world-famous almost immediately with a great YouTube video, a shocking crime, a great athletic feat, or even a moment of sheer stupidity. In many cases, people wish their moment would have ended before it began! Just ask a teenager whose supposed friends posted something cruel on Facebook for the whole school to read.

Jesus' moments of fame seems like a wonderful parade. He rides through the crowd on a donkey as people wave palm branches and then set them down to soften the donkey's steps. All struggle to get a glimpse of the new king, and the cheers are deafening.

But Jesus knew that this worldly fame would soon end in a terrible way. Did he look his fans in the eye, knowing that they would be yelling for his crucifixion in just a few short hours? Did he wish the accolades would continue for just a little longer? Or did he look at each person with love in his heart, knowing that the next few days would allow him to spend eternity with them?

I was quick to judge those who stood in the crowd waving palm branches until I realized that I am no different. I know that my relationship with Christ has held moments of great worship and praise, only to be followed by anger or distrust when something 'bad' happened in my life or the world.

The amazing thing is that Jesus loves us JUST THE SAME whether we are cheering him on or part of a crowd crying for his crucifixion. He can handle both emotions and he remains true to us even when we aren't.

That kind of love is beyond my comprehension.

A Familiar Parable?

Today's Verses -- Luke 19:11-27

Context:
continuation from last week. Jesus and the apostles are on their final trip to Jerusalem for the Passover, and they've stopped at Zacchaeus's home for dinner.

Text:
11While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. 12He said: "A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. 13So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas.[a]'Put this money to work,' he said, 'until I come back.'
14"But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We don't want this man to be our king.'
15"He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.
16"The first one came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned ten more.'
17" 'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.'
18"The second came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned five more.'
19"His master answered, 'You take charge of five cities.'
20"Then another servant came and said, 'Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. 21I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.'
22"His master replied, 'I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? 23Why then didn't you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?'
24"Then he said to those standing by, 'Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.'
25" 'Sir,' they said, 'he already has ten!'
26"He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away. 27But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me." (NIV)
Footnotes:
Luke 19:13 A mina was about three months' wages.
taken from www.biblegateway.com

This story sounds vaguely familiar, yet different. My NIV Study Bible references Matthew 25:14-30, the parable of the talents, as a similar story. There are some significant differences, though. It's Monday morning, so I'll try to wake your brain up with some questions today (since mine is too sleepy to answer them!).

The parable of the talents was told to the apostles in private when Jesus was on the Mount of Olives. The parable of the minas was apparently told to those attending dinner at Zacchaeus's house.

A talent was worth about $1000, a mina worth about 3 month's wages.

The Parable of the Ten Minas raises far more questions for me. The man of noble birth gave one mina each to ten servants (the same amount to each instead of varying amounts in the Parable of the Talents). Yet we only hear the results of three servants' efforts. What happened to the other seven minas? And look at what the two servants who invested the minas received -- not more money to manage, but whole cities! That's quite a jump in stature for a servant. Do you think the two were overwhelmed?

This story has a pretty garish ending, too. The man who would be king has his enemies killed in front of him. Yes, I would agree he is a 'hard man'!

My study Bible has lots of notes related to this story that speculate about Jesus' meaning. Was the man of noble birth Jesus, himself, or was he Herod, who had come in and declared himself king just as the man in the story? Does the death of his enemies refer to the coming destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70? Of course the listeners wouldn't have a clue about that.

The story of the talents leaves us with a pretty clear message -- be a good steward with your Masters' things (including your 'talents'), and you will be rewarded. Do you get the same message from this parable?

Look back at the beginning of this parable. Why did Jesus tell this parable? How does the story fulfill that purpose?

Given our current classwork related to Bible study methods, what research would you like to do to better understand this passage?

A Tree Climbing Adventure

Today's Verses -- Luke 19:1-9

Context:
Continuation of Wednesday's text (sorry, I didn't post yesterday).

Text:
1Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. 4So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
5When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." 6So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
7All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.' "
8But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount."
9Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

What is the most famous person you have ever met? Have you ever done something that felt kind of foolish (like climbing a tree) in order to see someone? I've had the chance to see George W. Bush and Jamie Farr from across the room, but I didn't feel any obligation to knock other people over to shake their hands. I do admit that I've half dragged, half carried children across a Disney park to get their picture taken with the character Stitch, though!

Did you seek out Jesus with the same energy Zacchaeus did? And it seems that Jesus sought him out with equal fervor! Jesus knew the potential Zacchaeus held. I can't remember any other story in the Bible that showed such a significant voluntary change of heart (Paul changed significantly, but Jesus sought him out first).

I wonder how many people turned to Jesus when they saw Zacchaeus arriving to repay four fold the money he had cheated them out of? Were people able to see the change in your life due to your encounter with Christ?

Got Faith?

Today's Verses -- Luke 18: 35-43

Context:
Continuation from yesterday -- Jesus is still heading toward Jerusalem for the last time.

Text:
35As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by."
38He called out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
39Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
40Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 41"What do you want me to do for you?" "Lord, I want to see," he replied.
42Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you." 43Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

There are several times when Jesus healed people and specifically commented on their faith. In addition to this blind man, he healed the woman (who had been bleeding for 12 years) that touched his cloak, the daughter of a Gentile woman who begged for a 'crumb' from the Lord's table, the servant of a Roman centurion, and the paralyzed man whose friends lowered him through a hole in the roof. In each case he was moved by the level of faith of the people who came to him.

There are many people who have used these examples to accuse people who have not received healing of being less than faithful enough. This seems to be an abuse of these verses without considering the context or the other verses where Jesus healed, or even raised people from the dead, when faith didn't seem to be an issue. Consider the widow of Nain whose son had just died. Jesus didn't even ask if she wanted him to be resurrected . . . we don't even know if she had a clue who Jesus was. Yet his heart was compassionate and he brought her son back to life. Other times it was obvious that people didn't have much faith in him, for instance the man who believed that he would be healed by being the first one in the pool of Siloam when the 'angels' stirred the water.

No one knows exactly why Jesus chose to heal the ones he did and why he didn't heal everyone he saw. Even today God chooses whom to heal and when. Does our faith make a difference in how our prayers are answered? James, the brother of Jesus, tells us we should ask, believing that God will give it to us. But, he goes on to say that we must not doubt.

What could God accomplish in our lives and at our church if we all were truly full of faith?

Do We Really Hear

Today's Verses -- Luke 18:31-34

Context:
This follows the text from yesterday. If you remember, Jesus and his followers are on their final journey to Jerusalem. Between yesterday's text and today's, Jesus told the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, people brought their little children to be blessed by him, and a rich young ruler asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. We aren't certain exactly where Jesus is geographically.

Text:
31Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. 32He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. 33On the third day he will rise again."
34The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

This text is also recorded in Matthew 20:17-19 and Mark 10:32-34.

It's hard to comprehend the state of mind of the apostles at this point. They have seen their leader soundly rebuke the Pharisees over and over, and they have seen -- and done -- miraculous things. They had given up their lifestyles and livelihoods to follow Jesus, believing him to be the Son of God. In his shadow, they have received accolades from the crowds and have probably felt some pride in being selected as his closest companions. Now, at the height of his popularity, Jesus is telling them that when they get to Jerusalem he will die a horrible death at the hands of the Gentiles and then he will rise again on the third day.

Was Judas already planning on betraying Jesus? Did he feel any guilt at his plans, or did this speech plant a seed of rebellion in his mind? Did the apostles blow off this news? Did they wonder why he was still heading to Jerusalem instead of going the other way to be safe? Did they even remember this information in the Garden of Gethsemane as the crowd came to take him away? The Pharisees had tried to kill him before, why would this time be any different?

The text says that they didn't know what he was talking about. Often when I don't understand something that seems like a random part of a discussion, I just ignore it and focus on other things. I wonder how many times God tries to tell me what is coming down the road and I blow it off because I don't really understand?

Justice

Today's Verses -- Matthew 18:1-8

Context:
Jesus is heading toward Jerusalem for the final time. At this point he is somewhere along the border between Samaria and Galilee. He has recently healed the ten lepers of their disease and he's talked to the Pharisees about when the kingdom of God would come. This text occurs approximately a month to six weeks before the crucifixion.

Text:
1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. 3And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'
4"For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, 5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' "
6And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" (NIV)

taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/

Our world is filled with injustice. Some things we complain about just aren't fair, but others are true injustices. It is hard to understand why people would be so willing to seriously hurt others for their own gain, but we see it happen every day. Stockbrokers create elaborate schemes to make their clients feel rich while they actually steal funds away. Lenders offer deals that seem too good to be true...and they are. People who work the hardest physical jobs often make the least money. Prices increase while salaries stagnate.

God sees true injustice and he cares about those who suffer. We often cry out to God when life gets tough and things seem unjust. Often it seems as if he doesn't care or just won't listen. People lose jobs, their homes, and their health and God seems to be absent. After a time they give up on their prayers and they often give up on God.

God wants us to persist. He wants us to go first to him with our difficult situations, and he will provide answers. The answers, however, may not be the ones we expect. If he would just send down a lightning bolt and zap our adversaries, life would surely be easier! Instead he tells us to be patient, to heap burning coals on their heads by being kind and showing love, and to make sacrifices in our lifestyles to help make ends meet. Often he empowers us to change a situation with his strength instead of creating heavenly fireworks.

Do you truly trust him to take care of your needs and provide justice in your life? Do you persistently bring your needs to him and take action on the instructions he provides? How would your situation appear through his eyes? Don't give up on asking for his help, and keep the faith!

Long-Term Confidence

Today's Verses -- Romans 10:32 - 11:1

Context:
Paul has been explaining how Christ's sacrifice has freed us from the law once and for all. He admonishes the Romans not to give in to sin, but to stand strong in their faith.

Text:

32Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood
your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. 33Sometimes you were
publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by
side with those who were so treated. 34You sympathized with those in prison and
joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you
yourselves had better and lasting possessions.
35So do not throw away
your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36You need to persevere so that
when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37For
in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and
will not delay. 38But my righteous one will live by
faith. And if he shrinks back,
I will not be pleased with him." 39But we
are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and
are saved.
1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what
we do not see. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

What do you hope for?

It seems no matter where we turn there is terrible news about our economy, even the whole world's economy. It doesn't take long for conversations to turn from the weather to the stimulus package or rising prices. Many in our own congregation have lost jobs or face job loss in the near future, and all have been impacted by the financial situation in our country.

Many are losing hope. They aren't sure where to turn to get help with house payments, credit card debt, or retirement plans that seem to be fading quickly. They just hope that they can scrape together enough money to get them through to the next paycheck. In the early days of the Christian church people were persecuted, fired, and even lost their property because of their faith. While the reasons behind our current difficulties might be different, the end result is unfortunately often the same.

Despite their difficulties, the Roman Christians stood firm in their faith, sympathizing with and supporting each other through their trials and tribulations because they were confident about the value of their faith.

This is a time for us to pull together in the same way. While we may feel that we ourselves are having financial difficulties, by reaching out and helping each other we can turn the focus from our current difficulties to eternal realities. Our parents and grandparents went through much tougher times than these, and God will help us make it through this time, too.

God really wants us to focus on the longer term. He wants us to be confident that our hopes for a heavenly eternity have been answered, and to be certain that he is in control, even when we can't see him.

How can you balance your near-term concerns with God's certainty of long-term hopes? What can you do today to help a neighbor who is struggling?

How Long Would You Survive in the Desert?

Today's Verses -- Numbers 16:1-14

Context:
The Israelites have been wandering through the desert for two years, and they have arrived near the promised land. Twelve scouts checked out the land and most were certain that the Israelites would not be successful in a fight with the inhabitants. God punished the Israelites for their lack of faith, killing ten of the scouts and refusing to let the disbelievers ever see the land he had promised. They would wander in the desert for forty more years.

Text:

1 Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and certain
Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—became
insolent 2 and rose up against Moses. With them were 250 Israelite men,
well-known community leaders who had been appointed members of the council. 3
They came as a group to oppose Moses and Aaron and said to them, "You have gone
too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is with
them. Why then do you set yourselves above the LORD's assembly?"
4
When Moses heard this, he fell facedown. 5 Then he said to Korah and all his
followers: "In the morning the LORD will show who belongs to him and who is
holy, and he will have that person come near him. The man he chooses he will
cause to come near him. 6 You, Korah, and all your followers are to do this:
Take censers 7 and tomorrow put fire and incense in them before the LORD. The
man the LORD chooses will be the one who is holy. You Levites have gone too
far!"
8 Moses also said to Korah, "Now listen, you Levites! 9 Isn't it
enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the
Israelite community and brought you near himself to do the work at the LORD's
tabernacle and to stand before the community and minister to them? 10 He has
brought you and all your fellow Levites near himself, but now you are trying to
get the priesthood too. 11 It is against the LORD that you and all your
followers have banded together. Who is Aaron that you should grumble against
him?"
12 Then Moses summoned Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab. But
they said, "We will not come! 13 Isn't it enough that you have brought us up out
of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the desert? And now you also
want to lord it over us? 14 Moreover, you haven't brought us into a land flowing
with milk and honey or given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you
gouge out the eyes of these men? No, we will not come!" (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

In today's text some of the Levites were jealous of Aaron and his descendants because they had closer contact with God. The Kohath tribe was responsible for carrying the most sacred of the Tabernacle furnishings whenever God told the Israelites to move, but they were not allowed to look at them or touch them directly or they would die. They were so close to the sacred items of God, but they wanted to have more honor by being able to meet with God directly.

I was catching up on my 'Bible in a year' reading this morning, and read about a lot of disobedience and death. Israelites died because they complained about the food, disbelieved the power/protection God would provide, and rebelled against Moses and Aaron. God caused plagues, fires, and earthquakes in retribution. Moses spent a lot of time flat on his face praying for God's forgiveness of his people.

I started wondering -- how long would I'd have made it if I'd been an Israelite? We'd all love to say that we'd be strong and courageous like Caleb and Joshua, the scouts who believed that God would deliver them to the Promised Land as he'd said, but I have a feeling I wouldn't have made it that long. Would I have given up on Moses (and God) and convinced Aaron to create a golden calf that I could worship? Would I have grumbled and complained about the lack of variety in the diet (I know I would have...)? Would I have coveted the relationship Moses had with God and tried to convince the Israelites that I'd make a better leader?

I have a feeling the only way I would have made it through the desert would be if I had been a child, since only those twenty years and older were forbidden from entering the Promised Land!

How would you have fared?

And in what ways are we rebelling against God today?

Daily Instructions

Today's Verses -- Mt 14:13-25

Context:
Jesus has been teaching in his hometown, but because many people remembered him as a child they had no faith in his sovereignty. He didn't do many miracles there. Herod had arrested John the Baptist and had him beheaded at his daughter's request.

Text:

13When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a
solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns.
14When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed
their sick.
15As evening approached, the disciples came to him and
said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds
away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food."
16Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something
to eat."
17"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they
answered.
18"Bring them here to me," he said. 19And he directed the
people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and
looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to
the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20They all ate and
were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces
that were left over. 21The number of those who ate was about five thousand men,
besides women and children.
22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into
the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.
23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.
When evening came, he was there alone, 24but the boat was already a considerable
distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking
on the lake. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

I've always wondered if Jesus knew what was in store for him each day. We read that he liked to go away to quiet places in the morning to pray. Did God give him instructions for the day, or did he just strengthen Jesus so that he could handle whatever came up? Can't you just imagine God laying out the agenda for this particular day:

9:00 am -- take off in a boat and thousands of people will follow you along the shore.
9:45 am -- dock the boat and start preaching and healing
5:00 pm -- acknowledge that the crowd is hungry
5:10 pm -- see a little boy with a lunch box. Turn that into enough food to feed the crowd.
9:00 pm -- send everyone home and have the apostles take off in the boat while you pray
4:00 am -- walk on water to catch up with the boat

I have a feeling it wasn't spelled out quite so clearly.

On this day Jesus was discouraged because his closest friends from childhood couldn't see the truth. Did he try to do some miracles but they didn't work because of the lack of faith by the people? It's a terribly frustrating feeling to know that you could help someone if they only wanted help. Add to that the news that his cousin died in a totally wasteful way, and it's easy to imagine that Jesus needed some time with his Father to understand why bad things happen to good people.

All Jesus wanted to do was to get some time alone to grieve and pray. But the crowds had other ideas. Jesus laid aside his desires to meet the needs of others with a compassionate attitude.

When your day gets interrupted, how well do you handle it? Most times I'll deal with the interruption, but not very compassionately. After grumbling and complaining (hopefully silently), I'll do whatever is necessary and then I harp on how I didn't do what I thought I needed to do before being interrupted.

God is trying to tell me that my real work IS the interruptions. There are many lessons he's trying to teach me and I'm apparently a slow learner. He wants me to see that whatever agenda I set for myself is useless -- he wants me to be ready to deal with the needs of others throughout the day. I need to really understand that he is in control of everything, including my schedule. He's also trying to teach me to manage my time better. If I stop putting the important things off until later, I could actually accomplish my agenda AND his! Then there's that attitude problem. If I can't learn to be compassionate in my heart about the interruptions soon, I have a feeling I'm going to be facing a lifetime of foiled plans!

How do you deal with interruptions? Do you see them as an opportunity to join God in his work, or a pesky distraction?

God's Creation

Today's Verses -- Psalm 139:1-18

Context:
This psalm was written by David.

Text:
1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Our task this week from yesterday's Sunday school lesson is to understand the purpose of the book from which we each get the texts we are studying.

Do you ever wonder about your purpose? If a book of the Bible were written about you, what would it's purpose be?

God created each of us and he planned in advance our talents and skills. He knows our experiences, our emotions, and our thoughts. He caused each of us to be born into a particular place and time for a reason which we may not know until we get to Heaven. It may be huge -- to evangelize a nation like Billy Graham. Or it may be infinitely small -- to offer a cup of water or a kind word to someone in need.

Many people search desperately for their purpose, feeling less than whole if they don't know why they exist. Others seek opportunities to be purposeful each day, presuming that somewhere along the line they will achieve the objective of existence.

Where are you in the process of discovering your purpose? Does it matter to you? Do you believe God has shown it to you yet? How do you know what it is?

TGIF?

Today's Verses -- Ephesians 6:4-7

Context:
Paul has been giving the Ephesians instructions for life -- talking about husbands, wives, and children.

Text:
5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. (NIV)

Taken from www.biblegateway.com

Have you ever had to punch a clock? No, not in the morning when the alarm goes off, but at work. There have been several jobs I've worked where I had to clock in and out. I was much more likely to be on time to these jobs since someone would know right away if I was even one minute late. And often people would line up by the clock several minutes before the shift change so they could be sure to clock out at the first moment possible.

Unfortunately, I saw a lot of abuse of the system, too. People would clock in early so they could look good to the boss, then they'd take their daily newspaper and go to the cafeteria for breakfast. Others would leave early but conveniently forget to clock out so no one could prove they weren't at their desk. Some people believed that as long as they were clocked in they deserved to get paid for their time . . . regardless of if they worked or not.

In one tragic incident at a very large company, an employee was involved in a serious motorcycle crash on his way home from work. They found eight of his co-workers badges in his coat. He and his friends had a great gig -- work one day, off nine. They would pass all the badges around and clock in/out for each other!

It's a good thing God doesn't ask us to clock in (well, in reality he doesn't have to, being all-knowing of course). Some days I don't really start 'his' work until several hours into my day. Other days I probably 'clock out' within minutes of clocking in. I might have good intentions, but something in life interrupts my focus and I forget all about the boss of the universe.

God doesn't really want us to have specific times of day when we work for him and other times when we don't. He's a jealous boss who wants all of our time -- weekends, too. That doesn't mean we ignore the world and spend 24 hours a day in Bible study and prayer. He wants us to be connected to him through relationship all day and to see that the things we do are all about him: providing for our families, talking with co-workers, encouraging others, loving/respecting our spouses, and teaching others about him. He does like our one-on-one meetings with him on a regular basis, too.

How is your day going? Have you clocked in yet? Have you clocked out already? One good thing about this boss -- he'll be happy that we clock back in whenever we realize we aren't tuned in to his work and he forgets those times when we clock out if we just as his forgiveness! And the pay for this job is out of this world.

More Than You Can Imagine

Today's Verses -- Ephesians 3:14-21

Context:
Paul writes this letter to the Ephesian church so they can better understand God's purpose. He has just finished explaining his assignment as a preacher to the Gentiles.

Text:

14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family in
heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches
he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being
rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints,
to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to
know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of
all the fullness of God.
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably
more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within
us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all
generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Paul's prayers are amazing. Wouldn't it be great to have someone pray over you like this?

This prayer is so huge. That we experience love that surpasses our knowledge? That God can do immeasurably more than we ask or even imagine? Often when people read these words they think of things like winning the lottery. If he wanted to, God could have me win even if I didn't buy a ticket! We start imagining a list of wonderful things, including salvation of those we've prayed for, healing of illness, paying off debt, being able to give more, being surrounded by admiring friends...our own personal Christmas list of giant things we want God to do.

But if you think about it, God has already done immeasurably more than we can imagine. Who'd have ever thought that people could find peace after a tragedy in their lives, or see that a life threatening illness was actually a blessing to a family? Even those who have lost everything often come back feeling more blessed than they could have imagined they would be before their loss.

Look at your life today. Instead of concerning yourself with the problems and issues in the world and your personal life, think of the times when God has done immeasurably more than you could have asked or expected. Share that with someone and it may give them hope!

And pray this prayer for those who surround you. Know that I have prayed it for you!

Consequences?

OUT OF CONTEXT DAY -- for a little fun!

Verse for the day....Leviticus 26:14, 17b
"However, if you do not listen to me or obey all these commands, . . . you will run even when no one is chasing you."

So, does that mean that if we are obedient we don't have to exercise????

And a little further down: "They will ration your food by weight, and though you have food to eat, you will not be satisfied." (Lev 26:26b)

So if we are obedient we won't have to diet, either?

These verses are part of a list of the terrible things that will befall the Israelites if they don't obey the rules God has previously set forth. They follow a list of wonderful promises he makes for his people if they DO obey. The text of punishments is twice as long as the list of rewards, and they are very drastic.

Yet at the end of it all God comes back with this statement:
"44But despite all this, I will not utterly reject or despise them (the Israelites) while they are in exile in the land of their enemies. I will not cancel my covenant with them by wiping them out, for I am the Lord their God. 45For their sakes I will remember by ancient covenant with their ancestors, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of all the nations, that I might be their god. I am the Lord." (NIV)

God was clear to let the people know the rewards and punishments of their actions before hand. But like Eve in the garden, they chose to believe Satan's lies that God's punishments 'surely won't happen'.

We know that the Israelites chose to disobey often, and that God was immensely patient with them before he carried out his punishments. While these verses were specifically written for the Israelites, God chose to keep them in his word so we could learn from them. Despite their disobedience, he still keeps his end of the bargain.

We are no longer under the law as defined in Leviticus and other books. How does God want us to obey under the new covenant brought by Jesus? What are the consequences if we disobey? Whole denominations have been formed around specific verses with debatable understanding of context, such as the concept of 'once saved always saved'. Does God allow us to do whatever we want without consequence once we've agreed to his covenant of salvation? Do God's consequences occur only on Earth, or in Heaven, too? What text to you use to back up your belief?

Sowing Generously

Today's Verses -- 2 Corinthians 6-14

Context: Paul has spent a large portion of his letter explaining why it is important to be generous in giving to others.

Text:

6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever
sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has
decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves
a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in
all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good
work. 9As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to
the poor; his righteousness endures
forever." 10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also
supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your
righteousness. 11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous
on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to
God.
12This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs
of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
13Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise
God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ,
and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14And in
their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing
grace God has given you. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

I'm especially convicted by yesterday's lesson about taking verses out of context. I know that I often send out just a couple of verses that were thought provoking for the day . . . I hope that I do not insinuate false meaning to them in these short devotions! Please do not take my interpretations as truth; they are merely the thoughts that I had while prayerfully considering a particular text.

Today's text was part of my regular reading assignment and coincides with an article I read on Yahoo this morning. Beware -- I feel a rant coming on!

There are a lot of people who are having very difficult times right now, and my heart goes out to them. They have lost jobs, had medical conditions that required expensive treatments that weren't covered by insurance, or have had other tragedies befall them. In addition, there are many people who got caught up in the credit frenzy, buying things they wanted but couldn't afford . . . including large homes. Both situations are difficult to be stuck in, but our society is so set on a particular life style that we forget about the rest of the world.

In the article I read today (can be found at http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/106623/Save-Hundreds-on-Your-Favorite-Splurges), a survey reports the number of Americans who insist they would not give up the following things despite their financial problems:
internet service - 81%
cell phones - 64%
cable/satellite - 61%
discount clothing (Kohls/Target) 43%
haircuts/color at a salon - 40%
eating out at fast food restaurants - 37%
eating out at casual sit-down restaurants - 30%

I didn't see tithing or charitable giving on this list -- often it's the first thing to go. It's frustrating to see what we thing are requirements in our lives these days.

God says that he will provide for those in need, and if you notice he says that the way he provides is by asking his people who have to give to those who have not. There are many in our own neighborhoods who HAVE cut back everything and are still unable to buy sufficient food to make it through the month. And many of us say we can't give because we don't have anything left over at the end of the month.

How could we as Christians set an example for others by giving up something in order to give others more? I know our church doesn't celebrate Lent like some others do, by giving up a life pleasure. But what if we did? How much could our church give if we all gave up cable for just two months? Even if 500 families would do this and saved $50/month, that would be $50,000!!!!

Would you give up your cable for two months to give to those who don't have enough to eat?

Peace and Joy Be Yours!

Today's Verses -- Psalm 16:5-11

Context:
This psalm is a 'miktam of David', which probably means it is a particular type of song. It is a prayer for safekeeping.

Text:

5 LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup;
you have made my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for
me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the LORD,
who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the LORD always
before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue
rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me
to the grave,
nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
11 You have made known
to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Do you ever stop to think that you are right where God wants you to be? Even though times are tough, he has put us on this earth for 'such a time as this', and he knows that we can glorify him in our current circumstances. Even though I have made poor decisions in my life and I often have to suffer the consequences of those decisions, his hand of protection is around me and nothing can happen that he can't turn to good. He will not abandon us no matter what.

He gives us instructions for life, and if we just follow them we have the promise of peace and joy (even if the circumstances aren't exactly what we'd hoped for). Nothing we can do will make him love us less, and nothing we do will make him love us more . . . it's just not possible. He is especially fond of each one of us! It's more than I can comprehend.

I pray that God's peace and joy will fill you today regardless of what the world throws at you.