"Big Talker Comes Through!"

Scripture Passage

Luke 5:1-11; Mark 1:40-45; Matthew 8:1-4; Luke 5:12-16; Mark 2:1-12; Matthew 9:1-8; Luke 5:17-26; Mark 2:13-17; Matthew 9:9-13; Luke 5:27-32; Mark 2:18-22; Matthew 9:14-17; Luke 5:33-39

Scripture Focus

“Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’?” (Luke 5:23 NLT)

Observation

Faithful friends have brought a paralyzed man to Jesus. They’ve actually lowered him through the roof in order to access the Christ, who’s surrounded by crowds of people. I have to think that Jesus was inwardly delighted at their resourceful faith. (Oh, that my faith would compel me to act so purposefully and tenaciously!)

But when the man, his friends, and the crowds all have Jesus’ attention, he does not deliver the man from his infirmity as expected. Rather, Jesus simply announces, “Young man, your sins are forgiven” (Luke 5:20 NLT). That’s it—that’s all Jesus chooses to say.

The critics of Jesus—Pharisees and teachers of religious law—immediately pounce upon this strange pronouncement. The significance of Jesus’ words is not lost on them. They may have suspected that the significance was lost on Jesus, country-bumpkin rabbi that He seemed to them to be. They may have thought that Jesus was a bit befuddled by how to proceed and this was merely some sort of diversionary ruse—an attempt on Jesus’ part to buy some time. But these men understood fully that by these words—whether intentionally or not—Jesus laid claim to deity. That understanding is revealed in the response they mutter to one another:

“Who does he think he is? That’s blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!” (Luke 5:21 NLT)

The beautiful thing is, Jesus was not unaware of what He had said (or unaware of the critics’ response). Indeed, I’m convinced His words were perfectly calculated and absolutely deliberate. Luke reports that…

Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” (Luke 5:22-24 NLT)

“I’ll do,” Jesus says, “what seems more difficult to prove I can do what is the most difficult—legitimately lay claim as God-become-flesh, with full authority to forgive humanity’s sin.”

The man, of course, gets up and walks away—body healed *and* sin forgiven. Does it get any more remarkable than that? Not the remarkable report of a paralyzed being healed…but the remarkable report of a gracious God who loves so completely and forgives so readily. That’s the really good news!

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"Fulfilled This Very Day!"

Scripture Passage

Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 4:12-17; Luke 3:23; John 4:46-54; Luke 4:16-30; Mark 1:16-20; Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:21-28; Luke 4:31-37; Mark 1:29-34; Matthew 8:14-17; Luke 4:38-41; Mark 1:35-39; Luke 4:42-44; Matthew 4:23-25

Scripture Focus

“The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” (Luke 4:21 NLT)

Observation

Settling on a “scripture focus” was a slam dunk for me today—I love the moment recorded for us in Luke 4. Very early in His ministry, Jesus visits the synagogue in His hometown of Nazareth, and is given the opportunity to read the Scripture for the day. Instead of reading the prescribed Scripture, however…

He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:

“The Spirit of the LORD is upon me,
     for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
     that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free,
     and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.
                                            (Luke 4:17-19 NLT)

The quote is from Isaiah 61:1-2—a section of Scripture full of the promises of God regarding the future of His people. Even today, Isaiah 61 is generally understood to refer to an age yet to come—that was certainly the common understanding in Jesus’ day. And yet, after reading the Scripture from Isaiah, Jesus makes this remarkable statement:

“The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” (Luke 4:21 NLT)

"This very day!" There’s no way there’s enough space here to detail all the implications that stir in my heart when I read this passage, but the bottom line is, Jesus declares that everything God has promised about His future eternal reign has been initiated through Jesus’ presence on earth—that our promised future has already begun to invade the here-and-now in the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth!  This invasion is evidenced when the the captive are released, the blind see, the oppressed are set free and the poor celebrate "good news!"  Jesus' ministry testifies that Heaven has invaded Earth!

I’d further argue that the invasion of eternity into this present age continues today through the church, filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit (who is Himself eternal)—that through the presence of the Holy Spirit within us today, the church can live a present expression of our promised future in Christ.

I dare you to ponder that a bit today, as I will do. I’m not suggesting the Kingdom of Heaven is by any means present already “in full measure”—but Jesus’ announcement is quite clear: The Kingdom is most definitely already present. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” (Luke 4:21 NLT)  How will the presence of the Kingdom be evidenced through you today?

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"Filled With Joy At His Success"

Scripture Passage

John 3-4:45; Luke 3:19-20

Scripture Focus

It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. (John 3:29 NLT)

Observation

I seem to be quite taken with John the Baptist these days. Our readings are filled with wonderful reports of the early days of Jesus’ earthly ministry—today in particular there are reports of two remarkable conversations. First, there’s Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus. How quickly—abruptly, really—Jesus gets to the point with Nicodemus: “Unless you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3 NLT). What a powerful declaration! And I love the life lessons in Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman. He could have spoken with her about a dozen points of brokenness in her life, and the one thing He prioritizes is worship “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). “True worship,” wrote Robert Webber, “sets the world in order.” In other words, get worship right—“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30 NIV)—and everything else comes together. Good truth there.

But the thing that captures my attention today is John’s attitude towards Jesus’ growing body of followers. I’m a competitive guy by nature—not, perhaps, so much as I used to be, but competitive still. And I confess—my life is tied so closely to my ministry, and I want to be the best at what I do. Ultimately that sometimes translates to “I want to pastor a bigger, better church than anyone else.” What starts as a pure motive of wanting to serve well and lead well and make a genuine, Spirit-empowered difference in people’s lives gets twisted by a competitive nature not always inclined to celebrate the success of others.

But John seems to have worked through that. John’s ministry is shrinking, while Jesus’ ministry seems to glow with the kind of life and vitality that produces bountiful growth. And John says what? “I am filled with joy at his success” (John 3:29 NLT).

And so I pray…

“Sometimes, Lord, I’m able to celebrate the success of others…but not always. Give me a heart more like John the Baptist’s—a heart more intent on the advance of your Kingdom than the ‘success’ of my life. Let me be ‘filled with joy’ at Kingdom advance, whenever and however it comes.”

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"The Scriptures Also Say..."

Scripture Passage

Mark 1:12-13; Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-15; John 1:19-2:25

Scripture Focus

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the LORD your God.’” (Luke 4:12 NLT)

Observation

The Biblical record of Christ’s temptation tells us a number of things. It tells us, for example, that not every season of testing means I’ve failed in some way. Rather, such may be God’s way of preparing to launch me into some new or more significant ministry opportunity. Jesus was “led by the Spirit” into the wilderness specifically so that, having been tested, the Father might release Him into public ministry.

The temptations that Jesus faced tell us something about all those temptations which are “common to man” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Every temptation Jesus faces amounts to a “dethroning” of God and a coronation of self as king. Sometimes the goal even seems to be good and the means to be justifiable, but Jesus’ response to every temptation reminds us that even our best plans…our best solutions…our best ideas need to be brought into submission under God’s authority. There is but one God, and He alone is to be worshiped and served.

Most of all, today, I’m struck by Jesus’ use of Scripture to counter Satan’s use of Scripture as a tool in temptation. “Hey,” I’m reminded, “any ol’ devil can quote Scripture—doesn’t mean they’re quoting it aright! Doesn’t mean whatever application or challenge they’re spouting off is something I should uncritically embrace!” Not everything wrapped in the language of God’s Word really expresses the heart of God. Sometimes that seems obvious (a la a certain local family known nationally for protests *they* believe are based in Scripture). At other times—well, let's just say the Devil is the best at subtle deception.

The challenge, it seems to me, is not just to know the Scriptures, but to know the God of the Scriptures—to know Him better and better—and to thereby understand His Word better and better! I’m not writing about “better Bible study techniques” or even “the application of a consistent Biblical hermeneutic” (those two things are really the same thing—I just paid a lot of money to learn to say the second)—I’m really just talking about knowing Jesus better. I love the way Eugene Peterson translates Jesus’ words to the Pharisees in John 5:39…

"You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you'll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me!” (John 5:39 MSG)

I understand that people study the Scriptures to know Jesus better.  Rightly so!  I also understand that the better I know Jesus, the better I understand His Word.  I’m longing for that today—to know and apply Scripture with wisdom, not because I could out-argue the Devil, but because I know the Author of Life—"the Way, the Truth, and the Life"—who fuels my soul.

***

"Plain-Spoken, Wasn't He?"

Scripture Passage

Matthew 2:1-23; Luke 2:41-52; Mark 1:2-8; Matthew 3:1-12; Luke 3:1-18; Mark 1:9-11; Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-22

Billy Sunday, another plain-spoken evangelist

Scripture Focus

“You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.” (Matthew 3:7-8 NLT)

Observation

There’s a lot to like—and plenty to ponder—in today’s reading. I’m amazed that Herod’s wise men could easily pinpoint the location of Jesus’ birth (Matthew 2:5-6) yet still either (1) miss everything else the Scriptures prophesied about Christ or (2) perhaps see all that, too, and *still* remain blind to who Jesus was and what He came to do.

I’m impressed with Joseph—a pre-Pentecost charismatic (by that I simply mean, “Wow, he was really open to revelation from the Holy Spirit, wasn’t he?”)—who had the spiritual sensitivity to understand the leading of the Spirit through God-given dreams.

But I especially like John the Baptist, who knew his role was to introduce the Messiah, not to *be* the Messiah…and who apparently never minced words with anyone! To the religious dignitaries of his day, John proclaimed…

“You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.” (Matthew 3:7-8 NLT)

God didn’t wire me quite like John the Baptist, so I can’t imagine ever genuinely speaking with such vitriol—especially to someone I hoped to see converted! John (I’m inclined to think) wouldn’t go too far in today’s politically correct world.

But that’s pretty much the point, actually. John seemed to have very little (read “no”) interest in “going far” in this world. John had his eyes on another world, on a higher purpose. About his life and his relationship to Christ, John said simply, “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30 NIV). No wonder John did not hesitate to speak the truth.

I won’t necessarily declare the truth the way John did—but I pray I say it still—always, and in every situation, with all the integrity of heart that John evidences here. “Today, Lord, let my life reflect all of who you are!”

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"Filling Your Own Shoes...and No One Else's!"

Scripture Passage

Luke 1:39-80; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-40

Scripture Focus

“And you, my little son,
     will be called the prophet of the Most High,
     because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
You will tell his people how to find salvation
     through forgiveness of their sins.
                                     (Luke 1:76 NLT)

Observation

The celebrative, prophetic declarations of both Mary and Zechariah in Luke 1 are simply wonderful pronouncements. (Elizabeth’s greeting to Mary deserves at least an honorable mention, as well!) Both Mary (pregnant with Jesus) and Zechariah (the father of the newborn we now call “John the Baptist”) rehearse the fact that both John and Jesus are born to fulfill God’s covenant promise to Abraham. And Mary and Zechariah both recognize how this seals the fate of all God’s enemies and (therefore) the enemies of God’s people.

I love the way they latch on to God’s promises with their words. I love the prophetic spirit in which they take hold of what God has promised and announce it as if it’s done! Listen to what Mary says, for example…

He has brought down princes from their thrones
     and exalted the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
     and sent the rich away with empty hands.
                                     (Luke 1:52-53 NLT)

The Christ-child has not even been born yet, but Mary already speaks in the past tense—“He has brought down princes…He has filled the hungry!” Zechariah’s language is the same.

And Zechariah goes one step further (I’m not sure that’s the exact way to phrase it, but…). Zechariah—for all his excitement over the birth of John—does not place John in any higher role than God intends, but recognizes that the boy will only point to the Savior and the way to be saved.

“And you, my little son,
     will be called the prophet of the Most High,
     because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
You will tell his people how to find salvation
     through forgiveness of their sins.
                                      (Luke 1:76 NLT)

How magnificent to know God’s role…and better still to fill it—to “…not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you” (Romans 12:3).

“Today, Lord, may I do all yet only what is mine to do…to see what the Father is doing and do that alone.”

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"Like Facets on a Diamond"

Scripture Passage

Mark 1:1; Luke 1:1-4; John 1:1-18; Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38; Luke 1:5-38

Scripture Focus

No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us. (John 1:18 NLT)

Observation

I’m sure I heard a collective sigh of relief this morning as we arrived together at New Testament readings. Still, aren’t you glad you’ve read through the Old Testament this year? Didn’t you learn some things—think some things—find yourself challenged by some things you hadn’t learned/thought/been challenged by before? Bottom line, without the Old Testament, the New has no history—no roots. Absent what we learn in the Old Testament, the New would make no sense. Jesus, I suppose, could simply appear and announce, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me” (as he does in Luke 4:18) but what significance would it have without all the history that surrounded Isaiah’s utterance of those words centuries earlier? Thank God for the whole of Scripture!

On a slightly different note I must give my opinion that the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are perhaps the worst books of Scripture to read chronologically. Don’t misunderstand me—I value highly the chronological reading of Scripture. It really helps me put things in perspective. The gospels, however, are literature of a unique kind. We sometimes describe them as the story (the history) of the life of Christ, but they’re not history the way we usually think of it. The specifics of dates and sequence are not nearly as important to the gospel writers as they might be to a Western-mindset, 21st century American. No one followed Jesus around journaling his life into a logbook or twittering His activities in real-time. Rather, after the fact—specifically, years after the fact—it occurred to people that they should put in writing the stories they’d been re-telling (oral history) about the life of Jesus of Nazareth who (as it turns out) was “the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Matthew 16:16 NIV).

Each gospel reflects, then, that it was compiled from those kinds of sources—*and* reflects each gospel writer’s unique perspective on Jesus. That’s why there are four gospels in Scripture instead of just one—each gives us a different glimpse of Christ and His unique mission in the world. To chop ‘em up and then put ‘em back together as one long chronological account risks losing the uniqueness of each particular gospel.

Knowing that going in, however, gives us the opportunity to look for the differences in the gospel accounts and discover in those differences clues about the specific interests and purpose of each gospel writer. The gospels (someone once said) are something like the facets on a diamond—each revealing the beauty of the remarkable stone in a different light.  Mark, for example, begins directly and succinctly with the appearance of John the Baptist. Matthew begins directly with a stylized genealogy from Abraham to Christ, while Luke begins with a formal prologue and doesn’t introduce a genealogy until chapter 3. John doesn’t include a genealogy at all, but rather employs the language of Greek philosophy to express the wonder of the pre-existent Christ! Noting those differences as we read a chronological account will point us towards a better understanding of each gospel as unique and necessary in its own right.

So that’s my verbose and lengthy encouragements as we begin the New Testament. Specifically as we read the gospels chronologically, don’t neglect what’s unique about each gospel to itself. Rather, look in those differences for what each uniquely brings to the table about our Savior. He has revealed God to us. (John 1:18 NLT)

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"Questions For God"

Scripture Passage

Malachi 2:10-4:6; Joel 1-3:21

Scripture Focus

“Why doesn’t the LORD accept my worship?” (Malachi 2:14 NLT)

“How have we wearied him?” (Malachi 2:17 NLT)

“Where is the God of justice?” (Malachi 2:17 NLT)

“‘How can we return when we have never gone away?” (Malachi 3:7 NLT)

“When did we ever cheat you?” (Malachi 3:8 NLT)

“What have we said against you?” (Malachi 3:13 NLT)

“What’s the use of serving God?” (Malachi 3:14 NLT)

Observation

What a bunch of hooey from arrogant people who need to experience the Lord’s rebuke! As I started writing this post, I thought that I might copy and paste every interrogation of God offered by Israel in today’s reading and simply note that there were even more from yesterday’s reading. After seven accusatory questions from today’s reading alone, I decided I’d had enough. These are (I’ll say again) arrogant people who deserve nothing less than a swift kick from God Himself.

The thing is, with no change of heart, they’ll get it. Chapter 3 opens with a wonderful promise of the Lord’s return—

“Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. (Malachi 3:1 NLT)

But when He comes, everything won’t be “coming up roses” like these folks perhaps presume. They won’t be backing God in the corner, barking out questions He finds difficult to answer. Rather…

Who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes. (Malachi 3:2 NLT)

I’m suggesting with these notes that a lot of people who think God owes them answers today will find the roles reversed on that day. I’ve had a few questions for God now and then. Indeed, I’ve got a few today. But I think in light of today’s reading, maybe I’m going to go re-think how important those questions really are. At this moment, I’m guessing on that day, they won’t seem all that powerful, huh?

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"Rockin' the Whole City!"

Scripture Passage

Nehemiah 12:27-13:6; Nehemiah 5:14-19; Nehemiah 13:7-31; Malachi 1-2:9

Scripture Focus

The two choirs that were giving thanks…played and sang loudly under the direction of Jezrahiah the choir director. (Nehemiah 12:40, 42 NLT)

Observation

Yesterday I complained of “slim pickin’s”—a paucity of inspiring thoughts arising as I read the Scriptures. Today seems the opposite. (Yeah, I know—might have a lot more to do with me than with the Scriptures, huh?) What a great couple of passages, ripe with “jumping off” points for consideration! Working backwards from the end to the beginning…

Malachi is always an intriguing book. Basically, God has some charges to bring against his people, but to me, the response of the people is as telling as the charges. Every challenge God brings gets answered with “What?!? How?!? Who?!? Us?!?” Israel acts like an egocentric toddler (or teenager, perhaps)—too busy defensively arguing their innocence that they did *nothing* to give any real consideration to the Lord’s rebuke.

Nehemiah’s strong actions in light of (1) intermarriage among the people (again), (2) the abuse of the Sabbath, and (3) Tobiah’s use of sacred space as a personal mini-storage makes me smile. I’ll just say it—we like the strong leadership we read about in the Bible, but we’d never tolerate such actions in today’s church. We expect our pastors/leaders to hold their tongues and watch their tempers. The truth is, I think demanding such false perfection costs the church more than she gains.  Every winning team lets the coach demand the best, even if he sometimes rants and raves to get it.

Mostly, though, I love the way the people celebrate the dedication of the Temple. Some of that’s because I love music—and I love the thought of antiphonal choirs circling the city until they meet in what had to be a rockin’ expression of praise to Jehovah! God deserves to be celebrated with all we’ve got—and it sounds like He received the praise on that day that He’s worthy of every day.

That celebration is a good reminder for me, too. I’m not too good at celebrating. I can critique what went wrong all day long, but it’s pretty rare for me to jump for joy with how well something went. This dedication of the city walls of Jerusalem challenges me (as have some other conversations and exhortations lately) to look for milestones to celebrate. Life isn’t all about correcting what’s imperfect—sometimes it ought to be about celebrating what’s good.

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"Slim Pickin's"

Scripture Passage

Nehemiah 11:1-12:26; 1 Chronicles 9:1-34

Slim Pickens

Scripture Focus

The leaders of the people were living in Jerusalem, the holy city. A tenth of the people from the other towns of Judah and Benjamin were chosen by sacred lots to live there, too, while the rest stayed where they were. And the people commended everyone who volunteered to resettle in Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 11:1-2 NLT)

Observation

I confess—at first glance today’s reading seems like “slim pickin’s” to me—no, not "Pickens" the actor but "pickin's"—the factor! I’ve concluded that I’m a much bigger fan of “Bible stories” than Bible facts and figures. Still, today’s reading gives some interesting insight into the challenges of repopulating Jerusalem as the renewed city begins to take shape. Apparently, though the Temple has been rebuilt and the walls have been restored, the people have been slow to relocate!

I can understand! People have “lives”—places they live…communities they call home. However dire the circumstances at home and however promising the opportunities elsewhere, most people are understandably reluctant to walk away from what they know toward something so unknown. In this case, the generally dismal conditions at Jerusalem would have made such a move even more difficult. Even given the work on the Temple and the city walls, Jerusalem remained far removed from the glory days she had known under Solomon. Still, people did come—some encouraged to do so having been chosen by lot, and others who simply volunteered.

Meditating on this a bit challenges me to consider whether I’m really as “in charge” of my life as I think—or if I should be! As to the first possibility…here are people whose entire existence has been directed for them by forces beyond their own control (with the same having been true for their parents). I’m confident Nebuchadnezzar didn’t bother asking about any preferences when he carted the Israelites off to Babylon! And no Israelite freed himself or herself from Babylonian captivity. They were only allowed to return home at the decree of Cyrus, King of Persia. Given the liberties I happen to enjoy as a 21st century American, still, it’s a bit myopic to presume my life is my own to direct as I wish. The fact is, all of that could change at any moment and (don’t misread this—I’m not a gloom-and-doom guy, but) I probably need to loosen my grip on this deceptive sense of autonomy.

Besides (and beyond) all that—my life is not my own, anyway, is it? And in that sense, my life—fully submitted to Christ—is wonderfully far beyond the reach of even kings and despots who may think by decree they’ve directed my days. My life belongs to the One who is King over all kings and Lord over all lords. Therefore I should know this: Every external force impacting my life does so only in submission to God’s sovereignty and through the filter of God’s care. And I should do this: Recognize those deceptive internal impulses to choose my own days and my own ways and continually bring myself into full submission to my King.

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"Gracious and Merciful!"

Scripture Passage

Nehemiah 8:13-10:39

Scripture Focus

But in your great mercy, you did not destroy them completely or abandon them forever. What a gracious and merciful God you are! (Nehemiah 9:31 NLT)

Observation

What a powerful recital of Israel’s history with God—and what a wonderful testimony to God’s abounding grace!

Continuing in the renewal of their covenant agreement with God, the Israelites have gathered for the reading of Scripture and responded to that Word in corporate confession of sin and the worship of God. As part of their time together, the Levites lead the people in a public declaration of Israel’s common history as the people of God.

And a complete and telling history it is. Every wart and pimple in Israel’s history is declared—the many ways they ignored God’s gracious redemptive acts again and again. Their failures were manifold, and their continued neglect of both gracious invitations to repent and strong warnings of judgment to come cannot be understood as anything less than absolute rebellion. The Levites summarize God's response to all this:

But in your great mercy, you did not destroy them completely or abandon them forever. What a gracious and merciful God you are! (Nehemiah 9:31 NLT)

I echo that declaration today. I’m quite aware of many, many times I have ignored God’s voice, chosen my own path, lived neglecting His invitations and warnings—and I’m quite sure I deserve patience from God no more than did the Israelites. But, like Israel, I find that God has not destroyed me completely or abandoned me forever. And so I say with Israel…

What a gracious and merciful God you are! (Nehemiah 9:31)

***

"Let's Hear It For..."

Scripture Passage

Nehemiah 7:4-8:12

Scripture Focus

They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage. (Nehemiah 8:8 NLT)

Observation

Let’s hear it for expository teachers/preachers of God’s Word! The people of God have been exiled and then repatriated to their homeland. They have a history as God’s holy people, but their life experience has been in Babylon. Now, in the new-again context of Jerusalem under reconstruction, they are in need of someone who cannot only read to them the Word of God, but also clearly explain the meaning of what is being read. The Levites rise to the occasion.

The Israelites' condition is my condition. Where would I be without the gifted teachers and preachers and wise fellow-believers who have poured their understanding into my life?

Let’s hear it for the written Word of God! Israel needed that written record of their history as God’s people and His covenant with them—and so do I. Where would I be without the dedicated scribes who meticulously copied God’s word in the centuries before Gutenberg? Where would I be without the scholars who’ve diligently studied and carefully translated ancient manuscripts so that I have a readily accessible, more easily understandable, personal copy of the Scriptures?

Let’s hear it for enthusiastic, receptive listeners! Listeners like the Israelites in Nehemiah 8, who welcome the proclaimed word of God so eagerly and with such sensitivity that they’re moved to tears at the reading and proclamation of it.

Let’s hear it for Sunday mornings in my world—when all of these rich elements come together for a glorious day in the Lord!

***

"Sorry--Can't Be There"

Scripture Passage

Nehemiah 3:1-7:3

Scripture Focus

“I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?” (Nehemiah 6:3 NLT)

Observation

Do you ever have one of those passages where you know a “favorite verse” is coming…you tell yourself to stay open-hearted to anything else the Lord might want to show you…but when you get there (to that favorite verse)—well, there it is again, and there’s nothin’ better?

I feel that way about today’s reading from Nehemiah. What a great passage—what a remarkable leader Nehemiah was. What organizational skills he displayed (brilliantly scoping out the need in advance, assigning each family responsibility for their own section of the wall, etc.)—what team-building abilities, calling every family to mutual responsibility and mutual justice. But the verse that’s been my favorite from this passage for a long time is Nehemiah 6:3.

Because of the progress being made on the walls—because threats and propaganda have not stopped it—Nehemiah’s enemies invite him to a meeting. Probably it’s a plot against his life. At the least, it’s an unnecessary and unproductive interruption. To the invitation, Nehemiah replies…

“I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?” (Nehemiah 6:3 NLT)

Here it is, bottom line: Oh, that we would be engaged in a great work—and so committed to the task…so sure of its significance and our calling…that we would consistently say “no” to the Enemy’s distracting invitations! Oh, that our consistent response to detours and diversions would equal Nehemiahs—“I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come.”

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"Desperate Times, Desperate Measures"

Scripture Passage

Ezra 9-10:44; Nehemiah 1-2:20

Scripture Focus

When these things had been done, the Jewish leaders came to me and said, “Many of the people of Israel, and even some of the priests and Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the other peoples living in the land. They have taken up the detestable practices of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites." (Ezra 9:1 NLT)

Observation

The events of the closing chapters of Ezra militate against 21st century American sensibilities. In short, the people of God have intermarried with “the other peoples living in the land” (9:1) and the solution adopted for this “inter-marrying” problem is divorce. In our hearts, it’s difficult to reconcile this with what the Scriptures say elsewhere about divorce and with our own sense of “fair play”. “Hey,” we say, “people make mistakes, but surely you don’t dissolve a marriage because the person you married isn’t a full-blooded Jew!”

I’m not really writing to justify Ezra’s actions here (and the truth is—read carefully—this “divorce” solution really wasn’t Ezra’s suggestion anyway, but came, rather, from the people themselves—cf. 10:2). …I’m not really writing to justify Ezra’s actions but please note these mitigating factors:

1. These offenses had been committed not by just “anybody” but by “exiles”—those who had been taken to Babylon and had now returned to Jerusalem to rebuild God’s city as God’s people (10:6). This divine task to which they had enjoined themselves called for significant accountability and unblemished testimony.

2. The issue was not just marriage to “foreign” women, but marriage to “pagan” women (as the NLT rightly translates)—women who specifically had not converted to Judaism, but rather had encouraged (won’t say “caused”—that's too strong) their husbands to take up “the detestable practices of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites” (9:1).

3. This was a leadership/direction issue. Though the percentage of people involved was small overall (0.4%), the problems were predominant among the leaders (0.3% among the laity, 2.2% among the gatekeepers, but 8.1% among the Levites). (Stats from the Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary)

4. As I read the passage, no man was obligated to divorce his spouse. Rather, any man could remain married to his spouse if he were simply willing to forfeit the privileges of God’s covenant with Israel (10:8). I understand that’s really not “simple”, but there’s a very real sense in which that sounds completely fair to me. “Here’s what the covenant calls for—you in or out?”

5. Most interesting, I think, is how easily we shrink back from the strength of action taken here but fail to show equal concern for what’s plain in Scripture. Should we not be at least as shocked at the clear violation of God’s covenant as we are by the corrective measures taken? Consider this response…

“Then all who trembled at the words of the God of Israel came and sat with me,” Ezra says, “because of this outrage committed by the returned exiles” (9:4). What evidence is there that we tremble at the words of God?

“And I sat there utterly appalled until the time of the evening sacrifice” (9:4). What appalls us? Is it possible that we ought to be more appalled at our own sinfulness than at people renewing their covenant with God at whatever costs? “What good will it be," Jesus asked, "for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26 NIV)

Ezra 9-10 are not easy chapters to read, but a deeper consideration makes these verses more palatable and my own callousness and casualness toward God's Word so much less so.

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"Out on a Limb"

Scripture Passage

Ezra 4:7-23; Ezra 7:1-8:36

Scripture Focus

For I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to accompany us and protect us from enemies along the way. After all, we had told the king, “Our God’s hand of protection is on all who worship him, but his fierce anger rages against those who abandon him.” (Ezra 8:22 NLT)

Observation

Ezra has himself in a bit of a pickle—but a self-imposed and wonderful pickle! He’s received from King Artaxerxes permission and provision to return to Jerusalem to continue the task of rebuilding the city (with Ezra’s primary focus on renewing sound instruction in the Law of God).

The distance between Babylon and Jerusalem was about 500 miles as the crow flies, but the available route meandered some 900 miles. The trip was difficult and dangerous under any circumstances, but this travel was complicated by the presence of children. (If you’ve ever traveled with kids, you know what I'm sayin' there.) And perhaps more significant, the group would be traveling with considerable valuables, including…

24 tons of silver,
7,500 pounds of silver articles,
7,500 pounds of gold,
20 gold bowls, equal in value to 1,000 gold coins,
2 fine articles of polished bronze, as precious as gold.
                                              (Ezra 8:26-27)

Obviously, this caravan was at significant risk of being robbed!

But Ezra has already boasted to King Artaxerxes—“Our God’s hand of protection is on all who worship him,” so Artaxerxes was (rightfully) “ashamed to ask the king for [protection] from enemies along the way” (Ezra 8:22 NLT). Ezra’s boast about his God had put him in a tight spot, where risky-but-faith-based action was now required.

I understand the dangers in promoting Ezra’s actions as something grand that everyone should immediately duplicate in some fashion. I’ve seen plenty of folks presume and proclaim what God was going to do while (in my imagination) God looked down from heaven saying, “What?!? I never said any such thing!” (Indeed, it’s my contention that God gets plenty of blame for stuff He’s got nothing to do with and very little credit for so much He’s right in the middle of!)

Still (as I heard someone say recently)—How risk averse we are! How afraid of failure! How unwilling to dare! What might our claims be in the name of God if we trusted that “our God’s hand of protection is on all who worship him”? In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego take it a step further—

"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:17-18 NIV)

I’m thinking most of us could dare to push the envelope a little bit—maybe even a lot—further than we do now. As the Apostle Paul says twice in his letter to the Corinthians, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:31, 2 Corinthians 10:17 NIV) So what "in the Lord" boast might you be challenged to make today?

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"Divine Reversals"

Scripture Passage

Esther 5:1-10:3

("Impossible?")

Scripture Focus

On that same day King Xerxes gave the property of Haman, the enemy of the Jews, to Queen Esther. (Esther 8:1 NLT)

Observation

Pick most any verse in the reading for today’s “Scripture focus”—it’s all about divine reversals. The plot, full of delightful twists and turns, is too complex to summarize in a brief paragraph or two, but the bottom line is that throughout the book of Esther, moments that seemed the sure end of Mordecai, of Esther, and of the Jews as a people were one-by-one completely reversed by the hand of God.

The same thing was true a few days ago when we read Ezra’s account of Tattenai, the Persian governor who sought to halt the reconstruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. All of it points to God’s marvelous ability to reverse any situation.

It seems to me today that I can attempt to summarize what’s already been declared, or simply repeat what’s wonderfully obvious: Nothing is to difficult for our God. No circumstance is irreversible, no challenge unmeet-able, no obstacle un-conquerable.

And so I dare to look at my life again and ask, “Where have I given up on God? Where in my life have I decided there’s no hope? Are my circumstances…are my challenges…more imposing than those faced by God’s people in these passages? Is Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever? Then perhaps today is the day I should once again ask for what seems impossible to men.” Why?

"What is impossible with men is possible with God."
                                            (Luke 18:27 NIV)

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"The Best Place in the Harem"

Scripture Passage

Ezra 6:14-22; Ezra 4:6; Esther 1-4:17

Scripture Focus

…he moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem. (Esther 2:9 NLT)

Observation

There’s so much to love about the book of Esther. One of my favorite verses is Esther 4:14—“Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” That verse speaks so powerfully to the providence of God and our divine appointments as opportunities to serve Him. I’m focusing today, however, on a different verse.

Esther enters the story of the book that bears her name when she’s rounded up as part of a national “beauty contest” of sorts. It’s delightful how the story ends, but it’s troubling if we pause to think honestly about how the story begins.

King Xerxes’ attendants are searching the empire “to find beautiful young virgins for the king” (2:1). Esther is one of a number of young ladies—scores, maybe hundreds…the text is not specific—brought to the fortress of Susa to be prepared for what is essentially a one-night stand with the king. I’m sure by the standards of the day, the treatment they received really was “royal”, and the treatment Esther receives is better than all the rest! The Bible says that Hegai (the king’s attendant in charge of the harem)…

“…was very impressed with Esther and treated her kindly. He quickly ordered a special menu for her and provided her with beauty treatments. He also assigned her seven maids specially chosen from the king’s palace, and he moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem.” (Esther 2:9 NLT)

The treatment Esther received was the best—but still, isn’t there something a bit ironic (not sure that’s the exact word I’m after) about having “the best place in the harem”? The beauty of the story is that God had something better in mind than “the best place in the harem” could ever supply!

When—to everyone else—Esther was simply a commodity to be processed and used (dress it up however you want—that’s what it was), to God she was a daughter to be given purposeful and history-altering opportunity! She was someone precious in His sight whose purpose was far greater than satisfying the kings of this world.

I’m trying to be discreet in what I write and in my choice of words, but I must declare—whatever “best” this present age offers doesn’t hold a candle to the value each of us has to our Heavenly Father (who always sees our true worth) and to the plans and purpose He holds for us. I encourage you—as I encourage myself—don’t settle for less!

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"Thirty Pieces of Silver"

Scripture Passage

Zechariah 9:1-14:21

Scripture Focus

And I said to them, “If you like, give me my wages, whatever I am worth; but only if you want to.” So they counted out for my wages thirty pieces of silver. (Zechariah 11:12 NLT)

Observation

I think “remarkable” has become my favorite word for describing Scripture. What a remarkable passage today! These promises of restoration given by Zechariah are laden with prophetic declarations regarding Jesus of Nazareth—it’s remarkable!

One of the most interesting chapters is Zechariah 11. Zechariah is called on to play the role of a good shepherd rejected by his sheep—an oppressed flock intended for slaughter. But rather than welcoming and responding to his care, he was hated by the sheep and dismissed as their shepherd. So the shepherd asks for his severance pay:

And I said to them, “If you like, give me my wages, whatever I am worth; but only if you want to.” So they counted out for my wages thirty pieces of silver. (Zechariah 11:12 NLT)

I mean, c’mon. Can anything…could any words…be more prophetically powerful than these? I don’t see how. But more words could add to the marvel of it all, so read the next verse:

And the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—this magnificent sum at which they valued me! So I took the thirty coins and threw them to the potter in the Temple of the LORD. (Zechariah 11:13 NLT)

Over 500 years before the fact, Zechariah prophetically announces the rejection of Jesus by His own, the price paid for the betrayal, and the disposition of the funds involved.

It’s more than just an interesting tidbit of history. This is one of hundreds of prophecies—several others are included in this very passage—specifically fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ of God. And it does more than “only” affirm that Jesus was indeed Son of God and Savior of the world. These prophetic declarations announce that long before I was conceived, God sacrificially planned for my redemption. Neither my life nor yours is an afterthought. The God who cared enough to purposefully and intentionally plan for our redemption has just as assuredly planned purposefully and intentionally for all our days—including this one.

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"Right Ritual..Or Just 'Right'?"

Scripture Passage

Zechariah 6:1-15; Ezra 5:3-6:14; Zechariah 7-8:23

Scripture Focus

“This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. And do not scheme against each other.” (Zechariah 7:9-10 NLT)

Observation

I love today’s reading from Ezra—enemies of God’s people are determined to halt the construction of the temple. Instead, they end up being ordered to help—with construction costs, the supply of sacrificial offerings to Yahweh, and even a meals per diem for the priests! Wow…

But the thing that’s captured my attention is the discussion in Zechariah 7 between the people of Bethel and the prophet himself. They’ve sent representatives with a question: “Should we continue to mourn and fast each summer on the anniversary of the Temple’s destruction, as we have done for so many years?” (Zechariah 7:3 NLT)

“We’ve been observing a day of remembrance because of the destruction of the Temple. Now it’s rebuilt. Do we keep up with the observance?” (My paraphrase)

The question, essentially, is “Are we doing the ritual right?” And Zechariah’s answer, essentially, is “Are you doing ‘right’ right?”

“This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. And do not scheme against each other.” (Zechariah 7:9-10 NLT)

His words remind me of those of Isaiah when addressing this very issue *before* the destruction of the Temple.

“[6] Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? [7] Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? [8] Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.” (Isaiah 58:6-8 NIV)

I find all this a particularly interesting interchange one day after 9-11 observances all across America during a season of significant political turmoil. All the rhetoric is fine, I suppose (he writes, believing really that it isn’t)…but all the rhetoric in the world won’t accomplish God’s purpose—

“Are you doing ‘right’ right?”

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"When 'Get To Work!' Sounds Good"

Scripture Passage

Haggai 2:1-9; Zechariah 1:1-6; Haggai 2:10-19; Ezra 5:2; Haggai 2:20-23; Zechariah 1:7-5:11

Scripture Focus

"Does anyone remember this house—this Temple—in its former splendor? How, in comparison, does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing at all! But now the LORD says: Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you, says the LORD of Heaven's Armies." (Haggai 2:3-4 NLT)

Observation

Just a day or two ago I wrote regarding the mixed emotions experienced by the people of God as the foundation for the Temple was re-laid in Jerusalem. There was “delightful joy over a new beginning mixed with the sorrowful sense of loss over what was missed and can never be recovered.”

Amazing to me that today God addresses those very emotions. He acknowledges the sense of loss His people experienced, but addresses that loss with a great promise made to Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and all the people still left in the land.

“Get to work, for I am with you.” (Haggai 2:4 NLT)

And then, through His prophet Haggai, God expands on His promise in wonderful, gracious-beyond-measure ways.

“For this is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth, the oceans and the dry land. I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will be brought to this Temple. I will fill this place with glory, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. And in this place I will bring peace. I, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!” (Haggai 2:6-9 NLT)

I don’t know how you top that. I don’t know what you can add to a promise like that made to a people who had so completely wasted every opportunity God had given them, and were now privileged by God’s grace with even another opportunity. How good God is and how gracious—not just to Israel, but to me!

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"The Reality Is..."

Scripture Passage

Daniel 10-12:13; Ezra 4:24-5:1; Haggai 1:1-15

http://www.cervantesdesign.com/

Scripture Focus

Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia.” (Daniel 10:12-13 NLT)

Observation

I am both boggled of mind and blessed of heart by today’s reading—specifically the reading from Daniel 11 and 12. Upon first reading, the language of this prophetic passage is complex and confusing, kings from the north doing battle with kings from the south (and vice versa) with no obvious identification of anyone in particular along the way. Any good Bible commentary, however, makes clear the ways in which much of this prophetic word was quite specifically fulfilled from the time of King Cyrus of Persia (whose reign began around 535 BC) through the conflicts between Jewish patriots and the Seleucids (ending around 161 BC). Even as a guy with no mind for retaining historical dates and sequences, the fulfillment of the specific prophecies detailed here is beyond remarkable. (Click here to find a good summary of the fulfillment of these prophecies.) The gears begin to shift near the end of chapter 11, and the prophecy seems to begin to address end-time events that, I’m sure, will someday be as clearly fulfilled as were the prophecies given previously.

Beyond the astonishing fulfillment of prophecy is the fascinating description of unseen spiritual authorities in Daniel 10:12-13 and 10:20-11:1. The angel who appears to Daniel (fascinating enough in and of himself) speaks of “the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia” and “the spirit prince of the kingdom of Greece” (10:20). Further, he describes how “for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked [his] way” (10:13) and describes almost a tag-team match where he was relieved in his battle by “Michael,” identified in the text as Daniel’s own “spirit prince.” Are you kiddin’ me?

I say that not to dismiss the reality of warfare in the spiritual realm but to emphasize it—to suggest that we *have* dismissed a genuine and highly significant portion of our existence. In our scientific, rationalistic, secular-logic-driven worldview, if you can’t put it under a microscope or duplicate it in a laboratory, it must not exist. "Such warfare," we say to ourselves, "might make for a good Saturday morning cartoon—hey, maybe even a full-length feature film if there's money to be made—but none of this actually has anything to do with day-to-day reality." The Scriptures matter-of-factly declare otherwise, revealing a world of spiritual authorities—authorities with territorial and/or personal assignments. Wow!

I’m out of space—my word count is excessive already. But what are you going to do with that? What am I going to do with that? How would I actually live differently if I genuinely believed what the Bible plainly reveals—not *only* the spiritual reality of “one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:6 NIV) but also (yeah, I know we can quote it, but do we believe it) the spiritual reality of “rulers…authorities…powers of this dark world…spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12 NIV). Would we pray more tenaciously? Live more confidently (knowing that His Spirit lives in us)? Believe more expectantly?

Daniel invites us again to consider the realities of our broken world—challenges greater than “just” education or medicine or modern psychology or economic renewal can address.  Daniel affirms the reality of a spiritual realm—one that beckons submission and allegiance to Jesus Christ, the only One who has overcome all darkness for all time.

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"Mixed Emotions"

Scripture Passage

Ezra 2:1-4:5, 1 Chronicles 3:19-24

Scripture Focus

…many of the older priests, Levites, and other leaders who had seen the first Temple wept aloud when they saw the new Temple’s foundation. The others, however, were shouting for joy. The joyful shouting and weeping mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance. (Ezra 3:12-13 NLT)

Observation

I know—I’ve probably already said this many times—but today’s reading involves one of the most interesting passages in all of Scripture. The first wave of exiles have returned to Jerusalem and begun the process of rebuilding. As their first order of business, they rebuild the altar and resume the daily sacrifices. As someone has said, “That’ll preach!” (If that’s not obvious, stop and think about it.) Ezra also says, “The work force was made up of everyone who had returned from exile” (Ezra 3:8 NLT). That’ll preach, too!

Next, the people re-laid the foundation of the Temple itself. When the foundation was completed, a rich celebration broke out. Not everybody, however, celebrates wholeheartedly.

…many of the older priests, Levites, and other leaders who had seen the first Temple wept aloud when they saw the new Temple’s foundation. The joyful shouting and weeping mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance. (Ezra 3:12-13 NLT)

Must’ve been an interesting scene, huh? Joyful shouting and sorrowful weeping mixed in cacophonous (always wanted to use that word) discord.

And yet—to the discerning—that’s often the mix of emotions that humanity’s brokenness and God’s graciousness produce. What’s it like when someone finally runs to Christ late in life, or perhaps only when things are so crossed up that there’s really no undoing the mess any longer? What’s it like when I run back to Christ having failed again to listen to His voice and obey His word? To those who see the big picture, it’s that interesting mix of delightful joy over a new beginning, a fresh start…mixed with a sorrowful sense of loss over what was missed, what’s gone and can never be recovered.

What glory Israel had known in earlier days! How regretful what was lost! How wonderful a new day dawning! Oh, that this side of loss…this side of regret…God’s people would chose the best path, so that the mixed emotions (and lost opportunities) of a late return to Him would never again be our experience!

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