Journey 66 -- Walking the Bible Day by Day

"Late"

2011-01-01T00:00:00.030-06:00

Hi. If you've just arrived, you're late. Journey66 was my one-year commitment to post my own journaling in response to time with God's Word so as to encourage you to journal yourself. That commitment met, I'm going a slightly different direction in my own devotional time this year. In the meantime, I'm not sure what I'll do with this blog. I may miss it more than I know and come right back. I may miss it not at all or use the space to post other items of interest. Most likely, it'll sit here a bit at least until I get caught up on some other things.

Let the record show--I've enjoyed the process deeply. Not just my own journaling, but equally the interaction we've enjoyed around the Word of God. If the stats are accurate, this blog was viewed over 7,000 times last year--small potatoes for a blog, but amazing to me. Even more startling, the blog's been accessed by people all over the United States, much of Europe, and even parts of Asia! Hard to believe for a fellow sitting at a laptop in a small Kansas village.

God's Word is, indeed, "living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12 NIV). So, of course, I encourage you to maintain daily intimacy with God and His Word.

All of last year's posts remain archived here. You can access them using the links under "Blog Archive" on the bottom half of the left-hand column. Until we meet again (and yes, of course, even after that), may God richly bless you!

***

"You're Invited"

2010-12-31T00:00:00.002-06:00

Scripture Passage

Revelation 19:1-22:21

Scripture Focus

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life. (Revelation 22:17 NLT)

Observation

I confess once more that I shrink back from the hard and fast declarations many seem willing to make about the apocalyptic visions of Revelation. The details perplex me. But the broad portrait is clear enough for anyone to comprehend.

One thing Revelation promises is justice. The outpouring of wrath recorded in Revelation is not the uncontrolled explosion of an angry god having a really bad day. Rather, it is the measured action of a righteous God who always acts justly. Even after describing quite horrifying plagues, the Scriptures make this clear declaration—“His judgments are true and just” (Revelation 19:2 NLT).

Another priority for Revelation is offering some description of the promised "new heaven and…new earth" (Revelation 21:1 NTL). John’s challenge here was significant—how do you describe what can hardly even be imagined? The heavenly vision continues to stretch beyond the boundaries of human language. The message, however, is clear: The abode of the people of God for all eternity will be remarkable in its beauty and its righteousness.

The closing words of Revelation address a final priority—invitation.

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life (Revelation 22:17 NLT).

Could the heart of God be any clearer…any more plain? “He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent” (2 Peter 3:9 NLT). "Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink—even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk—it's all free!” (Isaiah 55:1 NLT) “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink” (Jesus—John 7:37-38 NLT).

What a way to close Holy Writ! What an expression of the heart of God! Could there be sweeter words for a world destined for painful justice apart from God’s grace? How I pray that any who read these words would embrace God’s gracious offer of life eternal!

***

"In a Single Moment"

2010-12-30T00:00:00.009-06:00

Scripture Passage

Revelation 15:1-18:24

Scripture Focus

“In a single moment it is all gone.” (Revelation 18:19 NLT)

Observation

Chapter 18 opens with a powerful angelic declaration—“Babylon is fallen—that great city is fallen!” (Revelation 18:1 NLT) As a prominent and pagan ancient city, the image of “Babylon” captures all of this world that is built on human strength, human wisdom, and human values—and likewise everything that stands opposed to God. The angelic pronouncement is clear—it’s over. “Babylon is fallen—that great city is fallen!”

The striking thing about this pronouncement is how quickly Babylon crumbles. “In a single moment” becomes a dominant phrase in the chapter. It appears in verse 10—“In a single moment God’s judgment came on you.” It appears in verse 17—“In a single moment all the wealth of the city is gone.” And it appears in verse 19—“In a single moment it is all gone” (Revelation 18:10, 17, 19 NLT).

I remember watching the collapse of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. How suddenly everything changed! How remarkably fast that which seemed an icon of strength and permanence toppled to the ground, claiming the souls of thousands in a moment. So it will be—on a much broader scale—when this pronouncement is made. “In a flash,” the Bible says, “in the twinkling of an eye” (1 Corinthians 15:52 NIV). All that once seemed so permanent and abiding will be gone.

The frail impermanence of that which seems so enduring is a most-neglected theme these days. Odd that such is the case, given how quickly everything around us is changing. But I shouldn’t be surprised—that’s exactly how Jesus described it: “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all” (Luke 17:26 NIV). Just that quickly—“in a single moment.”

***

"His Timing"

2010-12-29T00:00:00.020-06:00

Scripture Passage

Revelation 11:1-14:20

Scripture Focus

“Fear God,” he shouted. “Give glory to him. For the time has come when he will sit as judge.” (Revelation 14:7 NLT)

Observation

There’s a phrase that shows up three times in today’s reading. It captured my attention when I read it in chapter 14, verse 7…

“For the time has come…” (Revelation 14:7 NLT)

It shows up earlier in chapter 11, verse 18—“the time of your wrath has come”—and later in chapter 14, verse 15—“the time of harvest has come.” Those words affirm this reality:

For all the fanstasic imagery of these chapters…for all the questions these verses raise (and those questions they answer)…this simple phrase reminds me that all of this activity never happens by chance. Rather, everything I read in Revelation is being orchestrated by the One who holds all things in His control and who directs history to serve His purpose. My responsibility is to wait patiently for His timing to emerge.

That’s not easy—and will only grow more difficult as God’s plan unfolds. Revelation 13:10 and 14:12 both challenge believers to “endure persecution patiently,” remaining faithful while waiting for “the time” to come. All the details of how and when God’s plan unfolds are not ours to know. Elsewhere in Scripture, believers are reminded that “timing is the Father’s business” (Acts 1:7 MSG). “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority” (Acts 1:7 NIV)

What is knowable—what we can have confidence in—is this: God is so mighty…so powerful…that He “works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will” (Ephesians 1:11 NIV). Confident in that—confident in Him—I can leave the timing up to the Father and endure any wait patiently and faithfully, until that day this verse is fulfilled:

“It has come at last—
     salvation and power
and the Kingdom of our God,
     and the authority of his Christ.”
               (Revelation 12:10 NLT)

***

2010-12-25T00:00:00.033-06:00

2010-12-09T00:00:00.012-06:00

2010-11-19T00:00:00.011-06:00

Scripture Passage

1 Corinthians 4-7:40

Scripture Focus

You think you already have everything you need. You think you are already rich. You have begun to reign in God’s kingdom without us! I wish you really were reigning already, for then we would be reigning with you. Instead, I sometimes think God has put us apostles on display, like prisoners of war at the end of a victor’s parade, condemned to die. We have become a spectacle to the entire world—to people and angels alike. (1 Corinthians 4:8-9 NLT)

Observation

As 1 Corinthians opens, the Apostle Paul initiates a huge call for less arrogance and greater unity among the believers at Corinth. They’ve been (apparently) fighting amongst themselves, picking and choosing their favorite teachers in a way that diminished the value of all the others. Paul rebukes them for this and reminds that Jesus’ work on the cross is the common foundation they all share.

A sense of the Corinthians’ arrogance is revealed in chapter 4, where it’s apparent from what Paul says that these guys thought they really had the reign of God figured out and were functioning in that reign with great effectiveness. I’m narrowing in on these couple of verses because the reign of God has become so important to me in recent months. I see God’s inbreaking reign on the earth as the central theme of Christ’s ministry. I see that reign continuing to advance through a Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered church. I argue that God’s reign continues to advance today—and will through us if we’re submitted to and aware of the ongoing work of His Spirit.

But Paul’s words remind me that participating in the advancing reign of God is not the sort of “dance around the Maypole” we sometimes envision. For all their self-perceived spiritual acumen, these Corinthians—in some ways, certainly, participants in God’s advancing reign—were “missing it” on at least two counts. First, they’d lost sight of the essential connection between all believers—one body in Christ. And second, they failed to appreciate the hard labor and difficult challenges often faced by those doing genuinely Kingdom-advancing work. Paul’s list is eye opening: “Even now we go hungry and thirsty, and we don’t have enough clothes to keep warm. We are often beaten and have no home. We work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. We appeal gently when evil things are said about us. Yet we are treated like the world’s garbage, like everybody’s trash—right up to the present moment” (1 Corinthians 4:11-13 NLT).

I’m thinking, today, that kingdom advance and arrogance don't mix, that genuine kingdom advance involves an awareness of an organic connection to the body of Christ as a whole, and that authentic kingdom advance doesn't come easy—that sacrificial diligence will be the norm more than the exception.

“God, open my eyes to my own arrogance and to the reality of my interconnectedness with all believers, and strengthen my hand for the challenges of being a part of what You’re doing in my world today.”

***

"The Joke's On Me"

2010-11-18T00:00:00.023-06:00

Scripture Passage

Acts 18:24-19:20; 1 Corinthians 1-3:23

Scripture Focus

“I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” (Acts 19:15 NLT)

Observation

The story of the seven sons of Sceva is just plain funny. Sceva was a Jewish priest whose sons were traveling from town to town with a group of Jews casting out evil spirits. Because 21st century Americans generally minimize the possibility of any real impact from ongoing activity in the spiritual realm, the seriousness of their task is probably lost on us. But their contemporaries in the first century understood its significance full well! Spirits—both good and evil—were perceived to be everywhere, and had to be addressed by any and every means.

Trouble is, these seven sons were practicing a sort of “second hand” exorcism. They would command spirits “in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” (Acts 19:13 NLT) Specifically, Luke says, “They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation” (Acts 19:13 NLT). It’s clear from Luke’s description of their activities that they saw declaring the name of Jesus as something of a “magic charm.”

But torn from the context of relationship—the believer’s relationship of submission to Christ—prayers in the name of Jesus hold no more power than prayers in the name of anyone else. It is only under His authority that we find the authority to speak in His name and accomplish His works. That’s something these seven sons found out the hard way. Because “one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, ‘I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?’ [Can’t you just imagine the surprise and confusion on their faces?] Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered” (Acts 19:15-16 NLT).

But here’s the deal: We live in that relationship of submission to Christ that these men lacked (at least, I trust we do). So as sadly laughable as it may be that the seven sons of Sceva took a beating, it’s at least as sadly laughable that we—the people of God—fail so regularly to live in ways that reflect Christ’s power over evil—both the evil in our lives and the evil spirits that impact the lives of others. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father” (John 14:12 NLT). I guess until that’s reflected a little more fully in my life, the joke’s on me.

***

"A Holy Trifecta"

2010-11-17T00:00:00.003-06:00

Scripture Passage

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28; 2 Thessalonians 1-3:18; Acts 18:4-23

Scripture Focus

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT)

Observation

There’s a whole series of brief commands at the close of 1 Thessalonians, any of which would be excellent fodder for a day’s consideration. But verses 16-18 comprise a sort of holy trifecta—a trio of commands that are oft quoted and seldom obeyed! “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT).

I’m reflecting, this morning, on how every one of these commands is tied to confidence in Christ. When I’m sure that Jesus directs my steps and has just the right things planned for my life, I can always be joyful. When I’m sure He is my source of all things good—of strength for the day, hope for tomorrow, and forgiveness for yesterday—why would I ever push Him out of my mind or stop communicating? When I recognize even part of all He’s done for me, gratitude becomes the natural, even automatic, response. Jesus Christ becomes the foundation for my obedience to these commands—and I don’t obey begrudgingly, but quite naturally, because of who He is and what He’s done.

Part of me is inclined to point out how very much more difficult circumstances were for these Thessalonian believers, and therefore how much more difficult it would have been for them to obey these commands than even me. But the truth is (he writes, repeating himself), my “compliance” with these commands isn’t contingent upon the severity of my circumstances or the strength of my will. It is contingent upon my confidence in Christ. And I can be confident in Christ regardless of my context…regardless of my day or my difficulties. He is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

“Lord, let my life evidence joy, prayerfulness, and gratitude—not because of context but because of Christ!”

***

"Religious in Every Way..."

2010-11-16T00:00:00.013-06:00

Scripture Passage

Acts 17:16-18:3; 1 Thessalonians 1-5:11

Scripture Focus

So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way… (Acts 17:22 NLT)

Observation

About thirty years ago, a visionary young man named Bill Hybels launched a church near Chicago, Illinois that he designed to be—and hoped would be—a more comfortable church for the “un-churched” in his community to attend. Hybels developed several innovative approaches for his worship services, including contemporary music, the use of illustrative dramas, and messages specifically geared toward those who had not yet necessarily made a life-commitment to Jesus Christ. Since then, this strategy has been loved and embraced by many—and reviled and rejected by many others! But advocates of this “seeker-sensitive” approach often point to Paul’s ministry at Athens as a basis for their model. At Athens, Paul went into a secular environment, found a point of connection (“I notice that you are very religious in every way…”), and proceeded from there to proclaim the gospel.

Luke’s report about Athens, however, suggests that Paul’s ministry there may not have been especially effective. And from Athens, Paul travels to Corinth, a visit about which he later reported, “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you but Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2 NIV). Detractors from a seeker-sensitive approach suggest that Paul saw the error of his ways after Athens, and determined never to be drawn into any seeker-sensitive trap again!

As for me, I tend to lean towards Hybels—or at least toward Paul! (Of course, don’t we all say that?) I’m not convinced that Paul’s ministry at Athens was the failure some think it was—even if it didn’t result in the conversion of great numbers of people. Paul’s determination to know nothing but “Christ and him crucified” may have been simply a deepened resolve to know Jesus and do His will in light of the cultural challenges he faced and regardless of evident harvest. It seems to me that wherever he was, Paul offered culturally relevant (if not full-blown seeker sensitive) ministry: In the synagogue, he started with Scripture; in the marketplace, he started with cultural observations and secular poets.

I’m convinced the church must live aware of the culture(s) in which she exist(s), modeling the “alternative culture” of genuine Christian community while expressing the gospel in culturally relevant ways.

***

(If you’ve got 17 minutes and 47 seconds for a really insightful video on church and contemporary culture, click here!)

***

"Who Says? The Spirit Says!"

2010-11-15T06:43:00.000-06:00

Scripture Passage

Acts 15:22-17:15

Scripture Focus

“For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us… (Acts 15:28 NLT)

Observation

Acts 15 invites me to elevate the attention I give to the Holy Spirit. A group of church leaders have met to discuss what to expect of Gentile believers in a predominantly Jewish church. Some were convinced that any believer in Christ should be as committed to observing the Jewish laws as the Jewish believers were. Others were convinced that (while there was nothing wrong with Jews continuing to observe the law), since only Christ could save “by faith through grace,” observing the law could never be required of Gentile believers.

The question was not addressed with finality in the Scriptures as these leaders knew it (our Old Testament). Yet no decision they made would more significantly shape the future of the church. What could they do? How could such a weighty and momentous question be answered? These leaders chose to rely on the leadership of the Holy Spirit! They asked the Holy Spirit reveal truth—and they trusted Him to do so.

I’d argue that we’ve unnecessarily (and to our own detriment) minimized the authority we give the Holy Spirit to provide leadership. I’ve been gripped by words I read months ago, penned by J.W. Jones and quoted by Stephen Land:

The Spirit does not contradict the Scriptures but his job is more than just repeating what we can find by reading there… John indicated that the Lord expected the Spirit to direct the church in those areas not covered by Jesus’ teachings (John 15.7-12)… The first apostolic council went back to the Old Testament covenant with Noah but justified their decision by saying “it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us” (Acts 15.28; 11.15-17). (J.W. Jones, The Spirit and the World, quoted in Stephen J. Land, Pentecostal Spirituality)

Jones even dares to say that “the Bible has no significance when ripped from the context of the experience of the Spirit.”

Wow! Here's my conclusion (something I wrote):

"The Pentecostal leader understands that influence does not reside in skillful exegesis or articulate homiletics in and of themselves but rather in the power and glory of the God revealed by such tools—the same power and glory evident when the Church welcomes the activity of the Holy Spirit in His rightful place of authority as the Third Person of the Trinity. Though the Holy Spirit will never contradict what is revealed in Scripture, logic itself dictates a priority of submission to God the Holy Spirit over and above even submission to a divine book about the Holy Spirit."

My heart longs for a more complete appreciation for and welcoming of the activity and instruction of the Holy Spirit. In a perplexing age where not every challenge is spoken to directly by Biblical chapter and verse, we need His leadership! “Holy Spirit, you have every right to direct and instruct my life. I welcome your wisdom and give you authority today!”

***

"Achiever or Receiver? Part II"

2010-11-14T00:00:00.019-06:00

Scripture Passage

Galatians 3:24-6:18; Acts 15:1-21

Scripture Focus

You are trying to earn favor with God by observing certain days or months or seasons or years. I fear for you. (Galatians 4:10-11 NLT)

Observation

I read recently about a young actress who made boatloads of money in a series of popular movies. The thing is, she didn’t know it. While her wealth accumulated, her parents had kept her on a strict allowance of $75 a week. (Yeah, I know, $75 a week doesn’t sound too restrictive to me, either…but it’s all relative, right?) In recent days, however, the actress celebrated a key birthday and learned the details of what she possessed. She'd been completely unaware and was utterly beside herself with amazement at what was hers.

Her story parallels ours. The Apostle Paul says, “That’s the way it was with us before Christ came. We were like children; we were slaves to the basic spiritual principles of this world. But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. …Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.” (Galatians 4:3-5, 7 NLT)

The trouble is (and this is the reason Paul writes Galatians), we forget our favored status as children of God…and we forget how we received it—God’s grace! We too easily go back to attempting to “earn our place”. We miss the freedoms, privileges, and blessings that are ours simply because of who Christ is to us and what He has done for us!

“Why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world? You are trying to earn favor with God by observing certain days or months or seasons or years.” (Galatians 4:9-10 NLT)

It may not be the observance of certain days, months, seasons, or years by which we hope to gain God's favor (or it may!), but God’s favor is always His gift through Jesus Christ, never something I earn. Anytime culture, religion, or Satan himself suggests otherwise, Galatians stands against the lie.

None of this diminishes the significance of my actions (cf. Galatians 5:13). Rather, it changes the basis for my behavior. Instead of earning my favor with God through righteous living, I simply reflect through my life the relationship of favor that already exists. “So help me today, God, to live a life that reflects the grace and favor you’ve given me in Jesus Christ!”

***

"Achiever or Receiver?"

2010-11-13T00:00:00.007-06:00

"One Confirmed Dead"

2010-11-05T00:00:00.002-05:00

Scripture Passage

Mark 15:42-47; Matthew 27:57-61; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Matthew 27:62-66; Mark 16:1-8; Matthew 28:1-7; Luke 24:1-12; Mark 16:9-13; John 20:1-18; Matthew 28:8-15

Scripture Focus

The officer confirmed that Jesus was dead… (Mark 15:45 NLT)

Observation

I’m rehearsing in my heart, this morning, the reality of Jesus’ death. I understand that the point becomes the resurrection of Christ, but—hey—if Jesus didn’t really die, then Jesus wasn’t *really* resurrected!

I know that’s obvious, but I’m not convinced we take the reality of Jesus’ death seriously enough. It’s tough to—we didn’t live through the events of His death and burial. Beyond that, centuries take their toll and the vibrancy of the story wears away. On top of even that, some people (much too easily) dismiss the resurrection as a myth, a hoax, or some other form of mistake or deception.

But the Scriptures—the most verifiable of all ancient documents by any modern standard—make it clear that Jesus died. Completely. He was gone. No breath, no pulse, no sign of life—nothing but a corpse and no reason to hope that would ever be different. Pilate’s question and the officer’s response were not just casual conversation—their interaction constituted the legally binding inquiry by which Pilate was authorized to release the body of Jesus. Based on the testimony of the Roman officer, Pilate’s government certified the death of Jesus of Nazareth.

Only when we actually capture some measure of the reality of Jesus’ death will we capture some measure of the wonder of His resurrection. The closest you’ll come is if you’ve known the loss of someone dear. Imagine getting that loved one back again. Once you get past the “Wow, that’s spooky” part, can you imagine that your life would ever be the same again? I can’t.

And such was the case for those who saw, touched, and spoke with the resurrected Christ. Everything changed, because His resurrection promised their resurrection—as it does ours. “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” (Romans 8:29 NLT)

***

"What Kind of Criminal Are You?"

2010-11-04T00:00:00.003-05:00

Scripture Passage

Mark 15:21-24; Matthew 27:32-34; Luke 23:26-31; John 19:17; Mark 15:25-32; Matthew 27:35-44; Luke 23:32-43; John 19:18-27; Mark 15:33-41; Matthew 27:45-56; Luke 23:44-49; John 19:28-37

Scripture Focus

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”

But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.’ Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” (Luke 23:39-42 NLT)

Observation

Two criminals were crucified alongside Jesus at Calvary. We don’t always give them a lot of thought—indeed, we don’t know much about them, and their deaths were not especially unusual. Capital punishment was commonplace in ancient Rome.

We do know, however, that they each held different attitudes toward their own deaths and the death of Jesus. One of the criminals was caustic and sarcastic, demanding that if Jesus really were the Messiah, He should prove it by saving himself and—while he was at it—the caustic criminal, as well! The second criminal took a different bent, acknowledging the greatness and justice of God, the sinfulness of his own life, and the innocence of Christ.

Today, I’m asking myself this question: “What kind of criminal am I?” That is, with which of these two men do I most readily and consistently identify? For however others might see me, I am—in the sight of an altogether perfect, holy God—a rebel…an insurgent…and absolutely guilty of multiplied crimes against Him. The question is not my guilt or innocence—or God’s authority to judge my crimes. The question is my response to my condition. Am I arrogant and critical, casting blame on others for my status before God? Or do I readily acknowledge my sinfulness, own it as my own, and welcome as His gift of grace any deliverance He might offer?

Of course, the second course is the only effective course. As Jim Cymbala wrote in Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, “God is attracted to weakness. He can't resist those who humbly and honestly admit how desperately they need him.” Like the second criminal to address our Lord, my heart cries out, “Jesus, remember me!” (Luke 23:42 NLT) I’m grateful for our Savior’s reply—“I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43 NLT)

***

"Wimp!"

2010-11-03T00:00:00.011-05:00

"Word for the Day: Enigmatic"

2010-10-20T00:00:00.008-05:00

"Divine GPS"

2010-10-14T00:00:00.008-05:00

Scripture Passage

John 7:1-9; Luke 9:51-56; Matthew 8:18-22; Luke 9:57-62; John 7:10-8:20

Scripture Focus

“You go on. I’m not going to this festival, because my time has not yet come.” (John 7:8 NLT)

As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. (Luke 9:51 NLT)

Observation

I can’t get past the first few verses in today’s reading. The opening verses from John hint at a level of opposition to Jesus’ ministry that I don’t often think about—the scornful disbelief of Jesus’ own brothers. And yet it’s not hard to imagine. If honor is hard to come by in one’s own town (cf. Matthew 14:57), how much more is honor hard to come by in one’s own family!

The “encouragement” from Jesus’ brothers in John 7 drips with sarcasm. “Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles! You can’t become famous if you hide like this!” (John 7:3-4 NLT) Of course, Jesus’ reply has a bit of an edge, too. “Now is not the right time for me to go, but you can go anytime” (John 7:6 NLT). The difference between the brothers’ sarcasm and Jesus’ retort is that Jesus’ statement rings with truth.

Because the brothers’ lives were no more submitted to the Father’s purpose than the man on the moon, it really didn’t matter when (or whether) they traveled to Jerusalem for the festivals. Jesus, however, lived in submission to His Heavenly Father, and therefore lived a life marked and directed by the Father’s purpose. There was intentionality to Jesus’ days. There was timing to His movements.

That’s made all the more clear by the record of Luke 9. Jesus has just come down off the Mount of Transfiguration, having spoken with Moses and Elijah concerning “his departure” (Luke 9:31 NLT)—a phrase scholars take to refer to the events surrounding his death, resurrection, and ascension. Following that conversation, “Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51 NLT). That connection—that sense of intentionality and determination following such a conversation—has always fascinated me.

I’m reminded, today, that a submitted life is a purposeful life, and a life filled with purpose, then, ought to be an intentional life—that I am privileged to cooperate with what the Father is already doing…and, if my life is to count for eternity, am obligated to do so—that my resolution must be matched to His purpose and timing.

***

"Guilty as Charged"

2010-10-13T00:00:00.005-05:00

Scripture Passage

Mark 9:14-29; Matthew 17:14-21; Luke 9:37-43; Mark 9:30-32; Matthew 17:22-23; Luke 9:43-45; Matthew 17:24-27; Mark 9:33-37; Matthew 18:1-6; Luke 9:46-48; Mark 9:38-41; Luke 9:49-50; Mark 9:42-50; Matthew 18:7-35

Scripture Focus

“This kind can be cast out only by prayer.” (Mark 9:29 NLT)

Observation

Guilty as charged. That’s what I think—about myself—when I read Jesus’ indirect indictment of his disciples in Mark 9:29. Jesus, Peter, James, and John have just come down from the Mount of Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8) to the sight of the remaining disciples arguing with “some teachers of religious law” apparently because of those disciples’ inability to deliver a demon-possessed boy. (Isn’t that the way it works—great moments of spiritual delight are so often followed by some experience of utter frustration!)

Jesus takes charge, and—after a brief interaction with the boy’s father—commands the evil spirit to leave the boy. The evil spirit does leave and the boy is completely delivered.

“Afterward,” Mark says, “when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, ‘Why couldn’t we cast out that evil spirit?’ Jesus replied, ‘This kind can be cast out only by prayer’” (Mark 9:28-29 NLT).

The obvious implication is that the disciples hadn’t prayed—at least, not enough, or rightly, or…something! And neither do I, apparently. I mean, I understand that there are different gifts and callings—that perhaps my strengths won’t be found speaking deliverance to demoniacs. And at the same time, an honest guy has to ask, “Why not?” That is, read the Biblical account and tell me why it shouldn’t be within the somewhat ordinary experience of somewhat ordinary believers to see, say, Matthew 10:8 fulfilled? Or Mark 16:17-18?

I’ll say it again—some of our limited success here is that we don’t pray more because we don’t see the spiritual realities of the world we inhabit. We’d turn to medical science for a diagnosis of the cause of this boy’s condition…and we’d turn to medical science for a cure. Well and good—I get that. But for those things that medical science can’t cure (only treat), is it possible that there may be a spiritual issue at the root—something perceivable and addressable only by those who consistently walk in intimate fellowship with their Heavenly Father through prayer? Could it be that we miss that possibility because our rationalistic culture has blinded our eyes to spiritual realities? Guilty as charged.

"Everyday Opportunity"

2010-10-12T00:00:00.011-05:00

Scripture Passage

Mark 8:22-30; Matthew 16:13-20; Luke 9:18-20; Mark 8:31-9:1; Matthew 16:21-28; Luke 9:21-27; Mark 9:2-13; Matthew 17:1-13; Luke 9:28-36

Scripture Focus

From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead. (Matthew 16:21 NLT)

Observation

Today’s reading contains a most remarkable series of events. Most familiar, perhaps, is that moment when Peter declares that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16 NLT). That is, I’m convinced, the single most important issue any person will ever address—who is Jesus, exactly? A great teacher or philosopher? A miracle worker? Perhaps simply a madman spouting inconsistent babble? Or is Peter correct—is Jesus the Messiah, the Son of the living God? If Peter is correct, everything changes—everything.

It’s always been interesting to me that once the disciples have declared their understanding—once the disciples have affirmed Christ’s person and role—Jesus immediately begins to explain what this means in terms that are the opposite of what the disciples expected.

From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead. (Matthew 16:21 NLT)

Spiritual growth seems to often work like that for me. About the time I finally start to “get” something, Jesus turns it all on its head and reveals a whole new perspective I hadn’t seen or considered before. Turns out (again) that all I thought I knew about who Jesus is (surprise!) isn’t all there is to know about who Jesus is. That’s wonderful and frustrating both.

And that’s at least one part of the beauty of growing daily "in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18 NIV). I’ll never be without the opportunity for understanding better tomorrow what I already love understanding today. It's my everyday opportunity.

***

"Bad Bread"

2010-10-11T00:00:00.005-05:00

Scripture Passage

Mark 7:24-30; Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:31-37; Matthew 15:29-31; Mark 8:1-10; Matthew 15:32-16:4; Mark 8:11-21; Matthew 16:5-12

Scripture Focus

Then at last they understood that he wasn’t speaking about the yeast in bread, but about the deceptive teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (Matthew 16:12 NLT)

Observation

As testified to in today’s reading, Jesus has continued to evidence the invasion of God’s Kingdom by life-changing miracle after life-changing miracle. Today’s reading includes specific reports of a little girl delivered from an evil spirit and the healing of a deaf man with a speech impediment. After that, Matthew simply lumps a multitude of miraculous healings together, saying simply, “A vast crowd brought to him people who were lame, blind, crippled, those who couldn’t speak, and many others. They laid them before Jesus, and he healed them all” (Matthew 15:30 NLT). All of this is followed by yet another miraculous mass meal—this time feeding than 4,000 people. Then—after all that—“…the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus, demanding that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority” (Matthew 16:1 NLT).

Jesus speaks to his disciples later in a private moment. “Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:6 NLT). The disciples are humorously clueless, presuming Jesus—who has twice, now, fed thousands with a sack lunch—is somehow worried about finding something to eat! Jesus restates his case, and the disciples finally get it—

Then at last they understood that he wasn’t speaking about the yeast in bread, but about the deceptive teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (Matthew 16:12 NLT)

I read this and thought about Jesus’ battle in the wilderness. What was Satan’s challenge? “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread” (Matthew 4:3 NIV). What was Jesus’ reply? “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4 NIV).

There’s something significant here—in both these accounts—about living on sources beyond the physical…trusting in realities beyond that which can be seen, touched, handled or stuck under a microscope for examination. The “deceptive teaching” against which Jesus warns somehow seems to reduce life to that which can be controlled and manipulated. “Give us a miracle! Prove yourself!” Jesus won’t stoop to that level or be reduced to that kind of manipulation—from the Pharisees, the Sadducees, or me. No matter how I provoke or protest, today God will continue to be God, and I’ll continue not to be. Any "meal" suggesting otherwise is simply bad bread.

***