Dangerous Dreams

Readings for today: Genesis 36-37, Matthew 13:1-23

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. A day we set aside in our nation to honor one of our heroes. A man who fought against racism and poverty and war. He dedicated his life to following the way of Jesus. Like Jesus, MLK displayed a fierce commitment to the truth. He refused to let injustice stand. He took great personal risks that put his life in danger on many occasions but never resorted to violence even in self-defense. One would think such a man would have been celebrated in his own time. Hailed as a hero especially in a nation that claimed a strong Christian heritage. Tragically, this was not the case. He was hated and violently opposed for his beliefs. Public opinion polls taken at the time of his death showed a 75% “disapproval” rating. What was it about MLK’s dream that was so dangerous? His radical commitment to peace posed a threat to a growing military industrial complex. His radical commitment to care for the poor posed a threat to runaway capitalism and corporate greed. His radical commitment to equality posed a threat to a nation who refused to repent for the sins of her racist past. And though our nation has made progress since those dark days in 1968, we still have so far to go before we see Dr. King’s dream realized.

I couldn’t help but think of Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech as I read our passage today. Joseph’s dreams were similarly dangerous. They posed a threat to a family system governed by the strict rules of an ancient near east culture. Younger sons did not rule over older sons nor did parents ever bow down to their children. Such a notion was deeply shameful and dishonoring which is why Joseph’s brothers respond so violently. They are well within their rights to cast him out of the family. Punish him for his transgressions even if their father will not. They know he is the favored son and perhaps they worried that Jacob may indeed upend the “system” to elevate Joseph and make all his dreams come true. Little did they know how their actions were serving the larger purposes of God. Indeed, decades will pass before Joseph will see his dreams realized. In that time, he would suffer tremendous hardship and pain. He would face disappointment time and time again. He would rise only to fall and he must have had his moments of despair. But eventually he came to a point where he could see what his brothers intended for evil, God intended for good.

I have to believe God is up to something similar in our day. As I reflect back on the events of the past year, I find myself wondering if what we are seeing are the birth pangs of a new age. I think of the words of Jesus to His disciples in Matthew 24:4-14, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” You see, Jesus too has a dream. He dreams of a world where peace and justice reign. A world where wars will cease and hatred is replaced by love. A world where every injustice is made right and every wrong redressed. A world where truth and righteousness are lifted up and lies, deceit, and conspiracy theories laid low. He dreams of a world where the poor and needy and outcast are treated with compassion. He dreams of a world where sinners repent and every human being takes responsibility to steward the gifts and resources they’ve been given for glory of God and in service to His Kingdom.

Friends, our world is not friendly to dreamers. Especially those who dream God’s dreams. It will take courage to hold fast to God’s dreams in a world where violence and hatred and outrage and injustice are on the rise. It will take courage to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Turning the other cheek. Repaying evil with good. Offering a gentle answer in response to wrath. Fighting for justice in non-violent ways. And so I challenge you on this Martin Luther King Jr. Day to not just post a quote on social media but to actually take the pledge MLK offered to his followers during the Birmingham campaign in 1963…

1. Meditate daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.

2. Remember always that the nonviolent movement seeks justice and reconciliation — not victory.

3. Walk and talk in the manner of love, for God is love.

4. Pray daily to be used by God in order that all men might be free.

5. Sacrifice personal wishes in order that all men might be free.

6. Observe with both friend and foe the ordinary rules of courtesy.

7. Seek to perform regular service for others and for the world.

8. Refrain from the violence of fist, tongue or heart.

9. Strive to be in good spiritual and bodily health.

10. Follow the directions of the movement and of the captain of a demonstration. (Our Captain being Jesus and our Movement being the Kingdom of God.)

Readings for tomorrow: Genesis 38-40, Matthew 13:24-58

Wrestling with God

Readings for today: Genesis 31-35, Matthew 12

One of the things I love most about God is His willingness to wrestle with us. His willingness to get down in the mud with us. He is not afraid to get his hands dirty. Not afraid to engage us in the deepest, darkest places of our hearts. Not afraid of our outbursts of anger. Not afraid of our doubts and questions. We can bring all this to God. Meet Him unafraid and unashamed and struggle with Him over His sovereign will for our lives. God is not after robots. He is not after automatons. He doesn’t want uncritical, unthinking obedience. He wants our hearts. He wants our souls. He wants our bodies. He wants our minds. He wants all of us. Every part of us must eventually surrender to Him. And that’s a fight because our sinful nature pushes back. 

My mother would tell you I’ve always been independent. Even as a child. I didn’t like to cuddle. Didn’t like to be held. I would push back against her when she would try to wrap me up in her arms. When I got older and headed off for my first day of school, I shed no tears. Just got out of the car and walked towards the school, no looking back. Recently, she and I had breakfast together. We talked about how I am still pretty independent. She loves me. She’s proud of me. She’d love for me to need her for something. Anything. I do the same thing with God if I am honest. I push back. I don’t like to be wrapped up in His arms. I want to be independent. Do my own thing. I don’t want to need Him. I like to pretend like I have it all together. Like I’m good on my own. It’s all a lie of course. I do need God. I do need my mom. I am not an independent creature. It is not good for me to be alone.  

It’s taken some hard experiences for me to learn this about myself. Experiences much like Jacob had. Jacob’s entire life is a house of cards. He steals his brother’s birthright. Steals his brother’s blessing. Steals from his uncle. He is constantly manipulating and scheming in order to get ahead. Frankly, he even tries to “scheme” God. But now he’s got to face the consequences. Now all the chickens have come home to roost. His brother is on his way to meet him. When last they say each other, Esau was in a murderous rage. Now Jacob’s afraid. Is his brother coming to exact vengeance? Is his brother coming to kill him and his family? This is what drives Jacob down to the Jabbok to wrestle all night with God. Have you ever done the same?

Like Jacob, I know what it’s like to wrestle with God all night. I’ve been there and done that. I’ve battled Him. I’ve fought with Him. I’ve watched the sun rise and set only to do it all over again. This was my life in the fall of 2009. I averaged 2-3 hours of sleep a night for a few months. God and I went to war over my life. My family. My ministry. My future. Everything I have and everything I hold dear was in play. Finally, there came a point where He simply broke me. He broke my heart. He broke my spirit. He broke my pride. And while the pain was intense and real, there was relief as well. A profound sense of freedom flooded my being. I’ve been walking with a limp ever since.

Where have you wrestled like Jacob? Where are you wrestling like Jacob? Where are you mad at God? Frustrated with God? Upset with God? What questions do you have for Him? Doubts? Fears that need to be expressed? Where are you resisting Him? Pushing back against His will? Struggling to accept His sovereign plan? Today’s passage invites you into the ring! To grapple with God honestly! God’s a big boy! He can handle everything you throw at Him and more! Let your guard down and lay it all out before your Lord. Fight Him until you break before His relentless love and grace.  

Readings for tomorrow: None

Rest

Readings for today: Genesis 29-30, Matthew 11

Medical professionals all agree that healthy adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Rest is an essential part of our overall health and well-being not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well. Sadly, we live in a society where rest seems to be in short supply. According to recent studies by the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health, 70% of Americans reported insufficient sleep at least one night a month. 11% report insufficient sleep every night. Sleep-related problems impact some 50-70 million Americans of all ages and socio-economic classes and seem largely due to technology, anxiety, lifestyle demands, and the lack of education around the impact of sleep loss. As the “sleep debt” piles up, so do the consequences. It is estimated that our collective lack of sleep is costing us over 100 billion a year in lost productivity, medical expenses, sick leave, etc. Throw in the chronic anxiety fostered by our culture and you have a recipe for disaster. Is it any wonder we are seeing the rise in extremism? The rise in hate and outrage as sleep-deprived, chronically anxious people begin acting out in all sorts of ways?

Now listen to the words of Jesus. “All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew‬ ‭11:27-30‬)

What a difference! What a contrast! All things have been given to Jesus by His Heavenly Father. All authority in heaven and on earth has been entrusted into His hands. All things were made through Him and without Him nothing was made that has been made. Jesus reigns. He rules. He sits on heaven’s throne. As such, He is the only one with the authority to set us free from our anxiety and restlessness. He is the only one with the power to grant us a peaceful sleep. Furthermore, this is His great desire! To grant us rest! He is no tyrant! No dictator! No abusive strongman! He is a gentle and humble King who loves His people dearly. His yoke is therefore easy. His burden is therefore light. He doesn’t seek to “pile on.” He is not like human rulers who seek to accumulate as much control over our lives as possible. His goal for us is “soul-rest.” The kind of rest that sinks deep into your bones. The kind of rest you can only get when you truly believe someone benevolent and good and righteous and faithful sits on the throne of eternity and is watching over your life.

Human beings were made to rest. Rest one day out of every seven. It’s what we call a Sabbath. We were made to rest one-third out of every day. It’s what we call sleep. We were made to rest in an intimate relationship with God that would relieve all the pressure that comes from life in this world. It’s why Jesus tells us not to be anxious. God is in control. It’s why Jesus tells us not to worry. God is in control. It’s why Jesus tells us not to be afraid when we see all the upheaval and turmoil in the world around us. God is in control. Rest in this great truth, friends! Come to Jesus and find the rest your heart longs for! The rest you were made for!

Readings for tomorrow: Genesis 31-35, Matthew 12

Unconditional

Readings for today: Genesis 27-28, Matthew 10:26-42

One of the most difficult concepts for me to grasp is the unconditional nature of God’s love. It is foreign to me. Alien. Strange. I cannot comprehend it because I cannot manufacture it in my own life. Even with those closest to me, unconditional love is difficult. What happens when they disappoint me? Let me down? Hurt my feelings? Sin against me? What happens when they are inconsiderate? Ignore my needs? Push me away? When these things happen, I find myself layering all kinds of “conditions” on my forgiveness and reconciliation. There are hoops the other person must now jump through in order for me to love them again. We use all kinds of buzz words and phrases to describe these conditions. We talk about boundaries. We ask questions like “are they a safe person?” We demand to see remorse before we forgive. And I’m actually not saying these things are unimportant. Too many people use the “unconditional” love of God to justify all kinds of abuse but the point still holds. Unconditional love is impossible for us to grasp.

Simply consider the events in today’s reading. Having stolen Esau’s birthright, Jacob now steals his blessing. He conspires with his mother to take advantage of his disabled father in order to become the paterfamilias of the family. This means Jacob will now hold the power of life and death over his household. He will inherit all the wealth. His word will be law for those who serve him. Esau, of course, flies into a murderous rage and plots to kill his brother. So Rebekah sends Jacob away for safety. On his journey, God visits Jacob in a dream. One might expect God to confront Jacob on his sin. One might expect God to make some demands of Jacob before He blesses him. One might expect God to require obedience to His will in order for Jacob to secure the promises of the covenant. In short, one might expect God to righteously lay down some conditions or “boundaries” here to force Jacob to reform his behavior. But God shocks our sensibilities by offering Jacob nothing but unconditional love.

“I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” (Genesis‬ ‭28:13-15) No conditions. No boundaries. It doesn’t seem to matter that Jacob is not a “safe” person and cannot be trusted. God simply chooses unconditionally to set His love on this corrupt and sinful man. I love how Jacob responds. He’s so uncomfortable with God’s lack of conditions that he decides to put some on himself. “Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.” (Genesis‬ ‭28:20-22‬)

I don’t know about you but I identify with Jacob. I have been the manipulator. The schemer. I have sought to get ahead by shading the truth or exaggerating my accomplishments or spinning things in my favor. I am often driven by selfish motives. I am often tempted by greed. I often put conditions on my love for others and my love for God. I am a broken and sinful man in so many ways. But God is faithful. His love for me is unconditional. He loves me for who I am, warts and all. His blessings flow into my life not because I am more obedient than the next person but simply because God has chosen to lavish His grace on me. And the more I surrender. The more I submit. The more I listen to Jesus and trust Him when He says, “whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39), the more my eyes are open to everything God has done for me. Once the reality of God’s unconditional love settles into my heart, I find myself not only able but willing to extend that same love out to others.

Readings for tomorrow: Genesis 29-30, Matthew 11

Election

Readings for today: Genesis 25-26, Matthew 10:1-25

The title of today’s entry probably caught your attention. Especially with our nation in turmoil over our current transition of power. However, the election I’m talking about has nothing to do with ballots or voting machines or accusations of voter suppression and/or voter fraud. It has to do with God’s decision from eternity to elect a people for Himself. One of the things that happens when we begin reading the Bible is we come face to face with the character and nature of our God. He reveals Himself to us and confronts us on the idols we have made. The ways we have tried to make Him in our image rather than accept Him for who He is. We start to grapple with truly difficult questions like can God be trusted? Is He a good God? A righteous God? A holy God? If one concludes the answer to these questions is “Yes”, then these narratives begin to make sense. If one concludes the answer to these questions is “No” or “Not sure”, then these narratives get really difficult to understand. Why does God allow Noah to curse his grandson for something his father did? Why does God seem to overlook Abraham’s lying? Why does God turn Lot’s wife into a pillar of salt simply for a glance backwards and yet seemingly do nothing to Lot’s daughters when they rape their father to get pregnant? How could God allow Hagar and Ishmael to be treated so terribly by Sarah?And what are we to make of the conflict between Esau and Jacob which began before they were even born? 

These are all honest, real questions that should be raised by any thoughtful, engaged readers of the Bible. And they press us to the primary question which will undergird our entire journey this year...will we let God be God? Can we agree His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts? Can we agree that in standing outside of time and space, He has a perspective we can never grasp? Can we agree that God is infinite in wisdom and understanding Omniscient and omnipotent? Will we trust His sovereign decision to choose Israel and not the other nations?  Will we trust His sovereign plan to use Israel for the sake of the other nations? Will we trust His sovereign decision to use this particular family, the family of Abraham, with all of its baggage and dysfunction? Will we let God be God?

All of this provides the backdrop to our readings. When we let God be God, the narrative begins to make sense. We see the guidance of God as He leads the servant of Abraham miraculously to Rebekah. (Reminds me of that great line from Casablanca where Bogart says, “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.”) We see the hand of God present as Abraham settles his estate and dies peacefully among his people. His funeral attended by his two boys, Ishmael and Isaac, who reunite to bury their father in what must have been a tender scene. We see both Ishmael and Isaac receive the blessing of God as their families grow. We see God heal Rebekah’s barren womb in what will become a pattern throughout the Old Testament. We witness the sovereign choice of God to elect Jacob to carry on the promise even though Esau is the firstborn. We see Esau confirm that decision as he despises his birthright, selling it to Jacob for a bowl of stew. Finally, we see God renew His covenant with Isaac, almost immediately followed by Isaac’s repetition of the same mistake his father made. 

Time and again we are reminded that unless God acts to preserve His promise, we are doomed. The human race is just too dysfunctional. Our thoughts too prone to evil. Our hearts so easily seduced by sin. This should challenge us as well as comfort us. God calls us into relationship with Himself because He wants to use us as His instruments to fill the earth with His glory. And this demands something of us. Actually, it demands everything from us! At the same time, the successful completion of God’s plan doesn’t depend on human effort. Again, I love what Paul says in Romans 9:16, “So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” Where is God challenging you today to follow His will?  How is God comforting you in those areas where you fall short?

Readings for tomorrow: Genesis 27-28, Matthew 10:26-42

Laboring for the Lord

Readings for today: Genesis 23-24, Matthew 9

Many years ago a mentor taught me this prayer - “Lord, help me to see the world as you see it. Break my heart with the things that break your heart. And when you call me to act, help me not to duck.” ;-) I’ve been praying that prayer in some form or another ever since. It’s the first thing that came to mind this morning as we read through Matthew 9.

Paralytics. Tax collectors. Sinners. Religious elite. The blind, mute, and demon-possessed. The chronically ill, marginalized, those who have suffered tragedy. Seeing the world through Jesus’ eyes means truly “seeing” those around us. Not just passing by on the other side. Not just ignoring or dismissing those in need. Not just focusing all my attention on my own wants, needs, and desires. I must lift up my eyes above my navel and look around me. There are so many in need. So many who are struggling. So many who are lost. So many who are lonely. So many who need help. So many who need someone simply to acknowledge them. Simply to “see” them and treat them with dignity and honor and respect as fellow image-bearers of God.

“And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew‬ ‭9:35-36‬) Once I see them, how do I feel about them? Is my heart broken for them? Do I have compassion for them? Or do I react in anger, defensiveness, frustration, fear? I think of the crowds who gathered in the streets after George Floyd was killed. I think of all the turmoil and upheaval of the last several days. It’s easy to judge. Easy to condemn. Easy to cast blame or make snarky comments or use these events as cover to accumulate more political power. But if my heart breaks for the things that break God’s heart, I will find myself tearing up over the injustices so my friends of color still face. I will find myself moved to work for greater opportunity and access for those who feel marginalized and forgotten by society. I will listen to those who feel threatened by all the changes taking place in our culture. I will see the hurting and the helpless and harassed and seek to come alongside them to shepherd them rather than view them as enemies to be destroyed.

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew‬ ‭9:37-38‬) The harvest is plentiful. The world is crying out for the gospel. So many are sick and tired of being sick and tired. They are tired of being helpless and hopeless. Tired of working so hard only to watch all their efforts turn to dust in the grand scheme of things. They are tired of trying to legislate change that can only happen in the human heart. But the laborers are too few. There are too few Christians willing to walk the walk and talk the talk. Too few Christians who truly understand their calling in this world. We are here to be salt and light. All that we have and all that we are is given to us by God for the express purpose of expanding His Kingdom in the world. We do not own the fields into which we’ve been sent. We have no claim on them nor should our aim be to profit in any from our work. We are simply day laborers for the Lord, here to do His will. Nothing more. Nothing less. Nothing else.

Many years ago, I suffered a tremendous professional failure. I was a church planter in a small town outside of Madison, WI. For months I worked to gather a group of people who would help us launch the new church as we sought to reach the community in the name of Jesus. But all my efforts failed. I was at odds with the board. I was at odds with some of the people in the group. All my fears and insecurities came to the fore. I was struggling. I was depressed. And once it imploded, I had no idea what I was going to do. Yes, I could justify myself. Yes, I could point to all the reasons it wasn’t my fault. Yes, I could blame-shift and throw up my hands and leave the ministry. But God would not let me go. He forced me into several months of prayer. Several months where I literally would pace the floor all night long crying out to Him. I got so little sleep. I was so anxious over how I was going to provide for my family. I felt helpless and hopeless and lost and afraid. But it was there in the darkness that I met God again. He stripped my life down to the studs. All I had built, He took away in order to teach me an all-important truth. My life is not my own. My life is His to do with as He wills. He is the Potter. I am the clay. All I can do is surrender. Submit my life to Him. Offer myself as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Him.

Friends, I truly believe I became a “laborer” through that experience. Though I had been in ministry for years, I had never truly surrendered my life, my future, my professional hopes and dreams to God. I was still holding onto the lie that I co-owned the fields I worked in with God. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Now I find myself in a different place. Yes, I am still tempted to believe I have a share in what God has built but thankfully God is quick to remind me of my “day laborer” status. ;-) And I will tell you there is no greater freedom in this life than surrendering all you have to the Lord. No greater joy in this life than answering His call to serve. Friends, wherever God has you right now, know He has put you there for a purpose! His desire is for you to “labor” in that particular field for His glory. Labor with compassion. Labor with grace. Labor with love.

Readings for tomorrow: Genesis 25-26, Matthew 10:1-25

The Fear of the Lord

Readings for today: Genesis 20-22, Matthew 8

Fear is a powerful motivator. Often driving us to do things we wouldn’t otherwise do. Make choices out of desperation rather than faith. Lot’s daughters, for example, from yesterday’s reading were afraid they would never find a husband which during that time period would have meant a death sentence. So they got their father drunk and slept with him.  Abraham is afraid someone might kill him and try to steal his wife so he tells Sarah to lie about their relationship. (By the way, does it seem strange to anyone else that Abimelech would want a ninety year old woman in his harem?) After Isaac is born, Abraham is afraid of the budding conflict between Sarah and Hagar and the potential of a divided household so he lets Sarah throw Hagar and Ishmael out. I imagine if we sat and reflected for a moment, we can all think back to choices we’ve made that we regret that were driven by similar fears. 

The most common command in the Bible by far is “Do not be afraid.” God doesn’t want us to walk in fear. He tells us 1 John 4:18, “Perfect love casts out fear.” He tells us 2 Timothy 1:7 that He has “not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and discipline.” At the same time, there is one fear we are called to embrace. The fear of the Lord. I love what the prophet Isaiah says, “But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.” (Is. 8:13) Now I know we don’t like to think of God in these categories. We are deeply unsettled at the idea that we would “fear God.” At the same time, what I’ve learned in my own life is when I fear God, I fear nothing else. And this is what Abraham learned as well.  

One of the most famous stories in all of Scripture is the sacrifice of Isaac. It has been the subject of some of the most incredible artwork throughout the centuries. It has influenced the plot lines of famous works of literature. There is just something deeply compelling about this story for believers and non-believers alike. An old man taking his son. His only son. The son whom he loves and offering him as a sacrifice. In our minds eye, we can see them climbing the mountain together. Abraham with the fire and knife. Isaac carrying the wood. As we picture the scene, we can almost hear Isaac poignantly question his father - such a tender scene -"My father!" And Abraham said, "Here I am, my son." He said, "Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" Abraham said, "God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son." You can almost imagine Abraham answering Isaac with tears in his eyes. They get to the top of the mountain. Abraham builds an altar. Binds his own son. Lays him down. Raises the knife. And that’s when God steps in. "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me."  

I’ve often wondered what kind of impact this experience had on Abraham and Isaac? What this would do to their relationship? And yet, even the father/son relationship is not as important as Abraham’s relationship with God. He must fear God above all else. He must trust God above all else.  He must honor God above all else. He must have faith in God above all else. The writer of Hebrews, as he looked back on this story and reflected on Abraham’s faith, says Abraham “considered that God was able even to raise Isaac from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.” (Heb. 11:19) No matter what, Abraham knew God had promised him a son. He knew Isaac was that son. He knew the future rested on this son. And he trusted God even when it seemed like His commands put all that at risk.  

Some might argue this whole scene makes God into a monster. What kind of God demands human sacrifice? Christians know it’s foreshadowing. Fast forward a few thousand years and we have another Father and Son having this same conversation in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Son asking the Father if this is truly what the Father commands. If there can’t be another way. One can almost see the Father answer His Son. His only Son. The Son whom He loves with tears in His eyes. So Jesus takes up the cross. Climbs the SAME exact mountain Abraham and Isaac did so many centuries before. Lays down on the altar. The Father raises His Hand - there is no ram to take Jesus’ place - and takes His Son’s life. All to save humanity from our fear, from our sin.  

What are you afraid of today? What’s driving the choices you make? Is it fear of what others might say? Fear of facing the consequences of your actions? Fear of losing something you love? Fear God, friends! Honor Him as holy! Look to the Cross and consider the great love He has for you! As you fix your eyes on Jesus, you will feel the fears that so often drive us loosening their grip. Fear God and you will fear nothing else!

Readings for tomorrow: Genesis 23-24, Matthew 9

Tribal Conflict

Readings for today: Genesis 15-19, Matthew 7

A few years ago I was in Ethiopia. The day we arrived marked the end of several days of political unrest, conflict, and protests that grew violent just outside the capital of Addis Ababa. Our Ethiopian partners were visibly uncomfortable with the idea of taking us to Gojo where we were to conduct our church planter training and medical clinic. They wanted to make sure we stayed safe. We eventually loaded up the Land Rovers and headed out on our 4+ hour trip. As we traveled, we passed right through where the riots had been just a day or two before. Large rocks littered the road. Burned out vehicles had yet to be cleared. A large semi-truck had been set on fire and flipped over. And while we were never in any real danger, we were reminded of the political realities on the ground in this country we love so much. Sound familiar?

There is a “tribal” element to almost all human conflict. Whether the tribes are Republican or Democrat in the US or Oromo and Tigray in Ethiopia or the tribes that went to war in Abram’s day. All these different tribes want the same thing. An expansion of their power and influence. And the temptation is to believe this is where the real action is taking place. The temptation is to believe that our future and the fate of God’s people is somehow wrapped up in the outcomes of these power struggles. I see it in the apocalyptic language so many use to describe the outcome our electoral process. And I imagine if one lived in the days of Abram, one might be tempted to think something significant rested on the outcome of the battle between the kings of Shinar, Ellasar, Elam, and Goiim and the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela. But the Bible almost treats their conflict as an afterthought. Reading the passage, one gets the sense that the only reason this story is included at all is because Lot got caught up in it, forcing Abram into action. You see, the real action in these chapters has nothing to do with kings (even Melchizedek) and tribes and nations and their power struggles. No, the real action. The real drama. The real conflict involves an old man and his barren wife and their struggle to have children. It has to do with God and His promise to Abram and Sarai that they would have a son to carry on their family name. The real struggle is God telling Abram to look up into the heavens and number the stars of the sky, for so shall his offspring be.  

And what is Abram’s response? Faith. He believes. Even crazier than taking 318 men and defeating four kings as they returned victorious from battle is old, childless Abram looking up into the night sky and believing God’s promise. That’s why God declares him righteous. Because of his faith. The Apostle Paul will later say Abram was “fully convinced God was able to do what He had promised.” (Romans 4:21) That’s the definition of true faith. 

But God’s not done. He not only gives Abram this promise, He seals it by making a covenant with him. In the ancient near east, these ceremonies were common. Vassals would approach their kings and promise on their life to fulfill the terms of the covenant they were making. The crazy thing about Genesis 15 is it flips the whole ceremony on its head! Instead of Abram approaching God, it is God who puts Abram to sleep and approaches him! God is the one who makes His way through the halves of the animals, essentially declaring to Abram that He will fulfill the conditions of this covenant or cease to exist! It never ceases to amaze me every time I read it.

Furthermore, as we have already seen, God’s faithfulness is unconditional. Even when Abram and Sarai take matters into their own hands - as in the case of Hagar and Ishmael - God is there to turn it for His good purpose. Because God has committed Himself to Abram and his family, He will never let go. No matter what they say. No matter what they do. God will remain faithful to the end.  He must because He has pledged His own life to this covenant.  

Can you begin to fathom the fact that in Christ, we see the fulfillment of Genesis 15? God sacrificing His own life for the sake of Abram and his descendants? God sealing a new covenant by giving His body and shedding His blood? Do you understand the great faithfulness of God to His people? The lengths to which He is willing to go for the sake of those He loves? Abram. Sarai. Hagar. Ishmael. You and me. With all the chaos that is swirling around us these days as our “tribes” go to war, my prayer is you believe as Abram once did. May you look to Him and receive full assurance that He is able to do what He has promised!

Readings for tomorrow: None (Remember we will be skipping Sundays during this plan and simply pushing those readings to Monday. This will mean “falling behind” on the plan but we should still finish within the year. Feel free to keep going!)

Cure for Anxiety

Readings for today: Genesis 12-14, Matthew 6

Anxiety is on the rise. Personally. Socially. Nationally. We can sense it in the air. We can feel it in our bones. And the data bears it out. According to a recent poll from the American Psychiatric Association, nearly 1/3 of American adults say they feel more anxious than a year ago. The National Institutes of Health reports that anxiety disorders are now the most common mental health disorder in the United States, impacting nearly 1/5 of all adults each year. The CDC reports significant increases in anxiety among children as well. Some have even called the 21st century the “Age of Anxiety.” No one quite knows the cause though some argue it has to do with the “constant state of threat” we live under due to a 24 hour news cycle and our perpetual connection to the world through social media. I tend to agree with them. So what are we to do?

Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life…” (Matthew 6:25) And He goes on to list the things people living in a first century, subsistence agricultural community would be anxious about. Food. Water. Clothing. Basic staples of life. If He were living in a 21st century suburban American context today, He might easily have listed money, safety, access to good healthcare and education, jobs. These are the things we consider to be basic staples of life. So why shouldn’t we be anxious about these things according to Jesus? Because our Heavenly Father sees our needs and meets them. Just as He does the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. Furthermore, there are more important things than the American Dream. More important things than living an upper middle class suburban lifestyle. And then comes the kicker…who among us can add a single hour to our lifespans? What does all our anxiety produce at the end of the day except more anxiety?

So what do we do? After all, anxiety is real. It’s not like we can pretend it doesn’t exist. It’s not like we can muster up the strength to just make it go away. Once again, Jesus provides the answer. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Seek to dwell under the shadow of the Almighty. Intentionally live your life in His presence. Stay in step with His Spirit. As you do these things, you will find all that you need will be given to you and all your anxieties will begin to fade away.

What does this look like practically? Well, in my own life, I have found the more I seek Christ and His Kingdom. The more I relinquish my treasure and talents into His hands. The more I give Him my hopes and dreams for my future. The more I let go of my needs, wants, and desires; the more I experience peace. The more I give away, the more I joy I get in return. The more I relinquish and surrender, the more fulfilled I become. I sleep better. I feel better. Anxiety has lost it’s hold on me. Fear has lost it’s hold on me. I am truly free. Not because of my circumstances. Not because my inner strength, health, or well-being. It’s simply because I made Matthew 6:33 my life verse. May you find peace as you seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness in your own life today!

Readings for tomorrow: Genesis 15-19, Matthew 7

Beatitudes

Readings for today: Genesis 8-11, Matthew 5

Yesterday was a truly horrifying day. We watched an insurrection take place in the heart of our nation. Domestic terrorists forced their way onto the hallowed grounds of the US Capitol building. Lives were lost. People were hurt. Elected officials forced to find safe shelter. Images of law enforcement defending the House and Senate floors. It was one of the ugliest moments in our history. Thankfully, law enforcement restored order. US Representatives and Senators went back to work and the election results were certified.

For me, the most heartbreaking thing about the whole episode was to see so many “Jesus saves” or “Jesus 2020” signs amidst the mob. So many Christians have been led astray by the heresy of Christian nationalism. They have wrapped the cross in an American flag. They believe God identifies Himself with one particular political party over another. They believe violence is justified to defend their way of life. They too easily believe the lies their leaders tell them. Too easily fall for the conspiracy theories being spun. And as our national rhetoric has become more and more heated in recent years, they act out. They lash out. And we all bore witness to the tragic results.

Thankfully, most Christians are able to differentiate between patriotism and faith. Most Christians are able to differentiate between love of country and love of Jesus. Most Christians have found a way to honor our nation and honor our God. But this majority has remained silent for far too long. We keep waiting for the radical elements to just go away. We assume things will eventually calm down once the election cycle is over. Once the pandemic ends. Once things get back to normal. But, friends, we cannot wait any longer. God is calling Christians to take a stand. God is calling His Church to take a stand. God is calling His people to show the world a different way. The way of Jesus.

“And Jesus opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

• Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

• Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

• Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

• Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

• Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

• Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

• Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

• Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

• Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you…

• You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden…In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven…

• You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire…

• You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also…

• You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew‬ ‭5:2-12, 14, 16, 21-22, 38-39, 43-45‬)

Friends, the work of healing and rebuilding and restoring our nation begins with each one of us. It begins today with the prayers we pray. The words we say. The memes we share. The news we consume. It begins with the votes we cast. The candidates we support. The money we give. It begins with the lives we lead. The love we share. The hospitality we show. It begins with a commitment to love others the way Christ loves us. A commitment to serve others the way Christ serves us. A commitment to forgive and reconcile with others the way Christ forgives and reconciles Himself to us. There is no other way. Our nation has no other hope. The world is watching. The world is waiting. “All of creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God.” (Romans‬ ‭8:19‬)

Readings for tomorrow: Genesis 12-14, Matthew 6

The Descent of Man

Readings for today: Genesis 6-7, Matthew 3-4

In 1871, Charles Darwin published the culmination of his life’s work. Titled The Descent of Man , it applied general evolutionary theory to human beings. Human beings, Darwin argues, are “descended” from more primitive life forms and subject to natural selection much like every other lifeform in the world. Of course, “Descent” is somewhat of a double entendre because Darwin’s theory also levels the playing field between human beings and the rest of the animal world. We are not special. We are not set apart. We certainly are not made in the image of God, have no divine mandate, and therefore no kind of ascendant status over the rest of creation. Though there is some debate about Darwin’s own views, his theory has been used to justify all kinds of evil. Racism. Eugenics. Social Darwinism and the Final Solution. If humanity is not set apart by God. If humanity is not special in any way. If humanity is just another animal species than we are NOT endowed with any inalienable rights and therefore might makes right. Natural selection is just. It’s survival of the fittest and only the strongest survive. 

Strangely enough, the Bible also talks about the “Descent of Man.” Not in terms of biological evolution but in terms of moral devolution. We will see this story set on repeat throughout the Scriptures. God makes a covenant with a human family. The descendents of that particular human family become morally compromised over time. Their corruption eventually becomes so great that God responds with righteous anger and judgment. God then starts over with a new covenant with a new human family and the cycle begins anew. Some might argue this calls God’s judgment into question. Why do the same thing over and over again and expect a different result? Isn’t that the definition of insanity? This is not, of course, the argument the Bible makes. The point the Bible sets out to prove is the utter futility of humanity. Humanity is, simply put - a lost cause. Sin corrupts everything it touches. Infecting every heart. Polluting every mind. Silencing every soul. There is no hope for us unless God Himself decides to intervene. 

Thankfully this is exactly what God does. The Bible is a record of God’s interventions in human history over time. He intervened with Adam and Eve, clothing them in an act of grace before sending them out of the Garden into a world ruined by sin. As the generations that come after them descend into further chaos, devolving to the point where God Himself grieves over what He has made, He intervenes yet again. He starts over by delivering Noah and his family from the flood. One can only imagine what it must have been like for Noah as he watched the world around him drown. I cannot fathom the pain and suffering he must have witnessed. But that is nothing compared to the pain God experienced as He watched His good creation drown in evil and sin. Grieving over what He made, He makes the terrible decision to cleanse the world by destroying it. 

Fast forward thousands of years. The world is still writhing in pain. Still ravaged by sin. Still drowning in evil. God’s heart continues to break. He grieves over what He has made and He makes the terrible decision to send His Beloved Son into the world to cleanse it once and for all. Jesus appears before his cousin John to be baptized. All of the Old Testament prophecies are coming to fulfillment. Jesus will be destroyed so the world can be saved. Jesus will suffer so you and I can be set free. Jesus will drown in order to rescue all of creation. This is the good news of the gospel, friends!  

I know the world around us suffers. There is injustice. There is pain. There is heartache and heartbreak. Hatred, evil, and sin still seemingly run amuck. Human systems cannot stem the tide. Human beings cannot save the day. Our only hope is God. And thankfully, He is eternally faithful. Place your trust in Him and you will never be put to shame!  

Readings for tomorrow: Genesis 8-11, Matthew 5

The Origin of Shame

Readings for today: Genesis 3-5, Matthew 2

Shame. It’s the source of a lot of conversation today. Researchers like Brene Brown are writing best-selling books about it. Therapists across the country are spending hours and hours trying to help countless clients manage it. It’s the source of a lot of addiction. A lot of divorce. A lot of depression and suicidal ideation. Historically speaking, human society has built entire communal systems around it. Honor/shame systems still make up approximately 2/3 of the world’s cultures today especially in the Far East and the Global South. Within such systems, the greatest punishment is not death but exile. Shunning. Being removed from presence of those you love and those you live among. So where does this powerful emotion come from? What is it’s origin? Listen again to the words from Genesis 3:6-13 and see if you can spot what I’m talking about…

“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

Adam and Eve break God’s command and what’s the first thing they experience? Hint: it’s not guilt over breaking God’s law. It’s shame over their nakedness. So what do they do? They literally try to “cover up.” Rather than confess their sin and come clean to God, they sew fig leaves together and cover their nakedness and I guess hope God won’t notice? When God shows up, He knows exactly what’s taken place. But He’s gracious and merciful and He gives Adam and Eve a chance to repent. “Where are you?” Not just physically but emotionally and spiritually. Where’s your heart Adam? Where’s your heart Eve? Why have you covered up? Why are you hiding from Me? Adam is at least honest. “I heard you. I was afraid of you. I hid from you.” Fear is the chief byproduct of shame. It’s what happens when we feel threatened. And it drives us to respond in all sorts of unhealthy ways. The conversation continues. God again gives them the chance to respond in repentance. “Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” Rather than confess, Adam blames Eve. Eve blames the serpent. And the Fall of humanity commences with devastating consequences for all their descendants.

Cover up. Hiding. Avoiding. Blaming. This is how human beings typically react to shame. Out of fear of being “found out” or “discovered” to be something we aren’t, we resist taking any kind of responsibility for our actions. We play the victim. We claim to be powerless. We allow ourselves to be at the mercy of what we feel. Fear. Shame. Guilt. Without a doubt, these are powerful emotions. But they are not all-powerful. They only have as much power as we give them. This is where Brene Brown and others have done such great work. The key to combating these feelings is confession. Honesty. Transparency. Repentance. Owning how we might have contributed to the situation that brought these emotions on in the first place. Imagine how different the world would look today if Adam and Eve had simply gone to God as soon as they realized what they had done? Instead of them sewing fig leaves to cover up and then hiding when they heard God coming; imagine them standing before God naked and ashamed? Naked and afraid? Owning their sin. Confessing their transgression. Repenting for all they had done. How would have God responded? We don’t have to guess. We know. God is a God of grace and mercy and I have no doubt He would have forgiven them.

Friends, here’s the great news of the gospel…In Christ, God shames Himself by taking on a fully human nature. Humbling Himself to become a servant. Humiliating Himself on the cross. God enters our shame. God embraces our shame. God puts an end to our shame so that we can now stand before the throne of grace with confidence, trusting God to save to the uttermost those who draw near to Him. Stop running from God. Stop hiding from God. Stop the blame game. Stop playing the victim. In Christ, you are loved. In Christ, you are accepted. In Christ, you are saved.

Readings for tomorrow: Genesis 6-7, Matthew 3-4

New Year, New Creation

Readings for today: Genesis 1-2, Matthew 1

Welcome to all those joining us on this journey through the Bible in a year! We are excited to be doing this for the fourth year in a row. Couple of things to “orient” you for the journey. One, give yourself a lot of grace. Life happens. You will find yourself behind at various points. Bored at various points. Struggling at various points. You’ll also find yourself excited and passionate and reading ahead. It’s all part of the experience. Second, read “devotionally.” This is not a reading plan for inductive Bible study. You will note that the devotionals that appear in this space will feel more like journal entries - which they are - as I process how the Lord speaks to me through His Word. Too many Bible reading plans fail because the reader tries to do too much. Simply read the Word and let the Spirit speak to your heart rather than drill down on every jot and tittle. Third, ask a lot of questions. If you are confused about anything, feel free to fire away in the comment section below or through the app or on the Facebook group. I guarantee many others are asking the same questions and it is one of the great benefits of reading together. No question is off limits! This is a “judgment free” zone where everyone is allowed to be where they are in their journey. ;-)

“And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” (Genesis 1:2b)

I love this image. It strikes me almost every year. Years ago I looked up the Hebrew word for “hovers” and found the same expression used to describe what an eagle does over her young. There is a sense of tenderness about the word. A sense of comfort. Genesis 1 and 2 are parallel creation accounts. The first written in poetry, the second in prose. Both describe using different details God’s heart for His creation. God’s purpose for creation. God’s design for creation. It is good. It is orderly. It is meant for blessing.

Before there was a “beginning”, there was God. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit existing in eternal relationship. Three Persons. One God. God is all-sufficient in Himself. There was no need to create. No lack within Himself that He was seeking to fulfill. Rather, He creates out of an overflow of love. God is love and God chooses to extend His love beyond Himself to all creation in general and to a creature made in His own image in particular. That’s me. That’s every single human being who has ever walked the face of the earth. Man and woman. Black, white, and brown. Male and female. Gay and straight. Rich and poor. You name it. If you belong to the human race, you have dignity and worth because you are made in the image of God. You are the object of His affection and love. He desires to have a relationship with you. This is why He created in the first place. To share His love with you.

You are no accident. You are not the product of random chance. The Spirit hovered over your creation just as an eagle hovers over her young. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Knit together by God’s own hand. Every part of you a product of God’s eternal design. God took great care in making you who you are. Giving you the personality and gifts and talents and abilities you have. You are no “rush job.” You are not the product of some divine assembly line. You are unique and beautiful because God has declared you to be so. This is the most fundamental truth of our existence. Surely there are other truths that will be revealed along the way. Most certainly, the image of God has been defaced in all our lives due to sin. But sin is a “contingent” reality and not eternal.

As we begin the year, it’s important to rest in this truth. The same Spirit who hovered over the waters at creation is the same Spirit who hovered over our conception and birth. He is the same Spirit who hovers over us even now. Protecting. Providing. We rest secure under the shadow of His wings.

Readings for tomorrow: Genesis 3-5, Matthew 2

New Heavens. New Earth. New Life.

Readings for today: Revelation 11-22

Admittedly, I’m cheating a bit here. You still have a few days to finish if you want to space it out but if you’re like me, you’re probably ready to get to the end. Usually by this time in the year, I’m a bit tapped out. At the same time, I’m excited for page one. To begin anew. To start afresh. There’s something about a new year that stirs my heart. We will be reading through the Bible again in the coming year. We’ll start January 4th. Make sure to jump in and join the groups forming on YouVersion or Facebook or simply keep coming to this page to find new devotionals as you read. However, before you go, it’s critical to remind ourselves where all of life, all of human history, everything in this world is headed.

I love the image of a new heavens and new earth. Creation redeemed. Creation renewed. Creation restored to its original glory. God finally putting an end to sin and evil and death once and for all. This is the final fulfillment of God’s salvation plan. It’s the final act of the divine play that’s been working itself out since the opening words of Genesis. What began in a Garden will end in a glorious City with Christ reigning at the center of it all!

First, the new creation will be like a bride adorned for her husband. I remember well my wedding day. My wife has never looked more beautiful. Never more pure. Never more perfect than at that moment she walked down the aisle. (I have never felt more unworthy either!) The same is true for the new creation when it comes. God has always intended to have a relationship with His creation. He desires depth. Intimacy. Complete and total transparency. The kind of relationship we can only dream about this side of heaven. The kind of relationship of which human marriage is but a foretaste.

Second, there is no Temple. God is fully present and we are fully able to bear His presence in our glorified, resurrected bodies. God literally takes up residence with us. He can be seen. Touched. Heard. He wipes away our tears. He heals our infirmities. He makes us finally, completely, and utterly whole. There is no need for sun or moon for God will be our light. There is no need for walls or guards for God is in perfect control. There is no need for judgment or punishment for all the nations of the earth will walk in the light of the Lord and will bring Him the worship He deserves.

Third, there are no divisions in the new creation. No human distinctions to keep us apart. Every dividing wall of hostility will finally be torn down. The New Jerusalem is built on the foundation of the twelve apostles and her gates represent the twelve tribes. In other words, God will gather His people - Jew and Gentile alike - together and make them one. He will gather His people from every tribe, tongue and nation before His throne and all that separates us will fade away like mist before the Lord.

It’s a beautiful picture, is it not? Now here’s the challenge. When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we ask for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. We ask for the church to be a living reflection of this future glory. We ask for God’s will to be done in our lives. In our community. In our nation. In our world. How are we living and acting and speaking and treating others so that they see the new heavens and new earth emerging in our midst? How are we presenting to the world a picture of heaven? How are we giving those around us a foretaste of what’s to come through what we say and do? Christians are called to live as citizens of the Kingdom of God in this world. As you close out your Bible reading this year, I’d encourage you to reflect on the following questions…

1) Is there less of you and more of Jesus than when you began this year?

2) What parts of your life have been crucified with Christ and therefore no longer live?

3) How have you intentionally died to self and sought to live for Christ?

Becoming more like Christ is more a marathon than a sprint. It involves a long obedience in the same direction. I hope you’ve gleaned that if nothing else from your reading this year. God is at work across the centuries and across the generations. His primary desire is to make us more and more into the image of His Son. To restore us to the image He originally intended for us to bear. May the Lord continue His work in us and among us and through us until He comes again! Maranatha!

Sealed. Saved. Sent.

Readings for today: Revelation 6-10

One of the more common questions I get from the book of Revelation has to do with the identity of the 144,000 listed in Revelation 7. Those who take a “dispensational premillenialist” view of Revelation will argue that after the rapture of the church, the Holy Spirit will set apart 144,000 Jewish believers who evangelize the earth. Others will argue - like the Jehovah’s Witnesses - that this is a special group of believers set apart by God. My belief is that this number is symbolic, representing the full number of those who have been redeemed. 

Again, this is muddy water we’re swimming in. Interpreting Revelation is difficult at best and there are godly men and women who take different positions on these issues. So it’s important to hold loosely here to our eschatological positions while we hold tightly to one another in fellowship. 

Why do I believe the 144,000 is symbolic? Several reasons. First and foremost, is the fact that the number itself is highly stylized. Numbers are often used symbolically throughout Scripture to communicate a deeper truth. We have already seen from much of the writings of the New Testament that one of the biggest challenges facing the early church was the inclusion of the Gentile believers into largely Jewish fellowships. Remember, John is writing to actual churches who are facing severe persecution and he is seeking to encourage them. So it makes perfect sense to me that in John’s vision from God, an angel of the Lord seals 144,000. A number combining the 12 tribes of Israel with the 12 apostles of Jesus multiplied by 1000 - a number which the Bible often uses to describe a multitude too large to count. Indeed, the very next section talks about “a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" (Revelation‬ ‭7:9-10‬)

Second, the list of the tribes of Israel is unique and highly stylized as well. Judah is listed first, probably because Jesus is descended from this particular tribe thus giving him primacy over his older brother Reuben. Joseph is listed which is unusual as his place was taken by his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Levi is listed which is also somewhat unusual in that he is left out of some Old Testament lists since he didn’t inherit any land. Also, because room needs to be made for both of Joseph’s sons to be listed. Dan is left out, perhaps because his territory was the center of idolatry in ancient Israel. The point here is that this list is unique and actually not in alignment with Old Testament history which means a more symbolic, theological point is being made. 

Third, this number reappears in Revelation 14. The 144,000 is described as the “redeemed from the earth” or “redeemed/purchased from humanity” which is universal language. Furthermore, if one is going to take a more literal view then one has to conclude that the 144,000 represent a special group of celibate, Jewish evangelists sent out to the earth. I tend to believe the language continues to be symbolic here with sexual purity representing the holiness attributed to those who believe - both Jew and Gentile alike - by the blood of the Lamb. 

So what’s the point? Are we just arguing over how many angels can dance on the head of a pin? I think the larger issue at stake here is this...in this world we will suffer tribulation. In this world we will suffer persecution for our faith. Perhaps we’ve escaped for a time in America but those days are rapidly coming to a close. Christian hegemony has come to an end in the West and we will soon find ourselves faced with the challenges our brothers and sisters face around the world. John’s Revelation will become even more significant in the years ahead not as an intellectual exercise as we try to “crack the code” but as an encouragement in our suffering for Jesus. Just as John wanted to encourage the early Christians to hold fast to our faith even under great trial, so he encourages us to do the same. We have been sealed as God’s own people. We have been set apart to proclaim the excellencies of His grace. We have been saved from a crooked and perverse generation and now are sent out to be His lights in the world. 

Readings for tomorrow: Revelation 11-13

Second Advent

Readings for today: Revelation 1-5

As Christmas begins to fade into the rearview, reality begins to sink in again. We step on the scale and find we’ve picked up a few more pounds. We make trips to the store to return or exchange some of the gifts we received. We dread the arrival of the next credit card statement. The challenges of this past year add additional layers. Feelings of loss. Feelings of grief. Feelings of frustration over the restrictions that limited our celebrations. Perhaps it is appropriate that we begin Revelation as the year comes to a close. For the deepest longings of our hearts will always go unfulfilled this side of heaven. What we need is the second advent. The second coming of Christ. We look forward to the day when He comes again. The time when the living and the dead are raised. Heaven and earth coming together in consummate glory and the reign of God is established once and for all.  

When will it happen? How will it happen? No one really knows and the Book of Revelation is notoriously difficult to decipher and understand. So here are some basic ground rules as you wade into the final book of the Bible. First, it is written by John while in prison on the island of Patmos. In order to get this letter out to the churches, John had to write it in code. The Roman authorities would have screened every piece of communication coming in and out of the prison so John had to be careful. Second, the writing is apocalyptic which is a very specific genre known to many in the ancient world. The fantastic images and visions are hallmarks of this type of literature. Third, the churches John is writing to are under persecution. They are facing the prospect of torture and death on a daily basis. This book is meant to encourage and equip them so they can endure in the rough days ahead. Fourth, many different Christians approach this book from many different interpretive angles. There is no one way to read this book and we want to make sure to extend freedom and grace to one another as we go. Wherever you land on the “End Times” theological spectrum, what’s most important is that we all agree Jesus will come again. 

So let me begin this home stretch with one of my favorite verses...“I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation‬ ‭1:8‬) God spoke the first Word in creation and God will have the last Word in consummation. He who began all things, will bring them to a close according to His will and good pleasure. God is. This is all we know. This is really all we can say. God stands outside the time and space continuum He created and will remain there looking in until He determines the time is right for His return. As John said in His Gospel, God revealed Himself to the world but the world did not recognize Him. He revealed Himself to His people, His family, and they rejected Him. When He comes again, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord. He will leave no doubt. “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.” (Revelation‬ ‭1:7‬)

These are important words to reflect on as are the Spirit’s warnings to the seven churches. They provide a spiritual barometer of sorts to help us discern how ready we truly are for Christ’s return. Have we abandoned our first love? Are we facing persecution for our faith? What idols do we cling to? What sexual immorality do we engage in? Do we tolerate sin? Are we ambivalent towards the gospel? Is our faith lukewarm at best? 

These are important matters for prayer as we close out one year and head into another. What lessons have the challenges of 2020 taught you about your faith? What spiritual commitments will you make in 2021 to help nurture your relationship with Christ? 

Readings for tomorrow: Revelation 6-10

Christmas: God’s Great Rescue Mission

Readings for today: 1 John, 2 John, 3 John

I love the opening to John’s first letter. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.” (1 John‬ ‭1:1-4‬) 

John saw Jesus with His own eyes. Touched Him with his own hands. Heard Him speak with his own ears. He saw the Word of Life manifest itself in the Person of Jesus. He experienced Him. He knew Him. He testifies to Him. He dedicates his entire life to proclaiming Him to the world. Jesus was not a mystery to John. His life, death, and resurrection were real. Tangible. Concrete. His was no blind faith. 

John understood why Jesus was sent into the world. John, perhaps more than any other New Testament writer, goes to great lengths to convince those to whom he’s writing to believe. To place their faith in Christ. To trust in His saving death. This is what makes John’s joy complete. The idea that anyone and everyone who reads his letters would enter into deep, intimate fellowship with the Father through the Son. 

Christmas, according to John, is not overly sentimental. It is not so much about the birth of a baby as it is about the mission that baby was sent to complete. Jesus was sent to destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8) Jesus was sent to be the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. (1 John 2:2) Jesus was sent to cast out fear by laying down His life in perfect love. (1 John 4:18) So yes, celebrate the birth of the Savior! Worship Christ the newborn King! But never forget what our King was sent to do. He was sent to bring life out of death. Light out of darkness. Love out of hate. In order to do that, He had to suffer and die. Become sin itself and descend into the eternal darkness of hell. He had to become the object of hate and rejection and humilitation. All of this, Jesus did for us. Jesus did out of love for us. Jesus did to save us. This is the true meaning of Christmas! 

Readings for tomorrow: Revelation 1-5

Trail Maintenance

Readings for today: 2 Peter 1-3, Jude

I joined the Boy Scouts when I was young. By and large, I loved the experience. Loved to camp. Loved to hike. Loved all the adventures. One thing I didn’t love was trail maintenance. Our troop adopted a trail down at Hankins Pass. Twice a year we would go there to perform maintenance on the trail. We would cut down trees. Clear any brush. Pick up any trash that had accumulated. The older boys and men would build water bars. Divert streams if necessary. Repair or replace bridges. It wasn’t easy work. But because the trail received regular maintenance, it stayed clear and open and many got to enjoy it.

I often think about that experience when I reflect on the journey of faith. When I first came to Christ, it was like I had arrived at a brand new trail head. I was taking a path I had never trod. I was seeking a way where there had been no way. As I stared at the wilderness that lay before me, I realized I would need to cut a new trail in my life. The old ways simply wouldn’t do. The old paths I had taken led only to dead ends. Jesus was calling me to a new way. His way. The only way. Listen to how the Apostle Peter describes it in our reading for today…

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter‬ ‭1:3-8‬)

The power to follow Jesus does not come from us. I did not have the strength to cut a new trail. I did not have the wisdom to know where to go. But thankfully, Christ Himself grants us His divine power to lead and guide us into all righteousness. In Him, we have everything we need that pertains to life and godliness. With Him at our side, we can cut a new trail of faith through this life. This will require effort. Peter makes this clear. We must make every effort to supplement the faith we’ve been given with virtue and knowledge and self-discipline and steadfastness and godliness and brotherly affection and love. These qualities come only as we continue to walk the path Jesus lays out for us. They come as we remain in step with His Spirit and maintain our walk before Christ. We cannot grow lazy lest our path become overgrown. We cannot neglect the ordinary means of grace like prayer and Scripture reading and corporate worship lest the path of faith become hidden to our eyes as the wilderness of sin closes back in.

Spiritual growth requires constant maintenance. It requires constant vigilance. It requires constant attention. You must go back over the path again and again and again to make sure it remains well-trod. This is true in every area of life. Habits form new pathways in our brains. The behaviors we engage in shape us as much as we shape them. The choices we make in life are often pre-determined by the path we find ourselves on. So here’s the question for us as we come to the end of 2020 and look to begin a new year…are you on the narrow way that leads to Jesus? What new trails is Christ calling you to cut in the 2021? How are you preparing yourself? What’s the first step? As you look back on the challenges of the last year, what impact has 2020 had on your trail of faith? What maintenance do you need to do? What repairs will you need to make? What parts of your trail remain well-trod? As you walk back over the trail of your life, what parts of the trail remain familiar and comfortable? Every year represents a new beginning. A new opportunity to grow in our faith in Christ. Reading through the Bible each year is one way to keep our paths clear from the obstacles of sin. I hope you’ll sign up and invite your friends and family to join us in the new year!

The Promise of Christmas

Readings for today: Hebrews 9-13

It is fascinating to read the book of Hebrews during the Christmas season. To dive deep into the mystery of the incarnation. To grasp the full sweep and scope of God’s salvation plan. Whoever the author of Hebrews is, he is intimately familiar with the Old Testament. He is also skilled at Jewish midrash which is an intepretive method that infused fresh meaning into the biblical texts. Jesus is his interpretive lens. He looks back on the ceremonial religious laws of the Torah and reinterprets them in light of Christ. The priesthood, sacrifices, and Temple are all reimagined. The high points of Israel’s history are revisited as are the great heroes and heroines of the faith. It’s like a fog has lifted for the author and they are seeing things clearly for the very first time. 

Many years ago, I had LASIK surgery on my eyes. I have worn glasses since the fourth grade. My vision was terrible. I was as near-sighted as they come. Then I had the procedure. I remember walking out of the office and it was literally like scales had been lifted from my eyes. I could actually see things like the alarm clock in the morning or the individual leaves on the tree in my front yard. It was an incredible feeling.  

I imagine the author of Hebrews felt the same way. You can almost feel the energy coming off the page. If you listen closely, you can sense his excitement and joy as he shares what he’s discover. Now it all makes sense! Now it all has become clear! This is why God instituted the sacrificial system and this is how God brings that system to completion! His own Son serves both as High Priest and Perfect Sacrifice. He bears His own Body into the Holy of Holies in the heavenly Temple and satisfies the just demands of God’s Law once and for all. This is the mystery of salvation all of our forefathers and mothers in the faith looked forward to and now it is ours to see and to touch and to taste! The promised new covenant has been given. The new age inaugurated. The gates of heavenly Jerusalem thrown open. The angels gathered, along with the saints who have gone before us, to join the party. A gift is being offered. An unshakable kingdom that will never fall for it’s foundation is Christ Himself! 

Can you feel him? Can you sense the passion behind his words? You can almost hear him crescendo as he brings his sermon to a close. “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. See that you do not refuse him who is speaking!...Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews‬ ‭12:22-29) I know I’d be shouting for sure! :-) 

Friends, the Christmas gift God offers us in Jesus Christ is nothing short of heaven itself. This is what makes Christmas so meaningful. Yes, we’ll get time with dear friends and family. In person or over Zoom. Yes, work slows down and school lets out. Thanks be to God because I know we’re all exhausted! Yes, we give and receive gifts with glad and generous hearts. But the most important thing - the one thing we simply cannot miss - is the gift of Jesus! Through Him we receive eternal life in an eternal relationship with an eternal God who reserves a place for us in His eternal Kingdom. To Him be all the praise, honor and glory forever!  

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Timothy 1-4

Our Great High Priest

Readings for today: Hebrews 5-8

God is eternally consistent. From the beginning to the end of Scripture, a single story unfolds. God creates the universe and all that is in it. It is good. It is beautiful. It is right and true. He makes a man. Made in His own image. Places him in creation as a “priest” of sorts. One who exercises dominion over all God has made. One who keeps the Garden and makes it flourish. One who lives for God and His glory. But Adam fell into sin. The original high priest unfaithful. The impact is devastating. All of creation falls into ruin for lack of a faithful high priest who will present her to God holy and without spot, wrinkle or blemish. 

Time moves on. Another priest is called. Noah. Set apart by God to exercise dominion over a new creation. The new world that emerges from the flood. But again, the high priestly line fails. Rather than be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth; they stick together. They build a tower. A temple to their own name. God looks down. Confuses their languages. Scatters them across the earth.  

More time passes. Another priest. Abram. Called out of Ur, he will be the father of a new nation. They will become a holy priesthood. A people for God’s own possession set apart to exercise dominion over the earth. They are to walk in the light of God and teach the other nations to do the same. Once again, the high priestly line fails. They turn inward. They hoard the blessings of God. They become entitled. Prideful. They scorn the Gentiles they are called to serve. God punishes them and sends them into exile. 

God goes silent. Four hundred years. God raises up yet another high priest. His only begotten Son. Jesus becomes one of us. Takes on human flesh. Assumes a broken human nature. He lives among us. Walks among us. Teaches us. Heals us. Suffers for us. Dies for us. He experiences all that human life has to offer. The good. The bad. The ugly. All so He can fully and rightfully represent us before the Father. At the same time, He remains God. His divine nature is never relinquished. So He can fully and rightfully take on the sins of the world. Jesus is the perfect high priest. His divine and human natures satisfying every aspect of the covenant God first made back in the Garden. 

This is what makes Jesus unique. Superior to every angel and every prophet who has come before or after Him. He plays His unique, high priestly role even now on your behalf. He lives to make intercession for you. His sacrifice on your behalf has been accepted. You are set free. Receive this free gift from your high priest and place your trust and confidence in Him!

Readings for tomorrow: Hebrews 9-13