The Spirit of Elijah

Readings for today: 2 Kings 1-3, Psalms 101

A double portion of Elijah’s spirit. I have often wondered what that might look like. Then I started coming over here to Ethiopia. I started meeting men and women who had little to no education, very few resources at their disposal, and seemingly no opportunities to change their station in life. I met men and women who have “nothing” by the world’s standards and yet they have “everything” by God’s standards. Why? They have the spirit of Elijah. They have double and triple portions of his spirit. They perform miracle after miracle on a daily basis. People are healed. Fields become fertile. Water flows in dry and thirsty places. Even the dead are raised. It’s powerful and yet they would tell you the miracles are beside the point. All the signs and wonders are not the main event. The main event is Jesus.

In our reading today, both Elijah and Elisha perform miracle after miracle. Future telling. Pools of water suddenly appearing in the desert. Water purification. Incredible military victories. To the skeptical, stories like these make the Bible seem primitive and superstitious. To the doubter, stories like these can be confusing and frustrating as they wrestle with why they don’t seem to happen much anymore. To the faithful, stories like these encourage belief and deeper trust in God. However, the question still remains...why does God perform miracles?Why does God break through the time/space continuum? Why does He suspend the laws of nature and the universe? Why does He intervene in certain situations but not others? Reach down and touch certain lives and not others? These are important questions that must be faced and thankfully, the Bible provides a clear answer.

First and foremost, miracles are given for the purpose of pointing God’s people to faith. They are not ends in and of themselves. They are signposts. Pointing beyond themselves. They are given to direct our attention heavenward to the Lord of all creation. The Author of all life. They are stark reminders that we are not at the mercy of our circumstances. This world and all the natural laws that govern it - from gravity to thermodynamics to photosynthesis - is not all there is. There is a God who stands above and beyond such laws, who is able to set them aside for reasons only He Himself knows and understands.  

Secondly, miracles are given so that God’s people might always cling to hope. Even when circumstances seem their most dire. When evil seems to be on the march. Injustice and oppression winning the day. Persecution at its fiercest. Rage and violence burning white hot. Disease ravaging the body. Famine and poverty threatening our well-being. Even in the darkest of times, we still have hope. Hope in a God who can and does intervene. Hope in a God who draws near the broken-hearted and crushed in spirit. Hope in a God who fights on behalf of the poor and oppressed and outcast and stranger. 

Third, miracles are given to remind us how limited and finite we are as creatures. Power. Wealth. Influence. Control. We like to live with the illusion that we are the masters of our own destinies especially in the West. We like to believe we are the captains of our fate. We like to think we are in charge. We like to act like we’ve got everything under control. But miracles remind us who truly holds the power. Miracles remind us of our relative insignificance in the grand scheme of things. Miracles bring us face to face with the power of God and, like Job, we shut our mouths and fall on our faces before Him. 

Ultimately, miracles force us to look beyond ourselves. Beyond our needs. Beyond our circumstances. Beyond our wisdom. Beyond our strength. Miracles force us to trust in God. To trust in His purposes and His design. We cannot bend God to our will. There is no magic formula to get God to do our bidding. Miracles happen on His time and in accordance with His will. Our job is to believe. To have faith. To place our lives in His hands and trust Him for the outcome.  

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Kings 4-7, Psalms 102

Signs of Self-Centeredness

Readings for today: 1 Kings 20-22, Psalms 100

What happens when you don’t get your way? What do you feel when your plan comes up short? How do you respond when things don’t quite go the way you want them to? When we are children, our parents did their best to teach us about the dangers of selfishness. When we would get angry or resentful or throw a fit, they would correct us. Teach us to share. Teach us to think about others. Teach us to consider the needs of those around us. For some reason, so many seem to forget these lessons when they become adults.

Ahab was a selfish man. Despite the incredible miracles God worked on his behalf, he became resentful and angry the moment things don’t go his way. The Syrian army comes against him and it looks like he is doomed. The numbers are not on his side. He doesn’t have the resources to succeed. But God intervenes and delivers the Syrians into his hands not once but twice! But rather than fully obey God by killing the Syrian king, Ahab makes a treaty with him and lets him go. When God confronts him, he doesn’t repent but instead goes home and pouts. It’s frankly embarrassing. The next chapter gets even worse. He looks out his palace window and sees a vineyard he likes. Despite the fact that he knows the ancestral laws of the nation of Israel regarding the inheritance God gave each tribe and each family, he tries to buy the vineyard from the owner. When Naboth refuses in an effort to remain faithful, Ahab once again grows resentful and angry. He actually goes into his room and pulls the covers over his head, refusing to eat. Again, his behavior is shameful and unworthy of the king. It also opens the door for his wife - a pagan woman named Jezebel - who shows no qualms in making sure Ahab gets what he wants. This, of course, leads to God’s judgment on Ahab and his family.

The opposite of the “God-centered” life is a “Self-centered” life. And the signs we have lapsed into a self-centered life are pretty clear. Anger. Resentment. Bitterness. Constant frustration. Anxiety. Fear. Worry. You name it. These feelings make it clear we are struggling to let go and walk with open hands before the Lord. The signs we are pursuing a God-centered life are equally clear. Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Grace. Forgiveness. Flexibility. Humility. When these things become evident in our lives, we can be sure we are living for God and not for Self. So where do you find yourself today?

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Kings 1-3, Psalms 101

God’s Love for Widows

Readings for today: 1 Kings 17-19, Psalms 99

For most of my life, when I’ve read the story of Elijah, I tended to focus on his confrontation with King Ahab or his showdown with the prophets of Baal or his flight from Jezebel or perhaps most of all, his encounter with God on the mountain. However, in recent years, I’ve spent more time focusing on the widow of Zarephath. Reading her story reminds me of so many of the women I’ve met in places like Uganda and Ethiopia and Rwanda. Widows who spend their days gathering sticks into large bundles and carrying them on their backs to market. Day in and day out they do this work. Week after week. Month after month. Year after year until their bodies give out. They trade their labor for food or for a little cash. They barely make enough to eat much less save. They never take a day off. They never take a vacation. This is the kind of woman Elijah meets when he arrives in Zarephath. She takes time out from her back-breaking labor to bring him a drink. She willingly sacrifices her last bit of flour and oil - what was going to be her final meal with her son before they died - and gives it to Elijah to eat. Despite her suffering, she never wavers in showing hospitality to this man of God. It’s awe-inspiring.

As I said, I’ve met this widow many times before and as I head over to Ethiopia this week, I imagine I will meet many more. I’ve spent time in their homes. I’ve shared meals with them. I’ve watched them prepare what little they have to entertain strangers from afar. I’ve been touched by their gracious hospitality. Despite the fact that they work all day, make two or three long trips to the local watering hole, finish their chores, feed their children and put them to bed; they still find time to serve. They still find time to love. I am convinced this is why God answers their prayers. I am convinced this is why God works miracles on their behalf. These widows have a simple, yet profound faith. They don’t complain. They don’t question. They don’t have a bad attitude. They never make it about them. They are faithful. They are obedient. They trust the Lord and they are blessed.

How I wish I could be like these widows! How I wish I could live with such simple faith! They have become my teachers in so many ways. They have taught me to pray. They have taught me to worship. They have taught me to sing. They have taught me to dance. They have taught me how to serve and love and sacrifice for Jesus. When I follow their example, I find my eyes being lifted above the hills. My gaze fixes on Jesus as I realize I am in the presence of one of His very special, beloved children. The widows I’ve met are like “advance scouts” for the Kingdom of God. They are much further along in the journey than I am and Jesus is faithful to send them back to encourage me along the way. They are not just bit players in some other person’s story…even if that person is Elijah himself! They are numbered among God’s greatest saints in glory!

Readings for today: 1 Kings 20-22, Psalms 100

Finishing Strong

Readings for today: 1 Kings 11-13, Psalms 97

“When Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away to follow other gods. He was not wholeheartedly devoted to the Lord his God, as his father David had been.” (1 Kings‬ ‭11‬:‭4‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

A long obedience in the same direction. That’s how the late pastor and author and scholar, Eugene Peterson, once described the Christian life. It’s a path we choose to walk in this life under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It doesn’t translate into perfection. It doesn’t mean we will stop sinning. It doesn’t mean we will never put a foot out of line or wander down some rabbit trail. It simply means that on balance, we set the course of our lives towards one goal. One destination. One finish line and that is the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

As we read the Bible, we see so many start well but eventually fall. We see them raised up by God only to fall into sin later in their lives. We’ve seen it over and over again in the lives of Aaron and Miriam and Gideon and Samson and David and many others. We see it in Rehoboam and Jeroboam who both come after Solomon. We’ll see it in the lives of several kings over the next few weeks. The message is clear. It’s hard to finish strong. It’s hard to remain faithful. It’s hard to keep walking in obedience over the long haul in the same direction.

Solomon became distracted. He married hundreds of women in an attempt to build alliances with the nations around him and pacify the region. He was largely successful but he also became distracted from his most important calling as a king. He was to remain faithful to God and serve God’s people. Rehoboam grew up watching his father. He saw his dad enslave entire people groups. Build incredible cities. Amass great wealth and power. He wanted to do the same. In fact, like any spoiled child, he felt he was entitled to it. So he decided to become even more of a tyrant than his father. He too forgot his most important calling which was to remain faithful to God and serve God‘s people. Jeroboam was anointed by God to be king after Solomon. He was literally given the vast majority of the nation of Israel. Ten tribes would go with him when he split the kingdom. But he became afraid. What would happen when they went back to the Temple in Jerusalem? Would they abandon him? Would they return to the line of David? Out of fear, he commits idolatry and sets up his own priestly system complete with its own sacrifices and shrines and temples and idols. He forgot his most calling which was to remain faithful to God and serve God’s people.

One of my most frequent prayers is to finish strong. I want to finish my life and my ministry in faithfulness. I don’t want there to be even a hint of scandal. I don’t want anyone to ever say Doug fell at the end. Started serving himself. Started drifting from his most important calling. Started loving other things more than he loved God. I’ve been blessed in my life with tremendous opportunities and tremendous resources and an incredible family and an amazing church to serve but I don’t ever want to take these things for granted. So I ask God with regularity to keep me humble. Keep me in my place. Help me to always have a heart to serve rather than be served and seek first His Kingdom above all. What about you?

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 14-16, Psalms 98 (No devotionals on Sundays)

Learning to Pray

Readings for today: 1 Kings 8-10, Psalms 96

The prayer of King Solomon at the dedication of the Temple is one of my favorites. It’s serves as a great model for us as we think about our own prayer life or prayers during times of great cultural upheaval like the one we’re currently living in. It begins with an ascription of praise for who God is and a recognition that He is utterly transcendent. 

“Lord God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below, who keeps the gracious covenant with your servants who walk before you with all their heart.” (1 Kings‬ ‭8‬:‭23‬ ‭CSB‬‬‬) Solomon acknowledges the greatness of God. His majesty. His glory. His splendor. He is not just one among many gods. He alone is the true God of the heavens and the earth. He is also a God defined by faithfulness. Eternal loyalty. Steadfast love for His covenant people who are the humble recipients of His blessing. This attitude is truly the starting point of prayer. Prayer must begin with an understanding of who God is and who we are. We are not the same. We are not on the same level. God is the shepherd and we are the sheep. God is the potter and we are the clay. God is the king and we are his servants. Prayer places us in a humble position before the Lord. This is the only posture one can take when we come before God in prayer. 

“But will God indeed live on earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain you, much less this temple I have built. Listen to your servant’s prayer and his petition, Lord my God, so that you may hear the cry and the prayer that your servant prays before you today.” (1 Kings‬ ‭8‬:‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭CSB‬‬‬) As we come humbly before the Lord, we are assured of His promise to hear us. To listen. To attend to our prayers. God hears every word. Every cry. He sees every tear. He knows the secret thoughts of our hearts and He delights when we bring those before Him openly and honestly. Solomon makes it clear that the Temple’s primary purpose is to serve as a house for prayer. A place where Israel can come before God and lay their requests before Him. 

God not only listens to our requests, He also hears our confession. Throughout this prayer, Solomon acknowledges the inescapable reality of sin. It is ubiquitous. It is epidemic. It is simply part of who we are as God’s people. So when a man or woman sins. When God’s people sin collectively. Whether against neighbor or friend. Through systems of oppression or abuse. When Israel suffers defeat at the hands of their enemies or the rains are shut up in the heavens or famine strikes the land. When viral pandemics rage, economies fail, racial tensions rise, and shelter-in-place orders are laid down. In those moments, if we will humble ourselves and pray and seek God’s face, God promises to “hear in heaven your dwelling place and forgive and act and render to each whose heart you know...” (1 Kings‬ ‭8:39 CSB‬)

God will do all these things in such a way as to make His name great upon the earth. Even in Solomon’s prayer, there is a missional, outward-facing component. "Even for the foreigner who is not of your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your name — for they will hear of your great name, strong hand, and outstretched arm, and will come and pray toward this temple — may you hear in heaven, your dwelling place, and do according to all the foreigner asks. Then all peoples of earth will know your name, to fear you as your people Israel do and to know that this temple I have built bears your name.” (1 Kings‬ ‭8‬:‭41‬-‭43‬ ‭CSB‬‬) God desires to fill the earth with His glory. Israel is called to serve this very purpose. In the way Israel orders her life and faithfully serves her Lord, she will be a witness to the nations and to all of creation of the steadfast love of God. 

You can see why I love this prayer so much! As I said above, it is a great model for us to follow in our own lives as we ponder and reflect on the challenges we face individually and collectively. Passages like this invite us to bring our requests before the Lord and trust Him with the results. Because of Christ, Christians have access to the Father in ways Solomon, in all his wisdom, could never have imagined! Because Christ sits at the Father’s right hand interceding for us continually, the door is always open. The way to the Holy of Holies always clear. We have a standing invitation to come before our Heavenly Father with the blessed assurance He will always listen. When you pray for yourself or the world in which we live, pray with this eternal promise firmly fixed in your mind and heart. 

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 11-13, Psalms 97

Whose House are you Building?

Readings for today: 1 Kings 4-7, Psalms 95

Whose house are you building? Are you seeking to build God’s house or your own? Where do you spend most of your time, attention, and resources? Today’s reading challenges us. It presents a comparison between God’s house and Solomon’s house and forces us to come to ask some tough questions about our own lives as well.

No doubt, Solomon fulfilled his father’s dream and built a magnificent Temple for the Lord. The project took seven years and took up a great deal of Solomon’s time, energy, and resources. Several chapters are dedicated in the books of Kings and Chronicles to the Temple construction and the general consensus is that Solomon completed his task with excellence, building a house worthy of the Lord. At the same time, Scripture draws some important comparisons between the house built for the Lord and the house Solomon built for himself by laying these chapters side by side. Yes, Solomon took seven years to build God’s house but he took thirteen to build his own. Yes, God’s house was large, measuring some 90 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 45 feet high. However, Solomon’s house was even bigger and more grand, measuring 150 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. Each house was built of costly trimmed and dressed stone and covered in cedar beams. We know each building contained all kinds of gold and precious stones but once again, it seems Solomon used the bulk of his wealth on his own home. This suggests that for all of Solomon’s devotion to the work of temple building, he was more devoted to his own glory than he was to the glory of the Lord.

Like Solomon, we too can become distracted and focus more on our own concerns than that of the Lord and His will for our lives. We can put more energy and time into our own pursuits than into worshipping and serving God. We can treat God as one priority among many rather than the first and most important priority of our lives. So, again, let me press the question. As you think about where you spend your time, energy, wealth, and resources…whose house are you building? Who is getting the bulk of your attention? Are you seeking first the Kingdom of God for your life or are you seeking your own kingdom?

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 8-10, Psalms 96

Wisdom

Readings for today: 1 Kings 1-3, Psalms 94

“So give your servant a receptive heart to judge your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” ‭‭(1 Kings‬ ‭3:9 CSB‬)

We suffer today from a lack of discernment. We live in a post-truth world. Right and wrong are personally defined. There is no such thing as objectivity anymore. People do what is right in their own eyes. We call good “evil” and evil “good.” We have lost our way as a culture, as a society, and as a nation. And it isn’t just Christians who have come to this conclusion. In one of the strangest videos I’ve ever seen, noted atheist Richard Dawkins actually calls himself a “cultural Christian” and argues for a return to Christian values in the UK! Craziness! Sadly, events of recent years like the COVID pandemic have only accelerated our downward spiral. Political and cultural leaders from all sides of the aisle seem far more interested in leveraging the multiple crises we face to further their own ends. We no longer seem to have many adults in the room. People who will honestly and transparently and humbly lead us through what is an extremely challenging time. The results are deadly. Would that God would raise up a leader for us like Solomon!

Sadly, in a democratic system, you often get the leadership you deserve. If we are honest, our leaders are an extension of us. They are the embodiment of our basest desires and primal instincts. They are ruthless, calculating, greedy, corrupt…just like us but on a larger scale. You say, but I’m not that way! Are you so sure? Perhaps it’s a matter of scale. It was Lord Acton who once wrote, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” I imagine many of us - given the right circumstances and opportunities and resources and influence - might find ourselves justifying all kinds of choices we might not otherwise make. This is the impact of sin in our lives and it is hard to resist. This is why the character of a leader matters. It’s why the heart of a leader is so important. Leaders who are humble and seek God, who are willing to acknowledge their mistakes and ask for forgiveness, will seek to serve rather than be served. They will seek to unite rather than divide. They will lead with honesty and integrity and the nation will be blessed. Leaders who are proud and arrogant, selfish and greedy, prone to violence and rage, will seek to serve themselves rather than others. They will use division to accumulate more and more power for themselves. They will lie and deceive routinely if it serves their ends and the nation will be cursed.

One of the things we will see as we read through the Kings is how the character of a leader shapes the nation. The fortunes of Israel rise or fall largely on the godliness of the kings who serve her. When godly kings are in power. Kings who are wise. Discerning. Those who know right from wrong and good from evil. Israel flourishes. When ungodly kings are in power. Kings who are corrupt. Foolish. Narcissistic. Those who could care less about right or wrong as long as they acquire more power. Israel falls. America is no different. Now, more than ever, we need godly leadership at the helm of our nation. Now, more than ever, the character of our leaders matters. May God raise up for us leaders like Solomon who know good from evil and can lead us with wisdom.

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 4-7, Psalms 95

Real Salvation

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 22-24, Psalms 93

Salvation is real. It’s based on real events within human history. It’s an accurate record of God’s miraculous intervention on behalf of His chosen people which is why it retains such a hold on our imaginations. When I was in seminary, I remember debating fellow students and even some of my professors over the nature of salvation. They believed the events of the Bible to be largely mythological. They believed salvation to be a spiritual metaphor describing the basic human longing for freedom or liberation. They couldn’t conceive of a God who would act within history. They rejected the historicity of events like the Exodus or people like David or even the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. They began with the a priori philosophical assumption that miracles were impossible and therefore the Bible must be wrong or using hyperbole when it describes them. Everything must have a naturalistic or humanistic or scientific explanation. The problem with this approach is it doesn’t adequately explain why events like the Exodus remain so influential over the centuries.

In today’s reading, David composes a song of thanksgiving. It’s a song commemorating his victories over all his enemies. David is finally at peace. He has won all his wars. He has secured his line of succession. He has united the nation of Israel under his rule. And he rightfully gives God all the glory. As he writes his poetry, he draws on the image of the Exodus to describe all God has done for him. “The Lord thundered from heaven; the Most High made his voice heard. He shot arrows and scattered them; he hurled lightning bolts and routed them. The depths of the sea became visible, the foundations of the world were exposed at the rebuke of the Lord, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.” (2 Samuel 22:14-16 CSB) He goes on to talk about God lifting him out of the deep waters to bring him to a safe place. He talks about God’s deliverance from all his enemies and how God gave him victory after victory everywhere he went. Clearly, David has in mind specific battles in specific places against specific people. These are not abstract ideas. David isn’t just talking about spiritual metaphors. He is talking about salvation in the literal sense. A real God acting on behalf of His people within real time and space. And David relates his own experiences to the experiences of God’s people throughout their history.

The question I often posed to my fellow students and professors when we would debate is how we could honestly talk about God as “Savior” if He never actually saved anyone? Why would we call Him names like “Deliverer”, “Rescuer”, “Liberator”, etc. if He wasn’t actually engaged in the business of deliverance, rescue, and liberation? It’s baffling to me that people would worship a god who never actually does anything. I am honestly stumped why anyone would seek to follow such a god? Why would we believe or trust anything this supposed god actually said? How is this not just wishful thinking? How is this not just blind hope? No, I worship a God who saves. I worship a God who delivers. I worship a God who parted the Red Sea, saved David from all his enemies, and raised Jesus Christ from the dead. I worship a God who still intervenes miraculously to save His people even today.

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 1-3, Psalms 94

The Futility of Revenge

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 13-15, Psalms 90

“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” - Gandhi

“Fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Whatever injury he inflicted on the person, the same is to be inflicted on him.” (Leviticus‬ ‭24‬:‭20‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

The principle of proportional justice cited by Gandhi comes straight out of the Old Testament from passages like the one in Leviticus. It’s specifically designed by God to bring an end to the perpetual cycles of violence and revenge that plagued the ancient world. Insults were met with assault. Assaults met with murders. Murder met with the elimination of entire families. The elimination of families led to open warfare between tribes. These are generational cycles in honor/shame cultures. The next generation shouldering the responsibility to restore the honor of their family by taking revenge on those who wounded their fathers and mothers.

We see a similar dynamic play out in the stories we read today. David led a highly dysfunctional family. He played favorites. Indulged the children he liked and ignored the children he despised. Mostly he appears to be an absentee father who seems consumed with running the Kingdom of Israel rather than securing his succession and teaching his children to fear the Lord. The results are tragic. Amnon rapes his sister. Absalom assassinates Amnon. David effectively exiles Absalom. Absalom leads a rebellion to overthrow his father, dragging the entire country into war. At every point, there are opportunities to choose a different path. Amnon could have asked David for Tamar’s hand in marriage. David could have brought Amnon to justice for the rape of his sister. David could have chosen reconciliation after Absalom’s exile had ended. Absalom could have chosen the path of peace rather than war against his father. Sadly, the desire for revenge got the best of them which led to all kinds of horrific consequences for them, their families, their communities, and the nation.

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” (Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭38‬-‭39‬ ‭CSB‬‬‬) The path Jesus offers is the path of non-violent resistance. He challenges his followers to break the cycles of revenge that so often enslave us and instead claim the moral high ground. He challenges them to overcome evil with good. Violence with peace. Hatred with love. There may not be a more radical teaching in all of Scripture! It would almost be too much except for the fact that Jesus Himself models this ethic in his suffering and death. Refusing to lift a hand against his oppressors. Refusing to call down legions of angels to fight on his behalf. Asking for forgiveness for us rather than revenge from the cross all because He trusted in His Father’s higher, greater plan. Do we trust God in this same way in our own lives?

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Samuel 16-18, Psalms 91 (No devotionals on Sundays)

Promises

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 9-12, Psalms 89

David was a promise keeper. He promised his friend Jonathan that he would show kindness to his descendants. He took a vow that he would bless his children should he be given the opportunity. After years of being hunted by Jonathan’s father, David now rules over a united Israel. The temptation so many face in his position is the potential threats posed by the family members of the former king who might lay claim to the throne. Many in David’s position would either kill or banish potential rivals. We see it happen all the time around the world even today. David, however, operated by a different set of values. When given the chance, he sought out anyone left in Saul’s family in order to show them kindness. This included a lowly, orphaned, crippled, almost forgotten young man named Mephibosheth. Unable to go to war with his father and grandfather, he had to rely on the generosity of others in order to survive. David lifts him up and treats him like a prince. He gives him all the property of King Saul and invites him into the royal court. Even welcomes him at the king’s table! This act of kindness fulfilled his vow to his dear friend and I’m sure brought joy to David’s heart.

David had so many reasons NOT to keep his promise. Circumstances had changed. His responsibilities had grown exponentially. The decisions he made impacted not just himself but an entire kingdom. Political expediency suggested he secure his kingdom by eliminating any potential threats both internally and externally. I am sure David received counsel to kill every one of Saul’s remaining family members. But David trusted God. He knew God was the source of his power and authority. He knew God had raised him up to the throne. He knew God would protect him and keep him. And because he had full confidence that God would keep His promises, he was set free to keep his promises as well no matter the potential cost.

This is the key to keeping our promises. If we trust God is in control, we don’t need to be anxious. We don’t need to be afraid. We don’t need to worry or fret over “what if.” If we believe God is faithful, we are set free to make promises and keep promises. We are set free to honor our word even if it costs us something. We are set free to walk with integrity no matter how difficult it may be. With God at our right hand, we will not fall. He will not let our foot be moved nor will He let us slip. He is our strength. He is our wisdom. He is our guide. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5)

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Samuel 13-15, Psalms 90

Worship

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 4-8, Psalms 88

What is worship? According to the dictionary, it is an act, feeling, or expression of reverence or awe for a deity. A divine being of infinite worthiness who has a right to demand our total allegiance and obedience. Worship is typically accompanied by sacred rituals and rites designed to humble the human being. The goal being to highlight the vast gulf that exists between the human and divine or heaven and earth. Anyone profaning these rituals or making a mockery of worship places themselves at significant risk of angering God. And before we protest that God has no right to be angry with us when we make mistakes, we have to remember who God is and who He has revealed Himself to be. God is perfectly holy and righteous and just. He is infinite in power and majesty. His splendor fills the heavens. His glory fills the earth. He is not to be trifled with or taken for granted. He is not to be dismissed or ignored or set aside. He is not to be treated with anything less than total respect and honor.

Think about what you felt when you read through 2 Samuel 6 today. It’s not an easy passage for us because we cannot begin to fathom the Lord’s anger burning against someone enough that it would cost them their life. Sure, we might understand God getting mad at us in the abstract. We can grasp the concept. But to strike someone dead on the spot? For putting a hand out to steady the Ark of the Covenant? What is with God? We are in good company. David didn’t understand it either. It’s why he refused to bring the Ark into Jerusalem at first. He was afraid of God. He was afraid of what God might do. He didn’t have the proper respect for who God is and what God is all about. But then David hears that God has blessed the household of Obed-Edom. The same God who struck Uzzah down now blesses an entire family over the course of three months. What gives? Maybe it’s now safe to bring the Ark to Jerusalem? Actually, what David has learned is the proper reverence and awe of God. Look at the difference between verses one through five and twelve through nineteen. David’s first attempt was more of a military parade with the Ark of the Covenant at the center like a pagan talisman of sorts. David does what is convenient rather than what is required by putting the Ark on a new cart. It’s more a celebration of David and his mighty men than it is a worship event. Contrast that with the second attempt. Sacrifices are made every six steps. David is dancing in a linen robe with all his might before the Lord. The blow the ram’s horn and gather all the people of Israel. When they arrive at the tent, David offers up all kinds of burnt offerings and blesses the people in the Name of the Lord. Clearly, he’s learned something.

What about you? How do you engage in worship? When you worship, is it about God or about you? Do you approach worship with a critical eye? Always on the lookout for worship music you don’t like or preaching you don’t agree with? Is your heart open or is it guarded? Do you find yourself judging those around you? You need to be careful lest you arouse the anger of God. Much better to follow David’s latter example. Much better to give God the worship He deserves and demands. Much better to abandon yourself in the presence of God and let go of your need to be right or your need to be entertained or your need to agree theologically with everything that is said. I love how David puts it at the end of chapter six when his wife critiques him, “I will dance before the Lord and I will dishonor myself and humble myself even more.” That’s a man with a heart after God. May we have that same heart as well.

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Samuel 9-12, Psalms 89

Lament

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 1-3, Psalms 87

Lament is a powerful spiritual practice. It breaks down the barriers that exist between us and our enemies. It tears down the dividing walls of hostility that separate us from our opponents. It creates common ground for us and those with whom we disagree. For example, imagine how different things might be if our political leaders could all step back and lament the many things going wrong in our country rather than spend so much energy casting blame? Imagine what could happen if families or neighbors or co-workers would lament together rather than so quickly rush to judgment or act on false assumptions? Imagine what would happen if social media became a space for common lament rather than act as a catalyst for outrage?

Lament is not weakness. It is not an implicit acknowledgement of guilt. It is not passive. It is an active, strong, gracious way to deal with hardship and suffering and the pain that results from the power of sin in our world. David laments over the death of Saul not because Saul was godly or deserving or had earned it. David weeps over him because Saul’s failure breaks the heart of God and tragically impacts the people of God. David weeps over Jonathan because of the death of a dear friend who was also a rival for the throne. David weeps over Abner because of the injustice of his death due to the ravenous violence of his subordinates. David weeps because the divisions and fractures and fights among God’s covenant people are the consequences of generations of sinful choices. He weeps because they are reaping what they’ve sown through the time of the Judges where each person did what was right in their own eyes. David sees all of this and more and longs to set a different tone. He longs to take Israel in a new direction. It’s why he stayed his hand over and over again when he could easily have struck Saul down. It’s why he made peace with Abner rather than fighting to the bitter end. David understands God’s heart and how God laments over the violence and divisions among his people.

Lament is a challenge for us. We struggle to step back and weep together over the state of things. Instead, we seem far more focused on blaming others. Far more focused on attacking others. Far more focused on absolving ourselves and protecting ourselves from any sense that we have contributed to the brokenness of our world. I think about some of the business that will come before our denomination this summer. One of the major issues will be the presentation of a “lament” over the history of racial strife in our nation. A group of pastors and elders have been working hard to put it together and already there are some who are rising against it. Before they’ve even seen it! They are afraid it will serve as an implicit acknowledgement of guilt. They are afraid it will stir up even more strife and dissension. They are afraid it will cast blame. Why we cannot simply sit in the dust and ashes of our sinful condition and lament the brokenness of our history and our world is beyond me. It is yet another sign of how far we have to go to really understand the heart of God. How can you begin to practice lament in your life today?

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Samuel 4-8, Psalms 88

Humility is a Super-Power

Readings for today: 1 Samuel 25-27, Psalms 85

I am convinced humility is a super-power. I believe it was former President Harry Truman who once said, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.” I believe him. It’s certainly squares with my experience. When I have been willing to lay aside pride and ego, the impact of whatever is accomplished grows exponentially. When I have been willing to relinquish my rights for the sake of others, especially those in less powerful positions, all kinds of new opportunities emerge. When I have been willing to let go of control and work collaboratively and share authority and extend freedom, we reach heights I’ve never dreamed possible.

Imagine what could have happened if Nabal had welcomed David’s servants? Imagine if he had honored David for protecting his men when they were grazing his flocks in the wilderness? Imagine if he had been open rather than closed? Generous rather than selfish? Imagine if he had extended hospitality rather than close his doors? Tragically, Nabal chose the path of pride rather than humility and it eventually cost him his life. He hardened his heart and fell under God’s judgment. His choices almost led to a violence conflict and it was only the humility of his wife, Abigail, who averted a war. Abigail turned aside David’s anger by showing humility. She was generous and open-handed with him, interceding on behalf of her stubborn husband. She took matters into her own hands and intervened in order to stave off disaster and God honored her for her sacrifice.

You can live life in one of two directions. Either you will say to God, “Thy will be done” or God will say to you, “thy will be done.” You will either humble yourself before the Lord and live generously and open-handedly or you will harden your heart and live pridefully and selfishly. There really is no middle ground. Those who choose the latter path find themselves on the same trajectory as Nabal. Their hearts eventually turn to stone and they die with no one to mourn their passing. Those who choose the former path find themselves on the same trajectory as Abigail. Their lives are rich and full and when they pass, many come to mourn them. Which path do you find yourself on today? Is your heart softening towards God? Are you becoming more generous and more humble with each passing year? Is your heart hardening towards God? Do you find yourself becoming more selfish and prideful with each passing year?

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 28-31, Psalms 86

Open Hands

Readings for today: 1 Samuel 21-24, Psalms 84

One of the most important things I have learned in life is to walk with open hands before the Lord but it is not easy. In order to do this, one has to set aside their anxieties and fears. One has to relinquish their ego and pride. One has to give up control over their life. I will tell you I didn’t do this willingly. God took me through an extremely painful season to get me to unclench my fists. Once I did, I found a freedom and a joy and a peace that I had hadn’t experienced since my initial conversion. I discovered I had more energy than I thought possible. All kinds of new opportunities and new experiences opened up to me that I would never have considered before. All because I finally surrendered to God.

In our reading today, we see a stark contrast between Saul who is trying like crazy to hold onto his kingdom and David, who is walking with an open heart before the Lord. Saul knows his days are numbered so he does all he can to tighten his grip. He is paranoid. He seeks to eliminate every single possible threat. And the more he clenches his fist, the more the kingdom slips through his fingers. It’s like trying to hold onto water or sand. David, on the other hand, is living in the freedom of the Lord. Though he’s been promised the kingdom, he trusts God with the timing. He maintains his integrity and refuses to raise his hand against God’s anointed king. Even when given the opportunity to strike, David stays his hand. Jonathan also walks with open hands as well. He is the rightful heir to the throne but he doesn’t hold onto it. He refuses to allow his ego to get in the way. He acknowledges David’s rightful claim and even promises to serve at David’s right hand. What a powerful example of humility and relinquishment!

Do you walk with open hands before the Lord? Do you consciously and regularly surrender all your time and energy and resources to Him? Do you give Him control over your life? On the flip side, where are you holding on too tight? What areas of your life are you refusing to relinquish? Where has your ego taken hold and can you let go? These are important questions to ponder and pray over as we think about our relationships in every sphere of life from the home to our extended family to our work to our lifestyle to our faith.

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 25-27, Psalms 85

God Looks on the Heart

Readings for today: 1 Samuel 15-17, Psalms 82

What does God see when He looks on your heart? Does He see a heart full of devotion or a heart that’s divided? Does He see a heart that is humble and willing and obedient or a heart that is prideful and resistant and oriented more around self? Does He see a heart full of love and grace or a heart full of anger and hate? Does He see a heart that is quick to forgive or quick to judge? How is your heart? Have you spent intentional time cultivating a heart after God or have you ignored or neglected your heart along the way?

1 Samuel 16:7 is one of my favorite verses in all the Bible. “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature because I have rejected him. Humans do not see what the Lord sees, for humans see what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.” (1 Samuel‬ ‭16‬:‭7‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

What does it mean to love God with a “whole” heart? To be fully devoted to Him? To make Him our first love? Does it mean outward, physical perfection? King Saul literally stood head and shoulders above his countrymen. (1 Sam. 10:23) Eliab, David’s older brother, clearly was an impressive physical specimen. (1 Sam. 16:6) Does it mean achievement or success? I am sure God could easily have lined up a hundred other men who had accomplished a heck of a lot more than David. Is it based on wealth or privilege? Or perhaps great moral character? What kind of heart does God treasure in a man or woman? The key is found in 1 Sam. 15:22-23 CSB, ”Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? Look: to obey is better than sacrifice, to pay attention is better than the fat of rams.” Humility. Submission. Obedience. These are the qualities on which God places supreme value. So are we willing to listen? Willing to follow? Willing to surrender our plans in favor of God’s plan for our lives? Are we willing to trust God even when our circumstances seem bleak? Are we willing to obey even when it’s hard? 

As we’ve read yesterday and today, King Saul was a half-hearted man. Though he was chosen by God and instructed by Samuel in the “rights and duties” of godly kingship, his heart was divided. At times, Saul was faithful and found great success. At other times, he was unfaithful and found only heartbreak. The unlawful sacrifice at Gilgal. A rash vow during the heat of battle. A refusal to devote the Amalekites to destruction. These events illustrate the half-hearted devotion Saul paid to God and it eventually cost him everything. The kingdom was literally ripped from his hands. The Spirit of the Lord departed from him. And he ended up tormented and paranoid. 

King David was a whole-hearted man. As we will see, David was a man after God’s own heart but this doesn’t make him perfect. His failures are massive and significant and costly. But through it all, the one thing David does is keep seeking after God. David keeps humbling himself before God. David keeps returning to God in repentance. And God loves David. Honors David. Promises to give the throne to his descendents for generations.  

So time to take stock. Time to step back and honestly examine your own heart. Are you half-hearted or whole-hearted in your devotion to Jesus? We’ve already seen that it doesn’t necessarily depend on our outward appearance or achievement or actions. We can’t count on the image we project to the world to save us. We have to be strong and courageous enough to take the inward journey into the heart. What do you find there? What will God see when He looks at you?

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 18-20, Psalms 83 (No devotionals on Sundays)

What Drives You?

Readings for today: 1 Samuel 13-14, Psalms 81

There is a lot being written today about what drives human beings to do the things they do. Ever since the Enlightenment, we’ve been living under the illusion that we are rational creatures. As Rene Descartes famously put it, “I think therefore I am.” But many are now questioning this fundamental assumption because of the overwhelming evidence that it’s simply not true. Human beings seem to be enslaved to their desires. Base emotions at the core of their being drive them to make all kinds of decisions, many of which are not rational or objective or based on facts. It’s why human progress is a myth. We’ve been chasing things like justice and righteousness and honesty and truth for thousands of years but seem no closer to realizing them in human society. Over and over again, we regress to power, corruption, greed, selfishness, etc. and our minds work overtime to “rationalize” our choices to make them seem more logical than they are.

In my personal and professional experience, I find many people are driven by fear. They experience trauma or pain or suffering at a young age and they make a determination deep down never to allow themselves to be put in that position ever again. I think of people I know who suffered from food insecurity as children who, even though they make plenty of money now, always feel the need to keep their refrigerators, freezers, and pantries overflowing. I think of people I know who’ve been abused who vow deep down never to make themselves vulnerable again and sabotage relationship after relationship. I think of people I know who experienced significant failure or saw someone they loved impacted by another person’s failure and spend their lives chasing success at every turn. I think of myself and what drives me. I have all kinds of motivations that were warped and twisted by my experience growing up in an alcoholic home. I have to check myself all the time so that I don’t relapse into unhealthy behaviors and bad decisions.

King Saul was a man driven by fear. He was afraid of losing his influence over the people of Israel so when they begin to desert him at Gilgal, he responds in fear and offers an unlawful sacrifice. Then he overcorrects and makes a rash vow that almost costs him the life of his son. As we continue his story in the days ahead, we will see Saul give into all kinds of envy and jealousy. His fragile ego and desire to protect himself at all costs will eventually cost him not only his kingdom but also his life. That’s what happens when we are driven by fear. The more we try to tighten our grip, the more what we hold most dear slips through our fingers.

God wants us to be driven by faith. God wants us to trust in Him alone. When Samuel confronts Saul, he talks to him about his heart. The issue has less to do with the sacrifice and more to do with Saul’s failure to love God. “Samuel said to Saul, “You have been foolish. You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you. It was at this time that the Lord would have permanently established your reign over Israel, but now your reign will not endure. The Lord has found a man after his own heart, and the Lord has appointed him as ruler over his people, because you have not done what the Lord commanded.” (‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭13‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭CSB‬‬) So again, let me press the question. What drives you? What motivates you to make the decisions you make? Take the actions you take? Make the plans you’ve made? Are they driven by faith or by something else?

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 15-17, Psalms 82

Handling Rejection

Readings for today: 1 Samuel 9-12, Psalms 80

Raise your hand if you like rejection? That’s what I thought. No one does. I hate it. Over the course of my life, I’ve been rejected by girls I’ve asked out. Colleges I wanted to attend. Promotions I thought I’d earned. I was rejected by the first seminary I applied to and countless numbers of churches I contacted when I was graduating from seminary looking for a pastoral position. I’ve had ideas rejected that I believed would rejuvenate dying ministries. I’ve had visions rejected that I believed would transform the church. I’ve been personally rejected by congregational members whom I disappointed for some reason along the way. None of it’s easy. All of it hurts. Perhaps that’s why I like Samuel so much. He struggles with rejection as well. 

Samuel is as faithful a man as it gets in the Bible. A man who dedicates his whole life to serving God and His people. Samuel has judged Israel for decades. Given his heart and soul to them. He has led them in war and in peace. Through seedtime and harvest. In every season of life, he has been there for them. Faithfully praying for them. Faithfully serving them. Faithfully loving them and pointing them back to Yahweh. But now that he’s old, they reject him. Or at least that’s how he feels. “But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, "Give us a king to judge us." (1 Samuel 8:6 CSB) He knew the shortcomings of his sons. He knew they didn’t walk in his ways. That didn’t make their words sting any less. Samuel experienced Israel’s desire for a king as a repudiation of all he had accomplished over the course of his life. That’s a hard place to be. 

But Samuel doesn’t just look to the opinions of people. He also looks to God. And in the midst of his disappointment, he does this extraordinary thing...he prays. And as he prays, God changes his perspective. “As for me, I vow that I will not sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you. I will teach you the good and right way. Above all, fear the Lord and worship him faithfully with all your heart; consider the great things he has done for you. However, if you continue to do what is evil, both you and your king will be swept away.” (1 Samuel‬ ‭12‬:‭23‬-‭25‬ ‭CSB‬‬‬) Samuel had indeed judged Israel well for years but God had done so for centuries. Samuel had indeed led them in war and in peace but God had delivered them from slavery in Egypt, led them through the wilderness, conquered the Promised Land, and been faithful to them even in the midst of their unfaithfulness. Samuel had given his heart and soul to them but it was nothing compared to what God had done for them so even here at the end of his career, in the midst of his disappointment, Samuel remains faithful.  

Where have you been disappointed in your life? Rejected? Betrayed? How did you respond? God calls Samuel to not only forgive but to actually anoint Israel’s new king. Who is God calling you to forgive? And how is God calling you to take the next step?

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 13-14, Psalms 81

The Emptiness of Idols

Readings for today: 1 Samuel 4-8, Psalms 79

John Calvin once said the human heart is a factory for idols. We produce them at a rapid, almost continuous clip. Unwilling to allow God to be God, we try to cut Him down to our size. We try to remake Him in our own image. We try to reduce Him to a level we can understand or comprehend. Even worse, we try to control Him or manage Him or compel Him to act on our behalf. We make deals with God. We try to bargain with God. We treat God as if He’s somehow owes us something in return for our obedience. It’s all nonsense, of course. The idols we create for ourselves, whether they take the shape of a statue or totem or some other sacred object or they are just an idea in our minds, are empty. They are worthless. They hold no power whatsoever which is why God hates them. He hates what such idols do to us. Do to our conception of God. Do to our understanding of God. Do to our faith in God. Idols warp and corrupt and pervert our relationship with God which is why the Bible is full of warnings against them. They are dangerous. They place us at great risk. Those who trust in them find only death and despair.

Ancient Israel was an idolatrous nation under the corrupt leadership of Eli and his sons. They treated the Ark of the Covenant like a sacred totem. They believed it gave them power. They believed it represented God. So when they are being oppressed by their enemies, they send it into battle assuming it will guarantee them a victory. Tragically, they find out it’s just a nice box. It has no power of its own. They are routed in battle as God exposes the emptiness of their idolatry. Of course, the Philistines make the same mistake. They believe the Ark has great significance as well which is why they bring it before the idol of their own god, Dagon. Once again, God exposes the emptiness of their idolatry by cutting off Dagon’s head and hands and forcing him to bow before the Lord. Furthermore, He sends a plague and oppresses the Philistines, thereby showing He has no need of idols to do His work. He has no need of a people to do His work. God’s power is not bound by anything or anyone in this world. He will accomplish His will according to His purposes. And soon, the Philistines send the Ark back home where it belongs.

Can you identify the idols in your own life? They will be the things you hold more dear than God Himself. It could be something bad for you like an addiction or a dysfunction or an unhealthy pattern of behavior that you refuse to deal with or let go of. It could be a good thing in your life that you’ve elevated to an ultimate thing like your spouse or your children or your job or your lifestyle. What do you believe you simply could not live without? What do you believe is too much to give up, even to God? What gives you nightmares at the thought of losing it? What are you most protective of? What makes you most anxious and afraid? These are great questions to reflect on as you ponder where you’ve allowed idolatry to creep into your heart. Once you’ve identified your idols, surrender them to the Lord. Do what the Israelites did under Samuel, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, get rid of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths that are among you, set your hearts on the Lord, and worship only him. Then he will rescue you from the Philistines.” So the Israelites removed the Baals and the Ashtoreths and only worshiped the Lord.” (1 Samuel‬ ‭7‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 9-12, Psalms 80

I Surrender All

Readings for today: 1 Samuel 1-3, Psalms 78

This past Sunday we sang the song, “I Surrender All” in worship. It’s a simply yet powerful tune with a deeply, challenging message. Do I surrender all? Am I willing to surrender all? What would “surrendering all” actually look like in my life? I think of all the things I hold dear. Personally, I think of my time and money. Relationally, I think of my wife and children and family and friendships. Vocationally, I think of my work as a pastor, my teaching as a professor, and my mission work. Am I willing to surrender all in any of these categories? Am I willing to give God all my time or do I want to withhold some for myself? Am I willing to give God all my money or do I want to make sure I reserve enough to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle? Am I willing to give God my wife and children, trusting He loves them far more than I do, and set them free to serve Him in whatever way He calls or do I seek to control them or shame them or bend them to what I want for their lives? What about my family and friendships? Do I surrender them to God by seeking to serve rather than be served? What about my vocation? Am I willing to give it up or do I hold on too tight? All these things are worth pondering as we read through the chapters assigned for today.

Hannah is an amazing example of faith. She truly “surrenders all” when she offers Samuel to God. Barrenness was considered one of the worst experiences a woman could experience in ancient times. One of the primary ways women added value to society was through child-bearing, especially the bearing of sons. Though Hannah’s husband loved and provided for her abundantly, she was heartbroken over her inability to provide him a child. She could have responded in all sorts of ways to her condition but because of her deep faith, she turned to the Lord. She prayed so fervently that the high priest thought she was drunk. When God answered her prayer, she was faced with another decision. Would she follow through? Would she surrender her firstborn son with no guarantees she would have any more children? Imagine the faith it took to take such a step? Imagine the sadness she must have felt when she weaned Samuel and gave him to Eli? Imagine her having to walk away from the Tabernacle and go back home to an empty tent yet again? This is an example of what it truly means to surrender all.

What about you? What does surrender look like in your life? Where are you on the journey of surrendering all to God? I have been walking with the Lord for over thirty years now and I find God demanding more and more of my life not less. I find Him demanding more of my time, more of my money, more of my attention, more of my heart. And, if I am honest, I sometimes struggle to give him what He demands. But every time I do, I find myself experiencing all kinds of blessing. In fact, I find myself receiving back from God more than what I give and it only reinforces what Hannah and so many saints have learned throughout history. You simply cannot out-give God. You cannot out-give the One who surrendered all for us in Jesus Christ.

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 4-8, Psalms 79

Under God’s Wings

Readings for today: Ruth 1-4, Psalms 77

The Bible talks frequently about taking refuge under God’s wings. The image is of a mother bird protecting her vulnerable young by covering them with her wings. We see this image invoked today in our reading from the Book of Ruth where Boaz says, “May the Lord reward you for what you have done, and may you receive a full reward from the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.” (Ruth‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬ ‭CSB‬‬) Ruth had left her home and family and country to come and dwell among the people of God. She had taken an incredible risk out of loyalty to her mother-in-law, knowing there was no guarantee she would be able to find a husband or have a family of her own in this new country where she went. Naomi certainly would not be able to help her. Women in those days simply didn’t have the opportunities women do today to provide for themselves. It’s why widows remain among the poorest of the poor around the world. Add in the fact that Ruth was a Moabite, a member of one of Israel’s ancient tribal enemies, a foreigner in a time and place where marrying outside one’s tribe was considered shameful and you quickly see how Ruth risked her very life to remain faithful to her mother-in-law. Why would Ruth do such a thing? I think the key is found in her response to Naomi’s initial request for her to go back home. “Wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried.” (Ruth‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭CSB‬‬) In her ten years of marriage to Naomi’s son, Ruth had clearly learned some things about Yahweh. Things that set him apart from Chemosh, the Moabite god. And those things attracted her so much so that she was willing to “seek refuge under His wings.”

Is that your experience of God? Do you experience Him to be a refuge? A place of safety? A sanctuary amidst all the chaos that swirls around us in the world? Is He the one you run to when you experience pain and tragedy? Is He the one to whom you turn when you are anxious or afraid? Is He the one you look to when all hope seems lost? Try to put yourself in the position of Ruth. You are a stranger in a strange land. A foreigner. An immigrant. You’ve made a long journey with no idea of what you might find when you arrive. You have no standing in society. You have no way to make a living. You have no family or friends to rely on. It reminds me of some of the immigrants I’ve met in our own country. People who have traveled hundreds of miles at great risk to themselves. Enduring all kinds of trauma along the way. Leaving all that’s familiar and all that they know behind. Having no idea what they will find when they arrive or how they will make a living or what they will do. Yes, there are all kinds of legal issues and our southern border policy is a disaster and there are many dangerous people who take advantage of the situation. Those things must be addressed as soon as possible. But put all that aside for a moment. Think of what would drive a person to undergo such hardship. Think of how horrific the conditions must be in their home country for them to risk it all to make the journey north. Now consider the example of Boaz. Look at how he treats this poor immigrant woman. Look at how God uses his generosity and grace to bring about His salvific purposes in the world. What might it look like for us to do the same?

The idea of the “kinsman-redeemer” is an important one in the Bible. Boaz is the supreme example, of course. But there is one who is even greater than Boaz. Jesus is our kinsman-redeemer. He plays this role in our lives by redeeming us from our spiritual poverty and broken condition. By redeeming us, He makes us - who are strangers and aliens and foreigners and immigrants in the Kingdom of God - citizens of heaven. He honors us though He has no reason to do so. He blesses us though we have done nothing to earn His favor. He shows us love though we are about as unlovable as it gets. We love, friends, because God first loved us and He sends us out to share that love with the world.

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 1-3, Psalms 78