Today’s Passage: Matthew 10
There is a paradox in today's passage. Verse 39 is what I am referring to here when I say that. We must take a moment to think about what exactly this statement entails. I take this verse to be the crux of this passage. Everything leading up to and before this verse helps explain what Jesus is trying to convey to his disciples. I must admit though, it is a hard pill to swallow when thinking about my own life. Christ is serious when he calls His disciples. We see that He comes to bring a sword (truth). Often times this can equate to giving up close relationships, even with family members in order for us to follow after Christ.
While all of that may seem harsh and impractical, I found this passage to also be very encouraging. I was noticing the number of times that Jesus explains and reassures His disciples that He is with them always and will provide there every need. Take a look with me: Christ called His disciples and gave them authority; He instructed them where to go and exactly what to say; He game them instruction on how to respond to people who do not accept them well; He gave them warnings; He assured them not to fear, etc.. etc.. I was amazed at just how much He provides His followers!
Being a Christian is not always easy. Today’s passage is quite clear on revealing that to us. However, Christ calls us to be obedient and to follow Him. He will take care of all the rest. I think verse 28, “fear Him,” is what I am taking away from this passage today. If we are able to do this, Christ will take over the rest.
Challenge for today: Are you willing to take up your cross daily and follow Him? What are you going to have to give up in order to follow Christ?
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Today's Passage: Genesis 34-35
Chapter 34 is one of those "did I just read that?" chapters in scripture. I used to think that this kind of story shouldn't be in the Bible...it's too graphic and disturbing in some ways. Sometimes we think that the people of Bible times weren't exactly like we are, but the same things that happen today were happening then. I would imagine that if these people saw our 6:00 p.m. newscast, they would be pretty shocked as well. As we learn in this chapter, Jacob the deceiver's sons didn't fall too far from the tree, as they deceive their enemies and destroy them.
It's this deceitful nature, especially as it pertains to the beginning of chapter 35, that I want to discuss today. If you remember from about a week ago, Jacob first heard from God at Bethel, which means "house of God." This is where God promised to watch over him and all his potential offspring..it is here where a covenant is made. Jacob makes this promise in 28:20-22: "If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father's house, then the Lord will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God's house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth."
As we know, God did protect Jacob and his family...he has prospered and flourised. Now that he has a large family, he's settled with Esau, and is ready to settle down, Jacob decides to return to this place. When he makes this decision, however, he realizes he has a problem. As he looks around at his household, he sees that they have compromised their relationship with God. His entire household is full of foreign gods, foreign clothing, and foreign jewlery. Even though God has protected them, they have not protected their relationship back with Him. Jacob realizes that they can't go to the "house of God" looking like they don't really want to be with Him only, so they bury all the stuff that shouldn't be there.
You can't be a little bit deceitful...you are or you are not, but there's no middle ground. Their deceitful nature allowed them to accept other gods and their trinkets instead of remaining true to the God of provision. Likewise, you can't be a little bit committed...you either keep the covenant or you don't, but there is always a choice to be made.
How many times has God provided for me, and then I turn to the gods of this world? How many promises have I made to Him, only to look like everyone else? How many times have I had to have a time just like this one, where I once again bury the things that weigh me down? I hope each of us has our eyes open to the things that are not of the One True God in our lives!
Chapter 34 is one of those "did I just read that?" chapters in scripture. I used to think that this kind of story shouldn't be in the Bible...it's too graphic and disturbing in some ways. Sometimes we think that the people of Bible times weren't exactly like we are, but the same things that happen today were happening then. I would imagine that if these people saw our 6:00 p.m. newscast, they would be pretty shocked as well. As we learn in this chapter, Jacob the deceiver's sons didn't fall too far from the tree, as they deceive their enemies and destroy them.
It's this deceitful nature, especially as it pertains to the beginning of chapter 35, that I want to discuss today. If you remember from about a week ago, Jacob first heard from God at Bethel, which means "house of God." This is where God promised to watch over him and all his potential offspring..it is here where a covenant is made. Jacob makes this promise in 28:20-22: "If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father's house, then the Lord will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God's house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth."
As we know, God did protect Jacob and his family...he has prospered and flourised. Now that he has a large family, he's settled with Esau, and is ready to settle down, Jacob decides to return to this place. When he makes this decision, however, he realizes he has a problem. As he looks around at his household, he sees that they have compromised their relationship with God. His entire household is full of foreign gods, foreign clothing, and foreign jewlery. Even though God has protected them, they have not protected their relationship back with Him. Jacob realizes that they can't go to the "house of God" looking like they don't really want to be with Him only, so they bury all the stuff that shouldn't be there.
You can't be a little bit deceitful...you are or you are not, but there's no middle ground. Their deceitful nature allowed them to accept other gods and their trinkets instead of remaining true to the God of provision. Likewise, you can't be a little bit committed...you either keep the covenant or you don't, but there is always a choice to be made.
How many times has God provided for me, and then I turn to the gods of this world? How many promises have I made to Him, only to look like everyone else? How many times have I had to have a time just like this one, where I once again bury the things that weigh me down? I hope each of us has our eyes open to the things that are not of the One True God in our lives!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Today's Passage: Genesis 32-33
Have you ever been around someone and there is just this sense of guilt emitting from them? You can just tell that they did something wrong and now are searching for the right thing to do to make amends. If it is a child, they are probably cleaning their room or taking out the garbage. If it is a teenager they are probably offering to give a ride to their younger sibling...or just simply talking to their younger sibling. If it is a husband, there is probably an abundance of flowers coming through the front door. In all stages of life we have things we do to try and make amends when we feel that we have wronged someone. This brings us to Jacob.
Have you ever been around someone and there is just this sense of guilt emitting from them? You can just tell that they did something wrong and now are searching for the right thing to do to make amends. If it is a child, they are probably cleaning their room or taking out the garbage. If it is a teenager they are probably offering to give a ride to their younger sibling...or just simply talking to their younger sibling. If it is a husband, there is probably an abundance of flowers coming through the front door. In all stages of life we have things we do to try and make amends when we feel that we have wronged someone. This brings us to Jacob.
Jacob hears that is Esau, his brother, is coming. Most of us would be overwhelmed with joy to see a sibling that we had not seen in a while. Jacob has a whole family that Esau has never met. Think of the first time you met new additions to your family. What an exciting time, whether it be a marriage or a birth. Jacob has two wives and eleven children that his brother Esau has never met; this should be an exciting family reunion. But, as you may recall, Jacob has not been the best brother to Esau. He swindled his inheritance and stole his blessing. I would say that Esau has every right to be angry and that Jacob has every reason to become the gift giving brother. That is exactly the plan that Jacob goes with, good old fashioned bribery. Now he uses words like “so he will find favor” and “to please him”,but we know this is bribery.
There is probably a time in your life that you can remember when you pulled out the bribery card, although maybe not as intense as Jacob. Last week I talked about how it was clear that we have not changed much over these thousands of years since the Bible was written, and just like our need instant gratification, we still have the need to try and make up for our mistakes. Now, please don’t hear me wrong...men, we should absolutely shower our wives with flowers, children should absolutely do extra chores, and teenagers should absolutely try and be kind to their other siblings. I am speaking on a spiritual level of making up for wrong deeds. I think that sometimes we think that when we sin, we have to go the extra mile and do something to make it up to God. We offer to serve somewhere we don’t normally serve, or we read an extra chapter in our daily time, we listen to Christian music during the car ride, or a number of other things. The great thing is we do not have to be like Jacob. We serve a God who does not require works to make up for our mistakes, and I am so thankful for that. We serve a God who wants us to confess our wrong doings, change and move on.
I think the thing I love about this story the most is that when Esau and Jacob come face to face, Esau is not mad at all. What a great twist in the plot. He embraces his brother and is not angry at all. He tells Jacob that he does not need all the gifts. He is so happy to see him, and he can tell that Jacob is sorry for their past experiences.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Today's Passage: Genesis 31
My brother and I are six years apart so we really didn't fight all that often. When we did, however, it was pretty bad...and I pretty much always started it (by the way, I'm the older one). The worst was when we were riding in the car. There was, of course, an imaginary line down the middle of the backseat which we were never to cross. I just couldn't help myself though! I'd wait until he was looking the other way, then I'd put my finger up by his face and call his name. He'd turn and get poked right in the cheek. Oh man, it was great.
Well, that is what the end of Genesis 31 reminds me of. Laban and Jacob had been at each other for twenty years! Each had played the deceiver and the "deceive-e". It had gotten so bad that Jacob had to flee from Laban's household. Laban chased him down in the hill country, probably intending to cause Jacob much harm, but God had other plans.
Finally, after all these years, the relatives were able to find peace once they did three things: submitted to God's authority, communicated in love, and set some healthy boundaries...literally (verses 44-55). A stone pillar and a heap of rocks served as a witness and a boundary between Laban and Jacob. At first this seems a bit silly to me, almost childish (remember the backseat?), but then I wondered how my relationships would improve if I did all three of these things in every relationship. Most of the time, I want to handle a situation the way that comes naturally to me. I forget to consult God and submit to his authority, I often fail to realize a lack of communication until a problem has already arisen, and I don't even think about setting boundaries until I feel like a line has been crossed. After reading today's passage, however, I have decided to be more intentional about these practices in order to truly let God be at the center of my relationships.
My brother and I are six years apart so we really didn't fight all that often. When we did, however, it was pretty bad...and I pretty much always started it (by the way, I'm the older one). The worst was when we were riding in the car. There was, of course, an imaginary line down the middle of the backseat which we were never to cross. I just couldn't help myself though! I'd wait until he was looking the other way, then I'd put my finger up by his face and call his name. He'd turn and get poked right in the cheek. Oh man, it was great.
Well, that is what the end of Genesis 31 reminds me of. Laban and Jacob had been at each other for twenty years! Each had played the deceiver and the "deceive-e". It had gotten so bad that Jacob had to flee from Laban's household. Laban chased him down in the hill country, probably intending to cause Jacob much harm, but God had other plans.
Finally, after all these years, the relatives were able to find peace once they did three things: submitted to God's authority, communicated in love, and set some healthy boundaries...literally (verses 44-55). A stone pillar and a heap of rocks served as a witness and a boundary between Laban and Jacob. At first this seems a bit silly to me, almost childish (remember the backseat?), but then I wondered how my relationships would improve if I did all three of these things in every relationship. Most of the time, I want to handle a situation the way that comes naturally to me. I forget to consult God and submit to his authority, I often fail to realize a lack of communication until a problem has already arisen, and I don't even think about setting boundaries until I feel like a line has been crossed. After reading today's passage, however, I have decided to be more intentional about these practices in order to truly let God be at the center of my relationships.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Today's Passage: Matthew 9
This chapter within the gospel of Matthew is one filled with mind blowing works of Jesus. The power and knowledge of Jesus is clear throughout. The part of this passage that jumped out at me was the conclusion of the chapter. Jesus and his disciples were traveling, preaching, teaching, and healing. While doing this, Jesus noticed that crowds were hurting and helpless. After this observation, Jesus turned to his disciples and explained that there are plenty of people who are ready to know and follow God, but many workers to help these people follow God.
Jesus had one piece of advice for his disciples: ASK! Jesus wanted his disciples to ask God to send workers to help. Notice what Jesus did not say here, "Design a strategy and train them," or "Go around to the communities and beg people to join you." Jesus' words seem quite antithetical to our American culture. Americans are generally self sufficient, motivated people. In my own life I want to ask God to help in certain situations, but I generally ask him to help after I have started a task.
Often unintentionally, I disrespect the power of God. He is the creator of the universe and the one who sent His Son to earth for our sins (John 3:16). This is our God! Lately, my heart has been extremely burdened for those who do not know Jesus. What Jesus said in Matthew is still true today: There are many people who are ready to know God. This Scripture is a healthy reminder of the great God I serve. Therefore, in wanting to see the world know the grace of Jesus Christ, I know the first thing I should do: ASK! I hope you join me in asking God to send workers into the world to tell people the good news!
This chapter within the gospel of Matthew is one filled with mind blowing works of Jesus. The power and knowledge of Jesus is clear throughout. The part of this passage that jumped out at me was the conclusion of the chapter. Jesus and his disciples were traveling, preaching, teaching, and healing. While doing this, Jesus noticed that crowds were hurting and helpless. After this observation, Jesus turned to his disciples and explained that there are plenty of people who are ready to know and follow God, but many workers to help these people follow God.
Jesus had one piece of advice for his disciples: ASK! Jesus wanted his disciples to ask God to send workers to help. Notice what Jesus did not say here, "Design a strategy and train them," or "Go around to the communities and beg people to join you." Jesus' words seem quite antithetical to our American culture. Americans are generally self sufficient, motivated people. In my own life I want to ask God to help in certain situations, but I generally ask him to help after I have started a task.
Often unintentionally, I disrespect the power of God. He is the creator of the universe and the one who sent His Son to earth for our sins (John 3:16). This is our God! Lately, my heart has been extremely burdened for those who do not know Jesus. What Jesus said in Matthew is still true today: There are many people who are ready to know God. This Scripture is a healthy reminder of the great God I serve. Therefore, in wanting to see the world know the grace of Jesus Christ, I know the first thing I should do: ASK! I hope you join me in asking God to send workers into the world to tell people the good news!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Today's passage: Genesis 30
I believe many of us after reading this chapter feel like we just watched an episode of Jerry Springer. What I mean by that is, it is pretty much all about self-centeredness and using and abusing other people. But like Brent said in his post yesterday we need to look at Jacob's life as a whole.
One of our blog followers "Eve" made this comment yesterday:
"I was bothered by the fact that Jacob was so so rewarded for being so awful"
I agree completely. It really bothered me reading about how Jacob didn't put a stop to the feud between his wives and then how he manipulated the breeding patterns of the flocks to benefit him. After reading this I frankly thought Jacob is a jerk and somehow God is still blessing him, why? Then I realized this: If I am completely honest, I have had some dark days in my life. Actually I have had some dark years, but by God's grace and plan He has led me to where I am now. Which is not to say that I no longer make poor choices from time to time, but that God has grown me from a very cynical and worldly person into someone that desperately seeks Him with faith and hope.
The simple fact that God's plan involves using people that would be best described as jerks, or worse, at some point in their lives, I hope is a testimony to all of us. If there is someone in your life that you think there is no way that God could or would ever use them, the truth is He very well might already be paving the way for that person to bring Him glory through their future actions.
So would you join me in making a commitment to start a conversation this week with someone that God has laid on your heart? Remember no matter how unlikely it might seem to us. The most unlikable person can be changed by the Holy Spirit and used for God's glory. Amen?
I believe many of us after reading this chapter feel like we just watched an episode of Jerry Springer. What I mean by that is, it is pretty much all about self-centeredness and using and abusing other people. But like Brent said in his post yesterday we need to look at Jacob's life as a whole.
One of our blog followers "Eve" made this comment yesterday:
"I was bothered by the fact that Jacob was so so rewarded for being so awful"
I agree completely. It really bothered me reading about how Jacob didn't put a stop to the feud between his wives and then how he manipulated the breeding patterns of the flocks to benefit him. After reading this I frankly thought Jacob is a jerk and somehow God is still blessing him, why? Then I realized this: If I am completely honest, I have had some dark days in my life. Actually I have had some dark years, but by God's grace and plan He has led me to where I am now. Which is not to say that I no longer make poor choices from time to time, but that God has grown me from a very cynical and worldly person into someone that desperately seeks Him with faith and hope.
The simple fact that God's plan involves using people that would be best described as jerks, or worse, at some point in their lives, I hope is a testimony to all of us. If there is someone in your life that you think there is no way that God could or would ever use them, the truth is He very well might already be paving the way for that person to bring Him glory through their future actions.
So would you join me in making a commitment to start a conversation this week with someone that God has laid on your heart? Remember no matter how unlikely it might seem to us. The most unlikable person can be changed by the Holy Spirit and used for God's glory. Amen?
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Today's passage: Genesis 29
Jacob's story is very interesting from beginning to end. There are lots of twists and turns throughout. This is one of them. I think we should take a bigger look at Jacob's life to help us keep this story in perspective.
On the surface it looks like 'poor ole Jacob'! But by taking a bigger look at Jacob's life, I have seen something very interesting. Not too many chapters ago, it was Jacob who swindled his older brother out of his birthright. This is a flaw that Jacob had, and God began to work on that with him. A little taste of his own medicine, if you will. There was a lack of dependence on God. One of the ways that God was using this situation was to expose Jacob's weakness.
I find myself with the same weakness. I rely on my own resourcefulness or knowledge in different situations, and think...'you know what, I'll take this one God...just take a break for a bit'. How utterly futile that is. God calls for us to be dependent on Him for EVERYTHING! I know it sounds overwhelming at first, but can we just take baby steps in the right direction. I understand that we are all not to that point of total dependence, myself most definitely included, but can I say that that is not ok for you and I! Take time today and think about just one more thing that you can depend on God for. Let us press on for the prize!
Jacob's story is very interesting from beginning to end. There are lots of twists and turns throughout. This is one of them. I think we should take a bigger look at Jacob's life to help us keep this story in perspective.
On the surface it looks like 'poor ole Jacob'! But by taking a bigger look at Jacob's life, I have seen something very interesting. Not too many chapters ago, it was Jacob who swindled his older brother out of his birthright. This is a flaw that Jacob had, and God began to work on that with him. A little taste of his own medicine, if you will. There was a lack of dependence on God. One of the ways that God was using this situation was to expose Jacob's weakness.
I find myself with the same weakness. I rely on my own resourcefulness or knowledge in different situations, and think...'you know what, I'll take this one God...just take a break for a bit'. How utterly futile that is. God calls for us to be dependent on Him for EVERYTHING! I know it sounds overwhelming at first, but can we just take baby steps in the right direction. I understand that we are all not to that point of total dependence, myself most definitely included, but can I say that that is not ok for you and I! Take time today and think about just one more thing that you can depend on God for. Let us press on for the prize!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Today’s Passage: Genesis 27-28
Wow, what an incredible and intense story! It is important to recall the previous chapters before leading up to todays. It seems like I’m watching a movie with all the stuff that is going on with the family of Isaac, Rebekah, Esau and Jacob.
If you recall in earlier chapters, Jacob’s lies were able to get him the birthright that was to be given to the firstborn son, Esau. In this chapter, you will notice that apparently that occurrence did not mean much to Isaac because he still had full intentions of granting his son Esau the blessing. (We should recall God’s Words in a previous chapter that said the older would serve the younger c.f. 25:13) At any rate, there is a lot going on in these chapters, but I want to focus our attention on two things: 1) the preparation and time Rachel and Jacob took for their lies and 2) Isaac’s determination.
In the story we find that Rachel and Jacob had to really do a lot of work and preparation in order to pull their plan of deceit off. Jacob’s worry was that his father would easily know it was not him, due to his outward appearance. Rachel, however; did not seem to worry about that. (Makes you wonder how many times she had lied before to become so secure in herself.) Take this for example: Rachel instructed Jacob to go get goats for her to cook. However, Rachel heard Isaac tell Esau to prepare venison for him. I thought it very interesting how Rachel (apparently) knew she could prepare the goat meat in such a way as to pass it off as venison.
The second thing I wanted to mention is Isaac’s determination. Leading up to this chapter, we find that Esau had taken wives that did not please Isaac and Jacob. We saw he was tricked into handing his birthright over to Jacob. God had said the younger would serve the older. All the while, Isaac was determined to give his firstborn son the blessing (mind you that this blessing is comparable to modern day living wills or “last will and testaments.”) Isaac was deceived based on Jacob’s outward appearance and lies.
Reflect with me for a moment, and think in your own life how you have to prepare for the sins you commit. Have you become so confident in your sin that it is easy for you? Lies are especially messy, because you have to keep track of them. And for me, who has an exceptionally short memory, lies can easily and quickly get me into trouble! Sometimes our determination can be opposite of what God has in mind. However, He is in control and will work things out as He has planned. But we must keep in mind that our sin will inevitably come back on us. So, let us ask God for His forgiveness and repent of our sinful ways.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Today's passage: Matthew 8
This is such an interesting chapter to me. The focus is certainly on the miraculous power of Jesus. In this passage alone, Jesus heals a man with leprosy, heals a servant without even seeing him, heals "many" who were demon-possessed, heals Peter's mother, calms a storm (and a frightened group of disciples), and drives demons out of two possessed men and into pigs! There is no question to the power of God!
It's the one story not involving miracles, however, that I want to focus on today. Tucked away in the middle of the miraculous is a little section my Bible calls "The Cost of Following Jesus", verses 18-22. As you can imagine, these miracles had drawn a crowd. In that crowd were some people that thought they wanted to follow Jesus, but ultimately they didn't understand the cost.
The first was a teacher of the law...someone that had most likely known the scriptures from a very young age. He knew about the coming Messiah and boldly exclaims "I will follow you wherever you go!" It sounds great, right? You would think that Jesus would be excited. But instead he gives this strange answer about foxes and birds. This isn't a rebuke or an encouragement, but more a statement about what it means to follow Jesus. Even foxes and birds have homes...their own place, their own things. But to truly follow Jesus, we must be willing to give up everything if that's what it takes. To be a true disciple, I must be willing to follow wherever He leads, even if that is away from the things that give me security.
The second person has a very reasonable request, or so it would seem to us. We don't know if his father had died or if the man was saying, "When my dad dies, then I'll leave to follow you." Either way, that doesn't seem like a strange request to us. It was a sacred responsibility, especially for the firstborn son, to make sure his father was buried with dignity. But Jesus tells him to let the dead bury their own. Jesus wasn't speaking against this practice, but rather against the idea of saying to Jesus, "I will follow you, but first...." If we truly want to be a disciple, we must be willing to give ourselves completely to Him without restrictions or conditions, and we must not put anything ahead of Him.
We live in a day and age where following Jesus has become conditional when other things are not. We tell our kids they must study for school because it's important (mandatory), but we forget to teach them the Word of God (conditional). We make them get up every morning because they are supposed to be at school but make spiritual education optional. We never miss a practice or rehearsal because we want them to be committed, but we teach that church and Bible study are o.k. to miss for much smaller reasons. We can easily substitute things for us as adults that are givens while discipleship is optional. Discipleship...following Jesus...has become a priority that we shuffle around (often behind the things of the world) when Jesus wants to be THE priority that all others things come after and are filtered through.
For those that read this blog from BCCC, you know me well enough to know that I don't believe any of those examples are evil...there is great value in school and outside activities, and we place such value on them in our own home. My fear is that we are...and are raising...a generation in the church that are the very kinds of disciples that Jesus speaks out against here in Matthew 8. If we are going to follow Him the way He teaches us, we've got to quit counting the costs and follow Him completely.
If Jesus saw my life...your life...today, what would His response be to us? What comes between you and Jesus? What comes between your family and Jesus? What is more important than the Almighty, miracle-working Savior?
This is such an interesting chapter to me. The focus is certainly on the miraculous power of Jesus. In this passage alone, Jesus heals a man with leprosy, heals a servant without even seeing him, heals "many" who were demon-possessed, heals Peter's mother, calms a storm (and a frightened group of disciples), and drives demons out of two possessed men and into pigs! There is no question to the power of God!
It's the one story not involving miracles, however, that I want to focus on today. Tucked away in the middle of the miraculous is a little section my Bible calls "The Cost of Following Jesus", verses 18-22. As you can imagine, these miracles had drawn a crowd. In that crowd were some people that thought they wanted to follow Jesus, but ultimately they didn't understand the cost.
The first was a teacher of the law...someone that had most likely known the scriptures from a very young age. He knew about the coming Messiah and boldly exclaims "I will follow you wherever you go!" It sounds great, right? You would think that Jesus would be excited. But instead he gives this strange answer about foxes and birds. This isn't a rebuke or an encouragement, but more a statement about what it means to follow Jesus. Even foxes and birds have homes...their own place, their own things. But to truly follow Jesus, we must be willing to give up everything if that's what it takes. To be a true disciple, I must be willing to follow wherever He leads, even if that is away from the things that give me security.
The second person has a very reasonable request, or so it would seem to us. We don't know if his father had died or if the man was saying, "When my dad dies, then I'll leave to follow you." Either way, that doesn't seem like a strange request to us. It was a sacred responsibility, especially for the firstborn son, to make sure his father was buried with dignity. But Jesus tells him to let the dead bury their own. Jesus wasn't speaking against this practice, but rather against the idea of saying to Jesus, "I will follow you, but first...." If we truly want to be a disciple, we must be willing to give ourselves completely to Him without restrictions or conditions, and we must not put anything ahead of Him.
We live in a day and age where following Jesus has become conditional when other things are not. We tell our kids they must study for school because it's important (mandatory), but we forget to teach them the Word of God (conditional). We make them get up every morning because they are supposed to be at school but make spiritual education optional. We never miss a practice or rehearsal because we want them to be committed, but we teach that church and Bible study are o.k. to miss for much smaller reasons. We can easily substitute things for us as adults that are givens while discipleship is optional. Discipleship...following Jesus...has become a priority that we shuffle around (often behind the things of the world) when Jesus wants to be THE priority that all others things come after and are filtered through.
For those that read this blog from BCCC, you know me well enough to know that I don't believe any of those examples are evil...there is great value in school and outside activities, and we place such value on them in our own home. My fear is that we are...and are raising...a generation in the church that are the very kinds of disciples that Jesus speaks out against here in Matthew 8. If we are going to follow Him the way He teaches us, we've got to quit counting the costs and follow Him completely.
If Jesus saw my life...your life...today, what would His response be to us? What comes between you and Jesus? What comes between your family and Jesus? What is more important than the Almighty, miracle-working Savior?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Today's Passage: Genesis 25-26
As a kid I can remember running into the house after playing outside and saying, “I am dying of thirst!” Now at the time I knew I was not and my mother knew I was not, but that did not stop me from saying that phrase. Still today I catch myself saying that I am "starving"...when really, I am not starving, I am just hungry and ready to eat. It is not that I am an over-exaggerator (even though I am), it is that I crave instant gratification. I don’t play the lottery, but I know that if you hit the jackpot you get to choose between getting the money up front or spreading it out over twenty years. I always think "give it to me now", even though the tax penalty is close half of your original winnings.
We are a society built around instant gratification. Look at some of our inventions that we have come up with to fill that need: the microwave, internet-capable cell phones, and music downloads. There is nothing wrong with quick food, but everyone knows that cooking something on the stove or in the oven just tastes better than the microwave. There is nothing wrong with checking espn.com on your cell phone, but it takes twenty minutes to read the story on a two inch by two inch square screen. There is absolutely nothing wrong with digital music, but there is something about the sound of record that I just love (not that you can buy them anymore). The point is that instant gratification is not completely bad, but it kind of seems that it is never as good as if you waited.
The story of Jacob and Esau shows me that we as people have not changed much in thousands of years. The Bible is filled with stories of people who just could not wait and had no patience. This one stands out to me because of how little Esau gets in return for his birthright. You gave up your birthright for lentil soup and bread? Seriously, at the least he could have asked for a steak and a baked potato. I have had lentils before, and they were not worth Esau’s birthright. Esau did not think about the long term ramifications of his actions. He was acting in the now and his brother Jacob takes advantage of that. As a side note, Jacob’s name actually means "he deceives". He sure lives up to the name by convincing Esau that his birthright is worth a bowl of lentil soup.
When we read about this account I think it is important to look back at verse 23. God knew that Jacob would eventually rule over Esau, because God knows that we struggle with instant gratification. If God knows we struggle with it then who better to go to those struggles with than God himself? God is our helper in this. We need to be diligent and pray that God will give us patience when we seem to be incapable of mustering it up ourselves. God wants the very best for us and the great thing is He knows what that is, so we must trust that in His timing, not ours, everything will work out.
As a kid I can remember running into the house after playing outside and saying, “I am dying of thirst!” Now at the time I knew I was not and my mother knew I was not, but that did not stop me from saying that phrase. Still today I catch myself saying that I am "starving"...when really, I am not starving, I am just hungry and ready to eat. It is not that I am an over-exaggerator (even though I am), it is that I crave instant gratification. I don’t play the lottery, but I know that if you hit the jackpot you get to choose between getting the money up front or spreading it out over twenty years. I always think "give it to me now", even though the tax penalty is close half of your original winnings.
We are a society built around instant gratification. Look at some of our inventions that we have come up with to fill that need: the microwave, internet-capable cell phones, and music downloads. There is nothing wrong with quick food, but everyone knows that cooking something on the stove or in the oven just tastes better than the microwave. There is nothing wrong with checking espn.com on your cell phone, but it takes twenty minutes to read the story on a two inch by two inch square screen. There is absolutely nothing wrong with digital music, but there is something about the sound of record that I just love (not that you can buy them anymore). The point is that instant gratification is not completely bad, but it kind of seems that it is never as good as if you waited.
The story of Jacob and Esau shows me that we as people have not changed much in thousands of years. The Bible is filled with stories of people who just could not wait and had no patience. This one stands out to me because of how little Esau gets in return for his birthright. You gave up your birthright for lentil soup and bread? Seriously, at the least he could have asked for a steak and a baked potato. I have had lentils before, and they were not worth Esau’s birthright. Esau did not think about the long term ramifications of his actions. He was acting in the now and his brother Jacob takes advantage of that. As a side note, Jacob’s name actually means "he deceives". He sure lives up to the name by convincing Esau that his birthright is worth a bowl of lentil soup.
When we read about this account I think it is important to look back at verse 23. God knew that Jacob would eventually rule over Esau, because God knows that we struggle with instant gratification. If God knows we struggle with it then who better to go to those struggles with than God himself? God is our helper in this. We need to be diligent and pray that God will give us patience when we seem to be incapable of mustering it up ourselves. God wants the very best for us and the great thing is He knows what that is, so we must trust that in His timing, not ours, everything will work out.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Today's Passage: Matthew 7
The thing I love about the Sermon on the Mount is that it is the first time these jewels of wisdom are spoken. I can't imagine what it must have been like for the words of Jesus to fall on fresh ears. He was completely changing the way people viewed their spiritual lives. Unfortunately these words have become almost commonplace. I have heard these words over and over, but I rarely stop to think about their implications for my life. For example, the story of the wise and foolish builders is one we've heard since childhood. There's even a song about it. We all know that the wise man builds his house on the rock (God), but the foolish man builds his house on the sand (not God). Today I decided to really think about what actions I need to take in order to live out Jesus' words.
First of all, I realized that in order to truly build my house on the rock, I need to be in His Word every day. This sounds easy enough on paper, but we all know that the busy-ness of life constantly competes for our time and I have always struggled with this. For me, it has to be a daily decision.
Secondly, I spent a lot of time thinking about the foundations of the kids at Bear Creek. What an awesome privilege it is to get to teach kids about God! Today's passage really challenged me to always be aware of the importance of making sure kids know the truth of God's Word so that they can build their foundations on the rock. When I was growing up, my church played a vital role in the forming of my foundation, but the biggest role was played by my parents. They not only set an example for me of building a house on the rock, but they taught me how to do that for myself. Parents, I hope this passage not only challenged you to strengthen your own foundation, but encouraged you to help your kids build theirs.
The thing I love about the Sermon on the Mount is that it is the first time these jewels of wisdom are spoken. I can't imagine what it must have been like for the words of Jesus to fall on fresh ears. He was completely changing the way people viewed their spiritual lives. Unfortunately these words have become almost commonplace. I have heard these words over and over, but I rarely stop to think about their implications for my life. For example, the story of the wise and foolish builders is one we've heard since childhood. There's even a song about it. We all know that the wise man builds his house on the rock (God), but the foolish man builds his house on the sand (not God). Today I decided to really think about what actions I need to take in order to live out Jesus' words.
First of all, I realized that in order to truly build my house on the rock, I need to be in His Word every day. This sounds easy enough on paper, but we all know that the busy-ness of life constantly competes for our time and I have always struggled with this. For me, it has to be a daily decision.
Secondly, I spent a lot of time thinking about the foundations of the kids at Bear Creek. What an awesome privilege it is to get to teach kids about God! Today's passage really challenged me to always be aware of the importance of making sure kids know the truth of God's Word so that they can build their foundations on the rock. When I was growing up, my church played a vital role in the forming of my foundation, but the biggest role was played by my parents. They not only set an example for me of building a house on the rock, but they taught me how to do that for myself. Parents, I hope this passage not only challenged you to strengthen your own foundation, but encouraged you to help your kids build theirs.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Today's Passage: Genesis 23-24
This passage tells and retells the story of the fathers of our faith. You may first notice themes like the man's reliance on God, prayer, and praise. Often I am most drawn to characters in the Bible who I want to pattern my life after. Abraham is this character that I meet in the latter part of chapter 24 that I hope to live like.
The question that comes to mind after reading this passage is, "What do I do when good things happen to me?" This may seem like a silly question, but I think it worth asking. In Gen. 24:48, the response to good things happening is worship. If I'm honest, when good things happen to me, I may occasionally think it is by chance or because I worked really hard to cause a good outcome. However, I know that God is in control. It is only by grace that any good thing happens in this life. When I'm blessed with an answered prayer, a great relationship, or simply beautiful weather, then the first thing that should happen is worship and praise.
This is not as easy as it sounds! Many of us are rational thinkers, and can possibly calculate why such a good thing happened. This thinking shows how we understand our relationship to God. If God has control and allows great things to happen in our lives, then we should give thanks, not attempt to explain it away. All of us are blessed in some way, whether it is a great spouse, great friends, or financial blessings. When these blessings come, then I hope to praise the Lord every time.
This passage tells and retells the story of the fathers of our faith. You may first notice themes like the man's reliance on God, prayer, and praise. Often I am most drawn to characters in the Bible who I want to pattern my life after. Abraham is this character that I meet in the latter part of chapter 24 that I hope to live like.
The question that comes to mind after reading this passage is, "What do I do when good things happen to me?" This may seem like a silly question, but I think it worth asking. In Gen. 24:48, the response to good things happening is worship. If I'm honest, when good things happen to me, I may occasionally think it is by chance or because I worked really hard to cause a good outcome. However, I know that God is in control. It is only by grace that any good thing happens in this life. When I'm blessed with an answered prayer, a great relationship, or simply beautiful weather, then the first thing that should happen is worship and praise.
This is not as easy as it sounds! Many of us are rational thinkers, and can possibly calculate why such a good thing happened. This thinking shows how we understand our relationship to God. If God has control and allows great things to happen in our lives, then we should give thanks, not attempt to explain it away. All of us are blessed in some way, whether it is a great spouse, great friends, or financial blessings. When these blessings come, then I hope to praise the Lord every time.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Today's Passage: Genesis 22
Some test?!? I realize now that prior to my daughter being born every time someone tried to explain to me how much a parent loves their child, I really didn't understand. But now that my little girl is almost a year old I don't know what I would do if she was taken from me. As I read this story it challenged every ounce of parental instinct that I have. I can't even begin to imagine the internal struggle that Abraham must have been going through. After everything that he and Sarah had been through, to have God place this challenge, that to the best of Abraham's knowledge was a death sentence for Isaac, in front of him...it must have been gut wrenching.
Ultimately we read this story and see that God did this to make sure that Abraham had learned his lesson about following God's instructions exactly. We as believers face this same challenge everyday. It is one that I would have to admit I fail at more than I would like. The challenge is simply this: We may hear from God a specific direction to go and choose to follow it, but somewhere along the way we begin to doubt. We question whether God's goal is the best goal or whether the path that we are on is leading to the goal that God has revealed to us. Every time we do this we end up taking things into our own hands and messing them up.
Abraham's example is one of a strong man that had learned this lesson well before this test. He showed great dependence and faith in the Lord and in return he was rewarded. I pray that this story would help us to have the faith to simply follow God's directions, one step at a time.
Some test?!? I realize now that prior to my daughter being born every time someone tried to explain to me how much a parent loves their child, I really didn't understand. But now that my little girl is almost a year old I don't know what I would do if she was taken from me. As I read this story it challenged every ounce of parental instinct that I have. I can't even begin to imagine the internal struggle that Abraham must have been going through. After everything that he and Sarah had been through, to have God place this challenge, that to the best of Abraham's knowledge was a death sentence for Isaac, in front of him...it must have been gut wrenching.
Ultimately we read this story and see that God did this to make sure that Abraham had learned his lesson about following God's instructions exactly. We as believers face this same challenge everyday. It is one that I would have to admit I fail at more than I would like. The challenge is simply this: We may hear from God a specific direction to go and choose to follow it, but somewhere along the way we begin to doubt. We question whether God's goal is the best goal or whether the path that we are on is leading to the goal that God has revealed to us. Every time we do this we end up taking things into our own hands and messing them up.
Abraham's example is one of a strong man that had learned this lesson well before this test. He showed great dependence and faith in the Lord and in return he was rewarded. I pray that this story would help us to have the faith to simply follow God's directions, one step at a time.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Today's passage: Genesis 20-21
While reading through these verses, the entirety of Abraham's story was continually brought to my mind and heart. That even though God chose Abraham to do great things, Abraham was still just a messed up guy. God wasn't looking for Abraham to be perfect in every way before He would bless him. God promised him early on that He would be the father of many nations and nothing Abraham did would stop this from happening.
As Patti and I have been going through this process of exploring God's direction for our lives, there are many parallels that are apparent to me. I have continually found myself trying to be 'good enough' for God to use. God had revealed his purpose for our lives many years ago, and we have been waiting for His timing ever since. We tried to do things our own way and on our own timetable and got nowhere. In the back of my mind, there was a certain quota that we could meet of bible reading and prayer, then, and only then, God would make things move along and provide a way to Scotland. That God somehow only uses 'good' people. Scripture shows us again and again how completely wrong I was to think that. Moses and Jonah are two great examples of this.
It's actually is an extremely comforting thing for us to know that God's purposes are not dependent on you and I. If it were, then we would definitely be in a heap of trouble. So our encouragement here is to stop putting off what God has called you to do because you're not prepared enough or good enough or smart enough. In your own power (which is none!) you will never be ready, but God will give you everything you need exactly when you need it!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Today’s Passage: Matthew 6
Matthew 6 contains many great verses, but, there were two major things that stuck out to me when reading this passage. First, was the warning of being hypocrites in our spiritual life and second was the admonition that Christ gives us in verse 33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
I am so appreciative of how forthcoming Jesus is in this passage. He does not leave any room for suggestions. Rather, his speech in this passage is: When you do this, don’t be like the hypocrites, instead do it like this. Then we see Him teach us how we should pray, fast, etc. I remember growing up and hearing people pray at various occasions, and I would think to myself, “wow, they used a lot of big words and it was a really long prayer.” I mean, certainly people who do that God blesses and looks upon with gladness. So now it was up to me to learn some bigger words and get a little lengthier in my prayers! (At least that’s what I first thought.) Then when I read this passage, I was comforted to know that God is not looking for the outward appearance in my spiritual walk. Don’t misunderstand; while living righteously will obviously reflect in our daily life, we can rest assured that God is looking at our heart, and not our outward appearance of spiritual maturity. God does not have too many nice things to say about hypocrites in the Bible, nor in this passage.
As I have been growing in my spiritual walk over the years, I think, “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” has been a difficult thing to grasp. The reason is, often times, I find myself just wanting the things that I want and expect that my prayers to God to be sufficient for receiving my desires and wants. My logic was that I had been seeking God; hence my prayer to Him for the thing I wanted. However, the word seek here is a present imperative word. The idea is, “be seeking…” It’s not a one-time seek first. It’s an ongoing action of seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness. Then when our hearts are in line with Christ, our wants and desires are shaped into His desires for our lives.
The challenge today is, first: inspect your life for things you may be doing for mere attention and outward appearance of spirituality. Second, is to be seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness (continual basis). When we are truly and honestly doing this, God will supply our needs. We did not discuss this here, but the context of verse 33 is Christ telling us not to worry about the details of life. He will provide what we need. Rather, we are to be seeking God at all times.
Matthew 6 contains many great verses, but, there were two major things that stuck out to me when reading this passage. First, was the warning of being hypocrites in our spiritual life and second was the admonition that Christ gives us in verse 33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
I am so appreciative of how forthcoming Jesus is in this passage. He does not leave any room for suggestions. Rather, his speech in this passage is: When you do this, don’t be like the hypocrites, instead do it like this. Then we see Him teach us how we should pray, fast, etc. I remember growing up and hearing people pray at various occasions, and I would think to myself, “wow, they used a lot of big words and it was a really long prayer.” I mean, certainly people who do that God blesses and looks upon with gladness. So now it was up to me to learn some bigger words and get a little lengthier in my prayers! (At least that’s what I first thought.) Then when I read this passage, I was comforted to know that God is not looking for the outward appearance in my spiritual walk. Don’t misunderstand; while living righteously will obviously reflect in our daily life, we can rest assured that God is looking at our heart, and not our outward appearance of spiritual maturity. God does not have too many nice things to say about hypocrites in the Bible, nor in this passage.
As I have been growing in my spiritual walk over the years, I think, “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” has been a difficult thing to grasp. The reason is, often times, I find myself just wanting the things that I want and expect that my prayers to God to be sufficient for receiving my desires and wants. My logic was that I had been seeking God; hence my prayer to Him for the thing I wanted. However, the word seek here is a present imperative word. The idea is, “be seeking…” It’s not a one-time seek first. It’s an ongoing action of seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness. Then when our hearts are in line with Christ, our wants and desires are shaped into His desires for our lives.
The challenge today is, first: inspect your life for things you may be doing for mere attention and outward appearance of spirituality. Second, is to be seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness (continual basis). When we are truly and honestly doing this, God will supply our needs. We did not discuss this here, but the context of verse 33 is Christ telling us not to worry about the details of life. He will provide what we need. Rather, we are to be seeking God at all times.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Today's Passage: Genesis 19
A few months ago, Joy and Mallory were reading this story in Mallory's Bible. Joy used the phrase, "Lot's wife was disobedient, so God turned her into a pillar of salt." Later that day, they were at the grocery store and Mallory was not listening to directions. Joy said, "Mallory, you are being disobedient", not really thinking of their story that morning. Mallory got a very scared look on her face and said, "Momma, am I going to turn to salt?" At least for a few days, we had a very obedient daughter!
I'm struck by how matter-of-fact the Bible is on the fate of Lot's wife in verse 26: "But Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt." That's it...simple and direct. She disobeyed and there were consequences. It seems awfully harsh, doesn't it? We know she was told not to...very clearly in verse 17. "Flee for your lives! Don't look back! Run away as fast as you can!" She couldn't help but look back on the wicked city and the life she once knew...and away from the path to freedom and from God.
It's the second glance that always gets you. Sin presents itself, and sometimes it looks so good, so comforting, so welcoming...but you hear the voice of the Spirit saying "Flee for your life! Don't look back! Run away as fast as you can!" Maybe that voice is enough to get you to turn away and run...but when we look back a second time, it's so much easier to get caught in something destructive. So many times the second look led me to something that didn't honor God.
If we had the threat of turning into seasoning, maybe we wouldn't look a second time. I don't want to be someone that longs for sin or the life I once knew. I want to keep my eyes on the freedom of walking with God!
A few months ago, Joy and Mallory were reading this story in Mallory's Bible. Joy used the phrase, "Lot's wife was disobedient, so God turned her into a pillar of salt." Later that day, they were at the grocery store and Mallory was not listening to directions. Joy said, "Mallory, you are being disobedient", not really thinking of their story that morning. Mallory got a very scared look on her face and said, "Momma, am I going to turn to salt?" At least for a few days, we had a very obedient daughter!
I'm struck by how matter-of-fact the Bible is on the fate of Lot's wife in verse 26: "But Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt." That's it...simple and direct. She disobeyed and there were consequences. It seems awfully harsh, doesn't it? We know she was told not to...very clearly in verse 17. "Flee for your lives! Don't look back! Run away as fast as you can!" She couldn't help but look back on the wicked city and the life she once knew...and away from the path to freedom and from God.
It's the second glance that always gets you. Sin presents itself, and sometimes it looks so good, so comforting, so welcoming...but you hear the voice of the Spirit saying "Flee for your life! Don't look back! Run away as fast as you can!" Maybe that voice is enough to get you to turn away and run...but when we look back a second time, it's so much easier to get caught in something destructive. So many times the second look led me to something that didn't honor God.
If we had the threat of turning into seasoning, maybe we wouldn't look a second time. I don't want to be someone that longs for sin or the life I once knew. I want to keep my eyes on the freedom of walking with God!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Today's Passage: Genesis 18
This chapter is loaded with things to unpack, so we are going to try to hit three main parts: a God sized task, Abraham’s heart for the lost, and Abraham’s hospitality. There is so much more in this great chapter, and I hope you will take the time to search it out and even share with the blog what you got out of it.
Here at Bear Creek we like to talk about seeing things that only God can do, and this chapter does as well. Again it is promised that Sarah, Abraham’s wife, will have a child. If you remember from yesterday’s passage, she is ninety years old. With all the medical advancements we have today the oldest woman on record to give birth is 70 years old. Sarah is twenty years older than that...that is something that only God can do! Sarah is going to allow herself to be used by God, and in return she is going to see a God sized task tackled.
The second thing that this passage pointed out to me was Abraham’s heart for the wicked and lost people of Sodom and Gomorrah. He pleads with God to let them live. I think God wanted to see if Abraham really loved people, no matter their condition. I think he proves to us, and to God that he does really love people and cherish life. He does everything in his power to convince God to spare these unrighteous people. I think Abraham is a great example for us on how our heart is to be broken for those who are lost and trying to find peace in the way of the world. We need to be pleading to God for those that do not know him, and then we need to go to those people and share God with them.
Finally we get to Abraham’s hospitality. Something I did not notice the first time I read this chapter is that Abraham is sitting outside in the heat of the day. He very easily could have been inside trying to get out of the desert sun, but he is outside waiting for travelers to pass. He is searching out people to give water to and a place to rest. It just so happens that he gets heavenly visitors. I think his hospitality would have been equally as genuine and inviting had he received a normal traveler as he was with his heavenly visitors. We are in a completely different culture and situation than that of Abraham, but we still need to be looking for ways to be hospitable for strangers.
You probably do not get many people walking past your house looking for a place to grab a drink and sit down, but you might see that person who is standing next to their broken down car on the side of 377. Last Saturday I was leaving the church and there was a car on the side of 377 and I wanted so badly to drive past it... I actually did... but then a voice inside of me said turn around, and it was fairly stern about that, so I did. I am by no means a mechanic, but that is no excuse for me to ignore people in need. So I pulled up to the car, and walk up to the side and find two people, who apparently were just tired and decided to take a nap on the side of one of the busiest roads in the area. They were not in need of help, but they were so thankful that I was willing to stop and check on them. Sometimes we are not going to have to jump into action to help and sometimes we are, but we have to be open to it. That is what God taught me in this passage and through my experience last Saturday.
If you are looking for more passages on hospitality check out Hebrews 13:1-3. Be ready to be stretched, as it is an eye opening set of verses.
This chapter is loaded with things to unpack, so we are going to try to hit three main parts: a God sized task, Abraham’s heart for the lost, and Abraham’s hospitality. There is so much more in this great chapter, and I hope you will take the time to search it out and even share with the blog what you got out of it.
Here at Bear Creek we like to talk about seeing things that only God can do, and this chapter does as well. Again it is promised that Sarah, Abraham’s wife, will have a child. If you remember from yesterday’s passage, she is ninety years old. With all the medical advancements we have today the oldest woman on record to give birth is 70 years old. Sarah is twenty years older than that...that is something that only God can do! Sarah is going to allow herself to be used by God, and in return she is going to see a God sized task tackled.
The second thing that this passage pointed out to me was Abraham’s heart for the wicked and lost people of Sodom and Gomorrah. He pleads with God to let them live. I think God wanted to see if Abraham really loved people, no matter their condition. I think he proves to us, and to God that he does really love people and cherish life. He does everything in his power to convince God to spare these unrighteous people. I think Abraham is a great example for us on how our heart is to be broken for those who are lost and trying to find peace in the way of the world. We need to be pleading to God for those that do not know him, and then we need to go to those people and share God with them.
Finally we get to Abraham’s hospitality. Something I did not notice the first time I read this chapter is that Abraham is sitting outside in the heat of the day. He very easily could have been inside trying to get out of the desert sun, but he is outside waiting for travelers to pass. He is searching out people to give water to and a place to rest. It just so happens that he gets heavenly visitors. I think his hospitality would have been equally as genuine and inviting had he received a normal traveler as he was with his heavenly visitors. We are in a completely different culture and situation than that of Abraham, but we still need to be looking for ways to be hospitable for strangers.
You probably do not get many people walking past your house looking for a place to grab a drink and sit down, but you might see that person who is standing next to their broken down car on the side of 377. Last Saturday I was leaving the church and there was a car on the side of 377 and I wanted so badly to drive past it... I actually did... but then a voice inside of me said turn around, and it was fairly stern about that, so I did. I am by no means a mechanic, but that is no excuse for me to ignore people in need. So I pulled up to the car, and walk up to the side and find two people, who apparently were just tired and decided to take a nap on the side of one of the busiest roads in the area. They were not in need of help, but they were so thankful that I was willing to stop and check on them. Sometimes we are not going to have to jump into action to help and sometimes we are, but we have to be open to it. That is what God taught me in this passage and through my experience last Saturday.
If you are looking for more passages on hospitality check out Hebrews 13:1-3. Be ready to be stretched, as it is an eye opening set of verses.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Today's Passage: Genesis 16-17
The theme of this passage is somewhat of a continuation of Michael's discussion on God's covenant with Abraham (Gen. 13-15). God will never break a covenant, and yet in these verses we read of Sarah taking matters into her own hands. God had promised Abraham many descendants, and yet Sarah had borne him no children. Unfortunately Sarah seemed to think that her way of seeing God's promise fulfilled would be the best way. Initially I wonder, "What was she thinking?! God was the one who made the promise in the first place, obviously He's going to keep it!" As we all know, however, hindsight is 20/20. Knowing what God does for Abraham and his family makes it easy to think that Sarah has lost her mind and just needs to wait. When I truly put myself in her shoes, however, I begin to understand what must have been going through her mind. She probably thought she was doing the right thing, but her way was certainly not the best way and she reaped the consequences.
Now for the really cool part: God STILL kept his promise! Abram and Sarai had messed things up pretty badly and God still used them and blessed them. That is so encouraging to me! Sarah gave her maidservant, Hagar, to Abraham out of a lack of faith and yet God blessed them immeasurably. This reminds me of a parent's love for a child. My parents have always loved me unconditionally and wanted what's best for me. I can't tell you how many times I disobeyed, colored on the walls, peeled the wallpaper off the walls, treated my brother badly, had a bad attitude, or threw a fit, but none of these things made my parents decide not to love me anymore. They still wanted what was best for me and they were willing to provide that even when I didn't deserve it or even appreciate it.
Today's passage both encouraged and challenged me. It encouraged me to know that God will never let me down even when I let Him down...His Word is clear on this. And it challenged me to look back at the times in my life when I was frustrated with God's timing. Hindsight has allowed me to see that, as it turns out, God really did know what was best.
The theme of this passage is somewhat of a continuation of Michael's discussion on God's covenant with Abraham (Gen. 13-15). God will never break a covenant, and yet in these verses we read of Sarah taking matters into her own hands. God had promised Abraham many descendants, and yet Sarah had borne him no children. Unfortunately Sarah seemed to think that her way of seeing God's promise fulfilled would be the best way. Initially I wonder, "What was she thinking?! God was the one who made the promise in the first place, obviously He's going to keep it!" As we all know, however, hindsight is 20/20. Knowing what God does for Abraham and his family makes it easy to think that Sarah has lost her mind and just needs to wait. When I truly put myself in her shoes, however, I begin to understand what must have been going through her mind. She probably thought she was doing the right thing, but her way was certainly not the best way and she reaped the consequences.
Now for the really cool part: God STILL kept his promise! Abram and Sarai had messed things up pretty badly and God still used them and blessed them. That is so encouraging to me! Sarah gave her maidservant, Hagar, to Abraham out of a lack of faith and yet God blessed them immeasurably. This reminds me of a parent's love for a child. My parents have always loved me unconditionally and wanted what's best for me. I can't tell you how many times I disobeyed, colored on the walls, peeled the wallpaper off the walls, treated my brother badly, had a bad attitude, or threw a fit, but none of these things made my parents decide not to love me anymore. They still wanted what was best for me and they were willing to provide that even when I didn't deserve it or even appreciate it.
Today's passage both encouraged and challenged me. It encouraged me to know that God will never let me down even when I let Him down...His Word is clear on this. And it challenged me to look back at the times in my life when I was frustrated with God's timing. Hindsight has allowed me to see that, as it turns out, God really did know what was best.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Today's Passage: Matthew 5
To be honest this my absolute favorite lengthy passage in the entire Bible, which begins the teachings of Jesus known as the Sermon on the Mount. Just trying to focus and write on one subject is similar to a young boy going into the largest and most beloved toy store and the mother telling the child that he may only choose one toy! Despite this difficulty, I will choose to focus on the middle section of the chapter that discusses the disciples of Jesus (5:13-20).
Now almost every one of us has read this passage about salt and light and probably heard it taught even more. However, verse 16 really causes me to stop and think about my life. Jesus tells his disciples there are two specific reasons to let your light shine in front of men: first, so people may see their good works; second, that God the Father may be glorified.
Does Jesus really mean people should be able to see my good works? Apparently that is exactly what Jesus meant. The clincher is that your works should never be separated from the Father being glorified. There is a profound difference between doing good works so people see me and become impressed with how religious or righteous I am, and doing good works so that people give glory to the Father. As Jesus often does in his teachings, here he is checking the motivation of his disciples (that includes me and you). So I have to ask myself the question, "Why do I do the things I do?" "Do I seek the glory from people or do I seek for people to glorify God?" We should all be doing good works (most of us do good works in some form or fashion), but why should we do them? All I want to do is help people come to know the God who loves me and who loves them as well, but sometimes my selfish, and self-promoting nature gets in the way. Let's all do a favor for those around us...let's check our motives! May we be people who make much of God in everything we do!
To be honest this my absolute favorite lengthy passage in the entire Bible, which begins the teachings of Jesus known as the Sermon on the Mount. Just trying to focus and write on one subject is similar to a young boy going into the largest and most beloved toy store and the mother telling the child that he may only choose one toy! Despite this difficulty, I will choose to focus on the middle section of the chapter that discusses the disciples of Jesus (5:13-20).
Now almost every one of us has read this passage about salt and light and probably heard it taught even more. However, verse 16 really causes me to stop and think about my life. Jesus tells his disciples there are two specific reasons to let your light shine in front of men: first, so people may see their good works; second, that God the Father may be glorified.
Does Jesus really mean people should be able to see my good works? Apparently that is exactly what Jesus meant. The clincher is that your works should never be separated from the Father being glorified. There is a profound difference between doing good works so people see me and become impressed with how religious or righteous I am, and doing good works so that people give glory to the Father. As Jesus often does in his teachings, here he is checking the motivation of his disciples (that includes me and you). So I have to ask myself the question, "Why do I do the things I do?" "Do I seek the glory from people or do I seek for people to glorify God?" We should all be doing good works (most of us do good works in some form or fashion), but why should we do them? All I want to do is help people come to know the God who loves me and who loves them as well, but sometimes my selfish, and self-promoting nature gets in the way. Let's all do a favor for those around us...let's check our motives! May we be people who make much of God in everything we do!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Today's Passage: Genesis 13-15
Two things came to me while reading these passages. The first is a byproduct of my enjoyment of all things historical and military related. Just this past week I turned on the history channel to find a program titled "Bible battles". The premise of the show was to outline and describe battles that took place in the bible. What struck me was they began with the story of Abram rescuing Lot. It is the first Biblical recording of an organized group of people setting out to attack another, in this case to rescue Lot. The show noted three things about the battle: 1) That one man, Abram, was in charge. 2) That he directed the men to split up so that they could attack from multiple directions. 3) That they intentionally waited for night fall before they attack. I would say three very smart and strategical decisions when facing a much larger and better prepared group of people.
The second thing that came to me was how much we struggle with God keeping His side of a covenant. The best description of a covenant I have heard is this: A contract is something that if one of the two parties involved does not maintain their end, the whole thing is off. A covenant, however, is where no matter what either party does the other always holds up their end. This is why God describes His promises to us as covenants. The covenant that God made with Abram in Genesis 15 was not any greater or smaller than the covenant that God makes with us. Yet Abram's response is similar to our own. How many times have we asked God "how can I know that...(it will come true)"? I mean do we really believe that the God that created everything wouldn't keep His end of a promise? As hard as it is for me to admit, from time to time my answer is yes. Yet, even though we doubt, God has always held up his end of the bargain. Story after story in scripture reminds us of this truth.
So what I have challenged myself with is this: Hasn't God proven an immeasurable amount of times that He will hold up His end? In return, shouldn't I repay Him by believing what He has already proven?
Two things came to me while reading these passages. The first is a byproduct of my enjoyment of all things historical and military related. Just this past week I turned on the history channel to find a program titled "Bible battles". The premise of the show was to outline and describe battles that took place in the bible. What struck me was they began with the story of Abram rescuing Lot. It is the first Biblical recording of an organized group of people setting out to attack another, in this case to rescue Lot. The show noted three things about the battle: 1) That one man, Abram, was in charge. 2) That he directed the men to split up so that they could attack from multiple directions. 3) That they intentionally waited for night fall before they attack. I would say three very smart and strategical decisions when facing a much larger and better prepared group of people.
The second thing that came to me was how much we struggle with God keeping His side of a covenant. The best description of a covenant I have heard is this: A contract is something that if one of the two parties involved does not maintain their end, the whole thing is off. A covenant, however, is where no matter what either party does the other always holds up their end. This is why God describes His promises to us as covenants. The covenant that God made with Abram in Genesis 15 was not any greater or smaller than the covenant that God makes with us. Yet Abram's response is similar to our own. How many times have we asked God "how can I know that...(it will come true)"? I mean do we really believe that the God that created everything wouldn't keep His end of a promise? As hard as it is for me to admit, from time to time my answer is yes. Yet, even though we doubt, God has always held up his end of the bargain. Story after story in scripture reminds us of this truth.
So what I have challenged myself with is this: Hasn't God proven an immeasurable amount of times that He will hold up His end? In return, shouldn't I repay Him by believing what He has already proven?
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Today’s Passage: Matthew 4
Remember what has just happened in chapter 3…
Mat 3:16 After Jesus was baptized, he immediately came up from the water. Suddenly, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down as a dove to him.
Mat 3:17 Then a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love-my Son with whom I am pleased."
God the Father has just audibly spoken and given his blessing to Jesus and sent the Spirit down upon Him. WOW! That’s a major event in the bible. Then Jesus is led by the Spirit straight into the wilderness to be tempted!! I have to be honest, I never saw that one coming. He wasn’t being led into the wilderness just for the sake of being alone, or to clear his mind. The full intent of going there was to be tempted. Jesus, knowing this the entire time, began to fast.
There is much to say here of the humanity of Jesus in this instance. Jesus, while being fully God, was still entirely human and just like you and I, required food in order to live. Imagine not eating for 40 days. My guess is that by the end of that time you would be ready to eat just about anything. I might even consider eating a banana after having nothing for 40 days! Then, at one of the weakest physical points in Jesus’ life, He is given an easy way out. Turn the stone to bread and voila…problem solved! Thankfully Jesus didn't give in to the temptation presented.
Jesus took words directly from Deuteronomy in order to rebuff the attacks of Satan. This is one of the clearest examples I can think of to show us that spending time in God's Word every single day will make a tremendous impact on what God will in and through our lives. Being able to recognize the attacks of the evil one and to combat them with the very words of God is an impossible thing if we do not spend regular time meditating on them. Let's follow Jesus' example and use the truth and power of scripture to our advantage in our daily struggles with Satan!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Today’s Passage: Genesis 10-12
In today’s passage, we read about the descendants of Noah (the many that there were) all the way to the beginning of the stories about Abram, aka Abraham. Before chapter 12 (the start of the journey for Abraham) though, we read about the multitudes of people that resulted from Noah’s family. What I found interesting in this part of today’s passage was that after many years, the descendants began to become self-aware...a sort of self confidence arose among them. The two phrases, “they said to one another…” and “let us make a name for ourselves…” specifically stuck out like a sore thumb! I thought of this as a way of depicting the people as self-sufficient. Then we read the LORD decides to change things up a bit. The LORD, knowing the heart of man, changed the face of the earth forever by “confusing” their language. It made me inspect my life for “towers” of things that I have built in my life that do not reflect what the LORD wants from me. How has the LORD changed things up for you when you thought you did not need him and you could make a name for yourself?
After the confusing of the languages, the author of Genesis skips forward to the time of Abram. This story reveals the classic heart of man. Often times when we are doing the things that God asks us to do, there comes this temptation to take the wheel so that we can do our “better plan.” Ultimately, however, we end up worried to death and seeking the LORD in our time of need in order to bail us out! We see this very thing in Abram's life.
Although there is much to say about this particular passage, what stuck out when I read it was the fact that we hear nothing about Abram until now. It’s almost as if everything was a given. All of a sudden God tells Abram to pack up his things, leave his country, and head to an unknown place. God also promises Abram from the beginning that He is going to make him into a great nation. God will bless all of his families. (For those of us who already know, Abram and Saria cannot have children.) Then at no hesitation, Abram leaves as the LORD directed. All is well when following the LORD’s way.
When I read this, I think the biggest thing that jumped out at me was the fact that Abram follows the Lord to this unknown place. Then when things got hard (the famine), instead of waiting and trusting in the Lord, he takes matters into his own hands. (Oh, how we see where that can get us!). While in Egypt on his hunt for food and shelter, he only finds himself in more trouble and worried for his life. Ultimately, we see the Lord step in to save Abram, but it is to wonder how the journey could have been without the stress had he originally trusted in the Lord. This passage is definitely an eye opener for your and my Christian walk. Shall we trust in the Lord, even with the small details!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Today's Passage: Matthew 3
For years now, Joy has been talking about turning a corner of our backyard into a garden. She likes the idea of growing her own produce (and really likes the idea of saving money). I, on the other hand, don't like the idea of building a garden in the slightest. I've tried to dig in our backyard before, and like most of the soil around here, it does not take long before you hit clay or rock. I don't mind the idea of a garden growing (or eating fresh strawberries), but the idea of preparing the soil for the harvest seems like more work than the reward.
John the Baptist had the job of preparing the soil for harvest...and it doesn't sound like it was an easy job. He wore clothes made of camel hair, which can't be very comfortable. He ate locusts, which can't be very tasty. He lived in the desert, which can't be very nice at all. Not only that, but a part of his job was to confront the powerful leaders of the day with the truth, which was not the safest thing to do. Yet he did all this and more with a passion for preparing hearts for the coming truth and salvation of Jesus Christ.
Sometimes preparing the soil seems like too much work. It's hard to live as salt and light in a world of darkness. It's hard to talk to people about the Christian walk when they don't understand or might ridicule our beliefs. It's hard to step out in faith and share the love of Christ. Many times, we don't even get to see an immediate result...and we may never be the ones to see the harvest. But for every growing plant, someone prepared the soil...and for every life changed by Christ, someone steps out in faith and makes the soil more and more receptive for the Word of God to take seed.
Where are you preparing the way? Where is your desert, where you are calling "Prepare the way for the Lord?" Who is God laying on your heart today to pray that His love might change their life forever?
For years now, Joy has been talking about turning a corner of our backyard into a garden. She likes the idea of growing her own produce (and really likes the idea of saving money). I, on the other hand, don't like the idea of building a garden in the slightest. I've tried to dig in our backyard before, and like most of the soil around here, it does not take long before you hit clay or rock. I don't mind the idea of a garden growing (or eating fresh strawberries), but the idea of preparing the soil for the harvest seems like more work than the reward.
John the Baptist had the job of preparing the soil for harvest...and it doesn't sound like it was an easy job. He wore clothes made of camel hair, which can't be very comfortable. He ate locusts, which can't be very tasty. He lived in the desert, which can't be very nice at all. Not only that, but a part of his job was to confront the powerful leaders of the day with the truth, which was not the safest thing to do. Yet he did all this and more with a passion for preparing hearts for the coming truth and salvation of Jesus Christ.
Sometimes preparing the soil seems like too much work. It's hard to live as salt and light in a world of darkness. It's hard to talk to people about the Christian walk when they don't understand or might ridicule our beliefs. It's hard to step out in faith and share the love of Christ. Many times, we don't even get to see an immediate result...and we may never be the ones to see the harvest. But for every growing plant, someone prepared the soil...and for every life changed by Christ, someone steps out in faith and makes the soil more and more receptive for the Word of God to take seed.
Where are you preparing the way? Where is your desert, where you are calling "Prepare the way for the Lord?" Who is God laying on your heart today to pray that His love might change their life forever?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Today's Passage: Genesis 7-9
I love the story of Noah. The story of Noah reminds me that there are things that only God can do, and that ultimately his plan is perfect and provides for his people. Imagine being Noah in this story. God tells you that the earth is going to be flooded and you have to build a boat that is 450 feet long and 75 feet wide...that is more than four times the size of our church. When the church was being built we must have had over a hundred different workers put in some kind of work, and Noah and his three sons are supposed to build something four times that size by themselves!
Next, let's think about what must have been going through Noah's mind when God told them about all the animals that were going to be on the boat. I am sure his thoughts were similar to what I thought the first time I read this story: "How am I going to round up all of these wild animals and get them on this boat without killing them or myself?" But Noah had much more faith than I do sometimes. He knew that if he took the first step of faith in building the ark that God would take care of the next part. Sometimes that is all God wants from us is one step and then he opens a door for us. In the case of Noah, building the ark was a pretty big step, but still just one step.
John Ortberg wrote a book that I highly recommend called, If you Want to Walk on Water, You Have to get out of the Boat. The book walks through the account of Jesus walking on water. The thing about that story that this book really pointed out to me was that all Peter had to do was take the first step over the side of the boat and Jesus was going to take care of the rest. I mean it is pretty obvious that nothing in Peter's strength was going to allow him to do this himself.
The Bible is filled with stories like the accounts of Noah and of Peter. Stories where there is a God sized task looming in the distance and ordinary people are charged with accomplishing it. Our lives are no different today. We are charged with things like raising good kids in a sinful world, finding ethical standards in an unethical workplace, going on mission trip in a foreign land, asking our unbelieving friend to come to church and countless other things that we could list. God wants us to "build an ark" and he will take care of the rest. Ask today, what is my "ark" and what is the first step that I have to take to build it? God is faithful when he asks us to take a step of faith. Bear Creek is living proof of God's faithfulness to follow through when we take a step of faith. Our church is here because Brett took the first step of saying, "yes God I will go."
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Today's Passage: Matthew 2
Usually when I read passages like this, I am so intrigued by (and a little jealous of) the specific instructions God gives people through things like stars, angels, and dreams. It just seems so easy to obey God when the instructions are so clear, so immediate, and so spoken by an angel. It’s not that the instructions themselves are easy….i.e. “run away to
In this ONE chapter FOUR prophecies are fulfilled (verses 6, 15, 18, and 23). How amazing is it that God’s plan had been in place since the beginning of time?! He had beautifully and masterfully orchestrated every event leading up to the arrival of the Messiah. Prophets had spoken of Him for hundreds of years. Their words had become Scripture and the Israelite people studied it with fervor. This blows my mind. The same God who had a perfect plan from the beginning also has a plan for ME! And although He spoke to some people through an “angel in a dream, star in the sky” kind of revelation, He spoke to most people through His Word…the same Word that I have access to every day!
Throughout times in my life when I have struggled with what to do or how to handle a situation, God’s Word has been there to guide me. College is definitely one of those times that requires much decision-making and situation-handling. One semester I was really struggling with typical college struggles and I had just reached the end of my rope. I was miserable. Then I read James 1:2-4, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking any wisdom.” Although I had heard these verses many times before, I felt like this was a time I needed to live them out. So I prayed for God to help me consider my trials joy. Soon after, a message at church was about how God uses trials to shape us. There was no dream or vision of an angel, but God’s message to me had become clear. Today’s passage served as a personal reminder that when I am truly seeking Him, He will show Himself.
In Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby teaches that God uses four ways to speak to his people today: through prayer, through the church, through people, and through His Word. As you read today, you may learn something new about the magi, wonder what was running through Mary’s and Joseph’s minds as they fled to protect their child, or you may find comfort in the familiar story told at Christmas. Whatever it is, be sure to revel in the fact that God, the Creator of the universe and the orchestrator of the world, has a plan for your life too…and He’s not hiding it! What a great reminder this passage is of the importance of God’s Word every day.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Today's Passage: Genesis 4-6
There are two main stories within this passage that I could discuss. Both are interesting, but if you are like me then you are probably thinking more on the Cain and Abel story. This is the account of two brothers that gives us an example of what not to do.
We see that the Lord had favor on Abel (Gen. 4:4). Cain being the older brother did not take well to God’s decision to show favor to the younger brother. But seriously, can you really blame Cain for being jealous? I am the oldest in my family. My brother is ten years younger than I am. I really get the jealousy part. God told Cain to be careful because he was dangerously close to sin. God warned him, but Cain did not heed the warning. He killed his brother. After that, Cain had the audacity to lie in a seemingly sarcastic way to the Lord.
I constantly picked on my brother during my childhood. My parents seemed to have a keen sense when I would pick on my brother. It would not be uncommon for my dad to ask me something concerning my brother, whether his well being, his location, or simply what he was doing. I would respond to my dad in a way similar to Cain’s, very sarcastic (Gen. 4:9). Such a response showed disrespect for my dad as well as my brother (I probably was not the best older brother during my early teen years!). Cain was a normal guy who really messed up. Things did not turn out like he wanted. God warned him and Cain did not listen. While most of us will never make the huge mistake Cain did, all of us have sin at our door. Your sin may be jealousy like Cain, but it could be something completely different. One thing is for sure, we will all be tempted by sin. It is up to us how to respond. One way to respond is by running from temptation of a particular sin. Another response may be to share your temptation or struggle with others so they can help you through your situation. When sin is crouching at our door, I pray we all learn to listen and follow God. May Cain be a sobering example of the humanity in us all!
There are two main stories within this passage that I could discuss. Both are interesting, but if you are like me then you are probably thinking more on the Cain and Abel story. This is the account of two brothers that gives us an example of what not to do.
We see that the Lord had favor on Abel (Gen. 4:4). Cain being the older brother did not take well to God’s decision to show favor to the younger brother. But seriously, can you really blame Cain for being jealous? I am the oldest in my family. My brother is ten years younger than I am. I really get the jealousy part. God told Cain to be careful because he was dangerously close to sin. God warned him, but Cain did not heed the warning. He killed his brother. After that, Cain had the audacity to lie in a seemingly sarcastic way to the Lord.
I constantly picked on my brother during my childhood. My parents seemed to have a keen sense when I would pick on my brother. It would not be uncommon for my dad to ask me something concerning my brother, whether his well being, his location, or simply what he was doing. I would respond to my dad in a way similar to Cain’s, very sarcastic (Gen. 4:9). Such a response showed disrespect for my dad as well as my brother (I probably was not the best older brother during my early teen years!). Cain was a normal guy who really messed up. Things did not turn out like he wanted. God warned him and Cain did not listen. While most of us will never make the huge mistake Cain did, all of us have sin at our door. Your sin may be jealousy like Cain, but it could be something completely different. One thing is for sure, we will all be tempted by sin. It is up to us how to respond. One way to respond is by running from temptation of a particular sin. Another response may be to share your temptation or struggle with others so they can help you through your situation. When sin is crouching at our door, I pray we all learn to listen and follow God. May Cain be a sobering example of the humanity in us all!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Today's Passage: Matthew 1
Most of us are familiar with the story depicted in verses 18-25 of Matthew1, especially with Christmas being only a month ago. So God led me to concentrate on verses 1-17 and to explore why Matthew would choose to begin his depiction of the gospel with these verses.
Now if you are like me you might have found the first 17 verses of Matthew uninteresting and even kind of disorienting... it's a long list of names. Because of my lack of understanding, I took some time and attempted to find as many of the names mentioned in these verses in the Old Testament as I could. After discovering quite a few I realized that there were actually two purposes Matthew had in beginning his contribution to the Bible in this way.
First, he was obviously proving the connection between Jesus and David through his lineage tracing back to Abraham. This was a crucial point in making the claim that Jesus was the Son of God that had been prophesized about throughout the Old Testament.
The second purpose however, reminded me of one of my favorite TV shows, LOST. If you have seen an episode it always begins the same way: The announcer says" Previously on LOST..." followed by a quick 60 second recap of important things you need to know before you continue with the story. That is exactly what these verses are... a recap of the story so far. From Abraham and his son Isaac that he almost sacrificed to God; to David and his son Solomon; to Babylon's King Nebuchadnezzar capturing and enslaving the people of Jerusalem with their King Jehoiachin. I realized that all of these names have a story behind them, but even more importantly they had a specific place in God's plan for bringing a Savior to His people.
For me it is extremely exciting and comforting to know that all of us, no matter how small we might think we are, have a part in God's plan. His plan has always been to draw all of mankind closer to Him... from beginning, to Jesus, to now and forever.
Praise be to Him whose plan has and will always come true!
Most of us are familiar with the story depicted in verses 18-25 of Matthew1, especially with Christmas being only a month ago. So God led me to concentrate on verses 1-17 and to explore why Matthew would choose to begin his depiction of the gospel with these verses.
Now if you are like me you might have found the first 17 verses of Matthew uninteresting and even kind of disorienting... it's a long list of names. Because of my lack of understanding, I took some time and attempted to find as many of the names mentioned in these verses in the Old Testament as I could. After discovering quite a few I realized that there were actually two purposes Matthew had in beginning his contribution to the Bible in this way.
First, he was obviously proving the connection between Jesus and David through his lineage tracing back to Abraham. This was a crucial point in making the claim that Jesus was the Son of God that had been prophesized about throughout the Old Testament.
The second purpose however, reminded me of one of my favorite TV shows, LOST. If you have seen an episode it always begins the same way: The announcer says" Previously on LOST..." followed by a quick 60 second recap of important things you need to know before you continue with the story. That is exactly what these verses are... a recap of the story so far. From Abraham and his son Isaac that he almost sacrificed to God; to David and his son Solomon; to Babylon's King Nebuchadnezzar capturing and enslaving the people of Jerusalem with their King Jehoiachin. I realized that all of these names have a story behind them, but even more importantly they had a specific place in God's plan for bringing a Savior to His people.
For me it is extremely exciting and comforting to know that all of us, no matter how small we might think we are, have a part in God's plan. His plan has always been to draw all of mankind closer to Him... from beginning, to Jesus, to now and forever.
Praise be to Him whose plan has and will always come true!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Today’s Passage: Genesis 1-3
There are so many things we could reflect on in this passage! We could talk about God making man in His own image. We could talk about woman being the perfect companion. We could talk about sin entering the world. As you read the passage this morning, one of those may have jumped out at you. If it did, feel free to comment and let us know.
For me today, it was the combination of two phrases: “In the beginning” and “And God said.” I’m trying to wrap my mind around “the beginning.” At some point in history, all that existed was God in three parts…Father, Son, and Spirit…yet all as one. There was just God and nothing else. I try to picture it in my head, but my little brain can’t begin to comprehend it. That almighty, all-powerful God decided that there needed to be a beginning…a beginning of creation, a beginning of a story that would lead to relationship, sin, struggle, and eventually the sacrifice of that same God so that there could be relationship again, both now and forever. It was in this moment that it all began.
And how did it begin? With a huge struggle? With a God-sized effort? No, it simply began when God spoke. He didn’t have to strain or come up with the energy. He simply spoke and it was. “And God said, “Let there be light.”” “And God said, “Let there be an expanse..”” “And God said, “Let us make man in our own image.”” God spoke, and it was.
I feel like I have to say things three or four times just to get the girls to eat their lunch or pick up their toys, but God speaks once and forms the heavens and the earth. That kind of power is overwhelming to imagine….and that power lives in me. That makes my head hurt just a little!
There are so many things we could reflect on in this passage! We could talk about God making man in His own image. We could talk about woman being the perfect companion. We could talk about sin entering the world. As you read the passage this morning, one of those may have jumped out at you. If it did, feel free to comment and let us know.
For me today, it was the combination of two phrases: “In the beginning” and “And God said.” I’m trying to wrap my mind around “the beginning.” At some point in history, all that existed was God in three parts…Father, Son, and Spirit…yet all as one. There was just God and nothing else. I try to picture it in my head, but my little brain can’t begin to comprehend it. That almighty, all-powerful God decided that there needed to be a beginning…a beginning of creation, a beginning of a story that would lead to relationship, sin, struggle, and eventually the sacrifice of that same God so that there could be relationship again, both now and forever. It was in this moment that it all began.
And how did it begin? With a huge struggle? With a God-sized effort? No, it simply began when God spoke. He didn’t have to strain or come up with the energy. He simply spoke and it was. “And God said, “Let there be light.”” “And God said, “Let there be an expanse..”” “And God said, “Let us make man in our own image.”” God spoke, and it was.
I feel like I have to say things three or four times just to get the girls to eat their lunch or pick up their toys, but God speaks once and forms the heavens and the earth. That kind of power is overwhelming to imagine….and that power lives in me. That makes my head hurt just a little!
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