Today's Passage: Matthew 28
What a great chapter! This chapter is filled with great things for us. (I think I say that every week.) This chapter has three great things that I want us to look at: the great miracle of Christ's return, the Jewish leaders’ reaction to Christ’s resurrection, and the Great Commission.
Throughout the gospels Jesus has been speaking of His death. To this point all that He spoke of had come true. His greatest miracle, though, was raising himself from the dead. Just a few days before, He was crucified and today He is alive and walking. The women at the tomb reacted just as I think we would have; they fell down and worshipped Him. What an amazing story. For anyone that has ever said the Bible is not exciting, read this account and visualize it happening. Angels shocking men to near death, Christ returning from the dead, and Christ appearing to the women on their way to spread the news to the disciples--how much more excitement do you need?
The account of the Jewish leaders may be my favorite part of this chapter. Can you imagine being one of those leaders and listening to these guards tell you what happened? My first thought when I read this was, I would have to see this for myself. The Jewish leaders do not say this though, they know it is true. It was at this point that they knew they were wrong, that is, if they did not already know. Instead of jumping on the bandwagon and admitting their wrongdoings, they launch one of the greatest cover-ups the world has ever seen. The last thing they want is anyone getting wind of Jesus and this great miracle. Never in their conversation do you see any doubt that this actually happened, you only see that they were concerned about saving their reputation. I think this part of the account speaks to the power of the gospel story. If someone hears the whole story, much like these leaders did, it is hard to deny the truth.
The book of Matthew ends with one of the most widely known passages. Here at Bear Creek is was our mantra for 2008. Our challenge is to go and tell the story. However, I think we often read this passage and think that all we are supposed to do is make converts. This is far short of what we are being called to do here. We are to go and make disciples! This is not just saying a prayer and being done, this is helping to grow a fully devoted follower of Christ. We have a big challenge before us to help make these fully devoted followers, and the only effective way to reproduce fully devoted followers, is to ourselves be fully devoted followers. The last thing that Christ tells us in this book is to go and make disciples. Of all the things He could have said, this was the one thing that He wanted to leave us with; I think that should speak to the importance of this passage. My challenge for you and for me today is to examine our life and see what we are currently doing to make disciples, and see what we can do to make that more a priority.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Today's Passage: Leviticus 22
Have you ever gotten yourself into a mess you couldn't get yourself out of? I have. Several times. The first that comes to mind happened at youth camp the summer after my senior year in high school. We went to an encampment in the mountains of Colorado called Silver Cliff Ranch...and one day I slid down that silver cliff on my face. We'd gone hiking and the group was staying on a grassy, slowly inclining trail. This, of course, was not quite exciting enough for me and so I slowly began my veer away from the grassy, gradual trail to the steep, rocky cliff. Because I am no hiker (or climber, for that matter), I got stuck on the cliff. After I slid down half of it on my elbows, knees, face, and tummy, I decided it was time to ask for somebody to help me down. Nothing hurt worse than my pride. Obviously I made it down okay, although I do still have some scars and the 14-hour bus ride home was not so much fun.
Today's passage makes me think of scenarios like this. God knew that his people were notorious for getting themselves into messes. This was why they needed all of the rules and guidelines, for their own protection. In today's passage, however, we see that the rules and guidelines are not what made them clean or holy. In the midst of giving instructions for the treatment of sacred offerings, God says, "I am the LORD, who makes them/you holy." Did you catch that? God is what made them holy. Although He gave explicit directions for ceremonial cleansing, the proper garments, and the avoidance of certain things, God is what made them holy. God had given them lists of things which made them unclean, but only ONE thing could make them clean--HIM! They had gotten themselves into all kinds of messes, but only God could clean them up.
What a great reminder that there is absolutely nothing we can do to earn holiness. We are only made holy through the blood of Christ; we simply accept this gift. Is there a mess that you need God's help with? Do you feel stuck and your own attempts to free yourself have only caused more pain and scars? Whatever the situation may be, God is ready, able, and willing to help. Just ask.
Have you ever gotten yourself into a mess you couldn't get yourself out of? I have. Several times. The first that comes to mind happened at youth camp the summer after my senior year in high school. We went to an encampment in the mountains of Colorado called Silver Cliff Ranch...and one day I slid down that silver cliff on my face. We'd gone hiking and the group was staying on a grassy, slowly inclining trail. This, of course, was not quite exciting enough for me and so I slowly began my veer away from the grassy, gradual trail to the steep, rocky cliff. Because I am no hiker (or climber, for that matter), I got stuck on the cliff. After I slid down half of it on my elbows, knees, face, and tummy, I decided it was time to ask for somebody to help me down. Nothing hurt worse than my pride. Obviously I made it down okay, although I do still have some scars and the 14-hour bus ride home was not so much fun.
Today's passage makes me think of scenarios like this. God knew that his people were notorious for getting themselves into messes. This was why they needed all of the rules and guidelines, for their own protection. In today's passage, however, we see that the rules and guidelines are not what made them clean or holy. In the midst of giving instructions for the treatment of sacred offerings, God says, "I am the LORD, who makes them/you holy." Did you catch that? God is what made them holy. Although He gave explicit directions for ceremonial cleansing, the proper garments, and the avoidance of certain things, God is what made them holy. God had given them lists of things which made them unclean, but only ONE thing could make them clean--HIM! They had gotten themselves into all kinds of messes, but only God could clean them up.
What a great reminder that there is absolutely nothing we can do to earn holiness. We are only made holy through the blood of Christ; we simply accept this gift. Is there a mess that you need God's help with? Do you feel stuck and your own attempts to free yourself have only caused more pain and scars? Whatever the situation may be, God is ready, able, and willing to help. Just ask.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Tuesday,May 5, 2009
Today's Passage: Leviticus 21
If you look at the history of anthropology you will find several characteristics that are true for many generations of mankind. One of these is class distinctions based on the physical deformities of a person. Through the progress of society, particularly in the United States, many rights and regulations have been fought for to declare equality among everyone. In Leviticus 21, one may think that God is making an unfair distinction between those with and without deformities.
There are several reasons why God did not see fit for those with deformities to be a part of the priesthood. The most significant reason is the connection to the Old Testament purification laws. Similar to the importance of having an unblemished sacrifice, the priest must also be without blemish. This passage is a litany of traits that cause a priest to be unclean.
So is this passage of mere historical significance? May it never be! 1 Peter 2:9a, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession." If you are a believer in Jesus Christ then you are part of the priesthood. This does not mean that if you have a physical deformity then you cannot be a part of the ministry in this world. However, believers in Jesus are not allowed to walk around with blemishes. These blemishes are no longer physical defects but spiritual sins. God considers the walk of his priest in Leviticus very important. Moreover, he considers the walk of his priests today (which is all Christians) very important.
If you look at the history of anthropology you will find several characteristics that are true for many generations of mankind. One of these is class distinctions based on the physical deformities of a person. Through the progress of society, particularly in the United States, many rights and regulations have been fought for to declare equality among everyone. In Leviticus 21, one may think that God is making an unfair distinction between those with and without deformities.
There are several reasons why God did not see fit for those with deformities to be a part of the priesthood. The most significant reason is the connection to the Old Testament purification laws. Similar to the importance of having an unblemished sacrifice, the priest must also be without blemish. This passage is a litany of traits that cause a priest to be unclean.
So is this passage of mere historical significance? May it never be! 1 Peter 2:9a, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession." If you are a believer in Jesus Christ then you are part of the priesthood. This does not mean that if you have a physical deformity then you cannot be a part of the ministry in this world. However, believers in Jesus are not allowed to walk around with blemishes. These blemishes are no longer physical defects but spiritual sins. God considers the walk of his priest in Leviticus very important. Moreover, he considers the walk of his priests today (which is all Christians) very important.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Today's Passage: Leviticus 20
I love how simply stated this chapter is. It is almost redundant the way that everything is declared. This chapter could be summarized in two simple statements. One, "if you sin the punishment is death" and two, "God has set you apart to be holy and His own."
Sound familiar? It is very similar to Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Wow, how awesome is it that God has always wanted us for Himself and that He was willing to make sure of that by sacrificing His son?
It could be very easy for us to get bogged down in the details of what this passage states is sin. Instead, it is more important that we focus on the verse where God's true motives are stated, verse 26. God just wants us to seek holiness so that we will be able to be with Him in heaven.
Where does your heart stand on sin? Are you standing on the fringes so that you feel like a good person, or are you straining for holiness and truly pleasing God?
If you find yourself splitting hairs with God about His commands, chances are you aren't straining for holiness, you're standing on the fringes.
I love how simply stated this chapter is. It is almost redundant the way that everything is declared. This chapter could be summarized in two simple statements. One, "if you sin the punishment is death" and two, "God has set you apart to be holy and His own."
Sound familiar? It is very similar to Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Wow, how awesome is it that God has always wanted us for Himself and that He was willing to make sure of that by sacrificing His son?
It could be very easy for us to get bogged down in the details of what this passage states is sin. Instead, it is more important that we focus on the verse where God's true motives are stated, verse 26. God just wants us to seek holiness so that we will be able to be with Him in heaven.
Where does your heart stand on sin? Are you standing on the fringes so that you feel like a good person, or are you straining for holiness and truly pleasing God?
If you find yourself splitting hairs with God about His commands, chances are you aren't straining for holiness, you're standing on the fringes.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Today's Passage: Leviticus 19
Have you noticed the habit of the Israelites in our reading through the Bible? They moan, groan, and sin their way into bondage, then God delivers them in His loving kindness, and guess what? they do it again-- even though they know exactly what they should do!! It's a good thing you and I don't do that--- that was Old Testament and we live in the New Testament Age! Right? WRONG!!! This book, this chapter has every application to you and me today!
Have you noticed the habit of the Israelites in our reading through the Bible? They moan, groan, and sin their way into bondage, then God delivers them in His loving kindness, and guess what? they do it again-- even though they know exactly what they should do!! It's a good thing you and I don't do that--- that was Old Testament and we live in the New Testament Age! Right? WRONG!!! This book, this chapter has every application to you and me today!
Reading this passage makes me think of John and 1 John. 6 times in John 14 and 15 our obedience to God's commands is referenced. Sometimes it says, "If we love Him we will obey His commands." Another time, Jesus says, "You are My friends if you do what I command you." 1 John 3:24 reminds us of the passages in John: "The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him." So, are you and I His friends today? Do we love Him? Are we abiding in Him?
As strange as it may sound, this chapter (and book for that matter) is not about works; it is about relationships. Sixteen times... 16 times God identifies Himself, saying, "I am the LORD." I am not enough of a theologian to explain all of the reasons for this, BUT, I know enough to say that it is Him saying, "I want you! You're mine! And if you trust Me, I will bless you in all things!" He is telling us things that will keep us in open relationship with Him. He is also reminding us that He is the sovereign Creator, and it is His plan for us to be in right relationship with Him and with each other. It is good news today that you and I can abide in Him, love Him, and be His friends by surrendering ourselves fully to Him and His plan!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Today’s Passage: Leviticus 18
It may be easy to look at Leviticus 18 and see only a long list of Old Testament laws. The Israelites were entering Canaan and were to be exposed to customs and practices that were different than those that God wanted to them to follow. God is setting the Israelites up as His special people; they were not to behave as those in Egypt had and they were not to behave as those in Canaan. They were to be set apart for Him. There are a number of laws that the Lord makes known to Moses in this passage, all of them dealing with sexual sin and immorality. It is interesting to note that God says that the nations that the Israelites were to defeat had been defiled by the sexual sins recorded.
The Israelites knew what physical slavery was like; the Lord was warning them against becoming enslaved to the physical lusts of the world. So, what is the escape? What is the way out that Moses instructs the Israelites to do in order that they might not fall captive to these sins? There are two things that I specifically noticed. First, Moses continues to reinforce the fact the LORD is their God. Second, he states in verse 4 (NIV), that the people must be careful to keep his commandments and statutes.
God’s Word is powerful; able to lead one to salvation; able to lead one to repentance; it is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. This is why it is so important that we are in God’s Word!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
Today's Passage: Leviticus 17
Once again, we look at the title for Leviticus 17, "Eating Blood Forbidden", and most likely we think, "What in the world could God have for me in this today?" There are two very important principles that we would be wise to put into practice today.
First, notice that the location of the sacrifice was very important to God (verses 1-9). The Israelites were told not to offer these sacrifices anywhere but the tabernacle tent. They had apparently gotten into the practice of worshiping out in the fields instead of coming into the presence of the Lord. This practice had also meant that several of them were making sacrifices the wrong way...some even making sacrifices they thought were for God but were in the manner of idol worship.
There is something special about being in God's house when we worship. We can say that we worship God just as well on the boat, on the course, or staying in bed on a Sunday, but we all know that's just not the case. "Worshiping" somewhere other than God's house is like telling your wife you want to celebrate her birthday by playing golf with friends. You tell her you'll be thinking about her, playing in her honor, or even telling all your friends how great she is....but how do you think that would go over with her? It's awfully hard to celebrate someone when you don't give them what they want the most...your undivided attention. Many times these "worship" experiences turn into idol worship because we are separated from the source of holiness itself.
The other important idea from this chapter is the importance of the blood. Blood was considered the source of life. When a person sacrificed an animal for atonement of sin, it was the spilling of that life-blood that brought forgiveness. We now understand that while that blood offered a temporary solution, the life-blood of Jesus Christ was shed for eternal forgiveness of sin. That precious blood is the source for life! We should treat the sacrifice of Christ with the utmost respect by loving Him with all we have to offer.
Once again, we look at the title for Leviticus 17, "Eating Blood Forbidden", and most likely we think, "What in the world could God have for me in this today?" There are two very important principles that we would be wise to put into practice today.
First, notice that the location of the sacrifice was very important to God (verses 1-9). The Israelites were told not to offer these sacrifices anywhere but the tabernacle tent. They had apparently gotten into the practice of worshiping out in the fields instead of coming into the presence of the Lord. This practice had also meant that several of them were making sacrifices the wrong way...some even making sacrifices they thought were for God but were in the manner of idol worship.
There is something special about being in God's house when we worship. We can say that we worship God just as well on the boat, on the course, or staying in bed on a Sunday, but we all know that's just not the case. "Worshiping" somewhere other than God's house is like telling your wife you want to celebrate her birthday by playing golf with friends. You tell her you'll be thinking about her, playing in her honor, or even telling all your friends how great she is....but how do you think that would go over with her? It's awfully hard to celebrate someone when you don't give them what they want the most...your undivided attention. Many times these "worship" experiences turn into idol worship because we are separated from the source of holiness itself.
The other important idea from this chapter is the importance of the blood. Blood was considered the source of life. When a person sacrificed an animal for atonement of sin, it was the spilling of that life-blood that brought forgiveness. We now understand that while that blood offered a temporary solution, the life-blood of Jesus Christ was shed for eternal forgiveness of sin. That precious blood is the source for life! We should treat the sacrifice of Christ with the utmost respect by loving Him with all we have to offer.
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