Why it Matters - Union

Readings for today: Song of Solomon 5:2-16, 6, 7, 8:14, Psalms 45

Union with Christ. According to John Murray it is the central truth of the whole doctrine of salvation. John Owen called it the greatest and most honorable privilege of our lives. Martin Luther believed it was through our union with Christ that we actually become one with Him like a bride and a bridegroom. John Calvin believed that all the blessings God promises flow through our union with His Son. Clearly, theologians throughout the centuries believe this doctrine to be central to our faith. Where does it come from? Certainly all the passages in the New Testament where it talks about being “in Christ”, “with Christ”, and that Christ is “in” us. Then there is the imagery Jesus Himself uses of the vine and branches or how He describes our union with Him in His great high priestly prayer from John 17. However, I think one of the best expressions is from the Song of Solomon.

“Turn, turn, O Perfect One! Turn, turn, that I may stare at you! Why do you gaze upon the Perfect One like the dance of the Mahanaim?” (Song of Solomon 7:1 NET) The Dance of the Mahanaim is a difficult one to interpret. The first mention of “Mahanaim” is a place east of the Jordan River. In Genesis 32:2, Jacob encounters angels there and calls it “God’s camp.” The word Mahanaim literally means “two camps” so perhaps Jacob was referencing his camp and God’s camp being in the same place. The symbolism is that of union and communion. A harmony between God and His people that flows from His covenant love fur us. If the Song of Solomon truly is an allegory depicting the love of Christ for His church - and I believe it is - then the dance of the Mahanaim is suggestive of the beauty, joy, and mutual delight that is shared through our union with Him.

Tragically, not many Christians understand or even known what it means to have union with Christ. We tend to externalize Christ as if He exists apart from us. We tend to believe our relationship with Christ ebbs and flows depending on how we may be feeling or whether or not we’ve been walking in faithful obedience. We even wonder at times if Christ has walked away from us or if Christ has shut the door on us if He doesn’t answer our prayers. None of these things are true, of course, because when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, he literally comes to dwell inside us. He promises He will never leave us nor forsake us. He promises He will be with us until the end of the age. This is what union with Christ is all about. Christ dwelling inside us and transforming us from the inside out.

Readings for tomorrow: Proverbs 1-4

Why it Matters - Intimacy

Readings for today: Song of Solomon 1, 2, 3, 4, 5:1

The Song of Solomon isn’t an easy read for us. We feel uncomfortable with the graphic description of the passionate love between a man and a woman. Almost like we’re getting a glimpse of something deeply private and personal in another person’s life. We feel like an intruder as we read. An unwanted observer. It’s tough to see why this book is in the Bible or what God may be trying to teach us. Some believe this book is nothing but an ancient near east love poem. Some believe it describes the love between Solomon and one of his many brides. I think both of these interpretations flatten out what is a much richer, deeper understanding of the text. The ancient Jewish rabbis and early church all believed this book was an allegory describing the covenant love God has for His people. The Jews read this book during the Passover feast. Early Christians read this book as they celebrated the Lord’s Supper. They read this book devotionally as they reflected on the kind of deep, intimate love God has for us. They detected themes of deliverance and salvation within its chapters. And they sought the union with God that the book encourages. “My lover is mine and I am his.” (Song of Solomon 2:16 NET)

Do you search for God like the woman searches for her beloved? Do you long for God like the woman longs for her beloved? Do you rejoice when you see God like the woman rejoices when she sees her beloved? Do you seek the kind of intimacy with God that this book describes? If we’re completely honest, we are unsure we should even think of God in such terms and yet the Hebrew word for “know” suggests the kind of knowing that comes only from the deepest intimacy possible. A “knowing” not just intellectually but a knowledge that touches every part of a person. This is why Christians throughout the centuries have taken time to meditate on this book in particular as they sought to understand the depths of the relationship God desires to have with us. It’s why this book has had enormous influence in art, liturgy, sacred music, and worship. So while it may feel uncomfortable at first, I encourage you to pray through this book. Ask God to reveal the depths of His love for you. Embrace the intimacy God desires to have with you. Don’t resist Him. Let Him into your heart and soul.

Readings for tomorrow: No devotionals on Sundays

Why it Matters - Ends and Means

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 119:89-176

It’s tempting in our world to believe the ends justify the means. We use this line of thinking whenever we feel our worldview or way of life is under threat. I see it in politics. I see it in business. I see it in the personal decisions people make. I see it in the church. For example, the denomination I serve is facing a difficult decision. One over which there is significant disagreement. It’s a divisive topic and many have very strong opinions on both sides. Sadly, I have seen far too many of my friends and colleagues exhibit a lack of integrity as they promote fear, misinformation, and, in some extreme cases, question the character of others as they seek to sway opinion in their direction. They truly believe the future of our denomination is at stake and it therefore justifies any tactic they employ. I see the same dynamic in play in our political discourse in America today. We no longer hold our leaders to any kind of moral standard. We are locked in a race to the bottom. The moment our opponent strikes a low blow, we go lower. And sadly, this approach works. Voters seem motivated by all the anger and outrage and hate. They truly want to believe they are battling an existential threat to their way of life. Both sides are infected with it. Both sides believe democracy is at stake. It’s a cultural death-spiral.

Is there a way out? I’m often asked this question when I meet with people and the answer is unequivocally, “Yes!” But it requires us recommitment to God’s Word. It requires us to trust in God’s Word as a “lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.” It means making God’s Word our “hiding place and shield.” It means placing our faith in the commandments and statutes of God rather than human beings. It means fearing God more than anything else in our lives. More than failure. More than the future. More than our political opponents. More than those who disagree with us. We must hate all deceit. We must put to death all lusts. We must flee all sin. We can give no quarter to greed or selfishness or a desire for influence and power. We must live by grace and extend mercy and forgive freely and seek reconciliation and promote peace as a way of life. Most of all, we must submit ourselves to God’s Law. We must surrender ourselves to His judgment. We must humble ourselves before Him. I love how the Psalmist concludes Psalm 119. “Listen to my cry for help, O Lord! Give me insight by your word! Listen to my appeal for mercy! Deliver me, as you promised. May praise flow freely from my lips, for you teach me your statutes. May my tongue sing about your instructions, for all your commands are just. May your hand help me, for I choose to obey your precepts. I long for your deliverance, O Lord; I find delight in your law. May I love and praise you! May your regulations help me! I have wandered off like a lost sheep. Come looking for your servant, for I do not forget your commands.” (Psalms 119:169-176 NET)

Readings for tomorrow: Song of Solomon 1, 2, 3, 4, 5:1

Why it Matters - Discernment

Readings for today: 1 Kings 3-4, 2 Chronicles 1, Psalms 72

“So give your servant a discerning mind so he can make judicial decisions for your people and distinguish right from wrong.” ‭‭(1 Kings‬ ‭3:9a NET‬)

We suffer from a lack of discernment in our world today. We no longer seem able to discern right from wrong, good from evil. The ends almost always justify the means, no matter how corrupt. The influential and powerful can get away with just about anything because we lack a strong moral foundation. We live in a post-truth world. Truth is no longer objective. It gets twisted beyond all recognition. Rather than depend on facts and evidence, we only consider those things that support our pre-determined position. We seem to love half-truths and lies. We no longer seem bothered by all the deceit that runs rampant. Our political leaders are brazen in the way they mislead people. Social media throws gasoline on this fire. We are in real trouble.

One of the things we will see as we read through the Kings is how the character of a leader shapes the nation. The fortunes of Israel rise or fall largely on the godliness of the kings who serve her. When godly kings are in power. Kings who are wise. Discerning. Those who know right from wrong and good from evil. Israel flourishes. When ungodly kings are in power. Kings who are corrupt. Foolish. Narcissistic. Those who could care less about right or wrong as long as they acquire more power. Israel falls. That’s why Solomon’s request of God is so remarkable. Most people who inherit a throne would ask for riches and honor and power and authority. Most people would have asked God for great victories in battle and the expansion of their territory. Most people would have asked God for a long, prosperous, peaceful reign. But Solomon wasn’t focused on himself. He did not see himself as someone to be served but as someone called to serve so he asked for wisdom. Discernment. The ability to determine right from wrong so he could foster justice and righteousness among his people.

Imagine if our leaders believed the same. Imagine if their platitudes about public service were actually statements of faith. Imagine if, instead of using their offices to accumulate more power and enrich themselves, they made sacrifices for one another and for our nation. Imagine if, instead of greed and corruption, our leaders were marked by generosity and righteousness. Imagine if, instead of lies and deceit, our leaders were committed to telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth. In a democracy, you get the government you deserve which means change starts with us. Starts with each person and each vote. It means the electorate must hold our officials accountable and stop settling for the lesser of two evils. It means we must only support those leaders who exhibit the kind of godly character we need. Now, more than ever, we need godly leadership at the helm of our nation. Now, more than ever, the character of our leaders matters. May God raise up for us leaders like Solomon who know good from evil and can lead us with wisdom.

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 119:89-176

Why it Matters - Blessing

Readings for today: Psalms 119:1-88

Many years ago, my father gave me some wise advice. He told me that once my children hit middle and high school, my time “parenting” them was over and I needed to move into more of a “coaching” role. I wasn’t sure at first. I still wanted to make a bunch of decisions for them because I didn’t trust they would make the wise choice all the time. But as they got older, I found that approach only led to conflict so I backed off. I began to wait for them to come to me. Yes, it meant watching them make mistakes and fail and fall but it also led to them asking questions and seeking advice. Now that they are adults, I still find myself wanting to tell them what to do and how to do it. I cringe at some of the decisions they make because I know it will lead them to pain and heartbreak. Sometimes it even feels like I’m watching a slow-motion train wreck. But more and more, they are coming to me. The lines of communication are open and strong. They know I have their back. They know I want what’s best for them. And when they finally seek out my advice and take it, life often goes so much better for them. They feel blessed.

I imagine God must feel the same way when He looks down on us. He is the perfect parent. He knows exactly what we need when we need it. He knows the plans He has for us. Plans to bless us and give us hope for a future. He has our back. He knows what’s best for us. And He even tells us in His Word exactly how we are to live our lives. But we are stubborn. We are prideful. We believe we know better. And yet, how many times do we find ourselves at a dead-end? In a cul-de-sac of our own making? I love Psalm 119 because of how it describes the Psalmist’s love for God’s Law. The Psalmist clearly sees and experiences the blessings of obedience. Blamelessness. Righteousness. Purity. Gratitude. Thanksgiving. Joy. Peace. It’s the kind of life we all want and all aspire to but there’s only one way to get from here to there. We must follow God’s Law. We must obey God’s commands. We must walk in God’s ways. We must love His Word.

Listen again to how the Psalmist describes His relationship with God’s Law and ask yourself if you feel the same way. “With all my heart I seek you.” “I rejoice in the lifestyle prescribed by your rules as if they were riches of all kinds.” “Yes, I find delight in your rules; they give me guidance.” “Turn my eyes away from what is worthless! Revive me with your Word!” “I find delight in your commands which I love.” Do these prayers sound familiar at all? Do you find yourself praying similar words to God? If not, do not despair. Follow the example of the Psalmist when he writes, “I am like a foreigner in this land. Do not hide your commands from me! I desperately long to know your regulations at all times.” (Psalms 119:19-20 NET) I believe the Lord will answer you if you pray this prayer and He will give you a deep love for His Word if you will but seek Him.

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 3-4, 2 Chronicles 1, Psalms 72

Why it Matters - Transitions of Power

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 1-2, Psalms 37, 71, 94

When reading the Bible, it’s important to remember that some things are “descriptive” rather than “prescriptive.” While it is all God’s Word, that doesn’t mean God approves of everything human beings do. Even human beings like David who was a “man after God’s own heart.” As David ends his reign, he uses his final days to settle old scores. He encourages Solomon to “be strong and become a man.” In other words, take whatever steps are necessary to secure his throne. David encourages him to take revenge on Joab for his murders of Abner and Amasa. He singles out Shimei for judgment, signaling he never forgot how Shimei treated him while he was fleeing from Absalom. He also rewards the sons of Barzillai for their father’s help during the civil war. Solomon follows in his father’s footsteps. When his brother continues to conspire against him, he has him killed. He retires Abiathar and replaces him with Zadok. He fulfills his father’s wishes regarding Joab and replaces him with Benaiah. Shimei is also executed on the king’s command. The final verse of the chapter says it all. “So Solomon took firm control of the kingdom.” (1 Kings 2:46b NET) Note there is no mention of God in these chapters.

Sadly, these dynamics are all too familiar. I’ve seen them in many of places I go around the world. Leaders who achieve their power through military action. In order to secure their rule, they eliminate any political opposition. They make sure to reward those who follow them with position and wealth and power. They surround themselves with supporters and tolerate no dissent. They often rule for decades until they die or until they no longer have enough power to keep those underneath them under control. Peaceful transitions of power are impossible because their track record of violence eventually catches up to them.

It makes me thankful I live in the United States where we have a long track record of peaceful transitions of power. While there may be some irregularities, elections are largely secure and legitimate. The system created by our Founders remains strong and effective, protecting the interests of the minority over and against the will of the majority. Representative democracy continues to be a blessing for us even though we are currently straining it significantly by our extreme partisanship and gerrymandering. As always, our only hope is to turn to the Lord. To trust in Him and His ways. I love how Psalms 37 puts it, “The godly will possess the land and will dwell in it permanently. The godly speak wise words and promote justice. The law of their God controls their thinking; their feet do not slip.” (Psalms 37:29-31 NET)

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 119:1-88

Why it Matters - Praise

Readings for today: Psalms 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118

The Lord deserves our praise. He deserves our praise for who He is and who He has revealed Himself to be. He deserves our praise for all He has made. He deserves our praise for all He has done. It’s why I love this section of the Psalms so much. The Psalmist almost runs out of words as he praises God. He praises Him for His faithfulness and mercy and compassion. He praises Him for His justice and righteousness. He praises Him for lifting up the poor and needy and making the barren the mother of many children. He praises Him for His transcendence over all other false gods. He praises Him for being Israel’s deliverer and protector. He praises Him for His loyal and steadfast love. Just reading these words opens my heart as the Holy Spirit reminds me of all God has done for me in my own life.

Yesterday, we worshipped on our hillside as a church family. We’ve been worshipping up there for over forty years. We gather there three or four times a year to praise God and it never gets old. Not for me. Every time I am up there, whether alone or with my church family, I think of the words of the ancient prophet Isaiah when he writes, “This is what the Lord says: “The heavens are my throne and the earth is my footstool. Where then is the house you will build for me? Where is the place where I will rest?” (Isaiah‬ ‭66‬:‭1‬ ‭NET) Creation itself is God’s Temple. Built by His hands so He might fill it with His glory as the waters fill the sea. When I look out over the front range and see Pikes Peak to the south and Longs Peak to the north and Mt. Blue Sky directly to the west, I am in awe. Awe of who God is and what God has done. And the only response I can give is praise. When I consider what God has done for our church over the last forty years. The hundreds, if not thousands, who have come to faith. The work the Lord has done through us locally and globally to advance His Kingdom. Again, I am in awe of who God is and what God has done and the only response I can give is praise. When I think about all God has done for me in my life. Saving me in college. Giving me the gift of a godly wife. Four wonderful children. A loving family. Great friendships. Meaningful work. The opportunity to preach, pastor, teach, lead, and travel the world to spread the gospel. I am in awe. Awe of who God is and what God has done and the only response I can give is praise.

What about you? Let me encourage you to take some time today to reflect on who God is and all God has done for you and for those you love and give Him praise.

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 1-2, Psalms 37, 71, 94

Why it Matters - Chosen

Readings for today: 1 Chronicles 27-29, Psalms 68

I recently added a new bookcase to my office. It required me to re-arrange everything. I removed a couch. Took down some pictures and hung up others. Changed the location of the chair where I sit most mornings as I spend time with the Lord. As I did so, a couple of thoughts hit me. First, I haven’t done a thorough cleaning in years. The build up of dust and dead moths underneath my furniture was embarrassing. In fact, things were so bad several of our office staff took a field trip down the hall to see it and take pictures! Second, my life should be a lot different than it is. Looking at my degree from college reminded me of the self-destructive path I was on when Christ first chose to save me. Looking at my degree from graduate school reminded me of how undeserved I was when God chose to send me to Princeton. Looking at my ordination certificate reminded me of how God chooses to use the unqualified and foolish things of this world for His glorious purposes. Looking at the signatures on my doctoral degree reminded me of how blessed I’ve been by the godly mentors God chose to bring into my life who took an interest in me long before I showed any promise. The fundamental reality of my life is I’ve been chosen. Chosen not for who I am or what I’ve done but simply by an act of God’s amazing grace.

The story of the Bible is the story of God choosing the most unlikely people through whom to accomplish His will. He chose Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He chose Moses and Joshua. He chose Deborah, Gideon, Samuel, and the rest of the Judges. None of them deserved it. None of them did anything to earn it. God simply set His heart on them. King David understood what it meant to be chosen. Listen to how he describes it. “The Lord God of Israel chose me out of my father’s entire family to become king over Israel and have a permanent dynasty. Indeed, he chose Judah as leader, and my father’s family within Judah, and then he picked me out from among my father’s sons and made me king over all Israel.” (1 Chronicles‬ ‭28‬:‭4‬ ‭NET‬‬) Notice how David takes no credit for all that has happened? He knows it is all from the Lord. Furthermore, He sees the same sovereign choice at work in Solomon’s life. “From all the many sons the Lord has given me, he chose Solomon my son to rule on his behalf over Israel. He said to me, ‘Solomon your son is the one who will build my temple and my courts, for I have chosen him to become my son and I will become his father. I will establish his kingdom permanently, if he remains committed to obeying my commands and regulations, as you are doing this day.’” (1 Chronicles‬ ‭28‬:‭5‬-‭7‬ ‭NET‬) David was a shepherd boy when God chose to send him against Goliath. Solomon was one of many sons God could have chosen and yet he would be the one through whom God would build His Temple.

So what is the human creature’s response to God’s elective purposes? We obey. We obey not out of coercion or obligation or shame but out of gratitude and thanksgiving. God is the potter. We are the clay. What can the clay say to the hands that shape it or make it? What can the creature say to the Creator? There is nothing we can say or do or think or give that would ever be enough to earn God’s favor. He simply gives it freely and generously to all who would receive it. Thanks be to God!

Readings for tomorrow: No devotionals on Sundays

Why it Matters - Life

Readings for today: Psalms 131, 138, 139, 143, 144, 145

God is a god of the living not the dead. He is the Author and Creator of life. He is the Breath of Life. He is the Bread of Life. He is the Water of Life. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the Resurrection and the Life. His is the gift of Eternal Life. He sustains all life. He upholds all life. He is the giver of all life. He was there at life’s beginning and He will be there at life’s end. He conceives life and He concludes life. He alone knows the number of our days. He measured them out for us before time began. He shaped and formed us in the darkness of our mother’s womb for darkness is not dark to Him and nothing is hidden from His sight. His Spirit is always with us whether we ascend to heaven or descend into the depths of the earth. There is nowhere we can go to escape His presence.

This is what it means to be “pro-life.” It means we are for life from conception to our last breath. We stand against death. We treat him as an enemy. It doesn’t matter whether he is state-sanctioned or not. It doesn’t matter if he has been written into public policy or not. We refuse to bow the knee to him for he is our most ancient enemy. Abortion. Euthanasia. Death penalty. War. Violence. Famine. Disease. Poverty. Anything that would seek to steal life, we set ourselves against as followers of Jesus. He is the Alpha and Omega. The Beginning and End. The First and Last. In Him was life and that life was the light of all humankind and we are called to take His light, the light of life, to the world.

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Chronicles 27-29, Psalms 68

Why it Matters - Legacy

Readings for today: 1 Chronicles 23-26

“When David was old and approaching the end of his life, he made his son Solomon king over Israel.” (1 Chronicles 23:1 NET) When we reach this point in David’s life each year in our Bible reading, my thoughts always turn to legacy. Succession. Passing leadership on to the next generation. David made sure to set his son up for success. He did all he could to get things organized. He organized the Levites and priests. He made sure their rotations were set by lot so that no one could accuse him of playing favorites and there would be no rivalries to plague his son after he was gone. He left no stone unturned. No detail was too small for him to address. Everything from the sacred bread to the sacred precincts to the sacred items were all taken care of. Every role carefully assigned. Every job carefully laid out. He will do the same with the army and royal officials in the next few chapters. It’s a testimony to how leaders should let go.

Legacy. It’s something all of us will leave. To our children. To our grandchildren. To those we work with. To those we serve. For many years, I’ve served my denomination as the chair of the Ministerial Committee of our presbytery and a member of our national Ministerial Vocation Committee. In those positions, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside several pastors as they made the transition into retirement. It wasn’t always easy. Some of those transitions were smooth. Some were rocky. Some were planned. Some were unplanned. Some felt affirmed on their way out. Others felt pushed out by the people they loved. My biggest takeaway? We either plan for the day when we will no longer be around or someone else will plan it for us.  

David made plans. A complete reorganization from top to bottom of the entire leadership structure of a nation. Imagine would might have happened had David left this to Solomon to figure out? Imagine the infighting. The jockeying for position. The currying for favor. Imagine the chaos that might have resulted as the sons of Eleazar fought with the sons of Ithamar for the power of the priesthood. Imagine the sons of Levi, set free from their obligations to carry and care for the Tabernacle, refusing to care for the sacred elements of the Lord. Imagine the gatekeepers and musicians each deciding to do their own thing. Solomon would have had a mess on his hands for sure! 

But David was faithful. He knew a significant part of his role was to finish well. To pass on a strong legacy to his son. Not just for Solomon’s sake but for the sake of Israel as a nation. Because of my experience walking alongside so many pastors, my wife and I talk a lot about our legacy. By the grace of God, I hope I have many years left but I also know they will pass quickly. How am I preparing to pass on what has been entrusted to me? Should the Lord tarry and give me a rich and full life on this earth, I might have fifteen to twenty good years of pastoring left. What will those years look like? How will I spend them? When will I know it is time to raise up my successor? How can I set them up for success? My children are leaving home and headed off in all kinds of directions. What kind of spiritual legacy have I given them? How have I prepared them to take on the roles and responsibilities of an adult? My dad has passed and my mom is getting older. Am I prepared to care for her? Assist her? Make sure she continues to live a rich and full and vital life alongside her grandkids? These are important questions to ask and ponder and pray over no matter what season of life you find yourself in.  

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 131, 138, 139, 143, 144, 145

Why it Matters - Suffering

Readings for today: Psalms 108-109

Suffering is a universal human experience. I have sat with couples suffering over the loss of a child. Spouses suffering over the loss of the one they love. Families suffering from all kinds of abuse and dysfunction. People suffering from cancer or some other terminal disease. I have traveled the world and seen the suffering of drought and famine and disease and war firsthand. I have seen the devasting impact of drugs like khat on an entire population of people. I have listened to the stories of those who have been raped and beaten. I have prayed over those broken by the violence of this world. It’s heartbreaking and overwhelming and it’s easy to feel so helpless and hopeless in the face of it all.

King David was familiar with suffering. Anyone who can write these words knows suffering intimately. “For I am oppressed and needy, my heart beats violently within me. I am fading away like a shadow at the end of the day; I am shaken off like a locust. I am so starved my knees shake; I have turned into skin and bones. I am disdained by them. When they see me, they shake their heads.” (Psalms 109:22-25 NET) David has experienced a lot of suffering over the course of his life. Despite being called a “man after God’s own heart”, his life was not always up and to the right. He didn’t jump from spiritual mountaintop to spiritual mountaintop. Quite the opposite. He suffered early in his reign. He suffered in the middle of his reign. And here he is at the end of his reign…suffering. He lived on the run when he first was anointed. Fleeing the wrath of Saul. He was betrayed by one of his own sons who launched a rebellion to try to take the kingdom from him. His own sinful pride and lust for power cost him dearly on more than one occasion. David suffers from external forces outside his control and he suffers from internal forces - also outside his control - that exist inside his own heart.

Does any of this sound or feel familiar? It should. This is the story of our lives as well. We are all subject to the principalities and powers of this world. Political forces that pass laws and public policy that impact us on a daily basis. Cultural and social forces that push against all forms of godliness. Economic forces that rise and fall according to the whims of the free market. Global forces that affect supply chains and deny us access to some of the basic staples of life. Not only that, we all suffer from a sinful human nature. The passions and desires that fill our hearts are naturally oriented away from God. It’s why we seem so susceptible to violence, deceit, greed, and selfishness. We are a broken people in desperate need of grace.

David agrees. “Help me, O Lord my God! Because you re faithful to me, deliver me!…I will thank the Lord profusely, in the middle of the crowd I will praise Him, because He stands at the right hand of the needy, to deliver Him from those who threaten his life.” (Psalms 109:26, 30-31 NET) May we look to God in the midst of our suffering and trust Him to stand at our right hand in our hour of need.

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Chronicles 23-26

Why it Matters - Numbers

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21-22, Psalms 30

I am blessed to lead a growing church. We are filling up our worship space on Sunday mornings. Our kids programming is bursting at the seems. Our student ministry is growing. Our ten year trends are up significantly. Our people are incredibly generous. We are engaged in all kinds of Kingdom work locally and globally. We also live in a community that is growing. We are getting younger as more families move into our area. We are getting more affluent as people build successful businesses and careers. We are getting more diverse ethnically and culturally. It’s amazing to be part of. But it’s also tempting. It’s tempting to place our hope in numbers. It’s tempting to place our confidence in our growth curve. It’s tempting to assume our trend lines will always be up and to the right. That’s why it’s good for me to remember the sin of David’s census.

David was tempted by Satan to measure his own strength. This is why he called for a census of the military men in his kingdom. He foolishly believed his power depended on the numbers he could call on. This is what happens when we forget the Lord. When we start to become complacent. When we lose sight of all God has done for us and try to preserve our own position and power. David’s kingship is coming apart on him. He’s allowing his anxiety and fears to get the best of him. The civil war with his son. The rebellion of men like Sheba. His rape of Bathsheba and his murder of Uriah. I imagine these things haunted David so he does what many of us do when we give into fear. He looks for comfort. He looks for control. So he counts the number of men under his command with the hope it will help him feel more secure. Tragically, it has the opposite effect. A plague strikes, killing thousands. The lesson is clear. David is not in control. David has no power except that which God grants him. David’s only comfort must come from the Lord.

How do you respond when you feel under pressure? When you feel stress? Anxiety? Fear? Do you look to your own strength or do you look to Christ? Do you trust in your own ability to power through or do you humble yourself before God? Do you turn to temporary things to help you feel in control or do you keep your eyes fixed on what is eternal and unchanging? Times of testing reveal where our hope truly lies. Does it lie with the Lord?

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 108-109

Why it Matters - Justice

Readings for today: Psalms 97-99

My mother places a high value on being fair. Growing up, she made sure every one of her three boys was treated the same. None of us got anything we didn’t earn. If she gave one of us ten dollars, we all got ten dollars. If she assigned one of us a chore, we all got chores. If one of us got involved in an activity, we all got a chance to pick an activity. She did her best to make sure we all got equal opportunity. What we did with that opportunity was up to us. I am not sure where mom’s passion for justice came from but it didn’t end in our home. She was a teacher and did her best to make sure every one of her students got treated the same. She is heavily involved in her church and supports ministries that are particularly focused on the less fortunate. She wants to do all she can to level the playing field. This is a passion she passed on to me. I too feel a strong call to justice and much of the work I do in Parker and around the world is focused on increasing accessibility and opportunity for those who otherwise wouldn’t have it.

The Psalmist extols justice as one of the main attributes of God’s eternal character. “Equity and justice are the foundation of his throne…the sky declares his justice and all the nations see his splendor…Zion hears and rejoices, the towns of Judah are happy, because of your judgments, O Lord…the godly bask in the light; the morally upright experience joy.” (Psalms 97:2b, 6, 8, 11 NET) The success of human society depends on justice. Without justice, there can be no peace. Without justice, there can be no blessing. Without justice, nations fall into ruin. We’ve seen it time and again throughout history and it’s one of the main reasons we find ourselves once again at the brink in the United States. Truth has been exchanged for a lie. Light exchanged for darkness. Good is now evil and evil good. The embrace of hatred, outrage, and deceit as acceptable means to achieve power in our society is literally killing us. We’re watching a culture commit suicide in slow motion.

So what’s a believer in Christ to do? First, we pray. We intercede daily for our nation and our state and our community and our leaders at every level. We ask the Holy Spirit to humble our leaders and bring them to repentance so they might confess their sins and turn to Christ. Second, we check our own hearts. We relinquish any desire for political gain ourselves. We let go of our own need for influence and control. We confess our pride and greed and selfishness. We humble ourselves and repent of our sin and turn to Christ. Third, we advocate. We get involved. We engage our world using godly means. We refuse to act in underhanded or deceitful ways. We refuse to be motivated by anger or hate. We refuse to demonize or blame any particular group of people. We fight for the truth. The whole truth and nothing but the truth so help us God. Most of all, we must be motivated by love. Love of God. Love of neighbor. Love of enemy. Love of self. In that order. This is the only way to bring healing to our world.

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21-22, Psalms 30

Why it Matters - Salvation

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 22-23, Psalms 57

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

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

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

Readings for tomorrow: No devotionals on Sundays

Why it Matters - Role Models

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 19-21, Psalms 5, 38, 42

There are some who look to David as a great role model for faith. They extol his virtues. They lift up the fact that he has a heart after God. He refuses to strike down the Lord’s anointed. He is humble. He is charismatic. He is a leader for God’s people. He is a song-writer. He is a poet. He is a warrior. Without a doubt, David is a gifted man. However, David is also a deeply flawed man. In many ways, he is a product of his culture just like we are products of our cultures. David is a classic ancient near east warlord. He uses violence to accomplish his goals. He is more than willing to sacrifice others in pursuit of his ends. He often takes matters into his own hands rather than listen to God. And he frequently refuses to accept responsibility for his actions. For example, he weeps over Absalom. While his grief is understandable, he never owns the fact that it was his actions - or inactions as it were - that led Israel to civil war. He refuses to hold Joab responsible for murdering one man after another. And when it comes to the matter of the Gibeonites, he seeks the Lord to find out the reason for the famine in the land but doesn’t ask God how he should resolve it. Instead, he takes matters into his own hands and sacrifices seven men to atone for Saul’s crimes. It’s a classic pagan, ancient near east move.

Thankfully, God has provided a greater David to serve as our example. He has provided the perfect Man to follow and pattern our life after. While we can learn from the saints of the Bible, the only role model we should seek is Jesus. He reveals the perfect will of God for our lives. He shows us the perfect way to live. He never leads us astray. He is full of the grace and truth. He is the light and life of the world. Every single saint in the Old Testament longed for the day when Messiah would appear. Every single Christian in the New Testament looked to Christ not only as their Savior but as their Lord as well. He was the one they were to be like. Him and no other. Sadly, I see far too many ministries and far too many books and far too many conference speakers lifting up the flawed human beings of the Old and New Testaments as role models for the faith. Far too often, they use their sinful actions to justify their current social and political and personal beliefs. And, again, while I can appreciate their strengths as well as their weaknesses, the only person I am going to model my life after is the Person of Jesus. What about you?

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Samuel 22-23, Psalms 57

Why it Matters - Reflection

Readings for today: Psalms 26, 40, 41, 58, 61, 62, 64

My oldest friend lost his mom recently. He reached out to me to see if I was available to officiate her funeral. As you might imagine, we started talking and reminiscing and it brought back a lot of memories. I’ve known this friend since fourth grade. He has seen me in the best of times and worst of times. He knows the challenges my family faced as I was growing up. My father’s addiction. Our financial struggles. The times we were on the verge of homelessness. He also knows the journey I’ve been on since I got married and started having my own kids. The ups and downs of ministry. The experiences of success and failure along the way. The years we labored in obscurity, on government assistance, trying to make ends meet. It hasn’t been easy. There have been times when I wondered if we would make it through. But my friend encouraged me to look at where the Lord has brought me. Look at the fruit of the ministry I get to be part of. Look at the close relationships I have with my wife and children and family. Look at all I’ve been able to accomplish as the Lord provided opportunity after opportunity. His perspective was such a blessing to me.

This is what I love most about David. He reflects back on his life. He sees the successes and failures. He sees the good times and bad. He’s honest about his sin and mistakes. And yet, he marvels over all God has done for him. “O Lord, my God, you have accomplished many things; you have done amazing things and carried out your purposes for us. No one can thwart you! I want to declare them and talk about them, but they are too numerous to recount!” (Psalms 40:5 NET) Godly perspective is important in life. It keeps us from falling into despair. It keeps us from being trapped in an endless cycle of negativity. It’s so important for us to take the time and make the time to sit and prayerfully reflect and recount all the many things God has done for us. From the small graces to the amazing miracles. God is always at work. His hand is always on us. His presence is always with us.

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Samuel 19-21, Psalms 5, 38, 42

Why it Matters - Regret

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 16-18

I have many regrets in my life. I have regrets over how I squandered the success my parents helped me achieve when I was growing up. I literally drank myself out of college after two years. Thankfully, the Lord saved me, set my feet on a new path, and I was able to finish college. I have regrets over my failure to love and serve my wife in the early years of our marriage. Thankfully, she stuck with me and we were able to work through things to get to a much better place. I have regrets over how I raised my children. I had an anger issue as a dad and I know it created a lot of pain and hurt along the way. Praise the Lord for godly counselors, the grace of God, the forgiveness of my kids, and the closeness of our relationships today. I have regrets from the last thirty years of my ministry career. The many ways I failed to love and serve those in need. The many ways I let my pride and ego get in the way. The many ways I lost sight of God’s heart and God’s mission. Thankfully, God’s steadfast love and faithfulness never failed and He continues to allow me to serve as a leader for His people.

I imagine David must have felt much the same way. Especially when he got the news about his beloved son, Absalom. I imagine he thought back over his many mistakes. His many failures. His many regrets. No wonder he cried out in agony and grief. “My son, Absalom! My son, my son, Absalom! If only I could have died in your place! Absalom, my son, my son!” (2 Samuel 18:33 NET) David understood it was his decisions that paved the way to this tragic event. It was his actions that led to Israel being divided and at war. He was culpable. He was responsible. And the weight of it all was crushing to him.

Regret is a burden that grows heavier by the year. Left unresolved, it piles up on a person. Left unaddressed, it can be soul-crushing. It’s one of the reasons I am such a big believer in keeping short accounts. As soon as I know I have sinned or failed or made a mistake, I try to acknowledge it. I confess it immediately. I ask for forgiveness and seek to reconcile with those who may be impacted. Most of all, I seek to change my ways so I don’t have to live with any regrets. I open my heart to the Holy Spirit for His sanctifying work in me. I surrender to His will and His way so I might become more like Jesus who came to serve and not be served. The more I serve. The more I give. The more I love. The more God frees me from any regret.

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 26, 40, 41, 58, 61, 62, 64

Why it Matters - True Courage

Readings for today: Psalms 3, 4, 13, 28, 55

It’s hard for me to imagine how David must have felt. Running for his life from his own son. Knowing his son not only wanted to depose him but wanted to kill him. I can’t fathom such a scenario. Not only that but David had to know he bore some measure of responsibility for what had taken place. He refused to bring Amnon to justice. He refused to reconcile with Absalom when he lived in the city. His decisions helped create the very conditions under which a rebellion could rise up. I also wonder what kind of impact David’s crime with Bathsheba had on both his boys. What did they learn from his example? Did David ever sit down with them and share his pain and heartbreak over his sin? We will never know but it’s worth thinking about.

It’s also worth noting where David goes when he feels afraid. He goes to the Lord. He cries out to God. He rehearses what he knows about God over and over again. “But you, Lord, are a shield that protects me; you are my glory and the one who restores me. To the Lord I cried out, and he answered me from his holy hill. I rested and slept; I awoke, for the Lord protects me. I am not afraid of the multitude of people who attack me from all directions…The Lord delivers; you show favor to your people.” (Psalms‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬-‭6‬, ‭8‬ ‭NET‬‬) I don’t think this means David is any less afraid. True courage is not the absence of fear. In fact, true courage is walking by faith even in the midst of your fear. True courage is keeping your eyes fixed on God even in the middle of the chaos of our world and David’s world is incredibly chaotic at this point in his life.

We met recently with some friends. We talked with them about a recent period of their lives where they were out of work and things got hard financially. It wasn’t easy for them. They experienced all kinds of anxiety and fear. But they kept walking by faith. They kept looking to the Lord. They found the courage to keep moving forward despite their feelings. And as they leaned on the Lord, their faith deepened. It was a powerful testimony. What about you? How are you looking to the Lord in your own life? Let the Psalms lift your eyes and heart to the Lord.

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Samuel 16-18

Why it Matters - Justice

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 13-15

Injustice is a curse upon any land. It destroys relationships between individuals. Tears apart families and clans. It shatters the peace and stability of a nation. I think of the places I have been where there is no justice. National governments are corrupt, enriching themselves off of foreign aid while their own people starve. Villages are at the mercy of roving gangs who routinely raid in order to kill, steal, and destroy. There are no police. At least any that a person would trust. There are no laws. At least any that are consistently and fairly enforced. There is no hope. Only perpetual cycles of helplessness. It’s heartbreaking to witness.

We see the devastating impact of injustice in our reading for today. In the ancient kingdom of Israel, justice was one of the primary responsibilities of the king. Sadly, David’s rape of Bathsheba and murder of her husband, Uriah, leads to a series of similar crimes within his own family. Amnon rapes his half-sister Tamar. Rather than marry her, her casts her out of his home, dooming her to a life full of shame as a “ruined” woman. Rather than execute justice and punish Amnon, David seems to let it go. This leads to Absalom taking matters into his own hands. He kills Amnon in an act of vigilante violence and then flees the king’s justice himself. After three years, Absalom is allowed to return but David refuses to see him. Two more years pass. Finally, David relents to restore Absalom but it is clear there is distance between them. Absalom takes advantage of his restoration by acting in the king’s stead and offering justice to the people of Israel. As a result, their hearts turn towards him, leading to a civil war. It’s a heartbreaking cycle that only comes to an end when Absalom is killed.

Consider the cost of David’s unwillingness to promote justice in his family and in his kingdom. He loses two sons. His daughter suffers the trauma and shame of rape. His household is divided. He is betrayed by some of those closest to him. His own son rises up against him to try to steal his throne. Many of his people will die in the battles that follow. The seeds are sown for the future, more permanent, division of the kingdom of Israel. This is why we must not only pray for justice in our own country but do all we can to promote justice as well. We must hold our leaders accountable when they act selfishly and engage in corruption. We must not look away from oppression but instead rise up to fight back. Most of all, we must make sure to act justly and love mercy and walk humbly with our God in our own lives so our families and our communities will be blessed.

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 3, 4, 13, 28, 55

Why it Matters - Rock Bottom

Readings for today: Psalms 32, 86, 102, 103, 122

I hate addiction. I hate what it does to those I love. I hate how it impacts those I serve. I have had to battle addiction in my own life and family. As a pastor, I’ve come alongside countless people struggling with addiction or struggling with someone they love who’s enslaved by addiction. I think of a young man I met years ago who struggled with substance abuse. He was unable to hold a job. Unable to find a consistent place to live. He would manipulate and threaten his mother until she gave him money to support his habit. As a result he grew isolated from the rest of his family. He lost all his friends. His only consolation was his drug. It was heartbreaking. It reminded me of what David says today in Psalms 32. “When I refused to confess my sin, my whole body wasted away, while I groaned in pain all day long. For day and night you tormented me; you tried to destroy me in the intense heat of summer.” This young man’s unwillingness to seek help and submit to a treatment program cost him everything he held dear.

My heart breaks for that young man and for the so many others I know just like him. As human beings, we somehow convince ourselves it is easier to hold onto our sin than to confess, repent, and give it up to the Lord. And the harder we hold onto sin, the more it impacts our lives. Our physical bodies. Our mental health. Our emotional well-being. Our relationships. Our stability in life. Our future hopes and dreams. But if we confess our sins, if we no longer spend so much energy attempting to hide our wrongdoing, we find forgiveness. We find freedom. We find health and wholeness. We find reconciliation and restoration.

One of my favorite passages from the Psalms comes from Psalms 32:7, “You are my hiding place; you protect me from distress. You surround me with shouts of joy from those celebrating deliverance.” The reality is God wants to be our help and our hope in time of trouble. God wants to be our refuge from all fear and anxiety. God wants to protect us from our distress but that can only happen if we trust Him. If we submit to Him. If we surrender to Him and let Him direct our steps in life. Those who continue to walk in sin will suffer a great deal of pain but the Lord’s faithfulness overwhelms those who trust in Him. Place your trust in Him today!

Readings for tomorrow: No devotionals on Sundays