Envy

Readings for today: 1 Samuel 18:5-19:24, John 8:31-59, Psalms 112, Proverbs 15:12-14

 "Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands." (1 Samuel‬ ‭18:7‬)

It doesn’t take much to ruin a relationship. A friendship. A partnership. Saul and David’s relationship began with such great potential. David was Saul’s champion against Goliath. David was humble and aspired to nothing more than service to his king. David didn’t pose any kind of threat to Saul. In fact, quite the opposite. Everywhere David went, the armies of Saul had success. Every battle David fought, the armies of Saul won. David was Saul’s greatest general. His greatest asset. Their partnership could have re-shaped the geopolitics of the entire region. Sadly, Saul fell prey to envy. He simply could not and would not share any glory with another. So when they returned in victory over the Philistines and the women ascribed greater glory to David, Saul became angry. The more David experienced success, the more Saul’s jealousy grew. Finally, things came to a breaking point when Saul tried to take David’s life. Such is the power of envy in a person’s life. 

Ultimately, the sin of envy is rooted in discontent. We believe we deserve more than what we have. We aspire for greater position. Greater power. Greater wealth. Greater influence. We believe we’ve been wronged. Passed over. Dismissed. When we see others around us seemingly getting ahead. Collecting awards. Achieving success. We perceive it as a diminishment. We fall for the lie that their success somehow highlights our failure. Their victories somehow bring to light our defeats. We measure ourselves against them and are found wanting. As soon as envy sets in, it is tough to root out. It warps our thinking. It clouds our vision. It changes our perceptions of reality. 

I think of how envious I have been in my life. I remember as a young pastor just starting out how envious I was of my colleagues who led larger congregations, held greater influence in our city, and seemingly got all the press. I remember going through difficult times in my marriage or with my children and envying those around me whose marriages and families seemed to be so strong. To this day, I struggle with the sin of envy. Always comparing myself to those who have achieved more than I ever will in my life.  

What’s the antidote to envy? Godly contentment. Resting in the truth that it is God who directs my life. God who commands my destiny. God who holds my future in His hands. My life is not my own. My achievements and success are not mine to claim. This life is not about me and my glory. It is about God and God alone. Jesus understood this, of course, when He says in John 8:54, “My glory is nothing.” The Son of God didn’t come to glorify Himself but to bring glory to His Heavenly Father. He didn’t come to accomplish His own will but to fulfill the Father’s plan. He didn’t come seeking His own success but sought first His Father’s Kingdom and righteousness. Because Jesus was faithful to His Father, He was exalted. He was lifted high. He was given the name above every name. Imagine if Saul rested in God? Imagine if Saul truly understood that the glory of Israel had nothing to do with him and everything to do with God? Imagine if Saul saw his role in God’s Kingdom clearly? David would never have been a threat no matter how many ten thousands he killed. Imagine what would happen if you and I rested in God? If we truly understood the glory of our lives was not our own but the Lord’s? Imagine if we saw our role in God’s Kingdom clearly and we embraced it with joy? Would that not put an end to envy in our lives? 

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 20-21, John 9, Psalms 113-114, Proverbs 15:15-17

Trustworthy God

Readings for today: 1 Samuel 17:1-18:4, John 8:21-30, Psalms 111, Proverbs 15:11

The best things about the Psalms is how they teach us to sing the character of God. To praise God for who He is and what He has done. To reflect on God’s nature and being. Over and over again, they declare His righteousness. His faithfulness. His steadfast love. Over and over again, they declare His justice. His holiness. His splendor and majesty. Over and over again, they declare His mercy. His grace. His compassion and forgiveness. If were lost on some deserted island somewhere and I had to pick one book of the Bible to bring with me, it would be the Psalms. 

Praying the Psalms is a wonderful exercise. I don’t know about you but sometimes I struggle to pray. I struggle to find the right words to express my emotions. Struggle to give myself permission to be honest and real and authentic before the Lord. I struggle to pray in faith, trusting God’s character. This is where the Psalms come in. I can pray these words rather than my own. I let the Psalmist guide me deeper into the heart of prayer. I find myself praising. Lamenting. Expressing every emotion imaginable. I find myself thanking God. Remembering all His mighty works and miracles. Praying these words restores my soul. Helps me find my way back to faith again.  

Romans 4:21 defines faith as “being fully convinced God is able to what He has promised.” Praying with such confidence is rich and powerful. And one can only do that if one is fully convinced God is who He says He is. The Psalms keep God fully in view. They fix our eyes on Him. The focus our hearts on His character and nature and being. They remind us of all His glorious attributes and this, in turn, leads us to pray with greater faith. 

Why do we praise God? Why do we give thanks to Him with our whole hearts? Because He is great. “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.” Splendid and majestic. “Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.” Gracious and merciful. “He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful.” He is our faithful provider. “He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.” He is trustworthy and true. “He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations. The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy; they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.” Holy and awesome. “He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name!” (Psalms‬ ‭111:1-9‬)‬‬

Because God is all these things and so much more, we fear Him. We reverence Him. We worship Him.  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” (Psalms‬ ‭111:10‬) Let everything you do today - in word or deed - be an act of worship to the Living God! 

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 18:5-19:24, John 8:31-59, Psalms 112, Proverbs 15:12-14

Sin of Presumption

Readings for today: 1 Samuel 15-16, John 8:1-20, Psalms 110, Proverbs 15:8-10

 “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king." (1 Samuel‬ ‭15:23‬)

“I cannot believe in a God like that.” “Surely God wants me to have fun?” “God can’t be that picky, can He?” “Man, it sure seems like God has an ego.” I cannot tell you the number of times I’ve heard fellow Christians say these things and others like them. Typically, these comments come when Christians run smack up against a command of God they do not want to follow. They feel like God is out to get them. Out to steal their joy. Out to squash all their fun. So they presume upon His grace. They presume upon His merciful character. They go their own way. Do their own thing. And when the consequences come, they get angry or confused or blame God. 

Sadly, too many people who call themselves Christians are biblically illiterate. They don’t even know God’s commands much less follow them. They find worship boring and pointless. Reading the Bible a chore. Prayer a waste of time. They live their lives any way they wish. They seek the fulfillment of their own desires. Spend their money primarily on themselves and their families. Use their time selfishly rather than seek to serve those around them. All the while believing they are loved by God. Forgiven by God. Blessed by God.  

Saul presumed upon God’s grace as well. He followed God’s command and attacked the Amalekites. He defeated them and won a great victory for the Lord. However, he didn’t follow God’s commands. He spared the life of the king and kept the best of the spoil for a sacrifice. Now I can already hear the protests. Wasn’t his heart in the right place? Wasn’t his intent - if misguided - still pretty good? It’s not like he was trying to enrich himself? The answer to these questions is an unequivocal “no!” What God wants is our complete and full obedience. He wants us to follow His ways not create our own. He wants us to love Him with all our hearts. Show Him our full devotion. And Saul, by choosing to do things his way rather than God’s, lost his kingdom. He presumed. And in his presumption was destroyed. 

This is a sobering story for us all. How often do we presume on God’s grace? How often do we take God for granted? The first commandment is to love God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. To love Him with all that we are. To put Him first. What does this look like in our everyday lives? It means spending time with Him in prayer and study of His Word. It means worshipping Him on the Lord’s Day with our fellow believers. It means serving Him and giving generously to support His work in the world. These things are non-negotiable. It also means loving and learning God’s commands. Actively aligning our lives to the life of Jesus. Taking His words seriously and seeking to apply them to our daily lives. Will we do that perfectly? Of course not. We will make mistakes along the way but there is forgiveness for those who are truly seeking the Lord. There is grace for those who stumble and fall as long as we are continually falling forward. 

Let me challenge and encourage you to examine your life. Where do you need to confess the sin of presumption? Where have you taken God for granted? Do you truly love His commands and seek to follow them? Or do you go your own way. Do your own thing. And assume God will give you a pass? 

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 17:1-18:4, John 8:21-30, Psalms 111, Proverbs 15:11

Discernment

Readings for today: 1 Samuel 14, John 7:31-53, Psalms 109, Proverbs 15:5-7

One of the most important gifts we can exercise is an ability to discern between right and wrong. Good and evil. God’s will and our own will. Saul is now king over Israel. He is the man God is going to use to deliver His people. He is a strong man. A valiant man. Sadly, he is not a wise man. He makes rash decisions. He takes vows in the name of the Lord that come back to haunt him. He is often his own worst enemy.

In today’s reading, Jonathan wins a great victory for Israel. He and his armor bearer undertake a dangerous, potentially even suicidal, mission. They invade the camp of the Philistines. They kill twenty men and the result is chaos. The Philistine army starts panicking and racing in every direction. Saul sees the confusion and takes advantage of it. He marshals the rest of his army and sends them after the Philistines. God gives them a great victory. However, in his zeal, Saul issues an edict that no Israelite shall eat until their defeat of the Philistines is complete. The battle is hard. The fighting is fierce. God’s people grow faint. In the midst of it all, Jonathan - who didn’t know about his father’s command - eats a some honey and it strengthens him. He openly questions his father’s wisdom. The people follow his example, slaughtering animals for a feast. The news gets back to Saul. He interprets their actions as sin. He attempts to talk to the Lord who remains silent through the whole episode. In response to God’s silence, Saul casts lots to determine who has broken his command. It’s Jonathan. In his foolishness, he decides to kill him but the people of God stand in his way. 

The whole story is a mess. It’s a confusing jumble and hard to follow. And it points to what happens when human beings take matters into their own hands. When we fail to discern the difference between God’s will and our own. How often do we make this mistake? How many times over the course of my life have I pursued something out of pride or selfish desire, foolishly assuming it to be God’s will? How often have I grown impatient and rushed into a decision I later regretted? If I am completely honest, there have even been times in my life where I chased something I knew to be sin but did it anyway, hypocritically asking God for forgiveness in advance. 

How do we discern the will of God? First, we have to know God’s Word. We have to know God’s law. We have to commit ourselves to obedience to His commands. It is NEVER God’s will that you disobey Him. It is NEVER God’s will that you live out of alignment with Jesus. Second, we have to ask God for wisdom. The wisdom to follow Jesus. He promises in James 1:5 to give this wisdom generously to all who ask. So we pray in faith, trusting God to keep His promises. Finally, we learn through constant, daily practice to discern the difference between good and evil. Right and wrong. God’s will and our will. There is a process of trial and error here as we get better at listening to God’s voice above our own or the voices in our world. 

I love what Hebrews 5:12-14 says, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” Discernment rests on our ability to become “skilled in righteousness” or skilled in God’s ways. If we walk in His love. If we obey His commands. If we submit our lives to Him, we can know the will of God for our lives. 

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 15-16, John 8:1-20, Psalms 110, Proverbs 15:8-10

The Bread of Life

Readings for today: 1 Samuel 10-11, John 6:43-71, Psalms 107, Proverbs 15:1-3

John 6 challenges us. Challenges us to think about why we seek Jesus. Is it for the signs and wonders? The miracles He can perform? Is it because of His blessings? The eschatological rewards we will one day receive? Is Jesus just a means for us to accomplish our own ends? Fulfill our own desires? The people had experienced a great miracle. Five thousand of them had been fed by a few loaves and a few fish. They had eaten their fill which was no small thing in a 1st century agrarian economy. And they’re probably thinking to themselves, “If we follow this man, we will never grow hungry again.” 

But is that why we seek Jesus? To satisfy our physical needs?  “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal." (John‬ ‭6:27‬) Yes, Jesus! That’s what we want! Help us understand! What does it mean to do the works of God that He might be pleased with us and give us the food that never perishes? “Believe in Me.” Jesus responds. “What sign will you perform that we may see and believe?” You can almost see Jesus shake His head. Really? Did I not just multiply loaves and fishes and feed five thousand? Was that not enough? Of course, it’s never enough for us. We always want more. Always need more. Always seek yet another sign. Another confirmation that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. 

Jesus says, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh." (John‬ ‭6:35, 47-51‬) 

In other words, “You aren’t getting it. You’re missing the point. This isn’t about the manna you ate in the wilderness during the Exodus journey. That manna may have sustained but it could not save. This is about the true bread the Father is offering you from heaven. The bread that not only sustains but saves you eternally. I am the living bread. Believe in Me! Feast on Me! Trust Me and you will live forever.” Essentially what Jesus is telling them is He is the sign. He is the wonder. He is the miracle of God come down from heaven so that all who believe might have eternal life. 

We get so caught up trying to meet our own needs. We focus so much on our own desires. We work so hard for selfish gain. But we all know we can’t take this stuff with us. We all know there are no storage units in heaven to store our stuff. No moving van to pack us up for glory. Naked we came into this world and naked we shall depart. As much as we achieve in this world, it will be forgotten. As much as we accumulate in this world, it will fall to dust. The only thing that endures is our faith in Christ. The only thing that is eternal is our belief in Him. The only thing that matters is that we trust Him and surrender to Him and let Him meet our needs according to His will and perfect plan.  

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 12-13, John 7:1-30, Psalms 108, Proverbs 15:4

National Righteousness

Readings for today: 1 Samuel 8-9, John 6:22-42, Psalms 106:32-48, Proverbs 14:34-35

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs‬ ‭14:34‬)

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending the Colorado Prayer Luncheon and hearing from Governor Polis, Mayor Hancock, and others discuss the state of politics at national, regional, and local levels. It was a particularly insightful and poignant conversation especially in the wake of tragic shooting at the STEM school in Highlands Ranch. Everyone seems to be asking the same question. How in the world can this be happening in our country? How is this the new “normal” for our children? And how should we, as leaders, respond? Of course there will be the standard calls from both the right and the left to either arm or disarm. If only our teachers carried in schools then our children would be safe. If only we banned automatic weapons then our children would be safe. Each side will entrench and do their level best to legislate their agenda but neither side will be successful. Why? Because we keep focusing on the symptoms rather than the disease. We struggle to have any kind of honest, respectful national debate on the issue of gun control and instead allow the extremes on either side to devolve the debate. 

It’s not just gun control. The same is true on issues of race, wealth, criminal justice, etc. Because each political party employs a scorched earth approach hell-bent on the denial of any victories to their political rivals, we cannot come together. When was the last time a political leader on either side actually acknowledged their political rival had a good point? A good idea? A good policy initiative? When was the last time our political leaders tried to authentically share the credit rather than hoard it for themselves? It simply doesn’t happen as both sides do all they can to defend the indefensible in their own tribe while ruthlessly seeking to drag down their enemies. This naked pursuit of political power at all costs is slowly eroding the social fabric of our nation. And things are picking up steam. I have had people leave my church over politics. I have seen friendships end over politics. Businesses suffer because of our “call-out” culture that makes party loyalty/tribal identity a litmus test for every relationship in life. It’s getting harder and harder to imagine a shared future. 

Does the Bible offer any guidance? Yes. The wisdom of Solomon. We must return to righteousness. We must re-establish a strong moral foundation. We must engage in a respectful conversation around national values and we must - we absolutely must - demand more from our leaders. Righteousness exalts a nation. Righteousness forms the bedrock on which strong nations are built. A shared sense of righteousness helps us discern right from wrong, evil from good. 

What would happen if our national charter proclaimed, “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of righteousness” rather than the pursuit of personal happiness? What might change if we chose righteousness over selfishness? Righteousness over bitterness? Righteousness over outrage and anger? Righteousness over sin? Righteousness demands we look over our history as a nation and acknowledge our sins. The massacre of First Nation people. The systematic enslavement of an entire race of people. The subjugation of women and abuse of children. The rapacious greed that drives economic inequality. Righteousness also demands we acknowledge our virtues. The establishment of a government by the people for the people. The establishment of equal rights - even if harder won for certain groups - is a miraculous anomaly in human history. Wealth creation that has lifted billions around the world out of life-threatening poverty. And, of course, the incredible sacrifice of a generation as they fought to free the world from tyranny. 

Righteousness demands we acknowledge every human being is made in the image of God. Righteousness demands we refuse the temptation to demonize and dehumanize those with whom we disagree. Righteousness demands we think the best of one another rather than the worst. Righteousness demands we actively and empathetically listen to one another and honor our different life experiences. Righteousness demands those who are blessed seek to bless others. Those who have seek to lift up those who have not. Those who have “made it” turn around and offer their hands to those still slugging it out. Righteousness means we refuse to take up the tools of oppression or seek vengeance or try to tear others down. Righteousness exalts a nation. 

I truly believe we occupy more common ground than we imagine. I truly believe there is more that holds us together than drives us apart. I truly believe we hold some truths to be self-evident and we are working hard to make those truths even more self-evident. I truly believe the road to righteousness is messy and long and hard. But I also believe it is worth every effort. And I believe pursuing righteousness is essential for the follower of Jesus. 

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 10-11, John 6:43-71, Psalms 107, Proverbs 15:1-3

The Danger of False Gods

Readings for today: 1 Samuel 5-7, John 6:1-21, Psalms 106:13-31, Proverbs 14:32-33

Imagine you are living in ancient Israel during the time of the judges. You have no Bible. You have no synagogue. You have no centralized system of government. Every now and again, a charismatic leader rises up and for a time you have peace. For a time you seek after God. But pretty soon you lapse back into your old ways. You live in a very tribal culture. Every tribe around you has its own gods and goddesses and its own way of worship that seems to have been working for them. As you build your house and plant your crops and grow your family, you grow complacent. The incredible miracles God worked on your behalf recede further and further. You are preoccupied with the present. What you will eat. What you will wear. Will your wife get pregnant this year? How many lambs will be born this spring? What will the harvest yield? Sure, you go up each year to Shiloh to make your sacrifices but then it’s back to normal. And “normal” doesn’t really include God.

It’s actually not hard to imagine, is it? This is familiar territory for all of us. How many of us own a Bible but rarely open it? How many of us belong to a church but rarely go to worship? We too live in a “tribal” culture whether it’s our family, social group, political party, etc. Everyone of those tribes has its own “gods” and “goddesses” and different ways of worship. And if we aren’t careful, we can get sucked in. We buy our homes. We grow our families. We work hard. We play hard. And we too can get complacent. The miracles and blessings of God can become commonplace in our lives as well. We too are preoccupied with the present. What we will eat. What we will wear. What kind of home we will live in. Will I get a raise this year? A promotion? Will my child make the team? Will I get into my dream college? Will I get my dream job? Will I meet the man or woman of my dreams? Sure, we go to worship on Christmas and Easter just in case but then it’s quickly back to normal. And “normal” doesn’t really include God.

Enter Samuel. A man sent by God to bring Israel back. To remind her of her covenant commitments. To have no other gods before God. To worship no idols. To honor God’s name and keep the Sabbath. “Samuel said to all the house of Israel, "If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines." (1 Samuel‬ ‭7:3‬) Samuel led Israel during a very difficult period in her history. She had suffered a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of the Philistines. The ark of God had been captured. Her priests had been killed. All hope seemed lost. And then along came Samuel to remind her of God. To challenge her to return to God with her whole heart. To put aside all the other gods and goddesses. To cleanse herself of all the false worship she had engaged in. To come back to God and watch Him work yet another miracle on her behalf. This is exactly what happened. God brought them a great victory over their enemies. The Philistines were subdued. Territory was reclaimed. Hope was restored.

Enter the church of Jesus Christ. Sent by God to bring our world back. To remind humanity of her most sacred calling. To have no other gods before God. To worship no idols. To honor God’s name and keep the Sabbath holy. To love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. The church of Jesus Christ in the 21st century is called to lead during a very challenging time. Persecution is on the rise across the globe while here in America the church is in steep decline as it struggles against the increasing secularism of our culture. Pastors are failing morally. Sexual abuse and financial infidelity seem rampant. Heresies like prosperity preaching bring shame to the name of Jesus. It does feel like we are facing a steep, uphill battle. Perhaps you even feel like all hope is lost. But God isn’t finished! The gospel is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe! Of all who place their trust in Christ! And the church is being sent out as lambs amidst the wolves to call people back to God. To stand up against the principalities and powers and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. We are being sent to challenge the people of our world to put aside all the false gods and goddesses that only deal in suffering and death. To cleanse themselves of false worship and re-commit their lives to Christ. As we do this, we can be confident. For we know we worship the only true and living God. All the false gods will bow before Him just as Dagon did that day in the temple. There is no weapon that’s formed against us that can stand for greater is He that is in us than is in the world!

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 8-9, John 6:22-42, Psalms 106:32-48, Proverbs 14:34-35

School Shootings

Readings for today: 1 Samuel 2:22-4:22, John 5:24-47, Psalms 106:1-12, Proverbs 14:30-31

It’s been a very long day. Filled with lots of conversations, text messages, and emails regarding the latest school shooting in our area. Parents. Teenagers. Families. All reaching out. All needing comfort. All needing hope. And I have to admit, I don’t have much to offer. I am tired. Tired of the shootings. Tired of domestic terrorism. Tired of the senselessness of it all. Our culture has made a pact with death and we are reaping the whirlwind. Our obsession with violence too often ending in self-destruction. When will the cycle end? 

We have to come to grips with reality. The violence we are experiencing is a symptom of a deeper disease. One that has taken root in every human heart. We are sinful. We are selfish. We are narcissistic. Driven by our basest desires, we no longer seem able to moderate our reactions. Instead we give them full rein. We vent. We emote. We perpetuate hate. Social media throws gasoline on this dumpster fire exacerbating our worst tendencies. Disconnected from authentic relationships. Lonely and isolated. We feel we have no outlet other than unbridled rage. “If we’re going down, we’re going to take as many with us as possible.” Some of us do it with words. Others with guns. Either way, the root of the problem remains the same. A heart tormented by pain and suffering. Wracked by shame and guilt. Numb to the humanity of others.  

What happens when we use the very freedoms that make our nation great to indulge the very worst parts of our sinful nature? Freedom of speech used to defend the spread of hate, misinformation, and fake news. Freedom of expression used to defend the graphic depiction of violence in video games, television, and movies. Freedom of assembly used to defend the lunatic fringe. All the while, media outlets make millions fanning the flames of our national discontent. Can we really be surprised when angry, abused, bullied, and neglected adolescents/adults become emotionally unhinged, get their hands on easily obtainable firearms, and shoot up a school? I know, I know. “Guns don’t kill people...people kill people.” However, this seems dangerously naive sentiment in a culture where mental health issues continue to rise at an extraordinary rate and we consistently demonstrate an inability to mature or show any kind of capacity for emotional restraint.  

It’s time for a reality check. A national conversation around not just human rights but human responsibilities. A national commitment to the ethics of Jesus which involves self-denial for the sake of others, sacrifice for the greater good, and a dedication to the golden rule. Though all may not accept Christ’s divinity or believe in His name unto salvation; surely we can all agree practicing the way of Jesus would lead to a more just and gracious society? And we don’t need a theocracy to achieve it. Simply a willingness to be held to a higher standard personally, professionally, and politically. 

Sadly, our situation is not new. It is as old as Cain and Abel. There is a violent streak that runs through the heart of every human society which is why God sent His one and only Son. He sent Jesus to give us hope. He sent Jesus to give us peace. He sent Jesus to bring heaven to earth. Even in the midst of the violence and corruption of Eli’s time, we read these prophetic words about the coming of the Messiah, “And I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. And I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before my anointed forever.” (1 Samuel‬ ‭2:35‬) Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 5-7, John 6:1-21, Psalms 106:13-31, Proverbs 14:32-33

Spiritual Renewal

Readings for today: 1 Samuel 1:1-2:21, John 5:1-23, Psalms 105:37-45, Proverbs 14:28-29

Today’s reading represents a transition point in salvation history. As we’ve already seen, things are really bad in Israel. The people do not honor God. They do not have leaders who honor God. They are simply going through the motions of worship. Saying all the right things. Making all the right sacrifices. But in their hearts, they reject God. The rebel against His Law. Their priests are a disaster, engaging in sexual immorality. Making a mockery of the sacrificial system. Abusing their spiritual authority. Eli and his sons are the last in the line of the judges. A corrupt time in Israel’s history that heartens back to the days of the Great Flood, the Tower of Babel, and slavery in Egypt. At each of these points, God raised up a new leader. A godly leader. Someone who sought Him with all their heart and was “blameless” (not perfect) in their generation.

Noah. Abraham. Moses. Now it’s Samuel’s turn to take up the mantle of leadership and lead Israel back to Yahweh. Samuel is really a bridge from the time of the Judges to the time of the Kings. He will oversee a major transition in the life of Israel as they go from a bunch of tribes, each with their own identity, to one nation under a strong, centralized monarchy. It’s also striking to note Samuel’s age when he receives this call. Noah, Abraham, and Moses were all old men. Well beyond their prime. Samuel is a young boy. Not yet come into his own. The message here? God can use anyone at anytime to accomplish His purposes. 

Admittedly, we are bleeding into tomorrow’s reading a bit but it’s worth getting the whole narrative in front of us. “Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was.” (1 Samuel‬ ‭3:1-3‬)

Several things stand out in this passage. The Word of the Lord was rare. There was no vision. Eli, the current judge and spiritual leader of Israel, was going blind. All of these are connected. Israel was so mired in sin that God had gone almost silent. Throughout the Bible we see this dynamic in play. 

• “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9)
• “For My eyes are on all their ways. They are not hidden from Me, nor is their iniquity concealed from My eyes.” (Jeremiah 16:17)
• “And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” ‭(Hebrews‬ ‭4:13‬)

God will not be mocked. When God’s people continue to turn to sin instead of turning to Him in faithfulness, He will withdraw His presence. He will withhold His Word. He will give “them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity...give them up to dishonorable passions...give them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.” (Romans 1:24, 26, 28) And that is exactly what had taken place in Israel and in Eli’s own family. Eli failed to discipline and restrain his sons. Hophni and Phineas are the very definition of corrupt religious leaders who manipulate the faith for their own benefit. And though things look okay on the outside - i.e. sacrifices are being made, prayers are being said, worship is taking place - the people of God are spiritually dying. (By the way, we see these same things happening in our world today. Think of the health and wealth preachers who speak to thousands every week. Or the Christian self-help gurus who masquerade as preachers. Or the many preachers who have fallen into sin, reject any kind of accountability or spiritual authority or process of repentance, and then get back into the pulpit. As incredible as it seems, faithlessness is often very popular and faithfulness unpopular.)

Thankfully, all hope is not lost! The lamp of God had not yet gone out! A young boy lies down in the temple of the Lord ready to receive His Word anew! Note the differences between Eli and Samuel. Eli is old. Infirm. Going blind. Samuel is young. Strong. His eyesight is clear. Eli is alone. Lying down in his own place. Samuel is also alone but makes his bed in the temple to be near the ark of God. Eli is associated in this passage with the rarity of God’s Word and a lack of vision. Samuel is associated with hope because light still flickered in the lamp of God. 

“The world has yet to see what God can do with a man (or woman) fully consecrated to him.” (Attributed to Dwight L. Moody) Spiritual revival always begins with one person fully devoting themselves to God. Samuel was set apart from conception to be such a man. His mother gave him to the Lord to be raised in the temple. He was open to hear God’s call when it came. As a result, revival did come to Israel. “And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord. And the Lord appeared again at Shiloh, for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the Lord.” (1 Samuel‬ ‭3:19-21‬)

Where do you find yourself in this story? Are you like Eli, Hophi, and Phineas? Enslaved to your sinful desires? Pursuing a life apart from God? Is the Word of the Lord rare in your life? Let me strongly encourage you to go before the Lord in honest, even ruthless, self-examination. Ask God to show you the areas of your life that need to be surrendered. Are you like Samuel? Do you have a heart for God? Let me encourage you to dig deep into His Word. Dedicate daily time in prayer. Listen for God’s voice as it comes to you through His Word or through other believers or through your own personal prayer time. And when He speaks, may you answer with Samuel, “Speak Lord! Your servant is listening.”

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 2:22-4:22, John 5:24-47, Psalms 106:1-12, Proverbs 14:30-31

Ruth

Readings for today: Judges 21-Ruth 1, John 4:4-42, Psalms 105:1-15, Proverbs 14:25

I love the book of Ruth. It upends so many expectations and helps us understand the heart of God. Ruth is a Moabite. A foreigner. A sojourner. She married an Israelite named Chilion and became part of his extended family. This was forbidden by the Law of God but it took place during the time of the judges when everyone was doing right in their own eyes. Tragedy strikes. Her father-in-law, Elimelech, dies. Ten years later both her husband and his brother die as well. This puts the whole family in dire straights. There are no men to work. No men to protect them. So Naomi makes the decision to return home. She encourages her Moabite daughters-in-law to do the same. Start over. See if they have better luck with a new family because hers has brought them only grief. Ruth refuses. She makes this extraordinary declaration, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” (Ruth‬ ‭1:16‬) So powerful is her statement that we often hear it read at weddings thousands of years later!

Ruth not only returns with Naomi to Bethlehem, she cares faithfully for her mother-in-law. She puts her life at risk by going out to the fields to glean what was left after the reapers had made their way through. It was backbreaking, painstaking work. Women who did this were often molested, harassed, and abused. They were the poorest of the poor in the land. Completely without hope. In the providence of God, the field she chose belonged to a man named Boaz. A righteous man. A man who left the gleanings for the poor as the Law of God demands. (Lev. 19:9-10) A man who protected her from the men who worked for him. A man who included her among his own young women so she woudn’t be alone. Even invited her to sit and eat at his table. Boaz is a man who clearly honors the Lord. I love what he says to Ruth when she asks him why she has found favor in his eyes. “The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!" (Ruth‬ ‭2:12‬)

Naomi cannot believe their good fortune! Ruth has been led by God to the very fields of the man who can redeem them! (Lev. 25) A man who is a close enough relative to bring them into his family and continue the family line! Thus unfolds this beautiful courtship in chapter three where Ruth goes and lies at Boaz’s feet to ask him to take them in. Boaz is humbled by the request and makes the necessary arrangements to become their kinsman-redeemer. They get married. Conceive a son. The family line continues which is important since her great-grandson is King David! Furthermore, many generations hence, her descendent Joseph will marry a young pregnant woman named Mary and they will have a son named Jesus. The Great Redeemer who will save His people from their sins!

After all the bloodshed and violence and suffering and pain, it is nice to read that not all was lost in Israel. Even in the time of the judges, there were still faithful men and women who followed the Lord. It is a great reminder to us in our own time that the night is always darkest right before the dawn. God using ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary plans in a culture seemingly hell-bent on ruin. God is faithful and He has promised to the moral arc of this universe towards His Kingdom. Thanks be to God! 

Readings for tomorrow: Ruth 2-4, John 4:43-54, Psalms 105:16-36, Proverbs 14:26-27

Heart of Darkness

Readings for today: Judges 19-20, John 3:22-4:3, Psalms 104:24-35, Proverbs 14:22-24

Today we encounter some of the most difficult material in all of Scripture. We see Israel at one of her lowest points. She has forgotten Yahweh. She has become like all the pagan tribes around her. She is more focused on her own gratification than she is on serving and honoring the Lord. Her world is full of idols and sexual perversion and violence. Yes, she still goes through the motions. She still makes her sacrifices. She still prays. Fasts. Appears before the Lord at the appointed times. But it’s all empty at this point. Everyone is doing what seems right to them. They are all following their own ways. They are plumbing the depths of sin. They are pushing the boundaries of evil. Unspeakable atrocities are taking place in Israel such as the gang rape of a woman whose body is then dismembered resulting in a genocidal war that basically annihilates an entire tribe. It’s madness. 

One of my favorite books is the Heart of Darkness  by Joseph Conrad. With penetrating insight, he describes the nature of man. Given the right conditions. Given the right set of circumstances. We will all succumb to temptation. In the book, Kurtz sets himself up as a god to be worshipped. He exploits those around him. He uses them for his own personal gratification and enjoyment. He is evil and selfish and insane. Towards the end of the story, he finds himself dying as he “returns” to civilization. His life flashes before his eyes. He reflects back on all he has done. And his final words are, “The horror! The horror!”

Horror. It’s a good word to describe what we read today from the book of Judges. There simply is nothing redemptive in the story. Nothing good. Nothing godly. Man’s inhumanity to man is on full display. It’s dark. It’s evil. It’s terrifying. Horror. It’s a good word to describe what’s going on in our world today.  One only has to scroll through a Twitter newsfeed to see the hate that leads to violence that leads to death and then return the next day to watch the cycle repeat itself. Horror. If we’re totally honest, it’s a good word to describe what goes on in all of our hearts. All of us are perpetrators. All of us are victims. We are the Levite. We are the concubine. We’ve sacrificed others and we’ve been sacrificed for the sake of self-protection and self-gratification. In the Bible’s judgment, “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one. Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive. The venom of asps is under their lips. Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes." (Romans‬ ‭3:10-18‬)

So where can we find hope? Where can we find light in the midst of our darkness? Only in Jesus. On the cross, Jesus embraced our darkness. On the cross, Jesus walked into the valley of the shadow. On the cross, Jesus let evil have it’s day. The murder of God is the most horrific act in human history and it is worth our reflection. Reflect on the price Jesus paid. The blood He shed. The penalty He bore. Reflect on the suffering He endured. The pain He experienced. The heartbreak of betrayal. Reflect on the depth of our sin. The depravity of our nature. The darkness of our hearts. Reflect on the cost of our salvation. On what it took to redeem us from sin and death. To deliver us from evil.

But make sure to also reflect on our salvation! God plunging Himself into the horror of our condition! Plumbing the depth of our darkness! Immersing Himself in the breadth of our madness! And embracing us as His own! Today we declare there is hope for the Levite and his concubine! Today we declare there is hope for the Kurtz’s of our world! Today we declare there is hope even for us! And that hope is found in Jesus!

Readings for tomorrow: Judges 21-Ruth 1, John 4:4-42, Psalms 105:1-15, Proverbs 14:25

Identity

Readings for today: Judges 17-18, John 3:1-21, Psalms 104:1-23, Proverbs 14:20-21

 "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John‬ ‭3:3‬)

Our culture is obsessed with identity. Gay, straight, bi. Black, brown, white. Republican, Democrat. Socialist, Libertarian. Male, female, tran. Boomer, Gen X, Millennial. Abled, disabled. Rich, middle class, poor. Religious. Non-religious. Everyone wanting to be part of a tribe. Part of a group. Part of a community who understands their needs. Everyone wants to be affirmed and accepted. Everyone wants to be validated and embraced. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with these desires. Human beings have an existential fear of loneliness that is hardwired into the deepest parts of our souls. We were not made to be alone. In fact, part and parcel of being made in the image of God means being made in the image of our Creator who exists eternally in community in Himself.  

Enter Nicodemus. A man who belonged to the tribe of the Pharisees. A leader among the Jews. A man who identified clearly with his people and his faith. But something is missing which is why he finds himself coming to Jesus. He’s nervous. He’s anxious. He’s afraid. He doesn’t want to cross his tribe. He doesn’t want to put his reputation at risk so he comes to Jesus at night. Under the cover of darkness. He wants to get in and out unseen. But Jesus - as he so often does - cuts right to the heart of his problem. It’s one of identity. 

“You must be born again.”  What a statement! You must ground your identity in Christ alone. You must take on a new name. Belong to a new family. One defined by love and devotion to God. It’s not new. It’s really the only way we can live out the first and second great commandments. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Love your neighbor as yourself. The only way this happens is if we are first born again. Born to new life. Born to a new identity as a child of God. 

But how can we be born again? How can we lay hold of our new identity in Christ? By faith. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (John‬ ‭3:16-18‬) We cannot make this happen on our own. We cannot climb back into our mother’s womb. And thankfully we don’t have to! All we have to do is believe. Receive the gift of God’s only begotten Son. Trust He came not to condemn but to save. 

Readings for tomorrow: Judges 19-20, John 3:22-4:3, Psalms 104:24-35, Proverbs 14:22-24

Meditating on Truth

Readings for today: Judges 15-16, John 2, Psalms 103, Proverbs 14:17-19

My wife and I were sitting down for dinner last week when one of our daughters came downstairs. She was in the middle of her homework. There were still dishes to do. A floor to sweep and mop. A lunch to be made. A room to clean. And it was getting late. She was tired. Frustrated. Upset. And I could tell by the look on her face that her internal critic was in overdrive. Telling her all kinds of lies. “You can’t get it all done.” “You are so far behind.” “You will flunk your assignment.” “You’ll never finish.” As we talked, her emotions escalated. Her voice raised. Tears came to her eyes. Her body language more animated. Now I will confess I used to escalate with her. I used to get angry. I too believed lies. “She’s just being disobedient.” “She’s trying to avoid work.” “She’s just wasting time.” My voice would raise. My body language would become animated. And we’d end up in a shouting match that just wrecked her spirit. 

Meditating on Psalms like the one we read today have been so helpful.  “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's...The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children...” (Psalms‬ ‭103:2-5, 8-17‬) You see, if God is merciful and gracious. If He is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. If He does not deal with me according to my sin. If He removes my sin as far as the east is from the west or as high as the heavens are above the earth. How can I do the same for the people in my life? I know their frames. I know they are dust just like me. I know they are fragile and anxious and afraid. So how can I encourage and bless? How can I crown them with steadfast love and mercy? How can I satisfy them with good so their strength is renewed? 

So rather than yell, I simply held out my arms to my daughter. She resisted at first. I actually had to chase her around the kitchen for a full five minutes or so before she relented. She was so upset the last thing she wanted was a hug. But eventually she gave in. As I held her, her tears dried up. Her heart rate slowed down. You could feel her body relax. We started talking through everything she had to do. We identified the lies she was telling herself and I reminded her of the truth. “You have plenty of time.” “You are more than capable.” “Your mom and I are here to help.” She wrapped everything up in no time and was able to relax before bed.

Such a beautiful moment. And if I - a sinful, broken dad - can bless my children, how much more our Heavenly Father? I don’t know about you but I too often believe the lies. How can God forgive me? How can God love me? Where is God when I hurt? He must not care about my suffering? Psalm 103 teaches us the truth. Our Father forgives all our iniquity. He heals all our diseases. He lavishes all blessings on us. He removes our sin as far as the east is from the west and His steadfast love never fails. He is merciful. Gracious. Good. Compassionate. When we are anxious and afraid and find our emotions amping up, He simply holds out His arms to us. Inviting us into His embrace so He can give us peace.  

Readings for tomorrow: Judges 17-18, John 3:1-21, Psalms 104:1-23, Proverbs 14:20-21

Desire

Readings for today: Judges 13-14, John 1:29-51, Psalms 102, Proverbs 14:15-16

Samson is a cautionary tale. He is a man ruled by his appetites. Driven by his desires. An addict enslaved to the basest of emotions. His life is a study in contrasts. Miraculously conceived. Set apart from birth as a Nazarite. (No wine, cutting of the hair, or touching of dead bodies) He single-handedly delivers Israel from their enemies. At the same time, he despises his birthright. He intermarries with Philistines and sleeps with prostitutes. He eats honey from the carcass of a lion he’s killed. He tells Delilah (yet another Philistine) the supposed secret of his strength and she cuts his hair. He is imprisoned and tortured by exacts vengeance on his enemies in one final act of martyrdom. 

I have met Samson. Many times. I cannot tell you the number of people I have counseled over the years in my office who seemingly cannot control their desires. Sexual appetites. Drug and alcohol addiction. Co-dependence. Suicidal ideation. It’s heartbreaking. These are gifted people who have been blessed in every measure by God. They have families. They have friends. They have careers. They make good money and experience professional success. But their inner lives are a mess. Their souls are in turmoil. They feel trapped and enslaved and ruled by their passions. They buy into the lie that they were “made” this way and therefore have no choice. And it cripples them. 

I have met Samson. Every time I look in the mirror I am reminded I too was once driven by sinful desire. Enslaved to the flesh as the Apostle Paul might put it. Sexual desire drove me to pornography. My drinking habits bordered on alcohol addiction. I’ve struggled with depression and despair in my life. It’s been hard. At the same time, I’m blessed with an amazing family. A godly wife and four kids I love with all my heart. I’ve got great friends. A career I absolutely love. But my inner life has been a mess. I’ve too often believed the lie that I am at the mercy of what I feel. That I have no choice. Thankfully, I’ve received great counsel and a lot of therapy over the years. Mentors, counselors, friends who acted as a spiritual and emotional guides to help bring peace to my soul.  

Here’s the truth of the gospel...you have been set free! For freedom Christ has set you free so do not submit again to a yoke of slavery! Do not turn back to your former ways! Do not believe the lie that you are at the mercy of what you feel. You are not defined by your desires. You are not a slave to your emotions. Love the Lord with all your heart! Submit your desires to Him! Allow His Spirit to sanctify your emotions and your feelings. Keep in step with the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. In fact, you will find yourself beginning to desire what God desires. Holiness. Purity. Grace. Mercy. Compassion. These things flow from a heart surrendered to God.  

Readings for tomorrow: Judges 15-16, John 2, Psalms 103, Proverbs 14:17-19

Jephthah’s Sacrifice

Readings for today: Judges 11-12, John 1:1-28, Psalms 101, Proverbs 14:13-14

When we travel to Ethiopia, we often head into the rural areas to visit village churches. As we walk along the dirt paths, we pass home after home. Most of them are mud huts surrounded by a little brush fence. In the evenings, we see children driving whatever livestock (donkeys, chickens, goats, etc.) the family owns into the enclosure. This keeps the animals safe and the house warm. It’s a common custom all over the Middle East even to this day.

Hopefully, this places Jephthah’s tragic vow in context. He fully expected the first thing to greet him when he returned home to be a goat or a sheep or some other animal. He most certainly did NOT expect it to be his daughter! So when she comes dancing out of the home with her tambourine, he tears his clothes. He instantly regrets the vow he made. He feels trapped. And how does his daughter respond? Her reaction is perhaps the most surprising part of this story. She willingly lays down her life for her father! She faces her fate with courage and faith. Taking two full months to say goodbye and grieve with her friends. Two full months to weep over what could have been.

It’s a story that baffles us on a lot of levels. How could Jephthah sacrifice his own flesh and blood? How could Jephthah’s daughter willingly lay down her life? And where is God in all of this? Is He pleased? The cultural distance between this world and our own is almost insurmountable. However, one key to understanding is Judges 11:23-24, “So then the Lord, the God of Israel, dispossessed the Amorites from before his people Israel; and are you to take possession of them? Will you not possess what Chemosh your god gives you to possess? And all that the Lord our God has dispossessed before us, we will possess.” Everyone in the ancient near east believed in the gods. Dagon for the Philistines. Chemosh for the Amorites. Molech for the Ammonites. Every tribe had their own deity. Make the right sacrifices and you were awarded with great wealth, military might, and political power. Make the wrong sacrifices and your deity would turn his face from you, resulting in defeat. One some level, the same held true for Israel. As they adopted the ways of the Canaanites, Yahweh ceased, on some level, to be the One True God and became just another tribal deity to be appeased. Thus, Jepthah’s tragic choice to sacrifice his daughter and her tragic choice to accept her fate. And the most important takeaway from the whole account is God’s silence. Nowhere does the Bible say God is pleased with Jephthah’s decision.

What about us? We claim to worship the supreme God of the universe. We claim to know the King of kings and Lord of lords. We claim to be heirs of His eternal Kingdom. But do our lives reflect this truth? How much have we accommodated to the ways of this world? Brought God down to our level? Limited Him to our tribe? Reduced Him to our personal deity?

Readings for tomorrow: Judges 13-14, John 1:29-51, Psalms 102, Proverbs 14:15-16

The Way of Death

Readings for today: Judges 9:22-10:18, Luke 24:13-53, Psalms 100, Proverbs 14:11-12

 “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs‬ ‭14:12‬)

I was talking to a group of teenagers yesterday about the Christian life. We were looking at Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount where He talks about anger, lust, vengeance, and loving your enemies. It seems an impossible task. The students were honest enough to ask if God grades on a curve. They could not fathom a life without anger or anxiety or lust or revenge. We talked through a whole host of scenarios where these things crop up. Surely Jesus doesn’t expect us to actually put His sermon into practice, does He?  

I think a lot of Christians feel this way. They consider the Bible “aspirational” at best. A standard to aspire to rather than an actual way of life. They know their imperfections. They know how often they fall short. They know how challenging it is to follow Jesus so they settle. They lower their expectations. They reduce the horizon of their lives to something more manageable. And they hope God will cover the rest.  

Why do you think there is so much death in our world? So much depression? So much suffering? When we refuse to follow Christ. When we refuse to trust Christ’s wisdom for our lives. When we refuse to lean on Christ’s strength to resist temptation. When we reject Christ’s way, there are consequences. Someone crosses us. Betrays us. Wounds us. Instead of taking our pain to Christ for healing, we feed the anger as it wells up inside. Eventually it builds to the point where we lash out. We spend time looking at pornography, fantasizing about other human beings. The porn subtly and subconsciously begins to shape our sexual expectations. Instead of letting our sexual relationships be defined by Christ and His selfless love, now we treat the men and women we meet/date/marry as objects to be used to gratify our own desires. And if they cannot or will not, we are free to discard them and move on. Stress from work or school begins to pile up. Assignments. Tests. Papers to write. Projects to finish. Tasks to complete. Our to-do list is overwhelming. Instead of grounding our work in Christ and trusting Him to give us the energy and wisdom and motivation to take care of our responsibilities, we avoid. We play video games. We hang out with friends. We scroll through social media. Time is wasted. Deadlines draw near. Anxiety builds. Do you see a pattern emerging? 

There is a way that seems right to a person...but take a step back. What have we gained from the way of sexual freedom in our culture? Sexually transmitted disease. Unwanted pregnancies. Broken relationships. Sexual abuse and the #MeToo movement. What have we gained from the way of violence in our culture? School shootings. Domestic terrorism. A rise in racism and hate. What have we gained from the way of greed in our culture? A widening gap between rich and poor. Too much money centered in too few hands. Corporate welfare. A corrupt relationship between our political leaders and Wall Street. What have we gained from the way of exploitation when it comes to creation? Plastic filling our oceans. Greenhouse gases eroding our atmosphere. Climate change disproportionately impacting the global poor. These, friends, are the ways of death. 

Christ shows us the way of life. But to gain the life He offers, we must let go of our life in the world. Only the one who loses their life for Jesus’ sake will find it. Only by denying oneself and taking up a cross can we follow Jesus. Only by giving ourselves away will we gain all Christ has to offer. This, friends, is what it means to live the Christian life. This is what it means to follow the way of Jesus in our world.  

Readings for tomorrow: Judges 11-12, John 1:1-28, Psalms 101, Proverbs 14:13-14

People of the Resurrection

Readings for today: Judges 8:18-9:21, Luke 23:44-24:12, Psalms 99, Proverbs 14:9-10

Doubt. Fear. Astonishment. Confusion. Disbelief. This is the full range of emotions that swept the followers of Jesus that first Easter morning. No one - absolutely no one - was expecting a resurrection. They all believed it was over. Their hopes and dreams turned to dust. Some were returning home. Some were hiding out in fear. Some went to the tomb to mourn. All of them grieving in their own way.

It has been suggested over centuries that the disciples didn’t know a dead body when they saw one. It has been suggested that Joseph and Nicodemus didn’t realize Jesus was still alive. It has been suggested that Jesus merely swooned on the cross. Fainted. And in doing so, tricked the Roman soldiers - among the most brutal killers the world has ever known - into believing He was dead. It has been suggested that this same Jesus. Body broken. Incredibly weakened by blood loss. Was somehow able to roll the stone away from within the tomb and escape. That He then appeared to His followers and convinced them He was alive. Still others have repeated the fake news the chief priests tried to spread about Jesus’ disciples - fishermen and tax collectors - somehow stealing His body in the dead of night when the Roman guards were asleep. (Something that rarely happened by the way since the punishment for falling asleep on your watch was death.)

The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the seminal event in human history. It demands attention. It requires reflection. One cannot dismiss it or ignore it or pretend it didn’t happen. If Jesus was raised from the dead then we have to take Him seriously. We have to consider every word that He said. We have to grapple with the truth He proclaimed about a Kingdom not of this world and a God who loves the world and judges it with righteousness. We have to wrestle with what He has to say about the human condition. The sinful state of our hearts and our desperate need for forgiveness and grace. We have to listen to Him when He tells us how to live and repent of our stubborn, prideful, selfish ways. The resurrection validates everything about Jesus. His life. His teaching. His miracles. His suffering. His death. It is God’s stamp of approval on unique identity Jesus claimed for Himself as the Son of God.

This is the truth that confronted the disciples. Jesus, whom they saw die, was now alive. They got to see the wounds in His hands, feet, and side. And if Jesus was raised from the dead. If death could not hold Jesus. If the grave could not keep Jesus. Then what did that mean for their lives? How would that change their future? They realized there was now no going back. No returning back to life as they knew it. No more fishing boats and tax booths. God was on the move. This gospel must be proclaimed! They were being given a great commission to carry this news to the ends of the earth!

2000 years later, we are still engaged in this same mission, friends! God is still moving! The news of the resurrection has yet to be proclaimed to every tribe, tongue and nation! Each new generation must come face to face with the Risen Christ! They must deal with the truth of His resurrection! He simply cannot and will not be denied!

Readings for tomorrow: Judges 9:22-10:18, Luke 24:13-53, Psalms 100, Proverbs 14:11-12

The Art of Self-Forgetfulness

Readings for today: Judges 7:1-8:17, Luke 23:13-43, Psalms 97-98, Proverbs 14:7-8

Admittedly, I stole the title of this blog from Tim Keller but I love that phrase, “self-forgetfulness.” It is the key to godly living. Keller argues that true humility is not thinking more highly of yourself than you ought or less of yourself than you ought. It is thinking of your “self” less. Read that last sentence again. Thinking of your “self” less. 

If you want an example of what this looks like, consider Gideon. He’s just won an amazing victory over the Midianites. His fame is growing. His star is on the rise. His enemies are having nightmares about him. And as he returns from battle, he meets the Ephraimites. And they are angry. They felt left out. They felt dismissed. Shamed for having not been included. “Then the men of Ephraim said to him, "What is this that you have done to us, not to call us when you went to fight against Midian?" And they accused him fiercely.” (Judges 8:1) Now if I were Gideon, I don’t think I’d respond well. I wouldn’t appreciate being falsely accused. My pride would get the best of me. But look at how Gideon responds. “And he said to them, "What have I done now in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the grape harvest of Abiezer? God has given into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. What have I been able to do in comparison with you?" Then their anger against him subsided when he said this.” (Judges‬ ‭8:2-3‬) Isn’t that amazing? Gideon is humble. He is more than willing to share the glory with his fellow Israelites. He recognizes this victory is the Lord’s alone. He doesn’t think more highly of himself than he ought. He doesn’t think less of himself of than he ought. He simply thinks of himself less.

Godly men and women understand our lives our not our own. Our achievements and success is not our own. Everything we accomplish in this life comes from the Lord above. I love how the Psalmist put it today, “The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around. His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.” (Psalms‬ ‭97:1-6‬) When you keep your mind and heart fixed on who you serve - the Lord of the universe - you cannot help but think of your “self” less. 

Friends, you have been created by God. All that you are and all that you have come from Him alone. He is your Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. He gave you your gifts and talents and abilities. He provided opportunities for you to succeed. He is orchestrating things you cannot see and cannot control in order to make more into the image of His Son. This is your eternal destiny! To be conformed into the image of Christ! God is at work to get you to decrease so that He can increase in your life! So set aside your focus on “self” and train your mind and heart to focus on Christ! This is the secret to a godly life. 

Readings for tomorrow: Judges 8:18-9:21, Luke 23:44-23:12, Psalms 99, Proverbs 14:9-10

That Look...

Readings for today: Judges 6, Luke 22:54-23:12, Psalms 95-96, Proverbs 14:5-6

 “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times." (Luke‬ ‭22:61‬)

I have often wondered what went through the mind of Peter the moment he locked eyes with Jesus after his three-fold denial. Shame. Grief. Heartbreak. Immediately after this he leaves the courtyard and weeps bitterly. But how long did these emotions stay with him? Did they fade in the days ahead? Did he begin to rationalize his behavior in his own mind? Justify himself? Or did the shame cling to him? Is that why he goes back to fishing? Is he trying to escape back to his former life before he met Jesus? 

I have often wondered what went through Jesus’ mind the moment He locked eyes with Peter. Disappointment? Anger? Judgment? Frustration? I told you so? Jesus isn’t given much time to dwell on it as He is almost immediately taken out to be beaten and tortured. His thoughts turning from Peter to the pain and suffering He’s going to endure. However, as soon as He is raised, He seeks Peter out. Finds him on the shore of the Sea of Galilee where everything began and restores him in a beautiful exchange about the love Peter has for his Lord. 

I think about the many times I have denied Jesus. The many moments in my life where I have betrayed my Lord. The sin that so easily entangles me. I am a broken man. I am a sheep who has gone astray. I have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. I am hopeless and helpless. Alone and afraid. But then I lock eyes with Jesus. I can see His love. I can see His grace. I can see His forgiveness. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Nothing to fear from His perfect love. He went to the cross for me. He laid down His life in my stead. He shoulders the burden of my shame. He took my place.  

As I look back at Jesus, I find myself grateful. Thankful. Overwhelmed with gratitude for all He has done. I fall on my knees in awe. I stand in His presence amazed. I throw my arms and my heart wide open to His grace and forgiveness and mercy. I surrender all that I am to Him. When I fall - and I know I will...multiple times...everyday - I trust Him to restore me just as surely as He restored Peter. For I am His and He is mine. And He looks on me with love.  

Readings for tomorrow: Judges 7:1-8:17, Luke 23:13-43, Psalms 97-98, Proverbs 14:7-8

Deeper Prayers

Readings for today: Judges 2:10-3:31, Luke 22:14-34, Psalms 92-93, Proverbs 14:1-2

What is prayer? Communion with God. On our knees. Folded hands. Eyes closed. Forming thoughts in our minds and sending them upwards like sparks from a fire? Is it a conversation or more of a monologue? A task we have to complete each day if we want to stay on God’s good side? Something we do before meals or before bed? Is it the recitation of memorized words learned as a child and carried through to adulthood? “Now I lay me down to sleep...” “Bless us, O Lord, and these, Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen." “God is great. God is good. Let us thank Him for this food.” “Our Father, who art in heaven...” What is prayer?

The Psalms are the prayerbook of the Bible. 150 different prayers written by different people on different occasions as they wrestled with life. Readers of the Psalms are always struck by their raw honesty and transparency. The beautiful way they express the deepest emotions of the human heart. The vivid descriptions of God and His great faithfulness. They are marvelous and great teachers when it comes to prayer. 

One of the biggest things I’ve learned in the years I’ve spent meditating on the Psalms is that prayer comes more from the heart than the head. Prayer is less about me forming thoughts or saying words or reciting texts and more about laying before God the deepest emotions of my heart. Deep prayer doesn’t require much in the way of words. Just letting the feelings flow and trusting God is hearing what’s behind them. This is what makes David such a great Psalmist. He doesn’t seem to stop to think about the “appropriateness” of his feelings. He doesn’t seem to “judge” his emotions. He just lets them fly up to God and trusts God is big enough and great enough to make sense out of the chaos.

It’s why he can express contradictory emotions all in the same prayer. “The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this: that though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever...” (Psalms‬ ‭92:6-7‬) And in the same breath, “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night...” (Psalms‬ ‭92:1-2) He feels no need to try to make sense of it all. He trusts God to sort it out.

Ultimately, the Psalms give us permission to be real and authentic before God. To truly be ourselves. To put aside all pretense and performance and let drop the masks we so often wear.

Readings for tomorrow: Judges 4-5, Luke 22:35-53, Psalms 94, Proverbs 14:3-4